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ARCHIVES:
February 2005 International cooperation, not wasteful rivalries, needed
on space exploration Feb 28, 2005
In
yet another sign that the world’s key countries aren’t content to see only
Russians and Americans in space, the Japanese government has hinted at the
development of a space shuttle program and the creation of a permanent base
on the Moon. Japan joins China, India and the European Union, who have sought
to increase their participation in space exploration. While scientific study
is wonderful and a desire to explore and settle the final frontier is
wonderful, hyper-nationalism is forcing many nations to re-invent the wheel.
Both the US and Russia have been exploring space since the mid 1950s and the
world has benefited greatly from this exploration. The space race, fueled by
nationalism and cutthroat competition, ushered in a new era of scientific and
technological achievement. These achievements manifest themselves in computer
technology, aviation, weather studies, entertainment, consumer electronics,
energy, etc…That same nationalism, however, now threatens that spirit of
innovation. Nations like China and India, for example, are seeking their own
independent launch and exploration capability. These resources are being
wasted, as these systems have already been invented, some of which are over
50 years old. If the nations of the world pooled their resources, even the
small budgets they have now would lead to tremendous scientific and economic
returns for all parties. Imagine the progress in exploring, colonizing and
exploiting the resources of space, if these petty rivalries could be
eliminated. China, Russia, Japan, the EU, the US and India should be working
cooperatively rather than wasting money on symbolic, though tangibly
meaningless achievements. But we digress, as we are probably living in a
fantasy world. People power wins again, Lebanese PM resigns Feb 28, 2005
In
what is the latest in a string of victories for the power of the collective
will, the Lebanese Prime Minister, Omar Karami, has resigned amid growing pressure.
Lebanon has been a powder keg ever since the assassination of the former
Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri. Conventional wisdom holds that the
Lebanese government and their Syrian backers were complicit in the killing,
though both deny this. In any case street protests, largely peaceful, have
been held throughout Lebanon, especially in the capital, Beirut. The people
in the street and the opposition had been calling for the government to
resign and finally the government did just that. It was clear that this act
was a turning point in Lebanese-Syrian relations. The people of Lebanon are
to be commended for standing up to tyranny, score another victor for the
people, as they join the ranks of people in Iraq, Ukraine and Georgia who had
not backed down in the face of insurmountable odds. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4305927.stm Over 100 murdered in Iraq, how is that for national
unity? Feb 28, 2005 In
another dramatic example of Islamic brotherhood, over 100 Iraqis were killed
by their fellow countrymen as they lined up outside a medical center for
physical exams. Iraqi insurgents murdered these potential police and National
Guard recruits. This is the largest terrorist attack since the Iraqi
elections last month and serves as a clear symbol of the two Iraqs. Politicians
in America like to talk about the two Americas, but nowhere is a national
divide more apparent than in Iraq. In one world you have people who voted in
large numbers to seek to build businesses, educate their children and stand
to defend their country. Thousands of Iraqis have signed up to join the
National Guard and Iraqi police -- not to defend George Bush or Tony Blair,
but to defend themselves, their families, and their honor. In the other Iraq,
comprised mostly of Sunni Muslims, you have people who want just one thing:
woe and death to all those who think differently. Never mind that they are
all Muslim, never mind that they are all Iraqis. Saddam oppressed these
people when he was in power, and by God, we are going to continue to oppress
them. That’s the thought process in the mind of the murderous insurgents.
What an honorable bunch. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/28/international/middleeast/28cnd-iraq.html Syria plays fast and loose, turns over Saddam’s brother Feb 28, 2005
In
yet another strange move from Damascus, the Syrian government has turned over
number 36 on the Iraqi most-wanted list. Sabawi Ibrahim al-Hassan al-Tikriti
was turned over to the Iraqi government by none other than Syria. Hassan is the half brother of Saddam
Hussein and is wanted for his complicity in the brutal tyrannical regime of
his brother and for organizing and supporting insurgents in present-day Iraq.
It is clear that Syria has known about Hassan for some time, after all
countless Iraqi criminals fled to Syria, another Baathist regime, after the
US invasion. Why then is Syria now seeking to cooperate? Because there is a
growing fear that Syria is in the crosshairs, especially after the
assassination in Lebanon. Syria has faced increased international pressure.
If this pressure only came from nations like France, there who be no cause
for alarm, but with a growing rift in the Arab world and increasing US
pressure, Syria felt it was time to play some political games. http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/02/28/news/syria.html Accuser knows more about sex than Jackson -- not
surprising Feb 28, 2005
Increasingly
it appears that Jackson, however, weird he may be, will be acquitted in the
molestation case against him. It has already been revealed that the family of
the accuser may have a reputation for suing for money, but it also appears
that even the alleged victim may not be genuine. Apparently the boy told
investigators that he knows more about sex than Jackson, which is not
surprising considering Jackson’s ex-wife got pregnant by artificial
insemination and that his previous companions included a monkey. The boy was
also flip with investigators during his interrogation and insinuated that the
goal of his accusations was to achieve media attention. This upcoming
spectacle is expected to get underway today. Whether Jackson is guilty or
not, however, he has his own self to blame. If Michael is not found guilty,
he would be well-advised to keep his friends limited to those old enough to
vote. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/michaeljackson/0227051jacksonsexed1.html Attempts to
oust Eisner comparable to the Nazis? Is this for real? Feb 25, 2005
Actor and former studio executive
Robert Evans has decried efforts by Michael Eisner's detractors to remove him
from the reigns of the Walt Disney Company. Evans compared the efforts to
remove Eisner to the actions of the Nazis when they sought to seize power.
This further demonstrates the delusional nature of Hollywood and stardom.
