U.S. Team Applies the Brakes at Bali

Simple Numbers to Shape Climate Talks

Those "numbers" are 2C temperature rise, 445ppm CO2 and 25—40 percent reduction in global warming gases.

In the end, at U.S. insistence, none of those numbers appeared in the U.N. conference's key final document. But in the coming two years of crucial climate negotiations, as authorized at Bali, those simple numbers are sure to become chips in the high-stakes diplomatic, political and economic bargaining of almost 190 nations involved.

The U.S. team did well to resist the rush pell-mell to develop policy based on the IPCC report as the "science" underlying the report is seriously flawed:

• Thermal energy gains not temperature increase should be the metric.
• Methane emissions are mentioned in passing even though methane is a more potent greenhouse gas.
• The IPCC models claim feedback mechanisms amplify human generated forcings. But, using their own data, it can be shown those mechanisms have muted the effects of human activity.
• The models employed by the IPCC scientists have little predictive skill. As a consequence, the IPCC is currently rushing to 'fix' their models to account for the recently observed reductions in Arctic ice pack.

Given all the shortcomings in the IPCC report and the underlying science, one thing is certain: Any policy developed using the report as a basis is sure to be misdirected.

Tag: climate change Bali Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, Big Dog's Weblog, Cao's Blog, and Rosemary's Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

He forgot the 'smilies'

Wis. Teacher Arrested for Blog Comment

Bloggers and free speech advocates are calling on prosecutors not to file charges against a teacher arrested for allegedly posting an anonymous comment online praising the Columbine shooters.

Some were disturbed by the post police say James Buss left on a conservative blog, but other observers said it was a sarcastic attempt to discredit critics of education spending.

It pays to remember text does not convey intent unless the intent is made explicit. Still, I think his was a boneheaded remark to make; although not criminal, hard to justify on any grounds. One would have thought a teacher would have better communication skills.

At the same time, I wonder if we would have the same fuss if the comment had appeared on a lefty blog.

Tag: Columbine remark Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, The Amboy Times, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, Right Voices, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Evils of drugs and alcohol illustrated

Obama Says He Drank, Tried Drugs As Teen

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama on Tuesday told high school students that when he was their age he was hardly a model student, experimenting with illegal drugs and drinking alcohol.

"You know, I made some bad decisions that I've actually written about. You know, got into drinking…"

And, see what happened to Obama? Became a Democrat. Bad decision. Yep, drugs and alcohol is nasty stuff for a kid to get into.

---

Postscript [January 29, 2010]: It's worse than I thought at the time: The chaser was progressive koolaid.

Tag: Obama

Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Pirate's Cove, Rosemary's Thoughts, The Amboy Times, Adeline and Hazel, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Tuesday

Chavez doesn't know the meaning of 'shame'

'Shut Up' Chavez Ringtone Hit in Spain

MADRID, Spain — Many Spaniards were so amused when their king told Venezuela's president to "shut up" they want to hear the words every time their phone rings.

About half a million people have downloaded a mobile phone ringtone featuring the phrase "Por que no te callas?" or "Why don't you shut up?"

Heh. But, the blockheaded Chavez is too self absorbed to be embarrassed.

Tag: Chavez

Speaking of paparazzi

Clooney lectures reckless photographer

George Clooney is cut off by a photographer and makes a 'traffic stop.' Clooney lectured the photog over his driver's reckless behavior while the lamo paparazzo protests that he wasn't the driver. Jerk.

Tag: paparazzi

Veteran's Day

Paparazzi and Common Sense: Mutually Exclusive?

On Tape: Britney Runs Light with Kids in Car?

Yes, she made a left turn on red. And, yes, she was on the left side of the center stripe. Why? Because the paparazzi were standing in the street blocking the way. What's up with that?

It seems to me the paparazzi are part of the cause—part of the problem. They need to back off. Their right to earn a paycheck does not trump public safety or the safety of a driver and passengers no matter who that driver is.

Tag: Britney paparazzi Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Big Dog's Weblog, Rosemary's Thoughts, 123beta, and Adeline and Hazel, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Extended Weekend.

Hoo Whee! I'm rich...

I cannot reveal all the details because the deal is secret and confidential. Here is a teaser:

From Mr.OMAR KARBIEN The Manager of Audit & Account Department, BANK OF AFRICA (B.O.A) Ouagadougou, Burkina-Faso. Dear Friend, Please read carefully, This is secret and confidential.

I hope that you are well today. I am the Manager of Audit and account dept of our bank,with due respect i decided to contact you over this business financial transaction worth the sum of NINTEEN MILLION,THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS($19,300,000.00)) in other to entrust this fund into your bank account.

This is an abandoned fund…

…And i want you to assure me solemnly that you are a trsutwothy,reliable,honest and capable to avoid cheating me in this business. If you are really sure of your integerity, Reply through my private email…

Tag: phish
Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, 123beta, Adam's Blog, Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, Big Dog's Weblog, Cao's Blog, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Extended Weekend.

We'll be right back

We are a little busy getting entries to a photo contest ready. We should be back to our regular schedule soon.

Dems proven incapable of governing

CA Dem. Stark's latest tirade

After much effort, the Democrat effort to overturn the President's veto of the S-CHIP bill, the bill's sponsor let loose with this irresponsible tirade:

"You don't have money to fund the war or children. But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the President's amusement."

This statement, coming from an elected Representative, is outrageous. And, the failure of the Democrats to distance themselves from such rhetoric demonstrates, once again, the Democrats are intellectually incapable of leading this country.

Tag: Stark Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Republican National Convention Blog, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Wednesday and Rosemary's Thoughts.

