Upper Left Hand Corner

2003-07-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

Carville said...

Democrats "should not exaggerate the facts," but merely state and restate them. "They lied to get us in. They don't know how to get us out," he said. "How did they not know the country wasn't divided? How do you commit 150,000 troops with no plan to get out? All we have to do is remind people of that."

... and much more about the coming campaign. Worth a look now that the dems seem to be waking up and fighting back a bit.

2003-07-23T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ellis' Transmetropolitan

Kind of a side note here: I just finished Warren Ellis' Transmetropolitan series.

Enough people have lauded the writing of this jewel -- that's not the point here. I read the trade paper back editions and hunted down the last 12 single issues (49 to 60). So the only thing that slowed down my page turning was access to the works.

Yes, sixty issues. I can not even imagine the agony of getting in on the ground floor of this masterpiece. One painful month at a time, slowly, ever so slowly, 5 years of yearning, hanging onto the damn cliff that Ellis sadistically suspended his readers from.

Here, in this case, the early bird gets "skinned by a bunch of mid-town body purists". And i don't give "two yanks on a dead dog's dick" what you comic book geeks say, you're scum anyway.

Just a reminder:

"when i talk about the doomed, the scum, the people who no longer give a shit, the people who look away from the pain in the streets, the people who don't care about who runs this country...

...when i talk about the filth of the city...

...i'm talking about you.

(all quotes ripped off from Spider)

2003-07-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

not heard said...

"Hell i don't have anything against single moms. Shoot, i really think they need all the support we can give them. They're raising the next generation. That's not the point! The point is that a lot of people do! I mean, lets face it, single moms are a great scapegoat. Everyone wants to point fingers. Everyone needs someone to disdain, it makes them feel better, superior in some way -- you know. I just give 'em what they want -- it's politics man! What's reason, fairness, and justice got to do with anything? This isn't about doing the right thing, it's all about the numbers. Risk/benefit ratios based on the polls."

"Sheesh! I thought you'd of figured that out by now boy."

... but probably could have been.

2003-07-18T11:44:00.000-07:00

Open Letter to My Vet

My cat, Mittie, died this week. She was nineteen years my beloved companion. I have had many vets in that time because i do not seem to stay in any one place for very long. But in the last years of Mittie's life, as her health yeilded to old age, i was lucky enough to have a remarkable vet.

This is an open letter to her as a way for me to do two things; greive, and acknowledge the value i found in this relationship between me, Mittie, and our vet.

Dear (name withheld):

I wanted to thank you for all you have done for Mittie and us through the years of your service. From the very first time we came to see you, I felt at ease and comfortable with your care.

With the loss of Mittie, and subsequent emotions, it occurred to me just how important our relationships with our pets are. These relationships take on an importance that would seem disproportionate upon examination. However the experience of the emotional attachment, and currently the pain of the loss, are very real. I am not sure why this is, and I do not really want to examine it at this point.

I bring this up because you, as a veterinarian, find yourself in the middle of this remarkable relationship between our furry companions and us. I just want to let you know that you have done a remarkable job in fostering this relationship. I could always look to you with trust, and act with confidence when the life of Mittie was in the balance.

Thank you very much for that gift.

Kindest Regards
Greg

2003-07-18T11:14:00.000-07:00

Are there limits to liberty?

Most would agree when your actions cause harm.
But what about the use of the commons -- can appropriation of the commons lead to harm now, or in the future? If so, is that to be imposed as a limit?

If it is, then who is to do the required calculus that would project or declare harm?

Are the world's forests, wildlife, aquifers, rivers, lakes, soils, and air to be considered the commons?

Or is it ok to dump toxins in a place if it is deemed "yours"? How can there be any real ownership of the commons? Who decides? And is it wise to draw boundaries of ownership or control over the land that knows no such things as borders and territorial waters?

Why is the imperative for growth such a dominant world-view? It is insane to think we can grow at 2% per year for very long, unless of course you can't do math, or don't want to.

