It is the end of 2004. What will the New Year bring? Hopefully it will bring the long-awaiting report from the CBS investigation into Rathergate.
The turn of the calendar will bring minimum wage increases in Illinois (from $5.15 to $6.15 per hour), New York ($5.15 to $6.00), Oregon ($7.05 to $7.25), Vermont ($6.75 to $7.00), and Washington ($7.15 to $7.35). New York will be the latest addition to a group of 12 states where minimum wages surpass the federal level of $5.15.Florida will soon become No. 14 and Nevada may become No. 15 -- voters in those two states approved constitutional amendments on Nov. 2 setting the minimum wage at $6.15 per hour -- but workers there won't benefit for awhile.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the unemployment rates in these states. Small business owners have said that an increase in the minimum wage will hurt their businesses.
Kansas City infoZine - Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Five States - USA
Do you know the laws in your state? New Year's Day will bring changes to laws in many states. Here are some examples.
Teenagers in Alaska will now be subject to a three-tiered graduated driver's license system.
Homebuyers in Washington must be notified by the seller of where to find information about registered sex offenders in the jurisdiction in which they are purchasing a home.
It will be a misdemeanor in New Hampshire to knowingly host an underage alcohol or drug party.
New Hampshire residents will have civil recourse in holding drug dealers liable when a loved one suffers because of illegal drug use. The new law also allows the government to recoup costs incurred for drug treatment as well as medical costs incurred as a result of drug exposure to an infant in utero.
In an effort to curb identity theft, Illinois insurers are no longer allowed to print a consumer's social security number on their insurance cards.
Colorado voters approved Amendment 35 in November which would increase the state's tax on cigarettes by 64 cents effective January 1, 2005 ...
Higher education dormitories in Illinois will now be required to have sprinkler systems as of January 1, 2005 ...
Taking ownership or allowing the breeding of a big cat, bear, or monkey is unlawful in Minnesota after January 1, 2005. Exceptions for those licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are allowed.
Adult adoptees born in New Hampshire will be allowed to obtain a copy of their original birth certificates. Birth parents will be able to express their preference on contact with the adoptees by filing a form with the Registrar of Vital Statistics.
Stateline.org Homepage
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has received gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from friends and family. Like all high-ranking government officials Thomas released the list of gifts under a 1978 Federal ethics law.
Critics of gifts to any government official claim that gifts are only given to influence officials and, in this instance, to influence votes in the Supreme Court.
A Court spokesperson for Thomas declined to respond to written inquiries into the the source of the gifts. A former clerk for Justice Thomas defended the practice and noted that Thomas would recuse himself from any case involving a potential conflict of interest.
Justice Thomas is one of two current Justices being considered by the White House as a potential replacement for Chief Justice William Rehnquist if and when Chief Justice Rehnquist decides to retire. The issue of the gifts will certainly be fodder for liberal Democrats to oppose Thomas' nomination.
Justice Thomas Reports Wealth of Gifts
Poor Anna Nicole Smith. She lost all that weight and lives a lavish lifestyle. All that may be coming to an end.
A federal court threw out a judge's ruling giving the former Playmate if the Year $88 million dollars from her late husband's estate.
The former stripper married J. Howard Marshall, 90, and lived with him for one year before his death.
The family and Smith have been in numerous courts for year to determine the division of the estate. Marshall's son has contested a will making Smith the sole heir to the oilman's fortune.
Attorneys for Smith said they will appeal the decision. Could the case reach the Supreme Court? Unlikely, there are really no constitutional grounds.
USATODAY.com - Court throws out $88.5 million award to Anna Nicole Smith
More in the New Year.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
2004: Highlights and Lowlifes by Ann Coulter
The Year in Review from Ann Coulter.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: 2004: Highlights and Lowlifes by Ann Coulter
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: 2004: Highlights and Lowlifes by Ann Coulter
The Briefing - 12.30.04
The year is almost finished, but the investigation into Rathergate still languishes somewhere in CBS headquarters.
In other CBS news, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves married CBS reporter Joie Chen. Doesn't that break some kind of ethics and standards at the network. Wait, I forgot it's CBS.
First a UN official calls US aid to the Tsunami victims "stingy." President Bush steps up to the plate and creates a coalition of nations to provide aid to those countries hit hardest by the Tsunami. Those nations include the US, Japan, India, and Australia.
Now, another UN official is saying that President Bush is "undermining" the UN's relief efforts. International Development Secretary Calre Short told the BBC that the UN is the only organization that has the "moral authority" to do the job.
Unfortunately, the UN lost any moral authority or the ability to properly coordinate any effort after funneling billions of dollars to Saddam Hussein.
Anything the US and other countries can do to undermine the UN is welcome.
Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Bush 'Undermining UN with Aid Coalition'
In other CBS news, CBS CEO Leslie Moonves married CBS reporter Joie Chen. Doesn't that break some kind of ethics and standards at the network. Wait, I forgot it's CBS.
First a UN official calls US aid to the Tsunami victims "stingy." President Bush steps up to the plate and creates a coalition of nations to provide aid to those countries hit hardest by the Tsunami. Those nations include the US, Japan, India, and Australia.
Now, another UN official is saying that President Bush is "undermining" the UN's relief efforts. International Development Secretary Calre Short told the BBC that the UN is the only organization that has the "moral authority" to do the job.
Unfortunately, the UN lost any moral authority or the ability to properly coordinate any effort after funneling billions of dollars to Saddam Hussein.
Anything the US and other countries can do to undermine the UN is welcome.
Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Bush 'Undermining UN with Aid Coalition'
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Major Cases for Supreme Court in 2005
Some of the major issues to be decided by the Supreme Court next year:
PRISON SENTENCES: Are federal sentencing guidelines constitutional? (United States v. Booker, 04-104 and United States v. Fanfan, 04-105.) Argument heard Oct. 4.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Can the government prosecute sick people who grow marijuana and use it on the advice of a doctor? (Ashcroft v. Raich, 03-1454.) Argument heard Nov. 29.
DEATH PENALTY: Is it unconstitutionally cruel to execute juvenile killers? (Roper v. Simmons, 03-633.) Argument heard Oct. 13. And may the United States try and sentence to death foreign nationals without notifying their government, in violation of international law? (Medellin v. Dretke, 04-5928.) Argument not yet scheduled.
LAND RIGHTS: When can local governments seize people's homes and businesses to be used for tax-producing projects like shopping malls? (Kelo v. City of New London, 04-108.) Argument scheduled for Feb. 22.
IMMIGRATION: Can immigration officials deport someone to a country that has no government to accept them? (Jama v. INS, 03-674.) Argument heard Oct. 12. And may authorities indefinitely imprison hundreds of Cuban immigrant criminals and other illegal foreigners with no country to accept them? (Clark v. Martinez, 03-878, and Benitez v. Wallis, 03-7434.) Argument heard Oct. 13.
FREE SPEECH: May the government require beef producers to pay fees that are used to promote the industry, even if the producers disagree with some of the marketing campaigns? (Veneman v. Livestock Marketing Association, 03-1164, and Nebraska Cattlemen v. Livestock Marketing Association, 03-1165.) Argument heard Dec. 8.
WINE SHIPMENTS: May states prevent consumers from buying wine by mail from out-of-state wineries? (Granholm v. Heald, 03-1116; Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association v. Heald, 03-1120 and Swedenburg v. Kelly, 03-1274.) Argument heard Dec. 7.
PRISON SEGREGATION: Can state prison officials separate inmates based on the prisoners' skin color? (Johnson v. California, 03-636.) Argument heard Nov. 2.
TITLE IX: Whether the federal law best known for promoting women's athletics protects people who are punished after they complain about unlawful sex discrimination. (Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, 02-1672.) Argument heard Nov. 30.
POLICE SEARCHES: Can police use drug-sniffing dogs to check stopped cars whose drivers have given police no particular reason to suspect illegal activity? (Illinois v. Caballes, 03-923.) Argument heard Nov. 10.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: Do government displays of the Ten Commandments at public buildings violate the First Amendment's ban on an "establishment" of religion? (Van Orden v. Perry, 03-1500, and McCreary County v. ACLU, 03-1693.) Arguments scheduled for March 2.
FILE-SHARING: Should Internet file-sharing services be held responsible for their customers' illegal swapping of copyrighted songs and movies? (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios v. Grokster, 04-480.) Argument not yet scheduled.
CABLE INTERNET ACCESS: Is cable-based broadband a "telecommunications service" under FCC (news - web sites) rules that would require cable companies to open their lines to Internet competition? (National Cable & Telecommunications Association v. Brand X Internet Services, 04-277; FCC v. Brand X Internet Services, 04-281.) Argument not yet scheduled.
Yahoo! News - Major Cases for Supreme Court in 2005
PRISON SENTENCES: Are federal sentencing guidelines constitutional? (United States v. Booker, 04-104 and United States v. Fanfan, 04-105.) Argument heard Oct. 4.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Can the government prosecute sick people who grow marijuana and use it on the advice of a doctor? (Ashcroft v. Raich, 03-1454.) Argument heard Nov. 29.
DEATH PENALTY: Is it unconstitutionally cruel to execute juvenile killers? (Roper v. Simmons, 03-633.) Argument heard Oct. 13. And may the United States try and sentence to death foreign nationals without notifying their government, in violation of international law? (Medellin v. Dretke, 04-5928.) Argument not yet scheduled.
LAND RIGHTS: When can local governments seize people's homes and businesses to be used for tax-producing projects like shopping malls? (Kelo v. City of New London, 04-108.) Argument scheduled for Feb. 22.
IMMIGRATION: Can immigration officials deport someone to a country that has no government to accept them? (Jama v. INS, 03-674.) Argument heard Oct. 12. And may authorities indefinitely imprison hundreds of Cuban immigrant criminals and other illegal foreigners with no country to accept them? (Clark v. Martinez, 03-878, and Benitez v. Wallis, 03-7434.) Argument heard Oct. 13.
FREE SPEECH: May the government require beef producers to pay fees that are used to promote the industry, even if the producers disagree with some of the marketing campaigns? (Veneman v. Livestock Marketing Association, 03-1164, and Nebraska Cattlemen v. Livestock Marketing Association, 03-1165.) Argument heard Dec. 8.
WINE SHIPMENTS: May states prevent consumers from buying wine by mail from out-of-state wineries? (Granholm v. Heald, 03-1116; Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association v. Heald, 03-1120 and Swedenburg v. Kelly, 03-1274.) Argument heard Dec. 7.
PRISON SEGREGATION: Can state prison officials separate inmates based on the prisoners' skin color? (Johnson v. California, 03-636.) Argument heard Nov. 2.
TITLE IX: Whether the federal law best known for promoting women's athletics protects people who are punished after they complain about unlawful sex discrimination. (Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, 02-1672.) Argument heard Nov. 30.
POLICE SEARCHES: Can police use drug-sniffing dogs to check stopped cars whose drivers have given police no particular reason to suspect illegal activity? (Illinois v. Caballes, 03-923.) Argument heard Nov. 10.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: Do government displays of the Ten Commandments at public buildings violate the First Amendment's ban on an "establishment" of religion? (Van Orden v. Perry, 03-1500, and McCreary County v. ACLU, 03-1693.) Arguments scheduled for March 2.
FILE-SHARING: Should Internet file-sharing services be held responsible for their customers' illegal swapping of copyrighted songs and movies? (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios v. Grokster, 04-480.) Argument not yet scheduled.
CABLE INTERNET ACCESS: Is cable-based broadband a "telecommunications service" under FCC (news - web sites) rules that would require cable companies to open their lines to Internet competition? (National Cable & Telecommunications Association v. Brand X Internet Services, 04-277; FCC v. Brand X Internet Services, 04-281.) Argument not yet scheduled.
Yahoo! News - Major Cases for Supreme Court in 2005
The Briefing - 12.29.04
Some interesting items today, but there is still no word from the CBS investigation into Rathergate. You would think that CBS would use the tidal wave tragedy to their advantage.
Earlier this week a UN official, Jan Egeland, said that the US and other "wealthy" nations were "stingy" in the amount of aid pledged to the relief efforts is Asia. The US had originally pledged $35 million dollars and later increased it. The amount given by the US was the most pledged by any "wealthy" nation. France, one of the UN's favorite countries has only pledged $136,000.
It is a little troubling when a corrupt organization like the UN funnels billions to Saddam Hussein, but calls $35 million stingy.
Bush: UN Official Who Called US 'Stingy' Was 'Ill-Informed' -- 12/29/2004
It's official President Bush won Ohio. The results of the recount are certified. Presidential contender John Kerry picked up about 300 votes. This leaves Kerry more than 118,000 votes behind.
The recount was ordered after Libertarian and Green party candidates found the funding to support the recount. A recount in Ohio is automatic when there is less than one-half of 1 percent difference in the voting.
Kerry supporters are still not satisfied. One group has called for A Federal investigation, another group led by discredited civil rights leader Jesse Jackson continue to challenge the election results in the Ohio Supreme Court.
No matter what the results are either from the Ohio Supreme Court or any other investigation, the election in Ohio will give Jackson and his followers something to do for the next four years.
And the Winner Is ... Still Bush -- 12/29/2004
US Air has asked employees to work for free over the New Year's holiday. The financially strapped airline has made the request only at its largest hub in Philadelphia. US Air is trying to avoid the chaos caused by too few workers to handle baggage and fly planes during Christmas.
While asking for volunteers to work as baggage handlers, ramp workers, and customer service attendants, US Air has also warned workers that it will review attendance records for Christmas weekend and discipline those who abused the sick time system.
Volunteers will not be paid. Dosen't it seem that US Air is sending a duel message? We need volunteers and if you call in sick we will discipline you. My answer would be NO.
MSNBC - US Airways clamps down on employees
More later
Earlier this week a UN official, Jan Egeland, said that the US and other "wealthy" nations were "stingy" in the amount of aid pledged to the relief efforts is Asia. The US had originally pledged $35 million dollars and later increased it. The amount given by the US was the most pledged by any "wealthy" nation. France, one of the UN's favorite countries has only pledged $136,000.
It is a little troubling when a corrupt organization like the UN funnels billions to Saddam Hussein, but calls $35 million stingy.
Bush: UN Official Who Called US 'Stingy' Was 'Ill-Informed' -- 12/29/2004
It's official President Bush won Ohio. The results of the recount are certified. Presidential contender John Kerry picked up about 300 votes. This leaves Kerry more than 118,000 votes behind.
The recount was ordered after Libertarian and Green party candidates found the funding to support the recount. A recount in Ohio is automatic when there is less than one-half of 1 percent difference in the voting.
Kerry supporters are still not satisfied. One group has called for A Federal investigation, another group led by discredited civil rights leader Jesse Jackson continue to challenge the election results in the Ohio Supreme Court.
No matter what the results are either from the Ohio Supreme Court or any other investigation, the election in Ohio will give Jackson and his followers something to do for the next four years.
And the Winner Is ... Still Bush -- 12/29/2004
US Air has asked employees to work for free over the New Year's holiday. The financially strapped airline has made the request only at its largest hub in Philadelphia. US Air is trying to avoid the chaos caused by too few workers to handle baggage and fly planes during Christmas.
While asking for volunteers to work as baggage handlers, ramp workers, and customer service attendants, US Air has also warned workers that it will review attendance records for Christmas weekend and discipline those who abused the sick time system.
Volunteers will not be paid. Dosen't it seem that US Air is sending a duel message? We need volunteers and if you call in sick we will discipline you. My answer would be NO.
MSNBC - US Airways clamps down on employees
More later
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Catching Up with the DNC Chairman Candidates
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - HOWARD DEAN [12/26 11:17 PM]
Meanwhile, the most high-profile candidate for the job, former Vermont governor Howard Dean, is not featured in that issue of the New Republic. Dean is featured in Rolling Stone this month, as one of their “People of the Year” in between Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and Seymour Hersh.
Dean is credited with “articulating a message - anti-war, tolerant and fiscally conservative - that added a dose of common sense to the tired liberalism of the Democratic Party.” There is also this gem:
Interviewer: Given the size of the Republican victory, should Democrats try and cooperate with them?
Dean: Since when is fifty-one percent of the votes a mandate by anyone’s definition? It’s ridiculous.”
Oh, where to begin? That no candidate has gotten that high a percentage since 1988?
That one who never came close to his party‘s nomination ought not to scoff? That the good doctor has yet to win a race, even a Democratic primary, outside Vermont?
That if 51 percent isn’t a mandate, then no Democrat since Lyndon Johnson has had a mandate?
