I've mentioned this guy and his column before, Bill Simmons(check this column) from ESPN's Page 2. Pretty funny stuff. Change O pace from the bog of politics.
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
Civics lesson indeed!
I copied part of a response from Pat in Covedale and moved it here b/c I think it's important people understand the Constitution if they are going to use it to buttress their political stance (you can see the full text of his comments under the Let me throw Squeeze a bone post):
A note to Moore and all others THE FIRST AMENDMENT ONLY PROTECTS YOU FROM GOVERNMENT SUPPRESSION OF SPEECH. THE FIRST AMENDMENT DOES NOT PROTECT AGAINST PRIVATE SUPPRESSION OF SPEECH. The casino was entirely within its rights to give Rondstadt the heave ho. Guess what? If your employer, say a bank, doesn't like your views on abortion, the war in Iraq, stem cell research, or who should be the new dog catcher, and fires you because of it - too bad, so sad, don't let the door hit you on the way out. Even the government, when it is acting as an employer, may validly restrict your speech if your speech interferes or impedes its operations.
Furthermore, the First Amendment doesn't mean that you get to say what you want, but then there are no consequences. Or that you get to say want you want, but if I disagree with you, I'm a hate-mongering fascists. In fact, as the Supreme Court constantly says, the First Amendment encourages an exchange of thought in the market place of ideas. I recently read a concurring opinion in an older case which states that the First Amendment can rightly result in the suppression of speech. How so? Well, when your speech and ideas are devoid of merit and are rejected by listener, you no longer have a platform or a willing audience, your speech is suppressed. Seems like free enterprise to me. Therefore, Dixie Chicks, when you make idiotic comments about the president and radio stations boycott your music, it's not censorship, it's the market place of ideas rejecting your speech.
End of civics lesson. Sorry for the extended rant. Rob, thanks for the platform. Everyone in the market place of ideas feel free to reject me, it seems easy enough for most women to do.
Friday, July 23, 2004
Let me throw Squeeze a bone.
Here's something we might actually agree on. See, conservatism ain't all bad. What was that about support the country, not the prez?
Ah, the Commission.
Read this article re the report. Provides good background re the commissioners as well as the "politicization" of the report.
This type of stuff happens with all gov't commissions. Even the commissions that are right.
This type of stuff happens with all gov't commissions. Even the commissions that are right.
Thursday, July 22, 2004
Racism, alive and kicking.
I hate to even broach this topic. My fear is that I'll be branded a racist, as our current society is quick to label opinions out of step with diversity.
A recent local newscast showed workers at a chicken processing plant abusing chickens. They were throwing them against the wall and stomping on them along with various other horrible and inexplicable acts (that's a whole other topic left to another day).
The newscast was the inevitable water-cooler conversation topic at the office the next day. Everybody expressed disgust, shock and dismay.
A black co-worker said something to the effect of, "well, what's the difference? They used to beat us up before they killed us too."
I can't understand the depth of the anger and hatred that causes somebody to say something like that.
What would the reaction of the group have been if a white person had said, "yeah, we used to beat you to death too", referring to the black co-workers? It doesn't take much imagination.
Race relations are at an all time best, but we still have much to overcome.
A recent local newscast showed workers at a chicken processing plant abusing chickens. They were throwing them against the wall and stomping on them along with various other horrible and inexplicable acts (that's a whole other topic left to another day).
The newscast was the inevitable water-cooler conversation topic at the office the next day. Everybody expressed disgust, shock and dismay.
A black co-worker said something to the effect of, "well, what's the difference? They used to beat us up before they killed us too."
I can't understand the depth of the anger and hatred that causes somebody to say something like that.
What would the reaction of the group have been if a white person had said, "yeah, we used to beat you to death too", referring to the black co-workers? It doesn't take much imagination.
Race relations are at an all time best, but we still have much to overcome.