Why does the struggle to get on, to provide consume our lives? Does this not lead to a self-interested myopia that spells eventual crisis? Does it not detract from the ability to think of, and address bigger things, and bigger problems? Have we given too much power to organizations in the midst of this struggle for fear of not having enough?

Why is it that we build, demand, and gladly purchase ever increasingly complex and feature packed televisions when the programming is getting ever increasingly base. I mean, do we really need a 72 inch, HDTV, surround sound, TIVO enhanced television to watch another season of Fear Factor?

2003-07-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Precautionary Principle

The problem appears to be when some participants in the debate become blinded to evidence other than that which supports their agenda (like profit or the desire for a pristine environment) . At this point discussion breaks down and power takes over. And here the democratic process does not help. It is not designed to air ideas in any meaningful way. Quite possibly the best ideas are often the most unpopular. The democratic process advances only those ideas with the most support. And it seems, often enough, that support is generated through the use of various means of power, not reason.

Pundits can harp from the sidelines all they want about clear thinking and what is a reasonable way to proceed. However, like all sidelined players, they are just warming the bench. Nobody is calling on them to intercede. Unless, of course, the advocacy of the pundit supports the agenda)

Full disclosure: this is the bench i occupy most of the time, not that i am a pundit with any credentials. Any foray into the field of debate or substantive issue has unfailingly been met with disappointment.

Disappointment mainly in myself, as i seem to be unable to negotiate dialogue. We, as human beings, seem genuinely unable to have a meaningful exchange of ideas that leads to a consensus understanding of where we stand in our knowledge, both of what we know and what we do not know, on any significant issue facing us in these (and possibly all) times.

David Appell states, ".. for the enormously complex and serious problems that now face the world--global warming, loss of biodiversity, toxins in the environment--science doesn't have all the answers, and traditional risk assessment and management may not be up to the job. Indeed, given the scope of such problems, they may never be." And his focus is shifted away from the social problems of poverty, conflict, hunger and the like. Certainly it could be agreed that many significant problems face us today.

What might not be agreed is the need or urgency to solve them. And again here, we come back to the issue of our apparent inability to have a meaningful and fruitful exchange of ideas. This problem in itself is so huge and overwhelming that i do not know where one would even begin.

2003-07-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Symmetry

"Analysts are conditioned to emphasize worst-case scenarios, but something else equally governs such instances. Notice what each involves: an information system that is at the service of the preexisting desires and assumptions of those in authority. Intelligence assessments moving up the chain of command have a way of confirming presuppositions at the top."

By James Carroll, 7/15/2003 Boston Globe

I found this interesting because of the symmetry it has with individual cognition. It led me to wonder about the nature of organizations and the possible fractal implications. However, it is just a bit bigger than i can think right now. So, it is posted here as a reminder to myself. As i work through Bohm again these things keep popping up -- or should i say, selected to fit the "preexisting desires and assumptions of those in authority"?

2003-07-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

the weight of my own life

not that it is heavier than any other, it's just that i think i bear it more awkwardly. I do not have any doctrines or formulas that explain everything for me -- but i have a driven need for explanation. And never find suitable or lasting answers. Perhaps the wrong questions? Or there are no answers.

Many are those that welcome relief from the burden of their lives -- they have answers, perhaps given answers, or ... no questions.

Oedipus must have been a Pink Floyd fan:

Long you live and high you fly
And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry
And all you touch and all you see
Is all your life will ever be.

Hence, i too, may conclude that "all is well". My hope and longing has been stranded among the rocks of the assured meaningless of the great indifference. And there it will remain as testament to my revolt and my passion for a life lived well.

2003-07-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

there are shards

And glints of these reveal their presence in the fabric. What once seemed whole and undifferentiated yields up, to the perceptive mind, an illusion.

