In the wake of the outrageous comments made by the president of Iran to wipe Israel from the face of the world, Israel's Vice Prime Minister Shimon Peres says that the UN should expel Iran from the UN, although this is not the "official" policy statement of Israel in reaction to those remarks.
That is unlikely to happen, though, and to be honest, I don't think that's a good idea. Why not? Because of the possible adverse effects on the common Iranian people, and especially the dissidents who already face enough adversity as it is. From what I've been reading and hearing, there is a growing majority of Iranians who are decidely unhappy with their government, and with their governments policies, but who can't (or won't - yet) do anything about their government, due to its repressive nature. Expulsion from the UN might trigger an even more pronounced "Us vs. Them" mindset in Iran (right now, it's mainly the sentiment of the government, not necessarily that of the common people), which could possibly undo the work that the dissidents are doing.
Better than expulsion from the UN is regime change, affected by "outside interests", in support of that growing majority of disaffected Iranians, starting say, sometime after December 15th, maybe?
Sunday, October 30, 2005
NOPD deserters fired
As reported here, 45 cops, and 6 civilian employees of the NOPD have been fired outright from the police department for desertion during Hurricane Katrina, while 3 others (2 cops, 1 firefighter) were rejected for employment by the Dallas PD because of allegations of desertion. The people who were fired are part of the 240 that are under investigation for going MIA during Hurricane Katrina.
The NOPD has been looked upon as the most corrupt police force in the US for a long time, due to criminal acts perpetrated by officers, both on and off duty, with the most recent allegations being that members of the force stole over 200 luxury cars to be able to leave Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Katrina.
Hopefully for the citizens of New Orleans, this investigation will weed out the worst of the offenders, and send a message to the remaining members of the force to straighten up, fly right, and act like police officers are supposed to act - preventing crime instead of committing crime!
The NOPD has been looked upon as the most corrupt police force in the US for a long time, due to criminal acts perpetrated by officers, both on and off duty, with the most recent allegations being that members of the force stole over 200 luxury cars to be able to leave Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Katrina.
Hopefully for the citizens of New Orleans, this investigation will weed out the worst of the offenders, and send a message to the remaining members of the force to straighten up, fly right, and act like police officers are supposed to act - preventing crime instead of committing crime!
"Groundswell" says change is possible
As reported here, the Christian organization, Groundswell, says that it is possible for gay/lesbian teens to change their lives, while the gay/lesbian folks angrily say it's not possible, while the moonbat leftist Ken Schram pontificates on this in his usual non-sensical way.
Let me clue you in to something folks. Through God, ALL things are possible, even becoming "straight". I personally know this to be a fact. Was I gay at one time? No, but I was a heavy drug user, with no way to stop using drugs on my own. When I turned my life over to Jesus, however, He took my need to use drugs completely away, and I have been clean since 1978, and I consider myself to be a recovered (not recovering) drug user. That was a radical change for me, in that, I lived my life to use drugs. My whole reason for being, as it were, was to get high, but I knew that if I continued down that path that my life was going to be short. As a matter of fact, I predicted - no, boasted - to my friends that I would not live past my 21st birthday. Fortunately for me, I was wrong about that, and have made it 38 years more than I once predicted/boasted.
Contrary to what the gay/lesbian advocates will have you believe, I do not believe that we are "born" gay or straight; rather, I believe that it is a choice. So, if these kids really want to choose to change their lifestyle, it is possible for them to do so.
My question to the gay/lesbian folks is, how do you know it isn't possible to change? Have you even tried? Or are you so close-minded that you won't even try?
Let me clue you in to something folks. Through God, ALL things are possible, even becoming "straight". I personally know this to be a fact. Was I gay at one time? No, but I was a heavy drug user, with no way to stop using drugs on my own. When I turned my life over to Jesus, however, He took my need to use drugs completely away, and I have been clean since 1978, and I consider myself to be a recovered (not recovering) drug user. That was a radical change for me, in that, I lived my life to use drugs. My whole reason for being, as it were, was to get high, but I knew that if I continued down that path that my life was going to be short. As a matter of fact, I predicted - no, boasted - to my friends that I would not live past my 21st birthday. Fortunately for me, I was wrong about that, and have made it 38 years more than I once predicted/boasted.
