Iowa Straw Poll Results 2007
Somehow Ron Paul is still ignored while Rudy and Fred and Tommy are advanced in the MSM.
The final standings:
1. Mitt Romney - 4516 votes, 31%
2. Mike Huckabee - 2587 votes, 18.1%
3. Sam Brownback - 2192 votes, 15.3%
4. Tom Tancredo - 1961 votes, 13.7%
5. Ron Paul - 1305 votes, 9.1%
6. Tommy Thompson - 1,009 votes, 7.3%
7. Fred Thompson - 231 votes
8. Rudy Giuliani - 183 votes
9. Duncan Hunter - 174 votes
10. John McCain - 101 votes
11. John Cox - 41 votes
Monday, August 13, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
NY Time Changes Strategy
As the surge in troop strength appears to:
1. Be working;
2. Be popular in the States,
the New York Times suddenly begins to report "news" that isn't new as a way to try and undermine America.
"Iran-Supplied Bomb Is Killing More Troops in Iraq, U.S. Says
By MICHAEL R. GORDON
BAGHDAD, Aug. 7 — Attacks on American-led forces using a lethal type of roadside bomb said to be supplied by Iran reached a new high in July, according to the American military.
The devices, known as explosively formed penetrators, were used to carry out 99 attacks last month and accounted for a third of the combat deaths suffered by the American-led forces, according to American military officials."
Iran's involvement has been know for what, two years?
NYT: "All the news that is negative and fits our anti-Bush agenda."
Great motto.
1. Be working;
2. Be popular in the States,
the New York Times suddenly begins to report "news" that isn't new as a way to try and undermine America.
"Iran-Supplied Bomb Is Killing More Troops in Iraq, U.S. Says
By MICHAEL R. GORDON
BAGHDAD, Aug. 7 — Attacks on American-led forces using a lethal type of roadside bomb said to be supplied by Iran reached a new high in July, according to the American military.
The devices, known as explosively formed penetrators, were used to carry out 99 attacks last month and accounted for a third of the combat deaths suffered by the American-led forces, according to American military officials."
Iran's involvement has been know for what, two years?
NYT: "All the news that is negative and fits our anti-Bush agenda."
Great motto.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Why Guantanamo is more wrong than right.
Because it fails.
Case in point:
From Dick Morris - "Calling him a "senior Taliban commander," The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Abdullah Mehsud blew himself up at his hide-out in the town of Zhob in southwestern Baluchistan Province in Pakistan, rather than surrender to government forces.
But what was he doing commanding Taliban troops in the first place? Mehsud had been captured by American forces in northern Afghanistan in December 2001 and sent to the Guantanamo Detention Center."
In reality, a proper legal proceeding would allow us to keep a prisoner of war until the war is over....
Of course, if we implant them with GPS tags....
Case in point:
From Dick Morris - "Calling him a "senior Taliban commander," The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Abdullah Mehsud blew himself up at his hide-out in the town of Zhob in southwestern Baluchistan Province in Pakistan, rather than surrender to government forces.
But what was he doing commanding Taliban troops in the first place? Mehsud had been captured by American forces in northern Afghanistan in December 2001 and sent to the Guantanamo Detention Center."
In reality, a proper legal proceeding would allow us to keep a prisoner of war until the war is over....
Of course, if we implant them with GPS tags....
Feral Dogs
What is the difference between a feral dog and a Muslim extremist?
Not much it seems:
Update 2:45pm Eastern. Yonhap reports, “The Taliban, claiming Monday to have executed another male South Korean hostage, threatened it will continue to kill more of them and more frequently. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, who claims to speak for the militant group, told Yonhap in indirect contact that the Taliban will start to kill female hostages after the men, should negotiations fail.”
Not much it seems:
Update 2:45pm Eastern. Yonhap reports, “The Taliban, claiming Monday to have executed another male South Korean hostage, threatened it will continue to kill more of them and more frequently. Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, who claims to speak for the militant group, told Yonhap in indirect contact that the Taliban will start to kill female hostages after the men, should negotiations fail.”
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Ron Paul - Amazing Stats
Ron Paul has achieved an amazing feat - he has a tremendous following, but can't seem to get mentioned on mainstream television.
With radical ideas, such as freedom, individual rights, and non-interventionist foreign policy, many Americans find his point of view compelling.
I worry for him.
And in the interest of full disclosure - he has my vote and financial support.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Only Solution
"Pakistan Rebel Mosque Leader Killed"
The only way that Islamic extremists will be controlled is went Muslims themselves refuse to permit the barbaric behavior from continuing.
Meanwhile the U.S. can, and must, continue to try and stabilize Iraq. It is a moral duty. And I think most Americans would not shirk such an obligation.
But real progress can only be made when Iraqis demand those who kill civilians be expelled and expunged.
The only way that Islamic extremists will be controlled is went Muslims themselves refuse to permit the barbaric behavior from continuing.
Meanwhile the U.S. can, and must, continue to try and stabilize Iraq. It is a moral duty. And I think most Americans would not shirk such an obligation.
But real progress can only be made when Iraqis demand those who kill civilians be expelled and expunged.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Ann Coulter vs Paris Hilton
Has the similarity between Ann Coulter and Paris Hilton escaped everyone?
Paris, darling of all media in all time and space, and Ann Coulter, the loud, brash, harpie of the right wing, are both extraordinarily expert at turning their golden locks and outrageous selves into cash machines.
And both have been dominating the culture, commanding more time and space in print and broadcast, web and word, than anyone since... well, anyone.
The media has now demonstrated that outrageousness is the standard.
Paris, darling of all media in all time and space, and Ann Coulter, the loud, brash, harpie of the right wing, are both extraordinarily expert at turning their golden locks and outrageous selves into cash machines.
