July 31, 2005

Turnabout is Fair Play...Unless Your On the Left Side of the Street

Aww, poor Helen Thomas...she's mad at her colleague Albert Eisele for printing her obnoxious comments about Dick Cheney. According to Drudge:

Eisele quoted Thomas as saying "The day Dick Cheney is going to run for president, I'll kill myself. All we need is one more liar."

[...]

"I'll never talk to a reporter again!" Thomas was overheard saying. "We were just talking -- I was ranting -- and he wrote about it. That isn't right. We all say stuff we don't want printed," Thomas said.

Uh huh. Like Karl Rove talking "off the record" about Jim Wilson's wife (whom he didn't even name)? But as Karl Rove is really the Big Bad Wolf in disguise, he doesn't deserve the same courtesy that a reporter expects.

Hear that, Helen? It's the world's smallest violin, playing just for you.

Show Comments »

Senator Dodd Responds...41 Days Later!

I'm just so glad Christopher Dodd is my senator. He's right there for me, taking action on the issues that are important to me and the rest of his constituents. I can just see him in his Washington office, burning the midnight oil, wondering how he can further serve the good people of Connecticut.

/sarcasm

My regular readers (all 8 of them) may remember that back in June, I wrote to both of my senators, Dodd and Lieberman, asking them what they thought about Senator Dick Durbin's (D-Illinois) comparison of our troops to Nazis, et al. In fact, I asked them to denounce Durbin's statements.

Joe Lieberman responded to my e-mail a couple of weeks later. While he tiptoed around the tulips, he did agree that public officials needed to be held accountable for their public statements. And until last week, I began to despair of ever hearing from Senator Dodd. However, he has finally replied...41 days after my e-mail. (It's dated July 28th, but I didn't see it right away, as e-mail from those not on my "safe list" goes to my junk folder.) He can't even blame the Post Office for this one. Below is Dodd's "personal" reply in full (my comments are in bold):

Dear Ms. Meister:

Thank you for contacting me regarding Senator Richard Durbin's (D-IL) remarks before the Senate on June 14, 2005. It was good to hear from you. (It was?) After reading from an email, reportedly drafted by an FBI officer, describing the treatment of certain prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Senator Durbin stated: "If I read this to you and did not tell you it was an FBI agent describing what Americans had done to prisoners in their control, you would most certainly believe this must have been done by Nazis, Soviets in their gulags, or some mad regime -- Pol Pot or others -- that had no concern for human beings." (I knew that...get to the point.)

Senator Durbin has stated that he did not intend his remarks to be in any way critical of the extraordinary contributions our service-men and -women are making around the world. (And you believed him? What a sap.) Moreover, on June 21, 2005, Senator Durbin made a heart felt apology on the Senate floor for his remarks. (Um, I asked you what you thought of his comments, not for a rehash of Durbin's "apology," which I read for myself when it happened.)

I join with all Americans in commending the exemplary job that American service-men and -women are continuing to do in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world. Under difficult conditions, these brave individuals have shown great courage and professionalism. I believe all Americans are united in their wish to see these heroes return home as safely and expeditiously as possible. (Again, this wasn't about your personal views, Senator Dodd, but what you thought about Durbin's comments, and whether or not you planned to give him the public censure he deserved. I guess that was a little na•ve of me, huh?)

Thank you again for contacting me. If you would like to stay in touch with me on this and other issues of importance, please visit my website at http://dodd.senate.gov and subscribe to my online newsletter, the Dodd Digest. Please do not hesitate to contact me again if I can help you in any way. (Gosh, I sure will, Senator. You've been such a big help already!)

Sincerely, CHRISTOPHER J. DODD United States Senator

So once again, I get the royal whitewash. Lieberman's reply was disappointing, but much more satisfying than the drivel Dodd sent. Dodd didn't even have the decency to admit that public officials should be held accountable for ill-spoken words. (I guess he's planning ahead for the next time he puts his foot in his mouth.)

I believe Dodd is up for re-election in 2006. I'm hoping the Republicans in this blue state can come up with a worthy opponent so we can finally get this pompous windbag out of office.

Show Comments »

July 30, 2005

Dear Blue States: Kiss My A**

Two Dogs over at Mean Ol' Meany has given a whoop-ass fisking to one of those anonymous e-mail "letters" written to the Red States from the Blue States. Click here to read it all. Here is just a sample to whet your appetite (his comments are in italics):

We've decided we're leaving. (Well, damn, it's about time.) We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us. (Don't let the screen door hit you in the ass.)

[...]

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, (Y'all believe in Socialism, which is worse??) 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the death penalty (No, we still believe it's sacred, that's why we put to death someone that doesn't believe it is.) or gun laws (I have no idea what that means. Guns and "life is sacred"?), 44 percent say thatevolution is only a theory, (Uh, is that why they call it the "Theory of Evolution"?) 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11 (No, but 100% of you dumbasses think that we do.) and 61 percent of you crazy bastards believe you are people with higher morals then we lefties. (No, it's closer to 100% of us crazy bastards. You better not forget that we are crazy or we will WHIP. YOUR. ASS.)

There's lots more where THAT came from. Read it...NOW. And get ready to laugh your butt off.

Show Comments »

Wise Words to Live By

I came across the following "Ten Points" that are often attributed to one of our greatest presidents (and possibly one of the wisest men who ever lived), Abraham Lincoln. However, according to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, they were written by Reverend William John Henry Boetcker (1873-1962).

No matter who wrote them, they are worth repeating. Are any Democrats listening? Here we go:

* You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
* You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
* You cannot help small men by tearing down big men.
* You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
* You cannot lift the wage-earner by pulling down the wage-payer.
* You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income.
* You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
* You cannot establish sound security on borrowed money.
* You cannot build character and courage by taking away a man's initiative and independence.
* You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.

Show Comments »

July 29, 2005

Jacko a Floppo

Michael Jackson's newest release has sold only 8,000 copies in its first week of release.

The Essential Michael Jackson doesn't seem to be essential in most music collections.

Could it be because no one recognizes him on the cover?

Show Comments »

It's Not Easy Being Stone[d]

Pity party for Oliver Stone...the poor education of America's youth (and possibly Mel Gibson) is the reason his "epic" film Alexander flopped at the box office last year:

Oliver Stone believes the critical mauling his epic Alexander received last year (04) was the inevitable result of America's youth misunderstanding ancient history.

[...]

He says, "Because of Braveheart, I think kids see ancient times as, 'Hey man, that's violence!' They don't see it as separate cultures that in some cases had stronger values than ours.

In other words, we dumb Americans can't understand the delicate nuances of other cultures (even ancient ones). Our failure to apply moral relativity to everything means we are simply cultural neanderthals, not worthy of the perfection Stone offers on the silver screen. (I wonder why Stone and other Hollywood paragons actually admit to being Americans, seeing as they are so much more intelligent and sensitive than the rest of the rabble...Let them eat cake!)

While I agree that our students are often shortchanged in the classroom, especially when it comes to history, I simply can't believe that Stone is using that as a reason for his last stinkbomb. I guess his fragile ego would shatter if he actually admitted that he just made a bad film.

Get out the hankies for this one:

"My reputation has been battered to death so many times, I'm surprised I'm still alive."

Perhaps his next epic should be about himself: The Persecution of Oliver Stone.

Show Comments »

July 27, 2005

Jessica Simpson: ABC Ignores Iraq Reality

Believe it or not, airhead Jessica Simpson is upset with ABC for not showing the reality of what is happening in Iraq. She and hubby Nick Lachey went to Iraq to film a reality show, but only the "fun" parts of their trip were shown.

Simpson says, "It was unbelievable. They didn't show a lot of what really went on with the enemy attacks and the shelling. There was so much stuff that went on and somehow the tapes got mysteriously misplaced.

"It put everything in perspective for me. It really did teach me the definition of sacrifice. I can't even fathom being out there right now. I was ready to come home."

