Apparently, the only people who idolized Arafat were Jacque Chirac and the western press (and I'm sure Michael Moore). Check out this little nugget:
Arab leaders long ago stopped liking or respecting Yasser Arafat, or indeed believing a word he said. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak once referred to him, in the presence of Secretary of State Warren Christopher, as "a son of a dog." The Syrian defense minister called Arafat the "son of sixty thousand whores."
Friday, November 12, 2004
"Gentle" Anti-Semitism
My admiration of the Roman Catholic Church always ceases when the subject of Israel and Jews comes up. The Church's historic - and current - anti-semitism has always troubled me. Here's yet another example:
Vatican praises Arafat for Palestinian vision
The Vatican has praised Yasser Arafat as a charismatic leader who struggled to win independence for his people, and repeated its support of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Pope John Paul, who last met Arafat in 2001, retreated into private prayer when he was told of the death of the Palestinian leader earlier on Thursday in Paris, a Vatican source said.
The Pope, who made a historic trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2000, sent a message saying he was particularly close to the Palestinian people "in this hour of sadness".
The 84-year-old Pope's message said he prayed that the "star of harmony" would soon bring peace to the Holy Land and that both Israelis and Palestinians could live "reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign states".
Earlier, a statement by the Vatican's chief spokesman called Mr Arafat the "illustrious deceased" and asked God to grant eternal rest to his soul.
"The Holy See joins the pain of the Palestinian people for the passing of President Yasser Arafat. He was a leader of great charisma who loved his people and tried to guide them towards national independence," said the statement by chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.
The "illustrious deceased"? Yikes!
Vatican praises Arafat for Palestinian vision
The Vatican has praised Yasser Arafat as a charismatic leader who struggled to win independence for his people, and repeated its support of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Pope John Paul, who last met Arafat in 2001, retreated into private prayer when he was told of the death of the Palestinian leader earlier on Thursday in Paris, a Vatican source said.
The Pope, who made a historic trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories in 2000, sent a message saying he was particularly close to the Palestinian people "in this hour of sadness".
The 84-year-old Pope's message said he prayed that the "star of harmony" would soon bring peace to the Holy Land and that both Israelis and Palestinians could live "reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign states".
Earlier, a statement by the Vatican's chief spokesman called Mr Arafat the "illustrious deceased" and asked God to grant eternal rest to his soul.
"The Holy See joins the pain of the Palestinian people for the passing of President Yasser Arafat. He was a leader of great charisma who loved his people and tried to guide them towards national independence," said the statement by chief spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls.
The "illustrious deceased"? Yikes!
Arafat Dance Party
The media is made up of - for the most part - clowns. Their coverage of the Arafat funeral has been priceless. First, they consistently refer to Chairman Arafat as an "Arab leader" or a "liberator" or a "revolutionary". Please. He's a two-bit, murderous thug...always has been.
Then, the media appears genuinely surprised that Hamas and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade are at the funeral. Huh? These are Arafat's house boys. And the fact that they kidnapped the body and are marching through the streets is no surprise.
Oh how I wish the Israelis would lob a missile directly into Arafat's casket and take out the whole, sick bunch.
Then, the media appears genuinely surprised that Hamas and the Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade are at the funeral. Huh? These are Arafat's house boys. And the fact that they kidnapped the body and are marching through the streets is no surprise.
Oh how I wish the Israelis would lob a missile directly into Arafat's casket and take out the whole, sick bunch.
The Spoils of Being a Senator
The SEC was correct not to investigate - it's an unwinnable case. But I'm sure their initial suspicions were correct.
Senators' stock picks bring profit, scrutiny
By Joseph N. DiStefano
Inquirer Staff Writer
Staff at the Securities and Exchange Commission say they considered, but rejected, investigating the U.S. Senate early this year after a study found senators made suspiciously high profits from stocks during the 1990s bull market.
Senators' investments beat the Standard & Poor's 500 by an average 12 percent a year from 1993 to 1998, according to the study by Alan J. Ziobrowski of Georgia State University and colleagues at three other schools.
Put another way, a typical investor who matched the S&P's performance in those years collected about $220 in profit for each $100 invested. The average senator, by contrast, collected $460 on a $100 investment.
"The economic returns earned by the senators are abnormally large," and are even greater than those corporate inside-traders typically collect using illegally obtained information, the study concluded.
The 100 members of the Senate often have access to business information that ordinary investors cannot get. They acquire this information in the course of holding hearings at which company executives appear, reviewing Senate staff and regulatory agency reports, and considering legislation that governs business conduct, the study said.
In addition, senators socialize with and collect campaign contributions from regulated businesses, their executives, and lobbyists. They also acquire information from overseeing federal regulators, such as the SEC, and their budgets.
Senators' stock picks bring profit, scrutiny
By Joseph N. DiStefano
Inquirer Staff Writer
Staff at the Securities and Exchange Commission say they considered, but rejected, investigating the U.S. Senate early this year after a study found senators made suspiciously high profits from stocks during the 1990s bull market.