And both have been dominating the culture, commanding more time and space in print and broadcast, web and word, than anyone since... well, anyone.
The media has now demonstrated that outrageousness is the standard.
Monday, June 25, 2007
No Sense of Humor & No Sense At All
Freedom of speech is pretty limited. You can't be humorous, sarcastic, sardonic, or suggest that activity that is prohibited might be ok.
One wonders what might be said about Rastafarian advocacy.
"WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court tightened limits on student speech Monday, ruling against a high school student and his 14-foot-long "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" banner.
Schools may prohibit student expression that can be interpreted as advocating drug use, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court in a 5-4 ruling.
Joseph Frederick unfurled his homemade sign on a winter morning in as the Olympic torch made its way through Juneau, Alaska, en route to the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Frederick said the banner was a nonsensical message that he first saw on a snowboard. He intended the banner to proclaim his right to say anything at all.
His principal, Deborah Morse, said the phrase was a pro-drug message that had no place at a school-sanctioned event. Frederick denied that he was advocating for drug use. "
Another bad decision.
One wonders what might be said about Rastafarian advocacy.
"WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court tightened limits on student speech Monday, ruling against a high school student and his 14-foot-long "Bong Hits 4 Jesus" banner.
Schools may prohibit student expression that can be interpreted as advocating drug use, Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the court in a 5-4 ruling.
Joseph Frederick unfurled his homemade sign on a winter morning in as the Olympic torch made its way through Juneau, Alaska, en route to the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Frederick said the banner was a nonsensical message that he first saw on a snowboard. He intended the banner to proclaim his right to say anything at all.
His principal, Deborah Morse, said the phrase was a pro-drug message that had no place at a school-sanctioned event. Frederick denied that he was advocating for drug use. "
Another bad decision.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Why Government is Always Suspect
First, for anyone who thinks that secrets cannot be kept by large numbers of people involved in a project, let's use this story as our GET REAL wake up call.
Second, for the liberals this question: Why would you like to see MORE power, more CONTROL, more REACH into the lives of Americans be developed by government when YOU seem to be the target of power misused?
To wit:
On December 31, 1974, CIA director Colby and the CIA general counsel John Warner met with the deputy attorney general, Lawrence Silberman, and his associate, James Wilderotter, to brief Justice "in connection with the recent New York Times articles" on CIA matters that "presented legal questions." Colby's list included 18 specifics:
1. Confinement of a Russian defector that "might be regarded as a violation of the kidnapping laws."
2. Wiretapping of two syndicated columnists, Robert Allen and Paul Scott.
3. Physical surveillance of muckraker Jack Anderson and his associates, including current Fox News anchor Britt Hume.
4. Physical surveillance of then Washington Post reporter Michael Getler.
5. Break-in at the home of a former CIA employee.
6. Break-in at the office of a former defector.
7. Warrantless entry into the apartment of a former CIA employee.
8. Mail opening from 1953 to 1973 of letters to and from the Soviet Union.
9. Mail opening from 1969 to 1972 of letters to and from China.
10. Behavior modification experiments on "unwitting" U.S. citizens.
11. Assassination plots against Castro, Lumumba, and Trujillo (on the latter, "no active part" but a "faint connection" to the killers).
12. Surveillance of dissident groups between 1967 and 1971.
13. Surveillance of a particular Latin American female and U.S. citizens in Detroit.
14. Surveillance of a CIA critic and former officer, Victor Marchetti.
15. Amassing of files on 9,900-plus Americans related to the antiwar movement.
16. Polygraph experiments with the San Mateo, California, sheriff.
17. Fake CIA identification documents that might violate state laws.
18. Testing of electronic equipment on US telephone circuits.
Second, for the liberals this question: Why would you like to see MORE power, more CONTROL, more REACH into the lives of Americans be developed by government when YOU seem to be the target of power misused?
To wit:
On December 31, 1974, CIA director Colby and the CIA general counsel John Warner met with the deputy attorney general, Lawrence Silberman, and his associate, James Wilderotter, to brief Justice "in connection with the recent New York Times articles" on CIA matters that "presented legal questions." Colby's list included 18 specifics:
1. Confinement of a Russian defector that "might be regarded as a violation of the kidnapping laws."
2. Wiretapping of two syndicated columnists, Robert Allen and Paul Scott.
3. Physical surveillance of muckraker Jack Anderson and his associates, including current Fox News anchor Britt Hume.
4. Physical surveillance of then Washington Post reporter Michael Getler.
5. Break-in at the home of a former CIA employee.
6. Break-in at the office of a former defector.
7. Warrantless entry into the apartment of a former CIA employee.
8. Mail opening from 1953 to 1973 of letters to and from the Soviet Union.
9. Mail opening from 1969 to 1972 of letters to and from China.
10. Behavior modification experiments on "unwitting" U.S. citizens.
11. Assassination plots against Castro, Lumumba, and Trujillo (on the latter, "no active part" but a "faint connection" to the killers).
12. Surveillance of dissident groups between 1967 and 1971.
13. Surveillance of a particular Latin American female and U.S. citizens in Detroit.
14. Surveillance of a CIA critic and former officer, Victor Marchetti.
15. Amassing of files on 9,900-plus Americans related to the antiwar movement.
16. Polygraph experiments with the San Mateo, California, sheriff.
17. Fake CIA identification documents that might violate state laws.
18. Testing of electronic equipment on US telephone circuits.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
BIN LADEN PAYS FOR PLANE???????????
Only crackpots are supposed to think this stuff:
"Osama bin Laden may have chartered a plane that carried his family members and Saudi nationals out of the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks, said FBI documents released Wednesday.
The papers, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, were made public by Judicial Watch, a Washington-based group that investigates government corruption.