These words rattled in my mind while contemplating the absurd and the nature of abstraction. At the heart of this non-sequitur is a search for meaning in the face of the absurd. At the same instance it is recognition of the fabrications of thought -- selecting, organizing, and categorizing from a continuum, both from the physical realm as well as the realm of ideas. Ideas crystallize and if they provide some sense of order or peace, then we seize upon them as they glint and reflect back out of the chaos of undifferentiation. Eventually they yeild, and are seen as the illusion that they are.

2003-07-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

eat the rich

What is it about these Lexus driving, Armani/Gucci wearing, Rolex watching, perfectly coifed shoppers in the upscale boutiques that pisses me off? They walk around sipping their lattes insulated from the reality around them. As if the contents of those cute little bags with the string handles and minimalist logos contain the contentment to completed their lives

How can they commandeer and appropriate tens of city blocks to their pursuits? They can walk around all day from one quaint cafe to another talking on their cell phones, heavy gold bracelets hanging from their skinny bronzed wrists, and never have to deal with the rest of us. Sipping champagne between bites of their bruschetta.

Even the wind is icy in there, like the black glass and brushed stainless steel doors, the polished marble facades, and heavy white table cloths on the sidewalk bistro tables.

Used to be dusty warm and industrial. All gone, turned into million dollar condo lofts, with private gated parking, and mountain views. Halogen track lighting and 15 foot ceilings. Used to have the rich earthy stink of the brewery, now it stinks of designer perfume.

It's visceral contempt. I don't get it. Why should i even care? You know, i really don't get it. Must be hardwired, some belief so deep i can't get to it. It's not like i prefer the junkies that piss in my yard, rattle their shopping carts as they rummage through the garbage at 3 a.m., and pass out in the flower bed on my side of the river.

Hell if i know, maybe i just need something to piss me off, something i can sneer at and let the pleasure of contempt purify with self righteous abandon. Sell myself short, and refuse to see it. Nothing quite so fine and validating as gerrymandered reality to keep you going. Ahhhh, it is good to be human. Keep the facts and theories to yourselves, i don't need 'em.

2003-07-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'm just tired i think

Not sleepy tired, but soul tired. There is an uncomfortable ache, like a ball of oil, hanging. Just roiling within itself, putrefying, going rancid as it reacts with this foul air.

That effen Sysiphean rock has come back down that hill with a vengeance and trapped me underneath its hellish immortal self. This time i may not get back up. Not because i can't, but because i do not think i care anymore.

Every morning it is the same thing, fight through the alcohol fog to gain clarity only to be welcomed back into inebriation. Its my fault, i am slowly killing myself. I know it, i just don't care anymore. My death will be exceptionally slow, drawn out over this low cultural cesspool, because even under this rock, and in this fog, i am some how driven to know what the hell is going on out there.

The fact is nobody knows -- oh sure, they think they do, but this ship ain't got no pilot. I do not care how briefly anyone seizes the controls. I do not care how long they plot and plan in order to stack the crew with their cronies. It is only a temporary tilt of the wheel. And watching that game, getting involved in that game -- is, at best, a diversion. The folks who play it to ride the gravy train play it best. But those who play it for the sake of the game, well, as long as they know it is a game, a petty diversion, fine.

I know pessimism does not sell. And i know the struggles and the attributions to cause and the just fight victorious. Really? Maybe we do need more Ivy League feminists telling us how they are oppressed in order to bridge the gender gap.

2003-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

gimme a beer while your up..

The banalbots are servings their masters well; jamming the frequencies with the useless wares and services that the sheep just love to consume. Synthlinked and loving it, glassy eyed euphoria, and visions of that new isjammer in the kitchen -- gleaming and reflecting the popping neon. No wonder the politics are up for grabs, like these bafoons give a rat’s fuck, as long as they got their debit cards and a place to stick ‘em.

The abandonment of truth has gone on so long that the selection of ideas is a grab ass party. Any authority is up for sale, and the cost proportional to the media ratings. Get this through your fat heads the voters are anesthetized and lost in the pursuit of pain removal. And reality is painful, their particular pain, most poignant and easily accessible pain. The voters are overfed, over stimulated, useless wastrels that want their treats now and do not want to work for it -- work is hard, to be avoided at all costs, and the truth is hard work -- do the math.

