Source: http://cagle.com
Thursday, December 29, 2005
A Year in Review
Friends, I must say that this one year has felt like five. MSNBC and Newsweek have summed it up nicely:
MSNBC: 2005: The year of excuses
Newsweek: Quotes of the Year
I wish all of you an intellectually stimulating New Year.
S.
MSNBC: 2005: The year of excuses
Newsweek: Quotes of the Year
I wish all of you an intellectually stimulating New Year.
S.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
On Wine and Beer
I confess that I am a novice wine-snob. The entire wine culture is a joy to me and I love going to a restaurant and having some idea of what to order. I study it and keep a scrapbook complete with rating system of the wines I have bought. Wine is an art to me, and the very idea of drinking it for the sake of getting drunk is sacrilege.
Nevertheless, I have encountered many that equate my respect and love for wine to alcoholism. At one point I became concerned, but after receiving a friendly 30-minute lecture by an AA counselor on "actual" alcoholism, I realized the problem lay elsewhere. It occurred to me that having a bottle/can of beer is "unwinding," but wine after work or with dinner is "alcoholism."
The irony of it all is that the same people concerned with my "drinking problem" are the ones that come to me when they do not know what to serve at a dinner party.
Nevertheless, I have encountered many that equate my respect and love for wine to alcoholism. At one point I became concerned, but after receiving a friendly 30-minute lecture by an AA counselor on "actual" alcoholism, I realized the problem lay elsewhere. It occurred to me that having a bottle/can of beer is "unwinding," but wine after work or with dinner is "alcoholism."
The irony of it all is that the same people concerned with my "drinking problem" are the ones that come to me when they do not know what to serve at a dinner party.
The Spying Game
I recently read a post from Spying Bad Things noting that the FBI looked rather squeaky clean next to the CIA and NSA. That may be the case for two reasons: 1.) the budgets of the CIA and NSA are significantly larger than that of the FBI, therefore lack of funding may be a culprit; and 2.) if high-ranking individuals, such as the president, authorize a questionable act but classify it, the mere mention of it subjects the whistleblower to criminal charges, even if it was to the benefit of the nation.
I am a little lenient towards the intelligence community for that reason. When they speak up, they become the sacrificial lamb for the entire community. It is the best and worst of both worlds: the punishment to the official that authorized the questionable act lets future officials know that they can be made culpable, and punishing the whistleblower warns other personnel to be silent.
I am a little lenient towards the intelligence community for that reason. When they speak up, they become the sacrificial lamb for the entire community. It is the best and worst of both worlds: the punishment to the official that authorized the questionable act lets future officials know that they can be made culpable, and punishing the whistleblower warns other personnel to be silent.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
The Meaning of the Season
As I briefly pondered over the "war on Christmas," and the actual origins of the holiday, something occurred to me: this holiday actually became what it is today as a result of the blend of different beliefs until it settled into one idea. It then dawned on me that that this nation came to be what it is today using the same formula, therefore this time of the year is as American as it gets.
My fellow Americans, I wish you a culturally rich and fulfilling holiday season.
My fellow Americans, I wish you a culturally rich and fulfilling holiday season.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Black Ink Monday
I have been meaning to bring up a concern that is not well-known but will greatly be noticed in the upcoming weeks. Several paper giants have made it an issue to rid their newspapers of editorial cartoons for the sake of increasing their already impressive profits. The jobs of editorial cartoonists responsible for the lovely daily cartoons that I post are on the chopping block, and many cartoonists are appealing to the public to voice dissent. I feel that it is my responsibility to at least make some attempt to drum up more support.
The cartoonists are asking that emails be sent to Tribune Company's Gary Weitman, VP of Communications.
The cartoonists are asking that emails be sent to Tribune Company's Gary Weitman, VP of Communications.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Sheri's Random Unstructured Rant #4
I have received a comment suggesting that I add some "anti-Dem stuff" to my blog. Would anyone be willing to scroll down this site and dare to take a wild guess as to what my political affiliation may be?
That just might solve the mystery of why my observations may sometimes appear to be a bit slanted.
That just might solve the mystery of why my observations may sometimes appear to be a bit slanted.
A Gift from Congress
One good thing came out of the revelation of the Bush administration's domestic spying program: it is finally starting to dawn on the other branches of government that Washington has a problem. The dreaded Patriot Act, a pro-Fascism policy under a false name, may very well be headed towards extinction. The original compromise of extending it six months was still bothersome, but thankfully wiser heads prevailed, and it only has a possible lifespan of one month.
Maybe there is hope for this country after all.
Maybe there is hope for this country after all.
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Sheri's Random Unstructured Rant #3
In reference to the previous post:
Will it ever occur to the public that these sudden claims of attacks on religion tend to arise when certain newscasters' ratings are a bit lethargic, or some politician is in need of a popular boost?
Will it ever occur to the public that these sudden claims of attacks on religion tend to arise when certain newscasters' ratings are a bit lethargic, or some politician is in need of a popular boost?
The Christmas Wars
In a brief discussion on the "war on Christmas," I asked why it was suddenly incorrect to say "Happy Holidays" after all these years. The response was "I don't know," but apparently Christianity is still under attack.
I believe for most of the population, when we say "Happy Holidays," it is not an attack on any religion, but an act of politeness and convenience. That one phrase covers all the winter holidays. But thanks to Bill O'Reilly et al, now saying anything other than "Merry Christmas" is anti-Christian. I do not recall any readings on any religion where the primary deities authorized their followers to play religious Simon Says with others.
I think I speak for all of us caught in the crossfire of the Christmas warriors and the PC police with this final comment: Practice what is preached: PEACE.
Merry/Happy Everything!
I believe for most of the population, when we say "Happy Holidays," it is not an attack on any religion, but an act of politeness and convenience. That one phrase covers all the winter holidays. But thanks to Bill O'Reilly et al, now saying anything other than "Merry Christmas" is anti-Christian. I do not recall any readings on any religion where the primary deities authorized their followers to play religious Simon Says with others.
I think I speak for all of us caught in the crossfire of the Christmas warriors and the PC police with this final comment: Practice what is preached: PEACE.
Merry/Happy Everything!
Monday, December 19, 2005
Shameful Acts?
President Bush has asserted his anger that the nation has discovered he authorized the violation of the same rights which he swore to defend against all enemies foreign and domestic:
“It was a shameful act for someone to disclose this important program in a time of war...That's my job, and I'm going to continue doing my job."