It's not clear if she's talking about the sacrifices of our soldiers, the Iraqi people or both. But a self-centered, pampered resident of LaLa Land finally understanding something about sacrifice? Maybe she's not such an airhead after all.

Show Comments »

July 25, 2005

Blogging Will Be Light...

I'm flying out to the Midwest tomorrow (Tuesday) on business and will get back home Thursday night. I'm bringing my laptop with me, but don't know how much free time I'll actually have. I'll do my best, though, to get a couple of posts in between now and Friday.

In the meantime, please check out the great blogs on my blogroll. (I need to update that with some other great blogs I've discovered...hope to get to it over the weekend.) These folks deserve your attention!

Show Comments »

U.N. Watch: The U.N. vs. Zimbabwe

What's new over at the U.N.? Check out my post on Lifelike Pundits to find out.

Show Comments »

Jane Fonda: A Leopard Can't Change its Spots

Whooie! Get your tie dyed shirts and Birkenstocks out of mothballs...Jane Fonda is protesting the war again!

Well, the current war in Iraq.

Actress and activist Jane Fonda says she intends to take a cross-country bus tour to call for an end to U.S. military operations in Iraq.

"I can't go into any detail except to say that it's going to be pretty exciting," she said.

Fonda said her anti-war tour in March will use a bus that runs on "vegetable oil." She will be joined by families of Iraq war veterans and her daughter.

A bus run on vegetable oil? Has anyone done an EPA study on the effects of vegetable exhaust on the ozone layer?

I guess now that Fonda has a successful movie in the can after many years of absence in Hollywood, she's ready to jump back into her old role as anti-war schlep.

"I have not taken a stand on any war since Vietnam," she said. "I carry a lot of baggage from that."

Obviously that baggage isn't too heavy for her to carry on this upcoming trip.

Stick to movies, Jane...you're much more likable when you're being someone else.

Show Comments »

Respect for the Office, If You Please

You know, there was a time when the media and the public actually had some respect for the office of the president, even if the president wasn't popular in some circles. While obnoxious political cartoons have always been part of political discourse, outright parody is usually considered to be tasteless.

Until now.

A scathing parody that likens President George W. Bush to the "idiot" in William Faulkner's novel "The Sound and the Fury" has won this year's Faulkner write-alike contest -- and touched off a literary spat.

And, the Faux Faulkner competition organizers are upset with the contest's sponsor, Hemisphere (the United Airlines magazine), for only posting it on their website and not printing it in the magazine.

Remember how the press used to not publish photos of Franklin D. Roosevelt in his wheelchair because Roosevelt was sensitive about it? What happened to those days? Now, aspiring writers feel free to compare a sitting president to a mentally retarded (not the official PC term, I know) literary character, and he not only wins the prize but considers the comparison to be a favorable one.

[Sam Apple] set about trying to write in Faulkner's style, he said, the same way a novice guitarist tries to imitate a pro. Another character's observation about Benjy made him think of Bush, and Apple has Cheney echo that line in the parody: "'He know lot more than folks think."'

Isn't that just peachy keen?

Y'know, if someone had done such a thing while Clinton was in office, I think there would have been a bit more of an uproar by not only the press, but the literary "geniuses" who put on the contest. I doubt it would have won the big prize, either.

Again, you may not think Bush is the right man for the job. But like it or not, he's the president. Show some respect.

Show Comments »

July 23, 2005

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

That's the name of my post over at Lifelike Pundits regarding the latest crackdown in Cuba and the left ignoring it for more important "atrocities" like the situation at Gitmo. Feel free to check it out!

Show Comments »

Moby: Trying to Stay Relevant (and failing)

Blogging can be fun for the blogger and informative for the readers.

In the case of Moby's blog, he may be having fun, but his readers aren't. Take this excerpt, written while he is in Australia:

how ironic...i'm in australia and john howard(aussie pm) is in the u.s. maybe we should trade responsibilities? john howard(we have a similar hairline) could play some old rave classics ('go', 'thousand', 'next is the e', etc) and i could give my honest opinion on the war in iraq(a tragically sad, hubris inspired invasion that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths purely in the interest of acquiring the worlds 2nd largest oil reserves). i wonder if john howard and gw bush will kiss slowly and softly or with the ardent passion of long seperated lovers? i vote for the latter, to be honest with you.

Ugh. What is the left's fascination with insulting conservatives by accusing them of being homosexual, yet they claim that we are the homophobes? Houston, we have a problem.

Does anyone still listen to Moby's music? Does anyone still care about his opinion? Celebrities (and I use the word with tongue in cheek here) like Moby harp and whine about our "greed" for oil, but how did he get all the way to Australia? By schooner or windjammer?

Just shut up and play your "rave classics," if they truly exist.

Via Marathon Pundit.

Show Comments »

Here's a Surprise (Not)!

A poll taken in Britain yields not-so-surprising results:

YouGov sought to gauge the character of the Muslim community's response to the events of July 7. As the figures in the chart show, 88 per cent of British Muslims clearly have no intention of trying to justify the bus and Tube murders.

However, six per cent insist that the bombings were, on the contrary, fully justified.
Six per cent may seem a small proportion but in absolute numbers it amounts to about 100,000 individuals who, if not prepared to carry out terrorist acts, are ready to support those who do.

Moreover, the proportion of YouGov's respondents who, while not condoning the London attacks, have some sympathy with the feelings and motives of those who carried them out is considerably larger - 24 per cent.

Yet these are the very same people who are worried about "racial profiling" and retaliatory actions by both the citizenry and the government.

If bombings were being perpetrated by white Christians or Jews, you can bet there would be no tolerance for those who "sympathized" with their cause, either in Britain or here in the U.S. The very idea is despicable.

How can you sympathize with people who want to kill others simply because they do not share your religion or the values that accompany it?

Islam is losing its PR campaign as "the religion of peace."

Show Comments »

July 22, 2005

Jonathan Chait: Bush Exercises Too Much!

Jonathan Chait, a senior editor at the New Republic, should check his waistbandÉhis leftism is showing.

In an op-ed piece in todayÕs LA Times, Chait complains that President Bush has Òan obsession with exercise that borders on the creepy.Ó

He has a problem with BushÕs hour-long bike rides and jogs. He has a problem with the time Bush spends in the weight room. What gives? With the left being concerned about the Òobesity epidemicÓ to the point of wanting to regulate how much junk food we can eat, why would someone like Chait get upset about exercise? From everything IÕve read, exercise is one of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves. It lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and helps keep weight down.

Perhaps ChaitÕs difficulty with BushÕs propensity for exercise is because regular exercise hasnÕt yet been mandated by the courts, like having to wear a seat belt and having to wear a helmet while bicycling. Regular exercise still falls under the jurisdiction of personal responsibility. (We all know what the left thinks of personal responsibility!)

HereÕs one of ChaitÕs snarkier paragraphs:

There's no denying that the results are impressive. Bush can bench press 185 pounds five times, and, before a recent knee injury, he ran three miles at a 6-minute, 45-second pace. That's better than I could manage when I played two sports in high school. And I wasn't holding the most powerful office on Earth. Which is sort of my point: Does the leader of the free world need to attain that level of physical achievement?

What would Chait prefer? A leader who is on the verge of keeling over from ill health? And pardon me for wondering why one of the leftÕs loudest cheerleaders would question our presidentÕs physical fitness, considering how important they consider the good opinion of the rest of the world to be. Do they want Bush to next be the object of fat jokes?

He finishes up with this:

It's nice for Bush that he can take an hour or two out of every day to run, bike or pump iron. Unfortunately, most of us have more demanding jobs than he does.

Frankly, IÕd rather have a president who spends his off-time biking or jogging than seducing young interns in the Oval Office.

Oh, and the bit about the rest of us having Òmore demanding jobs than he doesÓ was a bit of overkill, wouldnÕt you agree? Is helping to run the New Republic really harder than being the leader of the most powerful nation on Earth? In that case, Chait 2008! has a wonderful ring to it.