Med-tech bites boy

Lab technician fired for biting 3-year-old during blood test [link]

Faith Buntin took her son Victor to St. Vincent Hospital on Friday to have blood drawn because of recent recalls of toys involving lead. She said she saw the worker put her mouth on Victor's shoulder as she restrained him so another lab worker could draw the blood.

The parent later found bite marks on the boy's shoulder and filed a complaint resulting in the firing of the technician.

Certainly, this was a dumb move on the part of the med-tech. And, the parents of this boy were completely justified in filing a complaint. I would have done the same in their situation.

Service providers, be they med-techs, teachers or policemen, need to act in a professional manner. Our society has become far too litigious to do otherwise. Behavior that might have been given a pass—or, at least, not resulted in a firing—a generation or two ago is no longer tolerated.

But, that cuts both ways: People need to realize service providers have a right to refuse to serve clients who do not behave themselves.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Tag: news Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Webloggin, Perri Nelson's Website, The Amboy Times, DeMediacratic Nation, Adam's Blog, Right Truth, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Tuesday.

Senate tomfoolery

U.S. Embassy Condemns Iraq Division Plan [link]

The unusual U.S. Embassy statement came just hours after representatives of Iraq's major political parties denounced the U.S. Senate proposal calling for a limited centralized government with the bulk of the power given to the country's Shiite, Sunni or Kurdish regions, saying it would seriously hamper Iraq's future stability.

The Embassy's statement came on the heels of further Senate meddling in foreign policy. The Embassy, as well as Iraqi officials, were reacting to this resolution calling for the partition of Iraq:

…

(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that-- (1) the United States should actively support a political settlement among Iraq's major factions based upon the provisions of the Constitution of Iraq that create a federal system of government and allow for the creation of federal regions; (2) the active support referred to in paragraph (1) should include-- (A) calling on the international community, including countries with troops in Iraq, the permanent 5 members of the United Nations Security Council, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Iraq's neighbors-- (i) to support an Iraqi political settlement based on federalism; (ii) to acknowledge the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq; and (iii) to fulfill commitments for the urgent delivery of significant assistance and debt relief to Iraq, especially those made by the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council; (B) further calling on Iraq's neighbors to pledge not to intervene in or destabilize Iraq and to agree to related verification mechanisms; and (C) convening a conference for Iraqis to reach an agreement on a comprehensive political settlement based on the creation of federal regions within a united Iraq; (3) the United States should urge the Government of Iraq to quickly agree upon and implement a law providing for the equitable distribution of oil revenues, which is a critical component of a comprehensive political settlement based upon federalism; and (4) the steps described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) could lead to an Iraq that is stable, not a haven for terrorists, and not a threat to its neighbors.

It seems to me Congress has better things to do (e.g., pass a national budget) than continuing to waste time trying to undercut the President on Iraq.

Tag: Iraq
Trackposted to Nuke's, Rosemary's Thoughts, Cao's Blog, Big Dog's Weblog, and The World According to Carl, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

Senators approving of MoveOn.org

Last Wednesday, September 19, in response to the MoveOn.org ad attacking the character of Gen. Petraeus, the Senate voted on an amendment to the fiscal 2008 Defense appropriations bill:

Cornyn Amdt. No. 2934; To express the sense of the Senate that General David H. Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq, deserves the full support of the Senate and strongly condemn personal attacks on the honor and integrity of General Petraeus and all members of the United States Armed Forces.

The amendment passed with 72 yeas and 25 nays. Those voting nay include all the usual suspects:

Akaka (D-HI) Bingaman (D-NM) Boxer (D-CA) Brown (D-OH) Byrd (D-WV) Clinton (D-NY) Dodd (D-CT) Durbin (D-IL) Feingold (D-WI)

Harkin (D-IA) Inouye (D-HI) Kennedy (D-MA) Kerry (D-MA) Lautenberg (D-NJ) Levin (D-MI) Menendez (D-NJ) Murray (D-WA) Reed (D-RI)

Reid (D-NV) Rockefeller (D-WV) Sanders (I-VT) Schumer (D-NY) Stabenow (D-MI) Whitehouse (D-RI) Wyden (D-OR)

These Senators, by refusing to stand up and do the right thing, give tacit approval to MoveOn.org and their tactics. Why?

Tag: MoveOn.org Trackposted to Faultline USA, third world county, The Random Yak, The World According to Carl, Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, Stuck On Stupid, High Desert Wanderer, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Iranian Minister of Disinformation

More A.P. liberal spin?

Rising Tensions As Rice, Al-Maliki Meet [link]

The U.N. has convened a meeting on Iraq. And, there is the issue of the role private security forces in Iraq and the standards they should recognize. But, the AP chose to attach the headline to al Maliki's attendance at a U.N. meeting at which no mention of tensions between Rice and Maliki ocurred:

“The meeting was very positive,” said Iraqi Prime Minister Al-Maliki. Participants, he said, underlined the progress accomplished by Iraq and offered their support. [link]

So, where is the rising of tensions?

I suspect it is only in the lurid imagination of MATTHEW LEE, Associated Press Writer, and his editor.

Tag: al Maliki
Trackposted to CommonSenseAmerica, Big Dog's Weblog, and Nuke's News & Views, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe plus OTA Weekend and Rosemary's Thoughts.

News from the Front

Good news coming from Iraq:

KUT, Iraq - American commanders in southern Iraq say Shiite sheiks are showing interest in joining forces with the U.S. military against extremists, in much the same way that Sunni clansmen in the western part of the country have worked with American forces against al-Qaida. [link]

The report was confirmed by Sheik Majid Tahir al-Magsousi, a Shia leader. Taking note of the assassination of the Sunni leader, Abdul-Sattar Abu Risha, the sheik said

"The death of Sheik Abu Risha will not thwart us," he said. "What matters to us is Iraq and its safety."

This is good news. It demonstrates that there is indeed a grassroots move to counter the extremists of both stripes.