Anyone residing in the realm of reality who thinks that shareholder
dissatisfaction can in any way compare with the Nazis' efforts to come to
power must have taken leave in every sense of the phrase. Does it really
matter in the grand scheme of things if Roy Disney and his compatriots remove
Eisner? Are millions of people going to die? Will the world be thrown into
war? Will the average American's life be affected at all? Evans must truly
have an over inflated ego to think anything of the like. Whether or not you
support Eisner and his leadership at Disney, that is a decision for Disney's
shareholders. After all, businesses are in business to make money and if the
financial stakeholders in a company are dissatisfied with that company's
direction, then it is their right to seek new direction. Perhaps Evans should
visit Auschwitz and then watch Bambi and see which decisions have the biggest
impact. http://www.drudgereport.com/evans.htm Michael Jackson
caused a woman’s death? (If looks could kill, then yes, for certain) Feb 25, 2005
Reports out of LA indicate that
Michael Jackson may have indirectly caused a California woman’s death; no,
not from looking at the face of the former pop star, but due to Jackson’s
recent “flu” episode. Last week, Jackson was rushed to the hospital because
he was vomiting, which as we all know requires a person to proceed to the
nearest emergency room, since it is such a rare occurrence. Upon his arrival,
a woman who was in a Trauma section of the hospital was removed to
accommodate the “flu” stricken Jackson. This woman had just suffered a
massive heart attack. The family contends that her being moved added to her
trauma and contributed to her death. The hospital officials and doctors who
moved a heart attack victim because someone was throwing up clearly demonstrate
the need for tighter controls over medical licensing. These doctors took the
hypocrite’s oath rather than the Hippocratic oath, no doubt. The family has
hired an attorney and plans to sue both the hospital and Jackson. While
Jackson probably felt he was deserving of special treatment, his complicity
in the act is doubtful. The hospital’s guilt, however, appears certain. http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/MichaelJackson/story?id=529513 Man with new
HIV strain had more partners than there are days in the week Feb 25, 2005
In the 21st century,
one would assume that everyone in their right mind who hasn’t been living in
a cave has heard of AIDS and HIV, especially those in high-risk groups. There
is a least one man who apparently missed the last 20 plus years. Recently,
scientists expressed concern because they had discovered a new strain of HIV
that was resistant to most drugs. This new strain leads to full blown AIDS in
a matter of months rather than years, which is the normal cycle. Researchers
have now revealed that the New York man with the strain had had over 100 male
sex partners in the last few months. In each of these sexual encounters the
man engaged in unprotected sex. ThePhalanx.com is at a loss to find a word
that quantifies this level of stupidity and ignorance. How could anyone in
this day and age be so foolish and cavalier with his life and the life of
others? Apparently, this “man” engaged in wild orgies that accompanied rampant
drug use. This person is clearly a threat to society and probably should be
charged with 100 counts of attempted murder. http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/284403p-243554c.html NYC Olympic bid
at risk, much to the delight of some Feb
25, 2005 Officials from the International
Olympic Committee visited New York recently on its tour of the five Olympic
finalists for the 2012 games. For the most part, the IOC officials appeared
to be impressed with New York’s plans, but there is one area that concerns
them: the Olympic Stadium. Olympic officials are concerned because
controversy surrounds the stadium; many New Yorkers are apparently opposed to
the facility and IOC officials hint that if the stadium controversy is not
resolved soon, the NYC bid will be in jeopardy. New York City has never
hosted the Olympic Games, though New York State has hosted the Winter Games
twice, most recently in 1980. Overall, the IOC was impressed but unless the
politicians and business officials in New York can get their act together,
they can kiss 2012 goodbye. The decision on the Games will be decided in
July, and it’s no secret that a number of officials would want nothing more
than to deny the games to New York or any place else in America. Don’t give
them an excuse, New York! http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050225/NEWS/502250409/1002/SPORTS http://inhome.rediff.com/sports/2005/feb/25bid.htm Dad kills children, then himself…should have started with
himself. Feb 24, 2005
A 24-year-old father of five (are we the only one who thinks that’s a
bit young to have so many kids?) stabbed two of his children to death before
slitting his own throat. Three other children were wounded but will survive.
The mother was unharmed. The family recently moved from Michigan to Columbus
in SW Georgia. It is unclear what set off the father, or why he killed his
own children. Clearly it’s a case of a monster masquerading as a human being.
It is unfortunate that the father started the attack on his kids before
turning on himself -- such people should always start with themselves. http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/10976157.htm http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/02/24/children.stabbed.ap/index.html Paternalistic Politician calls Social Security reform a
rip-off Feb 24, 2005
House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, a noted leftist within the
Democratic Party, was harshly critical of President Bush’s plans to implement
private savings accounts within the Social Security System. Pelosi contends
that the Bush plan is simply a tactic to divide the nation along generational
lines. After all, politicians know best and we should always defer to their
judgment, especially when they are making decisions about our future. Why
should a person who works 30 or 40 years expect a reasonable return on their
retirement savings? Such expectations are ludicrous. Pelosi hails from the
paternalistic camp; this group of politicians feel it is the duty of the
government to make decisions for people, because liberty and freedom are
limited to what the government says it is and the principles of
self-determination fought for on the battlefield, courthouse and picket line
have outlived their usefulness. Through government control of our retirement,
the government retains control over us. Pelosi called the Bush plan unfair to
women and minorities, particular since they rely more heavily on Social
Security. In these very words the truth is revealed, but in reverse. Social
Security in its present form is unfair to women and minorities. Currently,
the average life expectancy among minorities is slightly lower than the
national average. What happens to those retirement funds once a person with a
lower life expectancy dies? Do they go to the nearest beneficiary, like a
child or grandchild? No, they go back into the government till, regardless of
the fact that the individual contributed to that account for years. Indeed
the government would prefer that we die young, in order to pilfer more of our
retirement funds. From this point Pelosi went on to rail against the media,
arguing that it was largely owned by the Bush Administration; this notion
seems inconsistent with reality after last year’s election when a
disproportionate number of negative news items were geared toward the
President, in contrast with more positive coverage for Sen. Kerry. http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/02/24/BAGFVBFLF01.DTL Bush and Putin to announce plan for confronting nuclear
terrorism Feb 24, 2005
Presidents Bush and Putin are expected to announce newly adopted
measures to reduce the threat of nuclear terrorism. While not necessarily a
part of this measure, one plan would be for Russia to stop supplying terror
sponsors with nuclear materials. Terrorism has been a hot button issue as of
late and fears of nuclear terrorism have only increased as word of N. Korea
and Iran’s nuclear ambitions has disseminated. Although Russia has seen quite
its share of terror in recent years, the authoritarian regime of Vladimir
Putin shows no signs of taking serious action to confront this global threat.