One FBI document referred to a Ryan Air 727 airplane that departed Los Angeles International Airport on September 19, 2001, and was said to have carried Saudi nationals out of the United States.
"The plane was chartered either by the Saudi Arabian royal family or Osama bin Laden," according to the document, which was among 224 pages posted online.
The flight made stops in Orlando, Florida; Washington, DC; and Boston, Massachusetts and eventually left its passengers in Paris the following day.
In all, the documents detail six flights between September 14 and September 24 that evacuated Saudi nationals and bin Laden family members, Judicial Watch said in a statement.
"Incredibly, not a single Saudi national nor any of the bin Laden family members possessed any information of investigative value," Judicial Watch said.
"These documents contain numerous errors and inconsistencies which call to question the thoroughness of the FBI's investigation of the Saudi flights.
"For example, on one document, the FBI claims to have interviewed 20 of 23 passengers on the Ryan International Airlines flight ... on another document the FBI claims to have interviewed 15 to 22 passengers on the same flight."
Asked about the documents' assertion that either bin Laden or the Saudi royals ordered the flight, an FBI spokesman said the information was inaccurate.
"There is no new information here. Osama bin Laden did not charter a flight out of the US," FBI special agent Richard Kolko said.
"This is just an inflammatory headline by Judicial Watch to catch people's attention. This was thoroughly investigated by the FBI."
Kolko pointed to the 9-11 Commission Report, which was the book-length result of an official probe into the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington that killed nearly 3,000 people.
"No political intervention was found. And most important, the FBI conducted a satisfactory screening of Saudi nationals that left on chartered flights. This is all available in the report," Kolko said.
On the issue of flights of Saudi nationals leaving the United States, the 9-11 report said: "We found no evidence of political intervention" to facilitate the departure of Saudi nationals.
The commission also said: "Our own independent review of the Saudi nationals involved confirms that no one with known links to terrorism departed on these flights."
Meredith Diliberto, an attorney with Judicial Watch, said that her group had seen a first version of the documents in 2005, although the FBI had heavily redacted the texts to black out names, including all references to bin Laden.
Nevertheless, unedited footnotes in the texts allowed lawyers to determine that bin Laden's name had been redacted. They pressed the issue in court and in November 2006, the FBI was ordered to re-release the documents.
Diliberto said mention that "either" bin Laden or Saudi royals had chartered the flight "really threw us for a loop."
"When you combine that with some of the family members not being interviewed, we found it very disturbing."
"Osama bin Laden may have chartered a plane that carried his family members and Saudi nationals out of the United States after the September 11, 2001 attacks, said FBI documents released Wednesday.
The papers, obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, were made public by Judicial Watch, a Washington-based group that investigates government corruption.
One FBI document referred to a Ryan Air 727 airplane that departed Los Angeles International Airport on September 19, 2001, and was said to have carried Saudi nationals out of the United States.
"The plane was chartered either by the Saudi Arabian royal family or Osama bin Laden," according to the document, which was among 224 pages posted online.
The flight made stops in Orlando, Florida; Washington, DC; and Boston, Massachusetts and eventually left its passengers in Paris the following day.
In all, the documents detail six flights between September 14 and September 24 that evacuated Saudi nationals and bin Laden family members, Judicial Watch said in a statement.
"Incredibly, not a single Saudi national nor any of the bin Laden family members possessed any information of investigative value," Judicial Watch said.
"These documents contain numerous errors and inconsistencies which call to question the thoroughness of the FBI's investigation of the Saudi flights.
"For example, on one document, the FBI claims to have interviewed 20 of 23 passengers on the Ryan International Airlines flight ... on another document the FBI claims to have interviewed 15 to 22 passengers on the same flight."
Asked about the documents' assertion that either bin Laden or the Saudi royals ordered the flight, an FBI spokesman said the information was inaccurate.
"There is no new information here. Osama bin Laden did not charter a flight out of the US," FBI special agent Richard Kolko said.
"This is just an inflammatory headline by Judicial Watch to catch people's attention. This was thoroughly investigated by the FBI."
Kolko pointed to the 9-11 Commission Report, which was the book-length result of an official probe into the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington that killed nearly 3,000 people.
"No political intervention was found. And most important, the FBI conducted a satisfactory screening of Saudi nationals that left on chartered flights. This is all available in the report," Kolko said.
On the issue of flights of Saudi nationals leaving the United States, the 9-11 report said: "We found no evidence of political intervention" to facilitate the departure of Saudi nationals.
The commission also said: "Our own independent review of the Saudi nationals involved confirms that no one with known links to terrorism departed on these flights."
Meredith Diliberto, an attorney with Judicial Watch, said that her group had seen a first version of the documents in 2005, although the FBI had heavily redacted the texts to black out names, including all references to bin Laden.
Nevertheless, unedited footnotes in the texts allowed lawyers to determine that bin Laden's name had been redacted. They pressed the issue in court and in November 2006, the FBI was ordered to re-release the documents.
Diliberto said mention that "either" bin Laden or Saudi royals had chartered the flight "really threw us for a loop."
"When you combine that with some of the family members not being interviewed, we found it very disturbing."
Monday, June 18, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Democracy Gone Awry
"Left for dead a week ago, legislation to strengthen border security while bestowing legal status on millions of illegal immigrants is showing signs of life.
Senate leaders announced plans Thursday night to revive the White House-backed measure as early as next week, although neither Majority Leader Harry Reid nor his GOP counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, issued any predictions the bill ultimately would pass.
"We met this evening with several of the senators involved in the immigration bill negotiations. Based on that discussion, the immigration bill will return to the Senate floor."
On Tuesday, the president made a rare visit to the Capitol to ask Republican senators to give the bill a second chance."
When was the last time so many citizens opposed a bill that was pushed so hard by "bipartisan" interests.
What's this really all about?
