I'm not totally bullish like this guy, but I am cautiously optimistic:
Let's check the score:
Yesterday in Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai was sworn in as that country's first democratically elected president.
In Ukraine, the Kremlin-backed ruling party's attempt to steal the election for Viktor Yanukovych appears completely stymied by the peaceful Orange Revolution. At minimum, it seems likely that there will be a re-vote on December 26.
In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 1.3 million Palestinians are registered to vote in the January 9 election of one of ten presidential candidates seeking to replace the marvelously dead Yasser Arafat.
In Iraq, nearly 14 million Iraqis are registered to vote for one of 156 parties running in the January 30th election. As Bill Kristol has pointed out, commentators in the Arab world are starting to wonder aloud why the Arabs with the most significant voting rights are those under American or Israeli occupation.
Would it be pollyannaish, at this point, to be tremendously optimistic about the march of democracy and freedom?
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Reason #221 Why I Hate the MSM
For weeks now, the main stream media (MSM) has been complaining that the mean Republicans have blocked the passage of the intelligence reform bill. This new law is necessary, they've been saying, because it will make us safer, prevent future 9/11's, and help us obtain better intelligence. Those against its passage, they've been saying, are against making the American people safer.
So how do they react the day after the bill is passed by the House:
From the Washington Post: “But some experts say it is not at all evident how, or even if, the changes would help America's spies obtain secrets and aid analysts in determining the intentions of terrorists bent on striking again or worrisome nations developing weapons of mass destruction. The most significant changes target the top of the intelligence bureaucracy, rather than the field officers, agents and intercept operators who do the work of recruiting spies, penetrating organizations or finding and disrupting plots in motion.”
And from the New York Times: “The question is whether the changes will make much of a difference in combating terrorism and weapons proliferation, two of the major national security challenges facing the intelligence services. On that question, even some supporters of the legislation to overhaul intelligence acknowledge their own agnosticism.”
That's priceless. They should have just said, "Oh by the way, we think the legislation isn't worth a s--t either."
So how do they react the day after the bill is passed by the House:
From the Washington Post: “But some experts say it is not at all evident how, or even if, the changes would help America's spies obtain secrets and aid analysts in determining the intentions of terrorists bent on striking again or worrisome nations developing weapons of mass destruction. The most significant changes target the top of the intelligence bureaucracy, rather than the field officers, agents and intercept operators who do the work of recruiting spies, penetrating organizations or finding and disrupting plots in motion.”
And from the New York Times: “The question is whether the changes will make much of a difference in combating terrorism and weapons proliferation, two of the major national security challenges facing the intelligence services. On that question, even some supporters of the legislation to overhaul intelligence acknowledge their own agnosticism.”
That's priceless. They should have just said, "Oh by the way, we think the legislation isn't worth a s--t either."
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Sometimes the Good Guys Win
LOS ANGELES (AP) - All too often, the ring of Debi Faris-Cifelli's cell phone means there is another abandoned newborn at the morgue, another forsaken child for her to name and bury in a shoebox-size coffin under a white cross in the California desert.
Last week, though, Faris-Cifelli - who has had to rely on donations, grants and fund-raisers to give babies a decent burial - got a very different call.
She had won the California lottery.
The jackpot: $27 million.
"Maybe it's the children saying, 'Thank you' for taking care of them when nobody else would," Faris-Cifelli said, bubbling with laughter. "It's a gift and one for which we feel an awesome responsibility."
The money could not come at a better time for Faris-Cifelli and her Garden of Angels, the tiny cemetery in the town of Calimesa where she has buried dozens of tiny children whose mothers didn't hear - or didn't care - about California's safe-haven law.
Last week, though, Faris-Cifelli - who has had to rely on donations, grants and fund-raisers to give babies a decent burial - got a very different call.
She had won the California lottery.
The jackpot: $27 million.
"Maybe it's the children saying, 'Thank you' for taking care of them when nobody else would," Faris-Cifelli said, bubbling with laughter. "It's a gift and one for which we feel an awesome responsibility."
The money could not come at a better time for Faris-Cifelli and her Garden of Angels, the tiny cemetery in the town of Calimesa where she has buried dozens of tiny children whose mothers didn't hear - or didn't care - about California's safe-haven law.
At Least He Didn't Choke Her
Looks like Spree is in trouble again. I don't know what I find more offensive: Spree's conduct OR the fact that we now have female hecklers at NBA games.
By the way, check out Spree's picture. Who does his hair?
By the way, check out Spree's picture. Who does his hair?
The Motley Fool
How Terry still has a job is beyond me.
Washington, DC, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The remembrance of Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor took on partisan political spin Tuesday with a Democrat leader using it to attack House Republicans.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, in a special Pearl Harbor Day statement, said national unity 63 years ago enabled Americans to go forward and defeat the country's enemies, but the same kind of unity needed now was being undermined by Republican disagreements over provisions of the yet-to-be-voted on intelligence reform bill.
"While we as a nation are united in this fight, there are clearly deep divisions within the Republican Party, divisions that are impeding our fight against terrorism," he said.
"Moving forward, it is my sincere hope that the Republicans running Washington will stop playing their political games and start fighting for the American people, just as our honored veterans did 63 years ago."
Washington, DC, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- The remembrance of Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor took on partisan political spin Tuesday with a Democrat leader using it to attack House Republicans.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, in a special Pearl Harbor Day statement, said national unity 63 years ago enabled Americans to go forward and defeat the country's enemies, but the same kind of unity needed now was being undermined by Republican disagreements over provisions of the yet-to-be-voted on intelligence reform bill.
"While we as a nation are united in this fight, there are clearly deep divisions within the Republican Party, divisions that are impeding our fight against terrorism," he said.
"Moving forward, it is my sincere hope that the Republicans running Washington will stop playing their political games and start fighting for the American people, just as our honored veterans did 63 years ago."
Monday, December 06, 2004
More Stories on Jesus Land
This article in Newsweek about "Jesus Land" is brilliant. You'd think the authors just made a shocking discovery. What discovery? That Americans are - by and large - Christians. Noooo.
And I love that the article kicks off with this gem:
Dec. 5 - Seventy-nine percent of Americans believe that, as the Bible says, Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, without a human father, according to a new NEWSWEEK poll on beliefs about Jesus.
They've got a name for people who believe in the virgin birth...they're called Christians! Somebody should introduce the staff at Newsweek to such a creature. They really do exist.
This reminds me of something I heard the novelist Tom Wolfe say over the weekend. In reference to the recent election, he stated: "My friends here in New York have to come to the realization that this is a Christian nation - always has been and is today. The Northeast and the West coast are mere parentheses."
And I love that the article kicks off with this gem:
Dec. 5 - Seventy-nine percent of Americans believe that, as the Bible says, Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, without a human father, according to a new NEWSWEEK poll on beliefs about Jesus.
They've got a name for people who believe in the virgin birth...they're called Christians! Somebody should introduce the staff at Newsweek to such a creature. They really do exist.
This reminds me of something I heard the novelist Tom Wolfe say over the weekend. In reference to the recent election, he stated: "My friends here in New York have to come to the realization that this is a Christian nation - always has been and is today. The Northeast and the West coast are mere parentheses."
The DLC Gets It
The Democratic Leadership Council - that is, thinking Democrats - agree that Kofi must go:
The Price of Credibility
As we argued last week, one of America's most urgent foreign policy needs is to retool international organizations and traditional alliances to provide collective security against the global threat of jihadist terrorism. The United Nations can and should be a central part of this new collective security system, but only if the organization is systematically reformed to serve that purpose.
Unfortunately, the United Nations' credibility has been steadily eroded by its own misdeeds, with a burgeoning scandal over its incompetent and sometimes corrupt management of the Iraq oil-for-food program being the most damaging example. Last week it was reported that the son of U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan received a series of payments from a Swiss firm that won a lucrative contract under the oil-for-food program. This development has fed growing doubts that the United Nations will be able to own up to its problems or reform its operations so long as Annan remains at the helm.
The appearance of a payoff to the secretary general's son was just the latest in a series of revelations about the oil-for-food program. Begun in 1996, the program allowed Baghdad to sell oil and use the proceeds to buy food and other humanitarian goods in order to soften the impact on the Iraqi people of the sanctions imposed on the country after Saddam's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. A U.N. committee supervised the program; vetted contracts for food purchases; arranged payments; and hired inspectors to ensure Iraq did not import material that could be used for arms.
But mismanagement, corruption, and manipulation of the program by Saddam Hussein allowed his regime to amass at least $21 billion outside of the United Nations' control, with the great bulk of that sum -- $17.3 billion -- pilfered between 1997 and 2003 on the secretary general's watch. In effect, the United Nations colluded in Saddam's successful evasion of U.N. sanctions. The most damning charge so far -- that a former chief of the oil-for-food program, Benon Sevan, accepted bribes from Saddam's regime -- was made in October by former U.N. weapons inspector Charles A. Duelfer, who led a Senate investigation into the scandal. The program is now the subject of at least four congressional investigations, three U.S. federal investigations and the U.N.-appointed commission of inquiry led by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has underscored the urgency of such investigations, noting not only that the size of the fraud is "staggering," but also that some of Saddam's vast illicit stash might right now be funding terrorists and costing American lives. In an opinion piece in last week's Wall Street Journal, Coleman urged Annan to resign. "As long as Mr. Annan remains in charge, the world will never be able to learn the full extent of the bribes, kickbacks and under-the-table payments that occurred under the U.N.'s collective nose."
Annan's handling of the fallout over the past week has done nothing to improve his perceived credibility: He has refused requests from congressional committees for access to the United Nation's 55 internal audits and other reports, or for the chance to interview U.N. officials who oversaw the program, saying that it would interfere with the Volcker inquiry. That inquiry is expected to release an interim report in January. The full report could take another year and cost as much as $30 million -- to be funded with leftover cash in the oil-for-food program.
Annan's intransigence should not deter the Senate subcommittee on investigations or other congressional investigations. Volcker can hardly be expected to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry into a scandal in which the U.N. secretary general and his son are involved. The world deserves a full and thorough accounting of what transpired. The sooner the United Nations can get past this matter, the sooner it can get back to the important business of making itself an effective instrument for collective security against terrorism, failed states, and acts of genocide, a goal that Annan has strongly supported. The secretary general should place this critical mission ahead of his personal interests, and step aside. Given his own lack of credibility on the oil-for-food program, this step is the price Annan must pay to help restore the U.N.'s credibility, and to salvage his legacy as secretary general.
The Price of Credibility
As we argued last week, one of America's most urgent foreign policy needs is to retool international organizations and traditional alliances to provide collective security against the global threat of jihadist terrorism. The United Nations can and should be a central part of this new collective security system, but only if the organization is systematically reformed to serve that purpose.
Unfortunately, the United Nations' credibility has been steadily eroded by its own misdeeds, with a burgeoning scandal over its incompetent and sometimes corrupt management of the Iraq oil-for-food program being the most damaging example. Last week it was reported that the son of U.N. secretary general Kofi Annan received a series of payments from a Swiss firm that won a lucrative contract under the oil-for-food program. This development has fed growing doubts that the United Nations will be able to own up to its problems or reform its operations so long as Annan remains at the helm.
The appearance of a payoff to the secretary general's son was just the latest in a series of revelations about the oil-for-food program. Begun in 1996, the program allowed Baghdad to sell oil and use the proceeds to buy food and other humanitarian goods in order to soften the impact on the Iraqi people of the sanctions imposed on the country after Saddam's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. A U.N. committee supervised the program; vetted contracts for food purchases; arranged payments; and hired inspectors to ensure Iraq did not import material that could be used for arms.
But mismanagement, corruption, and manipulation of the program by Saddam Hussein allowed his regime to amass at least $21 billion outside of the United Nations' control, with the great bulk of that sum -- $17.3 billion -- pilfered between 1997 and 2003 on the secretary general's watch. In effect, the United Nations colluded in Saddam's successful evasion of U.N. sanctions. The most damning charge so far -- that a former chief of the oil-for-food program, Benon Sevan, accepted bribes from Saddam's regime -- was made in October by former U.N. weapons inspector Charles A. Duelfer, who led a Senate investigation into the scandal. The program is now the subject of at least four congressional investigations, three U.S. federal investigations and the U.N.-appointed commission of inquiry led by former Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker.
Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN), chairman of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has underscored the urgency of such investigations, noting not only that the size of the fraud is "staggering," but also that some of Saddam's vast illicit stash might right now be funding terrorists and costing American lives. In an opinion piece in last week's Wall Street Journal, Coleman urged Annan to resign. "As long as Mr. Annan remains in charge, the world will never be able to learn the full extent of the bribes, kickbacks and under-the-table payments that occurred under the U.N.'s collective nose."
Annan's handling of the fallout over the past week has done nothing to improve his perceived credibility: He has refused requests from congressional committees for access to the United Nation's 55 internal audits and other reports, or for the chance to interview U.N. officials who oversaw the program, saying that it would interfere with the Volcker inquiry. That inquiry is expected to release an interim report in January. The full report could take another year and cost as much as $30 million -- to be funded with leftover cash in the oil-for-food program.
Annan's intransigence should not deter the Senate subcommittee on investigations or other congressional investigations. Volcker can hardly be expected to conduct a thorough and unbiased inquiry into a scandal in which the U.N. secretary general and his son are involved. The world deserves a full and thorough accounting of what transpired. The sooner the United Nations can get past this matter, the sooner it can get back to the important business of making itself an effective instrument for collective security against terrorism, failed states, and acts of genocide, a goal that Annan has strongly supported. The secretary general should place this critical mission ahead of his personal interests, and step aside. Given his own lack of credibility on the oil-for-food program, this step is the price Annan must pay to help restore the U.N.'s credibility, and to salvage his legacy as secretary general.
Get Some Sleep, Slim
Uh, I'm going to bed now.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- People who put on a few extra pounds may be able to blame a lack of sleep for the added weight, according to two separate studies published Monday.
Losing sleep can raise levels of hormones linked with appetite and eating behavior, the researchers said.
In one study, people who slept only four hours a night for two nights had an 18 percent reduction in leptin, a hormone that tells the brain there is no need for more food, and a 28 percent increase in ghrelin, which triggers hunger.
The young men in the study also tended to eat more sweet and starchy foods when sleep was cut short.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- People who put on a few extra pounds may be able to blame a lack of sleep for the added weight, according to two separate studies published Monday.
Losing sleep can raise levels of hormones linked with appetite and eating behavior, the researchers said.
In one study, people who slept only four hours a night for two nights had an 18 percent reduction in leptin, a hormone that tells the brain there is no need for more food, and a 28 percent increase in ghrelin, which triggers hunger.
The young men in the study also tended to eat more sweet and starchy foods when sleep was cut short.
That's Nice
Houston Texans linebacker Antwan Peek sacked Steve McNair, forced a fumble late and vomited. The episode lasted long enough that the Texans had to take a timeout, to, ahem, clear things up. "I just got so excited, I started throwing up," Peek told the Houston Chronicle. "Sometimes your adrenaline gets going, and it just happens. That's how fired up I was."
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Best Team Ever?
Colerain smoked Canton McKinley (on McKinley's home field) last night to win the Ohio Division I football title. Is this the best Cincinnati high school football team ever? Better than the Gerry Faust Moeller teams of the 70's and 80's? Better than the Carlos Snow lead CAPE teams of the 80's? Better than the Elder teams of the last few years?
CANTON - Colerain overcame a shaky start and thundered to its first Division I state football title here Saturday night.
The Cardinals routed Canton McKinley 50-10, despite fumbling five times (losing three) in the first 5:32 of the game. A crowd announced at 16,600 watched on a cold but clear night at Fawcett Stadium, McKinley's home field.
...Colerain (15-0), capping one of the most dominant seasons in Ohio prep football history, carried rankings of No. 1 in the state and No. 5 nationally by USA Today.
Best team ever in Cincinnati? The Cardinals won by an average of 39.8 points per game this year, averaging 46.3 points and allowing an average of 6.5. The average margin is the largest for a Cincinnati big-school state champ, ahead of 1976 Moeller's 37.5 average margin.
