Don't miss Mark Steyn's year in review, which contains nuggets from his columns of the past year, including one of my favorites:
The President also found time to cast his eye upon Europe’s internal affairs. As he told his audience in Brussels, in the first speech of his tour, “We must reject anti-Semitism in all forms and we must condemn violence such as that seen in the Netherlands.” The Euro-bigwigs shuffled their feet and stared coldly into their mistresses’ décolletage.
Ya...I had to look it up too.
Also, Treacher says "fake but accurate" is played out and is in search of a new term. Go vote for your favorite. I picked "truish" but the prevailing wisdom seems to be leaning toward "differently authentic."
UPDATE: Year of Nothing coverage continues with this from Patterico's Pontifications. A more thorough dismantling of a year of coverage from a major newspaper (LA Times) than I have seen in a long time. If you're staying home tonight - like I am - and need a good long read, try this one. Or, peruse sections of interest. All of the major political battles of the year are nicely broken out.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Friday, December 30, 2005
Fake but True School of Political Debate
Via Tim Blair, when Dan Rather and Mary Mapes used the "fake but accurate" theory of journalism I, like many others, burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter. Apparently though it was never a joke to the left, who instead had a million dollar idea.
This is Juan Cole's response to learning that the ridiculous story about the student questioned for reading Mao was a hoax:
The story of the interlibrary loan request for Mao’s Little Red Book that produced an interview by the Department of Homeland Security turns out to be a hoax.
However, it is one of those hoaxes that bespeaks a reality...
And this from Senator Kennedy's office:
Laura Capps, a Kennedy spokeswoman, said last night that the senator cited ‘’public reports” in his opinion piece. Even if the assertion was a hoax, she said, it did not detract from Kennedy’s broader point that the Bush administration has gone too far in engaging in surveillance.
If "fake but true" is a viable political position, how come it still brings on fits of uncontrollable laughter?
This is Juan Cole's response to learning that the ridiculous story about the student questioned for reading Mao was a hoax:
The story of the interlibrary loan request for Mao’s Little Red Book that produced an interview by the Department of Homeland Security turns out to be a hoax.
However, it is one of those hoaxes that bespeaks a reality...
And this from Senator Kennedy's office:
Laura Capps, a Kennedy spokeswoman, said last night that the senator cited ‘’public reports” in his opinion piece. Even if the assertion was a hoax, she said, it did not detract from Kennedy’s broader point that the Bush administration has gone too far in engaging in surveillance.
If "fake but true" is a viable political position, how come it still brings on fits of uncontrollable laughter?
Thursday, December 29, 2005
A Good Trade
Hugh posted letters from the New York Post on Sunday. They included this one:
I offer a proposal: The U.S. military will withdraw from Iraq, the Patriot Act will not be renewed and the United States will stop monitoring phone calls by potential terrorists.
I offer a proposal: The U.S. military will withdraw from Iraq, the Patriot Act will not be renewed and the United States will stop monitoring phone calls by potential terrorists.
In return, if there is another terrorist attack on the United States, the Democratic Party will disband and contribute all of its assets to the families of victims, all Democratic senators and congressmen will resign and The New York Times will contribute $1 trillion to the fund for the families.
Fair deal?
Richard Slawsky
Milford, Conn.
Sounds fair to me.
Americans Are Not So Dumb
Aside from the legal issues with tapping the phone calls of terrorists and their domestic associates, or the utter lack thereof in this case, are the political issues. If Rasmussen has put together an accurate poll, it would explain why the hysteria over the non-scandal seems to be dying off among the un-unhinged.
Sixty-four percent (64%) of Americans believe the National Security Agency (NSA) should be allowed to intercept telephone conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people living in the United States. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 23% disagree.
Eighty-one percent (81%) of Republicans believe the NSA should be allowed to listen in on conversations between terror suspects and people living in the United States. That view is shared by 51% of Democrats and 57% of those not affiliated with either major political party.
I wonder who those people are that say we should not monitor the activities of terrorists bent on our destruction, be they across the ocean or in Walnut Grove. I can understand that half of Democrats would prefer that we walked blindly to a fiery death, but the independents baffles me a bit.
And, while the poll is certainly encouraging in that Americans can tell the difference bewteen idiotic politics and common sense, it is a little startling that so many people would prefer we existed in total ignorance.
When did self-preservation become a partisan issue?
UPDATE: Apparantly this fascist right-wing nutcase isn't alone in predicting that the furor over this issue is misplaced and is political suicide.
Some centrist Democrats say attacks by their party leaders on the Bush administration's eavesdropping on suspected terrorist conversations will further weaken the party's credibility on national security...
...These Democrats say attacks on anti-terrorist intelligence programs will deepen mistrust of their ability to protect the nation's security, a weakness that led in part to the defeat of Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee, last year.
"Centrist Democrats." That cracks me up.
Sixty-four percent (64%) of Americans believe the National Security Agency (NSA) should be allowed to intercept telephone conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people living in the United States. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 23% disagree.
Eighty-one percent (81%) of Republicans believe the NSA should be allowed to listen in on conversations between terror suspects and people living in the United States. That view is shared by 51% of Democrats and 57% of those not affiliated with either major political party.
I wonder who those people are that say we should not monitor the activities of terrorists bent on our destruction, be they across the ocean or in Walnut Grove. I can understand that half of Democrats would prefer that we walked blindly to a fiery death, but the independents baffles me a bit.
And, while the poll is certainly encouraging in that Americans can tell the difference bewteen idiotic politics and common sense, it is a little startling that so many people would prefer we existed in total ignorance.
When did self-preservation become a partisan issue?