HereÕs an exercise that might beneifit Chait: exercising restraint of the obvious distaste he has for President Bush.

*More thoughts on this come from Michelle Malkin and Independent Sources.*

Show Comments »

July 21, 2005

NY Liberals Whine About New Search Policy

Oh for Pete's sake. In reaction to the NYPD's announcement today (a version of which I heard on my MetroNorth train on the way home) regarding the start of random bag searches in and around NY public transportation areas, some Leftwingers are showing their paranoia by wearing t-shirts that say "I do not consent to being searched."

If someone refuses to allow a search, then they won't be allowed on the train, bus or subway car. I say tough.

Listen, these are the people who point the finger of blame without compunction when something disastrous happens. "We aren't being protected! Why didn't the government do something to prevent this?" After all, aren't the Lefties screaming that 9/11 is all Bush's fault, even though evidence points to the likelihood that if Clinton had been more forceful in dealing with incidents such as the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the bombing of the USS Cole and other "minor" terrorist acts, such acts might have been nipped in the bud?

Of course, there is the ever present worry that racial profiling might take place during these random searches. Being that all of the terrorist bombings (both here and abroad) have been proven to have been perpetrated by Muslims of Middle Eastern descent (usually young men, but a few women have been involved), wouldn't it make sense to focus on them? But hurt feelings are a lot more important than the safety of thousands, possibly millions of people.

In any case, if I am asked to surrender my bag for a random search, you bet I'm going to comply. Like it or not, the police and military are here to protect us--even those ingrates who don't appreciate the fact that these men (and women) in uniform are prepared to die for the rest of us.

I hope those who don't want to be searched have good walking shoes.

Show Comments »

Attempt on Bush's Life: A Lucky Dawg Scoop!

Check out Lucky Dawg News for footage on the attempt on W's life this spring when he visited the former Soviet sattelite Georgia. The footage includes the perpetrator being taken down, taken to the hospital, some interrogation and more. As Chris over at Lucky Dawg News said in an e-mail,

It really ticked me off that an attempt on our President's life gets only 1 or 2 sentences, or not even mentioned. We came very close to losing a great leader during a war. If you see the equipment this guy had, it leads me to believe someone bigger was behind this.

I agree. Go over there RIGHT NOW!!!

Show Comments »

Who Outed Valerie Plame?

Joe Wilson, of course.

Read this excellent article on the subject by John F. Gaski of Investor's Business Daily, written in "open letter style" to Wilson. Here's a great paragraph regarding Wilson's "brainstorm" in how he came up with a scheme to discredit George W. Bush, his administration, and the Iraq war:

And it is clever indeed. YouÕve always known you are much smarter than the rest of your circle realizes, and this brainstorm gets bigger every time you think about it. Now it is leading to a book deal, the TV fame youÕve long craved and, no doubt, an unlimited political future in the Democratic Party, to whom you are becoming a real hero.

Please do read the whole thing. It's brilliant!

*Many thanks to my friend Karen for sending it to me.*

Show Comments »

July 20, 2005

Sorry I've Been MIA!

I haven't been blogging for the last day or two because I've had my nose buried in the new Harry Potter book. Sometimes I wish I was a slower and less persistent reader, because the pleasure would last longer. I just finished it about 20 minutes ago, and all I can say is, I hope J.K. Rowling doesn't make us wait as long for the final installment!

And now look, it's almost my bedtime! What a weenie I've become...but I'll be back in blogging form tomorrow!

Show Comments »

July 18, 2005

Ebonics is Back...

Read my post at Lifelike Pundits.

Show Comments »

Tip for NYT Reporter: Take Some Tums

I'm saddened by the report that NYT reporter Judith Miller is suffering tremendously as she enters her second week in jail:

As Judith Miller of The New York Times approaches the end of her second week in a Virginia jail, reports from behind bars reveal she is enduring stomach problems from jail food. She is also sharing a cell unit that had originally been designed to house just one person. Because of that, Miller had been forced to sleep on a mattress on the floor for a few days but now has her own bed.

What did she expect? A room similar to one she might stay in at a Courtyard Marriott? A buffet to rival that she would get at the Tavern on the Green? Serious charges merit serious consequences; something the folks at the Times seem to think they are above.

Surprisingly few stories about Miller's experience in jail have emerged, with just one such story in her own paper. "I don't want to cross over the line into using the newspaper as a promotional vehicle for her case," [NYT Executive Editor Bill]Keller explained. "The story she is caught up in is a big story -- to the extent she is news we will write about it. We aren't going to start writing a Judy story everyday just to drum up sympathy. That becomes advocacy instead of journalism."

Wow, that's a first. Mark it down for posterity...the NYT practices journalism, not advocacy. (I'll bet the Dems will be surprised to find out.)

Miller "hasn't had any difficulty with other women in the cell block," Keller said. "She seems to be on fairly genial terms with some of them. I think everyone in there knows what she's in for. She has a higher public profile than most."

While I am glad that she hasn't encountered any unpleasantness with the other prisoners (stories of prison violence are not light fare), I find it hard to believe that the prisoners who use the shared television to watch "hip hop and rap music videos" have much knowledge of who she is, much less care. Are we to believe she has the same cache of fellow jailbirds Martha Stewart and Lil' Kim (who is to report to prison by September 19)? Besides, the article mentions she is being housed in the "non-violent" section of the prison.

Give me a break already. Judith Miller is in prison not for some high-flying ideal, as many think her refusal do discuss her sources in the Valerie Plame "outing" is. Rather, she is there for contempt of court because she refused a court order to reveal said source.

In fact, those who are shouting for Karl Rove's head for allegedly breaking the law by breaking Plame's cover (which he didn't) seem to think it's fine for people like Miller to flout court orders in the name of "truth." And, if it's okay for Miller and her compatriots to go against court rulings for causes they believe in, what's to stop others from doing the same? Restraining orders against abusive spouses would be ignored because the abuser believes injuring his wife is a worthy cause. Abortion protesters would set off more bombs in clinics. PETA and ELF would destroy property in the name of their ideals.

Oh wait, all of those things happen already. But except for PETA and ELF, they are condemned, and rightly so. PETA and ELF are usually given a pass because their politically-motivated attacks are considered a worthy cause...even though they may break the law. It's good to be on the right (or shall I say left?) side of political correctness.

As long as a law is on the books, all citizens are required to follow it, no matter how inane it may seem. Don't like it? Challenge it in court. But don't expect pity from the rest of us when you believe yourself to be higher than the law.

Show Comments »

July 17, 2005

Republicans are Murderers

*This post originally appeared on Lifelike Pundits.*

Yep, Republicans are murderers, if you believe ex-Clinton aide Paul Begala. At the first ever Campus Progress National Student Conference (otherwise known as the Leftwing Youth Indoctrination Conference), Begala took part in a panel entitled "Winning the War of Ideas."

Begala's presence on the panel created a stir when he declared that Republicans had "done a p***-poor job of defending" the U.S.

Republicans, he said, "want to kill us."

"I was driving past the Pentagon when that plane hit" on Sept. 11, 2001. "I had friends on that plane; this is deadly serious to me," Begala said.

"They want to kill me and my children if they can. But if they just kill me and not my children, they want my children to be comforted -- that while they didn't protect me because they cut my taxes, my children won't have to pay any money on the money they inherit," Begala said. "That is bulls*** national defense, and we should say that."

If calling Republicans the equivalent of murderers is part of winning the war on ideas, then it's no wonder the Democrats are on the losing side. As usual, they have no compunction about saying truly vile things regarding their political opponents. This goes past rhetoric. This is truly irresponsible and without any kind of merit whatsoever. I can hear Chuckie Schumer and Harry Reid screaming for the resignation of any Republican who dared to make a similar comment...but as usual, the Democrats sit by and snicker behind their hands when morons like Begala and Dean make the kind of comments they'd all like to make themselves.