Indeed, when there is money to make, terrorism becomes a secondary issue in
the Russian mind, as evidenced by their support for Saddam Hussein and more recently
Iran. These states were willing to pay Russia top dollar for their technical
assistance and as such Russia has been willing to look the other way with
regard to their hostile ambitions. President Bush is keenly aware of this and
has sought to bring Russia into the fold. This new measure agreed upon by the
US and Russia will involve increased security at Russia’s nuclear sites, but
it is unclear as to whether such a measure will do anything to make the world
safer, as there is only lukewarm concern for terror at the highest levels. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7020472/ Bush welcomed by hordes of detractors in Germany Feb 24, 2005
Upon the president’s arrival in Germany this week, he was met by
throngs of protestors upset that Bush had set foot in their country. The
president is in Europe to meet with European leaders and smooth tense
relations with the Old World. Not everyone, however, is eager to see
relations smoothed. Germany, which once had one of the world’s most vibrant
economies, has endured years of stagnation, high unemployment and declining
birth rates. These factors, and more, have led to increasing hostility toward
the US, a nation with lower taxes, lower unemployment and a relatively vibrant
economy. Many protestors argued that they were still upset with Bush over the
Iraq war and the loss of life in Iraq. The planned protests for the true acts
of genocide in Sudan, the Balkans or Rwanda have yet to be carried out,
however, primarily because the US was not involved. German citizens have
shown that when you are drawing attention away from problems at home, it’s
always best to pick a prominent and clearly distinguishable target. Canada resolves not to participate in Missile Shield;
after all, the US will protect them anyway. Feb 24, 2005
Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin made it clear that his country
would not participate in US plans to develop an Anti-Missile Shield in North
America. This was a backtrack for Martin, who last year declared that Canada
would participate in the program. A majority of Canadians, however, opposed
the measure; this probably weighed on the Prime Minister’s decision,
particularly in light of the fact that his recent electoral victory was quite
small and he can ill afford to upset the Canadian electorate. It is unclear
as to why Canadians oppose the program -- perhaps they know that no one views
Canada as a threat, but moreso as a ripe plum to be plucked. Perhaps
Canadians have a death wish. Perhaps Canadians harbor deep resentment toward
the US. (Remember the mantra, if a country is under authoritarian rule, was
once a former world power, or suffers from economic decline and high
unemployment, they will harbor resentment toward the US.) Perhaps this
opposition is also rooted in the knowledge that the US would see any missile
entering Canadian airspace as a threat to the US and would act against it
anyway. So why pay for a new defense plan when the US will do it for you? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4289925.stm Bonds doesn’t know what cheating is, which is very
convenient when playing competitive sports. Feb 23, 2005 Baseball’s Barry Bonds lashed out at the media yesterday
during a press conference. Bonds’ name has been one of many surfacing in a
steroid controversy currently engulfing major league baseball. The baseball
player, who is in line to surpass Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron this year as the
all time Home Run leader, was defiant in the face of the media. His defiant
tone was crystallized when he noted to reporters: “When your closets are
clean, you can come clean out someone else's.” In other words, if someone has
ever done anything wrong they can’t criticize someone else, or even ask a
question for that matter. I guess police and prosecutors should turn in their
resignations. How dare they fight crime, having ever made a mistake in their
pasts. When pressed as to whether he thought taking steroids constituted
cheating, Bonds responded that he didn’t know what cheating was, which makes
it very convenient to do just that. http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/0205/23bonds.html
More
threats from Iran
Feb
23, 2005
The peace-loving nation of Iran has issued more threats to
the United States, continuing a much-heralded tradition that began in 1979. Iranian
President, Mohammad Khatami, vowed that the US would suffer greatly if it
interfered with Iran’s independence. The US and other western leaders have
declared that Iran must not develop a nuclear weapons capability. This
sentiment was echoed today by President Bush on a state visit to Germany.
Iran contends that the assertions regarding its nuclear program are nothing
more than US propaganda. The country has issued similar statements in the
past. The Bush administration, however, has repeatedly declared that it is by
no means planning an invasion of Iran. Iran, however, and its nuclear
ambitions put it on a direct collision course with the US. The Europeans have
tried in vain to put the brakes on Iran’s nuke program, but such efforts are
piecemeal. The Europeans have repeatedly demonstrated their inability and
unwillingness to confront dictators, regardless of the threats they
represent. Such a tradition, which began with the coddling of Mussolini in
Ethiopia and accelerated with the appeasement of Hitler, continues with the
recent treatment of Saddam Hussein and arm sales to China. While Europeans
may claim it is America who seeks to profit in its foreign policy, the
evidence clearly shows that Europe is the expert when it comes to
profiteering on the world stage. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&ncid=721&e=1&u=/nm/20050223/wl_nm/bush_iran_dc Chirac hints at support for scrapping NATO in favor of EU
defense force. Hoorah, Hoorah!!! Feb 23, 2005
The French President, noted for his anti-US jibes, threw a
wrench at the President’s fence-mending efforts by suggesting that NATO
should be scrapped in favor of a defense structure centered on the European
Union. This is perhaps the best idea the French President has had to date.
