Source: http://cagle.com
Monday, January 30, 2006
Sunday, January 29, 2006
What About Sharon?
I thought of something earlier that I have not really seen addressed in cyberspace in reference to the recent Palestinian elections, and that something, or someone is Ariel Sharon. Although still comatose, I could not help but wonder should he regain full consciousness, what will the news of a Hamas-run government do to his health.
Part of me wonders if the idea has crossed his doctors' minds if the effort would be in vain to pursue his treatment at all.
Part of me wonders if the idea has crossed his doctors' minds if the effort would be in vain to pursue his treatment at all.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Palestine's Big Surprise
I am still recovering from this one. The Palestinian election just threw Democratic Peace theory right out the window. When I hear proponents of Democratic Peace theory, I have to question did they really take a good look at their cases. I am of the opinion that, while I love democracy, I honestly do not believe that it is a one-size-fit-all form of government. True, no democracy has ever gone to war with another, but those democracies had more in common with each other than just their types of government. The cultures were similar as well. Plus, the type of democracy that we currently have went through an evolutionary process, and is still evolving.
Well, Mr President...you sought democracy in the Middle East and you got it. The question is do you still want it?
Well, Mr President...you sought democracy in the Middle East and you got it. The question is do you still want it?
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Iran Nuke Problem: How Big of a Problem Is It?
In all the panic over Iran becoming a nuclear power, one question has gone unasked: what are the odds that they will actually use the weapon? True, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made statements that warrant concern over his level of competence, but we have been through this Armageddon scenario before. Iran just showed why a country would want to have WMDs: nuclear powers are taken far more seriously by global powerhouses such as, well...the United States. And let's face it - the Middle East is not going to be swimming in oil forever; their last ace is on the table. Aside from oil, does the Middle East really have any high-demand commodities to keep their existence above radar?
The fact is if Ahmadinejad nuked anyone, he would have the favor returned. Unless he is proven to be a true psychopath, all we are doing now is giving him free press.
The fact is if Ahmadinejad nuked anyone, he would have the favor returned. Unless he is proven to be a true psychopath, all we are doing now is giving him free press.
Friday, January 20, 2006
On the Subject of Bin Laden
I confess that I have not read the transcript of Bin Laden's last tape, but from the bits that I have managed to scrounge up, one comment brought a smirk to my face. Bin Laden mentioned that the U.S. should "learn from the Soviet Union's loss in Afghanistan."
I guess he forgot who was helping them behind the scenes.
I guess he forgot who was helping them behind the scenes.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Brobdingnagian Cop v. Lilliputian Skater
Looks like the LAPD has competition.
In Dallas, TX last Friday, a Roller Derby League skater was apparently assaulted by a cop. According to witnesses, the woman was skating to a tattoo parlor when she was stopped by a policeman for jaywalking. After "giving attitude" about getting a ticket, this very petite woman was restrained by a cop that could double as a linebacker. The photos of the incident are unspeakable. Witnesses state that the other cops that arrived on the scene not only failed to restrain their fellow officer, but threatened to arrest onlookers that yelled at them.
The woman was arrested for assaulting an officer, but she was the one with the bloody face.
In Dallas, TX last Friday, a Roller Derby League skater was apparently assaulted by a cop. According to witnesses, the woman was skating to a tattoo parlor when she was stopped by a policeman for jaywalking. After "giving attitude" about getting a ticket, this very petite woman was restrained by a cop that could double as a linebacker. The photos of the incident are unspeakable. Witnesses state that the other cops that arrived on the scene not only failed to restrain their fellow officer, but threatened to arrest onlookers that yelled at them.
The woman was arrested for assaulting an officer, but she was the one with the bloody face.
Political Plantations...?
I adore Hillary Clinton, but I have to call her out for pulling an old political dirty trick: using ethnic trigger words. When I heard Clinton compare the GOP to a plantation, even I rolled my eyes. Anyone with even modest knowledge of political strategy knows that every voting group, ethnic or otherwise, has their own set of trigger words. These little words are enough to convince any group that they are under attack, thus mobilizing them behind a politician with precious little effort.