Contrary to what the gay/lesbian advocates will have you believe, I do not believe that we are "born" gay or straight; rather, I believe that it is a choice. So, if these kids really want to choose to change their lifestyle, it is possible for them to do so.
My question to the gay/lesbian folks is, how do you know it isn't possible to change? Have you even tried? Or are you so close-minded that you won't even try?
Sunni's form political bloc in Iraq
As reported here, three Sunni groups have formed a coalition to field up to 230 candidates in the upcoming elections in Iraq, deciding that they want to play the game, after all. They are also said to be trying to get "insurgents" to lay down their arms, and are pressing the US for a withdrawal. Oh, and to fill space, mention was made of the UN report due out regarding UNSCAM. What that has to do with the Sunni's participating in the upcoming elections escapes me, really, but I digress.
This is actually good news. Participation in the election process by the Sunni's gives all sides a voice in how their government is formed, and will prevent the Shiites and Kurds from having complete domination of the political process in Iraq, a situation that could have had dire consequences to the development of a true democratic form of government.
The other good news, is their attempt to persuade the "insurgents" to lay down their arms. They want the US to withdraw, right? Well, the quickest way to see that happen is if the "insurgents" quit shooting at, and blowing up, people. If they can be successful at this, and if all of the foreign terrorists are rounded up, and if the borders are more effectively sealed against the influx of more terrorists, and if the political process is allowed to fully develop, the need for a US-Coalition presence will disappear, don't you think? After all, that's why we are still there, right?
Those are all big "ifs", but the inclusion of the Sunni's in the political process is a start at dealing with all of those "ifs".
This is actually good news. Participation in the election process by the Sunni's gives all sides a voice in how their government is formed, and will prevent the Shiites and Kurds from having complete domination of the political process in Iraq, a situation that could have had dire consequences to the development of a true democratic form of government.
The other good news, is their attempt to persuade the "insurgents" to lay down their arms. They want the US to withdraw, right? Well, the quickest way to see that happen is if the "insurgents" quit shooting at, and blowing up, people. If they can be successful at this, and if all of the foreign terrorists are rounded up, and if the borders are more effectively sealed against the influx of more terrorists, and if the political process is allowed to fully develop, the need for a US-Coalition presence will disappear, don't you think? After all, that's why we are still there, right?
Those are all big "ifs", but the inclusion of the Sunni's in the political process is a start at dealing with all of those "ifs".
Judge rules against political free speech again
As reported here, the same misguided Thurston County judge has once again over stepped his bounds, ruling against KVI radio hosts Kirby Wilbur and John Carlson, and the organizers for the I-912 campaign, ruling that on air comments by Wilbur and Carlson were "in kind" campaign contributions, and must be reported to the state Public Disclosure Commission as such.
This latest ruling will be appealed to the state supreme court, of course, as this violates both the Federal and State Constitutions free speech clauses. This has chilling implications if allowed to stand, in that, if you publicly endorse an initiative, referendum, or candidate in any form of media, whether it be TV, radio, newspaper, or blog, you could be subject to campaign finance rules requiring the organizers to report what you are saying as an "in kind" political contribution, which could mean that you would be silenced by the government if they don't like what you're saying.
I for one, refuse to be silenced, and will continue to write what I feel is the truth, and will defend my ability to do so on Constitutional grounds, all the way to the Federal Supreme Court if need be.
Don't like what I write? Too bad. Deal with it!
