Saturday, March 13, 2004
Light Posting Day
I've got a class to go to, as well as a girlfriend to pamper and a dog to play with. It's my (somewhat) free day, and I'm going to enjoy it. I'll see you all tomorrow, unless I find something so outrageous that I just have to scream about it.
Idiocy is World Wide.
We in America have our "Blame America First" people, and Spain has the equivalent.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Go check it out at Insignificant Thoughts.
Hat tip to RNS.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Go check it out at Insignificant Thoughts.
Hat tip to RNS.
Friday, March 12, 2004
More Linky Love
Reader Dana L. sent me a couple of links that made me chuckle.
The Loony Awards
35 Principals of Being a Good Democrat
The Loony Awards
35 Principals of Being a Good Democrat
Another Reason for Home Schooling.
Girl is harassed by bullies. Girl complains to school admin. Bullies are questioned. Girl is expelled.
Does anyone truly remember how bad bullying can be? I do. As much as it pains me to say it, I can understand when kids react violently to bullies. As wrong as it might be, I can understand what drove the Columbine killers.
Is that wrong? Probably. But every person reaches a point where they break. As you grow older, that point is farther and farther away. But young kids haven't reached that level yet. They're still close to the breaking point.
In my highschool, I saw kids abused just about every way possible. I certainly wasn't the biggest kid there, so I got my share of crap. I learned that if I went psycho at the first hint of provocation, I could avoid any other physical punishment. People tend to remember you when you leap up, grab a handful of shirt and start screaming directly into a person's face that you'll bite their fucking noses off. They pushed, and I pushed back harder. They came at me, and I cut them off at the knees. I played dirty, and it mostly kept me out of anything worse than verbal abuse. I didn't get into one single fight in highschool, because the bullies knew that fighting me meant that even if they won, they were going to be wearing several reminders from me on their face. They didn't want that, they wanted easy targets.
But that didn't protect me from their verbal abuse. And it didn't protect anyone else in the school. What do you do when a group of bullies gang up on a friend of yours and shatter his eye socket?
What do you do when five guys pound the shit out of someone and all you can do is stand there helplessly?
I've seen kids seriously injured by high school bullies. I've seen kids slammed against lockers, kicked until they couldn't stand up. I've heard some of the worst filth come out of their mouths, until listening to drill sergeants was a day in the park. Listening to a grown man call you a worthless maggot doesn't compare to some asshole behind you in math class telling you how he was going to rape your mother with a broom handle.
And when I complained? Nothing. Zip, zilch, nada. I found out real quick that the only course of action was your own. The school wasn't going to help you. Oh, maybe if you were physically injured, they'd get suspended for a time, but they always came back. The guy who shattered my friend's eyesocket was gone for two weeks.
TWO. WEEKS.
So this girl complains about bullying, and gets expelled when the bullies lie about her? I'm not surprised. You take a thousand (or in my school, two thousand) kids, place them in close proximity, and give them minor supervision for eight hours, and the results are not pretty. This girl is better off out of that school.
But it doesn't make the school right. And it certainly doesn't address the problem.
Just another reason to flush the current public school system down the drain. There are too many flaws in it to fix. Destroy, and then rebuild it.
Hat tip to the Rott
Does anyone truly remember how bad bullying can be? I do. As much as it pains me to say it, I can understand when kids react violently to bullies. As wrong as it might be, I can understand what drove the Columbine killers.
Is that wrong? Probably. But every person reaches a point where they break. As you grow older, that point is farther and farther away. But young kids haven't reached that level yet. They're still close to the breaking point.
In my highschool, I saw kids abused just about every way possible. I certainly wasn't the biggest kid there, so I got my share of crap. I learned that if I went psycho at the first hint of provocation, I could avoid any other physical punishment. People tend to remember you when you leap up, grab a handful of shirt and start screaming directly into a person's face that you'll bite their fucking noses off. They pushed, and I pushed back harder. They came at me, and I cut them off at the knees. I played dirty, and it mostly kept me out of anything worse than verbal abuse. I didn't get into one single fight in highschool, because the bullies knew that fighting me meant that even if they won, they were going to be wearing several reminders from me on their face. They didn't want that, they wanted easy targets.
But that didn't protect me from their verbal abuse. And it didn't protect anyone else in the school. What do you do when a group of bullies gang up on a friend of yours and shatter his eye socket?
