While the cow that initially tested positive earlier this week for mad cow disease has turned out not to suffer from the disorder after all, a food industry spokesman has told UPI that up to 100 further infected animals are probably in the U.S., and that half of them can be expected to pass undetected into the food supply.
The USDA, however, insists that it remains confident of the safety of the nation's supply of beef.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Memo to the Oval Office: Fire this guy
The Boston Phoenix has "outed" the demoted CIA officer who struck back at the Bush Administration by writing a breathtakingly naive book called Imperial Hubris that is highly critical of the War on Terror, as waged by the Bush Administration.
His name is Michael Scheuer, and he badly needs a new job in the private sector.
His name is Michael Scheuer, and he badly needs a new job in the private sector.
Somebody clue him in
Apparently Saddam Hussein doesn't read the newspapers. When arraigned by the Iraqi authorities, and asked his name, he replied, "I am Saddam Hussein, president of Iraq."
'A despicable movie...a despicable man.'
Mark Davis has written an article I hope Roger Ebert, among others, reads.
Davis is right: Fahrenheit 9/11 is a despicable movie, and Michael Moore is a despicable, hate-filled man. But I'll go a step farther: those Davis merely chides for their lack of judgment- the Eberts and others who grant this piece of cinematic garbage legitimacy- are just as despicable.
Davis is right: Fahrenheit 9/11 is a despicable movie, and Michael Moore is a despicable, hate-filled man. But I'll go a step farther: those Davis merely chides for their lack of judgment- the Eberts and others who grant this piece of cinematic garbage legitimacy- are just as despicable.
And what does Kerry's home-town mayor think of him?
Blogs for Bush tells us that all is not sweetness and harmony among the Democrats in "the home of the bean and the cod."
It seems that the Boston Herald is running the following in its current edition:
Mayor Thomas M. Menino unloaded a searing attack on fellow Democrat John F. Kerry yesterday, calling his presidential campaign "small-minded" and "incompetent" - laying bare a years-old rift weeks before the city plays host to Kerry's FleetCenter coronation.
It seems that the Boston Herald is running the following in its current edition:
Mayor Thomas M. Menino unloaded a searing attack on fellow Democrat John F. Kerry yesterday, calling his presidential campaign "small-minded" and "incompetent" - laying bare a years-old rift weeks before the city plays host to Kerry's FleetCenter coronation.
Kerry-Clinton?
I can't believe our luck will be this good- but The Drudge Report says that speculation is building that Hillary Rodham Clinton will be John Kerry's running mate!
Oh, pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease....
Seriously, this smells of a rumor being spread to grab a few headlines and attract a little attention to the extraordinarily long and boring odyssey of Kerry's quest for a VP who will strengthen the ticket without making him look like a stiff.
I think there's as much of a chance of Donald Rumsfeld being Kerry's running-mate as there is of Hillary getting the call. But we can only hope. It would mean that Kerry would be tying his fortunes to the one possible candidate who is so disliked by all but the nut-case Left that the President's negative ratings would be more than neutralized.
If Hillary is the candidate, this election ceases to be a referendum on the President, and becomes a referendum on Hillary. Let's enjoy the dream while it lasts....but alas, it's only a dream.
By the way...as an alternative to the publicity-stunt theory, I have to wonder whether the "Washington insider" named in the Drudge story might not be Dick Morris, who has been predicting that Hillary would be chosen for months. It's worth noting that even Morris has seemed to cool on that prediction of late.
Oh, pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease....
Seriously, this smells of a rumor being spread to grab a few headlines and attract a little attention to the extraordinarily long and boring odyssey of Kerry's quest for a VP who will strengthen the ticket without making him look like a stiff.
I think there's as much of a chance of Donald Rumsfeld being Kerry's running-mate as there is of Hillary getting the call. But we can only hope. It would mean that Kerry would be tying his fortunes to the one possible candidate who is so disliked by all but the nut-case Left that the President's negative ratings would be more than neutralized.
If Hillary is the candidate, this election ceases to be a referendum on the President, and becomes a referendum on Hillary. Let's enjoy the dream while it lasts....but alas, it's only a dream.
By the way...as an alternative to the publicity-stunt theory, I have to wonder whether the "Washington insider" named in the Drudge story might not be Dick Morris, who has been predicting that Hillary would be chosen for months. It's worth noting that even Morris has seemed to cool on that prediction of late.
Wictory Wednesday, June 30
It's Wictory Wednesday again...and whether or not you realize it, time is running out.
There are still four months before the election. Now, four months seems a long time, and a lot of people aren't even paying attention to the campaign yet. But don't be deceived! It's later than you think!
Only a month or so remains before the Republican National Convention in New York- which, due to that wonderfully intrusive yet curiously sieve-like Campaign Finance Law of which George Soros and his fellow Middle Class crusaders have made such a farce, is now the legal deadline for contributions to the President's re-election campaign. It's going to take every dime the President to raise to beat back the lies. Now is the time to get out your charge card and contribute!
This has been called an "Armageddon election." There's a great deal at stake, not the least of which being your security and that of your family in the race featuring a challenger whose understanding of the world is naive beyond belief, and whose record on national security issues is appalling. Not only financial help, but the contribution of time and effort is necessary if we're going to turn back the foul onslaught of the Michael Moore/network news lie-machine and the simultaneously boring and despicable Kerry slander-fest and re-elect a President we can trust with our future.
The time to act is today!
There are still four months before the election. Now, four months seems a long time, and a lot of people aren't even paying attention to the campaign yet. But don't be deceived! It's later than you think!
Only a month or so remains before the Republican National Convention in New York- which, due to that wonderfully intrusive yet curiously sieve-like Campaign Finance Law of which George Soros and his fellow Middle Class crusaders have made such a farce, is now the legal deadline for contributions to the President's re-election campaign. It's going to take every dime the President to raise to beat back the lies. Now is the time to get out your charge card and contribute!
This has been called an "Armageddon election." There's a great deal at stake, not the least of which being your security and that of your family in the race featuring a challenger whose understanding of the world is naive beyond belief, and whose record on national security issues is appalling. Not only financial help, but the contribution of time and effort is necessary if we're going to turn back the foul onslaught of the Michael Moore/network news lie-machine and the simultaneously boring and despicable Kerry slander-fest and re-elect a President we can trust with our future.
The time to act is today!
Saddam's transfer into Iraqi custody approaches
The Toronto Star reports that Saddam Hussein's transfer into Iraqi custody, along with that of Tariq Aziz and other high officials of Iraq's former Ba'athist regime, is imminent.
Saturn insertion day!
This is the day when the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft enters Saturn orbit. It will provide our closest look at the planet, its rings, and its moons- including the soft landing of the Huygens probe on the surface of Titan, the only moon in our solar system with an atmosphere and possibly a prototype of early Earth. Since Titan is enshrouded in orange clouds of methane and other gasses, this will be our very first look at its surface- which may be at least partially covered with petroleum oceans.
Below: a recent picture of Saturn taken by the probe as it approached the ringed planet.
Below: a recent picture of Saturn taken by the probe as it approached the ringed planet.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
9/11 "stealth finding:" Dubyah has made us safer!
Though you'd never know it from reading the newspapers or watching network TV news, Chasing the Wind points out that the fifteenth finding of the recent 9/11 Commission Staff Report is that the Bush Administration's War on Terror has effectively prevented another major attack on American soil by neutralizing al Qaeda's leadership, depriving it of financial resourees, and interfering with its ability to organize.
Leftist bias in the media? Naaaaaah....
Leftist bias in the media? Naaaaaah....
BBC NEWS: Iranian woman gives birth to frog
This is truly remarkable. ;)
Note, in judging its credibility, that it is reported by the BBC, is alleged to have taken place in Iran, and that the child is apparently French. It is not explained how a child born to an Iranian mother turns out to be French. But in any case, we really, really need to do something about that nuclear program.
The story:
An Iranian newspaper has reported the controversial story of a woman who claims to have given birth to a frog.
The Iranian daily Etemaad says the creature is believed to have grown from larva to an adult frog inside her body.
While it is unclear how this could have happened, the paper carries quotes from medical experts who say there are human characteristics to the animal.
It has been speculated that the woman, who has not been named, unknowingly picked up the larva while she was swimming in a dirty pool.
The woman, from the south-eastern city of Iranshahr, is a mother of two children.
The "so-called frog", as the newspaper puts it, has yet to undergo precise genetic and anatomic tests.
But it quotes clinical biology expert Dr Aminifard as saying: "The similarities are in appearance, the shape of the fingers and the size and shape of the tongue."
Medical history recounts stories of people who believed they had frogs - or even lizards or snakes - living and growing in their bodies.
One of the most famous was the 17th Century case of Catharina Geisslerin, known as "the toad-vomiting woman" of Germany.
When she died in 1662 doctors are said to have performed an autopsy, but found no evidence animals had ever lived inside her body.
Note, in judging its credibility, that it is reported by the BBC, is alleged to have taken place in Iran, and that the child is apparently French. It is not explained how a child born to an Iranian mother turns out to be French. But in any case, we really, really need to do something about that nuclear program.
The story:
An Iranian newspaper has reported the controversial story of a woman who claims to have given birth to a frog.
The Iranian daily Etemaad says the creature is believed to have grown from larva to an adult frog inside her body.
While it is unclear how this could have happened, the paper carries quotes from medical experts who say there are human characteristics to the animal.
It has been speculated that the woman, who has not been named, unknowingly picked up the larva while she was swimming in a dirty pool.
The woman, from the south-eastern city of Iranshahr, is a mother of two children.
The "so-called frog", as the newspaper puts it, has yet to undergo precise genetic and anatomic tests.
But it quotes clinical biology expert Dr Aminifard as saying: "The similarities are in appearance, the shape of the fingers and the size and shape of the tongue."
Medical history recounts stories of people who believed they had frogs - or even lizards or snakes - living and growing in their bodies.
One of the most famous was the 17th Century case of Catharina Geisslerin, known as "the toad-vomiting woman" of Germany.
When she died in 1662 doctors are said to have performed an autopsy, but found no evidence animals had ever lived inside her body.
Anybody up for a slice of yellow cake?
Well, how about that!
Remember those famous "sixteen words" from the State of the Union address a couple of years ago- the ones about Iraq seeking yellow cake uranium in Niger?
Turns out they were true. European intelligence sources (not, it seems, entirely an oxymoron) are confirming the conclusion MI6 reached prior to the President's speech, and which we have been assured ever since was not merely a mistake, but a fabrication.
Not that you'd know about the new report from the liberal media which spent all that time and effort telling us it wasn't true when the President mentioned it in passing- and falsely misrepresented his report of MI6 findings as a claim for their validity.
And now it turns out that they were valid. Apologies, anybody?
Didn't think so.
Hat tip to AlphaPatriot.
Remember those famous "sixteen words" from the State of the Union address a couple of years ago- the ones about Iraq seeking yellow cake uranium in Niger?
Turns out they were true. European intelligence sources (not, it seems, entirely an oxymoron) are confirming the conclusion MI6 reached prior to the President's speech, and which we have been assured ever since was not merely a mistake, but a fabrication.
Not that you'd know about the new report from the liberal media which spent all that time and effort telling us it wasn't true when the President mentioned it in passing- and falsely misrepresented his report of MI6 findings as a claim for their validity.
And now it turns out that they were valid. Apologies, anybody?
Didn't think so.
Hat tip to AlphaPatriot.
More poison from the Left
Hat tip to Barking Moonbat Early Warning System for more evidence of the kind of people who oppose President Bush.
Four years of non-stop lies and slander, topped off by Michael Moore's most recent exercise in fiction masquerading as documentary, aren't enough. Presidential assassination has become a staple of Leftist discourse. Lacking ideas or rational arguments, all the people on the other side have to offer is hate.
It's sickening...but these are sick people, after all.
Four years of non-stop lies and slander, topped off by Michael Moore's most recent exercise in fiction masquerading as documentary, aren't enough. Presidential assassination has become a staple of Leftist discourse. Lacking ideas or rational arguments, all the people on the other side have to offer is hate.
It's sickening...but these are sick people, after all.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Some thoughts on the election to our North...
I seriously doubt that there really is such a word, but if there were, I would be a "Canadianophile." I've always admired our neighbor to the North- and it's not simply a question of being the son of two people who were hockey fans two decades before being a hockey fan was cool.
I like their system. As unpopular as this statement might be among American right-of-center bloggers, I like the parliamentary system much better than ours. It's more responsive, for one thing. A government cannot presume upon its mandate, and the great issues of the day can bring about an election when the country needs it, not merely when the calendar says it's time to vote again.
For the past three elections, there has been no single Conservative opposition to the Liberal government. That changed eight months ago, when the Western Reform Party and the corpse of the old Progressive Conservative Party united to form the Conservative Party of Canada. As of this moment, it has captured 97 seats, to become the official Opposition to Prime Minister Paul Martin's Liberals, which are forming a minority government, presumably with the informal help of the far-Left New Democratic Party's 21.
Stephen Harper, the leader of the Conservative Party, deserves our congratulations. By all precident, soon- perhaps within the year- there will be another election. Hopefully Stephen Harper will emerge from that election as Prime Minister of Canada.
There is a great deal about the Canada of today I do not admire. I do not admire its institutionalized policy of legalized abortion, a blight upon any civilized society. I certainly do not admire its judicially- imposed institution of homosexual "marriage," the overthrow of two thousand years of the ethics of Western civilization on the issue at the behest of a few radical judges. We in the States can sympathize with that; judicial tyranny has proven, here as well as North of the border, the Achilles' heel of democracy.
The lack of rancor in the campaign concluded tonight is a rebuke to all of us in the States, but especially, I believe, to the Democrats- the Party of Hate, whose entire platform in this campaign is bitter, ugly spleen toward the President from whom they failed to steal Florida and the Electoral college in the last election. We can learn from our neighbors to the North in how free people can get along despite their disagreements and conflicts.
Yet at the same time, tonight's result is a reminder that there is no end to the campaign in democratic societies. The debate continues, even in the face of the popular verdict- and since we are talking about democracies here, at their best even the winners- whomever they may be- are more the leaders than the winners.
Now the Conservative total is up to 98. The combined Liberal-NDP majority is now only one.
I despise the attitude of most Canadians toward the war in Iraq. I believe that Canada's law on homosexual "marriage" is a travesty on the values of Western civilization, and the Canadian abortion law, no less than ours, is a disgrace.
But in a curious sort of way, I still look with admiration to our neighbors in the North. Though I strongly question the wisdom of their decision tonight- and of many of the decisions they have made recently- in many ways they give us Americans a marvelous example of what a democracy might and should be. I hope we learn from it.
I like their system. As unpopular as this statement might be among American right-of-center bloggers, I like the parliamentary system much better than ours. It's more responsive, for one thing. A government cannot presume upon its mandate, and the great issues of the day can bring about an election when the country needs it, not merely when the calendar says it's time to vote again.
For the past three elections, there has been no single Conservative opposition to the Liberal government. That changed eight months ago, when the Western Reform Party and the corpse of the old Progressive Conservative Party united to form the Conservative Party of Canada. As of this moment, it has captured 97 seats, to become the official Opposition to Prime Minister Paul Martin's Liberals, which are forming a minority government, presumably with the informal help of the far-Left New Democratic Party's 21.
Stephen Harper, the leader of the Conservative Party, deserves our congratulations. By all precident, soon- perhaps within the year- there will be another election. Hopefully Stephen Harper will emerge from that election as Prime Minister of Canada.
There is a great deal about the Canada of today I do not admire. I do not admire its institutionalized policy of legalized abortion, a blight upon any civilized society. I certainly do not admire its judicially- imposed institution of homosexual "marriage," the overthrow of two thousand years of the ethics of Western civilization on the issue at the behest of a few radical judges. We in the States can sympathize with that; judicial tyranny has proven, here as well as North of the border, the Achilles' heel of democracy.
The lack of rancor in the campaign concluded tonight is a rebuke to all of us in the States, but especially, I believe, to the Democrats- the Party of Hate, whose entire platform in this campaign is bitter, ugly spleen toward the President from whom they failed to steal Florida and the Electoral college in the last election. We can learn from our neighbors to the North in how free people can get along despite their disagreements and conflicts.
Yet at the same time, tonight's result is a reminder that there is no end to the campaign in democratic societies. The debate continues, even in the face of the popular verdict- and since we are talking about democracies here, at their best even the winners- whomever they may be- are more the leaders than the winners.
Now the Conservative total is up to 98. The combined Liberal-NDP majority is now only one.
I despise the attitude of most Canadians toward the war in Iraq. I believe that Canada's law on homosexual "marriage" is a travesty on the values of Western civilization, and the Canadian abortion law, no less than ours, is a disgrace.
But in a curious sort of way, I still look with admiration to our neighbors in the North. Though I strongly question the wisdom of their decision tonight- and of many of the decisions they have made recently- in many ways they give us Americans a marvelous example of what a democracy might and should be. I hope we learn from it.
"God bless Iraq...God bless America!"
From THE MESOPOTAMIAN:
THAT WHICH HAS BENEFIT FOR PEOPLE
This is a famous Arabic verse of divine Wisdom; the eloquence and resonance of the sentence cannot be translated but the meaning is as follows:
"As for the scum, it will go (disappear) in vain (uselessly); and as for that which as benefit for people, it will stay in the earth."
One man of the people is asked by an MBC (An Arab network) reporter what he thinks about the new government. He answers very simply in that spontaneous genuine manner of simple folk: "aren't these men better than the riffraff who used to govern us?" Truer words have never been said.
This day, this modest ceremony, no elaborate celebrations, no fanfare; yet surely this is a "Mother of Days" for Iraq, and history will remember this day.
Likewise, I am not going to say anything grandiose today, rather in the same style of today's ceremonies. All I can say is taht almost everybody here has hope, great hope. Personally I am confident of the future because "That which has benefit for people will stay in the earth."
