Snowzilla Ordered Destroyed in Anchorage

MSNBC story subtitle: Officials have issued a cease-and-desist order to builders of the giant.

Clearly they were concerned about the off-hand chance that there could be some magic in that old silk hat they planned to put on his head. I mean come on: at more than 16 feet tall, the resulting thumpety-thump-thump could have leveled the entire city. Furthermore, a snowman that large arguably wouldn't even pause a moment if a policeman were to holler "stop".

Tag: Snowzilla

Weirdly, Snowzilla reappeared anyway. "Magically", per the Anchorage Daily News. In the same article, the owner of the land on which the huge snow man is built seems to be getting the Joe the Plumber treatment from unnamed "officials".

Once Is Happenstance, Twice Coincidence...

Joe Conason writing in Salon: What's Obama hiding about Blagojevich? (D) The subtitle answers the question: "Probably nothing. But by mishandling the scandal, his team has allowed questions to be raised where there were none."
You'd have to read the whole thing to see if you really agree "there were none" in terms of questions about talking with Blagojevich. (He must really have political cooties if Obama--who famously stated he'd talk to a whole Rogue's Gallery of international scumbags without precondition--won't talk to the Illinois Democrat.)
Where have we seen this pattern before? Do a search on Obama and "birth certificate" and you'll find a whole roiling controversy on the right, where there didn't need to be one.
So why would they repeat the mistake of letting something fester endlessly?
Outside of Free Republic, the birth certificate controversy didn't get much of a look from the nation at large. As such, it may not have registered as a lesson that Team O! should take anything from. Perhaps the Obama campaign liked it--after all it kept the dextrosphere wrapped up about one particular thing on message boards and not out in the streets getting out the vote. And if it didn't really make a true penetration into the Big News cycles, what was the real harm to him? A bunch of people who wouldn't vote for the man anyway were now really sure they wouldn't vote for the man. A simple enough calculation for a campaign run by the numbers.
So now? The tapes that have been released give the impression that Obama's camp wasn't about to give Blagojevich a thin dime in return for appointing Valerie Jarrett to Obama's Senate seat. So what was the big deal?
We'll almost certainly never find out since the prosecutor pulled the plug right around the time Ms. Jarrett withdrew herself from consideration and was subsequently handed a job in the White House. If there's a third instance along these lines, we'll see if there's a trend.
Tag: Blagojevich

Rand Simberg on the UAW

It isn't just the compensation packages UAW workers get that has made GM, Ford and Chrysler less profitable than their non-unionized competitors: it's the thousands of union work rules that have dragged down productivity. Like what? Check this out, from Rand Simberg's own time working in AC Sparkplug and Fisher Body plants:

A breaker might trip on the robot. A gate might jam, causing the reservoir to fill and the parts line to be depleted, making the workers below unable to complete the assembly of an oil filter. And when these things happened, what was I supposed to do? If a breaker tripped, I was supposed to put in a repair ticket for an electrician. If a gate jammed, I was supposed to put in a ticket for a pipefitter — it may even have been a special subclassification for an assembly-line upper-level pipefitter. If a belt jammed, I was supposed to requisition a machinist, any of whom might be busy on other jobs. Or outside, taking a nap in their van. While waiting for them to arrive, assembly lines, perhaps even the entire plant, would be shut down, costing thousands of dollars a minute with workers sitting around unable to assemble the product.

They'll get to it, when they get to it. Rand also shares a couple of anecdotes from a former supervisor. Lest you think management has no role in this:

...but when I tried to make them increase production ever so slightly they sabotaged my ability to make even the current production levels by hiding stock, calling in sick, feigning equipment problems, and even once, as a show of force, used a fork lift truck and pallets and racks to create a car part prison where they trapped me while I was conducting inventory. The reaction of upper management to my request to boost production was that I should “not be naive.”

Sounds like management had long since given up on trying. You can, as they say, read the whole thing.

There is just no telling about some people

Family: Shoe thrower hates both US, Iran role

Al-Zeidi's act of defiance Sunday transformed an obscure reporter from a minor TV station into a national hero to many Iraqis fed up with the nearly six-year U.S. presence here, but also fearful that their country will fall under Iran's influence once the Americans leave.