Senate leaders announced plans Thursday night to revive the White House-backed measure as early as next week, although neither Majority Leader Harry Reid nor his GOP counterpart, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, issued any predictions the bill ultimately would pass.
"We met this evening with several of the senators involved in the immigration bill negotiations. Based on that discussion, the immigration bill will return to the Senate floor."
On Tuesday, the president made a rare visit to the Capitol to ask Republican senators to give the bill a second chance."
When was the last time so many citizens opposed a bill that was pushed so hard by "bipartisan" interests.
What's this really all about?
At last, civilization. Ooops. Nevermind.
A duly elected, popular government, made up of representatives of the three major sections of Palestinian society has promised tolerance, justice and peace as they assume power in an orderly, and dignified transition of power.
Oh, wait.
It's Hamas, executing prisoners in front of their families, violent overthrowing all opponents, and doing so in the name of religion.
Love the Burkas guys. Or is it girls?
When to Fold 'em
"HOUSTON - Two astronauts planned to climb out of the international space station to staple down a thermal blanket that peeled back during the launch of space shuttle Atlantis."
It is time to retire the space shuttle.
No. It is past time to retire the space shuttle. This venerable family station wagon has been passed down from one generation to the next.
But it's buring oil, has a bunch of rusty dents, and is generally ready to put out in the barn on Grandpa's farm.
It is time to retire the space shuttle.
No. It is past time to retire the space shuttle. This venerable family station wagon has been passed down from one generation to the next.
But it's buring oil, has a bunch of rusty dents, and is generally ready to put out in the barn on Grandpa's farm.
Pelosism
Pentagon officials are bracing for a fight with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) over her desire to allow lawmakers’ adult children to tag along on taxpayer-funded travel for free.
Bush Bad; Congress Crappy
Mr. Bush's poll ratings declined from 35% approval in April to 29% today.
The poll hardly brings reassurance for the Democrats, who control both the House and Senate. Amid political gridlock on domestic issues and inconclusive debates over Iraq, the approval rating for Congress stands lower than Mr. Bush's, at 23%.
The poll hardly brings reassurance for the Democrats, who control both the House and Senate. Amid political gridlock on domestic issues and inconclusive debates over Iraq, the approval rating for Congress stands lower than Mr. Bush's, at 23%.
The New Fidel Ruins a Nation
...and threatens the region.
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is expected to finalize a deal on buying up to nine Russian submarines, a Russian newspaper reported on Thursday.
He has already ordered five 636-type diesel submarines and four of a new model of diesel submarine, the 677E Amur, the Kommersant broadsheet said, quoting unnamed sources in the ship-building and arms export sectors.
Since 2005 Caracas has spent 3.4 billion dollars (2.6 billion euros) on arms from Russia, including 24 fighter planes, 35 military helicopters, air defence systems and 100,000 kalashnikov rifles, the paper said."
All this and government control of the press. Another sequel we've seen before.
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is expected to finalize a deal on buying up to nine Russian submarines, a Russian newspaper reported on Thursday.
He has already ordered five 636-type diesel submarines and four of a new model of diesel submarine, the 677E Amur, the Kommersant broadsheet said, quoting unnamed sources in the ship-building and arms export sectors.
Since 2005 Caracas has spent 3.4 billion dollars (2.6 billion euros) on arms from Russia, including 24 fighter planes, 35 military helicopters, air defence systems and 100,000 kalashnikov rifles, the paper said."
All this and government control of the press. Another sequel we've seen before.
Another Sick Hollywood Twist
Angelina Jolie is touting press freedom these days, playing the widow of murdered Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl in a new movie called "A Mighty Heart."
But Jolie turns out to be a mighty hypocrite when it comes to her own freedom of the press. Her lawyer required all journalists to sign a contract before talking to her.
But Jolie turns out to be a mighty hypocrite when it comes to her own freedom of the press. Her lawyer required all journalists to sign a contract before talking to her.
Court Order No Girlfriend
"PETERBOROUGH, Ontario (AP) -- A judge has ruled that a 24-year-old Canadian man is not allowed to have a girlfriend for the next three years.
The ruling came after Steven Cranley pleaded guilty on Tuesday to several charges stemming from an assault on a former girlfriend.
Cranley, who has been diagnosed with a dependent personality disorder, attacked his girlfriend in an argument after their breakup.
He tried to prevent her from phoning the police by cutting her phone cord and punched and kicked her. He finally stabbed himself with a butcher knife when police did arrive, puncturing his aorta."
I bet those girls will be lining up for a date.
The ruling came after Steven Cranley pleaded guilty on Tuesday to several charges stemming from an assault on a former girlfriend.
Cranley, who has been diagnosed with a dependent personality disorder, attacked his girlfriend in an argument after their breakup.
He tried to prevent her from phoning the police by cutting her phone cord and punched and kicked her. He finally stabbed himself with a butcher knife when police did arrive, puncturing his aorta."
I bet those girls will be lining up for a date.
Pork should at least keep the terrorists away.
"For the second straight day, minority House Republicans ground the House to a standstill Wednesday as they drove home their objections to a Democratic plan to deny a floor vote on lawmakers' thousands of pet projects.
Public anger over the surging number of special member projects called earmarks -- derided as pork barrel spending -- was a factor in the Republicans' loss of House control last November, GOP members concede, and now they say they've gotten religion on the need for openness in government.
Charges of hypocrisy flew in floor speeches as House leaders huddled behind closed doors to seek a way out of a dispute that Republicans said showed Democrats led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi had backed down on promises of openness and disclosure made when they took power last January."
SOURCE
Public anger over the surging number of special member projects called earmarks -- derided as pork barrel spending -- was a factor in the Republicans' loss of House control last November, GOP members concede, and now they say they've gotten religion on the need for openness in government.
