And to rub salt on the wounds, it really does appear that Russia and China (and the rest of the SCO, which hardly matters unless Pakistan and India join) are moving closer and closer together. Their recent and planning military exercises are unnerving to some:
President Putin of Russia and his Chinese counterpart, President Hu, will attend an unprecedented show of joint military force Friday amid fears that the Russian leader is trying to turn an increasingly powerful central Asian alliance into a second Warsaw Pact.
Although I mentioned in a previous post that the SCO isn't likely to admit Iran, it does create a dangerous situation:
Yet the SCO has wider ambitions. Pakistan, India, and Mongolia all want to join Â-- as does Iran, whose president, Mahmoud Ahmedinejad, attended the summit as guest of honor, a title bound to rile Washington. Iranian membership of the SCO would pose an enormous headache for the American government. Like Nato, its treaty states that an attack on one member is regarded as an attack on all, raising the prospect that the American government could find itself aligned against both Russia and China if it invaded Iran.
In that previous post, I also optimistically predicted that the SCO would retain its largely economic agenda. That might indeed have been optimistic.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Russia to Continue Soviet-Era Strategic Air Space Patrols
It seems that Putin has found it necessary to resume strategic air space patrolling in remote reaches of its territory, something the was ended with the downfall of the Soviet Union. This, along with wargames conducted with China and the rest of the SCO, is interesting, to say the least.
More and more, I fear that Russia is not our friend (which is fairly obvious, I think), and--worse--has no intention of becoming so. The idea that it's "American hegemony" or somesuch that pushes Putin to these measures falls flat when one considers that we've invited Russia to participate in much of what we've planned.
And America has not acted unilaterally in anything over the last few decades (although perhaps we should have), but has built coalitions for every major action we've taken. I point this out only because, despite Leftist claims to the contrary, America has not acted as an imperialist, sole world superpower. If we had, as the Soviet Union would have done (and Russia already has with Chechnya), then the Middle East would be decimated, a wasteland, turned into rubble as an example against others who might decide to take such actions against us.
No, I believe the Putin simply lusts for the "power" of the Soviet Union (false though it was, other than its nuclear deterrent), and is trying desperately to return Russia to this level of world influence. Of course, Russia has quite a ways to go before it gets there; it wouldn't last long in a shooting war against the US. But Putin likely feels, and probably rightly so, that he has plenty of time to work on it.
More and more, I fear that Russia is not our friend (which is fairly obvious, I think), and--worse--has no intention of becoming so. The idea that it's "American hegemony" or somesuch that pushes Putin to these measures falls flat when one considers that we've invited Russia to participate in much of what we've planned.
And America has not acted unilaterally in anything over the last few decades (although perhaps we should have), but has built coalitions for every major action we've taken. I point this out only because, despite Leftist claims to the contrary, America has not acted as an imperialist, sole world superpower. If we had, as the Soviet Union would have done (and Russia already has with Chechnya), then the Middle East would be decimated, a wasteland, turned into rubble as an example against others who might decide to take such actions against us.
No, I believe the Putin simply lusts for the "power" of the Soviet Union (false though it was, other than its nuclear deterrent), and is trying desperately to return Russia to this level of world influence. Of course, Russia has quite a ways to go before it gets there; it wouldn't last long in a shooting war against the US. But Putin likely feels, and probably rightly so, that he has plenty of time to work on it.
MTV's Kurt Loder Rips Into "Sicko"
I was pleasantly surprised to find a very rational and thorough review of Michael Moore's "Sicko" by none other than MTV's Kurt Loder. Now, I know it's not good to generalize people, but I wouldn't have expected anyone from the MTV staff to be so rational about such a topic. My apoligies to Kurt Loder.
But, on to the story. We all know (or should) that Michael Moore is a sensationalist who will twist any statistic or anecdote to make a particular point. His movies are not documentaries, they're fictional and based only thinly on valid evidence. He's even admitted as such in the past, and I believe this to be a fair paraphrase: he's a propagandist, not a documentarian.
In the linked review, Kurt Loder does as well as anyone I've read to show just how one-sided and misleading Moore has been with "Sicko." And, contrary to most reviews, Loder even points out that getting government out of healthcare would be the only real solution. I've pointed out in the past myself that healthcare has been on a dangerous path since the 1930's, when the Blue Cross/Blue Shield entities were first established with government blessings.
I won't quote from the review, because it's fairly well-composed. That is, there's not much that doesn't flow and so if quoted would be taken out of context. So, I recommend that you go read it yourself.
It's well worth the time.
But, on to the story. We all know (or should) that Michael Moore is a sensationalist who will twist any statistic or anecdote to make a particular point. His movies are not documentaries, they're fictional and based only thinly on valid evidence. He's even admitted as such in the past, and I believe this to be a fair paraphrase: he's a propagandist, not a documentarian.
In the linked review, Kurt Loder does as well as anyone I've read to show just how one-sided and misleading Moore has been with "Sicko." And, contrary to most reviews, Loder even points out that getting government out of healthcare would be the only real solution. I've pointed out in the past myself that healthcare has been on a dangerous path since the 1930's, when the Blue Cross/Blue Shield entities were first established with government blessings.
I won't quote from the review, because it's fairly well-composed. That is, there's not much that doesn't flow and so if quoted would be taken out of context. So, I recommend that you go read it yourself.
It's well worth the time.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Light Blogging Today
Legal issues to take care of, dontcha know. So, today's blogging will be a little light.
Oliver Stone Asks Again to Make Movie about Ahmadinejad
Celebrity Report: Two in one day, that's a first (I think). This one's about Oliver Stone making a second request to make a movie about Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is).
The money quote:
"I believe that the dialogue between the Iranian and the US people is necessary today and making this film is a contribution to meeting the need," part of the email reads.
"A wrong and inappropriate picture of Islam is drawn in the US media and this film provides an opportunity to correct the picture."
Wow. There are so many errors in those two lines that I wouldn't know where to start in identifying them. One, it's hard to imagine how a movie about Imajihadi would create a dialog between the Iranian and American people. Second, I agree that the US media paints an inaccurate picture of Islam, but only because it doesn't show the religion as oppressive, political, and inherently susceptible to violence as it really is.
That's all I'll go into for now. Stone's a wacko, I think that's fairly well know. But this takes the cake.
The money quote:
"I believe that the dialogue between the Iranian and the US people is necessary today and making this film is a contribution to meeting the need," part of the email reads.
"A wrong and inappropriate picture of Islam is drawn in the US media and this film provides an opportunity to correct the picture."
Wow. There are so many errors in those two lines that I wouldn't know where to start in identifying them. One, it's hard to imagine how a movie about Imajihadi would create a dialog between the Iranian and American people. Second, I agree that the US media paints an inaccurate picture of Islam, but only because it doesn't show the religion as oppressive, political, and inherently susceptible to violence as it really is.
That's all I'll go into for now. Stone's a wacko, I think that's fairly well know. But this takes the cake.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a huge 8519 Diggs, is a plea for a new Digg comment system.
What a way to end the week...
What a way to end the week...
Celebrity Report: Dennis Miller on "Bourne Ultimatum" - Anti-American?
Celebrity Report: Dennis Miller was on the O'Reilly Factor (gag) the other day, and they had some fun ripping into the Bourne Ultimatum for it's being anti-American. Now I like Miller, for the most part; he's one of the few celebrities who don't lean so far to the Left that they can't hear out of their left ear.
But attacking this one movie for being anti-American is like attacking the strip club up the street because it happens to feature naked women. Come on, let's face it: most movies today are anti-American, in one way or another. I could make a list of those that aren't, but it wouldn't be a long one.
Nevertheless, here's some of the interview, just for kicks:
O'REILLY: All right. It will be interesting to see if that happens.
Now, my column this week is on the "Bourne Ultimatum," which is a huge hit. But it's so — you know, the anti-American theme is so pronounced. The evil CIA guys, you know? And Matt Damon and Julia Stiles, you know? They actually make Julia Stiles cut her own hair. And that was enough for me. I turned against the CIA immediately.
MILLER: It's brutal.
O'REILLY: Now, this movie is going to be seen in Pakistan and Indonesia and all of this. While we laugh at it and we know what it is: heroes and villains, cops and robbers. Over there, I think it has an effect. Am I wrong?
...
MILLER: Well, "The Bourne Identity," let me say this. If they were going to do a true depiction of our CIA, they would have to do it, not about them being evil and conniving. They would have to do it about them being inept. Frank Church would have to be Blofeld, because he's the one that began taking it apart.
O'REILLY: But they almost do that. They can't catch Matt Damon. They've 50 guys gone after Matt. He's punching them. He's getting them. He's kicking them. And Julia Stiles is outsmarting them. Julia Stiles is outsmarting them, Miller.
And then, as far as the CIA goes, they're always the bad guys. If anyone can think of a single movie where the CIA was depicted as anything but evil, I'd love to hear about it.
But attacking this one movie for being anti-American is like attacking the strip club up the street because it happens to feature naked women. Come on, let's face it: most movies today are anti-American, in one way or another. I could make a list of those that aren't, but it wouldn't be a long one.
Nevertheless, here's some of the interview, just for kicks:
O'REILLY: All right. It will be interesting to see if that happens.
Now, my column this week is on the "Bourne Ultimatum," which is a huge hit. But it's so — you know, the anti-American theme is so pronounced. The evil CIA guys, you know? And Matt Damon and Julia Stiles, you know? They actually make Julia Stiles cut her own hair. And that was enough for me. I turned against the CIA immediately.
MILLER: It's brutal.
O'REILLY: Now, this movie is going to be seen in Pakistan and Indonesia and all of this. While we laugh at it and we know what it is: heroes and villains, cops and robbers. Over there, I think it has an effect. Am I wrong?
...
MILLER: Well, "The Bourne Identity," let me say this. If they were going to do a true depiction of our CIA, they would have to do it, not about them being evil and conniving. They would have to do it about them being inept. Frank Church would have to be Blofeld, because he's the one that began taking it apart.