Dick Cheney is an excellent Vice President
Read the latest from Kate O'Beirne. I agree with her assessment of the current VP. I'm too young to remember him as Chief of Staff for President Ford. I have limited recollection of him during the Reagan era, but my recollection is that he is intelligent and trustworthy. I always felt safer having him as part of the administration, and I remember being proud that he was a part of our government.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I've noticed this real hatred of Mr. Cheney during this campaign. I don't get where this comes from. I remember watching an interview on Tim Russert's show a few months ago and being impressed. I found the Vice President to be congenial, intelligent and well spoken. I'd really like to see him in a debate with Edwards. Selling your case to 12 people from the old folks home, and debating a competent opponent are two distinct endeavors.
I hope all this talk about dropping Cheney from the ticket is Dems wishful thinking. The office of the President is well served by Cheney's counsel.
I mentioned in an earlier post that I've noticed this real hatred of Mr. Cheney during this campaign. I don't get where this comes from. I remember watching an interview on Tim Russert's show a few months ago and being impressed. I found the Vice President to be congenial, intelligent and well spoken. I'd really like to see him in a debate with Edwards. Selling your case to 12 people from the old folks home, and debating a competent opponent are two distinct endeavors.
I hope all this talk about dropping Cheney from the ticket is Dems wishful thinking. The office of the President is well served by Cheney's counsel.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
For Those Of You Still Doubting Iraq-Al Qaeda Connections, and You Know Who You Are!
Please read this article. Richard Clarke, in 1999, was insistent on this connection. What happened? Did these connections dissolve? Not exactly. What happened is that Mr. Clarke was fired from his job and was trying to sell books. What better way to boost your book sales than to insinuate that the guy who just fired you is a liar.
If you truly believe this war is about oil and Halliburton, then why would we be concerned with Iran? They don't have the oil reserves of other Middle-Eastern states. They're not a dominant player in OPEC. What past contracts do they have with Halliburton?
You can also find other info re the Iraq-Al Qaeda connection here, here and here. Oh yeah, and here.
If you truly believe this war is about oil and Halliburton, then why would we be concerned with Iran? They don't have the oil reserves of other Middle-Eastern states. They're not a dominant player in OPEC. What past contracts do they have with Halliburton?
You can also find other info re the Iraq-Al Qaeda connection here, here and here. Oh yeah, and here.
Tuesday, July 20, 2004
Ninth Circuit, welcome to planet earth.
Find some interesting stats and info, as well as a seemingly qualified candidate, about the wackiest court in the land here.
Dems still fillibustering nominations, huh? Unbelievable. Shame knows no bounds.
Dems still fillibustering nominations, huh? Unbelievable. Shame knows no bounds.
Put the notes in his jacket, pants and socks?
Did you see this article?
You've got to be kidding me? The previous discussion w/Squeeze touched on government corruption. See what I mean? You will not get away with this stuff. Especially if your best attempt is taking hand-written notes and stuffing them in your clothes. This totally reminds me of the movie Spies Like Us. Sandy Berger=Chevy Chase. Yeah, that makes for some sweet national security
. "Sounds like Soulfinger by the Barcays. They must be having trouble getting gigs."
Seriously, go to the internet and find one of those little spy cameras or a camera pen, or even the ubiquitous cell phone. This genius puts post-it notes in his pants? Gimme a freakin' break.
Can't wait to see what happens here.
You've got to be kidding me? The previous discussion w/Squeeze touched on government corruption. See what I mean? You will not get away with this stuff. Especially if your best attempt is taking hand-written notes and stuffing them in your clothes. This totally reminds me of the movie Spies Like Us. Sandy Berger=Chevy Chase. Yeah, that makes for some sweet national security
. "Sounds like Soulfinger by the Barcays. They must be having trouble getting gigs."
Seriously, go to the internet and find one of those little spy cameras or a camera pen, or even the ubiquitous cell phone. This genius puts post-it notes in his pants? Gimme a freakin' break.
Can't wait to see what happens here.
The Left Coast Chimes In!
