Friday, October 19, 2007
Pakistan police say bomber's head found
You know, after bombs go off all the time, you'd think sooner or later, people would get fed up with it and fight back. You'd think that when someone with explosives was found, they'd have a swift punishment and get massive amounts of jail time. I guess that only happens here in America.
In Pakistan, you get to attack people and have the idiotic notion that you'll somehow get into heaven for murdering innocent civilians who's only crime is that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Well now, former Prime Minister Bhutto has been the victim of a suicide bomb attack. Hopefully that'll rattle her enough for her to get on board to get Al-Qaeda and everyone associated with them.
The Pakistanis have told U.S. officials that they were aware of three or four al Qaeda-related cells seeking to undertake an attack on Bhutto's return. The attack, officials said, is frightening because it shows how much freedom al Qaeda has to move around in Pakistan.
Well if they have that much free reign in the country, perhaps if you invited us in, we'd be happen to eradicate your problem. We already have an agreement with the Pakistani government that allows us to pursue people up to I believe 10 miles into Pakistan if we're in pursuit or if we believe they are right on the border.
I can respect sovereignty as much as the next guy, but personally, if it were up to me, I'd have CIA spooks all over that country and be conducting covert operations left and right to get at Al-Qaeda.
Travis
Racism.
Do you think racism exists in America? Do you think that racism coming from those who claim they are victims of such a thing should be racist themselves?
Well BET took two of the "Jena Six" defendants and allowed them to get up on stage and help present at the Hip Hop Awards.
"By no means are we condoning a six-on-one beat-down," Williams said during his introduction of the teens, one of whom is still facing attempted murder charges in connection with the attack on white student Justin Barker. "... But the injustice perpetrated on these young men is straight criminal."
So you think that since they were charged for beating on a white kid in a 6 to 1 fight they deserve to be put up on stage and then act like they are the victims?
The kid they attacked was put into the hospital and HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE EARLIER INCIDENTS OF RACISM.
That in of itself is racist and BET has a lot of nerve to claim these thugs as being victims.
Next time you claim racism, don't expect people to listen or feel sorry for you.
Travis
The Raw Story | US intelligence does not show Syrian nuclear weapons program, officials say
It certainly appears that Rawstory is trying to get Cheney to blame for this story with statements like:
Cheney hand seen behind leaks of 'misleading' stories,
However, the problem is that the UN posted the translation on it's own website, something that Cheney doesn't have control over. Plus, the UN translator had no problem translating the world "nuclear" across the document many times, but the ONE time that it really counts, they want to discredit them?
Something is WAY fishy over there and I have several problems with this story. For example:
The UN has since gone through the tape recordings of the meeting and found that there was no mention of the word “nuclear” at all. According to the UN, the error was one of translation, involving several interpreters translating the same meeting.
However, if you read the redacted article, the word "nuclear" is mentioned almost 150 times, including under the section "Statements".
There is some massive bullshit going on here and I think it's on the UN's part.
US intelligence “found no radiation signatures after the bombing, so there was no uranium or plutonium present,” said one official, wishing to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the subject.
Just because there's no nuclear material doesn't mean it wasn't a nuclear reactor in the process of being built, or any other nuclear plant's support buildings.
“We don't have any independent intelligence that it was a nuclear facility -- only the assertions by the Israelis and some ambiguous satellite photography from them that shows a building, which the Syrians admitted was a military facility.”
Well if they admit it was a military facility, why won't they allow people to come in to see the wreckage? Why won't they explain further what the building was being used or used to be used for? Why don't they complain to the UN about their "sovereignty"? Why all the secretiveness? Syria being quiet about an Israeli airstrike with them having nothing to hide is ludicrous. There was something going on in that building that Syria doesn't want people to know about.
Travis
Democratic Lawmaker Pushing Immunity Is Newly Flush With Telco Cash on Threat Level
Wait a minute, according to Democrats, only Republicans are corrupt and evil. Why, according to this article, it seriously looks like Senator Rockefeller from West Virginia is up to no good AND is subject to round about bribery.