Senators' investments beat the Standard & Poor's 500 by an average 12 percent a year from 1993 to 1998, according to the study by Alan J. Ziobrowski of Georgia State University and colleagues at three other schools.
Put another way, a typical investor who matched the S&P's performance in those years collected about $220 in profit for each $100 invested. The average senator, by contrast, collected $460 on a $100 investment.
"The economic returns earned by the senators are abnormally large," and are even greater than those corporate inside-traders typically collect using illegally obtained information, the study concluded.
The 100 members of the Senate often have access to business information that ordinary investors cannot get. They acquire this information in the course of holding hearings at which company executives appear, reviewing Senate staff and regulatory agency reports, and considering legislation that governs business conduct, the study said.
In addition, senators socialize with and collect campaign contributions from regulated businesses, their executives, and lobbyists. They also acquire information from overseeing federal regulators, such as the SEC, and their budgets.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
What A School System
Just when I think I've heard it all, I hear this. Now, a female teacher having sex with her male high school students - sadly - doesn't surprise me. But having to pay them thousands of dollars, dope, and alcohol? Has the world gone mad?
Who's to Blame?
Michael Malin, president of Malin Space Science Systems, talked about gullies that may have been sculpted recently by liquid water; evidence of ancient seas; and the discovery that the planet's south polar cap of dry ice is losing weight.
"Mars is experiencing global warming," Malin said. "And we don't know why."
Who's to blame? Halliburton? Cars? Failure to ratify the Kyoto Treaty? Or, perhaps it's natural.
"Mars is experiencing global warming," Malin said. "And we don't know why."
Who's to blame? Halliburton? Cars? Failure to ratify the Kyoto Treaty? Or, perhaps it's natural.
Ouch!
How awful a human being was Yasser Arafat? Well, so awful that even Jimmy Carter (the lover of Castro, Ho Chi Minh, Hugo Chavez, etc.) can't say one positive thing about him:
MIAMI (AFP) - Former US President Jimmy Carter called Yasser Arafat (news - web sites) "a powerful human symbol and forceful advocate" who united Palestinians in their pursuit of a homeland.
"Yasser Arafat's death marks the end of an era and will no doubt be painfully felt by Palestinians throughout the Middle East and elsewhere in the world," Carter said.
"He was the father of the modern Palestinian nationalist movement. A powerful human symbol and forceful advocate, Palestinians united behind him in their pursuit of a homeland," he said in a statement distributed by his Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter Center.
He said that while Arafat provided "indispensable leadership to a revolutionary movement" and played a key role in forging a peace agreement with Israel in 1993, he was excluded from negotiations in recent years.
"My hope is that an emerging Palestinian leadership can benefit from Arafat's experiences, be welcomed to the peace process by (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ariel) Sharon and (US) President (George W.) Bush, and be successful in helping to forge a Palestinian state living in harmony with their Israeli neighbors," Carter said.
MIAMI (AFP) - Former US President Jimmy Carter called Yasser Arafat (news - web sites) "a powerful human symbol and forceful advocate" who united Palestinians in their pursuit of a homeland.
"Yasser Arafat's death marks the end of an era and will no doubt be painfully felt by Palestinians throughout the Middle East and elsewhere in the world," Carter said.
"He was the father of the modern Palestinian nationalist movement. A powerful human symbol and forceful advocate, Palestinians united behind him in their pursuit of a homeland," he said in a statement distributed by his Atlanta, Georgia-based Carter Center.
He said that while Arafat provided "indispensable leadership to a revolutionary movement" and played a key role in forging a peace agreement with Israel in 1993, he was excluded from negotiations in recent years.
"My hope is that an emerging Palestinian leadership can benefit from Arafat's experiences, be welcomed to the peace process by (Israeli) Prime Minister (Ariel) Sharon and (US) President (George W.) Bush, and be successful in helping to forge a Palestinian state living in harmony with their Israeli neighbors," Carter said.
A Must Read
Take a look at John Ashcroft's resignation letter to the American people. Very well done. Here's the money quote:
Lastly, I am grateful to God for each day the sun rises on a safe and free America. For the past three years, my every working day has begun with a report – a catalog of the murderous acts being plotted against Americans. That we have passed these three years in safety and security is a credit to the men and women with whom I serve. But it would be the height of arrogance to assume we achieved this alone. The Psalms remind us: “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain.”
My fellow Americans, for four years we have stood watch together. We have endured many things and we have accomplished many more. It has been the honor of my lifetime to stand beside you. And as I take my leave of this privileged post, I know that our efforts have not been in vain. The Builder of our city and the Author of our freedom has stood beside us. He stands beside us still.
In a country this large - and this free - with so many enemies, our protection cannot depend on our own resources or determination. It can only depend on a merciful God who watches over and protects us. As long as we remember that, I fear nothing. Once we forget, I will fear everything.
Lastly, I am grateful to God for each day the sun rises on a safe and free America. For the past three years, my every working day has begun with a report – a catalog of the murderous acts being plotted against Americans. That we have passed these three years in safety and security is a credit to the men and women with whom I serve. But it would be the height of arrogance to assume we achieved this alone. The Psalms remind us: “Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain.”
