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ARCHIVES: April
2005 Dumbing down of America continues… April 29, 2005 Last late the president gave a rare prime time interview
to discuss a number of key issues facing the country. Among the issues
discussed were the country’s energy policy as well as social security and the
need for reforms. During the president’s interview, which lasted a little
over an hour he fielded a number of reporter’s questions, but there was one
thing that figured prominently in the president’s mind: the time. The
president was well aware that networks were eager to break away for their
barrage of mind numbing programming. True to the president’s fears at 9:00
some networks did just that, breaking away for Donald Trump on NBC and vamp
Paris Hilton on Fox. What can you say for a country that has such values,
where sluts and reality TV are more important than the state of our economy
and the well being of our futures?
Regardless of what political camp you align yourself with such
self-satisfying ignorance is unbelievable. At what point did the attention
span of the average American diminish to the point of zero? Rome perfected
this strategy years ago by drawing the attention of its citizens with free
bread, gladiatorial games and chariot races at the Circus Maximus. Today that
trend of bread and circuses continues. http://www.drudgereport.com/flash3bpc.htm US and EU up in arms over Chinese textiles April 29, 2005 Both the US government and EU authorities have announced
plans to investigate circumstances surrounding a flood of Chinese textiles
into the United States and Europe. The US investigation was prompted by a
plea from the US textile industry and the EU was compelled to act on the part
of similar concerns in Europe that Chinese textiles were driving domestic
producers out of business. Upon reading this you may be tempted to wonder
exactly what year is it, well no its not 1842 a period in which American
textiles were a major industry. Exactly why is it that there is a US or
European textile industry, that makes as much sense as a US and European
slingshot industry or horse and buggy industry. Such industries are obsolete
and have no place in an industrialized nation like the United States. Anyone
working in such an industry, if not a manager or computer technician should
strongly consider going to a community college or trade school to gain some
actual “marketable” skills. Textiles was an it industry
150-100 years ago, but not today, it is, and always has been the domain of
NEWLY industrializing countries. Once a nation becomes advanced and
developed, like the US, Japan or Europe, they abandon such low yield
industries for more skill-oriented industries. Of course Americans can’t
compete with an uneducated work force earning less than a dollar an hour, we
aren’t supposed too, they certainly don’t compete in the high tech sector.
Wake up America! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4496131.stm Democrat wants a miracle April 29, 2005 Nevada Democrat, Senator Harry Reid, minority leader in the
Senate noted that Democrats would need a miracle to win back control of the
Senate in next year’s Congressional elections. Many Republicans were quick to capitalize on Reid’s apparent
admission of weakness. Reid was lamenting the fact that the GOP remains in
control of the once august body. A spokesman for the GOP said, “A Democratic Party, plus no ideas, plus
obstruction, plus over-the-top partisan rhetoric equals continued minority.”
But the word of both the GOP and Senator Reid are distinctly flawed. It seems
apparent that the inevitable course of events is for a sustained Democratic
majority in both the House the Senate and control of the Executive branch as
well. Why? Because the number of sloth obsessed Americans grows exponentially
with each passing year. Today, most Americans see it as the duty of the
government to provide for their every need, that individuals should be
absolved of any and all responsibility for their livelihoods and futures.
This is evident in the ongoing social security debate. Yes private accounts
would yield greater return, but individuals would have to be personally
responsible for those accounts. For an increasingly ignorant and sloth
obsessed electorate, that is unacceptable. Verily, even many Republicans now
look to government to impose morality and other standards on the population
at large, thus the concept of the individual and his or her responsibility is
all but dead and as acceptance of this premise grows, as it certainly will,
the party of handouts and government control (i.e., the Democrats) will
eventually win the day. Fascism wasn’t defeated in 1945, it just went into
hibernation and it now rears it’s head yet again in American political
debate, just as it took over Europe decades ago. http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050429-124430-4013r.htm Authoritarian Putin calls on Iran to do more April 28, 2005 Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on Iran to do more
to ease global concerns regarding its nuclear program. Putin is in the middle
of a middle east tour, which has included visits to Egypt and Israel. While
in Jerusalem Putin said: “Iran
should abandon all technology to create a full nuclear cycle and not obstruct
nuclear sites from international control.” This is a very interesting and
confusing statement for a man like Putin to make. It is Russia and President
Putin that is chiefly responsible for the present situation with Iran. Iran
did not have the capabilities to produce nuclear facilities, not until they
turned to Russia and Russia, strapped for cash, was more than willing to
comply. It has been Putin that has argued that they are within their rights
to trade nuclear technology with Iran, now he calls for Iranian restraint.
His words come too little too late to have any real affect. The damage has
already been done. All this proves is that Putin is the quintessential
politician who will say and do anything to curry favor with his present
audience (ie, Israel). http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&sid=a3Bm9fLWa_F0&refer=europe Vegas residents complain that wealth isn’t trickling April 28, 2005 Some residents of one of America’s fastest growing cities
complain that the wealth of the Las Vegas strip hasn’t trickled beyond the
casinos. There is a reason for this, wealth isn’t suppose to trickle, wealth
is created, those who are industrious, take advantage of opportunities or
create those opportunities are the ones who find wealth. Those who sit around
complaining, or wonder why they haven’t become millionaires as a cocktail
waitress aren’t going to find wealth. Residents complain about social services
as well as job options, as well as the soaring cost of housing. It would not
come as a surprise that those complaining the loudest are the ones who
dropped out of school or at most have only a high school education. These are
the ones with numerous children and spend the most time gambling their money
away in strip clubs or at slot machines. The life we live is largely
determined by the choices we make and those in Las Vegas who have chosen to
stay in school, seek higher education, and not raise families they can’t
afford are probably those with the greatest degree of success. It is not up
to the casino owners to give handouts to lazy residents, unwilling to put
forth the time and effort necessary to be successful in life. Those who are
unhappy with their situation should realize that this is not Soviet Russia
and they are free to move for greener pastures whenever the desire fills
them. http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-04-27-vegas_x.htm Rowe says Jackson not a great father…duh April 28, 2005 Yesterday, Michael Jackson’s former wife [sic] took the
stand for the prosecution and while the details of her testimony are of no
real interest except to Jackson and those lunatic fans who cheer the
pedophile each day as he enters the court room, it is interesting to note
that Jackson’s ex, Debbie Rowe, argued that Jackson was not the best
father. Yes I’m sure you are as
surprised as we were. We were sure he was a great dad when he hung his child
over a balcony in Germany and if that wasn’t the clincher, the mere fact that
he spends more time with other people’s children (and his plastic surgeon)
than with his own kids certainly should have convinced us. Indeed, Jackson
has admitted sharing his bed with other children and sees this practice as
perfectly natural for a 40-year-old man. Jackson has two kids by Rowe and
another by an unknown woman. It is also interesting to note that Jackson’s
two sons have the same name: Prince Michael and Prince Michael II. This whole
scenario makes you wonder what type of child welfare services they have in
California, where such an obvious danger is allowed to continue. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4490259.stm Tom Cruise has a new girlfriend…. April 28, 2005 If you have seen or read the news in the last 24 hrs then
