It seems that Kucinich is not in favor of opposing Iran, at least, not strongly. In this story, he was one of only two Congressmen who didn't vote for a resolution denouncing Iran's President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is).
I think that, alone, should disqualify him as President of the United States. Anyone who doesn't see Iran and Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) as a threat is either horribly naive or just plain ignorant. Or both.
Update: First, the other "nay" vote was none other than Ron Paul. And second, Kucinich actually tried to have written into the record "alternate translations" of Imajihadi's (or whatever his name is) actual statements. Even though there have been hundreds of such statements, not just one, and they've been shown on numerous occasions to mean exactly: Israel should be and will be wiped out. Soon. By Islam. And best if it's by Iranian nukes. Allah willing, of course.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Yaron Brook on Israel and the West's Response to Radical Islam
Here's a fascinating story on Israel and the West's approach to radical Islam, all from a decidedly Objectivist viewpoint. It's definitely worth a careful reading.
Some choice bits:
"You don't fight a tactic," (Brook) said in his talk. "Terrorism is a tactic, and I believe we have to look at the ideological source of terrorism in order to identify the true enemy."
"We don't have the guts, the courage, the self-esteem to even identify who the enemy is. We couch it in terms of terrorists who happen to be Muslims who are 'hijacking a great religion.' We're afraid to say 'Islamic anything': Islamic fascism, totalitarianism, whatever you want to call it." The fear stems, he said, from the academic trend of multiculturalism, in which all cultures are morally equal, and moral relativism, in which "anything goes" in human behavior.
Much more good stuff in there.
Some choice bits:
"You don't fight a tactic," (Brook) said in his talk. "Terrorism is a tactic, and I believe we have to look at the ideological source of terrorism in order to identify the true enemy."
"We don't have the guts, the courage, the self-esteem to even identify who the enemy is. We couch it in terms of terrorists who happen to be Muslims who are 'hijacking a great religion.' We're afraid to say 'Islamic anything': Islamic fascism, totalitarianism, whatever you want to call it." The fear stems, he said, from the academic trend of multiculturalism, in which all cultures are morally equal, and moral relativism, in which "anything goes" in human behavior.
Much more good stuff in there.
Russia's Hatred of the West
An interesting take on Russian attitudes towards the West. From the Moscow Times, showing that absolute censorship apparently doesn't yet exist in Russia. Which has to be counted as a good thing, for as long as it lasts. Of course, journalists negative toward Putin have been known to be murdered.
The Right, as Seen from the Left
Here's a fascinating story by a Leftist journalist who joined a Republican cruise and provides his version of the abounding rhetoric. It's fascinating both for some of the truly crazy things some of the more right-wing cruisers really do say, and for some of the perfectly rational things that are said and assumed crazy by the story's writer.
One of the more interesting, and valid statements, by Bernard Lewis:
"The election in the US is being seen by [the bin Ladenists] as a victory on a par with the collapse of the Soviet Union. We should be prepared for whatever comes next."
I couldn't agree more with this statement. And perhaps more than anything else in this story, it highlights a fundamental difference between the Left and the Right on the issue of radical Islam.
One of the more interesting, and valid statements, by Bernard Lewis:
"The election in the US is being seen by [the bin Ladenists] as a victory on a par with the collapse of the Soviet Union. We should be prepared for whatever comes next."
I couldn't agree more with this statement. And perhaps more than anything else in this story, it highlights a fundamental difference between the Left and the Right on the issue of radical Islam.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a healthy 5741 Diggs, is a story about a teacher who teaches a student a lesson. Thus, demonstrating that Digg continues to, well, not evolve.
Putin: Consolidating Power?
It looks like Putin's making some serious preparations for his "leaving office." Either he won't, or it won't really matter because whomever is put in power will have Putin's hand so far... Well, you get the picture.
Putin Getting Worse, Not Better
This is one of the harsher stories I've read about Putin, and you should read it, too. If one were to list the current bad guys, Putin would have to be near the top of the list. One should never forget that what seperates the US and Russian from the rest of the world is that our nuclear weapons number in the thousands, not the hundreds or tens. We don't need a new Cold War (and certainly not a hot one), but Putin seems to be leading us in that direction.
Iraqi Military Making Progress, Politics Not So Much
Cox and Forkum illustrate brilliantly the distinct difference between our military and political handling of the Iraqi war. In spite of having their hands tied behind their backs, constantly shifting priorities and objectives, a splintered, insane strategy, and a lack of proper equipment in many cases, our military is doing an exemplary job of both fighting and training the Iraqi army.
Politics, on the other hand, remains the weak point. And as Cox and Forkum as, whose leaders are the biggest problem, ours or the Iraqi's? (Hint: both).
Politics, on the other hand, remains the weak point. And as Cox and Forkum as, whose leaders are the biggest problem, ours or the Iraqi's? (Hint: both).
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 3449 Diggs, is a link to a pro-marijuana legalization site. I'm all for the legalization of drugs, finding drug use itself an activity that government has no business policing. Making the buying and selling of drugs has also created a hardened criminal culture, and I believe that some large percentage of those incarcerated were convicted of drug-related crimes.
So, except for the part about taxation (I hate when people bring up the tax value of something, since our tax system is so corrupt already), here's a Digged story in which I actually find a modicum of value.
So, except for the part about taxation (I hate when people bring up the tax value of something, since our tax system is so corrupt already), here's a Digged story in which I actually find a modicum of value.
New Commodore PCs
I know the connection's primarily just in the name, but it still gives a thrill that a company named Commodore is releasing a series of PCs.