It's a real dilemma for them, isn't it?  But, Al-Zeidi, once he has cooled down, will consider what would have happened to him if Saddam was his target.

Technorati Tags: Iraq,Al-Zeidi

Obama vs. 'Global Varming'

Obama left with little time to curb global warming

Obama on global warming:

"The time for delay is over; the time for denial is over," he said on Tuesday...

I thought 'de Nile' was a river in Africa. Where is Obama getting these wild ideas?

...after meeting with former Vice President Al Gore, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his work on global warming.

Oh, him again.

The article goes on to add more pseudoscientific blather and breathless one-line quotes about impending doom. But, there is cause for hope that we will not, as a nation, be driven to ruin:

After years of inaction on global warming, 2009 might be different. Obama replaces a president who opposed mandatory cuts of greenhouse gas pollution and it appears he will have a willing Congress.

A willing Congress? What was the AP writer smoking when that was written?

President Bush realized the folly of reacting to the global warming hysteria. At the same time, he realized it would be politically imprudent to pooh pooh the idea we can do something about it. So, he took the smart course of action: He handed it over to Congress; a body that, as everyone knows, is biased towards inaction.

Technorati Tags: Obama,Global Warming

Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, Rosemary's Thoughts, Cao's Blog, The World According to Carl, and DragonLady's World, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Once the Climate Change Is Taken Care Of...

...here's a whole new windmill at which to tilt menace to confront: Continental Drift. Save the Pacific Ocean, man!

Our own Climate Change Fool

Greenhouse gases warming North America unevenly[1]

WASHINGTON — Climate change caused by greenhouse gases is warming the United States, though unevenly, government researchers said Thursday.

"The continent as a whole is warming, mostly as a result of the energy sources we are using," William J. Brennan, acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, said at a briefing on the nation's climate since 1951.

Brennan is the director of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program.

Why is this significant? Because, being an agency dependant on government funding, continuation of same depends on finding something related to their charter. Can you imagine what would happen to their funding if they reported the fact that there has been no global warming since 1995?

Technorati Tags: NOAA,Climate change

Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Political Byline, Woman Honor Thyself, and Democrat=Socialist, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Ship of Fools, Partie Deux

EU hails climate deal as example for the world[1]

BRUSSELS, Belgium — European nations on Friday dared the United States, Russia and China to follow their lead on global warming after agreeing on a plan to meet the so-called "20-20-20" targets: reducing greenhouse emissions by 20 percent and ensuring that 20 percent of energy comes from wind, sun and other renewable sources by 2020.

You go guys.  And, no backing down when it becomes painfully clear you are on a fool's mission.

Technorati Tags: IPCC,climate change

Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Political Byline, Woman Honor Thyself, and Democrat=Socialist, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Big Government, Big Money and the Big Three

If some in Congress get their way, any bag full of cash to the automakers will come with Government oversight. That will mean Congressional oversight hearings to oversee the overseer. And how did that work out for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? If the Big 3 are lucky they may reach the success level of Amtrak.

McCain: What did we do to deserve him?

Answer: Nothing! There were at least a few good candidates in the primaries. But, the conservative shouting heads undermined them all. I thought Mitt Romney was a good candidate. Someone that could win. But the Voices of Conservative Radio whined and complained about this or that. They did it to every candidate until the only one left standing was McCain. And the only thing he offered was: "I am not George Bush."

I've tried and tried to justify voting for McCain. I have watched him during the debates. But, all he did was knock Obama's vision; he didn't express any of his own. He mocked Obama's 'eloquence' but didn't provide any of his own. He fumbled around as they were leaving the set of the last debate.

And, that's not the end of it. The news clips: He makes a serious statement about something of national import then smirks when he gets a round of applause. That tells me he is merely playing to the crowd rather than enunciating a heartfelt principle.

I have come to the conclusion that John McCain, outside of a few generalities, does not have a vision for how he would lead the country. He certainly has not expressed it in any clear fashion. Worse, his bumbling leads me to believe he does not have the mental acuity to be President. Added to that, his undercutting of campaign staff leads me to believe he is too stubborn to accept advice.