Hail our true friends, the Great People of the United States of America; The Freedom giving Republic, the nation of Liberators. Never has the world known such a nation, willing to spill the blood of her children and spend the treasure of her land even for the sake of the freedom and well being of erstwhile enemies. The tree of friendship is going to grow and grow and bear fruit as sure as day follows night. And the people deep down at the bottom of their hearts, they appreciate. Make no mistake about that. The people have voted today, the pulse of the street is clear, without any hesitation I would give 90% of all Iraqis are hopeful and supportive of the new government, and this is a tacit indirect yes to the U.S. which has been the prime mover of all these events. This is what the foolish fail to understand. Why is this a different situation from that for example of a Vietnam? The answer is very simple: Because, the U.S. has achieved something very popular around here; which is the removal of the Saddam regime. Those who are really against the U.S. from amongst the Iraqis have been and remain a small minority; all other forms of resentment are simply disappointment and disgruntlement resulting from the discomfiture of the present situation and will simply disappear with progress and gradual improvement.
As for the enemy, he will not reap but failure and the bitter taste of defeat.
Glory and honor to the U.S. and Allied men and women whose blood is irrigating the tree of freedom in this land; and their sacrifices, suffering, and toil is laying the foundation for a future renaissance of the Mesopotamian People. Hail soldiers of freedom and enlightenment. Do not be dismayed by the trouble and turbulence of the present, for the future generations will remember and appreciate.
And last but not least; Hail, Great El Bush, a leader not only of the U.S. but a true hero of mankind. And Hail Mr. Blair and the other Leaders of the Free World.
God Bless the New Republic of Iraq; God Bless America.
Wa Al Salaam Alaykum Wa rahamutu Allahi Wa Barakatuh
(Peace be upon you and the mercy of God and his blessings)
Hat tips to The Blogs of War and A Small Victory.
THAT WHICH HAS BENEFIT FOR PEOPLE
This is a famous Arabic verse of divine Wisdom; the eloquence and resonance of the sentence cannot be translated but the meaning is as follows:
"As for the scum, it will go (disappear) in vain (uselessly); and as for that which as benefit for people, it will stay in the earth."
One man of the people is asked by an MBC (An Arab network) reporter what he thinks about the new government. He answers very simply in that spontaneous genuine manner of simple folk: "aren't these men better than the riffraff who used to govern us?" Truer words have never been said.
This day, this modest ceremony, no elaborate celebrations, no fanfare; yet surely this is a "Mother of Days" for Iraq, and history will remember this day.
Likewise, I am not going to say anything grandiose today, rather in the same style of today's ceremonies. All I can say is taht almost everybody here has hope, great hope. Personally I am confident of the future because "That which has benefit for people will stay in the earth."
Hail our true friends, the Great People of the United States of America; The Freedom giving Republic, the nation of Liberators. Never has the world known such a nation, willing to spill the blood of her children and spend the treasure of her land even for the sake of the freedom and well being of erstwhile enemies. The tree of friendship is going to grow and grow and bear fruit as sure as day follows night. And the people deep down at the bottom of their hearts, they appreciate. Make no mistake about that. The people have voted today, the pulse of the street is clear, without any hesitation I would give 90% of all Iraqis are hopeful and supportive of the new government, and this is a tacit indirect yes to the U.S. which has been the prime mover of all these events. This is what the foolish fail to understand. Why is this a different situation from that for example of a Vietnam? The answer is very simple: Because, the U.S. has achieved something very popular around here; which is the removal of the Saddam regime. Those who are really against the U.S. from amongst the Iraqis have been and remain a small minority; all other forms of resentment are simply disappointment and disgruntlement resulting from the discomfiture of the present situation and will simply disappear with progress and gradual improvement.
As for the enemy, he will not reap but failure and the bitter taste of defeat.
Glory and honor to the U.S. and Allied men and women whose blood is irrigating the tree of freedom in this land; and their sacrifices, suffering, and toil is laying the foundation for a future renaissance of the Mesopotamian People. Hail soldiers of freedom and enlightenment. Do not be dismayed by the trouble and turbulence of the present, for the future generations will remember and appreciate.
And last but not least; Hail, Great El Bush, a leader not only of the U.S. but a true hero of mankind. And Hail Mr. Blair and the other Leaders of the Free World.
God Bless the New Republic of Iraq; God Bless America.
Wa Al Salaam Alaykum Wa rahamutu Allahi Wa Barakatuh
(Peace be upon you and the mercy of God and his blessings)
Hat tips to The Blogs of War and A Small Victory.
Canadian Libs retain power
Regrettably, the first Canadian election in years featuring a united Right has resulted in a minority government headed by the Liberals.
By all precident, though, this result foreshadows a new election soon, possibly within the year. By all indications, the voters' patience with the Liberal Party is running out.
By all precident, though, this result foreshadows a new election soon, possibly within the year. By all indications, the voters' patience with the Liberal Party is running out.
Tough luck, Democrats!
In 2000, the Presidential election was even close in Florida only because thousands of felons were illegally allowed to vote- overwhelmingly for Al Gore. Election officials already were taking steps to see that it didn't happen again. But there is a drive underway to put a referendum to allow felons to vote legally on the ballot this Fall. Unfortunately for the Democrats, the attempt seems likely to fall short of the number of signatures required.
Tres gauche, M. Kerry!
Le Senateur Jean Kerry (Democrate- France) chose to congratulate our troops (rather, for a change, than accusing them of war crimes) on the occasion of the transfer of sovereignty to Iraq.
M. Kerry failed, with his usual lack of grace, to congratulate the people of Iraq, or, of course, President Bush.
M. Kerry failed, with his usual lack of grace, to congratulate the people of Iraq, or, of course, President Bush.
U.S. soldier executed?
Al Jazeera has broadcast the execution of what his murderers claim was an American soldier captured in April. The victim appears to be Specialist Keith Matthew Maupin, of Batavia, Ohio, who was indeed an taken hostage at that time.
The victim was shot in the back of the head and in the back.
The victim was shot in the back of the head and in the back.
Condi to Dubya...
This sort of says it all:
Thanks to Blogs for Bush for the facsimile of this historic note, passed to the President at the NATO meeting, with his comment in the margin.
Thanks to Blogs for Bush for the facsimile of this historic note, passed to the President at the NATO meeting, with his comment in the margin.
Bush Passes 600 Blogs!
Total number of the official list of Kerry blogs: 55.
Total number of blogs on the Blogs for Bush blogroll: over 600!
Total number of blogs on the Blogs for Bush blogroll: over 600!
Fahrenheit 9/11: a weapon of self-destruction?
RealClearPolitics has an interesting commentary on how Michael Moore's most recent piece of cinematic dishonesty, Fahrenheit 9/11, just might backfire on the President's opponents.
TIME for a laugh!
TIME offers us some unintentional comedy with a scare piece on how the Islamofascists plan to turn Iraq into "a terrorist haven."
Earth to TIME! What do you think Iraq was under Saddam Hussein?
Earth to TIME! What do you think Iraq was under Saddam Hussein?
The Hollow Alliance
William Safire dreams an alternative future for what he rightly calls The Hollow Alliance- NATO.
Raed is anti-democracy
Looks like my hopes for Raed were futile. The man appears to be a hopeless totalitarian. I wonder whether he was a fan of Saddam.
Marine captive's identity announced
The Marine being held by Islamocrud terrorists has been identified as Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun.
Like the other captives currently facing beheading, he is a Muslim- and the Koran strictly forbids the killing of Muslim hostages.
Not, of course, that these bozos finally care what the Koran says.
He was born and grew up in Lebanon, but his family currently living in West Jordan, Utah. While it is not certain, there is a suspicion that he might have been AWOL at the time of his capture.
Like the other captives currently facing beheading, he is a Muslim- and the Koran strictly forbids the killing of Muslim hostages.
Not, of course, that these bozos finally care what the Koran says.
He was born and grew up in Lebanon, but his family currently living in West Jordan, Utah. While it is not certain, there is a suspicion that he might have been AWOL at the time of his capture.
SCOTUS yields a mixed bag on terror prisoners
The Supreme Court has upheld the Administration's right to hold American citizens and foreign nationals as enemy combatants- but must prove their allegations in court. Prisoners so held may challenge their status, and are fully entitled to the protections of the Constitution. But military tribunals such as have been contemplated by the Administration are apparently OK.
Seek release of Kerry divorce records
In the wake of Jack Ryan's departure from the Illinois Senate race following the release of previously- sealed divorce records, a clamor is arising for the release of John Kerry's.
What's good for the goose, as they say...
What's good for the goose, as they say...
Dishonest minds aplenty
You know what I said last night about Ebert and Roeper? It applies to 9 out of 10 American film critics.
I'll even stand by the word "idiosyncratic." While it's clear that Ebert and Roeper have a great deal of company in the intellectual dishonesty department, their fellow film critics are also, as a class, so far out of step with the American people and with reality that their peculiarity is the most their most prominent characteristic.
I'll even stand by the word "idiosyncratic." While it's clear that Ebert and Roeper have a great deal of company in the intellectual dishonesty department, their fellow film critics are also, as a class, so far out of step with the American people and with reality that their peculiarity is the most their most prominent characteristic.
Congratulations, Iraq!
Outfoxing al Quaeda, the Fedeyeen Saddam, and others fighting against Iraqi democracy, the United States has transferred sovereignty to the Iraqi interim government two days early.
Long live Free Iraq!
Long live Free Iraq!
Sunday, June 27, 2004
A bad review for Ebert and Roeper
Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel could be depended on for poltical correctness more than for reliable guidance about the movies they reviewed. The arrival a while back of Siskel's replacement, Richard Roeper, hasn't changed that.
Sometimes these guys will steer you right. But all too often, what they serve up are idiosyncratic, parochial and narrow reviews which reveal a distorting political and social agenda, belie the affected sophistication of the hosts, and sometimes display a level of general knowledge as limited as their world-views. I had to chuckle, for example, when Ebert criticized the movie Luther, partially on the basis that lines which were actual, historical quotations from the characters being portrayed were implausible and badly written!
But they've outdone themselves this time. Believe it or not, they've just given Michael Moore's dishonest screed, Fahrenheit 9/11, two thumbs up.
Unless they're a fellow left-wing moonbat, it's hard to see how anybody can regard Ebert and Roeper as having any credibility ever again. No intellectually honest review could have approved of such a dishonest and slanderous film without a disavowal of all but the most basely partisan of motives.
Give me Michael Medved any time. He's equally open with his biases, and he displays a great deal more integrity in his reviews.
Sometimes these guys will steer you right. But all too often, what they serve up are idiosyncratic, parochial and narrow reviews which reveal a distorting political and social agenda, belie the affected sophistication of the hosts, and sometimes display a level of general knowledge as limited as their world-views. I had to chuckle, for example, when Ebert criticized the movie Luther, partially on the basis that lines which were actual, historical quotations from the characters being portrayed were implausible and badly written!
But they've outdone themselves this time. Believe it or not, they've just given Michael Moore's dishonest screed, Fahrenheit 9/11, two thumbs up.
Unless they're a fellow left-wing moonbat, it's hard to see how anybody can regard Ebert and Roeper as having any credibility ever again. No intellectually honest review could have approved of such a dishonest and slanderous film without a disavowal of all but the most basely partisan of motives.
Give me Michael Medved any time. He's equally open with his biases, and he displays a great deal more integrity in his reviews.
Why aren't the Shi'a going nuts?
I haven't heard this one before. From Hammorabi:
The Wahabi terrorists (Zarqawi & his supporting thugs) killed Hussein Al-Harithi who is the representative of Ali Sistani in a district in Baghdad. Harithi used to run a charity organisation to help the poor and needy as well. His assassination came as part of the systemic and organised attacks against the Shia figures and institutes.
Wahabism, of course, is the strict and fanatical sect of Islam which is the official religion of Saudi Arabia, shared by bin Laden, Zarqawi, and the Saudi Royal Family alike.
Now, the Ayatollah Sistani is the most influential Shi'ite in the country, right? Why, then, doesn't he be, perhaps, a tad more explicit about which side he's on? Why aren't the Shi'ites lining up in our- which is to say, their own, corner?
Come to think of it, of course, the same question could be asked about the whole country.
President Bush has bet his presidency, and a thousand Americans have lost their lives, gambling that at some point the people of Iraq will stand up for their own interests the way Bush and our troops have stood up for them. Given the present level of support for the interim government, it seems to be a winning bet. As the evidence mounts as to who stands for what kind of future for Iraq, centuries of cultural paranoia and irrational emotion may yet give way to common sense.
But the wait can be a little discouraging at times- all the more so when such a large minority of our own countrymen are rooting for America to lose, and the cutters off of heads to win.
The Wahabi terrorists (Zarqawi & his supporting thugs) killed Hussein Al-Harithi who is the representative of Ali Sistani in a district in Baghdad. Harithi used to run a charity organisation to help the poor and needy as well. His assassination came as part of the systemic and organised attacks against the Shia figures and institutes.
Wahabism, of course, is the strict and fanatical sect of Islam which is the official religion of Saudi Arabia, shared by bin Laden, Zarqawi, and the Saudi Royal Family alike.
Now, the Ayatollah Sistani is the most influential Shi'ite in the country, right? Why, then, doesn't he be, perhaps, a tad more explicit about which side he's on? Why aren't the Shi'ites lining up in our- which is to say, their own, corner?
Come to think of it, of course, the same question could be asked about the whole country.
President Bush has bet his presidency, and a thousand Americans have lost their lives, gambling that at some point the people of Iraq will stand up for their own interests the way Bush and our troops have stood up for them. Given the present level of support for the interim government, it seems to be a winning bet. As the evidence mounts as to who stands for what kind of future for Iraq, centuries of cultural paranoia and irrational emotion may yet give way to common sense.
But the wait can be a little discouraging at times- all the more so when such a large minority of our own countrymen are rooting for America to lose, and the cutters off of heads to win.
So let's talk about the Geneva Convention, shall we?
Al Jazeera reports that the Islamovermin have kidnapped a Marine.
Big mistake!
It seems to be a different nest of Islamovermin this time. They are also threatening to behead a Muslim hostage, whose nationality is in dispute. Meanwhile, the Zarqawi thugs- the ones who beheaded Nick Berg, Paul Johnson, and Kim Sun-il- are also threatening to murder three Turkish hostages, also Muslims.
Not only do they not respect the Geneva Convention, but they also don't respect the Koran, which strictly forbids that sort of treatment of at least fellow Muslims. Wanna bet the Left will spend the next couple of months complaining about it? Or the Islamic world? I don't think so, either.
Big mistake!
It seems to be a different nest of Islamovermin this time. They are also threatening to behead a Muslim hostage, whose nationality is in dispute. Meanwhile, the Zarqawi thugs- the ones who beheaded Nick Berg, Paul Johnson, and Kim Sun-il- are also threatening to murder three Turkish hostages, also Muslims.
Not only do they not respect the Geneva Convention, but they also don't respect the Koran, which strictly forbids that sort of treatment of at least fellow Muslims. Wanna bet the Left will spend the next couple of months complaining about it? Or the Islamic world? I don't think so, either.
The 9/11 Commission screws up again.
The 9/11 Commission has done a great deal of damage it can't hope to redeem with its report- which, due to the savage partisanship which has marked its deliberations, probably won't settle anything.
Mark Steyn explores its most recent blunder.
Mark Steyn explores its most recent blunder.
A soldier to be proud of
PFC Dwayne Turner is a war hero. You should know about him. It's just that you can't trust the liberal media to tell you. They're too busy tsk-tsking about Abu Ghraib.
Allawi on the turnover
Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi addresses the return to Iraqi sovereignty on Wednesday.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
From Ken Mehlman
From Ken Mehlman, President Bush's campaign manager:
On Thursday, the campaign launched a web video titled Kerry's Coalition of
the Wild-eyed. The video featured Democrats who support John Kerry making
negative and baseless attacks against the President. Interspersed in the
video were segments of two ads that appeared on a website sponsored by
MoveOn.org - a group campaigning for Kerry - in January.
On Friday night, John Kerry's campaign denounced our use of these ads, and
called that use "disgusting."
The Kerry campaign says, "The use of Adolf Hitler by any campaign,
politician or party is simply wrong."
We agree. These ads, like much of the hate-filled, angry rhetoric of
Kerry's coalition of the Wild-eyed, are disgusting.
* Where was John Kerry's disgust when he hired Zack Exley - the man
responsible for encouraging the production of these ads as part of a MoveOn
contest - to run the Kerry campaign's internet operation?
* Where was John Kerry's sense of outrage when Al Gore, just yesterday
afternoon, compared the Bush Administration to the Nazis saying, "The
Administration works closely with a network of 'rapid response' digital
Brown Shirts who work to pressure reporters and their editors for
'undermining support for our troops.'"
* Where was John Kerry's anger when Al Gore in May spoke of "Bush's
Gulag"?
* Why has John Kerry not denounced billionaire and Democrat Party
donor George Soros for comparing the Bush Administration to Nazis. Soros
stated, "When I hear Bush say, 'You're either with us or against us,' it
reminds me of the Germans. It conjures up memories of Nazi slogans on the
walls, Der Feind Hort mit ('The enemy is listening')."
* Why has Kerry not spoken out against filmmaker Michael Moore who
last October compared the Patriot Act to Mein Kampf. "The Patriot Act is
the first step. 'Mein Kampf' - 'Mein Kampf' was written long before Hitler
came to power."
We created this web video to show the depths to which these Kerry supporters will sink to win in November.
Is this the Democratic Party of Franklin Delano Roosevelt who reassured his
countrymen we have nothing to fear but fear itself?
No. This is John Kerry's Coalition of the Wild-eyed, who have nothing to
offer but fear-mongering.
Well said, Mr. Mehlman. This is one "digital Brown Shirt" who agrees with you fully.
On Thursday, the campaign launched a web video titled Kerry's Coalition of
the Wild-eyed. The video featured Democrats who support John Kerry making
negative and baseless attacks against the President. Interspersed in the
video were segments of two ads that appeared on a website sponsored by
MoveOn.org - a group campaigning for Kerry - in January.
On Friday night, John Kerry's campaign denounced our use of these ads, and
called that use "disgusting."
The Kerry campaign says, "The use of Adolf Hitler by any campaign,
politician or party is simply wrong."