UPDATE: Apparantly this fascist right-wing nutcase isn't alone in predicting that the furor over this issue is misplaced and is political suicide.
Some centrist Democrats say attacks by their party leaders on the Bush administration's eavesdropping on suspected terrorist conversations will further weaken the party's credibility on national security...
...These Democrats say attacks on anti-terrorist intelligence programs will deepen mistrust of their ability to protect the nation's security, a weakness that led in part to the defeat of Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential nominee, last year.
"Centrist Democrats." That cracks me up.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
The Most Entertaining Nothing
At Radioblogger is a transcript of a conversation between Hugh Hewitt and self-described liberal professor Cass Sunstein on the NSA surveillance non-issue that is ultimately going to make the president look tough and determined in the face of global terrorism.
Sunstein argues strongly that all of the arguments are in the president's favor in this matter, not surprisingly. From the Supreme Court through the lower courts, from the Department of Justice to past precendent, the executive branch has the power to conduct surveillance for purposes of national security.
I guess that leaves only the hazy August daydream of Geriatric Norwegian's for Kerry in Walnut Grove.
Sunstein also confirms for Hewitt that he has been contacted repeatedly by major media outlets and interviewed on the subject. In a not so ironic twist, he does not recall being quoted anywhere.
This story, more than Rathergate, will end up being the quintessential example of how self-destructive the liberal/media relationship has become. They remind me of two eighth-graders suddenly in charge of the school PA system. The adults have been locked out of the room and its time to get some payback!
And how about those Dem's in 2005? They spent all year hammering the drum of hysteria in hopes of tanking Bush's approval rating, and were right there at the finish line about two months ago. Then comes Howard "America couldn't win a sack race" Dean and John "Iraq should terrorize its own citizens" Kerry superimposed over the long overdue trickle of good news coming out of Iraq. Then comes Iraqi elections.
Almost as a living testament to the fragileness of the hysteria from the left, the president's poll numbers jump from the low 30s to the high 40s in a matter of weeks. Now, the coup de grace, a "scandal" that has little to no legal merit and paints the president as a "do what it takes to defeat terrorism" kind of guy.
A direct contrast to the fumbling asshat they have spent the last year nurturing into existence.
I think there is little doubt that the American people would be outraged to learn that the president was not monitoring the phone calls of people associated with al Qaeda and global terrorism, inside or outside the country. It's not a partisan issue, it's a common sense one.
It will blow up in their face.
When it does, congressional poll numbers will sink even lower, if that's possible, and Bush's may even climb a little. If they do, the Dem's will have singlehandedly destroyed all of the fruits of their sordid labor.
A year wasted by the left's zealots, with not one moment spent fashioning a party platform to address the important issues facing the American people. Hell, a public admission of no consensus on the issue most important to the country. Isn't that a hell of a footnote to 2005?
Now, it is very suddenly an election year, the president's poll numbers are climbing, Iraq marches on to self-rule with results on the ground driving news of troop reductions. The economic news continues to paint a very positive picture, and the president - forced into the position by his very detractors - seems ever more comfortable in the role of aggressor regarding Iraq and the war on terror.
So, congratulations to the Democrats of 2005. They essentially accomplished nothing, but it was the most entertaining nothing I could have ever imagined. It certainly inspired my blog to rise from the digital ashes. And, though ultimately they will be forsaken to the ever more important ashes of history, us main-liners will not soon forget 2005, the year the Democrats turned out to be their own worst enemy.
Sunstein argues strongly that all of the arguments are in the president's favor in this matter, not surprisingly. From the Supreme Court through the lower courts, from the Department of Justice to past precendent, the executive branch has the power to conduct surveillance for purposes of national security.
I guess that leaves only the hazy August daydream of Geriatric Norwegian's for Kerry in Walnut Grove.
Sunstein also confirms for Hewitt that he has been contacted repeatedly by major media outlets and interviewed on the subject. In a not so ironic twist, he does not recall being quoted anywhere.
This story, more than Rathergate, will end up being the quintessential example of how self-destructive the liberal/media relationship has become. They remind me of two eighth-graders suddenly in charge of the school PA system. The adults have been locked out of the room and its time to get some payback!
And how about those Dem's in 2005? They spent all year hammering the drum of hysteria in hopes of tanking Bush's approval rating, and were right there at the finish line about two months ago. Then comes Howard "America couldn't win a sack race" Dean and John "Iraq should terrorize its own citizens" Kerry superimposed over the long overdue trickle of good news coming out of Iraq. Then comes Iraqi elections.
Almost as a living testament to the fragileness of the hysteria from the left, the president's poll numbers jump from the low 30s to the high 40s in a matter of weeks. Now, the coup de grace, a "scandal" that has little to no legal merit and paints the president as a "do what it takes to defeat terrorism" kind of guy.
A direct contrast to the fumbling asshat they have spent the last year nurturing into existence.
I think there is little doubt that the American people would be outraged to learn that the president was not monitoring the phone calls of people associated with al Qaeda and global terrorism, inside or outside the country. It's not a partisan issue, it's a common sense one.
It will blow up in their face.
When it does, congressional poll numbers will sink even lower, if that's possible, and Bush's may even climb a little. If they do, the Dem's will have singlehandedly destroyed all of the fruits of their sordid labor.
A year wasted by the left's zealots, with not one moment spent fashioning a party platform to address the important issues facing the American people. Hell, a public admission of no consensus on the issue most important to the country. Isn't that a hell of a footnote to 2005?
Now, it is very suddenly an election year, the president's poll numbers are climbing, Iraq marches on to self-rule with results on the ground driving news of troop reductions. The economic news continues to paint a very positive picture, and the president - forced into the position by his very detractors - seems ever more comfortable in the role of aggressor regarding Iraq and the war on terror.