And that's not the only communications company that is contributing highly to the Senator.
AT&T are also sudden, large contributors to Senator Rockefeller.
Why, if I didn't know any better, it would certainly appear that these companies are scared to death of the lawsuits from their illegal privacy violations to the US government just a short while ago.
What's worse, is that these companies should have known better. Qwest thought better of it and told the government "no". Now they don't have to worry about lawsuits and pissed off customers. Funny how that works.
Travis
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The President's Amusement
"Where are you going to get that money? Are you going to tell us lies like you're telling us today? Is that how you're going to fund the war? You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement."
Amusement? Does he really think that's what the war in Iraq is about? If so, this guy is a certified looney and needs to be put away for his own safety. He's liable to try to eat paste or some other retarded act.
He talks about cutting off 800,000 children's health care in California and creating a waiting list. Well perhaps they ought to take a look at their budget if not getting this funding will make it so that those cuts will be needed. California is a massive economy and they have been running a deficit for a very long time.
You can't run a country, or anything else for that matter, spending more then you're bringing in for too long. You'll go broke doing it. Any idiot will tell you that, but this particular one is threatening to not only not insure the additional 10 million kids that they want, but cutting an additional 800,000.
Cut your budget fat if you want to insure these kids. If you can't, then it sounds cruel, but you will have to cut somewhere. If you don't want to cut the 800,000 kids, then cut something else. If it's that important, you'll find a way.
Travis
Putin: U.S. in Iraq is 'pointless' - CNN.com
"One can wipe off a political map some tyrannical regime ... but it's absolutely pointless to fight with a people," he said. "Russia, thank God, isn't Iraq. It has enough strength and power to defend itself and its interests, both on its territory and in other parts of the world."
Yes Putin, one CAN get rid of a tyrannical regime....You won't do it because you're in bed with them or you want them to try to take out America, which we all know simply won't happen. But I don't see Russia helping out in any way, shape or form when it comes to Iraq. I think Russia is simply trying to gather up allies to confront the US.
He's even calling for us to set a time table.
Hmm...I wonder why that is?? It's not Russia's business for how long we're there. They seem to want something....else... It wouldn't be the friendly overtones towards Iran and it's building of a nuclear reactor in Iran would it? It wouldn't be the power struggle that Russia is fighting against the Chinese and the US would it?
The point is that Putin is simply trying to poke at a bear with a stick, and perhaps we should poke back. Let's start with the political power grab or the mysterious deaths of dissidents in Russia?
We could always start there Putin. Don't throw stones if you live in a glass house.
Travis
Good Lord What A Day
I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off all day long working on behind the scenes stuff.
I am running WAY behind schedule on a bunch of things, so I will be doing a quickie few posts today and hopefully getting my audio equipment up and running for the planned podcasts. :)
Travis
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Paul Simon: A Message to Republicans Who Voted Against the Children's Health Bill
My name is Paul Simon.
I earn my living by writing and singing songs. It's a very old and low-tech profession that feels increasingly age-appropriate. I am honored to have the opportunity to express my opinions concerning SCHIP.
I am the father of four healthy children, knock on wood, but if they get sick or need medical attention I don't knock on wood; I take them to a doctor whose care and attention I am, fortunately, able to afford. Millions of American children do not receive the same medical care. They are uninsured.
The president's veto of the re-authorization of SCHIP was a heartless act.
Mr. Simon, perhaps you should actually read the bill that the President vetoed and see WHY he vetoed it in the first place. President Bush agreed to a bill that would give a 20% increase in the program. However, Democrats wanted a 140% increase. Bush said it was too expensive and threatened to veto it. Rather than talking with the President and various people, they sent it to him regardless in hoping that the veto would get people out against the President with half truths.
You sir, are one of those people.
Perhaps if you bothered to see what the Democrats plan would actually cost Americans, you'd see that it was way too expensive of a program and would include people who rightfully shouldn't be included.