you are probably aware of the fact that actor Tom Cruise has a new
girlfriend. Apparently his new girlfriend is another actress (naturally), by
the name of Katie Holmes, no we never heard of her either, but in any case
the two are apparently far enough in age to be father and daughter. This
story begs two questions: Why is this news, and why are we surprised by such goings
on in the land of the phonies? Why is it that people go all to peaces over
gay marriage, but couldn’t care less about the bed hopping that goes on in
Hollywood? Last time I checked it was the Hollywood types, not the gay
marriage crowd that was idolized by society. If you look carefully, you will
notice how similar Hollywood is to an average high school with the various
cliques, everyone more interested in flash and showmanship than anything of
substance, next to sports it is Americas biggest obsession and like those who
spend hrs watching games, those fixated with Hollywood, usually are those
that have contributed the least to their work, family or community. http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/ny-ettom284236362apr28,0,148327.story?coll=ny-homepage-mezz Moron charged with making racist threats April 27, 2005 A student at Trinity
International University in Illinois is in hot water today after send several
racist letters to people at the school. The black student who is a 19
year-old at the Christian school confessed to send the racist letters. What
was her motivation? She was unhappy at the school and while she could have
taken the easy course of action and un-enroll, she decided to threaten others
and promote a sense of fear and unease on the campus. Alicia Hardin told
authorities that she wanted to give her mother the impression that the school
was unsafe and thus she would be free to transfer to Jackson State in
Mississippi. Its bad enough that the threats came from a student, at a
Christian school at all places and to make matters worse she was black, what
a disgrace and shameful excuse for a human being, she’ll certainly get to
know racial hatred first hand as she stews in jail for a while. Perhaps then
Ms. Hardin will think about the consequences of her actions, who are we
kidding she will blame society or TV or music or the GOP. http://www.guardian.co.uk/uslatest/story/0,1282,-4965857,00.html Rapist caught after 20 years on the lamb April 27, 2005 Science has come through again as DNA has led to the
capture of a man suspected in dozens of rapes in the mid-Atlantic since the
1970s. Fletcher Anderson
Worrell (aka, Clarence Williams), has been charged with numerous counts of
rape. Authorities used DNA to test evidence held for years, those tests
revealed Worrell’s culpability in the rapes. Using a national DNA database,
authorities in New York were able to link the suspect to many other unsolved
rapes along the East Coast. Worrell, a serial rapist now faces charges in New
York but is certain to be tried for the other rapes. The lesson is that just
may be slow but inevitably comes and now Worrell will finally get his chance
to feel the pain of his victims as he will certainly make new friends in the
penal system. Lets hope his stay is long and unpleasant for the sake of all
of those victims who are now traumatized by the actions and piece of trash,
useless, poor excuse for a man. Man kept mother in freezer April 26, 2005 It’s a new week and that means new revelations from the
mad and the deranged. Philip
Schuth, has confessed that he kept his dead mother’s corpse in a freezer for
years, while he collected her pension (though one has to admit that as the
next of kin Schuth shouldn’t have had to resort to such deception to receive
money, his mother rightfully earned). The one bright spot of this sick case
is the fact that his mother, Edith, died of natural causes. So at least he’s
not guilty of matricide, but he’s still a sick sick man. Schuth contended
that he feared police would assume he killed her so he hid the body in a
freezer, thus preserving the evidence for over four years. Police might never
have discovered Schuth’s deception, had he not been involved in an
altercation and shooting, which brought police to his home. After he gave up
to police, they searched his home and made the gruesome discovery. As one
might guess, Schuth lived a private life, with his mother before her passing.
Few people in the community new him and had no idea about Schuth’s mother. In
addition to the altercation and his mother’s corpse, Schuth will also be
charged for having explosives in his home, yet another recluse, divorced from
society with a sick penchant for his mother. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-04/26/content_2880021.htm US begs and pleads with Saudis April 26, 2005 US politicians, from the president on down were falling
over themselves to kowtow to the Saudi Crown Prince on his state visit to the
United States. Crown Prince Abdullah
was at the president’s Texas ranch this weekend, where you would think it was
the 2nd coming. For their part, the Saudi’s pledge to increase
production by 30% by 2009, which translates into just about nothing. No
matter how much Saudi Arabia increases oil production it will have a
miniscule effect none-the-less. As the crown prince noted, America is
suffering from a shortage of refining capacity, no oil refineries have been
constructed in the US for decades, yet our demand for oil since the 70s has
increased significantly. As any student of economics can attest, if supply is
limited but demand increases, then price will increase as well. The demand
for oil has certainly increased, our present population approaches 300, over
80 million than during the last oil crisis, combine that with the fact that
countries in Asia from Taiwan to China to India to Korea are growing rapidly
and so too is their demand for oil. So what does America do? Nothing. We
continue to rely on out dated technology, false allies, fail to explore for
new sources of oil, and refuse to seek oil alternatives. This is a recipe for
disaster. And to make matters worse we treat the leader of one of America’s
biggest back stabbers as a rock star. How can America project an image of
strength with this spectacle in Crawford. http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-gas26.html Paris-Berlin Axis plead for yes vote April 26, 2005 The virulently anti-American leaders of France and
Germany, Jacques Chirac and Gerhard Schroeder, have issued a joint plea to
the people of France to vote yes on the EU constitution in next month’s
election. Chirac has already made it clear that he feels the EU is the best
way to challenge America. Chirac, like all Frenchmen is still reeling over
the fact that France has contributed nothing but complicity and defeat to the
world in the last 200 years. France has and continues to view America as its
enemy, though America has done more for France in the last 100 years than any
other nation on earth. The EU constitution, is designed to streamline the
political and economic processes in the EU, but the process for EU
ratification has been a long and arduous one and anything but streamlined.
Chirac has attempted to capitalize on the French disdain for America, by
erroneously contending that America opposes it, thus driving the
anti-American crowd to the polls. So far this tactic has failed to resonate
with voters, largely because Chirac has failed to articulate any meaningful
benefits that the EU constitution will bring to France’s 60 million
socialists and welfare cases. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4485407.stm How can a
country be right and wrong? April 22,
2005 It’s easy for
a country to be right and wrong if the country in question is the People’s
Republic of China. China is right in the sense that Japan must be held
accountable for their wartime aggression, namely, not teaching their children
that mass murder and rape as instruments of state policy ok. And while Japan,
has thus far only given lip service to that respect, Japan has come a long
way. They have completely purged their society of its past imperialistic
tendencies, they have contributed much to the economies of Europe, Asia and
North America and next to the United States is one of the biggest
contributors to various social initiatives, as well as the faltering United
Nations. By contrast what has China done? Where was China after the ASIAN
tsunami,. How much aid did they offer up, it certainly didn’t rival that of
Western Europe, the US or Japan, indeed tiny Australia, who’s population
rivals the CITY of Shanghai gave more. What has China done indeed? Brutally
oppress its own people, sell weapons to rogue states, threaten war with
democratic neighbors, violate international territories (both at sea and in
the air) and yet they presuppose to make demands of Japan. Yes, Japan, has
problems, but they pale in comparison with those of Red China. Japan’s
failings are mostly in the past, China’s are in the past, present and future.