(Bill Clinton won 49.23 percent in 1996. Jimmy Carter’s highest total was 50.08 percent, after Watergate, running against Gerald Ford. The last time a Democrat received more than Bush’s 51 percent was LBJ’s 61 percent in 1964.)
That Bush's 59.1 million votes was the highest total for a presidential candidate in American history? That Bush was the first president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1936 to win re-election while adding to his party's majorities in the House and Senate?
I believe Dr. Dean has misdiagnosed what constitutes a mandate.
By the way, I know Rolling Stone became the rock music wing of the Democratic National Committee a couple of years ago, but perusing their “People of the Year” list, one would have no idea that this was a tough year for the Democratic Party. Rolling Stone salutes Michael Moore, Bruce Springsteen, Richard Clarke, Barack Obama, Dean, Hersh, Jon Stewart, Tom Brokaw (His pull-quote is, “ ‘Genius’ is not the word that I would use for Bush”), and Billie Joe Armstrong, who is credited with “scoring a number one album at Bush’s expense.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger is also named, and gets an interview where he is repeatedly asked to renounce GOP criticism, pressure from “religious conservatives”, etc.
Now, a lot of those guys had good years, but did red-state culture score no wins this year?
My brother (my source on all things musical and the purchaser of the mag), reassured me that Rolling Stone was no longer seen as the Bible of Rock and Roll but was seen as just another celebrity magazine - US Weekly, or People without all that substance.
But one has to wonder… of all anti-Bush cultural figures to salute… Why Seymour Hersh and Richard Clarke? What, Joe Wilson didn’t ‘keep it real’ enough this year?
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - WELLINGTON WEBB [12/26 10:55 PM]
Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, Colorado, offers the New Republic column least likely to raise the ire of his party’s left or right.
He makes the lone reference to the glory days of the Clinton administration. “On domestic policy, it’s safe to say that most Americans prefer, for example, the steady hand of Robert Rubin and the track record of sound fiscal policy, social equity, expanded economic opportunity for all working Americans, and sustained prosperity that are part of the Democratic legacy to the reckless and destructive accumulation of debt and net loss of jobs of the Bush administration.”
I’ll bet that line was a hit at the opening of the Clinton Library in Little Rock, but it is not as if John Kerry ignored economic issues in his campaign. He endlessly painted a dire picture of the economy, and brought out the former President as much as his healing heart would allow him in the final weeks. It seems unlikely that invoking the Clinton years will really be a winning and resonant message for the Democrats in a post-9/11 world.
Webb calls for Rumsfeld’s firing. Of course, the factor that is most likely to keep Rumsfeld in office is Democrats calling for him to be fired. Once the opposition party calms down and stop sounding like angry football fans calling for the coach’s head at the end of a disappointing season, Bush will be more inclined to stop seeing his decision on his secretary as a test of loyalty and instead be willing to look at a new mind and fresh ideas at the Pentagon.
Webb closes by pointing out he comes from one of the few red states that has been kind to Democrats recently, where his party won control of the state House, state Senate, and U.S. Senate and House seats previously held by Republicans in November.
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - SIMON ROSENBERG [12/26 10:41 PM]
In a brief contribution to the New Republic, Simon Rosenberg, president of the New Democrat Network, interprets Beinart’s original article as a call to surrender to the Bush administration’s position on terrorism issues, a step he’s not willing to make. He also believes that the Bush Doctrine is not merely flawed, but that it does not meet his standard for "credibility."
This administration is waging a campaign against terrorism but it has failed to offer a credible vision of how the United States can move the world toward a peace and prosperity rooted in our best ideals.
The Bush administration’s execution of the war on terror hasn’t been perfect (it is a human endeavor, of course) but we have seen a fairly successful election in Afghanistan, and we await elections within a month with the Palestinian territories and Iraq. If the Bush Doctrine isn’t “credible,” what vision are the Democrats offering? Bring France into Iraq and trust Kofi Annan and the United Nations to deal swiftly with threats?
Beinart’s original piece included a broadside against the organization MoveOn.org and Michael Moore, and Rosenberg reaches out to those organizations. “We are also morally obligated to acknowledge that President Bush’s record is deeply worthy of skepticism, and we can no more ignore those in our party who have rightfully voiced dissent than we can forget how we won the war against communism.”
(As one, readers of this site on the conservative side of the spectrum are asking, “what’s this ‘we’ stuff?”)
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - MARTIN FROST [12/26 10:27 PM]
Elsewhere in the New Republic, Martin Frost, a former congressman from Texas, writes in a martial mood. He, too, thinks that Americans just don’t know the truth about the Democratic party. He laments that too many Americans are unaware of the fact that “it was a Democrat, Sen. Joe Lieberman, who initially called for a Department of Homeland Security.”
He also writes, “It was the Republican leadership that stalled the passage of the monumental intelligence overhaul bill due to intra-party struggles over other, less time-sensitive legislation.” Wasn’t that fight about illegal immigration?
But what stands out about Frost’s sales pitch is his constant references to his family’s experience with the armed services, a pose of “more comfortable with the military than thou” to his rivals to the chairmanship. He mentions his father’s work as an aerospace engineer at General Dynamics, his enlistment in the Army Reserve and service in a JAG unit; his wife, Kathy, is the highest ranking woman in the U.S Army. “When I work to strengthen our nation’s defenses and protect our military, it’s personal.”
Actually, that too sounds like a passage from Kerry’s convention speech:
I know what kids go through when they are carrying an M-16 in a dangerous place and they can't tell friend from foe. I know what they go through when they're out on patrol at night and they don't know what's coming around the next bend. I know what it's like to write letters home telling your family that everything's all right when you're not sure that's true. As President, I will wage this war with the lessons I learned in war.
That message may not have resonated with the electorate at large, but it did win a Democratic primary. Maybe Frost is following the Kerry strategy in the race for the chairmanship.
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - DONNIE FOWLER [12/26 10:24 PM]
The New Republic (Suggested slogan: “Hey, is anybody else remotely interested in moving the Democratic Party back to the center these days? Anyone? Hello?”) has done the party another service by having a couple of the leading candidates for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee offer op-eds responding to Peter Beinart’s “A Fighting Faith.”
What can we learn from these op-eds?
One gets the feeling Donnie Fowler, a veteran telecommunications and technology executive (and son of former DNC Chair Don Fowler) is still angry over this year’s election, and thought Kerry’s service record should have given his man the win.
In the first sentence, Fowler refers to “the bumbling of President Bush and his ‘war cabinet’ of draft dodgers and pseudo-intellectuals.” By sentence three, Fowler points out that “it is not their children who fight”, and by the end of the paragraph, Fowler has hit the key notes of the Michael Moore anthem - Halliburton, Rumsfeld, Chalabi, the fact that Rumsfeld didn’t go into Iraq in his recent trip to Kuwait where he took the question about humvee armor.
A paragraph later, he laments, “Particularly among married and college-educated women the electorate believed that the Republicans would better protect them and their families than multi-medal, thrice-wounded John Kerry.” (One suspects those Swift Boat ads still grate on him.)
Fowler is spoiling for a fight, but ends up picking some odd terrain to fight on. He asks, “Wasn’t it Clinton’s military that dispatched with the Afghan Taliban and al-Qaeda less than a year after Bush took the White House?” An odd area to brag about - “Even though our man didn’t do anything about the threat as it gathered, his cuts in defense spending weren’t nearly as bad as his foes said.” Even more, it insists that victory be credited to “Clinton’s military” but not to the “bumbling” commander in chief and the “war cabinet of draft dodgers and pseudo-intellectuals.”
But when it actually comes to mapping out the Democrats’ comeback, Fowler is a little less specific. He laments that “Democrats have conceded so much territory to the Republicans on security that we have left little room to make the case for ourselves.” (Which territory? What concessions?) “Our inactions suggest that even we have bought the line that you cannot be patriotic and a Democrat. Since when does patriotism belong to the Republicans? Since when does the flag belong to the right wing?”
This stuff is going to make Democrats feel good, but it’s just a variation of the complacent, self-praising “We Democrats don’t win because we’re too nice” argument — or, more specifically, excuse. This argument is nothing new, and voters weren’t all that moved by it last time they heard it. Recall Kerry’s convention speech:
And tonight, we have an important message for those who question the patriotism of Americans who offer a better direction for our country. Before wrapping themselves in the flag and shutting their eyes and ears to the truth, they should remember what America is really all about. They should remember the great idea of freedom for which so many have given their lives. Our purpose now is to reclaim democracy itself. We are here to affirm that when Americans stand up and speak their minds and say America can do better, that is not a challenge to patriotism; it is the heart and soul of patriotism.
You see that flag up there. We call her Old Glory. The stars and stripes forever. I fought under that flag, as did so many of you here and all across our country. That flag flew from the gun turret right behind my head. It was shot through and through and tattered, but it never ceased to wave in the wind. It draped the caskets of men I served with and friends I grew up with. For us, that flag is the most powerful symbol of who we are and what we believe in. Our strength. Our diversity. Our love of country. All that makes America both great and good.
That flag doesn't belong to any president. It doesn't belong to any ideology and it doesn't belong to any political party. It belongs to all the American people.
Democrats may relish a DNC Chair who pounds the lectern and insists his party loves the flag, too. But one wonders if votes will move from red to blue because of the tired, specious charge that Republicans “attack their opponents patriotism” or the Democrats repeated insistence that they love the flag, their country, and ordinary Americans. Perhaps the voters wonder if the party doth protest too much?
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
Meanwhile, the most high-profile candidate for the job, former Vermont governor Howard Dean, is not featured in that issue of the New Republic. Dean is featured in Rolling Stone this month, as one of their “People of the Year” in between Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and Seymour Hersh.
Dean is credited with “articulating a message - anti-war, tolerant and fiscally conservative - that added a dose of common sense to the tired liberalism of the Democratic Party.” There is also this gem:
Interviewer: Given the size of the Republican victory, should Democrats try and cooperate with them?
Dean: Since when is fifty-one percent of the votes a mandate by anyone’s definition? It’s ridiculous.”
Oh, where to begin? That no candidate has gotten that high a percentage since 1988?
That one who never came close to his party‘s nomination ought not to scoff? That the good doctor has yet to win a race, even a Democratic primary, outside Vermont?
That if 51 percent isn’t a mandate, then no Democrat since Lyndon Johnson has had a mandate?
(Bill Clinton won 49.23 percent in 1996. Jimmy Carter’s highest total was 50.08 percent, after Watergate, running against Gerald Ford. The last time a Democrat received more than Bush’s 51 percent was LBJ’s 61 percent in 1964.)
That Bush's 59.1 million votes was the highest total for a presidential candidate in American history? That Bush was the first president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1936 to win re-election while adding to his party's majorities in the House and Senate?
I believe Dr. Dean has misdiagnosed what constitutes a mandate.
By the way, I know Rolling Stone became the rock music wing of the Democratic National Committee a couple of years ago, but perusing their “People of the Year” list, one would have no idea that this was a tough year for the Democratic Party. Rolling Stone salutes Michael Moore, Bruce Springsteen, Richard Clarke, Barack Obama, Dean, Hersh, Jon Stewart, Tom Brokaw (His pull-quote is, “ ‘Genius’ is not the word that I would use for Bush”), and Billie Joe Armstrong, who is credited with “scoring a number one album at Bush’s expense.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger is also named, and gets an interview where he is repeatedly asked to renounce GOP criticism, pressure from “religious conservatives”, etc.
Now, a lot of those guys had good years, but did red-state culture score no wins this year?
My brother (my source on all things musical and the purchaser of the mag), reassured me that Rolling Stone was no longer seen as the Bible of Rock and Roll but was seen as just another celebrity magazine - US Weekly, or People without all that substance.
But one has to wonder… of all anti-Bush cultural figures to salute… Why Seymour Hersh and Richard Clarke? What, Joe Wilson didn’t ‘keep it real’ enough this year?
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - WELLINGTON WEBB [12/26 10:55 PM]
Wellington Webb, former mayor of Denver, Colorado, offers the New Republic column least likely to raise the ire of his party’s left or right.
He makes the lone reference to the glory days of the Clinton administration. “On domestic policy, it’s safe to say that most Americans prefer, for example, the steady hand of Robert Rubin and the track record of sound fiscal policy, social equity, expanded economic opportunity for all working Americans, and sustained prosperity that are part of the Democratic legacy to the reckless and destructive accumulation of debt and net loss of jobs of the Bush administration.”
I’ll bet that line was a hit at the opening of the Clinton Library in Little Rock, but it is not as if John Kerry ignored economic issues in his campaign. He endlessly painted a dire picture of the economy, and brought out the former President as much as his healing heart would allow him in the final weeks. It seems unlikely that invoking the Clinton years will really be a winning and resonant message for the Democrats in a post-9/11 world.
Webb calls for Rumsfeld’s firing. Of course, the factor that is most likely to keep Rumsfeld in office is Democrats calling for him to be fired. Once the opposition party calms down and stop sounding like angry football fans calling for the coach’s head at the end of a disappointing season, Bush will be more inclined to stop seeing his decision on his secretary as a test of loyalty and instead be willing to look at a new mind and fresh ideas at the Pentagon.
Webb closes by pointing out he comes from one of the few red states that has been kind to Democrats recently, where his party won control of the state House, state Senate, and U.S. Senate and House seats previously held by Republicans in November.
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - SIMON ROSENBERG [12/26 10:41 PM]
In a brief contribution to the New Republic, Simon Rosenberg, president of the New Democrat Network, interprets Beinart’s original article as a call to surrender to the Bush administration’s position on terrorism issues, a step he’s not willing to make. He also believes that the Bush Doctrine is not merely flawed, but that it does not meet his standard for "credibility."
This administration is waging a campaign against terrorism but it has failed to offer a credible vision of how the United States can move the world toward a peace and prosperity rooted in our best ideals.
The Bush administration’s execution of the war on terror hasn’t been perfect (it is a human endeavor, of course) but we have seen a fairly successful election in Afghanistan, and we await elections within a month with the Palestinian territories and Iraq. If the Bush Doctrine isn’t “credible,” what vision are the Democrats offering? Bring France into Iraq and trust Kofi Annan and the United Nations to deal swiftly with threats?
Beinart’s original piece included a broadside against the organization MoveOn.org and Michael Moore, and Rosenberg reaches out to those organizations. “We are also morally obligated to acknowledge that President Bush’s record is deeply worthy of skepticism, and we can no more ignore those in our party who have rightfully voiced dissent than we can forget how we won the war against communism.”
(As one, readers of this site on the conservative side of the spectrum are asking, “what’s this ‘we’ stuff?”)
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - MARTIN FROST [12/26 10:27 PM]
Elsewhere in the New Republic, Martin Frost, a former congressman from Texas, writes in a martial mood. He, too, thinks that Americans just don’t know the truth about the Democratic party. He laments that too many Americans are unaware of the fact that “it was a Democrat, Sen. Joe Lieberman, who initially called for a Department of Homeland Security.”
He also writes, “It was the Republican leadership that stalled the passage of the monumental intelligence overhaul bill due to intra-party struggles over other, less time-sensitive legislation.” Wasn’t that fight about illegal immigration?
But what stands out about Frost’s sales pitch is his constant references to his family’s experience with the armed services, a pose of “more comfortable with the military than thou” to his rivals to the chairmanship. He mentions his father’s work as an aerospace engineer at General Dynamics, his enlistment in the Army Reserve and service in a JAG unit; his wife, Kathy, is the highest ranking woman in the U.S Army. “When I work to strengthen our nation’s defenses and protect our military, it’s personal.”
Actually, that too sounds like a passage from Kerry’s convention speech:
I know what kids go through when they are carrying an M-16 in a dangerous place and they can't tell friend from foe. I know what they go through when they're out on patrol at night and they don't know what's coming around the next bend. I know what it's like to write letters home telling your family that everything's all right when you're not sure that's true. As President, I will wage this war with the lessons I learned in war.
That message may not have resonated with the electorate at large, but it did win a Democratic primary. Maybe Frost is following the Kerry strategy in the race for the chairmanship.
CATCHING UP WITH THOSE DNC CHAIRMAN CANDIDATES - DONNIE FOWLER [12/26 10:24 PM]
The New Republic (Suggested slogan: “Hey, is anybody else remotely interested in moving the Democratic Party back to the center these days? Anyone? Hello?”) has done the party another service by having a couple of the leading candidates for Chairman of the Democratic National Committee offer op-eds responding to Peter Beinart’s “A Fighting Faith.”
What can we learn from these op-eds?