Conversation taking place off Blog. Squeeze, you didn't give me express permission, so don't sue. Add my missing replies if you think necessary.
Swear in the witness and let the perjury begin!
Hey! What's up? How was Florida?
Checked out the blog. Man, you have too much time on your hands! Ahahahahaha
What do you have against Moore? I saw "Farenheit 9/11". I liked it. It didn't tell me anything new. I was aware of much of the information that he covers.
Just wondering.
Sq.
Squeeze answers
Okay, I've encountered this before. You're not the only one to be turned off by Moore's grandstanding and shenanigans--but what about the message? Can you separate the message from the buffoon? Did you see the movie?
Plus, I don't think that he's any different than anyone else. Everyone has an agenda--and hoping to line their pockets along the way.
I tend to think the same way about our government. You don't think that they really care about us, do you?
Sq.
Tuesday, July 13, 2004
Down with tyranny!
Catch this article from John Derbyshire in NRO
What is the answer to a trial for Saddam? I remember thinking and saying at the time of his caputre that they oughta shoot him, or have one of those old school police brutality-type moments where "he hit his head getting into the humvee."
This trial will be a travashamockery.
What is the answer to a trial for Saddam? I remember thinking and saying at the time of his caputre that they oughta shoot him, or have one of those old school police brutality-type moments where "he hit his head getting into the humvee."
This trial will be a travashamockery.
Monday, July 12, 2004
The Inaugural PS Classic is in the books.
Well, it was an awesome weekend. The PS Classic was a smashing success. Although small in scale, the hope is that future Classics will not only be larger, but mobile. Possible future venues include Chicago and Cincinnati.
As the eponymous honoree of The Classic said, "It's all about the comradery of golf."
It's also about developing and maintaining true friendships. Amazing what little real effort is involved in connecting with a true friend, even after a separation of months or years.
Equally amazing is the difficulty in finding truer friends. Sure, it's easy to meet people, make acquaintances, cultivate contacts. But real friends, the kind Squeeze described thus: "A friend will help you move. A good friend will help you move a dead body", are rare.
Interesting that friends of different orbits can connect, thus proving George wrong, worlds are NOT colliding. I probably shouldn't be surprised, as I suppose that you are drawn to similar people, even at different stages of your life.
The weekend also proved to be somewhat cathartic. At least for me. I suppose it's good to purge your soul of mistakes, foibles, and possible crimes (PS, did you do the research on Canadian law?). I mean the things you've done that make you physically cringe, even in the re-telling years later. What safer environment to share, than with the people you trust the most not to judge you too harshly? Let's face it, if they've stuck with you this long, they've seen your Mr. Hyde. Sometimes, it ain't pretty.
Thanks Guys.
As the eponymous honoree of The Classic said, "It's all about the comradery of golf."
It's also about developing and maintaining true friendships. Amazing what little real effort is involved in connecting with a true friend, even after a separation of months or years.
Equally amazing is the difficulty in finding truer friends. Sure, it's easy to meet people, make acquaintances, cultivate contacts. But real friends, the kind Squeeze described thus: "A friend will help you move. A good friend will help you move a dead body", are rare.
Interesting that friends of different orbits can connect, thus proving George wrong, worlds are NOT colliding. I probably shouldn't be surprised, as I suppose that you are drawn to similar people, even at different stages of your life.
The weekend also proved to be somewhat cathartic. At least for me. I suppose it's good to purge your soul of mistakes, foibles, and possible crimes (PS, did you do the research on Canadian law?). I mean the things you've done that make you physically cringe, even in the re-telling years later. What safer environment to share, than with the people you trust the most not to judge you too harshly? Let's face it, if they've stuck with you this long, they've seen your Mr. Hyde. Sometimes, it ain't pretty.
Thanks Guys.
Ann Coulter is smart
Read the most recent Ann Coulter column, In Desperate Move, Kerry Adopts Puppy. It's very insightful. I wonder if any of this info will find it's way into the mainstream press? I doubt it.