This latest ruling will be appealed to the state supreme court, of course, as this violates both the Federal and State Constitutions free speech clauses. This has chilling implications if allowed to stand, in that, if you publicly endorse an initiative, referendum, or candidate in any form of media, whether it be TV, radio, newspaper, or blog, you could be subject to campaign finance rules requiring the organizers to report what you are saying as an "in kind" political contribution, which could mean that you would be silenced by the government if they don't like what you're saying.
I for one, refuse to be silenced, and will continue to write what I feel is the truth, and will defend my ability to do so on Constitutional grounds, all the way to the Federal Supreme Court if need be.
Don't like what I write? Too bad. Deal with it!
Mike McGavik officially announces run for Senate
As reported here, Safeco Insurance CEO Mike McGavik has officially announced his intention to run for the GOP nomination to run against current Sen. Maria "Can't-do-well".
State Dem chairman Paul Berendt says McGavik has "no chance" to defeat "Can't-do-well". Oh, really? Note to Paul - don't count your chickens before they're hatched, pal.
State Dem chairman Paul Berendt says McGavik has "no chance" to defeat "Can't-do-well". Oh, really? Note to Paul - don't count your chickens before they're hatched, pal.
Going off half cocked
Once again, the P-I Editorial Board goes off half cocked about a subject that they are intellectually clueless about, saying that recently passed legislation protecting gun manufacturers and dealers from product liability lawsuits is unnecessary.
Let me put it this way. A gun is a tool, which when properly used is as safe as any other tool. Suing a gun manufacturer or dealer because a gun is used in the perpetration of a crime, rather than suing the user of the gun, is akin to someone who, while using a hammer hits his finger instead of the nail, suing the manufacturer of the hammer or the hardware store where the hammer was purchased, instead of taking responsibility for his own inept use of the tool.
Any tool, when used properly, is safe, while any tool used improperly can be dangerous, if not deadly. But, is that the fault of the manufacturer or the dealer? No! The responsibility of the safe use of any tool rests entirely with the user, period. End of story.
Let me put it this way. A gun is a tool, which when properly used is as safe as any other tool. Suing a gun manufacturer or dealer because a gun is used in the perpetration of a crime, rather than suing the user of the gun, is akin to someone who, while using a hammer hits his finger instead of the nail, suing the manufacturer of the hammer or the hardware store where the hammer was purchased, instead of taking responsibility for his own inept use of the tool.
Any tool, when used properly, is safe, while any tool used improperly can be dangerous, if not deadly. But, is that the fault of the manufacturer or the dealer? No! The responsibility of the safe use of any tool rests entirely with the user, period. End of story.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
PETA employees indicted on animal cruelty charges
As reported here, two employees of PETA - the so-called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals - have been indicted on 25 felony counts for cruelty to animals, after carcasses of dead dogs and cats were found improperly disposed of after being euthanized.
This is just the tip of the iceberg with these people, folks. For more detailed information regarding PETA's cruelty to animals, go here.
Hat tip - Littlebee55
This is just the tip of the iceberg with these people, folks. For more detailed information regarding PETA's cruelty to animals, go here.
Hat tip - Littlebee55
Two education reform bill proposals
From Human Events on Line, two education reform bill proposals that are interesting, especially since the NEA is already up in arms over them. Even though I don't have kids, by being a tax payer, I still have a stake in education and how it is funded. Over the last several years, we have seen literally billions of dollars wasted in failed programs (can you say Ebonics, anyone?), producing fewer properly educated children (who can read, spell and do math), while at the same time, we have seen real education reform efforts either gutted, or killed, by the NEA and local teacher unions who believe they are the sole arbiters of "quality education" for our children - when in fact, their "programs" amount to nothing more than socialized, leftist, revisionist indoctrination, crammed down our childrens throats by former leftist hippies who can't, or won't, get an honest job anywhere else.
Do you want to see real change in public education? Do you want more choice as to where you send your children, and how that choice is paid for? Then contact your representatives in Congress, and tell them that you want them to support both of these bills. If they hesitate to do so, remind them of their own words about the need for "quality education" for our children, and tell them to put their money where their mouth is.