We agree. These ads, like much of the hate-filled, angry rhetoric of
Kerry's coalition of the Wild-eyed, are disgusting.
* Where was John Kerry's disgust when he hired Zack Exley - the man
responsible for encouraging the production of these ads as part of a MoveOn
contest - to run the Kerry campaign's internet operation?
* Where was John Kerry's sense of outrage when Al Gore, just yesterday
afternoon, compared the Bush Administration to the Nazis saying, "The
Administration works closely with a network of 'rapid response' digital
Brown Shirts who work to pressure reporters and their editors for
'undermining support for our troops.'"
* Where was John Kerry's anger when Al Gore in May spoke of "Bush's
Gulag"?
* Why has John Kerry not denounced billionaire and Democrat Party
donor George Soros for comparing the Bush Administration to Nazis. Soros
stated, "When I hear Bush say, 'You're either with us or against us,' it
reminds me of the Germans. It conjures up memories of Nazi slogans on the
walls, Der Feind Hort mit ('The enemy is listening')."
* Why has Kerry not spoken out against filmmaker Michael Moore who
last October compared the Patriot Act to Mein Kampf. "The Patriot Act is
the first step. 'Mein Kampf' - 'Mein Kampf' was written long before Hitler
came to power."
We created this web video to show the depths to which these Kerry supporters will sink to win in November.
Is this the Democratic Party of Franklin Delano Roosevelt who reassured his
countrymen we have nothing to fear but fear itself?
No. This is John Kerry's Coalition of the Wild-eyed, who have nothing to
offer but fear-mongering.
Well said, Mr. Mehlman. This is one "digital Brown Shirt" who agrees with you fully.
Unilateralism again?
With France and Germany having dropping their oppositon, the European Union has come onboard with regard with Iraq.
NATO is next.
This is probably a blow to the candidacy of Sen. Kerry (D-France).
NATO is next.
This is probably a blow to the candidacy of Sen. Kerry (D-France).
Greens reject Nader
The Green Party has rejected the candidacy of Ralph Nader, nominating Texas attorney David Cobb as its candidate for President.
This is probably a boost to the candidacy of Sen. Kerry (D-France).
This is probably a boost to the candidacy of Sen. Kerry (D-France).
Raed responds
Yesterday after posting my response to Raed below (which I've cleaned up a bit), and sending a copy to him (I don't think he reads this blog often), I calmed down and realized that my harsh language would be counterproductive. So I sent him an apology for the language, without backing down from the substance of my argument.
He responded very graciously. He didn't try to argue. I hope he's thinking about what I said.
It's important to bear in mind that some of the folks over there get their news from al Jazreea and al Arabya the way we get ours from Fox. Sometimes what looks like willful ignorance is just ignorance.
I hope that's the case with Raed.
He responded very graciously. He didn't try to argue. I hope he's thinking about what I said.
It's important to bear in mind that some of the folks over there get their news from al Jazreea and al Arabya the way we get ours from Fox. Sometimes what looks like willful ignorance is just ignorance.
I hope that's the case with Raed.
Sox 6, Cubs 3
Losing to the Sox is tough. But we got them yesterday, and if we win tomorrow we can take two out of three.
Iraq, the media, and the truth
The Toronto Sun opines on the strange relationship between the media and the truth in the Iraq war.
Delayed democracy?
Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said today that January's elections could be delayed if security is not established in the whole country. This, of course, is just what al Quaeda and the Fedayeen Saddam are trying to accomplish.
Who will the Raeds, the French, and the Leftist moonbats blame for the delay in that case? Al Qaeda? The Fedayeen Saddam? Nope. George W. Bush.
Dealing with willfully irrational people can really be a drag.
Who will the Raeds, the French, and the Leftist moonbats blame for the delay in that case? Al Qaeda? The Fedayeen Saddam? Nope. George W. Bush.
Dealing with willfully irrational people can really be a drag.
"Sevengate" in a nutshell
Chasing the Wind sums up the whole Jack Ryan mess about as well as it could be summed up:
So, on one hand a Democrat commits adultery, perjury, then fights to stay in office. On the other hand, a Republican suggests something kinky with his wife but doesn't actually do anything and steps down from running for office.
If Clinton's transsgressions weren't severe enough for him to step down, why was Ryan's suggestion to his wife so bad? Is there a double standard here, or am I not understanding the seriousness of the charge against Ryan?
The former, Michael.
So, on one hand a Democrat commits adultery, perjury, then fights to stay in office. On the other hand, a Republican suggests something kinky with his wife but doesn't actually do anything and steps down from running for office.
If Clinton's transsgressions weren't severe enough for him to step down, why was Ryan's suggestion to his wife so bad? Is there a double standard here, or am I not understanding the seriousness of the charge against Ryan?
The former, Michael.
Gitwitz likely replacement for Ryan
The Chicago Tribune reports that State Board of Education Chairman Ron Gidwitz, a former gubernatorial candidate, has emerged as the leading contender to replace the departed Jack Ryan as the sacrificial Republican lamb in what seems a hopeless race against State Senator Barak Obama for the U.S. Senate from Illinois.
I should know better.
I should know better than to read sites like Raed's.
I went to seminary with a great many domestic Leftists, many of them moonbats. I got to know some especially arrogant German students, along with several quite decent ones. I'm used to irrational anti-Americanism. But it's real hard for me to deal with people in Raed's position who think like he does.
Healing Iraq has this useful admonition at the top of its page, which I should learn to take to heart: "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into." -Jonathan Swift
I went to seminary with a great many domestic Leftists, many of them moonbats. I got to know some especially arrogant German students, along with several quite decent ones. I'm used to irrational anti-Americanism. But it's real hard for me to deal with people in Raed's position who think like he does.
Healing Iraq has this useful admonition at the top of its page, which I should learn to take to heart: "It is useless to attempt to reason a man out of what he was never reasoned into." -Jonathan Swift
Friday, June 25, 2004
Raed in the Muddle
By contrast, Raed in the Middle blathers thusly (spelling and punctuation errors are his):
I really feel ashamed and disgusted seeing all of those heads falling down. Every new head that is cut shows how much we, seculars, are isolated and marginalized.
All of these feelings of anger after the occupation of Iraq, are being translated into more and more irresponsible violent reactions, but whom are we supposed to blame?
When did this fashion of beheading start anyway?
Did anyone ever heard about beheading before the occupation of Iraq? Before the silly right-wing war of terror?
Who do you really think created these monsters cutting heads?
I was defending my theory the other day, about the dumb administration acting as a super power, while having some Mojito with my French friends. Well, speaking about politics is better than listening to all of that crap about NGO work, and security concerns, whatever…
The real war for America as a super power was in the time of the so called cold warÂ, when the American policy makers decided to create a small monster called bin ladin to open another front against the former USSR, just like how the Israeli policy makers created, or at least facilitated, the creation of Hamas in the 80s to add another crack in the body of the PLO.
When the work of bin ladin was done, he turned his beard and started planning to bite his master; uncle sam.
It is smart though, I don't blame the American decision makers, and maybe I'’ll adopt the same strategies if I was in their place. (thank god I'm not)
My point here is that even the American policy creators didn'’t expect to have a government which is as dumb as the bush admn, the war on terrorism is nothing more than a war for supporting the international right wing.
I mean, if u want to act like the roman colonial empire, at least do it right…
People in the middle, and on the left are not in the scene,,, We are living the era of bush and bin ladin, the era of bombing and beheading. The era of arrogant ethnic wars that everyone thought it was over many centuries ago.
I didn't see that the war on terror can reach to anything by using tanks and missiles, and I still do.
It just made it worse, made the east-west relation more complicated
I didn't see that attacking clerics like As Sadr would be the right answer, because he is strong enough to fight back, and he will become a national hero, and that happened. As Sadr is a national hero who is planning to join the next elections, after defeating the American army (he didn't surrender, he is still having his army, right?)
As I said once before, don'’t tell someone to go to hell, unless u can really send him there.
What are we gaining? We, Americans and Arabs, what did we gain after all of those years of the war on terror?
Thousands of bodies, and more hate.
What did we, Iraqis, gain after months of occupation and destruction? A silly selected government? With a CIA agent as our PM and a Sheikh of a tribe as our president?
Our fat Sheikh speaks English in his conferences… What a great president…
Please, tell him that he is the president of Iraq, an Arabic country, even if he was taking his salary from what's his name… bremer.
When is this comedy play going to finish I am not amused.
Well, let's start from the beginning, Raed.
You should be ashamed and disgusted- but mostly ashamed, and very much so indeed. You should be ashamed for your ingratitude toward those who are trying to give you your freedom, and who died to rid you of Saddam Hussein. You should feel shame, too, for the aid and comfort you are giving the people who cut off those heads.
"Who are we to blame?" For the cutting off of the heads of innocent human beings, Raed, or for the venal stupidity which greets a friend willing to shed his blood to free you from a monster as if he were an enemy? I think it's clear who is to blame for that unjustified anger. You, who feel it, are. You can't really blame your own, irrational malice on anybody but yourself.
Who should be blamed for the cutting off of those heads? How about the people who cut off the heads, Raed? How about ungrateful people like you, who give them their rationale and their excuse through what can only be willful, malicious ignorance?
Where did this head-cutting business begin? Let's start where it didn't begin.
It didn't begin with the occupation of Iraq.
It was quite a fashion in the days of Mohammed, Raed. It figures prominently in the Koran. It has never entirely disappeared from the Islamic world in the millenium and a half since then. Surely even a secular Muslim like you should know that much Islamic history! They've been doing it in Afghanistan for a very long time. They cut the heads off captured Russian soldiers with those knives of theirs, Raed- and they filmed it, too. They're cutting off each other's heads still today.
Yes, al Sadr still has his "army," if you want to call it that. He has it because he keeps suing for peace, and then breaking his word. It's not a matter of not being able to send him to hell. We keep letting him off the hook, because you're right: we don't have the heart to be as ruthless as we should be. The view is popular in some American circles that a city should disappear in a radioactive cloud whenever an innocent American is beheaded. Most of us, fortunately, believe that to do so would be going much too far. In fact, it would be counterproductive- though if we were who you choose to think of us as being, we wouldn't hesitate.
Nevertheless, you have a point. Our downfall is our compassion. We should have cared less about the people of Fallujah. We should have wiped it and al Sadr from the face of the Earth instead of accepting the truces he keeps asking for, and then breaking. We should have given the people of Fallujah forty-eight hours to either turn over al Sadr or evacuate the city, and then leveled the place. And we could have, Raed. We still can. But we probably won't- not because al Sadr is so mighty, but because we care about the people of Fallujah a great deal more than he and his thugs do.
Where did this head-cutting business begin? In the jealousy and the hate and the bile and the paranoid distrust and the venal and perennially self-defeating irrationality you and the cutters off of heads have in common, and which have kept the Arab world poor and powerless and wretched for centuries.
That's where it began, Raed. It continues in the dark, cold heart of Islamofascist fanatics, in the black souls of Osama and his ilk. It continues in precisely the kind of illogic you specialize in. It grew into its present form with attacks on embassies and naval ships, and with the murder of thousands of innocent Americans in New York and Washington. And it is fostered by the naive ingratitude of people such as you, who make the darker side of my own soul wish that we would do as you ask, withdraw our troops from Iraq, and leave you to the chaos you deserve, and into which our premature departure would surely plunge you. Or better, perhaps we should put Saddam Hussein back in power before we leave, and right the horrible wrong we did you by shedding American blood to liberate you from him.
But of course, we wouldn't have to bother. You'd have a new Saddam in place in short order.
"Silly right-wing war of terror?" Silly, Raed? Have you no sense whatsoever? And have you no shame? Say those words to the families of those who died on 9/11- or to your own countrymen who died at Abu Gharib when far, far worse than those miserable morons in American uniforms briefly did on their own initiative was done as a matter of considered and routine policy by Saddam's secret police.
When Osama bin Laden was fighting Soviet oppression in Afghanistan, it is true that we supported him. But don't you dare suggest that somehow we "created" him! It's the darkest and most irrational part of the Arab soul that did that, Raed. All we did is to give him credit for the rationality both of you so clearly lack. "His master, Uncle Sam?" How dare you?
"International right wing?" Do you seriously believe that there is such a thing as an "international right wing?""Fight back?" It was al Sadr who attacked our troops, Raed! You deserve nothing better than Saddam!
What will you Arabs gain? Free elections, Raed! A government of your own choosing... and that in a matter of mere months! If you don't like the people in the interim government, vote them out! But if we were to leave now, you would never have the chance!
But you, Raed, throw into grave doubt the notion that you can handle freedom. If any significant percentage of the Iraqi people think like you do, a new strongman will take Saddam's place very soon. Soon enough, you will see how paranoid your lies about our building "permanent bases" will turn out to be. Or perhaps they will be permanent. Perhaps the new Saddam who will surely rule you permanently if we end our temporary occupation too early will use them to keep you in line.
You are no more eager to have us gone than we are to leave. We are in Iraq, it's true, to protect our own interests from a man who had built a stockpile of poison gas and biological agents and tried to build an atomic bomb, made fools of Hans Blix and company for twelve years, smuggled them out of the country, and would have replaced them the second Hans Blix left the country for good. But he's gone, Raed. We're there now to protect you from gangsters like that "national hero" al Sadr you so admire, from the chaos that will surely ensue if we leave too soon. The carnage that would come then would make what's going on now look like a tea party.
And you deserve no better, Raed.
But, you know something? We're a decent enough people that we won't give you what you deserve. We're a compassionate enough people that we'll endure the insults and the lies and the paranoid fantasies of the effete Europeans, the irrational Arabs, our own brain-dead Left, and ungrateful jerks like you. We'll let you spit on us to keep you alive, and someday soon you'll be free because of us.
But you aren't ready to do without us yet, Raed. Your new democracy would never survive. You would lose it to a theocracy like Iran's, or to another Saddam, before it ever got off the ground. If the interim government isn't more powerful yet, it's because you still aren't sure that you want to be free, or even what "free" means, and because you still think that gangsters like al Sadr are heroes. If we left now, your democracy wouldn't las a year. Iraq would be plunged into civil war, and a theocracy would be the best you could hope for. You just aren't ready to do without us. Your new leaders are smart enough to realize that- and if anyone has any doubt about it, all they would have to do is to read the puerile, juvenile nonsense you write about those who are dying so that you will have a fighting chance to keep your independence when you get it.
These are not thoughtful words you write, Raed. These are not the words of someone capable of thinking rationally about political matters, much less of governing himself! Or is it merely that your jealousy of America and its power and wealth and influence makes you unwilling to think rationally even about your own self-interest?
If you really believe what you write, you are a fool, Raed- and you deserve to get your wish. You deserve everything you would get if we were simply to up and leave.
You are not worthy of the sacrifice of a single American's blood. But we'll continue to shed that blood, Raed- because that's who we are. in exactly the same way that who you are is an ignorant and malicious ingrate.
I'm not amused either, Raed. Not amused at all.
I really feel ashamed and disgusted seeing all of those heads falling down. Every new head that is cut shows how much we, seculars, are isolated and marginalized.
All of these feelings of anger after the occupation of Iraq, are being translated into more and more irresponsible violent reactions, but whom are we supposed to blame?
When did this fashion of beheading start anyway?
Did anyone ever heard about beheading before the occupation of Iraq? Before the silly right-wing war of terror?
Who do you really think created these monsters cutting heads?
I was defending my theory the other day, about the dumb administration acting as a super power, while having some Mojito with my French friends. Well, speaking about politics is better than listening to all of that crap about NGO work, and security concerns, whatever…
The real war for America as a super power was in the time of the so called cold warÂ, when the American policy makers decided to create a small monster called bin ladin to open another front against the former USSR, just like how the Israeli policy makers created, or at least facilitated, the creation of Hamas in the 80s to add another crack in the body of the PLO.
When the work of bin ladin was done, he turned his beard and started planning to bite his master; uncle sam.
It is smart though, I don't blame the American decision makers, and maybe I'’ll adopt the same strategies if I was in their place. (thank god I'm not)
My point here is that even the American policy creators didn'’t expect to have a government which is as dumb as the bush admn, the war on terrorism is nothing more than a war for supporting the international right wing.
I mean, if u want to act like the roman colonial empire, at least do it right…
People in the middle, and on the left are not in the scene,,, We are living the era of bush and bin ladin, the era of bombing and beheading. The era of arrogant ethnic wars that everyone thought it was over many centuries ago.
I didn't see that the war on terror can reach to anything by using tanks and missiles, and I still do.
It just made it worse, made the east-west relation more complicated
I didn't see that attacking clerics like As Sadr would be the right answer, because he is strong enough to fight back, and he will become a national hero, and that happened. As Sadr is a national hero who is planning to join the next elections, after defeating the American army (he didn't surrender, he is still having his army, right?)
As I said once before, don'’t tell someone to go to hell, unless u can really send him there.
What are we gaining? We, Americans and Arabs, what did we gain after all of those years of the war on terror?
Thousands of bodies, and more hate.
What did we, Iraqis, gain after months of occupation and destruction? A silly selected government? With a CIA agent as our PM and a Sheikh of a tribe as our president?
Our fat Sheikh speaks English in his conferences… What a great president…
Please, tell him that he is the president of Iraq, an Arabic country, even if he was taking his salary from what's his name… bremer.
When is this comedy play going to finish I am not amused.
Well, let's start from the beginning, Raed.
You should be ashamed and disgusted- but mostly ashamed, and very much so indeed. You should be ashamed for your ingratitude toward those who are trying to give you your freedom, and who died to rid you of Saddam Hussein. You should feel shame, too, for the aid and comfort you are giving the people who cut off those heads.
"Who are we to blame?" For the cutting off of the heads of innocent human beings, Raed, or for the venal stupidity which greets a friend willing to shed his blood to free you from a monster as if he were an enemy? I think it's clear who is to blame for that unjustified anger. You, who feel it, are. You can't really blame your own, irrational malice on anybody but yourself.
Who should be blamed for the cutting off of those heads? How about the people who cut off the heads, Raed? How about ungrateful people like you, who give them their rationale and their excuse through what can only be willful, malicious ignorance?
Where did this head-cutting business begin? Let's start where it didn't begin.