So, congratulations to the Democrats of 2005. They essentially accomplished nothing, but it was the most entertaining nothing I could have ever imagined. It certainly inspired my blog to rise from the digital ashes. And, though ultimately they will be forsaken to the ever more important ashes of history, us main-liners will not soon forget 2005, the year the Democrats turned out to be their own worst enemy.
Nic watch
I'm kind of hoping this will become a regular feature. The creative nicknames for Bush are starting to get really funny. Last week, we graduated from Chimpy McHitlerburton to President Chimplerburton Gitmostein courtesy of Iowahawk.
This week brings two new gems via Tim Blair:
Smirkler the Hurricane Monkey
Chimpeachment W. Turkeyburton
Does it get any better than the second one? My bet is that it will in the coming months.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: Thanks for stopping by Tim Blair readers. There are some interesting examples of blind hate, depression, and helplessness in the comment section, including this one from Murph:
Chimp-enHawk von DisenfranchizoGraib
Note the dangerous use of both monkey and chickenhawk in the opener. The dual animal insult is gracefully achieved and blended perfectly into the subtle german "von." Just add water and, voila! Instant Nazi.
Disenfranchise obviously applies to everyone on the planet, none of whom are immune to the suffering wrought by the Bush administration. Finally, a literary image of the greatest human rights violation ever, guilt for which, of course, goes all the way to the top.
A hate so vile and pure it actually makes me nauseous. With a nickname like that ol' Chimpy is going to have a tough time getting reelected in 2008.
UPDATE: Seemingly taking the advice of Ric L., Tom D. takes the less is more approach to the Bush nickname.
Pain
Far be it from me to predict future trends in nicknames, but might I be the first to suggest that short is the new long?
UPDATE: Might as well link the post that started it all. Read Chimpfest 2005, the definitive collection of historical references to Chimpy and all of his degradations.
This week brings two new gems via Tim Blair:
Smirkler the Hurricane Monkey
Chimpeachment W. Turkeyburton
Does it get any better than the second one? My bet is that it will in the coming months.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE: Thanks for stopping by Tim Blair readers. There are some interesting examples of blind hate, depression, and helplessness in the comment section, including this one from Murph:
Chimp-enHawk von DisenfranchizoGraib
Note the dangerous use of both monkey and chickenhawk in the opener. The dual animal insult is gracefully achieved and blended perfectly into the subtle german "von." Just add water and, voila! Instant Nazi.
Disenfranchise obviously applies to everyone on the planet, none of whom are immune to the suffering wrought by the Bush administration. Finally, a literary image of the greatest human rights violation ever, guilt for which, of course, goes all the way to the top.
A hate so vile and pure it actually makes me nauseous. With a nickname like that ol' Chimpy is going to have a tough time getting reelected in 2008.
UPDATE: Seemingly taking the advice of Ric L., Tom D. takes the less is more approach to the Bush nickname.
Pain
Far be it from me to predict future trends in nicknames, but might I be the first to suggest that short is the new long?
UPDATE: Might as well link the post that started it all. Read Chimpfest 2005, the definitive collection of historical references to Chimpy and all of his degradations.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Bush Accused of Protecting the Country
Hinderaker's got an interesting exchange going with Eric Lichtblau at the Gray Lady regarding his paper's coverage of the NSA intercept program. I hope there's more to come.
What strikes me about this non-scandal is what a gigantic loser of an issue it is. There is no legal question in the matter. It has been widely used by previous administrations. The upshot is achieved only if you can somehow force a spotlight on it and create the illusion of an abuse of power, all the while crossing your fingers that you can find phonetap recordings of geriatric Norwegians organizing a John Kerry rally in Walnut Grove.
Of course, when it is demonstrated that the actual calls are directly related to national security in the wake of the most destructive attack on our soil, the hysterical critics appear not only frighteningly uninformed regarding the laws of their own nation, but dangerously naive as well. Blatant hypocricy might as well be thrown in too, given the total silence regarding the leak.
I find it difficult to imagine the Democratic strategist that pimped this issue as a winner. It couldn't be more lose-lose. Baffling.
There was a time when, issues aside, the Democratic Party could always be counted on to be politically shrewd. Never going too far, always playing both sides of the fence for posterity. Now they quite publicly appear to be little more than a mouthpiece for that morning's issue of the NYT.
What happened?
What strikes me about this non-scandal is what a gigantic loser of an issue it is. There is no legal question in the matter. It has been widely used by previous administrations. The upshot is achieved only if you can somehow force a spotlight on it and create the illusion of an abuse of power, all the while crossing your fingers that you can find phonetap recordings of geriatric Norwegians organizing a John Kerry rally in Walnut Grove.
Of course, when it is demonstrated that the actual calls are directly related to national security in the wake of the most destructive attack on our soil, the hysterical critics appear not only frighteningly uninformed regarding the laws of their own nation, but dangerously naive as well. Blatant hypocricy might as well be thrown in too, given the total silence regarding the leak.
I find it difficult to imagine the Democratic strategist that pimped this issue as a winner. It couldn't be more lose-lose. Baffling.
There was a time when, issues aside, the Democratic Party could always be counted on to be politically shrewd. Never going too far, always playing both sides of the fence for posterity. Now they quite publicly appear to be little more than a mouthpiece for that morning's issue of the NYT.
What happened?
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Taking on the Teachers Unions
My column this week can be found by following this link here. It is entitled "That's billion...with a 'b,'" and is a reaction to a new education funding study put out by lobby groups for the majority of the state's teachers unions.
