The Palestinians are very dangerous no matter where they are.
Bad enough that Palestinian demonstrators are making anti-Semitic statements the world over.
But now they see fit to assault police officers. (http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/01/11/gaza.rally.new.york/index.html)
At a demonstration yesterday afternoon in New York police officers were attempting to break up a scuffle when the Palestinian demonstrators attacked them. The Palestinians claim they were sprayed with mace but the NYPD denies mace was used.
In the resulting melee, seven NYPD officers were injured including two with head injuries. The NYPD restored order and arrested at least nine of the demonstrators who will face charges ranging from disorderly conduct to reckless endangerment.
Of course, if these Palestinians were on the West Bank instead of Manhattan's West Side they would have likely been amongst those who were cheering the deaths of those who were killed in the World Trade Center.
What a bunch of thugs!
Monday, January 12, 2009
UN Human Rights Council Condemns Israel
Like this is a surprise.
The UN Human Rights Council today condemned Israel for "grave violations" of human rights in Gaza while all but ignoring the actions of Hamas which prompted Israeli self-defense in the first place.
If Hamas launches rockets into Israel and there's no retaliation does the world make a sound?
The UN Human Rights Council today condemned Israel for "grave violations" of human rights in Gaza while all but ignoring the actions of Hamas which prompted Israeli self-defense in the first place.
If Hamas launches rockets into Israel and there's no retaliation does the world make a sound?
Thoughts on Prince Harry
When Prince Harry wore a Nazi uniform to a costume party nearly four years ago I chastised him fairly severely. (http://www.americandaily.com/article/6526)
I did so not so much because of the associations with anti-Semitism but because I thought he brought dishonor to his family. After Buckingham Palace was bombed by the Nazis during the blitz on London nearly a dozen times. The Royals could have gone to Canada during the War but instead chose to remain thus giving a much needed boost to morale. The Queen Mother, in particular, frequently visited areas that had been bombed especially in East London. It was a big reason for her lifelong popularity.
In any case, Harry redeemed himself with his service in Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, it is his military service that has gotten him in trouble again. While videotaping an military exercise in Cyprus in 2005 the third in line to the British throne refers to one of his colleagues as a "Paki" and another as a "raghead." The "Paki" in question is Ahmed Raza Khan, now a Captain in the Pakistani Army. He also made remarks considered disrespectful to Queen Elizabeth II. The political class in Britain have roundly condemned Harry as has the Muslim community.
These are my thoughts. First, one must ask oneself if one would want to make such utterances on videotape much less in one's own private thoughts. The Prince showed a lack of discretion here. Second, "Paki" was allegedly Khan's nickname in the squadron. If so that is something that should have never been uttered in earshot of anyone beyond the squadron. Again, a lack of discretion on the part of the Prince. Finally, my two previous statements notwithstanding I don't think Prince Harry needs lectures from Britain's Muslim community. Particularly, at a time when Muslim youths are attempting to burn down synagogues, pull a Jewish driver out of his car and assault him, taunt Jews with anti-Semitic remarks and grafiti signs reading "Kill Jews" and "Jews are scumbags." (http://jewishbreakingnews.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/synagogue-set-alight-in-london-death-threats-arson-against-antwerp-jews/)
Prince Harry should be the least of Muslim's community problem. But it isn't. I suspect that much of the animus against him isn't so much because of these offhand remarks but rather the fact that he served in Afghanistan in the first place. After all, what did the Muslim community in Britain have to say when Harry wore the swastika?
I did so not so much because of the associations with anti-Semitism but because I thought he brought dishonor to his family. After Buckingham Palace was bombed by the Nazis during the blitz on London nearly a dozen times. The Royals could have gone to Canada during the War but instead chose to remain thus giving a much needed boost to morale. The Queen Mother, in particular, frequently visited areas that had been bombed especially in East London. It was a big reason for her lifelong popularity.
In any case, Harry redeemed himself with his service in Afghanistan.
Unfortunately, it is his military service that has gotten him in trouble again. While videotaping an military exercise in Cyprus in 2005 the third in line to the British throne refers to one of his colleagues as a "Paki" and another as a "raghead." The "Paki" in question is Ahmed Raza Khan, now a Captain in the Pakistani Army. He also made remarks considered disrespectful to Queen Elizabeth II. The political class in Britain have roundly condemned Harry as has the Muslim community.