When politicians start pulling from the latrine for their public commentary, it's just a hop, skip and jump away from getting their actions from the same rank location.

The Democrats have finally declared moral bankruptcy

Show Comments »

Movie Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Sorry I haven't been blogging this weekend...as usual, there's too much to do on the weekends and not enough time to do it. Most of yesterday was spent rearranging my basement--a finished space that is used as a family room. I had to make enough room for my new treadmill!

Anyway, the big excitement was seeing the new film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory today. I was more excited about it than the kids! I read numerous reviews, but I usually don't let them sway my opinion until I see a movie myself.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory has much to recommend it, but those who enjoyed the friendly demeanor of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka might be disappointed. While it's an inspired performance, Johnny Depp's Wonka is more sinister than happy-go-lucky chocolate maker. I have not quite made my mind up about him yet.

The performances by the children were wonderful. Charlie is angelic, the rest are horrible brats. The parents are also well-cast, as is Charlie's family. And, this being Tim Burton, the sets are elaborate and awe-inspiring.

Danny Elfman is one of my favorite movie composers, and I was a fan of him when he was with Oingo Boingo back in the '80s. The music for this film really reminded me a great deal of Oingo Boingo's stuff. The only thing I found wrong with it is that some of the lyrics to the Oompa Loompa songs (using the lines written by Roald Dahl in the book) were difficult to understand, although that could have simply been the volume in the theater.

There were flashbacks to Wonka's childhood that showed why he became the way he is. My favorite flashback was how Wonka first met the Oompa Loompas.

Oh, and some of the best lines were throw-away lines by minor character Grandpa George (one of the grandparents who shares a bed and never gets out of it).

Basically, if you are a fan of the book and the original movie, you should check it out and make up your own mind. I did enjoy it, though I didn't like everything about it. And this was the most crowded I'd seen a theater in a long time.

Show Comments »

July 15, 2005

Senators Beg O'Connor To Reconsider Retirement

Four senators, in their infinite wisdom, have written a joint letter asking Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to reconsider retiring at this time:

In a copy of the letter obtained by CNN, Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-California, Mary Landrieu, D-Louisiana, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, urged the 75-year-old jurist to return to the court as the chief justice of the United States to avoid what could be a messy confirmation fight over her successor.

"As United States senators with the constitutional responsibility of 'advice and consent,' we would strongly recommend to President Bush that he nominate you as chief justice," the letter said.

Talk about obnoxious.

It's not a surprise that Barbara Boxer is part of this committee of female senators who obviously have a couple of items on their agenda. (Yes, it's a bipartisan committee, two Republicans and two Democrats, but the Republicans here are more like their Democrat contemporaries.) One, they are worried about whom Bush will nominate in O'Connor's place. Two, they are more concerned with having a woman on the court--possibly as Chief Justice--than with having someone competent and qualified replace O'Connor.

I am not implying that O'Connor is an incompetent justice. However, to put her gender before who would do the best job is ridiculous. Also, O'Connor has often sided with the more liberal justices in controversial rulings, despite the fact that Ronald Reagan nominated her based on her status as a conservative justice. This, too, has its factor in the plea by Boxer and Pals.

O'Connor is 75 years old. She has had a long and exemplary career serving her country. If she wants to enjoy her golden years in retirement, that is certainly her prerogative. While sitting on the Supreme Court is a lifetime appointment, nowhere does it say a justice cannot retire.

(In fact, the one who really should consider retiring is Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who is older than O'Connor and being treated for thyroid cancer.)

Boxer, Landrieu, Collins and Snowe should really mind their own business and begin thinking about how they'll comport themselves during the confirmation process of whomever Bush nominates. Worrying about a potentially nasty confirmation proceeding just shows that they probably don't plan on being above the fray themselves.

It's a shame that our senators and congressmen aren't forced to retire after serving a certain number of terms. If it's good enough for the office of the president, it should be good enough for them.

Show Comments »

Illegal Immigration Follies: Another Obnoxious Example

My friend Jeanette sent this to me:

Every other week for at least 10 months, a Lakewood [New Jersey] woman filled two passenger vans with illegal Hispanic immigrants and made the 11-hour drive from New Jersey to Knoxville, Tenn.

For the immigrants, the payoff was a document that has become tough to get in New Jersey for those without U.S. citizenship -- a valid driver's license. For the woman, federal authorities say, the payoff was the thousands of dollars she charged them for her assistance.

Zeneida C. Rivera, 55, was arrested earlier this week and charged with conspiracy to obtain illegal documents (she provided her ÒclientsÓ with fake birth records in order to obtain the licenses), and faces 15 years in jail and a fine of $250,000.

Other than the fact that this unscrupulous woman blatantly broke the law by helping these people to get their driverÕs licenses illegally, what is worse is that we are still talking about illegal immigrants in this country.

All countries have immigration laws, including the United States, yet for some reason people think American immigration law is meant to be broken.

Check out this comment:

"It's a survival matter," said Mahonrry Hidalgo, the chairman of the Immigration Committee for the Latin Leadership Alliance, an advocacy group. "People need to drive to get to work. This is something that has to be addressed at all levels in New Jersey. I hope the state understands the need for this workforce to have drivers' licenses."

He also lamented the fact that some unscrupulous individuals are profiting off of this Òdisgraceful situation.Ó

IÕm sorry, Mr. Hidalgo, but the disgraceful situation isnÕt illegalsÕ lack of driverÕs licenses, but the fact that they are here illegally! They shouldnÕt be working here, their children shouldnÕt be attending school here, and they shouldnÕt be receiving welfare, Medicaid, or any other benefits that legal citizens and taxpayers are footing the bill for.

Not to mention the fact that the two states that allow non-citizens (not counting those here legally with permanent status) to obtain these licenses, Tennessee and Utah, are extending an engraved invitation to terrorists who want to establish Òlegitimacy.Ó

I support President Bush, but I donÕt support his illegal immigration policyÉor rather, the lack of a policy. No, poor Mexicans who sneak over the border arenÕt likely to blow up large buildings and the people in them. They want a better way of life and I sympathize. But we have our laws for a reason. Our social structure and yes, our safety, depend on the enforcement of those laws.

ItÕs time Bush and the other politicians from both parties figured this out.

Show Comments »

July 14, 2005

Don't Expect This to Make the Front Page of the NYT

A recent poll taken in Muslim majority countries (before last week's bombings in London) shows that enthusiasm for violent terror tactics by Islamists is on the wane, as well as support for Osama bin Laden. (Bin Laden's popularity remains highest among young people.)

In Lebanon (search), the number of people who think the use of bombings and other forms of violence is justified in defense of Islam (search) has dropped from 73 percent in the summer of 2002 to 39 percent now. A decrease in this number also was seen in Morocco, which fell from 40 percent a year ago to 13 percent now, and in Pakistan and Indonesia. In Jordan, the number of people who feel such violence is justified has grown slightly; the number in Turkey remains very low.

Since March 2004, the sentiment for bombings against Americans and their allies in Iraq dropped from 70 percent to 49 percent in Jordan, which neighbors Iraq, and dropped by smaller margins in Pakistan, Turkey and Morocco.

Also, the polls show more and more citizens of Lebanon, Jordan, Morocco and Indonesia are thinking that democracy can work in their countries, and that it isn't just a "Western way" of doing things.

Although feelings against the U.S. remain strong, it's encouraging that more and more Middle Easterners are beginning to become disillusioned by bin Laden and the tactics used by his followers. It's also good to know that the idea of democracy is spreading, although it's slower than we'd like it to be.

(See the article on FOXNews.com for more specifics on the poll results.)

Show Comments »

Britain's Home Secretary: Higher Priorities

Britain's Home Secretary (whose duties are described here) Charles Clarke thinks the fight against terrorism is more important than certain civil liberties.

