Saturday, October 06, 2007
National Guard Troops Denied Benefits After Longest Deployment Of Iraq War
1st Lt. Jon Anderson said he never expected to come home to this: A government refusing to pay education benefits he says he should have earned under the GI bill.
"It's pretty much a slap in the face," Anderson said. "I think it was a scheme to save money, personally. I think it was a leadership failure by the senior Washington leadership... once again failing the soldiers."
Anderson's orders, and the orders of 1,161 other Minnesota guard members, were written for 729 days.
Had they been written for 730 days, just one day more, the soldiers would receive those benefits to pay for school.
"Which would be allowing the soldiers an extra $500 to $800 a month," Anderson said.
This isn't the way you treat a soldier. If the days were calculated at 729, then they need to how they came to that conclusion. If they are lying, or trying to save money, those in charge need to be punished for trying to screw 1,162 soldiers out of the education programs that they need to assimilate themselves back into civilian life.
With the GI bill that was started around WWII, many soldiers get bonuses and incentives for serving in the military. That bill helps pay for college and other educational expenses to help soldiers gain valuable job skills that they can use to be successful out of military life.
This has many benefits that $500-$800 a month would more then cover. For example, someone with a college degree ends up, on average, making around $500,000-$1,000,000 more over the course of their careers. That extra money is taxed and is returned to the Federal government. Having a college degree helps with one's mental stability. If you have a degree, you can get a better job, which helps with your self esteem. Having the extra money allows you to provide for your wife/husband and your family. This higher feeling of self worth helps offset, but not eliminate, folks who can experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
If someone is pulling home $60k a year, has a nice home, wife, a couple of kids, and all the things that America can provide to someone who works hard, then their mental health shoots way up. If you're not treating someone with PTSD, you're saving money. I'm certainly not suggesting that a college degree offsets PTSD, but I think you see my point.
In fact, I've told the story about the 4 "warms" many times before. This soldier, Shay, was showing signs of PTSD. Nothing too serious, but the warning signs were there. His wife, whom I worked with, told me she was concerned. So I suggested giving him the 4 "warms" when he returned home.
They weren't by any stretch of the imagination a wealthy couple. They struggled financially many times. However, the 4 "warms" significantly helped out.
A warm meal - Soldiers who return home want a nice, big meal. Steak, potatoes, lobster, barbecue, etc. There isn't a soldier alive who doesn't enjoy a nice, warm meal with their family when they return home.
A warm shower - Many of these folks haven't showered in weeks or months. You can imagine the amount of grime and grit that gets all over you. Washing it off is healthy for the body and healthy for the mind. "It's over now. I can start anew."
A warm bed - Just about everyone has slept on rocks, in tanks, in uncomfortable positions. Sometimes for long periods of time. A nice, soft bed, in a quiet suburban area can help ease anyones stresses.
A warm woman - Ok, so this one is geared mainly towards the men, but you can vice/versa it for the women. When a soldier returns home, if a woman is waiting for him in nice lingerie, or a sexy attitude, just about everything else takes a back seat. You'll notice spikes in babies being born 9 months after a significant troop return.
Well, once Shay came into my office, he asked to speak with me personally. I thought he was pissed or something when he said "what the hell did you tell my wife"? After I explained it, he laughed and said it was the best homecoming day he's ever experienced. I talked to him about PTSD and he had said that yes, he had experienced it "a little". But after the 4 "warms" he knew that life was going to get a lot better and his symptoms of PTSD has subsided significantly.
All I'm saying is that if you treat these guys with respect and try to do some long term thinking, you'll find that 500-800 bucks a month is nothing. Pay these guys so that they can get on with their lives. I don't even think they're going to be getting the money for the rest of their lives. I think it's all going towards their education. If Hillary Clinton wants to give $5k to newborns who've done nothing to earn it, then she shouldn't have a problem trying to give 1,162 guys the $929,000 dollars max that this is going to cost the Federal government.
Travis
travis@rightwinglunatic.com
Musharraf 'elected to third term'
However, the Supreme Court could still choose in upcoming weeks to disqualify the U.S.-backed general, effectively holding the country in political limbo in the meantime as the court decides Musharraf's presidential eligibility.
In accordance with a ruling handed down by Pakistan's Supreme Court, the election results will not be ratified until legal challenges against the election are cleared. Those court proceedings will resume October 17.
If the court rules Musharraf is ineligible to hold office as president the second runner-up will take office instead, as the constitution stipulates.
With nuclear weapons and an unstable government, I think we'd all be pretty well concerned about Pakistan's election results. If Musharraf fails to win, then we have a pretty big problem on our hands. Who's to say that we won't have a new person in power that is sympathetic to Al-Qaeda and wants to do the whole "peace truce" bullshit like they pulled a little while ago?
If something like that happens, we may have to do something drastic in Pakistan. Obama has "said" that he would invade Pakistan, but the guy is a Democrat. We all know how much of a backbone Democrats have when it comes to terrorism and acting upon it. Hillary would wait until there's a building collapsing before she would do anything. On the Republican side, I'm not so sure what they'd do either.Either way, I, and I imagine all of you, are getting sick and tired of Pakistan's blatant foot dragging when it comes to the northern part of Pakistan where tribes roam free who are sympathetic to Al-Qaeda. Personally, if another attack happens on American soil that originates from there, I say we level the place. It's high time we stopped fucking around with this political dog and pony show and go after people who want to kill Americans.
Travis
travis@rightwinglunatic.com
Rival Shiite leaders bury the hatchet in peace deal
Muqtada al-Sadr, the populist Shiite cleric, and Abdul Aziz al-Hakim, the head of the Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq, forged the agreement in the spirit of the current Muslim holy month of Ramadan, said SICI spokesman Haytham al-Husseini. Gestures of forgiveness and mercy are often made during Ramadan.
The deal has three main points: stopping the fighting between Iraqis, urging print and electronic media to engender a spirit of friendship and forgiveness, and establishing commissions in each of Iraq's 18 provinces to oversee the peace initiative.
While this all looks good on paper, I'm cautiously optimistic. Sure, we'd all like everyone to get along and us to get out of Iraq as quickly as possible. But until that actually happens, I think we've earned the right to be suspicious.
