The Fulcrum
Friday, October 10, 2003
GREAT Krugman - And Last NYT Reference Today
The New York Times is my refuge from the conservatism I endure in a big corporation, which begins every day by reading the Wall Street Journal.
Anyway, here's Paul Krugman:
Anyway, here's Paul Krugman:
All this fuss about the rudeness of the Bush administration's critics is an attempt to preclude serious discussion of that administration's policies. For there is no way to be both honest and polite about what has happened in these past three years.The rest is even better. Others in the blogosphere have said it long before me, but this guy writes some of the best, most reasoned progressive viewpoints.
Quote of the Day
Again from the NYT:
This was, of course in response to aWol's proclamation that he just wasn't sure that the FBI would ever find who leaked the fact that Wilson's wife was a CIA operative. What a farce.
Hey, look, over there! It's Kobe! (Dupes.)
Mr. Wilson said Mr. Bush "certainly seems far less certain about finding the leaker than he is about finding Osama bin Laden or Saddam Hussein."That's Mr. Wilson as in Mr. Joe Wilson, husband of Valerie Plame. And it's just friggin' hilarious!
This was, of course in response to aWol's proclamation that he just wasn't sure that the FBI would ever find who leaked the fact that Wilson's wife was a CIA operative. What a farce.
Hey, look, over there! It's Kobe! (Dupes.)
Red Cross on GITMO
This is interesting... in the NYT today:
This, more than anything, graphically shows what is happening to our country - to our constitution - under the neocon influence. GITMO is an absolute abomination.
And yet, as you'll hear over and over again from so many: "Where is the outrage?"
A senior official of the International Committee of the Red Cross said on Thursday that the holding of more than 600 detainees here was unacceptable because they were being held for open-ended terms without proper legal process.Full details at the Red Cross web site.
[snip]
Mr. Girod's comments departed from the usual reluctance of the International Red Cross to issue public criticism.
[snip]
Under longstanding procedures, the committee agrees that in exchange for access it will not generally publicize its findings but rather take complaints or criticisms to the government in charge in the hope that they can be addressed. Only when the Red Cross decides that its views are not being heeded does it publicize its concerns.
This, more than anything, graphically shows what is happening to our country - to our constitution - under the neocon influence. GITMO is an absolute abomination.
And yet, as you'll hear over and over again from so many: "Where is the outrage?"
Arnold and Enron
It's been widely reported that The Gropenator Elect held "secret" meetings with Enron officials - including Ken Lay - during the California energy crisis. Now we learn this:
California, the first state to pull the plug on electricity deregulation, may now be the first to hop back on the deregulation bandwagon under new Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...
Thursday, October 09, 2003
A Pound of (New) Twenties, Please
Today, the new $20 bill goes into circulation. It is not the typical green we've all grown up with. It has several different, relatively subtle colors, some foil hot stamping as well as some very sophisticated anti-counterfeiting devices. It's a change - huge according to some.
I like them.
My wife is Canadian and I've grown used to the different colors of Canadian currency and their $1 and $2 coins (Looney and Tooney). The very different colors of their bills means that you'll never give a cashier a $20 when you meant to hand over a $1 - we've all done it, then you look at the cashier like they have three heads when they start handing back all that change (or not).
Anyway, for now, the US twenty is the only "greenback" that'll be sporting new colors. Other bills are supposed to follow soon and I hope that the Treasury follows the Canadian model of giving each denominatin a different hue.
Any one out there who doesn't like the new bills can just send them to me. Thanks.
I like them.
My wife is Canadian and I've grown used to the different colors of Canadian currency and their $1 and $2 coins (Looney and Tooney). The very different colors of their bills means that you'll never give a cashier a $20 when you meant to hand over a $1 - we've all done it, then you look at the cashier like they have three heads when they start handing back all that change (or not).
Anyway, for now, the US twenty is the only "greenback" that'll be sporting new colors. Other bills are supposed to follow soon and I hope that the Treasury follows the Canadian model of giving each denominatin a different hue.
Any one out there who doesn't like the new bills can just send them to me. Thanks.
Texas - Again
To answer my question from below: Yes, Rethuglicans from Texas ARE assholes.
Calpundit lays out the reason why the Rethugs are the way they are - despite protestations from some moderates that they're really not so bad. The problem is the Texas Republican Party and its platform and the way that platform - and Texas Rethugs - has infested the wider Republican Party platform like Houston swamp full of roaches. And for those of you who think he's making this up, go read the actual document.
If you're not frightened of the Republican intentions on our country and our constitution, you will be after you read Cal's entry.
More on this later...