It didn't begin with the occupation of Iraq.
It was quite a fashion in the days of Mohammed, Raed. It figures prominently in the Koran. It has never entirely disappeared from the Islamic world in the millenium and a half since then. Surely even a secular Muslim like you should know that much Islamic history! They've been doing it in Afghanistan for a very long time. They cut the heads off captured Russian soldiers with those knives of theirs, Raed- and they filmed it, too. They're cutting off each other's heads still today.
Yes, al Sadr still has his "army," if you want to call it that. He has it because he keeps suing for peace, and then breaking his word. It's not a matter of not being able to send him to hell. We keep letting him off the hook, because you're right: we don't have the heart to be as ruthless as we should be. The view is popular in some American circles that a city should disappear in a radioactive cloud whenever an innocent American is beheaded. Most of us, fortunately, believe that to do so would be going much too far. In fact, it would be counterproductive- though if we were who you choose to think of us as being, we wouldn't hesitate.
Nevertheless, you have a point. Our downfall is our compassion. We should have cared less about the people of Fallujah. We should have wiped it and al Sadr from the face of the Earth instead of accepting the truces he keeps asking for, and then breaking. We should have given the people of Fallujah forty-eight hours to either turn over al Sadr or evacuate the city, and then leveled the place. And we could have, Raed. We still can. But we probably won't- not because al Sadr is so mighty, but because we care about the people of Fallujah a great deal more than he and his thugs do.
Where did this head-cutting business begin? In the jealousy and the hate and the bile and the paranoid distrust and the venal and perennially self-defeating irrationality you and the cutters off of heads have in common, and which have kept the Arab world poor and powerless and wretched for centuries.
That's where it began, Raed. It continues in the dark, cold heart of Islamofascist fanatics, in the black souls of Osama and his ilk. It continues in precisely the kind of illogic you specialize in. It grew into its present form with attacks on embassies and naval ships, and with the murder of thousands of innocent Americans in New York and Washington. And it is fostered by the naive ingratitude of people such as you, who make the darker side of my own soul wish that we would do as you ask, withdraw our troops from Iraq, and leave you to the chaos you deserve, and into which our premature departure would surely plunge you. Or better, perhaps we should put Saddam Hussein back in power before we leave, and right the horrible wrong we did you by shedding American blood to liberate you from him.
But of course, we wouldn't have to bother. You'd have a new Saddam in place in short order.
"Silly right-wing war of terror?" Silly, Raed? Have you no sense whatsoever? And have you no shame? Say those words to the families of those who died on 9/11- or to your own countrymen who died at Abu Gharib when far, far worse than those miserable morons in American uniforms briefly did on their own initiative was done as a matter of considered and routine policy by Saddam's secret police.
When Osama bin Laden was fighting Soviet oppression in Afghanistan, it is true that we supported him. But don't you dare suggest that somehow we "created" him! It's the darkest and most irrational part of the Arab soul that did that, Raed. All we did is to give him credit for the rationality both of you so clearly lack. "His master, Uncle Sam?" How dare you?
"International right wing?" Do you seriously believe that there is such a thing as an "international right wing?""Fight back?" It was al Sadr who attacked our troops, Raed! You deserve nothing better than Saddam!
What will you Arabs gain? Free elections, Raed! A government of your own choosing... and that in a matter of mere months! If you don't like the people in the interim government, vote them out! But if we were to leave now, you would never have the chance!
But you, Raed, throw into grave doubt the notion that you can handle freedom. If any significant percentage of the Iraqi people think like you do, a new strongman will take Saddam's place very soon. Soon enough, you will see how paranoid your lies about our building "permanent bases" will turn out to be. Or perhaps they will be permanent. Perhaps the new Saddam who will surely rule you permanently if we end our temporary occupation too early will use them to keep you in line.
You are no more eager to have us gone than we are to leave. We are in Iraq, it's true, to protect our own interests from a man who had built a stockpile of poison gas and biological agents and tried to build an atomic bomb, made fools of Hans Blix and company for twelve years, smuggled them out of the country, and would have replaced them the second Hans Blix left the country for good. But he's gone, Raed. We're there now to protect you from gangsters like that "national hero" al Sadr you so admire, from the chaos that will surely ensue if we leave too soon. The carnage that would come then would make what's going on now look like a tea party.
And you deserve no better, Raed.
But, you know something? We're a decent enough people that we won't give you what you deserve. We're a compassionate enough people that we'll endure the insults and the lies and the paranoid fantasies of the effete Europeans, the irrational Arabs, our own brain-dead Left, and ungrateful jerks like you. We'll let you spit on us to keep you alive, and someday soon you'll be free because of us.
But you aren't ready to do without us yet, Raed. Your new democracy would never survive. You would lose it to a theocracy like Iran's, or to another Saddam, before it ever got off the ground. If the interim government isn't more powerful yet, it's because you still aren't sure that you want to be free, or even what "free" means, and because you still think that gangsters like al Sadr are heroes. If we left now, your democracy wouldn't las a year. Iraq would be plunged into civil war, and a theocracy would be the best you could hope for. You just aren't ready to do without us. Your new leaders are smart enough to realize that- and if anyone has any doubt about it, all they would have to do is to read the puerile, juvenile nonsense you write about those who are dying so that you will have a fighting chance to keep your independence when you get it.
These are not thoughtful words you write, Raed. These are not the words of someone capable of thinking rationally about political matters, much less of governing himself! Or is it merely that your jealousy of America and its power and wealth and influence makes you unwilling to think rationally even about your own self-interest?
If you really believe what you write, you are a fool, Raed- and you deserve to get your wish. You deserve everything you would get if we were simply to up and leave.
You are not worthy of the sacrifice of a single American's blood. But we'll continue to shed that blood, Raed- because that's who we are. in exactly the same way that who you are is an ignorant and malicious ingrate.
I'm not amused either, Raed. Not amused at all.
An Iraqi blogger on the beheadings
Zeyad, the Iraqi graduate student who blogs Healing Iraq, has this to say about the beheadings of Nick Berg, Paul Johnson, and Kim Sun-il:
I look forward to see what the conspiracy theorists who were convinced that the Nicholas Berg video was staged are going to say about this one. Just a week after the beheading in Saudi Arabia by Al-Qaeda, Jama'at Al-Tawhid wa Al-Jihad which is believed to be the group led by Zarqawi beheaded a South Korean national who was kidnapped in Fallujah. They say his body was found near Baghdad which painfully shows the ease and confidence in which this group operates and moves around from place to place.
These are the same people that continue to pour in from the borders of our 'friendly neighbours' to wage their 7th century Jihad on Iraqi soil, they are the same people that pack vehicles with tons of explosives to relieve thousands of Iraqis of their existence, they are -I believe- the same people who continue to assassinate hundreds of Iraqi professionals and 'collaborators', they are the same people that run the Taliban-style Emirate of Fallujah, they are the same people who the Arab media insists are heroic 'resistance fighters'. Yet all we hear after such grisly scenes is... (croak).. (croak).. a maddening silence, and then a few obligatory half-hearted 'This is not the real Islam, you know', 'Noooo, it's really a religion of peace, you don't understand'. However, I don't think people are buying these lines any more.
What the media fails to realise, is that the logic of these groups can actually be turned against them. They claim they are here to drive the foreigners who have been killing Iraqis out of Iraq. Ironically, those Mujahideen are also foreigners who have been slaughtering thousands of Iraqis over the last year. I'm not sure we are going to see any of them beheaded on tv though.
Another barbaric incident yesterday which hasn't been given the media attention it deserves was the slaughter of Layla Abdullah, dean of Law College at Mosul University. She was found slaughtered and shot in the head together with her husband at her residence in Mosul. She has been getting death threats for a while according to her relatives.
I believe we are going to see more beheadings, the Mujahideen seem to appreciate the publicity and attention they receive with each new execution. Don't count on any public demonstrations of Muslim outrage though, there won't be any.
I look forward to see what the conspiracy theorists who were convinced that the Nicholas Berg video was staged are going to say about this one. Just a week after the beheading in Saudi Arabia by Al-Qaeda, Jama'at Al-Tawhid wa Al-Jihad which is believed to be the group led by Zarqawi beheaded a South Korean national who was kidnapped in Fallujah. They say his body was found near Baghdad which painfully shows the ease and confidence in which this group operates and moves around from place to place.
These are the same people that continue to pour in from the borders of our 'friendly neighbours' to wage their 7th century Jihad on Iraqi soil, they are the same people that pack vehicles with tons of explosives to relieve thousands of Iraqis of their existence, they are -I believe- the same people who continue to assassinate hundreds of Iraqi professionals and 'collaborators', they are the same people that run the Taliban-style Emirate of Fallujah, they are the same people who the Arab media insists are heroic 'resistance fighters'. Yet all we hear after such grisly scenes is... (croak).. (croak).. a maddening silence, and then a few obligatory half-hearted 'This is not the real Islam, you know', 'Noooo, it's really a religion of peace, you don't understand'. However, I don't think people are buying these lines any more.
What the media fails to realise, is that the logic of these groups can actually be turned against them. They claim they are here to drive the foreigners who have been killing Iraqis out of Iraq. Ironically, those Mujahideen are also foreigners who have been slaughtering thousands of Iraqis over the last year. I'm not sure we are going to see any of them beheaded on tv though.
Another barbaric incident yesterday which hasn't been given the media attention it deserves was the slaughter of Layla Abdullah, dean of Law College at Mosul University. She was found slaughtered and shot in the head together with her husband at her residence in Mosul. She has been getting death threats for a while according to her relatives.
I believe we are going to see more beheadings, the Mujahideen seem to appreciate the publicity and attention they receive with each new execution. Don't count on any public demonstrations of Muslim outrage though, there won't be any.
Cubs 7, White Sox 4
If there's one team a Cubs fan enjoys beating even more than the Cardinals, it's the White Sox.
Beating them today was fun. Let's do it again tomorrow.
Ryan bows out
Telegenic multi-millionaire turned inner-city school teacher Jack Ryan has withdrawn from the Illinois Senate race, a move that likely means the loss of a Republican seat in the Higher Chamber.
Equally charismatic Democratic State Senator Barak Obama has led from the outset. While one of Ryan's primary opponents probably will be asked to pick up his fallen standard, realistically only someone like Jim Thompson or Jim Edgar- both former governors neither of whom is remotely interested in a Senate seat either could have had for the asking for a long time- would seem likely to be a viable candidate at this stage.
Retiring Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who is leaving the Senate after one term despite favorable reviews from almost everyone, stood by Ryan and is said to be even more discouraged about the political process after the nominee was forced out of the race than he had been previously. Obama refused to comment on the embarassing revelations from Ryan's recently opened divorce records, beyond saying that he did not believe that they should have forced Ryan to withdraw.
Equally charismatic Democratic State Senator Barak Obama has led from the outset. While one of Ryan's primary opponents probably will be asked to pick up his fallen standard, realistically only someone like Jim Thompson or Jim Edgar- both former governors neither of whom is remotely interested in a Senate seat either could have had for the asking for a long time- would seem likely to be a viable candidate at this stage.
Retiring Senator Peter Fitzgerald, who is leaving the Senate after one term despite favorable reviews from almost everyone, stood by Ryan and is said to be even more discouraged about the political process after the nominee was forced out of the race than he had been previously. Obama refused to comment on the embarassing revelations from Ryan's recently opened divorce records, beyond saying that he did not believe that they should have forced Ryan to withdraw.
Ryan to quit
Fox News reports that a news conference will begin in a matter of minutes at which Illinois Republican Senate candidate Jack Ryan will withdraw from his race with Democrat Barrack Obama.
The papers from Ryan's divorce from actress Jeri Ryan were made public this past week as the result of a lawsuit by the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV. The papers revealed allegations by Jeri Ryan that her ex-husband had pressured her for public sex.
The papers from Ryan's divorce from actress Jeri Ryan were made public this past week as the result of a lawsuit by the Chicago Tribune and WLS-TV. The papers revealed allegations by Jeri Ryan that her ex-husband had pressured her for public sex.
We're the bad guys, you see
Last week I read an article on the website of Leftist, anti-American British newspaper The Guardian. It warned of a scathing new book by a senior CIA analyst that was strongly critical of the Bush Administration's counter-terrorism policy.
Turns out that Imperial Hubris by Anonymous basically argues, on one hand, that we're the bad guys for supporting Israel and the counter-terrorism policies of other countries- but on the other that we may end up needing to be far more bloody and ruthless if we don't essentially give in to blackmail now.
The author is said to be a former head of the CIA unit hunting Osama bin Laden, who has since been demoted. Certainly, like Richard Clark, he would seem to have a strong personal motive for wanting to strike back at the Administration- though it's also worth noting that the book is just as critical of the Clinton Administration as of the current one.
Personally, I don't see that it would be all that hard to figure out who this guy is. And whoever he is, he needs to be fired. Now.
Turns out that Imperial Hubris by Anonymous basically argues, on one hand, that we're the bad guys for supporting Israel and the counter-terrorism policies of other countries- but on the other that we may end up needing to be far more bloody and ruthless if we don't essentially give in to blackmail now.
The author is said to be a former head of the CIA unit hunting Osama bin Laden, who has since been demoted. Certainly, like Richard Clark, he would seem to have a strong personal motive for wanting to strike back at the Administration- though it's also worth noting that the book is just as critical of the Clinton Administration as of the current one.
Personally, I don't see that it would be all that hard to figure out who this guy is. And whoever he is, he needs to be fired. Now.
Gasp! The New York Times?
Fox News and- gasp!- the New York Times are reporting that captured Iraqi documents prove meetings between Iraqi intelligence and Osama bin Laden in the mid-ninties. The memoranda document an agreement between al Quaeda and Saddam Hussein to work together against "foreign elements" operating out of the Arabian peninsula.
According to the documents, it was bin Laden who initiated the meetings. The papers recommend that the "relationship" (the word is specifically used) be allowed to develop through continued discussion and negotiation.
According to the documents, it was bin Laden who initiated the meetings. The papers recommend that the "relationship" (the word is specifically used) be allowed to develop through continued discussion and negotiation.
From one sicko to another...
Great Luther quote from the Sick Soul: "The Saints. . .are like sick men under the care of a physician...They are people for whom the worst possible thing is the presumption that they are healthy."
The New Revised Wicked Bible
Brown Hound holds forth on the bizarre new version of the Bible being promoted by the Archbishop of Canturbury.
Hey. Why not? The ECUSA, the PCUSA, the United Methodists, the ELCA, the UCC and the other liberal churches have been teaching the exact opposite of Scripture on many issues for years. Why not save a step, and just change the Bible to say what they want it to say?
During the reign of Charles I, a Bible printer was once fined for accidentally omitting the "nots" from the Ten Commandments, resulting in an edition remembered in history as "the Wicked Bible." Who would have imagined that one day Lambeth would endorse the concept?
Hey. Why not? The ECUSA, the PCUSA, the United Methodists, the ELCA, the UCC and the other liberal churches have been teaching the exact opposite of Scripture on many issues for years. Why not save a step, and just change the Bible to say what they want it to say?
During the reign of Charles I, a Bible printer was once fined for accidentally omitting the "nots" from the Ten Commandments, resulting in an edition remembered in history as "the Wicked Bible." Who would have imagined that one day Lambeth would endorse the concept?
The South Koreans have changed their minds
According to The Ramblings and Musings of Edward Yee, the murder of Kim Sun-il has turned South Korean public opinion on its head- from overwhelmingly opposed to sending the troops the bad guys killed Kim to keep out, to overwhelmingly opposed to letting the bad guys live.
One comment seems to sum up popular opinion over there in the wake of Kim's death: "If South Korea cannot fight terrorism, we are not a civilized country."
One comment seems to sum up popular opinion over there in the wake of Kim's death: "If South Korea cannot fight terrorism, we are not a civilized country."
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Teaching common sense to the Haters
It would be hard to imagine a better way for a President to have handled the moment when he received the awful news on 9/11 than the way President Bush in fact handled it. Rushing from the classroom would in no way have enabled him to deal with the situation any better; exposing himself to the possibilty of death by airliner by returning to the White House would have been the act of a fool. Instead, his quiet, calm determination as he finished reading that story to those kids, and his self-possession at a moment of dire crisis, comforted and inspired the whole nation.
Not surprisingly, the Haters (Michael Moore included) fault him for this. But now, Gwendolyn Tose'-Rigell. the principal of the school in question, has shared her take on the President's behavior that day with us.
Not surprisingly, the Haters (Michael Moore included) fault him for this. But now, Gwendolyn Tose'-Rigell. the principal of the school in question, has shared her take on the President's behavior that day with us.
June 30: a bad day for bomb throwers
The Federal Elections Commission may well- and quite properly- ban TV ads for Michael Moore's Fahrenheit 9/11 travesty after June 30.
I feel about this about the way I feel about Saddam Hussein complaining about the conditions of his imprisonment.
I feel about this about the way I feel about Saddam Hussein complaining about the conditions of his imprisonment.
Gore flips out again!
Ignoring massive evidence of pre-9/11 links between Saddam Hussein and al Quaeda- including those expressly acknowledged by the 9/11 Commission- former Vice-President Al Gore has launched another bizarre, over-the-top attack on President Bush today, accusing the President of lying both about the existence of those established links and about the weapons of mass destruction of which Gore himself once attacked the President's father for not depriving Saddam.
Gore completely mischaracterized the findings of the Commission, which agreed with the Administration that there were many pre-9/11 links between Saddam and al Quaeda, concluding only that there was no convincing evidence that they collaborated on the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon . The Administration, of course, has never said that they did. Rather than lying about that point (as many Kerry supporters and members of the media have done), Gore accused the President of deliberately deceiving the public by mentioning Saddam and Osama bin Laden in the same breath!
Dick Morris, who was just on The O'Reilly Factor, believes that Gore will serve the "attack dog" role normally assigned the Vice-Presidential candidate, while the actual nominee for the job, Sen. John Edwards, plays the statesman. Still,as I've said before, it's sad to see a man who has spent his life in service to his country destroy himself in public.