Breaking News: President Asks Employee to be Political
Surprise, surprise. A member of a President's administration is directed on how to do his job. For political ends, no less!
And, of course Bush is the first US President to ever engage in such efforts to guide public policy for political purposes. This story doesn't seem to say that, specifically, but I think the overwhelming number of such stories implies it.
And, of course Bush is the first US President to ever engage in such efforts to guide public policy for political purposes. This story doesn't seem to say that, specifically, but I think the overwhelming number of such stories implies it.
Once Again, a Weakness is Publicized
Given the massive bureaucracy of the US military, security breaches are not surprising. They're still of concern, of course, as are their publication. I scanned the linked story and didn't find the actual URL, which is better, but I still believe that some things are better left unpublicized. People who may not have thought to look for such things are given ideas, and this story does provide some brief instructions on how to find information via FTP rather than HTTP (although, granted, this is relatively common knowledge).
Somehow, I just don't see our enemies publicizing their particular weaknesses via the newswires.
Somehow, I just don't see our enemies publicizing their particular weaknesses via the newswires.
Earliest Stars Glimpsed
I don't pretend to understand how the Universe was formed, with all the attendant questions that tend to give me the willies. This story is fascinating, about astronomers on Hawaii apparently glimpsing some of the first stars ever formed. That's a look back in time of 13 billion years, when the Universe was about 500 million years old.
One day, we'll see the Big Bang itself. And that's when my poor little head will explode.
One day, we'll see the Big Bang itself. And that's when my poor little head will explode.
Radar - Phone Tracking for Children
If this were available for a phone that I'd give my daughter, I'd sign up for it in a second. Being able to monitor calls from strangers would help me sleep just a little better each night.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ayn Rand's Pirate in Real Life? Not so Much
This must be the oddest Ayn Rand reference I've yet run across. It's also likely the least legitimate, although the story's antagonist, "Ragnar Danneskjold" (a true hero from Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged) is going after Digg, one of my least favorite social networking sites.
I hate Digg's mob rule mentality, and this guy seems to be exploiting it for some significant financial gain. And so, I suppose I'm a bit conflicted on whether this guy is doing something wrong, although I'll likely find something wrong with it if I think on it hard enough. Which I probably won't do.
Regardless, though, this guy's taken the wrong monicker. Ragnar Danneskjold is more of a Robin Hood figure (stealing back the ill-gotten booty confiscated by an oppressive government), and whoever this guy is, he doesn't fit that particular mold.
I hate Digg's mob rule mentality, and this guy seems to be exploiting it for some significant financial gain. And so, I suppose I'm a bit conflicted on whether this guy is doing something wrong, although I'll likely find something wrong with it if I think on it hard enough. Which I probably won't do.
Regardless, though, this guy's taken the wrong monicker. Ragnar Danneskjold is more of a Robin Hood figure (stealing back the ill-gotten booty confiscated by an oppressive government), and whoever this guy is, he doesn't fit that particular mold.
Jimmy Carter and the Facts of Reality Don't Mix
A little background information on Jimmy Carter, who's important only because he continues to influence the Left on issues as important as Israel. His silly comments about the Bush Administration are just that--silly, and for me, easily dismissed. But his inability to accept the facts of reality, and the respect he still enjoys in many sectors, is a dangerous combination.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Discovering Something Good about Heinlein
An interesting take on Robert Heinlein, a sci-fi writer about whom I know surprisingly little but who recently turned 100. Really, for a sci-fi fan, I've not read that much of it, at least of the classics. I should pick up some of Heinlein's stuff, though. Anyone who said "Ayn Rand is a bloody socialist compared to me" is at least worth checking out.
And I'm sure there are real sci-fi fans out there who, upon reading the above, are rolling their eyes in derision at the very notion that I'm just now learning such things about Heinlein. And, they're probably right, after a fashion.
And I'm sure there are real sci-fi fans out there who, upon reading the above, are rolling their eyes in derision at the very notion that I'm just now learning such things about Heinlein. And, they're probably right, after a fashion.
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 4612 Digg, is a link to a video where an iPhone is blended. That's a big thing in gadgets, you know: whenever a new, somewhat popular gadget is released, someone runs it through a blender. Proving... nothing, of course, but that some people get a kick out of 1) destroying things or 2) proving that they can destroy something that many other people covet.
A Little Bit about Evil
Read this accounting at The Belmont Club of the difference between civilized armed forces, and the likes of al Qaeda. If you come away unmoved, and still consider there to be no moral difference between us and them, then I pity you.
Birds & Caribou vs. American Energy Independence
Nothing says that this is enough oil to grant America the energy independence we need, while we continue to search for and implement alternatives (nuclear power, anyone?). But concerns over wildlife can't trump our need to become more energy independent, and the more sources of oil and gas that we close off to ourselves the less this goal becomes possible.
We simply can't let such environmental concerns overshadow our pressing geopolitical concerns. Technology will eventually reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but in the meantime, we need to do everything we can to minimize the oil and gas we buy from oppressive regimes.
We simply can't let such environmental concerns overshadow our pressing geopolitical concerns. Technology will eventually reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, but in the meantime, we need to do everything we can to minimize the oil and gas we buy from oppressive regimes.
Dr. John Lewis Forced to Resign from Ashland U.
This will be of most interest to Objectivists (and anyone who values free academic expression), but Dr. John Lewis, an Objectivist professor, was recently forced to resign from Ashland University over his views as an Objectivist. Note that he wasn't forced to resign because he was teaching Objectivism at this religious university, but merely for his beliefs.