"I don't want to be arrogant about that," Coombs said. "I'll let other people judge that. I think our numbers speak for themselves."
The numbers Saturday included a 489-127 edge in total yards, with 463 of that rushing. Colerain held McKinley to 57 net yards rushing (including sacks), although all-state running back Ryan Brinson did net 93 yards on 18 carries with one TD for McKinley.
CANTON - Colerain overcame a shaky start and thundered to its first Division I state football title here Saturday night.
The Cardinals routed Canton McKinley 50-10, despite fumbling five times (losing three) in the first 5:32 of the game. A crowd announced at 16,600 watched on a cold but clear night at Fawcett Stadium, McKinley's home field.
...Colerain (15-0), capping one of the most dominant seasons in Ohio prep football history, carried rankings of No. 1 in the state and No. 5 nationally by USA Today.
Best team ever in Cincinnati? The Cardinals won by an average of 39.8 points per game this year, averaging 46.3 points and allowing an average of 6.5. The average margin is the largest for a Cincinnati big-school state champ, ahead of 1976 Moeller's 37.5 average margin.
"I don't want to be arrogant about that," Coombs said. "I'll let other people judge that. I think our numbers speak for themselves."
The numbers Saturday included a 489-127 edge in total yards, with 463 of that rushing. Colerain held McKinley to 57 net yards rushing (including sacks), although all-state running back Ryan Brinson did net 93 yards on 18 carries with one TD for McKinley.
Actually, You Can Choose Who You Love
WEST JORDAN, Utah (AP) -- A principal who wants gay couples to get permission slips from their parents before they can attend school dances promised to re-evaluate the policy after protesters held four days of protests.
Copper Hills High School Principal Tom Worlton issued the policy last month but agreed to revisit it Friday. He said he saw the policy as a way to alert the parents to the dangers their children might face.
Jason Atwood, 17, his boyfriend, Tom Tolman, 15, who attends another school, and small circle of friends held protests across the street from the suburban Salt Lake City school before they met with Worlton. The protesters said they were subjected to insults, obscene gestures, egg throwing and snowballs from passing cars during the four days.
"I'm so proud of you," Tolman's mother, Patricia Gilley, said after dropping him off. "You can't help who you love."
This sort of thinking is prevalent in our society, but absolutely false. You CAN help who you love. Why? Because love is a choice, it's not a feeling. The modern man has it backwards. We treat the warm fuzzies as love. When we have them, we're in love. When they're gone, we're not. Hence all of the shattered relationships (marriages, families, communities, etc.) around us.
We also confuse what we want with what is right. In other words, if we feel like doing it, it must be right. "I was born that way" is the usual mantra. The problem is that we are all "born that way." I was born an adulterer. I have adulterous feelings and urges. Yet I CHOOSE not to indulge those "natural" feelings because it is wrong. It's a struggle, but I choose not to be governed by what I "feel", but by what God requires.
If I did what I was "born to do" - i.e. what my flesh requires - I'd destroy my life and the lives of those around me. I hope this young man, and his mother, realize that before they destroy their lives.
But then again, I'm "intolerant". So I'm sure my advice will be ignored.
Copper Hills High School Principal Tom Worlton issued the policy last month but agreed to revisit it Friday. He said he saw the policy as a way to alert the parents to the dangers their children might face.
Jason Atwood, 17, his boyfriend, Tom Tolman, 15, who attends another school, and small circle of friends held protests across the street from the suburban Salt Lake City school before they met with Worlton. The protesters said they were subjected to insults, obscene gestures, egg throwing and snowballs from passing cars during the four days.
"I'm so proud of you," Tolman's mother, Patricia Gilley, said after dropping him off. "You can't help who you love."
This sort of thinking is prevalent in our society, but absolutely false. You CAN help who you love. Why? Because love is a choice, it's not a feeling. The modern man has it backwards. We treat the warm fuzzies as love. When we have them, we're in love. When they're gone, we're not. Hence all of the shattered relationships (marriages, families, communities, etc.) around us.
We also confuse what we want with what is right. In other words, if we feel like doing it, it must be right. "I was born that way" is the usual mantra. The problem is that we are all "born that way." I was born an adulterer. I have adulterous feelings and urges. Yet I CHOOSE not to indulge those "natural" feelings because it is wrong. It's a struggle, but I choose not to be governed by what I "feel", but by what God requires.
If I did what I was "born to do" - i.e. what my flesh requires - I'd destroy my life and the lives of those around me. I hope this young man, and his mother, realize that before they destroy their lives.
But then again, I'm "intolerant". So I'm sure my advice will be ignored.
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Ukraine Update
Ukraine's parliament today failed to approve changes to electoral laws that the opposition wanted to prevent fraud in a rerun of the country's disputed presidential election. The failure was a setback for opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko -- a day after he had scored a victory in the country's Supreme Court that invalidated a fraud-tainted runoff held 12 days ago.
While this is a setback, I think the forces of freedom have gained too much momentum. The train continues to barrel down the track.
While this is a setback, I think the forces of freedom have gained too much momentum. The train continues to barrel down the track.
Quote of the Day
"In the NBA, it used to be the Knicks versus the Bullets, the Bucks versus the Celtics," he said. "Now it's Shaq versus Yao Ming. What's that? That's not basketball. That's tennis."
"I'm serious. That's what's wrong with our game today. The guys who saved the NBA, Bird and Magic, they did it with the pass, they didn't do it with the shot. Now everybody thinks the game is about the shot."
"But you watched Red Holzman, you heard him talking about hitting the open man, playing unselfish basketball. That's the way the game is supposed to be played. It's about the pass, it's not about the shot."
"It's unfortunate. I don't think people really appreciate a good team these days, and I mean team in every sense of the word."
- Paul Hewitt, Georgia Tech
"I'm serious. That's what's wrong with our game today. The guys who saved the NBA, Bird and Magic, they did it with the pass, they didn't do it with the shot. Now everybody thinks the game is about the shot."
"But you watched Red Holzman, you heard him talking about hitting the open man, playing unselfish basketball. That's the way the game is supposed to be played. It's about the pass, it's not about the shot."
"It's unfortunate. I don't think people really appreciate a good team these days, and I mean team in every sense of the word."
- Paul Hewitt, Georgia Tech
Wow!
SOUTH BEND -- The Notre Dame flirtation with Urban Meyer is over before the relationship could be consummated.
The man who once described coaching Notre Dame's football team as his dream job, turned down the Irish in favor of the University of Florida on Friday, according to several news outlets.
Reports listed Florida's deal as being at least $2 million a year.
I don't blame Meyer. Florida is a better program than Notre Dame...as are another 10 to 12 schools.
The man who once described coaching Notre Dame's football team as his dream job, turned down the Irish in favor of the University of Florida on Friday, according to several news outlets.
Reports listed Florida's deal as being at least $2 million a year.
I don't blame Meyer. Florida is a better program than Notre Dame...as are another 10 to 12 schools.
I'm Depressed
I'm zero for the day. The Highlands "Cheater" Bluebirds won the state title; my favorite college football team - the Miami Hurricanes - lost the ACC title to Virginia Tech...AT HOME; North Carolina smoked my young Wildcats in Chapel Hill.
Very bad day. Very bad day. I'm expecting the Bengals to lose by 40 tomorrow.
Very bad day. Very bad day. I'm expecting the Bengals to lose by 40 tomorrow.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
The Traitor Speaks the Truth
Louisville Coach Rick Pitino said on his radio show this week that he regrets having left Kentucky after the 1997 season to eventually become head coach of the Boston Celtics.
Responding to a question about whether or not football coach Bobby Petrino should remain at Louisville, Pitino said:
"I made a big mistake in my life professionally. I thought I needed a new challenge, thought I needed this or that, and I never should have left UK, looking back on it. I didn't know it then; hindsight is great."
Yeah, but you're still a Traitor. E tu, Brute. E tu.
Responding to a question about whether or not football coach Bobby Petrino should remain at Louisville, Pitino said:
"I made a big mistake in my life professionally. I thought I needed a new challenge, thought I needed this or that, and I never should have left UK, looking back on it. I didn't know it then; hindsight is great."
Yeah, but you're still a Traitor. E tu, Brute. E tu.
Worse than the Black Sox
Has Jason Giambi tarnished baseball with his steriod use? Yep, but not as much as Barry Bonds has.
Is This Their Idea of Democracy?
Now I know Democrats typically side with self-proclaimed tyrants, but this is a bit much.
More Highlands Stuff
From the Harlan Daily Enterprise:
Bell County's loss Friday to Highlands in the semifinals of the Kentucky Class 3A playoffs might not have been a loss after all. But that doesn't mean that the Bobcats will get to play in Saturday's championship game. That is, unless a group of Bell County supporters gets its wish for an injunction to delay the 3A championship game.
Can't say that I blame them. Because of the performance of the player in question, Bell County will be sitting home Saturday instead of playing for a state title.
The more I think about this, the more questions I have:
1. What jurisdiction do the courts have over the policies of the KHSAA? In other words, how could a court issue an injunction on a decision of the KHSAA without providing any legal basis for issuing the injunction.
2. Why would Highlands play a player they knew could be ruled ineligible later in the season? Well, I know the answer to that question.
3. Should someone at Highlands take the fall for this fiasco? Mueller? AD? Who?
Bell County's loss Friday to Highlands in the semifinals of the Kentucky Class 3A playoffs might not have been a loss after all. But that doesn't mean that the Bobcats will get to play in Saturday's championship game. That is, unless a group of Bell County supporters gets its wish for an injunction to delay the 3A championship game.
Can't say that I blame them. Because of the performance of the player in question, Bell County will be sitting home Saturday instead of playing for a state title.
The more I think about this, the more questions I have:
1. What jurisdiction do the courts have over the policies of the KHSAA? In other words, how could a court issue an injunction on a decision of the KHSAA without providing any legal basis for issuing the injunction.
2. Why would Highlands play a player they knew could be ruled ineligible later in the season? Well, I know the answer to that question.
3. Should someone at Highlands take the fall for this fiasco? Mueller? AD? Who?
Bluebird Football Update
Here's the latest from today's Kentucky Post:
The KHSAA contends Mitchell has been ineligible all season. He has been able to play because former Campbell Circuit Judge William Wehr granted a temporary injunction in August halting the association from banning Mitchell. Earlier this week, however, the state Court of Appeals dissolved that injunction, saying Wehr failed to cite specific reasons for granting it.
"A close examination of the KHSAA Board of Control's conclusions of law, when applied to the undisputed findings of fact, apparently provides a justification for the KHSAA's decision to declare Michael ineligible," said the decision, written by Senior Judge Thomas Emberton of Edmonton, in Metcalfe County.
"However, it is not clear whether the Campbell circuit judge considered this, or any, issue prior to granting the temporary injunction."
Questions about Mitchell's status began shortly after he transferred from Covington Catholic in January and his parents moved to an apartment in Fort Thomas.
Under KHSAA Bylaw 6, athletes who transfer from one school to another generally have to sit out a year, although the association routinely grants waivers for legitimate moves. The Mitchells said their son's transfer should qualify.
According to court records:
• Maurice Mitchell said his son's academic record at Covington Catholic did not justify the annual tuition of $6,000.
• The family moved to an apartment in Fort Thomas because Mitchell's mother had undergone surgery and could no longer live in the family's two-story house in Florence. They took a one-year lease because they were exploring the option of buying a condo.
• The Mitchells rented out the Florence house to their eldest son and his roommate.
This strikes me as a classic case of a kid transferring to "gain an athletic advantage", which is clearly prohibited by the KHSAA. The rule of thumb is that you must entirely divest yourself of your previous dwelling and move into a new residence in the new school district. In this case, that was not done. They kept their old home (rented it to a son), moved into an apartment (not a home), and signed a lease for only one year (until the player's eligibility expired). This isn't the first time the Bluebirds have pulled this...but they got caught this time.
While I feel sorry for the kid, I feel worse for all of the teams Highlands has beat this year. The high school knew this kid shouldn't have been playing, but they played him anyway.
BTW, guess the residency of the Campbell County judge (now deceased) who granted the bogus injunction? Yep, you guessed it: Fort Thomas. If I was a conspiracy nut, I'd think the 'Birds Booster Club had the old judge whacked once he made the favorable decision. But then, I'm not a conspiracy nut...yet.
The KHSAA contends Mitchell has been ineligible all season. He has been able to play because former Campbell Circuit Judge William Wehr granted a temporary injunction in August halting the association from banning Mitchell. Earlier this week, however, the state Court of Appeals dissolved that injunction, saying Wehr failed to cite specific reasons for granting it.
"A close examination of the KHSAA Board of Control's conclusions of law, when applied to the undisputed findings of fact, apparently provides a justification for the KHSAA's decision to declare Michael ineligible," said the decision, written by Senior Judge Thomas Emberton of Edmonton, in Metcalfe County.
"However, it is not clear whether the Campbell circuit judge considered this, or any, issue prior to granting the temporary injunction."
Questions about Mitchell's status began shortly after he transferred from Covington Catholic in January and his parents moved to an apartment in Fort Thomas.
Under KHSAA Bylaw 6, athletes who transfer from one school to another generally have to sit out a year, although the association routinely grants waivers for legitimate moves. The Mitchells said their son's transfer should qualify.
According to court records:
• Maurice Mitchell said his son's academic record at Covington Catholic did not justify the annual tuition of $6,000.
• The family moved to an apartment in Fort Thomas because Mitchell's mother had undergone surgery and could no longer live in the family's two-story house in Florence. They took a one-year lease because they were exploring the option of buying a condo.
• The Mitchells rented out the Florence house to their eldest son and his roommate.
This strikes me as a classic case of a kid transferring to "gain an athletic advantage", which is clearly prohibited by the KHSAA. The rule of thumb is that you must entirely divest yourself of your previous dwelling and move into a new residence in the new school district. In this case, that was not done. They kept their old home (rented it to a son), moved into an apartment (not a home), and signed a lease for only one year (until the player's eligibility expired). This isn't the first time the Bluebirds have pulled this...but they got caught this time.
While I feel sorry for the kid, I feel worse for all of the teams Highlands has beat this year. The high school knew this kid shouldn't have been playing, but they played him anyway.
BTW, guess the residency of the Campbell County judge (now deceased) who granted the bogus injunction? Yep, you guessed it: Fort Thomas. If I was a conspiracy nut, I'd think the 'Birds Booster Club had the old judge whacked once he made the favorable decision. But then, I'm not a conspiracy nut...yet.
More White Guys
Does the replacement of Tom Brokaw with Brian Williams signal the end of feminism? MoDo seems to think so. Here's hoping she's right.
On a related note, it's ironic that the great liberal media giants (NBC, CBS, and ABC) continue to pass over women and blacks for white male news anchors. How insensitive. They should be more inclusive, like...say...the Bush Administration.
On a related note, it's ironic that the great liberal media giants (NBC, CBS, and ABC) continue to pass over women and blacks for white male news anchors. How insensitive. They should be more inclusive, like...say...the Bush Administration.
Can't We Just Outlaw Volcanoes...Or Fine Them
SEATTLE - Washington state's top polluter isn't a pulp mill, a power plant or refinery. It's the newly awakened Mount St. Helens.
Since the volcano began erupting in early October, it has been pumping out 50 to 250 tons a day of sulfur dioxide, the lung-stinging gas that causes acid rain and contributes to haze. At peak, that's more than double the amount from all the state's industries combined.
Since the volcano began erupting in early October, it has been pumping out 50 to 250 tons a day of sulfur dioxide, the lung-stinging gas that causes acid rain and contributes to haze. At peak, that's more than double the amount from all the state's industries combined.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
What About Dave?
If Tyrone Willingham thinks he was wrongly fired at Notre Dame, what about David Cutcliffe. Cutcliffe was just canned by Ole Miss after 6 seasons.
Cutcliffe was 44-29 in six seasons at Ole Miss, 25-23 in the SEC, and just a season removed from going 10-3 and finishing tied for first in the West with Manning at quarterback.