Al-Sadr has earned a reputation for his militia's brutality, so if they truly want peace, I'm all for it. However, my main concern is that they are simply putting on a show for the world to see. I wonder if they are simply saying they want peace, wait until we leave, then rip each other apart and try to establish themselves as a regional power. Al-Sadr was up until recently in Iran, so it's no inconceivable for this to be a part of an Iranian plot to try to drive us out of Iraq. They haven't been able to do it with explosives, so why not try the peace route?
I really hope I'm wrong on this, but there's that thought in the back of my head "it's a trap!"
Travis
travis@rightwinglunatic.com
Court
I was in court yesterday, which is why my posts were a bit shorter then usual. I was defending myself from a traffic ticket. I was guilty as sin, but I just wanted the fine reduced. Apparently, you can't use the old "Jedi mind trick" against judges. I tried, he laughed, and reduced my fine down significantly. Anyways, back to the program!
Travis
Friday, October 05, 2007
Report: Israel 'blinded' Syrian radar - Israel News, Ynetnews
US aerospace industry and former US Air Force officials told Aviation Week's Senior Military Editor David A. Fulghum that Israel must have used "a technology like the US-developed 'Suter' airborne network attack system".
The cutting-edge technology allows users to invade enemy communication networks, to "see what enemy sensors see and even take over as systems administrator so sensors can be manipulated into positions so that approaching aircraft can't be seen", experts said.
In effect, the technology infiltrates and tricks enemy sensors by "directing data streams into them that can include false targets and misleading messages algorithms that allow a number of activities including control," the article explains.
The US system was recently tested successfully in operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, officials told Aviation Week.
Get the fuck outta here! We have this kind of technology? We have the ability to remotely hack into an enemy's military network and disable it's air defenses while in flight? That doesn't sound very good for Russia as the Syrian air defenses was Russia's "state of the art" system according to various places.
If that is indeed true, Iran must be shitting in their pants right now. For the US to be able to completely dismantle their air defenses and have the US be able to own the skies above Iran, they must be thinking twice about their nuclear program and how they plan on getting away with it now.
Since all nations have decided to wait until November to have Iran show progress on it's nuclear program before they vote on sanctions, it's not looking very good for the Iranians. They have all nations against them with only Russia and China meagerly trying to defend their ally with little confidence. The Israeli's have shown that Syrian air defenses are worthless, and Israel has publicly said if the UN and other nations don't do something soon about Iran's nuclear program, then they will.
I'm still in awe of this technology we have if it is indeed true. You wonder why we spend almost $500 billion a year in national defense? Because technology like this allows pilots to go home to their families and enemy targets get to be destroyed with impunity.
The worst thing is that Iran and Syria both could say "You know what? We're tired of supporting terrorists. We'd like to extend our hand in friendship to the United States" and if they verifiably did so, we'd probably welcome it. We did it with Libya, why not them?
But they have decided to let pride fuck with their heads and now Israel is showing them second generation US firepower. Just imagine what we have available to us if we decide to act out on Iran's nuclear program.
Travis
Hillary touts bill to unite illegal's' kin
"Yes, we need to strengthen borders, everyone agrees with that," the New York Democrat said. "We have to, though, remain faithful to our condition as a beacon for people around the world seeking a better life."
So if you agree with it Hillary, why not advocate for a fence across the southern and NORTHERN border?
Well she won't do that. She'll simply try to flout our current immigration laws.
She touted her efforts to make sure families weren't disrupted by the Senate's immigration bill. "Everybody talks about family values ... let's start valuing families and that means immigrant families as well as every other family," she said.
No one on either side of the argument has a problem with immigrant families. That's what America has been built on. We're talking about ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. But Hillary can't see that. She wants to paint it as "those mean old Republicans want to get rid of all immigrants, especially Mexicans". Which is simply not true.
She did say she would "cut the Latino dropout rate in half," spend $10 billion on universal pre-kindergarten and pass the Dream Act to give legal status to illegal aliens who go to college or join the military.
Really Hillary? You think you can cut the drop out rate in half simply by throwing money at it? What about other races? Or do you just care about that particular group? I never hear Hillary talk about "I'd cut the dropout rate for white kids by half". You know why? Because she wants to appear like she cares. Caring about white kids will get the Al Sharpton's of the world out in force saying that they're being excluded.
However, I DO agree that if an illegal alien is here already, and they wish to join the military, they should be given legal status and citizenship once they are honorably discharged after 4 or more years. If you're willing to fight for my country, I consider you an American.
However, Hillary, I spoke about this in June. Try to keep up will you? It makes you look like a "me too" type of person.
Travis
Thursday, October 04, 2007
House moves to rein in security contractors - Politics - MSNBC.com
Blackwater's free reign over legal troubles appears to be over. The House has voted to put private contractors under the jurisdiction of US laws.
Rep. Chris Shays, R-Conn., accused Democrats of rushing the bill through Congress in a partisan bid to criticize the Bush administration’s handling of the war.
“It is amazing to me the number of men in Blackwater that have lost their lives and we never hear it on the other side of the aisle,” Shays said. “Blackwater is evil. That’s the way it appears in all the dialogue.”
Representative Shays is right, however, for them to get away with any illegal acts, whether it is illegal in the US or anywhere else in the world makes no sense. There's no reason for a contractor to literally get away with murder if that is what happens.
I certainly am very troubled by guys with literally no boundaries representing the United States in various parts of the world.
When I go into other areas on the internet, I'm immediately greeted with "Oh great, an American". Yet, after they speak to me and get to know me, they have a complete turn around in their views of Americans. They are a lot more friendly, open, and honest towards me.
However, if I had no personal boundaries, there would be no reason for me to be friendly to them. Their attitudes would certainly change drastically.
Just take a look at Anbar in Iraq. Once we showed who we were and who Al-Qaeda were, the citizens found out that all the things they've been hearing were bullshit. Then they turned on Al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda tried to fight back, but they've been having trouble left and right across the board in Anbar.
If we just took a "scorched earth" policy, Anbar wouldn't look nearly like what it does now.
I'm just saying, everyone should play by the same rules.
Travis
Interpol Underused?