It is clear that China engineered the violent protests against the Japanese
embassy and other Japanese interests, just as they did toward the United
States in 1999. Why is it that peaceful protests and peaceful speech are
never allowed on the streets of China, but as soon as there is violence (and
its directed against a rival, like Japan) then it’s ok? Coincidence? We think
not. China used this incident to humiliate Japan, score political points and
draw local attention away from China’s violent past and present. Indeed, for
every Chinese person who lost their lives as a result of Japanese
militaristic imperialism, China lost just as many at the hands of Chairman
Mao and his failed policies, which led to mass starvation. China is the
poster child for hypocrite! http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-04-22-japan-china_x.htm Japanese
Prime Minister Apologizes…again April 22, 2005 Japanese PM,
Junichiro Koizumi, expressed deep remorse for Japan’s WWII era aggression.
This act comes on the heals of particularly violent protests in China over
Japanese textbooks, which appear to whitewash history. Hostility has also
been noted in Korea, another target of Japanese aggression, one nation (and
another victim of Japanese aggression) that has been noticeably absent from
the chorus is the US, perhaps it is because of America’s close ties with Japan
in the post-war era, and then again perhaps it is due to the ignorance of
many American’s who know nothing of history, or perhaps too euro-centric to
care about anything that goes on in Asia. In any case, the Prime Minister’s
apology was, no doubt, sincere. Indeed, he isn’t the first Japanese leader to
apologize for his country’s actions. Koizumi’s predecessor also apologized.
In spite of this the Japanese public at large, have yet to come to grips with
the reality of Japanese viciousness during the war, and the Japanese
government still takes a very different position when teaching its children,
indeed, Japanese school children, learn that Japan acted honorably and purely
in the right during the war. It is time for Japan to match actions with
deeds. Just as Saudi Arabia, should stop teaching hate, Japan should stop
teaching that rape, murder and torture are ok as well. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=693523 Spain begins
trial for 9/11 suspects; don’t hold your breath waiting for a conviction April 22,
2005 Trial has
begun for dozens of suspected Al-Qaeda members for complicity in the 9/11
attacks. Where are these trials taking place, no less than the nation of
Spain, yes that socialist nation that was more than willing to kowtow to
terrorists, serving to feed their blood lust. All total, 24 men are on trial,
and while the prosecution is seeking the maximum sentence allowed under
Spanish law (40 years), one would be truly surprised to see an actual
conviction. Indeed, some Spaniards would be more inclined to give them medals
for the murder of Americans with kind words of encouragement to continue their
mayhem. The trial is expected to last 2 years, the investigation and arrest
began when Spain was under a conservative government, the current socialists
clearly have no concern for the US or its plight and would have been inclined
to let the case fall by the way side, if not for the fact that such a case
may help Spanish prosecutors in their own case against March 11 terrorists in
the Madrid bombing. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1580871,00.html Britain
still a bastion for anti-Catholic sentiment April 22,
2005 In recent
years virulent anti-Christian rhetoric has become more and more common place,
we saw it with Mel Gibson’s “Passion…,” in which the move about the last hours
of Christ was maligned for “violence,” yet movies like Terminator, Pulp
Fiction, etc.. are critically acclaimed. Where in lies the difference? The
difference is spirituality. Liberals detest spirituality in any form, while
cheering subservience to the state. Since Pope Benedict XVI was chosen this
week, there has been a small but vocal chorus of detractors who have
viciously attacked the new leader of the Catholic Church. Nowhere have the
attacks been more dubious than in Great Britain, well known for its
sensationalistic yellow journalism. Their headlines have hailed the emergence
of the “Nazi Pope.” The controversy surrounds the fact that Ratzinger
(Benedict XVI) was once a member of the Hitler Youth. This discounts the fact
that Hitler Youth membership was compulsory and yet Ratzinger managed to drop
out, claiming incompatibility with his spiritual beliefs. Such facts about
Ratzinger and his spiritual commitment have been ignored in order to play up
his purported Nazi past. In reality, however, it’s his spirituality, not his
forced participation in the Hitler Youth, that makes him the target of
tabloid tirades in Britain. As a man of faith, he represents a clear threat
to the atheists who see it as their goal to destroy Christianity in all its
forms, and any other faith for that matter. We have tabloids in America, why
haven’t their been such headlines here you may ask? Because unlike Britain,
there are 60 million Catholics in America, and while some may see the pope as
too conservative for their tastes, they would not tolerate such blatant
hatred. In Britain the nation long broke with the Catholic Church, not over
spiritual disagreements (as Protestants did), but so the precious king could
have his divorce (how noble). As such, there are very few Catholics in
Britain to become outraged or to affect readership, indeed such
anti-religious overtones plays into the atheistic culture of many western
European countries, like Britain. http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050421-050120-7643r Murderer sites racism as motive April 21, 2005 Hasan Akbar, a
sergeant in the US Army is currently on trial for murder in North Carolina.
In the opening days of the Iraq War, he is said to have lobbed grenades in to
the tents of his fellow soldiers, and then opened fire. He killed two
soldiers and wounded several others, according to reports. According to
prosecutors, Akbar killed the soldiers because he didn’t want fellow Muslims
to die in the Iraq war, but it’s perfectly all right for his fellow Americans
to die. Perhaps the young sergeant was confused when he joined the army, not
realizing that armies are sometimes called on to kill the enemy. Aren’t we
fortunate that in previous American wars most soldiers didn’t refuse to fight
because they had some ethnic or religious kinship with the enemy, perhaps
there never would have been a revolution. Akbar’s father claims that he was
harassed for being a Muslim, apparently harassment (if true) is justification
for murder, interesting family Akbar comes from. His father claims that he
reported such incidents of harassment repeatedly, but nothing was done, so
apparently the next move is to kill them. Is that what Islam teaches? Kill
those who insult you? He will certainly fit in quite well in prison, unless
the prosecution is successful in their move for the death penalty. http://www.klfy.com/Global/story.asp?S=3240616 Who ever heard of $600 jeans? April 21, 2005 Recently, the New York Times published a story about a
fashion conscious New Yorker, who was determined to own a unique pair of
jeans (is there such a thing). Collette Leonard, sought high and low for the
perfect jeans and finally found them in a form of a London based company. The
jeans aren’t your average Levis or whatever is popular these days, these
jeans cost in the triple digits, not including change. Leonard paid $375 for
her “unique” pair of jeans, arguing this was a bargain, compared with the
prices she pays for shoes. This trend apparently isn’t all that unique as a
number of companies have been producing “premium denim” lines. How can denim
be premium? Since when was denium elevated to the status of silk or satin?