I hate doing columns like this. It would be much easier if I worked for a much larger publication and was removed from the center of the issue. Community newspapers, though, don't have the luxury of that anonymity. That may be the reason why community newspapers are loathe to take a stand or have an opinion at all.
In this case, my column is sure to stir the passions of the local teachers union. That will make the next school board meeting a real barrel of laughs for Yours Truly.
It is usually about this time of night that I experience buyers remorse over a column like this. I want to call the plant and say "stop the presses!" Today is no different.
If there is one thing I have learned though, is that the reaction is never as angry as I imagine it will be between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Hell, only one person called and threatened to cancel their subscription after my Bush column. Since then we have added over two dozen new subscriptions.
Perhaps in this case too, my sentiment is not that contrary to the community's, as they voted down two operating levies in as many years.
On a sidenote, doing this column gave me a chance to talk with David Strom of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, who also has his own weekend talk show on the AM dial. He turned out to be a pretty nice guy and a few snappy digs at state Democrats and we were talking like old friends. Along the way he gave me a scoop.
It looks like the greatest talk show host in all the land, Jason Lewis, is returning to town in about a year. Tom has since found this verification. Lewis is a constitutional Superman and the local talk show landscape has been miserable since he left a couple of years ago. His old station has been in a downward spiral ever since.
Personally I am counting the days. My dearly Befuddled though, had a less than enthusiastic reaction to the news. She never cared for Lewis. Not because she disagreed with his politics mind you, but rather she objected to how surly I was after a few months of main-lining his show. To date, his is the only show that my wife has insisted I take periodical breaks from.
I hate doing columns like this. It would be much easier if I worked for a much larger publication and was removed from the center of the issue. Community newspapers, though, don't have the luxury of that anonymity. That may be the reason why community newspapers are loathe to take a stand or have an opinion at all.
In this case, my column is sure to stir the passions of the local teachers union. That will make the next school board meeting a real barrel of laughs for Yours Truly.
It is usually about this time of night that I experience buyers remorse over a column like this. I want to call the plant and say "stop the presses!" Today is no different.
If there is one thing I have learned though, is that the reaction is never as angry as I imagine it will be between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Hell, only one person called and threatened to cancel their subscription after my Bush column. Since then we have added over two dozen new subscriptions.
Perhaps in this case too, my sentiment is not that contrary to the community's, as they voted down two operating levies in as many years.
On a sidenote, doing this column gave me a chance to talk with David Strom of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota, who also has his own weekend talk show on the AM dial. He turned out to be a pretty nice guy and a few snappy digs at state Democrats and we were talking like old friends. Along the way he gave me a scoop.
It looks like the greatest talk show host in all the land, Jason Lewis, is returning to town in about a year. Tom has since found this verification. Lewis is a constitutional Superman and the local talk show landscape has been miserable since he left a couple of years ago. His old station has been in a downward spiral ever since.
Personally I am counting the days. My dearly Befuddled though, had a less than enthusiastic reaction to the news. She never cared for Lewis. Not because she disagreed with his politics mind you, but rather she objected to how surly I was after a few months of main-lining his show. To date, his is the only show that my wife has insisted I take periodical breaks from.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Live-blogging from B-town
It turns out that Pajamas Media wasn't the only one live-blogging the Iraqi elections. The Zarkman, courtesy of Iowahawk, provided timely updates and witty banter. Q-Dog himself answers questions from fans in the U.S., directs the insugency, and even posts an afternoon IM session with Big Daddy Saddam. How exciting!
Still, as he has on many occasions, Zarkman expresses disappointment with the quality of the American insurgency.
13:22 CST
Back at the office, checking my email. Anyhow, no explosion reports from the regional offices OSM is still not returning my messages. Nothing but spam, another stupid fan mail from Juan Cole, and joke George Bush chimp pictures from the Kos Kids. For Muhammed's sake will you fuckers lay off it? The IT guys are always bitching that your jpegs are choking our server, and believe me: we've seen every fucking George Bush monkey picture already.
Word to you ironic trucker hat peace fucks: don't hate the playa, hate the game. Little help please? Instead of sending me another ha-ha monkey picture of President Chimplerburton Gitmostein, get your lazy Urban Outfitters-ed ass on the next plane to Damascus. We're trying to stop Team Satan here, and every little bit helps.
PS - can anybody recommend a spam filter that gets rid of the MoveOn.org and Air America beg-o-grams?
For the record, I had pretty much settled on "Chimpy McHitlerburton" as my Bush monacre of choice. "President Chimplerburton Gitmostein" though. Gosh.
That's pretty good.
Still, as he has on many occasions, Zarkman expresses disappointment with the quality of the American insurgency.
13:22 CST
Back at the office, checking my email. Anyhow, no explosion reports from the regional offices OSM is still not returning my messages. Nothing but spam, another stupid fan mail from Juan Cole, and joke George Bush chimp pictures from the Kos Kids. For Muhammed's sake will you fuckers lay off it? The IT guys are always bitching that your jpegs are choking our server, and believe me: we've seen every fucking George Bush monkey picture already.
Word to you ironic trucker hat peace fucks: don't hate the playa, hate the game. Little help please? Instead of sending me another ha-ha monkey picture of President Chimplerburton Gitmostein, get your lazy Urban Outfitters-ed ass on the next plane to Damascus. We're trying to stop Team Satan here, and every little bit helps.
PS - can anybody recommend a spam filter that gets rid of the MoveOn.org and Air America beg-o-grams?
For the record, I had pretty much settled on "Chimpy McHitlerburton" as my Bush monacre of choice. "President Chimplerburton Gitmostein" though. Gosh.
That's pretty good.