I am asking those of you who supported the veto to reexamine your conscience, to find compassion in your heart for our most vulnerable and sweetest citizens -- our children. I am asking you to change your vote. If you do, I believe it will be one of the proudest days of your life.
Trying to invoke children into the argument is a sad point to try to make. Would you be so impassioned if the program covered 25-35 year old white people? What about any other particular group of people? The simple fact is that Democrats love to complain about the federal deficit and how we're all creating debt for our children to have to pay back, but then they throw programs like this at the President to sign.
Perhaps if they offered to cut the 140% increase out of fat in other parts of the budget, they'd have an argument. But since it was an added cost that was WAY above what we could afford, the President simply said "no" to their proposal.
If they had come to him with the 20% increase that he had said ok to, then we wouldn't be having this debate.
Travis
OMG: Cynthia McKinney for prez?
I won't even dignify this #^$#$ with a response. Feel free to insert any nasty word you want in there. She doesn't deserve the time or the attention for her blatant racism, assault of a police officer, and her refusal to apologize properly.
Screw her.
Travis
It's Totally Unbelievable!
It’s the middle of October and Rudy Giuliani is still leading the race for the Republican nomination. His old enemies in New York can’t understand it.
“It’s totally unbelievable,” said Charles Rangel, the dean of the New York Congressional delegation and a longtime adversary of Mr. Giuliani. “I refuse to believe that this could possibly happen to our country. I have too much confidence in our country to believe that this could really happen.”
Yes, Charles, it's very difficult to believe that someone could possibly have a differing opinion then you and have supporters. Perish the thought! Oh my God! America simply MUST wake up from the nightmare that is differing political opinions! We must all think the same way, or treat those that are different from us as less then equal!
When someone is astonished that someone with differing political views is popular and they urge Americans to "wake up", you immediately lose all credibility with me.
If you have a differing political viewpoint, I'm happy to sit down with you and listen to your side and politely debate and disagree. However, when you start name calling and acting like a child, you lose.
Travis
Syrian Nuclear Facility Document
Because Google's cache can sometimes drop off the face of the earth rather quickly, I have copied and pasted the document into a plain text document for you all to enjoy.
Travis
DELAY IN REAPING ‘DISARMAMENT DIVIDEND’ DIVERTS RESOURCES FOR DEVELOPMENT, FUELS CONFLICT, FIRST COMMITTEE TOLD TODAY AS IT CONCLUDES GENERAL DEBATE
Son of a BITCH! The UN redacted the news story that I just put up about Syria admitting the Israeli's hit a nuclear facility.
Here's the UN document. And here's the Google cache of the same document.
Notice the lack of this paragraph:
Moreover, Israel was the fourth largest exporter of weapons of mass destruction and a violator of other nations’ airspace, and it had taken action against nuclear facilities, including the 6 July attack in Syria. He vowed that whenever a right of reply was exercised, Syria would expose the underlying goals of the Zionist entity.
Now the plot gets MUCH thicker.
Travis
Syria Denies Report on Nuclear Strike
Oh how the Israeli strike on Syria takes a new twist! The Syrian ambassador to the UN was paraphrased as saying that the Israeli's had indeed hit Syrian nuclear facilities.
Moreover, Israel was the fourth largest exporter of weapons of mass destruction and a violator of other nations’ airspace, and it had taken action against nuclear facilities, including the 6 July attack in Syria. He vowed that whenever a right of reply was exercised, Syria would expose the underlying goals of the Zionist entity.
But now, the Syrians are denying everything.
So, who do you believe? I think it's pretty obvious with all the circumstantial evidence that the Syrians are lying their asses off so they don't have to worry about sanctions like Iran is facing.
Let's see them weasel their way out of this one.
Travis
Murtha: Armenian Genocide Vote to Fail
Well thank God for that. Even President Bush is calling it how he sees it:
"With all these pressing responsibilities, one thing Congress should not be doing is sorting out the historical record of the Ottoman Empire," Bush said. "The resolution on the mass killings of Armenians beginning in 1915 is counterproductive. ...