O'REILLY: But they almost do that. They can't catch Matt Damon. They've 50 guys gone after Matt. He's punching them. He's getting them. He's kicking them. And Julia Stiles is outsmarting them. Julia Stiles is outsmarting them, Miller.
And then, as far as the CIA goes, they're always the bad guys. If anyone can think of a single movie where the CIA was depicted as anything but evil, I'd love to hear about it.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Chinese Company Counterfeits Glucose Monitoring Strips
Counterfeit DVD's and CD's are one thing, China, but counterfeit glucose monitoring strips? Thanks to the diligence of American company Johnson & Johnson, however, the counterfeiter has been discovered. Of course, such things could kill people, and the Chinese company making the things had make about a million of them.
I know this isn't the same as the other Chinese quality issues, but it still puts China in a very bad light. They've tolerated counterfeiting for so long that things like this are bound to happen.
I know this isn't the same as the other Chinese quality issues, but it still puts China in a very bad light. They've tolerated counterfeiting for so long that things like this are bound to happen.
My Second California Earthquake
On a personal note, I've now experienced my second California earthquick, albeit a tiny one--3.5. The ominous thing, though, is that the quake was centered in almost the exact same place as last week's 4.2 quake, north of Chatsworth, CA (which, again, is about 7 miles or so north of me).
I haven't studied earthquakes, but that does seem of some concern.
I haven't studied earthquakes, but that does seem of some concern.
Boing Boing Publication of Web Site That Gives Out Sensitive Information - 404
This is odd (or maybe a hoax or inside joke), but Boing Boing has an RSS feed about a Web site that publishes highly sensitive information--information like the identities of intelligence agents which could, of course, get people killed. It's just like Boing Boing to post such a topic, because of course they love to stick it to the Man whenever they can (damn the consequences).
But, the Feedburner link in the RSS feed isn't live. Error 404. The Web site it references seems live, and is just as bad as I thought it would be (and no, I won't provide the link, nor the Boing Boing RSS feed that contains the link). Odd, though, that it's the only Boing Boing feed that hasn't resolved for me.
I wonder if they pulled it, or if it's just a strange coincidence.
But, the Feedburner link in the RSS feed isn't live. Error 404. The Web site it references seems live, and is just as bad as I thought it would be (and no, I won't provide the link, nor the Boing Boing RSS feed that contains the link). Odd, though, that it's the only Boing Boing feed that hasn't resolved for me.
I wonder if they pulled it, or if it's just a strange coincidence.
Microsoft Using Government Against Competitors - Joining the Club, I Suppose
Microsoft long ago lost my respect as an organization (and, incidentally, Bill Gates as an individual). But, as this story in Ars Technica points out, Microsoft isn't opposed to using the same tactics that have been used against it for so long: lobbying government to use force against a competitor.
In this case, Microsoft is lobbying against the Google/Doubleclick merger. To see Microsoft using antitrust as a weapon against a competitor is nauseating. Those who don't like large companies should keep in mind that they only have power, beyond their own economic power (i.e., their ability to make a product or provide a service someone wants to buy), through their relationshiop with government.
It's the mixed economy, the perverted mixture of political power and economic power, that causes such sordid displays. And to think that I once imagined Microsoft to be above such things.
In this case, Microsoft is lobbying against the Google/Doubleclick merger. To see Microsoft using antitrust as a weapon against a competitor is nauseating. Those who don't like large companies should keep in mind that they only have power, beyond their own economic power (i.e., their ability to make a product or provide a service someone wants to buy), through their relationshiop with government.
It's the mixed economy, the perverted mixture of political power and economic power, that causes such sordid displays. And to think that I once imagined Microsoft to be above such things.
Russian Region Holds "Conception Day," Woman has Caesarian to Win Prize
Here's a Boing Boing article that I'm not going to attack: it seems that the Ulyanovsk region of Russia has been experiencing such a population decline that it's holding a "Conception Day" where prizes are handed out to new parents.
There was even a special prize for... Hell, I'll just quote:
The 2007 grand prize went to Irina and Andrei Kartuzov, who received a UAZ-Patriot, an SUV made in Ulyanovsk. They told reporters they were planning to have another child anyway when they heard about the contest.
Irina Kartuzova had to have a Caesarian section to deliver the baby and it was scheduled for June 12.
The selection committee chose the Kartuzovs from among the 78 couples because of their ``respectability'' and ``commendable parenting'' of their two older children, a spokesman for the governor said.
Of all the reasons to have a Caesarian section, this one takes the prize. Literally.
There was even a special prize for... Hell, I'll just quote:
The 2007 grand prize went to Irina and Andrei Kartuzov, who received a UAZ-Patriot, an SUV made in Ulyanovsk. They told reporters they were planning to have another child anyway when they heard about the contest.
Irina Kartuzova had to have a Caesarian section to deliver the baby and it was scheduled for June 12.
The selection committee chose the Kartuzovs from among the 78 couples because of their ``respectability'' and ``commendable parenting'' of their two older children, a spokesman for the governor said.
Of all the reasons to have a Caesarian section, this one takes the prize. Literally.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a heavy 5014 Diggs, is a link to a picture of a flyer that says it shouldn't be taken down. It's quite silly, and not really worth the time.
I do find it interesting, though, that this particular flyer is placed over the signage of a Jewish temple. I won't assume that's on purpose, because I don't know where else such flyers might have been placed. But I do find this flyer's placement curious.
I do find it interesting, though, that this particular flyer is placed over the signage of a Jewish temple. I won't assume that's on purpose, because I don't know where else such flyers might have been placed. But I do find this flyer's placement curious.
Giuliani Understands a Little about the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict
Presidential hopeful Giuliani seems to have a firmer grasp of the Israeli/Palestinian situation than many politicians, as this story demonstrates.
The money quote:
Israel National News reported that "former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani has bucked the party line of successive US administrations and come out against the establishment of a Palestinian State." They added that he "warned against the push by President George Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to establish a state in Judea & Samaria ruled by Fatah."
These comments by Giuliani were made in the September/October issue of the journal Foreign Affairs. Giuliani also said that "it is not in the interests of the United States at a time when it is being threatened by Islamist terrorists, to assist in the creation of another state that will support terrorism." Giuliani said Palestinians must show "a clear commitment to fighting terrorism, and willingness to live in peace with Israel." He argued that the problem for Palestinians was not a "lack of statehood" but good governance and that too much emphasis had been placed on Israeli-Palestinian talks which just brought up the same issues "again and again."
Until the Arab/Muslim world in general, and the Palestinians in particular, are willing to acknowledge the existence of Israel as a sovereign state, and stop calls for Israel's destruction, then the Palestinians cannot possibly be formed into a legitimate country. Giuliani seems to understand this.
Update: More on Giuliani's statements thanks to Little Green Footballs.
The money quote:
Israel National News reported that "former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani has bucked the party line of successive US administrations and come out against the establishment of a Palestinian State." They added that he "warned against the push by President George Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to establish a state in Judea & Samaria ruled by Fatah."
These comments by Giuliani were made in the September/October issue of the journal Foreign Affairs. Giuliani also said that "it is not in the interests of the United States at a time when it is being threatened by Islamist terrorists, to assist in the creation of another state that will support terrorism." Giuliani said Palestinians must show "a clear commitment to fighting terrorism, and willingness to live in peace with Israel." He argued that the problem for Palestinians was not a "lack of statehood" but good governance and that too much emphasis had been placed on Israeli-Palestinian talks which just brought up the same issues "again and again."
Until the Arab/Muslim world in general, and the Palestinians in particular, are willing to acknowledge the existence of Israel as a sovereign state, and stop calls for Israel's destruction, then the Palestinians cannot possibly be formed into a legitimate country. Giuliani seems to understand this.
Update: More on Giuliani's statements thanks to Little Green Footballs.
Ahmadinejad Seeks Iran's Entry into SCO
According to this International Herald Tribune story, Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) wants Iran to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, an organization created just over a decade ago to deal with security issues and religious extremism in the region. The SCO currently consists of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Iran, Pakistan, and Mongolia joining as observers.
In general, the SCO wants to increase its ability to counter America's influence around the world. But, they're apparently in no hurry to openly confront the US.
Iran's take on the SCO:
At last year's summit in Shanghai, the Iranian president called on the SCO to become "a strong, influential economic, political and trading institution" that could act to "prevent the threats of domineering powers and their aggressive interference in global affairs."
The SCO's position on Iran is mixed:
Although the SCO has welcomed Ahmadinejad, accepting Iran as a full member will not be on the table any time soon, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of the Russia in Global Affairs journal. "Making Iran a member would be seen as an open challenge to the United States, a call for confrontation," he said.
My (optimistic?) take: the SCO will be an organization seeking economic influence, not military. By itself, that's not a bad thing. The US either already has or could easily create such a relationship with the EU that would sweep aside any such SCO aspirations.
Imajihadi, though, and Iran's influence on the group would make it more militaristic, and so one hopes the SCO maintains its current position.
In general, the SCO wants to increase its ability to counter America's influence around the world. But, they're apparently in no hurry to openly confront the US.
Iran's take on the SCO:
At last year's summit in Shanghai, the Iranian president called on the SCO to become "a strong, influential economic, political and trading institution" that could act to "prevent the threats of domineering powers and their aggressive interference in global affairs."
The SCO's position on Iran is mixed:
Although the SCO has welcomed Ahmadinejad, accepting Iran as a full member will not be on the table any time soon, said Fyodor Lukyanov, editor of the Russia in Global Affairs journal. "Making Iran a member would be seen as an open challenge to the United States, a call for confrontation," he said.
My (optimistic?) take: the SCO will be an organization seeking economic influence, not military. By itself, that's not a bad thing. The US either already has or could easily create such a relationship with the EU that would sweep aside any such SCO aspirations.
Imajihadi, though, and Iran's influence on the group would make it more militaristic, and so one hopes the SCO maintains its current position.
