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ARCHIVES: March
2005 Terri Shiavo is dead! March 31, 2005 After 15 years and countless legal challenges, Terri
Shiavo is dead, she survived 13 days without food or water. Can anyone image
what that must be like? In any case her “husband” Michael finally has what he
has wanted for 7 years. He is now free to marry is longtime love interest and
the mother of his children, after all, that what this was all about. While
Michael may claim he was acting in Terri’s best interest its interesting how
he didn’t know what those interests were until 7 years after Terri was
incapacitated and how that coincided with his shacking up with another woman,
how noble and kind of him The courts were more than happy to disregard these
inconsistencies and side with the advocates of her death, lets pray that they
will never know the pain that Terri must have endured. While Michael and his
lawyers claimed his wife was never in pain, workers at the hospice had to
administer morphine, which is normal to do when a person is NOT in
pain…Right! One thing’s for sure, Michael Shiavo’s new wife better mind her
Ps and Qs, because she knows what happened to his first wife. Now there will
be an autopsy, not because Michael was so gracious to allow it, but because
it is Florida law, when a person is to be cremated, not that it will reveal
anything. Any injuries that Terri may have sustained 15 years ago are sure to
have faded by now… http://www.alternet.org/story/21644/ The Crown Prince of Monaco assumes control…of what? March 31, 2005 Prince Rainier
III of Monaco, has been in poor health for some time and
recently has been unable to perform his “duties” as the head of state of the
small principality off the Mediterranean Coast. As a result of his sickness,
his son, Prince Albert will take over as Regent, meaning he will assume the
duties as head of state in his father’s absence. In all the reports that have
been published on this subject, there has been one notable omission: a
description of the prince’s duties. We at thePhalanx.com may have an
explanation. The prince, like all princes, kings, emperors, dukes, counts,
sultans, etc…has no real duties, except to exploit an inherently corrupt,
undemocratic, dictatorial form of government. If this is not so, then name
the duties of the Emperor of Japan or the Queen of England or the Sultan of Brunei.
Their duties are to grow fat and lazy, while others must work for their
rewards. Monarchy is welfare for the inbred. Even a constitutional monarchy
is inherently tyrannical, for it deprives citizens of the right to
self-determination. While we may weep for Prince Rainier, his son’s first
duty has monarch should be to dissolve the monarchy and declare a republic.
It is the only sensible act in an otherwise senseless endeavor. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&sid=aVXvU7clyDPI&refer=europe Legislators
in Georgia decry driver’s license as racist….Go figure? March 30, 2005 As the Georgia
General Assembly meets in Atlanta, tempers have flared and the racial tension
can be cut with a knife. What has happened is a major setback for the cause
of civil rights, to hear some legislators categorize it. What has these
legislators, mostly democratic and mostly black, up in arms? They are upset
over photo ids. Specifically, they are upset because the legislature is in
the process of passing a bill that will require Georgia voters to present a
valid photo id when they go to the polls. If signed by the Governor, this
bill will eliminate all forms of id that don’t include a photo, such as a
utility bill, and thus require voters to have a driver’s license, military
id, tribal id, or state id, etc…The state’s black caucus and others have
called this racist. It is unclear, perhaps even to them how exactly this
policy would be racist. If the state restricted these id types to certain
races, perhaps a point could be made, but no such restriction exist. The
state senate’s democratic leader, who is black, likened the law to Jim Crow.
Perhaps these people are ignorant or just easily swayed, but there is no way
they lived during the Jim Crow era, if they imagine requiring a driver’s
license is in any way similar. The mere suggestion is an insult to those who
fought against oppression in the civil right era. Indeed, in most countries
in the world, valid photo id is required in order to vote, even in Iraq. Does
that make those countries racist as well? These politicians are grasping at
straws, and perhaps trying to create imaginary racial issues and foment
racial tension, so that they can present themselves as the champions of
equality and civil liberty, when in reality they are the champions of
stereotypical racial politics. These politicians have no record to show for
their years in office, so they create an imaginary problem to draw attention
away from genuine issues. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/legis05/0305/30legvote.html Leftists
in Spain support leftists in Venezuela March 30,
2005 The Spanish
government has announced $1.7 billion in arms sales to Venezuela. The sale
has been touted as a great achievement by the Spanish socialist government.
The sale involves ships and transport planes. This deal comes on the heals of
another deal Hugo Chavez secured with Russia to sell over 100,000 rifles to
the South American dictator. The Spanish Conservative opposition, loudly
objected to the sale, but was powerless to stop it. Spain and its policies
have taken a complete 180 since the Socialist victory in last year’s
elections. The nation is now soft on democratic freedom and pro-tyranny,
which is typical in Europe. Naturally, the US is concerned over the sales of
military equipment to Chavez. There is a genuine fear that Chavez would
support leftist revolutionaries in the region, which could further
de-stabilize South America. America is also concerned because Venezuelan oil
is crucial to the US economy, yet another example of dictators who have us
over a barrel, an oil barrel. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4391615.stm Pope on
feeding tube, don’t tell Michael Shiavo March 30,
2005 Pope John
Paul II was placed on a feeding tube yesterday; his doctors were concerned
because the Pontiff wasn’t receiving enough nutrients through eating.
Apparently, the pope has had difficulty swallowing since having a tracheotomy
several weeks ago. The pope has been in poor health for some time and
recently has been unable to speak. Had the pope resided in Pinellas County,
Florida, he would have been left for dead, if people like Michael Schiavo had
any say in the matter. Fortunately, the pope resides in Rome free from the
death culture that has embraced America. The Pope, who is 84 years old, has
been slowly recovering since his hospitalization, but do to his advanced age
and Parkinson’s disease, that recovery process has been made all the more
difficult. http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-03-30-pope_x.htm Las Vegas man a looser, even in death March 29, 2005 It just wasn’t Christopher Thomas White’s day Sunday. The Las Vegas Liquor
Store clerk, came up with the brilliant idea that he would set himself on
fire, no not because he was protesting some offense committed by his
government and no, not because he was persecuted because of his religious
beliefs, because he wanted to commit suicide. Did Mr. White, choose to burn
himself to death in an open field or someplace away from people or property,
no again. He set himself on fire in the liquor store where he worked. So not
only was he a looser, but a selfish one at that. Never mind that the owner of
the store would loose thousands, or may not be able to provide for himself or
his family, all those consequences never entered White’s head. White dosed
himself with alcohol from the store then he set himself ablaze. The fire
department, however, put the fire out before White could be consumed by it.
Not to be dissuaded, White locked himself in a restroom and slit his wrist.