Good news for everyone except for those members of Congress—you know their names—that have a vested interest in our failure.

Tag: Iraq
Trackposted to The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, and Jo's Cafe, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe Plus Woman Honor Thyself and OTA Weekend.

Associated Press: A disservice

This is a small example of a larger problem with the AP: In reporting on a statement released by Paris-based ESA on the shrinkage of the polar icecap, the AP includes the following statement:

Many experts believe that global warming is to blame for melting the passage.

I can't think of any good reason why blame needed to be assigned here. Wouldn't is the cause of be more appropriate?

Here is the problem: By including colored words—blame, fault, slams, rips—in their reporting, the AP is slanting straightforward reporting towards editorializing. The process is more subtle than blatant, but the effect on the reader may be more certain; blatant editorializing being more easily recognized and evaluated.

Look at AP reports and one can see the AP has this technique polished to a high sheen. That is why I say the AP is a news disservice.

Tag: Associated Press polar ice Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, 123beta, and Nuke's News & Views, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe plus Woman Honor Thyself and OTA Weekend.

Iraq's complexity too much for Shepard Smith

On listening to Shepard Smith on Fox' Studio B, I am struck by how he wants to frame the current discussion on Iraq in stark contrasts.

Twice, on opening an interview with a Senator, he prefaced the questions with: "Can we start by assuming we are on the side of the Sunnis and Iran is on the side of the Shias?" Of course, his interviewees had a much firmer grasp of the complexities of Iraq and the worldwide terrorism in general to go along with the suggestion.

Somehow, that seems to me to be perfectly on character for Shepard. I am a fan of Fox News, but his show seems louder and tends to be more sensational than the rest of Fox' lineup. As a result, nuanced subject matter simply doesn't fit well within his format. And, perhaps, not within his mindset.

Tag: Shepard Smith Fox News Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Right Truth, Conservative Thoughts, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Tuesday.

Iraq vis-à-vis Vietnam

It has been said that the Iraq war parallels the Vietnam war; both having been referred to as a "quagmire."

I have agreed that valid comparisons exist, but not as the war critics might suspect.

The problem with the comparisons as they have been applied is this: The emphasis has been on the situation on the ground in the theatre of operations. Equally important but almost completely ignored is the state of affairs existing concomitantly at home.

Vietnam was a difficult war both militarily and politically. Almost from the outset, Congress was at odds with the Executive over conduct of the war. In the few years centered on about 1969, Congress applied increasing pressure to end the war. At the same time, mass demonstrations against the war were being held in the streets.

Today, Congress is acting in an almost identical way they did then. A key difference is there now are no mass antiwar demonstrations; the only evidence of antiwar sentiment in the public coming from polls. The problem with polls, however, is this: If you ask a person for his opinion, he will give it to you. But, this does not necessarily indicate that same person feels strongly about the subject.

Someone said, "Warfare today will be less about bullets and bombs, and more about strength of will to prevail." That is, the will of the people as a Nation as expressed through the actions of their elected representatives is at least as important as military means.

That is where we are at with Iraq. Our adversary pays as much attention to what we say as what we do. bin Laden has already noted our quick withdrawl from Somalia as evidence this Nation does not have the strength of will necessary to prevail. Indeed, al Qaeda fighters at the time were astonished at how easy their victory came.

So, this Democratic Congress with their pusillanimous behavior can only make matters more difficult in Iraq. And, even worse, if this Democratic Congress should manage to achieve a rapid withdrawl from Iraq, as they did in Vietnam, we will face a much emboldened al Qaeda world wide. And, the Democrat's will be held accountable.

Tag: Democrats   Iraq Vietnam Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Republican National Convention Blog, High Desert Wanderer, and Big Dog's Weblog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe OTA Monday.

Durbin: J'Accuse

Dick Durbin says Iraq report bogus, falsified [link]

According to Durbin

General David Petraeus is expected to testify before Congress on the rosy progress of the troop "surge" in Iraq on Tuesday despite the overwhelming evidence that the "surge" has been a failure and the civil war in Iraq is out of control.

Durbin also maintains he has email correspondence with civilian employees gathering data for Petraeus' report that

…when they sent a discouraging report about things that were happening in Baghdad, they were reminded by their superiors that's unacceptable; we need a positive report. They were sent back for editing changes. Now that's a fact," Durbin said.

So, in effect, Dick Durbin is accusing Gen. Petraeus of being dishonest; a deliberate deceiver.

Pretty strong stuff, Dick. You better have your facts straight.

Tag: Durbin
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, The Amboy Times, 123beta, and Jo's Cafe, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

These officials have not a clue

Commenting on bin Laden's latest video:

Bin Laden's attacks in the video on capitalism, multinational corporations and globalization led misled several current and former government officials to believe an American _ 28-year-old Adam Gadahn _ may have written at least part of the speech.

The edits are mine.

Why do these officials still have job? Anyone in their position should have known that takfiris like bin Laden have long melded Marxist ideology into their 'special' interpretation of the koran.

The other question is: Why do these people have the ear of the reporters and publishers? Is it because the shameless MSM will go to any lengths to undermine the current Administration; never mind the same undermines the Nation?

Tag: bin Laden

Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Stuck On Stupid, The Random Yak, Woman Honor Thyself, 123beta, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

No students of history, they

Study: U.S. Should Lower Profile in Iraq [link]

These guys definitely are not students of history. Impervious to news of recent advances in Iraq, they are making this proposal:

WASHINGTON - A panel of retired senior military and police officers recommended Thursday that the United States lighten its footprint in Iraq to counter the image that it's an "occupying force."

Basically, they are saying, let us return to the proven failure of yesterday.