2003-05-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

Informed Consent?

Here is an interesting article. It is an article about the leftist "hegemony" of Oregon Universities, but also references:

Last September, American Enterprise magazine published "The One Party Campus," by Karl Zinsmeister. The article reported results of a study of 21 major college and university faculties' party registrations. On campus after campus the results were the same, anywhere from 89 to 97 percent were registered Democrats. The remaining percentages went to a smattering of Republicans and scattered fringes. The result confirmed an August '02 Wall Street Journal editorial--when it comes to diversity in college faculties, "there is no such animal.""

Two other articles, which i did not dig up, that suggests that it is not solely an Oregon phenomenon (which would not surprise me seeing as how this is the land of Birkenstocks, Nader, and patchouli)

In two departments [Economics and Political Science] at all four major universities, that's 90 professors, the survivors revealed... only two registered Republican professors."

What it got me to wondering is this: The academy is a breeding ground for leftist thinking, most members of the Fourth Estate are informing the populace with leftist bias, our movie stars are a bunch of leftist loonies, and we are raising our children in a soft (leftist) manner, and in a big way -- so that we are awash in leftist ideals in our schools, our news media, our entertainment, and our households --- then who is this majority that supports George and the neo-con agenda?

Ok so let's not get into a fuss over the last election -- GW is the president, let's leave it at that. There were plenty of folks who voted for the guy, but who? Who are these people giving their "informed consent". I mean if they are raised leftist, taught by leftists, entertained and informed by leftists, then what are they doing?

Unless, wait, unless, they are unruly brats, uneducated, and generally uniformed -- well then, yeah, that's it! And it kind of fits the idea of a majority doesn't it?

Ok, sure, that's poor logic, and unfair -- but hey! it is funny as hell. I like it -- it stands.

2003-05-08T16:48:00.000-07:00

Can This Man be Stopped?

I have been so depressed lately for many reasons, personal as well as political. More personal, but the political are increasing -- enough for me to update. The environment and the thin legal safeguards it has are under siege. I am too tired to find the links: wilderness is declared toast -- there aint any anymore, the Nature Conservancy has been co-opted, and the list goes on. Ashcroft is a scary guy -- even the thoughtful Libertarians -- who are more often right wing apologists -- give the shenanigans of this guy a few lines of concern. But now i read in Talk Left this account. Wherein JA is now a peddler in death. Insinuating his hatred for all that lives and breathes freely, into the affairs of states that have exercised, within their state's rights, to craft the laws and social tenor of the state to fit it's demographic preferences. In this case Minnesota. I think i will go back to bed now, wake me up when this is over.

2003-05-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Doremus Jessup

I would like to thank Cathy Young for these lines:
"Liberals, moderates, and libertarians are often accused by conservatives of demonizing the so-called "religious right," likening it to the dictatorial mullahs of radical Islam and spreading needless alarmism about its influence in the Republican Party. But the recent flap over Senator Rick Santorum's remarks about homosexuality, sodomy laws, and the right to privacy suggest that the alarm is not exaggerated."
I have not weighed in on the Santorum issue, because Andrew Sullivan has done a much better job than i could ever hope to. And Cathy is spot on in her analysis, in my opinion.
What i would like to point out is the message in the quoted lines. Many marginalize the alarm "liberals" are voicing over this administration's policies and actions -- both domestic and abroad. Sure there are crazies out there whose actions should be called into question. But it should not be used to marginalize reasonble objections -- no matter what quarter they come from.
The evidence is mounting. The facts are being compiled. And Sinclair Lewis haunts from beyond the grave. "I warned you!"
Berzelius Windrip is alive and ,well in Washington D.C.

2003-05-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

See Dick Hide

Here is an little tidbit i gleaned from Alternet in which we find:

"I am writing about Halliburton's ties to countries that sponsor terrorism.

