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.
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