Again White was unsuccessful. The police took him to a local hospital for
treatment of burns and cuts and then to the police station. If the police are
smart they would lock him in a room with a gun and one bullet, even White
couldn’t botch that. For some reason the police are trying desperately to
keep this man alive, while someone like Terri Shiavo faces the exact opposite
treatment. This man White is the typical looser who cares only for himself
and doesn’t concern himself with the harm or damage he does to others, just
like those attention seeking buffoons who go to freeway overpasses to commit
suicide by jumping into oncoming traffic. Never mind that countless innocent
men, women and children could also be injured or killed. Its no wonder
White’s life has probably amounted to nothing, he probably never applied
himself in school, expected everything to be handed to him and when it wasn’t
he takes the easy way out, and can’t even do that right. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,151792,00.html Liberals
turn on Europe… March 29, 2005 Actor and
sometimes activist, Richard Gere, was in Japan promoting his latest film
[sic] Shall We Dance in Japan. The reporters present were there to
question Gere about the film when, the liberal activist launched into a
tirade against the European Union. Gere is upset over the EU’s plans to lift
an arms embargo against Red China. Gere made his comments only a day after
Jacque Chirac’s state visit to Japan, in which he attempted to allay fears
that lifting the embargo would destabilize the pacific region. Gere is known
for being a Buddhist, though we are still waiting for Gere to reject worldly
desires and embark on his path to enlightenment, perhaps he is only a junior
Buddhist. Gere is also a firm supporter of Tibet and calls for its
independence from China, though Tibet has been a part of China since the 1600s
and the Ming dynasty. In any case, Gere’s position highlights the dilemma for
liberals, after years of calling for a European style approach to world
affairs. Liberals must now come to the realization that Europe is a
self-serving political entity, solely interested in its own material and
political dominance, even at the risk of international instability, which is
why they opposed the war in Iraq, as it threatened their blood money and it
is why they favor lifting the arms embargo today. http://au.news.yahoo.com/050328/11/tp4c.html Spring of
the Peoples continues with protests in Mongolia March 29,
2005 The worldwide
spread of democratic political activism continues as the urge for democratic
reform embraces people in Mongolia. On the heals of popular democratic
protests in Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Lebanon, Georgia and recent elections in
Iraq and Afghanistan, the people of tiny Mongolia have gotten the message and
have taken to the streets in protest. The protestors, wearing yellow scarves
have called for a fresh round of elections and an end to political
corruption. The Country of Mongolia, which has a population half the size of
Atlanta, was long dominated by its larger communist neighbors: China and
Russia. In recent years it has moved toward democracy, but as a nation with
few natural resources, including water, it has been slow to develop
economically, as well as politically. Nonetheless, the people of this nation
have learned the lessons, which began in the Middle East. Democracy isn’t a
pipe dream and if the people actually stop resting on their laurels, they can
effect change. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4389623.stm Iraq
secure in 18 months… March 29,
2005 Iraq has come
a long way in the last 2 years. It wasn’t that long ago that Iraq was ruled by
a brutal dictator who killed thousands of his own people in mass graves, who
condoned religious persecution and turned a blind eye to terrorist. Today, in
spite of the naysayers, Iraq has come full circle. The nation held a free
democratic election just 2 months ago and is developing commercial and
economic ties with its neighbors and the rest of the world. Iraqis have
access to food, clothing, consumer goods and even satellite television. The
nation has a free press, with hundreds of independent newspapers. This is a
major achievement and terror attacks in Iraq have steadily declined in recent
months, though this is barely reported. It can also be noted that more and
more Iraqis are taking responsibility for their own security. Recent reports
of street protests against terrorists in Baghdad and ordinary citizens
foiling terror attacks gives cause for hope.
Now the Iraqi Interior Minister contends that Iraq will be secure
within 18 months, capable of defending itself and dealing with terrorists,
like Al-Zarqawi, on its own accord. This offers hope that American troops can
soon return home. This timetable highlights the success of the US and its
allies to confronting terrorists, while also training Iraqis to bear a
greater responsibility for their own security. http://www.freep.com/news/nw/iraq29e_20050329.htm US Census:
Women of different races with degrees earn different amounts…wow! March 28, 2005 The US Census
bureau has released data showing that White women with college degrees earn
less, on average, than Black and Asian women with college degrees. White
males, on the other hand, generally earn more than men of other races with
college degrees. Regardless of race (or gender), however, those with college
degrees earn far more than those who only have a high school education.
Researchers were unable to offer any concrete explanations as to why white
women appear to be at an economic disadvantage in the work place. Perhaps
researchers are at a loss for an answer because researchers like to make
grandiose trend stetting statements with far reaching conclusions, but in
reality, women from different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds, may
simply choose different types of work after graduating from college and these
different fields can have vast differentials in pay. Teachers go to college,
but they make far less than computer programmers. Nurses go to college but
they earn far less than stockbrokers. Many police officers are college grads
but they earn less than real-estate agents. Simply noting that a person is a
college graduate means nothing, further demonstrating that statistics can say
anything you want. There was no mention as to how many of this women majored
in a science related field or business or education or liberal arts or
physical therapy, etc…Once again, the US Census has demonstrated why its
budget is too great. http://www.usatoday.com/news/bythenumbers/2005-03-28-income-education_x.htm Border war brewing on US-Mexican border March 28, 2005 A border war is brewing along America’s southern border.
No this isn’t a re-hatch of the Mexican War, it doesn’t even involve either
country’s military. The dispute has erupted between a brutal Central American
gang, Mara Salvatrucha
(MS-13) and an American volunteer vigilante group, the Minutemen. The
Minutemen, consists of American’s who have grown frustrated with illegal
immigration across the southern border. The Minutemen, many of whom are
former combat soldiers, plan a vigil this weekend to protest the government’s
inability to stem the flow of illegals crossing the border. MS-13 decided it
was time to teach the Minutemen a lesson and has dispatched some of its thugs
to Arizona in the hopes of starting some type of ruckus. It remains to be
seen whether anything will transpire, but this highlights the overwhelming
problem between the US and Mexico. Some have called for the US to militarize
the border, and truly, that will reduce the flow, but it won’t stop it. After
all, East Germany couldn’t stop the flow to West Berlin and they had a wall
with armed sentries. The real problem lies with Mexico. There you have a
government that actively encourages people to flee to America, because when
these “immigrants” arrive in the US they begin to send money home and because
they relieve pressure on the Mexican government to provide services. Mexico
has a high birth rate, compared with the US and that places enormous strains
on the economy, in spite of Mexico’s high levels of business permeation and
foreign investment, the population is growing too fast to sustain itself and
as long as this continues, the US will have an illegal immigration problem. http://www.washtimes.com/national/20050328-125306-7868r.htm Michael Jackson likens himself to Nelson Mandela March 28, 2005 The so-called King of Pop, conducted a radio interview
with Jesse Jackson this weekend to declare his innocence (naturally).
Jackson, in what has become a typical criminal response, blamed others for
his predicament (though he didn’t blame his libido or sick perverted mind).
Jackson contends that he is the victim of a conspiracy. After all the rich
and powerful in this country have always been afraid of a washed up singer
who builds amusement parks to entice children to his home and hangs out with
monkeys. Jackson also commented on his intense physical suffering, which has caused
him to be late several times to trial. He talked about his low body weight
and how family and friends, including Elizabeth Taylor, used to feed him, aww
how cute. Jesse Jackson talked about how he frequently prayed with the former
pop star. Though the reverend didn’t address it, no doubt Jackson became
acquainted with his spiritual side right around the time of his arraignment,
before then the only “p” word he knew was pedophilia. Jackson didn’t comment
about his fetish for young boys or the rationale behind why a forty-year-old
man has “sleep-overs” with pre-teens and condones sharing a bed with them.