But without Manning, the first pick in the NFL draft, Ole Miss went just 4-7 this year. The Rebels were 3-5 in the SEC and lost four games by a total of 19 points.
Cutcliffe went 44-29 over six seasons AT OLE MISS! He was 25-23 in the SEC coaching AT OLE MISS! He was 10-3 last year AT OLE MISS! Yet he goes 4-7 AT OLE MISS and he's out. Here's hoping the Black Coaches Association puts out a press release regarding Cutcliffe.
Cutcliffe was 44-29 in six seasons at Ole Miss, 25-23 in the SEC, and just a season removed from going 10-3 and finishing tied for first in the West with Manning at quarterback.
But without Manning, the first pick in the NFL draft, Ole Miss went just 4-7 this year. The Rebels were 3-5 in the SEC and lost four games by a total of 19 points.
Cutcliffe went 44-29 over six seasons AT OLE MISS! He was 25-23 in the SEC coaching AT OLE MISS! He was 10-3 last year AT OLE MISS! Yet he goes 4-7 AT OLE MISS and he's out. Here's hoping the Black Coaches Association puts out a press release regarding Cutcliffe.
Nice Work Bubba
Former American fugitive Marc Rich was a middleman for several of Iraq's suspect oil deals in February 2001, just one month after his pardon from President Clinton, according to oil industry shipping records obtained by ABC News.
And a U.S. criminal investigation is looking into whether Rich, as well as several other prominent oil traders, made illegal payments to Iraq in order to obtain the lucrative oil contracts.
And a U.S. criminal investigation is looking into whether Rich, as well as several other prominent oil traders, made illegal payments to Iraq in order to obtain the lucrative oil contracts.
Are the 'Birds Cheating...Again
This makes no sense to me. If the kid lived in Florence and his parents moved to Ft. Thomas, he should be eligible to play, right? So what's the problem. The article doesn't make clear what the KHSAA's objection is. Anyone can transfer to another school - and be eligible to play - if they move into that district, right?
Does the kid not live in Ft. Thomas? What? A Highlands player that doesn't live in the district. Imagine that. Was he not eligible to transfer? Why has this taken so long to resolve? Very strange.
Keep an eye on this story.
Does the kid not live in Ft. Thomas? What? A Highlands player that doesn't live in the district. Imagine that. Was he not eligible to transfer? Why has this taken so long to resolve? Very strange.
Keep an eye on this story.
This Isn't Surprising
Cincinnati School Superintendent Alton Frailey is leaving to become head of a suburban Dallas school district.
In a statement released Tuesday, Frailey said he and the DeSoto Independent School District board of education expect to spend the next three weeks working out details of a new contract.
"It is highly probable that we will easily come to a mutually satisfactory agreement," he said.
The district Frailey is joining is a marked contrast to the one he will be leaving.
DeSoto is a fast-growing, middle-class suburb of Dallas with 8,000 students. The district has achieved the second-highest rating in the Texas school accountability system for five consecutive years, Frailey said.
Frailey said he and his wife, Anissa, recently visited the district.
"We feel that there are many positive opportunities for our family there," he said.
Board of Education President Florence Newell said Tuesday night she was surprised by Frailey's announcement.
Now really, other than the money, why would anyone want to lead a school district that is controlled by an entrenched teachers union and inner-city street hucksters. On top of that, you've got to beg for money every few years in the form of tax levies to fund the schools. Michael Brandt - a good man now running the Newport School System - left for similar reasons.
Here's wishing Alton luck back in Texas.
In a statement released Tuesday, Frailey said he and the DeSoto Independent School District board of education expect to spend the next three weeks working out details of a new contract.
"It is highly probable that we will easily come to a mutually satisfactory agreement," he said.
The district Frailey is joining is a marked contrast to the one he will be leaving.
DeSoto is a fast-growing, middle-class suburb of Dallas with 8,000 students. The district has achieved the second-highest rating in the Texas school accountability system for five consecutive years, Frailey said.
Frailey said he and his wife, Anissa, recently visited the district.
"We feel that there are many positive opportunities for our family there," he said.
Board of Education President Florence Newell said Tuesday night she was surprised by Frailey's announcement.
Now really, other than the money, why would anyone want to lead a school district that is controlled by an entrenched teachers union and inner-city street hucksters. On top of that, you've got to beg for money every few years in the form of tax levies to fund the schools. Michael Brandt - a good man now running the Newport School System - left for similar reasons.
Here's wishing Alton luck back in Texas.
Pops Scholarship Update
The scholarship fund we set up in Pops' name for graduates of Newport High School has reached $2,500. Very nice. We'll soon have to determine the criteria for awarding the scholarship. I'm thinking the scholarship should go to good-looking, smart, balding basketball players. But that's just me.
Thanks to everyone who donated.
Thanks to everyone who donated.
Kate is Reading
About a week ago, Kate just started reading. We've been working with her (and they do some exercises in her kindergarten class), but something just suddenly clicked and she was off. She loves it.
It's incredible to see the satisfaction she gets from reading. I don't know if it's the fact that she can read, or because she gets so much praise from Lynn and I. Either way, it's pretty cool. Go, Kate, go.
It's incredible to see the satisfaction she gets from reading. I don't know if it's the fact that she can read, or because she gets so much praise from Lynn and I. Either way, it's pretty cool. Go, Kate, go.
Quote of the Day
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling that thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. - John Stuart Mill
Ty and Notre Dame
So, if you're a college athletic director, would you be reluctant to hire a black head coach? No. Well, ask Kevin White - the AD at Notre Dame - that question.
If you hire a black head coach, you're hailed as a hero. But then what do you do if you have to fire them. This entire Notre Dame story has turned into the "there are no more black head coaches, why is Notre Dame racist" story. Please.
Notre Dame hired Ty because they thought he could win. Notre Dame fired Ty because he didn't.
And where's the outrage over this:
INDIANAPOLIS -- Gerry DiNardo was fired as Indiana's football coach after a 3-8 season that ended with a 63-24 loss to Purdue, the Hoosiers' seventh defeat in eight years to their state rival.
DiNardo, who has two years left on his contract, had an 8-27 record in three seasons that were marked by declining attendance.
DiNardo had three years - like Ty - and sucked. Granted, Ty had a better record, but he had the program and resources to succeed. DiNardo didn't. No one can win at Indiana.
You see, at the Division I level it's all about winning. You win, you stay. You lose, you go. Black or white. It's that simple.
If you hire a black head coach, you're hailed as a hero. But then what do you do if you have to fire them. This entire Notre Dame story has turned into the "there are no more black head coaches, why is Notre Dame racist" story. Please.
Notre Dame hired Ty because they thought he could win. Notre Dame fired Ty because he didn't.
And where's the outrage over this:
INDIANAPOLIS -- Gerry DiNardo was fired as Indiana's football coach after a 3-8 season that ended with a 63-24 loss to Purdue, the Hoosiers' seventh defeat in eight years to their state rival.
DiNardo, who has two years left on his contract, had an 8-27 record in three seasons that were marked by declining attendance.
DiNardo had three years - like Ty - and sucked. Granted, Ty had a better record, but he had the program and resources to succeed. DiNardo didn't. No one can win at Indiana.
You see, at the Division I level it's all about winning. You win, you stay. You lose, you go. Black or white. It's that simple.
Dr. Mengela, Call Your Office
This is, well, evil. Pure and unadulterated evil. I used to think that partial birth abortion was the vilest of "medical" procedures. But it's been surpassed. Once again, mankind proves how vile and wicked he can be.
The name of this new "medical" practice: the Groningen Protocol.
Under the Groningen protocol, if doctors at the hospital think a child is suffering unbearably from a terminal condition, they have the authority to end the child's life. The protocol is likely to be used primarily for newborns, but it covers any child up to age 12.
The hospital, beyond confirming the protocol in general terms, refused to discuss its details.
"It is for very sad cases," said a hospital spokesman, who declined to be identified. "After years of discussions, we made our own protocol to cover the small number of infants born with such severe disabilities that doctors can see they have extreme pain and no hope for life. Our estimate is that it will not be used but 10 to 15 times a year."
A parent's role is limited under the protocol. While experts and critics familiar with the policy said a parent's wishes to let a child live or die naturally most likely would be considered, they note tha the the decision must be professional, so rests with doctors.
And Jesus wept.
The name of this new "medical" practice: the Groningen Protocol.
Under the Groningen protocol, if doctors at the hospital think a child is suffering unbearably from a terminal condition, they have the authority to end the child's life. The protocol is likely to be used primarily for newborns, but it covers any child up to age 12.
The hospital, beyond confirming the protocol in general terms, refused to discuss its details.
"It is for very sad cases," said a hospital spokesman, who declined to be identified. "After years of discussions, we made our own protocol to cover the small number of infants born with such severe disabilities that doctors can see they have extreme pain and no hope for life. Our estimate is that it will not be used but 10 to 15 times a year."
A parent's role is limited under the protocol. While experts and critics familiar with the policy said a parent's wishes to let a child live or die naturally most likely would be considered, they note tha the the decision must be professional, so rests with doctors.
And Jesus wept.
Ukraine Update
I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but the march toward greater freedom for the Ukranian people continues.
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine's parliament brought down the government of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych with a no-confidence motion Wednesday in a show of the opposition's strength in the country's spiraling political crisis.
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) - Ukraine's parliament brought down the government of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych with a no-confidence motion Wednesday in a show of the opposition's strength in the country's spiraling political crisis.
More Positive Economic News
Strong consumer spending and business investment and a slightly lower than previously reported trade deficit meant the US economy grew at a 3.9 per cent rate in the third quarter, the Commerce Department said.
The upward revision from the 3.7 per cent advance estimate was above consensus expectations and represented a rebound from 3.3 per cent growth in the second quarter.
Core personal consumption expenditures inflation, excluding food and energy, the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, was unchanged at a 0.7 per cent rate in the quarter - the lowest reading since the 1960s.
The upward revision from the 3.7 per cent advance estimate was above consensus expectations and represented a rebound from 3.3 per cent growth in the second quarter.
Core personal consumption expenditures inflation, excluding food and energy, the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, was unchanged at a 0.7 per cent rate in the quarter - the lowest reading since the 1960s.
Dupes for Democracy
This is great. The networks are unknowingly advancing the cause of freedom in Iraq. Oh, how they must hate that.
WASHINGTON — On the evening of Oct. 14, a young Marine spokesman near Fallouja appeared on CNN and made a dramatic announcement. "Troops crossed the line of departure," 1st Lt. Lyle Gilbert declared, using a common military expression signaling the start of a major campaign. "It's going to be a long night." CNN, which had been alerted to expect a major news development, reported that the long-awaited offensive to retake the Iraqi city of Fallouja had begun.
In fact, the Fallouja offensive would not kick off for another three weeks. Gilbert's carefully worded announcement was an elaborate psychological operation — or "psy-op" — intended to dupe insurgents in Fallouja and allow U.S. commanders to see how guerrillas would react if they believed U.S. troops were entering the city, according to several Pentagon officials.
WASHINGTON — On the evening of Oct. 14, a young Marine spokesman near Fallouja appeared on CNN and made a dramatic announcement. "Troops crossed the line of departure," 1st Lt. Lyle Gilbert declared, using a common military expression signaling the start of a major campaign. "It's going to be a long night." CNN, which had been alerted to expect a major news development, reported that the long-awaited offensive to retake the Iraqi city of Fallouja had begun.
In fact, the Fallouja offensive would not kick off for another three weeks. Gilbert's carefully worded announcement was an elaborate psychological operation — or "psy-op" — intended to dupe insurgents in Fallouja and allow U.S. commanders to see how guerrillas would react if they believed U.S. troops were entering the city, according to several Pentagon officials.
The Left Has Lost...It's Mind
Let's face it, The Left has devolved into the party of freedom haters. They prefer totalitarian despotism to democracy. It's sad, but true.
As Anne Applebaum put it:
The larger point, though, is that the "it's-all-an-American-plot" arguments circulating in cyberspace again demonstrate something that the writer Christopher Hitchens, himself a former Trotskyite, has been talking about for a long time: At least a part of the Western left -- or rather the Western far left -- is now so anti-American, or so anti-Bush, that it actually prefers authoritarian or totalitarian leaders to any government that would be friendly to the United States. Many of the same people who found it hard to say anything bad about Saddam Hussein find it equally difficult to say anything nice about pro-democracy demonstrators in Ukraine. Many of the same people who would refuse to condemn a dictator who is anti-American cannot bring themselves to admire democrats who admire, or at least don't hate, the United States. I certainly don't believe, as President Bush sometimes simplistically says, that everyone who disagrees with American policies in Iraq or elsewhere "hates freedom." That's why it's so shocking to discover that some of them do.
As Anne Applebaum put it:
The larger point, though, is that the "it's-all-an-American-plot" arguments circulating in cyberspace again demonstrate something that the writer Christopher Hitchens, himself a former Trotskyite, has been talking about for a long time: At least a part of the Western left -- or rather the Western far left -- is now so anti-American, or so anti-Bush, that it actually prefers authoritarian or totalitarian leaders to any government that would be friendly to the United States. Many of the same people who found it hard to say anything bad about Saddam Hussein find it equally difficult to say anything nice about pro-democracy demonstrators in Ukraine. Many of the same people who would refuse to condemn a dictator who is anti-American cannot bring themselves to admire democrats who admire, or at least don't hate, the United States. I certainly don't believe, as President Bush sometimes simplistically says, that everyone who disagrees with American policies in Iraq or elsewhere "hates freedom." That's why it's so shocking to discover that some of them do.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Jeez, Glad He's Not My Coach
"We haven't executed offensively, at all. I have no idea why." - Indiana coach Mike Davis
Uh, Mike, isn't that your job as the coach to know why. Don't they pay you a whole lot of money to know why. I say he doesn't make it through the year.
Uh, Mike, isn't that your job as the coach to know why. Don't they pay you a whole lot of money to know why. I say he doesn't make it through the year.
Ty's Out at ND
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- Coach Tyrone Willingham was fired by Notre Dame on Tuesday after three seasons in which he failed to return one of the nation's most storied football programs to prominence.
Willingham had a record of 21-15, including 6-5 this season. The Fighting Irish lost 41-10 to No. 1 Southern California on Saturday.
I think Notre Dame made a courageous move in hiring Willingham as the first black head coach to lead the Irish. Now, I think they've made a courageous move in firing an underachieving coach. His last two seasons have been awful, and there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
Willingham had a record of 21-15, including 6-5 this season. The Fighting Irish lost 41-10 to No. 1 Southern California on Saturday.
I think Notre Dame made a courageous move in hiring Willingham as the first black head coach to lead the Irish. Now, I think they've made a courageous move in firing an underachieving coach. His last two seasons have been awful, and there's no light at the end of the tunnel.
More "Educator" Foolishness
The nitwits are taking over:
School's band to tune out Santa
Parents split on concert's tone
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
BY KATIE WANG Star-Ledger Staff
Don't expect the Columbia High School brass ensemble to belt out any jolly renditions of "Joy to World" at its holiday concert this year.
Nor will it play any songs about Santa Claus coming to town.
But there will be plenty of seasonal tunes, such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Frosty the Snowman" -- songs devoid of any reference to religion, religious symbols or holidays.
A long-standing policy banning the singing of Christmas songs with religious references in the South Orange/Maplewood School District has come under scrutiny after the administration clarified the policy recently, saying that it also includes instrumental concerts.
This means the 40-member brass ensemble, which in years past has played Christmas carols with references to Santa Claus, Jesus, or other religious symbols, will not be played this year.
"Rather than try to respond to all the various religions and try to balance them, it's best to stay away from that and simply have a nonreligious tone to them and have more of a seasonal tone," Superintendent Peter P. Horoschak said.
It's CHRISTmas for crying out loud. Where do you think the "CHRIST" comes from. We must stop the "educators". We must.