"Congress has more important work to do than antagonizing a democratic ally in the Muslim world, especially one that's providing vital support for our military every day," Bush said.
You would think that Democrats would be a bit more long term thinking on an issue like this, however, I'm beginning to think that my earlier theory that this was an affront to get the Turks pissed enough to disrupt the supply side of the Iraq war was true.
Pelosi, D-Calif., is expected to hold off on a vote until she gets a better idea of how many House members will support it—a task assumed behind the scenes by the resolution's primary co-sponsors, including Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. More than a dozen lawmakers withdrew their sponsorship of the measure this month.
That's a cowardly act right there. Pelosi knows that this is unpopular and is waiting to see how unpopular before she speaks about it. If you support it, support it, but don't go with the cowardly "you first" attitude. You were elected for your leadership, and now you're showing that you can't do that.
What's worse, is that after I told you all that Democrats chide us for alienating our allies, Murtha actually said this:
Said Murtha: "We don't have the number of allies we used to have. We've lost so much credibility worldwide."
Well Murtha, if we've lost so much credibility, why the hell are you trying to piss off another ally? The fact is that you and Pelosi thought that you could do this to piss off Turkey in the hopes that they would end their support of the supply lines for the war in Iraq.
There was a massive backlash against it, and now you're trying to tuck tail and run home to momma.
Face it, you thought you could be sneaky, and you failed. If you're going to try to undermine the war in Iraq, try to think of a better way then one that puts the critical supplies of ground troops at a steady decline.
Bad form Murtha.
Travis
Bush warns of World War III if Iran goes nuclear
"We've got a leader in Iran who has announced that he wants to destroy Israel," Bush said at a White House press conference after Russia cautioned against military action against Tehran's suspect atomic program.
"So I've told people that, if you're interested in avoiding World War III, it seems like you ought to be interested in preventing them from having the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon," said Bush.
Well it's about time someone called out Iran for it's various activities. I'm wondering now what Putin's "special nuclear message" was to the Iranians during his visit.
They both have to know that any nuclear activity that isn't directly being observed openly by inspectors is bound to have a bomb dropped on it by either the Israeli's or us.
Iran is only emboldened simply because they've gotten away with all their crap for so long.
If you take a small child, and let them get away with throwing a temper tantrum, and do nothing, they'll push further until you spank them on the bottom and tell them "no".
Travis
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
CNN.com - Transcripts
TOM FOREMAN (voice-over): If you could save the life of a soldier, rescue the hostage children; stop the next terrorist bomb by torturing a prisoner for information, would you do it?
And this is Mitt Romney's new security adviser.
Travis
Libya gets U.N. Security Council seat
I never thought I'd live to see this day. Libya, the former terrorist supporting nation who blew up Pan Am flight 103, was elected to a position on the UN Security Council.
So has Libya actually renounced terrorism and it's WMD program? Well I imagine that since we didn't object to the move, we must have a good reason.
It would be like giving Iran a seat on the Council and we didn't object, to give you an idea of how far Libya has come since their terror days.
Travis
Gore: Universal Health Care a 'Right'
Who's going to pay for it Al? Healthcare isn't a "right". It's a privilege that we enjoy the most advanced medical science on earth. Freedom of Speech is a right. Just because you want something, doesn't make it a "right". Everyone talks a big game about the "millions without health insurance", but no one wants to say how they plan on paying for it without putting this country into a much deeper debt.
You can't have it both ways Al. You can't complain about the federal deficit and then turn around and ask for universal health care that costs billions with no way to pay for it.
Democrats love to tax the hell out of rich or moderately wealthy people to pay for programs for the poor, but no one wants to talk about making the poor pitch in to help as well. If you want a say 2% increase in taxes, make it a 2% increase ACROSS THE BOARD. Don't make one group of people be forced to pay for another group of people. It's not fair and it's morally wrong.
You don't see me asking Al Gore to raise his taxes so that I can have a Playstation 3. What if I thought that having a PS3 was a right? I have the luxury of living in a nation where I can get one and I can readily afford it. But it wouldn't be fair of me to ask for someone to pay for it out of their taxes while it cost me nothing.