Jackson, however, did note that the conspiracy of which he is a victim is not
unlike the persecution of Nelson Mandela and other “black luminaries,” like
Jack Johnson and Muhammad Ali. There is only one flaw in Jackson’s reasoning,
Mandela, Johnson and Ali were actually black, they didn’t straighten their
hair or try to change their race, because of their own insecurity, they were
actually proud of how God made them. The only conspiracy that Jackson is a
victim of is that of his own ego. Even if he never molested anyone, he put
himself in the position. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050327/D893IAI00.html http://www.theomahachannel.com/entertainment/4321001/detail.html More on Mexico… US Soccer Team assaulted March 28, 2005 The US Soccer team was defeated for the 71st
year in a row, by the Mexican team at home (The US has fared much better when
playing at home, winning the last 8 matches). In Mexico soccer, is one of the
national sports, unlike in the US and the Mexican team, commanded the game
from the onset. To add insult to injury, the Mexican fans felt it was prudent
to assault the US team on top of everything.
The Mexican fans booed the national anthem and chanted “Osama”
repeatedly. The Mexicans clearly had the Easter spirit and that spirit
continued in the post game celebrations as crowds attempted to burn and later
trampled the US flag. Perhaps the next time the US has to play in Mexico,
they can substitute the official team for the US Marine Corps. Or maybe some
of those Minutemen in Arizona can extend their range south to Mexico City to
work security. http://msn.foxsports.com/soccer/story/3495034 Traitor refused refuge in Canada (imagine that) March 25, 2005 The Canadian government has ruled that Jeremy Hinzman will not be allowed refuge
status in the Great White North, and thus will have to return to the United
Status. Hinzman, is a US serviceman who fled to Canada, when his unit was
deployed to Iraq. Hinzman, apparently thought he had joined a local
neighborhood watch, as he was surprised when the US military was called upon
to perform military endeavors in Iraq. Hinzman, created a fiction, which he
relayed to the Canadian government, that fiction being that he faced cruel
and unusual punishment and persecution if he returned to the US. Now even the
Canadians aren’t foolish enough to fall for that line of bull. What he does
face is up to 5 years in prison for desertion. The Canadian government ruled
that there is no evidence to suggest that Hinzman or his family would be
persecuted, which of course he won’t. The traitor, however, certainly should
receive more than five years in prison. At what time did we arrive at a point
when people consider their word as nothing more than a vague promise to be
broken at any time? This man committed to fight for his country and at the
first sign of danger he abandoned his countrymen and fled. He is an absolute
disgrace; fortunately, our nation has been honored with more patriots, in
uniform, than traitors. http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050325-065938-9163r.htm Good riddance to anti-Semitic, anti-American traitorous
buffoon March 25, 2005 Booby Fischer [sic], the unkempt, tactless former chess
champion arrived in his new home, Iceland, with choice words for the US,
Japan (and Israel just for the heck of it). Fischer had been detained in
Japan for 9 months, as there was a warrant for his arrest in the United
States for violating sanctions against Yugoslavia. That act alone,
demonstrated that he cared more for his personal finances than for the law or
for the suffering people in the Balkans, by supporting the then tyrannical butcherious
regime of Yugoslavia. He has been on the lamb ever since that trip to
Yugoslavia in 1992. After being detained in Japan, he renounced his
citizenship and eventually was granted citizenship by Iceland of all
countries. Yesterday, Fischer arrived in Iceland with choice word for Japan
and the US, saying he was kidnapped and that there was no respect for the
law, even though he was the one who violated it. He also said the US was an
illegitimate country, like Israel, and the land belonged to the “red man.” By
his own logic any country that is inhabited by people who originated from
some place else shouldn’t be there. So the Saxons should leave Britain, the
Turks should leave Turkey, the Dravidians should leave India, the Muslims
should leave North Africa. Even the Native Americans should leave America and
return across the land bridge to Siberia. And indeed even is new home,
Iceland, is illegitimate, and Fischer should call for the decedents of the
Norse settlers to abandon that nation at once. This Fischer fellow, is yet
another Anti-American buffoon as ignorant of history as he is on any true
useful job skills. Lets hope “playing chess” can keep food on the table in
Iceland, if not perhaps he can take up T-Ball. http://www.freep.com/news/nw/chess25e_20050325.htm Child rapist reveals weaknesses in the system March 25, 2005 Authorities don't have enough money to identify, treat and
monitor the sex offenders most likely to repeat their crimes.” Couey, was one
of thousands upon thousands of sexual offenders that have been released from
jail and now live amongst us, and our children, in fact Couey, lived just
down the road from Jessica Lunsford, a tempting target for a depraved
pedophile. Indeed, many therapists feel that these child rapists can’t be
cured and the mere sight of a child can set off urges in their mind to do
harm. So obviously these people must live somewhere where they can’t do harm
to others. What do we do to make sure they live in certain areas where there
are no kids? Of course this can’t be done, kids are everywhere, and their
freedom of movement shouldn’t be restricted because of another man’s crimes.
This begs the question: Why are these “people” out of jail in the first
place. They should be sent to a maximum-security hard labor stockade, for the
rest of their natural lives. Perhaps rigging them to a plow for 14 hours a
day and having them till the soil on a prison farm would be just the right
dose of medicine to get their minds off the kids they desire. One thing is
for certain; all the resources in the world can’t keep a pedophile away from
children, once they are released from prison. Keep the goons locked up
forever and save a kid’s life! http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-03-24-sex-offenders-usat_x.htm Bobby Fischer moves to Iceland March 24, 2005 Former world chess champion, Bobby Fischer, left nine
months of detention in Japan for a new life in Iceland. Last July, Fischer
was detained in Japan, because he was wanted in the United States for
violating sanctions against Yugoslavia. In 1992 Fischer played a chess match
in Yugoslavia, in violation of sanctions and has been a wanted man in the US
ever since. Iceland recently voted to grant citizenship to Fischer, in
recognition for his historical chess match in Reykjavik,
when he beat Boris Spassky. Iceland acknowledged the disappointment in the
US, but claimed no anti-American sentiment as a factor in the decision. While
Fischer clearly has no love for his country of birth, does this really
matter. After all, the former chess master, hasn’t set foot in this country
in a decade. He hasn’t harmed anyone, nor does he contribute anything to
society, nor detract from society. Need we waste any of our resources
tracking down this recluse, when there are al-Qaeda in our midst. Let Bobby
go and good riddance, may he enjoy life in Iceland. http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/2132.html Spring of the peoples continues… March 24, 2005 Kyrgyzstan has been plagued
with violence recently in the wake of yet another rigged election in the
former Soviet Union (imagine that). The opposition has been highly critical
of the electoral results, contending that the government has been accused of
complicity in engineering their electoral victory. The Kyrgyz, opposition has launched street
protests, in the spirit of Ukraine, Georgia and Lebanon. Unlike those earlier
examples, however, these people have proven less patient with their
government, perhaps centuries of dictatorship has finally gotten to them.
Protestors have taken over state TV, one should always question the
democratic values of any country in which media is controlled by the state.