During this conference, the president stated that the Constitution provided him the right to overlook the procedures put in place to assure that no laws are broken in the attempt to protect this country. I have perused Article II to locate this "special right," and have failed to locate it. I do, however, feel it necessary to share aspects of this section which was supposed to grant him the right to spy on anti-war demonstrators et al:
“It was a shameful act for someone to disclose this important program in a time of war...That's my job, and I'm going to continue doing my job."
During this conference, the president stated that the Constitution provided him the right to overlook the procedures put in place to assure that no laws are broken in the attempt to protect this country. I have perused Article II to locate this "special right," and have failed to locate it. I do, however, feel it necessary to share aspects of this section which was supposed to grant him the right to spy on anti-war demonstrators et al:
Article II, Section 3:
"...[the President] shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed..."
Article II, Section 4:
"The President, Vice President and all Civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."
Impeachment, anyone?
Sheri's Random Unstructured Rant #2
My guardian angel has a sick sense of humor.
Come to think of it, I am not sure I have an actual "angel;" I cannot help but wonder if I was assigned to a group of mild-mannered gremlins.
Come to think of it, I am not sure I have an actual "angel;" I cannot help but wonder if I was assigned to a group of mild-mannered gremlins.
A Courtesy Warning
Having been exposed to "proper young lady" duties, coupled with being subjected to conflicting ideologies, coupled with an unmitigated level of sleep deprivation, I must warn my fellow bloggers and any poor soul that happens upon my URL to expect my rants to become a bit more frequent and even more unstructured.
Sheri's Random Unstructured Rant #1
I have come to the conclusion that the notion of evolution could not be possible. Were that the case, this world would be the Planet of the Apes.
Friday, December 16, 2005
The Gov't Really Was Watching Them...
An apology is due to all the people termed as being paranoid...the government really was watching them.
The New York Times features the scandal involving Bush giving NSA pre-Patriot Act civilian spying privileges. Apparently some NSA officials made enough noise about the legalities of the McCarthy-ish policy that it was allegedly suspended last year. These singled-out civilians ranged from actual terrorist suspects to anti-war demonstrators. As I have stated in a previous post, the powers granted to NSA and every other intelligence agency prior to Bush were getting the job done. The great intel snafus (9/11 and the Iraq War) were not the result of poor information, but poor leadership. In the end, whatever actions were taken were W's call.
Wow. Media tampering, spying on citizens and veto-threats to policies against torture. Maybe another country will come in and "democratize" us.
The New York Times features the scandal involving Bush giving NSA pre-Patriot Act civilian spying privileges. Apparently some NSA officials made enough noise about the legalities of the McCarthy-ish policy that it was allegedly suspended last year. These singled-out civilians ranged from actual terrorist suspects to anti-war demonstrators. As I have stated in a previous post, the powers granted to NSA and every other intelligence agency prior to Bush were getting the job done. The great intel snafus (9/11 and the Iraq War) were not the result of poor information, but poor leadership. In the end, whatever actions were taken were W's call.
Wow. Media tampering, spying on citizens and veto-threats to policies against torture. Maybe another country will come in and "democratize" us.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Sheri's Weekly Rant - Movies about Overpopulated Families
While previewing some of the movies featured this year, I could not help but notice that three involved families with obscene amounts of children. Those movies would be Cheaper by the Dozen, Yours, Mine and Ours and - of course - Cheaper by the Dozen 2.
What the hell. I realize that some writers are short on ideas, but movies about couples that have not grasped the concept of birth control is the epitome of all evil and wrong. Family comedy? Any movie about any family with enough kids to sponsor their own PTA chapter should be in the horror section. And correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the lack of funds for Social Security a result of over-sexed couples 50 years ago? So what does Hollywood do? Make movies about couples that are competing with rabbits.
I am fighting the temptation to stand outside of that movie and pass out condoms in protest.
What the hell. I realize that some writers are short on ideas, but movies about couples that have not grasped the concept of birth control is the epitome of all evil and wrong. Family comedy? Any movie about any family with enough kids to sponsor their own PTA chapter should be in the horror section. And correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the lack of funds for Social Security a result of over-sexed couples 50 years ago? So what does Hollywood do? Make movies about couples that are competing with rabbits.
I am fighting the temptation to stand outside of that movie and pass out condoms in protest.
The Tarnished Face of America
The Post and the Times both lead with stories of the House backing Sen. McCain's measure to make the torturing of detainees illegal. I was proud of our Congress for a moment, then it occurred to me that the use of torture should have never been an issue. It is particularly ironic, considering that when other issues arise in our country that are superiorly mundane in comparison, the notion of "morality" becomes a battle cry. I have spoken with former Vietnam POWs, and it rips at one's soul to look them in the eye and glimpse at their pain. We are now are no better than the savages that created those men - not to mention that we have condemned future POWs to an advanced tour of hell.
I finish with this question: did the Intelligence Community use the same tactics to gather the intelligence presented to prevent the September 11 attacks from occurring in the first place?
I finish with this question: did the Intelligence Community use the same tactics to gather the intelligence presented to prevent the September 11 attacks from occurring in the first place?
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
A Sign of Desperate Times?
The Republican National Committee has reached an all-time low. This was just distasteful. The GOP did an ad that shows Howard Dean, Sen. Barbara Boxer, and Sen. John Kerry denouncing the war, and using footage of a soldier watching a television, ended with, "Our soldiers are watching and our enemies are too." The footage had been doctored. Among some of the changes: the comments that Kerry used specifically referred to Iraqi police and soldiers, not ours, and to cap it off, the soldier in the ad was actually watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but that had been edited out. Although I am not naïve enough to contend that this tactic is not being used by both sides, this one was just too great of a stretch to leave unchallenged.
That soldier had the right idea: watch the Grinch. The alternative is still fiction, so why not choose the entertaining show?
That soldier had the right idea: watch the Grinch. The alternative is still fiction, so why not choose the entertaining show?
Monday, December 12, 2005
Frist to Bust the Filibuster?
Senator Frist declared that the right to filibuster would be removed should the Democrats try to use it to block the Alito vote. I am going to borrow the words of our forefathers to share my thoughts on that action:
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." -The Federalist Papers (51)
The ability to filibuster was created for a reason, and frankly, this is the same reason why the Democrats have chosen to invoke it. To try to strip this ability flies in the face of democracy and the very principles that founded this country. Our forefathers had doubtful perceptions of human nature, perceptions that Sen. Frist et al are unfortunately proving to be accurate.