Ahmadinejad on the State of the World
Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) has delivered a morals lesson to the world. A short quote:
"Islam is the religion that can connect us together and can meet the needs of humanity," he said.
President Ahmadinejad said those who deviate from path of God and refuse to follow monotheism are unbelievers.
Those who have ignored God and His prophets, has turned the world into a hell, destroying ethics, human's dignity and world security, he pointed out.
Thanks for the lecture, Imajihadi. Given the generally uneducated, poverty-stricken, and oppressed nature of the Muslim world (except in rare instances where oil money isn't closely held by the ruling class or in secular Muslim-majority states), I'm sure that you're the one whose advice we should be taking.
"Islam is the religion that can connect us together and can meet the needs of humanity," he said.
President Ahmadinejad said those who deviate from path of God and refuse to follow monotheism are unbelievers.
Those who have ignored God and His prophets, has turned the world into a hell, destroying ethics, human's dignity and world security, he pointed out.
Thanks for the lecture, Imajihadi. Given the generally uneducated, poverty-stricken, and oppressed nature of the Muslim world (except in rare instances where oil money isn't closely held by the ruling class or in secular Muslim-majority states), I'm sure that you're the one whose advice we should be taking.
Bible Studies in Public Schools
At the Rule of Reason blog, Edward Cline embarks on a tremendous discussion of the Bible as teaching tool in public education. He makes an ironclad case that such "Bible study" classes cannot be tolerated Constitutionally, and have no place in academics. I agree with Mr. Cline completely, and could probably think of other reasons why teaching the Bible (even ostensibly as an "academic" pursuit) is wrong on many levels.
In discussing the particular topic of Bible study in public schools, Mr. Cline attacks the generally irrational nature of public education, which I've experienced on numerous occasions with my two children.
There's so much there (it's a bit of a long read) that I'll quote a few particularly interesting parts, but leave the rest for you to discover for yourself:
So, it was with great interest and with not a little surprise that I opened the Sunday, August 12th Newport News, Virginia Daily Press and on page 3 found an article reprinted from the Los Angeles Times under this headline: “How do you teach the Bible without preaching?”
My snap mental answer was: Well, you don’t – unless you are Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens, and then you are not so much teaching the Bible as exposing it as pure balderdash and bunkum.
It was a long article about the controversy of Bible studies in public schools.
In public schools?? Bible studies? Apparently, public schools are not as "Godless" as many parents assume.
“Exact numbers are unavailable, but experts agree that the number of Bible classes in public schools is growing because of new state mandates, increased attention to religion in public life, and the growing prominence of two national Bible curricula.”
On the general state of public education, Mr Cline says:
But I do not think these courses are merely “academic” or that the motive behind them is so innocent or blameless. And I had to laugh when I read this sentence in the article:
“High school English teachers and university professors say this lack of exposure to Bible tales has led to an education gap.”
It is an education gap evident in the Western canon being discarded in favor of Third World literature and the scribblings of “minority” writers, in students who think that George Washington helped found the United Nations, or that the Triple Entente is either an ice cream flavor or a video game, and in math and science test scores that are among the lowest in the world. These teachers and professors imply that such a “gap” can be compensated or corrected by a study of the Bible (or the Koran, or Buddhism, or American Indian mythology). Which is as absurd a notion as claiming that one can master calculus by a close study of numerology.
The “gap” in American education can be ascribed to the complete absence of the advocacy of reason in public school philosophy – except when reason is being attacked by nihilists or sabotaged by multicultural subjectivists.
Read the whole thing if you care at all about public education. And, incidentally, if you do, visit and join the growing community at http://www.publicschoolzone.com/, which seeks to bring students, parents, teachers, staff, and politicians together to resolve some of the issues in our public school system.
In discussing the particular topic of Bible study in public schools, Mr. Cline attacks the generally irrational nature of public education, which I've experienced on numerous occasions with my two children.
There's so much there (it's a bit of a long read) that I'll quote a few particularly interesting parts, but leave the rest for you to discover for yourself:
So, it was with great interest and with not a little surprise that I opened the Sunday, August 12th Newport News, Virginia Daily Press and on page 3 found an article reprinted from the Los Angeles Times under this headline: “How do you teach the Bible without preaching?”
My snap mental answer was: Well, you don’t – unless you are Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens, and then you are not so much teaching the Bible as exposing it as pure balderdash and bunkum.
It was a long article about the controversy of Bible studies in public schools.
In public schools?? Bible studies? Apparently, public schools are not as "Godless" as many parents assume.
“Exact numbers are unavailable, but experts agree that the number of Bible classes in public schools is growing because of new state mandates, increased attention to religion in public life, and the growing prominence of two national Bible curricula.”
On the general state of public education, Mr Cline says:
But I do not think these courses are merely “academic” or that the motive behind them is so innocent or blameless. And I had to laugh when I read this sentence in the article:
“High school English teachers and university professors say this lack of exposure to Bible tales has led to an education gap.”
It is an education gap evident in the Western canon being discarded in favor of Third World literature and the scribblings of “minority” writers, in students who think that George Washington helped found the United Nations, or that the Triple Entente is either an ice cream flavor or a video game, and in math and science test scores that are among the lowest in the world. These teachers and professors imply that such a “gap” can be compensated or corrected by a study of the Bible (or the Koran, or Buddhism, or American Indian mythology). Which is as absurd a notion as claiming that one can master calculus by a close study of numerology.
The “gap” in American education can be ascribed to the complete absence of the advocacy of reason in public school philosophy – except when reason is being attacked by nihilists or sabotaged by multicultural subjectivists.
Read the whole thing if you care at all about public education. And, incidentally, if you do, visit and join the growing community at http://www.publicschoolzone.com/, which seeks to bring students, parents, teachers, staff, and politicians together to resolve some of the issues in our public school system.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Iranian Revolutionary Guard to be Designated as "Global Terrorist" Organization
This is a first: the US is about to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, a military unit that operates outside of the rest of Iran's military establishment, as a "global terrorist" organization. This would be for such actions as supplying arms to terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The significance:
The move would be the first such designation of a foreign government entity and would cut the designees off from the U.S. financial system and freeze assets that it, its members or subsidiaries have in U.S. jurisdictions. It would also allow the Treasury to move against firms subject to U.S. law that transact with the group.
The reasoning:
It remains unclear when the step will be formally announced but officials said it has been weighed for months as the United States has lost patience with Iran amid charges the guard corps is supplying weapons to Shiite insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan and as international efforts to shut down the Iranian nuclear program have bogged down.
The designation will mean that Rice has found that the Revolutionary Guard Corps “has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” according to the executive order.
My thoughts? It's about time. and it brings us that much closer to the Iranian regime itself. In my dreams, it's the first step toward answering the war that Iran started against the US back in 1979.
The significance:
The move would be the first such designation of a foreign government entity and would cut the designees off from the U.S. financial system and freeze assets that it, its members or subsidiaries have in U.S. jurisdictions. It would also allow the Treasury to move against firms subject to U.S. law that transact with the group.
The reasoning:
It remains unclear when the step will be formally announced but officials said it has been weighed for months as the United States has lost patience with Iran amid charges the guard corps is supplying weapons to Shiite insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan and as international efforts to shut down the Iranian nuclear program have bogged down.
The designation will mean that Rice has found that the Revolutionary Guard Corps “has committed, or poses a significant risk of committing, acts of terrorism that threaten the security of U.S. nationals or the national security, foreign policy, or economy of the United States,” according to the executive order.
My thoughts? It's about time. and it brings us that much closer to the Iranian regime itself. In my dreams, it's the first step toward answering the war that Iran started against the US back in 1979.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 3368, is a link to a scan of the "world's most disturbing children's book," as titled by the Diggster.
Actually, although I don't particularly like such books, it does handle a delicate topic with some tact. I hardly think it merits anything close to this sort of treatment.
Actually, although I don't particularly like such books, it does handle a delicate topic with some tact. I hardly think it merits anything close to this sort of treatment.
Municipal Wi-Fi Projects Failing - Good for Them
I just love this Businessweek story about failing municipal Wi-Fi projects, because I believe such projects to be one of the worst examples of government expropriation of wealth. The idea of government taking money from taxpayers so that some Internet users can have constant Wi-Fi access is astounding.
If the public wants such a service enough, a private company would be more than willing to provide it. And if it's not economically viable, then it shouldn't happen.
What's most interesting to me, though, is what appears to be the primary reason the projects are failing: lack of public demand. I was afraid that people would latch onto the free services, cancel their private Internet connections, and thus hold back the development of new and better connectivity solutions.
Instead, something different is happening. Wherever municipalities try to establish services, or announce their plans to do so, private Internet providers (telcos, cable, etc.) are lowering their prices. And, their customers are staying with them.
Don't misunderstand me. It's a bad thing that government is engaging in activities that forces private companies to lower their prices and lose profits. It's wrong morally, and its wrong practically, because lower telco and cable profits means that there's less money to invest in upgrading the countries infrastructure.
Notice that at the end of the story, it's noted that the private companies who've been in partnership with the various municipalities are saying that the governments need to chip in to pay more of the costs. Meaning they're not profitable enterprises, and so taxpayers--whether they would ever use the service or not, and involuntarily--will be taxed more to pay for the service.
How anyone can see this kind of program as a good thing astounds me. It really does.
If the public wants such a service enough, a private company would be more than willing to provide it. And if it's not economically viable, then it shouldn't happen.
What's most interesting to me, though, is what appears to be the primary reason the projects are failing: lack of public demand. I was afraid that people would latch onto the free services, cancel their private Internet connections, and thus hold back the development of new and better connectivity solutions.
Instead, something different is happening. Wherever municipalities try to establish services, or announce their plans to do so, private Internet providers (telcos, cable, etc.) are lowering their prices. And, their customers are staying with them.
Don't misunderstand me. It's a bad thing that government is engaging in activities that forces private companies to lower their prices and lose profits. It's wrong morally, and its wrong practically, because lower telco and cable profits means that there's less money to invest in upgrading the countries infrastructure.