The protestors then stormed the presidential palace and seat of government. Nothing
has been seen of the president, though the opposition now claims to be the
new power in the land. Russia has expressed increasing concern over the
violence in Kyrgyzstan, their concern, however, is rooted in the fear that
the totalitarian Putin could be in danger if he isn’t careful. The message
for the leaders of Eastern Europe and Central Asia is clear: start playing by
the rules or get run out of town. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4378029.stm Treaty designed to bring down US may bring down Canadian
government March 24, 2005 Recently, the controversial Kyoto treaty went into effect.
This treaty was designed to reduce greenhouse emissions in developed
countries. The US, much to the chagrin of the anti-American politicians in
Europe, opted out of the one-sided treaty, after all heavy polluters like
China (the number 2 polluter) and India were completely exempt from the
treaty. President Bush rightly claimed that enforcing the treaty would
undermine American competitiveness (the true goal of the treaty in the first
place) and lead to increased unemployment. In any case, our neighbor to the
north, in their infinite wisdom, opted to ratify the treaty, in spite of
domestic opposition. Now Canada is facing a political crisis. The opposition
Conservative Party, is threatening to force the issue with the aptly named
Liberal Party. The Liberals and their coalition partners support the Kyoto
treaty, and plan to bring its provisions into force, regardless of the fact
that in threatens numerous Canadian businesses, many of which are already
reeling and the country already faces high levels of unemployment. http://www.canada.com/national/story.html?id=a124d3cf-147b-4a47-a225-f4a9afe27da1 A Native-Nazi makes as much sense as a Black Klansman March 23, 2005 Jeff Weise, the maniacal teenage killer who gunned down
his grandparents, a teacher and classmates at his Minnesota school, was a
truly disturbed individual. The kid, who was described as a loner, savagely
gunned down these people with a smile on his face before he thankfully took
his own life. Investigators have been searching into Weise’s background
trying to find answers for the savagery at Red Lake, MN. Investigators with
the FBI may have stumbled upon a major clue. Apparently, Jeff Weise, a Native
American, held Nazi views. Weise, who would have been hauled off to a death
camp had he lived in Germany in the 1930s or 40s, apparently admired Adolf
Hitler. This kid apparently never read a history book or had any concept of
reality whatsoever. For a minority, of all people, or any American, to admire
a regime that would have sent each and every one of us to the gas chambers
(including White Americans). Indeed, this is also a testament to the failure
of the American educational system. Often people evoke Hitler’s name or the
Nazis to shock or scare people, but many people don’t have a clue as to what
the Nazis were about. This problem isn’t unique to the US; how else do you
explain Nazi movements in nations like France, Britain and Russia? In all
three cases, these countries were nearly wiped out by the Germans. Indeed,
any Russian who expresses a fondness for the Nazis should be considered a
traitor in the highest sense. The Nazis, make no mistake about it, considered
all Non-Germans as inferior. It doesn’t matter what your race is. The Nazis
stood for state control of every aspect of human life, even breeding. The
Nazis stood for racial extermination, euthanasia, and tyranny. The Nazis
weren’t just anti-Semitic; they were anti-Christian and opposed to any faith
that challenged, the supremacy of the God-like Hitler. Therefore, this kid
Jeff Weise finally did the only thing that a Native-Nazi could do -- he killed himself. After all, any other
Nazi certainly would have wanted him dead. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/23/national/23shoot.html?hp&ex=1111640400&en=a0fefe745d609e8e&ei=5094&partner=homepage Score another victory for the forces of hatred, greed,
indifference, moral decay and murder March 23, 2005 The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals handed yet another
defeat for the family of Terri Schiavo. The court ruled in a 2-1 decision
that there was no compelling reason to order the re-insertion of Terri’s
feeding tube. While a defeat for Terri’s family, it is a victory for the
adulterous Michael Schiavo and the forces of death. For those of you who have
or are in the process of creating living wills, think long and hard before
you entrust someone as your guardian. If they have a propensity for skirt
chasing, or if they plan to bed down with another woman and have kids with
this woman while you lay starving in the hospital, you may want to think
again. Above all you should have a living will, as no one truly knows your
intentions unless you spell them out. In the meantime, Terri’s family plans
an appeal to the US Supreme Court, but all may prove moot as Terri has gone 6
days without food or water and death may be imminent. What a compassionate
society we live in. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/23/national/23cnd-schiavo.html Europe won’t sell arms to China…Sure March 23, 2005 Jacques Chirac, the President of France, sought to allay
America's fears that Europe will sell arms to China. Chirac contends that the
EU has no intentions of selling sophisticated weapons to China. This
statement makes perfect sense considering that it is France that is leading
the call to lift Europe’s arms embargo on China. Chirac has long demonstrated
his mastery of double talk, as well as his profound obsession with
anti-American policy. China was been steadily increasing military
expenditures since the 1990s. Currently, Russia is one of its chief
suppliers, and nations like France and Germany seek to gain a foothold in this
lucrative market, even at the expense of Pacific stability. If the embargo is
lifted, it can be expected that China will rapidly expand its acquisition of
European technology, which poses a great threat to Taiwan and, by extension,
to the US and Japan. For the time being the issue of arms sales to China may
be put on the backburner, thanks to the influence of Britain. Britain,
however, can only stem the flow of European Anti-Americanism for so long. http://www.zeenews.com/links/articles.asp?aid=207638&sid=WOR01 Europeans
seek to spur economic growth...try abandoning socialism March 22, 2005 European
heads of state began a 2-day summit in Brussels today, with plans to foster economic
growth and create badly needed jobs, in the various faltering European
economies. Five years ago, the EU, set a less than ambitious economic growth
target of 3%. This has not been achieved. In fact, Europe will be lucky if
their respective economies grow at a meager 1%. Nations like France and Germany have been the hardest hit,
while countries like Britain and Spain have seen modest growth. In the former
communist east, the picture is much rosier as nations like Poland, spearhead
robust economic growth. These nations in the east differ, however, in their
economic policies and there in lies the secret to eastern success and western
failure. The nations of Eastern Europe, ironically, aren’t steadfast
adherents of socialist economic policies.