In fact, he told the EU's Members of the European Parliament (MEPS) in Brussels that, "a fundamental civil liberty of people in Europe [is] to be able to go to work on their transport system in the morning without being blown up."

Imagine that? The right to life is more important than being photographed without permission by CCTV cameras that now dot London and other British cities.

I hope Britain and Europe listen. I can only wish that our Democrats would listen to him as well.

*Note: To read the Telegraph UK article linked above, you must register...but registration is free.

Show Comments »

Iraq's "Minutemen" Kill Children

Yes, those revolutionaries of the Middle East, the ones Michael Moore likened to our very own Minutemen of the American fight for independence, killed at least 18 children in a Baghdad bombing yesterday. (The baby in the photo at right was injured in the blast.)

A car bomb exploded next to U.S. troops handing out candy and toys, killing 18 children and teenagers Wednesday. Parents heard the shattering explosion and raced out to the discover the worst Ñ children's mangled, bloodied bodies strewn on the street.

Now they're killing children whose only crime was to hope for treats that are often given out by our soldiers. They have hit a new low...something I thought wasn't possible.

Will someone please cite sources for me that prove our Minutemen deliberately killed children?

And will someone please tell the left that it's just not good enough for us to "understand" these monsters? To feel their pain? Vermin like this needs to be wiped out. End of story.

Oh, and Michael Moore is an ass.

Show Comments »

July 13, 2005

We've Got Bigger Problems Than That!

*This post originally appeared on Lifelike Pundits*

From The Scotsman (via Drudge):

United States interrogators at Guantanamo Bay subjected a suspected terrorist to abusive and degrading treatment, forcing him to wear a bra, dance with another man and behave like a dog, military investigators said yesterday.

They recommended that Major-General Geoffrey Miller be reprimanded for failing to oversee his interrogation of the 9/11 suspect at the base in Cuba.

Big deal.

Islamists just detonated FOUR bombs in London last week, killing over 50 people and injuring hundreds. And people are still worrying about a little humiliation at Gitmo?

Our soldiers aren't pulling out the detainees' finger and toenails. They aren't raping loved ones while detainees are forced to watch. They certainly aren't starving them or keeping them from their religion...in fact, soldiers have to go out of their way to not denigrate the precious Koran by wearing gloves and masks when handling it. Come on, now!

So what's a little embarrassment among terrorists? If making them wear bras or accusing them of homosexuality in front of their intolerant peers gets interrogators vital information that could forestall another civilian attack either in Iraq, Afghanistan, or (gasp) even Europe or the U.S., then I say go for it!

WHY IS IT THAT THE LIVES ENDANGERED AND SACRIFICED BY THE ISLAMOFASCISTS ARE LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE FINER FEELINGS OF THOSE ISLAMOFASCISTS WHO HAVE BEEN CAPTURED?

You bet I'm passionate about it. I've had it.

Show Comments »

American Supporter in Denmark Gets Eight Days in Prison

...for refusing to serve French and German customers right after the outbreak of the Iraq war.

Remember the story? Aage Bjerre put a sign up in his shop reserving the right not to serve French and German customers because of the official French and German stance on action in Iraq.

Michelle Malkin has much more here.

Talk about a man who stands by his principles!

Show Comments »

Time for Leftists to Grow Up!

I was thinking of last night's post (about the New York City Bill of Rights Defense Campaign's anti-Patriot Act rally), and I thought about the kind of people who always seem to make it to these events...even when they're held in the middle of a workday. My snarky comment comes to mind: I wish I hadn't been in a hurry to get back to work (having a job kind of puts a cramp on one's time for such things as protests), because I would have loved to see more. In a nutshell, these people are protesting the so-called loss of civil liberties due to the post-9/11 Patriot Act, yet they're the ones who constantly shout out for more government involvement in our lives...higher taxes to pay for more "services," as well as regulations on whether or not we can shove Big Macs in our mouths on a daily basis, along with the right to take over personal property if that personal property can garner more tax dollars under the ownership of a corporate entity.

In other words, leftists (they like to call themselves either "liberals" or "progressives") are just like spoiled rotten teenagers.

Most teenagers expect to be treated like adults--late curfews, dressing how they want, having the kind of friends they want--basically, being able to call all of the shots in their small universes.

But they still want Mom and Dad to pay for everything. They freak out when Mom and Dad say "no" to anything, and throw a veritable tantrum when Mom and Dad want something in return for the privileges they do extend.

Like leftists. Leftists want their "civil liberties," yet they expect government to pay through the nose for perks like "free health care" and "Social Security"--neither of which are rights, but priveleges (and privileges that have a high price tag but questionable benefits).

We live in a free society. But in today's dangerous times, freedom comes with a price. One of the prices we pay is to have our brave men (and women) in uniform go to dangerous places to fight bad people before the bad people come over here. Sometimes those soldiers die, and while we grieve for them, we know they voluntarily sacrificed themselves for the greater good. Our soldiers are proud of their service to their country, and we share their pride (or we should).

Another price of freedom is giving up certain freedoms in times of uncertainty, such as those items outlined in the Patriot Act. Truth be told, the provisions in the Patriot Act don't affect most of us in our daily lives. How many of us need to worry about our phone lines being tapped, or having our computer records turned over to the FBI? Usually these things only happen if someone has reason to suspect you of illegal activity. And if you aren't engaging in illegal activities, why would you worry? The Patriot Act is designed to make it easier for the FBI and other law-enforcement agencies to investigate those under suspicion of illegal activities. Period. They really don't care if you're checking the biography of the Marquis de Sade out of the library, or if you're playing Dungeons and Dragons online.

Those who complain loudest are usually those who have the least to offer. The left is complaining bitterly about a lot of things. I'm still waiting for their better ideas. Until then, I'm sticking with the right.

Show Comments »

July 12, 2005

Did You Know About the Patriot Act SHUN-Rally?

It happened in NYC today.

Boy, I need to start carrying around a camera. As I walked by the New York Public Library on 5th Avenue during my lunchtime, I saw a gathering of maybe 100 people or so. (Most of them seemed to be curious onlookers.) Some guy was trying to sing, but was really warbling into a microphone, while there were possibly a dozen (maybe a few more) people with placards with worthy quotes such as "If you ignore your rights they'll go away" and "Schumer support the SAFE Act."

I wish I hadn't been in a hurry to get back to work (having a job kind of puts a cramp on one's time for such things as protests), because I would have loved to see more. What the heck was it all about, you ask?

According to the website, the New York City Bill of Rights Defense Campaign is worried that the Patriot Act is infringing upon your, yes, YOUR civil liberties!

The New York City Bill of Rights Defense Campaign and the New York Civil Liberties Union today urged members of New York's Congressional delegation to restore basic rights and freedoms by supporting legislation that reforms provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that undermine civil rights and civil liberties. The NYCBORDC and NYCLU also called on lawmakers to oppose legislationthat would reinstate sections of the Patriot Act that are scheduled to sunset.

Have I been infringed upon? I'm glad the NYCBRDC is here to let me know I'm being oppressed, otherwise I might not have noticed.

What are they complaining about?

...a provision that allows the FBI to seize sensitive personal information from individuals when there's no proof of criminal activity (Section 212); a provision that allows criminal investigators to use secret wiretaps when there's no suspicion of criminal activity (Section 218); and a provision that allows the use of "John Doe" roving wiretaps to monitor the telephone conversations of innocent persons (Section 206).

Let's look past the leftist rhetoric for Section 212, for example: it allows a service provider, such as an ISP, to voluntarily provide the content and records of communications related to a subscriber if it involves an emergency related to death or serious injury. Death threats against government officials, protection of children in exploitation cases, and finding kidnaping victims all fall under this category.

But don't take my word for it...or theirs. Please. Read it yourself--and judge for yourself.

I find it interesting that these are the same people who think the government should be able to tax you until you have money coming out of your pores for programs that don't benefit everyone (indeed, many of them don't benefit anyone), yet they complain when, for national security reasons, the government might want to see if someone looking up how to make a bomb on his library's Internet.