Notice that at the end of the story, it's noted that the private companies who've been in partnership with the various municipalities are saying that the governments need to chip in to pay more of the costs. Meaning they're not profitable enterprises, and so taxpayers--whether they would ever use the service or not, and involuntarily--will be taxed more to pay for the service.
How anyone can see this kind of program as a good thing astounds me. It really does.
Web Tool Shows Wikipedia Edits by CIA, Dems, and Vatican
A new Web tool traces the IP address of Wikipedia editors back to their organizations of origin. Some of the perpetrators of edits in this BBC story: the CIA, the Democrative Party, and the Vatican. Now, before everyone gets their anti-CIA shorts in a bunch, note the edits made:
By the CIA:
On the profile of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the tool indicates that a worker on the CIA network reportedly added the exclamation "Wahhhhhh!" before a section on the leader's plans for his presidency.
So, some CIA employee got bored. Big deal.
So, what about the Democratic Party?
The site also indicates that a computer owned by the US Democratic Party was used to make changes to the site of right-wing talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
The changes brand Mr Limbaugh as "idiotic," a "racist", and a "bigot". An entry about his audience now reads: "Most of them are legally retarded."
A little more serious, but again, probably a rogue employee acting on its own. I doubt the Democratic Party itself would stoop this low.
Now, here's the Vatican's:
The site also indicates that Vatican computers were used to remove content from a page about the leader of the Irish republican party Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams.
The edit removed links to newspaper stories written in 2006 that alleged that Mr Adams' fingerprints and handprints were found on a car used during a double murder in 1971.
The section, titled "Fresh murder question raised" is no longer available through the online encyclopaedia.
Of all three, I'd say the Vatican's the worst, by far. They materially changed Wikipedia by removing information, rather than adding obviously false information.
There are some others listed. It's worth a read.
By the CIA:
On the profile of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the tool indicates that a worker on the CIA network reportedly added the exclamation "Wahhhhhh!" before a section on the leader's plans for his presidency.
So, some CIA employee got bored. Big deal.
So, what about the Democratic Party?
The site also indicates that a computer owned by the US Democratic Party was used to make changes to the site of right-wing talk show host Rush Limbaugh.
The changes brand Mr Limbaugh as "idiotic," a "racist", and a "bigot". An entry about his audience now reads: "Most of them are legally retarded."
A little more serious, but again, probably a rogue employee acting on its own. I doubt the Democratic Party itself would stoop this low.
Now, here's the Vatican's:
The site also indicates that Vatican computers were used to remove content from a page about the leader of the Irish republican party Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams.
The edit removed links to newspaper stories written in 2006 that alleged that Mr Adams' fingerprints and handprints were found on a car used during a double murder in 1971.
The section, titled "Fresh murder question raised" is no longer available through the online encyclopaedia.
Of all three, I'd say the Vatican's the worst, by far. They materially changed Wikipedia by removing information, rather than adding obviously false information.
There are some others listed. It's worth a read.
Ex-Soviet Dissident to Return to Russia to Run for President
This is one brave guy, a former Soviet dissident who's returning to Russia to run in the Presidential elections there. Check out some quotes:
In an interview, Mr. Bukovsky, a 64-year-old retired neurophysiologist, said: "I am not scared, but Russian society is very scared. You need to boost people's morale. If they really want to change things --if they take to the streets in their millions -- they can. But that requires determination."
Given his history, though, I'd say he has reason to be scared:
Forty years ago the Russian authorities tried to execute Mr. Bukovsky on false charges of planning a Gulag mutiny. Having spent 12 years imprisoned in psychiatric and labour camps for "anti-Soviet activities," he was eventually deported in 1976, in an historic prison exchange with the Chilean communist leader Luis Corvalan Lepe, before seeking asylum in Britain.
And I fear something might happen to him:
His return to Russia follows the death of his close friend Mr. Litvinenko. He and other expatriate Russians claimed Mr. Litvinenko was murdered on the Kremlin's orders. Andrei Lugovoi, another former spy, is wanted in Britain to stand trial for Mr. Litvinenko's murder.
As a pallbearer at the London funeral last December, Mr. Bukovsky told mourners: "Sasha [Litvinenko] died as a soldier, a warrior, fighting his enemies to the very end, looking straight into their eyes. He fought for his brothers." Mr. Litvinenko's death, he added, was a sign that "Russia has been given a licence to kill, an invitation to murder anyone it wishes."
Putin's already created an atmosphere of fear around the upcoming elections, and is gaming things as well as he can so that his chosen one will become his successor. For this man to return to Russia and campaign in this environment makes him one brave soul indeed.
In an interview, Mr. Bukovsky, a 64-year-old retired neurophysiologist, said: "I am not scared, but Russian society is very scared. You need to boost people's morale. If they really want to change things --if they take to the streets in their millions -- they can. But that requires determination."
Given his history, though, I'd say he has reason to be scared:
Forty years ago the Russian authorities tried to execute Mr. Bukovsky on false charges of planning a Gulag mutiny. Having spent 12 years imprisoned in psychiatric and labour camps for "anti-Soviet activities," he was eventually deported in 1976, in an historic prison exchange with the Chilean communist leader Luis Corvalan Lepe, before seeking asylum in Britain.
And I fear something might happen to him:
His return to Russia follows the death of his close friend Mr. Litvinenko. He and other expatriate Russians claimed Mr. Litvinenko was murdered on the Kremlin's orders. Andrei Lugovoi, another former spy, is wanted in Britain to stand trial for Mr. Litvinenko's murder.
As a pallbearer at the London funeral last December, Mr. Bukovsky told mourners: "Sasha [Litvinenko] died as a soldier, a warrior, fighting his enemies to the very end, looking straight into their eyes. He fought for his brothers." Mr. Litvinenko's death, he added, was a sign that "Russia has been given a licence to kill, an invitation to murder anyone it wishes."
Putin's already created an atmosphere of fear around the upcoming elections, and is gaming things as well as he can so that his chosen one will become his successor. For this man to return to Russia and campaign in this environment makes him one brave soul indeed.
Russia Holds Vast Mineral Resources - Problem? Probably Not Yet
I know that Russia holds vast natural resources, and could use them as political weapons, as this short story implies. I think they will, to some extent, but ultimately they need to sell the stuff for it to be worth anything to them. Their basic economic infrastructure is so weak that they need to sell raw materials to stay afloat.
This will worry me in 10 years, if Putin manages to turn things around (which part of me doubts), but for now I think we'll see a great deal of saber rattling but a fair amount of selling as well.
This will worry me in 10 years, if Putin manages to turn things around (which part of me doubts), but for now I think we'll see a great deal of saber rattling but a fair amount of selling as well.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Digg Report
Digg Report: Todays #1 Digg, at 3627 Diggs, is a bit of the ol' pot calling the kettle black. It's a link to a cartoon depiction of commentors on YouTube. The commentors on YouTube.
Cox and Forkum on Karl Rove's Resigation
Cox and Forkum on the resignation of Karl Rove. As always, worth a visit.
I'll not comment on the whole affair, because it would require me to dive too deeply into the cesspool that is election politics. I know people who study such things and whose analyses I trust; I'd rather take their recommendations than get that dirty.
I'll not comment on the whole affair, because it would require me to dive too deeply into the cesspool that is election politics. I know people who study such things and whose analyses I trust; I'd rather take their recommendations than get that dirty.
Russian Man Denied Claim to Russia's Worst Serial Killer
Just a little ditty about a Russian serial killer (admits to 62 victims, police found 49), for those folks who think that only America creates people like this. And, apparently, since the police failed to find the other 13 victims, the guy lost his chance to be known as Russia's worst.
Chinese Toymaker Boss Kills Himself over Recall
Man, but these Chinese take things seriously. Mess up as a manager, and the government either executes you or you kill yourself, as in the manager of the plant that made the million or so toys that Mattell was required to recall.
There's something pathological going on with China, I believe. Its communist government is trying so hard to turn China into an economic powerhouse (while utterly destroying the country's environment, executing incompetence, essentially utilizing slave labor) that it's pushing that nation to the brink of some sort of explosion.
If China makes it through a transition to a freer society and true capitalist economy, I'll be shocked. As it is, I'd predict that the entire nation will commit suicide one day.
There's something pathological going on with China, I believe. Its communist government is trying so hard to turn China into an economic powerhouse (while utterly destroying the country's environment, executing incompetence, essentially utilizing slave labor) that it's pushing that nation to the brink of some sort of explosion.
If China makes it through a transition to a freer society and true capitalist economy, I'll be shocked. As it is, I'd predict that the entire nation will commit suicide one day.
Is "Bioshock" For or Against Objectivism? Remains to be Seen
This gentleman has played the "Bioshock" demo (which I haven't had time to play), and came away confused as to whether the game's developer, Irrational Games, is for or against Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. From everything I've read, I'm uncertain myself.
Even the company's name says nothing, because an Objectivist might come up with such a name just for some irony. I suppose we'll have to wait until the game is released, but I fear that even then we might not know. Not unless the developer tells us, of course.
Even the company's name says nothing, because an Objectivist might come up with such a name just for some irony. I suppose we'll have to wait until the game is released, but I fear that even then we might not know. Not unless the developer tells us, of course.
"Punative Psychiatry" Returning to Russia?
The Soviets had a tendency to put dissidents into asylums (along with the gulags and wherever else, including the dirt), which I can only imagine was an unpleasant experience. That practice was supposed to have died along with the Soviet Union, but this story suggests that it might be returning.
Some quotes:
But the treatment of one critic of the Putin Government has raised fears among Russia's human rights community that the Kremlin is preparing to incarcerate a new generation of dissidents in asylums.
Naked and with her hands and feet bound to the corners of a metal bed, Larisa Arap eyed with quiet defiance the doctors who wanted to declare her mad.
It was a futile gesture. The men in white coats standing over her were bitter adversaries. Enraged by the allegations that she had levelled against them, they also knew that, as an open Kremlin critic, the state would do little to help her.
