Michael Medved hammers those who feed off paranoia about the "North American Union". This sort of stuff is disgusting, it makes conservatives look like kooks (most of them are not), and there is very little basis in reality to this nonsense.
So, I hope he keeps it up. It takes folks willing to stand up and say, "no more" to this nonsense that will eventually send these con artists packing.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Been on vacation over Christmas...
Still on that vacation, frankly.
But I did want to point people to my post at GOPProgress on the Althouse kerfluffle.
But I did want to point people to my post at GOPProgress on the Althouse kerfluffle.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Nonsense making primetime...
Liz Mair discusses the claims of flip-flopping that have now made Chris Matthews' show.
The short version: They are bogus claims. Romney's position on gay rights has not changed. What did change was the prominence of gay marriage as an issue - and it was something Romney had opposed for a long time.
The only issue on which the charge of "flip-flopping" might have any validity is abortion. Yet two of the past three Republican presidents would also be guilty and judged unworthy of being the Republican nominee by the standard used against Romney by these self-appointed commissars.
Keep that in mind when you see these claims, folks.
The short version: They are bogus claims. Romney's position on gay rights has not changed. What did change was the prominence of gay marriage as an issue - and it was something Romney had opposed for a long time.
The only issue on which the charge of "flip-flopping" might have any validity is abortion. Yet two of the past three Republican presidents would also be guilty and judged unworthy of being the Republican nominee by the standard used against Romney by these self-appointed commissars.
Keep that in mind when you see these claims, folks.
Increasing the military...
Ed Morrissey discusses the plan to increase the military's size.
In one respect, this was a mistake by Don Rumsfeld. We needed at least four, preferably eight, more Army divisions. That said, we also had problems with a bureaucracy that has become way to slow for the 21st century - and Rummy perceived that to be the bigger problem. It was a problem, but Rumsfeld, in his push for transformation, forgot that quantity is also important.
The real issue will be whether this larger force is just for the Army and Marines, or if it will also go for the Navy and Air Force. If we keep the production lines going, the per-unit price for the F-22 will drop to about $117 million. Increasing the production of the Super Hornet, C-17, C-130J, and F-35 will do the same for the other stuff (you'll note that you always get good bargains at BJ's or Costco), like the Zumwalt-class destroyers.
In one respect, this was a mistake by Don Rumsfeld. We needed at least four, preferably eight, more Army divisions. That said, we also had problems with a bureaucracy that has become way to slow for the 21st century - and Rummy perceived that to be the bigger problem. It was a problem, but Rumsfeld, in his push for transformation, forgot that quantity is also important.
The real issue will be whether this larger force is just for the Army and Marines, or if it will also go for the Navy and Air Force. If we keep the production lines going, the per-unit price for the F-22 will drop to about $117 million. Increasing the production of the Super Hornet, C-17, C-130J, and F-35 will do the same for the other stuff (you'll note that you always get good bargains at BJ's or Costco), like the Zumwalt-class destroyers.
No sympathy for conservatives...
It seems some conservatives are complaining that Bush might compromise on Social Security.
There's a penalty to be paid for looking like such dolts that you lose Congress, Republicans. Hard-line conservatives need to grow up and take their medicine. There will be a temporary patch for Social Security. Bush will cut a deal on immigration that will be far less appealing than what the House GOP could have gotten if it had negotiated with the Senate and the President in good faith.
I guess we will find out who the real whiners are.
There's a penalty to be paid for looking like such dolts that you lose Congress, Republicans. Hard-line conservatives need to grow up and take their medicine. There will be a temporary patch for Social Security. Bush will cut a deal on immigration that will be far less appealing than what the House GOP could have gotten if it had negotiated with the Senate and the President in good faith.
I guess we will find out who the real whiners are.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Why Liz Mair is off...
Liz Mair thinks Governor Whitman is off in assuming John McCain cannot win the nomination.
I think Governor Whitman is close to the mark, though. McCain has several big albatrosses around his neck. The biggest is campaign finance reform - and his continuing campaign against free speech (albeit that is not what he intends). Others will include the Gang of 14, his alignment with gun-control advocates on gun shows, and his opposition to the President over detainee treatment. The zampolit wing will also hammer McCain for his public stance in favor of a comprehensive bill (one case where he is correct to buck the base).
McCain is the media's GOP front-runner for 2008. The real front-runner for the GOP nomination is probably Rudy Giuliani or Mitt Romney. Any of the three would be good Presidents, but I will admit I lean towards Romney at this time.
I think Governor Whitman is close to the mark, though. McCain has several big albatrosses around his neck. The biggest is campaign finance reform - and his continuing campaign against free speech (albeit that is not what he intends). Others will include the Gang of 14, his alignment with gun-control advocates on gun shows, and his opposition to the President over detainee treatment. The zampolit wing will also hammer McCain for his public stance in favor of a comprehensive bill (one case where he is correct to buck the base).
McCain is the media's GOP front-runner for 2008. The real front-runner for the GOP nomination is probably Rudy Giuliani or Mitt Romney. Any of the three would be good Presidents, but I will admit I lean towards Romney at this time.
Captured...
One al-Qaeda terrorist. James Ujamma pled guilty to conspiring to aid the Talbian, and then fled the country.
Thanks for the assist, Belize.
Thanks for the assist, Belize.
A great Christmas column...
Eve Fairbanks has done a great column on Christmas. It's dead on target, and well worth the read.
That said, she is a little rough on January. After all, isn't that the month where we get to spend the weekends on a build-up to what is perhaps the biggest non-official holiday in American culture, not to mention a fair chunk of the world? Yeah, I'm talking about Super Bowl Sunday.
Now, February, on the other hand... not much to redeem it. Especially the 14th.