"Halliburton has recently been awarded a leading -- and lucrative -- role in the U.s. war against terrorism. Yet there is also evidence from press accounts and other sources that indicates that Halliburton has profited from numerous business dealings with state sponsors of terrorism, including two of the three members of President Bush's 'axis of evil.' I would like to know what the Defense Department knows about these ties and whether you think this should be a matter of concern to the Congress and the American taxpayer."

"These actions started as early as 1984; they appear to have continued during the period between 1995 and 2000, when Vice President Cheney headed the company ....."

Dick, I am shocked! Shocked i tell you.
More here

2003-05-01T12:45:00.000-07:00

Work-a-Day

During this last round of layoffs, one of the managers, Op S, had a particularly onerous job. Op S runs the largest department, and consequently, had to lay off the most people. This task was somewhat mitigated by contract clauses, outlining the rules in these situations, but none the less, he still had to delivery the message to many people who's lives were about to change.
This being the case, Op S was given the directive earlier than some of the other managers, and was to keep it in confidence. He did a thorough job, and had his proposals together, and transition plan in place, before many even knew we were facing another round of cuts.
On the day that the bulk of the managers were told about the directive, one manager, Big D was feeling a bit out of the loop and quite frankly, more than a little scared. Now, Big D is another of these bafoons that often find themselves at the head of a department, and confer unto themselves knowledge and wisdom by virtue of their position. Further, Big D is just a regular ass, and regarded as such universally by the management team. We try to avoid him as much as possible, which luckily we can do because of the physical layout of our complex. He farms a cubical ranch in a separate building.
However on this day Big D decides to pay a visit to Op S, a very rare event. I just happened to be there with Op S, going over his plan and generally acknowledging he had a tough job in front of him. It is obvious in short order that Big D is looking for information beyond what was told in the meeting. #1 made it known that Op S was ahead of the curve on this one, and Big D wanted to know more. But that is not how he approached it, no, he chose his paternal mode for this covert operation. (oh how crafty!) Right off Big D is offering advice from his years of experience. Like he has any! What i was witnessing was akin to some old codger who never tuned a violin telling Mozart how to compose on the basis that he was older and by virtue of that alone had sound advice to offer. Then came the line: "well tell me the conditions #1 has laid out for you and i 'd be happy to council you on how to proceed." What a schmuck. Anyway, Op S, seeing right through this guy, says, "well, i appreciate your offer, but i have already developed my transition plan.", and pointed to the bound document on the table.
Big D seeing he is in a blind alley, spends the next 5 minutes doing another dance trying to save face and cover up his faux pas. We just sit and wait for him to leave. And as he finally heads to the door, Big D leaves with the parting phrase, "Well, you know how to get a hold of me in case you want to bounce anything off of me." And as the door shuts, Op S, says, "The only thing i would like to bounce off of you is a wrecking ball!".

2003-04-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

Dilbertesque

Why does work have to be so Dilbertesque?
First we have to go through all the euphemisms like "down-sizing" and "stream-lining", and "RIF", and my personal favorite, get this: "change in culture". That's right, "change in culture" unbelievable. The guy who said this, let's call him, "Number 2", wouldn't be able to define culture if pressed to do so.
So that got me to thinking just what does he mean by that. Here is the context in which he used that term. it went something like this:
"I realize that with these cuts many of us will be taking on extra responsibilities. But i think that we will now be a better company. We will be more responsive to customer needs. And we will be well positioned when the economy turns around. We are ushering in a new culture. And we all have to get on board with this change in culture."