And it's apparently not just a change in practices, but rathe a change in Russian law that makes it possible:
Mrs Arap's allegations come as no surprise to those who have followed psychiatry in Russia in recent years. In 2001, the law was quietly changed to remove the rights of sectioned patients to seek an independent assessment. And dozens of incidents suggest Russia's psychiatric system is rapidly becoming as unsavoury as it was in Soviet times.
Andrei Fedorovich, for example, was held in a clinic for 43 days last northern autumn after his neighbours, who had powerful connections in the Moscow police force, reported him as being mad, in an attempt to seize his apartment.
Alexei Shuralyov tells a similar story — although this time his antagonists came from the FSB, the feared domestic spy agency that employed his wife. Such stories are common.
Read the whole thing.
Some quotes:
But the treatment of one critic of the Putin Government has raised fears among Russia's human rights community that the Kremlin is preparing to incarcerate a new generation of dissidents in asylums.
Naked and with her hands and feet bound to the corners of a metal bed, Larisa Arap eyed with quiet defiance the doctors who wanted to declare her mad.
It was a futile gesture. The men in white coats standing over her were bitter adversaries. Enraged by the allegations that she had levelled against them, they also knew that, as an open Kremlin critic, the state would do little to help her.
And it's apparently not just a change in practices, but rathe a change in Russian law that makes it possible:
Mrs Arap's allegations come as no surprise to those who have followed psychiatry in Russia in recent years. In 2001, the law was quietly changed to remove the rights of sectioned patients to seek an independent assessment. And dozens of incidents suggest Russia's psychiatric system is rapidly becoming as unsavoury as it was in Soviet times.
Andrei Fedorovich, for example, was held in a clinic for 43 days last northern autumn after his neighbours, who had powerful connections in the Moscow police force, reported him as being mad, in an attempt to seize his apartment.
Alexei Shuralyov tells a similar story — although this time his antagonists came from the FSB, the feared domestic spy agency that employed his wife. Such stories are common.
Read the whole thing.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Cox and Forkum on the Clinton as Presidential Candidate
Cox and Forkum handle the Dem's concerns that Hillary Clinton as Presidential Candidate would have a negative impact at the bottom of the party. They usually have some good quotes and commentary, but I usually just go there for the illustration.
To quote, though, a little tidbit:
A strategist with close ties to leaders in Congress said Democratic Senate candidates in competitive races would be strongly urged to distance themselves from Clinton.
"The argument with Hillary right now in some of these red states is she's so damn unpopular," said Andy Arnold, chairman of the Greenville, S.C., Democratic Party. "I think Hillary is someone who could drive folks on the other side out to vote who otherwise wouldn't."
Golly, but politics sure are fun.
To quote, though, a little tidbit:
A strategist with close ties to leaders in Congress said Democratic Senate candidates in competitive races would be strongly urged to distance themselves from Clinton.
"The argument with Hillary right now in some of these red states is she's so damn unpopular," said Andy Arnold, chairman of the Greenville, S.C., Democratic Party. "I think Hillary is someone who could drive folks on the other side out to vote who otherwise wouldn't."
Golly, but politics sure are fun.
Boing Boing Doesn't Understand Why 9/11 Was Important
I simply can't stand the revisionist history surround the Iraqi war. Beforehand, everyone believed that he had WMD's, he'd broken the cease-fire that ended the first Gulf War on multiple occasions, and he was know for giving money to the family of suicide bombers. That's a little venting.
This Boing Boing story, though, seems to demonstrate their absolute ignorance of the significance of 9/11. Everything really did change that day. The first WTC bombing was just a harbinger of what was to come (and about with Clinton did absolutely nothing), the USS Cole, the African Embassy bombings, etc., etc., were all bad enough.
But 9/11 changed the rules. It showed that we're no longer just batting at flies, that these Islamic fundamentalists can and will do some real damage if given half the chance. And so, of course, 9/11 should have changed everyone's opinion on what war might be worth fighting.
Just because Bush chose to focus on all the wrong reasons for removing Hussein from power, doesn't mean it wasn't the right thing to do. Even if he wasn't an immediate threat, he was a future one.
This Boing Boing story, though, seems to demonstrate their absolute ignorance of the significance of 9/11. Everything really did change that day. The first WTC bombing was just a harbinger of what was to come (and about with Clinton did absolutely nothing), the USS Cole, the African Embassy bombings, etc., etc., were all bad enough.
But 9/11 changed the rules. It showed that we're no longer just batting at flies, that these Islamic fundamentalists can and will do some real damage if given half the chance. And so, of course, 9/11 should have changed everyone's opinion on what war might be worth fighting.
Just because Bush chose to focus on all the wrong reasons for removing Hussein from power, doesn't mean it wasn't the right thing to do. Even if he wasn't an immediate threat, he was a future one.
According to Study, the Mainstream Media's Losing It
This story at Ars Technica confirms what I've always believed about the mainstream media (MSM): it's biased, unprofessional, uninformed, anti-American, and no longer serves its mission as protector of America's Constitutional Republic. At least, as a recent Pew study shows, most Americans would agree with me.
Some interesting items:
This, however, doesn't mean that the public isn't keeping up with drinking a tall glass of press "hatorade." Pew notes that, since 1985, the public generally sees the mainstream press as doing an increasingly bad job at remaining moral, protecting democracy, and avoiding bias. Only 39 percent of Americans surveyed felt that the media managed to get the facts straight, compared to 46 percent in 2001 and 55 percent in 1985. "As a consequence, the believability ratings for individual news organizations are lower today than they were in the 1980s and 1990s," writes the report. Americans also feel that the press is less professional than it was in 1985, with 66 percent of survey respondents describing the press as professional compared to 72 percent (although there was a particularly low dip to 49 percent in July of 2002).
The Internet crowd feels even more strongly:
The Internet news audience is even more critical of news organizations as a whole. "The internet news audience is particularly likely to criticize news organizations for their lack of empathy, their failure to 'stand up for America,' and political bias," reads the report. "Roughly two-thirds (68%) of those who get most of their news from the internet say that news organizations do not care about the people they report on, and 53% believe that news organizations are too critical of America." Comparatively, only 53 percent of the general public believes that news organizations don't care about the people they report on, and 43 percent believes that they're too critical of America.
And then, of course, there's the partisan line:
But there's another set of data lurking below the surface that is taking its toll on these numbers. It's no secret that Republicans and Democrats feel differently—and, in some cases, very strongly—over exactly how biased and accurate the mainstream media is, and Pew's data reflects this. For example, almost three times as many Republicans (63 percent) say that the press is too critical of America compared to Democrats (23 percent), "and there is virtually no measure of press values or performance on which there is not a substantial gap in the views of partisans," Pew found.
This is an important study. I wonder how well the MSM will cover the Pew results.
Some interesting items:
This, however, doesn't mean that the public isn't keeping up with drinking a tall glass of press "hatorade." Pew notes that, since 1985, the public generally sees the mainstream press as doing an increasingly bad job at remaining moral, protecting democracy, and avoiding bias. Only 39 percent of Americans surveyed felt that the media managed to get the facts straight, compared to 46 percent in 2001 and 55 percent in 1985. "As a consequence, the believability ratings for individual news organizations are lower today than they were in the 1980s and 1990s," writes the report. Americans also feel that the press is less professional than it was in 1985, with 66 percent of survey respondents describing the press as professional compared to 72 percent (although there was a particularly low dip to 49 percent in July of 2002).
The Internet crowd feels even more strongly:
The Internet news audience is even more critical of news organizations as a whole. "The internet news audience is particularly likely to criticize news organizations for their lack of empathy, their failure to 'stand up for America,' and political bias," reads the report. "Roughly two-thirds (68%) of those who get most of their news from the internet say that news organizations do not care about the people they report on, and 53% believe that news organizations are too critical of America." Comparatively, only 53 percent of the general public believes that news organizations don't care about the people they report on, and 43 percent believes that they're too critical of America.
And then, of course, there's the partisan line:
But there's another set of data lurking below the surface that is taking its toll on these numbers. It's no secret that Republicans and Democrats feel differently—and, in some cases, very strongly—over exactly how biased and accurate the mainstream media is, and Pew's data reflects this. For example, almost three times as many Republicans (63 percent) say that the press is too critical of America compared to Democrats (23 percent), "and there is virtually no measure of press values or performance on which there is not a substantial gap in the views of partisans," Pew found.
This is an important study. I wonder how well the MSM will cover the Pew results.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 4462 Diggs, is a predictable celebration over Karl Rove's resignation. The vitriol present in the comments is something to behold.
More on Russian Politics
This summary of the Russian political situation posted on the Free Republic is pessimistic but, I believe, too close to the truth. Putin is already a shoe-in for the 2012 election, and there's some certainty that whomever is "elected" in between will be merely a temporary fill-in.
Put another way:
Back in early June on WAMU's Diane Rehm talk show, Andrei Sitov, the Washington-based representative for Russia's government-owned and controlled ITAR-TASS news service (and himself a government spokesman pretending to be a correspondent), portrayed the Russian election as analogous to the U.S. race. "There are two frontrunners now," he stated, "the two First Deputy Prime Ministers [Sergei Ivanov and Dmitri Medvedev]. An intriguing possibility is that [Putin] will say 'I endorse both--you choose'--the Russian people choose." Sitov went on to explain how these two would be promoting themselves to the Russian electorate just as American presidential candidates would do after the two parties have completed their nomination process.
At which point the U.S. commentators cried foul, explaining that Medvedev, a St. Petersburg lawyer and former head of Putin's administration, and Ivanov, the former defense minister and an old KGB crony of Putin's, are members of the same ruling cabal that has been progressively tightening its grip on Russia.
A comparable situation in America, clarified Stanford's Michael McFaul, would be "if George W. Bush decided that Karl Rove and Condoleezza Rice would be the two candidates and all opposition Democratic candidates would not be allowed to run. Second, all of the television stations from which Russians get their political news are either owned or controlled by the state. These are the reforms that Putin has instituted as president of Russia."