I used to be just sensitive to trigger words such as "plantation." Thankfully I was eventually exposed to an environment that helped me taper my reactions to them, but I still flinch. I, however, am a minority in a minority.
As I said earlier, I like Clinton, but this obvious political ploy has earned a rolling of the eyes from this supporter.
I used to be just sensitive to trigger words such as "plantation." Thankfully I was eventually exposed to an environment that helped me taper my reactions to them, but I still flinch. I, however, am a minority in a minority.
As I said earlier, I like Clinton, but this obvious political ploy has earned a rolling of the eyes from this supporter.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Friday, January 13, 2006
Holy Land Bans "Holy Man?"
I thank God for Pat Robertson. Every time someone tries to throw Howard Dean or Al Sharpton in my face, all I have to say is "Pat Robertson" and the opposition falls silent. True, the GOP has other sore spots, such as Ann Coulter, but even she is not bold enough to claim to be the spokesperson for the Almighty. Plus none of the additional aforementioned names have ever been sanctioned by God's chosen people.
It never ceases to amaze me how quick the self-righteous right screams "Revelations!" at every natural disaster. The second something runs contrary to their interpretations of this oh-so-abused biblical book, they attack the discrepancy for not following the script instead of entertaining the idea that God may have other plans.
I would peg Robertson as the Antichrist, but the Antichrist is supposed to be smart.
It never ceases to amaze me how quick the self-righteous right screams "Revelations!" at every natural disaster. The second something runs contrary to their interpretations of this oh-so-abused biblical book, they attack the discrepancy for not following the script instead of entertaining the idea that God may have other plans.
I would peg Robertson as the Antichrist, but the Antichrist is supposed to be smart.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
A Little Alito (Pt 3)...
A talking head put the question of what was the purpose of confirmation hearings forward, and after listening what he had to say, I have to confess that he did make a decent argument. The idea of Alito being confirmed wakes me up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, and anything that can be done to prevent his ascent to SCOTUS is welcomed, but do we honestly expect him to admit to Senator Kennedy et al that if given the chance, he would or would not consider shredding Roe v Wade? Does anyone genuinely expect him to spew the alarming commentary that he claimed was just a case of youthful brown-nosing in front of the Senate? He has obviously been coached to give as vague a response as possible. From what I have researched of him, he is a considerable threat; the proverbial wolf-in-sheep-clothing. Personally, that was enough for me to rule him out.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Confessed Child Rapist Sentenced to 60 Days
I am beyond speechless: Vermont judge Edward Cashman sentenced a serial child rapist who admitted to sexually assaulting a young girl for four years, beginning when she was six years old. Judge Cashman's decision was based on his desire to rehabilitate sex offenders:
"Judge Cashman defended his ruling by saying that without treatment, a long jail term would only harden Hulett and make him more dangerous when he is released. He seemed to feel that decision would keep society safer from this offender's sexual deviancy in the long run."
I suppose, however that this should not be a surprise since only months earlier one of several males charged with raping an unconscious teenager was acquitted because the jury ruled that the victim twitched in the videotaped assault, thus rendering her conscious and since she did not fight back, she must have consented. Studies show that 1 of 6 women will be subjected to some form sexual assault and half of those assaults go unreported. Why bother? There is a 2% conviction rate and the bar for proof has reached an unattainable status, since confessions and videotape no longer stand as valid proof.
There is no need to "democratize" Iraq. Our countries' legal systems seem to already be on the same page.
"Judge Cashman defended his ruling by saying that without treatment, a long jail term would only harden Hulett and make him more dangerous when he is released. He seemed to feel that decision would keep society safer from this offender's sexual deviancy in the long run."
I suppose, however that this should not be a surprise since only months earlier one of several males charged with raping an unconscious teenager was acquitted because the jury ruled that the victim twitched in the videotaped assault, thus rendering her conscious and since she did not fight back, she must have consented. Studies show that 1 of 6 women will be subjected to some form sexual assault and half of those assaults go unreported. Why bother? There is a 2% conviction rate and the bar for proof has reached an unattainable status, since confessions and videotape no longer stand as valid proof.