The US contribution to NATO accounts for nearly 30% of the total budget, not
accounting for equipment and logistical support. This is a large sum, which
yields little return for the United States. It is high time that the
Europeans bear the costs for their own defense, particularly in light of
increasing European hostility toward the United States. There is one downside
to this -- the European nations may soon find themselves having to learn a
new language, given their propensity to skimp on defense, and also given the
increasing bellicose behavior of nations like Russia. http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005083136,00.html Another tyrant with delusions? Feb 23, 2005 Venezuelan strong man Hugo Chavez thinks the
US is planning to kill him. What evidence does he have? None, naturally, but
given the anti-American sentiment in many regions of the world, Chavez
doesn’t need any evidence, proof or even a rational argument. Chavez vowed
that an assassination would mean Venezuelan oil would be cut off to the US --
apparently food for Venezuelan children will also be cut off, given that the
US is Venezuela’s largest customer. It is no secret that US officials have
been critical of the Chavez Administration, particularly as a source of
instability in the region. One must realize that to the leftist, criticism is
always equated with being an enemy and a threat. It is interesting, however,
that any country with a faltering economy, high levels of social unrest or a
tyrannical regime often uses the same tactic: draw attention away from
problems at home by channeling anger towards an outsider or foreign power
like the United States. Prosperous nations with low unemployment and
democratic freedoms don’t have time for such nonsense. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4289209.stm New York Congressman denies Islamic terrorist
threat Feb 23, 2005 New York Congressman Charles Rangel noted his
displeasure with the term, “Islamic Terrorist”, describing it as
“discriminatory.” Apparently, it is now discriminatory to speak the truth or
even to refer to people by their own self-identification. Rangel went on to
note that he doubts there is a worldwide Islamic terrorist threat --
apparently the Congressman is waiting for a few dozen more terrorist attacks
before he is convinced. The countless bombings in Iraq, Israel, the
Palestinian Territories, and Saudi Arabia were not sufficient. The terror
attacks in New York in 2001 and 1993, the bombings in Indonesia, the
Philippines, Kenya and Tanzania and the murders on the steps of the Indian
Parliament weren’t sufficient. Nor was Rangel convinced by the countless
hijackings of the 1970s and 80s. He was apparently unmoved by the public
declarations of people like Ben Laden or Al-Zarqawi declaring an Islamic
Jihad. These, of course, are no evidence of a terrorist threat. Rangel is
adding insult to injury by noting that Hitler’s goons weren’t referred to as
“Christian terrorists” when they were killing Jews. There is one obvious
reason for this; HITLER WASN’T CHRISTIAN and did not profess to be so.
Indeed, Hitler and many Nazi organizations were distinctly anti-Christian --
they banned many Christian organizations in Germany and even banned the
Crucifix. In fact a number of Christian leaders were sent off to the same
concentration camps were so many countless Jews were murdered. Congressman
Rangel’s assertion that the Nazis were Christians is an affront to
Christianity and represents an ignorance of history. This ignorance is
further highlighted by the overall package in which this item was discussed.
In denying the Islamic terrorist threat, Rangel is condemning many Americans
to ignorance and death. http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2005/2/22/102357.shtml Poll reveals
the breadth of historical ignorance in US Feb 22, 2005
A recent poll
reveals that Reagan is seen as the greatest president in American history,
followed by Bill Clinton...surely, they mean in the past 20 years? No, the
polls' coverage included the entire 229 history of the United States. Perhaps
nothing reveals the apparent ignorance of history more so than this poll. How
can a president like Reagan, much less Clinton, compare to the likes of
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln or either Roosevelt for that matter? The poll,
conducted by the Gallup organization, only demonstrates the failing job our
schools are doing in educating future generations about our nation’s past.
When a president like Clinton, who is perhaps most famous for welfare reform
and Monica Lewinsky can compare with the accomplishments of presidents who
defeated the Nazis, crushed a civil war or doubled the size of the nation,
then a serious re-evaluation of our priorities needs to take place. Or
perhaps we at ThePhalanx.com are the ones in the wrong. Perhaps “Star Wars”
and “Iran-Contra" are just as important as emerging from the Great
Depression; perhaps oral sex and Kosovo are more important than freeing
slaves. Who are we to judge? http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000809416 Yet another
case of “unfair” business practices… Feb 22, 2005
Internet search behemoth
Google has drawn criticism as of late for a new feature that the company is
developing. Google has developed a new toolbar, known as Autolink, that
generates links to various websites based on key words found in a webpage.
This of course is "unfair," because Google commands a large share
of the search market and thus can drive traffic to pre-selected commercial
sites, favoring those companies. This is yet another frivolous attack on a
perfectly sensible business practice. No one has forced Internet users to go
to Google’s site nor have they been forced to click on the pre-selected
links, yet this practice is decried as unfair. Well, what would be fair?
Perhaps Google should provide a link to every single business on Earth
(anything that can be remotely related to the subject at hand). Or better
still, perhaps Google should pay all the companies not listed; that way the
companies can close up shop and just collect their revenue check from Google.
As we at ThePhalanx.com have become so fond of saying…businesses are in
business to make money. BBC News reports that Dan Gillmor of Grassroots Media
said the tool was " an unfortunate move by a company that is looking to
continue its hypergrowth." Why in the world would a company want to
generate business for itself? What is the world coming to? Next, some company
that probably provides an inferior service or poor quality product will sue
Google as a monopoly, the search engine will have to divest itself, forming
the Baby Googles, each limiting their searches to certain topics, such as:
frivolous whining, poor business strategies, socialism, jealousy, media
attention grabbing, propaganda and so on. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4287539.stm Blockbuster
under attack for “no more late fees” campaign, customers want to keep movies
with no consequences Feb 22, 2005
Blockbuster is only
the latest company to learn that "good business" to a consumer
means lost business for them. Recently, Blockbuster announced a campaign in
which they were getting rid of “late fees.” Under this new plan customers
could keep videos for a longer duration without having to pay the late fees
for keeping a video past a certain date. Blockbuster amended this policy so that
a person would only incur a fee (aptly named a re-stocking fee) if the video
was kept for a month or more. Blockbuster had been criticized for earning
huge revenues from absent-minded customers who agreed to return a video at a
certain time and then failed to do so. What’s next -- utility companies, banks and credit card
companies won’t be able to charge late fees when customers fail to make
on-time payments? In any case, this “re-stocking” fee is being attacked
because critics contend it is simply a late fee under another name. Why is it
unreasonable for a company to charge when people rent a product and fail to
return it? If a person leases an apartment they can’t just pay the rent and
then go a few months before they pay again. There is no other circumstance
where customers could demand this type of payment structure. Blockbuster is
not performing a public service to entertain those with sedentary lifestyles.