Next people will be paying top dollar for potato sacks. It is clear that some
people have lost all sense of reality when clothing that’s faded and filled
with holes can sell for more than some computers. These fashionably hip
people, must be the darling of any shop keep, perhaps we should all converge
on the consignment store, pick up every item of clothing we can, quadruple
the price and advertise the items as “everyone unique.” This only proves the
old adage about a fool and his (or her) money is true. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/21/fashion/thursdaystyles/21denim.html?8hpib NYC confronting a rash of sex crimes in school (by
teachers) April 21, 2005 Speaking of unique, the educational experience in New York
City schools is becoming just that as the NYC school system confronts an
increasing number of sexual crimes involving teachers and students.
Apparently, there have been a number of cases where teachers have had sex
with students. One female teacher was reportedly impregnated in an encounter
with an 18 year old (what’s an 18 year old still doing in high school and
isn’t that an adult anyway?) and several other cases have also been noted
involving both male and female teachers. Faculty and staff have been put on
notice to keep an eye out for inappropriate behavior, conduct or language (of
a sexual nature) as the system attempts to weed out the pedophiles. Sadly,
this type of news has become increasingly common. Is it us, or does it seem
that pedophiles seem to be growing in number everyday? What is the fixation
with having sex with a child? Such people obviously lack any common sense or
moral fortitude and probably have no prospects in the adult world so they
take advantage of children. One can only hope that these sick twisted,
demented perverts will find the repeated sexual gratification they need in a
maximum-security prison. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/21/nyregion/21teachers.html Now the critics have their say April 20, 2005 Not 5 minutes after the Cardinals had chosen the new pope,
had the critics chimed in with their two sense. Many of them arguing that
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) was too conservative, too
hard-line, too this, too that. I’m surprised no one said he was too
Christian. Many people mostly non-Christians (regardless of denomination)
believe that Christianity should change to suit their needs. People who have
no self control and no ability to live a life resembling morals demand that
others must follow suit, and if they fail to do so them something is wrong
with him. If you are a Christian, and specifically a Catholic, then there are
certain views that you adhere to, if you believe these things you are a
Catholic, if you believe in Christ and his sacrifice, then you are a
Christian. If you don’t believe these things, then you aren’t Catholic, so
why must you compel others to believe as you do. All to often, people resent
men and women who have convictions and stand by their beliefs, whether its
spirituality and the Pope or politics and the President. http://www.corriere.it/english/editoriali/Amidei20april2005.shtml Italian Prime Minister steps down.. April 20, 2005 In what is certain to usher in yet another left wing
socialist European government, Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, handed
in his resignation. The move comes as his governing coalition collapsed in
recent days, further highlighting the instability of parliamentary democracy,
especially in Italy. Berlusconi, who has lead Italy for 4 years is Italy’s
longest serving leader sense Mussolini. Most Italian governments in the post
war years have been notorious for their short lifespan, small wonder anything
gets done in that country. The prime minister’s fortunes have not faired
well, and recent political defeats in regional elections spell certain doom
for his center-right coalition. With Berlusconi’s resignation an attempt will
be made to form a new government, if this fails the president may call for
new elections. Given the political climate in Italy, that is certain to spell
another socialist victory for Europe, adding to the leftist victories in
Spain, Germany and the defacto socialist government in France. Italy, like
most left leaning Euro states, has endured a sluggish economy, political
turmoil and stagnation, yet the leftists cling to their failed policies, look
for such trends to continue to spread across Europe. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=687655 Woe to parents, mall says no to unescorted teens… April 20, 2005 A New Hampshire mall has put a lid on teens roaming the by
ways and food court. The Mall management has decreed that teens can no longer
come to the mall on Friday and Saturday nights, unless accompanied by an
adult (over age 21). The mall has received numerous complaints, most likely
from paying patrons, who find the shopping experience less than desirable
when faced with the prospect of navigating through a human herd of hormones,
piercings and limited mental faculties…The mall made the decision as a result
of increasingly rowdy behavior. While the mall and its lessees are there to
do business, parents see the mall as a weigh station where they can dump
their overly hyper teens, while absolving themselves of any and all parental
responsibility. Naturally, many irresponsible and lazy parents objected to
the policy. “I feel as though if I
want to drop my kids off, I should…” one shopper noted. Never mind that these
kids have no money and aren’t supporting the mall businesses. The mall is not
an amusement park, if such deadbeat parents want to drop their children off,
take them to a park or a gym, oh that’s right, their kids are lazy too and we
wouldn’t want them to get any exercise after all. Another parent, who also
doesn’t have a clue, openly wondered what her children would be doing if they
didn’t go to the mall, seeing it as a “haven.” She didn’t know what her kids
would be doing because she is a useless excuse for a parent, and probably
should never have had kids. The mall, which also instituted a dress code for
teens has caught flack for that policy as well, one parent argued it was a
violation of her kids constitutional rights, never mind the fact that neither
she nor her kids could probably spell constitutional rights, but will someone
please show me where in the constitution its says a private business has to
allow non-paying customers into its establishment and they can wear anything
they want. No more than I could show up at that woman’s house wearing
something she finds objectionable. Its attitudes like these ignorant parents’
that undermine the value of property rights in America. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050420/D89J3AO80.html A woman's scorn
source of deadly fire Rice to Russia… April 19, 2005 Secretary of State, Condoleeza
Rice, is set to make her first official state visit Russia. Russia has been
quick to play up the visit and contends that this will be an opportunity to
highlight common interests. Russia and the US have been at odds recently on a
number of issues, including the war in Iraq and nuclear cooperation with
Iran. The hardline Putin and his cronies is expected to highlight areas where
the US and Russia see eye to eye such as the issue of terrorism, though
Russia’s method of fighting terror differs greatly than in the US, imagine if
Bush argued that making all 50 state governors appointed rather than elected
would solve the terror problem, yet such strategies are exactly what Putin
has employed. While Russia has certainly made economic progress, it has
regressed in democratic characteristics. And even in economic terms, Russia
is a far cry from its former self, indeed its GDP is eclipsed by tiny
Australia and it’s 20 million people (Russia has a population over 150
million), even the US state of Georgia with 9 million has a higher economic
output. http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-04-19-voa33.cfm Suspect
kills detective during questioning…WHAT!!!! April 18, 2005 A Rhode
Island man, already in police custody and undergoing questioning by police
has now been charged with the murder of the detective who was questioning
him. The man, Esteban Carpio, who was already suspected in the stabbing murder of an
elderly woman, somehow managed to get the gun of Providence detective James
Allen. The suspect then shot Allen and jumped thru a window, before being
captured as he attempted to escape. It remains to be seen how Carpio managed
to get the detective’s gun, but it is certainly clear that the system broke
down somewhere. Aren’t such interrogations being monitored? Where were
Allen’s fellow officers? A great many questions remain unanswered, many of
which probably never will be answered. Carpio will almost certainly plead not
guilty and assuming he isn’t taken tried by a California jury, he should be
found guilty and immediately sent up the river. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050418.wshoot0418/BNStory/International/ Another
sex fiend strikes in Florida April 18, 2005 Its happened
for the second time this year in Florida. A wild sex fiend who had absolutely
no business being out of prison has been charged with the death of a
13-year-old girl. The suspect, David Onstott, is a convicted sex offender and
has confessed to the murder of Sarah Lunde. Apparently Onstott came to the
Lunde home between Midnight and 5am and asked to see Sarah’s mother who was
not at home. One thing led to another and Sarah wound up dead and her pond