So, for the first time I will vote for a Democrat for President.

Technorati Tags: McCain,Obama

Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Rosemary's Thoughts, Woman Honor Thyself, Democrat=Socialist, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Dancing (?) With the Stars

Is anyone else watching this parody of dancing? I threw in the towel with the pair that danced the 'Viennese' waltz. The music played on this show was never appropriate for the dance step. Let alone the tempo not being strict time. But, a ballad for a Viennese waltz? Gimme a break!

Trackposted to The Pink Flamingo, third world county, Right Voices, and The World According to Carl, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Obama: Ready to be President?

Obama May Not Return to D.C. for Bailout Vote

This is so typical of Barack Obama:  Uninvolved in the people's work, putting career above all:

Although Barack Obama argues that the financial meltdown is an “emergency situation”, he said today that he may remain on the campaign trail, rather than returning to the Capitol, to vote on the $700 billion plan.

“Look if we get a consensus and everybody is popping champagne – then I will probably be going back to campaign with folks who are having a tough time in places like Ohio, and Michigan and Pennsylvania,” Obama said adding, “If this ends up being a close vote or a vote where the outcome is an open question then obviously this is a top priority.”

In other words, Obama has no inclination to roll up his sleeves and try to craft a bill.  Either he has nothing to add (bad) or he considers his campaign the top priority (worse).  (Underline added.)

Bottom line:  This what we can expect from a Obama presidency.  We do not need that!

Technorati Tags: Obama,politics

Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Leaning Straight Up, third world county, Dumb Ox Daily News, and The World According to Carl, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

The AP is at it again

The antiAmerican Press (aka, AP) is at it again.  Here is their lead:

Laura Bush: Palin lacks foreign policy experience

And, here is part of what is in the article:

First lady Laura Bush says Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin lacks sufficient foreign policy experience but is a very quick study.

So, what is my problem here?

First of all, the lead is totally misleading.  Most people don't read the news.  They read the headline on their way to the comics page.  Anyone that read the article or followed Gov. Palin's on-air statements would perceive she is bright and well-read.

Second, Barack Obama has no more foreign policy experience, but that doesn't seem to matter to the AP.

The Associated Press is less of a reporting organization than it is a water carrier for the Left Wing of this country.

Technorati Tags: Palin,Associated Press

Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, third world county, Democrat=Socialist, Dumb Ox Daily News, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Palin should avoid anti-Iran rally

Palin blames Dems for withdrawn rally invitation [1]

"This should be an issue that unites all Americans. Iran should not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons, period," Palin said at a rally here. "Unfortunately, some Democrat partisans put politics first and now no elected official can appear. This should not be a matter of partisan politics."

It is not partisan politics here.  As a potential representative of our elected government, Palin should avoid these types of rallies so as to not compromise her status as statesman.  She will have adequate opportunity as candidate and as vice president to voice a position on Iran.

Technorati Tags: Palin,Iran

Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, , Cao's Blog, third world county, and Woman Honor Thyself, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Obama's foot and mouth disease

Coming on the heels of  Gov. Palin's convention speech in which she ad-libbed the now-famous comparison of a pit bull and a hockey mom, the motivation for Obama's use of the lipstick on a pig [1] adage is suspect.  Especially when you consider he later disparaged Palin by referring to her as the mayor of Wasilly.

Technorati Tags: Obama,Politics

Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Cao's Blog, third world county, Democrat=Socialist, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

We Said, They Said

Pentagon chief regrets any problems from air strike

We said the air strike targeted insurgents firing on coalition troops on the Afghan side of the border.

They (the Pakistani Army) said we killed eleven of their paramilitary troops with air strikes within Pakistan.

We said, they said. Who is telling the truth?

I think both sides are. The story goes like this: The group we targeted was conducting an operation against Afghan coalition troops and that group included Pakistani paramilitary. We tracked them back to their safe haven in Pakistan and took them out.

The Paki populace is scarcely on good terms with their own government, much less us. A few of them saw an opportunity to take a few pot shots at us and lost.