It has employees and stockholders it is accountable to; the company is in
business to make money. http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2005/mft05022201.htm Supreme
Court to decide whether local governments can steal private property Feb 22, 2005
In a case that is
likely to have a lasting impact on the very fabric of this nation, the
Supreme Court will decide the issue of property rights. The case in question
involves the community of New London, CT where the local government and a
developer have teamed up to seize the property of private homeowners in the
name of re-developing the property and thereby providing additional tax
revenue for the community. This is a blatant violation of the spirit and
letter of the Constitution. If the rule of law means anything in this
country, the Supreme Court will strike down this practice. If it does not,
then the very idea of private property is lost forever in this country and we
are well on our way to some new form of authoritarianism disguised as
democracy, not unlike present-day Russia. The proponents of this Eminent
Domain abuse contend that seizing property for public works includes turning
that property over to private developers. The constitution clearly is at odds
with this argument. A public work is something that will be used and owned by
the public such as a park, school, or a highway. It does not include a
shopping center or a new luxury home development. The question before the
Supreme Court is really a question of whether we are a nation of laws or a
nation where any and everyone can be bribed for price, including our supposed
elected representatives. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002186397_scotus22.html Sanctions
won’t work on Syria, as if we needed to be reminded Feb 22, 2005
Newsweek
columnist, Fareed Zakaria, has written an article
questioning the value of sanctions. Officials in the US and France have been
leading the call for sanctions against Syria for its role in sponsoring terrorism
and possibly for its involvement in the assassination of the former Lebanese
Prime Minister. As Zakaria notes, economic sanctions won’t do anything to
change Syrian policy. Those who will be hurt include: ordinary Syrians and
American businesses, while the Syrian regime of Assad will be unaffected,
just as Saddam Hussein was virtually unaffected by sanctions. This is because
sanctions are usually employed against totalitarian regimes. Under such
governmental systems, the suffering of the people has no impact on the
regime, as the people have no say in the government. There isn’t a single
case where sanctions have had the desired affect. Sanctions have been in
place against Cuba for nearly 50 years, yet the same man, Fidel Castro, rules
with an Iron fist. Sanctions simply do not work. They didn’t work against
Mussolini or Hussein and they certainly won’t work against Syria. The Eastern
Bloc didn’t collapse due to sanctions. The communist regimes across Europe
fell because of western engagement. The fruits of western capitalism were
keenly obvious to the people of the east and with this yearning came the
inevitable end. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6999829/site/newsweek/ North
Korea may resume talks (when China talks Kim listens…) Feb 22, 2005
In
an apparent about face, the North Koreans have signaled their willingness to
resume participation in the 6-party talks. North Korea’s recent declaration
has not come without strings. According to reports, Kim Jong Il says his
country will negotiate if the US shows itself to be trustworthy and sincere.
This is yet another meaningless pledge. It hasn’t been the US that has lied
repeatedly and violated previous agreements. Remember it was the North
Koreans who violated the 1994 agreement negotiated by the Clinton
Administration. It is the Koreans who lack sincerity and trustworthiness.
This latest development comes on the heals of a high level diplomatic
overture by the Chinese to bring the Koreans back to the table. There can be
no doubt that the Chinese reminded Kim that they have propped up his regime
for decades and Kim would be well advised not to interfere with their new
found gravy train (ie. increased global trade). http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/asiapcf/02/21/nkorea.talks/ Florida
couple arrested for beating children Feb 21, 2005 In the latest example of human depravity, a http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=993740&tw=wn_wire_story Feb 21, 2005 In what has been reported as a lead story on several news outlets, the
personal phone numbers stored in Paris Hilton’s cell phone have been leaked
onto the internet. The numbers of such acclaimed actors and musicians like:
Eminem, Lindsay Lohan Christina Aguilera, Anna Kournikova, Vin Diesel, Ashlee
Simpson and Andy Roddick have flooded the internet. Needless to say, the
folks at ThePhalanx.com won’t be wasting any of our minutes to call the likes
of these “celebrities.” This gross violation of the privacy of Ms. Hilton has
even sparked a response from the Federal government as the FBI has launched
an investigation. Something tells me if John Q. Public’s phone was hacked the
FBI would not be involved. Needless to say this won’t make Ms. Hilton too
popular with the celebrity set but is likely to make her the hero of
countless lonely teenage boys, with few friends. http://www.sky.com/showbiz/article/0,,50001-1171795,00.html Iran not developing nukes, says authoritarian
Putin Feb 18, 2005
The Russian President said he was convinced
that Iran is not developing nuclear weapons and as such, Russia will continue
to cooperate with Iran insofar as it relates to nuclear energy. Translation:
we will continue to provide assistance to Iran because they pay well and we
aren’t threatened by their non-existent nukes. This announcement comes in the
wake of a new deal to supply Iran with nuclear fuel so that they can continue
their “peaceful” nuclear program. Apparently, Russia is ignorant of the fact
that all nuclear research began as peaceful research in the 1920s and 30s,
but given Iran’s reputation for sponsoring terror, there is no reason to
believe that those “peaceful” purposes will remain their primary motivation,
just as they didn’t in the 1930s and 40s. http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/02/18/iran.russia/ EU rejects calls to label Hizbullah a terror
group, after all a few dozen suicide bombs does not a terrorist make Feb 18, 2005
US officials have been urging their EU
counterparts to label the radical Islamic group, Hizbullah a terror
organization. The EU, however, has and continues to balk at the suggestion.