Interpol is often overlooked and underutilized in the war on terror despite having valuable resources, says its secretary general, Ron Noble. Noble, the first American to head the storied international law enforcement agency, tells Steve Kroft he fears more people may lose their lives in a terrorist attack that his agency could help prevent. Noble's interview will be broadcast on 60 MINUTES, Sunday, Oct. 7 (7:30-9:00 PM, ET, 7:00-900 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network.
"What I don't want this to be is an interview that's played after a terrorist attack occurs where thousands of people have been killedÉ.and people will say, ÔYou didn't check his passport... you didn't run his fingerprints against Interpol's database?'" worries Noble.
Why not use Interpol? These guys have found terrorists, criminals, and other bad guys over the course of many years, spanning just about every country on the planet. It would be in our best interests to use every resource that is available to us to catch people who want to blow up planes, buses, and other acts of terrorism.
I find it very hard to believe that Interpol couldn't be extremely helpful in our attempts to catch bad guys, so why not?
"I keep thinking about Sept. 11 and all the other terrorist attacks and I'm seeing the mistakes that are being made... and I think about one of these days it's going to happen again," he says. Noble says he was never called by officials after 9/11. "I promised myself and... my staff that that would never happen again -- it would never be that a terrorist attack would occur anywhere in the world and we wouldn't be called," he tells Kroft.
The guy wants to be used, so why not use him? Everyone wins in this way.
Travis
Debt Limit Raised
You and I are now 9.815 TRILLION dollars in debt. This out of control spending needs to get under control immediately. Programs need to be cut or reduced. Massive amounts of waste is going on and this will bite us in the ass if we don't act soon.
You don't have to believe me. Check it out for yourself. That amount of debt is $32,716 PER PERSON in the US.
It's time we cut off any benefits for illegal immigrants, welfare abusers, and other's who take advantage of the US' generosity.
For example: Egypt is constantly bad mouthing us on a lot of issues. Yet, they receive $2 billion a year in aid from us. Time to cut that off. Saudi Arabia is sitting on an ocean of oil, let them start picking up the tab for the Middle East's poorer countries.
What I'd really like to see is a major shift in domestic spending. Only the most necessary things need to be paid for. You could even get everyone that works for the government in on it with an easy program.
If a person that works for the US government suggests a way to save money that's implemented, they get a check for 1/4 of the amount of money saved per year.
Save the US government $30,000 a year? You get a $7,500 check for say, 3 years.
That way, you get people who are now going to be creative in saving the government money, and they get something out of it.
It really can't be that hard people.
Travis
With majority support, Clinton passes major milestone - CNN.com
Barack Obama is in real trouble now. Democrats approve of Hillary as their nominee by 53% compared to 33% for Obama.
Granted, there's a ton of time left, but to regain a 20 point loss is almost unheard of. I think people are starting to see that Obama for what he is: A bit of flash, an excellent speaker, but a Monday morning quarterback who doesn't make tough decisions when put on the spot.
What's behind the Clinton surge? Fifty-seven percent of Democrats think she's the candidate with the best chance to win the White House. That number went up 14 points in September. She also leads as the candidate who best reflects the Democratic Party's values.
Actually, I do hope Hillary gets the nomination. There are a ton of people who hate her guts and will vote for anyone but her. Who are they likely to vote for? Well currently, it looks like Rudy.
What's happening in the Republican race? Rudy Giuliani's lead is growing. It's now 34 percent. Fred Thompson jumped into second place when he got in the race last month, but he seems to have stalled (17 percent).
Now it appears to be more of a Clinton/Guiliani Presidential election, but only time will tell.
If that were the case, my vote goes to Guiliani for a number of reasons. Although, I am very concerned about his pro-gun control stance and the fact that Democrats have a majority in both parts of Congress.
That would make it a lot easier for gun control legislation such as the Assault Weapons Ban to go through again.
Rudy has said that 9/11 changed his views on a lot of issues, but it's difficult for me to believe that.
Travis
Sen. Craig not resigning despite judge's ruling - CNN.com
Sen. Larry Craig on Thursday said he was not resigning from the Senate despite a Minnesota judge denying his request to withdraw his guilty plea stemming from his arrest in a sex sting at an airport men's
"I am extremely disappointed with the ruling issued today," Craig said in a statement. "I am innocent of the charges against me. I continue to work with my legal team to explore my additional legal options."
"I will continue to serve Idaho in the United States Senate, and there are several reasons for that," the Republican said.
Look, Senator, people know you did it. With your plead of "guilty" you removed all doubt. Now, you're only going to hurt the Republican party and your own state by being distracted by this dog and pony show.
What you do in your bedroom isn't our business. However, I think it's best that you stick to your original resignation and hand over the reigns of power to someone who won't be sidelined for idiotic reasons why the United States has bigger issues at hand.
Travis
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Texas Ruling Signals Halt to Executions Indefinitely - New York Times
Signaling an indefinite halt to executions in Texas, the state’s highest criminal appeals court late Tuesday stayed the lethal injection of a 28-year-old Honduran man who was scheduled to be put to death Wednesday.
The Texas court order gave state authorities up to 30 days to explain in legal papers why the execution of the inmate, Heliberto Chi, should proceed.
Well I can answer that for you now; He killed someone. It even says it in the article:
Mr. Chi was convicted of killing the manager of a men’s store in Arlington in 2001.
Victims of crime and their families are constantly put through the wringer when it comes to the criminal justice system.
If there's no doubt as to if this guy killed the store manager, then where's the problem? Ok, you want to revisit the lethal injection? Ok, but until then, put this guy down like the animal he is in a different manner. Shot to the back of the head, Guillotine, Gas Chamber, and other ways are all viable options. Don't let this asshole breath one more day then is absolutely necessary. He killed someone, a jury and multiple appeals judges kept him on death row, and now it's time for his punishment to be met out.
Travis
U.S. in Iraq says finds list of foreign fighters - Yahoo! News
Sometimes people are so dumb, it's actually funny.
The U.S. military said on Wednesday it had discovered a list of some 500 al Qaeda militants recruited to fight in Iraq from a range of European, Middle East and north African countries.
Spokesman Major-General Kevin Bergner said the information was unearthed in September when a senior al Qaeda in Iraq member, called Muthanna, was killed along with seven other militants near Sinjar in northwest Iraq.