Tag: Afghanistan
Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Leaning Straight Up, , Adam's Blog, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Jimmy's Pals

Jimmy never ceases to amaze…

Q:  Why is Mugabe's picture included? He wasn't a dictator when Carter hosted him after his win in the 1980 election.

A:  Carter's meddling in Zimbabwe goes back to the start of his administration. His Zimbabwe policy was a combination of disdain for the Ian Smith government and a willingness to turn a blind eye to the thuggish regimes in the area. This included ignoring Mugabe's campaign of terror leading up to and through the 1979 elections when Muzorewa became PM through majority vote.

Because whites still held 28 percent of the parliamentary seats, African leaders refused to support the new government and Mugabe threatened more war. Carter, in a move that presages his career in and out of government ever since, sided with the anti-democratic African leaders and persuaded Congress to maintain sanctions on Zimbabwe. So, the new Zimbabwean government was isolated and left to fend off Mugabe's thugs alone. Ultimately, the Muzorewa government collapsed and new elections were scheduled for early 1980.

Carter's meddling continued when he declared that, although the 1979 election was fair he could not support the outcome because Mugabe did not participate. That plus Mugabe's threat of continued violence if he did not win the election ultimately resulted in his coming to power. Carter, as he is wont to do, declared the 1980 election 'free and fair' and lifted sanctions. A little more than a year later, Mugabe initiated Zimbabwe's downward slide from democracy by suggesting a referendum be held to determine if the country should be a one-party state.

So, in summary, Carter's meddling then and thereafter has earned him the company illustrated above.

Tag: Carter Meshaal
Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, third world county, Woman Honor Thyself, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Evidence of Recession?

Warren Buffet claims the U.S. economy is in recession "as [he] defines it":

"The U.S. is in recession as I define it," Buffett said at a news conference. "I would define that as a situation where people are doing less well than they were three months, six months or eight months earlier and most businesses find themselves in that position too.

"If were are in a non-recession, I don't think people want to see it going in the same direction as it is and saying it's wonderful," Buffett added.

That second paragraph appears to have been butchered by the Reuters editor, but, I think it was intended to convey the idea that recession is the consensus opinion on the street.

I maintain that public opinion should not be used as evidence of recession. Why? Because, in man-on-the-street interviews, people tend to repeat what they hear on TV and read in the paper. And, both those outlets have lately been full of speculation about recession. So, better to stick with the technical definition of recession: Two consecutive quarters of negative growth for the GDP. After all, that is the objective gauge of what the man on the street really is thinking.

Tag: Buffett economy Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, Right Truth, Kodera's Korner, The Yankee Sailor, and DragonLady's World, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

The Enigma That Is CFTA

The debate between the President and the Democrat controlled House over the free trade agreement with Colombia (CFTA) is about as enigmatic as they come.

On the one hand, the President argues that refusal to ratify CFTA will undercut President Eribe, a valuable ally in the region. Yet, almost all of Colombia's products shipped to this country enter tariff-free while it is our products shipped to Colombia that are subject to Colombian tariffs. So, it seems, Columbia will give more than it receives under CFTA. That being so, the argument that refusal to ratify CFTA undercuts Colombia seems to be besides the point.

On the other hand, Rep. Pelosi is blocking action in the House citing a variety of reasons; mainly the treatment and safety of Colombian workers, and that it got in the way of work on the needs of American families. But, again, the reasons are spurious. CFTA would be a jobs creator in America because it opens Colombian markets to American products. What else could be more central to the needs of American working families?

Neither side are making sensible arguments to support their case. But, why? Eliminating tariffs which hinder growth of markets and the accompanying jobs creation seems to be a no-brainer. Yet, it is not central to the argument. That doesn't make sense.

Tag: CFTA Pelosi Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Rosemary's Thoughts, McCain Blogs, Maggie's Notebook, Right Voices, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Absolut Malarkey

Cultural insensitivity reached new heights when the makers of Absolut vodka, a Swedish company, ran an ad in Mexico which shows the U.S.-Mexico border as it was pre-1848. As we know, Mexico was forced to cede territory north of the current border after refusing to sell it to the U.S. and, subsequently, losing the armed conflict of 1846—1848.