One gets the feeling Donnie Fowler, a veteran telecommunications and technology executive (and son of former DNC Chair Don Fowler) is still angry over this year’s election, and thought Kerry’s service record should have given his man the win.
In the first sentence, Fowler refers to “the bumbling of President Bush and his ‘war cabinet’ of draft dodgers and pseudo-intellectuals.” By sentence three, Fowler points out that “it is not their children who fight”, and by the end of the paragraph, Fowler has hit the key notes of the Michael Moore anthem - Halliburton, Rumsfeld, Chalabi, the fact that Rumsfeld didn’t go into Iraq in his recent trip to Kuwait where he took the question about humvee armor.
A paragraph later, he laments, “Particularly among married and college-educated women the electorate believed that the Republicans would better protect them and their families than multi-medal, thrice-wounded John Kerry.” (One suspects those Swift Boat ads still grate on him.)
Fowler is spoiling for a fight, but ends up picking some odd terrain to fight on. He asks, “Wasn’t it Clinton’s military that dispatched with the Afghan Taliban and al-Qaeda less than a year after Bush took the White House?” An odd area to brag about - “Even though our man didn’t do anything about the threat as it gathered, his cuts in defense spending weren’t nearly as bad as his foes said.” Even more, it insists that victory be credited to “Clinton’s military” but not to the “bumbling” commander in chief and the “war cabinet of draft dodgers and pseudo-intellectuals.”
But when it actually comes to mapping out the Democrats’ comeback, Fowler is a little less specific. He laments that “Democrats have conceded so much territory to the Republicans on security that we have left little room to make the case for ourselves.” (Which territory? What concessions?) “Our inactions suggest that even we have bought the line that you cannot be patriotic and a Democrat. Since when does patriotism belong to the Republicans? Since when does the flag belong to the right wing?”
This stuff is going to make Democrats feel good, but it’s just a variation of the complacent, self-praising “We Democrats don’t win because we’re too nice” argument — or, more specifically, excuse. This argument is nothing new, and voters weren’t all that moved by it last time they heard it. Recall Kerry’s convention speech:
And tonight, we have an important message for those who question the patriotism of Americans who offer a better direction for our country. Before wrapping themselves in the flag and shutting their eyes and ears to the truth, they should remember what America is really all about. They should remember the great idea of freedom for which so many have given their lives. Our purpose now is to reclaim democracy itself. We are here to affirm that when Americans stand up and speak their minds and say America can do better, that is not a challenge to patriotism; it is the heart and soul of patriotism.
You see that flag up there. We call her Old Glory. The stars and stripes forever. I fought under that flag, as did so many of you here and all across our country. That flag flew from the gun turret right behind my head. It was shot through and through and tattered, but it never ceased to wave in the wind. It draped the caskets of men I served with and friends I grew up with. For us, that flag is the most powerful symbol of who we are and what we believe in. Our strength. Our diversity. Our love of country. All that makes America both great and good.
That flag doesn't belong to any president. It doesn't belong to any ideology and it doesn't belong to any political party. It belongs to all the American people.
Democrats may relish a DNC Chair who pounds the lectern and insists his party loves the flag, too. But one wonders if votes will move from red to blue because of the tired, specious charge that Republicans “attack their opponents patriotism” or the Democrats repeated insistence that they love the flag, their country, and ordinary Americans. Perhaps the voters wonder if the party doth protest too much?
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
The Briefing - 12.28.04
My recent holiday trip was, for the most part, relaxing. The only glitch was a Southwest flight from Omaha to Chicago. The originating flight was two and a half hours last to Omaha. This almost caused my family to miss the last shuttle from Midway to home in Indiana. After some anxious moments at Midway the shuttle, my family, and the luggage made it home.
Nevertheless, the CBS investigation into Rathergate has yet to see the light of day unless the snuck it out during the tidal wave coverage in Asia.
Speaking of air travel, it is amazing that air transportation is a viable business at all. Comair lost it computer system and canceled more than 1100 flights on Christmas Day. US Air lost thousands of pieces of luggage over the holiday weekend. Let's see I need to ad Southwest, Delta, Comair, and US Air to my do not fly list.
During a discussion of the computer problems, one air travel expert said that the airlines have become too dependent on computers and "can you imagine if all the computers at Wal-Mart went down across the country? Sam Walton would come out of the grave."
Could the computer "glitch" really be a terrorist attack?
My Way News
More later.
Nevertheless, the CBS investigation into Rathergate has yet to see the light of day unless the snuck it out during the tidal wave coverage in Asia.
Speaking of air travel, it is amazing that air transportation is a viable business at all. Comair lost it computer system and canceled more than 1100 flights on Christmas Day. US Air lost thousands of pieces of luggage over the holiday weekend. Let's see I need to ad Southwest, Delta, Comair, and US Air to my do not fly list.
During a discussion of the computer problems, one air travel expert said that the airlines have become too dependent on computers and "can you imagine if all the computers at Wal-Mart went down across the country? Sam Walton would come out of the grave."
Could the computer "glitch" really be a terrorist attack?
My Way News
More later.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Merry Christmas, Red States! by Ann Coulter
Here is this week's column by Ann Coulter. It is a gem.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Merry Christmas, Red States! by Ann Coulter
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Merry Christmas, Red States! by Ann Coulter
The Briefing - 12.23.04
This will be the last Briefing until 12.28. I will be taking some vacation time to visit family in Nebraska.
It is unlikely that the CBS investigation on Rathergate will issue its report while I am away. It is becoming unlikely that the report will ever see the light of day.
The Michael Jackson trial has had an interesting week. Earlier the judge in the case denied a defense motion to dismiss the charges and another motion to delay the beginning of the trial was also denied.
A potential defense witness for Jackson who may also be one of the unnamed conspirators announced to the public that he will not be testifying in the trial. Vincent Amen, a former Jackson employee, announced through his attorney that he would not testify unless granted immunity and would NOT testify for the defense.
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Fox411 - Key Jacko Defense Witness Won't Testify
In another Jackson legal battle, Jackson ex-wide Debbie Rowe gained ground in her custody battle for the Jackson children when a judge voided the previous "parental termination" order which denied her any rights at all.
This gives Rowe a huge leap forward in her attempt to be a part of the lives of Prince Michael and Paris Katherine.
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Fox411 - Jacko's Ex Gains Ground in Custody Case
While I am gone, here are several places to look for news and information that is balanced and not, as Laura Ingrahm calls it, tragedy media.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
WorldNetDaily - A Free Press for a Free People
The Weekly Standard
More on the 28th.
It is unlikely that the CBS investigation on Rathergate will issue its report while I am away. It is becoming unlikely that the report will ever see the light of day.
The Michael Jackson trial has had an interesting week. Earlier the judge in the case denied a defense motion to dismiss the charges and another motion to delay the beginning of the trial was also denied.
A potential defense witness for Jackson who may also be one of the unnamed conspirators announced to the public that he will not be testifying in the trial. Vincent Amen, a former Jackson employee, announced through his attorney that he would not testify unless granted immunity and would NOT testify for the defense.
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Fox411 - Key Jacko Defense Witness Won't Testify
In another Jackson legal battle, Jackson ex-wide Debbie Rowe gained ground in her custody battle for the Jackson children when a judge voided the previous "parental termination" order which denied her any rights at all.
This gives Rowe a huge leap forward in her attempt to be a part of the lives of Prince Michael and Paris Katherine.
FOXNews.com - Foxlife - Fox411 - Jacko's Ex Gains Ground in Custody Case
While I am gone, here are several places to look for news and information that is balanced and not, as Laura Ingrahm calls it, tragedy media.
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
WorldNetDaily - A Free Press for a Free People
The Weekly Standard
More on the 28th.
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Martha, Martha, Martha
Is it just me or does convicted felon Martha Stewart seem to be getting more than the usual privledges while in prison.
Stewart has, somehow, negotiated a contract with NBC for a new talk show that will begin after he prison sentence and five months of house arrest. How was that done?
Stewart has been posting to her website including this week's Christmas message that talked about prison reform and the "bad food." So, she has Internet access in her cell?
Does this sound like punishment. Except for her pets and the confinement it sounds like a five month stay at a spa.
Yahoo! News - Martha Stewart Calls for Sentencing Reform
Stewart has, somehow, negotiated a contract with NBC for a new talk show that will begin after he prison sentence and five months of house arrest. How was that done?
Stewart has been posting to her website including this week's Christmas message that talked about prison reform and the "bad food." So, she has Internet access in her cell?
Does this sound like punishment. Except for her pets and the confinement it sounds like a five month stay at a spa.
Yahoo! News - Martha Stewart Calls for Sentencing Reform
Artest's Season-Long Suspension Upheld
Arbitrator Roger Kaplan issued a decision in the suspension of several NBA players. His conclusion was to uphold all but one of the suspensions issued by the NBA.
Jermaine O'Neal won a reduction of his suspension from 25 games to 15. This would make him eligible to play this weekend when the Pacers host Detroit. This would be the first meeting between the two teams since the Nov. 19 brawl.
The NBA has said they would appeal the decision in Federal Court this Thursday. The NBA did not participate in the arbitration saying that Kaplan has no jurisdiction in the matter since the brawl took place, at least partially, on the playing floor.
Originally the league filed a case before a Federal judge claiming that Kaplan lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. That case is still pending.
Yahoo! News - Artest's Season-Long Suspension Upheld
Jermaine O'Neal won a reduction of his suspension from 25 games to 15. This would make him eligible to play this weekend when the Pacers host Detroit. This would be the first meeting between the two teams since the Nov. 19 brawl.
The NBA has said they would appeal the decision in Federal Court this Thursday. The NBA did not participate in the arbitration saying that Kaplan has no jurisdiction in the matter since the brawl took place, at least partially, on the playing floor.
Originally the league filed a case before a Federal judge claiming that Kaplan lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. That case is still pending.
Yahoo! News - Artest's Season-Long Suspension Upheld
The Briefing - 12.22.04
Well, the holidays are fast approaching and there is still nor report on the investigation of Rathergate. Maybe CBS will quietly release it on Christmas.
Tomorrow will be the last Briefing until next week. I am taking a short vacation to visit family.
President Bush has invited outgoing NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume to a White House meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, December 28. This is the first time since Bush took office in 2000 that a officer of the nation's oldest civil rights organization has met with the President.
It is likely, however, that the meeting was agreed to only after Mfume announced his "retirement." NAACP Chairman Julian Bond has not been invited, but says, "We welcome any meeting with an American President." The Internal Revenue Service is currently investigating Bond and comments he made that may hurt the NAACP's tax-exempt status.
There is speculation that Mfume may be offered a post in the Bush Administration.
NAACP Welcomes White House Meeting With President Bush -- 12/22/2004
Media watchdog group the Media Research Center always has some interesting items. Check them out at Media Research Center
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online is still around. One of the more popular bloggers will continue with a new name after the new year. You can find the Kerry Spot at The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
This morning the Laura Ingraham Show featured her selection for the best soundbite of the year. The winner was Zell Miller's speech at the GOP Convention.
Yes, Laura that is good, great even, but my selection would have been John Kerry saying, "I voted for it, before I voted against it."
More later.
Tomorrow will be the last Briefing until next week. I am taking a short vacation to visit family.
President Bush has invited outgoing NAACP President and CEO Kweisi Mfume to a White House meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, December 28. This is the first time since Bush took office in 2000 that a officer of the nation's oldest civil rights organization has met with the President.
It is likely, however, that the meeting was agreed to only after Mfume announced his "retirement." NAACP Chairman Julian Bond has not been invited, but says, "We welcome any meeting with an American President." The Internal Revenue Service is currently investigating Bond and comments he made that may hurt the NAACP's tax-exempt status.
There is speculation that Mfume may be offered a post in the Bush Administration.
NAACP Welcomes White House Meeting With President Bush -- 12/22/2004
Media watchdog group the Media Research Center always has some interesting items. Check them out at Media Research Center
The Kerry Spot on National Review Online is still around. One of the more popular bloggers will continue with a new name after the new year. You can find the Kerry Spot at The Kerry Spot on National Review Online
This morning the Laura Ingraham Show featured her selection for the best soundbite of the year. The winner was Zell Miller's speech at the GOP Convention.
Yes, Laura that is good, great even, but my selection would have been John Kerry saying, "I voted for it, before I voted against it."
More later.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Conservative students sue over academic freedom
There was a time when the ACLU and college administrators and liberal activist stormed college campuses demonstrating for "academic freedom" for professors. The time "they are a changin."
Students are now suing professors and universities for denying conservative students the academic freedom from intimidation and indoctrination by liberal professors.
Faculty members feel a chill in the air. A chill of their own creation. Students report in a variety of surveys that 1) professors often talk about politics even though it is outside of the course material, and 2) students report that they must agree with a liberal professor's politics to get a decent grade.
Conservative students sue over academic freedom - Courttv.com - Top News
SAF: Students For Academic Freedom
Students are now suing professors and universities for denying conservative students the academic freedom from intimidation and indoctrination by liberal professors.
Faculty members feel a chill in the air. A chill of their own creation. Students report in a variety of surveys that 1) professors often talk about politics even though it is outside of the course material, and 2) students report that they must agree with a liberal professor's politics to get a decent grade.
Conservative students sue over academic freedom - Courttv.com - Top News
SAF: Students For Academic Freedom
Baseball Fans Rejoyce
Baseball fans rejoyce. There will be baseball in Washington D.C.
After an all day session Mayor Tony Williams and DC Council Chair Linda Cropp announced a compromise that will fund the new stadium.
The new deal, which is still to be released, allows for provate financing and splits the liability for cost overruns if (read that when) the stadium is not completed on time.
ONN. Ohio News Now: Washington D-C officials reach compromise baseball finance deal.
After an all day session Mayor Tony Williams and DC Council Chair Linda Cropp announced a compromise that will fund the new stadium.
The new deal, which is still to be released, allows for provate financing and splits the liability for cost overruns if (read that when) the stadium is not completed on time.
ONN. Ohio News Now: Washington D-C officials reach compromise baseball finance deal.
The Briefing - 12.21.04
Just one more day without the report from the investigation into Rathergate. Will it ever see the light of day?
Reports show that the US National Guard is having difficulty meeting recruitment goals. In order to attract new recruits and keep experience troops the National Guard has announced an increase in recruitment bonuses. Current troops that re-enlist for an additional six year tour can receive up to $15,000 in bonuses. New recruits who sign up for a six year tour can receive up to $10,000.
MSNBC - Guard to triplere-enlistment bonuses
The murder trial of Robert Blake started yesterday. If the opening statement of the prosecutor is any indication of the quality of their case, Blake will be acquitted. I watched portions of the opening statement. The prosecutor was unorganized, a poor public speaker, unable to follow the PowerPoint presentation, and just unprepared. If she were a student in one of my speech classes (many years ago), she would receive a D. And that D would be awarded because she showed up.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has announced committee assignments for the 109th Congress. No big surprises and the usual suspects on each committee.
Republican Senate Committee Assignments Announced -- 12/21/2004
The Associated Press has announced its story of the year . . The Election. Well, DUH!!!
My Way News
More later.
Reports show that the US National Guard is having difficulty meeting recruitment goals. In order to attract new recruits and keep experience troops the National Guard has announced an increase in recruitment bonuses. Current troops that re-enlist for an additional six year tour can receive up to $15,000 in bonuses. New recruits who sign up for a six year tour can receive up to $10,000.
MSNBC - Guard to triplere-enlistment bonuses
The murder trial of Robert Blake started yesterday. If the opening statement of the prosecutor is any indication of the quality of their case, Blake will be acquitted. I watched portions of the opening statement. The prosecutor was unorganized, a poor public speaker, unable to follow the PowerPoint presentation, and just unprepared. If she were a student in one of my speech classes (many years ago), she would receive a D. And that D would be awarded because she showed up.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) has announced committee assignments for the 109th Congress. No big surprises and the usual suspects on each committee.
Republican Senate Committee Assignments Announced -- 12/21/2004
The Associated Press has announced its story of the year . . The Election. Well, DUH!!!
My Way News
More later.
Monday, December 20, 2004
The Briefing - 12/20/04
As noted here last week, President George W. Bush has been named Time magazine 'Person of the Year.'
After winning re-election the President was chosen for "reshaping the rules of politics to fit his 10 gallon-hat leadership style."
Welcome to TIME.com
While the CBS investigation into Rathergate continues to hid or refuse to release its report, another name has been added to the list of potential replacements for Dan Rather. According to Broadcasting & Cable magazine, Katie Couric, the Today show diva, has been added to the list. CBS is hoping to capture a news superstar for the empty anchor chair. Unfortunately, CBS, Couric is not the choice you should be looking at. If you though Rather's bias was a problem, just watch Couric interview non-liberals. She would be the wrong choice at the worn (perhaps any) time.