That said, she is a little rough on January. After all, isn't that the month where we get to spend the weekends on a build-up to what is perhaps the biggest non-official holiday in American culture, not to mention a fair chunk of the world? Yeah, I'm talking about Super Bowl Sunday.
Now, February, on the other hand... not much to redeem it. Especially the 14th.
Gutsy...
A member of the House of Lords, the upper half of the British Parliament, has called on Senators Jay Rockefeller and Olympia Snowe to resign over their letter to ExxonMobil.
The letter was inexcusable in a country where freedom of speech is explicitly protected. Particularly when there is controversy over global warming and there is no proof that the Kyoto Treaty will do any good.
That said, this British lord went out of bounds just a little bit. This should be done by media outlets across the country - because if you can force a corporation to shut up because you don't like what they are saying, will media outlets far behind?
The letter was inexcusable in a country where freedom of speech is explicitly protected. Particularly when there is controversy over global warming and there is no proof that the Kyoto Treaty will do any good.
That said, this British lord went out of bounds just a little bit. This should be done by media outlets across the country - because if you can force a corporation to shut up because you don't like what they are saying, will media outlets far behind?
Faith and the public commons
Ryan Sager reports that Andrew Sullivan posted a piece about Mormon undergarments, of all things...
First, I do not contest Sullivan's absolute right under the First Amendment to publish that photo.
That said, I have some comments to make on this topic. Sullivan's sole reason for posting that image was to cause embarrassment for Mitt Romney; the reason to cause that embarrassment was Romney's opposition to gay marriage.
Stop. Halt. Whoa. Time Out. Take Five. Cease Buzzer.
As a devout Catholic, I stand in staunch opposition to many elements of LDS theology and liturgical practice. However, that is, ultimately, the business of those of the LDS faith, and not mine. I've had LDS neighbors, co-workers, friends, and brothers and sisters in arms. I have found them to run the same sort of range that everyone runs to; many good-hearted people, a few nasty ones, and each having unique combinations of gifts and weaknesses.
As a Catholic, I have had to endure, with varying degrees of gritted teeth, Protestants mischaracterizing my faith's tenets (from ignorance or malice) and labeling me a "non-Christian" or "pagan" because of my alleged adherence to those freshly-misstated beliefs. This experience has taught me a healthy respect for other people's right to their beliefs, no matter how odd they may seem to me.
In a society such as ours, all of us need to give others enough elbow room--physical and spiritual alike--to live their lives, unless someone is actually harming others. Being opposed to a radical redefinition of marriage doesn't count as harming others, Andy, so put a sock in it. We live, as we are constantly reminded, in a pluralistic society, with a wide range of religious beliefs. The quest--or non-quest, for that matter--for the divine is probably the most intimate part of anyone's life, often inexplicable to those from other religious traditions.
When addressing religious beliefs that aren't yours, it's probably a very good idea to tread very lightly.
I'm not rah-rah for or against Romney at this point. I am always opposed to cheap-shot sensationalist crap.
First, I do not contest Sullivan's absolute right under the First Amendment to publish that photo.
That said, I have some comments to make on this topic. Sullivan's sole reason for posting that image was to cause embarrassment for Mitt Romney; the reason to cause that embarrassment was Romney's opposition to gay marriage.
Stop. Halt. Whoa. Time Out. Take Five. Cease Buzzer.
As a devout Catholic, I stand in staunch opposition to many elements of LDS theology and liturgical practice. However, that is, ultimately, the business of those of the LDS faith, and not mine. I've had LDS neighbors, co-workers, friends, and brothers and sisters in arms. I have found them to run the same sort of range that everyone runs to; many good-hearted people, a few nasty ones, and each having unique combinations of gifts and weaknesses.
As a Catholic, I have had to endure, with varying degrees of gritted teeth, Protestants mischaracterizing my faith's tenets (from ignorance or malice) and labeling me a "non-Christian" or "pagan" because of my alleged adherence to those freshly-misstated beliefs. This experience has taught me a healthy respect for other people's right to their beliefs, no matter how odd they may seem to me.
In a society such as ours, all of us need to give others enough elbow room--physical and spiritual alike--to live their lives, unless someone is actually harming others. Being opposed to a radical redefinition of marriage doesn't count as harming others, Andy, so put a sock in it. We live, as we are constantly reminded, in a pluralistic society, with a wide range of religious beliefs. The quest--or non-quest, for that matter--for the divine is probably the most intimate part of anyone's life, often inexplicable to those from other religious traditions.
When addressing religious beliefs that aren't yours, it's probably a very good idea to tread very lightly.
I'm not rah-rah for or against Romney at this point. I am always opposed to cheap-shot sensationalist crap.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Duncan Hunter dumped...
Liz Mair at GOPProgress explains why she has dumped Duncan Hunter from her 2008 list.
I tend to agree with her reasoning on this. Hunter would not win the general election at all. He'd be a solid Secretary of Defense, but his approach to issues (not to mention the way he helped stab the UAE in the back) does not make him a viable option in 2008.
If people are looking for reasonable discussion about the issues with no name-calling (unlike other conservative forums), they can't do much better than GOPProgress. I would strongly recommend that site to anyone who wants to talk the issues and problems facing the country with an eye towards actually solving some of the damn things.
I tend to agree with her reasoning on this. Hunter would not win the general election at all. He'd be a solid Secretary of Defense, but his approach to issues (not to mention the way he helped stab the UAE in the back) does not make him a viable option in 2008.
If people are looking for reasonable discussion about the issues with no name-calling (unlike other conservative forums), they can't do much better than GOPProgress. I would strongly recommend that site to anyone who wants to talk the issues and problems facing the country with an eye towards actually solving some of the damn things.
Why profiling won't work...
AJ_Strata reports that Al-Qaeda is now trying to train up folks from Western countries as terrorists.