My fellow Americans, for four years we have stood watch together. We have endured many things and we have accomplished many more. It has been the honor of my lifetime to stand beside you. And as I take my leave of this privileged post, I know that our efforts have not been in vain. The Builder of our city and the Author of our freedom has stood beside us. He stands beside us still.
In a country this large - and this free - with so many enemies, our protection cannot depend on our own resources or determination. It can only depend on a merciful God who watches over and protects us. As long as we remember that, I fear nothing. Once we forget, I will fear everything.
More Good News
Michael Moore really, really doesn't get it. He's planning a new movie:
GOOD MORNING: Michael Moore met with Harvey Weinstein and Moore says they plan to start working -- now -- on "Fahrenheit 9/11½." "We want to get cameras rolling now and have it ready in two-three years," Moore says. "We want to document and commercialize it. Fifty-one percent of the American people lacked information (in this election) and we want to educate and enlighten them. They weren't told the truth. We're communicators and it's up to us to start doing it now. The official mourning period is over today and there is a silver lining -- George W. Bush is prohibited by law from running again." And as for those who claim that Hollywood was an albatross on the Democrats' neck, Moore says, "America loves Hollywood. When given a chance to vote for someone from Hollywood, they jump in." He cited the history of successful Republican actor-politicians from George Murphy to Ronnie Reagan to Arnold. "Who is the Democrats' Arnold? We have a number of them. What American wouldn't vote for Tom Hanks (news)? Hollywood is full of people like that." When I asked what actor would trade a $20 million salary and a percentage of the gross, he countered with "Let's pay the actor-politicians a presidential salary of $20 million -- plus a percentage of the GNP."
He believes that 51% of the electorate was dupped and all they need to change their opinions is a little "re-education." What a fool.
GOOD MORNING: Michael Moore met with Harvey Weinstein and Moore says they plan to start working -- now -- on "Fahrenheit 9/11½." "We want to get cameras rolling now and have it ready in two-three years," Moore says. "We want to document and commercialize it. Fifty-one percent of the American people lacked information (in this election) and we want to educate and enlighten them. They weren't told the truth. We're communicators and it's up to us to start doing it now. The official mourning period is over today and there is a silver lining -- George W. Bush is prohibited by law from running again." And as for those who claim that Hollywood was an albatross on the Democrats' neck, Moore says, "America loves Hollywood. When given a chance to vote for someone from Hollywood, they jump in." He cited the history of successful Republican actor-politicians from George Murphy to Ronnie Reagan to Arnold. "Who is the Democrats' Arnold? We have a number of them. What American wouldn't vote for Tom Hanks (news)? Hollywood is full of people like that." When I asked what actor would trade a $20 million salary and a percentage of the gross, he countered with "Let's pay the actor-politicians a presidential salary of $20 million -- plus a percentage of the GNP."
He believes that 51% of the electorate was dupped and all they need to change their opinions is a little "re-education." What a fool.
The Republican Majority Grows
Yes! This is great. As long as The Left continues to insult, demean, and belittle, the Republican's will continue to increase their majority.
"But if militant Christianist Republicans from inland backwaters believe that secular liberal Democrats from the big coastal cities look upon them with disdain, there's a reason. We do, and all the more so after this election. ... By any objective standard, you had to be spectacularly stupid to support Bush... So our guy lost the election. Why shouldn't those of us on the coasts feel superior? We eat better, travel more, dress better, watch cooler movies, earn better salaries, meet more interesting people, listen to better music and know more about what's going on in the world." - Ted Rall
Now why did Kerry lose the election? I can't figure it out.
"But if militant Christianist Republicans from inland backwaters believe that secular liberal Democrats from the big coastal cities look upon them with disdain, there's a reason. We do, and all the more so after this election. ... By any objective standard, you had to be spectacularly stupid to support Bush... So our guy lost the election. Why shouldn't those of us on the coasts feel superior? We eat better, travel more, dress better, watch cooler movies, earn better salaries, meet more interesting people, listen to better music and know more about what's going on in the world." - Ted Rall
Now why did Kerry lose the election? I can't figure it out.
Arafat is Dead
I'm sure the media will be falling all over themselves describing that great "statesman" Arafat. The monster is receiving his reward right now...and it ain't 70 virgins.
Here's hoping the Arabs in Palestine will finally seek peace.
Here's hoping the Arabs in Palestine will finally seek peace.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Money in Politics
Here's Martin Peretz of The New Republic on money in politics:
Had you noticed, by the way, that money in politics ceased to be an issue for the Democrats? There's no mystery why this is so. They and those 527s that circled around the Kerry effort collected much more money than they could spend usefully, which is why there were so many inane ads aimed unnecessarily at New York voters in the New York Times. The problem of money in politics, it turns out, was actually just Republican money. But all the Democratic money that was raised -- nearly $100 million from George Soros, University of Phoenix founder John Sperling, and the imperious chairman of the Progressive Corporation Peter Lewis alone -- accomplished, let's face it, nothing.