And what do we have to look forward to?
Even worse, the new man will be trying to show that, like Putin, he can rule with an iron fist. This means belligerence and a search for scapegoats bordering on the irrational will be the order of the day. For a taste of things to come, ponder the anti-U.S. tirade from TASS's Sitov towards the end of the WAMU broadcast. It would have done the Russian ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky proud: "The Putin course will continue," Sitov declared. "He is saying this to the future U.S. president's administration. You need to know that the good old days when you could lie to Russia and steal from Russia, when you could trample on Russia--all those days are over."
It's a quick read, and worth it.
Put another way:
Back in early June on WAMU's Diane Rehm talk show, Andrei Sitov, the Washington-based representative for Russia's government-owned and controlled ITAR-TASS news service (and himself a government spokesman pretending to be a correspondent), portrayed the Russian election as analogous to the U.S. race. "There are two frontrunners now," he stated, "the two First Deputy Prime Ministers [Sergei Ivanov and Dmitri Medvedev]. An intriguing possibility is that [Putin] will say 'I endorse both--you choose'--the Russian people choose." Sitov went on to explain how these two would be promoting themselves to the Russian electorate just as American presidential candidates would do after the two parties have completed their nomination process.
At which point the U.S. commentators cried foul, explaining that Medvedev, a St. Petersburg lawyer and former head of Putin's administration, and Ivanov, the former defense minister and an old KGB crony of Putin's, are members of the same ruling cabal that has been progressively tightening its grip on Russia.
A comparable situation in America, clarified Stanford's Michael McFaul, would be "if George W. Bush decided that Karl Rove and Condoleezza Rice would be the two candidates and all opposition Democratic candidates would not be allowed to run. Second, all of the television stations from which Russians get their political news are either owned or controlled by the state. These are the reforms that Putin has instituted as president of Russia."
And what do we have to look forward to?
Even worse, the new man will be trying to show that, like Putin, he can rule with an iron fist. This means belligerence and a search for scapegoats bordering on the irrational will be the order of the day. For a taste of things to come, ponder the anti-U.S. tirade from TASS's Sitov towards the end of the WAMU broadcast. It would have done the Russian ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky proud: "The Putin course will continue," Sitov declared. "He is saying this to the future U.S. president's administration. You need to know that the good old days when you could lie to Russia and steal from Russia, when you could trample on Russia--all those days are over."
It's a quick read, and worth it.
Putin Continues Harsh Rhetoric
Putin continues to turn up the heat. He just doesn't like the West infringing on former Soviet states. This story in the Financial Times basically summarizes what's been going on now for some time.
Relevant quotes:
Washington insists the anti-missile system is to deal with “rogue” states, but Mr Putin has said the installations would risk turning Europe into “a powder keg” and has threatened to retarget Russian missiles on Europe if the US goes ahead with the plan, opening the most serious rift in Moscow’s relations with Washington since the cold war.
Regarding moves back towards a command economy:
Mr Putin said fulfilment of plans to double Russia’s annual production of military aircraft by 2025 would require a radical shake-up of domestic aircraft engine manufacturing capacity. “The competitiveness of aircraft engines produced in our country today is, unfortunately, low, extremely low.”
The government plans to consolidate aircraft engine manufacturing companies into a large, state-controlled holding similar to Oboronprom, the helicopter monopoly, and Rosoboron export, the state arms export company.
And Putin sounds a little like Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) when it comes to announcing weapons that can't be defeated:
The Navy also announced that Russia was ready to launch serial production of its new Bulava submarine launched intercontinental nuclear missile which Putin has said can penetrate any defence system.
However, military experts said testing of the Bulava was incomplete and that the Navy chief was sabre rattling.
Read the whole thing.
Relevant quotes:
Washington insists the anti-missile system is to deal with “rogue” states, but Mr Putin has said the installations would risk turning Europe into “a powder keg” and has threatened to retarget Russian missiles on Europe if the US goes ahead with the plan, opening the most serious rift in Moscow’s relations with Washington since the cold war.
Regarding moves back towards a command economy:
Mr Putin said fulfilment of plans to double Russia’s annual production of military aircraft by 2025 would require a radical shake-up of domestic aircraft engine manufacturing capacity. “The competitiveness of aircraft engines produced in our country today is, unfortunately, low, extremely low.”
The government plans to consolidate aircraft engine manufacturing companies into a large, state-controlled holding similar to Oboronprom, the helicopter monopoly, and Rosoboron export, the state arms export company.
And Putin sounds a little like Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) when it comes to announcing weapons that can't be defeated:
The Navy also announced that Russia was ready to launch serial production of its new Bulava submarine launched intercontinental nuclear missile which Putin has said can penetrate any defence system.
However, military experts said testing of the Bulava was incomplete and that the Navy chief was sabre rattling.
Read the whole thing.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Boing Boing on US-Built Chinese Surveillance System
I'm sure that Boing Boing is implying something really bad here in the creation of a Chinese human-tracking system by a US-financed company. Although, I'd be hard-pressed to tell whether it was the tracking system they're against, or just the fact that it's being built by a US company?
Now, I would vehemently oppose any such system in the US. And I don't like it when US companies engage in this sort of work. But such systems exist in Europe, and are being expanded there as we speak. And I'm not sure I remember Boing Boing making a big deal out of those. Which, of course, would lead me back to the US-built theory.
Now, I would vehemently oppose any such system in the US. And I don't like it when US companies engage in this sort of work. But such systems exist in Europe, and are being expanded there as we speak. And I'm not sure I remember Boing Boing making a big deal out of those. Which, of course, would lead me back to the US-built theory.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 4518 Digg, is a link to some suspended account that says something about Bill Nye quoted the Bible regarding the Moon reflecting light from the Sun.
Not sure what that's all about, but since the link is down, can't really comment on it.
Not sure what that's all about, but since the link is down, can't really comment on it.
China to Limit Access to Foreign Companies
Bad news for all those foreign companies that want a part of the Chinese market. China's doing everything it can to protect its state-owned enterprises, including creating barriers to entry.
This won't last forever. At some point, China's going to have to realize who their customers are.
This won't last forever. At some point, China's going to have to realize who their customers are.
Putin Youth - Scarier and Scarier
More on the Putin Youth, the Nashi, at the Boston Globe's Web site. The more I read about this phenomenon, the more it continues to remind me of the Hitler Youth. Some quotes:
I thought of that young woman when, shortly afterward, I read alarming reports about a new force in Russian public life: a youth movement called Nashi. The word is typically translated as "Ours," but that doesn't quite capture the nationalist, triumphalist overtones of the Russian name. "Nashi," in Russian idiom, means "Our Guys" or "Our Kind"; it's the "us" in us versus them.
"Them," for Nashi, includes everyone from Americans to former Soviet republics that bristle at Russian diktat to Russians who don't subscribe to Putin's authoritarian vision of "sovereign democracy."
As far as its size, it seems to be growing:
Nashi claims to be over 100,000 strong; according to some reports, it has a core of 10,000 activists ages 17 to 25, with another 200,000 or so who regularly attend its events.
And their methods?
Propaganda is not the only weapon in Nashi's arsenal. The movement offers paramilitary training that prepares members for breaking up opposition rallies (under the guise of combating "fascism") and intimidating those who run afoul of the Putin regime.
...
In April, the group's protests against the Estonian government's decision to relocate a memorial to Soviet soldiers turned violent: Hundreds of Nashi goons besieged the Estonian embassy in Moscow, unmolested by the police as they threw rocks, blocked traffic, and tore down the Estonian flag.
And finally, in a nod to a sort of Russian "Aryan purity":
Perhaps more aptly, some Russian liberals refer to Nashi as "Putinjugend." The movement's brownshirt tactics certain evoke shades of Hitler Youth, as does the emphasis on physical fitness, clean living, and procreation for the Motherland. (At the Nashi summer camp, sex was encouraged as an answer to Russia's demographic crisis, and 40 couples were married.)
Read the whole thing.
I thought of that young woman when, shortly afterward, I read alarming reports about a new force in Russian public life: a youth movement called Nashi. The word is typically translated as "Ours," but that doesn't quite capture the nationalist, triumphalist overtones of the Russian name. "Nashi," in Russian idiom, means "Our Guys" or "Our Kind"; it's the "us" in us versus them.
"Them," for Nashi, includes everyone from Americans to former Soviet republics that bristle at Russian diktat to Russians who don't subscribe to Putin's authoritarian vision of "sovereign democracy."
As far as its size, it seems to be growing:
Nashi claims to be over 100,000 strong; according to some reports, it has a core of 10,000 activists ages 17 to 25, with another 200,000 or so who regularly attend its events.
And their methods?
Propaganda is not the only weapon in Nashi's arsenal. The movement offers paramilitary training that prepares members for breaking up opposition rallies (under the guise of combating "fascism") and intimidating those who run afoul of the Putin regime.
...
In April, the group's protests against the Estonian government's decision to relocate a memorial to Soviet soldiers turned violent: Hundreds of Nashi goons besieged the Estonian embassy in Moscow, unmolested by the police as they threw rocks, blocked traffic, and tore down the Estonian flag.
And finally, in a nod to a sort of Russian "Aryan purity":
Perhaps more aptly, some Russian liberals refer to Nashi as "Putinjugend." The movement's brownshirt tactics certain evoke shades of Hitler Youth, as does the emphasis on physical fitness, clean living, and procreation for the Motherland. (At the Nashi summer camp, sex was encouraged as an answer to Russia's demographic crisis, and 40 couples were married.)
Read the whole thing.
Ayn Rand Supported Israel - You Should Too
Just for the record, Ayn Rand supported Israel. As Yaron Brook said in a story in the International Jerusalem Post:
“We view what happens in Israel as an indicator of what will happen in the rest of the world. To the extent America abandons Israel, it abandons itself Israel is a beacon of civilization in a barbaric, backward area,” Brook said on a recent trip here to visit family with his wife, also an Israeli expatriate, and their two children.