"If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." -The Federalist Papers (51)
The ability to filibuster was created for a reason, and frankly, this is the same reason why the Democrats have chosen to invoke it. To try to strip this ability flies in the face of democracy and the very principles that founded this country. Our forefathers had doubtful perceptions of human nature, perceptions that Sen. Frist et al are unfortunately proving to be accurate.
Saturday, December 10, 2005
Rice and the Real Deal
I saw that ad again...yes, the one suggesting that Condoleezza Rice run for president.
Obviously Secretary Rice is not one of my favorite political figures, and the idea of her as president leads me to reconsider my citizenship. What tickled me is that she is hailed as being "Machiavellian" and promoting the "new realism." Someone did not do their homework. Realism focuses on promoting power of the state; the citizens' individual rights are not factored into the equation. Machiavelli's timeless handbook on classical realism, The Prince, does not even take state matters into consideration; the primary goal is to preserve the power of the ruler, or prince, from all challenges foreign and domestic - the prince is the state. These beliefs go against the concepts presented by our forefathers. We are children of the Enlightenment, which advocated the liberal ideas of theorists such as Locke and Rousseau, therefore a realist in the Oval Office is essentially un-American.
Bottom line: the only time Rice should be seen in the White House again is as a side dish.
Obviously Secretary Rice is not one of my favorite political figures, and the idea of her as president leads me to reconsider my citizenship. What tickled me is that she is hailed as being "Machiavellian" and promoting the "new realism." Someone did not do their homework. Realism focuses on promoting power of the state; the citizens' individual rights are not factored into the equation. Machiavelli's timeless handbook on classical realism, The Prince, does not even take state matters into consideration; the primary goal is to preserve the power of the ruler, or prince, from all challenges foreign and domestic - the prince is the state. These beliefs go against the concepts presented by our forefathers. We are children of the Enlightenment, which advocated the liberal ideas of theorists such as Locke and Rousseau, therefore a realist in the Oval Office is essentially un-American.
Bottom line: the only time Rice should be seen in the White House again is as a side dish.
Friday, December 09, 2005
The 9/11 Confession
I am torn in regards to the 9/11 commission. Not to the fact that they investigated the Bush administration, but to the dissemination of their results. I believe in freedom of information with my very soul, however, I cannot help but express concern over how wise it is to make it so public.
The people need to know for two reasons: 1.) to alert them of areas that are high-risk for terrorist attacks, and 2.) so they will vote for officials that are more proactive. But I cannot help but defer to the old logic that this time it may be counterproductive. When people think of intelligence collection, they think of covert ops, but obscene amounts of intelligence are collected from a country's media sources. It is easier and practically free.
As I said, I believe in freedom of information, but the reason the overt publicizing of the results concern me is because it tells terrorists when to strike. September 11 produced three sets of victims: 1.) those murdered directly by the attacks; 2.) the victims' survivors; and 3.) the 1st amendment via the Patriot Act.
The people need to know for two reasons: 1.) to alert them of areas that are high-risk for terrorist attacks, and 2.) so they will vote for officials that are more proactive. But I cannot help but defer to the old logic that this time it may be counterproductive. When people think of intelligence collection, they think of covert ops, but obscene amounts of intelligence are collected from a country's media sources. It is easier and practically free.
As I said, I believe in freedom of information, but the reason the overt publicizing of the results concern me is because it tells terrorists when to strike. September 11 produced three sets of victims: 1.) those murdered directly by the attacks; 2.) the victims' survivors; and 3.) the 1st amendment via the Patriot Act.
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Why Isn't There an Anti-Date Rape Drug?
The kings of the drug industry come up with a new pill every other week. They even have drugs that help sexual problems, but what has been bugging me lately is why has no one made an effort to do research on drugs that can be taken that would make it hard for date rape drugs to be absorbed into the body. I saw a statistic that says 1 out of 6 women has been sexually assaulted or raped in the U.S. Twenty percent of a population that is over 50% of the entire country can be subjected to this and not one company has run it by their R&D. Given the numbers, they could make a tidy profit, so why not finally make money over something that will help save people from experiecing that kind of hell?
On the Subject of Hussein's Trial
The LA Times leads with Hussein's trial, in which Abu Ghraib survivors of his prisons were brought in as witnesses to the atrocities experienced at the hands of that government. Although I do not have a transcript of the trial , the Times makes note that the testimony did not really help:
"Her riveting testimony made for compelling television but less-than-ideal prosecutorial evidence as it veered from her own experiences to stories apparently picked up from relatives or friends. Her account was long on dramatic flourishes and short on detail."
The accounts that were given bore an incredible resemblance to the scandal that occurred at the same prison, which the defense was keen to point out:
"'I agree that things in Abu Ghraib were, until recently, bad, but did they use dogs on you? Did they take photographs?'" said one defense attorney, alluding to U.S. troops' abuse of Iraqi detainees at the prison. 'No,' she replied."
Ouch.
The accounts that were given bore an incredible resemblance to the scandal that occurred at the same prison, which the defense was keen to point out:
"'I agree that things in Abu Ghraib were, until recently, bad, but did they use dogs on you? Did they take photographs?'" said one defense attorney, alluding to U.S. troops' abuse of Iraqi detainees at the prison. 'No,' she replied."
Ouch.
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Two Out of Three Ain't Bad...
Representative Tom Delay had the election fraud charge brought against him dropped yesterday, however, Judge Priest left standing charges of money laundering and conspiracy to launder money against him and his two co-defendants, Republican fund-raisers John D. Colyandro and James W. Ellis. This problem puts a dent in Delay's hopes to return to his job, which is rumored to be entertaining replacements as we speak. Naturally, Delay's office has tried to put a happy face on the situation by releasing a statement:
"The court's decision to dismiss a portion of Ronnie Earle's manufactured and flawed case against Mr. DeLay underscores just how baseless and politically motivated the charges were."
I am glad he is back in the news, because I have been saving the above Cartoon of the Day for weeks now. I realize that is not nice, but I really like that cartoon.
"The court's decision to dismiss a portion of Ronnie Earle's manufactured and flawed case against Mr. DeLay underscores just how baseless and politically motivated the charges were."