It's a chilling story, when put in the context of the general attack on intellectual thought on our college campuses.
It's a chilling story, when put in the context of the general attack on intellectual thought on our college campuses.
Better War against Iran, but Let's at Least Do Something
Although I favor outright war with Iran to remove its insidious, poisonous influence in the world, the next best thing might be to heavily support such Iranian opposition groups as the Mujahedeed-e Khalq. This story by Daniel Pipes lays out a compelling argument for lending this group all the support necessary to make it a legitimate threat to the Iranian regime.
Note that I've always been torn in such instances. The US has admittedly supported groups and regimes, for expeditious and often unfortunately pramatic purposes, that have become future enemies. It's a long list, and mostly due to the Cold War, which is why my inherent distaste for such covert and often black ops is so conflicted. We had no choice in the Cold War, I believe, to fight the Soviet Union in anything other than proxy wars. A hot war with the USSR would likely have resulted in nuclear annihilation.
The same isn't true with Iran. Although I don't believe that such a war would be easily won, if the objectives were more clear than in Iraq it would certainly not be terribly difficult. But again, the point of this post: if we don't go to war against Iran, then we had better be supporting someone who will do the job for us. And I think Daniel Pipes has done a pretty decent job of telling us who that someone might be.
Note that I've always been torn in such instances. The US has admittedly supported groups and regimes, for expeditious and often unfortunately pramatic purposes, that have become future enemies. It's a long list, and mostly due to the Cold War, which is why my inherent distaste for such covert and often black ops is so conflicted. We had no choice in the Cold War, I believe, to fight the Soviet Union in anything other than proxy wars. A hot war with the USSR would likely have resulted in nuclear annihilation.
The same isn't true with Iran. Although I don't believe that such a war would be easily won, if the objectives were more clear than in Iraq it would certainly not be terribly difficult. But again, the point of this post: if we don't go to war against Iran, then we had better be supporting someone who will do the job for us. And I think Daniel Pipes has done a pretty decent job of telling us who that someone might be.
Shell Turns Other Cheek
If Western companies are going to strike deals with Russia after having already been burned once, then I suppose it's like the old saying. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me."
So, Shell, shame on you.
So, Shell, shame on you.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Diggsters Dig Ron Paul
The Diggsters just love Ron Paul. Read the comments about this Dugg story, which discusses a USA Today poll that shows Ron Paul not even registering.
The IT world is a strange one, politically and philosophically. I'm still trying to figure it out.
The IT world is a strange one, politically and philosophically. I'm still trying to figure it out.
Bush To Withdraw Troops? @#$@#$ Politics
Yet another reason to hate politics: if Bush changes his new strategy before it's had time to play out, as defined by the generals he put in charge of implementing said strategy, merely because some Republicans are no longer backing him... Well, that would take a bad situation and make it far, far worse.
And I realize the wild understatement inherent in that last sentence.
And I realize the wild understatement inherent in that last sentence.
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 3687 Diggs, is a story about some Australian youths who outsmart a speed camera.
Zonkers! Although it sounds a bit like an urban legend to me, or at least something that's been done before. And someone tell me: why am I writing so much about this?
Zonkers! Although it sounds a bit like an urban legend to me, or at least something that's been done before. And someone tell me: why am I writing so much about this?
Cox and Forkum Get It Right Again - Global Warming
Cox and Forkum's typical on-target political cartoon, this one on global warming.
EMRs will Matter, Eventually
Having some minimal experience working with electronic medical record (EMR) systems, this study doesn't surprise me. It's a market in a very nascent state, and one dealing with tremendous complexity. I've been in the position to debunk some common misconceptions about EMR's, such as the notion that they're just scanned images of paper documents.
One they get things right, though, watch out. The EMR will one day have the same sort of impact on medicine that CAD/CAM software has had on design and manufacturing. More so, even.
One they get things right, though, watch out. The EMR will one day have the same sort of impact on medicine that CAD/CAM software has had on design and manufacturing. More so, even.
New 7 Wonders
I was fond of the original 7 Wonders of the World. The fact that most of them no longer exist merely added to their mystique. The new seven simply don't have the same impression on me.
Google Does Evil? By Whose Definition?
I've always thought that a company adopting an ambiguous, unprincipled, undefined motto such as "Do No Evil" was in for trouble. Didn't Google's founders understand, at the very least, that people have different definitions of "evil"? To some, just being a large successful company is a mark of Satan, and Google passed that definition long ago.
Google is also comprised of individuals, and as this story shows those individuals have personal opinions that will also offend some people's moral standards. Specifically, there's the blog entry by a Google employee that recommended that healthcare companies advertise on Google as a means of countering the effects of Moore's hack job, "Sicko." Now, I, personally, find that both an intelligent and a highly moral post, but many considered it to go against Google's motto.
And therein lies the rub. Go to Google's Web site, and their company philosophy (and the motto) is spelled out more clearly. But they haven't failed to milk the more general "Do No Evil" urban legend, and it's starting to cost them.
Google is also comprised of individuals, and as this story shows those individuals have personal opinions that will also offend some people's moral standards. Specifically, there's the blog entry by a Google employee that recommended that healthcare companies advertise on Google as a means of countering the effects of Moore's hack job, "Sicko." Now, I, personally, find that both an intelligent and a highly moral post, but many considered it to go against Google's motto.