thrown in a nearby pond. This entire affair begs two questions. First, why
was Onstott out of prison, how many more children have to be murdered by the
sick pedophiles before society and the justice [sic] system come to the
realization that these people can’t be cured and thus should never see the
light of day. Second, where was Sarah’s mother, why was a 13 year old home
alone at midnight. This woman should bare some responsibility for placing her
child in harms way. No child of that age should be home alone in the middle
of the night, especially if they live in a trailer park. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=678134 Japan may
boycott 2008 Olympics April 18,
2005 Tension between
China and Japan continue to escalate. The Chinese government has refused to
apologize for particularly violent protests that were targeted at the
Japanese embassy and other Japanese business interests. The trouble started
over Japanese text books, but has quickly spiraled out of control and while
the Japanese government denies that it plans to boycott the games, it is
clear that relations between the two countries have been strained and even
Japan has noted that trade between the two countries could be affected. Japan
and China are major trading partners and Japan has invested billions in the
Chinese economy. Neither side can afford a hiccup, as it will cost both sides
immensely. While Japan is clearly wrong on the textbook issue, the violent
response by China is vastly disproportionate and was clearly manipulated by
the Chinese government. China may be a future superpower, but they haven’t
achieved that status yet and China needs Japan far more than Japan needs
China, why risk creating a potential enemy when one can trade with the other? http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=6&id=334609 Chirac plays on French prejudice to drum up support April 15, 2005 French President Jacques Chirac invited young people and
those in the entertainment industry to his official residence for a frank
discussion on the merits of the proposed EU constitution. The only things
missing from the discussion was anyone who could speak to its merits. What
Chirac did bring was typical French bias and prejudice, arguing that a No
vote was a victory for the Anglo-Saxons in Britain and America. What Chirac
did not do was spell out his vision for Europe under the EU or speak to the
benefits the treaty offers. Chirac is counting on 200 years of French hatred
of America to drive the Yes campaign. During the discussion, the president
was asked to provide examples of the benefits and he mentioned trade with
eastern Europe, which is already free and unfettered under existing treaties
and before concluding his discussion, Chirac came back to his central theme,
America will hate it. Surely, not even the French are so foolish as to be
blinded by such a mindless smoke screen. http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/story.jsp?story=629558 Annan passes the buck… April 15, 2005 UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, has come out
publicly to criticize the US and the United Kingdom, arguing that those two
countries are partially to blame for the oil-for-food scandal because the
infractions occurred on their watch. Annan also insinuated that the US and
Britain ignored cases of smuggling through Turkey and Jordan because they
were allies. This turn of events must be quite amusing to UN watchers,
several key reports have implicated a number of prominent UN officials, not
those in the US and Britain. Indeed, Annan’s own son has been accused of
receiving millions in bogus kickbacks as apart of the oil-for-food scandal,
though Annan failed to mention the obvious guilt of his son, and the
incredible lack of knowledge about what goes on behind his back at the UN and
in his own family. The hypocrisy of Annan is unparalleled and he should
certainly resign, such corruption cannot and should not be tolerated. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4447165.stm Potentates say goodbye to one of their own… April 15, 2005 Prince
Rainer III of Monaco was bid a fond farewell by one of the world’s largest
collection of inbred welfare cases the world has ever seen. Rainer was
Europe’s longest serving monarch, who had ruled over his tiny country, not
much larger than Central Park for over 50 years. Rainer, who unlike other
monarchs, was not a ceremonial monarch, but wielded executive authority in
his tiny nation, was laid to rest next to his wife, Grace Kelly. The funeral
was attended by members of the royal houses of several European countries,
including: Spain, Britain, Denmark, Belgium, Sweden as well as elected heads
of state from Ireland and France. These people have made a living
collectively, off of the public trough, contributing little if anything of
substance to society. So it was only fitting that they should honor one of
their own who had milked society for so long. Why not give state funerals for
welfare cases, there’s not much difference between the two. Well actually
there is one difference, welfare recipients are often compelled to work, no
such stipulation is made of “royalty.” http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4446965.stm From every
angle, why France is a reprehensible country… April 14, 2005 Recent events
involving France and the adoption of the European constitution, further
demonstrate why France may well be one of the most reprehensible and
dangerous countries on planet earth. Presently a debate is raging in France.
On May 29, that country will hold a referendum on whether or not France
should embrace the new European constitution, a document years in the making
and hundreds upon hundreds of pages long. Contrasting with America’s 200+
year old constitution, which took only months to draft and only a few pages
long. In any case, there is a growing fear among many French politicians that
the populous (France is fond of government by plebiscite) will vote No on May
29. The arguments for and against the EU constitution shed light on the
distorted and hypocritical French mindset. The French NO Campaign argues that
the constitution places too much emphasis on free-market economics and
threatens France’s socialist model, a model that has created an unproductive
and stagnant economy and one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe. Not
only that, the French NO campaigners argue that voting No is the only way to
keep Turkey out of the EU, remember the tolerant open society of France is
actually quite intolerant, if you are a Turk, Jew or Christian. How else do
you explain the rash of ethnic and racial violence in that country? Jacques
Chirac, President of France, must deliver on the EU constitution, after all,
he sees the EU as a power broker in world politics and as a rival to the
United States, France alone, lacks the power and influence on the world stage
to challenge the US, but if France exerts itself and leads a united Europe,
France can undermine the US at every turn, which is the dream of Frenchman
since Charles
Maurice de Talleyrand. Nevertheless, the true colors of France are on
display for all the world to see, unfortunately, most will never notice. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4442823.stm Christianity’s
biggest threat…Christians (and Atheists are second) April 14, 2005 A religious
based talk show host was fired, after fielding a question about whether he though
the Pope would go to heaven. The evangelical Christian who is also a pastor
in Pittsburgh was told that audiences were being alienated by his show and
that he was not serving the interest of his show by not promoting the
interests of all Christians rather than a single denomination. This
highlights the greatest threat to Christianity, that being Christians
themselves. Christianity is divided into three major branches: Eastern
Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant. While Protestants are divided into numerous
sects: Baptists, Presbyterian, Methodists, etc… and Orthodox divided into
various churches based on nationality: Russia Orthodox, Syrian Orthodox,
etc…There are numerous differences in these various Christian sects, most
protestants believe churches should be governed locally, Orthodox Christians
follow Greek rather than Latin traditions and reject the supremacy of the
Bishop of Rome (ie, the Pope), but for all their differences they all accept
the same belief in Christ and read the same Bible, yet, to hear these various
sects speak of one another you would think it was a conversation between
Muslims and Jews. Perhaps if more Christians focused on what they espouse to
believe rather than making useless and unbiblical determinations on the fate
of one’s soul, they could avoid such internal bickering and shore themselves
against the onslaught of atheists, who seek to do away with all of them. http://www.local10.com/news/4378405/detail.html Iraqis
take another hostage…thanks Italy April 14, 2005 Islamic
radicals bent on undermining the new Iraqi government and fostering a return
to dictatorship, have take yet another hostage. Just when we thought hostage
taking was on the decline, this occurs and we have our “allies” in Italy to
thank for this transgression. You may remember that Italy paid terrorists to
release an Italian hostage and did not inform the coalition their officials
were even in Iraq. The Italians, who were appeased themselves quite a number
of times in the last century, obviously have an affinity for the practice.