Despite the hysteria from Democrats in past elections, money plays a minor roll in who gets elected. Each cycle there are huge spenders who lose...like John Kerry. No, most people vote on the issues that are important to them regardless of who has the most advertisements on TV.
Had you noticed, by the way, that money in politics ceased to be an issue for the Democrats? There's no mystery why this is so. They and those 527s that circled around the Kerry effort collected much more money than they could spend usefully, which is why there were so many inane ads aimed unnecessarily at New York voters in the New York Times. The problem of money in politics, it turns out, was actually just Republican money. But all the Democratic money that was raised -- nearly $100 million from George Soros, University of Phoenix founder John Sperling, and the imperious chairman of the Progressive Corporation Peter Lewis alone -- accomplished, let's face it, nothing.
Despite the hysteria from Democrats in past elections, money plays a minor roll in who gets elected. Each cycle there are huge spenders who lose...like John Kerry. No, most people vote on the issues that are important to them regardless of who has the most advertisements on TV.
Good News for Bush
Yikes! This is bad news for the Democrats. Bush increased his percentage of the vote in EVERY SINGLE STATE. And most of his biggest increases were in Blue states.
UPDATE: My apologies. Bush's percentage of the vote actually decreased in two states: South Dakota (-0.4) and Vermont (-1.8).
UPDATE: My apologies. Bush's percentage of the vote actually decreased in two states: South Dakota (-0.4) and Vermont (-1.8).
Bush the Moderate
I've always argued that President Bush is far from a conservative. From his gigantic spending increases on social programs, the No Child Left Behind Act, the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, his steel tariffs, etc., he's shown himself to be conservative on certain issues and moderate to liberal on others.
Here's the latest example of his liberalism:
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
The president met privately in the Oval Office with Sen. John McCain to discuss jump-starting a stalled White House initiative that would grant legal status to millions of immigrants who broke the law to enter the United States.
I could be persuaded to go along with this if it were coupled with a commitment to close off the borders and stop the influx of illegals. But that's highly unlikely. And this move will only increase the number of illegals entering the country.
Here's the latest example of his liberalism:
President Bush yesterday moved aggressively to resurrect his plan to relax rules against illegal immigration, a move bound to anger conservatives just days after they helped re-elect him.
The president met privately in the Oval Office with Sen. John McCain to discuss jump-starting a stalled White House initiative that would grant legal status to millions of immigrants who broke the law to enter the United States.
I could be persuaded to go along with this if it were coupled with a commitment to close off the borders and stop the influx of illegals. But that's highly unlikely. And this move will only increase the number of illegals entering the country.
Blessed are the Givers
Check out this generosity index. It rates states based on the amount of money citizens donate in relation to their overall wealth. Very interesting. Seems that the poorer states - the Red states - are the most generous. The more prosperous - the Blue states - tend to be stingy.
This underscores an important distinction among Christians. The Christian right - of which I am a member - generally views the dictates of Christ as an individual injunction. For instance, I am required to help the poor and needy. I do so by giving a substantial portion of my income to my church and other worthy causes...not by forcing others to do so. I think this is reflected in the Red state scores.
The Christian left views the dictates of Christ as a societal (i.e. governmental) injunction. As a result, Blue states tend to give less of their personal wealth while lobbying for greater governmental involvement in these areas, which consequently requires a greater tax burden.
Both hope to achieve a similar goal, but have very different means of achieving that goal.
This underscores an important distinction among Christians. The Christian right - of which I am a member - generally views the dictates of Christ as an individual injunction. For instance, I am required to help the poor and needy. I do so by giving a substantial portion of my income to my church and other worthy causes...not by forcing others to do so. I think this is reflected in the Red state scores.
The Christian left views the dictates of Christ as a societal (i.e. governmental) injunction. As a result, Blue states tend to give less of their personal wealth while lobbying for greater governmental involvement in these areas, which consequently requires a greater tax burden.
Both hope to achieve a similar goal, but have very different means of achieving that goal.
More Graft from the Palestinian Authority
Turns out Yassir isn't the only thieving thug in the family...his wife is too.
And speaking of born for misery, how about the porcine Suha Arafat, who, according to Debka, has made off with the following settlement in return for allowing the dictator husband she never sees to be declared dead and returned to Ramallah for a funeral:
"Last July, Arafat sent his wife $11 million to cover her living expenses and those of their daughter for six months - $1.8 million per month. The new accord guarantees her the same allowance from the Palestinian Authority as a regular annual remittance, i.e. $22 million per annum, for the rest of her life. Abu Mazen and prime minister Ahmed Qureia (Abu Ala) signed on the dotted line, although they have no notion how the penniless Palestinian Authority faced with a people in dire poverty can possibly stump up this kind of money."