The column struck me because of a conversation I recently had with a local judicial candidate. The future judge was just in awe of Edwards and remarked repeatedly how he was, "just like us." (The future judge, my former boss, clearly knows that I am not worth $60 million. I'm fairly certain the future judge isn't either, since the rest of our conversation revolved around her opponent's potential spending of personal funds on the campaign.) And how his wife was just so personable. As if to imply that I should realize what a great ticket this will be, this man of the people now on board. Funny how you can be influenced by propaganda, isn't it? If you get time, read the Weekly Standard article dealing with Mr. Edwards' "humble" beginnings. How many times will this be slapped in our faces this campaign season?
(Much of the future judges' happiness at this choice for running mate was based on a clear, and in my mind completely irrational, hatred of Dick Cheney.)
After further reflection, I realized that my former boss' husband was also a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice. While I was reading the Coulter piece, I found my mind wandering to this other local attorney and contemplating him making the same type of arguments, though on a lessor scale.
Thank you Ann Coulter for re-focusing the public discourse.
The column struck me because of a conversation I recently had with a local judicial candidate. The future judge was just in awe of Edwards and remarked repeatedly how he was, "just like us." (The future judge, my former boss, clearly knows that I am not worth $60 million. I'm fairly certain the future judge isn't either, since the rest of our conversation revolved around her opponent's potential spending of personal funds on the campaign.) And how his wife was just so personable. As if to imply that I should realize what a great ticket this will be, this man of the people now on board. Funny how you can be influenced by propaganda, isn't it? If you get time, read the Weekly Standard article dealing with Mr. Edwards' "humble" beginnings. How many times will this be slapped in our faces this campaign season?
(Much of the future judges' happiness at this choice for running mate was based on a clear, and in my mind completely irrational, hatred of Dick Cheney.)
After further reflection, I realized that my former boss' husband was also a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice. While I was reading the Coulter piece, I found my mind wandering to this other local attorney and contemplating him making the same type of arguments, though on a lessor scale.
Thank you Ann Coulter for re-focusing the public discourse.
Thursday, July 08, 2004
Moore has got to be neutralized!
After reading the following article at newsmax.com:
I can't stand to see this Moore love fest continue! (I'm going to refer to Michael Moore as Moore now in deference to V. Bugliosi in reference to OJ Simpson). I hate that I even have to dedicate more time to this idiot, and the dopes througout the country that actually believe this joker, this fraud, this charlatan.
People, go and see Spider-Man 2! Go and be entertained. If you want to have an understanding of the Iraqi War and the war on terrorism, do some research! Think for yourselves. Ponder the situation. Reflect of our world after 9.11.01. Don't continue to make Moore a rich man. Don't let him continue to use some or our greatest tragedies to line his pockets, and don't think for one second that he's not.
Oh, the humanity! You people out there are giving him free reign and worse, free advertising. Read some articles about Moore from people in Flint. Read about former co-workers. They'll tell you the truth. The guy is a snake-oil salesman. He's also a bald-faced liar.
Seriously, if you think this guy and his ilk can do a better job of running this country, you're wrong. It's easy to sit around and criticize, fantasize and postulate. What are his answers?
Hopefully, this is the last post on Moore. Let's end this flash in the pan.
I can't stand to see this Moore love fest continue! (I'm going to refer to Michael Moore as Moore now in deference to V. Bugliosi in reference to OJ Simpson). I hate that I even have to dedicate more time to this idiot, and the dopes througout the country that actually believe this joker, this fraud, this charlatan.
People, go and see Spider-Man 2! Go and be entertained. If you want to have an understanding of the Iraqi War and the war on terrorism, do some research! Think for yourselves. Ponder the situation. Reflect of our world after 9.11.01. Don't continue to make Moore a rich man. Don't let him continue to use some or our greatest tragedies to line his pockets, and don't think for one second that he's not.