Sure, many of you might say "well that's a toy, we're talking about health care". Well what do you think people did before health insurance? They worked hard, exercised, ate right, and rarely had medical problems.
And you simply can't have an advanced medical community without bright people and advanced equipment that all COSTS MONEY. Start cutting out the money involved and you'll see a dramatic difference in the quality and speediness of care.
Besides, most states already have universal health insurance for poor citizens.
Travis
Bush hosts Dalai Lama amid Chinese outrage | Reuters
"We are furious," Tibet's Communist Party boss, Zhang Qingli, told reporters in China. "If the Dalai Lama can receive such an award, there must be no justice or good people in the world."
The White House denied Bush's private meeting with the Dalai Lama, his fourth since taking office, was meddling in China's internal affairs. But Perino said: "We understand that the Chinese have very strong feelings about this."
Yes, because China NEVER interferes with our internal affairs. They NEVER make massive attempts to crack into military computers at the Pentagon. They NEVER have generals talk about invading us. They NEVER have openly talked about trying to sink our economy.
Let's get one thing straight here. If China wants us to treat them with respect and dignity, then maybe they ought to return the favor in kind. Until then, "screw off" China.
Travis
Artist defiantly draws Prophet Mohammed
Well finally we get to see Muslim fanatics for the idiots they really are. We all remember the Dutch cartoons that people got ALL upset about. The riots, the death threats, etc. Most everyone thought it died down. But one artist, Lars Vilks, is giving Muslim fanatics a big "screw you" and says he'll still draw these cartoons.
"That's a way of expressing things. If you don't like it, don't look at it. And if you look at it, don't take it too seriously. No harm done, really," he says.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
When it's suggested that might prove an arrogant -- if not insulting -- way to engage Muslims, he is unrelenting, even defiant.
Good! It's about time he called these idiots with signs that say "behead those who insult Islam" to the carpet. No one wants to tell them they are acting like idiots or arrest them for rioting.
"No one actually loves the truth, but someone has to say it," he says.
Vilks, a self-described atheist, points out he's an equal opportunity offender who in the past sketched a depiction of Jesus as a pedophile.
Wait, where are all the Christians in an uproar? Where are the Christians who riot and give out death threats? Oh yeah, Christians, for the most part, don't really care. What about the Jews? Buddhists? These religions get insulted all the time, and even by Muslim groups. It seems they can give it, but they can't take it. And if that's the case, then you really can't complain when your religion gets insulted.
Travis
Four sue police, alleging "dirty tactics"
Frank Waterhouse is suing for unlawful seizure with excessive force, alleging that police fired a Taser and bean bag rounds at him on May 27, 2006 because he was videotaping their search of a friend's property in the 5800 block of Northeast Portland Highway.
Normally, I give the cops the benefit of the doubt. Unfortunately, there's video taped evidence AND the laughable excuse of this:
Officers wrote in their reports that Waterhouse ran off, they chased and then bean-bagged and Tasered him. One officer wrote, "He had refused to drop the camera which could be used as a weapon."
Article has video of the last few seconds of the incident.
Time to break out the checkbook fellas, you've been caught red handed.
Travis
John Edwards Sex Scandal?
Supposedly, the National Enquirer, has evidence that Presidential candidate John Edwards had an affair with one of his campaign workers, Ms. Rielle Hunter. They claim that they have "enough evidence to sink the campaign".
Personally, as much as I despise John Edwards, what he did behind closed doors with another consenting adult is between him, his lover, and his wife. However, I would like to know if it's true or not.
Of course John is denying everything and who wouldn't? Cheating on your wife who has cancer? That'll sink just about any campaign right there by itself. People will think "If he can't stand by his wife in her hour of need, why wouldn't he do the same in America's hour of need"?
Travis
Hillary! Uncensored - Banned By The Media
What the hell is up with Hillary and her campaign fund raisers? Here's an interesting look at things that go behind the scenes and who Hillary really might be.