And speaking of born for misery, how about the porcine Suha Arafat, who, according to Debka, has made off with the following settlement in return for allowing the dictator husband she never sees to be declared dead and returned to Ramallah for a funeral:
"Last July, Arafat sent his wife $11 million to cover her living expenses and those of their daughter for six months - $1.8 million per month. The new accord guarantees her the same allowance from the Palestinian Authority as a regular annual remittance, i.e. $22 million per annum, for the rest of her life. Abu Mazen and prime minister Ahmed Qureia (Abu Ala) signed on the dotted line, although they have no notion how the penniless Palestinian Authority faced with a people in dire poverty can possibly stump up this kind of money."
Good Heart
Chad Johnson is a head case, but he's got a good heart.
11/9/2004 - "I still can't believe all of this. This is absolutely just wonderful!" -- Kelly Doppes
Ever heard of the phrase, "being in the right place at the right time?" That's exactly where Bengals fan Kelly Doppes was Tuesday.
Kelly came to Paul Brown Stadium to purchase tickets to an upcoming Bengals game when Chad Johnson, who was tending to personal business on his day off, noticed her at the ticket window.
"What seats are you purchasing?" Johnson asked. Looking up with a shocked expression at who was asking, Kelly told him the seat location.
"Get her the better seats and it's on me," said Johnson, who paid for the tickets on the spot.
Kelly was intending to purchase tickets as a surprise for her Bengals-fan fiancé, Rick Kuethe. This is one secret, however, that will be short-lived.
"There is no way I can keep this a surprise," Kelly said. "I'm going to tell him as soon as he gets home from work. He's going to just die when I tell him this."
11/9/2004 - "I still can't believe all of this. This is absolutely just wonderful!" -- Kelly Doppes
Ever heard of the phrase, "being in the right place at the right time?" That's exactly where Bengals fan Kelly Doppes was Tuesday.
Kelly came to Paul Brown Stadium to purchase tickets to an upcoming Bengals game when Chad Johnson, who was tending to personal business on his day off, noticed her at the ticket window.
"What seats are you purchasing?" Johnson asked. Looking up with a shocked expression at who was asking, Kelly told him the seat location.
"Get her the better seats and it's on me," said Johnson, who paid for the tickets on the spot.
Kelly was intending to purchase tickets as a surprise for her Bengals-fan fiancé, Rick Kuethe. This is one secret, however, that will be short-lived.
"There is no way I can keep this a surprise," Kelly said. "I'm going to tell him as soon as he gets home from work. He's going to just die when I tell him this."
The Wisdom of Dan O'Brien
Red's GM Dan O'Brien is a clown. Here's another great quote to prove it:
"In the afternoons, we have social gatherings, where we have interface, "O'Brien said. "That's where trade talks start."
Huh?
"In the afternoons, we have social gatherings, where we have interface, "O'Brien said. "That's where trade talks start."
Huh?
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
W, the Champion of Secularism
Hitch is on fire today.
So here is what I want to say on the absolutely crucial matter of secularism. Only one faction in American politics has found itself able to make excuses for the kind of religious fanaticism that immediately menaces us in the here and now. And that faction, I am sorry and furious to say, is the left.
...George Bush may subjectively be a Christian, but he—and the U.S. armed forces—have objectively done more for secularism than the whole of the American agnostic community combined and doubled. The demolition of the Taliban, the huge damage inflicted on the al-Qaida network, and the confrontation with theocratic saboteurs in Iraq represent huge advances for the non-fundamentalist forces in many countries. The "antiwar" faction even recognizes this achievement, if only indirectly, by complaining about the way in which it has infuriated the Islamic religious extremists around the world. But does it accept the apparent corollary—that we should have been pursuing a policy to which the fanatics had no objection?
So here is what I want to say on the absolutely crucial matter of secularism. Only one faction in American politics has found itself able to make excuses for the kind of religious fanaticism that immediately menaces us in the here and now. And that faction, I am sorry and furious to say, is the left.
...George Bush may subjectively be a Christian, but he—and the U.S. armed forces—have objectively done more for secularism than the whole of the American agnostic community combined and doubled. The demolition of the Taliban, the huge damage inflicted on the al-Qaida network, and the confrontation with theocratic saboteurs in Iraq represent huge advances for the non-fundamentalist forces in many countries. The "antiwar" faction even recognizes this achievement, if only indirectly, by complaining about the way in which it has infuriated the Islamic religious extremists around the world. But does it accept the apparent corollary—that we should have been pursuing a policy to which the fanatics had no objection?
Freedom - Or Tyranny - Minimizes Terrorism
At least, according to this Harvard researcher.
Here's the scoop:
A John F. Kennedy School of Government researcher has cast doubt on the widely held belief that terrorism stems from poverty, finding instead that terrorist violence is related to a nation's level of political freedom.
Associate Professor of Public Policy Alberto Abadie examined data on terrorism and variables such as wealth, political freedom, geography, and ethnic fractionalization for nations that have been targets of terrorist attacks.
And...
Instead, Abadie detected a peculiar relationship between the levels of political freedom a nation affords and the severity of terrorism. Though terrorism declined among nations with high levels of political freedom, it was the intermediate nations that seemed most vulnerable.
Like those with much political freedom, nations at the other extreme - with tightly controlled autocratic governments - also experienced low levels of terrorism.