Calpundit lays out the reason why the Rethugs are the way they are - despite protestations from some moderates that they're really not so bad. The problem is the Texas Republican Party and its platform and the way that platform - and Texas Rethugs - has infested the wider Republican Party platform like Houston swamp full of roaches. And for those of you who think he's making this up, go read the actual document.
If you're not frightened of the Republican intentions on our country and our constitution, you will be after you read Cal's entry.
More on this later...
Right to Die - Redux
My post below was about Florida, now this from Wisconsin.
The next thing you know we'll be seeing the "chastity belt bill" being introduced - my guess would be Texas.
The measure, known as the "conscience clause" bill, also seeks to protect doctors and others from professional and legal repercussions for refusing to grant a patient's or family's wishes to withhold food and water for terminally ill patients. (via Boots and Sabers)Because, of course, only conservatives can tell you when and how to die. This bill also says that doctors cannot be held liable for refusing to perform abortions or for refusing to do just about anything that has to do with fetal tissue.
The next thing you know we'll be seeing the "chastity belt bill" being introduced - my guess would be Texas.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Ground Control to Major... Chin?
It seems that our sometime friend, sometime adversary China may launch an astronaut into space around mid-October. They claim that their space program is entirely home-grown, although even a quick glance at the equipment shows it to be a collection of Soviet/Russian knockoffs.
But my real point is that I hope this inspires our vision-less citizens and politicians to revive our own floundering space program. NASA has gone begging since right after Apollo 11 got back from the moon. Sure, I've read the history, I know that the major impetus behind the "moon race" was the Cold War. But really, has there ever been a time when our nation was so alive, so focused?
We should go to Mars.
Sure, the moon is closer. It has known deposits of commercially useful minerals, it would make a great scientific outpost for astronomy, hell, it may even have water hidden in perpetually dark craters. What it lacks is a challenge great enough to recreate that sense of adventure that everyone else - who thought it really was a race to the moon - had. Mars is far enough away to require some real engineering leaps. Mars is far enough away to challenge the imagination. The mission is difficult enough - and costly enough - to require true international cooperation. Not the half-assed attempts being made with the International Space Station.
Unfortunately I know of nobody in government right now with the imagination, the multi-national popularity, the sheer chutzpah to pull it off. Bush doesn't even read his own news, can he really be expected to have absorbed the historical lessons of the 60s and 70s when he was busy drinking, snorting and going aWol?
Where is a leader with such vision?
But my real point is that I hope this inspires our vision-less citizens and politicians to revive our own floundering space program. NASA has gone begging since right after Apollo 11 got back from the moon. Sure, I've read the history, I know that the major impetus behind the "moon race" was the Cold War. But really, has there ever been a time when our nation was so alive, so focused?
We should go to Mars.
Sure, the moon is closer. It has known deposits of commercially useful minerals, it would make a great scientific outpost for astronomy, hell, it may even have water hidden in perpetually dark craters. What it lacks is a challenge great enough to recreate that sense of adventure that everyone else - who thought it really was a race to the moon - had. Mars is far enough away to require some real engineering leaps. Mars is far enough away to challenge the imagination. The mission is difficult enough - and costly enough - to require true international cooperation. Not the half-assed attempts being made with the International Space Station.
Unfortunately I know of nobody in government right now with the imagination, the multi-national popularity, the sheer chutzpah to pull it off. Bush doesn't even read his own news, can he really be expected to have absorbed the historical lessons of the 60s and 70s when he was busy drinking, snorting and going aWol?
Where is a leader with such vision?
...Then You'll be Treated Like Mexicans
Okay, can we finally just admit that Rethuglicans from Texas are just ASSHOLES?
BTW: I'm of Mexican descent... this really torches my ass.
BTW2: This includes aWol and his band of merry men - whether Texan or not.
BTW3: This really ought to result in somebody's head on a pike.
BTW: I'm of Mexican descent... this really torches my ass.
BTW2: This includes aWol and his band of merry men - whether Texan or not.
BTW3: This really ought to result in somebody's head on a pike.
Right to Die
Jeb Bush continues the Repug conceit that only they know who should die and when.
Conservatives demand that government stay out of their lives, but they sure do want to meddle in everyone else's.
For the second time this year, Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida is seeking to sway a contentious case involving an incapacitated person, this time trying to keep a brain-damaged woman alive against her husband's wishes.Conservatives continue to interfere in the rights of those who wish to die with dignity and of women who would maintain control of their bodies. And yet, completely without irony, they will demand that the government put to death criminals regardless that they cannot guarantee that an innocent person will not be killed. To say nothing of the barbarism of the act itself.
Mr. Bush's decision to file a friend-of-the-court brief on Tuesday came days after his attorney general, Charles Crist, declined to get involved in the case.