New York Post Online Edition: entertainment
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has been the subject of political bickering among Republicans and Democrats. Many are calling for his removal from the cabinet post. If you look at the list of the loudest critics, Biden, Hagel, Lugar, Byah, and McCain, you realize the motivation. Each Senator is running or potentially run for the Presidency in 2008.
The President who is Rumsfeld's boss and will determine his tenure is pleased with his job performance.
Bush Says Rumsfeld Doing 'Fine Job' as Defense Secretary -- 12/20/2004
More later
After winning re-election the President was chosen for "reshaping the rules of politics to fit his 10 gallon-hat leadership style."
Welcome to TIME.com
While the CBS investigation into Rathergate continues to hid or refuse to release its report, another name has been added to the list of potential replacements for Dan Rather. According to Broadcasting & Cable magazine, Katie Couric, the Today show diva, has been added to the list. CBS is hoping to capture a news superstar for the empty anchor chair. Unfortunately, CBS, Couric is not the choice you should be looking at. If you though Rather's bias was a problem, just watch Couric interview non-liberals. She would be the wrong choice at the worn (perhaps any) time.
New York Post Online Edition: entertainment
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has been the subject of political bickering among Republicans and Democrats. Many are calling for his removal from the cabinet post. If you look at the list of the loudest critics, Biden, Hagel, Lugar, Byah, and McCain, you realize the motivation. Each Senator is running or potentially run for the Presidency in 2008.
The President who is Rumsfeld's boss and will determine his tenure is pleased with his job performance.
Bush Says Rumsfeld Doing 'Fine Job' as Defense Secretary -- 12/20/2004
More later
Friday, December 17, 2004
Swift Boat Vets To Get Courage Award
The American Conservative Union has announced that Sen. Zell Miller (D-GA) will present the "Courage Under Fire Award" to the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.
The award will be given at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.
Miller and the Swift Boat Veterans were behind the campaign's most memorable attacks on John Kerry's failed presidential bid. Attacks that, inspite of recent pronouncements from Mary Beth Cahill, hurt the Kerry campaign.
FOXNews.com - Politics - Swift Boat Vets To Get Courage Award
The award will be given at the Conservative Political Action Conference in February.
Miller and the Swift Boat Veterans were behind the campaign's most memorable attacks on John Kerry's failed presidential bid. Attacks that, inspite of recent pronouncements from Mary Beth Cahill, hurt the Kerry campaign.
FOXNews.com - Politics - Swift Boat Vets To Get Courage Award
Adieu to Bill Moyers
Tom Brokaw and Dan Rather are not the only TV "icons" that are leaving the airwaves. Bill Moyers says good-bye tonight in his final installment of the PBS program Now.
Moyers presence on the public network has been so pervasive for three decades that he is often seen as the "face" of public television. A face, however, that presents only a left-wing agenda and propaganda.
Moyers and his PBS cohorts forget something very basic. PBS is required by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 as amended to present in all of its programming an balanced, fair, and non-political view of issues. PBS and Moyers, in particular, have failed to do so for more than 30 years.
Why then, does Congress and the American taxpayer continue to fund an organization that violates Federal Law each time it airs news or documentaries? It is time for PBS, CPB, and NPR to get away from the Federal trough and find its own funding. Will that happen? No!
Will PBS adhere to the tenets of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967? No.
FrontPage magazine.com :: Adieu to Bill Moyers by Lowell Ponte
Moyers presence on the public network has been so pervasive for three decades that he is often seen as the "face" of public television. A face, however, that presents only a left-wing agenda and propaganda.
Moyers and his PBS cohorts forget something very basic. PBS is required by the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967 as amended to present in all of its programming an balanced, fair, and non-political view of issues. PBS and Moyers, in particular, have failed to do so for more than 30 years.
Why then, does Congress and the American taxpayer continue to fund an organization that violates Federal Law each time it airs news or documentaries? It is time for PBS, CPB, and NPR to get away from the Federal trough and find its own funding. Will that happen? No!
Will PBS adhere to the tenets of the Public Broadcasting Act of 1967? No.
FrontPage magazine.com :: Adieu to Bill Moyers by Lowell Ponte
The Briefing - 12/17/04
Another day passes and the investigative report on CBS News and Rathergate has not been released. The longer the delay, the more suspcious the report will be.
Here are today's interesting items.
+The Ohio Supreme Court has thrown out a challenge to the election results from the November election. The forty voters who filed the challenge may be able to refill.
Chief Justice Thomas Moyer ruled that the request improperly challenged two separate election results. Ohio law only allows only one race to be challenged in a complaint.
The complaint backed by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and a Columbus based attorney for the left-wing Alliance for Democracy group accuse the Bush campaign of "high tech vote stealing."
The complain questions the difference between exit polls and actual vote count. Without an specific information or evidence, the complaint says that over 100,000 votes were changed electronically from Kerry-Edwards to Bush-Cheney.
There are two thing wrong with the complaint, other than sponsorship by Jesse Jackson. First, the complaint says that exit polls are more accurate than vote counts. Isn't that the opposite of Jackson, "Every Vote Must Count" mantra? Second, the complain offers no evidence of "electronic stealing" of any vote.
So, if the complaint is re-filed, it is likely to be thrown for being spurious and lacking precedent or foundation.
Justice Throws Out Ohio Challenge
+Who will be Time magazine's person of the year. Inside sources are telling the Drudge Report that President Bush is all "but a lock" for the honor. The official announcement is set for Sunday.
+Former NYPD Commisioner Bernard Kerik problems are far from over. The City of New York has announced a probe into Kerik's conduct as police commissioner.
The probe will look into various ethics violations during his tenure as NY's top cop. Kerik withdrew his name as the nominee for the Secretary of Homeland Security after revelations of a failure to pay taxes for a nanny who was also an illegal alien.
New York Daily News - News & Views - City starts probe of Kerik
+This week Mary Beth Cahill, John Kerry's campaign manager, said that the campaign did not react swiftly or strongly enough against ads from the Swift Boat Veterans for truth. It seems Cahill is living in somewhat of a dreamworld.
First, the Kerry campaign sent letters to at least twenty television stations threatening them with lawsuits if the stations rant the Swift Boat ads. All twenty stations ignored the letter.
Then the campaign set out to destroy the reputation of any and all veterans who openly opposed Kerry's candidacy or fitness for office.
Ms Cahill just admit it, you lost because you had a weak candidate with no policies, plan, or platform.
WorldNetDaily: Swift-ad maker rebuts Kerry manager
More later.
Here are today's interesting items.
+The Ohio Supreme Court has thrown out a challenge to the election results from the November election. The forty voters who filed the challenge may be able to refill.
Chief Justice Thomas Moyer ruled that the request improperly challenged two separate election results. Ohio law only allows only one race to be challenged in a complaint.
The complaint backed by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and a Columbus based attorney for the left-wing Alliance for Democracy group accuse the Bush campaign of "high tech vote stealing."
The complain questions the difference between exit polls and actual vote count. Without an specific information or evidence, the complaint says that over 100,000 votes were changed electronically from Kerry-Edwards to Bush-Cheney.
There are two thing wrong with the complaint, other than sponsorship by Jesse Jackson. First, the complaint says that exit polls are more accurate than vote counts. Isn't that the opposite of Jackson, "Every Vote Must Count" mantra? Second, the complain offers no evidence of "electronic stealing" of any vote.
So, if the complaint is re-filed, it is likely to be thrown for being spurious and lacking precedent or foundation.
Justice Throws Out Ohio Challenge
+Who will be Time magazine's person of the year. Inside sources are telling the Drudge Report that President Bush is all "but a lock" for the honor. The official announcement is set for Sunday.
+Former NYPD Commisioner Bernard Kerik problems are far from over. The City of New York has announced a probe into Kerik's conduct as police commissioner.
The probe will look into various ethics violations during his tenure as NY's top cop. Kerik withdrew his name as the nominee for the Secretary of Homeland Security after revelations of a failure to pay taxes for a nanny who was also an illegal alien.
New York Daily News - News & Views - City starts probe of Kerik
+This week Mary Beth Cahill, John Kerry's campaign manager, said that the campaign did not react swiftly or strongly enough against ads from the Swift Boat Veterans for truth. It seems Cahill is living in somewhat of a dreamworld.
First, the Kerry campaign sent letters to at least twenty television stations threatening them with lawsuits if the stations rant the Swift Boat ads. All twenty stations ignored the letter.
Then the campaign set out to destroy the reputation of any and all veterans who openly opposed Kerry's candidacy or fitness for office.
Ms Cahill just admit it, you lost because you had a weak candidate with no policies, plan, or platform.
WorldNetDaily: Swift-ad maker rebuts Kerry manager
More later.
Sitting on the Left: We're the 'Lose-Lose' People! by Ann Coulter
Here is this week's column by Ann Coulter.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Sitting on the Left: We're the 'Lose-Lose' People! by Ann Coulter
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: Sitting on the Left: We're the 'Lose-Lose' People! by Ann Coulter
Thursday, December 16, 2004
The Briefing - 12/16/04
There is still no news on the CBS investigative report on the use of forged documents by Dan Rather and Company.
Here are some interesting items.
+Former funnyman, Chevy Chase, decided to unleash a profane and foul-mouth-tirade at the Bush Administration during a gala at the Kennedy Center Tuesday night.
Backers for the event sponsored by the left wing People for the American Way were not pleased with the rant that used an expletive used by the Vice President as a noun and an adjective to describe the President. Sponsors were quickly distancing themselves from Chase's remarks by noting the remarks were unscripted.
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�
+The City of Washington DC gas virtually killed its deal with Major League Baseball. Under the original deal, MLB would bring the Montreal Expos to the city and play in RFK Stadium until a new stadium was built.
Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp (D) introduced legislation at a Council meeting that would require 50% of the stadium construction funds to come from private sources. The legislation passed and now the deal with MLB is in jeopardy.
Robert A. DuPuy, president of baseball, responded to the council's move by saying that this was not the deal that MLB agreed to and was "wholly unacceptable." MLB immediately halted all business and promotion activities for the Washington Nationals and offered refunds for ticket purchases.
It looks like the 33 year absence of baseball in the nation's capitol will continue.
Yahoo! News - Baseball Rejects Council's Changes In Financing Plan for D.C. Stadium: "Robert A. DuPuy"
+The Federal Communications Commission made news twice this week. The FCC will allow wireless technology on commercial airline beginning in 2006. Using satellite technology, passengers will be able to connect to the Internet and use cell phones.
The Federal Aviation Administration still needs to approve any use of technology on airliners.
FCC To Allow Wireless on Airplanes
A California radio group filed a petition in October to apply to satellite and, possibly cable, providers the same indecency rules for broadcasters. The petition was filed directly in response to Howard Stern's pending move to satellite radio.
Wilson FM Broadcasters wanted to same rules to apply or to loosen the restrictions on broadcasters. The FCC will do neither.
Media Bureau Chief Ken Feree declined to open a proceeding. Citing an earlier FCC ruling, Feree said that “[c]onsistent with existing case law, the Commission does not impose regulations regarding indecency on services lacking the indiscriminate access to children that characterizes broadcasting.”
"Your petition does not provide a basis to revisit that determination," said Ferree.
Broadcasting & Cable: The Business of Television
More later.
Here are some interesting items.
+Former funnyman, Chevy Chase, decided to unleash a profane and foul-mouth-tirade at the Bush Administration during a gala at the Kennedy Center Tuesday night.
Backers for the event sponsored by the left wing People for the American Way were not pleased with the rant that used an expletive used by the Vice President as a noun and an adjective to describe the President. Sponsors were quickly distancing themselves from Chase's remarks by noting the remarks were unscripted.
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�
+The City of Washington DC gas virtually killed its deal with Major League Baseball. Under the original deal, MLB would bring the Montreal Expos to the city and play in RFK Stadium until a new stadium was built.
Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp (D) introduced legislation at a Council meeting that would require 50% of the stadium construction funds to come from private sources. The legislation passed and now the deal with MLB is in jeopardy.
Robert A. DuPuy, president of baseball, responded to the council's move by saying that this was not the deal that MLB agreed to and was "wholly unacceptable." MLB immediately halted all business and promotion activities for the Washington Nationals and offered refunds for ticket purchases.
It looks like the 33 year absence of baseball in the nation's capitol will continue.
Yahoo! News - Baseball Rejects Council's Changes In Financing Plan for D.C. Stadium: "Robert A. DuPuy"
+The Federal Communications Commission made news twice this week. The FCC will allow wireless technology on commercial airline beginning in 2006. Using satellite technology, passengers will be able to connect to the Internet and use cell phones.
The Federal Aviation Administration still needs to approve any use of technology on airliners.
FCC To Allow Wireless on Airplanes
A California radio group filed a petition in October to apply to satellite and, possibly cable, providers the same indecency rules for broadcasters. The petition was filed directly in response to Howard Stern's pending move to satellite radio.
Wilson FM Broadcasters wanted to same rules to apply or to loosen the restrictions on broadcasters. The FCC will do neither.
Media Bureau Chief Ken Feree declined to open a proceeding. Citing an earlier FCC ruling, Feree said that “[c]onsistent with existing case law, the Commission does not impose regulations regarding indecency on services lacking the indiscriminate access to children that characterizes broadcasting.”
"Your petition does not provide a basis to revisit that determination," said Ferree.
Broadcasting & Cable: The Business of Television
More later.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
The Briefing - 12/15/04
Today appears to be a slow news day. There is, however, one piece of news that is still missing. The investigative report on CBS News. Originally promised shortly after the election, the document and the investigative team have not be heard from. There is speculation that at least five employees of CBS News will be terminated or moved following release of the report. These include Producer Mary Mapes and CBS News President Andrew Haywood. The prime target of the report, Dan Rather, has already received a golden parachute from CBS officials and will be exempt from any further action. If the report is ever released, you will see it here.
Here are some interesting items.
+President Bush awarded three individuals involved with bringing freedom to Iraq the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a U.S. citizen. Recipients of the award include Tommy Franks, retires general who led the initial war effort, former US Ambassador Paul Bremer, and former CIA chief George Tenet.
In a East Room ceremony the President praised these men for "having played an pivotal role in great events." Their efforts, Bush said, "have made our country more secure and advanced the cause of human liberty."
Shortly after the event, the elite media and left wing groups pounded the President for his choice of honorees. A left wing group called Not in My Name condemned the recipients and the President as war criminals. Chris Matthews on Hardball confused the Presidential Media with the military's Medal of Honor.
Bush's Medal of Freedom Recipients Hammered by Left -- 12/15/2004
+While he will not admit it formally, Sen, John McCain (R-az) is running for President in 2008. His recent interviews and stepped criticism of the Bush Administration and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld all point to the maverick senator's future plans.
McCain says that he will block every piece of legislation in the Senate unless his colleagues support his pet project of a national boxing commission. There are a great many issues the senator from Arizona could champion, a boxing commission is just not one of them.
Speaker, McCain duke it out
More later.
Here are some interesting items.
+President Bush awarded three individuals involved with bringing freedom to Iraq the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a U.S. citizen. Recipients of the award include Tommy Franks, retires general who led the initial war effort, former US Ambassador Paul Bremer, and former CIA chief George Tenet.
In a East Room ceremony the President praised these men for "having played an pivotal role in great events." Their efforts, Bush said, "have made our country more secure and advanced the cause of human liberty."
Shortly after the event, the elite media and left wing groups pounded the President for his choice of honorees. A left wing group called Not in My Name condemned the recipients and the President as war criminals. Chris Matthews on Hardball confused the Presidential Media with the military's Medal of Honor.
Bush's Medal of Freedom Recipients Hammered by Left -- 12/15/2004
+While he will not admit it formally, Sen, John McCain (R-az) is running for President in 2008. His recent interviews and stepped criticism of the Bush Administration and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld all point to the maverick senator's future plans.
McCain says that he will block every piece of legislation in the Senate unless his colleagues support his pet project of a national boxing commission. There are a great many issues the senator from Arizona could champion, a boxing commission is just not one of them.
Speaker, McCain duke it out
More later.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
The Briefing - 12/14/04
Of course the biggest story is the verdict in the penalty phase of the Scott Peterson trial. A Redwood City jury voted to impose the death penalty for the murder of Peterson's wife, Laci, and their unborn child. The judge in the case will officially sentence Peterson on February 25, 2005.