“Israel represents, despite its flaws, the values of the West; individual rights, free speech, freedom of the press, equality before the law and the rule of law.” Objectivism upholds values generally associated with Western culture — individualism, reason, and science - but its distinctive development is a moral ideal of “selfishness,” whereby someone’s own happiness is a moral responsibility.
Anyone who can't see the difference between Israel and the rest of the Middle East either isn't looking or is blinded by an agenda (or proselytizing for it).
“We view what happens in Israel as an indicator of what will happen in the rest of the world. To the extent America abandons Israel, it abandons itself Israel is a beacon of civilization in a barbaric, backward area,” Brook said on a recent trip here to visit family with his wife, also an Israeli expatriate, and their two children.
“Israel represents, despite its flaws, the values of the West; individual rights, free speech, freedom of the press, equality before the law and the rule of law.” Objectivism upholds values generally associated with Western culture — individualism, reason, and science - but its distinctive development is a moral ideal of “selfishness,” whereby someone’s own happiness is a moral responsibility.
Anyone who can't see the difference between Israel and the rest of the Middle East either isn't looking or is blinded by an agenda (or proselytizing for it).
Ahmadinejad Speaks Truth to Power
Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) on terrorism:
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Algiers on Tuesday outlined Iran's policies on regional and global developments. On issue of terrorism, he said, "Terrorism is the ugliest phenomenon which has roots in discrimination, pressure, occupation and trampling on rights of others, deviation from the lofty humanitarian values and mismanagement of certain powers who seek to meet their own interests by imposing their own policies on the world and plundering the wealth of other nations."
Umm, okay.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Algiers on Tuesday outlined Iran's policies on regional and global developments. On issue of terrorism, he said, "Terrorism is the ugliest phenomenon which has roots in discrimination, pressure, occupation and trampling on rights of others, deviation from the lofty humanitarian values and mismanagement of certain powers who seek to meet their own interests by imposing their own policies on the world and plundering the wealth of other nations."
Umm, okay.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 3018, is about the "general strike" being called for on 9/11/07. To me, calling a general strike like this is ludicrous and hopelessly ineffective, even if one's cause were legitimate--and this one seems to have a baker's dozen Leftist causes.
Calling for the strike on the anniversary of the worst attack on American soil, by enemies against which we're still fighting, is immoral and despicable. I predict a complete failure, and I hope for a backlash against this disgusting proposition.
Calling for the strike on the anniversary of the worst attack on American soil, by enemies against which we're still fighting, is immoral and despicable. I predict a complete failure, and I hope for a backlash against this disgusting proposition.
Chinese Autos - Really Unsafe at Any Speed?
Oh. My. God. Those Chinese are sure getting blackeyes lately when it comes to product safety (and as I've always believed, you get what you pay for). Now, it seems their new automobiles are complete deathtraps. Go to Gizmodo to watch a video of a Chinese-made Cherey Amulet positively crushing its driver in the 40mph front-end crash. It's literally the worst crash result I've ever seen.
They're being sold in Russia for a US equivalent $9,000. I don't think there's enough savings there to virtually guarantee being killed in an accident that with other autos would like result in mainly a few bruises.
China better clean up its act soon, or its position as global manufacturer is going to be irreparably damaged.
They're being sold in Russia for a US equivalent $9,000. I don't think there's enough savings there to virtually guarantee being killed in an accident that with other autos would like result in mainly a few bruises.
China better clean up its act soon, or its position as global manufacturer is going to be irreparably damaged.
The Future of Ballistic Weapons?
Go watch this video if you want a look into the future of ballistic weapons. Incredible stuff, in the right hands. Even has some peaceful applications, for those of you who abhor the weapons of war.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Response to Top 10 Presidents List a Whopper
This list of the top 10 best American Presidents is interesting not just for who was picked, but even more so for the 2nd comment. One of the more in-depth comments I've read in awhile.
Iran's Threat Just Propaganda?
It's a dangerous game to be playing here, supposing that any allegations against Iran are merely propaganda and, like the information (allegedly) untrue that supported war with Iraq, subject to inherent doubt. There have been reports of Iranian involvement in Iraq for years, not just months, as anyone who's followed the story would know. And it is, of course, entirely possible that Iran is escalating its involvement, believing that the US is close to being politically forced out of the Iraq.
Stories like the one linked above leave the US defenseless, because any threat that might arise suddenly becomes another "Iraqi WMD lie." One sees it all the time from the Left, in responses to accusations such as these against Iran to reports of planned terrorist attacks (or, even when terrorists are caught in the act). Suddenly, the US is unable to defend itself, because no evidence that it can provide for doing so is acceptable.
Except, maybe, the smouldering ruins of an American city. And maybe not even then.
Stories like the one linked above leave the US defenseless, because any threat that might arise suddenly becomes another "Iraqi WMD lie." One sees it all the time from the Left, in responses to accusations such as these against Iran to reports of planned terrorist attacks (or, even when terrorists are caught in the act). Suddenly, the US is unable to defend itself, because no evidence that it can provide for doing so is acceptable.
Except, maybe, the smouldering ruins of an American city. And maybe not even then.
Capitalism and Dictatorships Together?
And what all these folks fail to realize is that capitalism (true capitalism, not just fascism with a different name) requires an environment that protects invidividual rights to succeed. It can't merely be strapped onto a dictatorship and flourish. For anyone who might want to point to China, note that China is successful in essentially utilizing slave labor, not capitalism.
My First California Earthquake
This is likely of absolutely no interest to anyone other than me, but here's a story about the first earthquake I've experienced since moving to LA a year ago. The epicentre was about 7 miles from my house as the crow flies, so I'm pretty darn happy it wasn't any stronger. Happened at 12:59am, which is a heckuva way to be woken up.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 2688 Diggs, is a link to a story about Google increasing some Gmail accounts to over 9GB. Let me just say that it's refreshing to see a legitimate tech news story get to #1 (at this moment in time), even if the number of Diggs is a little low.
Rich-Poor Gap Growing in China at Quite a Clip
The gap between the rich and poor seems to be growing in China and other Asian countries, according to this story. For China, this is likely more meaningful, since there is already a significant anti-government reform movement in place.
A quote:
China has had Asia's second-biggest and second-fastest-growing wealth gap since the 1990s, exceeded only by war-wracked Nepal on both counts, the bank said in an annual survey.
China has seen thousands of protests in recent years, some of them violent, over land seizures and other economic grievances blamed on the growing gap. The communist government has made improving incomes for the poor a priority, warning last year that inequality has reached "alarming and unacceptable" levels.
"High inequality, particularly high absolute levels of inequality, leads to a disruption in social cohesion. You could have street demonstrations which could lead to violent civil wars," Ifzal Ali, the bank's chief economist, said at a news conference.
This will be worth watching.
A quote:
China has had Asia's second-biggest and second-fastest-growing wealth gap since the 1990s, exceeded only by war-wracked Nepal on both counts, the bank said in an annual survey.
China has seen thousands of protests in recent years, some of them violent, over land seizures and other economic grievances blamed on the growing gap. The communist government has made improving incomes for the poor a priority, warning last year that inequality has reached "alarming and unacceptable" levels.
"High inequality, particularly high absolute levels of inequality, leads to a disruption in social cohesion. You could have street demonstrations which could lead to violent civil wars," Ifzal Ali, the bank's chief economist, said at a news conference.
This will be worth watching.
A Chance to Partner with Russia? Personally, I Think Not
Henry Kissinger, no stranger to realpolitik, seems to think that we should take Putin's counterproposal to Bush's proposed missile defense system seriously. I don't agree, because he assumes that Putin could see the long-term benefit of strategic cooperation between the US and Russia.
So far, all I've seen from Putin is posturing in the opposite direction, trying--as Kissinger says it need not do--to position itself as a superior--or at least equal--power to the US. Putin seems far too fond of the Soviet era to ever join in an effort that would stand in the way of what he seems to want to most--Russia's re-emergence as a superpower.
But, if you want to read the other side of the issue, read the story.
So far, all I've seen from Putin is posturing in the opposite direction, trying--as Kissinger says it need not do--to position itself as a superior--or at least equal--power to the US. Putin seems far too fond of the Soviet era to ever join in an effort that would stand in the way of what he seems to want to most--Russia's re-emergence as a superpower.
But, if you want to read the other side of the issue, read the story.
Soviets Left Lots of Metal Lying Around
I don't know, but this seems like a lot of scrap metal that could be reused for something else. I don't think this much scrap would just sit there for more than a week before somebody would come along and scoop it up.
Russia Sends Out Bombers, Claims US Intercepted Them
Would someone like to tell me why Russia is playing these games? Is Putin really that fond of the Soviet era that he wants to play the role of Kruschev? Sending bombers into sovereign airspace (Georgia) and near American military bases (Guam) are purposeful acts. The only question is, what's Putin trying to prove?
I think our militiary and intelligence agencies are well aware of his capabilities, and so it's not like he actually has a need for a show of strength. It seems like provocation to me, but I don't understand why he'd feel the need.
I think our militiary and intelligence agencies are well aware of his capabilities, and so it's not like he actually has a need for a show of strength. It seems like provocation to me, but I don't understand why he'd feel the need.
Ahmadinejad Losing Support?
Here's a positive spin by The Telegraph on Imajihadi's (or whatever his name is) chances of being reelected. And, it's one I would love to believe: a sort of mini-utopia where the youthful reformers movement manages to elect enough moderates and reformists that even the power "Council of Guardians" can't game this election like they did the last one.
But I have three thoughts on this. First, I'm not that optimistic that any secular force will succeed in determining Iran's future. Second, Imajihadi will be in power through 2009, which gives him plenty of time to continue causing havoc. Third, in reading the linked story, I wonder who really holds the power and is ultimately responsible for the proxy war Iran is fighting against the US in Iraq; if it's the religious sector, then not much will change no matter who's elected.