Conservatives demand that government stay out of their lives, but they sure do want to meddle in everyone else's.
Hell Has Frozen Over
If it's not completely frozen over, it must surely be pretty damned chilly down there this morning.
And it's my sincerest hope that the lowest, coldest level of Dante's Inferno is reserved for those who would vote to install Schwartzenegger as governor of the 7th largest economy in the world.
The Gropenor Elect, in his "victory speech," still couldn't come up with a single, detailed position on any issue. My mother has some great sayings - which I should write down for posterity (and hilarity) - one of which was "be careful what you wish for; you just might get it." Another was "people get what they deserve, in the end."
And so it is, I think, for California. They were gullible enough to believe a conservative millionaire businessman had their best interests in mind when he started this whole mess. They were so sheep-like that they could be led to the point where they could be stupid enough to vote for an action film movie star who has never elucidated a single detailed plan on any of the hugely important issues facing California.
If the world ended today, it wouldn't surprise me.
Damn.
And it's my sincerest hope that the lowest, coldest level of Dante's Inferno is reserved for those who would vote to install Schwartzenegger as governor of the 7th largest economy in the world.
The Gropenor Elect, in his "victory speech," still couldn't come up with a single, detailed position on any issue. My mother has some great sayings - which I should write down for posterity (and hilarity) - one of which was "be careful what you wish for; you just might get it." Another was "people get what they deserve, in the end."
And so it is, I think, for California. They were gullible enough to believe a conservative millionaire businessman had their best interests in mind when he started this whole mess. They were so sheep-like that they could be led to the point where they could be stupid enough to vote for an action film movie star who has never elucidated a single detailed plan on any of the hugely important issues facing California.
If the world ended today, it wouldn't surprise me.
Damn.
Tuesday, October 07, 2003
One Vial Does Not a Weapons Program Make
I know it's horribly mangled, but apropos, nonetheless.
Millions of dollars and months later, the Kay report reveals...
.
.
.
.
wait for it
.
.
.
.
One vial of reference bugs.
And BushCo. is convinced that this is all the proof we need. (Except of course, they'd like another $600M to keep looking.)
The Rethugs take us all for fools.
Unfortunately, by the reaction all of this dissembling gotten from the press and the public, they are right.
Millions of dollars and months later, the Kay report reveals...
.
.
.
.
wait for it
.
.
.
.
One vial of reference bugs.
And BushCo. is convinced that this is all the proof we need. (Except of course, they'd like another $600M to keep looking.)
The Rethugs take us all for fools.
Unfortunately, by the reaction all of this dissembling gotten from the press and the public, they are right.
California Dreamin'
I lived in California twice; for about 3 years each time. Army pay wasn't really conducive to participating in lots of aspects of the good life out there, but it was a great place to live anyway. Fort Ord, the base where I was stationed doesn't exist anymore; it was closed as part of the "peace dividend" that has somehow disappeared. But it was located just outside of Monterey - perhaps the most beautiful town in America.
Anyway, that's all just to say that I understand the passion that Californians have for their state and their way of life.
What I don't think anyone understands, including Californians, is their politics. The fractious mix of conservative big business, radical student bodies and cities (Berkeley being the prime example) and a mix of immigrants not seen anywhere else in the U.S. except perhaps New York City makes for an incredible melange of interests. Given what politicians have become, that means that any successful office-holder must understand this mix and shape their messages to appeal to the broadest array - all in an attempt to gain a majority of the votes. Or to keep from being recalled.
Today's the day this diverse mix of voters goes to the polls to decide whether to recall Gray Davis and if so, who to install in his stead. Everyone knows the Repug machinations that lead to this point - and for sure Davis' personality and his bad luck at governing during the worst depression in decades has not helped. Everyone also knows all the stories behind the Republican front runner 'Ahnold.' The groping and womanizing and the complete lack of contrition or even acknowledgement on his part. That's all history now. The polls are open.
What will happen? Despite lots of prognosticating in the polls and the press, I don't think anyone can really say. Having lived there and now living on the East Coast I could claim to have some special insight into how this will all turn out. Forget about it. Nothing would surprise me.
I have my hopes. I hope that the recall is rejected. I hope that Schwartzenegger goes down in flames amid a flurry of law suits and further claims. But no matter what happens, I just can't be surprised at what Californians will do to themselves.
And like any train wreck, I just can't look away.
Anyway, that's all just to say that I understand the passion that Californians have for their state and their way of life.
What I don't think anyone understands, including Californians, is their politics. The fractious mix of conservative big business, radical student bodies and cities (Berkeley being the prime example) and a mix of immigrants not seen anywhere else in the U.S. except perhaps New York City makes for an incredible melange of interests. Given what politicians have become, that means that any successful office-holder must understand this mix and shape their messages to appeal to the broadest array - all in an attempt to gain a majority of the votes. Or to keep from being recalled.