School's band to tune out Santa
Parents split on concert's tone
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
BY KATIE WANG Star-Ledger Staff
Don't expect the Columbia High School brass ensemble to belt out any jolly renditions of "Joy to World" at its holiday concert this year.
Nor will it play any songs about Santa Claus coming to town.
But there will be plenty of seasonal tunes, such as "Winter Wonderland" and "Frosty the Snowman" -- songs devoid of any reference to religion, religious symbols or holidays.
A long-standing policy banning the singing of Christmas songs with religious references in the South Orange/Maplewood School District has come under scrutiny after the administration clarified the policy recently, saying that it also includes instrumental concerts.
This means the 40-member brass ensemble, which in years past has played Christmas carols with references to Santa Claus, Jesus, or other religious symbols, will not be played this year.
"Rather than try to respond to all the various religions and try to balance them, it's best to stay away from that and simply have a nonreligious tone to them and have more of a seasonal tone," Superintendent Peter P. Horoschak said.
It's CHRISTmas for crying out loud. Where do you think the "CHRIST" comes from. We must stop the "educators". We must.
Go, Pat, Go
Pat Sajack - yes, that Pat Sajack - takes the Hollywood Left to task for their silence over the murder of Theo van Gogh.
Actually, I met Sajack when my brother Greg was the head writer for his ill-fated late night show, The Pat Sajack Show. After spending an afternoon with him, I learned a few things: he's very smart, he's very rich, and he's very conservative.
Actually, I met Sajack when my brother Greg was the head writer for his ill-fated late night show, The Pat Sajack Show. After spending an afternoon with him, I learned a few things: he's very smart, he's very rich, and he's very conservative.
A Real Patriot
This guy is a much bigger - and braver - man than I am. I salute him.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's only son, Patrick, has joined the Army during a time of war.
He reports to active duty as an enlisted soldier in the Army's regular airborne infantry.
His activation date: between Christmas and New Year's. His destination: presumably North Carolina's Ft. Bragg. His final destination? It could lead him to Iraq or Afghanistan within a year.
"He wants to serve his country," said a Sneed source. "He's a patriot. It's just that it's a pretty dangerous time to be doing so. His father is very proud but his mother, Maggie, is nervous as any mother would be. It's a pretty honorable thing to sign up in a time of war."
In an exclusive interview with the Sun-Times, Patrick Daley -- who recently graduated with honors from the University of Chicago's MBA program and could have pursued lucrative job offers -- told Sneed why he made the decision.
"It's been in the back of my mind for some time," said Patrick Daley, one of Mayor Daley's four children, including Nora, Elizabeth and a second son, Kevin, who died. "I left West Point during my freshman year when I was 18 years old and always remembered their motto, 'Duty, Honor and Country.' But I was so young and not really old enough to understand what it really meant. But I know now.
"I suppose when you're 18 years old -- as I was at West Point -- you're selfish and I didn't want to devote 10 years to an uncertain future. It took me a while to learn that there's also a virtue in selflessness. And I believe that virtue is to serve your country. And the values of West Point are still with me."
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's only son, Patrick, has joined the Army during a time of war.
He reports to active duty as an enlisted soldier in the Army's regular airborne infantry.
His activation date: between Christmas and New Year's. His destination: presumably North Carolina's Ft. Bragg. His final destination? It could lead him to Iraq or Afghanistan within a year.
"He wants to serve his country," said a Sneed source. "He's a patriot. It's just that it's a pretty dangerous time to be doing so. His father is very proud but his mother, Maggie, is nervous as any mother would be. It's a pretty honorable thing to sign up in a time of war."
In an exclusive interview with the Sun-Times, Patrick Daley -- who recently graduated with honors from the University of Chicago's MBA program and could have pursued lucrative job offers -- told Sneed why he made the decision.
"It's been in the back of my mind for some time," said Patrick Daley, one of Mayor Daley's four children, including Nora, Elizabeth and a second son, Kevin, who died. "I left West Point during my freshman year when I was 18 years old and always remembered their motto, 'Duty, Honor and Country.' But I was so young and not really old enough to understand what it really meant. But I know now.
"I suppose when you're 18 years old -- as I was at West Point -- you're selfish and I didn't want to devote 10 years to an uncertain future. It took me a while to learn that there's also a virtue in selflessness. And I believe that virtue is to serve your country. And the values of West Point are still with me."
Now That's What I Call Communicating
If a lawsuit challenging Kenton County's new strip club regulations ever makes it to trial, its outcome could hinge on the question of when dance crosses the line from legitimate performance to lewd behavior.
Both sides are expected to call on a host of witnesses to debate the merits and drawbacks of separating dancers and customers, a key point in the ordinance Kenton Fiscal Court approved in August.
Ask Judith Hanna, a professor of anthropology at the University of Maryland, and she'll tell you that limiting the distance between dancers and customers inhibits the dancers' communication with customers, infringing on their 1st Amendment rights.
Both sides are expected to call on a host of witnesses to debate the merits and drawbacks of separating dancers and customers, a key point in the ordinance Kenton Fiscal Court approved in August.
Ask Judith Hanna, a professor of anthropology at the University of Maryland, and she'll tell you that limiting the distance between dancers and customers inhibits the dancers' communication with customers, infringing on their 1st Amendment rights.
Texas Hold 'Em
CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Now that his high school football season is over, Zak Coppinger has been playing poker every chance he can get.
With his mom's blessing, he's turned the family dining room, complete with green walls and a chandelier, into a poker parlor for himself and his buddies. He also keeps a deck of cards at school so he can play impromptu games during class or lunch.
"It's better than homework, I can tell you that," the 18-year-old from Austin, Texas, says with a chuckle.
He's just one of the many young people who have become avid players of Texas Hold 'Em and other poker games -- a trend sparked, in part, by TV shows that feature tournaments for celebrities and professional poker players. But gambling opponents wonder if some teens, and the adults who let them play, are taking it too far.
"It's fun. It's exciting. It's glamorized on TV and in the media in a way that other addictions are not," says Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. "There's the impression that through skill you can beat the odds. But randomness is always going to have a bigger factor in determining the outcome than your skill.
"And unfortunately, that's not the message these kids get."
I enjoy playing - and watching - the game. But I do fear the effect it's glamorization is having on the public. As with all media, the pitfalls and dangers of the act are glossed over to make it appear more alluring than it actually is. It's like watching the show "Las Vegas" with it's beautiful women, amazing backdrops, and cool characters, then heading over to the Argosy Casino to play blackjack with 70 year olds with oxygen tanks, betting their Social Security checks with the hope that they get a big hand.
The gambling subculture is mostly sad and pathetic. But hey, it's a fun game.
With his mom's blessing, he's turned the family dining room, complete with green walls and a chandelier, into a poker parlor for himself and his buddies. He also keeps a deck of cards at school so he can play impromptu games during class or lunch.
"It's better than homework, I can tell you that," the 18-year-old from Austin, Texas, says with a chuckle.
He's just one of the many young people who have become avid players of Texas Hold 'Em and other poker games -- a trend sparked, in part, by TV shows that feature tournaments for celebrities and professional poker players. But gambling opponents wonder if some teens, and the adults who let them play, are taking it too far.
"It's fun. It's exciting. It's glamorized on TV and in the media in a way that other addictions are not," says Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. "There's the impression that through skill you can beat the odds. But randomness is always going to have a bigger factor in determining the outcome than your skill.
"And unfortunately, that's not the message these kids get."
I enjoy playing - and watching - the game. But I do fear the effect it's glamorization is having on the public. As with all media, the pitfalls and dangers of the act are glossed over to make it appear more alluring than it actually is. It's like watching the show "Las Vegas" with it's beautiful women, amazing backdrops, and cool characters, then heading over to the Argosy Casino to play blackjack with 70 year olds with oxygen tanks, betting their Social Security checks with the hope that they get a big hand.
The gambling subculture is mostly sad and pathetic. But hey, it's a fun game.
Bad Decision
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A federal appeals court barred the government Monday from blocking funds to colleges and universities that deny access to military recruiters because of the Pentagon's policy banning openly gay men and women.
In a 2-1 ruling, a three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, said a 10-year-old federal law that allows the government to block such funds violates the schools' First Amendment right to prohibit on-campus recruiting in response to the Pentagon policy.
How does allowing on-campus recruiters violate the schools' First Amendment right? That's absurd. Does the presence of military recruiters on Harvard's campus prohibit Harvard from loving all things gay? No. Does it prohibit Harvard from advocating all things gay? No. Does it in any way nullify Harvard's pro-gay positions and policies? No. Then what's the problem.
The problem is that The Left doesn't like the military and doesn't want there ilk on their campus. Well that's just too bad. If you're going to accept millions of dollars from the federal government - which most colleges do - then you must allow that same federal government to recruit for it's most vital governmental function. That's the law and it doesn't infringe on anyone's First Amendment rights.
In a 2-1 ruling, a three-judge panel of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, said a 10-year-old federal law that allows the government to block such funds violates the schools' First Amendment right to prohibit on-campus recruiting in response to the Pentagon policy.
How does allowing on-campus recruiters violate the schools' First Amendment right? That's absurd. Does the presence of military recruiters on Harvard's campus prohibit Harvard from loving all things gay? No. Does it prohibit Harvard from advocating all things gay? No. Does it in any way nullify Harvard's pro-gay positions and policies? No. Then what's the problem.
The problem is that The Left doesn't like the military and doesn't want there ilk on their campus. Well that's just too bad. If you're going to accept millions of dollars from the federal government - which most colleges do - then you must allow that same federal government to recruit for it's most vital governmental function. That's the law and it doesn't infringe on anyone's First Amendment rights.
Ban the Dunk?
This story illustrates what's wrong with basketball in the states:
Maybe the rest of us would eventually begin to realize that the dunk is nothing special anymore, that it's just another way to score two points. There would be no more scenes like the one NBA television analyst Doug Collins described to me years ago. Collins was talking to a group of youngsters at a clinic once, and as he described the fundamentals of shooting, his son Chris, a player at Duke at the time, demonstrated in the background. Chris sank shot after shot in a remarkable display of accuracy as Doug talked. When he was done, Doug asked the youngsters if they had any questions. The first kid to raise his hand had one for Chris: "Can you dunk?"
Maybe the rest of us would eventually begin to realize that the dunk is nothing special anymore, that it's just another way to score two points. There would be no more scenes like the one NBA television analyst Doug Collins described to me years ago. Collins was talking to a group of youngsters at a clinic once, and as he described the fundamentals of shooting, his son Chris, a player at Duke at the time, demonstrated in the background. Chris sank shot after shot in a remarkable display of accuracy as Doug talked. When he was done, Doug asked the youngsters if they had any questions. The first kid to raise his hand had one for Chris: "Can you dunk?"
The One That Got Away
I was one of the many (along with Tubby and Traitor Rick) who didn't think Chris Lofton could play big-time college basketball. Not big enough. Not quick enough. Not tough enough. And on and on.
Well, I may have been wrong.
Chris Lofton has made the transition from high school to college look as smooth as his jump shot.
The former Mason County star and Kentucky Mr. Basketball poured in a team-high 19 points and shot 5-for-7 on three-pointers to lead Tennessee to a 73-67 victory over Wofford in the Volunteers' home opener last night.
"Chris Lofton has the right mentality, and I think maybe he won the game for us down the stretch," Tennessee Coach Buzz Peterson said. "He did an awfully good job to help us win."
Lofton has started all four games for Tennessee (2-2) this season and is averaging 13.8 points. He is 15-for-26 from beyond the arc (57.7 percent).
Well, I may have been wrong.
Chris Lofton has made the transition from high school to college look as smooth as his jump shot.
The former Mason County star and Kentucky Mr. Basketball poured in a team-high 19 points and shot 5-for-7 on three-pointers to lead Tennessee to a 73-67 victory over Wofford in the Volunteers' home opener last night.
"Chris Lofton has the right mentality, and I think maybe he won the game for us down the stretch," Tennessee Coach Buzz Peterson said. "He did an awfully good job to help us win."
Lofton has started all four games for Tennessee (2-2) this season and is averaging 13.8 points. He is 15-for-26 from beyond the arc (57.7 percent).
The Kerry Secularists
George Weigel takes the Kerry secularists to task.
What Kerry’s secularist supporters can’t seem to understand is that the evangelicals, the John Paul II Catholics, and the observant Jews don’t need explaining; what needs explaining is the Harvard faculty club, Michael Moore, and most of the op-ed regulars at the New York Times – people who’ve persuaded themselves that a profound belief in the God of the Bible, expressed in a commitment to live by the Ten Commandments, is the fast track to fascism. They’re the anomaly, not the believers. If they’d ever take a field trip out of their secularist bunkers to meet the rest of America, they might find we’re not so scary after all.
It's ironic that the champions of diversity are the ones most lacking it.
What Kerry’s secularist supporters can’t seem to understand is that the evangelicals, the John Paul II Catholics, and the observant Jews don’t need explaining; what needs explaining is the Harvard faculty club, Michael Moore, and most of the op-ed regulars at the New York Times – people who’ve persuaded themselves that a profound belief in the God of the Bible, expressed in a commitment to live by the Ten Commandments, is the fast track to fascism. They’re the anomaly, not the believers. If they’d ever take a field trip out of their secularist bunkers to meet the rest of America, they might find we’re not so scary after all.
It's ironic that the champions of diversity are the ones most lacking it.
Are We Witnessing History?
Here's John O'Sullivan on the losers from the Ukraine election:
The final losers are the U.N. and Kofi Annan. The U.N. has been invisible. As Kofi Annan has been trying to keep his head above oil, he has issued his usual appeal for restraint. But this crisis has brought forth the heroes of the Cold War from retirement -- Vaclav Havel, Lech Walesa and Margaret Thatcher -- to encourage the orange revolutionaries. And Annan cannot begin to compete with their moral authority or the legitimacy they can bestow.
Are the mighty cold warriors reuniting for one last, great fight? It sure looks that way. If only the Gipper were still alive.
The final losers are the U.N. and Kofi Annan. The U.N. has been invisible. As Kofi Annan has been trying to keep his head above oil, he has issued his usual appeal for restraint. But this crisis has brought forth the heroes of the Cold War from retirement -- Vaclav Havel, Lech Walesa and Margaret Thatcher -- to encourage the orange revolutionaries. And Annan cannot begin to compete with their moral authority or the legitimacy they can bestow.
Are the mighty cold warriors reuniting for one last, great fight? It sure looks that way. If only the Gipper were still alive.
Saudis Playing Ball
I must hand it to the Saudis. Since 9/11, they've been much more cooperative on both the terrorism front and the economic front.
The current oil price boom is "significantly" different from the politically driven price spikes of the 1970s, Saudi Arabia's energy minister said in London yesterday.
In comments seen as calming fears over a repeat of an oil-recession, Ali al-Naimi unveiled plans to increase Saudi production capacity by as much as 37 per cent. He played down concern that Opec, the producers' cartel that is dominated by the Saudi Arabians, would cut production next month, saying the oil market was "in balance".
The current oil price boom is "significantly" different from the politically driven price spikes of the 1970s, Saudi Arabia's energy minister said in London yesterday.
In comments seen as calming fears over a repeat of an oil-recession, Ali al-Naimi unveiled plans to increase Saudi production capacity by as much as 37 per cent. He played down concern that Opec, the producers' cartel that is dominated by the Saudi Arabians, would cut production next month, saying the oil market was "in balance".
Saudis Playing Ball
I must hand it to the Saudis. Since 9/11, they've been much more cooperative on both the terrorism front and the economic front.
The current oil price boom is "significantly" different from the politically driven price spikes of the 1970s, Saudi Arabia's energy minister said in London yesterday.
In comments seen as calming fears over a repeat of an oil-recession, Ali al-Naimi unveiled plans to increase Saudi production capacity by as much as 37 per cent. He played down concern that Opec, the producers' cartel that is dominated by the Saudi Arabians, would cut production next month, saying the oil market was "in balance".
The current oil price boom is "significantly" different from the politically driven price spikes of the 1970s, Saudi Arabia's energy minister said in London yesterday.