Charges of hypocrisy flew in floor speeches as House leaders huddled behind closed doors to seek a way out of a dispute that Republicans said showed Democrats led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi had backed down on promises of openness and disclosure made when they took power last January."
SOURCE
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
No!
PARIS (AP) - A senior U.S. diplomat accused Iran on Tuesday of transferring weapons to Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan, where NATO forces are deployed to bring stability to the country.
Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns, speaking to reporters in Paris, said Iran was funding insurrections across the Middle East—and "Iran is now even transferring arms to the Taliban in Afghanistan." The comments marked the most direct accusation yet on the issue by a senior American official.
Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns, speaking to reporters in Paris, said Iran was funding insurrections across the Middle East—and "Iran is now even transferring arms to the Taliban in Afghanistan." The comments marked the most direct accusation yet on the issue by a senior American official.
Now I can see!
TEL AVIV — Israel believes its newly-orbited Ofeq-7 satellite can track people and weapons in any targeted country, including Iran.
Israeli officials said Ofeq-7 contained a reconnaissance platform that could spot bottles on the floor. They said the camera payload could identify and send high-resolution images of items as small as 40 centimeters.
"We have a new camera that is as good as anything available, and that includes the United States," an official said.
Israeli officials said Ofeq-7 contained a reconnaissance platform that could spot bottles on the floor. They said the camera payload could identify and send high-resolution images of items as small as 40 centimeters.
"We have a new camera that is as good as anything available, and that includes the United States," an official said.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
Restoring Constitutional Rights?
In the dabate Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd said he attack important problems, ie., "Restore constitutional rights in this country."
Meanwhile this from the back room at the debate:
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN ) – Columnist and author Eric Alterman has been released after being arrested Sunday night inside the debate spin room. He was charged with criminal trespass after police say he refused repeated orders to leave.
Goffstown, N.H. police said Alterman was in the spin room as a guest of the Creative Coalition and went to an area reserved for a private reception for WMUR-TV. Police said he was asked by an executive at the party if he was invited to the private area and was asked to leave. A police officer was called after a verbal altercation ensued. According to police, Alterman was asked seven times to leave and became increasingly loud as he refused. After ignoring a final request, police said he was handcuffed and taken from the building.
Alterman spoke with CNN after being released. He called the arrest a “misunderstanding” and claimed he did not refuse orders to leave.
He told CNN he was waiting in the spin room for the debate to end but there was no place to sit. He claimed he saw an area upstairs and was not stopped when he walked up there. He said he saw a bar area and asked if it was an open bar. Told that it was, he ordered a wine and a water. He then said he was approached by a man and asked if he was invited to the party. Alterman said he asked for the man’s name because he had been treated “brusquely”. He said the man declined to give his name and called for an officer.
Alterman said he “never raised his voice once” and identified himself as a journalist. When he asked for the police officer’s name, the office threatened to arrest him. Alterman said he asked for a supervising officer to come over and tried to explain the situation. He claims he was cut off and acknowledged he may have been argumentative when he said, “could I please finish a sentence here?”
He was booked and released after paying $30. Alterman said he will fight to get the charges dropped.
Alterman writes a column for “The Nation” and writes the “Altercation” blog for Media Matters. He also has authored several books, including “Why Presidents Lie.”
Meanwhile this from the back room at the debate:
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (CNN ) – Columnist and author Eric Alterman has been released after being arrested Sunday night inside the debate spin room. He was charged with criminal trespass after police say he refused repeated orders to leave.
Goffstown, N.H. police said Alterman was in the spin room as a guest of the Creative Coalition and went to an area reserved for a private reception for WMUR-TV. Police said he was asked by an executive at the party if he was invited to the private area and was asked to leave. A police officer was called after a verbal altercation ensued. According to police, Alterman was asked seven times to leave and became increasingly loud as he refused. After ignoring a final request, police said he was handcuffed and taken from the building.
Alterman spoke with CNN after being released. He called the arrest a “misunderstanding” and claimed he did not refuse orders to leave.
He told CNN he was waiting in the spin room for the debate to end but there was no place to sit. He claimed he saw an area upstairs and was not stopped when he walked up there. He said he saw a bar area and asked if it was an open bar. Told that it was, he ordered a wine and a water. He then said he was approached by a man and asked if he was invited to the party. Alterman said he asked for the man’s name because he had been treated “brusquely”. He said the man declined to give his name and called for an officer.
Alterman said he “never raised his voice once” and identified himself as a journalist. When he asked for the police officer’s name, the office threatened to arrest him. Alterman said he asked for a supervising officer to come over and tried to explain the situation. He claims he was cut off and acknowledged he may have been argumentative when he said, “could I please finish a sentence here?”
He was booked and released after paying $30. Alterman said he will fight to get the charges dropped.
Alterman writes a column for “The Nation” and writes the “Altercation” blog for Media Matters. He also has authored several books, including “Why Presidents Lie.”
Another Nut Running a Government
MOSCOW — In a threat not uttered since the Cold War, Vladimir Putin said that Russia intends to aim its missile systems - potentially nuclear weapons - at targets in Europe in retaliation for the U.S. decision to establish antimissile bases there.
During a lengthy dinner, Russia's President defended his semi-authoritarian style and insisted he is the world's only true democrat. In an interview with The Globe and Mail and a small circle of other journalists, he stressed that his country is not moving away from a market economy, refused to consider extraditing a former KGB agent charged with poisoning a dissident in London, and lashed out repeatedly at the United States and NATO for operating in countries previously within Russia's sphere of influence.
"Of course, I am a pure and absolute democrat," he said. "The tragedy is that I am alone. I am the only such pure democrat. There are no such other democrats in the world. Let us see what is happening in North America: Just horrible torture. The homeless. Guantanamo. Detentions without normal court proceedings."