And therein lies the rub. Go to Google's Web site, and their company philosophy (and the motto) is spelled out more clearly. But they haven't failed to milk the more general "Do No Evil" urban legend, and it's starting to cost them.
140,000 Turkish Troups on Iraqi Border?
This can't be good. Turkey has put 140,000 soldiers on its border with Iraq, obviously in response to Kurdish motions for independence. I don't really know the history here, but the Kurds seem the most "civilized" of the various factions.
The minute the US leaves Iraq, all hell will break loose. And it's probably a hell that's been building up for decades, and likely needs to work itself out on its own.
I become less and less certain that we're doing any good in Iraq, even beyond my fundamental belief that we should have deposed Saddam Hussein, imposed a US-style Constitutional republic, and then enforced it, harshly if necessary, until the Iraqi people accepted it. At the same time, we should have made it perfectly clear to Iran and Syria (and, apparently, Turkey, ostensibly an ally) that interference would not be tolerated.
That's not what we've done, however, and we're paying the price. And I have no idea what the right answer is at this point.
The minute the US leaves Iraq, all hell will break loose. And it's probably a hell that's been building up for decades, and likely needs to work itself out on its own.
I become less and less certain that we're doing any good in Iraq, even beyond my fundamental belief that we should have deposed Saddam Hussein, imposed a US-style Constitutional republic, and then enforced it, harshly if necessary, until the Iraqi people accepted it. At the same time, we should have made it perfectly clear to Iran and Syria (and, apparently, Turkey, ostensibly an ally) that interference would not be tolerated.
That's not what we've done, however, and we're paying the price. And I have no idea what the right answer is at this point.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
al Qaeda - More Evidence That They're Losing It
The only positive about the horrendous truck bomb attack in Iraq that left (so far) over 150 dead is that the purpose of the attack--merely to create sectarian tensions--is being openly discussed. al Qaeda is getting desperate, and this is (I hope) going to help our cause. It should be even more difficult for the Left to ignore that it's not the American presense in Iraq that's fueling the "insurgency," but foreigners who wish to simply foment enough horrible violence that eventually America leaves Iraq.
After all, what other purpose could an attack like this serve?
After all, what other purpose could an attack like this serve?
List of Chinese Safety Problems
For those interested in the safety of Chinese products, here's a list. It seems like a significant list, but it's a bit out of context. It would need to be compared to other countries to have real meaning.
Russia Rewrites History
I've always imagined that Putin's read Orwell's 1984. Here's proof.
Any question that Russia is returning to the ways of the Soviet Union should be answered by now.
Any question that Russia is returning to the ways of the Soviet Union should be answered by now.
Russia Delivers American Satellite - ???
And regarding the issue of a Russian rocket delivering an American communications satellite into space, all I can say is: why?
We have a growing private sector space industry, and we contract with Russia for delivery? I just can't find the sense in that.
We have a growing private sector space industry, and we contract with Russia for delivery? I just can't find the sense in that.
Happy Birthday, AK-47!!!
Happy Birthday to You!
Yeesh. I can't imagine a mentality that could be proud of an invention that has likely killed more innocent people than any other.
Yeesh. I can't imagine a mentality that could be proud of an invention that has likely killed more innocent people than any other.
Ahmadinejad Creates Environment of Uncertainty
A little story about life under Iran's President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is). I imagine that being an activist would be awful difficult, not knowing exactly how the crazy bastard might react to any particular act of protest.
Bush Trusts Putin, or So He Says
"Bush's white lie about Putin." That's the headline of this story about Bush's meeting with Putin in Kennebunkport. And that's what I hate most about contemporary politics: Bush appeases Putin by saying that he believes that Putin tells the truth. Certainly, Bush has complex geopolitical issues to deal with regarding Russia, but he could simply refrain from commenting on Putin's veracity--a comment that must be seen by everyone, including Putin, as assinine.
As Ayn Rand said, evil wins only because the good allows it to do so. When Bush compromises with Putin this way, Putin wins by gaining a stature that only Bush can give him.
As Ayn Rand said, evil wins only because the good allows it to do so. When Bush compromises with Putin this way, Putin wins by gaining a stature that only Bush can give him.
Chrysler to Import Chinese Autos - Last-Ditch Effort?
It'll be interesting to see how many cars China can sell in the US. With all the concerns about the safety of Chinese products, this might be an uphill battle. And, I think it shows a certain desperation on Chrysler's part, but I suppose they have nothing to lose at this point.
20% of China's Own Consumer Goods Unsafe
There can be a real cost to buying cheap goods. Unless this is fixed, I anticipate great changes with our trade with China. And that's likely an understatement.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Economy's Doing Fine, Thanks
From US News & World Report, a brief story on how well the economy's doing. I'm sure there's bunches about this in the rest of the mainstream media, but I don't really remember reading all that much. Maybe I'm just a little behind...
New Battery Tech - Actually Exciting News
I've always believed that technology will solve the energy "crisis." Still do, and it's relatively obscure inventions like this that will help immensely. Something like this could make wind power, for example, a legitimate contendor.
Although I still wish we'd build more nuclear powerplants.
Although I still wish we'd build more nuclear powerplants.
Ayn Rand vs. Libertarianism
I think it's worth highlighting that Ayn Rand was not a proponent of either the Liberatarian Party or the libertarian movement in general. She considered it unprincipled and open to any idea, no matter how fundamentally bankrupt, as long as it was "anti-government." This Chicago Sun-Times story gets it right when it says:
"But what makes Doherty's book a self-described "freewheeling" history are its detailed descriptions of the colorful characters and eccentrics who helped create the libertarian movement. There is novelist Ayn Rand, of course, responsible for recruiting more members to the movement than anyone else even though she disavowed the label, and waged war against many of its proponents. "
It does later call her one of the "founders" of the movement, but I think that wasn't meant to mean that her involvement was intentional. Certainly, many of her ideas feed libertarianism, but only incidentally--and that, in part, is what's wrong with libertarianism.