Gore completely mischaracterized the findings of the Commission, which agreed with the Administration that there were many pre-9/11 links between Saddam and al Quaeda, concluding only that there was no convincing evidence that they collaborated on the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon . The Administration, of course, has never said that they did. Rather than lying about that point (as many Kerry supporters and members of the media have done), Gore accused the President of deliberately deceiving the public by mentioning Saddam and Osama bin Laden in the same breath!
Dick Morris, who was just on The O'Reilly Factor, believes that Gore will serve the "attack dog" role normally assigned the Vice-Presidential candidate, while the actual nominee for the job, Sen. John Edwards, plays the statesman. Still,as I've said before, it's sad to see a man who has spent his life in service to his country destroy himself in public.
Death toll in 'Iraqi Tet' passes 100
More than 100 people have been killed, and about 320 wounded, in the nation-wide terrorist offensive in Iraq today.
Three Americans have been killed, and at least 12 wounded.
Three Americans have been killed, and at least 12 wounded.
If only Tom Clancy could re-write this story...
Jack Ryan, Republican candidate from the U.S. Senate from Illinois, already was far behind Democrat Barrack Obama. Now, though, unsealed papers from Ryan's divorce from actress Jeri Ryan (aka 'Seven of Nine') may have eliminated any chance of his catching up. Ryan had told Illinois GOP leaders that the papers contained nothing his candidacy couldn't survive. Now, those leaders are accusing Ryan of having misled them as to the potential damage his dirty laundry could do his candidacy.
At this point, only the unlikely substitution of immensely popular former Governor Jim Edgar for Ryan seems likely to even make this race competitive. A pity, too; what looked like a matchup between two strong, articulate candidates capable of an exemplary debate on the issues of the day has degenerated into a dirty joke.
At this point, only the unlikely substitution of immensely popular former Governor Jim Edgar for Ryan seems likely to even make this race competitive. A pity, too; what looked like a matchup between two strong, articulate candidates capable of an exemplary debate on the issues of the day has degenerated into a dirty joke.
Saddam must have been taking whining lessons from John Kerry!
Saddam Hussein says that the conditions he has to put up with in American custody are inhumane.
Poor baby!
Poor baby!
Earth to liberals! America isn't to blame for the Islamic crazies
Stanley Crouch quite correctly points out that, no matter what the naive and the foolish might say, militant Islamic terrorism is not the result of American policy. Nor will a change in policy make the slightest difference.
69 killed, 270 wounded in terror attacks
The terrorist offensive in Iraq this morning has killed 69 people- three of them Americans- and wounded 270 others,
Iran moderates win; British sailors and Marines freed
Democrats Give Conservatives Indigestion reports that Iran has released those British sailors and Marines captured on the Shat al Arab the other day.
This very likely means that the moderates have won a power struggle over the fate of the Brits with the hard-liners. It's good news for reasons that go far beyond the safety of a few men, as welcome as that is in itself.
This very likely means that the moderates have won a power struggle over the fate of the Brits with the hard-liners. It's good news for reasons that go far beyond the safety of a few men, as welcome as that is in itself.
Sudan gives the U.N. another opportunity for inaction
Remember Rwanda? It's happening again in the Sudan. Senators John McCain and Mike DeWine point out that it's time for the United Nations to do something about it.
Fat chance.
Fat chance.
Massive attacks underway in Iraq
Fox News reports that the bad guys are staging a major series of attacks all over Iraq today. Three Americans have been killed, though apparently Iraqi security forces are the main target. With the handover of sovereignty approaching, al Quaeda and the other groups working against the new government are apparently escalating their efforts to disrupt the process.
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Is freedom to attend church of Vladimir Putin's choice
As True Pravda points out, when it comes to freedom of religion, Russia is still a bit unclear on the concept.
Three cheers for Bryan Henderson!
Thanks to Florida Cracker for this wonderful story.
As long as we're producing young men and women like Bryan Henderson, the cause of freedom and common sense will survive.
I'm going to send Principal Browning an e-mail at tdbrowni@access.k12.wv.us (BlogSpot won't allow a email link; one can be found on this page, or you can copy and paste the address as it appears above) supporting Bryan's right to free speech and opposing the indoctrination of students with unanswered propaganda from the Far Left. I encourage you do do the same!
As long as we're producing young men and women like Bryan Henderson, the cause of freedom and common sense will survive.
I'm going to send Principal Browning an e-mail at tdbrowni@access.k12.wv.us (BlogSpot won't allow a email link; one can be found on this page, or you can copy and paste the address as it appears above) supporting Bryan's right to free speech and opposing the indoctrination of students with unanswered propaganda from the Far Left. I encourage you do do the same!
St. Kim Sun-il
Not that this makes his death more or less tragic, but it seems that South Korean beheading victim Kim Sun-il was a devout Christian whose ambition was to be a missionary to the Arabs.
Pastor James Wetzstein, who draws the lectionary cartoon Agnus Day, provided the link. Pr. Wetzstein remarks, "Everybody loves the martyrs, but nobody wants to be one."
Technically, Sun didn't die for the Faith, so he doesn't quite qualify as a martyr- unless, perhaps, he volunteered for his translator job in preparation for his ministry. But nonetheless, my mind is drawn to Martin Luther's first hymn, originally written to commemorate the martyrdom of the first martyrs of the Reformation. One verse goes like this:
The Father has received
Their latest living breath-
And vain is Satan's boast of triumph
At their death!
Still, still, though dead, they speak,
And, trumpet-tongued, proclaim
To many an awakening land
The one availing Name.
Pastor James Wetzstein, who draws the lectionary cartoon Agnus Day, provided the link. Pr. Wetzstein remarks, "Everybody loves the martyrs, but nobody wants to be one."
Technically, Sun didn't die for the Faith, so he doesn't quite qualify as a martyr- unless, perhaps, he volunteered for his translator job in preparation for his ministry. But nonetheless, my mind is drawn to Martin Luther's first hymn, originally written to commemorate the martyrdom of the first martyrs of the Reformation. One verse goes like this:
The Father has received
Their latest living breath-
And vain is Satan's boast of triumph
At their death!
Still, still, though dead, they speak,
And, trumpet-tongued, proclaim
To many an awakening land
The one availing Name.
U.S. drops demand for kangaroo court exemption
Facing overwhelming opposition from other U.N. members, the United States has decided to drop its demand for another one-year exemption from potential prosecution for American soldiers before the International Criminal Court.
The U.S. said, however, that it would review future American participation in peace-keeping forces.
It's unclear whether the Bush Administration has simply changed tactics, choosing to boycott U.N. operations for which American forces might be desired, or caving in on the principle of American liability before courts lacking the protections of defendant rights available under the United States Constitution. In any case, it seems clear that American liability before the court would be a major compromise of our national sovereignty, and may be in conflict with the Constitution itself.
The U.S. said, however, that it would review future American participation in peace-keeping forces.
It's unclear whether the Bush Administration has simply changed tactics, choosing to boycott U.N. operations for which American forces might be desired, or caving in on the principle of American liability before courts lacking the protections of defendant rights available under the United States Constitution. In any case, it seems clear that American liability before the court would be a major compromise of our national sovereignty, and may be in conflict with the Constitution itself.
Wictory Wednesday, June 23
It's Wictory Wednesday again, and Democratic pollster John Zogby reports that, as of now, President Bush would be re-elected. This is significant, since Zogby has previously stated that this is John Kerry's election to lose.
This is certainly good news, but there are rough times ahead. Kerry can be expected to re-capture the lead when the Democratic National Convention opens in Boston in a few weeks. It's going to be a long, hard fight.
Now is the time to volunteer for and/or contribute to the Bush Campaign. The latter is particularly urgent, because once the Republican National Convention is held August 29- September 9 in New York, individuals will no longer be allowed under the Campaign Finance Act to contribute.
Now is the time to act!
This is certainly good news, but there are rough times ahead. Kerry can be expected to re-capture the lead when the Democratic National Convention opens in Boston in a few weeks. It's going to be a long, hard fight.
Now is the time to volunteer for and/or contribute to the Bush Campaign. The latter is particularly urgent, because once the Republican National Convention is held August 29- September 9 in New York, individuals will no longer be allowed under the Campaign Finance Act to contribute.
Now is the time to act!
See this blank page?
This one here, on CNN's site.
Well, Instapundit can fill in some of the blanks from the February 13, 1999 article for you.
But Blogs for Bush, which points to that entry, has even more from the same piece:
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Osama bin Laden, the Saudi millionaire accused by the United States of plotting bomb attacks on two U.S. embassies in Africa, has left Afghanistan, Afghan sources said Saturday.
Bin Laden's whereabouts were not known, said the sources who declined to be identified. ...
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has offered asylum to bin Laden, who openly supports Iraq against the Western powers.
Moreover, both quote- of all sources!- The Guardian as reporting during the same period:
Saddam Hussein's regime has opened talks with Osama bin Laden, bringing closer the threat of a terrorist attack using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, according to US intelligence sources and Iraqi opposition officials.
The key meeting took place in the Afghan mountains near Kandahar in late December. The Iraqi delegation was led by Farouk Hijazi, Baghdad's ambassador in Turkey and one of Saddam's most powerful secret policemen, who is thought to have offered Bin Laden asylum in Iraq.
The U.S. officials in question, of course, were appointed by a gentleman named Clinton, George W. Bush being at the time Governor of Texas.
Any questions, liberal media?
I have one: Why, CNN, is that page blank?
Well, Instapundit can fill in some of the blanks from the February 13, 1999 article for you.
But Blogs for Bush, which points to that entry, has even more from the same piece:
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- Osama bin Laden, the Saudi millionaire accused by the United States of plotting bomb attacks on two U.S. embassies in Africa, has left Afghanistan, Afghan sources said Saturday.
Bin Laden's whereabouts were not known, said the sources who declined to be identified. ...
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has offered asylum to bin Laden, who openly supports Iraq against the Western powers.
Moreover, both quote- of all sources!- The Guardian as reporting during the same period:
Saddam Hussein's regime has opened talks with Osama bin Laden, bringing closer the threat of a terrorist attack using chemical, biological or nuclear weapons, according to US intelligence sources and Iraqi opposition officials.
The key meeting took place in the Afghan mountains near Kandahar in late December. The Iraqi delegation was led by Farouk Hijazi, Baghdad's ambassador in Turkey and one of Saddam's most powerful secret policemen, who is thought to have offered Bin Laden asylum in Iraq.
The U.S. officials in question, of course, were appointed by a gentleman named Clinton, George W. Bush being at the time Governor of Texas.
Any questions, liberal media?
I have one: Why, CNN, is that page blank?
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Zogby says Bush has pulled ahead in the Electoral Vote
The Zogby Poll is the most accurate of them all. The Zogby Interactive Poll, however, is not.
Nevertheless, it is encouraging that that poll- operated by a man who has already called the election "Kerry's race to lose-" currently says that if the election were held today, President Bush would win it.
Nevertheless, it is encouraging that that poll- operated by a man who has already called the election "Kerry's race to lose-" currently says that if the election were held today, President Bush would win it.
What do John Kerry and tachyons have in common?
Alpha Patriot is one of many blogs that carry Chris Muir's Day by Day- which today offers the apt comparison between Democrats (especially John Kerry) and quantum particles. Both, you see, are capable of occupying multiple positions at the same time.
I'm honored!
I was browsing my favorite blogs tonight and found that one them, Mark A. Kilmer's Political Annotation, has linked to me. Given the quality of Mark's blog and his reputation on the Right side of the blogosphere, I am, needless to say, honored.
Cubs 5, Cardinals 4
HUZZAH!
This is, of course, an outcome to bring joy to the heart of any Cub fan. But since I served three and a half years down in St. Louis (actually Webster Groves) in my first parish, I especially enjoy it when my hereditary baseball team beats the Ruddy Birds.
One game out of first, now. Goat or no goat, destiny calls us to glory this year!
Cubs over the Red Sox in seven games!
If the Left got its wish, the world would go to hell in a handbasket
Fascinating article on how America's global hegemony keeps civilization from collapsing.
It needs to be translated into French and Arabic.
It needs to be translated into French and Arabic.
Michael Moore becomes a parody of himself!
Slobokan's Site of Schtuff reports that Michael Moore has accepted Hezbollah's offer of support for Fahrenheit 9/11- and you'll just love the courageous, principled reason for the decision!
Meanwhile, in Afghanistan...
Knowledge is Power reports that the Afghan army reacts somewhat more vigorously to Islamofanatic beheadings than we have heretofore.
I guess they haven't heard of Abu Ghraib.
I guess they haven't heard of Abu Ghraib.
South Korea confirms beheading
The South Korean government has confirmed the Islamoslime beheading of Kim Sun-il.
The re-election rolls on
John Podhoretz of the New York Post weighs President Bush's re-election prospects at this point, and finds them not at all wanting.
Al Jazreea reports South Korean hostage beheaded
Al Jazreea, the CNN of the Middle East, reports that the Islamoanimals have beheaded South Korean hostage Kim Sun-il, despite a promise to extend their deadline for South Korea to change its mind about sending more troops to Iraq.
Hitchens says, "No Moore"
Christopher Hitchens- who, unlike Michael Moore, both knows what the hell he's talking about and cares about the truth- herein savages Moore, Fahrenheit 9/11, and the silliness, dishonesty and hypocrisy of the anti-war movement generally.
I don't know what "There they go again" is in Farsi
The Iranians are going to prosecute the British sailors who supposedly strayed onto the wrong side of the Shat al Arab the other day.
Joe Scarborough is NOT full of it
Fortunately, Joe Scarborough, also of MSNBC, sees the point Abrams does not.
Mr. Abrams is full of it
The Abrams Report on MSNBC- incredibly- is accusing the Administration of Clintonesque "talking like lawyers" for insisting on the distinction between not having positive proof of Saddam Hussein's collaboration in al Quaeda's attacks on the U.S. and denying the well-established and long-standing relationship between the two.
Let me spell it out for you, Mr. Abrams. It's simply that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence where such collaboration is concerned- especially when, by the nature of the case, direct evidence would be hard to come by.
The 9/11 Commission said that it saw no clear evidence of collaboration. The problem is that, by the nature of the case, we really have no way of knowing whether they collaborted or not-and so it's absurd to draw definitive conclusions either way.
The Commission overstepped the facts when it jumped to the unsupportable conclusion that the long relationship between Saddam and al Quaeda bore no fruit. Worse, the liberal media-including Abrams- are trying to spin the Commission's words into a denial of the long-standing relationship it in fact acknowledged. And that is hardly a "lawyerly" distinction. Rather, it is- in the most direct and non-lawyerly sense of the word- a lie.
Let me spell it out for you, Mr. Abrams. It's simply that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence where such collaboration is concerned- especially when, by the nature of the case, direct evidence would be hard to come by.
The 9/11 Commission said that it saw no clear evidence of collaboration. The problem is that, by the nature of the case, we really have no way of knowing whether they collaborted or not-and so it's absurd to draw definitive conclusions either way.
The Commission overstepped the facts when it jumped to the unsupportable conclusion that the long relationship between Saddam and al Quaeda bore no fruit. Worse, the liberal media-including Abrams- are trying to spin the Commission's words into a denial of the long-standing relationship it in fact acknowledged. And that is hardly a "lawyerly" distinction. Rather, it is- in the most direct and non-lawyerly sense of the word- a lie.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Finally! Here's the "New evidence on Iraq-Al-Qaida"
It's nothing more or less than what was in Hayes' book. In fact, it's nothing you couldn't have learned from either of the reviews of that book cited in the previous post.
This is news?
Well, I've been trying off and on all day to link to the story about Reagan Administration Navy Secretary John Lehman's "revelation" about Ahmed Hikmat Shakir, the Lieutenant Colonel in the Fedayeen Saddam who was a high-ranking member of al Quaeda. It's nothing new, of course; it's the substance of Stephen F. Hayes' book- which isn't even a new book anymore. It's been the subject of discussion among the President's supporters literally for weeks, and has been cited over and over in debates with liberals.
Its name,of course, is The Connection : How al Qaeda's Collaboration with Saddam Hussein Has Endangered America, and it was reviewed by Hayes' own Weekly Standard and by The Wall Street Journal (among others) fully a month ago. I even mentioned it in this blog. But it seems to be enough of a sensation that it's hard to get through to the UPI story. I can't wait to find out who is amazed.
The point, in any case, is that it isn't news- and if the 9/11 Commission acts as if it were, that would be enough to turn that partisan travesty into an outright laughing-stock.
Its name,of course, is The Connection : How al Qaeda's Collaboration with Saddam Hussein Has Endangered America, and it was reviewed by Hayes' own Weekly Standard and by The Wall Street Journal (among others) fully a month ago. I even mentioned it in this blog. But it seems to be enough of a sensation that it's hard to get through to the UPI story. I can't wait to find out who is amazed.
The point, in any case, is that it isn't news- and if the 9/11 Commission acts as if it were, that would be enough to turn that partisan travesty into an outright laughing-stock.
Poor John!
The rhetoric is admittedly over the top (of course, you could count the number of times on the fingers of one thumb that most members of the Party of Hate would say as much about, for instance, Michael Moore's rhetoric about the President) but this ad really makes the point I've been making for months.
Once again: What's the difference between Ernest and Julio Gallo and John Kerry? The Gallos will sell no wine before its time, while Kerry will whine at pretty much any time.
All you have to do is to ask him to be accountable for his own record.
Once again: What's the difference between Ernest and Julio Gallo and John Kerry? The Gallos will sell no wine before its time, while Kerry will whine at pretty much any time.
All you have to do is to ask him to be accountable for his own record.
Non-citizen voting in San Francisco?
Drudge carries a UPI story reporting that San Francisco is considering allowing non-citizens- including illegal aliens- to vote in school board elections.
LÃ ils vont encore ! (There they go again!)
Hat-tip to Blogs for Bush for this link to a British site reporting that the French- who have been accused in the Food for Oil scandal of accepting huge bribes to help keep Saddam Hussein in power- have now been accused of accepting bribes from Iran to crack down on Iranian exiles living in France.
Himmler would be proud
Former President Bill Clinton is still pretending that he was impeached for having an affair with intern Monica Lewinski, rather than for lying under oath.