What do you do when five guys pound the shit out of someone and all you can do is stand there helplessly?
I've seen kids seriously injured by high school bullies. I've seen kids slammed against lockers, kicked until they couldn't stand up. I've heard some of the worst filth come out of their mouths, until listening to drill sergeants was a day in the park. Listening to a grown man call you a worthless maggot doesn't compare to some asshole behind you in math class telling you how he was going to rape your mother with a broom handle.
And when I complained? Nothing. Zip, zilch, nada. I found out real quick that the only course of action was your own. The school wasn't going to help you. Oh, maybe if you were physically injured, they'd get suspended for a time, but they always came back. The guy who shattered my friend's eyesocket was gone for two weeks.
TWO. WEEKS.
So this girl complains about bullying, and gets expelled when the bullies lie about her? I'm not surprised. You take a thousand (or in my school, two thousand) kids, place them in close proximity, and give them minor supervision for eight hours, and the results are not pretty. This girl is better off out of that school.
But it doesn't make the school right. And it certainly doesn't address the problem.
Just another reason to flush the current public school system down the drain. There are too many flaws in it to fix. Destroy, and then rebuild it.
Hat tip to the Rott
Will the “Cheeseburger Bill” Pass?
I’m kind of surprised that the so-called "Cheeseburger Bill" managed to pass the House. I hope that it makes it through the Senate.
I may sound overdramatic when I say that I believe that this is one of our most important bills in recent memory. The country is in the midst of a personal responsibility crisis that threatens our economic system at its core. If we cannot hold consumers responsible for not being obese, then just what can we hold them responsible for? What about drinking responsibly? Driving safely? Using painkillers responsibly? Not watching too much TV? Not playing too many video games? Not staying up late and oversleeping the next morning?
This bill is an important start, but it doesn’t go far enough. Congress needs a law that exonerates all companies from the self-destructive behavior of their consumers. It's sad that it actually came to this. The fact that we need this kind of bill speaks loudly about how much damage Trial Lawyers have already done.
If Senate Democrats defeat this, then Republicans need to make it the #2 campaign issue, behind foreign policy.
I’m kind of surprised that the so-called "Cheeseburger Bill" managed to pass the House. I hope that it makes it through the Senate.
I may sound overdramatic when I say that I believe that this is one of our most important bills in recent memory. The country is in the midst of a personal responsibility crisis that threatens our economic system at its core. If we cannot hold consumers responsible for not being obese, then just what can we hold them responsible for? What about drinking responsibly? Driving safely? Using painkillers responsibly? Not watching too much TV? Not playing too many video games? Not staying up late and oversleeping the next morning?
This bill is an important start, but it doesn’t go far enough. Congress needs a law that exonerates all companies from the self-destructive behavior of their consumers. It's sad that it actually came to this. The fact that we need this kind of bill speaks loudly about how much damage Trial Lawyers have already done.
If Senate Democrats defeat this, then Republicans need to make it the #2 campaign issue, behind foreign policy.
Time for some Linky Love
Anyone who cares to check out the new Bush TV ads can look at them here. They're looking pretty good to me.
Citizens Against Government Waste has sent out an email warning of a Transportation Bill that's loaded down with pork spending. If you'd like to let your representatives know that you don't want a bloated bill getting passed, you can go here and tell them. You can also sign up for CAGW emails. It's a good way to stay abreast of all the junk spending going on in Congress.
The Rott has a summary of the terrorist attack in Spain, as well as a link to give your condolances and support to the people of Spain. He also has an idea of what to do with the terrorists that I like:
These useless sacks of skin and everybody who has ever said a kind word to them need to be killed, ruthlessly and with extreme prejudice. Save the humanitarian concerns for actual humans.
Yep.
Citizens Against Government Waste has sent out an email warning of a Transportation Bill that's loaded down with pork spending. If you'd like to let your representatives know that you don't want a bloated bill getting passed, you can go here and tell them. You can also sign up for CAGW emails. It's a good way to stay abreast of all the junk spending going on in Congress.
The Rott has a summary of the terrorist attack in Spain, as well as a link to give your condolances and support to the people of Spain. He also has an idea of what to do with the terrorists that I like:
These useless sacks of skin and everybody who has ever said a kind word to them need to be killed, ruthlessly and with extreme prejudice. Save the humanitarian concerns for actual humans.