These are my thoughts. First, one must ask oneself if one would want to make such utterances on videotape much less in one's own private thoughts. The Prince showed a lack of discretion here. Second, "Paki" was allegedly Khan's nickname in the squadron. If so that is something that should have never been uttered in earshot of anyone beyond the squadron. Again, a lack of discretion on the part of the Prince. Finally, my two previous statements notwithstanding I don't think Prince Harry needs lectures from Britain's Muslim community. Particularly, at a time when Muslim youths are attempting to burn down synagogues, pull a Jewish driver out of his car and assault him, taunt Jews with anti-Semitic remarks and grafiti signs reading "Kill Jews" and "Jews are scumbags." (http://jewishbreakingnews.wordpress.com/2009/01/07/synagogue-set-alight-in-london-death-threats-arson-against-antwerp-jews/)
Prince Harry should be the least of Muslim's community problem. But it isn't. I suspect that much of the animus against him isn't so much because of these offhand remarks but rather the fact that he served in Afghanistan in the first place. After all, what did the Muslim community in Britain have to say when Harry wore the swastika?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Obama Wants "Respect" For Iran
In an interview this morning on ABC's This Week, President-elect Obama called for "a new emphasis on respect and a new willingness on being willing to talk."
Perhaps respect is a given for Obama where he comes from but where I come from to get respect you have to give it.
What respect has Iran, either through President Ahmadinejad or the Mullahs, given their own people never mind the international community?
If Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs initiated a glasnost like set of reforms then there might be a basis for a set of direct, one on one discussions. But as it stands now, President-elect Obama has effectively legitimized President Ahmadinejad's vow to destroy Israel and has sent signals he will do nothing to stand in the way of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Job well done.
Perhaps respect is a given for Obama where he comes from but where I come from to get respect you have to give it.
What respect has Iran, either through President Ahmadinejad or the Mullahs, given their own people never mind the international community?
If Ahmadinejad and the Mullahs initiated a glasnost like set of reforms then there might be a basis for a set of direct, one on one discussions. But as it stands now, President-elect Obama has effectively legitimized President Ahmadinejad's vow to destroy Israel and has sent signals he will do nothing to stand in the way of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Job well done.
Thoughts on Gran Torino
Tonight, my roomie and I went to see Gran Torino, the new Clint Eastwood movie. It is believed this will be Eastwood's last film as an actor. If it is he makes one hell of an exit. I don't think most people in the theater saw it coming. I won't give away the ending but you can draw your own conclusions.
Well, let me put it to you this way. I overheard one woman state the ending of this film was not unlike the ending of John Wayne's last film. Her observation was a perceptive one. John Wayne's last film was The Shootist. If you've seen it then I think you get the idea. If not then it will be well worth your time to see Gran Torino. It might not be what you expect but you won't soon forget it.
Well, let me put it to you this way. I overheard one woman state the ending of this film was not unlike the ending of John Wayne's last film. Her observation was a perceptive one. John Wayne's last film was The Shootist. If you've seen it then I think you get the idea. If not then it will be well worth your time to see Gran Torino. It might not be what you expect but you won't soon forget it.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Mayor of Baltimore Indicted
Well, there was former Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson and Boston City Councillor Chuck Turner. Then it was Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Now Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon joins the list of the Democratic politicians who now stand accused of exploiting their public office for private gain. Dixon, who supported Barack Obama for President last year, was today indicted on 12 counts relating to rewarding city contracts to relatives and friends as well as receiving gifts. Specifically, Dixon was charged with four counts of perjury, three counts of theft, three counts of misappropriation and two counts of misconduct. Dixon has been under investigation by the Maryland State Prosecutor for nearly three years.
Dixon became mayor in January 2007 when Martin O'Malley stepped aside to be sworn in as the Governor of Maryland. She was elected in her own right later that year. Prior to that, Dixon was a Baltimore City Councillor for nearly two decades. In the early 1990s, Dixon waved her shoe at her white colleagues on City Council telling them, "You've been running things for the last 20 years. Now the shoe is on the other foot." Now perhaps the other shoe has dropped.
Now Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon joins the list of the Democratic politicians who now stand accused of exploiting their public office for private gain. Dixon, who supported Barack Obama for President last year, was today indicted on 12 counts relating to rewarding city contracts to relatives and friends as well as receiving gifts. Specifically, Dixon was charged with four counts of perjury, three counts of theft, three counts of misappropriation and two counts of misconduct. Dixon has been under investigation by the Maryland State Prosecutor for nearly three years.
Dixon became mayor in January 2007 when Martin O'Malley stepped aside to be sworn in as the Governor of Maryland. She was elected in her own right later that year. Prior to that, Dixon was a Baltimore City Councillor for nearly two decades. In the early 1990s, Dixon waved her shoe at her white colleagues on City Council telling them, "You've been running things for the last 20 years. Now the shoe is on the other foot." Now perhaps the other shoe has dropped.
Liberal Bias in Comic Books
On January 14, Marvel Comics will release a special issue of The Amazing Spider Man featuring a story where Spidey saves Barack Obama's inauguration fist pump and all.
Obama isn't the first President to appear in a comic book. In fact, The Baltimore Sun put out a gallery of Presidents who have graced the pages of Spider Man, Superman, Batman and other comics over the years. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/booksmags/chi-presidents-in-comics-pg,0,7330224.photogallery)
Of course, some Presidents are portrayed in a more cartoonish fashion than are other Presidents.