Repeating that secondary lie over and over again was the chief strategy of his defenders- and it worked.
I'm reminded of the apparent strategy of partisan 9/11 Commission member Richard Ben-Veniste and much of the liberal media with regard to the mischaracterization of the Commission's preliminary findings as saying that there were no lies between Saddam Hussein and al Quaeda, as opposed to what the Commission actually said- that it found no compelling evidence that Saddam was in on the planning of 9/11 and other such al Quaeda attacks. It's essentially the strategy Heinrich Himmler endorsed when he pointed out that if you simply repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it.
Repeating that secondary lie over and over again was the chief strategy of his defenders- and it worked.
I'm reminded of the apparent strategy of partisan 9/11 Commission member Richard Ben-Veniste and much of the liberal media with regard to the mischaracterization of the Commission's preliminary findings as saying that there were no lies between Saddam Hussein and al Quaeda, as opposed to what the Commission actually said- that it found no compelling evidence that Saddam was in on the planning of 9/11 and other such al Quaeda attacks. It's essentially the strategy Heinrich Himmler endorsed when he pointed out that if you simply repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it.
A new era in space flight
61 year-old Mike Melvill, pilot of the world's first privately-funded space vehicle, SpaceShipOne, has returned safely to Earth after earning his astronaut's wings with a 62-mile flight into space.
Space flight is no longer the preserve of government- and in the future, the market rather than our political will as a nation will be driving the exploration of space.
Space flight is no longer the preserve of government- and in the future, the market rather than our political will as a nation will be driving the exploration of space.
Where science is concerned, Kerry finds fault with ethics
M.Jean Kerry says that President Bush slights the pursuit of scientific truth in favor of ideology.
No he doesn't, Senator. He slights an amoral approach to science in favor of an ethical one.
No he doesn't, Senator. He slights an amoral approach to science in favor of an ethical one.
P.J. O'Rourke on the War on Terror
P.J. O'Rourke- plugging his new book (misleadingly entitled America's Fun New Imperialism) on Fox News- tells of being held at gunpoint by a screaming Hezbollah teenager somewhere in the Middle East years ago who went on and on about the evils of the Great Satan, the United States- before finishing by saying, "...and as soon as I get my green card, I'm going to Dearborn, Michigan to study dentistry."
O'Rourke also suggests that France is "the butt end of the moral compass," reliably keeping us informed- whether it be by collaboration with the Nazis, accomodationism with the Communists, or wishy-washiness in the War on Terror- of what the morally correct posture would be for us to take.
All we have to do to be certain of being in the right is to carefully study what the French do- and do the exact opposite.
O'Rourke also suggests that France is "the butt end of the moral compass," reliably keeping us informed- whether it be by collaboration with the Nazis, accomodationism with the Communists, or wishy-washiness in the War on Terror- of what the morally correct posture would be for us to take.
All we have to do to be certain of being in the right is to carefully study what the French do- and do the exact opposite.
Supreme Court Partially Teflonizes HMO's
Fox News reports that the U.S. Supreme Court has just unanimously ruled that HMO's cannot be sued in state courts when they refuse to pay for necessary treatments duly prescribed by a patient's doctor. Such lawsuits must be filed in Federal courts instead.
Has al Quaeda infiltrated the Saudi security forces?
Al Quaeda claims that it had help from Saudi security forces in the kidnapping and murder of Paul Johnson.
Johnson's kidnappers supposedly wore Saudi uniforms, and stopped their victim at a phony roadblock. Obvious question: if this is true, why would al Queda tell us about it? Wouldn't that draw the wrong kind of attention to what otherwise would be a major advantage?
Johnson's kidnappers supposedly wore Saudi uniforms, and stopped their victim at a phony roadblock. Obvious question: if this is true, why would al Queda tell us about it? Wouldn't that draw the wrong kind of attention to what otherwise would be a major advantage?
Time to fight back
Morton Kondracke- Fox News commentator and prominent moderate- discusses the obvious bias of the press against the Bush Administration, and how the Administration needs to fight back both on the media's disingenuous misrepresentations of the 9/11 Commission's preliminary findings, and the shortcomings of the findings themselves.
Sunday, June 20, 2004
A disclaimer
I want to make it clear, incidentally, that I thoroughly reject the Donatistic commentary found on the page with the pictures referred to in the previous post. Even eucharistic piety can be carried too far if it goes farther than Christ does. And naturally, I would charge the author of that page with errors as serious as he attributes to others in his sacramental theology (in fact, I think I just did!)- as well, no doubt, as in other areas.
In any event, the hands of priests, too, handle mundane objects; the hands of the laity, no less than the clergy, are made holy by their common baptism- and the tongues of both are normally housed in the human mouth, not the cleanest of tabernacles even among those who brush twice a day, and floss regularly.
Still, nowhere is it recorded that our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night on which he was betrayed, took an oatmeal-raisin cookie...
In any event, the hands of priests, too, handle mundane objects; the hands of the laity, no less than the clergy, are made holy by their common baptism- and the tongues of both are normally housed in the human mouth, not the cleanest of tabernacles even among those who brush twice a day, and floss regularly.
Still, nowhere is it recorded that our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night on which he was betrayed, took an oatmeal-raisin cookie...
The unholy sacrilege of the mess
St. Stephen's Musings "offers" us this bizarre assortment of travesties on the Catholic Mass.
As a Lutheran, I'm all too aware of such nonsense. It seems odd that the denominations which retain the ancient liturgy (and, in the Lutheran case, the most glorious musical tradition in Christendom) feel compelled to resort to bad music whose words house worse theology sung while engaging in bizarre behavior instead- all in the name of attracting people hungering for spiritual nourishment.
What they get instead, of course, is spiritual junk food- sometimes involving literal, "consecrated" junk food!
As a Lutheran, I'm all too aware of such nonsense. It seems odd that the denominations which retain the ancient liturgy (and, in the Lutheran case, the most glorious musical tradition in Christendom) feel compelled to resort to bad music whose words house worse theology sung while engaging in bizarre behavior instead- all in the name of attracting people hungering for spiritual nourishment.
What they get instead, of course, is spiritual junk food- sometimes involving literal, "consecrated" junk food!
Two for one from Mark A. Kilmer
Mark A. Kilmer's Political Annotation not only explains why this blog was down most of the day- apparently it was a BlogSpot-wide problem also affecting his blog- but also has picked up on the $2,000 contribution the Kerry campaign has accepted from Chun Jae-youg, son of disgraced former South Korean President Chun Dooh-hwan.
The Kerry people say they will return the money.
The Kerry people say they will return the money.
June 21, 2004: a date your children will memorize in school
JohnLittle.org is providing extensive coverage of tomorrow's historic but under-reported sub-orbital voyage of SpaceShipOne, the first privately-financed manned mission into space.
In its own way, tomorrow may be as big a date in space history as the fight of Yuri Gagarin, or Neil Armstrong's "one small step" on the surface of the Moon.
In its own way, tomorrow may be as big a date in space history as the fight of Yuri Gagarin, or Neil Armstrong's "one small step" on the surface of the Moon.
Cubs 5, A's 3
They tried to blow it in the Ninth, but weren't quite up to it.
Bring on the Dirty Birds! CARDINALIDAE DELENDI SUNT!
There's no longer any doubt, folks.
A few days ago, the Harris Poll showed President Bush leading le Sénateur Kerry by ten points. The new Pew Research poll puts Mr. Bush up on Kerry by four. The average Bush lead in polls taken in the past week is 3.6 points. There is no longer any doubt that President Bush has recaptured the lead, and that things are now going his way.
Let's see you get out of this one, John
Zev Chaflets of the New York Daily News points out that where Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that Russian intelligence passed on warnings "on several occasions" that Saddam Hussein was planning terrorist attacks on the United States is concerned, John Kerry loses any way you look at it.
The paragraph the media ignore
The Daily Telegraph reminds us that despite the famous (though questionable) statement that there is "no convincing evidence" that al Quaeda and Saddam Hussein worked together on attacks against the United States," the preliminary 9/11 Commission Report contains the following damning paragraph:
". . . al-Qa'eda reached an understanding with the government of Iraq that al-Qa'eda would not work against that government and that on particular projects, specifically including weapons development, al-Qa'eda would work co-operatively with the Government of Iraq."
That fact alone, given the WMD's Saddam admitted to having and the programs he never verified that he had shut down, fully justifies the war in Iraq.
". . . al-Qa'eda reached an understanding with the government of Iraq that al-Qa'eda would not work against that government and that on particular projects, specifically including weapons development, al-Qa'eda would work co-operatively with the Government of Iraq."
That fact alone, given the WMD's Saddam admitted to having and the programs he never verified that he had shut down, fully justifies the war in Iraq.
Saturday, June 19, 2004
The Europeans still aren't our friends
Victor Davis Hanson of National Review is right: whatever John Kerry may hallucinate, whatever the pundits may say, and however they make occasional, superficially concilliatory noises, France and Germany are not now, nor will they in the foreseeable future be, America's friends.
The road ahead in Iraq
Ralph Peters has a point.
As the June 30 transfer of power looms, we need to be aware of a danger: the danger of power in the hands of those who have no experience in wielding it efficiently.
The new Iraqi government- quite rightly- will call the shots. But calling the shots is serious business, with serious consequences- and the fact is that we just don't know what's going to happen when the shots are called by those who have lived their lives under a dictatorship, and have no experience of democratic government. If the shots they call aren't compatible with the safety of our troops or our overall, strategic interests worldwide, we should not feel obligated to stay out our U.N. mandate.
Americans dying to give Iraqis- however ungrateful- a chance to govern themselves is one thing; Americans dying because of bureaucratic egos or ministerial stubbornness is quite another. The ingratitude of those who see us as occupiers rather than liberators is bad enough; our troops should not die because Iraqis are headstrong or incompetent, as well as ungrateful.
As the June 30 transfer of power looms, we need to be aware of a danger: the danger of power in the hands of those who have no experience in wielding it efficiently.
The new Iraqi government- quite rightly- will call the shots. But calling the shots is serious business, with serious consequences- and the fact is that we just don't know what's going to happen when the shots are called by those who have lived their lives under a dictatorship, and have no experience of democratic government. If the shots they call aren't compatible with the safety of our troops or our overall, strategic interests worldwide, we should not feel obligated to stay out our U.N. mandate.
Americans dying to give Iraqis- however ungrateful- a chance to govern themselves is one thing; Americans dying because of bureaucratic egos or ministerial stubbornness is quite another. The ingratitude of those who see us as occupiers rather than liberators is bad enough; our troops should not die because Iraqis are headstrong or incompetent, as well as ungrateful.
A Wrigley Field Custom
The Cubs came back in the bottom of the Ninth to defeat the Oakland A's 4-3 today.
There is an old tradition at Wrigley Field. Whenever a Cubs game ends, a flag is flown from the scoreboard for the benefit of commuters on their way home from work informing them of the result. If the Cubs have won, a white flag with a blue 'W' is flown; if they have lost, a blue flag with a white 'L' is displayed instead.
Well,
There is an old tradition at Wrigley Field. Whenever a Cubs game ends, a flag is flown from the scoreboard for the benefit of commuters on their way home from work informing them of the result. If the Cubs have won, a white flag with a blue 'W' is flown; if they have lost, a blue flag with a white 'L' is displayed instead.
Well,
Bishops condemn sin!
Thanks to Patriots for Bush for pointing out that yesterday, at long last, the U.S. Conference of (Catholic) Bishops officially condemned the "Cuomo dodge-" the idea that one's obligations as a Catholic Christian are met by being personally opposed to abortion, while favoring its continued legality on sociological or other secular grounds.
The Catholic News Service quotes the bishops as stating that Catholic politicians who act "consistently to support abortion on demand" risk "cooperating in evil and sinning against the common good," and that "those who formulate the law" are morally compelled "to work toward correcting morally defective laws."
"The killing of an unborn child is always intrinsically evil," the bishops stated. "To make such intrinsically evil actions legal is itself wrong."
Catholic politicians who availed themselves of "the Cuomo dodge-" including former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, who first articulated it in a famous speech at Notre Dame University, and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry- often do so on the ground of their oath to the Constitution, which the Supreme Court, in Roe v. Wade, has authoritatively (if incomprehensibly) ruled guarantees a right to abortion. None of them have never gotten around to explaining how that oath prevents them from working, while faithfully fulfilling that oath, to reverse Roe v. Wade, or alternatively to amend the Constitution- or how, having failed to do so, they can continue to claim to agree with their church's teaching on the subject even "privately."
Regrettably- and inconsistently- the bishops stopped short of mandating that pro-choice Catholic politicians be denied communion, leaving the matter to the consciences of the apostate Catholics in question and the policy of the local bishop. Still, this is a substantial step forward- and one which leaders of other churches- including Lutheran churches- which profess to take I Corinthians 11 seriously should reflect upon in considering how to deal with their own parishioners who publicly flaunt the biblical teaching to which the Christian church has, in the main, held fast ever since the time of the Apostles.
The Catholic News Service quotes the bishops as stating that Catholic politicians who act "consistently to support abortion on demand" risk "cooperating in evil and sinning against the common good," and that "those who formulate the law" are morally compelled "to work toward correcting morally defective laws."
"The killing of an unborn child is always intrinsically evil," the bishops stated. "To make such intrinsically evil actions legal is itself wrong."
Catholic politicians who availed themselves of "the Cuomo dodge-" including former New York Governor Mario Cuomo, who first articulated it in a famous speech at Notre Dame University, and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry- often do so on the ground of their oath to the Constitution, which the Supreme Court, in Roe v. Wade, has authoritatively (if incomprehensibly) ruled guarantees a right to abortion. None of them have never gotten around to explaining how that oath prevents them from working, while faithfully fulfilling that oath, to reverse Roe v. Wade, or alternatively to amend the Constitution- or how, having failed to do so, they can continue to claim to agree with their church's teaching on the subject even "privately."
Regrettably- and inconsistently- the bishops stopped short of mandating that pro-choice Catholic politicians be denied communion, leaving the matter to the consciences of the apostate Catholics in question and the policy of the local bishop. Still, this is a substantial step forward- and one which leaders of other churches- including Lutheran churches- which profess to take I Corinthians 11 seriously should reflect upon in considering how to deal with their own parishioners who publicly flaunt the biblical teaching to which the Christian church has, in the main, held fast ever since the time of the Apostles.
Saudis don't have Johnson's body after all
Saudi officials now say that they haven't found the body of Paul Johnson after all- an admission which throws obvious doubt on previous stories as to how they learned the whereabouts of his killers.
A sensible view on embryonic stem cell research
Joseph Perkins sifts through the nonsense being spread by many- including Nancy Reagan- on embryonic stem cell research.
The Saudis now say four
The Saudis now say that they have killed four of the murderers of American Paul Johnson: Abdul Aziz al Muqrin and three members of the al Quaeda cell he headed.
Friday, June 18, 2004
Witness to dumping of Johnson's body identified al Muqrin's car
Bill Gertz of the Washington Times, interviewed on Fox News, reports that the ringleader of Paul Johnson's murderers, Abdul Aziz al Muqrin, was located by Saudi forces due to a tip from a witness who saw Johnson's body being dumped, apparently by al Muqrin, from his car. A car chase and siege followed, ending in the deaths of al Muqrin, two other al Quaeda members high on the Saudi wanted list, and one Saudi policeman.
Bevan sets Greeley straight!
Tom Bevan of Real Clear Politics does an excellent job of exposing the partisanship and hypocrisy of Father Andrew Greeley's outrageous attack on President Bush last week.
The President leads...in more ways than one!
President Bush continues to lead in the most recent polls- and the new Harris Poll has him leading M. Kerry by ten points in a three-way race!
My guess is that you won't be reading as much about that Harris Poll as you did about the L.A. Times Poll last week!
My guess is that you won't be reading as much about that Harris Poll as you did about the L.A. Times Poll last week!
Correction: They got SOME of them
The Associated Press reports that two al Quaeda members escaped when Abdul Aziz al Muqrin, believed to be the ringleader of the group that kidnapped and murdered American engineer Paul Johnson, was killed by Saudi forces along with two fellow-terrorists earlier this afternoon.
AP: al Muqrin killed "shortly after" body found
The Associated Press is reporting that Abdul Aziz al Muqrin and his associates were killed in "a raid" in downtown Ri'yad, conducted "shortly after" the discovery of Paul Johnson's body.
U.S., al Arabiya confirm al Muqrin's death
Islamic satellite network al Arabiya and American government sources are confirming that Abdul Aziz al Muqrin, believed to be the man in the black hood brandishing an automatic weapon in the al Quaeda videos and pictures surrounding the murder of American engineer Paul Johnson and the leader of the al Quaeda cell that beheaded Johnson, has been killed by Saudi forces.
So far only Reuters has reported that al Muqrin and two others were killed while actually disposing of Johnson's body.
So far only Reuters has reported that al Muqrin and two others were killed while actually disposing of Johnson's body.
IT'S EVEN BETTER NEWS! THE SAUDIS GOT THEM!
Reuters is reporting that al Muqrin and two others were killed by Saudi forces while disposing of Paul Johnson's body!
REUTERS REPORT: SAUDIS KILL JOHNSON RINGLEADER!
Fox News is passing along a report from Reuters that Abdul Aziz al Muqrin, the head of al Quaeda in Saudi Arabia and the suspected leader of those who beheaded Paul Johnson, has been killed by Saudi forces, presumably in the Ri'yad firefight mentioned earlier by the Saudi government!
Striking back against the monsters
I've spent the last couple of hours scanning blogs I consider worthwhile for reaction to the Johnson murder. Just about everyone has a post about it- and naturally, the emotion is the same everywhere. The rage we all feel is expressing itself in an understandable desire to pave Saudi Arabia, the Sunni Triangle, and the entire Middle East. There is an upswing in ethnic slurs toward Arabs among bloggers too bright to be indulging in them.
I share the outrage. I also share the frustration of my fellow Americans with the double game the Saudis have played where al Quaeda is concerned. Wahabi extremism and hatred toward the United States is preached and taught with impunity in a nation which claims to be our friend, and which is hardly under the kind of constraints with respect to dissenting viewpoints we who live in democracies must deal with.