Oh, the humanity! You people out there are giving him free reign and worse, free advertising. Read some articles about Moore from people in Flint. Read about former co-workers. They'll tell you the truth. The guy is a snake-oil salesman. He's also a bald-faced liar.
Seriously, if you think this guy and his ilk can do a better job of running this country, you're wrong. It's easy to sit around and criticize, fantasize and postulate. What are his answers?
Hopefully, this is the last post on Moore. Let's end this flash in the pan.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
Why do I do this anyway?
Just a quick note about why the heck I started this thing in the first place.
2 reasons, really.
First, I had seen some articles on the internet about two particular bloggers getting national press. The first was the trampy Washington DC intern writing about her sexcapades. The second was the supposed celebrity, rance.
These two bloggers proved to me right away that I can do this. While I was morbidly fascinated by the intern, I was dismayed by her repetitive subject matter. Oh neat, you bedded another politician in Washington, imagine that. I also was annoyed by the rest of the country paying attention to her and wanted to voice my own opinions (see below) about her and other events passing in front of my horizon.
The fascination with rance, I think is fueled by his supposed celebrity, and not necessarily anything particularly insightful, although at times entertaining. I refuse to be a regular or captivated. Instead, I choose to write my own screed.
The second is I wanted a forum for my own personal observations, like the response to an article in the Miami Herald, response to Aaron Brown in National Review Online and my discussion of the ridiculous schlock-maker from flint, Moore.
So there you have it, my 5 minutes of, "Why?"
2 reasons, really.
First, I had seen some articles on the internet about two particular bloggers getting national press. The first was the trampy Washington DC intern writing about her sexcapades. The second was the supposed celebrity, rance.
These two bloggers proved to me right away that I can do this. While I was morbidly fascinated by the intern, I was dismayed by her repetitive subject matter. Oh neat, you bedded another politician in Washington, imagine that. I also was annoyed by the rest of the country paying attention to her and wanted to voice my own opinions (see below) about her and other events passing in front of my horizon.
The fascination with rance, I think is fueled by his supposed celebrity, and not necessarily anything particularly insightful, although at times entertaining. I refuse to be a regular or captivated. Instead, I choose to write my own screed.
The second is I wanted a forum for my own personal observations, like the response to an article in the Miami Herald, response to Aaron Brown in National Review Online and my discussion of the ridiculous schlock-maker from flint, Moore.
So there you have it, my 5 minutes of, "Why?"
This is not news, but young people suck!
Had the opportunity to do some travelling this holiday weekend. At the airport, we were forced to listen to the conversation of 4 college-aged punks (3 girls and 1 guy). I guess girls aren't really punks, but I don't have a suitable name for irritating chicks, at least not names I want to be responsible for floating thru the ether.
One of these sweet-hearts was particularly adroit with sailor-ese. I kept referring to her as "Trucker-mouth." Not coincidentally, her friend carried an Alpha Phi sorority bag and the guy was wearing a UM baseball cap. One of the other two Females was wearing a Bowling Green t-shirt. Thankfully, the third female was non-descript and quiet. I wonder how she felt around these morons? They seemed to be a relatively accurate cross section of today's college students.
At any rate, becasue they were loud and rude and only four feet away, we were subjected to a rude, crass, loud recollection of a drunken debauchery that invovled several F-bombs, various other curse words, a confrontation with a bouncer and the humiliation of a cab driver that culminated with somebody barfing in the cab. And this is just the girls talking. I tried my level best to stay engrossed in Outrage, by Vincent Bugliosi (detailing the incompetence of the OJ prosection), but the volume alone from these idiots was very distracting. Is this the best and the brightest? God, I hope not. I just don't remember girls talking like that "back in the day." It was one of the reasons we liked girls, because they were not like guys. Still shaking my head in amazement. Are all college girls like this now? Wow.
I am no wilting violet. If I take honest stock of my life, the content of their blab-fest may not be so different from my own. I do feel fairly certain that I did not recount my exploits at decibels high enough to be heard over jet engines. I certainly did not purposely share my deeds with other potentially weary travellers.