I'll leave it to you to guess which Presidents have been portrayed in such a manner.
Obama isn't the first President to appear in a comic book. In fact, The Baltimore Sun put out a gallery of Presidents who have graced the pages of Spider Man, Superman, Batman and other comics over the years. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/booksmags/chi-presidents-in-comics-pg,0,7330224.photogallery)
Of course, some Presidents are portrayed in a more cartoonish fashion than are other Presidents.
I'll leave it to you to guess which Presidents have been portrayed in such a manner.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Is The CIA Keeping Kappes?
It appears that Stephen Kappes will remain as Deputy Director of the CIA in an effort to mollify Senators Feinstein, Rockefeller and others concerned about President-elect Obama's appointment of Leon Panetta as CIA Director.
It's a smart move. But it's window dressing. Panetta will erect a wall between Kappes and Obama as big as the wall he'll erect between the CIA and the FBI. Kappes will have no more access to Obama than I will. I predict Kappes will resign within 18 months and begin an exodus from the CIA this country has never seen.
It's a smart move. But it's window dressing. Panetta will erect a wall between Kappes and Obama as big as the wall he'll erect between the CIA and the FBI. Kappes will have no more access to Obama than I will. I predict Kappes will resign within 18 months and begin an exodus from the CIA this country has never seen.
Disgusting Plan B abortion ads on TV
The prevalence of pro-abortion ads on TV pushing Plan B at women who have risky sex is nauseating. The ads aren't honest because they never tell the viewer that the pill is an abortifacient, it's presented and described as if it is not any different than standard birth control pills. So women who are persuaded to take Plan B may be aborting their own sons and daughters without knowing they are. Plan B is taken the day after sex, and it works by either preventing an egg and a sperm from joining, or, if they already have combined, from implanting on the uterus wall. The latter is an abortion, because without the supervening action of the Plan B pill, the fertilized egg would continue growing.
If the abortion industry was honest about the "medical" procedure they are providing, they would want women to be fully informed about what is happening to their bodies, not hide it. The truth is that they are making a fortune off selling abortions and if women were fully informed that they were killing their babies, the abortion mills would lose a lot of their profits.
It might be worth it to start boycotting stations like E-TV that are running Plan B commercials. It is painful to watch that station without having to be constantly reminded of babies being aborted.
Where Can I Find The Palestinians Demonstrating Against Hamas?
I came across this interesting item today on the CBC News website. It was a commentary written by David Borzykowski, a graduate student at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. The title of his piece is,"Am I really a bad Jew?" (http://www.cbc.ca/news/citizenbytes/2009/01/your_commentary_am_i_really_a.html)
Mr. Borzykowski complains about being called a "bad Jew" because he doesn't support the current IDF offensive against Hamas in Gaza. He then complains about the one-sidedness of "mainstream Jewish thinking." "Like any conflict and especially the Israeli-Palestinian one, there are two sides to every story," writes Borzykowski, "except it seems, among Jews."
If this statement is true then how does he explain organizations such as Jews for Justice for Palestinians? As far as I am aware there is no equivalent Palestinian organization that has been established in support of Israel. Could Mr. Borzykowski please tell me where I can find the Palestinians who are demonstrating against Hamas?
As the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan put it Mr. Borzykowski is entitled to his opinion, not his facts. I would, however, have taken his opinion more seriously if he were to have a) stated the reasons he objects to the current IDF campaign in Gaza and b) put forward an alternate plan for Israel to address Hamas rockets attacks from Gaza.
Mr. Borzykowski isn't "a bad Jew." I just wish he were a more diligent one.
Mr. Borzykowski complains about being called a "bad Jew" because he doesn't support the current IDF offensive against Hamas in Gaza. He then complains about the one-sidedness of "mainstream Jewish thinking." "Like any conflict and especially the Israeli-Palestinian one, there are two sides to every story," writes Borzykowski, "except it seems, among Jews."
If this statement is true then how does he explain organizations such as Jews for Justice for Palestinians? As far as I am aware there is no equivalent Palestinian organization that has been established in support of Israel. Could Mr. Borzykowski please tell me where I can find the Palestinians who are demonstrating against Hamas?
As the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan put it Mr. Borzykowski is entitled to his opinion, not his facts. I would, however, have taken his opinion more seriously if he were to have a) stated the reasons he objects to the current IDF campaign in Gaza and b) put forward an alternate plan for Israel to address Hamas rockets attacks from Gaza.
Mr. Borzykowski isn't "a bad Jew." I just wish he were a more diligent one.
A Bailout For The Porn Industry?
Not very likely. Although I can see why they would prefer a hands on approach by government.
Hey, it was a shot in the dark.