This is the exact same thing that happened to John Gotti Jr. He kept a list of all the made members of the Gambino crime family hidden in a wall in his house. When the feds found it, they were giving a list of people that they knew and some they didn't know about.
This is a major windfall for the US military as it now allows them to narrow their search down instead of relying on other tactics exclusively.
Bergner told a news conference that the information discovered included 143 biographies of foreign recruits, with personal data, photographs, their recruiters' names, date of entry into Iraq and the route they took.
It doesn't get much better then that. :)
Travis
Merger opens U.S. defense to China - - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper
A Chinese company with ties to Beijing's military and past links to Saddam Hussein's army in Iraq and the Taliban will gain access to U.S. defense-network technology under a proposed merger, Pentagon officials say.
Huawei Technologies will merge with the Massachusetts-based 3Com network-equipment manufacturer in a deal announced last week. Huawei has been linked to the U.N. oil-for-food scandal, which involved millions of dollars in payoffs to Saddam's regime during a time of U.N. sanctions.
Does no one see a massive problem with this? This company can and will take 3com's technology and transfer it to the Chinese military. Red flags should be going off across the board here.
At least Duncan Hunter is concerned:
"Specifically, I have some concerns surrounding the minority position of Huawei Technologies and what control the Chinese company might have over America's sensitive information," Mr. Hunter said. "In addition to encouraging the Pentagon to review how this deal may affect any of its classified contracts, I would encourage the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to conduct a thorough review."
The Chinese have been making attempts to get our sensitive military technology for years, and now they have the audacity to try the one thing that no one would have dreamed of, simply buy it on the open market.
I'm not saying that the Chinese want a fight with the US directly, but they are getting geared up for a fight over Taiwan. With their economy prospering, they think it's now time to build up and act accordingly.
If this deal goes through, I will be thoroughly upset with our military and security personnel who can't see an obvious attempt by the Chinese military to get their grubby little hands on technology that they would otherwise have to research and develop on their own.
Travis
NPR : Bush Vetoes Child Health Care Bill
He told you he'd veto it, yet Congress voted for it anyways.
What's worrying is that this was all based upon a 61 cents per pack tax on cigarettes to pay for this program.
So what happens if smokers don't smoke as much? Who's going to pick up the extra tab?
Well that's not important to people like Russell Shaw at Huffington:
When President Bush vetoed bipartisan legislation this morning that would fund health care for four million uninsured children by boosting the Federal cigarette tax a whole 39 cents, he did so quietly, locked up in private, without any public appearances.
To me that is the essence of cowardice.
Maybe the same cowardice a much younger Bush exhibited when he used family connections to get into a National Guard unit that didn't go to Vietnam- and that he has never furnished evidence he fulfilled his obligations in.
Russell, perhaps if you paid attention, Bush did say publicly a little while ago that he would veto an expensive hike in the program but would sign a more modest increase in spending.
Where's the problem with that? The program that Democrats wanted would raise the eligibility to 300% of the poverty line. That will put a LOT of people who get insurance through their employers already, into the program.
That added expense is something that isn't what the program is designed for. It's designed to help poor children get health care, remember? It's not socialized medicine.
Besides, Democrats wouldn't DARE ask for an across the board tax hike in say something like gasoline? Everyone uses gas, so why not tax everyone equally? Because Democrats hate rich people and smokers, and they have no problem sticking them with the bill over and over again.
Who's going to come to the defense of smokers? I will. If you want America to pay for something, you have to ask ALL Americans to pay for it, not just everyone but your constituency.
Travis
The Seattle Times: Latest news wires from the Associated Press
Federal employees wasted at least $146 million over a one-year period on business- and first-class airline tickets, in some cases simply because they felt entitled to the perk, congressional investigators say.
Well there's an easy fix for that. Everyone flies coach. Period.
$146 million in wasted government travel. That's enough money to pay for a lot of things, including partially paying for the socialized medicine that Democrats have been clamoring for.
I mean really, why do government employees get to fly first and business class when people like you and me have to fly coach when we travel for business?
Another easy fix for this is to have everyone who abused it to pay the government back the difference in cost between normal and first class tickets.
The higher airfare for traveling in one of the premium classes resulted in expenses often five to 10 times more than what was authorized under government travel rules.
So they broke their own rules. That's a disciplinary action against that employee and the government should get a reimbursement check.
Thirty-two State Department employees flew from Washington to Liberia in premium class over a six-month period. Five of those travelers did not have authorization for premium class; three had duplicate tickets and no evidence that the duplicates were refunded; and 17 were not properly justified, as their trips did not meet the 14-hour rule. These flights cost $293,000 and comparable coach-class tickets would have cost $124,000 - a difference of $169,000.
If those duplicate tickets were not refunded, that's fraud or theft. That person should be investigated and jailed for that.
Am I the only one pissed about the flagrant abuses and horrible tax dollar waste that I'm seeing here?
If Democrats would join up with Republicans and really crack down on the spending, they could have their universal health care and other pet projects without taxpayers coming out of pocket a single dime.
Travis
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Democrats want feds to investigate electoral college ballot effort
Yet another hypocritical Democratic viewpoint:
Democratic Party activists said Monday that they have filed a complaint with the Federal Elections Commission charging connections between backers of Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani and a GOP-supported ballot measure that could have changed California's winner-take-all electoral college system to benefit Republican candidates.
In 2000, Al Gore lost the election, what did Democrats say? "The election was stolen!" When you point out Al Gore would have lost anyways, they say "He won the popular vote!" Then you explain to them the Electoral College (which every American History class teaches, all the way down to the 7th grade). Their reply? "We should change the Electoral College to a popular vote!"
Then when you try to give them that, they complain because it'll show that they'll probably lose.
You see, they only want to change things when they lose. When they win or are likely to win, they don't want to change a thing.
Hypocrisy, thy name is Democrat.
Travis
Mark Green: "Baby Bonds" is a Big Idea - Politics on The Huffington Post
I always knew there'd be someone who would come out in favor of Hillary Clinton's "$5k for every child" bonds. And now, Mark Green is the target of my wrath.