Then again, these are the people who don't want us to win the war against the Islamofasicsts...or as Mark Levin calls them, the IslamoNazis. So I guess their complaints make sense when viewed that way.

Show Comments »

Debunking the 8 Anti-War Myths About Iraq

Check out this handy list from John Hawkins at Right Wing News, and keep it close so you can rebut your lefty friends without getting flustered.

Hat tip: The Bernoulli Effect.

Show Comments »

I've Been Picked for a Meme!

meme: n A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.

Two Dogs over at Mean OlÕ Meany has tagged me ÒitÓ (along with Kelly and Joe-six-pack) in the following meme: What ten events would you care to witness if you could travel in time and observe them?

Notice this says ÒobserveÓ, not Òchange.Ó Darn. ThereÕs a lot of history IÕd love to change (some of it personal history). But since I can only be an observer in this imaginary journey, here are the events I came up with (in chronological order):

1. IÕd love to have been one of Queen Elizabeth IÕs inner circle. The woman was a fascinating genius and brilliant ruler. Sure she had her personal idiosyncrasies, but who doesnÕt?

2. Witness the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Was it a solemn occasion or did they toss their hats in the air and go out for a cold one afterward? In either case, IÕd love to have been there.

3. IÕve always considered the great Westward migration during the 1840s to be fascinating. IÕd love to have traveled in a covered wagon across the plains and over the mountains to either Oregon or California. (With my luck, however, I would probably have been a part of the doomed Donner Party.)

4. IÕd like to have heard Abraham Lincoln give his Gettysburg Address. Eloquence and brilliance in a small package.

5. Another time when it would have been great to be around (from todayÕs standpoint) would be when the United States went to war with Japan (and Germany) after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Why? Because the leftwing press, Democratic leaders and Hollywooders werenÕt whining that we shouldnÕt be in the war, we should be more understanding of our enemies, that our troops were the equivalent of the Nazis, etc., and our citizens were willing to give up certain luxuries in order that our soldiers should get the best of everything available. In short, while war is terrible, there is a right way to support it and a wrong way. Our involvement in World War II was definitely supported in the right way.

6. IÕd love to have been a witness to Ted KennedyÕs (allegedly) drunken driving fiasco in Chappaquiddick, for which he got off scot free in the death of his ill-fated passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. The cache of the Kennedy name, along with his status as a senator, got Teddy ÒI CanÕt Hold My LiquorÓ Kennedy off. If only someone other than Kennedy himself had been around as a witness, things might have turned out differently.

7. HereÕs a great moment in modern history IÕd love to have been a part of: the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.

8. Rather than hear of how she was Òcrying and couldnÕt breatheÓ because she was so ÒshockedÓ at the news that Bill really had been getting it on with Monica in the Oval Office, IÕd like to know what Hillary really said. I imagine it might have been something more like, ÒOh Bill, why canÕt you pick the ones who donÕt blab?Ó

9. Ah, if I could only have been a fly on the wall at KerryÕs campaign headquarters when he decided to concede to that ÒidiotÓ George W. Bush.

10. Likewise, IÕd love to have been with my leftwing stepbrother and his fiancŽe (she worked on the Dean campaign) when Kerry conceded. Would I have said or done anything, or just stood by with a big smile on my face? Who knows? Either way, it sure would have been a lot of fun.

OK, IÕm done. I now tap Kitty, Wyatt Earp and Third Wave Dave to carry the torch (heh heh).

Show Comments »

July 11, 2005

It's OK for Dems to Namecall, But...

I am so sick of the double standard.

In a speech in Colorado, Hillary Clinton, beacon of tolerance on the left, had this to say about President Bush:

"I sometimes feel that Alfred E. Neuman is in charge in Washington," Clinton said referring to the freckle-faced Mad magazine character. She drew a laugh from crowd when she described Bush's attitude toward tough issues with Neuman's catchphrase: "What, me worry?"

So she can compare Bush to MAD Magazine's goofball mascot, Howard Dean can call Republicans braindead, lazy, evil, exclusionary Christians and Harry Reid can call W a loser--but when Karl Rove makes the claim that the left had a much different tactic for fighting Islamic terrorism, he was out of line?

A word of advice to the Party of the Ass: If you feel like dishing it out, start taking it or shut up.

Show Comments »

I'm Tickled Pink

Imagine my excitement when I discovered, quite unexpectedly, that I'm on The (Vast) Right Wing Conspiracy's blogroll. This is a great site, and I'm honored to be a part of their blogroll.

Of course, I've extended the same courtesy. Thanks guys!

In other backpatting news, I have also made the leap from Adorable Little Rodent to Marauding Marsupial on the TTLB.

Thanks to all of you who visit my site. I'm having a blast, and hope you enjoy what I have to say. And remember, your comments are always welcome!

Show Comments »

Cal Thomas on Radical Islamic Terror

This is a must-read article by Cal Thomas on Town Hall:

Just as a lifelong smoker should not be surprised when he is diagnosed with lung cancer, neither should Britain and America be surprised when people who refuse to adopt Western notions of pluralism, tolerance and individual liberty kill and maim innocent people they and their religious masters label "Zionists and crusaders."

Click here to read it all.

Show Comments »

July 09, 2005

Jailing of Reporter Has Ripple Effect

Read about it here on Lifelike Pundits.

Show Comments »

Saturday Evening Blog-o-Rama

The weekends have been super busy of late...this morning I spent two hours at the salon getting my hair done, went to a barbecue this afternoon, and just now got back from the theater where I am assisting in a production of A Perfect Ganesh. I'm plumb tuckered out!

So for today's post, I'm taking the easy way out by introducing you all to some worthwhile blogs I have discovered on my travels through the World Wide Web:

Jim Lynch blogs over at Bright and Early...he's considering taking part in the 2005 Blogathon for charity. Head on over to see if you can help him decide which worthy cause to contribute to!

I discovered Mick in the UK while reading up on the London bombings these past couple of days. Of course he's been discussing the bombings at length, but post topics of the past include illegal immigration (yes, the UK has the same problem as the US), dhimmitude and more. Be sure to give him a read!

One of the comments in the sidebar of Bronx Pundit says, "BronxPundit should stop wiping his a** with America's sacred founding documents and actually READ them." Heh. Toilet habits aside, William Dipini has plenty to recommend him.

Gribbit Online is affiliated with Stop the ACLU, and has a Parental Advisory in his sidebar for Conservative Content. Well, I'm convinced!

Have a great night...READ THESE BLOGS...more tomorrow!

Show Comments »

July 08, 2005

London: The Day After

When I ride the train home each night, I love to read the NY Post, even though the news is ÒoldÓ at that point. Yesterday I continued this tradition, but it was somewhat difficult, as the paper had a big spread on London winning the 2012 Summer Olympic bid. Knowing what I did about the bombings that rocked that city just hours after their well-earned celebration, it was hard to see the smiling faces of citizens as they cheered and shouted in Trafalgar Square.

The Brits are well-known for their stoicism. A friend of mine who lives and works in London e-mailed me this today in reply to my query about his safety:

Thanks for thinking of us... I was lucky and had a free day yesterday but Susan was right in the centre of it all and I didn't hear from her until 4pm, but she's fine. Not a good day. All the more awful as the whole city had been celebrating getting the Olympics the day before.

Still a bit tense here today, lots of security alerts and train stations closed being closed intermittently for 'suspect packages' but we've been here before with the IRA so sure we'll all be fine.

How about that?

Here are some other takes on yesterdayÕs tragedy:

London was the scene of carnage on Thursday after a series of deadly blasts but
American R&B crooner Omarion, who suffered no injury or inconvenience, wants people to pray for him.

Yeah I'll pray...pray that he gets a clue. What an embarrassment. And celebs (even the relatively unknown ones) wonder why we are sick of their self-absorbtion?