"After the death of Mahatma Gandhi," he added, with a smile, "I have nobody to talk to."
During a lengthy dinner, Russia's President defended his semi-authoritarian style and insisted he is the world's only true democrat. In an interview with The Globe and Mail and a small circle of other journalists, he stressed that his country is not moving away from a market economy, refused to consider extraditing a former KGB agent charged with poisoning a dissident in London, and lashed out repeatedly at the United States and NATO for operating in countries previously within Russia's sphere of influence.
"Of course, I am a pure and absolute democrat," he said. "The tragedy is that I am alone. I am the only such pure democrat. There are no such other democrats in the world. Let us see what is happening in North America: Just horrible torture. The homeless. Guantanamo. Detentions without normal court proceedings."
"After the death of Mahatma Gandhi," he added, with a smile, "I have nobody to talk to."
Stupidity will Succeed
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who led negotiations on the (immigration) bill for his party, said the flood of angry calls and protests that greeted the deal two weeks ago has since receded every day.
To permit uncontrolled immigration, and engage in accomodations before order is restored, is moronic. It will lead to the end of America.
Having now annoyed pro-illegal alien partisans, let's annoy conservatives.
Every illegal alien should be given a work-permit card. No questions asked. That would make them legal.
This should happen at the same time as a huge fence goes up, and the border is closed.
Ask me why the government LOVES illegal immegration.
Ask me why a real solution will NEVER be implemented.
And as for reconquista - folks, Mexico is a massively screwed up society. It is getting worse as time goes by. And it makes no sense to reunite the American west with such a crappy system.
Kids, who can tell me how long California was part of Mexico?
To permit uncontrolled immigration, and engage in accomodations before order is restored, is moronic. It will lead to the end of America.
Having now annoyed pro-illegal alien partisans, let's annoy conservatives.
Every illegal alien should be given a work-permit card. No questions asked. That would make them legal.
This should happen at the same time as a huge fence goes up, and the border is closed.
Ask me why the government LOVES illegal immegration.
Ask me why a real solution will NEVER be implemented.
And as for reconquista - folks, Mexico is a massively screwed up society. It is getting worse as time goes by. And it makes no sense to reunite the American west with such a crappy system.
Kids, who can tell me how long California was part of Mexico?
Ahh. The Brilliance.
National Geo aired a documentary on the Regime of Saddam. It showed in horrifying images the terror, the massacre of hundreds of thousands of men, women, children. And that was just what happened to the Kurds. Meanwhile, from the Democratic Party's debate:
Edwards about the others: "They went quietly to the floor of the Senate, cast the right vote. But there is a difference between leadership and legislating," Edwards told his rivals during the second Democratic debate.
Both Clinton and Obama voted against the bill—which passed—but without making a strong case against the legislation.
"I think it's obvious who I'm talking about," Edwards said.
Clinton disagreed with Edwards, both in his comments on her role on Iraq and in his characterization of Bush's global war on terrorism as a "political slogan, a bumper sticker."
As a New Yorker, "I have seen first hand the terrible damage that can be inflicted on our country by a small band of terrorists," Clinton said.
Still, she said, "I believe we are safer than we were."
At the conclusion of the two-hour debate, the candidates were asked what their top priority would be for their first 100 days in office:
—Edwards: "travel the world" and "re-establish America's moral authority."
—Clinton: bring home U.S. troops from Iraq.
—Obama: bring home U.S. troops and push for national health care.
—New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: upgrade U.S. schools and push a $40,000-a-year minimum wage for teachers.
—Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: end the war in Iraq and defuse tensions with Iran and North Korea.
—Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: help "reshape the world for peace" and end all nuclear weapons.
—Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel: Remind Congressional leaders they can end the war in Iraq now.
—Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: "Restore constitutional rights in this country."
Edwards about the others: "They went quietly to the floor of the Senate, cast the right vote. But there is a difference between leadership and legislating," Edwards told his rivals during the second Democratic debate.
Both Clinton and Obama voted against the bill—which passed—but without making a strong case against the legislation.
"I think it's obvious who I'm talking about," Edwards said.
Clinton disagreed with Edwards, both in his comments on her role on Iraq and in his characterization of Bush's global war on terrorism as a "political slogan, a bumper sticker."
As a New Yorker, "I have seen first hand the terrible damage that can be inflicted on our country by a small band of terrorists," Clinton said.
Still, she said, "I believe we are safer than we were."
At the conclusion of the two-hour debate, the candidates were asked what their top priority would be for their first 100 days in office:
—Edwards: "travel the world" and "re-establish America's moral authority."
—Clinton: bring home U.S. troops from Iraq.
—Obama: bring home U.S. troops and push for national health care.
—New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson: upgrade U.S. schools and push a $40,000-a-year minimum wage for teachers.
—Delaware Sen. Joe Biden: end the war in Iraq and defuse tensions with Iran and North Korea.
—Ohio Rep. Dennis Kucinich: help "reshape the world for peace" and end all nuclear weapons.
—Former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel: Remind Congressional leaders they can end the war in Iraq now.
—Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd: "Restore constitutional rights in this country."
Friday, June 1, 2007
The Next President
On the record:
The next president is very likely to be Hillary Clinton. Everything is lining up for her. The only thing that can defeat her is the reality of her politics being discovered by the handful of centrist voters who will decide the election.
One can argue that her getting the vote of all democrats is a given. (Of course, the ultra-leftist, fractious, and extreme wing in the party could abandon her, since realism isn't their strong suit.)
And her high "opposed no matter what" polls largely can be interpreted to mean that she will not get any republican votes.
Only those in the middle can be swayed, and there are few of them.
She must capture them, but the problem that she faces is largely that she is quite far left, wearing the mantle of centrism.