One way to increase opportunity for middle-class families is to allow their children to enjoy the magic of compound interest just as wealthier offspring do. This isn't about making everyone rich or letting young adults go on graduation trips and buy big flat-panel TVs; it's about partially leveling the playing field and returning to the meritocracy that has long defined our democracy. Take it from author and self-made multi-millionaire Peter Barnes: "I was lucky enough to have parents who paid for my education at Harvard, helped me purchase my first home and invested in my first startup. Now I've established trusts funds for my sons to do similar things. But what about the millions of American children who aren't as fortunate as mine?"
Well that's Peter's "success story". Mine was; I worked my ass off. Got a shitty apartment. Saved my money. Got a full time job. Paid attention in college. Got a better job. Didn't live above my means. Didn't throw my money away on frivolous things like Ipods and expensive cars.
Who's to say that the money won't be used for graduation trips and flat panel tv's? Where's the restrictions? Why should people who chose not to have kids have to pay for those who did? Why should someone who didn't live responsibly get to benefit from those of us who did?
Since all sides of the political spectrum believe in economic opportunity, let's help 18-year-olds with a modest nest egg to start their adult lives.
I believe in opportunity and helping those who wish to help themselves, NOT just giving away "free" money. How does that give a person a sense of fiscal responsibility?
In 2005, 1 in 5 American families had zero or negative net wealth. America has the steepest inequality of any Western economy. If we wisely help those at the sunset of our lives with Social Security and Medicare, how about at the dawn of our lives with Baby Bonds?
Because throughout our lives, we PAY for Social Security. I pay directly towards my benefits. The next generation pays for theirs and so on. The people in the middle will be forced to pay for their Social Security and be forced to pay for those they aren't responsible for.
If you wanted to create a pre-tax savings bond program so that PARENTS could save for their child, I'm ok with that. But it's not my responsibility or YOURS to give away money to everyone who decides to spit out a baby.
We may have the "steepest inequality", but there's a reason for that. In America, you're given a blank slate. You can be as successful or as much of a failure as you'd like. Besides, just because you're poor, doesn't mean the rest of us owe you anything. Just like being wealthy or middle class doesn't mean that the poor or anyone else owes us anything.
You want your kid to go to college? Great, save your money and pay for it. Can't afford it? Tell Junior to get a job and save for it. Otherwise, tell Junior that I would like fries with that.
Travis
Democrats Propose Tax Surcharge for War
You know what? I'd actually be in favor of an across the board tax hike if it were to purely financially support the war in Iraq as Democrats would like.
However, in true Democratic fashion, they are trying to stick it to people who's only crime is that they are successful:
Democrats on Tuesday proposed an income tax surcharge to finance the approximately $150 billion annual cost of operations in Iraq, saying it is unfair to pass the cost of the war onto future generations.
The plan, unveiled by Reps. David Obey, D-Wis., John Murtha, D-Pa., and Jim McGovern, D-Mass., would require low- and middle-income taxpayers to add 2 percent to their tax bill. Wealthier people would pay an additional 12 to 15 percent, Obey said.
An ADDITIONAL 12-15 percent?? So if you were lucky, say you own a small business that made a $300,000 profit and your tax bill was around $100k. You'd be paying between an additional $12,000 to $15,000 for that year.
What's wrong with an across the board, additional flat tax Democrats? Why saddle those of us who make a decent living with more taxes? You know, sooner or later you're going to piss off the people who pay the vast majority of taxes and then you won't have a revenue stream.
The plan's sponsors acknowledged it's unlikely to pass, but Democrats have been seeking in recent weeks to compare the approximately $190 billion cost of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars in 2008 with the $23 billion increase that Democrats want in domestic programs. President Bush has threatened to veto most of those domestic spending bills.
This is the EXACT problem with Democrats. Why can't Democrats cut the $23 billion increase from the spending bill? Because they want to look like they are doing something for their constituents. So they are putting up an additional $23 billion in spending, and ON TOP OF THAT, they want to increase taxes.
How's this Democrats, cut the spending, I'll agree to a flat, across the board tax increase of say, 5% to go DIRECTLY towards the war in Iraq.
But of course, they won't go for it.
Travis
Russia: The Losers Lament
Here's the untold portion of the Israeli strike on Syria. Apparently, Syria's pretty pissed that their new, Russian made anti-aircraft weapons system failed miserably.
What's worse for Russia is that this is a very public failure of their weapons systems that they've been selling to various other countries. If they can't muster up a system that works, then sales will plummet and confidence will suffer as well.
Let's all get a bag of popcorn and watch the fireworks. :)
Travis
Bhutto says she might allow U.S. strike on bin Laden - Yahoo! News
"might allow"? Well that's nice to hear, because if we know where Bin Laden is, we're striking, with or without permission. Try to block that, and you're likely to cause WWIII.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said on Monday that she might allow a U.S. military strike inside Pakistan to eliminate al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden if she were the country's leader.
"I would hope that I would be able to take Osama bin Laden myself without depending on the Americans. But if I couldn't do it, of course we are fighting this war together and (I) would seek their cooperation in eliminating him," Bhutto said in an interview on BBC World News America.
Well unfortunately for you Ms. Bhutto, your country and it's leadership have an earned reputation for appeasing, so if we know where he's at, we're going in. Just thought we'd give you a heads up. Plus, I don't know if I really trust Ms. Bhutto:
Bhutto has remained in exile rather than face corruption charges at home. On Monday, one of her lawyers filed an application for bail in case authorities arrest her when she returns.
If she's facing corruption charges, how trustworthy do you think she really is when it comes to capturing or killing Osama?
Travis
Racial Equality
Derrick Kimbrough, a black veteran of the 1991 Gulf War, received a 15-year-prison term for selling both crack and powder cocaine, as well as possessing a firearm in Norfolk, Va. Most crack defendants in federal court are black.
Congressional opponents of the laws establishing more severe sentencing for crack cocaine than powdered cocaine are racially discriminatory because they hit more directly at the black community, where this form of drug abuse is more commonplace.
Who gives a shit? A drug dealer, dealing in one form of cocaine or another, deserves jail time. Who cares if he's black or white? Sure, a judge should have discretion when it comes to dealing out a sentence, but to complain that a punishment for a crime is "discriminatory" simply because more people from one ethnic background commit the crime over another is crap.
Do you hear Jeffrey Skilling complaining that race was a factor in his 24 year sentence for the "white collar" crimes of fraud and other crimes he committed? No, of course not, but yet, here we are with one set of criminals complaining about their sentence and they are trying to inject race into something that race has nothing to do with.