Here's the scoop:
A John F. Kennedy School of Government researcher has cast doubt on the widely held belief that terrorism stems from poverty, finding instead that terrorist violence is related to a nation's level of political freedom.
Associate Professor of Public Policy Alberto Abadie examined data on terrorism and variables such as wealth, political freedom, geography, and ethnic fractionalization for nations that have been targets of terrorist attacks.
And...
Instead, Abadie detected a peculiar relationship between the levels of political freedom a nation affords and the severity of terrorism. Though terrorism declined among nations with high levels of political freedom, it was the intermediate nations that seemed most vulnerable.
Like those with much political freedom, nations at the other extreme - with tightly controlled autocratic governments - also experienced low levels of terrorism.
I Have A Question
Kentucky fared even worse with weight problems, with 25.6 percent of its population classified as obese, the fifth highest in the nation. That's up 1.1 points since last year and 13.4 points since 1990.
I don't want to sound flippant, but shouldn't the poorest states have the thinnest people? Why do the poorest states have such high percentages of obese people? Why aren't prosperous people fat since they can afford to eat and lay around play video games? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they don't have much to eat? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they're always working just to make ends meat? Does our traditional notion of rich and poor even make sense anymore? Does our welfare state reward poor people for sitting around and getting fat? As Marvin would say: "What's goin' on?"
I don't want to sound flippant, but shouldn't the poorest states have the thinnest people? Why do the poorest states have such high percentages of obese people? Why aren't prosperous people fat since they can afford to eat and lay around play video games? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they don't have much to eat? Shouldn't poor people be thin because they're always working just to make ends meat? Does our traditional notion of rich and poor even make sense anymore? Does our welfare state reward poor people for sitting around and getting fat? As Marvin would say: "What's goin' on?"
Newport Pavilion News
The commercialization of Newport continues:
FRANKFORT -- A state panel on Monday approved $92 million in industrial revenue bonds for developing an office and retail project in Newport.
Developer Bear Creek Capital plans to use the bonds authorized by the Kentucky Private Activity Bond Allocation Committee to construct Newport Pavilion, an office and retail development planned for the Cote Brilliante neighborhood.
Why the taxpayer should pay for this sort of thing is beyond me. Let the developers use their own money - or round up investors.
The city of Newport will issue the bonds. An agreement Bear Creek has with the city calls for the developer to pay the city $383,594 annually in lieu of taxes for 25 years.
That method of financing proved controversial in a Kenton County retail project earlier this year when Kenton County Judge-Executive Ralph Drees opposed it.
Cincinnati developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate wanted the bonds for redeveloping the Crestview Hills Mall project, but Drees said no. He argued that the location of the mall, just off Interstate 275, made it attractive enough that Anderson could easily obtain private financing for it. Anderson ultimately went that route, securing a $50 million loan, and the project is now moving forward.
The development has the support of Pendery and Brandt:
On the Cote Brilliante project, Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery and Newport School Superintendent Michael Brandt offered their support for Newport Pavilion.
But don't make your shopping plans yet. The imminent domain question is still pending.
Several residents whose houses the city wanted for the project went to court to block it. When Campbell Circuit Court ruled in the city's favor, the homeowners appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where a decision is pending.
I still think the city's going to lose this fight - and should. You can't use imminent domain purely for the purpose of economic development. That was never the laws intention.
FRANKFORT -- A state panel on Monday approved $92 million in industrial revenue bonds for developing an office and retail project in Newport.
Developer Bear Creek Capital plans to use the bonds authorized by the Kentucky Private Activity Bond Allocation Committee to construct Newport Pavilion, an office and retail development planned for the Cote Brilliante neighborhood.
Why the taxpayer should pay for this sort of thing is beyond me. Let the developers use their own money - or round up investors.
The city of Newport will issue the bonds. An agreement Bear Creek has with the city calls for the developer to pay the city $383,594 annually in lieu of taxes for 25 years.
That method of financing proved controversial in a Kenton County retail project earlier this year when Kenton County Judge-Executive Ralph Drees opposed it.
Cincinnati developer Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate wanted the bonds for redeveloping the Crestview Hills Mall project, but Drees said no. He argued that the location of the mall, just off Interstate 275, made it attractive enough that Anderson could easily obtain private financing for it. Anderson ultimately went that route, securing a $50 million loan, and the project is now moving forward.
The development has the support of Pendery and Brandt:
On the Cote Brilliante project, Campbell County Judge-Executive Steve Pendery and Newport School Superintendent Michael Brandt offered their support for Newport Pavilion.
But don't make your shopping plans yet. The imminent domain question is still pending.
Several residents whose houses the city wanted for the project went to court to block it. When Campbell Circuit Court ruled in the city's favor, the homeowners appealed to the Kentucky Court of Appeals, where a decision is pending.
I still think the city's going to lose this fight - and should. You can't use imminent domain purely for the purpose of economic development. That was never the laws intention.