This is exactly why ethnic profiling - or profiling on the basis of religion - will not work. Contrary to the claims of people like Michelle Malkin, an adversary wille ventually adapt to the profiling, and then act accordingly. There may be decoys sent that match the profile, while the real attack will be carried out by those who will not meet the profile at all.
The answer is a stronger intelligence community, allowing them to communicate with law enforcement agencies about any and all threats, and taking proactive measures via Special Operations Command (and other commands). It has never been about building a wall on the southern border or assuming that every Arab (or Moslem) male is a terrorist, or that every Hispanic or Spanish-sounding name is an illegal immigrant.
Such things are not PC among conservatives these days. I'll be discussing that later.
This is exactly why ethnic profiling - or profiling on the basis of religion - will not work. Contrary to the claims of people like Michelle Malkin, an adversary wille ventually adapt to the profiling, and then act accordingly. There may be decoys sent that match the profile, while the real attack will be carried out by those who will not meet the profile at all.
The answer is a stronger intelligence community, allowing them to communicate with law enforcement agencies about any and all threats, and taking proactive measures via Special Operations Command (and other commands). It has never been about building a wall on the southern border or assuming that every Arab (or Moslem) male is a terrorist, or that every Hispanic or Spanish-sounding name is an illegal immigrant.
Such things are not PC among conservatives these days. I'll be discussing that later.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Ephedra ban back...
And this time, it looks like it is for good. There are two other aspects that have yet to be tried, but the 10th Circuit seems ready to back a ban that is foolish, and frankly, unwarranted.
With the refusal to re-hear, I guess the 10th Circuit has decided that I have to take the hit for someone else's failure to properly use dietary supplements with ephedra.
I know full well I need to lose some weight. Ephedra-based supplements have helped me do so in the past. At present, I have some stocked up that I can use. When they run out, I suppose I will have to find a new supply, or find a substitute.
With the refusal to re-hear, I guess the 10th Circuit has decided that I have to take the hit for someone else's failure to properly use dietary supplements with ephedra.
I know full well I need to lose some weight. Ephedra-based supplements have helped me do so in the past. At present, I have some stocked up that I can use. When they run out, I suppose I will have to find a new supply, or find a substitute.
Friday, December 15, 2006
It's not whining, Michelle.
Ed Morrissey provides some balanced discussion of the ICE raids. He notes at the end that Michelle Malkin implies that it makes him a whiner. I won't link to Malkin. I don't care for her. The characterization of those who disagree with her as whiners is but a small reason for it.
But those like her who harp on the consequences of not doing something - then try to ignore or shut off debate about the consequences (and costs) of their preferred course of action. It's hypocritical of them.
But those like her who harp on the consequences of not doing something - then try to ignore or shut off debate about the consequences (and costs) of their preferred course of action. It's hypocritical of them.
Impossible to work with...
I'm going to lay some of my cards on the table.
Just reading this blog, one might get the wrong impression that I don't hold with conservatism. That is not entirely true. I voted for the marriage amendment in Virginia. I believe abortion is only justifiable in three cases: Rape, incest, or when the mother faces imminent danger of death or grave bodily harm. I'm opposed to quotas - including those imposed by Title IX and those based on race. I am also very pro-death penalty. I want nothing less than victory in the war on terror.
I'm not orthodox. On spending, I will be very generous in some areas. Defense, for one. Lots of money for planes, tanks, troops, and goodies. Is there any defense spending that is a waste? I think that is pretty hard to find.
I did participate at a couple of conservative forums. At one, discourse dipped into the gutter. It was there I got my distate for hard-liners on immigration. The epithet "Quisling" was quite common. It was as if the racism from places like VDARE and American Renaissance was to be tolerated.
The other forum I migrated to was not much better. Part of it was personality clashes with the editors. Mostly, it was because I got sick of the cheap shots. Julie Myers and Mitt Romney have both been bushwhacked. Its conduct during the Harriet Miers nomination was flat-out abominable. I also objected to the unfair treatment they dished out to Secretary of State Colin Powell over the revelations that Dick Armitage was the source of the Plame "leak". In the Miers case and with regards to Powell, I also got veiled threats of being banned over my objection to that unfair treatment.
What really became the last straw for me was their decision to continue pushing a harder line on conservatism. And yes, the implication that not supporting a hard line on immigration was treason was also made. This second forum has a lot in common with DailyKos - probably a bit more than they would like to admit. It is a shame, since the top person at the site seems like a decent person, but a lot of the front-page contributors have been jerks on more than one occassion.
It needs to be noted that amendments to protect marriage from judicial activists have had a lot of support. It went 27-for-28 in state referendums, and in Arizona, the loss was close. In South Dakota, a referendum almost upheld a law that would have greatly restricted abortion. In Michigan, a ban on racial preferences was passed.
So why, in an election where conservative ideas win, did conservatives and Republicans get their heads handed to them? I think the problem is with conservatives themselves. They sometimes are absofuckinglutely impossible to work with at times. They demand stupid banzai charges or else they threaten to stay home. They take hard-line positions, and sanctimoniously sneer at those who disagree with them, labeling them "unprincipled" or worse.
I do hang out at GOPProgress.com and Wildturkeys.net. At least there I can disagree without the name-calling - or being declared a traitor.
Just reading this blog, one might get the wrong impression that I don't hold with conservatism. That is not entirely true. I voted for the marriage amendment in Virginia. I believe abortion is only justifiable in three cases: Rape, incest, or when the mother faces imminent danger of death or grave bodily harm. I'm opposed to quotas - including those imposed by Title IX and those based on race. I am also very pro-death penalty. I want nothing less than victory in the war on terror.
I'm not orthodox. On spending, I will be very generous in some areas. Defense, for one. Lots of money for planes, tanks, troops, and goodies. Is there any defense spending that is a waste? I think that is pretty hard to find.