Hey, it was a shot in the dark.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
The Lingering Grievance Against Israel
I read Ivan Eland's article, "Is Israeli Policy Crazy?" which was posted on IC this morning.
(http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2009/01/07/is-israeli-policy-crazy/)
The tagline is, "Israel doesn't seem to understand that superior power doesn't buy security as long as the adversary's grievance lingers."
The problem with Mr. Eland's premise is that the grievance of Israel's adversaries (not merely limited to Hamas) is Israel itself.
Nothing Israel says or does will mollify its adversaries. They can withdraw from so-called occupied territory. They can dismantle settlements. They can divide Jerusalem. It will not matter one wit. So long as Israel exists in any form there will be a "grievance" against it.
I'm also not sure where Mr. Eland gets his information. Mr. Eland implores Israel "to put aside hatred of Arabs and solve the underlying grievance." I don't seem to recall when Israeli textbooks referred to Arabs as "apes and monkeys" or when Israeli TV airs music videos imploring Israelis to kill Arabs. Yet in the cavernous recesses of Mr. Eland's mind it is Israel that seethes with hatred. A hatred that can only be excised if it commits suicide.
Mr. Eland, I think the UN is calling for you.
(http://www.intellectualconservative.com/2009/01/07/is-israeli-policy-crazy/)
The tagline is, "Israel doesn't seem to understand that superior power doesn't buy security as long as the adversary's grievance lingers."
The problem with Mr. Eland's premise is that the grievance of Israel's adversaries (not merely limited to Hamas) is Israel itself.
Nothing Israel says or does will mollify its adversaries. They can withdraw from so-called occupied territory. They can dismantle settlements. They can divide Jerusalem. It will not matter one wit. So long as Israel exists in any form there will be a "grievance" against it.
I'm also not sure where Mr. Eland gets his information. Mr. Eland implores Israel "to put aside hatred of Arabs and solve the underlying grievance." I don't seem to recall when Israeli textbooks referred to Arabs as "apes and monkeys" or when Israeli TV airs music videos imploring Israelis to kill Arabs. Yet in the cavernous recesses of Mr. Eland's mind it is Israel that seethes with hatred. A hatred that can only be excised if it commits suicide.
Mr. Eland, I think the UN is calling for you.
Canadian Union Leader Calls for Boycott of Israeli Academics
Sid Ryan, the President of the Ontario Section of the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has called for a boycott against Israeli academics at Canadian universities.
Ryan, who has also been a perennial NDP candidate in both federal and provincial elections, said that unless Israeli academics condemned the assault on Gaza and the bombing of the Islamic University in particular then they should not be allowed on Canadian campuses. For good measure, Ryan has likened Israel's actions in Gaza to that of the Nazis. How sweet of him.
I've never met Ryan but his statements don't surprise me. In 2006, Ryan persuaded CUPE Ontario to pass a resolution supporting the international divestment campaign against Israel a la South Africa.
Jonathan Kay of The National Post summed up Ryan's actions quite nicely:
Never mind that Israel's campaign in Gaza has been humane by military standards -- surgically killing hundreds of Hamas gunmen yet only a few dozen of their human shields. And never mind that the Islamic University is a suspected arms depot for Hamas. Where, we ask, were the CUPE boycotts against from Russia, China, Sri Lanka, or any of the many other nations whose battles against terrorists have resulted in a far greater civilian toll?
Nowhere. On this file, Mr. Ryan and his fellow CUPE leaders care about demonizing only one country: the Jewish state.
There's a name for that kind of bigotry, isn't there? Remember to speak its name plainly next you meet a CUPE Ontario employee. (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/01/05/jonathan-kay-on-the-disgusting-anti-israeli-bigotry-of-sid-ryan-and-cupe-ontario.aspx)
Ryan, who has also been a perennial NDP candidate in both federal and provincial elections, said that unless Israeli academics condemned the assault on Gaza and the bombing of the Islamic University in particular then they should not be allowed on Canadian campuses. For good measure, Ryan has likened Israel's actions in Gaza to that of the Nazis. How sweet of him.
I've never met Ryan but his statements don't surprise me. In 2006, Ryan persuaded CUPE Ontario to pass a resolution supporting the international divestment campaign against Israel a la South Africa.
Jonathan Kay of The National Post summed up Ryan's actions quite nicely:
Never mind that Israel's campaign in Gaza has been humane by military standards -- surgically killing hundreds of Hamas gunmen yet only a few dozen of their human shields. And never mind that the Islamic University is a suspected arms depot for Hamas. Where, we ask, were the CUPE boycotts against from Russia, China, Sri Lanka, or any of the many other nations whose battles against terrorists have resulted in a far greater civilian toll?
Nowhere. On this file, Mr. Ryan and his fellow CUPE leaders care about demonizing only one country: the Jewish state.