In comments seen as calming fears over a repeat of an oil-recession, Ali al-Naimi unveiled plans to increase Saudi production capacity by as much as 37 per cent. He played down concern that Opec, the producers' cartel that is dominated by the Saudi Arabians, would cut production next month, saying the oil market was "in balance".
Monday, November 29, 2004
All the News That's Unfit to Print
The NY Times is a thoroughly discredited puppet of the Democratic National Committee. We all know it, but it's worth reminding ourselves every now and then.
Not only are New York Times editors regurgitating Democratic talking points in their editorials, they aren't even bothering to check them out first. The proof appears in this morning's editorial on judicial filibusters, titled Opinion > Editorial: Mr. Smith Goes Under the Gavel" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/28/opinion/28sun1.html?oref=login&ex=1259384400&">Mr. Smith Goes Under the Gavel:
Judicial nominees have never been immune from filibusters. When Republicans opposed President Lyndon Johnson's choice for chief justice, Abe Fortas, they led a successful filibuster to stop him from getting the job. More recently, in the Clinton era, Republicans spoke out loudly in defense of their right to filibuster against the confirmation of cabinet members and judicial nominees. Republican senators, including Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Mike DeWine of Ohio, used a filibuster in 1995 to block President Bill Clinton's nominee for surgeon general. Bill Frist, now the Senate majority leader, supported a filibuster of a Clinton appeals court nomination. Senator Christopher Bond, a Missouri Republican, was quoted in The St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1993 saying, "On important issues, I will not hesitate to join a filibuster."
I looked up this last quote. Contrary to the clear implication of the editors, the quote from Senator Bond has nothing to do with judicial filibusters. It related to his participation in a filibuster to block President Clinton's economic stimulus package. Here is the full context for the quote:
This month, the Republican minority used their unity and Senate rules to block Clinton's $16.3 billion economic stimulus package. "On important issues, I will not hesitate to join a filibuster," declares Sen. Christopher S. Bond, R-Mo., who offered four amendments and orated as part of the Republican campaign.
You might well wonder: where did New York Times editors get the idea to include this irrelevant quote from a 1993 article in a St. Louis paper? A quote that has nothing whatsoever to do with filibusters of judicial (or even cabinet) nominees?
Wonder no longer. A Google search of that quote yields two results: today's NYT editorial, and a Democratic Policy Committee page of talking points about judicial filibusters, titled "The Republican Flip-Flop on Filibusters."
Would the editors of the most influential paper in America actually swallow DNC talking points without even checking the facts? Indeed.
Not only are New York Times editors regurgitating Democratic talking points in their editorials, they aren't even bothering to check them out first. The proof appears in this morning's editorial on judicial filibusters, titled Opinion > Editorial: Mr. Smith Goes Under the Gavel" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/28/opinion/28sun1.html?oref=login&ex=1259384400&">Mr. Smith Goes Under the Gavel:
Judicial nominees have never been immune from filibusters. When Republicans opposed President Lyndon Johnson's choice for chief justice, Abe Fortas, they led a successful filibuster to stop him from getting the job. More recently, in the Clinton era, Republicans spoke out loudly in defense of their right to filibuster against the confirmation of cabinet members and judicial nominees. Republican senators, including Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and Mike DeWine of Ohio, used a filibuster in 1995 to block President Bill Clinton's nominee for surgeon general. Bill Frist, now the Senate majority leader, supported a filibuster of a Clinton appeals court nomination. Senator Christopher Bond, a Missouri Republican, was quoted in The St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1993 saying, "On important issues, I will not hesitate to join a filibuster."
I looked up this last quote. Contrary to the clear implication of the editors, the quote from Senator Bond has nothing to do with judicial filibusters. It related to his participation in a filibuster to block President Clinton's economic stimulus package. Here is the full context for the quote:
This month, the Republican minority used their unity and Senate rules to block Clinton's $16.3 billion economic stimulus package. "On important issues, I will not hesitate to join a filibuster," declares Sen. Christopher S. Bond, R-Mo., who offered four amendments and orated as part of the Republican campaign.
You might well wonder: where did New York Times editors get the idea to include this irrelevant quote from a 1993 article in a St. Louis paper? A quote that has nothing whatsoever to do with filibusters of judicial (or even cabinet) nominees?
Wonder no longer. A Google search of that quote yields two results: today's NYT editorial, and a Democratic Policy Committee page of talking points about judicial filibusters, titled "The Republican Flip-Flop on Filibusters."
Would the editors of the most influential paper in America actually swallow DNC talking points without even checking the facts? Indeed.
The Real Mean Machine...and I'm Not Talkin' Paul Krue and the Boys
Check out the Mean Machine here. I can't read a word of this gibberish, but suffice it to say these are some bad mothers. They recently won the Swedish National Championship and will advance to the Euro Cup to face Germany in the spring.
So why should you care about football-playing Swedes? Because the baddest, toughest, meanest man ever to walk the halls of Centre College plays for the Mean Machine, that's why. Check out the team picture and look at the first guy on the left that's kneeling. That's Gary Harrison, a.k.a. "Tough Guy." Look at those guns.
The former Marine's no longer shooting bad guys in Baghdad, so now he's taking out his aggression on the gridiron. Let's hope his game has improved since his Centre days. Hopefully the "No Hands" Harrison label didn't follow him to another continent.
Anyway, here's wishing Tough Guy and the boys much luck in the spring.
So why should you care about football-playing Swedes? Because the baddest, toughest, meanest man ever to walk the halls of Centre College plays for the Mean Machine, that's why. Check out the team picture and look at the first guy on the left that's kneeling. That's Gary Harrison, a.k.a. "Tough Guy." Look at those guns.
The former Marine's no longer shooting bad guys in Baghdad, so now he's taking out his aggression on the gridiron. Let's hope his game has improved since his Centre days. Hopefully the "No Hands" Harrison label didn't follow him to another continent.
Anyway, here's wishing Tough Guy and the boys much luck in the spring.
Stupid Is As Stupid Does
It appears that Canadian taxpayers are just as stupid as American taxpayers.
TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to buy SkyDome, the team's ballpark, for about $21.24 million.
The 50,000-seat stadium, which opened in 1989, cost about $375 million to construct and was mostly funded by taxpayers. The Blue Jays, who are owned by Rogers Communications, will acquire the ballpark from Sportsco International LP, a Chicago-based group of investors who bought SkyDome out of bankruptcy court in 1999 for about $74 million.
So let's review. Taxpayers agree to build a stadium for the multi-millionaire owners of a sports franchise in order to keep the team from leaving town (I'm assuming this was the threat levied against the City of Toronto; it worked for Mike Brown in Cincinnati). The pricetag: $375 million.
Now let's fast-forward 15 years. The multi-millionaire owners (yes, they're still multi-millionaires) decide to buy the stadium to improve their revenues. The pricetag: $21.24 million. Wow, now that's a bargain.
The taxpayers really got some bang for their buck with that $375 million dollar investment.
TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays agreed to buy SkyDome, the team's ballpark, for about $21.24 million.
The 50,000-seat stadium, which opened in 1989, cost about $375 million to construct and was mostly funded by taxpayers. The Blue Jays, who are owned by Rogers Communications, will acquire the ballpark from Sportsco International LP, a Chicago-based group of investors who bought SkyDome out of bankruptcy court in 1999 for about $74 million.
So let's review. Taxpayers agree to build a stadium for the multi-millionaire owners of a sports franchise in order to keep the team from leaving town (I'm assuming this was the threat levied against the City of Toronto; it worked for Mike Brown in Cincinnati). The pricetag: $375 million.
Now let's fast-forward 15 years. The multi-millionaire owners (yes, they're still multi-millionaires) decide to buy the stadium to improve their revenues. The pricetag: $21.24 million. Wow, now that's a bargain.
The taxpayers really got some bang for their buck with that $375 million dollar investment.
Say It Ain't So, Mash
Please, say it ain't so.
UK fans shouldn't be surprised if they see Mashburn carrying a briefcase around Lexington some day soon. His home is in Miami Beach, an area he grew to love when he played for the Heat. But he plans to move to Lexington in two years or so.
When asked why he'd leave sunny Miami for Lexington, Mashburn said, "As you know, the wife kind of rules everything in the house."
We knew that truism applied to, say, the lowly sportswriter. But even an all-time basketball great isn't king of his castle?
"We're like everyone else," Mashburn said. "I want a happy home."
Mashburn's wife, Michelle, is from Lexington. They have two children. Daughter Taylor is 8, son Jamal is 3.
UK fans shouldn't be surprised if they see Mashburn carrying a briefcase around Lexington some day soon. His home is in Miami Beach, an area he grew to love when he played for the Heat. But he plans to move to Lexington in two years or so.
When asked why he'd leave sunny Miami for Lexington, Mashburn said, "As you know, the wife kind of rules everything in the house."
We knew that truism applied to, say, the lowly sportswriter. But even an all-time basketball great isn't king of his castle?
"We're like everyone else," Mashburn said. "I want a happy home."
Mashburn's wife, Michelle, is from Lexington. They have two children. Daughter Taylor is 8, son Jamal is 3.
Tubby and Donna
Instead of the Smiths, they should be called the Cleavers.
So it's Thanksgiving evening. Donna Smith, the wife of UK Coach Tubby Smith, is watching the news on WKYT-TV, Lexington's CBS affiliate. She hears the new anchors' happy talk. The anchors talk about the team's meal at the coach's house and how the coach joked about slaving over a hot stove when asked if the meal would be catered.
The anchors wonder aloud about all that food. Donna picks up the phone and calls the station. She speaks to Cori Lake, a news reporter who happens to be dating Donna's nephew. "Are they really looking for some food?" Donna asks.
Next thing you know, Donna arrives at the station with a load of leftovers.
So it's Thanksgiving evening. Donna Smith, the wife of UK Coach Tubby Smith, is watching the news on WKYT-TV, Lexington's CBS affiliate. She hears the new anchors' happy talk. The anchors talk about the team's meal at the coach's house and how the coach joked about slaving over a hot stove when asked if the meal would be catered.
The anchors wonder aloud about all that food. Donna picks up the phone and calls the station. She speaks to Cori Lake, a news reporter who happens to be dating Donna's nephew. "Are they really looking for some food?" Donna asks.
Next thing you know, Donna arrives at the station with a load of leftovers.
Rousseau Was a Bad Man
I have always found Rousseau to be one of the more despicable characters in all of history. His writings have fueled totalitarianism throughout the years. I just discovered that the good doctor Samuel Johnson agreed:
Boswell: "Do you really think him [Rousseau] a bad man?"
Johnson: "Sir, if you are talking jestingly of this, I don't talk with you. If you mean to be serious, I think him one of the worst of men; a rascal, who ought to be hunted out of society, as he has been. Three or four nations have expelled him: and it is a shame that he is protected in this country."
Boswell: "I don't deny, Sir, but that his novel may, perhaps, do harm; but I cannot think his intention was bad."
Johnson: "Sir, that will not do. We cannot prove any man's intention to be bad. You may shoot a man through the head, and say you intended to miss him; but the Judge will order you to be hanged. An alleged want of intention, when evil is committed, will not be allowed in a court of justice. Rousseau, Sir, is a very bad man. I would sooner sign a sentence for his transportation, than that of any felon who has gone from the Old Bailey these many years. Yes, I should like to have him work in the plantations."
Boswell: "Do you really think him [Rousseau] a bad man?"
Johnson: "Sir, if you are talking jestingly of this, I don't talk with you. If you mean to be serious, I think him one of the worst of men; a rascal, who ought to be hunted out of society, as he has been. Three or four nations have expelled him: and it is a shame that he is protected in this country."
Boswell: "I don't deny, Sir, but that his novel may, perhaps, do harm; but I cannot think his intention was bad."
Johnson: "Sir, that will not do. We cannot prove any man's intention to be bad. You may shoot a man through the head, and say you intended to miss him; but the Judge will order you to be hanged. An alleged want of intention, when evil is committed, will not be allowed in a court of justice. Rousseau, Sir, is a very bad man. I would sooner sign a sentence for his transportation, than that of any felon who has gone from the Old Bailey these many years. Yes, I should like to have him work in the plantations."
God Help Northern California
I laugh to keep from crying:
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California teacher has been barred by his school from giving students documents from American history that refer to God -- including the Declaration of Independence.
Steven Williams, a fifth-grade teacher at Stevens Creek School in the San Francisco Bay area suburb of Cupertino, sued for discrimination on Monday, claiming he had been singled out for censorship by principal Patricia Vidmar because he is a Christian.
"It's a fact of American history that our founders were religious men, and to hide this fact from young fifth-graders in the name of political correctness is outrageous and shameful," said Williams' attorney, Terry Thompson.
"Williams wants to teach his students the true history of our country," he said. "There is nothing in the Establishment Clause (of the U.S. Constitution) that prohibits a teacher from showing students the Declaration of Independence."
Vidmar could not be reached for comment on the lawsuit, which was filed on Monday in U.S. District Court in San Jose and claims violations of Williams rights to free speech under the First Amendment.
Phyllis Vogel, assistant superintendent for Cupertino Unified School District, said the lawsuit had been forwarded to a staff attorney. She declined to comment further.
Williams asserts in the lawsuit that since May he has been required to submit all of his lesson plans and supplemental handouts to Vidmar for approval, and that the principal will not permit him to use any that contain references to God or Christianity.
Among the materials she has rejected, according to Williams, are excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's journal, John Adams' diary, Samuel Adams' "The Rights of the Colonists" and William Penn's "The Frame of Government of Pennsylvania."
"He hands out a lot of material and perhaps 5 to 10 percent refers to God and Christianity because that's what the founders wrote," said Thompson, a lawyer for the Alliance Defense Fund, which advocates for religious freedom. "The principal seems to be systematically censoring material that refers to Christianity and it is pure discrimination."
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California teacher has been barred by his school from giving students documents from American history that refer to God -- including the Declaration of Independence.
Steven Williams, a fifth-grade teacher at Stevens Creek School in the San Francisco Bay area suburb of Cupertino, sued for discrimination on Monday, claiming he had been singled out for censorship by principal Patricia Vidmar because he is a Christian.
"It's a fact of American history that our founders were religious men, and to hide this fact from young fifth-graders in the name of political correctness is outrageous and shameful," said Williams' attorney, Terry Thompson.
"Williams wants to teach his students the true history of our country," he said. "There is nothing in the Establishment Clause (of the U.S. Constitution) that prohibits a teacher from showing students the Declaration of Independence."
Vidmar could not be reached for comment on the lawsuit, which was filed on Monday in U.S. District Court in San Jose and claims violations of Williams rights to free speech under the First Amendment.
Phyllis Vogel, assistant superintendent for Cupertino Unified School District, said the lawsuit had been forwarded to a staff attorney. She declined to comment further.
Williams asserts in the lawsuit that since May he has been required to submit all of his lesson plans and supplemental handouts to Vidmar for approval, and that the principal will not permit him to use any that contain references to God or Christianity.
Among the materials she has rejected, according to Williams, are excerpts from the Declaration of Independence, George Washington's journal, John Adams' diary, Samuel Adams' "The Rights of the Colonists" and William Penn's "The Frame of Government of Pennsylvania."
"He hands out a lot of material and perhaps 5 to 10 percent refers to God and Christianity because that's what the founders wrote," said Thompson, a lawyer for the Alliance Defense Fund, which advocates for religious freedom. "The principal seems to be systematically censoring material that refers to Christianity and it is pure discrimination."
Success is a Choice
Poor Traitor Rick. Seems he has some major problems down in the 'Ville. If I were him, I would just choose to succeed.
Bad luck and bad decisions have left Louisville without the perimeter depth it needs to play coach Rick Pitino's preferred style of controlled harassment.
The bad luck came when both of the Cardinals' best backcourt recruits, high school senior Sebastian Telfair and junior college transfer Donta Smith, entered the 2004 NBA Draft. Pitino was prepared for Telfair to go, but stunned by Smith's decision.