Today's the day this diverse mix of voters goes to the polls to decide whether to recall Gray Davis and if so, who to install in his stead. Everyone knows the Repug machinations that lead to this point - and for sure Davis' personality and his bad luck at governing during the worst depression in decades has not helped. Everyone also knows all the stories behind the Republican front runner 'Ahnold.' The groping and womanizing and the complete lack of contrition or even acknowledgement on his part. That's all history now. The polls are open.
What will happen? Despite lots of prognosticating in the polls and the press, I don't think anyone can really say. Having lived there and now living on the East Coast I could claim to have some special insight into how this will all turn out. Forget about it. Nothing would surprise me.
I have my hopes. I hope that the recall is rejected. I hope that Schwartzenegger goes down in flames amid a flurry of law suits and further claims. But no matter what happens, I just can't be surprised at what Californians will do to themselves.
And like any train wreck, I just can't look away.
Monday, October 06, 2003
"A Wall*Mart Kind of Hell"
Ever feel like you needed a shower after being in a Wall*Mart?
I thought it was just me!
I thought it was just me!
The Spiral Downward? (re-edited)
I was kind of out of the news loop this weekend so I was surprised this morning to hear about the Israeli strike into Syria on NPR.
I've only read a single article - in the Wall Street Journal - about this, so I'm not up to speed on the details. I do know, however, that it seems things are hinging on what we do in the UN as far as condemning the attack. As always John Negroponte has orders to make sure that any resolution includes condemnation of the attacks against Israel.
The opinion I do have is based upon my long-time feelings about Sharon's actions over the past several years. I think that "targeted assassinations," destroying suicide bombers' families' homes, continued expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and construction of "the wall" are just not working. Each of these actions only foments and increases the resentment which the Palestinians feel towards Israel (and hence the U.S.) and fuels further violence.
Now before anyone think me an anti-semite; I also feel that the Palestinians, and especially Arafat, have done nothing to make their methods "palatable." And those methods, regardless of the mismatch in military power between the Palestinians and Isreal, taint the cause.
And neither side seems willing to back away from the cycle.
This is what happens when societies that are basically stuck in the middle ages - with family and tribal bonds are closer than national bonds and blood vengeance still an accepted part of dealing with crises - have modern weapons and are given nation-state status. In a sort of grand, technological way, you have to include Israel in that description. Each transgression results in calls for "revenge" from the "aggrieved" side. And from this point in history, no one can say which episode started the whole thing - this time around.
My recommendation (not that anyone would take it, or even care...): A massive U.N. peacekeeping force should "occupy" all of Israel and Palestine. This force must include - or, in fact, be primarily composed of - representatives of the Arab world. And they must force the issue. Key leaders on both sides must be rounded up - by force if necessary - and locked into a room. For as long as it takes.
The situation is too explosive for half measures.
Too bad nobody's listening to me.
I've only read a single article - in the Wall Street Journal - about this, so I'm not up to speed on the details. I do know, however, that it seems things are hinging on what we do in the UN as far as condemning the attack. As always John Negroponte has orders to make sure that any resolution includes condemnation of the attacks against Israel.
The opinion I do have is based upon my long-time feelings about Sharon's actions over the past several years. I think that "targeted assassinations," destroying suicide bombers' families' homes, continued expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and construction of "the wall" are just not working. Each of these actions only foments and increases the resentment which the Palestinians feel towards Israel (and hence the U.S.) and fuels further violence.
Now before anyone think me an anti-semite; I also feel that the Palestinians, and especially Arafat, have done nothing to make their methods "palatable." And those methods, regardless of the mismatch in military power between the Palestinians and Isreal, taint the cause.
And neither side seems willing to back away from the cycle.
This is what happens when societies that are basically stuck in the middle ages - with family and tribal bonds are closer than national bonds and blood vengeance still an accepted part of dealing with crises - have modern weapons and are given nation-state status. In a sort of grand, technological way, you have to include Israel in that description. Each transgression results in calls for "revenge" from the "aggrieved" side. And from this point in history, no one can say which episode started the whole thing - this time around.
My recommendation (not that anyone would take it, or even care...): A massive U.N. peacekeeping force should "occupy" all of Israel and Palestine. This force must include - or, in fact, be primarily composed of - representatives of the Arab world. And they must force the issue. Key leaders on both sides must be rounded up - by force if necessary - and locked into a room. For as long as it takes.
The situation is too explosive for half measures.
Too bad nobody's listening to me.