If she cannot carefully avoid the colllectivist ideas and words of her secret hidden nature she'll alienate the middle. This middle, for all their ambivilance between right and left, are ultimately American, individualists, and view socialism askance, even while enjoying the Americanized version of it.
If she pushes overtly to the left, she will lose them. And lose the election.
If she can retain the centrist illusion, she will likely win them and the election.
The next president is very likely to be Hillary Clinton. Everything is lining up for her. The only thing that can defeat her is the reality of her politics being discovered by the handful of centrist voters who will decide the election.
One can argue that her getting the vote of all democrats is a given. (Of course, the ultra-leftist, fractious, and extreme wing in the party could abandon her, since realism isn't their strong suit.)
And her high "opposed no matter what" polls largely can be interpreted to mean that she will not get any republican votes.
Only those in the middle can be swayed, and there are few of them.
She must capture them, but the problem that she faces is largely that she is quite far left, wearing the mantle of centrism.
If she cannot carefully avoid the colllectivist ideas and words of her secret hidden nature she'll alienate the middle. This middle, for all their ambivilance between right and left, are ultimately American, individualists, and view socialism askance, even while enjoying the Americanized version of it.
If she pushes overtly to the left, she will lose them. And lose the election.
If she can retain the centrist illusion, she will likely win them and the election.
A Legacy Forged of Sand
Few writers could capture the failure of George W. Bush better than Peggy Noonan does in this column.
Having been handed an opportunity, this president has created a disaster. This is not to say that Saddam, Afghanistan, Islamic radicals, or any other threat is not real, and a threat.
In the larger picture one might suggest this failed presidency is the culmination of a government increasingly led to tell stories to it's public rather than deal in truth.
But in the final analysis this president has failed us. And is failing us all, citizen, immigrant, employer, employee, again with this immigration bill.
The end of the empire is nearer due to George W. Bush.
Having been handed an opportunity, this president has created a disaster. This is not to say that Saddam, Afghanistan, Islamic radicals, or any other threat is not real, and a threat.
In the larger picture one might suggest this failed presidency is the culmination of a government increasingly led to tell stories to it's public rather than deal in truth.
But in the final analysis this president has failed us. And is failing us all, citizen, immigrant, employer, employee, again with this immigration bill.
The end of the empire is nearer due to George W. Bush.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Who is Laurie Mylroie?
Laurie Mylroie
Former consultant to Bill Clinton.
Important Writings
Author of:
Study of Revenge: The First World Trade Center Attack
and Saddam Hussein's War against America
American Enterprise Institute, 2001 (revised edition)
“Work the U.S. government should have done.”
— Gil Childers, lead prosecutor in the trial of the 1993 bombers
(October 2000, book panel on Study of Revenge).
“Although we are unable to say with certainty the Iraqis were
behind the bombing, that is certainly the theory accepted by
most of the veteran investigators.” — Jim Fox, Director of FBI-NY
"The great weight of the evidence points precisely to the conclusion
that the World Trade Center bombing and the [1995] plot against U.S. airplanes were state-sponsored." --Study of Revenge
Former consultant to Bill Clinton.
Important Writings
Author of:
Study of Revenge: The First World Trade Center Attack
and Saddam Hussein's War against America
American Enterprise Institute, 2001 (revised edition)
“Work the U.S. government should have done.”
— Gil Childers, lead prosecutor in the trial of the 1993 bombers
(October 2000, book panel on Study of Revenge).
“Although we are unable to say with certainty the Iraqis were
behind the bombing, that is certainly the theory accepted by
most of the veteran investigators.” — Jim Fox, Director of FBI-NY
"The great weight of the evidence points precisely to the conclusion
that the World Trade Center bombing and the [1995] plot against U.S. airplanes were state-sponsored." --Study of Revenge
9/11
There is nothing morally or logically wrong with suggesting that the entire story of 9/11 has not come out in the mainstream press.
And there is nothing in that statement that suggests that the U.S. government, elected officials, or employees of the government planned or executed the events of 9/11.
Let's look at a few bits of logic:
1. We know there was a conspiracy on the part of no less than 19 hijackers.
2. We know that several years before there was a conspiracy to topple the twin towers on the part of middle eastern terrorists by placing a large explosive device in the basement of the WTC.
Would it be so hard to believe that this attack combined the efforts of more than 19 men, all focused on toppling the towers? That their attack included, perhaps, bombs in the basement? Perhaps even suicide bombers inside other floors of the towers?
Yes, this is wild speculation. But it's just to point out that there is a certain logic to there being a broader conspiracy that the 19 hijackers.
Here is the fundamental problem: The investigation into 9/11 was woefully, perhaps immorally, incomplete.
And there is nothing in that statement that suggests that the U.S. government, elected officials, or employees of the government planned or executed the events of 9/11.
Let's look at a few bits of logic:
1. We know there was a conspiracy on the part of no less than 19 hijackers.
2. We know that several years before there was a conspiracy to topple the twin towers on the part of middle eastern terrorists by placing a large explosive device in the basement of the WTC.
Would it be so hard to believe that this attack combined the efforts of more than 19 men, all focused on toppling the towers? That their attack included, perhaps, bombs in the basement? Perhaps even suicide bombers inside other floors of the towers?
Yes, this is wild speculation. But it's just to point out that there is a certain logic to there being a broader conspiracy that the 19 hijackers.
Here is the fundamental problem: The investigation into 9/11 was woefully, perhaps immorally, incomplete.
Friday, May 25, 2007
What Really Happened?
The conspiracy nut crowd has pretty well destroyed any ability to engage in a discussion about the events of 9/11/2001, as witnessed by Rudy's assault against, and distortion of, the comments of Ron Paul.
Yet there are some genuine puzzles. The "magic bullet" of 9/11 is Building 7.
Yes. It had a fire.