These are OUR children, and this is OUR money, not the NEA's or the local teachers unions, and WE should have a say in where our children are educated, and how that education is paid for, not non-representative organizations who are really only looking out for themselves, and not our children's, nor our nations, best interests.
Do you want to see real change in public education? Do you want more choice as to where you send your children, and how that choice is paid for? Then contact your representatives in Congress, and tell them that you want them to support both of these bills. If they hesitate to do so, remind them of their own words about the need for "quality education" for our children, and tell them to put their money where their mouth is.
These are OUR children, and this is OUR money, not the NEA's or the local teachers unions, and WE should have a say in where our children are educated, and how that education is paid for, not non-representative organizations who are really only looking out for themselves, and not our children's, nor our nations, best interests.
What a tangled web
On-going UNSCAM investigations are turning up a very tangled web of deceipt, subterfuge, money laundering, and links - if only financial - between Saddam's regime and Al-Queda. If the information discovered by Fox News' investigation pans out, proving a concrete link between Saddam and terrorists, this will prove to be a signifigant "smoking gun" that probably won't make it to the front pages of the MSM.
SR 99 Viaduct and SR 520 floating bridge ready to fail?
As reported here, and as I have mentioned before, both of these structures are in dire need of, not just repair but, replacement. According to state government sources, I-912 which would repeal the latest gas tax increase imposed by the Dem dominated legislature, would make repair or replacement of these vital roadways virtually impossible. But that isn't necessarily correct, as John Carlson points out in this op-ed piece.
I fully agree that both of these roadways do need to be replaced, as they are both disasters waiting to happen. However, I do not believe that an increase in the already 28 cent per gallon gas tax is the way to go to get these bridges replaced. Rather, I believe that better prioritization of the spending of funds already raised through the current 28 cent per gallon tax is the way to go.
Our legislators, and state agencies, have consistently refused to look at cutting costs first, before asking for more money for pet projects. I cannot tell you how many times I have driven past road construction in progress, and have seen one person working, while two or more others have been standing there "supervising" the one who is doing the work. As with most government agencies, I believe that there is a problem of being "top heavy" with mid-management level employees, "supervising" too few people who are actually doing the work. Labor costs being what they are, I'm sure that if the bloated employee rolls were cut, there could be a signifigant savings realized.
Private businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, and to cut costs. Why can't the government do the same? Yes, fix the 520 floating bridge and the Viaduct, but do it within the revenue already being generated!
I fully agree that both of these roadways do need to be replaced, as they are both disasters waiting to happen. However, I do not believe that an increase in the already 28 cent per gallon gas tax is the way to go to get these bridges replaced. Rather, I believe that better prioritization of the spending of funds already raised through the current 28 cent per gallon tax is the way to go.
Our legislators, and state agencies, have consistently refused to look at cutting costs first, before asking for more money for pet projects. I cannot tell you how many times I have driven past road construction in progress, and have seen one person working, while two or more others have been standing there "supervising" the one who is doing the work. As with most government agencies, I believe that there is a problem of being "top heavy" with mid-management level employees, "supervising" too few people who are actually doing the work. Labor costs being what they are, I'm sure that if the bloated employee rolls were cut, there could be a signifigant savings realized.
Private businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency, and to cut costs. Why can't the government do the same? Yes, fix the 520 floating bridge and the Viaduct, but do it within the revenue already being generated!
Encouraging news in the fight against breast cancer
As reported here, the cancer fighting drug, Herceptin, which has been used for late stage breast cancer treatment, shows promise in treating early stage breast cancer. Although some have used the word "cure", I believe that it is too early to unequivocally say that, as the studies used were of short duration, but this is a welcome advance in the fight against one of the leading causes of death for women.
Kudos to Genentech!
Kudos to Genentech!
Iraqi's more confident in themselves
Michael Rubin explains why Iraqi's are more confident in themselves than most American pundits and policy makers are.