And Aggie sees the tragedy from the perspective of someone who watched the 9/11 drama unfold before her eyes from her office window. Read about it here.

There'll be much more to talk about in the weeks to come. Keep the Brits in your prayers and thoughts.

Show Comments »

July 07, 2005

News About Iraq You Won't Hear From the MSM

One of my business contacts in the Midwest sends this bit from a conversation with one of her co-workers:

Someone was talking about a neighbors son who was home for 2 weeks from Iraq. He said it is so sad, the children can not speak a bit of English, but know how to say Thank you and everyday they come out and pull at the American soldiers and cry and tell them Thank you, Thank you. He also said the children and woman are now starting to walk the streets, they are not afraid now that the soldiers are there. The soldier said he had to go back to Iraq because they are really making some headway, the media does not report on that though. He said have one free hour a night and alot of the soldiers try to teach the children how to play baseball. One little boy was walking by as a ball was hit in the air and this little boy hit the ground and covered his head, he thought the ball was a bomb. I tell you, I can't imagine the fear they have.

This guy could go back to Hawaii and finish out the rest of his duty, but wants to go back to Iraq to help out those children.............I almost bawled when I heard this story.......... This man will definitely be met at the pearly gates.............

So this soldier decided to go back to Iraq rather than to Hawaii because we're "making a difference."

It'd be nice if we heard stories like this from the New York Times, the paper of "record."

Show Comments »

More on London Bombings

Michelle Malkin is blogging furiously today...please check out her site for up-to-the-minute information.

Lifelike Pundits also has some posts by Aaron you should check out.

Security in NYC is much tighter today than in recent days...lots of cops and National Guardsmen out and about. I won't worry too much, because when you're number's up, it's up.

Apparently some of the theories on the Left include the White House being behind the bombings in order to take the heat off of Karl Rove. A connection to Gitmo has been made, and of course, there's the usual baloney that if the West weren't so greedy and grabby, the Middle East wouldn't be "retaliating" out of frustration.

Bullshit.

I don't usually like to swear online, but this is just ludicrous. The ISLAMOFASCISTS who are behind this only care about spreading radical Islam throughout the globe. If they have to bomb us all to do it, they will. And the pantywaists on the Left who cry for "understanding" and "peace" really don't know what the hell they're talking about.

Remember that miniseries from the '80s called V? Where the aliens who invaded Earth were really not here to be our pals, but to kidnap us to use as a food source? Remember the humans who sucked up to the aliens in order to save their own butts? That's who the Left reminds me of.

This won't end by us rolling over and playing dead. They want us dead.

But let me tell you, Britain is not Spain (or France). They won't take this lying down. The Islamofascists behind this picked the wrong target. History shows that Britain defends itself when it's attacked. Once the dead are buried, the fighting spirit will emerge. So good luck to anyone who ticks them off.

It ain't over by a long shot.

Show Comments »

The Religion of Peace Strikes Again

This time, in London. The Secret Organization of Al Quaeda in Europe takes responsibility for the rush hour blasts today in London subway tunnels and buses.

"Rejoice, Islamic nation. Rejoice, Arab world. The time has come for vengeance against the Zionist crusader government of Britain in response to the massacres Britain committed in Iraq and Afghanistan," said the statement, which was translated by The Associated Press in Cairo.

[...]

"We continue to warn the governments of Denmark and Italy and all crusader governments that they will receive the same punishment if they do not withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan," the statement went on.

No doubt the pacifist Left will call for troop pullouts and more bowing and scraping.

Meanwhile, at least two people are known dead, and 150 injured.

Tony Blair left the G8 Summit early because of the blasts and had this to say:

"It's important, however, that those engaged in terrorism realize that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people and a desire to impose extremism on the world," an emotional Blair told the world.

"Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilizations in the world."

Thank heaven for strong leaders.

I have friends who live and work in London. Thankfully, they are okay. What we need to realize is that even if Britain and others were to pull out, it wouldn't be the end...it would only be the beginning. The goal of the Islamofascists is not to get us out of the Middle East, but to spread radical Islam throughout the world by any means possible.

We cannot give in.

Show Comments »

July 06, 2005

Michael Bowers: Karl Rove Nails It

This excellent article by Michael Bowers on The Star emphasizes what Karl Rove said about the left's reaction to 9/11:

Liberals are livid, mainly because, secretly, they know Rove has them nailed. Their party in the past 60 years has a rich history of appeasement, defeatism, naivete, fear and weakness.

Liberals simply have not got the will to kill our mortal enemies. They just want to shoot them in the shoulder.

Click here to read the whole thing. And read it you should!

Show Comments »

Mayor Daley: Latest Stooge of Right Wing Conspiracy

Well, that's what Dickie Durbin thinks. The good Democratic senator from Illinois believes the furor over his statement likening our soldiers to Nazis et al. was really "an orchestrated right-wing attack," highlighted by the guy from FOX News who "just screams the same question over and over and over again to the point where the other reporters are, my God." He also blames Robert Novak for drawing Daley into the fray...as if Daley can't think for himself. John Ruberry over at Marathon Pundit has the story. (He also has some interesting information regarding the resignation of the head of Saddam's defense committee...and guess who's in charge now?)

Politics today means you don't have to be held responsible for what you say; you can just blame the other side for "taking your words out of context" or "misunderstanding" you.

Absolutely vomitous.

Show Comments »

Here's a Hate Crime You Won't Be Reading About

From the AP:

WHITE PLAINS, NY--A homeless ex-convict accused of killing a 56-year-old woman in a parking garage near a suburban mall told police that he was fighting a race war and killed her because she was white.

The man, Phillip Grant, 43, appeared at a court hearing Tuesday in shackles and a bulletproof vest. In a 45-minute videotape played during the hearing, Grant told police, "All I knew was she had blond hair and blue eyes and she had to die."

Grant, who is black, claimed Connie Russo-Carriero "was not an innocent victim - because she was white."

No word on whether or not this has been termed a "hate crime." Oh, silly me...what am I thinking? She was white, so she probably deserved it, right?

He'll probably enter a "not guilty by reason of insanity" plea. And the jury will probably buy it.

American justice in action...or is that inaction?

Show Comments »

Journalistic Pedigree: What It Used To Be?

Joe at geosciblog has an interesting, well-written post on whether or not having a journalism degree automatically makes you more of an expert than the guy next to you who uses common sense, education and logic. An excerpt:

The MSM establishment has existed for a long time in a world of self congratulation, from other elite brethren in media and academia. The Sunday talk shows are, for the most part, spent by media elites talking to each other, about each other. And it is this elite and the incumbents that would like to silence talk radio and bloggers in the "runup" to elections, after all, they are the only ones "trained and experienced enough to understand the nuances of politics."

Read the whole thing. (You have to scroll way down...Joe is having technical problems with Blogger.) Well done as always, Joe!

Show Comments »

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!

Today is George W. Bush's birthday. Please join me in saluting a man of integrity and determination.

According to his official White House biography, he was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in Midland and Houston, Texas. We all know he went to Yale (and got better grades than you-know-who), served in the Texas Air National Guard during Vietnam, and received his MBA from Harvard Business School in 1975.

He served as governor of Texas from 1994 to 2000 before becoming our 43rd president, moving into the Oval Office in January of 2001.

Surely you know the rest. He has been steadfast in his opposition to terrorism by Islamofascists, and is determined to stay in Iraq until the job is done. He could be doing more to make our borders more secure, and he could use a more restraining hand with our budget, but no one's perfect. He has his detractors, but he has the support of the majority of the American people. If he didn't, we'd be celebrating President John Kerry's birthday this year.

Happy birthday, Mr. President...may you have many more.

Click here for a wonderful birthday tribute over at Lucky Dawg News (scroll down until you come to it).

Show Comments »

July 05, 2005

They Hurt My Comet!