Following the verdict, several jurors in the case spoke to the media and now all the cable talk shows will begin their 2 month analysis of the case, the jury, and the sentence. It will probably seem like there is no other story to cover.
The Peterson legal also spoke to the media. The most interesting part was Mark Geragos did proclaim his client innocent. In fact, there was the impression that Geragos knew Peterson was guilty. Geragos and company plan to appeal the conviction and the sentence. This will mean it will be, at least, 10 years before Scott Peterson is put to death.
WorldNetDaily: Jurors recommend death for Peterson
Here are some other interesting items.
+Democrats are scurrying to find a new chairman for the DNC and George Soros and company are claiming to have bought the Democratic Party. If that wasn't enough for defeated Democrats, a early polls shows that the leading candidate for the 2008 nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), can be neaten by a "generic" Republican.
If the Democrats ever hope to hold a leadership role in the Federal government, they need to find a DNC Chairman who can fundraise and avoid the internal bickering. Leading candidate for the post, Howard Dean, is not the best choice. Anyone from MoveOn.org or the George Soros group are an even worse choice. The first thing the Democrats should understand is the American voter rejected most of their issues.
A move to the center will only demonstrate a lack of conviction on the issues. The national Democratic Party is much like the Republican Party in Illinois they have no stated purpose, identity, or direction.
WorldNetDaily: Generic GOP candidate beats Hillary
More later.
Following the verdict, several jurors in the case spoke to the media and now all the cable talk shows will begin their 2 month analysis of the case, the jury, and the sentence. It will probably seem like there is no other story to cover.
The Peterson legal also spoke to the media. The most interesting part was Mark Geragos did proclaim his client innocent. In fact, there was the impression that Geragos knew Peterson was guilty. Geragos and company plan to appeal the conviction and the sentence. This will mean it will be, at least, 10 years before Scott Peterson is put to death.
WorldNetDaily: Jurors recommend death for Peterson
Here are some other interesting items.
+Democrats are scurrying to find a new chairman for the DNC and George Soros and company are claiming to have bought the Democratic Party. If that wasn't enough for defeated Democrats, a early polls shows that the leading candidate for the 2008 nomination, Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), can be neaten by a "generic" Republican.
If the Democrats ever hope to hold a leadership role in the Federal government, they need to find a DNC Chairman who can fundraise and avoid the internal bickering. Leading candidate for the post, Howard Dean, is not the best choice. Anyone from MoveOn.org or the George Soros group are an even worse choice. The first thing the Democrats should understand is the American voter rejected most of their issues.
A move to the center will only demonstrate a lack of conviction on the issues. The national Democratic Party is much like the Republican Party in Illinois they have no stated purpose, identity, or direction.
WorldNetDaily: Generic GOP candidate beats Hillary
More later.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Cellphones: once a status symbol, now a necessity | csmonitor.com
Walk down any street, walk around your favorite mall, visit a college campus. It seems that almost everyone you meet is carrying or using a cell phone. What once was described as a status symbol is now a necessity for many businessmen and families.
Cell phone use in the Unites States has tripled in 10 years. Currently there are 172 million cell phone users. Users are salesmen, housewives, students, executive, law enforcement officials, just about every profession seems to have a use for the tiny devices.
Cellphones: once a status symbol, now a necessity | csmonitor.com
Cell phone use in the Unites States has tripled in 10 years. Currently there are 172 million cell phone users. Users are salesmen, housewives, students, executive, law enforcement officials, just about every profession seems to have a use for the tiny devices.
Cellphones: once a status symbol, now a necessity | csmonitor.com
Clinton Donor "Central Figure" in Oil For Food Scandal
Remember Marc Rich? He is the billionaire commodities trader who received a controversial pardon at the end of the Clinton presidency. Rich and his wife were major donors to all the Clinton campaign (including Hillary's) and a major donor for the Clinton Library.
Rich is currently under investigation for his role in the oil-for-food scandal. According to investigators, Rich and a partner set up several companies in Liechtenstein to serve as "non-end users" to purchase Iraqi oil and resell it.
Law enforcement officials call Rich a "central figure" in the scandal.
New York Post Online Edition: news
Rich is currently under investigation for his role in the oil-for-food scandal. According to investigators, Rich and a partner set up several companies in Liechtenstein to serve as "non-end users" to purchase Iraqi oil and resell it.
Law enforcement officials call Rich a "central figure" in the scandal.
New York Post Online Edition: news
The Briefing - 12/13/04
A busy news weekend as Bernard Kerick withdraws his name from consideration for the Homeland Security post and, amid growing controversy, the University of Notre Dame hires a new football coach.
+For NY Police Commissioner Bernard Kerick withdrew his name late Friday from further consideration for the Secretary of Homeland Security nomination. Kerick withdrew his name after reports that Kerick did not pay taxes for a nanny in his employ. The nanny was also discovered to be an illegal alien.
Democrats say that the White House moved too quickly to fill the vacancy left by Tom Ridge. Ridge has said he would stay in the position until a successor is confirmed by the Senate.
In a related story, former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani has apologized to the White House and President Bush for pushing Kerick's name for nomination. The former mayor hops this will not sour relations between himself and the White House. What he really hops is that the White House will support Giuliani's bid for the presidency in 2008.
My Way News
The New York Times > National > The Mayor: Strain Is Seen in Giuliani Ties With President
+On Friday the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case on file-sharing. More specifically, if a company that offers file sharing can be held liable for the actions of its members.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (the most overturned Court in the country) held in August that companies cannot be held liable.
By hearing arguments the Supreme Court is likely to overturn the 9th circuit in favor of the record and movie industry.
The New York Times > National > The Mayor: Strain Is Seen in Giuliani Ties With President
+The rumor mill is full steam in Washington this morning. Rumors are flying that a Supreme Court Justice will retire today or by the end of the week.
It has been rumored that 3 or 4 justices would retire sometime during a Bush second term. If the current speculation is true, this will begin a long, hard fight in the Senate over any nominee. It is likely that Harry Reid (D-NV) will continue the obstructionist policies of Tom Daschle on judicial nominees. So any quick resolution to a Supreme Court nominee is unlikely.
Current speculation is that Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will retire due to illness. The 80 year jurist is undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer has not been seen at the Court in recent weeks. He continues to work from his Virginia home and is participating in opinions.
If Rehnquist retires it is likely that Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas will be elevated to the Chief Justice position. Harry Reid (D-NV) democrat leader in the Senate is already on record against the nomination of Justice Thomas.
Supreme Court Retirement Coming on Monday? -- 12/13/2004
+Although he conceded the election, a lawyer for Senator John Kerry now wants to review the voting in Ohio.
The November vote in the Buckeye state was certified last Monday by Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. The Libertarian and Green parties have requested a recount and have raised the funds to pay for it. The recount will not be finished by today when Ohio Electors cast their votes in the Electoral College.
Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson is calling for a full Congressional investigation. That is unlikely to happen.
My Way News
More later.
+For NY Police Commissioner Bernard Kerick withdrew his name late Friday from further consideration for the Secretary of Homeland Security nomination. Kerick withdrew his name after reports that Kerick did not pay taxes for a nanny in his employ. The nanny was also discovered to be an illegal alien.
Democrats say that the White House moved too quickly to fill the vacancy left by Tom Ridge. Ridge has said he would stay in the position until a successor is confirmed by the Senate.
In a related story, former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani has apologized to the White House and President Bush for pushing Kerick's name for nomination. The former mayor hops this will not sour relations between himself and the White House. What he really hops is that the White House will support Giuliani's bid for the presidency in 2008.
My Way News
The New York Times > National > The Mayor: Strain Is Seen in Giuliani Ties With President
+On Friday the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case on file-sharing. More specifically, if a company that offers file sharing can be held liable for the actions of its members.
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals (the most overturned Court in the country) held in August that companies cannot be held liable.
By hearing arguments the Supreme Court is likely to overturn the 9th circuit in favor of the record and movie industry.
The New York Times > National > The Mayor: Strain Is Seen in Giuliani Ties With President
+The rumor mill is full steam in Washington this morning. Rumors are flying that a Supreme Court Justice will retire today or by the end of the week.
It has been rumored that 3 or 4 justices would retire sometime during a Bush second term. If the current speculation is true, this will begin a long, hard fight in the Senate over any nominee. It is likely that Harry Reid (D-NV) will continue the obstructionist policies of Tom Daschle on judicial nominees. So any quick resolution to a Supreme Court nominee is unlikely.
Current speculation is that Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will retire due to illness. The 80 year jurist is undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer has not been seen at the Court in recent weeks. He continues to work from his Virginia home and is participating in opinions.
If Rehnquist retires it is likely that Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas will be elevated to the Chief Justice position. Harry Reid (D-NV) democrat leader in the Senate is already on record against the nomination of Justice Thomas.
Supreme Court Retirement Coming on Monday? -- 12/13/2004
+Although he conceded the election, a lawyer for Senator John Kerry now wants to review the voting in Ohio.
The November vote in the Buckeye state was certified last Monday by Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell. The Libertarian and Green parties have requested a recount and have raised the funds to pay for it. The recount will not be finished by today when Ohio Electors cast their votes in the Electoral College.
Civil rights activist Jesse Jackson is calling for a full Congressional investigation. That is unlikely to happen.
My Way News
More later.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Reporter Planted Questions
There is a report developing on the Drudge Report that a reporter for the Chattanooga Times Free Press gave questions to the two soldiers dominating the national media.
A email from reporter Edward Pitts tells how he rehearsed the questions with members of 278th Regimental Combat Unit, coerced the sergeant handling the microphone, and, generally, was pleased with himself.
According to the email, reporters from the NY Times and other national media asked Pitts, who is embedded with the 278th, for all of his stories on the unit.
If the soldiers would have asked the questions without coaching and rehearsing from Pitts, there would not be more to the story, but reporters are still supposed to report news not create. Pitts should be removed from his embed, thrown out of Iraq, and fired for manipulating the news. That is a violation of journalistic ethics. Maybe he could apply for a job at CBS.
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�
A email from reporter Edward Pitts tells how he rehearsed the questions with members of 278th Regimental Combat Unit, coerced the sergeant handling the microphone, and, generally, was pleased with himself.
According to the email, reporters from the NY Times and other national media asked Pitts, who is embedded with the 278th, for all of his stories on the unit.
If the soldiers would have asked the questions without coaching and rehearsing from Pitts, there would not be more to the story, but reporters are still supposed to report news not create. Pitts should be removed from his embed, thrown out of Iraq, and fired for manipulating the news. That is a violation of journalistic ethics. Maybe he could apply for a job at CBS.
DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2004�
The Briefing - 12/9/04
There may be more to the firing of Notre Dame football coach, Ty Willingham, than originally thought. ESPN.com reports that the university president Rev. Edward Molloy on Wednesday called the firing an "embarrassment."
"I thought we were going to abide by our precedent, which was a five year window for a coach to display a capacity to be successful within our system and to fit," quoted ESPN.com Molloy as saying in remarks with Sports Business Journal's Intercollegiate Forum in New York.
If the president of the university had disagreements and there was a debate over the firing and its ramifications, why did it go forward. A spokesperson for the university said that Molloy deferred the decision to others due to his upcoming retirement next June.
That really sound fishy. The president of a major university deferring a major decision to go against precedent because of his retirement. It seems that the athletic crowd, who care little if anything about academic progress for athletes, won a small yet devastating victory. A once great university known for its success in the classroom and on the playing fields will, in time, lower it academic standards for athletes and allow athletes to leave without a degree or signifiv=cant progress toward a degree.
It is, indeed, an embarrassment for the university on many levels.
Here are some interesting items.
+The Rev. Jesse Jackson is at it again. It appears that Jackson will not let the 2004 election go.
At an event sponsored in part by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, Jackson said that the election "ain't over" until every vote is "counted and honored."
Jackson told those in attendance that he would be available to help in any investigation. Jackson is also dissatisfied with a group of election observers from Europe that found the election "was generally marked by professionalism and dedication." This was the group that Jackson and others like Conyers depended on to find widespread voter fraud and to throw the election into chaos. Fortunately, that did not happen.
It is time for the far left and Jackson to realize that the election is over, George Bush was re-elected, and there are other more important issues facing the country.
Jesse Jackson: 2004 Election 'Ain't Over' -- 12/08/2004
+The Rev. Al Sharpton is not above making money. Sometimes he will even make money by supporting things he doesn't really believe in.
The DNC reports that Sharpton was paid over $86,000 for air fare and other expenses to campaign for failed presidential candidate, John Kerry.
Sharpton responded, "What am I supposed to do, donate the cost of air fare?"
Well,, Al, if you really believed in the cause, yes you should donate the cost of airfare or any other expenses.
Yahoo! News - Sharpton Was Paid to Aid Kerry Campaign
More later.
"I thought we were going to abide by our precedent, which was a five year window for a coach to display a capacity to be successful within our system and to fit," quoted ESPN.com Molloy as saying in remarks with Sports Business Journal's Intercollegiate Forum in New York.
If the president of the university had disagreements and there was a debate over the firing and its ramifications, why did it go forward. A spokesperson for the university said that Molloy deferred the decision to others due to his upcoming retirement next June.
That really sound fishy. The president of a major university deferring a major decision to go against precedent because of his retirement. It seems that the athletic crowd, who care little if anything about academic progress for athletes, won a small yet devastating victory. A once great university known for its success in the classroom and on the playing fields will, in time, lower it academic standards for athletes and allow athletes to leave without a degree or signifiv=cant progress toward a degree.
It is, indeed, an embarrassment for the university on many levels.
Here are some interesting items.
+The Rev. Jesse Jackson is at it again. It appears that Jackson will not let the 2004 election go.
At an event sponsored in part by Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, Jackson said that the election "ain't over" until every vote is "counted and honored."
Jackson told those in attendance that he would be available to help in any investigation. Jackson is also dissatisfied with a group of election observers from Europe that found the election "was generally marked by professionalism and dedication." This was the group that Jackson and others like Conyers depended on to find widespread voter fraud and to throw the election into chaos. Fortunately, that did not happen.
It is time for the far left and Jackson to realize that the election is over, George Bush was re-elected, and there are other more important issues facing the country.
Jesse Jackson: 2004 Election 'Ain't Over' -- 12/08/2004
+The Rev. Al Sharpton is not above making money. Sometimes he will even make money by supporting things he doesn't really believe in.
The DNC reports that Sharpton was paid over $86,000 for air fare and other expenses to campaign for failed presidential candidate, John Kerry.
Sharpton responded, "What am I supposed to do, donate the cost of air fare?"
Well,, Al, if you really believed in the cause, yes you should donate the cost of airfare or any other expenses.
Yahoo! News - Sharpton Was Paid to Aid Kerry Campaign
More later.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Players and Fans Charged
Both players and fans were charged by Oakland County prosecutors for their roles in the fight between the Indiana Pacers and the Detroit Pistons last month.
All players and fans were charge with assault and battery a misdemeanor which carries a three month jail term and $500 fine. One fan, Bryant Jackson, was charged with felony assault for throwing a chair during the incident. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
Oakland County prosecutor David Gorcyca singled out spectator, John Green, who faces two counts of assault and, according to Gorcyca, "incited this whole interaction between the fans and players and probably is the one that's most culpable." Green is accused of throwing the cup at Pacer's player Ron Artests that led to the fight in the stands.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
All players and fans were charge with assault and battery a misdemeanor which carries a three month jail term and $500 fine. One fan, Bryant Jackson, was charged with felony assault for throwing a chair during the incident. He faces up to four years in prison if convicted.
Oakland County prosecutor David Gorcyca singled out spectator, John Green, who faces two counts of assault and, according to Gorcyca, "incited this whole interaction between the fans and players and probably is the one that's most culpable." Green is accused of throwing the cup at Pacer's player Ron Artests that led to the fight in the stands.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
The Briefing - 12/08/04
The Gallup Organization released it annual poll on ethics and honesty in a variety of professions. At the top of the poll was nurses with over 70%. Physicians scored well with 60%. Those polled continued to believe that journalists both print and elecronic were not very honest or ethical. Electronic journalists were found to be ethical and honest 23% of the time while print journalists only 20%. Coming in last, as usual, car salesmen with 9% of those polled believing they were honest or ethical. This is the third year in a row when journalists scored at this level.
Was it just me or did the network newscasts forget about Pearl Harbor. If there was any story it was very brief and did not emphasize the sacrifice of our men in uniform. One local station in the Chicago market, WYIN-TV, did try to do a story, but the anchor was so confused about the location, the date, and who did the attack. At one point, the anchor described Pearl Harbor as one of the islands in Hawaii. It was pretty worthless.