Vin & Spirit, the maker of Absolut, eventually pulled the ad and issued an apology:

"In no way was it meant to offend or disparage, nor does it advocate an altering of borders, nor does it lend support to any anti-American sentiment, nor does it reflect immigration issues," Absolut said in a statement left on its consumer inquiry phone line.

It is hard to imagine how an ad agency could be so tone-deaf, given the delicate nature of cross-border migration not only here but in Europe as well. One wonders if their 'Absolut World' would include reversing Denmark's territorial losses to Sweden with the signing, in 1658, of the Treaty of Roskilde.

I doubt the thought crossed their minds.

Tag: Absolut Trackposted to Rosemary's Thoughts, A Newt One, Dumb Ox Daily News, Adam's Blog, Adeline and Hazel, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

AP: Trustworthy?

First impressions are the strongest. When it comes to print news, that impression is created by the headline. For many, with their busy schedules, the headline may be the only impression of the news they receive. So, it would seem, a hallmark of responsible journalism would be putting as much emphasis on writing an accurate headline as there is put on writing content. Now, consider the headline from this report by the AP on the Democratic primary race (dateline: Tue Apr 1):

Clinton Says Obama Wants to Stop Votes

First impression: Obama wants the primary race to end and be declared the nominee. Right? Now, compare that headline with what the report quotes Clinton as saying:

"My take on it is a lot of Senator Obama's supporters want to end this race because they don't want people to keep voting," she told CBS affiliate KTVQ in Billings, Mont. "That's just the opposite of what I believe. We want people to vote. I want the people of Montana to vote, don't you?"

So, if one took the time to read the full report, one finds that Clinton did not say of Obama what the headline would have you believe; that, instead, Clinton pointed the finger at Obama supporters. Not quite the same thing, is it? Indeed, the article includes quotes further down from Obama that directly contradict the headline. Given the importance of headlines in establishing first impressions of the news, one has to question the AP's trustworthiness as a news outlet.

Tag: news Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Stuck On Stupid, third world county, Maggie's Notebook, and The World According to Carl, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

The NYT rides again...

Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Rosemary's Thoughts, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

Shut them down...

and put the managers in jail:

SoCal Slaughterhouse at Center of Recall

Two former employees were charged Friday. Five felony counts of animal cruelty and three misdemeanors were filed against a pen manager. Three misdemeanor counts — illegal movement of a non-ambulatory animal — were filed against an employee who worked under that manager. Both were fired.

Authorities said the video showed workers kicking, shocking and otherwise abusing "downer" animals that were apparently too sick or injured to walk into the slaughterhouse. Some animals had water forced down their throats, San Bernardino County prosecutor Michael Ramos said.

This is absolutely beyond the pale. The cruelty towards helpless beasts is mind boggling. These people barely rise above the status of brute themselves.

Tag: Animal Cruelty Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Big Dog's Weblog, Dumb Ox Daily News, DragonLady's World, and Right Truth, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

100 Meter Backpedal: Rowan Williams

Well this didn't take long:

Amid growing calls for his resignation, including from members of the General Synod of the Church of England, Dr. Rowan Williams hastily backtracked, claiming he had never called for a parallel jurisdiction of Sharia for Muslims.

No, no. Certainly not. It was far more nuancey than that. Dr. Peter Akinola, the Primate of Nigeria, who knows a thing or two about Muslim persecution of Christians called Dr. Williams's remarks "most disturbing and most unfortunate." Dr. Akinola is also at odds with the Church of England over homosexuals in the priesthood--a subject which will be on the agenda Monday at a meeting of the Synod in London. Timing, it appears, is not among Dr. Williams's strong points.

Sean Hannity: Repent!

When Laura Ingraham introduced Mitt Romney yesterday at CPAC, she took a swipe at John McCain and his 'I signed up as a Reagan foot soldier' plea, characterizing it as inadequate: "What have you done for conservatives lately"?