Yes. It was a serious fire.
Was it brought down on purpose?
If this clip is correct, then Building 7 was brought down intentionally.
Ok, no problem. Probably a good decision. But who rigged the explosives, and when did they do it?
You can see that this one snippet of video opens lots and lots of doors.
This does not mean that George Bush, Carl Rove, or any other government official planned 9/11 and to suggest otherwise is silly and irresponsible. But there are legitimate questions to ask.
For example, is it impossible that the Trade Center was attacked not only by two airliners impacting them, but also by truck bombs in the basement? Could suicide bombers have infiltrated the various floors to set off further explosions? There are witnesses and video/audio that supports the notion of additional explosions.
Since there was a truck bomb attack on the WTC is this so impossible to consider? And might it not have an impact on how we conduct national security in the future?
To hear more about Building 7:
Yet there are some genuine puzzles. The "magic bullet" of 9/11 is Building 7.
Yes. It had a fire.
Yes. It was a serious fire.
Was it brought down on purpose?
If this clip is correct, then Building 7 was brought down intentionally.
Ok, no problem. Probably a good decision. But who rigged the explosives, and when did they do it?
You can see that this one snippet of video opens lots and lots of doors.
This does not mean that George Bush, Carl Rove, or any other government official planned 9/11 and to suggest otherwise is silly and irresponsible. But there are legitimate questions to ask.
For example, is it impossible that the Trade Center was attacked not only by two airliners impacting them, but also by truck bombs in the basement? Could suicide bombers have infiltrated the various floors to set off further explosions? There are witnesses and video/audio that supports the notion of additional explosions.
Since there was a truck bomb attack on the WTC is this so impossible to consider? And might it not have an impact on how we conduct national security in the future?
To hear more about Building 7:
How Far is Guam?
Last month, North Korea displayed a newly developed ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. territory of Guam during a military parade, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported, citing an unidentified South Korean government official familiar with an analysis of U.S. satellite images.
That's about 1800 miles.
How far is it from North Korea to Alaska?
Not to mention: North Korea's multi-stage Taepodong-2 is believed to have a range of up to 10,000 kilometers, which would put the continental United States within striking distance.
The Pentagon admits that North Korea has only a two-stage Taepo Dong 2 missile, which CIA Director George J. Tenet indicates is capable of striking the U.S. West Coast, while the Taepo Dong 3 can strike targets anywhere in North America.
In the report to the National Assembly, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama was quoted as saying “Washington, as well as Tokyo, has so far underrated Pyongyang’s missile capabilities.”
That's about 1800 miles.
How far is it from North Korea to Alaska?
Not to mention: North Korea's multi-stage Taepodong-2 is believed to have a range of up to 10,000 kilometers, which would put the continental United States within striking distance.
The Pentagon admits that North Korea has only a two-stage Taepo Dong 2 missile, which CIA Director George J. Tenet indicates is capable of striking the U.S. West Coast, while the Taepo Dong 3 can strike targets anywhere in North America.
In the report to the National Assembly, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Nakayama was quoted as saying “Washington, as well as Tokyo, has so far underrated Pyongyang’s missile capabilities.”
Iraq, the Democrats and History
For the Democrats it appears that the entire debate over Iraq has little to do with national security, terrorism, or Iran's blatant power grab in the region.
It appears to have everything to do with political power, and gaining more of it.
"I feel a direction change in the air," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House panel that oversees military funding.
"I fully support our troops" but the measure "fails to compel the president to give our troops a new strategy in Iraq," said Clinton, D-N.Y.
"Enough is enough," Obama, an Illinois senator, declared, adding that Bush should not get "a blank check to continue down this same, disastrous path."
"This debate will go on," vowed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"Senate Democrats will not stop our efforts to change the course of this war until either enough Republicans join with us to reject President Bush's failed policy or we get a new president," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said.
The Senate will go first when it considers a defense policy bill authorizing more than $600 billion in military spending. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, plans to offer an amendment that would order troop withdrawals to begin within 120 days.
Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., said he would press to repeal the 2002 resolution authorizing combat in Iraq.
Nowhere do these estemmed leaders comment on the interference of Iran, the complicity of Syria, the almost certain liklihood of chaos after our departure, or any other serious issue in the reality of the moment.
They love to call for a new direction, but the only direction they know is retreat.
Regrettably this war has not gone very well, and the President is ultimately responsible for that. But to use his weakness due to this simply for poltical gain is immoral, since it will decide the fate of many innocent lives.
The Democrats owe America more than just sniping.
It appears to have everything to do with political power, and gaining more of it.
"I feel a direction change in the air," said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., chairman of the House panel that oversees military funding.
"I fully support our troops" but the measure "fails to compel the president to give our troops a new strategy in Iraq," said Clinton, D-N.Y.
"Enough is enough," Obama, an Illinois senator, declared, adding that Bush should not get "a blank check to continue down this same, disastrous path."
"This debate will go on," vowed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.
"Senate Democrats will not stop our efforts to change the course of this war until either enough Republicans join with us to reject President Bush's failed policy or we get a new president," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said.
The Senate will go first when it considers a defense policy bill authorizing more than $600 billion in military spending. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, plans to offer an amendment that would order troop withdrawals to begin within 120 days.
Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., said he would press to repeal the 2002 resolution authorizing combat in Iraq.
Nowhere do these estemmed leaders comment on the interference of Iran, the complicity of Syria, the almost certain liklihood of chaos after our departure, or any other serious issue in the reality of the moment.
They love to call for a new direction, but the only direction they know is retreat.
Regrettably this war has not gone very well, and the President is ultimately responsible for that. But to use his weakness due to this simply for poltical gain is immoral, since it will decide the fate of many innocent lives.
The Democrats owe America more than just sniping.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
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