Right now the signals from Ri'yad are mixed. On one hand, there are well-founded fears of the support al Queda has in Saudi Arabia- in no small measure due to the Royal Family's coddling of Wahabi extremism and popular anti-Americanism all these years. On the other hand, there are also reports that the Saudi government is furious, and will be coming down on the al Quaeda cell in question like the proverbial ton of bricks in the next few days. In fact, the Saudi embassy has just announced that a fire-fight is underway in the streets of Ri'yad right now with a group of terrorists who may have been involved in the Johnson murder.
One thing is clear: this is a watershed moment in the relations between the United States and the Kingdom. We will now find out whether the Saudi Royal Family are indeed our friends. Al Quaeda has not only made Saudi Arabia a new battleground, but in the recent past has actually targeted Saudi royals. The courage and resolution- as well as the capacity for survival- of the House of Saud is now being tested.
But what can we do about that rage? Our brains tell us that paving Saudi or the Sunni Triangle isn't the answer, and the fury that wants to lash out at Arabs generally is beneath us.
I think we have a target. As much as the Democrats howl when somebody suggests this, we all know that Osama bin Laden, al Quaeda, and their ilk want George W. Bush defeated, for the same reason the Ayatollah Khomeini wanted Jimmy Carter defeated. It is not to question John Kerry's patriotism (though it certainly is to question how a person who shares our outrage could possibly vote for him, given his wishy-washy record on matters of national security) when I say that he is the candidate the terrorists want to win.
We can work to see that they don't get their wish.
We can strike a decisive blow against these monsters by re-electing the one man in the world who symbolizes resistance to them: President Bush.
Let's each make a few more phone calls, ring a few more doorbells, or contribute a few more bucks. We may not be able to strike back any more directly, but each of us can do that much.
I share the outrage. I also share the frustration of my fellow Americans with the double game the Saudis have played where al Quaeda is concerned. Wahabi extremism and hatred toward the United States is preached and taught with impunity in a nation which claims to be our friend, and which is hardly under the kind of constraints with respect to dissenting viewpoints we who live in democracies must deal with.
Right now the signals from Ri'yad are mixed. On one hand, there are well-founded fears of the support al Queda has in Saudi Arabia- in no small measure due to the Royal Family's coddling of Wahabi extremism and popular anti-Americanism all these years. On the other hand, there are also reports that the Saudi government is furious, and will be coming down on the al Quaeda cell in question like the proverbial ton of bricks in the next few days. In fact, the Saudi embassy has just announced that a fire-fight is underway in the streets of Ri'yad right now with a group of terrorists who may have been involved in the Johnson murder.
One thing is clear: this is a watershed moment in the relations between the United States and the Kingdom. We will now find out whether the Saudi Royal Family are indeed our friends. Al Quaeda has not only made Saudi Arabia a new battleground, but in the recent past has actually targeted Saudi royals. The courage and resolution- as well as the capacity for survival- of the House of Saud is now being tested.
But what can we do about that rage? Our brains tell us that paving Saudi or the Sunni Triangle isn't the answer, and the fury that wants to lash out at Arabs generally is beneath us.
I think we have a target. As much as the Democrats howl when somebody suggests this, we all know that Osama bin Laden, al Quaeda, and their ilk want George W. Bush defeated, for the same reason the Ayatollah Khomeini wanted Jimmy Carter defeated. It is not to question John Kerry's patriotism (though it certainly is to question how a person who shares our outrage could possibly vote for him, given his wishy-washy record on matters of national security) when I say that he is the candidate the terrorists want to win.
We can work to see that they don't get their wish.
We can strike a decisive blow against these monsters by re-electing the one man in the world who symbolizes resistance to them: President Bush.
Let's each make a few more phone calls, ring a few more doorbells, or contribute a few more bucks. We may not be able to strike back any more directly, but each of us can do that much.
You do not negotiate with these people- AND YOU DO NOT LET THEM WIN.
Fox News reports that the animals have beheaded Paul Johnson.
Good for USA Today!
In the wake of the misrepresentation of the findings of the 9/11 Commission by the New York Times and other Leftist media, it's good to see USA Today correctly pointing out that in fact the report confirms that there were indeed well-established links between al Quaeda and Saddam Hussein, denying only that the Commission was able to establish Saddam's complicity specifically in 9/11.
Looks like this is one distortion the liberal media isn't going to get away with.
Looks like this is one distortion the liberal media isn't going to get away with.
Flip, flop, flip?
Meanwhile, le Sénateur Kerry has the nation confused once again as to whether or not he supports the war in Iraq. After talking for weeks as if he did, he is now accusing President Bush of having misled the world as to his reasons for going to war.
The criticism flies in the face of recent evidence that the war achieved the primary objective the President gave for it. UNMOVIC acting executive chairman Demetrius Perricos told the United Nations Security Council last week that Saddam smuggled large quantities of WMD components out of the country before, during and after major military operations last year.
Kerry's criticism, like the "Bush lied!" rhetoric so common on the extreme Left, mean-spiritedly attacks not only Mr. Bush's policies, but also his motivations, implying that the President deliberately sought to deceive the world. It ignores the fact that the Clinton Administration, as well as all of the other major powers, came to the same conclusions Mr. Bush did regarding Saddam's possession of WMD's- conclusions which the UNMOVIC report seems to indicate in fact had merit.
Two days ago Kerry said that the economy would be the exclusive focus of his campaign. But with economic statistics becoming stronger nearly day by day, Kerry apparently abandoned that plan, saying "my campaign is not about the loss of a few jobs," and attacking Mr. Bush's record on Iraq instead.
The criticism flies in the face of recent evidence that the war achieved the primary objective the President gave for it. UNMOVIC acting executive chairman Demetrius Perricos told the United Nations Security Council last week that Saddam smuggled large quantities of WMD components out of the country before, during and after major military operations last year.
Kerry's criticism, like the "Bush lied!" rhetoric so common on the extreme Left, mean-spiritedly attacks not only Mr. Bush's policies, but also his motivations, implying that the President deliberately sought to deceive the world. It ignores the fact that the Clinton Administration, as well as all of the other major powers, came to the same conclusions Mr. Bush did regarding Saddam's possession of WMD's- conclusions which the UNMOVIC report seems to indicate in fact had merit.
Two days ago Kerry said that the economy would be the exclusive focus of his campaign. But with economic statistics becoming stronger nearly day by day, Kerry apparently abandoned that plan, saying "my campaign is not about the loss of a few jobs," and attacking Mr. Bush's record on Iraq instead.
Thanks again, Vladimir!
First, Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin rebuked American Democrats for criticizing President Bush for going to war in Iraq without U.N. approval- pointing out that Bill Clinton had done the same thing in Kosovo.
Now, Putin has told the press that Russia gave the Bush administration intelligence information in the wake of 9/11 suggesting that Saddam Hussein was preparing terrorist attacks on the United States.
It will, once again, be fascinating to see how much coverage this obviously important story receives in the media.
My read: Putin- recognizing the strained state of relations between his country and the United States over Iraq- is betting on President Bush's re-election, and actively seeking to patch things over with Mr. Bush.
Now, Putin has told the press that Russia gave the Bush administration intelligence information in the wake of 9/11 suggesting that Saddam Hussein was preparing terrorist attacks on the United States.
It will, once again, be fascinating to see how much coverage this obviously important story receives in the media.
My read: Putin- recognizing the strained state of relations between his country and the United States over Iraq- is betting on President Bush's re-election, and actively seeking to patch things over with Mr. Bush.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Hezbollah luvs Michael Moore!
Bomb-throwers have to stick together, I guess. Michael Moore's fictional piece of slander, Fahrenheit 9/11, is receiving support from a source nearly as responsible in its politics as he is in his: Hezbollah.
Freud, projection, and Father Greeley
Having been away from Chicago, my home town, for many years, I've lost touch with some of the colorful characters who made life in the world's truly greatest city (sorry, New York) so interesting.
Father Andrew Greeley- novelist, spokesman for liberal Catholicism, and general gadfly- was always a guy I enjoyed hearing from, even when (as was quite frequently the case) I didn't agree with him. He is the only clergyman of any faith from whom I have ever stolen a sermon (a long story).
Regretfully, he's followed Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean and a goodly portion of the Democratic Party off the deep end and into the never-neverland of over-the-top, Michael Moore- type foaming-at-the-mouth raving about President Bush and the just and righteous war we're fighting in Iraq.
It's a shame, but after this, it's going to be hard ever to take Father Greeley seriously again.
"Projection," I believe Dr. Freud called the syndrome Fr. Greeley displays in his column: the attribution of one's own faults, weaknesses and shortcomings to those to whom one finds oneself in opposition.
No, Father. Neither America nor President Bush have "embraced the dark side." You have, by forgetting your sense of proportion, civility, and decorum- as well as the Eighth Commandment.
Father Andrew Greeley- novelist, spokesman for liberal Catholicism, and general gadfly- was always a guy I enjoyed hearing from, even when (as was quite frequently the case) I didn't agree with him. He is the only clergyman of any faith from whom I have ever stolen a sermon (a long story).
Regretfully, he's followed Al Gore, Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean and a goodly portion of the Democratic Party off the deep end and into the never-neverland of over-the-top, Michael Moore- type foaming-at-the-mouth raving about President Bush and the just and righteous war we're fighting in Iraq.
It's a shame, but after this, it's going to be hard ever to take Father Greeley seriously again.
"Projection," I believe Dr. Freud called the syndrome Fr. Greeley displays in his column: the attribution of one's own faults, weaknesses and shortcomings to those to whom one finds oneself in opposition.
No, Father. Neither America nor President Bush have "embraced the dark side." You have, by forgetting your sense of proportion, civility, and decorum- as well as the Eighth Commandment.
The 9/11 Commission shoots itself in the foot
Richard Miniter of the New York Post points out that with its illogical and naive conclusions regarding the relationship between al Quaeda and Saddam Hussein, the 9/ll Commission is on its way to becoming the Warren Commission of the new century- lacking all credibility, and contributing to, rather than settling, the very controversies it was appointed to resolve.
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
The Cubs thump the 'Stros- again!
And speaking of the Good Guys coming back, that's three in a row for the Cubs over the Astros, and five in a row over all.
Just wait 'til we're healthy!
Just wait 'til we're healthy!
President Bush regains the lead
I notice that President Bush has regained the lead over Le Sénateur Kerry in the most recent polls, and that Mr. Bush's approval rating in the same polls is now over fifty percent.
Perhaps a corner has been turned here.
Perhaps a corner has been turned here.
Are you sure this is satire?
Scrappleface satirically has le Sénateur Kerry protesting Republican Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's suggestion that, having missed nearly 90% of Senate votes this year, the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee might want to consider resigning from that body. Monsieur Kerry is quoted as arguing that he is just as effective a senator when he's not doing his job as when he is- a very admissible argument, it seems to me.
Keep Paul Johnson in your prayers
The deadline the Evildoers have set for Saudi Arabia to free al Quaeda prisoners draws closer. Pray that Saudi and American forces find Paul Johnson in time.
Wictory Wednesday, June 16
Once again, it's Wictory Wednesday- and once again, I'm late getting to my computer. Sigh.
The economy continues to improve; over one and a quarter million jobs have been added in the last quarter. Yet the polls show that the American people think we're still losing jobs. The media have put such a negative spin on the war in Iraq that people actually believe the "quagmire" nonsense. The partisan nature of the 9/11 Commission has resulted in the incredible conclusion, contrary to the evidence, that there was no connection between Saddam Hussein and al Quaeda. Seldom have things gone so well on so many fronts for any President, for which that President has received so little credit.
There is still time to turn this around- if we pull together. The word needs to get out.Volunteer and/or contribute to the campaign today.
This is an election we have to win!
The economy continues to improve; over one and a quarter million jobs have been added in the last quarter. Yet the polls show that the American people think we're still losing jobs. The media have put such a negative spin on the war in Iraq that people actually believe the "quagmire" nonsense. The partisan nature of the 9/11 Commission has resulted in the incredible conclusion, contrary to the evidence, that there was no connection between Saddam Hussein and al Quaeda. Seldom have things gone so well on so many fronts for any President, for which that President has received so little credit.
There is still time to turn this around- if we pull together. The word needs to get out.Volunteer and/or contribute to the campaign today.
This is an election we have to win!
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
The 95-year wait ends THIS OCTOBER!
Cubs 4, Astros 2!
Take my word for it, world....my Cubs are goin' ALL THE WAY this year!
Just WAIT until half the team gets off the DL!!!
Take my word for it, world....my Cubs are goin' ALL THE WAY this year!
Just WAIT until half the team gets off the DL!!!
Bad news for Kerry in Florida!
The 2000 Presidential election was even close in Florida only due to the heavy (though strictly illegal) felon vote for Al Gore. But now, steps are being taken to remove felons from the Florida voting rolls.
A major setback for the Kerry campaign!
A major setback for the Kerry campaign!
Sad news
Donald Houser-Richerme, the six year-old hero who jumped into a swimming pool to save a drowning five year-old girl even though he didn't know how to swim, died today.
I hope you'll join me in a prayer for the boy's parents. They have every reason to be very proud of their son.
I hope you'll join me in a prayer for the boy's parents. They have every reason to be very proud of their son.
Kerry vs. Greenspan
Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan was just on the news, painting a rosy picture of the economy for Congress on the day when Monsieur Kerry chose to begin what he promises will be a two week-long bad-mouthing of it. Sen. Jim Bunning even asked dryly whether Greenspan agreed with Kerry's characterization of the current economy, which is growing faster than any in twenty years, as "the worst since the Great Depression."
Greenspan simply smiled, and said that no, he did not.
Greenspan simply smiled, and said that no, he did not.
Over a million jobs, John! Over a million jobs!
Le Sénateur Kerry is back on the campaign trail, talking about how terrible the economy is. In fact, he says that he expects that to be the issue that decides the election.
I hope so, John. Oh, how I hope so!
I hope so, John. Oh, how I hope so!
Out-Francing France?
Fox News is reporting that Spain's Defense Minister, under severe criticism from the public and even his fellow members of the Cabinet for arranging for himself to be awarded a medal for presiding over Spain's retreat from Iraq, has returned it.
A good thing, too; otherwise Spain- already world-famous as an easy mark for blackmail- might replace France as a national metaphor for alacrity in surrender. Even the French don't award medals for running away!
A good thing, too; otherwise Spain- already world-famous as an easy mark for blackmail- might replace France as a national metaphor for alacrity in surrender. Even the French don't award medals for running away!
Now it's Gephardt
Captain's Quarters relays the information that anonymous sources in contact with the AFL-CIO tell US News and World Report that Dick Gephardt's selection as John Kerry's running-mate is a done deal.
Add Gephardt's name to those of Sen. John Edwards (Susan Estrich) and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (Robert Novak) as front-runners for the job.
Add Gephardt's name to those of Sen. John Edwards (Susan Estrich) and Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (Robert Novak) as front-runners for the job.
The White House Press Corps strikes again
I just watched President Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai swelter in 90 degree heat in the Rose Garden, answering questions which mostly had little to do with Afghanistan- and everything to do with the determination of the White House Press Corps to make Mr. Bush's policy in Iraq look as bad as possible.
Those weren't questions. Those were debating points with question marks after them.
The debates the reporters tried to get into with the President over the connection between al Quaeda and Saddam and the reactions of bystanders witnessing terrorist attacks and their implications for the attitude of the average Iraqi toward our presence are not matters that are going to be resolved in the kind of sound bites Presidential press conferences involve- and those reporters knew that very well. The game here was to make Dubyah look bad. As usual, he ended up looking a great deal better than the questioners intended.
I know. I know. Presidential press conferences are supposed to be adversarial. To a degree. But compare a Bush press conference with a Clinton one, and the difference is obvious. Being adversarial in an efford to get to the root of a story is one thing. Being adversarial to made the candidate you don't support look bad is a different kettle of ethical fish.
Those weren't questions. Those were debating points with question marks after them.
The debates the reporters tried to get into with the President over the connection between al Quaeda and Saddam and the reactions of bystanders witnessing terrorist attacks and their implications for the attitude of the average Iraqi toward our presence are not matters that are going to be resolved in the kind of sound bites Presidential press conferences involve- and those reporters knew that very well. The game here was to make Dubyah look bad. As usual, he ended up looking a great deal better than the questioners intended.
I know. I know. Presidential press conferences are supposed to be adversarial. To a degree. But compare a Bush press conference with a Clinton one, and the difference is obvious. Being adversarial in an efford to get to the root of a story is one thing. Being adversarial to made the candidate you don't support look bad is a different kettle of ethical fish.
Osama and the West: which is the crazy one?
Victor Davis Hanson of National Review has written the clearest and most succinct summary of the status of the war on terror I've ever seen.
It's one of those moments in history when one must expect that those in future years reading the story of our times will ask the question, "Were those Americans and Western Europeans crazy?" Hanson suggests that this is an open question- but that the demonic, twisted rationality of al Quaeda and our other enemies in this world war is depressingly clear.
It's one of those moments in history when one must expect that those in future years reading the story of our times will ask the question, "Were those Americans and Western Europeans crazy?" Hanson suggests that this is an open question- but that the demonic, twisted rationality of al Quaeda and our other enemies in this world war is depressingly clear.
Monday, June 14, 2004
World's largest Islamic group backs interim government
The Islamic Conference, the world's largest Islamic organization, appears poised to give its support to the new Iraqi interim government, strengthening the position of the Coalition in its attempt to stablize Iraq and then bring its troops home as soon as possible.
Meet the "new god-" NOT the same as the "old" God!
I often wonder how liberal religion can take itself seriously.
Author Neale Donald Walsch suggests that a new God is coming out. Or maybe "god" would be a better way to say it.
If "yesterday's God" is going out of style, and being replaced by a new model better suited to modern (or post-modern) sensibilities, it sort of seems obvious that the deities we're talking about are conceived of as human constructs invented to help humanity deal with its place in the universe. If practical atheists like Walsch or Bishop Spong suggest that religion risks irrelevence by failing to get behind a new concept of an imaginary Being, I, for one, would like to know what difference that would make. Religion would then be equally irrelevant either way!