Even Russia, has seen greater economic success in recent years, like
Eastern Europe, as they have embraced the principles of low taxation and
limited government intervention and thus unemployment is on the decline in
the East, just as it continues to grow in the west. While nations like France
and Germany struggle to create jobs, businesses in countries like Slovakia,
have greater autonomy lower tax burdens and greater flexibility to adapt to
changing economic conditions. Look for France and Germany to blame the United
States, or the war in Iraq for their dire economic straits, after all they
are too intelligent to make poor decisions. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/23/content_2731095.htm Judge to
Terri: Starve for all I care March 22, 2005 The federal
courts have proven no more sympathetic to Terri Schiavo’s case than the state
courts of Florida. In a ruling handed down this morning, the district court
judge in Tampa refused to allow Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube to be
reinserted. Terri has now gone 4 days without food or water, in a fashion
reminiscent of Nazi experiments on people deemed to be “sub-human,” Terri
Schiavo is slowly being starved to death so that her “husband,” Michael can
play the role of grieving widower, while he beds down with another woman, how
noble. The question before the courts shouldn’t be Terri’s condition, or how
much she can or can’t improve, but what her wishes were. Naturally, Terri’s
husband claims she would have preferred death, but then again his motivations
should be called into question. If my wife was sleeping with another man,
while I was lying incapacitated in the hospital, I certainly would rather my
parents speak for me. But in this permissive, adultery means nothing, society
we live in, all of this doesn’t even matter. Terri’s family now takes their
case to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, where they
will hopefully find more empathy and perhaps a none-fascist judge. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7971031 Europe drops
plans to lift embargo…plans to undermine America foiled again March 22,
2005 The so-called
European powers have dropped their plan to lift an arms embargo against
China. The US government protested the move as it would upset the delicate
balance in the Pacific and place Taiwan, a sovereign state (except in name),
at increased risk of danger. It is no secret that nations like France and
Germany want to upset that balance, but they found their position untenable
after China passed the un-wise anti-secession law, which threaten Taiwan with
the use of force in the event of a formal move toward independence. British
Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, noted as much when he condemned the law as an
overt act. China has warned that not
lifting the embargo will threaten close relations with Europe, but this is
little more than saber rattling, after all, China sorely needs foreign direct
investment and markets for their shoddy products. The issue is not
permanently dead, it has just be laid to rest until next year, when the
anti-American forces in Europe will weigh profit and jealous versus security
and stability. There is little doubt, which side they favor. Annan
seeks to dilute power of US March 22,
2005 Long a goal
of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, seeks to fulfill a dream in his proposal
to expand the UN Security Council and the creation of a Human Rights Council.
Annan has called on member states to make the Security Council more
representative of the world. Naturally, Annan’s calls have been met with
widespread approval in Europe, after all if the UN expands, it will mean a
diminished role for the United States, which is the desired goal of these
“reforms.” Perhaps a diminished role will also mean the US won’t have to
contribute ¼ of the UN operating budge as well? Two plans for Security
Council reform have been discussed. Plan A would involve adding 6 permanent
members to the Security Council, though new members would lack the veto.
Existing permanent members include: US, UK, Russia, China and France. The
alternative plan B would add a new layer of semi-permanent members to the
council. Actually, expanding the role of the council isn’t such a bad idea,
for in diluting US influence, we also dilute the influence of nations like
France, who have no real influence outside of the council and use the UN as a
means of impeding US interest whenever and wherever possible. And in reality,
the UN lacks true influence over world events anyway, look what they have
done for the war on terror…nothing. Perhaps the new Security Council should
include members who are actually willing to contribute to the security of the
international environment. Such members would include: US, UK, Japan,
Australia and South Korea. I’m sure that would make nations like France and
Germany ecstatic with joy. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1526178,00.html Supreme Court lets stand a jury award to smoker… March 21, 2005 In 1962, Patricia Henley, took up a habit that would have a dangerous
impact on her health. She began smoking. Thirty-five years later, in 1997,
she was diagnosed with lung cancer, big surprise. Henley, like so many Americans these days, decided to do what
any American would do in her situation, she blamed someone else for her
foolish mistake. Who did she blame? The cigarette companies of course. She
sued Philip Morris for getting her hooked on tobacco and concealing the
dangers of smoking. Because apparently throughout the 1960s, 70s, 80s and
90s, no one had a clue that cigarettes were dangerous. Right? Wrong! In 1964,
the US Surgeon General, declared the dangers of smoking and there have been
numerous subsequent studies, validating that statement. But did Ms. Henley
stop smoking? No she didn’t after all she wasn’t responsible for her actions,
it was corporate America that controlled her, she was nothing more than an
animatronic slave of Big Tobacco, incapable of making her own decisions. Once
again the courts have handed another victory to the feeble-minded. This woman
is no more deserving of $10 million for smoking, than we are for inventing
the Internet. At some point people will have to take responsibility. People
can’t keep making the claim that they didn’t know cigarettes were dangerous.
They knew all along, just like new smokers today know. They do it in spite of
the risks, because they have no self worth and seek external validation and
the approval of their equally mindless peers. They want to look “cool,”
disregarding the health risks and have the audacity to ask for handouts when
they get sick. It is we who should be asking them for handouts for driving up
healthcare costs. The Supreme Court, had the opportunity to end welfare for
the ignorant, but again they failed. http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/11193181.htm Federal government steps into Schiavo case… March 21, 2005 Sunday night the Congress passed special legislation
authorizing the Federal Courts to intervene in the Terri Schiavo case. The
bill passed the Senate unanimously by a voice vote, but debate was more
heated in the House, winning eventual passage shortly after midnight. The
president signed the bill around 1:30 AM. This was a rare event for a body
that is generally deadlocked on most major issues. Nonetheless, the issue is
still up in the air; Congress has no power to order a feeding tube inserted,
that will be up to the courts. Schiavo’s husband Michael claims it was his wife’s
wishes to be removed from any life saving equipment. Mr. Schiavo, however,
didn’t make this claim until seven years later, coinciding with his shacking
up with another woman, which calls into question his true motivations. This
issue also highlights the importance of having a living will, because
regardless of this outcome, the truth may never be known, unless by some
miracle, Terri Schiavo awakens from her condition. Meanwhile, Terri continues
to starve to death as the courts consider what steps to take. Mr. Schiavo
claims that she wouldn’t want to be kept alive artificially, but is this
artificial? The equipment isn’t taking the place of any of her organs, just
providing nutrients. If you deny food to anyone, they will die -- this
situation is no different. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4367201.stm Europeans embrace any policy that undermines US March 21, 2005 Just as many European nations were eager to maintain Saddam
Hussein’s regime, even providing loans and equipment, it comes as no surprise
that the European powers now seek to provide Communist China with advanced
weaponry that could be used against the United States. The European powers
are poised to lift an arms embargo against China, just as that nation goes on
a military spending spree. Secretary of State Rice noted that it is the US,
along with S. Korea and Japan, that has assumed responsibility for securing
peace in the Pacific (not Europe), and that Europe’s actions will only serve
to undermine that peace and stability. Even the UK, America’s staunchest ally
in Europe, has erred on the side of lifting the embargo, though China’s
recent anti-secession law may complicate that, according to British officials.