"The force footprint should be adjusted in our view to represent an expeditionary capability and to combat a permanent-force image of today's presence," said retired Marine Corps Gen. James Jones, who led the 20-member commission.

There's that image thing again. What is this about "image?" Where is this guy coming from?

This will make an eventual departure much easier," Jones told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

So, there you have it. Another former military officer, oblivious to advances in Iraq, trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by advocating a cut and run policy.

Is advice like this helpful? I think not.

Tag: Iraq Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Pirate's Cove, The Amboy Times, Right Truth, Big Dog's Weblog, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Thursday.

Let 'em talk

Bush Supports APEC Climate Change Pact [link]

SYDNEY, Australia - President Bush urged Pacific Rim nations Wednesday to band together on tackling global warming, saying all major polluters must be part of any solution. But finding consensus among Asian leaders at their annual summit has proven elusive.

Tackling global warming in and of itself could mean anything from the goal of adapting to the goal expressed by the Aussie foreign minister:

Developing nations need to move beyond their view that stopping global warming should chiefly fall to wealthier countries and realize that the problem is a common challenge, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said.

In the absence of any unimpeachable scientific evidence that the current warming is stoppable or is even unusual, governments mandating measures towards the unachievable or the unnecessary should be cause for concern.

So, talking is fine. If an energy conservation strategy should come out of it, fine. But, I'd be worried if they tried to do something rash like trying to "stop global warming."

Tag: global warming
Trackposted to CommonSenseAmerica, DeMediacratic Nation, Big Dog's Weblog, and Conservative Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Wednesday.

The morality of some 'Hollywood' types

Goldberg Defends Vick in 'View' Debut [link]

[Whoopi] Goldberg said that "from where he [Vick] comes from" in the South, dogfighting isn't that unusual.

"It's like cockfighting in Puerto Rico," she said. "There are certain things that are indicative to certain parts of the country."

Speaks volumes about the 'Hollywood' ethic.

We may not be able to do much about cockfighting in Puerto Rico or bullfighting in Spain, but we sure can do something about the likes of Vick.

Goldberg, you don't speak for me!

Tag: Vick
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, and Conservative Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Tuesday.

Justice is served

Judge Finds Duke Prosecutor in Contempt [link]

DURHAM, N.C. - The prosecutor [Mike Nifong] who led the now-discredited rape case against three Duke University lacrosse players was held in criminal contempt of court Friday for lying to a judge when pursuing charges against the athletes.

So, just as did the town drunk Otis Campbell of Mayberry, Nifong will spend a day in jail. His career as a lawyer is over. And, deservedly so.

Maybe he will be able to get a job cleaning up after the elephants during a Barnum and Bailey circus parade. That would be more befitting of his conduct in the Duke Lacrosse case.

Tag: Nifong
Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, Woman Honor Thyself, 123beta, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe  and OTA Weekend.

More incompetence from the U.N.

IAEA: Iranian Cooperation Significant [link]

So, what is the substance of this "cooperation?"

Drawn up by IAEA chief doofus Mohamed ElBaradei, much of the confidential report obtained by The Associated Press focused on the already publicized Iran-IAEA cooperation plan, restating progress in some areas and time frames for Iran to respond to additional questions.

Time frames? What is this about time frames?

In that plan, Iran agreed to answer most questions from agency experts by November.

Most questions?

This is nothing more than a stall tactic. And, the U.N., for inexplicable reasons, accepts it.

With the wool firmly pulled over his eyes

IAEA Deputy doofus Director-General Olli Heinonen highlighted the importance of Tehran's cooperation…

Tag: Iran
Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Rosemary's Thoughts, DeMediacratic Nation, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Thursday.

How do you spell relief...

I spell it: h.e. i.s. g.o.n.e.

Gonzales quits [link]

Attorney General Gonzales finally stepped down after months of inept handling of the firing of eight federal prosecutors.

President Bush, Gonzales' most dogged defender, told reporters he had accepted the resignation reluctantly. "His good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons," Bush said.

That is certainly true. But, if you are going to be the Nation's chief lawyer, you need to recognize your authority under the Constitution. Gonzales seemed to not understand that.

Instead, he responded to the Senate witch hunt as though he was a defendant guilty of some crime.

Gonzales' honesty is not in question here. His competence is.

The President seems to have a blind spot when he nominates certain people for high office and he pays the price. Maybe it is time to question the appointment of this Robert Gates guy…

Tag: Robert Gates  George Bush  Gonzales Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Monday.

Sen. Zazue's blind spot

Mexico Senate Takes Up Migrant's Cause[link]

A committee of the Mexican Senate wants Presidente Calderón to send a note of protest to the U.S. over the deportation of Elvira Arellano.

"We cannot remain quiet in view of this injustice and must ask for firm action from our authorities," Mexican Sen. Humberto Zazue said.

Injustice?

Arellano was in the country illegally. Where is the injustice?

Your emphasis is misplaced, Senator Zazue. Rather than asking el Presidente to protest the actions of the U.S., why don't you do the right thing and protest the conditions that caused Arellano and her countrymen to migrate out of your country in the first place.

Tag: Mexico illegal immigration
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, Woman Honor Thyself, and Big Dog's Weblog, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

al-Maliki's government

Iraqi PM Lashes Out at U.S. Critics [link]

DAMASCUS, Syria - Iraq's prime minister lashed out Wednesday at U.S. criticism, saying no one has the right to impose timetables on his elected government and that his country "can find friends elsewhere."

Well, PM al-Maliki, you should choose your friends carefully. Cozying up to the sunni, al-Assad, could be your undoing.

But, more to the point: Yes, you were elected. But, how long must we wait for you to make a move? From all appearances, you have been incapable of providing the leadership your country needs.

You were elected to form a united, pluralist Iraq. Is that the goal of your administration?

Or, is it to establish a shia dominated government in which the kurds and sunnis are the inferior part?