I am glad he is back in the news, because I have been saving the above Cartoon of the Day for weeks now. I realize that is not nice, but I really like that cartoon.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Rice-A-Phony
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended the Bush administration policy regarding detainee treatment, stating that the U.S. "will use every lawful weapon to defeat these terrorists." As to whether or not the U.S. has secret prisons in Europe, she replied,"We cannot discuss information that would compromise the success of intelligence, law enforcement, and military operations. We expect other nations share this view." Translation: "Hell, yeah we do, but I'm not going to confirm it!"
The reason that I have a problem with treatment of detainees is that this administration fails to realize that it just adds fuel to the fire, revitalizing terrorist movements and making the detainees martyrs. On a side note, I think it is pretty obvious by now that when Black History Month rolls around, I will not be paying any tributes to Condoleezza Rice. But no hard feelings, Dr. Rice...O.J. Simpson and the D.C. Snipers will not be on my list of favorites, either.
The reason that I have a problem with treatment of detainees is that this administration fails to realize that it just adds fuel to the fire, revitalizing terrorist movements and making the detainees martyrs. On a side note, I think it is pretty obvious by now that when Black History Month rolls around, I will not be paying any tributes to Condoleezza Rice. But no hard feelings, Dr. Rice...O.J. Simpson and the D.C. Snipers will not be on my list of favorites, either.
Did No One See This Coming?
The Washington Post also writes "Ayad Allawi, the former interim Iraqi leader who is widely seen as the United States' preferred candidate in the Dec. 15 elections, was attacked by a mob in Najaf."
Maybe I just do not have enough caffeine in my system yet, but this really does not surprise me.
Maybe I just do not have enough caffeine in my system yet, but this really does not surprise me.
Red Cross Solution to Claims of Racial Insensitivity
The Washington Post leads with the Red Cross' attempts to respond to complaints of being insensitive to minorities and "herding them like cattle" through lines for food and water. The RC remedy? Add more minorities. Would it not have been easier and less expensive to simply send an email to all its volunteers to just treat evacuees the same way they would want to be treated in such a crisis? I see this as being less of a racial problem and more of a "remember these are human beings" problem. Just my observation.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Saturday, December 03, 2005
Victory!
Finally! I have Googled this site's name and I was the first hit instead of a porn site!
I am so pathetically giddy that I bought the domain.
I am so pathetically giddy that I bought the domain.
Friday, December 02, 2005
Just Don't Do It: Abstinence Only-education
The religious right's answer to unwanted pregnancy and STDs is to just not have sex at all. I personally do not have a problem with abstinence, what I do have a problem with is my tax dollars being used to pursue a campaign of mass ignorance. Sex education is an attempt to prevent problems such as unwanted pregnancies and STDs through education. Planned Parenthood states that this attempt to pursue mass ignorance actually exacerbates the problem:
"There is little evidence that teens who participate in abstinence-only programs abstain from intercourse longer than others. It is known, however that when they do become sexually active, teens who received abstinence-only education often fail to use condoms or other contraceptives. In fact, 88 percent of students who pledged virginity in middle school and high school still engage in premarital sex. The students who break this pledge are less likely to use contraception at first intercourse, and they have similar rates of sexually transmitted infections as non-pledgers (Walters, 2005; Bearman and Brueckner, 2001)."
This is an interesting pursuit, the "just don't do it" policy. I could apply the same logic to other social problems: if I did not want to be sexually harassed at work, then all I would have to do is change my gender, and "just not be female."
"There is little evidence that teens who participate in abstinence-only programs abstain from intercourse longer than others. It is known, however that when they do become sexually active, teens who received abstinence-only education often fail to use condoms or other contraceptives. In fact, 88 percent of students who pledged virginity in middle school and high school still engage in premarital sex. The students who break this pledge are less likely to use contraception at first intercourse, and they have similar rates of sexually transmitted infections as non-pledgers (Walters, 2005; Bearman and Brueckner, 2001)."
This is an interesting pursuit, the "just don't do it" policy. I could apply the same logic to other social problems: if I did not want to be sexually harassed at work, then all I would have to do is change my gender, and "just not be female."
Thursday, December 01, 2005
A Little Alito (Pt 2)...(and Sheri's Weekly Rant)
The New York Times leads with documents that strongly suggest interest by SCOTUS nominee Alito to end the Roe v Wade era. Personally, I believe that this is a policy that Alito would love to pursue, and should he prevail, that would issue in the next era of alley abortions. It literally takes an act of God (i.e. a death) before the government will step in and come to the aid of suffering, viable children, but mention a 1st trimester-fetus that would not last the night outside a human body and here comes the cavalry. Adoption as an alternative? What are the odds that the child will be adopted? No, after they force more children into the world, they take the stance of "if you didn't want to take care of it you shouldn't have had it." Not to mention Pro-Life movement does not advocate any realistic proactive pregancy prevention measures. Oh, wait...they promote abstinence. Maybe if we all abstained from sex we can dry that group out of the gene pool.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
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Bush Begins to Cave?
According to the Washington Post, President Bush unleashed a plan on how to handle the situation in Iraq in the wee hours of the morning, a plan that included the gradual withdrawal of troops from the area over the next year. The document states that the withdrawal will ensue as the "political process advances and Iraqi security forces grow and gain experience."
Bush still insists that the war has been going to plan, which gives me reason to suspect that he is either deeply in denial or working for Al Qaeda. Whatever the reason, I am grateful that some troops will get to spend Christmas at home next year, and that we will have more troops here, protecting us on our own ground. It seems that the more troops leave the U.S., the more ambitious this administration gets. The WMDs (Workers to Mutilate Democracy) are in our own backyard.
Bush still insists that the war has been going to plan, which gives me reason to suspect that he is either deeply in denial or working for Al Qaeda. Whatever the reason, I am grateful that some troops will get to spend Christmas at home next year, and that we will have more troops here, protecting us on our own ground. It seems that the more troops leave the U.S., the more ambitious this administration gets. The WMDs (Workers to Mutilate Democracy) are in our own backyard.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Ann Coulter Strikes Again
I discovered this gem on Alabama Democrat. I cannot confirm the source, but given Coulter's history, I personally believe it:
Coulter on Murtha: He Longs “To See U.S. Troops Shot, Humiliated”
Columnist Ann Coulter had this to say about decorated Vietnam War veteran Rep. Jack Murtha and others who think it's about time that U.S. troops come home from Iraq: "It is simply a fact that Democrats like Murtha are encouraging the Iraqi insurgents when they say the war is going badly and it's time to bring the troops home...[T]hey long to see U.S. troops shot, humiliated, and driven from the field of battle. They fill the airwaves with treason...These people are not only traitors, they are gutless traitors."