Now, I am going to take a swipe at conservative talking head Sean Hannity and his plea, "I have well thought-out principles I have held for twenty years. Am I supposed to just push them aside"? To which I ask, "After seeing the Republican candidates for President, are your "principles" more important than winning the Presidency? What have you done for conservatives this year"?

It astounds me that conservatives like Hannity could not fall in behind Romney early on. Now, they have McCain as the nominee. And, now is the time for he and other "principled" talking heads to repent and adopt a more pragmatic approach going forward to the general election.

Tag: Sean Hannity Trackposted to Blue Star Chronicles, Rosemary's Thoughts, Big Dog's Weblog, Right Truth, and Adeline and Hazel, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.

Romney suspends campaign

Mitt Romney has just given the best speech I have heard. Filled with passionate oratory, he annnounced his decision to suspend his campaign for our party and our country:

If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror.

It was a great speech. Apparently, atypical of his stump speeches. Too bad, but I suppose it was part of learning how to communicate to voters. Better luck during the next election cycle.

Tag: Romney Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, Outside the Beltway, Rosemary's Thoughts, Right Truth, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

S.2248

This afternoon, the Senate will be debating Senate Bill S.2248, FISA Amendments Act of 2007.

Title II of the bill (section 202 of which follows) is designed to give some protection to telecommunication service providers that cooperated with the Government's terrorist surveillance program.

SEC. 202. LIMITATIONS ON CIVIL ACTIONS FOR ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION SERVICE PROVIDERS. More...

(a) Limitations- (1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a covered civil action shall not lie or be maintained in a Federal or State court, and shall be promptly dismissed, if the Attorney General certifies to the court that-- (A) the assistance alleged to have been provided by the electronic communication service provider was-- (i) in connection with an intelligence activity involving communications that was-- (I) authorized by the President during the period beginning on September 11, 2001, and ending on January 17, 2007; and (II) designed to detect or prevent a terrorist attack, or activities in preparation for a terrorist attack, against the United States; and (ii) described in a written request or directive from the Attorney General or the head of an element of the intelligence community (or the deputy of such person) to the electronic communication service provider indicating that the activity was-- (I) authorized by the President; and (II) determined to be lawful; or (B) the electronic communication service provider did not provide the alleged assistance. (2) REVIEW- A certification made pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be subject to review by a court for abuse of discretion. (b) Review of Certifications- If the Attorney General files a declaration under section 1746 of title 28, United States Code, that disclosure of a certification made pursuant to subsection (a) would harm the national security of the United States, the court shall-- (1) review such certification in camera and ex parte; and (2) limit any public disclosure concerning such certification, including any public order following such an ex parte review, to a statement that the conditions of subsection (a) have been met, without disclosing the subparagraph of subsection (a)(1) that is the basis for the certification. (c) Nondelegation- The authority and duties of the Attorney General under this section shall be performed by the Attorney General (or Acting Attorney General) or a designee in a position not lower than the Deputy Attorney General. (d) Civil Actions in State Court- A covered civil action that is brought in a State court shall be deemed to arise under the Constitution and laws of the United States and shall be removable under section 1441 of title 28, United States Code. (e) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section may be construed to limit any otherwise available immunity, privilege, or defense under any other provision of law. (f) Effective Date and Application- This section shall apply to any covered civil action that is pending on or filed after the date of enactment of this Act.

Considering the litigious nature of some groups (e.g., the ACLU), Title II must remain. Failure to do so would put an onerous burden on those that cooperated in good faith with Government requests for access to their facilities.

But, Sen. Dodd and a liberal cabal in the Senate introduced an amendment,SA 3907, the text of which follows:

Strike title II.

That's it! Three words that would open a floodgate of litigation having more to do with advancing a political agenda than preserving individual rights.

The liberal cabal? Besides Dodd, they are the usual suspects: Feingold, Leahy, Kennedy, Harkin, Wyden, Sanders, Obama, Clinton, Biden, and Kerry. Note the cabal includes two who would be President. Right...

Tag: terrorist surveillance Trackposted to Pirate's Cove, A Newt One, and The Yankee Sailor, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe and OTA Weekend.