Why the Left Lost
There are millions of Americans out there who share the goals of the Democratic Party - yet vote Republican. Every election they're pushed into the hands of the Republicans because of nitwit "journalists", "entertainers", and "intellectuals" who are out of touch with reality.
Case in point:
"Their new health care plan will probably be a return to leeches." - Maureen Dowd
"I hope we all realize that, as of November 2nd, gay rights are officially dead. And that from here on we are going to be led even closer to the guillotine." - Larry Kramer
"Freud stayed in Vienna until Hitler had completely taken over the country, but I don't want to be wrong about when it's time to leave. My fear is that I won't know when to get out." - Peggy Bowen, BBC News
You can't make this stuff up. The sad thing is this isn't just rhetoric, they really believe this nonsense.
Case in point:
"Their new health care plan will probably be a return to leeches." - Maureen Dowd
"I hope we all realize that, as of November 2nd, gay rights are officially dead. And that from here on we are going to be led even closer to the guillotine." - Larry Kramer
"Freud stayed in Vienna until Hitler had completely taken over the country, but I don't want to be wrong about when it's time to leave. My fear is that I won't know when to get out." - Peggy Bowen, BBC News
You can't make this stuff up. The sad thing is this isn't just rhetoric, they really believe this nonsense.
Crazy Like A Fox
James Carville is crazy...but crazy like a fox many times. While most Democratic commentators have missed the meaning of this election and fail to comprehend the total drubbing they received, Carville gets it.
He recognizes that things are bad and that his party must be "re-born." Here's his idea:
Mr. Carville, who had just returned from a vacation at Disney World with his family and wife, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, at times seemed unable to put into words just how much of a hill Democrats have to climb.
He said he is considering writing a book about what direction Democrats should go.
One possibility, he said, was to embrace a reform-oriented, anti-Washington agenda. That would require the ability of members of Congress to reject pork projects for their districts and stake the party's fortunes on fiscal discipline.
This is a fantastic idea. Look, the Dems used to be the party you couldn't trust with your money. Now, thanks to Bush and his friends in Congress, you can't trust the Republicans either. Whoever gets back on the right side of this issue will - I think - have a huge advantage over the other party.
He recognizes that things are bad and that his party must be "re-born." Here's his idea:
Mr. Carville, who had just returned from a vacation at Disney World with his family and wife, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, at times seemed unable to put into words just how much of a hill Democrats have to climb.
He said he is considering writing a book about what direction Democrats should go.
One possibility, he said, was to embrace a reform-oriented, anti-Washington agenda. That would require the ability of members of Congress to reject pork projects for their districts and stake the party's fortunes on fiscal discipline.
This is a fantastic idea. Look, the Dems used to be the party you couldn't trust with your money. Now, thanks to Bush and his friends in Congress, you can't trust the Republicans either. Whoever gets back on the right side of this issue will - I think - have a huge advantage over the other party.
Monday, November 08, 2004
Where Did He Find the Time?
I always knew Calvin Murphy was a prodigious scorer, but this is ridiculous.
Murphy's large family tree falls under scrutiny at trial
By ANDREW TILGHMAN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Calvin Murphy's extensive family tree — including 14 children he fathered with nine women — came under close scrutiny Friday as the local basketball hero went on trial, accused of molesting five daughters more than a decade ago.
Murphy, a 56-year-old retired Houston Rockets player and former TV commentator, sat silently as prosecutors told jurors that he sexually abused the girls between 1988 and 1991, when they ranged in age from 6 to 13.
Murphy's large family tree falls under scrutiny at trial
By ANDREW TILGHMAN
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Calvin Murphy's extensive family tree — including 14 children he fathered with nine women — came under close scrutiny Friday as the local basketball hero went on trial, accused of molesting five daughters more than a decade ago.
Murphy, a 56-year-old retired Houston Rockets player and former TV commentator, sat silently as prosecutors told jurors that he sexually abused the girls between 1988 and 1991, when they ranged in age from 6 to 13.
Priceless
This headline pops up at least once a year.
Despite Drop in Crime, an Increase in Inmates
By Fox Butterfield
The number of inmates in state and federal prisons rose 2.1 percent last year, even as violent crime and property crime fell.
So if you put criminals in jail, crime drops. That just doesn't make sense.
Despite Drop in Crime, an Increase in Inmates
By Fox Butterfield
The number of inmates in state and federal prisons rose 2.1 percent last year, even as violent crime and property crime fell.
So if you put criminals in jail, crime drops. That just doesn't make sense.
Time to Pay the Piper
Operation Phantom Fury has begun in Fallujah. What are we going to do?
"We're going to start at one end of the city, and we're not going to stop until we get to the other side," said Lt. Col. Pete Newell, a battalion commander from the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division.
I think he means it.
"We're going to start at one end of the city, and we're not going to stop until we get to the other side," said Lt. Col. Pete Newell, a battalion commander from the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division.
I think he means it.
Pops is Buried
We buried Pops' old body this morning. It was a gorgeous day - sunny, crisp and cool. We had to lug dad up the side of a hill (me, Dave, Dan, Bob, James, and the funeral home guy), but luckily it wasn't too far. We sang, had a brief service, then said our final goodbyes.