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Caught Up in the Joy of the Moment
Mohammed is posting a letter he received from a friend in Iraq. It is poignant and poetic, stirring in its obvious joy at living in a free country, touching in its apparent love of countrymen, and generous in its sharing of the glory of the day.
Here's an excerpt:
It was a day of happiness for Iraqis and a day of loss for the strangers who thought their camels brought them to a land void of patriots.
It is a day we will await to come again for four long years…to do the right thing again or to correct the mistake if we did one yesterday.
Anyway, I believe we left a mark on the face of history, a purple mark that will not be forgotten easily.God bless Iraq and Iraq’s friends throughout this world.
It wasn’t our day alone; it was your day too.
Were a country to decide to actively promote democracy in the Middle East as we have done in Iraq, they would be hard pressed to find a finer, more dedicated group of citizens. It puts me in mind of the lead-up to Iraq.
I wrote a series of columns in support of getting into Iraq. Part and parcel to the conclusions of those pieces was confidence that the Iraqi people would rise to the occasion. But, I must admit that there was sometimes a kernel of doubt. Would the Iraqi's take advantage of the opportunity? Or, were they simply not ready for democracy; too accustomed to living under the thumb of tyranny as many on the left suggested?
Personally, I got my answer after the first election, with its turnout in the high 50s. Since then the Iraqi's have moved so far beyond my hopes that they leave even me, a sturdy believer, speechless.
While many Iraqi's do believe that we have done them a favor I'm sure, I wonder if they realize to what degree they are returning that favor? A democratized Middle East would be the single greatest move towards peace in our time and the Iraqi's have provided inspiration for millions of people.
The admiration I have for the courage, tenacity, and vision of the Iraqi people cannot be adequately expressed.
At this point I have no doubt that Iraqi's will complete this journey of self-rule. In some ways they already have, but the preservation of what they have created is key and Iraqi's appear to be treating their self-rule with the attention one might reserve for a newborn child.
Few things on a global scale give me greater joy than the prospect of calling Iraqi's "friends." How I want to meet some of these inspiring individuals who are bravely reshaping their country in their own image.
When the history is written and the hard times are over, what will be remembered is Iraq's dedication to the prospect of freedom. Somewhere on American soil there should be a monument dedicated to their inspiring example, if only to remind Americans of the sacrifices and hardship a people will endure to create what we enjoy as a matter of course.
Here's an excerpt:
It was a day of happiness for Iraqis and a day of loss for the strangers who thought their camels brought them to a land void of patriots.
It is a day we will await to come again for four long years…to do the right thing again or to correct the mistake if we did one yesterday.
Anyway, I believe we left a mark on the face of history, a purple mark that will not be forgotten easily.God bless Iraq and Iraq’s friends throughout this world.
It wasn’t our day alone; it was your day too.
Were a country to decide to actively promote democracy in the Middle East as we have done in Iraq, they would be hard pressed to find a finer, more dedicated group of citizens. It puts me in mind of the lead-up to Iraq.
I wrote a series of columns in support of getting into Iraq. Part and parcel to the conclusions of those pieces was confidence that the Iraqi people would rise to the occasion. But, I must admit that there was sometimes a kernel of doubt. Would the Iraqi's take advantage of the opportunity? Or, were they simply not ready for democracy; too accustomed to living under the thumb of tyranny as many on the left suggested?
Personally, I got my answer after the first election, with its turnout in the high 50s. Since then the Iraqi's have moved so far beyond my hopes that they leave even me, a sturdy believer, speechless.
While many Iraqi's do believe that we have done them a favor I'm sure, I wonder if they realize to what degree they are returning that favor? A democratized Middle East would be the single greatest move towards peace in our time and the Iraqi's have provided inspiration for millions of people.
The admiration I have for the courage, tenacity, and vision of the Iraqi people cannot be adequately expressed.
At this point I have no doubt that Iraqi's will complete this journey of self-rule. In some ways they already have, but the preservation of what they have created is key and Iraqi's appear to be treating their self-rule with the attention one might reserve for a newborn child.
Few things on a global scale give me greater joy than the prospect of calling Iraqi's "friends." How I want to meet some of these inspiring individuals who are bravely reshaping their country in their own image.
When the history is written and the hard times are over, what will be remembered is Iraq's dedication to the prospect of freedom. Somewhere on American soil there should be a monument dedicated to their inspiring example, if only to remind Americans of the sacrifices and hardship a people will endure to create what we enjoy as a matter of course.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Now That's Leadership
Today Nancy Pelosi announced the new Democratic plan for the war in Iraq, going forward.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said yesterday that Democrats should not seek a unified position on an exit strategy in Iraq, calling the war a matter of individual conscience and saying differing positions within the caucus are a source of strength for the party.
Pelosi said Democrats will produce an issue agenda for the 2006 elections but it will not include a position on Iraq. There is consensus within the party that President Bush has mismanaged the war and that a new course is needed, but House Democrats should be free to take individual positions, she said.
When in doubt leave it out, I guess.
And how's that for confidence in leadership.
Hi. We're the Democratic Party. And you can rest assured that when things get difficult and we have trouble reaching a consensus on a tough issue, we'll pretend that issue doesn't exist. Because that's what the American people deserve. A party that won't take a stand if they don't have too.
2006 has me shaking in my shoes.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said yesterday that Democrats should not seek a unified position on an exit strategy in Iraq, calling the war a matter of individual conscience and saying differing positions within the caucus are a source of strength for the party.
Pelosi said Democrats will produce an issue agenda for the 2006 elections but it will not include a position on Iraq. There is consensus within the party that President Bush has mismanaged the war and that a new course is needed, but House Democrats should be free to take individual positions, she said.