"But what makes Doherty's book a self-described "freewheeling" history are its detailed descriptions of the colorful characters and eccentrics who helped create the libertarian movement. There is novelist Ayn Rand, of course, responsible for recruiting more members to the movement than anyone else even though she disavowed the label, and waged war against many of its proponents. "
It does later call her one of the "founders" of the movement, but I think that wasn't meant to mean that her involvement was intentional. Certainly, many of her ideas feed libertarianism, but only incidentally--and that, in part, is what's wrong with libertarianism.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a light 3246 Diggs, congratulates Diggsters on "bringing down" an alleged piracy honeypot. The comments demonstrate a "guilty before proven innocent" mentality, even though I hope such a honeypot exists for catching intellectual property thieves.
Americans Prepared To Vote Black and Female
Hopefully, Americans are prepared to vote for the right President, regardless of whether he's black and she's, well, a woman. A single vote for a woman or a black man rather than for a candidate who stands for the right things is a vote to perpetuate racism.
Google Earth Shows Chinese Sub
I'm assuming--just assuming, mind you--that this picture of China's new nuclear sub, or others like it, had already been reviewed in detail by the military. Catching it on Google Earth had better be coincidental, or someone's ass should be pretty well reamed by now.
"Sicko" Creates Mob Mentality
If enough people have this sort of reaction to Michael Moore's "Sicko," then our helathcare system in trouble. There's nothing worse than an ill-informed mob out to lynch someone.
Boing Boing, of course, sees this as just the greatest thing.
Boing Boing, of course, sees this as just the greatest thing.
Boing Boing Takes a Swipe at Disney
This is generally an interesting story about efficiency, where Disney animators reuse animation sequences when possible. For an animator in particular, it's probably of some professional interest.
Boing Boing, though, has to take a cheap shot and throw out the headline, "Disney animators swipe from themselves." I'm sure it's supposed to be a joke, but given their take on intellectual property, it's easy to see it as a subtle display of how Boing Boing just doesn't really understand intellectual property at all.
Boing Boing, though, has to take a cheap shot and throw out the headline, "Disney animators swipe from themselves." I'm sure it's supposed to be a joke, but given their take on intellectual property, it's easy to see it as a subtle display of how Boing Boing just doesn't really understand intellectual property at all.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Hyperion the Sponge
I'm amazed and at the same time sort of freaked out (in a sci-fi kind of way) when I see picture like this one of Saturn's moon Hyperion. This sucker's a long ways away, and yet we have a picture taken from a scant 384 miles away.
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 2902 Diggs, is a story about a lady who wore an (inappropriate?) shirt on July 4th. I think it's the lady wearing the Union Jack.
Back to Digg silliness, I guess, but it is a bit early in the day.
Back to Digg silliness, I guess, but it is a bit early in the day.
The West to Blame for Darfur?
Interesting: place blame for the genocide in Darfur on global warming, which of course is blamed on developing nations, thus directly make the West guilty of crimes against humanity. That's what this story seems to be implying, anyways (although I may be connecting some of my own dots here).
With one stroke, the blame is shifted from African tribalism and radical Islam to the West. I'm telling you, someone out there has some real political chops.
With one stroke, the blame is shifted from African tribalism and radical Islam to the West. I'm telling you, someone out there has some real political chops.
Ahmadinejad Buys Gas from Chavez
This New York Times headline is surreal: "Iran, Low on Gasoline, to Be Supplied by Venezuela." I knew that Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) and Chavez are buddies and influential members of the anti-America crowd, but I didn't know that Iran's refinery capacity was so low that it needs to import gasoline.
Bizarre.
Bizarre.
Putin Continues to Play Bush
Putin continues to play Bush like a fiddle. This time, he's trying to virtually take over the missille defense shield, essentially (as far as I can tell) suggesting that the entire radar infrastructure be based in Russia. So far, Bush has said "Nyet" to that proposal, but stranger things have certainly happened.
We lack real leadership throughout government, which puts us at a distinct disadvantage. I dream of a Jefferson or Madison or Washington to come out of nowhere, but dreaming doesn't really help.
Update: Putin puts some teeth into his "offer."
We lack real leadership throughout government, which puts us at a distinct disadvantage. I dream of a Jefferson or Madison or Washington to come out of nowhere, but dreaming doesn't really help.
Update: Putin puts some teeth into his "offer."
China Covers Up 750,000 Pollution-Related Deaths
An environmental coverup! And no, it's not by Bush. I'm sure the environmentalist movement will be all over this story.
Bill Gates No Longer #1
It's odd that a third-world tycoon would take over the #1 spot as richest man on the planet. Not that it matters, since such astronomical wealth is based on the vagaries of the stock market, but still, something strikes me as, not wrong exactly, but not exactly right about it, either.
Boing Boing Wants One-Sided Debate Starring MIchael Moore
Boing Boing wants to see the healthcare debate an entirely one-sided affair, with the one side being... Michael Moore. They're publicizing a MoveOn effort that calls on presidential candidates to refuse money from the healthcare industry, and they're doing so by handing out flyers at screenings of "Sicko."