Thankfully, they were seated at the rear of the plane and in different seats. My trip home was peaceful as soons as they were seated close enough to the engines not to be heard up by the cockpit. Small victories.
One of these sweet-hearts was particularly adroit with sailor-ese. I kept referring to her as "Trucker-mouth." Not coincidentally, her friend carried an Alpha Phi sorority bag and the guy was wearing a UM baseball cap. One of the other two Females was wearing a Bowling Green t-shirt. Thankfully, the third female was non-descript and quiet. I wonder how she felt around these morons? They seemed to be a relatively accurate cross section of today's college students.
At any rate, becasue they were loud and rude and only four feet away, we were subjected to a rude, crass, loud recollection of a drunken debauchery that invovled several F-bombs, various other curse words, a confrontation with a bouncer and the humiliation of a cab driver that culminated with somebody barfing in the cab. And this is just the girls talking. I tried my level best to stay engrossed in Outrage, by Vincent Bugliosi (detailing the incompetence of the OJ prosection), but the volume alone from these idiots was very distracting. Is this the best and the brightest? God, I hope not. I just don't remember girls talking like that "back in the day." It was one of the reasons we liked girls, because they were not like guys. Still shaking my head in amazement. Are all college girls like this now? Wow.
I am no wilting violet. If I take honest stock of my life, the content of their blab-fest may not be so different from my own. I do feel fairly certain that I did not recount my exploits at decibels high enough to be heard over jet engines. I certainly did not purposely share my deeds with other potentially weary travellers.
Thankfully, they were seated at the rear of the plane and in different seats. My trip home was peaceful as soons as they were seated close enough to the engines not to be heard up by the cockpit. Small victories.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Hollywood is for entertainment purposes only!
Since I'll be out for a few days while on vacation, thought I'd post a reply I authored to a foxnews strakkalogue bit about the greatness of celebrities and the depth of their political knowledge.
How nice of you to attack
someone espousing their First Amendment rights by
citing the First Amendment.
Let's get one thing straight here with respect to
Madonna and every other celebrity, actor, entertainer,
etc (see Babs, Madonna, Jane Fonda, Tim Robbins/Susan
Sarandon, and a long list of other Hollywood
"luminaries"). They are here for one purpose only, to
entertain us. Their popularity does not stem from a
reasoned, well thought position on foreign policy
(something strikingly absent from your grrr and
Hollywood in general). We do not look to them for
logical, intelligent discourse on government or any
other topic. If they happen to agree with your
political leanings, it's a small bonus, like the
washable tatoos in Cracker-Jacks. It is not their
place to foist their beliefs on us. Seriously,
Madonna's popularity, and by extension, her platform,
arise from her ability to sing (although not often
considered a vocalist by music professionals), and
her willingness to disrobe for profit. So I guess my
curiosity reflects yours, when did fame give people
the right to give us their opinion?
How nice of you to attack
someone espousing their First Amendment rights by
citing the First Amendment.
Let's get one thing straight here with respect to
Madonna and every other celebrity, actor, entertainer,
etc (see Babs, Madonna, Jane Fonda, Tim Robbins/Susan
Sarandon, and a long list of other Hollywood
"luminaries"). They are here for one purpose only, to
entertain us. Their popularity does not stem from a
reasoned, well thought position on foreign policy
(something strikingly absent from your grrr and
Hollywood in general). We do not look to them for
logical, intelligent discourse on government or any
other topic. If they happen to agree with your
political leanings, it's a small bonus, like the
washable tatoos in Cracker-Jacks. It is not their
place to foist their beliefs on us. Seriously,
Madonna's popularity, and by extension, her platform,
arise from her ability to sing (although not often
considered a vocalist by music professionals), and
her willingness to disrobe for profit. So I guess my
curiosity reflects yours, when did fame give people
the right to give us their opinion?
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