One person did remember Pearl Harbor. Outgoing DNC Chairman, Terry McAuliffe, issued a statement equating Pearl Harbor and WWII with a popular war, while noting the divisiveness over the current war in Iraq. I guess he just could not put aside partisan politics for just one day.
Dem uses Pearl Harbor to slam GOP - (United Press International)
Here are some interesting items.
+While the US Supreme Court declined to hear a Massachusetts case on same-sex marriage, New York Courts are. A second New York Court has upheld marriage as the union between one man and one women.
An Albany County Justice rejected arguments by thirteen couples that state law against same sex marriage violated due process, equal protection, and freedom of speech guarantees. The thirteen couples included the brother of former tv host Rosie O'Donnell.
The ACLU which brought the case on behalf of the thirteen couples plans to appeal.
New York Court Upholds Traditional Marriage -- 12/08/2004
+In a related item, now that same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, many companies are eliminating benefits for unmarried homosexual couples.
Boston.com / Business / Unmarried gay couples lose health benefits
+There is speculation that charges will be brought against four Indiana Pacers players and five Detroit Piston fans stemming from the basketbrawl last month. Oakland County prosecutors are not saying what the charges are and when they will be filed. Speculation is that with one exception all the charges will be misdemeanor assault and battery.
More later.
Was it just me or did the network newscasts forget about Pearl Harbor. If there was any story it was very brief and did not emphasize the sacrifice of our men in uniform. One local station in the Chicago market, WYIN-TV, did try to do a story, but the anchor was so confused about the location, the date, and who did the attack. At one point, the anchor described Pearl Harbor as one of the islands in Hawaii. It was pretty worthless.
One person did remember Pearl Harbor. Outgoing DNC Chairman, Terry McAuliffe, issued a statement equating Pearl Harbor and WWII with a popular war, while noting the divisiveness over the current war in Iraq. I guess he just could not put aside partisan politics for just one day.
Dem uses Pearl Harbor to slam GOP - (United Press International)
Here are some interesting items.
+While the US Supreme Court declined to hear a Massachusetts case on same-sex marriage, New York Courts are. A second New York Court has upheld marriage as the union between one man and one women.
An Albany County Justice rejected arguments by thirteen couples that state law against same sex marriage violated due process, equal protection, and freedom of speech guarantees. The thirteen couples included the brother of former tv host Rosie O'Donnell.
The ACLU which brought the case on behalf of the thirteen couples plans to appeal.
New York Court Upholds Traditional Marriage -- 12/08/2004
+In a related item, now that same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, many companies are eliminating benefits for unmarried homosexual couples.
Boston.com / Business / Unmarried gay couples lose health benefits
+There is speculation that charges will be brought against four Indiana Pacers players and five Detroit Piston fans stemming from the basketbrawl last month. Oakland County prosecutors are not saying what the charges are and when they will be filed. Speculation is that with one exception all the charges will be misdemeanor assault and battery.
More later.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
The Briefing - 12/07/04
Today is December 7th. A Day that will live in infamy. It is the 63rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The attack that lead to the US involvement in World War 2. Each day over 1000 WW2 veterans die. Let us not forget their sacrifice.
There was a spectacular fire in Chicago last night. The world famous Loop saw another fire in one of its many high rise buildings. The 29th and 30th floors of the LaSalle Bank Building burned as the Chicago Fire Department followed new procedures for high rise fires. The first priority was search and rescue. Unlike the fire at 69 W. Washington 14 months ago, there were few civilian injuries and, so far, no casualties.
While the rescue mission was in full force the fire coming out of the building made for some spectacular live television. Most Chicago stations stayed with the coverage far into the night.
I would say that the best pictures came from Channel 2, but Channel 2 also had the worst reporting and anchoring. Anchor Diane (Bums) Burns continually interrupted officials and reporters with inane comments or comments she just heard from the official or reporter. Anchor Antonio Moro seemed afraid to say much of anything. The most aggressive and interesting comments came from political editor, Mike Flannery.
There, unfortunately, was no station that provided good reporter coverage or commentary.
While the CFD plan for rescue and fire suppression worked fine, there media relations was weak. The CFD spokesman had little information on the activities and refused to answer questions. Pretty worthless. Since there was no information coming from the CFD, reporters and producers used speculation, eyewitness accounts, and rumor to fuel their reports. Very poor reporting exemplified the evening.
Here are some interesting items.
+In January, nine new governors will take office. With a change in the governor's seat comes many changes that cost millions of dollars. From welcome signs to letterhead to signs on doors, anything with the former governor's name must be changed.
Stateline.org has an interesting article on the costs.
Stateline.org: New govs spell change - road sign by road sign..
+Congress may show some integrity and backbone. Over 100 members of Congress are planning to block further funding of the UN. If this happens, it will demonstrate to the UN that the scandals at the UN are important and should be dealt with openly and honestly.
Well, maybe, Congress is just looking to cut something in the budget.
As noted here before, the US should drop all support for the UN, pull out of the UN, and ask the UN to leave the US. How much of this will really happen. Very little, but it is nice to know some members of Congress are anti-corruption.
Congress May Block UN Budget Over Oil-for-Food Probe -- 12/07/2004
+The House is expected to vote on a revised(?) Intelligence Reform Bill. While some Republicans have come on board the new bill, James Sensenbrenner will not vote for the measure. He is still concerned over provisions that will allow illegal immigrants to obtain a drivers license.
There is no doubt that there needs to be reform in the intelligence community, but to allow illegal immigrants to obtain drivers' licenses makes little if any sense.
In a statement Sensenbrenner said, "Americans deserve a ill that can prevent another 9/11." He is right.
House Expected to Vote on Intelligence Reform Bill -- 12/07/2004
+The US Supreme Court will hear an interesting case today. The issue is whether consumers can buy wine directly from vineyards using the phone or the Internet. About half of the states prohibit such purchases.
Yahoo! News - Summary: High Court Hears Wine Dispute
More later.
There was a spectacular fire in Chicago last night. The world famous Loop saw another fire in one of its many high rise buildings. The 29th and 30th floors of the LaSalle Bank Building burned as the Chicago Fire Department followed new procedures for high rise fires. The first priority was search and rescue. Unlike the fire at 69 W. Washington 14 months ago, there were few civilian injuries and, so far, no casualties.
While the rescue mission was in full force the fire coming out of the building made for some spectacular live television. Most Chicago stations stayed with the coverage far into the night.
I would say that the best pictures came from Channel 2, but Channel 2 also had the worst reporting and anchoring. Anchor Diane (Bums) Burns continually interrupted officials and reporters with inane comments or comments she just heard from the official or reporter. Anchor Antonio Moro seemed afraid to say much of anything. The most aggressive and interesting comments came from political editor, Mike Flannery.
There, unfortunately, was no station that provided good reporter coverage or commentary.
While the CFD plan for rescue and fire suppression worked fine, there media relations was weak. The CFD spokesman had little information on the activities and refused to answer questions. Pretty worthless. Since there was no information coming from the CFD, reporters and producers used speculation, eyewitness accounts, and rumor to fuel their reports. Very poor reporting exemplified the evening.
Here are some interesting items.
+In January, nine new governors will take office. With a change in the governor's seat comes many changes that cost millions of dollars. From welcome signs to letterhead to signs on doors, anything with the former governor's name must be changed.
Stateline.org has an interesting article on the costs.
Stateline.org: New govs spell change - road sign by road sign..
+Congress may show some integrity and backbone. Over 100 members of Congress are planning to block further funding of the UN. If this happens, it will demonstrate to the UN that the scandals at the UN are important and should be dealt with openly and honestly.
Well, maybe, Congress is just looking to cut something in the budget.
As noted here before, the US should drop all support for the UN, pull out of the UN, and ask the UN to leave the US. How much of this will really happen. Very little, but it is nice to know some members of Congress are anti-corruption.
Congress May Block UN Budget Over Oil-for-Food Probe -- 12/07/2004
+The House is expected to vote on a revised(?) Intelligence Reform Bill. While some Republicans have come on board the new bill, James Sensenbrenner will not vote for the measure. He is still concerned over provisions that will allow illegal immigrants to obtain a drivers license.
There is no doubt that there needs to be reform in the intelligence community, but to allow illegal immigrants to obtain drivers' licenses makes little if any sense.
In a statement Sensenbrenner said, "Americans deserve a ill that can prevent another 9/11." He is right.
House Expected to Vote on Intelligence Reform Bill -- 12/07/2004
+The US Supreme Court will hear an interesting case today. The issue is whether consumers can buy wine directly from vineyards using the phone or the Internet. About half of the states prohibit such purchases.
Yahoo! News - Summary: High Court Hears Wine Dispute
More later.
Ohio Vote Certified
Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell certified the vote in November's Presidential Election. The final tally showed President Bush with a 119,000 vote margin over Senator John Kerry.
While this is less than the original 130,000 vote margin is will not trigger an automatic recount in the state.
Although Kerry forces are not contesting the outcome, they have joined forces with the Green and Libertarian parties to ask for a recount. Since the vote margin is not enough for an automatic recount, a party or parties requesting the recount must pay for it. The Green and Libertarian parties have already raised the $113,600 required.
Republican sources say the recount is unnecessary and the $113,600 is only a fraction of the real cost of the recount. The Ohio Secretary of State's Office pegs the cost at $1.5 million.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
While this is less than the original 130,000 vote margin is will not trigger an automatic recount in the state.
Although Kerry forces are not contesting the outcome, they have joined forces with the Green and Libertarian parties to ask for a recount. Since the vote margin is not enough for an automatic recount, a party or parties requesting the recount must pay for it. The Green and Libertarian parties have already raised the $113,600 required.
Republican sources say the recount is unnecessary and the $113,600 is only a fraction of the real cost of the recount. The Ohio Secretary of State's Office pegs the cost at $1.5 million.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
Monday, December 06, 2004
The Briefing - 12/6/04
There have not been many posts in the last several days. I was away for a job interview. The prospects look good, but now it's all about waiting and waiting.
Sports has been dominating the news lately. Congress is threatening to pass legislation to curb steroid use in baseball. Like that will ever happen. The rules in baseball are tied very closely to the players contract. That contract specifies the rules for steroid use and cannot be renegotiated until the contract expires in 2006. So, what is Congress going to do? Waste millions of taxpayer dollars having hearings that will result in NOTHING!!!
In other sports news, the University of Notre Dame fired its head football coach after only three years and a winning record. Athletic Director Kevin Smith said that there was great progress in the classroom and between Sunday and Friday, but not enough progress on the field.
This statement should send a red flag to anyone interested in the education of our young adults. It is obvious that Smith and the Notre Dame administration are more interested in athletic greatness than academic progress. It demonstrates the problem in college athletics.
Will the university of Notre Dame lower its academic,ic standards to have a better football team? If Smith's statement is an accurate reflection of the Willingham years, yes and the sooner the better for Smith. Will the university administration support lowering academic standards for athletes? Not publicly, but it would be interesting to see the academic records of future football players. Shame on you Notre Dame. Shame on you for letting tv contracts, alumni donations, and pride get in the way of students getting the high caliber education available at Notre Dame. It is a sad day for the university.
Now here are some interesting items.
+Just when you thought the obstructionist policies of the Senate democrats was on the way out, the new minority leader speaks out against judicial nominees and justices. Harry Reid (D-NV) said on Meet the Press that Justice Clarence Thomas was an "embarrassment."
Reid said that Thomas' opinions were poorly written and thought out. Liberal apologist Tim Russert failed to follow up by asking Reid which opinions were poorly written.
Had this been a white Republican Senator instead of a liberal Democrat, Reid would have been thrown out of his new position. The Democrats, on the other hand, seem to tolerate racial slurs by leaders. I guess Tom Daschle is still in the Senate under a new name.
Justice Thomas is one of the possible nominees for the Chief Justice position if it becomes open.
CNN.com - Dems'�new Senate leader criticizes Justice Thomas - Dec 5, 2004
+Not long ago, Kweisi Mfume retired as the President and CEO of the NAACP. Speculation is that Mfume did not leave voluntarily. Stories are circulating that Mfume was "kicked out" as the result of a long standing feud between Mfume and NAACP Chairman, Julian Bond.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: NAACP Head Mfume Didn't Retire, He Was Booted Out by Armstrong Williams:
More later.
Sports has been dominating the news lately. Congress is threatening to pass legislation to curb steroid use in baseball. Like that will ever happen. The rules in baseball are tied very closely to the players contract. That contract specifies the rules for steroid use and cannot be renegotiated until the contract expires in 2006. So, what is Congress going to do? Waste millions of taxpayer dollars having hearings that will result in NOTHING!!!
In other sports news, the University of Notre Dame fired its head football coach after only three years and a winning record. Athletic Director Kevin Smith said that there was great progress in the classroom and between Sunday and Friday, but not enough progress on the field.
This statement should send a red flag to anyone interested in the education of our young adults. It is obvious that Smith and the Notre Dame administration are more interested in athletic greatness than academic progress. It demonstrates the problem in college athletics.
Will the university of Notre Dame lower its academic,ic standards to have a better football team? If Smith's statement is an accurate reflection of the Willingham years, yes and the sooner the better for Smith. Will the university administration support lowering academic standards for athletes? Not publicly, but it would be interesting to see the academic records of future football players. Shame on you Notre Dame. Shame on you for letting tv contracts, alumni donations, and pride get in the way of students getting the high caliber education available at Notre Dame. It is a sad day for the university.
Now here are some interesting items.
+Just when you thought the obstructionist policies of the Senate democrats was on the way out, the new minority leader speaks out against judicial nominees and justices. Harry Reid (D-NV) said on Meet the Press that Justice Clarence Thomas was an "embarrassment."
Reid said that Thomas' opinions were poorly written and thought out. Liberal apologist Tim Russert failed to follow up by asking Reid which opinions were poorly written.
Had this been a white Republican Senator instead of a liberal Democrat, Reid would have been thrown out of his new position. The Democrats, on the other hand, seem to tolerate racial slurs by leaders. I guess Tom Daschle is still in the Senate under a new name.
Justice Thomas is one of the possible nominees for the Chief Justice position if it becomes open.
CNN.com - Dems'�new Senate leader criticizes Justice Thomas - Dec 5, 2004
+Not long ago, Kweisi Mfume retired as the President and CEO of the NAACP. Speculation is that Mfume did not leave voluntarily. Stories are circulating that Mfume was "kicked out" as the result of a long standing feud between Mfume and NAACP Chairman, Julian Bond.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: NAACP Head Mfume Didn't Retire, He Was Booted Out by Armstrong Williams:
More later.
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Getting ready for Court fight=The Hill.com=
It does not matter who President Bush nominates to the Supreme Court or any other Federal Court, the battle over confirmation will continue.
If the ailing Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist decides to retire soon after the first of the year, well-funded liberal groups will fight any nominee considered conservative. Conservative groups and most Senate Republicans will fight any liberal activist nomination. It is, however, highly unlikely that the President would nominate an activist judge.
Then there is Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), slated to be the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee. What will he do? Will he keep his promise to support the President's choices? Or will he return to his statements of not supporting judges or nominees that oppose Roe v. Wade?
Only time will tell and it will be a battle for the Court.
Getting ready for Court fight=The Hill.com=
If the ailing Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist decides to retire soon after the first of the year, well-funded liberal groups will fight any nominee considered conservative. Conservative groups and most Senate Republicans will fight any liberal activist nomination. It is, however, highly unlikely that the President would nominate an activist judge.
Then there is Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA), slated to be the head of the Senate Judiciary Committee. What will he do? Will he keep his promise to support the President's choices? Or will he return to his statements of not supporting judges or nominees that oppose Roe v. Wade?
Only time will tell and it will be a battle for the Court.
Getting ready for Court fight=The Hill.com=
It's Dr. Rice, Not Dr. Dre by Ann Coulter
This week's column from Ann Coulter.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: It's Dr. Rice, Not Dr. Dre by Ann Coulter
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: It's Dr. Rice, Not Dr. Dre by Ann Coulter
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Charges to be Filed in BasketBrawk
Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca told the Detroit News that charges would be filed against players and fans involved in the November 19th brawl at the Pacers-Pistons game.
Gorcyca did not discuss specific charges and who would be charged. It is likely that players serving a lengthy suspension would be among those charged. Charges are likely to include assault and battery.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
Gorcyca did not discuss specific charges and who would be charged. It is likely that players serving a lengthy suspension would be among those charged. Charges are likely to include assault and battery.