Sources indicate that it would be difficult, if not impossible for all 25
members of the EU to agree with the designation of Hizbullah as a terrorist
organization. Many EU nations apparently feel that the evidence is lacking,
after all Hizbullah has only claimed credit for some of the suicide bombings
in the Middle East, it would different if they were responsible for all of
them. Europe, noted for the increasing levels of anti-Semitism has no plans,
therefore, to make waves in the terror world. http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1108610313040 Queen furious with Charles over civil
ceremony, but doesn’t mind the adultery so much Feb 18, 2005
Sources close to the “royal” family in
England indicate that Queen Elizabeth II is furious with Charles over his
decision to marry his long time love interest, Camilla Parker Bowles, in a
basic civil ceremony conducted in a town hall. Apparently, the Queen is upset
because such a ceremony is for commoners, not for “royals.” The Queen,
however, had no problem with Charles’ other commoner-esque tendencies, such
as sleeping around, while married, with another married woman. The Queen
after all, is the head of the Church of England, and so too will Charles one
day and therefore should have a wedding worthy of future head of the church,
regardless of how irreligious and non-Christian they may be. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1024918.cms Quincy Jones, reportedly found Jackson’s
sleepovers to be inappropriate, duh… Feb 18, 2005
Renowned music producer and songwriter,
Quincy Jones, who was responsible for two of Michael Jackson’s biggest hits,
has reportedly express dissatisfaction with the former pop-singer because of
his indiscretions and behavior with children. Apparently, according to
sources close to Jones, the record mogul attempted to intervene, calling the
child sleepovers wrong and inappropriate, unless of course, Jackson was a
teenage girl, which he may very well be. In spite of Jones’ overtures,
Jackson was apparently uninterested in the council form Jones and ignored the
advice. Jackson has repeatedly contended that there is nothing wrong with
sharing a bed with these children. “I have slept in a bed with many
children,” Jackson noted on a television interview. If convicted, Jackson
will have to make changes in his sleeping patterns, as there will be no “boys”
in a California state correctional institution. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/6989066/ Oil Companies and US Govt. maintain support
for backward energy policy Feb 17, 2005 Recently the head of ChevronTexaco called on
the Bush administration to address the growing demands of Asian economies,
particularly China, in an energy policy framework. Dan O’Reilly noted that
nations like China are becoming increasingly cozy with Middle East oil
suppliers, and as China’s energy needs increase, access to cheap oil will be
further diminished. The oil companies call on the Bush Administration to be
more aggressive in the competition for foreign oil, thus furthering our
dependence on unreliable and dangerous rogue states. On this point the
administration and every previous administration since Carter has been sorely
lacking. US officials, in an apparent collective memory lapse, fail to grasp the
real threat energy dependence holds for the United States. While new energy
sources become increasingly difficult to identify. The country fails to offer
incentives to lessen our dependence on foreign oil and the anti-American
dictatorships these oil revenues support. Even the supposed environmentally
conscious Democrats, have failed to capitalize on this significant threat to
national security. 60 years ago the Nazis developed an extensive program to
produce synthetic liquid fuels (known as hydrogenation) to power their war
machine. Today America faces a threat no less dangerous than the Nazi thugs
of WWII, yet we have developed no comparable solution to the looming energy
catastrophe we face. American has abundant natural resources and technical
sophistication to deal with this crisis. Today alternative energy sources can
be derived from hydrogen, ethanol, natural gas, coal hydrogenation, fuel
cells, etc. This country’s leaders, however, continue to lack the foresight
to prepare us for our inevitable futures, while our enemies fatten their
wallets for the equally inevitable jihad. http://news.ft.com/cms/s/6f3b1f6e-7fb3-11d9-8ceb-00000e2511c8.html Government seeks to reinstate obscenity
case, parents hale move to free them from any responsibility Feb 17, 2005 Alberto Gonzales, the nation’s new attorney general, sought to
reinstate an obscenity case against a California porn company. The case was
recently thrown out as the court argued prosecutors had overstepped their
bonds in the case. The case brought against Extreme Associates, a California
smut company, charged that the porn purveyors were distributing videos through
the mail and over the Internet. US Attorney, Mary Beth Buchanan, said the
lack of enforcement of obscenity laws had "led to a proliferation of
obscenity throughout the United States." What Ms. Buchanan forgot to
mention was the lack of parental involvement in the lives of children. This
lack of interest or concern has contributed to the spread of porn among the
nation’s youth. Parent’s therefore haled this news as they are now free, to
place their careers first, hang out with friends, conspicuously consume,
while ignoring their children at an accelerated pace. http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20050216/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/obscenity_appeal_3 Greenspan backs private accounts, but
opposition fears individual responsibility Feb 17, 2005
Federal Reserve Chairman, Alan Greenspan, testifying before congress yesterday, endorsed the president’s plan for the creation of private accounts for social security. Greenspan, however, urging caution, but warned that the current system can’t stand as it is. Democrats, who generally oppose the president’s plan, were eager to find solace in Greenspan’s words that could assist in their battle with battle with the president. In spite of Greenspan’s urgings of caution, he noted that private accounts would be superior to the system presently in place. Greenspan’s word echo a theme commonly uttered by most who support some form of social security privatization. Democrats, however, fear giving people greater control over their money will usurp their role to create a class of subordinates who are essentially wards of the state. http://washingtontimes.com/national/20050216-115951-6968r.htm Brits loose plutonium, Iran vows aide to
assist in search Feb 17, 2005
A nuclear reprocessing plant in Britain noted
that some 30 kilograms of plutonium are unaccounted for. British authorities,
urged caution as they feel the issue is an accounting issue, rather than a
genuine physical loose of the nuclear material. In spite of this, the Iranian
are certain to volunteer to provide assistance and hazmat recovery teams that
can locate the plutonium before it gets into the wrong hands. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20050217.wplut0217/BNStory/International/ China the world’s largest consumer, American
materialist vow to return Feb 17, 2005 China has overtaken the United States to
become the world’s largest consumer of a number of key products, particularly
in the agricultural and industrial sector. China, whose economy grew by 9.5%
last year, was the largest consumer of coal, steel as well as meat and grain.