This was the 3^rd round of lay-offs. Our ability to meet customer requests has seriously declined over the past 6 months. That is a fact. Now it will only be harder. However, don't confuse #2 with the facts. He is ushering in a new culture, one that does not need resources to get the job done. In addition, any failing to meet deadlines, well, it is because you are not on board. Most folks think the guy is at his best at the barber, or at lunch, anywhere but in the office. But we delude him and ourselves for that matter, because nobody likes to think of himself or herself as a kiss ass. Yes we give him what he wants in terms of deference, but only to his position and out of fear for our jobs.
New culture indeed. Same old shit, just more of it.
Since his announcement, about 1 month now, we have not heard word one from him about this new culture. We have no idea what he is thinking. In fact everything is the same, just busier, more overtime, and more late deliveries.
I am constantly amazed at the incredible incompetence of business leaders. And i use the term leaders loosely. Which brings me to a second point.
Guess what #2 has in store for us now. Leadership training. Yes, leadership. Oh man, what a joke. We will go, watch the video, nod, and defer. And go back to work. Now #2 has changed the culture and endowed us with the wisdom of his days. Now we shall be leaders.

2003-04-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

I'm So Tired

Of hearing more about the affront to civil LIBERTIES perpetrated by this administration. John Ashcroft can only be the mouthpiece, but i am sure he has a suggestion or two about policy.
Now i read this on TalkLeft Sad, so very sad. It reminds me of what Desmond Tutu said about the right to protest:
"We must not squelch the right to protest under the pressures of patriotism."
It makes me wonder what else may be squelched under the pressure.?

2003-04-29T09:45:00.000-07:00

First Hand Account
This is chilling.
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism.
The USA PATRIOT Act was passed into law on October 26, 2001 in order to facilitate the post 9/11 crackdown on terrorism.
"We are at war, we are at war and this is for your safety," "We are at war, we are at war. How can they not understand this."
But with who?

2003-04-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

"...shaming effect throughout the region"
In some quarters of the debate, there were the speculations of; now that Iraq is out of the way, which country is next? And of course you could hear the patriotic calls to "nuke 'em all" amidst the pacifist calls of "can't we just all get along?"

In addition, where I may not buy into a grand hegemonic conspiracy, I do believe there is a dangerous agenda unfolding in the Pentagon. In addition, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz is one guy that is definitely pushing it. I find very curious the choice of words in this interview when referring to Syria and Iran:

"In terms of the larger picture, I think they're like several other countries on a sort of dead-end course,"

"They're less immediately threatening to us than some of those countries, but I think they're going to have to face that opportunity."
And just what opportunity is that? You know, there really is a time for discussion.

Story from Drudge

2003-04-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

E.P.A. Extra Perks (for the) Administrator?
The EPA has a criminal enforcement office where agents investigate alleged violations of environmental laws and gather evidence for criminal prosecutions. Some agents are paid $100,000 a year to investigate environmental crimes. And just what have they been up to lately? According to the Washington Post: "...an agent was told by the head of Whitman's personal security team to hold a reserved restaurant table until Whitman arrived for dinner. "

"an agent on a security detail was directed by Whitman to return her husband's rental car to the airport so the Whitmans could catch a flight together."

Kind of a reflection of George's environmental policy, no?

2003-04-28T06:09:00.000-07:00

Prudence or Fear?

Well i just looked at the calendar -- and this week is full of econ. reports. It looks like each day will have market-moving releases, with a number of them coming at the dreaded 10:00 hour.

You know, i think the SEC should put a ban on releasing reports when the market is open. Now, how about that for some self-interest?

Ok, back to prudence or fear. (sorry about that diversion) So, my partner lost her job recently, and our economic future is...

-- i don't want to say " not known", or "uncertain", because, obviously, it wasn't prior to her losing her job.
So, let's say our economic future is in a state of flux that is WAY beyond my comfort zone. It is not like we are going to be entering crisis mode or anything. It is just that, well, i like stability, routine, and relative security. In a word, i am a control freak.

So, as soon as i got the news, i quit trading. It has been about a month now. Our situation has not changed, it is unfolding. Nevertheless, I would like to get back to trading. Last week i even opened up the platform. Moreover, this weekend i struggled, should i start back up or not come Monday (today). That is when it hit me -- am i being prudent? or is it my old friend --- FEAR?