Derrick Kimbrough knew that dealing drugs was a crime, yet he did it anyways, so I don't feel a lick of sorry for him. You do the crime, you do the time. If he appealed simply because it was an "unfairly long" sentence, that's one thing, but to inject racism into it just reeks of the Al Sharpton's and Jesse Jackson's of the world.
Travis
Bloomberg calls surveillance-camera critics 'ridiculous'
Just an FYI Bloomberg, you may be right that people are already being surveilled, but that doesn't mean that people are comfortable with a system that AUTOMATICALLY grabs licence plates and does checkups on the vehicle.
Most people don't realize that once you step out into the open, your right to privacy is severely reduced. People and government entities have a right to film anyone they wish. That's why the media always has a picture of Britney Spears getting into and out of courthouses and cars.
"It's just ridiculous people who object to using technology," the mayor said, adding that he had not talked with anyone in London who wasn't "thrilled" at the presence of security cameras in their capital.
Plus, you don't have to really be a dick about it. Just mention your case and don't call people "ridiculous". It's very off putting.
Travis
Monday, October 01, 2007
CNN.com - CNN Political Ticker Top Democrat slams Limbaugh over ‘phony soldiers’ «
Wow, Harry Reid is "coming to the defense" of US soldiers?? Isn't that like the KKK coming to the defense of black folks? They both despise one another.
Well unfortunately for Reid, he's being shown as a grandstanding partisan hack who's only trying to make an issue out of nothing.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid slammed Rush Limbaugh Monday over his recent controversial "phony soldiers" remark, despite the conservative talk-radio host's protests that his words have been taken out of context.
Had Reid even BOTHERED to listen to the tape, he would have known that this is a non issue. But instead, he's trying to take one sentence and not bother with the rest of the conversation.
But if Harry is such an adamant supporter of the soldiers, why didn't he condemn the "General Betray Us" ad?
"I can’t help but wonder how my Republican colleagues would have reacted if the tables were turned – if a well-known Democratic radio personality had used the same insulting line of attack against troops who support the war," the Nevada Democrat added.
Well we'd at least listen to the conversation and not grab one sentence and run with it. We're a bit more intelligent then that Harry.
But keep it up, you're showing the world what kind of person you are.
Travis
Current Key Figures About Iraq
I found this little nugget hosted on the AP wire, and it's very telling. It really gets interesting around the Oil Production part and below.
Key figures about Iraq since the war began in March 2003
U.S. TROOP LEVELS:
September 2007: 165,000
January 2007: 137,000
CASUALTIES:
-Confirmed U.S. military deaths as of Oct. 1, 2007: 3,800
-Confirmed U.S. military wounded as of Oct. 1, 2007: 28,009
-U.S. military deaths for September 2007: 63, lowest monthly toll since June 2006.
-Deaths of civilian employees of U.S. government contractors as of June 30, 2007: 1,001.
-Iraqi civilian deaths from war-related violence: Estimated at more than 73,000, with one controversial study last year contending there were as many as 655,000. According to Associated Press figures, there were at least 988 total Iraqi deaths in September 2007, the lowest monthly toll since June 2006.
-Assassinated Iraqi academics: 332.
-Journalists killed on assignment: 112.
COST:
-Stepped-up military operations are costing about $12 billion a month, with Iraq accounting for $10 billion per month, according to congressional analysis.
-Total cost to the U.S. government so far is more than $455 billion. A January 2007 study by Linda Bilmes of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government put the total projected cost of providing medical care and disability benefits to veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan at $350 billion to $700 billion.
Right here's where I'm talking about.
OIL PRODUCTION:
-Prewar: 2.58 million barrels per day.
-Sept. 23, 2007: 2.31 million barrels per day.
ELECTRICITY:
-Prewar nationwide: 3,958 megawatts. Hours per day (estimated): four to eight.
-Sept. 18, 2007, nationwide: 5,045 megawatts. Hours per day: 11.7.
-Prewar Baghdad: 2,500 megawatts. Hours per day (estimated): 16-24.
-Sept. 18, 2007, Baghdad: Megawatts not available. Hours per day: 7.5.
- Note: Current Baghdad megawatt figures are no longer reported by the U.S. State Department's Iraq Weekly Status Report.
TELEPHONES:
-Prewar land lines: 833,000.
-March 13, 2007: 1,111,000.
-Prewar cell phones: 80,000.
-March 13, 2007: 8,720,038. Most recent numbers available.
WATER:
-Prewar: 12.9 million people had potable water.
-July 13, 2007: 15.4 million people have potable water.
SEWERAGE:
-Prewar: 6.2 million people served.
-July 13, 2007: 11.3 million people served.
INTERNAL REFUGEES:
-According to the U.N. High Commission for Refugees, at least 2.2 million people have been displaced inside Iraq.
-Iraqis have made some 19,800 asylum claims during the first six months of 2007 - a 45 percent increase compared to the previous six months, when 13,600 applications were received.
EMIGRANTS:
-Prewar: 500,000 Iraqis living abroad.
-Sept. 21, 2007: More than 2 million in neighboring countries.
So with the exception of one or two items, the comparison's are a clear picture of what's going on. Nationwide, Iraq is doing pretty good. Inside of Baghdad, it could be better, but it's getting better. Just some interesting facts I'd like to share.
Travis
Peter Smith: Can a Lefty Get A Radio Signal? - Media on The Huffington Post
So I'm bicycling around town the other day, listening to the local lefty radio station, and I pedal out from under the signal. One minute Thom Hartmann is there. The next minute he's gone, disappeared into a sea of static.
I own light bulbs with more wattage than that station.
It would be understandable, I guess, had I been biking through the bucolic tranquility of the Republican suburbs with their perfect cul de sacs and perfect people. But no. I was biking through the heart of the inner city, through a neighborhood zoned for light industry and single- and multi-family housing. Median family income: jack-squat.
If anyone needed to hear what Hartmann had to say, it was the folks in this neighborhood. But the best the FCC could do for liberal radio was this gerbil-on-a-wheel-powered signal coming in like Cold War era Radio Free Europe somewhere east of Moscow on a stormy night.