It is important to note that while Britain may have financial motivations for
seeking to lift the embargo, nations like France have financial as well as
Geo-Political motivations. France makes no secret of its desire to inhibit
and curtail the power and influence of the United States. Chirac has stated
as much before the UN. How else to do this than by creating conflict between
the US and China? Remember, this has been France’s policy since the guns fell
silent at Yorktown in 1781. Not a day has gone by since then that France
hasn’t pursued a policy to inhibit the US, primarily because it has long been
France’s desire to dominate politically and culturally. http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-03-20-voa38.cfm http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/138476/1/.html South Korea has growing fears about the North…well, it's
about time March 21, 2005 Leaders in Seoul are growing increasingly wary of the
North. There is a fear in the South that North Korea is missing the boat in
its decision not to resume nuclear disarmament talks. The South believes that
the North is convinced it can win a brinksmanship showdown with the US and
that the US will kowtow to its demands, enabling it to win concession from
the US as it did in 1994. There is one difference, however; the North has
demonstrated it can’t be trusted, having violated the 1994 agreement. There
is also a different president than in 1994, one whose propensity for
compromise and appeasement is less than that of his predecessor, though not
altogether absent (Iran is a case in point). North Korea clearly relishes its
position and influence as a nuclear power. Its nuclear capabilities have not
enhanced Kim Jong Il’s ability to feed his people (not that he cares) nor has
it spurred economic growth in his impoverished nation. Indeed, the nuclear
card simply preserves the status quo. The North isn’t foolish enough to use
its weapons, realizing such an act would be suicide, but the North’s rivals
are equally crippled, as any move on the North would spell certain doom for
Korea. And thus we are trapped in a perpetual game of chicken. http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200503/200503210034.html End Gay clubs and you end homosexuality…or so some may
think March 18, 2005 The Georgia Board of Education and representatives from
White County in North Georgia are at it again. ThePhalanx.com recently
reported about the county's fierce opposition to a proposed Gay-Straight
Alliance club at White County High School. Parents protested about the
"endorsement" of homosexuality in the school and that students were
putting their sexuality "on parade." A new proposal before the
Board of Education would require students to receive parental permission
before joining any extracurricular club at school. Superintendent Kathy Cox
says that the proposal is not meant to specifically target gay students. But
the rule was suggested by the same lawmakers who have for years been trying
to squelch gay clubs in public schools. Many say that gay students are
already anxious or fearful about talking to their parents about their
sexuality and will not likely join clubs if they require written permission.
Rep. Ralph Hudgen (R-Comer), who supports the proposal, confirms this:
"I just believe any chid who would want to go join that club, if they have
to have their parents' permission, they're not going to feel comfortable
going and asking Mama or Daddy to do it." Are these people afraid that
their kids will decide to become gay because of these clubs? Do these
representatives and the Board of Education really think that styming access
to a Gay-Straight Alliance is going to cause a gay student to become
straight? Maybe if these parents are really concerned about their children's
lifestyles and choices, they should try TALKING to their kids about it instead.
Obviously the parents are looking for the "easy" way out -- with
these kinds of attitudes, no wonder their kids are afraid to talk to them.
Mom and Dad will be in for a shock when Johnny comes home with a boyfriend in
10 years. If they really care, they should start doing their job as parents
instead of handing it off to the government. http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/0305/18clubs.html What a
crock of nothing…Indian politician derides America, yet is begging to be let
in March 18,
2005 The leader of
Indian state of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, has been denied entry to the US,
specifically he was denied a visa, because, the US doesn’t allow entry of
those involved in religious violence. Modi, according to the US government,
was complicit in the death of well over thousand people in religious riots in
Gujarat in 2002. Modi and his government were accused of doing little to stop
the violence. Modi responded by calling the US government decision an “insult
to India” and then his government went on a typical anti-American tirade. The
state of Gujarat responding by saying the US is in no position to criticize
human rights in that state. Apparently, Gujarat officials noted, the rights
of African Americans are violated every day and apparently our murder rate is
well in excess of that in Gujarat. This demonstrates a complete lack of
knowledge. And indeed if America is such a horrible place, then why does he
want to visit? Why have so many of his country come and made a home here?
What would he have told Indian businessmen at a gathering in New York? Get
Out Now? Certainly, there will be incidents of prejudice and violence in any
country, including the US, but also Russia, France, Germany, China, Japan and
a number of others. The difference is, this violence wasn’t perpetrated with
the tacit approval of any state or local government, as was the case in
Gujarat. And when is the last time you heard of thousands of Americans dieing
in a riot, how about hundreds or even dozens for that matter? You haven’t? If
there were such a riot in the US, most certainly the National Guard would be
called up to quell the violence. But in Gujarat were the armed forces called
on to quell the violence and protect the lives of innocent men, women and
children? NO. Indeed, most of the perpetrators in Gujarat have gone,
unpunished. Would this happen in the US? NO. Indeed police officials in
Gujarat contend that state politicians prevented them from carrying out their
duties during the riots. http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=593020 http://news.newkerala.com/india-news/?action=fullnews&id=87468 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3615576.stm Britain to send more troops to Iraq March 18, 2005 In the wake of Italy’s decision to pull its troops out of
Iraq, Britain has announced that it stands ready to fill the void. The head
of the British Army has announced that Britain would be willing to send more
troops to Iraq, should the situation warrant. Hopefully, the situation will
not warrant it, but it is certainly nice to know that there are some nations
that understand the big picture, even if a majority of that country’s
citizens may not understand. British officials have insisted that its troops
will not leave Iraq until Iraqi security forces have developed sufficient
capabilities to defend that country from insurgents and terrorists. Britain,
unlike many other so-called allies, have been very consistent in their
support of the war on terror, in contrast with many other countries who pay
lip service to confronting the enemies of freedom. Now if only Britain could
deal with the Islamist threat within their own country. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-03/18/content_2714785.htm Calls for new energy policy echoed by many… March 18, 2005 For some time now, ThePhalanx.com has called for a
consistent, diverse and balanced energy policy. Such a policy would weigh the
immediate need for greater oil production with the long-term need for greater
efficiency. Up until now, the US has pursued neither a long term or short
term energy policy; indeed, our energy policy is non-existent and consists
mostly of political bellyaching from both sides of the aisle with only
piecemeal solutions, if that. It is in our best interest to produce more, as
it will free the nation from a volatile source of energy, while depriving our
enemies of a revenue stream that can be used to finance more terror
endeavors. By pursuing alternatives and greater technological efficiency we
also improve our environment. How do we do this? Do we compel industry? Not
exactly. We provide incentives. We give industry considerable tax breaks to
innovate; we give citizens incentives to buy. We give opportunities for
rivals to compete, driving down production costs. Inevitably, the powers that
be will have to listen… http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/11168745.htm Congress steps in on feeding tube issue March 18, 2005 For 15 years, Terri Schiavo has been in a vegetative
state, unable to speak or even move. She has only involuntary muscle actions
and perhaps some slight movements. Her husband has waged a decades long
battle to remove Schiavo’s feeding tube. If this tube is removed, Schiavo
will slowly starve to death, which could take from 7 to 30 days. Schiavo’s
husband contends that Terri would never have wanted to be kept alive
artificially and it is for this reason that he has pushed for the removal of
her feeding tube. The question remains as to whether a feeding tube
constitutes artificial maintenance of life. After all, a feeding tube isn’t
the same as a ventilator or heart pump, it is simply an alternative means of
eating; after all, how many of us can survive without eating? Indeed, slowly
starving to death has got to be an extremely painful way to go. Congress has
now stepped into the picture as the Congressional leadership attempts to
prevent Schiavo’s tube from being removed. The husband, however, claims that
only he should speak for his incapacitated wife. If a man shacks up with
another woman and has a child with this woman, out of wedlock, while his wife
lies in a hospice with a feeding tube, does he not forfeit his rights as a
husband? That’s the 64 thousand dollar question. There are other questions as
well. What were Terri’s wishes? What are the intentions of the husband? And
does the federal government have a say in what is seemingly a state issue? http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050318/D88T1R182.html Peterson
to be executed…within the next 30 years March 17, 2005 In what was
apparently the first case of a husband killing his wife, as judged by the
media attention, Scott Peterson was formally sentenced to death yesterday.