Both i guess. I need to work this out --
Drawdown -- impact on confidence.
Lack of success -- impact on confidence.
Family economics -- impact on definition of "risk equity".
Is long term goal powerful enough to pull me through the trials?

Same old stuff.

2003-04-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Why? News is cool and all ... but, what a waste. Is there really anything out there to get INcited about? I mean, sure one can be justifiably outraged. What are you going to do about it?
Revel in the fact that you are outraged? Incite others to outrage? And when they are outraged, then what?
One can be justifiably encouraged. What are you going to do about it? Bask in encouragement? Incite others to be encouraged? And when they are encouraged, then what?
I guess my point is that – well, so what? Sure, I read the cool blogs, EVEN EMULATE THEM. Read the alternative news sources and marvel at their, well, coolness. However, it is not like I am going to do anything about it, no matter how outraged or encouraged I am. Are they? I doubt it. At some level I applaud the effort – and at another, wonder why. And, I don’t need an answer.
They do.

2003-04-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

Enemy Combatants? Human rights? Another case of "ok for me but not for thee?" Here we find:

"The US military has admitted that children aged 16 years and younger are among the detainees being interrogated at its prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
"Lieutenant Colonel Barry Johnson, a US military spokesman, yesterday said all the teenagers being held were "captured as active combatants against US forces", and described them as "enemy combatants"."

And exactly, just what makes them enemy combatants?

"Lt Col Johnson said the juveniles were being held because "they have potential to provide important information in the ongoing war on terrorism"."

And seeing as how:

""The children, some of whom have been held at Guantanamo for over a year…"

When can they expect to be released?

"Their release is contingent on the determination that they are not a threat to the [US] nation and have no further intelligence value."

Perhaps the Defence Dept. has consulted John, and he convinced them that releasing them will encourage, presumably, Muslims to have more children. As in the case of releasing incarcerated immigrants – see earlier post. "The strangle hold tightens."

2003-04-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Double Standard revisited: I pointed out earlier the double standard, using Uganda as and example. Instapundit Glenn put up a post connecting to a similar story in Zimbabwe. Where we read: "If only George Bush would come here and Saddam us," Going back to the US State Department we find this, in which the opening paragraph states: "Zimbabwe is in crisis. Half the population is facing the threat of famine, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, 80% of adults are unemployed, and the rule of law has been replaced by the arbitrary and brutal rule of a self-appointed elite." I find it not only a hypocritical double standard, one in which the true motives for the Iraq war come into the purview of speculation, but I also found unique irony in the same report when I read: "…their freedoms have been curtailed, their economic opportunities have been wasted, and their common heritage has once again been monopolized by a privileged minority." "Although they have employed the rhetoric of liberation to portray their actions as a defense of the Zimbabwean people, their real agenda has been and remains the defense of their own privilege." It appears the The New American Century, is being ushered in by the likes of Wolfowitz and Ashcroft. Both ways, abroad and at home.

2003-04-26T12:19:00.000-07:00

The strangle hold tightens. Not long ago we were encouraging undocumented immigrants to come forth by granting amnesty. Now this? "Attorney General John Ashcroft says entire groups of illegal immigrants seeking asylum can be locked up indefinitely on national security grounds, if their release on bail might encourage a surge of illegal immigration Well, yes John, that certainly would discourage immigration. "In light of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there is increased necessity in preventing undocumented aliens from entering the country without the screening of the immigration inspections process," Ashcroft said. I do not think you would get much disagreement there, but just what kind of screening do you have in mind? I doubt John would lock up a plane load of white Europeans seeking asylum, even if they were from France. Did i mention, this guy scares me?

2003-04-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Double Standard? Double Standard – human rights abuses - and is it a ruse to justify the war since WMD’s are not found The Bush administration has defined its invasion of Iraq as a mission of "liberation and democracy." What if Uganda had something of strategic intent?