Netscape ISP Homepage - News Story
Daily Briefing - 11/30/04
Two more resignations of note to report.
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is planning to step down. This would be the perfect chance for the Bush Administration to add Rudy Giuliani to the team. Giuliani has said that he is currently not interested in a Washington job, but would consider any request from the President.
CNSNews.com -- News This Hour
The President of the NAACP Kweisi Mfume will be stepping down from his post with the civil rights organization. Before his tenure at the NAACP, Mfume was a Congressman. Will he re-enter politics?
USATODAY.com
Here are some other interesting items.
+The Rev. Jesse Jackson is at it again. Jackson appeared in Ohio to demonize the current Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, an African American, for following state law in Ohio for recounts.
Jackson says that Blackwell is hiding the vote as part of a Republican conspiracy to steal another election. According to Jackson, “We can live with losing an election! We cannot live with fraud and stealing!!!"
What he is really saying is that he and other leftists cannot live with an election that they lose.
Jackson is also demanding that Blackwell step aside and let Jackson take over the recount. Jesse would you just take your lack of credibility and common sense and go away.
Recount efforts by the libertarian party and others are expanding to New Mexico.
Leftist Jesse Jackson Claims GOP "Fraud And Theft"
More later.
Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge is planning to step down. This would be the perfect chance for the Bush Administration to add Rudy Giuliani to the team. Giuliani has said that he is currently not interested in a Washington job, but would consider any request from the President.
CNSNews.com -- News This Hour
The President of the NAACP Kweisi Mfume will be stepping down from his post with the civil rights organization. Before his tenure at the NAACP, Mfume was a Congressman. Will he re-enter politics?
USATODAY.com
Here are some other interesting items.
+The Rev. Jesse Jackson is at it again. Jackson appeared in Ohio to demonize the current Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell, an African American, for following state law in Ohio for recounts.
Jackson says that Blackwell is hiding the vote as part of a Republican conspiracy to steal another election. According to Jackson, “We can live with losing an election! We cannot live with fraud and stealing!!!"
What he is really saying is that he and other leftists cannot live with an election that they lose.
Jackson is also demanding that Blackwell step aside and let Jackson take over the recount. Jesse would you just take your lack of credibility and common sense and go away.
Recount efforts by the libertarian party and others are expanding to New Mexico.
Leftist Jesse Jackson Claims GOP "Fraud And Theft"
More later.
Monday, November 29, 2004
Kerry in 2008?
Will John Kerry run for President in 2008? Likely say some members of the Democratic Caucus.
Over the past few weeks, Kerry has been activley supporting Iowa Governor, Tom Vislick, for the Chairman of the DNC. Sources say that Kerry has met with many members of the House bolstering support for the Iowa Givernor.
With this level of involvement in the search for a new chairman, house members are speculating that this is the first and strongest indication that Kerry will run. Outgoing chairman, Terry McAuliffe, was the hand picked choice of former President Bill Clinton. But with three failed elections, McAuliffe will not be returning to the party leadership.
There is just one problem with Kerry's support of Vislick. Today, Vislick issued a statement saying he is no longer interested in pursuing the position. What will this do to Kerry's support? Just give hime a few moments and he'll change candidates.
Who else wants to be DNC Chair? None other than the Iowa screamer, Howard Dean. Most House members are cool to Dean since they believe he will run again in 2008.
Members believe Kerry preparing for 2008 run=The Hill.com=
Over the past few weeks, Kerry has been activley supporting Iowa Governor, Tom Vislick, for the Chairman of the DNC. Sources say that Kerry has met with many members of the House bolstering support for the Iowa Givernor.
With this level of involvement in the search for a new chairman, house members are speculating that this is the first and strongest indication that Kerry will run. Outgoing chairman, Terry McAuliffe, was the hand picked choice of former President Bill Clinton. But with three failed elections, McAuliffe will not be returning to the party leadership.
There is just one problem with Kerry's support of Vislick. Today, Vislick issued a statement saying he is no longer interested in pursuing the position. What will this do to Kerry's support? Just give hime a few moments and he'll change candidates.
Who else wants to be DNC Chair? None other than the Iowa screamer, Howard Dean. Most House members are cool to Dean since they believe he will run again in 2008.
Members believe Kerry preparing for 2008 run=The Hill.com=
Rather Replacements?
It is unlikely that CBS will go outside of the network to find Dan Rather's replacement. If they did, two NBC hosts are on the "wishlist," Matt Laurer and Tim Russert.
Of the two, Russert has journalism experience and is a good host of "Meet the Press." Russert does have his shortcomings. While it is unlikely that Russert would use forged dopcuments in a story to undermine the election, his liberal bias shows every week on "Meet the Press" and was a dominante feature of his election reports. Russert, like the Rather team, would maintain the liberal status-quo at CBS.
Hopefully, no sane executive at CBS would consider Matt Laurer for anything above office boy. Laurer would move CBS farther to the left and has lost much of his credfibility after comparing the founding fathers to terrorists.
By including Laurer and Russert on any list demonstrates that CBS president Leslie Moonves is serious about shaking up CBS News, this would conitnue the liberal bias that CBS News is now known for. These are not the guys.
In fact, CBS executives should look to remove the entire Rather regime and start over fresh.
MSNBC - Wishing on a Star
Of the two, Russert has journalism experience and is a good host of "Meet the Press." Russert does have his shortcomings. While it is unlikely that Russert would use forged dopcuments in a story to undermine the election, his liberal bias shows every week on "Meet the Press" and was a dominante feature of his election reports. Russert, like the Rather team, would maintain the liberal status-quo at CBS.
Hopefully, no sane executive at CBS would consider Matt Laurer for anything above office boy. Laurer would move CBS farther to the left and has lost much of his credfibility after comparing the founding fathers to terrorists.
By including Laurer and Russert on any list demonstrates that CBS president Leslie Moonves is serious about shaking up CBS News, this would conitnue the liberal bias that CBS News is now known for. These are not the guys.
In fact, CBS executives should look to remove the entire Rather regime and start over fresh.
MSNBC - Wishing on a Star
How Kerry whistleblower suffered for truth
After his lost John Kerry will continue to have a seat in the Senate, his crazy wife, Teresa, several mansions, and a pile of money left over from the campaign. One of Kerry's "Brothers" is not so lucky.
Steve Gardner, one of two Swift boat "brothers," did not stand with Kerry at the DNC. In fact, Gardner went around the country telling the true story of Lt. (jg) John F. Kerry. That truth has led to Gardner losing his job, threatened by one of Kerry's operatives, and is now nearly broke.
I guess Kerry won one victory on the campaign, the destruction of someone who knows the truth about Kerry.
How Kerry whistleblower suffered for truth
Steve Gardner, one of two Swift boat "brothers," did not stand with Kerry at the DNC. In fact, Gardner went around the country telling the true story of Lt. (jg) John F. Kerry. That truth has led to Gardner losing his job, threatened by one of Kerry's operatives, and is now nearly broke.
I guess Kerry won one victory on the campaign, the destruction of someone who knows the truth about Kerry.
How Kerry whistleblower suffered for truth
Bill O'Reilly: Dan got smeared
During the P{residential campaign, the "no" spin from Bill O"Reilly seemed like it was spinning in favor of Kerry. Although Kerry refused to be interviewed bu O'Reilly, many of his Talking Points seem more critical of the Bush Administration. By the way, Bill, President Bush did sit with you for an interview. The interview was mostly fair.
Now, O'Reilly, is just being silly. In a column in the New York Post, O"Reilly is supporting Dan Rather. He now says that Rather was smeared. No, Bill, Rather smeared himself.
Rather smeared himself in the liberal mantra. He chose to use forged documents in a 60 Minutes story. He chose not to refute the documents even after they were proven to be forged. He told the Chicago Tribune that he still believes in the documents authenticity. Rather and producer, Mary Mapes, have been after this story for four year and, until the forgeries, were going nowhere with it.
In recent years, Rather has become a charicature of himself using more puns than a Seinfeld clone.
Sorry, Bill, you are backing the wrong horse in this race. Rather and CBS News have lost most, if not all, it credibility because of the tactics and poor journalistic standards enforced by Rather.
New York Daily News - Home - Bill O'Reilly: Dan got smeared
Now, O'Reilly, is just being silly. In a column in the New York Post, O"Reilly is supporting Dan Rather. He now says that Rather was smeared. No, Bill, Rather smeared himself.
Rather smeared himself in the liberal mantra. He chose to use forged documents in a 60 Minutes story. He chose not to refute the documents even after they were proven to be forged. He told the Chicago Tribune that he still believes in the documents authenticity. Rather and producer, Mary Mapes, have been after this story for four year and, until the forgeries, were going nowhere with it.
In recent years, Rather has become a charicature of himself using more puns than a Seinfeld clone.
Sorry, Bill, you are backing the wrong horse in this race. Rather and CBS News have lost most, if not all, it credibility because of the tactics and poor journalistic standards enforced by Rather.
New York Daily News - Home - Bill O'Reilly: Dan got smeared
The Briefing - 11/29/04
Well, the first major holiday has passed. I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Mine was very good.
Other than the continual promo for Tom Brokaw on NBC, it was a relatively slow news weekend. Shoppers were shopping, the weather chose not to cooperate in several locations, and football was football.
Here are some interesting items.
+Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will not be returning to the Supreme Court for the two week session beginning today. He continues to receive treatment for thyroid cancer. Chief Justice Rehnquist is working from his Virginia home with the help of his clerks and other personnel. The Chief Justice is listening to oral arguments and weighing in with his opinion.
While there will be a full Supreme Court Watch report later this week, the most interesting case involves medical marijuana. More importantly, two cases where state law conflict with Federal law.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Supreme Court to hear marijuana case
More later.
Other than the continual promo for Tom Brokaw on NBC, it was a relatively slow news weekend. Shoppers were shopping, the weather chose not to cooperate in several locations, and football was football.
Here are some interesting items.
+Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist will not be returning to the Supreme Court for the two week session beginning today. He continues to receive treatment for thyroid cancer. Chief Justice Rehnquist is working from his Virginia home with the help of his clerks and other personnel. The Chief Justice is listening to oral arguments and weighing in with his opinion.
While there will be a full Supreme Court Watch report later this week, the most interesting case involves medical marijuana. More importantly, two cases where state law conflict with Federal law.
Boston.com / News / Nation / Washington / Supreme Court to hear marijuana case
More later.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
ABC News: Dan Rather to Leave 'CBS Evening News'
Embattled CBS News anchor Dan Rather will be leaving his anchor and managing editor position with the CBS Evening News in March 2005.
Rather is mostly noted for his attempt to influence the Presidential election by portraying obviously forged documents as genuine. That story was part of a 60 Minutes Wednesday and produced by Bush hater, Mary Mapes.
In a CBS statement Rather claims that he and the network began to discuss his move in the summer. This is highly unlikely and probably more Rather blather.
After the use of the forged documents, CBS formed a investigative team to look into the issue. It report due shortly after the election is still no where to be seen. While Rather insists this was of his own choosing, it is likely that Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone was instrumental in the change.
Rather will continue as a reporter for 60 Minutes.
Who will replace Rather? It will be someone that Rather chooses and approves. Will the change in anchors help CBS?
No, the Rathergate debacle has permanently damaged the credibility of CBS News and all of its personnel. It will continue to be known as a very liberal news organization and one that tried to influence an election much lack Move On.org and other left-wing Bush haters.
ABC News: Dan Rather to Leave 'CBS Evening News'
Rather is mostly noted for his attempt to influence the Presidential election by portraying obviously forged documents as genuine. That story was part of a 60 Minutes Wednesday and produced by Bush hater, Mary Mapes.
In a CBS statement Rather claims that he and the network began to discuss his move in the summer. This is highly unlikely and probably more Rather blather.
After the use of the forged documents, CBS formed a investigative team to look into the issue. It report due shortly after the election is still no where to be seen. While Rather insists this was of his own choosing, it is likely that Viacom CEO Sumner Redstone was instrumental in the change.
Rather will continue as a reporter for 60 Minutes.
Who will replace Rather? It will be someone that Rather chooses and approves. Will the change in anchors help CBS?
No, the Rathergate debacle has permanently damaged the credibility of CBS News and all of its personnel. It will continue to be known as a very liberal news organization and one that tried to influence an election much lack Move On.org and other left-wing Bush haters.
ABC News: Dan Rather to Leave 'CBS Evening News'
Tidbits - 11/23/04
It is often said that Congressional staff, not elected members of Congress that create legislation and simply tell Representatives and Senators how to vote.
The amount of reading that a Congressman would need to do to understand everything he or she voted for or against would take longer than 24 hours everyday. So, many times Congressman are voting for something they have not read, do not understand, and, more often than not, do not care about.
Well, sometimes this comes back to bite the members hard. Case in point, here is a sentence from the Omnibus budget bill passed over the weekend.
"Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the disclosure of income tax returns or return information, upon written request of the Chairman of the House or Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall allow agents designated by such Chairman access to Internal Revenue Service facilities and any tax returns or return information contained therein."
In essence it allows a Congressman or Senator to look at YOUR tax returns.
When asked by reporters, 75% did not know about the provision. So much for the right of privacy of IRS records.
--
Here are some interesting items.
+The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been looking closely at the claims of America OnLine (AOL) during its sale to Time-Warner. The SEC has noted irregularities in AOL's accounting practices and that revenue was overstated.
After years of investigations, Time Warner and the SEC are close to an agreement which will cost the media giant $750 Million. As part of the agreement, AOL nor Time Warner will admit to wrongdoing.
Let's see SEC investigation, payment of millions, but not responsible. Sorry Time Warner, if you pay the fine, you did the crime.
+Indiana Pacer forward Ron Artest released a statement yesterday concerning his suspension. If you read it, it sounds like Artest is not taking responsibility for his actions. What would you expect from a pampered athlete.
ESPN.com - NBA - Artest: Ban too long; not first time things flung
In a related story, former UCLA standout Bill Walton says that the suspensions are too lenient and the incident hurt the home of the NBA>
ESPN.com - NBA - Walton: Punishment too lenient
More later.
The amount of reading that a Congressman would need to do to understand everything he or she voted for or against would take longer than 24 hours everyday. So, many times Congressman are voting for something they have not read, do not understand, and, more often than not, do not care about.
Well, sometimes this comes back to bite the members hard. Case in point, here is a sentence from the Omnibus budget bill passed over the weekend.
"Hereinafter, notwithstanding any other provision of law governing the disclosure of income tax returns or return information, upon written request of the Chairman of the House or Senate Committee on Appropriations, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service shall allow agents designated by such Chairman access to Internal Revenue Service facilities and any tax returns or return information contained therein."
In essence it allows a Congressman or Senator to look at YOUR tax returns.
When asked by reporters, 75% did not know about the provision. So much for the right of privacy of IRS records.
--
Here are some interesting items.
+The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been looking closely at the claims of America OnLine (AOL) during its sale to Time-Warner. The SEC has noted irregularities in AOL's accounting practices and that revenue was overstated.
After years of investigations, Time Warner and the SEC are close to an agreement which will cost the media giant $750 Million. As part of the agreement, AOL nor Time Warner will admit to wrongdoing.
Let's see SEC investigation, payment of millions, but not responsible. Sorry Time Warner, if you pay the fine, you did the crime.
+Indiana Pacer forward Ron Artest released a statement yesterday concerning his suspension. If you read it, it sounds like Artest is not taking responsibility for his actions. What would you expect from a pampered athlete.
ESPN.com - NBA - Artest: Ban too long; not first time things flung
In a related story, former UCLA standout Bill Walton says that the suspensions are too lenient and the incident hurt the home of the NBA>
ESPN.com - NBA - Walton: Punishment too lenient
More later.
Monday, November 22, 2004
The Problem With the NBA
Without a true national superstar and declining attendance, the National Basketball Association (NBS) was hoping for a smooth season with little or no controversy. That hope ended Friday night at the Pacers-Pistons game in Detroit.
With less than a minute in the game Indiana's Ron Artest and others become involved in the biggest brawl involving fans in history. The tape of the incident has been shown countless times all over the media. It shows an out of control Artest storming the stands and confronting and beating fans. It was, as many say, deplorable,
To its credit the NBA took swift and harsh action against Artest and other members of the Pacers and the Pistons. Artest is out for the season. Other Pacer players are out for as long as 30 games and a player for the Pistons is out for 6 games. The NBA's decision for the suspensions "without" pay is admirable.