There's a name for that kind of bigotry, isn't there? Remember to speak its name plainly next you meet a CUPE Ontario employee. (http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/01/05/jonathan-kay-on-the-disgusting-anti-israeli-bigotry-of-sid-ryan-and-cupe-ontario.aspx)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Burris Denied Senate Seat
The U.S. Senate has refused to seat Roland Burris on the grounds that a) he hasn't been certified by the Illinois Secretary of State and b) the legitimacy of Governor Blagojevich's appointment.
At least they didn't take Chuck Schumer up on his suggestion that Al Franken be seated. That would have set off a constitutional crisis.
Still, the U.S. Senate is in the wrong here. Burris is an American citizen, over the age of 30 and a resident of Illinois. Any impropriety by Blagojevich doesn't change those facts. Blago's fate is up to the people of Illinois not the U.S. Senate. Besides the signature of the Illinois Secretary of State doesn't trump the signatures on the U.S. Constitution.
At least they didn't take Chuck Schumer up on his suggestion that Al Franken be seated. That would have set off a constitutional crisis.
Still, the U.S. Senate is in the wrong here. Burris is an American citizen, over the age of 30 and a resident of Illinois. Any impropriety by Blagojevich doesn't change those facts. Blago's fate is up to the people of Illinois not the U.S. Senate. Besides the signature of the Illinois Secretary of State doesn't trump the signatures on the U.S. Constitution.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Chavez Gives Cold Shoulder on Low Income Heating Assistance
Several years ago, while calling President Bush "the devil", Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez was bragging about providing low income Americans assistance on home heating. Chavez, through Citgo, had an arrangement with Citizens Energy here in Boston (which is run by former Congressman Joe Kennedy - the eldest son of Robert F. Kennedy) to provide people who qualified with 100 gallons of free heating oil every winter.
Well, today Citgo announced it was suspending the program.
Obviously the main factor is falling oil prices.
But one cannot help but think how convenient it is that Chavez should make this move a fortnight before President Bush leaves office.
Granted it would be nice to see other oil producing countries and oil companies step up to the plate. But it is obvious to me that Chavez couldn't care a wit about low income Americans. He used them to thumb his nose at Bush. Nothing more. Nothing less. Now that Bush is leaving he doesn't have an external scapegoat. What? Chavez is going to call Obama names? Don't bet on it.
With Venezuela's economy faltering and the absence of Bush look for Chavez to focus his attention inward and for him to crack down hard on dissidents over the next four years. He is supposed to leave office in 2013 but is currently trying to get a constitutional amendment passed that would allow him to remain in office until 2021. If he loses two referendums in a row look for the fit to hit the shan.
Well, today Citgo announced it was suspending the program.
Obviously the main factor is falling oil prices.
But one cannot help but think how convenient it is that Chavez should make this move a fortnight before President Bush leaves office.
Granted it would be nice to see other oil producing countries and oil companies step up to the plate. But it is obvious to me that Chavez couldn't care a wit about low income Americans. He used them to thumb his nose at Bush. Nothing more. Nothing less. Now that Bush is leaving he doesn't have an external scapegoat. What? Chavez is going to call Obama names? Don't bet on it.
With Venezuela's economy faltering and the absence of Bush look for Chavez to focus his attention inward and for him to crack down hard on dissidents over the next four years. He is supposed to leave office in 2013 but is currently trying to get a constitutional amendment passed that would allow him to remain in office until 2021. If he loses two referendums in a row look for the fit to hit the shan.
Will Senate Democrats Create Constitutional Crisis Over Burris and Franken?
Well, Senate Democrats are blocking Roland Burris from sitting in the U.S. Senate. They claim Burris' appointment needs to be signed off by both the Governor and the Secretary of State. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is refusing to certify Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's appointment of Burris, the onetime Illinois State Comptroller and Attorney General.
Yet Senate Democrats like Chuck Schumer can't wait to seat Al Franken who was today declared the winner of the Minnesota's Senate race by the Minnesota Canvassing Board. But neither Governor Tim Pawlenty nor Secretary of State Mark Ritchie have certified Franken's election. Republican Norm Coleman has seven days to file a lawsuit to contest the ruling and there's every reason to expect he will.
Senate Democrats can't pick and choose when they follow the Constitution. If they seat Franken while refusing to seat Burris they will create a constitutional crisis.
Oddly enough the person who comes off smelling roses here is Barack Obama. The only connection he has to all of this is that he happened to have vacated one of the two seats in question. Subsequent events have tainted the Office of the Governor of Illinois and may soon taint the United States Senate. But it won't taint the incoming President of the United States who wears a suit of teflon.
Yet Senate Democrats like Chuck Schumer can't wait to seat Al Franken who was today declared the winner of the Minnesota's Senate race by the Minnesota Canvassing Board. But neither Governor Tim Pawlenty nor Secretary of State Mark Ritchie have certified Franken's election. Republican Norm Coleman has seven days to file a lawsuit to contest the ruling and there's every reason to expect he will.