Unfortunately, there misguided actions have served to put more people in
danger as the terrorists have learned that coalition forces lack resolve and
will pay to get out of a crisis. Naturally, the United States won’t pay these
terrorists, but the insurgents won’t draw any distinction between Americans
and other coalition partners. America would be well advised to reconsider its
“alliance” with Italy and would be well inclined to avoid working in tandem
in Italy as we may discover what FDR already knew to be true: “the hand that
held the danger [Italy] has struck it into back of its neighbor.” We can’t
afford to be betrayed again. http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2005/04/14/996599-sun.html Rowdy teens sexually assault disabled girl April 13, 2005 In another case of teen violence, a disabled girl was
punched in the face and forced to perform oral sex on two teenage pieces of
garbage, while another student filmed the incident and several other students
watched and did absolutely nothing. The attack, which took place at a
Columbus, Ohio high school took place in a school auditorium. Where was the
teacher? That’s the first question. Apparently, these brain dead useless
teens found it quite entertaining to assault this poor 16-year-old girl, if
only she had the wherewithal to bite down hard. To make matters worse,
neither the principal nor assistant principals called the police, indeed the
school administration cautioned the girl’s father against calling the police,
for fear of “media attention.” Fortunately, the father called the police
anyway. Next we have to wonder what kind of defense these pieces of trash
boys will offer up. One can bet that the boys won’t plead guilty and that
their useless parents who have obviously failed, as role models will tender
numerous excuses on behalf of their children, in spite of the videotaped evidence.
Since these boys are such fans of oral sex, why not send them to a
maximum-security prison, where they can learn all the intricate details for
the next 20 years. In addition, the school administrators should certainly
serve time as well for obstruction of justice and endangering a minor. http://www.local6.com/news/4372049/detail.html Paternalists don’t what to do with Gay Republican April 13, 2005 It is well known that the Democratic Party is the party of
more government and therefore, more government services, where as the GOP is
generally viewed as the party of less government. In reality, neither party
is the party of less government since the government consistently expands
regardless of who is in power. The true difference lies in where money is
spent. For Democrats the money is more apt to be spent on various social
projects, thus freeing citizens of any personal responsibility. Arthur J. Finkelstein is a gay conservative, who has led
numerous efforts to elect conservative politicians in the United States. He
is also spearheading an effort to unseat Hillary Clinton from her Senate
seat. Bill Clinton launched an attack on Finkelstein, implying that he was
foolish to be aligned with the GOP or self-loathing. This is an interesting
statement since very few in the Democratic Party, including Clinton have
expressed support for Gay marriage. Clinton, erroneously (and
stereotypically) assumes that if a person is Gay then the only thing they
care about are issues like Gay marriage, while other important issues like
taxes, crime, the war on terror, education, etc… are apparently unimportant
to a homosexual. This stereotypical position highlights the paternalistic
attitude of Democrats who see themselves as father figures to their
constituents making decisions in our best interest, as we don’t know what we
want or need. Such an attack also reveals the hypocrisy of the Dems, which is
noted for tolerance and embracing different cultures and lifestyles. What
they are really about is political power and whatever achieves that end is
desirous in the Democratic mind. http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-hill13.html Eric Rudolph in court today… April 13, 2005 Olympic Park bomber Eric Rudolph will be in two court
rooms today, one in Birmingham and the other in Atlanta to plead guilty to a
series of bombings, most notably at the 1996 Olympics. Rudolph will plead
guilty to four bombings and in exchange he will be spared the death penalty.
Instead he will spend the rest of his life in a Federal Prison in Colorado.
There he will spend 23 hrs a day in a cell, with a desk, books and a 12-inch
b&w television. Isn’t this too good for a radical terrorist and bomber?
You can bet terrorists in Iraq don’t have television. Rudolph was a member of
a white supremacist organization, which was also noted for its anti-abortion,
anti-gay and anti-Semitic views. Apparently he was also anti-Olympics as
well. In any case this man’s punishment is far too generous. Rudolph deserves true punishment and to
pay restitution to his victims. Perhaps he could be rented out as a personal
slave and horse replacement, to use in farming, hauling equipment, volcano
exploration, or whatever his masters deem fit. Once again our criminal
justice system coddles murders. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,153294,00.html Chinese racist hypocrisy exposed… April 12, 2005 China is one of those countries where Internet usage is
closely monitored, where those who don’t abide by government controls may find
themselves in particularly hot water. With that in mind, one can easily
understand that recent posts made about America’s Secretary of State, Dr.
Rice, were made with the tacit approval of China’s governmental authorities.
Earlier this year, Dr. Condoleezza
Rice, made a state visit to China. During that visit there were a number of
high-level discussions with Chinese officials, and while these officials were
seemingly full of pleasantries and niceties, the racist venom that flowed
through their veins was equal to that of Nazi Germany’s greatest leaders.
This stands in stark contrast with China’s official line, which regularly
derides America for racist policies, which is a joke in and of itself
considering the opportunities (and freedoms) Chinese-Americans have compared
with their native brethren. Indeed, an American could only hope to be so
lucky, should they find themselves transported to China. In any case after
Dr. Rice’s state visit, a number of posts on various Chinese discussion
forums served to reveal the true nature of the Chinese mindset, one of racial
prejudice and bigoted nonsense. Dr. Rice, was referred to by a number of
racial slurs as well as being derided for her sex and nationality. These
offensive racist comments weren’t reserved to a few sites, but were quite
plentiful. Given the intense monitoring and censorship that takes place in
China it is clear that the government is aware and approves of the message.