Because Pitino was prepared for Telfair to go pro, that suggests he made bad decisions on two other recruits.
Pitino didn't pursue either of his state's best two high school guards last season, both of whom most likely would have chosen Louisville if asked. Those were Chris Lofton, now playing a major role at Tennessee, and Rajon Rondo, the McDonald's All-American who is from Louisville but is starting for Kentucky.
How bad is the depth situation at Louisville? Former walk-on Brad Gianiny, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, is getting 13.5 minutes per game. He played 20 minutes in Louisville's loss to Iowa, when two of the team's three starting guards -- Taquan Dean and Larry O'Bannon -- had foul issues.
Bad luck and bad decisions have left Louisville without the perimeter depth it needs to play coach Rick Pitino's preferred style of controlled harassment.
The bad luck came when both of the Cardinals' best backcourt recruits, high school senior Sebastian Telfair and junior college transfer Donta Smith, entered the 2004 NBA Draft. Pitino was prepared for Telfair to go, but stunned by Smith's decision.
Because Pitino was prepared for Telfair to go pro, that suggests he made bad decisions on two other recruits.
Pitino didn't pursue either of his state's best two high school guards last season, both of whom most likely would have chosen Louisville if asked. Those were Chris Lofton, now playing a major role at Tennessee, and Rajon Rondo, the McDonald's All-American who is from Louisville but is starting for Kentucky.
How bad is the depth situation at Louisville? Former walk-on Brad Gianiny, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, is getting 13.5 minutes per game. He played 20 minutes in Louisville's loss to Iowa, when two of the team's three starting guards -- Taquan Dean and Larry O'Bannon -- had foul issues.
The 10th Brother
You won't see this on the nightly news. Instead of devoting 2 hours memorializing Tom Brokaw's 20 years of reading the news, maybe NBC could devote 60 seconds to this story.
Quote of the Day
"Academics such as the next secretary of state still decorate Washington, but academia is less listened to than it was. It has marginalized itself, partly by political shrillness and silliness that have something to do with the parochialism produced by what George Orwell called "smelly little orthodoxies." - George Will
Keep Your Fingers Crossed
From Bob Novak's column today:
To show that President Bush is serious about reducing government spending, the Office of Management and Budget is asking government departments to propose deep cuts.
Each agency is supposed to prepare a budget 5 percent lower than last year's request for all non-Defense and non-Homeland Security spending. They also are preparing an extreme option proposing 10 percent reductions.
If Bush can get this done, he'll be my hero.
To show that President Bush is serious about reducing government spending, the Office of Management and Budget is asking government departments to propose deep cuts.
Each agency is supposed to prepare a budget 5 percent lower than last year's request for all non-Defense and non-Homeland Security spending. They also are preparing an extreme option proposing 10 percent reductions.
If Bush can get this done, he'll be my hero.
"Mr. Diversity"
President Bush has made more high-profile appointments of blacks and Hispanics than anyone, anywhere, at any time.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Monday chose Carlos Gutierrez, chief executive officer of the Kellogg Co. (K), to be secretary of Commerce, administration officials said.
If confirmed by the Senate, Gutierrez would succeed Commerce Secretary Donald Evans, a Texas confidant of Bush's, who announced his resignation shortly after the Nov. 2 election.
Gutierrez, whose family fled Cuba in 1960 when he was 6, joined Kellogg in 1975. Known for having a strong work ethic and a seemingly endless stream of ideas, he worked all over the world for the company before being promoted to president and chief operating officer in June 1998.
Now, whether this is a good selection or not remains to be seen. If Gutierrez is a charismatic, energetic force with new ideas, then it will be good.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush on Monday chose Carlos Gutierrez, chief executive officer of the Kellogg Co. (K), to be secretary of Commerce, administration officials said.
If confirmed by the Senate, Gutierrez would succeed Commerce Secretary Donald Evans, a Texas confidant of Bush's, who announced his resignation shortly after the Nov. 2 election.
Gutierrez, whose family fled Cuba in 1960 when he was 6, joined Kellogg in 1975. Known for having a strong work ethic and a seemingly endless stream of ideas, he worked all over the world for the company before being promoted to president and chief operating officer in June 1998.
Now, whether this is a good selection or not remains to be seen. If Gutierrez is a charismatic, energetic force with new ideas, then it will be good.
Colerain Rolls...Again
Colerain's the best high school football team I've ever seen (I've watched them twice on TV). They're very good at EVERY position, and in high school that's freakish. Anyway, they destroyed Worthington Kilbourne in the state semifinals, but check out the second paragraph of this story.
DAYTON - The 2004 Colerain Cardinals remained unbeaten and unchallenged Saturday night, with a 34-3 destruction of Worthington Kilbourne in the Division I state semifinals.
The Cardinals (14-0) will play for the school's first Ohio football title at 7 p.m. next Saturday at Canton's Fawcett Stadium vs. Canton McKinley (11-3).
Ok, you're the best team in Ohio - possibly the best team in the country. You're beating your opponents by an average of 41 points every game. What's your reward? You get to travel to the other side of the state to Canton to play....yep....Canton McKinley. The fact that the Ohio high school championship isn't played in Columbus is a crime. There's clearly a Northeastern bias. It's the equivalent of the Kentucky championship being played in Paducah every year.
DAYTON - The 2004 Colerain Cardinals remained unbeaten and unchallenged Saturday night, with a 34-3 destruction of Worthington Kilbourne in the Division I state semifinals.
The Cardinals (14-0) will play for the school's first Ohio football title at 7 p.m. next Saturday at Canton's Fawcett Stadium vs. Canton McKinley (11-3).
Ok, you're the best team in Ohio - possibly the best team in the country. You're beating your opponents by an average of 41 points every game. What's your reward? You get to travel to the other side of the state to Canton to play....yep....Canton McKinley. The fact that the Ohio high school championship isn't played in Columbus is a crime. There's clearly a Northeastern bias. It's the equivalent of the Kentucky championship being played in Paducah every year.
Buy Nothing Day
I thought about writing a "Buy Nothing Day" post, but Andrew Sullivan beat me to the punch (and he's a much better writer than I):
BUY NOTHING DAY: I have absolutely nothing against capitalism, but I have to say I feel solidarity with the dissidents here. Watching images of people bursting through department door stores and trampling each other for a cheap DVD player at 5:30 am makes me wonder if I belong to the same species. Yes, I know there are bargains. But please. The sheer frenzy, the entire mania of consumerism, the notion that meaning is to be found in buying things and giving these things to other people or to yourself - it all leaves me cold.
That's one reason I'm such a Christmas-phobe. Each year, we have a communal campaign to persuade ourselves that we never have enough, the new things will assuage our real needs, that buying is the same as living. Yes, of course, some of this is fine, generous or even important. But the hysteria is a form of cultural disorder. And "Christmas" merely feeds it. If "Buy Nothing Day" helps assuage this a little, it's an excellent thing.
BUY NOTHING DAY: I have absolutely nothing against capitalism, but I have to say I feel solidarity with the dissidents here. Watching images of people bursting through department door stores and trampling each other for a cheap DVD player at 5:30 am makes me wonder if I belong to the same species. Yes, I know there are bargains. But please. The sheer frenzy, the entire mania of consumerism, the notion that meaning is to be found in buying things and giving these things to other people or to yourself - it all leaves me cold.
That's one reason I'm such a Christmas-phobe. Each year, we have a communal campaign to persuade ourselves that we never have enough, the new things will assuage our real needs, that buying is the same as living. Yes, of course, some of this is fine, generous or even important. But the hysteria is a form of cultural disorder. And "Christmas" merely feeds it. If "Buy Nothing Day" helps assuage this a little, it's an excellent thing.
Notre Dame Sorrows
As a fervent Irish hater, I took great joy in watching the USC Trojans wax the sorry Golden Domers. It was beautiful. I think Hugh Hewitt put it best:
Irish fans have glimpsed what election night at Kerry HQ must have been like --early promise, even confidence, followed by the steady accumulation of evidence that all is lost.
Irish fans have glimpsed what election night at Kerry HQ must have been like --early promise, even confidence, followed by the steady accumulation of evidence that all is lost.
My Holiday Viewing
In addition to the solid Friday night episode of 20/20, my holiday viewing also included parts of the 2-hour special on Tom Brokaw. Is there anyone less worthy of a 2-hour television special than Tom Brokaw. Granted he was a reporter for a number of years, but he's spent the past 20 years READING THE NEWS. That's right, READING THE NEWS.
NBC should be ashamed.
NBC should be ashamed.
Waterworld 2
Not only is Alexander on pace to be the biggest box office flop since Waterworld, but it was also partially financed by...you guessed it...the French.
Jeunet had pointed out that director Oliver Stone's Alexander the Great received funding from the French government despite not being filmed in France or in French.
Jeunet had pointed out that director Oliver Stone's Alexander the Great received funding from the French government despite not being filmed in France or in French.
Ukraine Update
Here's a good roundup of what's going on in the Ukraine. And here's Bush's pickle:
However the disputed election finally plays out, it has undermined the Bush Administration's cozy relations with Putin, at least behind the scenes. In his first term, Bush was willing to give Putin a free hand in what Russia calls the "near abroad," the states that spun off from the broken Soviet Union. At the same time, Bush has made encouraging democracy around the world a central pillar of his presidency. In Ukraine, those two policies clash mightily.
Washington spent much of Ukraine's bitterly fought presidential campaign studiously avoiding confrontation with Putin, and stuck to that line in the early days after the vote. But at midweek, Secretary of State Colin Powell made clear Washington's support for Yushchenko, saying the U.S. was "deeply disturbed by the extensive and credible reports of fraud." The following day, at an E.U.-Russia summit in the Hague, Putin emphasized that the dispute should be settled without outside interference. No other country has a "moral right to push a major European state to mass disorder," he warned.
The Kremlin regards countries like Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus as vital buffers between Russia and the West. Like Russian rulers for the past two centuries, Putin "equates security with well-defined 'zones of interest,'" says James Sherr, an Eastern Europe specialist at Oxford University. Those zones have shrunk in recent years as the Baltic states and Georgia turned sharply toward the West. Putin doesn't want to see the same thing happen in Ukraine.
But analysts in the U.S. worry that Putin may have overplayed his hand. If he were seen to be encouraging the east in its secessionist plans, the protests could turn violent.
However the disputed election finally plays out, it has undermined the Bush Administration's cozy relations with Putin, at least behind the scenes. In his first term, Bush was willing to give Putin a free hand in what Russia calls the "near abroad," the states that spun off from the broken Soviet Union. At the same time, Bush has made encouraging democracy around the world a central pillar of his presidency. In Ukraine, those two policies clash mightily.
Washington spent much of Ukraine's bitterly fought presidential campaign studiously avoiding confrontation with Putin, and stuck to that line in the early days after the vote. But at midweek, Secretary of State Colin Powell made clear Washington's support for Yushchenko, saying the U.S. was "deeply disturbed by the extensive and credible reports of fraud." The following day, at an E.U.-Russia summit in the Hague, Putin emphasized that the dispute should be settled without outside interference. No other country has a "moral right to push a major European state to mass disorder," he warned.
The Kremlin regards countries like Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus as vital buffers between Russia and the West. Like Russian rulers for the past two centuries, Putin "equates security with well-defined 'zones of interest,'" says James Sherr, an Eastern Europe specialist at Oxford University. Those zones have shrunk in recent years as the Baltic states and Georgia turned sharply toward the West. Putin doesn't want to see the same thing happen in Ukraine.
But analysts in the U.S. worry that Putin may have overplayed his hand. If he were seen to be encouraging the east in its secessionist plans, the protests could turn violent.
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Better Late Than Never
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope John Paul II, in a gesture of friendship with the Orthodox Church, on Saturday handed over the bones of two early Christian saints that were brought to Rome from ancient Constantinople centuries ago.
The Vatican said the return of the saints' relics was part of the pope's efforts to promote Christian unity and dismissed any suggestion that John Paul was "asking pardon" for their removal by Crusaders from the seat of the Orthodox Church.
The Vatican said the return of the saints' relics was part of the pope's efforts to promote Christian unity and dismissed any suggestion that John Paul was "asking pardon" for their removal by Crusaders from the seat of the Orthodox Church.
Ukraine Update
The forces of freedom are still on the march:
Ukraine's parliament today passed a resolution calling for the annulment of the country's disputed elections and the dissolution of the country's Central Election Commission. The vote is nonbinding, but observers say it may usher in a new election. Spokesmen for the White House and State Department welcomed negotiations set up by both candidates to resolve the dispute.
Ukraine's parliament today passed a resolution calling for the annulment of the country's disputed elections and the dissolution of the country's Central Election Commission. The vote is nonbinding, but observers say it may usher in a new election. Spokesmen for the White House and State Department welcomed negotiations set up by both candidates to resolve the dispute.
UT 37, UK 31
Well, my boys put up a valiant fight. Clearly, the offense worked better WITHOUT Ron Hudson, so that's a plus. But the talent level is soooo bad.
But hey, there's always next year.
But hey, there's always next year.
Is the Chief on His Way Out?
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 - Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, who missed the Supreme Court's November argument session while being treated for thyroid cancer, will be absent for the December session as well, the court announced on Friday.
I truly doubt Rehnquist will be back. He's old, tired, and - now - sick. Look for Bush to nominate Thomas to replace Rehnquist as Chief Justice. Then my money's on Ted Olsen to join the Court. The former Solicitor General is bright, articulate, familiar with those on Capital Hill, and has a rather limited paper trail (at least compared to most sitting judges).
I truly doubt Rehnquist will be back. He's old, tired, and - now - sick. Look for Bush to nominate Thomas to replace Rehnquist as Chief Justice. Then my money's on Ted Olsen to join the Court. The former Solicitor General is bright, articulate, familiar with those on Capital Hill, and has a rather limited paper trail (at least compared to most sitting judges).
Fools, Fools and More Fools
NEW YORK (AP) It's not my fault. I'm mentally ill. That's the argument a woman is using to sue American Express for two (M) million dollars after she ran up nearly one (M) million dollar in charges and couldn't pay the bill.
Prosecutors say the woman - 40-year-old Antoinette Millard - posed as a Saudi princess to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. She is now suing America Express saying she was mentally incompetent when she opened her account and the company should have known it.
The woman is free on 100-thousand dollars bail and awaiting trial on attempted grand larceny charges. Besides the phony princess the woman is also accused of posing as a Victoria's Secret model, which she was not.
Millard's lawsuit says American Express gave her a prestigious Centurion ``Black'' card at a time when she was suffering from anorexia, depression, panic attacks, head tumors and by reason of such illnesses was mentally incompetent. The card is for people who charge more than 150-thousand dollars a year, and carries a 25-hundred dollar annual fee. Her lawsuit says American Express should have known that Millard was acting impulsively and irrationally at the time she accepted the card.
This is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, it reinforces what a litigious society we live in. Second, it reinforces how easily - and carelessly - credit companies hand out credit. I really don't feel sorry for creditors when they extend credit to fools and the fools don't pay. I guess those extending the credit are the real fools.
Prosecutors say the woman - 40-year-old Antoinette Millard - posed as a Saudi princess to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. She is now suing America Express saying she was mentally incompetent when she opened her account and the company should have known it.
The woman is free on 100-thousand dollars bail and awaiting trial on attempted grand larceny charges. Besides the phony princess the woman is also accused of posing as a Victoria's Secret model, which she was not.
Millard's lawsuit says American Express gave her a prestigious Centurion ``Black'' card at a time when she was suffering from anorexia, depression, panic attacks, head tumors and by reason of such illnesses was mentally incompetent. The card is for people who charge more than 150-thousand dollars a year, and carries a 25-hundred dollar annual fee. Her lawsuit says American Express should have known that Millard was acting impulsively and irrationally at the time she accepted the card.
This is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, it reinforces what a litigious society we live in. Second, it reinforces how easily - and carelessly - credit companies hand out credit. I really don't feel sorry for creditors when they extend credit to fools and the fools don't pay. I guess those extending the credit are the real fools.