Show us that you are trying to establish the former so that we may embrace your administration.

Tag: al-Maliki
Trackposted to Blog @ MoreWhat.com, The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, and Conservative Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Right and Wrong

Obama: No Military Solution in Iraq [link]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Democrat Barack Obama said Tuesday the recent increase in American troops in Iraq may well have helped tamp down violence, but he insisted there is no military solution to the country's problems and U.S. forces should be redeployed soon.

Wrong!

The assessment is right. The conclusion is wrong.

The right conclusion is to give the al-Maliki government a swift kick in the butt.

Tag: news
Trackposted to The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Crappy headlines

Written by crappy writers: Dean Bears Down on Mexico's Oil Industry [link]

So, who is this 'Dean' anyway?

And, what's all this about him bearing down on poor Mexico's oil industry?

There oughta be a law...

Tag: news
Trackposted to The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Junk Science

Study Finds Virus Contributes to Obesity [link]

WASHINGTON - In the buffet of reasons for why Americans are getting fatter, researchers are piling more evidence on the plate for one still-controversial cause: a virus.

Someone sneezed on me!

Yeah, that's it.

That's my story an' I'm stickin' to it.

Tag: junk science
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, Right Truth, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Idle minds at work

Group Launches Plan to Save 189 Birds [link]

By "189 birds" I suppose the headline writer meant 189 species of birds.

Oh, well. Here is the bottom line:

U.K.-based BirdLife International is calling on environmental groups, corporations and individuals to contribute the $37.8 million needed for what it is dubbing the Species Champions initiative.

According to their press blurb they have a plan to

…raise tens of millions of dollars to save 189 endangered birds over the next five years by protecting their habitat and raising public awareness about their plight.

Millions. To protect habitat. And raise public awareness.

Do you believe that? With all that money, what are they going to do? Chain themselves to caraiba trees in the Brasilian interior to save the Restinga Antwren? Or junipers in the tiny forest Forêt du Day in Djibouti to save the Djibouti Francolin?

I don't think so.

But, can you see a bunch of elitists flocking together near the U.N. issuing press releases, with a paycheck certain for several years?

Tag: species champions
Trackposted to Planck's Constant, The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Here For You.

Hillary takes a poke

White House Criticizes Clinton Ad [link]

At the White House, that is.

So spake her Clintoness:

"If you're a family that is struggling and you don't have health care, you are invisible to this president," the New York senator says in the ad. "If you're a single mom trying to find affordable child care so you can go to work, you're invisible too. The ad also argued that U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are "invisible" to Bush.

The White House spokesman rebutted the statements. Somehow, the Clinton campaign took this as a 'debate enjoined':

Happy to be in a debate with the White House, the Clinton campaign quickly linked to the official transcript of [White House deputy press secretary] Perino's comments on its campaign Web site, http://www.hillaryhub.com, with the headline, "White House Attacks Hillary's New Ad."

To the contrary, the White House spoke out because you, Hillary, are a carpet-bagger opportunist that will say anything until you are called on it.

Tag: Hillary
Trackposted to The Virtuous Republic, Rosemary's Thoughts, The Amboy Times, Big Dog's Weblog, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

ABA committees off their paper

ABA Criticizes Bush Terror Policies [link]

Two Bar Association committees are calling for the overturning of an executive order on the treatment of prisoners by the CIA:

SAN FRANCISCO - President Bush's recent order on CIA interrogations of terror suspects should be overturned because it still allows harsh treatment in violation of international treaties, two American Bar Association committees say.

According to the ABA committees, the order

… leaves undefined what methods are acceptable.

Others have analyzed this gap and have concluded including a list of proscribed methods would still be open to criticism because it would allow for individuals looking for a loophole. In addition, a list of prescribed methods would allow our adversary to train against it:

National Intelligence Director Mike McConnell has said revealing what techniques are allowed would help people who might be subjected to them.

The ABA committees also maintain the position that

The CIA should follow the same rigorous standards adopted by the military that are intended, in part, to ensure that captured U.S. soldiers are extended the same protections…

This criticism fails because it does not recognize the fact that our al Qaeda adversary does not share the same sensibilities.

My opinion: The ABA should keep their fuzzy-headed group-think to themselves and go find something useful to do.

Tag: executive order, ABA
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, Right Truth, and Walls of the City, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, and OTA Weekend.

Alarmist media and the revised FISA

Warrantless Surrender
Congress is stampeded into another compromise of Americans' rights.

The thrust of the article is that Congress caved in to the administration allowing

…warrantless surveillance of the phone calls and e-mails of American citizens, with scant judicial supervision and no reporting to Congress about how many communications are being intercepted.

This a problem, according to the editorial, because

Instead of having the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act court ensure that surveillance is being done properly, with monitoring of Americans minimized, that job would be up to the attorney general and the director of national intelligence. The court's role is reduced to that of rubber stamp.

The implication is the Federal Government has unfettered license to trample on the rights of citizens.

This argument has been raised at various times through history about one thing or another. But, in the absence of proven abuse by the Feds, this argument is hard to accept at face value.

There is a balance that needs to be struck between unfettered freedoms on the one hand and necessity in times of crisis on the other. The Congress, by arguing the case, has fulfilled it's role in striking that balance.

And, the revised surveillance legislation notwithstanding, our system of laws always provides relief to citizens whose rights have been unjustly abused by the government.

Tag: FISA
Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, Right Truth, High Desert Wanderer, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Space: The next phase

Shuttle Launches With Teacher Aboard

Eventually the current generation of shuttles will be retired.

Designed to carry crew and cargo, the existing orbiter is complicated because of it's dual role of crew transport and cargo transport.