There is no need to "democratize" Iraq. Our countries' legal systems seem to already be on the same page.
Black Ink Monday
I made a post several weeks ago regarding Black Ink Monday, a term applied by professional cartoonists due to the fact that 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. Mr. Weitman has pledged to respond to all emails.
Update: I actually received a response, which was the same rubber-stamp as every one else has received. I forwarded it to Cagle Cartoon, with a comment, and my comment was published on their Jan 6. blog post.
The cartoonists are asking that emails be sent to Tribune Company's Gary Weitman, VP of Communications. Mr. Weitman has pledged to respond to all emails.
Update: I actually received a response, which was the same rubber-stamp as every one else has received. I forwarded it to Cagle Cartoon, with a comment, and my comment was published on their Jan 6. blog post.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Very Interesting...
This weekend, the New York Times lead with the attempt by the U.S. government to try to get insurgents into the system:
"The diplomat said the goal was to take advantage of rifts in the insurgency, particularly between local groups, whose main goal is to expel American forces, and the more radical groups, like Al Qaeda, which have alienated many Iraqis by the mass killing of Iraqi civilians."
I am surprised at this move. I am surprised because it is actually a smart one. Although there will be strife over the "democratization" issue, still, this is a very calculated move.
Maybe having a Democrat (Lieberman) hanging around the White House has done them some good.
"The diplomat said the goal was to take advantage of rifts in the insurgency, particularly between local groups, whose main goal is to expel American forces, and the more radical groups, like Al Qaeda, which have alienated many Iraqis by the mass killing of Iraqi civilians."
I am surprised at this move. I am surprised because it is actually a smart one. Although there will be strife over the "democratization" issue, still, this is a very calculated move.
Maybe having a Democrat (Lieberman) hanging around the White House has done them some good.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Guilty by Association
Jack Abramoff has gone before court with proverbial tail between legs admitting his guilt before the judge and God, in that order. Yet I cannot help feel that prison may be the least of his woes. From the Washington Post:
"The guilty plea by Abramoff provides a major boost to federal prosecutors in an influence-peddling investigation that could become one of the largest corruption scandals in recent memory, involving as many as a half dozen lawmakers, a former top official at the Department of Interior and former and current congressional aides."
Not trying to be morbid, but considering how many people that have financially shacked up with him, I am genuinely surprised that he is still walking. I have yet to read whether or not any measures to secure this gem opportunity for prosecutors have been taken. At least at face value, it appears that Abramoff's fear of prison has overshadowed any loyalties to his customers and increased his threat level. I may be wrong, but considering the gravity of this case, whatever they can get out of him, they probably should do it soon.
"The guilty plea by Abramoff provides a major boost to federal prosecutors in an influence-peddling investigation that could become one of the largest corruption scandals in recent memory, involving as many as a half dozen lawmakers, a former top official at the Department of Interior and former and current congressional aides."
Not trying to be morbid, but considering how many people that have financially shacked up with him, I am genuinely surprised that he is still walking. I have yet to read whether or not any measures to secure this gem opportunity for prosecutors have been taken. At least at face value, it appears that Abramoff's fear of prison has overshadowed any loyalties to his customers and increased his threat level. I may be wrong, but considering the gravity of this case, whatever they can get out of him, they probably should do it soon.
Monday, January 02, 2006
EuroPart: Redefining International Relations
I am sure at least half the world is familiar with the EuroPart controversy by now. I viewed the entire 75-page project*, and several of the pieces are quite striking. The art involving depictions of Bush, Chirac and Queen Elizabeth engaged in intimate acts that are causing such an uproar, however, struck me as being cartoonish in nature and hopelessly dull. I was expecting to see art that indirectly conveyed something with more depth. Years from now it may be considered ahead of its time, but my reactions were sarcasm and a yawn.
At any rate, I am not surprised at all that the Austrian government yanked them off billboards.
*Azureus required to view EuroPart project.
At any rate, I am not surprised at all that the Austrian government yanked them off billboards.
*Azureus required to view EuroPart project.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)