2003-04-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

The fruits of non-proliferation agreements – hmmm, where do we spit the pits "A pit is a hollow sphere made of plutonium, surrounded by conventional explosives that detonate and start fission as the sphere implodes.
"Under a Bush administration plan, the Energy Department will begin limited production of plutonium parts for the existing stockpile of nuclear weapons and begin laying plans for a new factory that could produce parts for hundreds of weapons each year. "
"It is a sign that after a long period of decline, the weapons complex is back and growing" Can this get any more obscene?

2003-04-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

"The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" - Edmund Burke Ok: so I have to admit, I am more than a bit skeptical about this. In which the writers make the case for: "Political leaders who want to wage war may be deterred when everyday people register for peace and promise to vote. Ballots can keep bullets from flying." Like there is any way that will happen!
My skepticism comes, not from my finely honed disenchantment with the political system, but with my disenchantment of the electorate. Don’t get me wrong, I have tremendous regard for the wisdom of the populace. It’s just that it is so rarely displayed, let alone organized to effective ends.
So many good people -- doing nothing.

2003-04-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

Arcata Northern California

"the first city in the nation to pass an ordinance that actually prohibits its officials from complying with the Patriot Act."

Being tucked away in the upper left hand corner of CA, this college town of 16,000 may well escape notice. But I doubt it. Ashcroft could easily get some Orange Countyjudge to honor his request to have them all declared "enemy combatants" and siege the townwith the FBI.
Did I mention, this guy scares me?

2003-04-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

The suicide economy. From: David C. Korten “Enron. Accounting fraud. Mad cows. Wal-Mart. Monopoly. Political corruption. WTO. Disintegrating schools. Downsizing. WorldCom. Tax havens. Cancer. Hostile takeovers. Channel One. Harken Energy. Climate change. Corporate welfare. Temp workers. Economic refugees. Arthur Andersen. Hidden partnerships. Billionaires. Money laundering. Citibank. Financial bubbles. Prison crowding. Insider trading. Infomercials. Halliburton. Price gouging. GMOs. Terrorism. Malnutrition. Monsanto. Uninsured workers. Nike. Sweatshops. Maquiladoras. Trade wars. Homelessness. Welcome to the world of the suicide economy. ” "rule by global corporations and financial speculators engaged in the single-minded pursuit of money is destroying communities, cultures, and natural systems everywhere on the planet." "Until recently, however, most people responded with polite but resigned skepticism to my message that economic transformation is possible." Count me among the skeptical. I want to believe, however, I am of the opinion that only the crash will shake us out of this stupor. Necessity will make a change, unfortunately, only after massive suffering. Oh well, what else is new?

2003-04-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Subordinate the general welfare to corporate rights? Of course!
Nike Beaverton Oregon:
"the difficult issue of how you draw the line between commercial speech ... and what we think of as traditional First Amendment expression"
"The case, , centers on Nike's ability to participate in public debate over its foreign business operations without being held liable for any false or misleading statements. The question is whether Nike is engaging in commercial speech, which is subject to civil charges if found to be false, or political speech, which enjoys greater protection under the First Amendment."
And the beat goes on.

Shall courts consider the Constitution more germane to corporate property rights than human rights? Of course! No need to change now!
"The corporation is an institutional invention specifically and intentionally created to concentrate control over economic resources while shielding those who hold the resulting power from liability for the consequences of its use" David Korten

With a nod to Jerry Brown and Walt Contreras Sheasby

2003-04-23T06:08:00.000-07:00

Do GW & John Ashcroft frighten you? Not nearly enough! "Beware the leader who bangs the drums of war in order to whip the citizenry into a patriotic fervor, for patriotism is indeed a double-edged sword. It both emboldens the blood, just as it narrows the mind. And when the drums of war have reached a fever pitch and the blood boils with hate and the mind has closed, the leader will have no need in seizing the rights of the citizenry. Rather, the citizenry, infused with fear and blinded with patriotism, will offer up all of their rights unto the leader, and gladly so. How do I know? For this is what I have done! And I am Caesar."