Most of the news we hear from Iraq is totally negative. Car bombs, the daily litany of Americans giving their lives for the sake of freedom (although it isn't expressed in that manner by the MSM, of course), so-called "insurgents" (read terrorists, the word that must never be said or printed by the MSM - wouldn't want to upset them now, would we?) attacking Iraqi Army and Police recruiting stations, etc., etc., ad nauseum. These are the things that are being looked at by the so-called "experts", and by the policy makers, and because of the negativity, many of them are on the verge of panic, and demanding that President Bush set a definite withdrawal date.
And yet, the truth of the matter is this. Iraqi's have confidence in themselves, and in their political process succeeding. How so? As Mr. Rubin points out, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's who had fled the Saddam regime are returning. People who lack confidence flee the situation, not return. The Iraqi real estate market is booming. People lacking confidence in a situation buy gold and jewels, which can be easily hidden for when they flee. They don't buy real estate if they have no confidence that the law will protect their investment. Foreign investment is up, and will continue to grow. The Iraqi's also recently turned out in the millions to vote on their country's new constitution, establishing a democratic form of government. People with no confidence would not have voted.
That is the truth in Iraq, and why the Iraqi people are more confident in themselves than the American pundits, the so-called "experts", and the policy makers.
Most of the news we hear from Iraq is totally negative. Car bombs, the daily litany of Americans giving their lives for the sake of freedom (although it isn't expressed in that manner by the MSM, of course), so-called "insurgents" (read terrorists, the word that must never be said or printed by the MSM - wouldn't want to upset them now, would we?) attacking Iraqi Army and Police recruiting stations, etc., etc., ad nauseum. These are the things that are being looked at by the so-called "experts", and by the policy makers, and because of the negativity, many of them are on the verge of panic, and demanding that President Bush set a definite withdrawal date.
And yet, the truth of the matter is this. Iraqi's have confidence in themselves, and in their political process succeeding. How so? As Mr. Rubin points out, hundreds of thousands of Iraqi's who had fled the Saddam regime are returning. People who lack confidence flee the situation, not return. The Iraqi real estate market is booming. People lacking confidence in a situation buy gold and jewels, which can be easily hidden for when they flee. They don't buy real estate if they have no confidence that the law will protect their investment. Foreign investment is up, and will continue to grow. The Iraqi's also recently turned out in the millions to vote on their country's new constitution, establishing a democratic form of government. People with no confidence would not have voted.
That is the truth in Iraq, and why the Iraqi people are more confident in themselves than the American pundits, the so-called "experts", and the policy makers.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
'Help! Mom!' casts liberals as villains
As reported here, a new children's book describes liberals as villians. Well, aren't they?
Maybe not all "progressive" liberals, but their national agenda is villanous in many ways, certainly anti-American at the least, eh?
Oh, and note how the lib-whiners mention the word 'Nazi' in their crying about this book. If they can't offer up a substantive, logical, argument against something, they resort to invoking the 'Nazi' word. How 'tolerant' of you to do that.
Note to libs - Nazi stands for National Socialism, so that old, evil, doctrine is more closely attuned to your old, tired, and in many ways evil, Socialist doctrines. Quit using that appelation when talking about Conservatives, or our opinions.
Maybe not all "progressive" liberals, but their national agenda is villanous in many ways, certainly anti-American at the least, eh?
Oh, and note how the lib-whiners mention the word 'Nazi' in their crying about this book. If they can't offer up a substantive, logical, argument against something, they resort to invoking the 'Nazi' word. How 'tolerant' of you to do that.
Note to libs - Nazi stands for National Socialism, so that old, evil, doctrine is more closely attuned to your old, tired, and in many ways evil, Socialist doctrines. Quit using that appelation when talking about Conservatives, or our opinions.
Many on KC voter rolls twice?