As an alternative, the next generation shuttle should be a smaller reentry vehicle designed only to carry the crew. The job of launching cargo should be assigned to an unmanned heavy-lifter similar to that used by the Russians to resupply their Mir space station. Both vehicles would be recoverable. The main advantage of this design is enhanced crew safety as their launch vehicle would require less energy.

NASA: Are you listening?

Tag: NASA
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, The Amboy Times, Rosemary's Thoughts, Pursuing Holiness, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Chicago left soft on Vick

News Analysis with Carol Marin

The recent indictment of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick on dog fighting has put this underground sub-culture once again in the news. Carol Marin and her panel take a closer look at dog fighting, its prominence in Chicago, and why it attracts so many people. Guests: Ald. Mary Ann Smith, Kwame Amoaku, Cynthia Bathurst

In it Marin asked if this was too small a problem to bring down Michael Vick. WTTW also showed pictures of dogs fighting.

I am disgusted with how the WTTW TV can be so divorced from the brutality. This proves Carol Marin is a card carrying member of the leftist media...

Tag: dog fighting
Trackposted to The Amboy Times, third world county, Right Truth, and Conservative Thoughts, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

More Democrat politics in the shallow end...

"Wassup?" came the first question, from a voter named Zach, after another, named Chris, opened the CNN-YouTube debate…[link]

Here are two of the questions asked by the "deep thinking" Dems:

To Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois: Are you black enough?

and

To Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York: Are you feminine enough?

In actuality, the question should have been: "Do either of you have the slightest clue about the role of America in the world?"

Tag: Democrats Trackposted to The Amboy Times, Republican National Convention Blog, Dumb Ox Daily News, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, and Get to know me

Enough already

Clinton chutzpah has gone far enough... Pentagon Rebukes Sen. Clinton on Iraq

In a stinging rebuke to a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Undersecretary of Defense Eric Edelman responded to questions Clinton raised in May in which she urged the Pentagon to start planning now for the withdrawal of American forces.

"Premature and public discussion of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq reinforces enemy propaganda that the United States will abandon its allies in Iraq, much as we are perceived to have done in Vietnam, Lebanon and Somalia," Edelman wrote.

To which, the Clinton camp responded thusly:

Clinton spokesman Philippe Reines called Edelman's answer "at once outrageous and dangerous," and said the senator would respond to his boss, Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Outrageous and dangerous? Give me a break! The Democrats in the Senate have been acting like some sort of royalty capable of issuing decrees. Edelman's response is a welcome slap down.

Tag: Imperial Senator
Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, The Virtuous Republic, High Desert Wanderer, Right Truth, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Thursday.

Spit in their eye....

and tell them where to go.

WASHINGTON - President Bush threatened to veto legislation setting a date for a troop withdrawal from Iraq on Tuesday despite growing bipartisan calls in Congress for an end to U.S. participation in the war and sharp criticism of the Iraqi government.

And, a veto would be well deserved. Those 'chicken littles' in Congress are over-reaching their Constitutional limits; their interests extending only to self-perpetuating reelection.

So, the so-called bench marks imposed by Congress were not met by the Iraqi Parliament. So what? Did Congress sit down with the Parliament and negotiate those goals? Or, were the bench marks dictated by our Congress? I think the latter is so.

The fact that some arbitrary bench marks were not fulfilled should not give anyone the impression that nothing is changing in Iraq. The Iraqis are working out issues important to them.

So, here is the bottom line: Congress has to stop reacting to the Leftist polls that say 'all is lost in Iraq' and give the Iraqis and us the time needed to let events work to fruition. If the Congress refuses, they will be held to account in the next election.

Tag: Iraq Trackposted to The Virtuous Republic, The Amboy Times, Dumb Ox Daily News, Big Dog's Weblog thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

A matter of will

…new cracks in Bush's support base have begun to show. In the past two weeks, three Republicans — Sens. Richard Lugar, George Voinovich and Pete Domenici — have announced they can no longer support Bush's Iraq war strategy and have called on the president to start reducing the military's role there. [link]

The actions of these three Senators, along with those of the Democrats, are encouraging Zawahiri. Consider this excerpt from his latest video tape:

“I speak to the Muslim Ummah today as the battles which it is waging against its enemies are raging and as it moves from one victory to another, with Allah’s help and power, and its enemies retreat in front of it and as the good omens of the new dawn of victory have begun to loom on the horizon, with Allah’s permission and will. And the stage preceding victory is normally in the history of nations the stage in which there is most seen an increase in conspiracies, plots, and inciting of discord in an attempt by the enemy, who has begun to see his defeat approach to push back and delay the defeat as much as he can.” [link]

Clearly, Zawahiri thinks of us as being weak; as not having the will to prevail in a prolonged conflict. And, why shouldn't he? Our politicians, beginning with the Democrats and continuing on to weak-kneed Republicans, have long been signalling willingness to retreat from Iraq. And, if Iraq, could Afghanistan be next?

Tag: Zawahiri Domenici Trackposted to Right Pundits, third world county, Right Truth, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, and OTA Weekend.

Leftist politics in the shallow end of the pool

Clinton Slams Bush Over Libby Maneuver

KEOKUK, Iowa - Democratic presidential contender Hillary Rodham Clinton drew a distinction between President Bush's decision to commute the sentence of White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby _ which she has harshly criticized _ and her husband's 140 pardons in his closing hours in office.

Heh. Clinton redefining the meaning of hypocrisy.

Tag: Marc Rich Hillary Libby Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Stuck On Stupid, The Virtuous Republic, The Amboy Times, Right Celebrity, Alabama Improper, 123beta, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

More Liberal Press Spin

The anti-American Liberal Press never ceases to put a negative spin on Iraq news. Note the AP headline: U.S. Raids Baghdad Slum; 26 Iraqis Die

The dead are "Iraqis" not "insurgents" or "Mahdi Army fighters" or, even, "opportunists taking pot shots." And, look how they spin the account of the fight:

The U.S. military said it conducted two pre-dawn raids in Sadr City, killing 26 "terrorists" who attacked U.S. troops with small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and roadside bombs. But Iraqi officials said all the dead were civilians.