When in doubt leave it out, I guess.
And how's that for confidence in leadership.
Hi. We're the Democratic Party. And you can rest assured that when things get difficult and we have trouble reaching a consensus on a tough issue, we'll pretend that issue doesn't exist. Because that's what the American people deserve. A party that won't take a stand if they don't have too.
2006 has me shaking in my shoes.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Now It All Makes Sense
It should be no surprise that Howard Dean is causing all kinds of pain among Democrats who don't feel like having their future prospects compromised by the likes of a snake-oil salesman. There have been hints of discontent for months. Today I was reading the latest offering about Democratic consternation surrounding Dean and came across this statement, which may explain everything.
These Democrats add that Dean should stick to the pledge he made after becoming chairman not to delve into party policy and to let office holders such as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) craft the Democrats’ agenda.
Perhaps if Pelosi and Reid ever get around to actually creating an agenda for their party, they will pass it along to Howard. But hey, put a guy in front of a mic with nothing to say, and he is bound to think of something.
Howard's just filling the void his party has become the best way he knows how. It's not his fault he is wholly unqualified to do so.
These Democrats add that Dean should stick to the pledge he made after becoming chairman not to delve into party policy and to let office holders such as Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.) and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.) craft the Democrats’ agenda.
Perhaps if Pelosi and Reid ever get around to actually creating an agenda for their party, they will pass it along to Howard. But hey, put a guy in front of a mic with nothing to say, and he is bound to think of something.
Howard's just filling the void his party has become the best way he knows how. It's not his fault he is wholly unqualified to do so.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Color Me Skeptical
The picture to the left is making the rounds. I got it via Malkin, who is quoting this innocent looking grand-mama type, supposedly exercising her "right to vote," in Iraq.Anybody who doesn't appreciate what America has done, and President Bush, let them go to hell!
It's almost too good to be true for the Bush administration isn't it?
Well, this time they were too clever by half. Please. I can't be the only one who sees an astonishing resemblance between Betty Dawisha and Donald Rumsfeld. The prolific use of hand gestures? The deep-set eyes and furrowed brow? For God's sake, he's even wearing his glasses!
Chimpy McHitlerburton and the orange jumpsuit gang can't even come up with an Iraqi name. They go with "Betty." Somebody probably spilled the junior Scrabble for the last name. Ya...will somebody tell Rummy that he can come out from under the maids frock now. And tell Rove he can put down the camera. The gig is up.
The sad thing is that millions of people who hate Bush today will see this image and believe with all their hearts that this is an actual Iraqi, voting at an actual Iraqi polling place, speaking for actual Iraqi's.
By tomorrow those millions will probably love Bush.
Say what you want about the Bush administration, but at least admit they are some of the smoothest operators you have ever seen. This one takes the cake. Don't be at all surprised if mock-ups like this steadily improve approval ratings, setting up Chimpy for the 2008 election.
Monday, December 12, 2005
Looking back, Lileks style
James Lileks column at American Enterprise Online is a worthy read as we wind down 2005 and prepare for 2006. Lileks covers the year that was, including advances in Middle Eastern democracy:
This global advance will soon screech to a halt, however, when the world learns that prisoners in Gitmo are kept awake with loud Madonna music.
Social Security reform:
Within 48 hours, Bush foes have many citizens convinced his plan will force all seniors to exchange their checks for vouchers good at Cat Food Distribution Centers run by the Enron corporation.
The death of Pope John Paul II:
To the horror of many, his successor turns out to be Catholic.
A great evening read.
This global advance will soon screech to a halt, however, when the world learns that prisoners in Gitmo are kept awake with loud Madonna music.
Social Security reform:
Within 48 hours, Bush foes have many citizens convinced his plan will force all seniors to exchange their checks for vouchers good at Cat Food Distribution Centers run by the Enron corporation.
The death of Pope John Paul II:
To the horror of many, his successor turns out to be Catholic.
A great evening read.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Try Libby Now!
Daniel Henninger has a great colum at Opinion Journal about the hole the DC media has dug for itself in the Rove(er)Libby/Plame affair. Libby's trial, if there ever is one, could get pretty good.
Pretty...pretty good.
...Mr. Libby himself will be a sideshow compared to what his lawyers are likely to display to the public about the practice of journalism. It has been reported that his lawyers plan to make wide demands for reporters' notes. One can imagine them issuing subpoenas for the pen-and-pencil reporting notebooks of Matt Cooper, Judith Miller and others, having a hand-writing expert transcribe the notes, and then asking the reporters to read--or try to read--their notes on the stand against a transcript onscreen. That won't be pretty. Unless these reporters have the handwriting of nuns and recall of Garry Kasparov, they will look like fumbling fools. Any of us would.
Henninger almost has me hoping it does go to trial. It would be a Perfect Storm of Sideshows.
Pretty...pretty good.
...Mr. Libby himself will be a sideshow compared to what his lawyers are likely to display to the public about the practice of journalism. It has been reported that his lawyers plan to make wide demands for reporters' notes. One can imagine them issuing subpoenas for the pen-and-pencil reporting notebooks of Matt Cooper, Judith Miller and others, having a hand-writing expert transcribe the notes, and then asking the reporters to read--or try to read--their notes on the stand against a transcript onscreen. That won't be pretty. Unless these reporters have the handwriting of nuns and recall of Garry Kasparov, they will look like fumbling fools. Any of us would.
Henninger almost has me hoping it does go to trial. It would be a Perfect Storm of Sideshows.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Curious Indeed
Power Line's Scott Johnson attended the White House Hannukah reception last night and ran into Karl Rove while awaiting an audience with the President and Mrs. Bush. They had a curious exchange.