On the other hand, if God is real, and there is any reason to be concerned with Him at all, what we think of Him is radically irrelevant; He is Who He is, to coin a phrase. In that case, what really matters is whether He has revealed Himself, and what that revelation says. Finally, the issue is what He thinks about us.
Either way, it's hard to see how anything could matter less than Walsch's "new god-" or a less worthwhile read than Walsch's book.
Hat tip to Rev. Paul McCain,, whose Cyberbretheren blog is usually a day or two behind the email list where I found this story.
Author Neale Donald Walsch suggests that a new God is coming out. Or maybe "god" would be a better way to say it.
If "yesterday's God" is going out of style, and being replaced by a new model better suited to modern (or post-modern) sensibilities, it sort of seems obvious that the deities we're talking about are conceived of as human constructs invented to help humanity deal with its place in the universe. If practical atheists like Walsch or Bishop Spong suggest that religion risks irrelevence by failing to get behind a new concept of an imaginary Being, I, for one, would like to know what difference that would make. Religion would then be equally irrelevant either way!
On the other hand, if God is real, and there is any reason to be concerned with Him at all, what we think of Him is radically irrelevant; He is Who He is, to coin a phrase. In that case, what really matters is whether He has revealed Himself, and what that revelation says. Finally, the issue is what He thinks about us.
Either way, it's hard to see how anything could matter less than Walsch's "new god-" or a less worthwhile read than Walsch's book.
Hat tip to Rev. Paul McCain,, whose Cyberbretheren blog is usually a day or two behind the email list where I found this story.
Supreme Court OK's Pledge on technicality
The U.S. Supreme Court has just thrown out the lawsuit seeking to ban the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools on a technicality. Apparently Michael Newdow, the atheist who filed the suit on behalf of his second-grade daughter, was found by the Court to lack standing in the case. Newdow is the non-custodial parent.
AP version of WMD story focuses on rocket engines
The Associated Press story on the UNMOVIC report to the UN Security Council focuses on the engines of illegal Iraqi missles found in Jordan, as well as other specific discoveries of scrap metal from the weapons. The satellite evidence is not mentioned.
Revisionism on Reagan
Ann Coulter reminds us that all those liberals who claimed this past week to have thought all along that Ronald Reagan was such a great guy, and many of those European leaders who hailed him as a great statesman, in fact hated his guts when he was President.
Has the world gone bonkers?
A global sense of indifference seems to be taking hold over the frightening prospect of an Iranian nuclear bomb.
In the wake of the U.N.'s admission that Iraq had at least the makings of illegal WMD's- including components of a nuclear program- but smuggled them out of the country before, during and after major combat operations by the Coalition there, worldwide concern about the terrifying prospect of nuclear weapons in the hands of Islamic terrorists seems to be almost non-existent. Could it be that antipathy for President Bush among the jealous, the freedom-hating, and the media elites is so great that it outweighs the world's instinct for self-preservation?
In the wake of the U.N.'s admission that Iraq had at least the makings of illegal WMD's- including components of a nuclear program- but smuggled them out of the country before, during and after major combat operations by the Coalition there, worldwide concern about the terrifying prospect of nuclear weapons in the hands of Islamic terrorists seems to be almost non-existent. Could it be that antipathy for President Bush among the jealous, the freedom-hating, and the media elites is so great that it outweighs the world's instinct for self-preservation?
Sunday, June 13, 2004
The Sound of Silence II
On Friday, the UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission reported to the United Nations Security Council that satellite and other intelligence had convinced them that Saddam Hussein not only had at least the makings of weapons of mass destruction at the time when the U.S. invaded Iraq, but smuggled them out of the country before, during and after major combat operations. Essentially, President Bush has been vindicated, and retired UNMOVIC chief inspector Hans Blix, French President Jacques Chirac, German Chancellor Gerhardt Schroeder, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Mr. Bush's critics throughout the world have been proven wrong.
Though The Drudge Report linked to the story, reported by WorldTribune.com, it seems to have gone unreported just about everywhere else- a fact which, given the story's importance (especially in light of the current Presidential campaign) seemeth passing strange.
If you come across the story somewhere else, please let me know.
Though The Drudge Report linked to the story, reported by WorldTribune.com, it seems to have gone unreported just about everywhere else- a fact which, given the story's importance (especially in light of the current Presidential campaign) seemeth passing strange.
If you come across the story somewhere else, please let me know.
Iran Wants to Be Part of 'Nuclear Club'
The Islamic Republic of Iran, it seems, is determined to become a part of the 'Nuclear Club.'
Question for the American people: Which of the two Presidential candidates do you want to deal with this fact during the next four years? Hmmm?
Question for the American people: Which of the two Presidential candidates do you want to deal with this fact during the next four years? Hmmm?
Saturday, June 12, 2004
Iraqi WMD's in Lebanon?
According to WorldTribune.com, the U.S. believed last August that Saddam's WMD's had been smuggled into Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. It will be interesting to see whether the new UNMOVIC finding regarding Saddam's smuggling of WMD's out of the country will cause a closer look there.
U.N .CONCLUDES SADDAM SMUGGLED WMD'S OUT OF IRAQ!
Mamamontezz's Mental Rumpus Room gets a BIG hat-tip for this one: U.N. inspectors have concluded that Saddam Hussein smuggled WMD's and WMD components, including nuclear materials, out of Iraq before, during, and even after major American combat operations against his regime in 2003!
President Bush has been vindicated! The only question now is how well the liberal media will manage to sit on this story.
President Bush has been vindicated! The only question now is how well the liberal media will manage to sit on this story.
Novak says that Vilsack heads Kerry's list
Robert Novak reports that Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack- a bland man with experience neither in national security nor national politics- is now the front-runner to be John Kerry's running-mate.
Vilsack probably would turn Iowa into a sure thing for Kerry, but otherwise it's hard to see how he adds anything at all to the ticket. Good!
Vilsack probably would turn Iowa into a sure thing for Kerry, but otherwise it's hard to see how he adds anything at all to the ticket. Good!
Friday, June 11, 2004
Let's hope you're wrong, Ron
"Humble as he was, he never would have assumed a free pass to heaven. But in his heart of hearts, I suspect he felt he would be welcome there. And so he is home. He is free."
--Ron Reagan Jr.
How very sad. I believe, myself, that he knew that he had a free pass into heaven, issued by the One his pastor forgot to mention at the graveside service, and whose Name Jack Danforth didn't seem to recall during his homily.
--Ron Reagan Jr.
How very sad. I believe, myself, that he knew that he had a free pass into heaven, issued by the One his pastor forgot to mention at the graveside service, and whose Name Jack Danforth didn't seem to recall during his homily.
Kerry tries to spin his record on intelligence
In 1994, John Kerry tried to deeply cut the intelligence budget. His Democratic collegues in the Senate hammered him for it. Now, he's trying to "spin" it as an attack on pork.
Nice try, John. This one is going to be hard to wiggle out of.
Nice try, John. This one is going to be hard to wiggle out of.
A Christian should have a Christian funeral
I deleted an earlier post about not recalling Jack Danforth mentioning the J-word during his sermon this morning. I deleted it because I hadn't been listening closely enough to be absolutely sure. Since Jesus was, in context, the Light of the World his text spoke of, one would have thought He would have figured prominently. Apparently, though, America was the light Danforth had in mind, and the text's reference to the city on a hill that cannot be hid wasn't the Kingdom of God, but our nation.
In any case, Mr. Reagan's pastor at the graveside service just consoled Nancy and the family without uttering the J-word.
A pity. A Christian should have a Christian funeral. Too bad, with all the celebrities who were invited to the graveside service, Jesus wasn't among them.
And that horrible epitaph...
Now they're showing Nancy weeping, her head resting on the coffin.
We shouldn't be seeing this.
In any case, Mr. Reagan's pastor at the graveside service just consoled Nancy and the family without uttering the J-word.
A pity. A Christian should have a Christian funeral. Too bad, with all the celebrities who were invited to the graveside service, Jesus wasn't among them.
And that horrible epitaph...
Now they're showing Nancy weeping, her head resting on the coffin.
We shouldn't be seeing this.
An al Sadr surrender?
Al Quaeda will continue to make trouble, of course, until President Bush is either re-elected- or, as they hope, defeated. And there is reason to doubt both Muqtada al Sadr's word and his control over his followers. But this sure sounds like he's throwing in the towel.
Folks, we may well have just won the war- and maybe the election.
Folks, we may well have just won the war- and maybe the election.
Right on, Alan Colmes!
Never in my life did I ever think that I would write those words. But there they are. The evidence of my eyes can't be denied.
Right Voices has an item on the appearance of hate-filled, despicable and untalented cartoonist Ted Rall on Hannity and Colmes the other night. Apparently Rall spewed his usual oral sewage- and Alan Colmes told him to his face that he was a disgrace to liberalism and a hateful human being.
See. I knew there were decent liberals out there, and they should be encouraged when they speak out against the hate and the bile. Way to go, Alan!
Right Voices has an item on the appearance of hate-filled, despicable and untalented cartoonist Ted Rall on Hannity and Colmes the other night. Apparently Rall spewed his usual oral sewage- and Alan Colmes told him to his face that he was a disgrace to liberalism and a hateful human being.
See. I knew there were decent liberals out there, and they should be encouraged when they speak out against the hate and the bile. Way to go, Alan!
Margaret Thatcher's eulogy for Ronald Reagan
Well said, Your Ladyship: "We here still move in twilight. But we have one beacon to guide us that Ronald Reagan never had. We have his example."
"Jerusalem"
...and we shall build
Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
The choir at the National Cathedral is now singing Jerusalem, a hymn that has been called "England's second national anthem." It's all about building the Kingdom of God on Earth by constructing a just society, presumably largely by the efforts of government.
It's hard to think of a less appropriate anthem for the funeral of Ronald Reagan. Even Ave Maria- surely a strange piece of music at the funeral of a man who was raised in the Disciples of Christ and late in life became a Presbyterian- was a better fit.
A Presbyterian, being buried from an Episcopal cathedral, with a rabbi doing the Old Testament reading, a Catholic cardinal reading the Gospel, and the whole shooting match starting off with Ave Maria. This is, after all, the funeral of a former American President, and it's appropriate that there should be an element of- well, as overworked as this word is, diversity. On the other hand, there's something disturbingly Post-Modern about this service, an incoherence of discordant elements which I'm afraid will prevent it from being what it should be.
And what should it be? I did quite a few funerals during my years in the parish. I've attended a few as a mourner, too. I believe with every ounce of my being that a Christian's funeral must, above all else, be a proclamation of hope- the hope that, amid the tears, adds a note of actual celebration to the day. It must be a little Easter. Above all, it dare not be a mere sentimental exercise in whistling in the dark. The exclusive claims of Jesus must be heard in no uncertain terms as exclusive, or they will not be heard at all.
Jack Danforth- former U.S. Senator, Ambassador-Designate to the United Nations, and Episcopal minister- has already, at the beginning of the service, cited Christ's proclamation of himself as "the Resurrection and the Life," and His promise that "He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall He live- and He who lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:25-26).
I hope the message isn't drowned out by the intrusion of that most threatening of contemporary idols: god-in-general, the Deity of the Lowest Common Denominator, the American Baal who was worshipped in that spiritual travesty at Yankee Stadium after 9/11.
I get nervous whenever there's a service in the National Cathedral. Those are two words that don't go together easily, that speak of two kingdoms that are all too readily, as Martin Luther put it, "brewed together" in such a place, and as such times. It leads too easily of talk about the kind of thing Ronald Reagan distrusted- efforts to build on Earth by our own efforts what God must build, first within the human heart, and finally in the world to come.
Ronald Reagan now is in "Jerusalem." But we're not the ones who built it. And when it replaces the world in which we now live, we will not be the ones who will have brought it.
Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.
The choir at the National Cathedral is now singing Jerusalem, a hymn that has been called "England's second national anthem." It's all about building the Kingdom of God on Earth by constructing a just society, presumably largely by the efforts of government.
It's hard to think of a less appropriate anthem for the funeral of Ronald Reagan. Even Ave Maria- surely a strange piece of music at the funeral of a man who was raised in the Disciples of Christ and late in life became a Presbyterian- was a better fit.
A Presbyterian, being buried from an Episcopal cathedral, with a rabbi doing the Old Testament reading, a Catholic cardinal reading the Gospel, and the whole shooting match starting off with Ave Maria. This is, after all, the funeral of a former American President, and it's appropriate that there should be an element of- well, as overworked as this word is, diversity. On the other hand, there's something disturbingly Post-Modern about this service, an incoherence of discordant elements which I'm afraid will prevent it from being what it should be.
And what should it be? I did quite a few funerals during my years in the parish. I've attended a few as a mourner, too. I believe with every ounce of my being that a Christian's funeral must, above all else, be a proclamation of hope- the hope that, amid the tears, adds a note of actual celebration to the day. It must be a little Easter. Above all, it dare not be a mere sentimental exercise in whistling in the dark. The exclusive claims of Jesus must be heard in no uncertain terms as exclusive, or they will not be heard at all.
Jack Danforth- former U.S. Senator, Ambassador-Designate to the United Nations, and Episcopal minister- has already, at the beginning of the service, cited Christ's proclamation of himself as "the Resurrection and the Life," and His promise that "He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall He live- and He who lives and believes in Me shall never die" (John 11:25-26).
I hope the message isn't drowned out by the intrusion of that most threatening of contemporary idols: god-in-general, the Deity of the Lowest Common Denominator, the American Baal who was worshipped in that spiritual travesty at Yankee Stadium after 9/11.
I get nervous whenever there's a service in the National Cathedral. Those are two words that don't go together easily, that speak of two kingdoms that are all too readily, as Martin Luther put it, "brewed together" in such a place, and as such times. It leads too easily of talk about the kind of thing Ronald Reagan distrusted- efforts to build on Earth by our own efforts what God must build, first within the human heart, and finally in the world to come.
Ronald Reagan now is in "Jerusalem." But we're not the ones who built it. And when it replaces the world in which we now live, we will not be the ones who will have brought it.
France is a democracy, you see
The French don't believe in free speech. Insulting a public official in France is a punishable criminal offense. "Inappropriate" religious dress or jewelry can get a kid sent home from school, much as a racist slogan on a tee-shirt might here. And Brigette Bardot has been fined for expressing her beliefs honestly in her book, A Scream in the Silence.
What outrageous things did Bardot write? "Mme. Bardot," the judge ruled, "presents Muslims as barbaric and cruel invaders, responsible for terrorist acts and eager to dominate the French to the extent of wanting to exterminate them.”
Muslims responsible for terrorist acts? Jihadis wanting to dominate and exterminate the infidels? Can you imagine? Barbaric and cruel invaders? How could anybody ever think that Islam might be the motive for seeking to overwhelm other countries, and convert their populations bu cultural domination or even by force? Why, you'd think that Muslims cut the heads off kidnapped Western journalists and businessmen with knives and then sent the media videos of the murders, or something!
Bardot says many things about homosexuals and Muslims and others that are admittedly over the top, and even reprehensible. Her attitude toward interracial marriage is just plain stupid. Don't get me wrong; I'm not defending everything she says in the book. But it's rather a sore point in France and in much of Europe that the Islamic population is growing at a rate which really does threaten the roots of Western culture. Of course not all Muslims are responsible for the crimes of terrorists and jihadis, past or present. But however great Islamic a civilization may have been in the past, the negatives Ms. Bardot attributes to it are quite reasonable sources of anxiety today in a nation which may, in fact, be turned into an Islamic country in the lifetime of people who are alive at this moment. Would you feel comfortable with the prospect of your children or grandchildren living as a Christian or even a secularist in a Muslim nation?
The issue isn't whether or not one agrees with Ms. Bardot's book, or even whether one sees it as reasonable discourse. The bottom line- which we, in this country, are also in danger of forgetting- is that free countries don't fine or imprison people for expressing their ideas, however hateful they may be.
This is yet one more example of how little the United States and France really share in the very realm of democratic ideals to which the dwindling company of American Francophiles so often point.
What outrageous things did Bardot write? "Mme. Bardot," the judge ruled, "presents Muslims as barbaric and cruel invaders, responsible for terrorist acts and eager to dominate the French to the extent of wanting to exterminate them.”
Muslims responsible for terrorist acts? Jihadis wanting to dominate and exterminate the infidels? Can you imagine? Barbaric and cruel invaders? How could anybody ever think that Islam might be the motive for seeking to overwhelm other countries, and convert their populations bu cultural domination or even by force? Why, you'd think that Muslims cut the heads off kidnapped Western journalists and businessmen with knives and then sent the media videos of the murders, or something!
Bardot says many things about homosexuals and Muslims and others that are admittedly over the top, and even reprehensible. Her attitude toward interracial marriage is just plain stupid. Don't get me wrong; I'm not defending everything she says in the book. But it's rather a sore point in France and in much of Europe that the Islamic population is growing at a rate which really does threaten the roots of Western culture. Of course not all Muslims are responsible for the crimes of terrorists and jihadis, past or present. But however great Islamic a civilization may have been in the past, the negatives Ms. Bardot attributes to it are quite reasonable sources of anxiety today in a nation which may, in fact, be turned into an Islamic country in the lifetime of people who are alive at this moment. Would you feel comfortable with the prospect of your children or grandchildren living as a Christian or even a secularist in a Muslim nation?
The issue isn't whether or not one agrees with Ms. Bardot's book, or even whether one sees it as reasonable discourse. The bottom line- which we, in this country, are also in danger of forgetting- is that free countries don't fine or imprison people for expressing their ideas, however hateful they may be.
This is yet one more example of how little the United States and France really share in the very realm of democratic ideals to which the dwindling company of American Francophiles so often point.
A tale of two Presidents
The President of the United States was said by his detractors to be a cowboy, a wreckless and naive man with no sense of diplomacy and an uncontrolable urge to send in the Marines. They mocked his intellect, and labored mightily to produce a general image of him as "an amiable dunce." They called him an extremist, a creature of the Far Right. He ran up record def