In a nation where expressing a desire to vote is a crime, but calling a black
woman a “black whore” or the “ugliest woman in the world,” one must question
what kind of society the People’s Republic of China actually is. Middle
Kingdom indeed….middle of a trash heap that is. http://www.worldtribune.com/worldtribune/05/breaking2453472.986111111.html Mom says
Jackson begged to bed her child April 12,
2005 Yesterday,
the jury in Michael Jackson’s child molestation case heard from a woman who
claimed that Jackson came to her door begging to let her son bed down with
him. Maybe its just me, but the site of a grown man begging to sleep with my
child would certainly raise alarm bells and indeed, I would be inclined to
contact the police, after being pried off of the pervert. But, like the good
mother she obviously was, she said she finally relented and allowed Jackson
to sleep with her child, now the question is why hasn’t this woman been
arrested? Certainly, Michael Jackson is a pervert, but this woman is an
enabler of the pervert and then had the gall to sue Jackson, she eventually
settled for $20 million. In any other setting this would constitute child
prostitution. She gave permission for a pedophile to bed her child and then
received a cash payment, what is she if not a pimp? The woman later argued
that after this first sick encounter Jackson came to her home and spent time
with the boy on 30 separate occasions, talking about “Beat It” this mother is
the very epitome of what a mother should not be. Lets hope most mothers won’t
sell their child’s innocence for a few pieces of silver… http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=662111 Danish
study says mobile phones are safe April 12,
2005 In Denmark
and scientific team has concluded that cellular phones are indeed safe and do
not pose a cancer risk. This is the umpteenth study on this matter and is
certain to Not be the final word on the issue of cell phones. At issue is
whether prolonged cell phone use causes cancer. Most scientists, and the cell
phone industry say no, but doubts linger. Since no study of merit has yet to
prove a link, it calls into question how many studies are needed before the
results are to be believed. Perhaps the reason for lingering doubt may have
something to do with the studies themselves. The Danish study was interesting
in that people with brain tumors were given surveys, asking about their cell
phone usage and at random people without brain tumors were asked about their
cell phone usage and after the survey was concluded it was determined that
the cancer victims didn’t use their phones any more than average. Well
wow…that certainly always my fears. You know, the majority of people who
smoke don’t have cancer, but that doesn’t mean that smoking doesn’t cause
cancer. What an asinine survey. While cellular phones are most likely safe,
perhaps they should rely on more science and less American Idol style
questioning... http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4432755.stm Fight
against AIDS in Uganda April 12,
2005 Not that
Uganda isn’t an interesting place, not doubt it is, but it doesn’t usually
garner very many headlines in the course of a news day. Nonetheless, efforts
to fight AIDS in the country have recently sparked media attention. The BBC
has called attention to an anti-AIDS campaign in Uganda that is partially
support by US financial assistance. The program has been pushing people to
support abstinence and an even more radical concept: faithfulness to ones
spouse or partner. What has been lacking is any mention of safe sex and the
use of condoms in the campaign. Some officials in Uganda, contend that the
heavy push for condoms in the past has led to an increase in levels of casual
sex and infidelity. That’s debatable too. In this case, both sides are
misguided and poorly informed. The suggestion that promoting condoms leads
people to cheat is ridiculous. I don’t care how many condom ads a person sees,
a decent person isn’t going to cheat on their wife because of it, any more
than an ad for skydiving helmets is going to drive me to jump out of a plane.
On the other had, it is certainly true that many critics have a problem with
the concept of being faithful, and even more so to abstinence, as they are
driven by the flesh and see nothing wrong in pursuit of animal instincts
rather than a maintenance of human morality and faithfulness, how else do you
explain the high divorce rates in many western countries? Human rights groups
blame George Bush for Uganda’s policy shift, arguing that as Bush is a
Christian he is pursuing policies in line with those beliefs. Imagine that,
president’s basing policy decisions on their personal views of right and
wrong, how unheard of. Certainly safe sex should be encouraged, to do
otherwise is pure nonsense. But blaming Bush and Christianity is equally
foolhardy. After all, we don’t criticize the left for policies based on
atheism, which is a personal view as well, is it not? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4433069.stm Chinese
protests over Japan… April 11,
2005 The People’s
Republic of China is known for many things, but freedom of expression isn’t
one of them, except in certain cases. When there are overtly nationalistic
protests, against China’s perceived rivals or enemies (ie, Taiwan, US and
Japan), then protests are more than welcome. This weekend is an example of
this . In the capital, Beijing, there have been particularly violent protests
directed towards China. Like the North Koreans, they are bitter over recently
announced Japanese school text books, which paint an unapologetic picture of
Japan’s wartime brutality and aggression. In this case, the sentiment in
China is 100% correct as Japan was 100% wrong in that war and it its
treatment of civilians and combatants alike. It’s also a shame that more
Americans aren’t concerned with how Japan portrays the war in which many
American’s gave their lives, but as long as there is news about Michael
Jackson, Britney Spears and other popular insignificants, don’t look for any
concern about real issues. Naturally, these protests also reveal the inherent
hypocrisy of the Chinese government. Where are the protest directed at the
Chinese communist party, which for over 50 years has been responsible for
millions of deaths of their own? These nationalistic protests may be rooted
in truth but they are tainted with two-facedness. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-04/11/content_2815148.htm US looking
to bring troops home April 11,
2005 The New York
Times reports that the Pentagon is exploring the option of a significant troop
reduction in Iraq. The report indicates that progress is being made in
preparing the Iraqis for self-sufficiency and that the war against Iraqi
insurgents has steadily improved and thus it will be possible to bring troops
home by early next year. Iraq’s fighting forces now number well over 100,000,
which is comparable to the American presence in the region. Since the
Pentagon is looking at reducing troop levels in countries that are now self –sufficient,
may we suggest they take a look at Germany, Japan, South Korea, Italy and
Great Britain. I’m pretty certain that these countries are more than capable
of defending themselves. Let these countries actually spend some of their own
money for defense for a change. There is one major difference between these
countries and Iraq. At least Iraq is actually preparing for the day when it
can actually defend itself, rather than expecting America to do it in
perpetuity. Dean
outlines plan to broaden Democratic appeal April 11,
2005 Howard Dean, the
Chairman of the Democratic Party, has outlined his plans for broadening the
appeal of his party in preparation for next year’s mid-term congressional
elections. According to Dean, the Democrats must embrace religion, a mantle
now claimed by the Republicans. This may be difficult, with so many Democrats
as avowed atheists, dedicated to eradicating every last vestige of faith from
the American fabric, but more power too him. Naturally, this strategy has
little to do with any moral imperative and more to do with political gain
(winning elections), but then again the same could be said about Emperor
Constantine, who forbid persecution of Christians in the 4th
Century AD. Dean also noted that the Democrats would have to take a more
neutral stance on gun control, perhaps if that was coupled with a commitment
to actually fighting crime and punishing criminals then perhaps he might have
something. Finally Chairman Dean noted that the Dems would commit themselves
to balanced budgets. This too is going to prove difficult for the left, after
all, with Democratic plans to increase spending on social programs, they will
be hard pressed to find the money with out increasing taxes, which they
probably will do and cutting military spending, which they will probably do as
well. http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2005/04/11/JohnBrummett/319855.html Millions
mourn Pope, tomorrow they go back to hating each other… April 8, 2005 This morning
in Rome, millions of people attended what has been billed as history’s
largest funeral, the funeral of Pope John Paul II. The pontiff was laid to
rest after his death last weekend. He was noted as perhaps one of the most
popular popes in history having visited dozens upon dozens of countries since
becoming pope in 1978. Heads of state from all over the world attended his
funeral. President Bush led the American delegation, which also included two
former presidents. The leaders of Canada, Taiwan, Mexico, Britain, France,
Iran, Germany, Brazil, Spain, and countless others, not to mention a sea of
religious leaders not just Christians, but Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists,
etc…It was a funeral that brought together very bitter enemies. Tomorrow,
these same people who came together for a man of peace will go back to hating
each other with venom so poisonous, that John Paul II would be grateful that
he no longer dwells amongst us. The next pope will certainly have a difficult
time ahead if he hopes to be able to command the same level of respect that
his predecessor had. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-04-08-pope_x.htm Christians
clamor for pope mementos… April 8,
2005 Second Commandment
or no second commandment, Christians have been clamoring for mementos of the
late Pope John Paul II. For those of you who aren’t Jewish or Christian. The
2nd Commandment forbids idolatry (i.e., the making of graven
images). In any case, quite of few out there have sought to profit from the
Pope’s demise. Ornamental eggs, candles, and even a child’s teddy bear have
been manufactured for the occasion. While its nice to know the pope was loved
by so many, it begs the question if they loved the man or his message.