Senate Democrats can't pick and choose when they follow the Constitution. If they seat Franken while refusing to seat Burris they will create a constitutional crisis.
Oddly enough the person who comes off smelling roses here is Barack Obama. The only connection he has to all of this is that he happened to have vacated one of the two seats in question. Subsequent events have tainted the Office of the Governor of Illinois and may soon taint the United States Senate. But it won't taint the incoming President of the United States who wears a suit of teflon.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Richardson Withdraws as Commerce Secretary Nominee
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has abruptly withdrawn his name from consideration to become Secretary of Commerce.
A federal grand jury in Alberquerque is investigating whether his office was involved in any wrongdoing. A company called CDR Financial Products is alleged to have received $1.4 million in state government contracts after donating money to Richardson's political action committee.
For his part Richardson denies any wrongdoing but didn't want to be yet another Democratic Governor to become an issue for Obama.
Somehow I don't think we're going to here Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid talk about a culture of corruption in Washington anytime soon.
A federal grand jury in Alberquerque is investigating whether his office was involved in any wrongdoing. A company called CDR Financial Products is alleged to have received $1.4 million in state government contracts after donating money to Richardson's political action committee.
For his part Richardson denies any wrongdoing but didn't want to be yet another Democratic Governor to become an issue for Obama.
Somehow I don't think we're going to here Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid talk about a culture of corruption in Washington anytime soon.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
AFP Bashes Israel
I have just read an article from Agence France Presse with this headline: Israeli assault on Gaza enters 2nd week with no end in sight. (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gyUpKsT7Y8|Umh-aoCQsDVASvimQ)
Yes, all was well in Gaza until Israel began an unprovoked assault on civilians.
This is what the article would have you believe:
Children continued to fall victim to Israel's assault on Hamas in one of the world's most densely-populated areas.
So Israel is deliberately murdering children? Never mind that Hamas terrorists embed themselves amongst civilians. But that doesn't enter into the AFP's thinking.
How can it when they use phrases like annexed east Jerusalem?
The article concludes with this sentence, "The offensive has sparked angry protests in the Muslim world and elsewhere across the globe and defied diplomatic efforts to broker a truce."
Defied diplomatic efforts to broker a truce? What diplomatic efforts? Egypt brokered a six month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last summer. Every day of this "ceasefire" rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza with the blessing of Hamas. It was Hamas who formally broke off the ceasefire. Rockets continued to be fired into Israel and Israel hit back.
The only reason Hamas exists is to destroy the State of Israel. It never ceases to amaze me how it is asserted Israel has the right to defend itself provided only that it does not defend itself.
President Bush has put the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. In two and a half weeks time, President Obama would be wise to keep it there.
Yes, all was well in Gaza until Israel began an unprovoked assault on civilians.
This is what the article would have you believe:
Children continued to fall victim to Israel's assault on Hamas in one of the world's most densely-populated areas.
So Israel is deliberately murdering children? Never mind that Hamas terrorists embed themselves amongst civilians. But that doesn't enter into the AFP's thinking.
How can it when they use phrases like annexed east Jerusalem?
The article concludes with this sentence, "The offensive has sparked angry protests in the Muslim world and elsewhere across the globe and defied diplomatic efforts to broker a truce."
Defied diplomatic efforts to broker a truce? What diplomatic efforts? Egypt brokered a six month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last summer. Every day of this "ceasefire" rockets were launched into Israel from Gaza with the blessing of Hamas. It was Hamas who formally broke off the ceasefire. Rockets continued to be fired into Israel and Israel hit back.
The only reason Hamas exists is to destroy the State of Israel. It never ceases to amaze me how it is asserted Israel has the right to defend itself provided only that it does not defend itself.
President Bush has put the pressure squarely on the shoulders of Hamas. In two and a half weeks time, President Obama would be wise to keep it there.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Jett Travolta, 1992-2009. R.I.P.
This is incredibly sad.
I just read on the AP wire that John Travolta and Kelly Preston's 16-year-old son, Jett Travolta, died today at their vacation home in the Bahamas.
Travolta had a seizure in the bathroom and hit his head on the bathtub. He was found unconscious and was taken to hospital. He was afflicted with what is known as Kawasaki disease which he was diagnosed with when he was 2 years old. I had never heard of it but it has to do with inflammation of the blood vessels which can cause seizures.
Needless to say this is a blow from which his parents and younger sister will never recover.
What else can be said?
I just read on the AP wire that John Travolta and Kelly Preston's 16-year-old son, Jett Travolta, died today at their vacation home in the Bahamas.