Courtesy of ThinkProgress
I should not give this genius the time of day, but it tickled me to death that someone who has never even trick-or-treated as a soldier could criticize one. The NeoCons have her and they dare to mention Michael Moore?
Coulter on Murtha: He Longs “To See U.S. Troops Shot, Humiliated”
Columnist Ann Coulter had this to say about decorated Vietnam War veteran Rep. Jack Murtha and others who think it's about time that U.S. troops come home from Iraq: "It is simply a fact that Democrats like Murtha are encouraging the Iraqi insurgents when they say the war is going badly and it's time to bring the troops home...[T]hey long to see U.S. troops shot, humiliated, and driven from the field of battle. They fill the airwaves with treason...These people are not only traitors, they are gutless traitors."
Courtesy of ThinkProgress
I should not give this genius the time of day, but it tickled me to death that someone who has never even trick-or-treated as a soldier could criticize one. The NeoCons have her and they dare to mention Michael Moore?
Monday, November 28, 2005
So Much for Advertising...
This was a little too much to keep to myself.
From News of the Weird:
"Police in Memphis, Tenn., reported in October that they had closed down a crack house on Rosamond Street, a task made easier because the resident usually announced the start of business hours by hanging out a sign reading, 'Crack House.'"
From News of the Weird:
"Police in Memphis, Tenn., reported in October that they had closed down a crack house on Rosamond Street, a task made easier because the resident usually announced the start of business hours by hanging out a sign reading, 'Crack House.'"
Top 10 Gifts from Hell
10. Ann Coulter talking doll
9. Speech lessons from Arnold Schwartzenegger
8. Scooter Libby's job
7. Scooter Libby's name
6. Enron 401K plan
5. An aviary
4. Beach-front property in the Gulf
3. An Army recruiter jumping out of a cake
2. Nude photos of Dick Cheney
1. An SUV with no gas
9. Speech lessons from Arnold Schwartzenegger
8. Scooter Libby's job
7. Scooter Libby's name
6. Enron 401K plan
5. An aviary
4. Beach-front property in the Gulf
3. An Army recruiter jumping out of a cake
2. Nude photos of Dick Cheney
1. An SUV with no gas
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Freaky Cat
I am going offline for a couple of days to do this Thanksgiving thing, but I will leave you with this interesting image: This appears to be a normal cat doing normal things.
Guess again.
Source: Unknown
Happy Thanksgiving (I did what I could to get rid of the pink photo border)!
Guess again.
Source: Unknown
Happy Thanksgiving (I did what I could to get rid of the pink photo border)!
Bush Considered Bombing Al-Jazeera?
According to the Mirror, one of the UK's most popular newspapers, our beloved president had thoughts of bombing Arabic news network Al-Jazeera, which has not exactly hid its opinion of the Bush administration. At first even I was going to give POTUS the benefit of the doubt and say that the words were probably just expressed in anger. That changed after I saw a following report that the British government "has warned media organi[z]ations they are breaking the law" if they published any details of this alleged memo. What better way to give legitimacy to a story than to use the power of government to try to ban it? I do not know what Bush was smoking when he made this statement, but considering how journalists are now on the chopping block here, the idea of him thinking about bombing a network that disagrees with him may be frightening, but not surprising.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
How the Retailers Stole Thanksgiving! (and Halloween...)
My sisters' children have dubbed me "Auntie Grinch," and rightfully so, because I openly loathe and despise Christmas. Aside from the fact that you are burned out after freely giving time, money and blood (literally) for 11 months and therefore are not too thrilled to see the Salvation Army bellringers by Month 12, retailers have taken it upon themselves to start shoving it down our throats in October. Now the sight of plastic Santas makes me pyromaniacal. Halloween is my favorite holiday. It is the only time of the year when you get to choose your identity and get away with it. But do I get to savor that? No! Before you get a chance to carve a pumpkin, here comes Christmas, courtesy of Dillard's et al.
Down with Holiday Imperialism! Consumers of the world, unite!
Down with Holiday Imperialism! Consumers of the world, unite!
Sheri's Random Act of Rebellion
Friday, November 18, 2005
One Bad Murtha
Representative John P. Murtha of Pennsylvania is probably going to be the most Googled politician today, especially after his call for 153,000 American troops to be pulled out of Iraq within six months. After reading this Vietnam combat veteran's history, it appears that any creakings from this "hawkish" ex-Marine are taken quite seriously, and this is almost the Congressional equivalent of the Sermon on the Mount. The cheeky rep also made the biting dissent that many condemning Iraq War critics were legal draft dodgers. Cheney was deferred from serving five times. The response? Some Republicans are comparing this decorated war hero to Michael Moore, stating that Democrats are being liberal and are fleeing from terrorists who "kill innocent Americans."
Has anyone else noticed that they are swimming back to the "War on Terrorism" excuse and the coin "liberating the Iraqis" is becoming less used?
Has anyone else noticed that they are swimming back to the "War on Terrorism" excuse and the coin "liberating the Iraqis" is becoming less used?
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Patriot Act Revisited
MSNBC is reporting that Congress is reevaluating the Patriot Act, and that the Democrats and the Republicans struck a deal to edit its contents. Here is my complaint: the Patriot Act was never necessary to gather intelligence. Under Executive Order 12333 (EO 12333) established by Reagan in December 1981, these organizations already had these rights through a very clear guideline provided to the Intelligence Community via the National Security Council. It was an excellent system. The only difference is that the guidelines were much stricter. The Patriot Act strips away those guidelines, giving agencies carte blanche to monitor anyone. This is less of a defensive devise and more of a way for Cold War dinosaurs to relive the McCarthy era.
On a final note, despite what politicians and the media tell you, I cannot express how much work is done by the Intelligence Community to protect our lives, and how much they have to suffer on a personal level to have this responsibility. These people literally give up their rights as citizens to protect ours - they have the highest suicide rates of government work. They are unsung heroes. They can provide all the intelligence in the world, but it is the choice of White House to listen to it.
On a final note, despite what politicians and the media tell you, I cannot express how much work is done by the Intelligence Community to protect our lives, and how much they have to suffer on a personal level to have this responsibility. These people literally give up their rights as citizens to protect ours - they have the highest suicide rates of government work. They are unsung heroes. They can provide all the intelligence in the world, but it is the choice of White House to listen to it.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Rice's World Tour
I am very pleased that Secretary Rice has taken it on herself to try to start peaceful negotiations between Israel and Palestine (how many times has the U.S. tried that already?).