Peterson had been accused of killing his wife and their unborn son, so he
could romp around with massage therapist Amber Frey (does anyone else wonder
why her last name rhymes with dry and not grey?). Peterson was convicted of
that heinous crime just last year.
Now if only his punishment was an acceptable deterrent, but as we all
know Peterson will be alive and kicking for many years to come, especially in
California. The average lifespan on death row in the US is nearly 25 years.
Perhaps a better form of punishment would be a lifetime of very hard
labor, perhaps clearing mines in third world countries, with no equipment. In
either case, justice has been served in that another brutal killer has been
removed from our society. Perhaps as Peterson becomes acquainted with a new
lover, very different from Amber Frey, perhaps he will come to know the
gravity of his decision. Italy’s true
colors at last revealed March 17,
2005 In the wake
of the shooting incident with the Italian journalist (i.e., Anti-American
Communist, with a one-sided agenda), Prime Minister Berlusconi recently
announced that Italy would withdraw its 3000 troops from Iraq by the end of
the summer. This move comes, as there is growing opposition to Italy’s
presence in that war torn nation. It is only natural that Italy would be
opposed, like so many other European nations; Italy has had a lackluster
experience with regard to economic growth and domestic stability. These
nations are fertile ground for anti-Americanism, case in point being Germany
and France. Given Italy’s history as having never stood on the side of
freedom from tyranny it is only natural that Italy would quickly grow tired
of the experience. All those years of flirtation with communism, the mafia,
Mussolini and more than one attempt to take over Ethiopia, it only stands to
reason that Italy, lacks the wherewithal for nation building, much less
securing freedom for anyone but themselves. At long last the Italian
character is revealed and at no great loss to America or the Iraqi people. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050316/ITALY16/TPInternational Senate OKs
drilling in ANWR, lets all go buy an Expedition… March 17,
2005 Yesterday,
the Senate gave preliminary approval to authorize drilling in the Alaskan
National Wildlife Reserve. The key word is preliminary. Before any
drilling can take place, a bill must be passed, by the House and Senate, that
specifically authorizes a go ahead on drilling. Since this initial step only
cleared the Senate by a couple of votes, look for a very heated battle on
phase two. Also, it will be years before drilling occurs, even if final
authorization had already been given. So when can we expect to see relief at
the pumps? Oh, sometime around never. Why is that? Because by the time the ANWR
field is pumping at peak capacity our population and thus our demand for oil
will have grown drastically and the ANWR contribution will be just a drop in
the bucket. Does that mean, as Democrats suggest, that we shouldn’t pursue
further oil exploration? Absolutely Not, we should significantly increased
domestic oil production as the GOP suggests, but this alone will not be
sufficient to reduce energy dependency, much less reduce oil prices. It is
for this reason that we must simultaneously pursue alternatives. These
alternatives must include new technological developments: greater fuel
efficiency, hybrid vehicles, fuel cells, etc… We should also pursue the
development of alternative and synthetic fuels such as ethanol, methanol,
natural gas, hydrogenated coal, etc… Only through a diversified strategy will
we cast off the shackles of Middle Eastern and Latin American dictators
(Chavez, you know we mean you). Why is it perfectly acceptable to have a
diversified stock portfolio but not a diversified energy plan? The old adage
still rings true: don’t keep all your eggs in one basket. http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-03-16-arctic-drilling_x.htm World
Socialist movement seeks to tax the productive to spoon feed the unproductive March 16, 2005 There is
movement a foot to create digital tax. This tax would be imposed on wealthy
nations, to fund various social projects in the developing world. The
taxation program was first proposed by Senegal and has naturally gained the
support of a number of 3rd world nations and France. The idea
behind this tax would be to close the digital gap between the West and the
poorer 3rd world. For the time being the tax will be voluntary,
thank goodness, but look for a movement to enshrine the tax into some binding
international treaty. There are a number of factors as to why certain nations
have failed to prosper, but the Internet has little to do with them. The
primary difference between successful developed nations and unproductive
third world nations lies in the fact that successful nations are less
corrupt, there isn’t constant racial and ethnic violence and for the most
part these developed nations don’t have irresponsibly high birth rates. How
can a country prosper when corrupt officials have no respect for democratic
ideals or the rule of law? How can a country prosper when various ethnic
groups waste time and resources harping over petty centuries old grudges? How
can a country prosper when women keep having children, when they are
incapable of taking care of themselves, placing a further strain on society
and the government? Is the Internet going to solve these problems? No, not
even close. A number of third world nations have cast off the shackles of the
past to emerge as prosperous nations. Korea is a prime example, once a nation
of rural peasants, South Korea now has one of the highest living standards in
the world. The same can be said of Singapore, Taiwan, Poland and even India
is beginning to move in that direction, other nations are still plagued by
brutal dictators or perpetual violence and mayhem. These are the real
problems in the 3rd world. Fifty years ago no country had Internet
access or cell phones, but these industrialized countries still prospered
because there was rule of law, there was social responsibility, there was
civility (for the most part), among the populace. These ideals are lacking in
many corners of the world and no amount of handouts will change that. Indeed,
further taxing the prosperous, further erodes the incentive to be prosperous.
Most successful people do not work hard everyday so they can finance someone
else’s retirement. What is needed is a work ethic. Why not export that
instead? http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4351887.stm North
Korea at it again… March 16,
2005 The Stalinist
regime of North Korea, still smarting over recent comments by our secretary
of state, has ruled out participation in a new round of talks over its
nuclear weapons program. The communist country said that as long as the US
calls them an “outpost of tyranny” they can’t participate. We are reminded of
the saying…sticks and stones may break my bones... In any case, the North has
used expert skill, intimidation and threats to get its way. The South, for
example, sends more aid to the North than to anywhere else, all for fear of
angering the communists. Dr. Rice has refused to retract the statement, and
she is right to do so -- after all, her statements are rooted in fact. To
challenge the notion that the North is an outpost of tyranny is ridiculous,
as the totalitarian regime is the very epitome of tyranny. Clearly what the
North Koreans want is more money. They know they could never win a show down
with the US, but they are counting on the yellow streak that flows through
their neighbors, principally in the South, to achieve their goals of more
money, more aide, more trade and technology transfers. http://www.abc.net.au/ra/news/stories/s1325190.htm Battle
looms over ANWR…a smokescreen for both sides March 16,
2005 For sometime now,
the GOP has been calling for the opening of a portion of the Alaskan National
Wildlife Reserve (ANWR) for strategic oil drilling. It is well known that
this region has sizable reserves of petroleum. If drilling were to take
place, only a small fingerprint would be disturbed, as the remaining portion
of ANWR would remain off limits to drilling. This is of no consequence to
Congressional Democrats, who want no part of any drilling in ANWR, as they
continue to complain about rising oil prices. The Democrats have complained
about the price of oil for sometime, but have yet to offer a single proposal
to combat the problem. The GOP on the other had clings to the equally
ridiculous notion that ANWR will solve all of America’s energy needs. This
too is preposterous. The GOP and the Dems are both doing a disservice to the
country and their constituents. What is needed is a multi-pronged strategy to
reduce energy dependence. This strategy should include increased domestic
exploration and production (including ANWR), but it should also include more
research in alternative energy sources -- after all, oil supplies are limited
no matter where we drill. There should be new research in and development of
fuel-efficient vehicles. Hybrid technology, fuel cells, etc should all be
explored. America cannot afford to remain tied to the volatile Arab world.