I did participate at a couple of conservative forums. At one, discourse dipped into the gutter. It was there I got my distate for hard-liners on immigration. The epithet "Quisling" was quite common. It was as if the racism from places like VDARE and American Renaissance was to be tolerated.
The other forum I migrated to was not much better. Part of it was personality clashes with the editors. Mostly, it was because I got sick of the cheap shots. Julie Myers and Mitt Romney have both been bushwhacked. Its conduct during the Harriet Miers nomination was flat-out abominable. I also objected to the unfair treatment they dished out to Secretary of State Colin Powell over the revelations that Dick Armitage was the source of the Plame "leak". In the Miers case and with regards to Powell, I also got veiled threats of being banned over my objection to that unfair treatment.
What really became the last straw for me was their decision to continue pushing a harder line on conservatism. And yes, the implication that not supporting a hard line on immigration was treason was also made. This second forum has a lot in common with DailyKos - probably a bit more than they would like to admit. It is a shame, since the top person at the site seems like a decent person, but a lot of the front-page contributors have been jerks on more than one occassion.
It needs to be noted that amendments to protect marriage from judicial activists have had a lot of support. It went 27-for-28 in state referendums, and in Arizona, the loss was close. In South Dakota, a referendum almost upheld a law that would have greatly restricted abortion. In Michigan, a ban on racial preferences was passed.
So why, in an election where conservative ideas win, did conservatives and Republicans get their heads handed to them? I think the problem is with conservatives themselves. They sometimes are absofuckinglutely impossible to work with at times. They demand stupid banzai charges or else they threaten to stay home. They take hard-line positions, and sanctimoniously sneer at those who disagree with them, labeling them "unprincipled" or worse.
I do hang out at GOPProgress.com and Wildturkeys.net. At least there I can disagree without the name-calling - or being declared a traitor.
Rush doesn't get it...
Okay, it's obvious that the New York Times is in the tank for the Democrats. But Rush Limbaugh clearly has not learned anything from his Michael J. Fox escapade as he deliberately mangles Senator Obama's name. The point will get lost at some folks decide to hammer on him over this - just as they did over the Michael J. Fox ads.
Like some members of Congress, Limbaugh may have reached the point where he has been around for too long. There is a sense that he has become arrogant - and it doesn't make him look good. It certainly doesn't make me inclined to reconsider my decision to let my subscription to the Limbaugh Letter and Rush 24/7 lapse.
Like some members of Congress, Limbaugh may have reached the point where he has been around for too long. There is a sense that he has become arrogant - and it doesn't make him look good. It certainly doesn't make me inclined to reconsider my decision to let my subscription to the Limbaugh Letter and Rush 24/7 lapse.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Romney at NRO...
Mitt Romney gives an interview to National Review Online. Given the recent spate of unfair attacks aimed at him, it is worth reading.
I'm convinced.
I will blog more this evening. Lots of stuff to talk about - and the Blogger migration was a pain.
I'm convinced.
I will blog more this evening. Lots of stuff to talk about - and the Blogger migration was a pain.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Justice in a Maryland prison...
Richard Spicknall killed his 3-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son. That despicable crime caught up to him in a shower in the Jessup Correctional Institution this past Saturday.
The good news is that the taxpayers no longer have to provide this piece of trash three hots and a cot for life. The bad news is that it took a fellow prisoner to take care of Spicknall - as opposed to the state via the gas chamber. What is aggravating is that the State of Maryland is going to spend a lot of money (not to mention time for investigators and crime-scene technicians) to go after someone who made the world a better place.
What a messed-up world.
The good news is that the taxpayers no longer have to provide this piece of trash three hots and a cot for life. The bad news is that it took a fellow prisoner to take care of Spicknall - as opposed to the state via the gas chamber. What is aggravating is that the State of Maryland is going to spend a lot of money (not to mention time for investigators and crime-scene technicians) to go after someone who made the world a better place.
What a messed-up world.
Good idea, but wrong method...
John McCain is not my favorite presidential candidate. I think he has a disregard for the First Amendment. Now, in an effort to go after people who distribute child pornography, he is going to open up a lot of people to criminal liability for failure to dot an I or cross a T precisely.
We have reporting requirements. Follow them - simply have immunity if one can prove that an e-mail was sent to the FBI or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The other thing missing in this bill is to up the ante for child pornographers. Make the manufacturing and distribution of child pornography something worth the death sentence. Add in people who rape children under 12 and rapists who give their victims HIV/AIDS. Sentence to be carried out via the method used by old-school GRU personnel.
We have reporting requirements. Follow them - simply have immunity if one can prove that an e-mail was sent to the FBI or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The other thing missing in this bill is to up the ante for child pornographers. Make the manufacturing and distribution of child pornography something worth the death sentence. Add in people who rape children under 12 and rapists who give their victims HIV/AIDS. Sentence to be carried out via the method used by old-school GRU personnel.
Tehran Holocaust Denial Conference II
Wherever that Holocaust denial conference is being held, a JDAM needs to drop in. Stat. Protests and diplomacy will do nothing. Ahmadinejad is continuing his outright threats to wipe Israel off the map. David Duke is denying the gas chambers existed.
Ahmadienjad's rhetoric is not that of a stable person. If anything, it is a sign that the mullahs may be considering a geopolitical equivalent of "suicide by cop". The theocratic regime in Iran is not popular. The younger generation is looking towards the west - towards the United States and Europe.
For Islamic extremists, it is acceptble to kill a woman if she is acting "too Western" - it is called an "honor killing". The mullahs in Iran are coming up with a sick, twisted version. Unable or unwilling to do it themselves, they will instead provoke the United States and/or Israel into doing so, probably via the geopolitical "suicide by cop" (let's call this "suicide by STRATCOM").
This holocaust denial conference is helping the theocratic dictatorship set the stage to carry it out. David Duke - and others - need to be taken into custody upon their return home and prosecuted.