But seriously - the fact is that although Palestine is sending fresh batches of suicide bombers into Israel, it pales in comparison to the brutal bombings sponsored by Israel in attempts to "clean out terrorists." And although I do not have official confirmation, word around the campfire is that Rice is making the situation even more confusing for the leaders of the respective lands by beating around the Bush. We are talking about decades of strife that we are expecting these two countries to just "get over." The only successful Arab-Israeli discussions were the 1978 Camp David Accords, and how did we manage that? We pay Egypt bribes every year, but the Accords could not have been that popular because Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was shot almost two years later.
But I guess Bush did what he had to do to get her out of the White House.
But seriously - the fact is that although Palestine is sending fresh batches of suicide bombers into Israel, it pales in comparison to the brutal bombings sponsored by Israel in attempts to "clean out terrorists." And although I do not have official confirmation, word around the campfire is that Rice is making the situation even more confusing for the leaders of the respective lands by beating around the Bush. We are talking about decades of strife that we are expecting these two countries to just "get over." The only successful Arab-Israeli discussions were the 1978 Camp David Accords, and how did we manage that? We pay Egypt bribes every year, but the Accords could not have been that popular because Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was shot almost two years later.
But I guess Bush did what he had to do to get her out of the White House.
Monday, November 14, 2005
The Church Chronicles
Yesterday I told my pastor that I was seriously considering switching denominations. He concluded that I was just stressed out and gave me permission to skip church for two months.
Put that in your hookah and smoke it!
Put that in your hookah and smoke it!
Saturday, November 12, 2005
A Tribute to Veterans
To my fellow veterans, and to those that are still actively keeping their promise to this nation, even though their leaders choose to ignore their oaths, I salute you from cyberspace. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
Your eternal sister-in-arms,
S
Your eternal sister-in-arms,
S
Friday, November 11, 2005
Sheri's Weekly Rant - Ann Coulter Talking Doll
Ann Coulter has a talking doll? Who the hell came up with this idea? As if the real thing was not bad enough, here we are with mass-produced Barbie ripoffs with even more ridiculously big hair that spew unstructured rants. I realize this product is not new, but when I heard about it ages ago, I genuinely thought it was a bad joke. The subtitle on the box is "America's Real Action Heroes." Ok...so now she and Bush supersede not only our Armed Forces, but apparently G.I. Joe as well. This is the ultimate gag gift - and no, I mean "gag" as in an action related to illness, not funny-ha-ha "gag."
On the bright side, at least now I have something to burn in effigy during the Senate elections. Hmm...I wonder if they have one for Condoleeza Rice?
On the bright side, at least now I have something to burn in effigy during the Senate elections. Hmm...I wonder if they have one for Condoleeza Rice?
A Little Alito (Pt 1)...
Dear Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito Jr., defended two of his past rulings, which involved corporations and firms of which he was affiliated, saying that he violated no laws, according to the Washington Post. In both cases, Alito ruled in favor of the groups in which he was associated with, which were Vanguard Group Inc. and Smith Barney Inc. The White House is justifying this behavior stating that a "courthouse 'computer screening program' had failed to alert Alito to step aside in the Vanguard case." Apparently Alito is one the few people in the legal system that is only able recognizes his chums when he is personally notified by his secretary. This is the lamest excuse yet. Karl Rove obviously did not come to work today.
As for Alito's rulings: illegal? Perhaps. Unethical? Undoubtedly.
As for Alito's rulings: illegal? Perhaps. Unethical? Undoubtedly.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Donkeys Kick Ass in Gubernatorial Races
Apparently every paper is leading with the Democratic wins of the Virginia and New Jersey. Virginian candidate Jerry Kilgore (R), who was supported by President Bush, suffered a sound defeat to the tune of 107,348 votes. The Washington Post writes that Democratic fever spread to the Virginian House of Delegates where they picked up several seats. A last minute visit by President Bush did not help New Jersey candidate businessman Doug Forrester (R) secure the bid for governor, in fact USA Today is hinting that Sen. Jon Corzine's (D) victory was the result of New Jersans reacting to problems associated with the current administration. Bloomberg managed to save his job in New York, but by 20 points.
So what does this mean? This humble blogger's final analysis is that these are signs that the country is sick of being Bushed.
So what does this mean? This humble blogger's final analysis is that these are signs that the country is sick of being Bushed.
Paris au Flambé
I am probably the only blogger that has not addressed the devastation of the riots in France, but hopefully I can make that up today. The French wrote the book on rioting and revolution (although they severely mellowed out between WWI and II), and once again the chefs du pays choose to ignore the source of the violence and concentrate solely on the violence itself. French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin and Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy have adopted the simplified notions of Gustave LeBon that the rioters are criminals, or as Sarkozy so eloquently put it, "scum and riffraff." What amazes me about State leaders that adopt this mentality is that they fail to realize their contribution to political violence. I personally believe that most people resort to violence as a final resort. When the system fails, what other option is there? Has France forgotten its history? The French Revolution stemmed from the same types of problems that resulted in the 12-day riots occurring now.
Villepin's problems are just beginning. Until the French government addresses the "whys" instead of focusing on the "whats," they can look forward to their dissenting population becoming more organized and eventually substituting Molotov cocktails for more sophisticated explosives.
Villepin's problems are just beginning. Until the French government addresses the "whys" instead of focusing on the "whats," they can look forward to their dissenting population becoming more organized and eventually substituting Molotov cocktails for more sophisticated explosives.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
What's In Your Wallet? - The Power of Globalization
I am of the opinion that if you want to watch a country change, the following recipe is ideal: provide Internet access to the masses, build a factory, a mall, a McDonald's and wait. Today I read an article about how fashion retailers are beginning to tap into the Muslim market, and I found it terribly amusing. Teeth have to be pulled in order for UN inspectors to penetrate parts of the Muslim world, but Nordstrom's et al are plowing through there with seemingly little effort. I view globalization as being a Pandora's Box that seems perfectly harmless at first glance, but once it is opened, it is unstoppable. Foreign and domestic policies are soon up for sale because capitalism is a fickle mistress that does not like to be restrained. It is the perfect weapon, just ask China. Deng Xiao Ping killed Mao's dream when he loosened up policies for the sake of expanding China's economy, and now current leader Hu Jintao is promoting a "cloaked capitalism."
I guess the conclusion that I am drawing is that if the Bush administration truly wants to democratize the world, instead of sending in the Marines, maybe he should just send in some trendy stores.