Yep.
Perplexing, isn't it?
Does anyone besides me see any inconsistency in the Democrats criticizing the Bush Campaign for "politicizing" an event where 3,000 Americans died when those same Democrats for the past six months have been politicizing an event where over 55,000 Americans died?
Thursday, March 11, 2004
What if the Democracy we want isn't the one we get?
http://slate.msn.com/id/2096916/
There's a very real possibility that in free elections, Iraqis would elect Islamic fundamentalists. Same with Afghanis. If this happens, and they democratically and fairly elect a government hostile to the U.S., then what have we accomplished, exactly? And if that happens, can we logically deny that government?
We claim to be for democracy in the region, but what if the democracy we get isn't the one we want? What if it likes us less than Saddam or the Taliban?
I don't know the answers, but I consider those important questions. Any thoughts?
There's a very real possibility that in free elections, Iraqis would elect Islamic fundamentalists. Same with Afghanis. If this happens, and they democratically and fairly elect a government hostile to the U.S., then what have we accomplished, exactly? And if that happens, can we logically deny that government?
We claim to be for democracy in the region, but what if the democracy we get isn't the one we want? What if it likes us less than Saddam or the Taliban?
I don't know the answers, but I consider those important questions. Any thoughts?
I don't know who said it first..
But the quote is: "A woman is just a woman, but a cigar is a good smoke."
Why do I bring this up? Because a certain generous individual with a heart of gold was kind enough to send me a few cigars to try out.
One cigar that grabbed me was these - Cuban Crafters Cupido Originals. Particularly the Knuckles.
Hot damn, that's a good cigar.
If anyone out there enjoys cigar smoking, you have got to check these bad boys out. It's a short, fat cigar; about three to three and a half inches long by 47. The cigar I tried was easy to draw, had an awesome flavor, burned evenly and had a firm ash that I knocked off after it was about an inch and a half long. I stayed up late just to finish this stogie, because it burned longer than I expected. Next paycheck, I'm getting myself a box of those.
Go check 'em out. Cuban Crafters also has a 12 cigar sampler pack that I'm just drooling to try.... Judging from what I've already tested, that pack would make me a very happy camper.
Why do I bring this up? Because a certain generous individual with a heart of gold was kind enough to send me a few cigars to try out.
One cigar that grabbed me was these - Cuban Crafters Cupido Originals. Particularly the Knuckles.
Hot damn, that's a good cigar.
If anyone out there enjoys cigar smoking, you have got to check these bad boys out. It's a short, fat cigar; about three to three and a half inches long by 47. The cigar I tried was easy to draw, had an awesome flavor, burned evenly and had a firm ash that I knocked off after it was about an inch and a half long. I stayed up late just to finish this stogie, because it burned longer than I expected. Next paycheck, I'm getting myself a box of those.
Go check 'em out. Cuban Crafters also has a 12 cigar sampler pack that I'm just drooling to try.... Judging from what I've already tested, that pack would make me a very happy camper.
Trying to get back in...
I took a loooooong break from music when I joined the Army. With a few exceptions, I just didn't have the time or people to jam with. Now that I have my drumset back, I'm looking to get back in.
So, any Seattle area musicians need a drummer who's slowly getting back up to speed?
So, any Seattle area musicians need a drummer who's slowly getting back up to speed?
TV Ads
I just saw one of the Donk political ads on TV. WTF??? This election is going to be a down and dirty dogfight, no doubt about it. But let it be said that it is the Democratic side of the debate that is dragging everything down into the mudpit. Bush's ads have some nice music, and a pleasant voice-over. The Big Finish is "George W. Bush - Steady Leadership in Times of Change".
The Donks might as well have a priest waving a rosary and screaming "BUSH IS EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVIL!" A pretty nasty ad, all in all. Plenty of lies and mistruths which have come to characterize the Democratic position.
Uh. Eight more months of Donk slander.
The Donks might as well have a priest waving a rosary and screaming "BUSH IS EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVIL!" A pretty nasty ad, all in all. Plenty of lies and mistruths which have come to characterize the Democratic position.
Uh. Eight more months of Donk slander.
The Global Reach of Terrorism
Has once again hit Spain.