Ahmadienjad's rhetoric is not that of a stable person. If anything, it is a sign that the mullahs may be considering a geopolitical equivalent of "suicide by cop". The theocratic regime in Iran is not popular. The younger generation is looking towards the west - towards the United States and Europe.
For Islamic extremists, it is acceptble to kill a woman if she is acting "too Western" - it is called an "honor killing". The mullahs in Iran are coming up with a sick, twisted version. Unable or unwilling to do it themselves, they will instead provoke the United States and/or Israel into doing so, probably via the geopolitical "suicide by cop" (let's call this "suicide by STRATCOM").
This holocaust denial conference is helping the theocratic dictatorship set the stage to carry it out. David Duke - and others - need to be taken into custody upon their return home and prosecuted.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
One stupid suit down...
It seems that Borat has beaten one lawsuit.
Those college students did not have to let him in. They did not have to choose to get drunk and watch a sex tape. They did not have to make the comments they did.
Now that Borat had deep pockets due to the succes of his film, they wanted a piece of it. They didn't even have the guts to say who they were.
They deserved to lose this one.
Those college students did not have to let him in. They did not have to choose to get drunk and watch a sex tape. They did not have to make the comments they did.
Now that Borat had deep pockets due to the succes of his film, they wanted a piece of it. They didn't even have the guts to say who they were.
They deserved to lose this one.
Iran's Holocaust Denial Conference Starts...
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has started Iran's Holocaust denial conference.
Their reason for this is clear, if you listen to the foreign minister of Iran:
Among the attendees is David Duke, who calls it a triumph for free speech. It isn't. It is a gross misuse of free speech.
You know, one JDAM properly targeted could make the world a much nicer place. Holocaust denial is something that is a strong indicator that a person is a waste of oxygen. Other countries have made it a crime to deny the Holocaust. The United States should follow suit.
Their reason for this is clear, if you listen to the foreign minister of Iran:
"If the official version of the Holocaust is thrown into doubt, then the identity and nature of Israel will be thrown into doubt," said Mottaki, whose ministry put together the conference.Translation: They are looking for an excuse to sponsor additional terrorism by groups with a goal that amounts to nothing less than genocide.
Among the attendees is David Duke, who calls it a triumph for free speech. It isn't. It is a gross misuse of free speech.
You know, one JDAM properly targeted could make the world a much nicer place. Holocaust denial is something that is a strong indicator that a person is a waste of oxygen. Other countries have made it a crime to deny the Holocaust. The United States should follow suit.
The Windy City Flyer...
Devin Hester raced into the record books. Again.
This time it is for most kick returns in a season. Three punts, two kickoff returns, and that 108-yard missed field goal return that tied Nathan Vasher's record.
And to think that all the Bears have left to face are Tampa Bay, Detroit, and Green Bay.
This record could be out of reach by the end of the regular season.
This time it is for most kick returns in a season. Three punts, two kickoff returns, and that 108-yard missed field goal return that tied Nathan Vasher's record.
And to think that all the Bears have left to face are Tampa Bay, Detroit, and Green Bay.
This record could be out of reach by the end of the regular season.
Monday, December 11, 2006
On the conservative movement's zampolit wing...
GOPProgress has the latest on the zampolit wing of the conservative movement.
Never mind Mitt Romney's track record as governor, they are going to dig up stuff from his rookie campaign against Ted Kennedy - as if the possibility that a person might have changed his mind over the past 12 years is unthinkable to them.
This unrealistic attitude by certain folks on the right creates two very big problems for the Republicans:
1. It gets them painted as intolerant bigots, which is largely untrue (there are some, but they are very rare). Most Americans have no desire to vote for intolerant bigots.
2. It makes it harder for the GOP to deal with important issues. When a small group can cause a firestorm of controversy over a solution that does not precisely fit their aesthetics, the result is that usually Republicans will end up tap-dancing around an issue and not doing anything (see the immigration bill as a result), or focus on an issue that is really a sideshow (see the internet gambling ban).
In a way, it is good to see the front-runners are McCain, Giuliani, and Romney. Any of the three will be a good President, although I know that in each case, I will be gritting my teeth over some of their decisions. Good leaders tend to do that, and so, I can live with it.
Never mind Mitt Romney's track record as governor, they are going to dig up stuff from his rookie campaign against Ted Kennedy - as if the possibility that a person might have changed his mind over the past 12 years is unthinkable to them.
This unrealistic attitude by certain folks on the right creates two very big problems for the Republicans:
1. It gets them painted as intolerant bigots, which is largely untrue (there are some, but they are very rare). Most Americans have no desire to vote for intolerant bigots.
2. It makes it harder for the GOP to deal with important issues. When a small group can cause a firestorm of controversy over a solution that does not precisely fit their aesthetics, the result is that usually Republicans will end up tap-dancing around an issue and not doing anything (see the immigration bill as a result), or focus on an issue that is really a sideshow (see the internet gambling ban).
In a way, it is good to see the front-runners are McCain, Giuliani, and Romney. Any of the three will be a good President, although I know that in each case, I will be gritting my teeth over some of their decisions. Good leaders tend to do that, and so, I can live with it.
Iran likes the ISG recommendations...
It seems the Iranians like the Baker-Hamilton recommendations for direct talks. This has to make me nervous. If Ahmadinejad likes something, you can bet there's a reason for it. That reason will have very little good news for the United States or the emerging democracy in Iraq.
That said, I am not completely opposed to the talks. It just depends on what is said to Iran. A briefing on what STRATCOM will do to Iran if we think Ahadinejad is going to lob a missile at Israel (or elsewhere). A reminder of the provisions of Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty (keeping in mind earlier mouthing off by the nutcase in Tehran) would also be a good idea.