Clearly, John Paul’s message was not about idolatry or profiting off of
religious figures. How many of these people will donate the proceeds of their
sales to charity. US Today notes that this is how the faithful are choosing
to remember the Pope, but exactly how does a decorated wooden egg or a
child’s teddy bear teach anyone anything about faith or morality. If eggs can
teach then why not place them at the front of America’s classrooms, I’m sure
an egg would be cheaper than paying teachers. How many of these “faithful”
have any interest in faith or spirituality whatsoever, probably not very
many, and those that do have been distracted by their wanton desire to make a
fast buck. We are sure that the pope would be proud. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2005-04-07-pope-usat_x.htm Charles
and Camilla, yes there’s more April 8,
2005 Prince
Charles [sic] and Camilla Parker Bowles are set to be married in a low key
civil ceremony at Windsor Castle on Saturday. The ceremony is to be followed
by a less than low-key reception attended by 700 guests including the Queen
[sic] and the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual head of the Anglican
Church. This event continues to generate press for some unearthly reason. Why
the Brits have not declared themselves a republic remains to be seen, but for
some reason, they cling to this relic of elitist culture and an undemocratic
spectacle indeed. Indeed, Charles, who will one day be king and head of the
Church of England, is to publicly acknowledge his past sins, which if
accurate promises to be a very very long list. I suppose he could start with
the fact that he married a woman he didn’t love and soon became unfaithful.
What else, can we expect from a morally debased institution that freely
regards themselves as holding a higher stature than the “common man,” verily
the first shall be last and the last shall be first, nowhere is such a
statement more true than in the spectacle of the British “royal” family. To
call these loveless, emotionless, dishonorable, leaches off the public trough
a family is one of life’s ironies. When will the Brits learn, and cast off
the shackles of past ignorance and do away with an institution that seeks
only self-preservation, not the advancement of national interest. Be careful
who you bid with… April 7, 2005 A recent
study reveals, what most teens will never acknowledge: every other teen or
young adult who is sexually active will probably contract a sexually transmitted
disease. Indeed, many kids will not be tested and may not notice for some
time that they have a disease because early symptoms aren’t particularly
noticeable. In the mean time these people will transmit the disease to others
through intercourse. As a recent report in USA Today noted, many teens are
increasingly turning to oral sex, operating under the illusion that this
practice is safer that actual sex, but that is not the case and STDs can be
transmitted orally just as by other means. Such a reality poses a real
threat, not only for young people but also for our healthcare system. There
is plenty of blame to go around for this problem of reckless and deviant
sexual behavior, but the blame should begin with good for nothing parents:
Parents who substitute television, toys and cell phones for actual parenting;
Parents who go thru the act of having children in order to ignore them for a
career that will bring them neither happiness for satisfaction; Parents who
lack any semblance of moral decency and thus can expect no different from
their children; Parents who place no value on education, spirituality or
right mindedness. While many parents will blame Hollywood actors and
musicians for their child’s loose behavior but that is a cop out, which has
no real validity. Hollywood has never been a symbol of decent society. Actors
of the early 20th century were just as loose and depraved as their
modern contemporaries. A child could be exposed to countless movies with
questionable content, but if children have a firm base at home then such
insidious content is less likely to take root in the mind of a child, but if
parents re-enforce the depravity of the world, then there can be but one
result. http://www.nbc5.com/health/4346218/detail.html?rss=chi&psp=nationalnews A Sunni, a Kurd and a Shiite… April 7, 2005 A Sunni, a Kurd and a Shiite, no its not the makings of a
corny 80s sit-com, it’s the description of Iraq’s new triumvirate of
leadership. The National Assembly has a Sunni Speaker, the Iraqi President is
a Kurd and the new Iraqi Prime Minister is Shiite. This leadership matrix
contrasts greatly with the old regime of Saddam Hussein. Under his
leadership, Iraq was ruled by its minority Sunni population, which in turn,
brutally oppressed the Kurds and Shiites with reckless abandon. In all three
cases, Iraq’s new leaders pledge religious and ethnic cooperation. All three
are Muslims, but no-less have very distinct opinions and old prejudices, not
unlike divisions in other religious groups. As the Iraqis chose a new leader,
Saddam Hussein watched from his prison sale, no doubt contemplating where he
went wrong: probably it had something to do with mass murder, theft of the Iraqi
treasury and waging aggressive war, but that’s just a thought. Iraq’s interim
prime minister, Iyad
Allawi, will continue as the leader of a care taker prime minister until the
new government takes shape. This is yet another blow to the Iraqi insurgents
who have tried their best to undermine Iraqi democracy at very turn. The
Iraqis will have to work extra hard to maintain order and stability in their
government as the terrorists are just itching for an opening to exploit. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=worldNews&storyID=8115519 Antiquated…out of date…relic of the past, moved to launch
pad April 7, 2005 The Space Shuttle Discovery made its move to the launch
pad at Cape Canaveral. The Shuttle will soon make its return to space after a
noticeable absence in the wake of the shuttle Columbia’s demise. Columbia was
the oldest shuttle and the second to fall victim to a disaster. The Shuttle
program is extremely costly, and for all intents and purposes, has failed in
its goal. The Shuttle, before the disaster, was never able to recoup its
costs, as was argued by its proponents, who argued it would be a fast and
money making way to launch satellites for private industry. Nor is it truly
re-usable, so many components have to be replaced after each mission, it
would be as if you had to buy new tires, new doors and new windows every time
you drove your car. What NASA needs is a cost effective, scaled down shuttle.
Private industry, most notably: SpaceShip One, has already demonstrated that
cost effective and efficient space flight is possible. But it can’t be done
using an aging bureaucracy with antiquated procedures and backwards thinking.
The space program is truly valuable to the United States, but it has been
poorly run since the 70s, Gone are the days of Apollo, when NASA regularly
performed miracles. Those days are needed again. http://www.webpronews.com/business/topbusiness/wpn-54-20050407DiscoveryTransportedToLaunchPad.html
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