I guess the conclusion that I am drawing is that if the Bush administration truly wants to democratize the world, instead of sending in the Marines, maybe he should just send in some trendy stores.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Surviving the Survivor of a Crime
As much flack as we give the French, they have a mentality that is reflected in their legal system that I greatly admire and was a first-hand witness to when I visited Paris this summer. I was not the victim of a crime, but I witnessed one, yet they treated me like a victim as well, because in their legal system, seeing a crime is on the same level as being actually criminalized. Under Parisian law, I had the right to press charges. They refer to it as Le Menace.We as Americans completely disregard the survivors of the survivor. There are no pamphlets for them, and as a result that actually makes the healing process for the survivor worse because we do not acknowledge that the people around them are going through an adjustment period as well. I wish I could find a study that compares post-crime suicide rates for victims that have adequate support systems vs those who do not. I did a brief stint as a crisis counselor a few years ago, and this is what I have for those that do not know how to support a crime victim:
1. Do not act as an amateur psychiatrist. There is no cookie cutter behavior for crime victims, and not all victims sit at home catatonic in a corner with their thumbs in their mouths or spend all day sobbing and suicidal. Some go back to work the next day like it never happened, because that their way of gaining control over the situation. Each victim has their own coping mechanism, some that you may never understand.
2. Do not say "I understand what they are going through." Even if you have experienced the same type of crime, you may be able to relate to them, but you will never know exactly what they are going through, and to make such a statement trivializes the magnitude of emotions that they are experiencing.
3. Just be there for them. Whether you believe them or not, or think that they "asked for it" (which makes me question whether or not you are really their friend), the best thing you can do is help the victim feel comfortable coming to you for support.
1. Do not act as an amateur psychiatrist. There is no cookie cutter behavior for crime victims, and not all victims sit at home catatonic in a corner with their thumbs in their mouths or spend all day sobbing and suicidal. Some go back to work the next day like it never happened, because that their way of gaining control over the situation. Each victim has their own coping mechanism, some that you may never understand.
2. Do not say "I understand what they are going through." Even if you have experienced the same type of crime, you may be able to relate to them, but you will never know exactly what they are going through, and to make such a statement trivializes the magnitude of emotions that they are experiencing.
3. Just be there for them. Whether you believe them or not, or think that they "asked for it" (which makes me question whether or not you are really their friend), the best thing you can do is help the victim feel comfortable coming to you for support.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Say Hello to My Little Friend!: Senate Rule 21
The Democratic Party finally showed some cahunes by forcing the Senate into a closed session by pulling the Rule 21 card without warning. I will not lie to you, I had never heard of Rule 21 prior to yesterday, but as of today I have the entire Standing Rules of the Senate bookmarked. The Washington Post asserts that the hotspots of the session ranged from tainted intelligence claims that led to the Iraqi war to Scooter Libby's indictment. I am curious to what else went on during the two hours behind closed doors because apparently discussions resulting from the invocation of Rule 21 are expanded by Rules 25 and 31, which provide the invokers a fun assortment of privileges that otherwise may have been denied.
The SS Dubya is starting to look like the SS Titanic...
The SS Dubya is starting to look like the SS Titanic...
Monday, October 31, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
Comment of the Day
From the U.S. Postal Service in regards to my costume:
"Well, ma'am, we couldn't find your package, but our International Tracking Department says that Thailand (yes, the country) has a shipping record of it."
Our government cannot keep up with a Halloween costume and yet it is shocking that they cannot find Osama bin Laden?
"Well, ma'am, we couldn't find your package, but our International Tracking Department says that Thailand (yes, the country) has a shipping record of it."
Our government cannot keep up with a Halloween costume and yet it is shocking that they cannot find Osama bin Laden?
The Sexual Revolution Produced Unhappy Offspring?
Few things amuse me more than when someone who cannot walk in my shoes insists that my feet are hurting.
An article by Meghan O'Rourke entitled Theories of the Erotic, shares the impassioned plea by Harvard government professor Harvey Mansfield that women should reevaluate their post-sexual revolution ideas because we are teaching males not to value commitment via our providing them sexual "samples." Dr. Mansfield believes that we are an unhappy, ringless generation - the unfortunate, illegitimate offspring of the Sexual Revolution. He borrows from the work of Leon Krass, The End of Courtship which claims that "young women strike [him] as sad, lonely, and confused" because of the new sexuality.
Here is my take on the situation: as someone who grew up in the sexually repressive bowels of the deeply religious deep South, I personally was miserable with the restrictions placed on women in terms of relationships, and now that I am back, it is still frustrating that you have to hide part of yourself in order to be respectful. Nevermind the people I encounter that will argue with me that I want a husband and children, as if I am somehow less of a woman if I choose not to. I do not believe that the Sexual Revolution really had anything to do with sex en generale as it did with women who were sick of the oppressive status quo. It was about the ability to have the freedom to express oneself. As a woman, no, I do not enjoy the games and rules that come with "courtship," no, I do not feel my biological clock ticking, (in fact, I have spent the last eight years trying to find a doctor that was willing to dismantle it), no, my ring finger has never itched, and no, I do not like it when middle-aged males tell me that the psychological weight I feel lifted off me when I do express myself is an illusion.
An article by Meghan O'Rourke entitled Theories of the Erotic, shares the impassioned plea by Harvard government professor Harvey Mansfield that women should reevaluate their post-sexual revolution ideas because we are teaching males not to value commitment via our providing them sexual "samples." Dr. Mansfield believes that we are an unhappy, ringless generation - the unfortunate, illegitimate offspring of the Sexual Revolution. He borrows from the work of Leon Krass, The End of Courtship which claims that "young women strike [him] as sad, lonely, and confused" because of the new sexuality.
Here is my take on the situation: as someone who grew up in the sexually repressive bowels of the deeply religious deep South, I personally was miserable with the restrictions placed on women in terms of relationships, and now that I am back, it is still frustrating that you have to hide part of yourself in order to be respectful. Nevermind the people I encounter that will argue with me that I want a husband and children, as if I am somehow less of a woman if I choose not to. I do not believe that the Sexual Revolution really had anything to do with sex en generale as it did with women who were sick of the oppressive status quo. It was about the ability to have the freedom to express oneself. As a woman, no, I do not enjoy the games and rules that come with "courtship," no, I do not feel my biological clock ticking, (in fact, I have spent the last eight years trying to find a doctor that was willing to dismantle it), no, my ring finger has never itched, and no, I do not like it when middle-aged males tell me that the psychological weight I feel lifted off me when I do express myself is an illusion.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
MIERS EXPIRES!