20/20
Did you see 20/20 last night? They focused the entire show on the Matthew Sheppard case (the gay man killed in Laramie, Wyoming several years back). At the time, it was a clear case of backward rednecks killing a gay guy just because he was gay. There were vigils, protests, remembrances, etc. The world would never be the same.
Problem is, the entire story looks to be a legend. The reason he was killed, the relationship between the killers and the victim, the backgrounds of all the parties involved, etc., were false. Even those involved with investigating the crime (and friends of both the victim and the killers) say the way the crime was portrayed was all wrong.
Why does this matter now? Anne Holthouse makes the case:
If a legend is used as leverage to change the law, we need to be willing to think about whether the legend is true, and if it is not, we need to be willing to rethink our analysis.
Remember Cindy Dixon? She was the mother of Russell Henderson, one of the two men convicted of murdering Matthew Shepard. Henderson, the L.A. Times article tells us, "was the driver that night. He never hit Shepard, but, on McKinney's order, he tied him to the fence."
"In January 1999, Henderson's mother, Cindy Dixon, was found dead. She had been raped and struck and left in the snow to die. No powerful advocates spoke for her. She was likely to come to a bad end, people said, what with the drinking and the men, and then her son….
"Nobody took the measure of hate. By the time the Dixon case was wrapped up, they weren't even talking murder. A man pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and the same judge who sent Dixon's son to prison forever sentenced her killer to four to nine years. He got out last year."
Justice demands that we think clearly about criminal responsibility and not let our minds be clouded by evocative stories that mesh with our assumptions about the world and our social policy aspirations. I believe the cause of gay rights is a very good one, and I also think that if the cause is good, truth should serve it. If you think your cause is so important that you must put it ahead of the truth, you are deeply confused.
Problem is, the entire story looks to be a legend. The reason he was killed, the relationship between the killers and the victim, the backgrounds of all the parties involved, etc., were false. Even those involved with investigating the crime (and friends of both the victim and the killers) say the way the crime was portrayed was all wrong.
Why does this matter now? Anne Holthouse makes the case:
If a legend is used as leverage to change the law, we need to be willing to think about whether the legend is true, and if it is not, we need to be willing to rethink our analysis.
Remember Cindy Dixon? She was the mother of Russell Henderson, one of the two men convicted of murdering Matthew Shepard. Henderson, the L.A. Times article tells us, "was the driver that night. He never hit Shepard, but, on McKinney's order, he tied him to the fence."
"In January 1999, Henderson's mother, Cindy Dixon, was found dead. She had been raped and struck and left in the snow to die. No powerful advocates spoke for her. She was likely to come to a bad end, people said, what with the drinking and the men, and then her son….
"Nobody took the measure of hate. By the time the Dixon case was wrapped up, they weren't even talking murder. A man pleaded guilty to manslaughter, and the same judge who sent Dixon's son to prison forever sentenced her killer to four to nine years. He got out last year."
Justice demands that we think clearly about criminal responsibility and not let our minds be clouded by evocative stories that mesh with our assumptions about the world and our social policy aspirations. I believe the cause of gay rights is a very good one, and I also think that if the cause is good, truth should serve it. If you think your cause is so important that you must put it ahead of the truth, you are deeply confused.
By the way, do you think Barbara Walters would have ever done this story? Don't think so. Stossel is clearly running the ship now.
How Corrupt is Corrupt
Pretty corrupt:
One of the next big chapters in the United Nations oil-for-food scandal will involve the family of the secretary-general, Kofi Annan, whose son turns out to have been receiving payments as recently as early this year from a key contractor in the oil-for-food program.
The secretary-general's son, Kojo Annan, was previously reported to have worked for a Swiss-based company called Cotecna Inspection Services SA, which from 1998-2003 held a lucrative contract with the U.N. to monitor goods arriving in Saddam Hussein's Iraq under the oil-for-food program. But investigators are now looking into new information suggesting that the younger Annan received far more money over a much longer period, even after his compensation from Cotecna had reportedly ended.
The importance of this story involves not only undisclosed conflicts of interest, but the question of the role of the secretary-general himself, at a time when talk is starting to be heard around the U.N. that it is time for him to resign, and the staff labor union is in open rebellion against "senior management."
One of the next big chapters in the United Nations oil-for-food scandal will involve the family of the secretary-general, Kofi Annan, whose son turns out to have been receiving payments as recently as early this year from a key contractor in the oil-for-food program.
The secretary-general's son, Kojo Annan, was previously reported to have worked for a Swiss-based company called Cotecna Inspection Services SA, which from 1998-2003 held a lucrative contract with the U.N. to monitor goods arriving in Saddam Hussein's Iraq under the oil-for-food program. But investigators are now looking into new information suggesting that the younger Annan received far more money over a much longer period, even after his compensation from Cotecna had reportedly ended.
The importance of this story involves not only undisclosed conflicts of interest, but the question of the role of the secretary-general himself, at a time when talk is starting to be heard around the U.N. that it is time for him to resign, and the staff labor union is in open rebellion against "senior management."
Grandmama Momma
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) - At 63, many of Judith Cates' peers are contemplating retiring to Florida. She's busy attending pizza parties with her 5-year-old twin daughters and picking up toys. Cates is one of a growing number of women over 40 to give birth.
A report released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the number of such women exceeded 100,000 for the first time in 2003. It also found there were 1,512 first-time mothers between the ages of 45 and 54 last year.
Cates gave birth when she was 57 - even older than a New York woman with newborn twins. A 59-year-old Georgia woman is pregnant with twins and due in December.
As medicine has advanced, so has the ability of older women to conceive.
I think this is, by and large, a bad phenomenon. While the medicine can re-engineer when we can have children, it can't re-engineer everything else (emotions, energy level, coping mechanisms, etc.). In other words, you can physically have a child at 50, but can you adequately parent that child? That's pretty much an afterthought, though. The point of having a child is not about the child, but about the wants and desires of the parent.
This is a perfect example of our worship of The Self. We choose not to have children when we can - and should - for our own selfish reasons. Whether we postpone child rearing to work or play or just because it's inconvenient at the time, we decide. Then later in life, after realizing that we screwed up and should have placed more value on things of value, we look to medicine and technology to save us...to turn back the clock and regain our missed opportunities.
Succumbing to the desires of The Self never leads to the satisfaction of The Self. It always leads to more wanting, and more wanting leads to more dependence on those technologies that change the natural order.
A report released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the number of such women exceeded 100,000 for the first time in 2003. It also found there were 1,512 first-time mothers between the ages of 45 and 54 last year.
Cates gave birth when she was 57 - even older than a New York woman with newborn twins. A 59-year-old Georgia woman is pregnant with twins and due in December.
As medicine has advanced, so has the ability of older women to conceive.
I think this is, by and large, a bad phenomenon. While the medicine can re-engineer when we can have children, it can't re-engineer everything else (emotions, energy level, coping mechanisms, etc.). In other words, you can physically have a child at 50, but can you adequately parent that child? That's pretty much an afterthought, though. The point of having a child is not about the child, but about the wants and desires of the parent.
This is a perfect example of our worship of The Self. We choose not to have children when we can - and should - for our own selfish reasons. Whether we postpone child rearing to work or play or just because it's inconvenient at the time, we decide. Then later in life, after realizing that we screwed up and should have placed more value on things of value, we look to medicine and technology to save us...to turn back the clock and regain our missed opportunities.
Succumbing to the desires of The Self never leads to the satisfaction of The Self. It always leads to more wanting, and more wanting leads to more dependence on those technologies that change the natural order.
Good News from the State Department
Nightmare at Foggy Bottom: Arabists panicked at prospect of Rice's appointments
Colin Powell has long operated on the principle, "Don't rock the boat." But Powell will soon be gone, to be replaced by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Foggy Bottom is scared. Nowhere is the fear more palpable than in the department's Near East Bureau.
"Don't rock the boat"? Now there's leadership. It's time for State to be rocked, and that includes drumming out the Arabists (which is usually a code word for anti-Semite). You go girl!
Couple Condi's apparent boat rocking with Porter Goss over at the CIA, and we may actually see some real change in these outdated, bureaucratic, slothful agencies.
Colin Powell has long operated on the principle, "Don't rock the boat." But Powell will soon be gone, to be replaced by National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Foggy Bottom is scared. Nowhere is the fear more palpable than in the department's Near East Bureau.
"Don't rock the boat"? Now there's leadership. It's time for State to be rocked, and that includes drumming out the Arabists (which is usually a code word for anti-Semite). You go girl!
Couple Condi's apparent boat rocking with Porter Goss over at the CIA, and we may actually see some real change in these outdated, bureaucratic, slothful agencies.
Insurgents on the Run
It's hard to find good insurgents these days, especially when they're being killed:
BAGHDAD — Sunni insurgents backing Abu Mussib Al Zarqawi have expressed alarm at the prospect of a defeat by the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.
An audio tape said to be from Al Zarqawi charged Muslim clerics with letting down the insurgency "because of your silence."
On Wednesday, Al Zarqawi, with a $25 million bounty on his head, was the target of a major manhunt in the Sunni Triangle, Middle East Newsline reported. Iraqi military sources said Al Zarqawi was said to have been seen in an area south of Fallujah.
Islamic sources said that for the first time in more than a year the Tawhid and Jihad group led by Al Zarqawi appears to have lost control over many of its insurgents in the Sunni Triangle.
The sources said Iraqi and U.S. assaults on major insurgency strongholds in such cities as
Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, Ramadi and Samara have resulted in heavy insurgency casualties and a break in the command and control structure.
BAGHDAD — Sunni insurgents backing Abu Mussib Al Zarqawi have expressed alarm at the prospect of a defeat by the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq.
An audio tape said to be from Al Zarqawi charged Muslim clerics with letting down the insurgency "because of your silence."
On Wednesday, Al Zarqawi, with a $25 million bounty on his head, was the target of a major manhunt in the Sunni Triangle, Middle East Newsline reported. Iraqi military sources said Al Zarqawi was said to have been seen in an area south of Fallujah.
Islamic sources said that for the first time in more than a year the Tawhid and Jihad group led by Al Zarqawi appears to have lost control over many of its insurgents in the Sunni Triangle.
The sources said Iraqi and U.S. assaults on major insurgency strongholds in such cities as
Baghdad, Fallujah, Mosul, Ramadi and Samara have resulted in heavy insurgency casualties and a break in the command and control structure.
Friday, November 26, 2004
It Must be Something in the Water
Add Colin Farrell to the pantheon of moronic entertainers. This should put him right up there with Babs, the Boss, and Tim Robbins.
Colin Farrell is challenging a group of Greek lawyers to sue him for portraying Alexander The Great as bisexual in new movie Alexander. A group of 25 Greek lawyers insist the legendary conqueror was heterosexual, and they're now considering suing film studio Warner Bros and director Oliver Stone for claiming the contrary.
The group has sent an extrajudicial note insisting that the studio include a reference in the credits saying the movie is fictional, reports Femalefirst.
But Farrell, who plays the historic figure in the movie, said: "Do I think Alexander was bisexual? Absolutely! Don't sue Oliver Stone... Sue me! And try and tell me there's something wrong with it. Try and tell me... how you're gonna prove physically this man wasn't.
"Get out of your bigoted frame of thinking and just see that it was a beautiful thing. If anything we have... de-evolved because of our ability to judge and our insistence on judging. Why is it even a big deal? Just go and see the movie."
Colin Farrell is challenging a group of Greek lawyers to sue him for portraying Alexander The Great as bisexual in new movie Alexander. A group of 25 Greek lawyers insist the legendary conqueror was heterosexual, and they're now considering suing film studio Warner Bros and director Oliver Stone for claiming the contrary.
The group has sent an extrajudicial note insisting that the studio include a reference in the credits saying the movie is fictional, reports Femalefirst.
But Farrell, who plays the historic figure in the movie, said: "Do I think Alexander was bisexual? Absolutely! Don't sue Oliver Stone... Sue me! And try and tell me there's something wrong with it. Try and tell me... how you're gonna prove physically this man wasn't.
"Get out of your bigoted frame of thinking and just see that it was a beautiful thing. If anything we have... de-evolved because of our ability to judge and our insistence on judging. Why is it even a big deal? Just go and see the movie."
Case Closed
If Gore Vidal likes it, it must be awful.
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - While critics savaged Oliver Stone's long-waited epic "Alexander," novelist and social activist Gore Vidal rallied to the $160 million movie's defense saying it was "barrier-breaking" because of its frank depiction of bisexuality.
Stone's film opened on Wednesday to near universal pans from critics who called it everything from a "noble failure" to an "indifferent epic."
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - While critics savaged Oliver Stone's long-waited epic "Alexander," novelist and social activist Gore Vidal rallied to the $160 million movie's defense saying it was "barrier-breaking" because of its frank depiction of bisexuality.
Stone's film opened on Wednesday to near universal pans from critics who called it everything from a "noble failure" to an "indifferent epic."
R.I.P.
While we honor the sacrifice of our military forces (and rightly so), it's equally important that we remember our non-military patriots.
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - An American diplomat was killed Wednesday in an attack near the heavily fortified sector of central Baghdad known as the Green Zone, U.S. officials said.
Jim Mollen, 48, of Binghamton, N.Y., was the U.S. Embassy's senior consultant to the Iraqi ministers of education and higher education. He was shot while traveling in a car within a mile of the Green Zone, according to his mother, Anne Mollen.
In Washington, Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a statement he was "profoundly saddened" by Mollen's killing.
"Jim dedicated his life to a noble cause: improving the quality of education for thousands of Iraqis," Powell said.
...Mollen, the slain American diplomat, was working to rebuild Iraq's 20 major universities and 40 technical institutes, research centers and colleges.
The problem for the terrorists is that this will only strengthen our resolve to destroy them and continue helping the Iraqi people.
BAGHDAD, IRAQ - An American diplomat was killed Wednesday in an attack near the heavily fortified sector of central Baghdad known as the Green Zone, U.S. officials said.
Jim Mollen, 48, of Binghamton, N.Y., was the U.S. Embassy's senior consultant to the Iraqi ministers of education and higher education. He was shot while traveling in a car within a mile of the Green Zone, according to his mother, Anne Mollen.
In Washington, Secretary of State Colin Powell said in a statement he was "profoundly saddened" by Mollen's killing.
"Jim dedicated his life to a noble cause: improving the quality of education for thousands of Iraqis," Powell said.
...Mollen, the slain American diplomat, was working to rebuild Iraq's 20 major universities and 40 technical institutes, research centers and colleges.
The problem for the terrorists is that this will only strengthen our resolve to destroy them and continue helping the Iraqi people.
Ukraine Update
Significant news out of the Ukraine:
The Ukrainian Government’s control over nationwide television was broken today, a key factor in maintaining support for Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, when a station began covering opposition demonstrations that have gripped the capital.
The pro-government private channel 1+1 said in a statement yesterday that it decided to begin providing “objective information” after having halted news broadcasts since Monday when journalists refused to operate under censorship.
The first reports of the mass opposition rallies in the country were aired in the dawn hours of today.
The channel is controlled by the powerful head of the presidential administration, Viktor Medvedtchuk.
Television stations which broadcast nationwide have provided extensive positive coverage of Mr Yanukovich, the declared winner of the election, while giving scant and negative attention to opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko.
“We are aware of our responsibility for having until now broadcast biased information under pressure for different political forces,” 1+1 journalists said in a statement.
“Given the current opposition in society we are obliged to declare that … all information will now be complete and objective,” they said.
Is the game over? We'll see.
The Ukrainian Government’s control over nationwide television was broken today, a key factor in maintaining support for Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich, when a station began covering opposition demonstrations that have gripped the capital.
The pro-government private channel 1+1 said in a statement yesterday that it decided to begin providing “objective information” after having halted news broadcasts since Monday when journalists refused to operate under censorship.
The first reports of the mass opposition rallies in the country were aired in the dawn hours of today.
The channel is controlled by the powerful head of the presidential administration, Viktor Medvedtchuk.