Travolta had a seizure in the bathroom and hit his head on the bathtub. He was found unconscious and was taken to hospital. He was afflicted with what is known as Kawasaki disease which he was diagnosed with when he was 2 years old. I had never heard of it but it has to do with inflammation of the blood vessels which can cause seizures.
Needless to say this is a blow from which his parents and younger sister will never recover.
What else can be said?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Claiborne Pell, 1918-2009. R.I.P.
Claiborne Pell, a Democratic Senator from Rhode Island for nearly four decades, died on January 1st of Parkinson's Disease. He was 90 years old.
Pell is best known for helping low income individuals go to college in what became known as the Pell Grant. It was established in 1965 and continues to be a source of opportunity for people with modest incomes but high educational aspirations.
In last year's State of the Union, President Bush called on Congress to support the "Pell Grants for Kids" program which would give elementary and secondary school children from low income families who attend an underperforming school grants to attend an out of district school or a faith based school. However, the Democratic Congress has refused to support the program as they view it as a voucher program.
Well, if young adults can attend the college of their choice with the Pell Grant why can't low income families use Pell Grants to send children to the school of their choice?
You would think Democrats would be eager to honor the legacy of a man who did some good for people. Suffice it to say the incoming Obama Administration is cool to the idea of Pell Grants for Kids. After all teachers unions donate more money to Democrats than do low income families.
Pell is best known for helping low income individuals go to college in what became known as the Pell Grant. It was established in 1965 and continues to be a source of opportunity for people with modest incomes but high educational aspirations.
In last year's State of the Union, President Bush called on Congress to support the "Pell Grants for Kids" program which would give elementary and secondary school children from low income families who attend an underperforming school grants to attend an out of district school or a faith based school. However, the Democratic Congress has refused to support the program as they view it as a voucher program.
Well, if young adults can attend the college of their choice with the Pell Grant why can't low income families use Pell Grants to send children to the school of their choice?
You would think Democrats would be eager to honor the legacy of a man who did some good for people. Suffice it to say the incoming Obama Administration is cool to the idea of Pell Grants for Kids. After all teachers unions donate more money to Democrats than do low income families.
Bush and the shoe
As the internet bloggers and the drive by anti-Bush media have a field day about the shoe incident in Iraq, what is most interesting to me -- and what has not been noticed at all -- is how deftly Bush side stepped both shoes, hardly missing a beat.
In a parrallel universe, in which the media were impartial and hating Bush wasn't the national pastime of the left, Bush would be praised for his cool response and his athletic agility. But our discredited media, led by all the networks save FOX, once again has betrayed its narrow and biased view of our politics and our nation, trying to turn the shoe thrower into their own Joe the plumber. Had the shoe been on the other foot (chuckle), the media might have managed to mention that the shoe thrower would already be part of a mass grave under the regime that Bush drove from power.
Better yet, release him and let him try throwing his shoe at the terrorists in Iraq, who, after all, are the ones who truly deserve his ire and hatred. .
In a parrallel universe, in which the media were impartial and hating Bush wasn't the national pastime of the left, Bush would be praised for his cool response and his athletic agility. But our discredited media, led by all the networks save FOX, once again has betrayed its narrow and biased view of our politics and our nation, trying to turn the shoe thrower into their own Joe the plumber. Had the shoe been on the other foot (chuckle), the media might have managed to mention that the shoe thrower would already be part of a mass grave under the regime that Bush drove from power.
Better yet, release him and let him try throwing his shoe at the terrorists in Iraq, who, after all, are the ones who truly deserve his ire and hatred. .
Welcome to 2009
I had a nice New Year's Eve. My roommate and I partook in First Night. It is a tradition that began here in Boston 32 years ago and has spread to communities across the United States as well as in Canada and New Zealand.
There are artistic events scattered throughout the city. We saw the Boston Saxophonic Quartet at City Place followed by a young classical guitarist named Steve Lin at the First Church of Boston (he was sufficiently impressive to warrant buying one of his CDs) Finally, we went to the Orpheum Theater to see the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company perform a series of Shakespearean sonnets set to music as well as Shakespeare's greatest romantic scenes. It is as much fun to walk to and from events as the events themselves despite a heavy snowfall accompanied by a fierce wind.
We got back in time to see Dick Clark and the ball drop. Stroke or not it is reassuring to see him to start the year.
Later today we are going to the Brattle Theater in Cambridge to see a Marx Brothers movie marathon. Believe it or not my roomie has never seen a Marx Brothers movie. The poor boy.
There is much that is not right with our country and the world in which we live. This state of affairs will always exist. So why not enjoy the harmony, laughter, melody and merriment that is in abundance at the beginning of each year? There will be plenty to kvetch about in this year and the next. Today, I am content to inhale and to exhale.