Taliban use hostage cash to fund UK blitz - Telegraph
I warned South Korea about negotiating with terrorists. I warned them that paying money for hostages was an extremely bad idea. Now it looks like that money went directly towards arms that killed a British soldier.
Major Alexis Roberts, 32, Prince William's former platoon commander at Sandhurst, was one of the victims of the Taliban offensive funded by the hostage money.
You know, I'd love to hear South Korea's explanation to Major Roberts' family on how they sleep at night knowing their actions directly lead to the needless death of a British soldier.
"It was a God-sent opportunity," said Mullah Hezbollah, 30. "It has helped us to multiply our stockpile of weapons and explosives to wage battle for at least a year or so."
You see, you deny them supplies, deny them opportunity, and you hunt them down and kill them. That's all they understand and that's all they deserve. When you give them money, especially for hostages, you enable them to fight longer, and more people die.
Of course South Korea denies this, but if it isn't true, why did the Taliban release the hostages? Why not send in special forces and slaughter the kidnappers?
Someone's lying here, and unfortunately, I think it's the South Koreans.
Travis
Execution halted with 90 minutes to spare - CNN.com
It's cases like this that really piss me off. Here we have a guy who murdered an elderly woman by beating her to death with a tire iron, and yet, we have to feel sorry for this scum because his death might be "cruel and unusual".
Basically, they are asking that the method of execution, lethal injection, be looked into because the inmate might feel severe pain before he dies. Because I believe very deeply in the Constitution, I must regretfully agree that this needs to be looked into.
However, what we really need to do is have it looked into LONG before the execution is set to take place.
This woman didn't get to chose how she died and didn't get to get a sedative "to take the edge off", like this guy got.
I'm glad he's nervous. I'm glad he's scared to die. That woman he killed must have been frightened out of her mind.
When he dies for his crimes, then justice will be served. However, if they need a new method of execution, I've suggested several in the past that are quick and painless.
Travis
Putin: Iran nuke plans 'peaceful' - CNN.com
"Hey, we're building this nuclear reactor for Iran, and we'd REALLY appreciate it if you wouldn't bomb the hell out of it". That's pretty much the gist of what Putin is saying.
Iran should be allowed to pursue its nuclear program for peaceful purposes, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday during the first visit to the country by a Kremlin leader since 1943.
That's what the crux of everything is. NO ONE, not even the US, is saying Iran can't have a peaceful nuclear program. However, there is evidence that they are attempting to create a nuclear weapons program.
Russia is building Iran's first nuclear power plant and has resisted moves by the U.S. and its allies to impose stronger U.N. sanctions against Tehran.
The reason for the resistance is because if there's sanctions, Russia can't legally sell the Iranians very profitable items. If Russia is forced to sell them to other nations or to not sell as much items, then Russia can't climb it's way back onto the world stage of superpowers.
Speaking afterwards, Putin said that no Caspian nation should offer its territory to third parties intent on military action against other countries in the region -- a reference to rumors that the U.S. planned to use Azerbaijan as a base for a possible attack against Iran, The Associated Press reported.
Well if he's warning other nations, perhaps we can warn other nations about Russia's little stunts of using it's oil reserves for political pressure. Perhaps they wouldn't like it if Russia suddenly had a product that other nations weren't buying from them.
If Iran and Russia really want to diffuse the situation, open up the nation to surprise inspections from UN inspectors. Stop enrichment and accept nuclear fuel from a neutral third party that cannot be used for nuclear weapons.
Doing so will make everyone's situation win/win. However, with Iran's continuing support of Hezbollah, the insurgency in Iraq, and it's threats against Israel, I simply don't see that happening.
Travis
Monday, October 15, 2007
U.N. watchdog asks Syria about "undeclared" atom plant - Yahoo! News
Holy Jesus. The IAEA DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE SYRIAN NUCLEAR FACILITY?? Well, let's ask them about it shall we? I'm sure you'll get the Syrians to tell the truth about it.