Television stations which broadcast nationwide have provided extensive positive coverage of Mr Yanukovich, the declared winner of the election, while giving scant and negative attention to opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko.
“We are aware of our responsibility for having until now broadcast biased information under pressure for different political forces,” 1+1 journalists said in a statement.
“Given the current opposition in society we are obliged to declare that … all information will now be complete and objective,” they said.
Is the game over? We'll see.
A Proclamation
I missed this yesterday.
Thanksgiving Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
All across America, we gather this week with the people we love to give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our freedom, grateful for our families and friends, and grateful for the many gifts of America. On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come from the Almighty God.
Almost four centuries ago, the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast to thank God after suffering through a brutal winter. President George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and President Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War, asking Americans to give thanks with "one heart and one voice." Since then, in times of war and in times of peace, Americans have gathered with family and friends and given thanks to God for our blessings.
Thanksgiving is also a time to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate. Americans this week will gather food and clothing for neighbors in need. Many young people will give part of their holiday to volunteer at homeless shelters and food pantries. On Thanksgiving, we remember that the true strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of the American people. By seeking out those who are hurting and by lending a hand, Americans touch the lives of their fellow citizens and help make our Nation and the world a better place.
This Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude to our dedicated firefighters and police officers who help keep our homeland safe. We are grateful to the homeland security and intelligence personnel who spend long hours on faithful watch. And we give thanks for the Americans in our Armed Forces who are serving around the world to secure our country and advance the cause of freedom. These brave men and women make our entire Nation proud, and we thank them and their families for their sacrifice.
On this Thanksgiving Day, we thank God for His blessings and ask Him to continue to guide and watch over our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2004, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship to reinforce the ties of family and community and to express gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Thanksgiving Day, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
All across America, we gather this week with the people we love to give thanks to God for the blessings in our lives. We are grateful for our freedom, grateful for our families and friends, and grateful for the many gifts of America. On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge that all of these things, and life itself, come from the Almighty God.
Almost four centuries ago, the Pilgrims celebrated a harvest feast to thank God after suffering through a brutal winter. President George Washington proclaimed the first National Day of Thanksgiving in 1789, and President Lincoln revived the tradition during the Civil War, asking Americans to give thanks with "one heart and one voice." Since then, in times of war and in times of peace, Americans have gathered with family and friends and given thanks to God for our blessings.
Thanksgiving is also a time to share our blessings with those who are less fortunate. Americans this week will gather food and clothing for neighbors in need. Many young people will give part of their holiday to volunteer at homeless shelters and food pantries. On Thanksgiving, we remember that the true strength of America lies in the hearts and souls of the American people. By seeking out those who are hurting and by lending a hand, Americans touch the lives of their fellow citizens and help make our Nation and the world a better place.
This Thanksgiving, we express our gratitude to our dedicated firefighters and police officers who help keep our homeland safe. We are grateful to the homeland security and intelligence personnel who spend long hours on faithful watch. And we give thanks for the Americans in our Armed Forces who are serving around the world to secure our country and advance the cause of freedom. These brave men and women make our entire Nation proud, and we thank them and their families for their sacrifice.
On this Thanksgiving Day, we thank God for His blessings and ask Him to continue to guide and watch over our Nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 25, 2004, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all Americans to gather together in their homes and places of worship to reinforce the ties of family and community and to express gratitude for the many blessings we enjoy.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-third day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Idiot of the Day
ATLANTA (CNN) -- NBA player Michael Olowokandi was arrested early Thursday at an Indianapolis nightclub after a dispute with police, during which the Minnesota Timberwolves center was hit twice with an electronic stun gun, police said.
The bar's manager flagged down police officers when Olowokandi refused to leave after the establishment's 3 a.m. closing time, said Sgt. Steve Staletovich, an Indianapolis Police Department spokesman.
Staletovich said an officer used a Taser on Olowokandi when he tried to walk away from police. The first shot appeared to have no effect, but a second allowed police to subdue the player, he said.
Olowokandi, 29, was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing, both misdemeanors, and was released on his own recognizance Thursday afternoon, Staletovich said.
Note to Mike: Commissioner Stern is not exactly in a forgiving mood these days. Getting tasered outside of nightclubs is not going to sit well with the Commish.
The bar's manager flagged down police officers when Olowokandi refused to leave after the establishment's 3 a.m. closing time, said Sgt. Steve Staletovich, an Indianapolis Police Department spokesman.
Staletovich said an officer used a Taser on Olowokandi when he tried to walk away from police. The first shot appeared to have no effect, but a second allowed police to subdue the player, he said.
Olowokandi, 29, was charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing, both misdemeanors, and was released on his own recognizance Thursday afternoon, Staletovich said.
Note to Mike: Commissioner Stern is not exactly in a forgiving mood these days. Getting tasered outside of nightclubs is not going to sit well with the Commish.
Rummy's Still My Man
From today's Washington Times:
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has entered the fray over the Defense Department's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, endorsing in a letter to the House speaker continued support of Scout troops who meet on military bases.
At least three conservative Republican lawmakers have sent letters to Mr. Rumsfeld protesting a Bush administration partial legal settlement of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union's Illinois chapter. The Justice Department, representing the Pentagon, agreed to warn military commanders not to officially sponsor Scout units.
The ACLU contends the government sponsorship violates religious freedoms since the Boy Scouts require members to pledge allegiance to God.
I got news for the ACLU: the military services have chaplains for crying out loud (and chapels). Do they know what chaplains do? These bigots need to be stopped.
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld has entered the fray over the Defense Department's relationship with the Boy Scouts of America, endorsing in a letter to the House speaker continued support of Scout troops who meet on military bases.
At least three conservative Republican lawmakers have sent letters to Mr. Rumsfeld protesting a Bush administration partial legal settlement of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union's Illinois chapter. The Justice Department, representing the Pentagon, agreed to warn military commanders not to officially sponsor Scout units.
The ACLU contends the government sponsorship violates religious freedoms since the Boy Scouts require members to pledge allegiance to God.
I got news for the ACLU: the military services have chaplains for crying out loud (and chapels). Do they know what chaplains do? These bigots need to be stopped.
Bringing Out The Big Guns
The Ukrainian opposition has Lech Walesa on its side:
Deputy economy minister Oleh Hayduk resigned in protest of the fraudulent vote count in the Ukrainian election, Ukrainian News reported.
“When the European Union doesn’t recognize the election results, what kind of European integration can we talk about?” Hayduk said Nov. 25 on the Channel 5 television station.
“That’s my position as a citizen. I wrote a declaration of my resignation yesterday, and now I’m confirming it,” he said.
Hayduk, 39, has been a deputy economy minister since April 21 of this year.
The news was read to the hundreds of thousands of protestors thronging Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) on this third full day of protests against Ukraine’s Nov. 21 run-off presidential vote, which has been widely condemned as fraudulent. Solidarity leader and the first post-communist Polish president Lech Walesa also addressed the crowd, which was in high spirits as it gathered under blue skies on this clear, windless day.
Much of central Kyiv is now a solid block of protestors, most bedecked in orange, the signature color of opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko. A carnival atmosphere predominates.
Estimates place the crowd at up to a million.
Add to Walesa the esteemed name of Vaclav Havel:
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Vaclav Havel, former Czech president and leader of the country's 1989 "Velvet Revolution" that overthrew Communist rule, has urged Ukrainians to keep up their protests against a disputed presidential election.
A third day of mass protests began on Wednesday demanding that Ukraine's opposition leader, Viktor Yushchenko, be installed as president after a weekend poll they said was fraudulent.
"All respected domestic and international organisations agree that your demands are justified. Therefore I wish you strength, endurance, courage and fortunate decisions," Havel said in a statement from Taipei where he was travelling.
Havel, a former anti-communist dissident and the first president after the 1989 fall of communism, told Ukrainians that long years or decades of their future were at stake.
Once he's done pumping up the troops, Vaclav needs to head to New York and take over for Kofi. Can you imagine the United Nations headed by Havel? That would be awesome.
Deputy economy minister Oleh Hayduk resigned in protest of the fraudulent vote count in the Ukrainian election, Ukrainian News reported.
“When the European Union doesn’t recognize the election results, what kind of European integration can we talk about?” Hayduk said Nov. 25 on the Channel 5 television station.
“That’s my position as a citizen. I wrote a declaration of my resignation yesterday, and now I’m confirming it,” he said.
Hayduk, 39, has been a deputy economy minister since April 21 of this year.
The news was read to the hundreds of thousands of protestors thronging Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) on this third full day of protests against Ukraine’s Nov. 21 run-off presidential vote, which has been widely condemned as fraudulent. Solidarity leader and the first post-communist Polish president Lech Walesa also addressed the crowd, which was in high spirits as it gathered under blue skies on this clear, windless day.
Much of central Kyiv is now a solid block of protestors, most bedecked in orange, the signature color of opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko. A carnival atmosphere predominates.
Estimates place the crowd at up to a million.
Add to Walesa the esteemed name of Vaclav Havel:
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Vaclav Havel, former Czech president and leader of the country's 1989 "Velvet Revolution" that overthrew Communist rule, has urged Ukrainians to keep up their protests against a disputed presidential election.
A third day of mass protests began on Wednesday demanding that Ukraine's opposition leader, Viktor Yushchenko, be installed as president after a weekend poll they said was fraudulent.
"All respected domestic and international organisations agree that your demands are justified. Therefore I wish you strength, endurance, courage and fortunate decisions," Havel said in a statement from Taipei where he was travelling.
Havel, a former anti-communist dissident and the first president after the 1989 fall of communism, told Ukrainians that long years or decades of their future were at stake.
Once he's done pumping up the troops, Vaclav needs to head to New York and take over for Kofi. Can you imagine the United Nations headed by Havel? That would be awesome.
You Better Hope So, Oliver
Stone seems to think that Europeans are naive nitwits. Well, he may be right, but we'll have to see.
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Filmmaker Oliver Stone, whose "Alexander" got a lukewarm reception from critics in America, said Thursday he thought the three-hour epic would get a better welcome in Europe.
Stone visited the Stockholm International Film Festival to pick up a lifetime achievement award and promote "Alexander," which was having its European premiere in Stockholm.
"I think one of the reasons I am being honored here in Sweden is that (Europeans) tend to see me a little differently than they do in the U.S.," Stone told reporters.
He said the film "is not an easy movie, but then I've never made easy movies." His previous films include "JFK," "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Platoon."
STOCKHOLM, Sweden - Filmmaker Oliver Stone, whose "Alexander" got a lukewarm reception from critics in America, said Thursday he thought the three-hour epic would get a better welcome in Europe.
Stone visited the Stockholm International Film Festival to pick up a lifetime achievement award and promote "Alexander," which was having its European premiere in Stockholm.
"I think one of the reasons I am being honored here in Sweden is that (Europeans) tend to see me a little differently than they do in the U.S.," Stone told reporters.
He said the film "is not an easy movie, but then I've never made easy movies." His previous films include "JFK," "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Platoon."
The WaPo Gets It
From today's Washington Post editorial:
Some have described the crisis in Ukraine as a contest for influence between Russia and the West, with the West backing opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko in the same measure that Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the official candidate. That is a gross distortion. For the Ukrainians who have spent four freezing nights in the streets of Kiev, the fight is not about geopolitical orientation -- most favor close relations with Moscow -- but about whether theirs will be a free country, with an independent press and courts and leaders who are chosen by genuine democratic vote. Mr. Putin, who has channeled hundreds of millions of dollars into the prime minister's campaign, is backing the imposition of an authoritarian system along the lines of the one he is creating in Russia -- with a propagandistic regime, controlled media, official persecution of dissent, business executives who take orders from the state, and elections that are neither free nor fair.
This is amazing for two reasons: First, the Post actually gets it right. Second, their editorial criticizes a regime in which "business executives take orders from the state." Let's hope they've finally seen the light.
P.S. I'm not holding my breath.
Some have described the crisis in Ukraine as a contest for influence between Russia and the West, with the West backing opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko in the same measure that Russian President Vladimir Putin has supported the official candidate. That is a gross distortion. For the Ukrainians who have spent four freezing nights in the streets of Kiev, the fight is not about geopolitical orientation -- most favor close relations with Moscow -- but about whether theirs will be a free country, with an independent press and courts and leaders who are chosen by genuine democratic vote. Mr. Putin, who has channeled hundreds of millions of dollars into the prime minister's campaign, is backing the imposition of an authoritarian system along the lines of the one he is creating in Russia -- with a propagandistic regime, controlled media, official persecution of dissent, business executives who take orders from the state, and elections that are neither free nor fair.
This is amazing for two reasons: First, the Post actually gets it right. Second, their editorial criticizes a regime in which "business executives take orders from the state." Let's hope they've finally seen the light.
P.S. I'm not holding my breath.
The Love of Money
This is depressing, especially in light of the words below from our Founding Father. Is it too much to ask that we suspend our constant hording and greed for one day, a single day that we set aside to give thanks to GOD for all that he's done for us...and for all that He is.
Well, I guess in a way we are. We are setting aside a day to honor our god...to worship at his altar...to sing praises to his name. That god is mammon. All hail king mammon.
Lord have mercy on us.
Well, I guess in a way we are. We are setting aside a day to honor our god...to worship at his altar...to sing praises to his name. That god is mammon. All hail king mammon.
Lord have mercy on us.
Happy Thanksgiving
General Thanksgiving
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and
Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
(signed) G. Washington
By the PRESIDENT of the United States Of America
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and
Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLICK THANSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"
NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;-- for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;-- for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;-- and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.
And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;-- to enable us all, whether in publick or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.
GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.
(signed) G. Washington
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Election Fever
Somebody in Iraq believes in democracy:
At least 122 political organizations have registered to run in Iraq's Jan. 30 elections, thrilling organizers but setting the stage for tough bargaining over the next eight days.
Many of the parties are expected to combine in loose coalitions as they seek to maximize their seats in a new national assembly. Such alliances must be declared to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) by the end of this month.
Even so, voters will face a bewildering array of choices. There are religious parties representing Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Christian voters; secular parties with religious affiliations or regional interests; parties organized around sheiks and clerics; and parties devoted simply to justice, democracy or equal rights.
"We have so many parties, so many people wanting to participate," said Farid Ayar, a spokesman for the IEC. "It is wonderful. I am happy."
At least 122 political organizations have registered to run in Iraq's Jan. 30 elections, thrilling organizers but setting the stage for tough bargaining over the next eight days.
Many of the parties are expected to combine in loose coalitions as they seek to maximize their seats in a new national assembly. Such alliances must be declared to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) by the end of this month.
Even so, voters will face a bewildering array of choices. There are religious parties representing Shi'ite Muslim, Sunni Muslim and Christian voters; secular parties with religious affiliations or regional interests; parties organized around sheiks and clerics; and parties devoted simply to justice, democracy or equal rights.
"We have so many parties, so many people wanting to participate," said Farid Ayar, a spokesman for the IEC. "It is wonderful. I am happy."
Just Back the Truck Up, Ukraine
WASHINGTON (AP) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday the United States cannot accept the results of elections in Ukraine, which the opposition says was marred by fraud.
Powell warned "there will be consequences" for the United States' relationship with Ukraine as a result of the developments in the former Soviet bloc nation.
Powell spoke shortly after election officials in Ukraine declared that Kremlin-backed Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych won the election over opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko. The announcement raised fears of violence in Kiev, where tens of thousands of demonstrators have been demanding that the results be overturned.
"We cannot accept this result as legitimate because it does not meet international standards" and allegations of fraud hadn't been investigated, Powell said at a news conference.
Powell warned "there will be consequences" for the United States' relationship with Ukraine as a result of the developments in the former Soviet bloc nation.
Powell spoke shortly after election officials in Ukraine declared that Kremlin-backed Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych won the election over opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko. The announcement raised fears of violence in Kiev, where tens of thousands of demonstrators have been demanding that the results be overturned.
"We cannot accept this result as legitimate because it does not meet international standards" and allegations of fraud hadn't been investigated, Powell said at a news conference.
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