Boy, when people say that American culture is being exported to the four corners of the Earth, they must have had this story in mind.

NASA's mission that sent a space probe smashing into a comet raised more than cosmic dust - it also brought a lawsuit from a Russian astrologer.

Marina Bai has sued the U.S. space agency, claiming the Deep Impact probe that punched a crater into the comet Tempel 1 late Sunday "ruins the natural balance of forces in the universe," the newspaper Izvestia reported Tuesday. A Moscow court has postponed hearings on the case until late July, the paper said.

How much is she asking for? A measly $300 million.

I wonder if John Edwards is her lawyer? He can "channel" the comet's inner voice for the jury.

Heh.

Show Comments »

Tom DeLay Gets Free Trip

Oh I'm sorry, I made a mistake in the title of this piece. Please replace Tom DeLay with Nancy Pelosi.

Pelosi has finally submitted reports for three trips she took that were worth over $8,000 and took place as long as seven (!) years ago.

The unreported trip was a week-long 1999 visit to Taiwan, paid for by the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce, for "meetings with government, military and business officials," according to a filing Pelosi signed June 30. The flights cost $3,400 each for Pelosi and her husband. The hotel cost was $940. The sponsor, which has picked up trips for leaders of both parties, paid $300 for meals.

I guess Pelosi and hubby didn't fly economy class.

Of course, Tom DeLay came under fire when it was found he took some unreported trips. In fact, it was front page news just a few months ago. To find the article linked above on today's Washington Post website, one must scroll down to the fine print under the Politics heading.

Also according to the article about Pelosi,[t]he data firm PoliticalMoneyLine calculates that members of Congress have received more than $18 million in travel from private organizations in the past five years, with Democrats taking 3,458 trips and Republicans taking 2,666.

I'm sure the Dems can come up with a very good explanation for it.

*This post also appears on Lifelike Pundits.*

Show Comments »

Gloria Steinem Finds a New Cause...Guantanamo

Apparently, Gloria Steinem doesn't want to go down in history as a one-trick pony.

Ms. Steinem was part of a protest over the weekend to demand the closure of the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay. Of course, being a member of the radical Left, Steinem used the history of our early settlers and revolutionaries as a comparison for the vermin being held at Gitmo:

Steinem compared Guantanamo to the kind of autocratic rule early colonists were trying to flee.

"They came to escape the very things Ñ detention without due process, bias, a religious government ... that we protest today," Steinem said.

One wonders if Steinem had ever thought of starting a protest when U.S. citizens and those of other nations were taken prisoner and then decapitated by Islamofascists.

According to the article, Rachel Meeropol, granddaughter of convicted spies Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, has filed a lawsuit challenging these detentions.

How nice! Next she'll be offering to go down and serve the prisoners tea and cookies.

Earth to Steinem and Meeropol: The detainees are not U.S. citizens. They are prisoners of war. The point of keeping them locked up is so that they will not return to fight against us, as some have done. This has been a strategy of war since the Middle Ages. Perhaps Steinem and pals would prefer us to slaughter those we capture as was done in antiquity?

I know feminism didn't really turn out the way you thought it would, Gloria, seeing as men haven't yet been transformed into a subservient species to be exploited by women, but you really should stick to what you know. Trying to reinvent yourself only works for Madonna...and she hasn't been doing such a hot job of it lately.

Show Comments »

July 04, 2005

Happy 4th of July!

It's a great day to be an American! Our country turns 229 today. Many of us are celebrating by having picnics, going to the beach, splashing in the pool, or heading for the mall to take advantage of a sale. Fireworks are also being held in many communities tonight...fireworks that recall the firefights of battles fought during our country's quest for independence.

Some people today see America as the sum of her imperfect past. Yes, we have had imperfections--slavery and the subsequent treatment of black Americans after their emancipation being foremost in the minds of many. But we as a people and as a nation continue to strive for improvement. To remember the less savory parts of our history is one thing. To dwell upon it to the exclusion of what good we've accomplished is another.

America stands for freedom. We are trying to bring that beacon of freedom to others. Unfortunately, some refuse to recognize what we are trying to accomplish. Idiots like Michael Moore dare to equate our country's fight for independence from England with the murderous activities of the Islamofascists in Iraq. A few disgruntled Iraqis, along with scores of other likeminded bigots from elsewhere in the Middle East, want to plunge Iraq back into the Dark Ages. The majority of Iraqis have spoken...they stated their intentions loud and clear during their election on January 30. They want a peaceful democracy, just as our forefathers did in 1776.

Freedom comes with a price. The men (and women) in our armed forces realize this. They are willing to put their lives on the line each and every day in order to keep those freedoms that so many of us take for granted! Today, we need to take a moment from our cookouts and beach parties in order to thank them for their service to us. It's because of them that Hollywood celebrities, Michael Moore, leaders of the Democratic party and others have the right to constantly harp and criticize.

So happy birthday, America, and God bless those who fight to keep not only our freedom, but to help bring freedom to others around the world.

Other thoughts this Independence Day: "This is Independence Day, so pull yourself UP to the ideals set by the founders of this great nation." ~ Two Dogs over at Mean Ol' Meany.

Do you understand the memo? Sign here please... Third Wave Dave.

Jeff says the MSM is trying to transform lead into gold like the alchemists of yesteryear. Find out how here.

"The Americans are the first and only people who, faced with a system of oppression, chose liberty instead of another form of oppression." ~ Tom at hamstermotor.

Show Comments »

July 01, 2005

Finally...the Tom Cruise Timeline!

For those of you who cannot get enough of the pint-sized powerhouse, here is a timeline of his life and career from Movies.com. I like this bit:

May 26 [2005]: In a chat with Access Hollywood, criticizes his Endless Love co-star Brooke Shields for using an antidepressant to cope with postpartum depression. "Here is a woman, and I care about Brooke Shields because I think she is an incredibly talented woman, you look at and think, 'Where has her career gone?'" says Cruise, whose Scientology beliefs include an antidrug stance. Responds Shields, who is garnering glowing reviews for her role in a London revival of Chicago, "He should stick to saving the world from aliens. É If he wants to see Chicago, I've left him two tickets: one adult, one child," an apparent reference to the fact that he's 16 years older than Holmes.

Hee hee...priceless. Read it all here. Many thanks to my pal Jeanette for forwarding it to me!

Show Comments »

Just in Time for the Fourth: Flag Burning Bozos!

Via The Smoking Gun:

According to sheriff's investigators, [Scott Baber and Brian Richard III] drove around a Sarasota [Florida] subdivision, red gasoline canister in hand, and set fire to several American flags flying outside homes. For his part, Baber, a cook at Tijuana Flats, said he targeted the flag because he "disagreed with Free Trade, how the American Government is being run and the war in Iraq." Richard, who is unemployed and goes by the nickname Lil' B, said he torched Old Glory "because of who stands behind the American flag," adding that he disagrees with the Iraq war and believes President Bush has brainwashed Americans.

Hmph. They'll have plenty of time to thinkg about who's brainwashed when they cool their anarchist heels in prison!

Show Comments »

Brooke Shields Fires Back at Tom Cruise

In today's New York Times, Brooke Shields lets us know what she thinks of Tom Cruise and his opinions on psychiatry as it pertains to her own experience with postpartum depression:

And comments like those made by Tom Cruise are a disservice to mothers everywhere.

[...]

If any good can come of Mr. Cruise's ridiculous rant, let's hope that it gives much-needed attention to a serious disease.

The article can be found here. It's well-written...remember, she was educated at Princeton -- unlike Cruise, who graduated from high school and went on to be educated by Scientologists.

Side note: Take a look at the results of a Newsday poll about Tom and Katie overload (results from when I answered the question; they will surely change):

Tom and Katie overload?

Are you tired of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes? 90.7% Yes, the 24/7 PDA is played out. (3073 responses)

9.3% No, I can't get enough of their happiness. (314 responses)

3387 total responses

Show Comments »