You know why you're getting shitty reception? Because no one wants to hear liberal talk radio. Need an example? Take a look at Air America. They had the backing of some very wealthy people and they drew almost ZERO ratings and made no profit.
It's not hard to understand; Americans are by and far, conservative people. So when we see and hear idiots telling us how we should live our lives, how they know how to better spend our taxes on people who don't deserve it, and how they are intellectually superior, then you wonder why people tune you out?
Perfect example: Take a look around Huffington Post or any other liberal blog out there. They all call Republicans and conservatives "Brain washed", "Mindless patriots", and other nasty names. If it was one or two people, we could chalk that up to fringe members, but this happens all the time by a very large portion of Democrats and liberals.
I'm more then willing to listen and appreciate an opposing viewpoint, but to resort to name calling and a snotty, "I'm smarter then you" attitude, will turn off most everyone.
Travis
Christian Conservatives Consider Third-Party Effort - The Caucus - Politics - New York Times Blog
Alarmed at the chance that the Republican party might pick Rudolph Giuliani as its presidential nominee despite his support for abortion rights, a coalition of influential Christian conservatives is threatening to back a third-party candidate in an attempt to stop him.
This is a very real and possible threat against Republicans. If Rudy Guiliani is nominated, his stance on Gun Control, Abortion, and other social issues will likely push people to look at a third candidate.
This is a major problem for Republicans in that they face a dilemma. Do they nominate someone who fits their ideals like Mitt Romney, or do they back someone who's a lot more likely to win the election like Rudy, but then try to steer him away from social issues to appease voters?
To tell you the truth, I haven't found that one candidate that really has struck me as "my guy". I like Rudy Guiliani for a lot of reasons, such as he seems to "get it" when it comes to terrorism, and will call a spade a spade when it's needed. But, I've heard complaints from the firefighters about his ability to get things done. And I certainly can't support his calls for gun control.
I like a few other candidates for their various qualities, but I just can't seem to get behind one guy over another. A few of my friends are McCain people, and I can definitely see why, but I don't see him being very electable. I could be wrong, but I just can't see it.
Although I do enjoy McCain's ability to speak his mind and not care what everyone thinks about it. It will make for some interesting posts if he's elected. :)
Travis
Texas oilman pleads guilty in Iraq oil/food case | U.S. | Reuters
Aging Texas oilman Oscar Wyatt pleaded guilty to conspiracy on Monday in the U.N. oil-for-food scandal in which millions of dollars in kickbacks were paid to Saddam Hussein's government to win oil contracts from Iraq.
Good. Fuck him. It's people like him that made Saddam able to get out from under crippling sanctions and make it easier for Saddam to crush his opponents.
But I want to see others including Kofi Annan's son brought up on charges for their roles in the "oil for food" scam that made things much worse for the Iraqi civilians.
Keep the convictions coming Prosecutors, we need to see that everyone has to play by the rules.
Travis
My Way News - Obama: Clinton No Break From the Usual
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Sunday that the front-runner for his party's nomination, Hillary Rodham Clinton, does not offer the break from politics as usual that voters need.
Both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., and her husband, former President Clinton, have criticized Obama for his lack of political experience.
Obama said he understands their argument.
"They want to make the argument that Senator Clinton is just an extension of the Bill Clinton presidency," Obama said in an interview with The Associated Press. "They've been the dominant political family in the Democratic Party for the last 20 years now. So it's not surprising that they want to focus on their longevity.
Well thanks Captain Obvious, have you been reading my posts? EVERYONE knows that Hillary would have the same policies and way of thinking that Bill has. Most long term marriages have both spouses thinking in similar ways, and this is no different. However, Hillary has been called on some of her hypocritical views from what she's said then and what she's saying now.
Unfortunately for Obama, it appears that a lot of idiots within the Democratic party are falling for her line of bullshit with her expanding lead in the polls.
If you want the nomination Obama, here's some tips that should help you out.
Stop with the spending reputation that Democrats have earned.
We all know we're up to our eyeballs in debt, so show us how you plan on eliminating, or significantly reducing our debt. Make budget cuts to non necessary services without making government employees losing their jobs. It's a monumental and difficult task, but that's what being President is all about.
Reach out to Republicans.
And I mean ALL Republicans. If you show that you're willing to work with people with opposing viewpoints, then it'll score big with voters.
Stop with the racial stuff.
I've heard him say the word "black"-whatever a bunch of times and I'm sick of it. I don't care that you're black. I don't care what color you are as long as you share the same ideals and goals that I do. When you say "black" lawmaker or "black" leaders, it makes you sound racist. Don't believe me? Well how about if I said "I met with white leader Brian Baird today", what would you think? You'd think I was being a bit racist because it doesn't need to be mentioned the color of someone's skin.
Work on those three items and get back with me Barack. If you take my advice, I'm willing to bet that you'll see a bump in the polls.
If you don't believe I'm the kind of guy who's willing to extend a hand to opposing viewpoints, then why would I offer this advice to Obama?
Travis
US military deaths in Iraq lowest in 14 months
Now here's something that's completely undisputed.
The figure also marks the fourth consecutive drop in the monthly death toll following a high of 121 in May. June saw 93 deaths, July 82 and August 79. The monthly toll in July 2006 was 53.
"The trend is certainly in the right direction," US military spokesman Rear Admiral Mark Fox told a press conference in Baghdad.
"The surge unquestionably is what has been the catalyst that has created the opportunity to have more forces operating in more places at the same time and to deny Al-Qaeda and the extremists safe-haven and to take away sanctuaries."
I thought the "surge" had failed? According to Harry Reid, the war was completely "lost". Well since our guys have started cracking down on the insurgents and used new tactics, the evidence is overwhelming that things are getting better. Now in the coming months, let's see what Iraqi political leaders can do to get themselves back on their feet and get laws passed and infrastructure put into place.
Once they get the ball rolling on that, things should snowball.
Travis
Putin Signals Plan to Hold Onto Power
Putin is trying so desperately to get Russia back onto the world stage that he's trying out for the Prime Minister's job. Normally, I wouldn't care about Russian politics like this, but Putin has already tried to pull a bunch of fast ones lately such as claiming the Arctic for Russia and the mysterious deaths of many dissidents, so I'm a bit worried about what his intentions are.