I fear for the future healthcare of my children. Michael Moore is known by everyone to make exploitative, sensationalist movies (which I refuse to call documentaries) that twist and evade facts to make his point. That anyone would consider this to be the definitive statement on healthcare, and to want to disallow the healthcare industry from trying to influence in some way the laws that will destroy their ability to provide quality care, is beyond my ability to comprehend.
The Left has moved into a world into which I, and I hope most Americans, can't and won't follow.
I fear for the future healthcare of my children. Michael Moore is known by everyone to make exploitative, sensationalist movies (which I refuse to call documentaries) that twist and evade facts to make his point. That anyone would consider this to be the definitive statement on healthcare, and to want to disallow the healthcare industry from trying to influence in some way the laws that will destroy their ability to provide quality care, is beyond my ability to comprehend.
The Left has moved into a world into which I, and I hope most Americans, can't and won't follow.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
The Declaration of Independence
An important 4th of July read. One needn't wait until today, of course, but it's certainly a good enough occasion for a review.
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 4229 Diggs, is a link to an editorial that's as inappropriate for the 4th of July as could be imagined. I didn't read the entire thing, but I don't need to; it's a topic about which I'm a bit ambivalent. And I'm not faulting the editorial's author--he wrote it yesterday. But the Diggsters voted it, so far, as the number one story on this day, and that tells me a lot about Digg.
I'm not linking to it. If you want to read it, you'll have to find it yourself.
I'm not linking to it. If you want to read it, you'll have to find it yourself.
Presidential Power the Greatest Since, Well, the Last Major War
What I find most interesting about this story is the line about Bush being "the most powerful American leader since at least WWII." I got to this story via Digg, which of course implied that the story is about Bush being so powerful, when in fact it's about growing Presidential power in general beginning in the 20th Century. But then, that's just Digg's typical anti-Bush slant.
What struck me most about that particular line, though, is that we're at war today, making the correlation between now and WWII painfully obvious to anyone willing to see it. And, the stakes are just as high, and far more complex (or, at least, we're making it that way, by waging war against an ideology instead of against those States that sponsor it).
That subtlety would be lost, of course, on the Diggsters, but unfortunately on many other Americans, as well.
What struck me most about that particular line, though, is that we're at war today, making the correlation between now and WWII painfully obvious to anyone willing to see it. And, the stakes are just as high, and far more complex (or, at least, we're making it that way, by waging war against an ideology instead of against those States that sponsor it).
That subtlety would be lost, of course, on the Diggsters, but unfortunately on many other Americans, as well.
Politics and the 4th of July
Of course, Cox and Forkum have a relevant cartoon for the 4th. It says something different about the nature of American politics that we should all try to remember--even though I myself don't often do so.
Happy 4th of July!
And, of course, a happy 4th to all Americans.
Let this day serve as a reminder that a handful of heroes can accomplish something remarkable and still unmatched in human history: to create, from nothing, a nation based on a fundamental moral and political principle, that every human being has a right to his or her own existence. Although the Founders' legacy is under attack, it is a testament to their genius that so much of their vision remains intact after centuries of anti-man philosophies that have sought to destroy it.
To the men and women serving overseas, my thanks. You make this day possible, year after year. I hope that each and every one of you sees your service not as a sacrifice for me or any other American, but as your own defense of liberties that you, yourself, hold dear. Let the politicians argue over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin--for yourselves, know that by killing our enemies, you are protecting your values and preserving for yourselves and those you love the freedom afforded by this great nation.
But, most of all, everyone: enjoy, celebrate, eat, drink, and be merry. Today is a day to engage in that which should be the goal of every human being: to be happy, and to bring happiness to those family and friends whom we value the most. The Founders' recognized this in the Declaration of Independence, when they included "the pursuit of happiness" as one of the rights that our government was created to defend. You do no disservice to any American hero by enjoying yourself today, but rather the opposite. You honor them.
And so, off with you now. And again, a Happy 4th of July!
Let this day serve as a reminder that a handful of heroes can accomplish something remarkable and still unmatched in human history: to create, from nothing, a nation based on a fundamental moral and political principle, that every human being has a right to his or her own existence. Although the Founders' legacy is under attack, it is a testament to their genius that so much of their vision remains intact after centuries of anti-man philosophies that have sought to destroy it.
To the men and women serving overseas, my thanks. You make this day possible, year after year. I hope that each and every one of you sees your service not as a sacrifice for me or any other American, but as your own defense of liberties that you, yourself, hold dear. Let the politicians argue over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin--for yourselves, know that by killing our enemies, you are protecting your values and preserving for yourselves and those you love the freedom afforded by this great nation.
But, most of all, everyone: enjoy, celebrate, eat, drink, and be merry. Today is a day to engage in that which should be the goal of every human being: to be happy, and to bring happiness to those family and friends whom we value the most. The Founders' recognized this in the Declaration of Independence, when they included "the pursuit of happiness" as one of the rights that our government was created to defend. You do no disservice to any American hero by enjoying yourself today, but rather the opposite. You honor them.
And so, off with you now. And again, a Happy 4th of July!
Stop the Presses: Google Celebrates American Holiday!
Yes, it's true. Google has recognized the 4th of July in their logo. I don't know if they've done this in the past, but I'm still steamed over the Memorial Day snubbing. So, recognition where it's due.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 6263 Diggs, is about a Digg tool for attracting more Diggs.
Must not be that effective. 6263 isn't all that impressive, really.
Must not be that effective. 6263 isn't all that impressive, really.