That said, I am not completely opposed to the talks. It just depends on what is said to Iran. A briefing on what STRATCOM will do to Iran if we think Ahadinejad is going to lob a missile at Israel (or elsewhere). A reminder of the provisions of Article V of the North Atlantic Treaty (keeping in mind earlier mouthing off by the nutcase in Tehran) would also be a good idea.
France siding with Hezbollah?
If this report from the Jerusalem Post is accurate, then France has decided that it is more important to protect Hezbollah than to carry out the UN resolutions that call for Hezbollah's disarmament. France will be deploying UAVs to stop the Israeli overflights.
Of course, there's nothing said about how France intends to use those UAV flights to establish an operational track record for export customers, some of whom may be less than responsible. In essence, the French are a dirty cop on the international beat. That makes life tougher for everyone.
Of course, there's nothing said about how France intends to use those UAV flights to establish an operational track record for export customers, some of whom may be less than responsible. In essence, the French are a dirty cop on the international beat. That makes life tougher for everyone.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Not the end of the world...
The U.S Navy suffered only its second failure in nine attempts during testing of a missile-defense system.
77% is not bad, particularly given the fact that the pre-production we have going on now is probably enough to neutralized the PRC's ICBM arsenal. We would not get them all... but how can they tell which missiles would hit, and which would be stopped?
77% is not bad, particularly given the fact that the pre-production we have going on now is probably enough to neutralized the PRC's ICBM arsenal. We would not get them all... but how can they tell which missiles would hit, and which would be stopped?
An outrageous lawsuit...
That's all people really have to know about the ACLU's suit against Don Rumsfeld.
Never mind that the perpetrators have been tried and convicted. Never mind that the United States has clearly prohibited torture, the ACLU and Human Rights First have decided to go after Rumsfeld for fighting a war.
With this latest suit, it seems that they have gone beyond hamstringing the DOD and instead towards the personal destruction of prominent people in charge of fighting the war. I get the feeling that the ACLU would be sticking up for the SS guards at Dachau if they had the chance.
Never mind that the perpetrators have been tried and convicted. Never mind that the United States has clearly prohibited torture, the ACLU and Human Rights First have decided to go after Rumsfeld for fighting a war.
With this latest suit, it seems that they have gone beyond hamstringing the DOD and instead towards the personal destruction of prominent people in charge of fighting the war. I get the feeling that the ACLU would be sticking up for the SS guards at Dachau if they had the chance.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
On a scale of 1 to 10...
AJ Strata's connection of the dots rates a "Holy Shit!" It seems Litvinenko had some interesting associates, including a major financial backer of Yushchencko, the Ukranian president who came to power via the Orange Revolution. That backer is now talking of pulling off a coup against Vladimir Putin.
And now, we have a Chechen leader threatening the West. Did he really want to do that? Because if his threats do get carried out, he may not like the consequences.
And now, we have a Chechen leader threatening the West. Did he really want to do that? Because if his threats do get carried out, he may not like the consequences.
Smart move by a judge...
This ought to happen more often.
A young creep who broke into an animal shelter and killed several cats got the max. Two to seven years for this sort of thing is a very good start. If you've ever read the non-fiction books by John Douglas, you might understand why it needs to be taken seriously. Virtually every serial killer started out with animals before he went up the food chain.
Hopefully, these three will get the hint.
A young creep who broke into an animal shelter and killed several cats got the max. Two to seven years for this sort of thing is a very good start. If you've ever read the non-fiction books by John Douglas, you might understand why it needs to be taken seriously. Virtually every serial killer started out with animals before he went up the food chain.
Hopefully, these three will get the hint.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Secret negotiations with Hamas?
The Jerusalem Post is reporting that Hamas officials may have held a secret meeting with Democratic officials. If this is true, then someone needs to ask Howard Dean, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid some tough questions.
I hope it isn't true. But if it is, then it's not without precedent. See John Kerry's trip to Paris to talk with the North Vietnamese.
I hope it isn't true. But if it is, then it's not without precedent. See John Kerry's trip to Paris to talk with the North Vietnamese.
Pelosi's problem...
Nancy Pelosi has a problem. Fundamentally, she - and the Democrats in general - have to do two things in order to have a good chance at holding on to Congress in 2008 and getting the White House as well.
First, they need to deliver for their base. Because when one takes a cold, hard, look, the money and the ground troops largely come from the DailyKos and other sites like that. This is in addition to the AFL-CIO, NEA, and other parts of their base.
Second, they also have to show that they have some degree of competence in matters of national security. The Clinton Administration certainly did not do so. And there are many in 2006 who went with them out of frustration with the GOP more than any love for the Dems. But if the Dems start looking like they will cut and run, they could be in serious trouble with the center.
But their base wants them to cut and run. They want withdrawal, sooner rather than later. See the missive by Michael Moore as an example. This base has shown that they can knock people off in the primaries. Just ask Joe Lieberman. And a number of states do not permir primary losers to run as independents.
So, for self-preservation in the primary, their base has to be happy. But if they cater too much to the "anti-war" element of their base, as the GOP did with the social conservatives in 2005-2006, they could lose the center and alienate other parts of their base. But if they are too nice with the Administration - and if they don't pull out of Iraq, the anti-war base will be upset, and could topple several Democrats. Steny Hoyer and Jane Harman could be targets of such an effort.
So far, Pelosi has shown that she tend to lean towards keeping her base happy. She pushed Murtha as majority leader - and lost by roughly 2-to-1. She settled her grudge with Jane Harman, but then had to pass over her choice to chair the House Intelligence Committee because of his past (which included losing his position as a federal judge). That probably did not go over well with the Congressional Black Caucas.
What will probably happen? At first, there will be some cooperation. Comprehensive immigration reform will pass - Democrats will want a major accomplishment, the President will want the same. A fair number of the Republicans will also go along - many eager to show they can solve problems, too. A similar deal may happen with the minimum wage.