Their economic growth has also spurned the recent rise in oil prices as
demand outpaces supply. China is also outpacing the US in the consumption of
various consumer goods, this may have something to do with the fact that most
American already own such basic consumer goods as Televisions, Radio and
Telephones, while China is nowhere close to reaching the saturation point in
this arena. Bare in mind China is a nation of 1.3billion people, less than
have of those can be considered to be apart of the consumer driven economy,
many (over a billion) reside in the rural regions, with sever limitations
placed on their movements. This rapid economic growth has spurred
environmental concerns. As the BBC noted 60% of Chinese cities endure severe
air pollution, figures are similar for China’s water supply. Those Olympians
out there preparing for the 2008 Beijing games would be well advised to bring
a gas mask. At present China is the world’s sixth largest economy and second
largest producer, yet the Kyoto protocol considers China a developing nation
and exempt from its rules, not that China would have agreed to them in any
case. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4272577.stm Attempts at boosting kids self esteem
creating generation ill equipped for real life Feb 16, 2005
As anyone can attest, today’s society is increasingly focused on the “self-esteem” of young children. This self-esteem movement began in the 70s and 80s and continues at an accelerated rate today. Now, teachers are strongly urged not to mark papers in red ink, it sends the wrong message, never mind if the child’s answers are wrong. Children are rewarded even if they fail to accomplish a certain task, the idea being that children must all be treated equally regardless of merit. There’s the story of the school spelling be that was cancelled because there could only be one winner and the other kids would feel left out. Now, as many of these former kids enter the real world, more and more, they are unable to cope. Any sign of pressure or the least bit of criticism is toxic to these overly pampered and undisciplined children. This sentiment is reinforced by a culture where people aren’t responsible for their actions. Today some kids are so protected from failure that any setback could be devastating. There can be no surprise at the growth of the entitlement generation, given this obsession with self-esteem and avoiding failure. http://www.usatoday.com/life/lifestyle/2005-02-15-self-esteem_x.htm Killer’s family vows to fight, will seek out
more grandparents to kill Feb 16, 2005
The parents of a 15 year old, convicted of
killing his own grandparents, vow to fight on. The boy’s attorneys based
their defense on the premise that the prescription drug Zoloft was
responsible for the deaths. The jury, however, didn’t buy this excuse and Christopher
Pittman was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Pittman’s sister, who apparently
couldn’t care less about her grandparents either, called the verdict
ridiculous. Pittman’s surviving grandmother also opposed the verdict, no word
if Christopher will come after her the next time he’s feeling “depressed.”
Pittman’s grandmother noted that Christopher was only 12 when this crime was
committed, the assertion being that while 12 year olds are apparently old
enough to have sex, they aren’t smart enough to know that murder is wrong. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/02/16/earlyshow/main674471.shtml Iran and Syria to join, watch out all you
former Prime Ministers out there Feb 16, 2005
In a move likely to spark ire and alarm, the
nations of Syria and Iran have vowed to join forces in the wake of mounting
external threats. Many Lebanese blame Syria for complicity in the
assassination of former prime minister Rafik Hariri.
Naturally, Syria denied any involvement in the assassination. Iran, eager to
join in the fun, prompt signed on to an informal alliance with the Syrians,
vowing to “help Syria on all grounds to confront threats.” The Iranians
didn’t elaborate on the nature of this assistance, but given Iran’s lust for
dominance in the Middle East and its nuclear ambitions, all former prime
ministers should be advised to wear lead suits. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4270859.stm Democrats seek
middle ground on Abortion? Feb 16, 2005
In what is perhaps
the most unsual development in the wake of last fall’s election, the
Democratic Party is attempting to find a middle ground on the volatile issue
of abortion. The exact stance of the party to emerge from this middle ground
approach is unclear, but rumor has it, the party may support policies calling
for children to be partially aborted, perhaps brain dead. That way both
abortion rights and pro-life advocates will both be satisfied, or neither
will be satisfied. In either case it will certainly be a middle ground. Those
with common sense, however, know that there is no such thing as a middle
ground on abortion. You either believe its murder or you don’t If you believe
its murder, you can’t logically support abortion anytime. If you feel life
begins at birth and it is a woman’s right to choose, then there is no
justifiable reason to support restrictions. New version of Internet Explorer to confront security
issues. Feb 16, 2005
Internet Explorer, long criticized for its numerous
security flaws, will finally get a a major overhaul with the impending
release of IE7. Microsoft Chairman, Bill Gates, vowed that the new product would
be available in beta form by this summer. Apparently, someone sent Gates a
memo reminding him that in a capitalist system you must continuously innovate
or risk loosing market share, that’s one of the reasons why we don’t continue
to drive Model Ts. The exact nature of the upgrade and the features it will
include are still being worked out, but it is clear that increasing
competition from the likes of Firefox and others has certainly spawned
Microsoft’s renewed interest in the browser arena. http://www.techtree.com/techtree/jsp/showstory.jsp?storyid=57662 Iran will have the knowledge to build Nuke in 6 months Feb 16, 2005 Israel’s foreign ministry acknowledges that Iran will have
the know-how to construct a nuclear device within 6 months. As many of you
are no doubt aware, the US began its atomic weaponry program in 1942 with the
Manhattan Project, out of fear that the Axis were developing a weapons
program of their own. Less than 3 years later the US successfully tested a
nuclear device before using it against the Japanese. The US accomplished this
task using the technical knowledge and skills of the mid-20th
century world, all the while fighting a two front war. The Iranians by
contrast, using technical skills from nations like Russia and China (both of
whom developed Atomic weapons decades ago) and flush with billions of dollars
in oil money have yet to produce a bomb. Even bankrupt N. Korea has already
accomplished this task. Does this imply that Iranian know-how is over 60
years behind the times? Inquiring minds want to know. http://wireservice.wired.com/wired/story.asp?section=Breaking&storyId=991513&tw=wn_wire_story Michael Jackson
rushed to hospital due to Flu Feb 16, 2005
Former pop-star and
accused child molester, Michael Jackson was rushed to the hospital yesterday
because he was suffering from the Flu. While unconfirmed reports have
indicated that he may be dead, sane people know that he just has the FLU,
which can be fatal in some cases, especially when you are facing prison time
for fondling children. This development has led to yet another delay in the much
talked about child molestation case. While the prosecution was clearly
disappointed in this delay, those most disappointed include the mindless
idolaters who oogle over the mere mention of Jackson’s name. This incident is
not Jackson’s first “episode” involving a court matter. In November 2002,
Jackson was a no show during court proceeding due to a “spider bite.” Perhaps
instead of building amusement parks in his back yard to entice children,
Jackson should invest in a good exterminator and get a flu shot. http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1496969/02152005/jackson_michael.jhtml Kyoto treaty comes into force, with US absent world leaders vow new means to undermine US economyFeb 16, 2005
As ThePhalanx.com
reported yesterday, there has been increased pressure for the US to join the
Kyoto protocol regarding climate change. Today that agreement comes into
affect, with a ceremony honoring the occasion in Japan. The country responsible
for 25% of the world’s greenhouse emissions, and 25% of the world’s economic
output has refused to join as it singles out the US, while ignoring heavy
polluters like India and China, whose rate of increase far exceeds that of
the United States. In any case, world leaders are obviously disappointed in
this turn of events, the Kyoto protocol was to do what neither Stalin nor
Hitler nor the Kaiser could do: destroy the United States. World leaders vow
to bring down the US economy by other means, though those plans have not yet
been revealed publicly. ThePhalanx.com will keep you posted. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000080&sid=a.XISJ_pr2BI&refer=asia Sugar industry takes shot at Splenda, wants us to remain
fat
Feb
15, 2005
The National Sugar Association, did you know there was
such a thing, has taken a shot a Splenda, accusing the brand of false
advertising. In other words, “we are desperate for people to keep consuming
sugar and we do anything to prevent a competitor from taking our business.”