Blogs and Politics
Is it true that blogs are having this much of an impact on politics? If so, I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.
American Pharmaceuticals Thrive, Europe's are Dying
The next time you want to fall for the idea of universal healthcare a la Europe's socialistic schemes, read this essay by Andrew Sullivan. It points out that innovation thrives in a free market and dies under socialism. The American pharmaceutical industry is making remarkable--some might say miraculous--advances in treatments for all sorts of deadly and debilitating diseases.
If you want to kill those advancements, vote for universal healthcare. If not, fight like hell to retain our current, even mixed economy approach, and then fight even harder for a true free market healthcare system.
I remember looking into a CT lung scan, having been a smoker for a number of years. I don't know what the insured price for a scan would be, but I know that I can get a high-quality scan performed outside of insurance for about $300. That seems entirely reasonable to me, since it could locate any problems while they're still treatable (which a normal x-ray may or may not identify). I imagine that if such scans were covered under insurance, and thus not subject to normal market pressures, they'd be far more expensive (although I personally might pay a little less after deductibles have been met). Imagine the impact on healthcare spending in general if the market were allowed to set prices.
I've read accounts that we're on the cusp of curing various forms of cancer, and already, certain forms have been turned from terminal diagnoses to manageable diseases. And that's due entirely to the efforts of the American pharmaceutical industry. Rather than attacking these companies, we should be honoring them.
If you want to kill those advancements, vote for universal healthcare. If not, fight like hell to retain our current, even mixed economy approach, and then fight even harder for a true free market healthcare system.
I remember looking into a CT lung scan, having been a smoker for a number of years. I don't know what the insured price for a scan would be, but I know that I can get a high-quality scan performed outside of insurance for about $300. That seems entirely reasonable to me, since it could locate any problems while they're still treatable (which a normal x-ray may or may not identify). I imagine that if such scans were covered under insurance, and thus not subject to normal market pressures, they'd be far more expensive (although I personally might pay a little less after deductibles have been met). Imagine the impact on healthcare spending in general if the market were allowed to set prices.
I've read accounts that we're on the cusp of curing various forms of cancer, and already, certain forms have been turned from terminal diagnoses to manageable diseases. And that's due entirely to the efforts of the American pharmaceutical industry. Rather than attacking these companies, we should be honoring them.
More Evidence for Iran in Iraq
More on Iran's proxy war against the US in Iraq. I suppose that when (if?) we go to war with Iran over this (and the nuclear issue) such news items will be quickly forgotten and the "no evidence" mantra will emerge once again.
Media Tells Terrorists We're Onto Them
Once again, the mainstream press reveals our knowledge of a possible terrorist attack. Why this is "news," and not a blatant breach of national security, is beyond me.
Healthcare Independence
An essay on "universal healthcare" at Capitalism Magazine... It's an important read if you're at all concerned about healthcare and would like to have something to counter the upcoming movie on the topic (which shall remain nameless).
Town Surprised that Public-Private Partnership Goes Sour
And the line is blurred between public and private in such instances because government spends tax money (directly or through "incentives) developing private property. It's an inherent contradiction that must result in this or other kinds of conflict.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a light 2848, points to a picture that, quite frankly, I don't get. And, I have no time to try to decipher it.
So, good luck.
So, good luck.
Iranian Cells Destroyed - in Iraq
Going after the Iranian-backed cells in Iraq is all find and dandy, but it would be a bit like killing German spies in America in the 1940's but refusing to take the fight to Germany itself. One can only imagine the outcome, and I'm afraid we're going to see a fine example of it sometime soon.
Unless, of course, we act against Iran. But that's likely a pipe dream.
Unless, of course, we act against Iran. But that's likely a pipe dream.
Mainstream Media Again Assists Radical Islam
There are two important aspects to this story. First, the mainstream media is very quick to report the worst about Iraq; too quick, in my opinion. Almost eager.
Second, as has been said before on this blog, the "insurgency" is not about Iraq, it's about driving America from Iraq and creating a victory for radical Islam against the Great Satan. Fomenting sectarian violence, as was to be the result from this false reporting, is just one of the tactics being used to push American politics against finishing what we started in Iraq.
Second, as has been said before on this blog, the "insurgency" is not about Iraq, it's about driving America from Iraq and creating a victory for radical Islam against the Great Satan. Fomenting sectarian violence, as was to be the result from this false reporting, is just one of the tactics being used to push American politics against finishing what we started in Iraq.
A World with Saddam Hussein?
Some interesting thoughts on what the world would be like if we hadn't gone to war to remove Saddam Hussein from power. I agree with a lot of this, but I still think we've prosecuted the war itself, and its aftermath, in horrible fashion.
Al Qaeda - Losing?
Al Qaeda has apparently been affected. That's a very, very good thing. Imagine how much more less effective they'd be if we removed their state sponsors?
Dell to Help Russia Against the West
So, Dell's building Russia a supercomputer to help Russia develop its oil resources--which Putin has made clear Russia will use as leverage against the West.
Thanks, Dell.
Thanks, Dell.
Oliver Stone - Ahmadinejad Movie?
Celebrity Report: I'm not sure if this is real or a hoax, but reportedly Oliver Stone is thinking of making a movie on Iran's Imajihadi (or whatever his name is). Knowing Stone, this could be for real, but usually he does movies after the facts are too cold or impossible to ascertain to be laid open to the light of day. And, the story's not yet actually played out on the Iranian warmonger, and so it's strange to make a movie at this point.
I call hoax, but we'll see.