After that, Pelosi's headed for a train wreck. Sooner or later, Iraq gets debated. That is when the anti-war base will find out that a number of Democrats don't want to cut-and-run. Any effort to do so will be defeated, and then all hell breaks loose on the left. By this time next year, we could be going into the 2008 Presidential primaries with congressional Democrats engaged in fighting amongst themselves, with the DailyKos/DU wing openly targeting those they deem ideologically impure, and the largely unified Republicans watching the show.
That is a bad position for Pelosi to be in.
First, they need to deliver for their base. Because when one takes a cold, hard, look, the money and the ground troops largely come from the DailyKos and other sites like that. This is in addition to the AFL-CIO, NEA, and other parts of their base.
Second, they also have to show that they have some degree of competence in matters of national security. The Clinton Administration certainly did not do so. And there are many in 2006 who went with them out of frustration with the GOP more than any love for the Dems. But if the Dems start looking like they will cut and run, they could be in serious trouble with the center.
But their base wants them to cut and run. They want withdrawal, sooner rather than later. See the missive by Michael Moore as an example. This base has shown that they can knock people off in the primaries. Just ask Joe Lieberman. And a number of states do not permir primary losers to run as independents.
So, for self-preservation in the primary, their base has to be happy. But if they cater too much to the "anti-war" element of their base, as the GOP did with the social conservatives in 2005-2006, they could lose the center and alienate other parts of their base. But if they are too nice with the Administration - and if they don't pull out of Iraq, the anti-war base will be upset, and could topple several Democrats. Steny Hoyer and Jane Harman could be targets of such an effort.
So far, Pelosi has shown that she tend to lean towards keeping her base happy. She pushed Murtha as majority leader - and lost by roughly 2-to-1. She settled her grudge with Jane Harman, but then had to pass over her choice to chair the House Intelligence Committee because of his past (which included losing his position as a federal judge). That probably did not go over well with the Congressional Black Caucas.
What will probably happen? At first, there will be some cooperation. Comprehensive immigration reform will pass - Democrats will want a major accomplishment, the President will want the same. A fair number of the Republicans will also go along - many eager to show they can solve problems, too. A similar deal may happen with the minimum wage.
After that, Pelosi's headed for a train wreck. Sooner or later, Iraq gets debated. That is when the anti-war base will find out that a number of Democrats don't want to cut-and-run. Any effort to do so will be defeated, and then all hell breaks loose on the left. By this time next year, we could be going into the 2008 Presidential primaries with congressional Democrats engaged in fighting amongst themselves, with the DailyKos/DU wing openly targeting those they deem ideologically impure, and the largely unified Republicans watching the show.
That is a bad position for Pelosi to be in.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Has Townhall dumped Navarrette?
Earlier, I discussed the reaction some commenters at Townhall had for Ruben Navarrette Jr.'s columns. Now, it seems that they have dumped Navarrette after a month. It's a good column - and his thoughts on immigration were thoughtful. It is a remarkable change from the venom and borderline bigotry of Tom Tancredo or the shrillness on the issue shown by Phyllis Schlafly and Michelle Malkin - niether of whom, it seems, could be bothered to take exception to Tancredo's comments about Miami.
If so, it is pretty much an invitation to folks like me to take a hike from the conservative movement. They're not interested in debate - they're interested in ranting and raving about the problem. Conservatives forced the GOP into an abdication of the repsonsbility they had when they had the majoity to solve the problem.
What's worse is that these folks are clearly a minority. In a couple of high-profile Republican primaries, niether hard-line candidate got over 50%. Chris Cannon beat the Tancredoite by a healthy 56-44 margin. Randy Graf only won because two moderates split the field. Both Graf and J.D. Hayworth lost their races. The hard line does not sell, yet it is still demanded. And those who demand it have the loudest voices on talk radio and the blogosphere.
Never mind the polling. Never mind the primary results. The purists have drawn their line. Thankfully, they will not be as well-situated to block the comprehensive reform. The bad news is that means the Democrats will get the credit - and the continued rants of Tancredo and others will do much to drive Hispanics to the Democratic party.
The hard-liners will then claim their predictions that immigrants will be voting for Democrats will be validated. None of their enablers in talk radio or the blogosphere will ever entertain the possibility that their own rhetoric - and their hard-line position - will have had anything to do with that. After all, they were standing on principle.
It's bullshit, but it is bullshit that has always gotten these folks a pass in the past.
If so, it is pretty much an invitation to folks like me to take a hike from the conservative movement. They're not interested in debate - they're interested in ranting and raving about the problem. Conservatives forced the GOP into an abdication of the repsonsbility they had when they had the majoity to solve the problem.
What's worse is that these folks are clearly a minority. In a couple of high-profile Republican primaries, niether hard-line candidate got over 50%. Chris Cannon beat the Tancredoite by a healthy 56-44 margin. Randy Graf only won because two moderates split the field. Both Graf and J.D. Hayworth lost their races. The hard line does not sell, yet it is still demanded. And those who demand it have the loudest voices on talk radio and the blogosphere.
Never mind the polling. Never mind the primary results. The purists have drawn their line. Thankfully, they will not be as well-situated to block the comprehensive reform. The bad news is that means the Democrats will get the credit - and the continued rants of Tancredo and others will do much to drive Hispanics to the Democratic party.
The hard-liners will then claim their predictions that immigrants will be voting for Democrats will be validated. None of their enablers in talk radio or the blogosphere will ever entertain the possibility that their own rhetoric - and their hard-line position - will have had anything to do with that. After all, they were standing on principle.
It's bullshit, but it is bullshit that has always gotten these folks a pass in the past.
To the moon...
NASA is going back to the moon, then Mars, according to AJ-Strata.