Note the skepticism indicated by the quote marks for the Military account but none for the Iraqi account. As if we must mistrust what the Military reports but we can accept the word of any Iraqi on the street at face value.

Maliki was all upset over the operation in Sadr City.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki condemned the raids and demanded an explanation for the assault into a district where he has barred U.S. operations in the past.

"The Iraqi government totally rejects U.S. military operations ... conducted without a pre-approval from the Iraqi military command," al-Maliki said in a statement released by his office. "Anyone who breaches the military command orders will face investigation."

Yeah, right. Why is it the terrorists always have advance knowledge of our operations? al-Maliki should be told in no uncertain terms that pre-approvals are not possible until he weeds out the insurgent sympathizers in his government.

Tag: Iraq al-Maliki MSM Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Cao's Blog, The Amboy Times, 123beta, Dumb Ox Daily News, Pursuing Holiness, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, and OTA Weekend.

Lugar entering his dotage?

Or, was he always a self-serving politician.

The President and his team must come to grips with the shortened political timeline in this country for military operations in Iraq. Some will argue that political timelines should always be subordinated to military necessity, but that is unrealistic in a democracy. Many political observers contend that voter dissatisfaction in 2006 with Administration policies in Iraq was the major factor in producing new Democratic Party majorities in both Houses of Congress. Domestic politics routinely intrude on diplomatic and military decisions. The key is to manage these intrusions so that we avoid actions that are not in our national interest. [link]

Translation: "To hell with the Iraqis. Some of us have reelection campaigns going here."

Tag: Lugar Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, The Virtuous Republic, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, Maggie's Notebook, Blue Star Chronicles, Pirate's Cove, Webloggin, The Amboy Times, Leaning Straight Up, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Slow news day

Where's Jimmy when you need him?

Site recommendation

If you enjoy classical music, you will enjoy pretérito mais-que-perfeito (yes, it is Portuguese). The site features program excerpts from Rádio Cova da Beira. The commentary is all in Portuguese but the recordings are first rate.

Tag: classical music

Who let Jimmy out?

Carter Blasts US Policy on Palestinians

Jimmy apparently has wandered away from the home again. He's out in Ireland spouting the same tired line he has used his whole career:

Carter, a Nobel Peace Prize winner who was addressing a human rights conference in Ireland, also said the Bush administration's refusal to accept Hamas' 2006 election victory was "criminal."

Carter said Hamas, besides winning a fair and democratic mandate that should have entitled it to lead the Palestinian government, had proven itself to be far more organized in its political and military showdowns with Abbas' moderate Fatah movement.

Ol' Jimmy has a long track record, beginning with Mugabe and recently with Chavez, of embracing despots and their election "victories." Now, he embraces Hamas. It's no suprise their proclivity for bullets over ballots doesn't faze him. After all, they "won" the election, didn't they?

Tag: Jimmy Carter Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Webloggin, Cao's Blog, The Amboy Times, third world county, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and Maggies Notebook, and OTA Wednesday.

Rogue prosecutor

Disbarred Duke Prosecutor's Future Dim

The N.C. prosecutor in the Duke lacrosse case, Nifong, has been disbarred for malfeasance in office.

The falsely accused players and their families, having racked up millions of dollars in legal bills, appear likely to file civil lawsuits against the disbarred prosecutor. Their attorneys want a judge to consider holding Nifong in criminal contempt for lying to the court.

And the lacrosse team's attorney almost sounds apologetic:

"Some people will take that as being mean-spirited and kicking somebody when they're down," defense attorney Joseph Cheshire said Sunday. "But we believe that this issue is enormously important and it carries significant precedent and (the judge) ought to be the one to make that decision because it happened in his court."

You bet it's enormously important. I've seen too many rogue prosecutors to let this slide.

Kicking someone who's down? Don't even think about it because Nifong didn't worry about dragging the reputations of these three kids through the mud.

Tag: rogue prosecutor

New Philistia

Hamas Gives Amnesty, Killings Persist

Hamas has completely taken over the Gaza strip.

Hamas offered amnesty to its defeated foes as violence tapered off from five days of bloodshed that claimed more than 90 lives.

With the takeover of Gaza, Fatah leader Abbas has moved his government to the West Bank.

Safe in the West Bank, Abbas moved quickly to cement his rule there after losing control of Gaza to Hamas forces. He replaced Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas member, with Finance Minister Salam Fayyad, a respected economist, to head a new moderate government

In their arrogance, Hamas does not realize what is happening to them.

Hamas…denounced Abbas' move as a coup. Hamas' supreme leader, Syrian-based Khaled Mashaal, later said Abbas has legitimacy as an elected president and promised to cooperate…

Hamas, by their actions, have shown the World their promises are worthless. Little do they realize the lack of support they will be receiving from the region.

Abbas received immediate pledges of support from Israel, the U.S., Egypt, Jordan, the U.N. and Saudi Arabia.

Gaza should be renamed New Philistia and sealed off.

Tag: Gaza

Of drugs and guns

Mexico AG Calls U.S. Policy 'Cynical'

MEXICO CITY - Mexican Attorney General Eduardo Medina called U.S. policies on drugs and firearms "cynical" and "absurd," some of the toughest language used by Mexican officials prodding Washington to cut U.S. drug demand and stem the flow of guns they say fuel violence here.

I don't think cynical is quite the right word, but the border security initiative proposed by the President—including building a wall—should go a long way towards stemming the flow of both guns and drugs across the border.