I introduced myself and told him I was awaiting further instructions from him for the Rathergate counterattack. He laughed and said we needed to establish more direct communication.
I've always just assumed, since I receive Rovian updates daily via the breakthrough technology of mind-meld, that the guys at Power Line would certainly qualify for similar access to The Architect.
Should I consider it an honor? Or, does Power Line have some pre-Rovian decoding software that actually reads individual synaps firing, capable of unscrambling the data before even Rove's superior brain can translate his next step in world domination.
Maybe it isn't Rove calling the shots at all.
Maybe it's Power Line.
Think about it.
I introduced myself and told him I was awaiting further instructions from him for the Rathergate counterattack. He laughed and said we needed to establish more direct communication.
I've always just assumed, since I receive Rovian updates daily via the breakthrough technology of mind-meld, that the guys at Power Line would certainly qualify for similar access to The Architect.
Should I consider it an honor? Or, does Power Line have some pre-Rovian decoding software that actually reads individual synaps firing, capable of unscrambling the data before even Rove's superior brain can translate his next step in world domination.
Maybe it isn't Rove calling the shots at all.
Maybe it's Power Line.
Think about it.
Yearning for Quicker Justice
I have spent the better part of this week covering and writing this absolutely abhorrant story.
Today I am badly in need of an explanation as to why the world is the way it is. The girl in the story is victimized by everyone involved.
UPDATE: Ya, ya, I know I had more here before.
More to come...
Today I am badly in need of an explanation as to why the world is the way it is. The girl in the story is victimized by everyone involved.
UPDATE: Ya, ya, I know I had more here before.
More to come...
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Face It, California Is a Quagmire
There is a place on this planet where 2,394 Americans lost their lives violently over the course of the last year. It is the same place where citizens of one beleagured city have voted to have the American military removed from its borders and banned residents from owning guns despite a crime rate 24% higher than more civilized parts of the globe.
While it sure sounds like Iraq, the "quagmire" described above is actually thousands of miles away from the relatively peaceful confines of Baghdad. In fact, coalition deaths in Iraq would have to increase 265% to match the bloodbath happening right here in the state of California.
And what is Bush doing about it? Not a damn thing. Not only does Bush not seem to have any plan for extricating the nation from the horrible human rights violations taking place right here on our own soil, he hasn't even mentioned it!
Even more astounding, our efforts to bring stability to the war-torn region have resulted in the creation of no less than 7 U.S. supported "camps," conveniently refered to as " federal detention centers," by the administration. Although we can't assume that the tenets of the Geneva Convention are being ignored by officials at these camps, far away from the prying eyes of the International Red Cross, it is a safe bet.
Bush's attempt to create a stable democracy in California by installing a Republican puppet government, led by Arnold Schwartzenneger, has proven a disasterous failure as well. Rather than "reach out" to the people of California, Schwartzenneger has spent most of his time pushing a radical neo-conservative agenda, like allowing for parents to know that their 13-year-old daughter is contemplating an abortion, fiscal responsibility, and teacher accountability. That the people of California voted these Hitlerian measures down should be evidence enough that our over-reaching efforts to foment change is drastically short-sighted and a miserable failure.
Now, evidence is emerging that Schwartzenneger has been allowed to publish his propoganda in California newspapers. Referred to as "editorials," these rah-rah neo-con diatribes are a direct assualt on freedom of the press, and should be renounced in the strongest terms.
The Bush administration's failure to recognize that the American presence in California is provoking this violent result is a black eye on the face of Uncle Sam. Let's face it. It's time to cut and run...er...I mean redeploy to a safe distance outside the borders of California and take on a more observatory role. Don't get me wrong, we should be available in case civil war breaks out, but it is time to face the cold reality that we are part of the problem in California, not part of the solution.
In fact, there is strong evidence to support the idea that the violence taking place there is a direct result of American occupation. Although statistics are vague regarding the regions level of violence before Americans came with their big guns and phony ideals, it is noteworthy that violence has increased for almost every year that we have spent there, and is commensurate with the obscene amounts of money we send to the region, which may be directly responsible for the unrest being experienced by the Hollywood Community.
Despite it being common sense, it bears repeating that there is no better representation of the average American than Hollywood liberals. If they are unhappy, it is a safe bet that the much poorer residents are as well. They are growing increasingly alienated from a federal government that had the audacity to send $46 billion to the area as recently as 2002. It is only a matter of time before the downtrodden revolt against this obvious effort to buy the regions loyalty.
Given California's obvious disdain for the ongoing American occupation and the rapidly deteriorating situation that has resulted, I call for an immediate withdrawl.
We can no longer be the worlds policemen. It is time to realize that and to rely on the United Nations to take over the situation in California, which is starting to look like Vietnam all over again. A series of resolutions demanding that California change its ways is sure to have the desired effect. If not, there are always sanctions, which were extremely effective in restricting Iraq's ruling body to building palaces and committing mass murder only within its own borders.
Indeed, Bush has done it again. As the situation in California rages out of control he sits atop his throne in D.C., no doubt memorizing the lyrical dialogue of My Pet Goat. It is time for real leadership in this country. Leadership that recognizes that American interests have damaged California beyond repair, and will work to cease all American involvement in the region. Only then will California experience true freedom, and the rest of the nation true security.
While it sure sounds like Iraq, the "quagmire" described above is actually thousands of miles away from the relatively peaceful confines of Baghdad. In fact, coalition deaths in Iraq would have to increase 265% to match the bloodbath happening right here in the state of California.