The actions of Artest and others is a symptom of other problems in the NBA. The NBA was the first professional sports organization to draft undergraduate, non-graduates, and high school players. This has left the NBA with under-educated and uneducated players. If has left the NBA with very rich young men who do not understand how to behave professionally. You only have to look at the Kobe Bryant case to understand the inability for some NBA players to understand society's rules and prohibitions. Bryant's case is only the tip of the iceberg.
Other NBA players have been involved in murder, drugs, and other crimes. To its credit, the NBA has taken measures against most of these players. You do, however, need to wonder why Michael Jordan was NEVER looked at by the NBA for his gambling habits. Did Jordan ever bet on the NBA or the Bulls? No one knows because there was no investigation.
The NBA did the right thing in this case. Now Artest will have the time to work on his rap album. Will Artest return to the court? It is unlikely that Artest will return to the Pacers. Too many problems, too many times. What other team will take him? Who knows.
NBA.com: NBA Announces Suspensions From Pistons-Pacers Game
With less than a minute in the game Indiana's Ron Artest and others become involved in the biggest brawl involving fans in history. The tape of the incident has been shown countless times all over the media. It shows an out of control Artest storming the stands and confronting and beating fans. It was, as many say, deplorable,
To its credit the NBA took swift and harsh action against Artest and other members of the Pacers and the Pistons. Artest is out for the season. Other Pacer players are out for as long as 30 games and a player for the Pistons is out for 6 games. The NBA's decision for the suspensions "without" pay is admirable.
The actions of Artest and others is a symptom of other problems in the NBA. The NBA was the first professional sports organization to draft undergraduate, non-graduates, and high school players. This has left the NBA with under-educated and uneducated players. If has left the NBA with very rich young men who do not understand how to behave professionally. You only have to look at the Kobe Bryant case to understand the inability for some NBA players to understand society's rules and prohibitions. Bryant's case is only the tip of the iceberg.
Other NBA players have been involved in murder, drugs, and other crimes. To its credit, the NBA has taken measures against most of these players. You do, however, need to wonder why Michael Jordan was NEVER looked at by the NBA for his gambling habits. Did Jordan ever bet on the NBA or the Bulls? No one knows because there was no investigation.
The NBA did the right thing in this case. Now Artest will have the time to work on his rap album. Will Artest return to the court? It is unlikely that Artest will return to the Pacers. Too many problems, too many times. What other team will take him? Who knows.
NBA.com: NBA Announces Suspensions From Pistons-Pacers Game
Tidbits - 11/22/04
Before I forget, today is the 41st anniversary of the assasination of President John F. Kennedy. A day that changed America forever and not always for the best.
The assassination made it possible for America to become deeply involved in Vietnam resulting in the sacrifice of 58,000 men and women. The Kennedy Presidency encouraged a young Arkansas boy, Bill Clinton, to become president and damage the office like no one else.
It was a bad day then and it is a bad day now.
Here are some interesting items.
+A conservative group, Move America Forward, wants the UN out of the US. With a petition drive and television commercial, the organization is calling for the UN to leave the US. It describes the UN as a corrupt organization that did not support the US war on terrorism and is an impediment to democracy.
Last week, I noted on this blog that the US should pull out of the UN, but this idea has some additional merit.
UN Out of US, Petition Drive Says -- 11/22/2004
+Liberals like to criticize the Bush Administration for being to "cozy" with the Saudis and other Arab nations.
It would appear that short-term memory loss is part of being liberal and a Clinton supporter. Records indicate that a portion of the $165 million Bubbahland was funded by the Saudis and other Arab countries.
How soon they forget.
Saudis, Arabs Funneled Millions to President Clinton's Library - November 22, 2004 - The New York Sun
More later.
The assassination made it possible for America to become deeply involved in Vietnam resulting in the sacrifice of 58,000 men and women. The Kennedy Presidency encouraged a young Arkansas boy, Bill Clinton, to become president and damage the office like no one else.
It was a bad day then and it is a bad day now.
Here are some interesting items.
+A conservative group, Move America Forward, wants the UN out of the US. With a petition drive and television commercial, the organization is calling for the UN to leave the US. It describes the UN as a corrupt organization that did not support the US war on terrorism and is an impediment to democracy.
Last week, I noted on this blog that the US should pull out of the UN, but this idea has some additional merit.
UN Out of US, Petition Drive Says -- 11/22/2004
+Liberals like to criticize the Bush Administration for being to "cozy" with the Saudis and other Arab nations.
It would appear that short-term memory loss is part of being liberal and a Clinton supporter. Records indicate that a portion of the $165 million Bubbahland was funded by the Saudis and other Arab countries.
How soon they forget.
Saudis, Arabs Funneled Millions to President Clinton's Library - November 22, 2004 - The New York Sun
More later.
Saturday, November 20, 2004
Judiciary Republicans pledge unanimous support for Specter=The Hill.com=
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) is poised to become the next chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee colleagues have pledge their support to Specter.
In exchange, Specter has agreed not to block any of President Bush's nominees or legislation on tort reform.
Judiciary Republicans pledge unanimous support for Specter=The Hill.com=
In exchange, Specter has agreed not to block any of President Bush's nominees or legislation on tort reform.
Judiciary Republicans pledge unanimous support for Specter=The Hill.com=
Friday, November 19, 2004
Supreme Court Watch
It was a light week for the Justices of the Supreme Court. There were no oral arguments, the Court refused to hear cases on cock-fighting, and the Court reversed a Texas death penalty case.
Cases considered - -
The Court declined to review an Oklahoma case concerning cock-fighting. Oklahoma voters favored a ban on the blood sport in 2002. Several Oklahoma Courts have upheld the decision of the voters.
The case is Tally v. Oklahoma, 04-329
Yahoo! News - Court Steers Clear of Cockfighting Case
The Court also declined to hear a case involving K-Mart. The Court let stand a lower court ruling that K-Mart that declared K-Mart has no authority to pay "critical" vendors while under bankruptcy protection.
The cases are Irving Pulp & Paper v. Capital Factors, 04-181, Knight-Ridder v. Capital Factors, 03-1581, and Handleman Co. v. Capital Factors et al, 03-1583.
Yahoo! News - Court Declines to Step Into Kmart Dispute
The Court also let stand a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that an adoptive couple did not have to return their adopted son to a Missouri women who claims she is the birth mother.
The case is C.M.C. v. G.A.L., 04-184
Yahoo! News - Supreme Court Declines Adoption Dispute
Rulings - -
The Supreme Court overturned the death penalty of a Texas man because the trial court did not consider his learning disability and other evidence.
In another Texas case, the Supreme Court ordered an appeals court to consider whether a Texas inmate should get a chance to challenge his conviction based on the jury not being able to hear evidence of his troubled childhood and emotional disease.
The cases are Smith v. Texas, 04-5323, and Abdul-Kabir v. Dretke, 04-5876.
Yahoo! News - Court Throws Out Texas Death Sentence
Upcoming oral arguments - -
Arguments are scheduled for the week of November 29, 2004 for the following cases.
Ashcroft v. Raich
Docket No. 03-1454
Howell v. Mississippi
Docket No. 03-9560
Whitfield v. United States
Docket No. 03-1293
and
Hall v. United States
Docket No. 03-1294
Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education
Docket No. 02-1672
Since there will be no activity in the Court the week of November 22, 2004 due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Supreme Court Watch will return on Friday, December 3, 2004.
Cases considered - -
The Court declined to review an Oklahoma case concerning cock-fighting. Oklahoma voters favored a ban on the blood sport in 2002. Several Oklahoma Courts have upheld the decision of the voters.
The case is Tally v. Oklahoma, 04-329
Yahoo! News - Court Steers Clear of Cockfighting Case
The Court also declined to hear a case involving K-Mart. The Court let stand a lower court ruling that K-Mart that declared K-Mart has no authority to pay "critical" vendors while under bankruptcy protection.
The cases are Irving Pulp & Paper v. Capital Factors, 04-181, Knight-Ridder v. Capital Factors, 03-1581, and Handleman Co. v. Capital Factors et al, 03-1583.
Yahoo! News - Court Declines to Step Into Kmart Dispute
The Court also let stand a ruling by the Colorado Supreme Court that an adoptive couple did not have to return their adopted son to a Missouri women who claims she is the birth mother.
The case is C.M.C. v. G.A.L., 04-184
Yahoo! News - Supreme Court Declines Adoption Dispute
Rulings - -
The Supreme Court overturned the death penalty of a Texas man because the trial court did not consider his learning disability and other evidence.
In another Texas case, the Supreme Court ordered an appeals court to consider whether a Texas inmate should get a chance to challenge his conviction based on the jury not being able to hear evidence of his troubled childhood and emotional disease.
The cases are Smith v. Texas, 04-5323, and Abdul-Kabir v. Dretke, 04-5876.
Yahoo! News - Court Throws Out Texas Death Sentence
Upcoming oral arguments - -
Arguments are scheduled for the week of November 29, 2004 for the following cases.
Ashcroft v. Raich
Docket No. 03-1454
Howell v. Mississippi
Docket No. 03-9560
Whitfield v. United States
Docket No. 03-1293
and
Hall v. United States
Docket No. 03-1294
Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education
Docket No. 02-1672
Since there will be no activity in the Court the week of November 22, 2004 due to the Thanksgiving holiday, Supreme Court Watch will return on Friday, December 3, 2004.
Tidbits - 11/19/04
Here are some interesting items.
+A Madison, Wisconsin, radio host calls Condoleeze Rice and "Aunt Jamima." John "Sly" Sylvester said he was referring to the subservient role that black have in the Bush Administration. Sylvester has also referred to Colin Powell as an "Uncle Tome." A term used to describe blacks as fawning over whites. Sylvester is white also said that he was using terms that singer Harry Belafonte used to describe how any African-American would be able to gain access to power.
Totally unacceptable.
Las Vegas SUN: Radio Host Calls Rice 'Aunt Jemima'
+Shortly before the election former anchor, Walter Cronkite, told the American people that Karl Rove somehow convinced Osama Bin Laden to produce the tape released before the election to scare voters. At that time, we said that Walter was a bit over the edge and should no longer speak publicly.
Well, Walter now has a companion in is inappropriate tirade against the Bush Administration. Cuban leader Fidel Castro agrees with Cronkite. Only Fidel says that it was George Bush who convinced bin Laden to make the tape.
Yahoo! News - Castro Raises Doubts About Bin Laden Tape
More later.
+A Madison, Wisconsin, radio host calls Condoleeze Rice and "Aunt Jamima." John "Sly" Sylvester said he was referring to the subservient role that black have in the Bush Administration. Sylvester has also referred to Colin Powell as an "Uncle Tome." A term used to describe blacks as fawning over whites. Sylvester is white also said that he was using terms that singer Harry Belafonte used to describe how any African-American would be able to gain access to power.
Totally unacceptable.
Las Vegas SUN: Radio Host Calls Rice 'Aunt Jemima'
+Shortly before the election former anchor, Walter Cronkite, told the American people that Karl Rove somehow convinced Osama Bin Laden to produce the tape released before the election to scare voters. At that time, we said that Walter was a bit over the edge and should no longer speak publicly.
Well, Walter now has a companion in is inappropriate tirade against the Bush Administration. Cuban leader Fidel Castro agrees with Cronkite. Only Fidel says that it was George Bush who convinced bin Laden to make the tape.
Yahoo! News - Castro Raises Doubts About Bin Laden Tape
More later.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
The Loss That Keeps on Giving! by Ann Coulter
Here is this week's column by Ann Coulter.
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: The Loss That Keeps on Giving! by Ann Coulter
HUMAN EVENTS ONLINE :: The Loss That Keeps on Giving! by Ann Coulter
Tidbits - 11/18/04
The media was blasted from several sides yesterday. One criticism very much deserved, the other came from a former candidate seeking more publicity.
Howard Dean, better known for screeching than making sense, criticized news agencies for failing to "maintain democracy." Speaking at Yale, the former presidential candidate said that news agencies have lost their objectivity. Come to think of it, this is one of the few times I would agree with Dean. But the news media usually loses its objectivity in favor of left wingers like Dean.
Perhaps this is a case of biting the hand . . .
WorldNetDaily: Howard Dean: News agencies fail America
ABC is in a bit of trouble. While trying to cross promote Monday Night Football and its new show Desperate Wives, ABC used a naked Nicolette Sheridan and an Eagles football player in a scene that many see as pornographic or racist.
ABC apologized for the incident, but its statement lacked credibility or sincerity. In this case the network and the NFL were fully aware of the content of the promo.
The FCC is currently looking into the matter. Could there be a fine for the Mouse House and its owned stations? If the FCC is consistent in its rulings, yes and possibly bigger than the recent Viacom fine. While Viacom denied knowledge of the Janet Jackson planned incident, ABC cannot. This fine may, and should, be larger and possibly endanger license renewals for ABC stations.
In a related matter, the coach of the Indianapolis Colts said that he does not want his team appearing on MNF. Hey coach, if the league schedules you will you refuse to play? Now that would be interesting.
WorldNetDaily: FCC chief slams ABC over raunchy television
Here are some interesting items.
+Poor Linda Ronstadt. Her singing career is faltering. Her audience are booing her political comments. Now Ronstadt says that voting for the Republicans is similar to events that happened in Nazi Germany.
Isn't she lucky that she lives in a country that allows her to make such stupid and inappropriate remarks. If the US, under any administration, was like Nazi Germany, Ronstadt would be in jail or worse.
The fact that some media outlets, in this case USA Today, continue to interview left wing nutjobs, like Ronstadt, prove the liberal bias in the media.
WorldNetDaily: Linda Ronstadt laments 'new bunch of Hitlers'
+Today is the grand opening of "BubbahLand" or the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.
The taxpayer funded building houses a variety of exhibits including one of the controversies and scandals during the Clinton years. Unfortunately, the Clinton Library, like Clinton himself, do not put the responsibility for the scandals where it should rest, on Bill Clinton. Instead the controversies are lumped together and sanitized to a Clinton perspective under the heading of the "politics of persecution."
Yes, the vast right-wing conspiracy is alive and well at the Clinton Library. Unfortunately, truth and history are not included. If future scholars are looking at the Clinton Presidency, they should avoid "BubbahLand."
My Way News
More later.
Howard Dean, better known for screeching than making sense, criticized news agencies for failing to "maintain democracy." Speaking at Yale, the former presidential candidate said that news agencies have lost their objectivity. Come to think of it, this is one of the few times I would agree with Dean. But the news media usually loses its objectivity in favor of left wingers like Dean.
Perhaps this is a case of biting the hand . . .
WorldNetDaily: Howard Dean: News agencies fail America
ABC is in a bit of trouble. While trying to cross promote Monday Night Football and its new show Desperate Wives, ABC used a naked Nicolette Sheridan and an Eagles football player in a scene that many see as pornographic or racist.
ABC apologized for the incident, but its statement lacked credibility or sincerity. In this case the network and the NFL were fully aware of the content of the promo.
The FCC is currently looking into the matter. Could there be a fine for the Mouse House and its owned stations? If the FCC is consistent in its rulings, yes and possibly bigger than the recent Viacom fine. While Viacom denied knowledge of the Janet Jackson planned incident, ABC cannot. This fine may, and should, be larger and possibly endanger license renewals for ABC stations.
In a related matter, the coach of the Indianapolis Colts said that he does not want his team appearing on MNF. Hey coach, if the league schedules you will you refuse to play? Now that would be interesting.
WorldNetDaily: FCC chief slams ABC over raunchy television
Here are some interesting items.
+Poor Linda Ronstadt. Her singing career is faltering. Her audience are booing her political comments. Now Ronstadt says that voting for the Republicans is similar to events that happened in Nazi Germany.
Isn't she lucky that she lives in a country that allows her to make such stupid and inappropriate remarks. If the US, under any administration, was like Nazi Germany, Ronstadt would be in jail or worse.
The fact that some media outlets, in this case USA Today, continue to interview left wing nutjobs, like Ronstadt, prove the liberal bias in the media.
WorldNetDaily: Linda Ronstadt laments 'new bunch of Hitlers'
+Today is the grand opening of "BubbahLand" or the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock.
The taxpayer funded building houses a variety of exhibits including one of the controversies and scandals during the Clinton years. Unfortunately, the Clinton Library, like Clinton himself, do not put the responsibility for the scandals where it should rest, on Bill Clinton. Instead the controversies are lumped together and sanitized to a Clinton perspective under the heading of the "politics of persecution."
Yes, the vast right-wing conspiracy is alive and well at the Clinton Library. Unfortunately, truth and history are not included. If future scholars are looking at the Clinton Presidency, they should avoid "BubbahLand."
My Way News
More later.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)