Many on KC voter rolls twice? According to the state GOP, there are over 2,000 people registered twice, conceivably allowing them to also vote twice, unless the voter rolls are corrected. Embattled KC Elections Director Dean Logan says the GOP is on a "witch hunt", and says that he hasn't seen the information the GOP has to base their claims on.
Hey, Dean! You're in charge of the Elections Department (just in case you forgot), therefore you have access to ALL of the voter rolls in KC. Why don't you use "due diligence" and check them yourself? Or, at least have someone competent in your department do it. Oh, wait - that's presupposing that you have anyone competent in your department that could do that. Never mind. Silly me!
Hey, Dean! You're in charge of the Elections Department (just in case you forgot), therefore you have access to ALL of the voter rolls in KC. Why don't you use "due diligence" and check them yourself? Or, at least have someone competent in your department do it. Oh, wait - that's presupposing that you have anyone competent in your department that could do that. Never mind. Silly me!
More thoughts on the UN's desire to control the Internet
After posting about this insanity here, and here, I found this rather amusing nugget of an opinion by Silent Running here.
I don't think I could have said it any better.
Hat tip: agtiger
I don't think I could have said it any better.
Hat tip: agtiger
Well, it's a start
As reported here, the King County Council has forwarded their election reform proposal to KC Executive Ron "King" Sims.
Will Sims sign off on it? All I can give you is a "maybe".
Will Sims sign off on it? All I can give you is a "maybe".
Guilty as charged
Religion of Peace?
Defenders of Islam constantly carp about how non-Muslims keep bringing up the fact that many (if not most) terrorists are Muslim, and therefore by extrapolation, that Islam is not a peaceful religion, making the arguement that Islam is the "Religion of Peace".
If Islam truly is the "Religion of Peace", then why are so many Muslims terrorists? You doubt me on that? Then you need to go here, to see the list of terrorist acts perpetrated by members of the so-called "Religion of Peace".
The "Religion of Peace"? Hardly.
Hat tip: Littlebee55
If Islam truly is the "Religion of Peace", then why are so many Muslims terrorists? You doubt me on that? Then you need to go here, to see the list of terrorist acts perpetrated by members of the so-called "Religion of Peace".
The "Religion of Peace"? Hardly.
Hat tip: Littlebee55
Friday, October 14, 2005
Why the Libs don't seem to listen.
I have a young friend who is a liberal. I call him a friend because he is someone who has chosen to be friendly in spite of our political differences. He does try to influence me at various times and is puzzled that I seem to have more questions for him that he can't answer (or won't) without the leftist mantra showing up. He is also puzzled that I haven't started to yell and scream or lose my sense of humor while also trying to influence him. I have not been able to get him to acknowledge some things about conservative values aren't totally outside the realms of making sense. I was somewhat struck by the mantra of the left when he spoke about leaving this country for another because the policies of this country are "insane". I asked what came to mind and he immediately spoke of the "obscenity laws". When I asked him about them he spoke about the "parent's responsibility being to protect children and not society". He said it again even when I brought up the idea that children are preyed upon at the library by pedophiles. I also expressed my opinion that pedophiles out to have certain things done to them. I was unable to point out that society has put restrictions on free speech under several circumstances, most notably the yelling "fire" in a crowded theater, because I couldn't remember it. He made a comment about not having children because of the "over population of the world" that I had to let go due to our seperating and going our own ways at the end of the day's work. I think that he might just end up going to another country and finding out that the freedoms that he has taken for granted here in the US are not as freely given in other parts of the world, nor are they expected by the people. It is really sad to me, to think that there are people who allow others to think for them until their noses are rubbed in the problems. I remember one line about a liberal being someone who hasn't been mugged yet. He even piped up about the 2nd amendment and not liking it and him thinking that I would be in the same group that supposedly likes the 2nd better than the first... One answer to my title seems to me to be that they are content to look at things from the standpoint of their own limited experience and depend on others to think for them. Facts and complete information about things don't seem to influence a liberal since they belive what they "feel" to be the "truth".
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