We took roses off the casket and placed some over mom's grave. It's funny, we only bought one plot when mom died. We figured Pops would be buried a mile away. Since he didn't care where he was buried, we didn't really care either. But it turns out that the morning Lynn called the cemetery, a guy returned his plot in favor of mausoleum space. His plot was 10 spaces down from mom's - in the same row. Pretty cool.
Anyway, as we're driving through the cemetery on our way out, this huge buck waltzes past the van. We stopped in awe of this majestic creature. Kate and Maggie thought it was really neat too. It reminded me of what Pops must feel like now...young, strong, free, and not a care in the world.
We took roses off the casket and placed some over mom's grave. It's funny, we only bought one plot when mom died. We figured Pops would be buried a mile away. Since he didn't care where he was buried, we didn't really care either. But it turns out that the morning Lynn called the cemetery, a guy returned his plot in favor of mausoleum space. His plot was 10 spaces down from mom's - in the same row. Pretty cool.
Anyway, as we're driving through the cemetery on our way out, this huge buck waltzes past the van. We stopped in awe of this majestic creature. Kate and Maggie thought it was really neat too. It reminded me of what Pops must feel like now...young, strong, free, and not a care in the world.
Who Dey!
Bengals thrashed the Cowboys, but the 'boys are awful. I'm having a hard time determining if we're getting better or not. But hey, a win is a win.
Also, here's more on Chris Perry:
Dayton Daily News: Chick Ludwig Q: Will the Bengals re-sign Rudi Johnson to a long-term deal or let him go via free agency? If he does leave, will Chris Perry be the featured back next year? Does Perry have what it takes to carry the load? There must be a reason the team drafted him in the first round, but his injury history and college scare me.
A: My gut feeling is that Rudi won't be back. He wants to return, but his agent wants a deal similar to what Corey Dillon got (5 years, $26 million) in 2001. The Bengals made what they believed were solid offers in the offseason, but Schaffer turned them down. As for Perry, the jury is out on whether he can be the featured back because he's been hurt. I really like him as a person, but I don't believe he's physical enough to take the pounding of 20-25 carries a game at this level. Perry looked good at Michigan, where he had room to run behind a monstrous offensive line. But folks, this is the NFL, where holes close quickly. To me, he's a complimentary back in the mold of a Brandon Bennett.
So Marvin moved down in the first round to draft a complimentary back? Not good. However, I've heard a couple of times now that Shaun Alexander (free agent at the end of the year) has interest in returning to Cincinnati. But will Mikey pay him?
Also, here's more on Chris Perry:
Dayton Daily News: Chick Ludwig Q: Will the Bengals re-sign Rudi Johnson to a long-term deal or let him go via free agency? If he does leave, will Chris Perry be the featured back next year? Does Perry have what it takes to carry the load? There must be a reason the team drafted him in the first round, but his injury history and college scare me.
A: My gut feeling is that Rudi won't be back. He wants to return, but his agent wants a deal similar to what Corey Dillon got (5 years, $26 million) in 2001. The Bengals made what they believed were solid offers in the offseason, but Schaffer turned them down. As for Perry, the jury is out on whether he can be the featured back because he's been hurt. I really like him as a person, but I don't believe he's physical enough to take the pounding of 20-25 carries a game at this level. Perry looked good at Michigan, where he had room to run behind a monstrous offensive line. But folks, this is the NFL, where holes close quickly. To me, he's a complimentary back in the mold of a Brandon Bennett.
So Marvin moved down in the first round to draft a complimentary back? Not good. However, I've heard a couple of times now that Shaun Alexander (free agent at the end of the year) has interest in returning to Cincinnati. But will Mikey pay him?
Hollywood on the Outs
It seems that the Dems may have finally realized that Hollywood types are a liability at the polls.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood is licking its wounds after an election that saw voters not only reject the candidate it anointed -- Democrat John Kerry -- but repudiate the values that the liberal stronghold cherishes.
Now, amid the second-guessing and recriminations that inevitably haunt the losing side, some are beginning to ask: Has Hollywood become a liability to the Democrats?
Political analysts said that polarizing figures such as Michael Moore -- whose "Fahrenheit 9/11" documentary bitterly attacked President Bush -- alienated Middle America as much as they galvanized the faithful.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hollywood is licking its wounds after an election that saw voters not only reject the candidate it anointed -- Democrat John Kerry -- but repudiate the values that the liberal stronghold cherishes.
Now, amid the second-guessing and recriminations that inevitably haunt the losing side, some are beginning to ask: Has Hollywood become a liability to the Democrats?
Political analysts said that polarizing figures such as Michael Moore -- whose "Fahrenheit 9/11" documentary bitterly attacked President Bush -- alienated Middle America as much as they galvanized the faithful.
I'm Back
Took the week off to say goodbye to Pops. It was a good week with family and friends coming into town to pay their respects.
I'm tired, but ready to return to my normal life.
I'm tired, but ready to return to my normal life.
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