Saturday, April 30, 2005

Lynndie England to plead guilty

Good. Let's hope she get's a nice leash.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Tenet's Two Dumbest Words

Slam Dunk

That's how former CIA Director George Tenet characterized (to President Bush back in 2002) his evidence supporting the notion that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction. As we (once again) learned this week, there apparently were no Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. "Those were the two dumbest words I ever said" he told an audience in Kutztown, Pennsylvania last Wednesday.

Also notable are Mr. Tenet's thoughts regarding support for the CIA in the years before 9-11. "The atrophy was tremendous... We were nearly bankrupt", though he denies the CIA's assesment was developed for political reasons.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Photojournalist Detained in Darfur

Brad Clift, photographer for the Hartford Courant has been detained and placed under house arrest in the Darfur region of Sudan. As of this morning it was still unclear why Sudanese security officials have detained Mr. Clift, who had been in the area since Thursday, when he met up with a relief group from the Hartford Catholic Worker, which is distributing food at refugee camps near Nyala in western Darfur. In a statement issued yesterday Clift said "I am being accused unjustly for trying to take a picture of someone suffering in a camp".

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Yup, It's Official

There are no Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq. Remember when Rumsfeld and others said there were, and that they knew where they were located? They didn't say they might know where they are, or that they think the weapons are there. No, these guys said they knew there were Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq and they knew where they were. Well, apparently they were lying, or didn't know what they were talking about. You are left to decide which makes you feel more secure.

Absent Minded Ann

Cute blond girl and warmonger Ann Coulter is apparently blaming liberal bias for her own unwillingness to show up in court. After repeated reminders were sent, she still didn't show up for the trial of those infamous pie throwers. Neither did the arresting cop and as a result, the prosecutor was forced to ask that the charges be dismissed, with the understanding they can be refiled. Despite her role in having the charges dropped (maybe she was out buying new shoes for her photoshoot), Ms. Coulter blames Pima County attorney Barbara LaWall.

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Isn't Life Short Enough?

Am I the only one who sees unexpected irony in the U.S. Navy's Life Accelerator? I mean, it seems like they might be saying "We'll make your life go by faster". Thanks, but no thanks. I don't want life abbreviated. I'm looking for the life extender, but I don't think that's what they are offering.

Now, if they mean more memorable, visit the Grand Canyon. If they mean more exciting, well that's why there's bungee jumping. If they mean more meaningful, I'd suggest volunteering. If they mean more beneficial to the community, there's always the local fire department.

Several relatives of mine had notable careers in the Navy and I am very proud of them. It is a worthwhile endeavor for those who are so inclined. We are indebted to thousands of men and women in all branches of the military. But please, let's not make this a game.

How about this: Join the Navy and risk your life. Your choice.

Friday, April 15, 2005

The Bible as False Idol

Lisa Lambert has an interesting column about what she describes as The God Assault and the incredible violence preached by some evangelical Christians. It's not about morality, it's about following the rules fairly sums up the sentiment she sees when reading or listening to these folks. This reminds me of the "I'm not perfect, just forgiven" stickers which echo the feelings of many Christians who think their sins are inconsequential, since, in the end, they'll be granted some kind of blanket immunity for their moral lapses.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Ejected over a Bumper Sticker

According to this story in the Denver Post, Republican security personnel, acting *very much* like Secret Service agents, ejected people from what they claimed was a "private" Town Hall meeting by President Bush.

However, this story quotes the Colorado GOP executive director as saying "This was an official White House event and not a political event".

According to another account, apparently by one of the individuals involved, the Secret Service is apparently aware of these "operatives" who dress and act like them, and are "bothered" by their actions.

Every day I read new stories about how the rights which make the U.S. great are being eroded by the government elected to enforce these laws. Indeed, the way this administration limits dissent, regardless of how mild, has become legendary.