Travis
Teens attack older man, end up running for safety
A bit off topic, but it's something that I found amusing and thought I would share with you readers.
The man at the back of the Metro bus was older, wore glasses and apparently drew the attention of a group of alleged gang members who reportedly began harassing him.
But when one of them tried to take the man's glasses, he pulled a knife and fought back, Seattle police said.
"He began swinging at his attackers in self-defense," spokeswoman Renee Witt said.
When the melee was over, four of the teens had cuts, including some with superficial cuts to their buttocks, and one had a dislocated shoulder. The man was not hurt.
It really takes the manliness out of you when you have to explain why you have a knife wound in your ass. Especially when your real reason is "I got my ass kicked and cut by an elderly guy on a bus I was trying to rob".
Idiots.
Travis
The New Me Generation - The Boston Globe
Nicole Mirabile, who is just 15 years old, has a clear vision of her future, and it doesn't involve a boss. The prospect of working at a Fortune 500 company – and landing the sort of well-paying job that Americans once regarded as the benchmark of success – holds zero allure for her. "It would be hard compromising with a lot of different people whom I might clash with," she speculates. Mirabile, a sophomore at North Quincy High School, would be far happier running her own company. "I have the time, I have the brains, I have the patience to do it, and I am not going to give up if I fail once," she vows.
Well that's all fine and dandy when it comes to SAYING it, but it's quite another to actually be DOING it.
I've noticed this trend over the last several years as well. Younger people seemingly think that they are owed new homes, fast cars, and loads of money for doing little to no work to earn it. Sure, they say they'll "overcome adversity" and other standard things like that, but when they are faced with bankruptcy because a business has failed, a new baby is on it's way, customers aren't there, or other catastrophic things like that, then it's a whole different ball game.
That's what will separate future business leaders from just a "it's all about me" attitude from everyone else. Everyone in business fails. Everyone. So, if they want to run things on their own terms, great, welcome to America where you can do such things with your life.
But let's check on Nicole in 20 years and see how far her life has gone since this article.
Travis
Many soldiers get boot for 'pre-existing' mental illness
Thousands of U.S. soldiers in Iraq — as many as 10 a day — are being discharged by the military for mental health reasons. But the Pentagon isn't blaming the war.
It says the soldiers had "pre-existing" conditions that disqualify them for treatment by the government. Many soldiers and Marines being discharged on this basis actually suffer from combat-related problems, experts say. But by classifying them as having a condition unrelated to the war, the Defense Department is able to quickly get rid of troops having trouble doing their work while also saving the expense of caring for them.
Bullshit. Every soldier I know had to take a psychological test BEFORE they were admitted to the military. If they passed that, they were in after the physical part. So for the Pentagon to tell us that this many people have "pre-existing" conditions, they are full of shit. This is nothing more then a way to save money.
But there is a highlight, and it's coming from Barack Obama. No, really. Stop laughing, I'm not kidding.
Working behind the scenes, Sens. Christopher "Kit" Bond, R-Mo., and Barack Obama, D-Ill., have written and inserted into the defense authorization bill a provision that would make it harder for the Pentagon to discharge thousands of troops. The Post-Dispatch has learned that the measure has been accepted into the Senate defense bill and will probably become part of the Senate-House bill to be voted on this week.
The legislation sets a higher bar for the Pentagon to use the personality-disorder discharge, and also mandates a review of the policies by the Government Accountability Office. Bond said it also would "force the Pentagon to stop using this discharge until we can fix the problem."
I'd be very curious to see what this provision actually says before I support or denounce it. However, even on paper, it's nice to see someone try to support the soldiers when they need it the most; after they are discharged and trying to return to a normal life.
Jon Soltz, an Iraq war combat veteran who founded the group VoteVets.org, said untreated psychological problems were contributing to the highest military suicide rate in a quarter-century and to growing homelessness among veterans, he said.
If such widespread mental problems really existed before people joined the military and saw combat, they would have been uncovered when the recruits were enlisting, Soltz said.
Here's where Jon and I are in complete agreement. They do these tests to make sure they aren't allowing psychopaths and maniacs into the military, and if they now say that these conditions are "pre-existing", they are full of shit.
I guess Jon is the go-to guy when it comes to military stories now.
Travis
U.N. talks with Myanmar's junta leader delayed - CNN.com
You mean the UN is actually starting to pick up their end and start to be more responsible? Nah, it couldn't be.
Talks between U.N. envoy Ibrahim Gambari and Myanmar's secretive military leader were stalled for another day on Monday.
Gambari had planned to tell him, "about the international outrage over what has happened and will urge him to talk with various people and try to resolve the problems peacefully," Shari Villarosa, chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Yangon, told CNN on Sunday.
What do you expect? The UN isn't going to do much of anything, and I must admit, It'll be a pretty hard sell to me to want to do anything with China, Russia, and the UN basically doing a big, fat nothing about it.
You know, just for once, I'd love to see one of those above mentioned entities do something BEFORE the US or before it hits the front pages of CNN. Just for shits and giggles, come on guys, let's see you get off your asses and do something right for once. Come on, surprise me just once.
Travis
Murtha Must Testify in Defamation Case - New York Times
Well now a Federal Judge is telling Murtha he must give a deposition in the defamation case that the Marine Sergeant has brought against Murtha.
The Justice Department wanted the case dismissed because Murtha was acting in his official role as a lawmaker. Assistant U.S. Attorney John F. Henault said the comments were made as part of the debate over the war in Iraq.
U.S. District Judge Rosemary M. Collyer said the congressman might be right, but said she won't know for sure unless Murtha explains himself. She did not set a date for Murtha's testimony but said she would also require him to turn over documents related to his comments.
''You're writing a very wide road for members of Congress to go to their home districts and say anything they choose about private persons and be able to do so without any liability. Are you sure you want to do that?'' Collyer said, adding later, ''How far can a congressman go and still be protected?'''
That's what's troubling. Lawmakers should enjoy a small amount of protection while they are doing their jobs, but to do something like this is way over the top and Murtha should get his ass sued for it. It's an arrogant idiot who seems to think that it's his way or no way. Now that he's being called to the carpet about his comments and how it was obviously wrong, he doesn't have it in him as a man to apologize for his hateful words.
Enjoy your upcoming legal headaches Murtha, you earned it.
Travis
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