I call hoax, but we'll see.
Jimmy Carter - Israel/Palestine Is Apartheid. Really!
In spite of being ridiculed and debunked by most reasonable people, Jimmy Carter holds to his theory that the Israeli/Palestinian situation is the same sort of apartheid as occured for decades in South Africa.
The man just needs to step on out of politics, I think, and go grow some peanuts.
The man just needs to step on out of politics, I think, and go grow some peanuts.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 5309 Diggs, is a story about a woman who tries to buy a bunch of iPhones and fails.
Big doin's over at Digg today.
Big doin's over at Digg today.
Cheney Lied, and Fish Died
It's getting ever more amazing how politicized the news--and the process of governing--is becoming. Clinton gives China highly sensitive missille technology and gets a pass, Cheney is accused of killing some salmon and he's being probed by Congress.
Immigration vs. Collectivism
An interesting take on the immigration issue. What Nicholas Provenzo describes here is just another form of collectivism, which he identifies specifically as xenophobia. I agree, for the most part.
It's somewhat incidental to Provenzo's essay, but living in Southern California, I can say that many immigrants (legal or otherwise) would benefit greatly from learning the English language. I think many don't because they have no intention to stay for very long. Others don't because they isolate themselves in Latino enclaves where they don't have any reason to learn English, which is of course perfectly within their rights but it necessarily limits their opportunities.
And that little bit is irrelevant, practically speaking, because even that propensity doesn't last long. By about the 2nd or 3rd generation, the assimilation has already pretty much concluded.
It's somewhat incidental to Provenzo's essay, but living in Southern California, I can say that many immigrants (legal or otherwise) would benefit greatly from learning the English language. I think many don't because they have no intention to stay for very long. Others don't because they isolate themselves in Latino enclaves where they don't have any reason to learn English, which is of course perfectly within their rights but it necessarily limits their opportunities.
And that little bit is irrelevant, practically speaking, because even that propensity doesn't last long. By about the 2nd or 3rd generation, the assimilation has already pretty much concluded.
Do Stem Cells Have Souls? Do Celery Stalks?
It's truly remarkable that such clashes between science and religion still occur in the 21st Century. This sounds like a debate between Galileo and the Pope.
Islamic Children Brutalized as Farfour Beaten to Death
This is so brutally evil that it's hard to put it into words. Apparently, the Islamic "Mickey Mouse" character, "Farfour," was depicted as beaten to death by an Israeli official to close out the show. The children's show, I might add.
And yet, people still place Israel on the same moral plane as the Islamists bent to destroy her.
And yet, people still place Israel on the same moral plane as the Islamists bent to destroy her.
Iran is Appeased, Again
"(The UN has) a readiness to accept Tehran's current program, at least initially, in hopes of reducing tensions and creating an atmosphere for negotiations." Isn't that pretty much the definition of appeasement?
Friday, June 29, 2007
Digg Report: No Digg report today, because at this moment (which is, of course, the pseudo-random moment that I've selected, which can't be changed) Digg isn't responding. Probably got burned by the iPhone--a phenomenon that I don't really understand, but that demonstrates Apple's incredible marketing savvy.
2nd UK Car Bomb Discovered
Another car bomb found in the UK. The scariest part: these were most likely set to go off at a specific time, probably coordinated. How many others are there? It's impossible to know, and incredibly lucky that this second one was found.
Update: Via Little Green Footballs, apparently UK officials have a picture of the man who drove one of the car bombs into place. He's Muslim, and he might have been released after being held for a previous plot. Wonderful.
Update: Via Little Green Footballs, apparently UK officials have a picture of the man who drove one of the car bombs into place. He's Muslim, and he might have been released after being held for a previous plot. Wonderful.
Sci-Fi Author Blog List
For sci-fi fans, here's a list of authors' blogs. Bookmark it, and pick out some feeds that look interesting. I know I will.
John Mackey and Whole Foods Hearts Ayn Rand
Apparently John Mackey of Whole Foods is a good guy. That's good to know.
"Indirect Tactics"?
I might be wrong, but I'm not sure that this story defines what "indirect tactics" would mean for American special forces. Maybe someone can read the article and enlighten me.
Iraqi Surge Causes More Casualties - MSM Clueless
Once again, the mainstream media has demonstrated its ignorance of the simple fact that when one goes on the offensive in war, one tends to suffer more casualties. Again, that's just War 101.
Iraqi Surge Causes More
Once again, the mainstream press seems to misunderstand that the more one goes on the offensive in war, the more casualties one suffers.
UK Terrorist Attack Averted
I don't think anyone knows much more about this yet, but it's good news nonetheless. It also demonstrates that the threat remains real.
Rolling Stone Mag is Smoking Something
I think it's the height of naivete to believe that music piracy would have ended if only the music labels had struck a deal with the original Napster. I'm not sure why it's so difficult for some people (cough, Boing Boing, cough) to believe that millions of people want music for free--because they're cheap, because they're dishonest, because they simply don't believe that they should have to pay for music.
Had such a deal been struck, it would be no different than it is today with numerous paid music sites. Other pirate services would have sprouted up, and the situation would have been no different. Did the labels lose some money by not getting paid for downloads earlier? Maybe. But they've lost billions through piracy, and that wouldn't have changed.
Had such a deal been struck, it would be no different than it is today with numerous paid music sites. Other pirate services would have sprouted up, and the situation would have been no different. Did the labels lose some money by not getting paid for downloads earlier? Maybe. But they've lost billions through piracy, and that wouldn't have changed.
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