And what is Bush doing about it? Not a damn thing. Not only does Bush not seem to have any plan for extricating the nation from the horrible human rights violations taking place right here on our own soil, he hasn't even mentioned it!
Even more astounding, our efforts to bring stability to the war-torn region have resulted in the creation of no less than 7 U.S. supported "camps," conveniently refered to as " federal detention centers," by the administration. Although we can't assume that the tenets of the Geneva Convention are being ignored by officials at these camps, far away from the prying eyes of the International Red Cross, it is a safe bet.
Bush's attempt to create a stable democracy in California by installing a Republican puppet government, led by Arnold Schwartzenneger, has proven a disasterous failure as well. Rather than "reach out" to the people of California, Schwartzenneger has spent most of his time pushing a radical neo-conservative agenda, like allowing for parents to know that their 13-year-old daughter is contemplating an abortion, fiscal responsibility, and teacher accountability. That the people of California voted these Hitlerian measures down should be evidence enough that our over-reaching efforts to foment change is drastically short-sighted and a miserable failure.
Now, evidence is emerging that Schwartzenneger has been allowed to publish his propoganda in California newspapers. Referred to as "editorials," these rah-rah neo-con diatribes are a direct assualt on freedom of the press, and should be renounced in the strongest terms.
The Bush administration's failure to recognize that the American presence in California is provoking this violent result is a black eye on the face of Uncle Sam. Let's face it. It's time to cut and run...er...I mean redeploy to a safe distance outside the borders of California and take on a more observatory role. Don't get me wrong, we should be available in case civil war breaks out, but it is time to face the cold reality that we are part of the problem in California, not part of the solution.
In fact, there is strong evidence to support the idea that the violence taking place there is a direct result of American occupation. Although statistics are vague regarding the regions level of violence before Americans came with their big guns and phony ideals, it is noteworthy that violence has increased for almost every year that we have spent there, and is commensurate with the obscene amounts of money we send to the region, which may be directly responsible for the unrest being experienced by the Hollywood Community.
Despite it being common sense, it bears repeating that there is no better representation of the average American than Hollywood liberals. If they are unhappy, it is a safe bet that the much poorer residents are as well. They are growing increasingly alienated from a federal government that had the audacity to send $46 billion to the area as recently as 2002. It is only a matter of time before the downtrodden revolt against this obvious effort to buy the regions loyalty.
Given California's obvious disdain for the ongoing American occupation and the rapidly deteriorating situation that has resulted, I call for an immediate withdrawl.
We can no longer be the worlds policemen. It is time to realize that and to rely on the United Nations to take over the situation in California, which is starting to look like Vietnam all over again. A series of resolutions demanding that California change its ways is sure to have the desired effect. If not, there are always sanctions, which were extremely effective in restricting Iraq's ruling body to building palaces and committing mass murder only within its own borders.
Indeed, Bush has done it again. As the situation in California rages out of control he sits atop his throne in D.C., no doubt memorizing the lyrical dialogue of My Pet Goat. It is time for real leadership in this country. Leadership that recognizes that American interests have damaged California beyond repair, and will work to cease all American involvement in the region. Only then will California experience true freedom, and the rest of the nation true security.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Help Me Chief Burrowing Weasel
It's hard to believe it, but the plageurist, fake indian, affirmative action abusing, Ward "I love the sound of my own voice" Churchill is still teaching at UC Boulder.
Campus conservatives are making his life a tad more difficult though, than it was when every MorOn.org-Idiotmedia pre-schooler was waiting in line to take their turn on their knees in front of him.
Protesters confronted controversial professor Ward Churchill at the University of Colorado yesterday, asking him to circle the names of 9-11 victims who deserved to die on a 12-foot banner memorializing them.
One might think that Ward would jump at the chance to identify all the capitalist pigs who "got theirs" on September 11. After all, he is courageous wolf in a sea of sheeple isn't he?
Well...no. Instead he started slapping around a cameraman. One of his cult-minions even had to be arrested after destroying a protestors literature. Ward ultimately fled the scene with his tail between his legs, no doubt to his office for some meditation and prayer to his fake-Indian spirit guide, Chief Burrowing Weasel.
It is shocking to me that Ward and his enlightened braintrust weren't able to simply quell the disturbance with their superior logic and intelligence. I mean...you know...because liberals are so smart and everything.
UPDATE: Welcome Sister Toldjah and Blogs for Bush readers. Please note that statements made regarding Ward Churchill and his politics are not meant to discredit him in any way. Except, of course, for those statements specifically designed to discredit Ward Churchill.
Campus conservatives are making his life a tad more difficult though, than it was when every MorOn.org-Idiotmedia pre-schooler was waiting in line to take their turn on their knees in front of him.
Protesters confronted controversial professor Ward Churchill at the University of Colorado yesterday, asking him to circle the names of 9-11 victims who deserved to die on a 12-foot banner memorializing them.
One might think that Ward would jump at the chance to identify all the capitalist pigs who "got theirs" on September 11. After all, he is courageous wolf in a sea of sheeple isn't he?
Well...no. Instead he started slapping around a cameraman. One of his cult-minions even had to be arrested after destroying a protestors literature. Ward ultimately fled the scene with his tail between his legs, no doubt to his office for some meditation and prayer to his fake-Indian spirit guide, Chief Burrowing Weasel.
It is shocking to me that Ward and his enlightened braintrust weren't able to simply quell the disturbance with their superior logic and intelligence. I mean...you know...because liberals are so smart and everything.
UPDATE: Welcome Sister Toldjah and Blogs for Bush readers. Please note that statements made regarding Ward Churchill and his politics are not meant to discredit him in any way. Except, of course, for those statements specifically designed to discredit Ward Churchill.
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