Why else would they be silent about the Israeli airstrike? Why else would North Korea protest so loudly? Why else would the Syrians not strike back? Why else would the Syrians not stage a formal protest to the UN?
Why because they were hiding shit. That's why.
Well if the IAEA didn't know about this, if it's true, how can we trust them when it comes to the Iranian nuclear program?
Travis
U.S. officer goes on trial in Iraq for "aiding enemy"
Everyone knows I'm willing to give US soldiers the benefit of the doubt when it comes to questionable things they may or may not have done during the heat of battle.
However, if what they are accusing Lt. Colonel William Steele of doing is true, he should never get out of jail for treason.
The most serious charge he still faces is that of aiding the enemy. He is accused of providing an unmonitored mobile phone to detainees. The other charges are failing to obey an order, unauthorized possession of classified information and maintaining an inappropriate relationship with his interpreter.
We have fine men and women over in Iraq right now and if he did provide unmonitored cell phones to detainees, there's a good chance that they used those phones to coordinate attacks against US soldiers, warn insurgents, or other horrible things.
But of course, his defense attorney is trying to spin it another way with a laughable defense:
The defense sought a motion to dismiss the charge of aiding the enemy, arguing that giving a mobile phone to detainees did not fall into the legal definition of supplying "arms, munitions, money and other things."
It's not "other things"? How can it not be? Any idiot can see what this guy is accused of would be considered aiding the enemy.
The presiding judge, Lieutenant-Colonel Timothy Grammel, denied the request but said the prosecution must prove that the detainees Steele was helping qualified as "enemies" and not former enemies.
Well I'm at least glad that Judge Grammel can see through the bullshit.
Of course, it does get worse:
At his pre-trial hearing, Steele pleaded guilty to wrongfully storing classified information in his quarters, improperly marking classified information and possession of pornography, which carry a maximum sentence of two years' each.
Possession of pornography, I could care less about, unless it's child or illegal porn. In fact, I think our guys and girls over there should get unlimited porn while they are there, but that's not the point.
In June military prosecutors dismissed charges alleging he had an inappropriate relationship with the daughter of a detainee.
So, he's nailing the daughter of a detainee, giving them unmonitored cell phones, illegally storing classified information, improperly marking classified information (redacting documents maybe?) AND other charges?
That's a pretty hefty list of things this guy is accused of doing. I hope that prosecutors are wrong, but if even half of these things are true, he should never get out of prison.
Travis
State Bar of California, Civil Rights Group Spar Over Affirmative Action
Does affirmative action work? An explosive study that suggests it does not is pitting the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights against the State Bar of California in a battle over admissions data that could determine once and for all if racial preferences help or hurt minority students.
"Currently only about one in three African-Americans who goes to an American law school passes the bar on the first attempt and a majority never become lawyers at all," says UCLA law professor Richard Sander.
In an article published in the Stanford Law Review, Sander and his research team concluded several thousand would-be black lawyers either dropped out of law school or failed to pass the bar because of affirmative action.
So, wait a minute. This story is a bit misleading here. What are the statistics for white law school applicants? What about Hispanic?
The bar exams are color blind. You're either right or wrong about a question asked during those tests. To tell you the truth, I don't think Affirmative Action should be in existence. Why? Say you've been arrested for a crime you did not commit. The evidence suggests you did it (faulty eye witnesses, etc.). Do you want a lawyer to defend you who actually passed the test because he's smart, or do you want a guy who's a lawyer only because he's black?
Now it becomes clear the unforeseen problems of Affirmative Action doesn't it? You hire the best man/woman for the job, regardless of color, religion, age, or sex. Do that, and your company will prosper. Start hiring people simply because some idiot decided that the workforce should be a rainbow of people, then you'll start seeing productivity and competitiveness head south very quickly.
Besides, if you fail the bar exam and then quit, I don't want you as my lawyer. If you fail, then try harder and pass, that means you've got the "stick to it-ivness" that I want in an attorney.
But others don't see it that way:
"There is no answer but to give him the information," says black civil rights attorney Leo Terrell. "What is the state bar afraid of? We need to know."