It's a worthy goal - one we should have had in the 1960s. Better late than never on that front. That said, we do have a bit of a short-term problem. It's called 99942 Apophos (link is to an earlier post). It's coming in on an approach that could lead it to hit Earth in 2036. We have the technology to make this 300-meter wide problem go away.
I suggest we get moving on it NOW. A modified NEAR-Shoemaker, swapping out the scientific instruments for a USAF/USN physics package, would be able to do the job just fine.
It's a worthy goal - one we should have had in the 1960s. Better late than never on that front. That said, we do have a bit of a short-term problem. It's called 99942 Apophos (link is to an earlier post). It's coming in on an approach that could lead it to hit Earth in 2036. We have the technology to make this 300-meter wide problem go away.
I suggest we get moving on it NOW. A modified NEAR-Shoemaker, swapping out the scientific instruments for a USAF/USN physics package, would be able to do the job just fine.
Bolton out...
Democratic obstructionism claims another victim.
It seems the Democrats have a pattern of obstructing Republican foreign policy initiatives - often by intruding upon the powers of the Presidency. They literally try to have it both ways - hamstringing the President, leaking classified information (there's a reason one Senator has been nicknamed "Senator Leaky") but often not willing to take responsibility for their actions.
This is how Ollie North shot to fame/notoriety, folks.
It seems the Democrats have a pattern of obstructing Republican foreign policy initiatives - often by intruding upon the powers of the Presidency. They literally try to have it both ways - hamstringing the President, leaking classified information (there's a reason one Senator has been nicknamed "Senator Leaky") but often not willing to take responsibility for their actions.
This is how Ollie North shot to fame/notoriety, folks.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Was Litvinenko building a Chechen bomb?
AJ-Strata uncovers a disturbing piece of evidence. Is seems that Litvinenko was invovled in nuclear smuggling and possibly efforts to build a "dirty nuke" for Chechen terrorists.
If so, then his death is a blessing. If the Russians are responsible, they deserve the credit. Then again, it seems the materials he was smuggling may have killed him.
If so, then his death is a blessing. If the Russians are responsible, they deserve the credit. Then again, it seems the materials he was smuggling may have killed him.
Iraq and civil wars...
Eve Fairbanks discusses the situation in Iraq as well as Darfur.
I've discussed Darfur before. That is a situation where American intervention is best kept to a small force that trains the people there in the use of small arms and in small-unit tactics - as well as training instructors.
Iraq is another matter. Saddam's regime had to go. Austin Bay largely recaps the reasons for doing so. I will add that I believe that the ivestigative reporting of Stephen F. Hayes at the Weekly Standard has established enough of a connection to al-Qaeda to warrant taking down that regime. I also think the neoconservatives are offering perhaps our best chance - maybe our only chance - to deal with state sponsors of terror before things get to the point where we have to turn to what I call the "Omaha option." The short version is that the war on terror would be turned over to a major joint command headquartered near that city. The war would be over in three days, tops. The bad news is that we would have to deal with the fallout - both figuratively and literally.
With all that said, having taken out the old Iraqi government, we needed to replace it. That government is still trying to get its feet on solid ground. Do we need a change in strategy? Yes, we do - and Don Rumsfeld had some good ideas. Sadly, he was treated like crap by certain people looking to score political points rather than come up with alternatives to what had to be done.
It's a good article, and worth thinking about.
I've discussed Darfur before. That is a situation where American intervention is best kept to a small force that trains the people there in the use of small arms and in small-unit tactics - as well as training instructors.
Iraq is another matter. Saddam's regime had to go. Austin Bay largely recaps the reasons for doing so. I will add that I believe that the ivestigative reporting of Stephen F. Hayes at the Weekly Standard has established enough of a connection to al-Qaeda to warrant taking down that regime. I also think the neoconservatives are offering perhaps our best chance - maybe our only chance - to deal with state sponsors of terror before things get to the point where we have to turn to what I call the "Omaha option." The short version is that the war on terror would be turned over to a major joint command headquartered near that city. The war would be over in three days, tops. The bad news is that we would have to deal with the fallout - both figuratively and literally.
With all that said, having taken out the old Iraqi government, we needed to replace it. That government is still trying to get its feet on solid ground. Do we need a change in strategy? Yes, we do - and Don Rumsfeld had some good ideas. Sadly, he was treated like crap by certain people looking to score political points rather than come up with alternatives to what had to be done.
It's a good article, and worth thinking about.
Friday, December 01, 2006
The ACLU is stupid. Again.
This time they object to new screening technology.
The ACLU seems to have no concept that things have changed when we know that terrorists seek to hijack airliners and fly them into buildings.
How many lives are they willing to sacrifice on the altar of privacy? The answer, in my opinion, is, "too many."
The ACLU seems to have no concept that things have changed when we know that terrorists seek to hijack airliners and fly them into buildings.
How many lives are they willing to sacrifice on the altar of privacy? The answer, in my opinion, is, "too many."
Powell on Iran...
Colin Powell's comments on Iran are not going to be as bad as some will have you believe.
At this point, we cannot attack Iran. This is because the anti-war movement and the mainstream media have made preemption a non-starter due to their lies (see the Jemil Hussein controversy for one such example).
We did discover WMD in Iraq (at least 500 shells for chemical weapons, including sarin and mustard gas). Iraq did have ties to al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups.
As such, we won't be dealing with Iran until Ahmadinejad does something stupid. Then we will be reacting. I only hope that we will not be forced into an over-reaction.
At this point, we cannot attack Iran. This is because the anti-war movement and the mainstream media have made preemption a non-starter due to their lies (see the Jemil Hussein controversy for one such example).
We did discover WMD in Iraq (at least 500 shells for chemical weapons, including sarin and mustard gas). Iraq did have ties to al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups.
As such, we won't be dealing with Iran until Ahmadinejad does something stupid. Then we will be reacting. I only hope that we will not be forced into an over-reaction.
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