As for the demand side: I agree. Unfortunately, I do not believe there is much enthusiasm for that on this side. Every time I have mentioned attacking the demand side of the drug problem, I have been criticized for 'making criminals of innocent people.' After all, my critics say, it is a 'victimless crime.'

Of course, I don't agree with my critics. But, I believe their attitude is pervasive and will result in no effective action taken to reduce demand.

Tag: guns and drugs Trackposted to Rightlinx, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, stikNstein... has no mercy, Maggie's Notebook, Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, Cao's Blog, Dumb Ox Daily News, Jo's Cafe, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe, and OTA Weekend.

Peace in the Middle East?

Hamas Overruns Rival Fatah's Key Posts

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip - Hamas fighters overran two of the rival Fatah movement's most important security command centers in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, and witnesses said the victors dragged vanquished gunmen into the street and shot them to death execution-style.

Do you think the U.N. will open a war crimes investigation? I'm not holding my breath.

It looks like Hamas is using the gun to accomplish what they couldn't (or, wouldn't) do in Parliament. Once Abbas is dealt with, Hamas will turn its attention to Israel.

I think this marks a decisive end to the peace process. Israel would be within its right to make no more territory concessions. And, to continue building the wall.

All this may give the Europeans heartburn. But, if it does, they can be the first to step in and restore order. Again, I'm not holding my breath...

Tag: Gaza Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Webloggin, stikNstein... has no mercy, Right Truth, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

About the Laura Ingraham show

Caught the radio show for the first time. Couldn't believe what I was hearing. It was a lot of cheap shots like you would read on the Daily Kos only from the other side.

Is this representative of the Republican base?

Not for me.

Laura, if you want to be a conservative spokesman, cut the crap and do a little responsible analysis.

Tag: Laura Ingraham

Counter the Iranian menace

Need a laugh?

Read this: Is this not what you expected to see?: Airplane humor#links Tag: humor

Bull roar from CoE investigator

Investigator: CIA Ran Secret Prisons

So, the Council of Europe tasked a Swiss Senator, Dick Marty, to investigate alleged secret prisons allegedly run by the CIA allegedly in Poland and Romania. Here is what Marty is saying:

"While it is likely that very few people in the countries concerned, including in the governments themselves, knew of the existence of the centers, we have sufficient grounds to declare that the highest state authorities were aware of the CIA's illegal activities on their territories," it [Marty's report] said.

"The secret detention facilities in Europe were run directly and exclusively by the CIA," it said.

That's nice. What is the basis for these charges?

Marty did not identify his sources, saying they were people "who had worked or still worked for the relevant authorities, in particular intelligence agencies."

Oh, well then, where were the prisons located?

The report did not name or locate the prisons where the abuses allegedly occured. It said testimony came from former or current detainees, human rights advocates, or people who worked in setting up or operating CIA secret prisons.

Well, Herr Marty, it seems to me you are asking the CoE and the rest of the world to take you at your word. Nice try but that just doesn't wash. May I suggest you return to Switzerland and mind your Senate business.

Tag: Secret CIA prisons
Trackposted to Woman Honor Thyself, guerrilla radio, stikNstein... has no mercy, Maggie's Notebook, Pirate's Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, The Amboy Times, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

Now, about those Z visas...

Feds to Suspend Border Passport Rule

The suspension in the rules is aimed at clearing a massive backlog of passport applications at the State Department that has slowed processing to a crawl, they said. Some officials said the change would last several months; others said as long as six months.

As I was saying below about sufficient resources....

Tag: immigration reform
Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Webloggin, The Virtuous Republic, Dumb Ox Daily News, stikNstein... has no mercy, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Week.

Immigration Reform

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R, TX) said the immigration reform bill currently before the Senate is not ready for cloture. [1] The Senator is correct given some of the essential features that are being added to the draft bill through ammendment. Two examples:

The bill must allow for weeding out antisocial types from obtaining a Z visa:

Still, several changes proposed by conservatives prevailed, including one by Cornyn that would make it easier to locate and deport illegal immigrants whose visa applications are rejected.

The bill would have barred law enforcement agencies from seeing applications for so-called Z visas that allow illegal immigrants to gain legal status. Cornyn said authorities should know if applicants have criminal records that would warrant their deportation. [2]

Opponents claim this provision will discourage applications. This, of course, is not a reasonable objection because the only people that would not come forward would be those with something to hide and they should be deported anyway.

The bill must allow for shutting off illegal immigration across our border:

Congress could block the legalization of millions of unlawful immigrants if it deemed the border too porous under a Republican proposal also slated for a vote on Thursday. [2]

Also an essential provision. Why? Because there is the nagging doubt about whether the Executive will apply the resources necessary to effectively close our borders. Without this step, we will never gain control over immigration. So, there must be a mechanism for pulling the plug and not allowing the legalization process to go forward.

The concern over resources also extends to the Z visa program. Already long lines are forming at U.S. postal facilities as citizens apply for passports. [3] What will happen when an estimated 10 to 20 million immigrants also show up to apply for visas?

Tag: immigration reform
Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Webloggin, The Virtuous Republic, and stikNstein... has no mercy, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Week.

Rest assured First Deputy Prime Minister...

Russia Says New ICBM Can Beat Any System

"As of today, Russia has new tactical and strategic complexes that are capable of overcoming any existing or future missile defense systems," [First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei]Ivanov said, according to the ITAR-Tass news agency. "So in terms of defense and security, Russians can look calmly to the country's future."

Rest assured Mr. First Deputy Prime Minister, Russia can rest in peace. Just so long as your country doesn't use this new weapon to threaten the West.

We trust you. But, we will want to verify...

Tag: cold war
Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, The Random Yak, Maggie's Notebook, Right Voices, Pursuing Holiness, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.