The Washington Post reports that Supreme Court nominee and fear-striker to the hearts of both parties Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination this morning due to the "stiff opposition and mounting criticism about her qualifications." That was nice of Bush to ask her to do it instead of admitting he made a mistake and withdraw her himself.
What a relief. The day is starting to look better. I have a sense of hope now about the future...and maybe UPS will find my missing package...
What a relief. The day is starting to look better. I have a sense of hope now about the future...and maybe UPS will find my missing package...
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Torture for a Better America
I just finished the Washington Post's piece of how VP Cheney is aggressively pursuing the rewording of legislature proposed by McCain and Co. to prevent the abuse of detainees. Cheney's goal is to exempt the CIA from this amendment and he is so adamant in his efforts that he has already assured that the President will veto any defense spending bills that suggest condemnation of past and potential acts of torture. As of now, many of the detainees are not registered with the Red Cross and inspectors have been denied access to detainment facilities. Many are hidden and as the Post put it, '"disappeared," like the victims of some dictatorships."
What this administration fails to realize is that these torture tanks are making martyrs, not protecting Americans. While it is impossible to prevent every breach of our borders, tragedies such as 9/11 could have been prevented by a more attentive administration. The Post also mentions that the number of deaths of American soldiers has reached 2,000. Two-thirds of these deaths are the result of roadside bombs, and reports indicate that insurgents will receive weapons that are "seven times stronger" than the ones currently available in Iraq. This administration's blatant disregard for human rights and the Geneva Convention is only further demonizing our image abroad.
Is it any wonder that the insurgent movement is stepping it up a notch?
What this administration fails to realize is that these torture tanks are making martyrs, not protecting Americans. While it is impossible to prevent every breach of our borders, tragedies such as 9/11 could have been prevented by a more attentive administration. The Post also mentions that the number of deaths of American soldiers has reached 2,000. Two-thirds of these deaths are the result of roadside bombs, and reports indicate that insurgents will receive weapons that are "seven times stronger" than the ones currently available in Iraq. This administration's blatant disregard for human rights and the Geneva Convention is only further demonizing our image abroad.
Is it any wonder that the insurgent movement is stepping it up a notch?
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
It Was Only a Matter of Time...
The Hurricane Wilma cartoons are in...they are pretty much what I expected. Here is one of my favorites:
Source: http://cagle.com
Source: http://cagle.com
The Drip in the White House
Watching the results of Cheney's slip of the tongue has become a major part of my new primetime lineup. The New York Times listed this great timeline of the leak. Someone should get the Hasbro gamemakers on the phone because the way it is set up, it seems like it could evolve into a wonderful White House version of Clue.
Who needs Survivor when genuine reality is so much more entertaining?
Who needs Survivor when genuine reality is so much more entertaining?
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Solicited!
Earlier this week I was stopped by a motorist on my way from class who claimed to seek directions to a certain part of the local campus. This devolved into a request for paid services.
That's right, folks - I was solicited for prostitution.
The first feelings I experienced were high levels of indignation and a sense of social vulnerability. I am image conscious to a fault and pride myself on maintaining a ladylike appearance. I was so bothered by this that I missed class the next day, trying to figure out why would anyone assume that I could be picked up. I told a couple of my friends about it, and the response ranged from laughter to "just ignore it." The laughter infuriated me, and ignoring it was not an option. I asked another person and the first thing she asked me was what was I wearing. That struck me, because my first defense was that I was overdressed, as if my attire proved whether or not I was "asking for it." This neofeminist held the woman accountable, declaring my guilt without ever entertaining the idea that I might be innocent...just like the social Neanderthals I love to bash. It also alerted me of another aspect of my hypocrisy, because I have said that prostitution should not only be legalized, but heavily regulated and taxed. It made me think of the Marxist argument of how a class society devalues its participants based on status and occupation. It is acceptable for someone to be a prostitute the same as it is acceptable for someone to be a forklift operator, just as long as no one thinks that I am one.
It seems that my solicitor is not the only one with the problem.
That's right, folks - I was solicited for prostitution.
The first feelings I experienced were high levels of indignation and a sense of social vulnerability. I am image conscious to a fault and pride myself on maintaining a ladylike appearance. I was so bothered by this that I missed class the next day, trying to figure out why would anyone assume that I could be picked up. I told a couple of my friends about it, and the response ranged from laughter to "just ignore it." The laughter infuriated me, and ignoring it was not an option. I asked another person and the first thing she asked me was what was I wearing. That struck me, because my first defense was that I was overdressed, as if my attire proved whether or not I was "asking for it." This neofeminist held the woman accountable, declaring my guilt without ever entertaining the idea that I might be innocent...just like the social Neanderthals I love to bash. It also alerted me of another aspect of my hypocrisy, because I have said that prostitution should not only be legalized, but heavily regulated and taxed. It made me think of the Marxist argument of how a class society devalues its participants based on status and occupation. It is acceptable for someone to be a prostitute the same as it is acceptable for someone to be a forklift operator, just as long as no one thinks that I am one.
It seems that my solicitor is not the only one with the problem.
On the Subject of Tom Delay (Pt 1)
There are few things on this planet that give me more pleasure than seeing a finger-pointer get finger-pointed (except when it happens to me, of course). The fact that Tom Delay is a source of exasperation for me has nothing to do with the fact that he is a Republican...it did not exactly help, but it was not a noteworthy contributing factor. He and his compadres' dogged pursuit to the end of class-action suits, preventing stem-cell usage research and development, and nevermind the Terry Schiavo fiasco last spring are some of the some of the reasons why his name makes my stomach knot up. But I am going to make a conscience effort to be a better person than that. I am going to try not to snicker with pleasure at his arrest. I am not going to make popcorn while I watch the Hammer get pounded on national television. No, I will do better.
Who am I kidding? I am salivating for the moment that his mugshot hits the net...
Who am I kidding? I am salivating for the moment that his mugshot hits the net...
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Shift in Crime Rates
An article on MSNBC noted that in the realm of violent crimes, the number of homicides has decreased for the first time in five years, whereas the number of rapes are on the increase for the third year in a row, with 750 more cases than last year.
It is so comforting to know that I am still not safe.
It is so comforting to know that I am still not safe.
Monday, October 17, 2005
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