Perhaps when gas is $5 a gallon, like in Britain, then perhaps we will do
something… http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/216188_anwr16.html Perhaps
some forms of execution do deter crime March 16,
2005 Iran has
elevated execution to a new art form, rivaling the macabre minds of medieval
Europe. Mohammad Bijeh, a 22-year-old Iranian, was
known in that country as the Desert Vampire. He was accused and later
convicted of killing at least 20 children. Bijeh and an accomplice would
apparently entice children into the desert under the guise of a hunting trip.
Once in the desert, however, the kids were poisoned, sexually abused and then
killed and buried. Bijeh truly must have been the stupidest human being on
planet earth. Of all the places not to sexually abuse and kill children, Iran
would have to be the place. A criminal would have a better shot in Nazi Germany
or Soviet Russia than in the Islamic Republic. After his conviction, Bijeh
was sentenced to death, naturally. Prior to his death the criminal was
flogged one hundred times as a crowd of spectators cheered the punishment. In
Iran, executions aren’t just a spectator sport -- the families of the victims
were allowed to participate. One man, a brother of a victim, was allowed to
stab Bijeh, while the mother of another victim was allowed to put the noose
around his neck. The perpetrator was then slowly hanged from a crane, the
standard practice in Iran. I would be inclined to believe that there won’t be
anymore desert vampires in Iran for awhile. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4353449.stm Nichols:
the system made me do…another poster child for victimization March 15, 2005 Brian
Nichols, the mass murdering savage who terrorized Atlanta last week, has
apparently come up with an excuse that his lawyers will almost certainly
seize upon. Apparently, the system made him do it. To hear Nichols tell it,
he was a freedom fighter ranked up there with George Washington or Simon
Bolivar, while in reality he ranks with the likes of Timothy McVeigh and Ted
Bundy. Nichols contends that his assault on countless individuals wasn’t
personal but a reaction to the desperation he felt as he languished in the
county jail on rape charges. I suppose the woman he raped deserved it too?
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Nichols was angry as he noted a
large number of black inmates in the jail and wondered how many were
innocent. Well we all know at least one who certainly wasn’t innocent.
Nichols is yet a poster child for those who never take responsibility for
their actions, its starts at childhood, with parents who coddle and never
discipline their children and grows into a Brian Nichols, someone, clearly
upset because his crimes had caught up with him and unwilling to face the
reality that he is a brutal savage. Once again, there is no punishment severe
enough to deal with the likes of Mr. Nichols, but I’m sure we could all
envision a few. http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/0305/15courtnichols.html Why again
do we have a one-China policy? March 15,
2005 There was
much outrage yesterday as China passed a new anti-secession law, designed to
cut off an independence movement on the island of Taiwan, never mind the fact
that the nation has functioned independent of the mainland since 1949. There
is much concern, because this new law authorizes the use of force if Taiwan
pursues independence. While the US, Europe, Russia and other nations
condemned the prospect of a violent resolution to the Taiwanese question, all
of these nations reemphasized their support for a one-China policy? The
one-China policy states that there is one China, of which Taiwan is a part.
Why have so many nations embraced this policy? Because they want to placate
the Chinese, they don’t want to upset the Communists, because of the
financial rewards offered by Chinese markets. In reality, the US and Europe
have little to fear from China, they need the US and Europe’s investment
capital as much as we need their markets, it’s a symbiotic relationship and
there is no reason to kowtow to red China. In 1793, Britain’s Lord McCartney,
refused to kowtow to China’s emperor, in exchange for trade. Today the
British, Americans and everyone else seem all too willing to do just that.
Why is it that so many nations feel they have a say in the sovereignty of
Taiwan? Taiwan is a democratic nation and is entitled to self-determination
just as the American colonists were or anyone else. With Taiwan’s technical
capability and wealth, they would be well advised to pursue any option,
including a nuclear deterrent, to use as a bargaining chip against their
China, it certainly has worked for North Korea. If democracy and
self-determination works for the people of Iraq, then it should available to
Taiwan as well. Philippines
put down terrorist jail break March 15,
2005 With all the
news about Atlanta and China and Lebanon, little has been reported about the
Islamic extremists in the Philippines. Monday, members of Abu
Sayyaf (a terror group affiliated with Ben Laden) who were prisoners at a Manila jail staged a
jail break when they seized weapons from the guards. Three guards were killed
in the initial gun battle that followed. The authorized then attempted to
negotiate, which in turn gave the prisoners a sense of empowerment (never
negotiate with these terrorists, it only enables them). A deal was apparently
worked out, but the prisoners still refused to lay down their weapons,
Filipino authorities then issued and ultimatum and when the terrorists still
refused, the police stormed the jail, and regained control of the prison.
This should have been strategy number one. Why waste time negotiating with
people who have made a life out of violating the public trust? Naturally
apologists were on hand to make excuses for the terrorists. A local Muslim
politician argued that even though they were criminals they were still human
beings, and indeed they were. Human beings like Hitler, Hussein, Ben Laden
and Stalin and like them, they thrive on brutality and savagery and should be
dealt with accordingly. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4349471.stm Video
Surveillance, captured Nichol’s escape…but no one was watching!!! March 14, 2005 Brian
Nichols, the rapist and murderer who terrorized the city of Atlanta for two
days could have been stopped, had video surveillance been monitored. Brian
Nichols, who was on trial for raping his ex-girlfriend, over-powered a deputy
in a holding cell. He later used her keys to escape from the cell and used
her gun to kill a judge, a court reporter, a sheriff’s deputy and later a
federal agent. It is now clear that all this bloodshed could have easily been
prevented. Never mind the fact that there should have been more guards for a
prisoner who was already known to have attempted to sneak a weapon into
court, but there was a video camera that captured the escape before the
killings took place. The holding cell from which Nichols escaped was under
video surveillance. Two officers are supposed to be monitoring the
surveillance equipment at all times, but where were they? One thing’s for
sure, where ever they were, they weren’t doing their job and now 4 people are
dead. When the District Attorney is finished prosecuting this mass murdering
vermin, he should turn his attentions on the incompetent personages in the
Fulton County Courthouse. Heads should most certainly roll; perhaps they can
bunk with Nichols in prison. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=579244&page=1 http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/0305/14courtcamera.html 1 Million protestors demand democracy… March 14, 2005 Imagine if 25% of the US population (75 million, for those of you who don’t know how many of us there are) converged on our nation’s capital demanding political reform. Can you imagine any politician worth his weight in election ballots defying the protestors? Now further imagine if those 75 million people were all protesting peacefully, many of them waving the star spangled banner. For one thing, the flag makers would have a banner day (no pun intended), but it would also almost certainly usher in a wave of change. Well, its not quite 75 million people, but that scenario is playing out on the streets of Lebanon. In a country of 4 million people, approximately 1 million (25% of the population) have converged upon the capital of Beirut. They come from various walks of life -- some Muslim, some Christi | |||||