Well there's a problem with that Mr. Terrell:
"The release (bar exam) applicants sign does not allow us to release the information to third parties," Whitnie Henderson told FOX News. "Looking at all the information we just decided it was not something that fit within the committee’s purview."
You see, there's a release, which is a form of a contract, that forbids them to share that information with a third party. You're an attorney, and you should know that.
Travis
To Be Fair
I try to be fair in a lot of areas, and this one is no different. We all remember the recent court case where a Judge said that Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" needed a disclaimer.
Well a little digging around found this little nugget. Apparently, the person who sued, was backed by a guy with significant ties to the mining industry.
It doesn't change the ruling the judge made, but I would like, just for once, that someone is on a particular side of an issue simply because it's what they believe in, instead of having backers or back door deals with various interest groups without agendas.
You know, just to shake things up for once.
Travis
World Tribune — Turkey could paralyze critical supply lines to Iraq
You know, I was thinking to myself over the weekend "Why is Congress so bent on pissing Turkey off"? Then I had an epiphany.
What if Congress is trying to piss off the Turks in order for them to order us out of their country? Almost 70% of the supplies for the war in Iraq goes through Turkey. Not having that route would make the war much more difficult.
It makes a lot of sense to me, given that Nancy Pelosi recently said that the vote on the "genocide" would go forward "no matter what". I have no doubt that Democrats are this sneaky and underhanded. But currently, I only have suspicions. Undermining the war in Iraq, without having a direct vote or showing your hand to Republicans is a tactical move that I applaud for creativity, but condemn because the people it effects directly is the soldiers on the ground.
Now, materials and supplies could take longer to get to those folks who need these things. Medical supplies, food, ammunition, everything would take longer to get to the hands that need them most.
It's really "win-win" for Democrats in Congress. They are spineless when it comes to confrontation, so they can undermine without directly facing opposition; they slow the war down in Iraq in hopes to get it to stop, and more.
But it shows their complete lack of long term thinking when it comes to US interests. It puts US soldiers at risk, unnecessarily alienates an ally, which they said we shouldn't be doing in the war on terrorism.
Every time I think Democrats can't sink any lower, they surprise me. I used to think they were simply people with differing political opinions, misguided at worst, now they are showing their true colors when it comes to our allies and the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq.
They want America to lose. They NEED America to lose so they can say "See! I told you Republicans were bad! Vote Democrat".
Well the problem is that America ISN'T losing. In fact, attacks and deaths in Iraq have dropped significantly to the point where one General is openly questioning if they should declare victory over Al-Qaeda in Iraq. I think unless there's a definitive military goal achieved, that we should hold off on that, but with the "good news" coming from Iraq lately, it appears that Democrats are losing steam when it comes to the upcoming elections.
That's something they certainly don't want to have happen.
Travis
Kucinich: "If Congress does not impeach President Bush for intentionally misleading the public, the next president should hand over Bush and his administration to law enforcement officials"
You know, I just can't make this kind of stuff up folks. Dennis Kucinich has said that if Congress won't do anything about Bush, then the next President should hand him over the cops.
Well Dennis, there's a few problems with that. First off, the President, isn't King. He doesn't get to arbitrarily decide that someone committed a crime and should be punished for it. There has to be evidence, and there are people who decide these things. They are called "law enforcement" people. You know; cops, judges, prosecutors, special committees, etc.
But poor old Dennis doesn't see it that way. This after his now infamous "I won't order Bin Laden killed" bit when he said that he was going to go back to the Constitution.
Well, in the Constitution, it clearly says what is and isn't an impeachable offense. If Democrats REALLY had a case against Bush for committing "high crimes and misdemeanors", they would have done it by now.
The fact they haven't means one of two things. Either they are too cowardly to do it, or they are worried about the same evidence they used to vote for the war in Iraq (which is the root of all Democrats' hatred of Bush) could be used against them.
This is why I let people speak freely here on this site. People have a natural tendency to open their mouth and insert their foot. And it's hilarious to watch them do it.
Travis
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