The sugar industry argues that Splenda’s ad campaign is deceptive. The claim
in disputes takes: "made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar." The
Sugar industry and the folks who make Equal claim this claim deceives
consumers into think Splenda is natural, and not a manufactured process. One
could make the claim that those who think zero calorie sweeteners occur
naturally, aren’t to bright in the first place. Nonetheless, the sugar
industry is making a giant assumption. After all what is sugar? Sugar is a compound that contains carbon,
hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a ring structure of 5 or six carbons. Then
what is Splenda (sucralose)? Sucralose is derived
from “sugar” in a process that substitutes chlorine atoms for hydrogen-oxygen
groups on the sugar molecule. The result is a product that has a similar
taste but lacks the caloric qualities. In other words the sugar industry is
griping because people may not be getting fat on sugar when they attempt to
satisfy their sweet tooth. http://www.ific.org/publications/brochures/sucralosebroch.cfm http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/15/politics/15splenda.html? Turkey: Democracy
OK except for Kurds Feb 15, 2005
Amid countless
reports of a smooth election, with high hopes for an equally smooth
transition of power, the Turks have called upon the United Nations to look
into Iraqi election irregularities. The Iraqis feel the preponderance on
votes in Northern Iraq disproportionately favored the Kurds, irrespective of
the fact that most Iraqis in the north ARE Kurds. Turkey, which has a sizable
Kurdish minority is uneasy of the Kurds expressing themselves politically and
has made it known that it will oppose any effort by Iraqi Kurds to push for
independence. The Turks further state that they want Northern Iraq,
specifically the strategic city of Kirkuk, to be a multiethnic region, unlike
Turkey where Kurdish freedoms are vastly curtailed. The message is clear,
democracy and representative government is fine just so long as the people aren’t
Kurds. Families of tsunami
victims file suit, no word yet whether God will appear in court Feb 15, 2005 The families of
German and Austrian victims of the Asian tsunami have filed suit. Though the
disaster was clearly an act of God, the Lord Almighty has not been named in
the suit. In place of God, a French hotel chain, the Thai government and US
authorities (naturally the US had to be dragged into this) were named as
defendants in the case. Apparently, the suit claims negligence on the part of
the three parties previously named. As stated the US has been implicated in
the suit, more specifically the US National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Why you ask? NOAA’s tsunami warning system
failed to notify countries of the tsunami threat. This might have something
to do with the fact that the center is in place for the Pacific Ocean, a body
of water that actually borders the US. Apparently, these same countries that
frequently claim the US is meddling in the affairs of other countries are
equally upset when the US is not involved there. I suppose if a hurricane
somehow made it to the North Sea and struck Northern Germany, the US
Hurricane Center in Miami would be equally at fault. As for the other
defendants, the Thai government is blamed because it didn’t pass information
of the quake to victims, though they had notice 15 minutes before the tidal
wave struck. The French hotel chain, Accor, is named because they had the
audacity to build the hotel in a fault zone. Someone should alert these
attorneys that a number of other industries, homebuilders and government
organizations have built structures on these fragile plates that float on
molten rock (magma), perhaps they can sue these industries as well. Leave it
to the opportunists to turn death into profit. They may say this case isn’t
presently about money, but just you wait. http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/050215/323/fcing.html Ex-Priest gets
15years for child rape Feb 15, 2005
Paul Shanley, a
former “Man of God” was sentenced to 15years in prison for repeatedly raping
a child in the 1980s. This so-called priest stood emotionless as the verdict
was read. Mr. Shanley’s past indicated the potential for trouble as he was
known to make a case for sex between men and boys, yet the church allowed
this “person” to continue in is role as a priest. The actions of this former
priest and of the Church in not confronting the issue head on has done a
great deserve to all those in the parish and even outside as it has harmed
the reputation and only fuels the fire of atheists and irreligious zealots.
This man, it could be argued, never was a Christian, but the very antithesis
of one. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/15/national/15cnd-priest.html Europe’s “model” economy still
teetering
Feb 15, 2005
Germany’s economy
continues to take a hit, further demonstrating the incredible skill and
economic prowess of our friends in Europe. Germany’s GDP declined by 0.2% in
the last quarter and its jobless rate is the highest since the year Adolf
Hitler came to power, lets hope they don’t resort to his measures for
stimulating economic growth. Overall economic growth in Germany has been
stagnant for years, but they aren’t alone, record unemployment rates have
also been noted in Europe’s second largest economy (France) and show no signs
of improving in the near term. Unlike the 1930s, the fundamental cause of
Europe’s economic woes aren’t war or high reparations payments, its
socialism: anti-competitive laws that prevent companies from firing inept
workers, high taxation with little return and an increasingly aging
population placing a heavy burden on the state’s overly generous pension
system. Hopefully, American policy-makers will take a lesson from the
inevitable collapse of many European economies. http://money.cnn.com/2005/02/15/news/international/german_economy.reut/ State of Georgia
says your life is worth $350,000 Feb 15, 2005
Yesterday the
Georgia General Assembly, passed legislation that would limit jury awards to
$350,000 in medical malpractice cases. So in other words, no matter what the
offense is or how heinous the medical mishap, you can only be rewarded this
paltry amount. Lets say you suffer an accident that prevents you from
working, according to this new law, if signed by the Governor, you would only
be compensated for an amount equal to 5-7 years of your salary. I suppose
then you are to go on welfare? Yes some jury awards are indeed outrageous,
but so too are of the mishaps that occur in the operating room. What’s most
disconcerting is this jewel of legislation is the brainchild of the party
that is suppose to value all forms of human life, I guess that value has a
limit after all. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/legis05/0205/15legtort.html World pressure on
Bush regarding climate change | |||||