Ten terrorist bombs tore through trains and stations along a commuter line at the height of Madrid's morning rush hour today, killing more than 170 people and wounding at least 600 before this weekend's general elections. Officials blamed Basque separatists for the worst terror attack in Spanish history.
There's nothing to say about this. No witty comment, and no sarcastic remark. Nothing except to give Spain any support we can.
Ten terrorist bombs tore through trains and stations along a commuter line at the height of Madrid's morning rush hour today, killing more than 170 people and wounding at least 600 before this weekend's general elections. Officials blamed Basque separatists for the worst terror attack in Spanish history.
There's nothing to say about this. No witty comment, and no sarcastic remark. Nothing except to give Spain any support we can.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
The Two Faces
Of John Fonda Kerry.
Likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry slammed President Bush over the weekend for not supplying U.S. troops in Iraq with enough body armor to protect them from attacks.
(.....)
Addressing a Texas audience on Saturday, the Massachusetts Democrat said it was "shocking" that "tens of thousands of other troops arrived in Iraq to find that ? with danger around every corner ? there wasn't enough body armor."
Naughty President! Making those poor soldiers suffer! Actually, I'm rather upset that many military family members are forced to buy body armor for their loved ones in the military. But is it the President's fault?
But Bush campaign press secretary Scott Stanzel told WABC Radio's Steve Malzberg on Sunday that Kerry "voted against supplying body armor to our troops when it mattered most" ? when President Bush included the request as part of the $87 billion appropriation for the Iraq war in 2003.
RNC Chairman Marc Racicot confirmed the Kerry vote against body armor, telling ABC's "This Week" that the funding bill "did everything from provide hazard pay for our troops in Iraq to body armor for our troops in Iraq."
So John Fonda Kerry flip-flopped on an issue yet AGAIN? WHO WOULDA THUNK IT?!?! Actually, given Kerry's record of voting against the military time and time again, I can't say I'm surprised. And since he's a member of the Donks, I can't say I'm surprised at his hypocricy and idiocy, either.
Of John Fonda Kerry.
Likely Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry slammed President Bush over the weekend for not supplying U.S. troops in Iraq with enough body armor to protect them from attacks.
(.....)
Addressing a Texas audience on Saturday, the Massachusetts Democrat said it was "shocking" that "tens of thousands of other troops arrived in Iraq to find that ? with danger around every corner ? there wasn't enough body armor."
Naughty President! Making those poor soldiers suffer! Actually, I'm rather upset that many military family members are forced to buy body armor for their loved ones in the military. But is it the President's fault?
But Bush campaign press secretary Scott Stanzel told WABC Radio's Steve Malzberg on Sunday that Kerry "voted against supplying body armor to our troops when it mattered most" ? when President Bush included the request as part of the $87 billion appropriation for the Iraq war in 2003.
RNC Chairman Marc Racicot confirmed the Kerry vote against body armor, telling ABC's "This Week" that the funding bill "did everything from provide hazard pay for our troops in Iraq to body armor for our troops in Iraq."
So John Fonda Kerry flip-flopped on an issue yet AGAIN? WHO WOULDA THUNK IT?!?! Actually, given Kerry's record of voting against the military time and time again, I can't say I'm surprised. And since he's a member of the Donks, I can't say I'm surprised at his hypocricy and idiocy, either.
There's a war going on in Iraq. But who's winning? Hardly anyone noticed, but U.S. troops aren't losing. American casualties have been steadily declining since they peaked last November (414, including 82 dead). The casualties went down to 306 in December, 234 in January and 167 last month. In February there were twenty American soldiers killed in action, or .79 per day. This was the first month, since the war began, that the troops killed fell to less than one a day.StrategyPage : Military news about Iraq
The reason for the decline in casualties are numerous. Probably the most important one has been the improvements in tactics and training. American troops have developed the habit of carefully studying actual operations, and quickly brainstorming possible solutions for problems encountered. Pretty much anything goes, and officers and troops are encouraged to use their imagination and initiative to come up with new ways of doing things. Each division also has a "discretionary fund" of money that can be spent on equipment and weapons that the army does not normally buy. These attitudes, which are rare in military organizations, have produced dozens of new tactics and techniques for dealing with roadside bombs and ambushes. Even though the Iraqi resistance was quickly changing their tactics, the troops have been faster, and more effective.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)