There are artistic events scattered throughout the city. We saw the Boston Saxophonic Quartet at City Place followed by a young classical guitarist named Steve Lin at the First Church of Boston (he was sufficiently impressive to warrant buying one of his CDs) Finally, we went to the Orpheum Theater to see the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company perform a series of Shakespearean sonnets set to music as well as Shakespeare's greatest romantic scenes. It is as much fun to walk to and from events as the events themselves despite a heavy snowfall accompanied by a fierce wind.
We got back in time to see Dick Clark and the ball drop. Stroke or not it is reassuring to see him to start the year.
Later today we are going to the Brattle Theater in Cambridge to see a Marx Brothers movie marathon. Believe it or not my roomie has never seen a Marx Brothers movie. The poor boy.
There is much that is not right with our country and the world in which we live. This state of affairs will always exist. So why not enjoy the harmony, laughter, melody and merriment that is in abundance at the beginning of each year? There will be plenty to kvetch about in this year and the next. Today, I am content to inhale and to exhale.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Watch & ask questions at Jan. 5 RNC chair debate
Don't miss the debate for Republican National Committee chair on Jan. 5 at 1pm EST, live from the National Press Club. You can start submitting questions now to Americans for Tax Reform, and watch it live on RNCDebate.org. You won't want to miss it because there is more than one excellent candidate for conservatives.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Move over Drudge, the new conservative media has their own #TCOT report
This is too cool, the conservative new media movement has started a webpage along the lines of Drudge Report with updated info on itself. Check it out to see what's going on and what leading conservatives have joined Twitter.
Are The Red Sox A Penny Wise?
The Boston Red Sox have signed free agent pitcher Brad Penny to a one-year contract worth $5 million pending a physical. Penny could earn up to $8 million in 2009 with bonuses and incentives.
Penny has pitched in the majors since 2000. He has spent his entire major league career in the NL first with the Florida Marlins and then the Los Angeles Dodgers. Penny earned a World Series ring with the Marlins in 2003.
Penny joined the Dodgers in the middle of the 2004 season. He won 16 games with the Dodgers both in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, Penny was named the starting pitcher for the NL in the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. However, 2008 was not a good year for Penny. He went 6-9 with an awful 6.27 ERA. He had two stints on the DL because of shoulder trouble and did not pitch for the Dodgers in the postseason. The Dodgers declined to pick up his option for 2009 thus making him a free agent.
Despite 2008 being a down year for Penny I think this is a smart move for the Red Sox. Penny is reunited with Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett who also had a subpar 2008 season. Beckett and Penny will not only renew their acquaintance but will renew a friendly competition between the two which should benefit both pitchers. Besides signing Penny is something the Red Sox probably couldn't do if they tied up $180 million in Mark Teixeira.
What would happen if Penny were to win more games in 2009 for the Red Sox than A.J. Burnett does for the Yankees? Of course, Burnett was teammates of Penny and Beckett in Florida. They all came up at around the same time. Penny enters the 2009 season with 94 career wins compared to 87 for Burnett (Beckett has 89.) Yet the Yankees are paying $82 to Burnett over five years while the Sox will pay Penny no more than $8 million this season. Yes, Penny is coming off an injury but Burnett has been on the DL nine times since 2000. For me, Burnett is far riskier investment than Penny.
I think when the 2009 season concludes it will be the Red Sox who are a penny wise rather than a pound foolish.
Penny has pitched in the majors since 2000. He has spent his entire major league career in the NL first with the Florida Marlins and then the Los Angeles Dodgers. Penny earned a World Series ring with the Marlins in 2003.
Penny joined the Dodgers in the middle of the 2004 season. He won 16 games with the Dodgers both in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, Penny was named the starting pitcher for the NL in the All-Star Game in Pittsburgh. However, 2008 was not a good year for Penny. He went 6-9 with an awful 6.27 ERA. He had two stints on the DL because of shoulder trouble and did not pitch for the Dodgers in the postseason. The Dodgers declined to pick up his option for 2009 thus making him a free agent.
Despite 2008 being a down year for Penny I think this is a smart move for the Red Sox. Penny is reunited with Red Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett who also had a subpar 2008 season. Beckett and Penny will not only renew their acquaintance but will renew a friendly competition between the two which should benefit both pitchers. Besides signing Penny is something the Red Sox probably couldn't do if they tied up $180 million in Mark Teixeira.
What would happen if Penny were to win more games in 2009 for the Red Sox than A.J. Burnett does for the Yankees? Of course, Burnett was teammates of Penny and Beckett in Florida. They all came up at around the same time. Penny enters the 2009 season with 94 career wins compared to 87 for Burnett (Beckett has 89.) Yet the Yankees are paying $82 to Burnett over five years while the Sox will pay Penny no more than $8 million this season. Yes, Penny is coming off an injury but Burnett has been on the DL nine times since 2000. For me, Burnett is far riskier investment than Penny.
I think when the 2009 season concludes it will be the Red Sox who are a penny wise rather than a pound foolish.
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