And, it doesn't change a thing for now. Iran must be forced to end this proxy war, and to give up its nuclear aspirations. And so while this story is positive, it's irrelevant for now.
But I have three thoughts on this. First, I'm not that optimistic that any secular force will succeed in determining Iran's future. Second, Imajihadi will be in power through 2009, which gives him plenty of time to continue causing havoc. Third, in reading the linked story, I wonder who really holds the power and is ultimately responsible for the proxy war Iran is fighting against the US in Iraq; if it's the religious sector, then not much will change no matter who's elected.
And, it doesn't change a thing for now. Iran must be forced to end this proxy war, and to give up its nuclear aspirations. And so while this story is positive, it's irrelevant for now.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
A Little More on the Saudi Arms Deal
Here's a short piece by Alex Epstein, also of the Ayn Rand Institute. In it, he discusses the Saudi arms deal.
The money quote:
"This is absurd," said Alex Epstein, a junior fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. "The administration has been telling us that we must forgo oil for more costly fuels because our 'addiction to oil' helps finance hostile Middle East regimes--among them Saudi Arabia, which has spent almost $100 billion spreading the terrorists' ideology of Islamic Totalitarianism. And yet at the same time that our leaders demand that we sacrifice oil-consumption for the sake of protection from the Saudis, they are arming the Saudis to the teeth.
"What explains this blatant contradiction? While one might attribute it to simple hypocrisy, the Bush Administration is in fact being consistent. In response to both the Saudi threat and the Iranian threat, our response is not self-assertion, but self-sacrifice. When Saudi Arabia spreads a terrorist ideology around the world, we do not punish that regime, we punish ourselves by rejecting the lifeblood of our civilization.
Read the whole thing.
The money quote:
"This is absurd," said Alex Epstein, a junior fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute. "The administration has been telling us that we must forgo oil for more costly fuels because our 'addiction to oil' helps finance hostile Middle East regimes--among them Saudi Arabia, which has spent almost $100 billion spreading the terrorists' ideology of Islamic Totalitarianism. And yet at the same time that our leaders demand that we sacrifice oil-consumption for the sake of protection from the Saudis, they are arming the Saudis to the teeth.
"What explains this blatant contradiction? While one might attribute it to simple hypocrisy, the Bush Administration is in fact being consistent. In response to both the Saudi threat and the Iranian threat, our response is not self-assertion, but self-sacrifice. When Saudi Arabia spreads a terrorist ideology around the world, we do not punish that regime, we punish ourselves by rejecting the lifeblood of our civilization.
Read the whole thing.
Pharmaceutical Companies Under Attack - and With Them, Us
Here's a piece by Yaron Brook of the Ayn Rand Institute on pharmaceutical price controls. It's an importance piece, because most of the advances in pharmaceuticals occur in the US, and are paid for mainly by Americans. Essentially, we subsidize the drugs for the citizens of those countries like Canada that impose price controls.
"Big pharma" is accused of many devious and downright evil things, including ridiculous conspiracy theories about withholding actual cures for diseases in order to keep selling treatments (which, of course, make no economic sense). But without it, there are many, many people who would either no longer be alive or whose quality of life would be atrocious. I doubt that many who read this don't have a relative or friend whose life has either been saved or positively impacted because of this industry.
I worked for a medical devices company once, which functions the same as the typical pharmaceutical company. For every 10 innovations we made huge investments in trying to perfect, maybe one made it through the FDA and into the market. It's those tremendous R&D costs, which represent the lifeblood of medical advancements, that raise the costs of drugs. If Congress allows the reimportation of drugs from Canada, at Canadian prices, and from elsewhere as well, that R&D will no longer be funded and the incredible advancements will dry up.
If you're against advances in medical science, then you'll call up your Congressman and support the reimportation of drugs from other countries.
"Big pharma" is accused of many devious and downright evil things, including ridiculous conspiracy theories about withholding actual cures for diseases in order to keep selling treatments (which, of course, make no economic sense). But without it, there are many, many people who would either no longer be alive or whose quality of life would be atrocious. I doubt that many who read this don't have a relative or friend whose life has either been saved or positively impacted because of this industry.
I worked for a medical devices company once, which functions the same as the typical pharmaceutical company. For every 10 innovations we made huge investments in trying to perfect, maybe one made it through the FDA and into the market. It's those tremendous R&D costs, which represent the lifeblood of medical advancements, that raise the costs of drugs. If Congress allows the reimportation of drugs from Canada, at Canadian prices, and from elsewhere as well, that R&D will no longer be funded and the incredible advancements will dry up.
If you're against advances in medical science, then you'll call up your Congressman and support the reimportation of drugs from other countries.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 3304, is a link to a story about a "bridge hero" in Minneapolis who was offered a photo opp with President Bush and refused it.
Of course, what's sad is that the Dugg item is buried at the end of the story, and isn't at all relevant to it. Actually, the story's a rather nice discussion about a young man who saved the lives of a bunch of school kids, and how he was being rewarded for his efforts.
Leave it to Digg to, well, dig up the political dirt. Which, by the way, wasn't explained. We have absolutely no way of knowing why the young man turned down the offer. Maybe he was just tired of all the exposure?
Of course, what's sad is that the Dugg item is buried at the end of the story, and isn't at all relevant to it. Actually, the story's a rather nice discussion about a young man who saved the lives of a bunch of school kids, and how he was being rewarded for his efforts.
Leave it to Digg to, well, dig up the political dirt. Which, by the way, wasn't explained. We have absolutely no way of knowing why the young man turned down the offer. Maybe he was just tired of all the exposure?
China's Internal Issues and What They Mean for America
An interesting discussion on China and it's internal troubles. I've often vascilated between worrying about China economically, and not (but I still worry about them as a future military threat, unless they move completely away from communism). This piece has some interesting points to make.
I'll quote a few:
China is loudly whispering that they may start selling off some of their holdings of US Treasury debt. The last I heard, they have about $1.3 trillion in dollar-denominated instruments, up from about $1 trillion last fall. About $400 billion of this is in long-dated debt like notes and bonds.
...
Now the real problem here is that China's threats are empty. Forget about the threats to the stability of the US economy. The last time the Chinese talked about diversifying out of US Treasuries, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke went on record saying that he would simply sterilize and/or monetize any large Chinese sales of US debt. Don't underestimate his willingness to follow through on this, and don't underrate the Fed's ability to keep the resulting inflation under control without significantly disrupting the US economy.
But even more to the point is that there just aren't any asset classes in the world, apart from US Treasuries, that are liquid enough to soak up $400 billion or more should China go shopping for them. Again, the Chinese threat is empty.
His conclusion:
The true challenge for us is to find a way to exploit the weakness in China's position. China cares about nothing more than their prestige and standing in the world community. Not only is this deeply ingrained in the Chinese character, but it's also one of the keys to the current government's tenuous hold on legitimacy. They'll probably be willing to trade away a good deal in order to avoid being seen as having messed up their transition to a globally-dominant market economy.
The proper focus for our China foreign policy is to find a way to keep China permanently dependent on us for increases in prosperity, while forcing them to give American investors a considerably larger stake in what is the biggest growth-engine in the world. If I can figure out how best to do that, I'll let you know.
I'd read the whole thing if I were you.
I'll quote a few:
China is loudly whispering that they may start selling off some of their holdings of US Treasury debt. The last I heard, they have about $1.3 trillion in dollar-denominated instruments, up from about $1 trillion last fall. About $400 billion of this is in long-dated debt like notes and bonds.
...
Now the real problem here is that China's threats are empty. Forget about the threats to the stability of the US economy. The last time the Chinese talked about diversifying out of US Treasuries, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke went on record saying that he would simply sterilize and/or monetize any large Chinese sales of US debt. Don't underestimate his willingness to follow through on this, and don't underrate the Fed's ability to keep the resulting inflation under control without significantly disrupting the US economy.
But even more to the point is that there just aren't any asset classes in the world, apart from US Treasuries, that are liquid enough to soak up $400 billion or more should China go shopping for them. Again, the Chinese threat is empty.
His conclusion:
The true challenge for us is to find a way to exploit the weakness in China's position. China cares about nothing more than their prestige and standing in the world community. Not only is this deeply ingrained in the Chinese character, but it's also one of the keys to the current government's tenuous hold on legitimacy. They'll probably be willing to trade away a good deal in order to avoid being seen as having messed up their transition to a globally-dominant market economy.
The proper focus for our China foreign policy is to find a way to keep China permanently dependent on us for increases in prosperity, while forcing them to give American investors a considerably larger stake in what is the biggest growth-engine in the world. If I can figure out how best to do that, I'll let you know.
I'd read the whole thing if I were you.
Russian Engages in Military Exercises Over North Pole
And I suppose it's just one big coincidence that Russia's engaging in military exercises over the North Pole. If you believe that, I have a bridge for sale.
Didn't Take Long: Predicted Action Taken Against Russian Oil Company Owner
I mentioned this guy, Mikhail Gutseriev, awhile back, and predicted that his outspoken stance against the expropriation of his oil company would land him in trouble. Well, it's happened. Shares in his company, Russneft, have been frozen, and he's now being accused of tax evasion and "illegal entrepreneurship." I'm sure it'll be off to the gulag for him soon.
And, for those who don't know, "illegal entrepreneurship" in Russian (and Soviet) lingo basically means doing business without the state's blessing. I remember my wife telling me about her mom's black market sewing business back in the USSR--that would have been "illegal entrepreneurship" as well.
And, for those who don't know, "illegal entrepreneurship" in Russian (and Soviet) lingo basically means doing business without the state's blessing. I remember my wife telling me about her mom's black market sewing business back in the USSR--that would have been "illegal entrepreneurship" as well.
Hillary Clinton's True Character
Here's a rather in-depth (and well worth it) essay by Ed Cline in The Rule of Reason, on the paper that Hillary Clinton wrote during college and is apparently circulating the Internet (although this is the first I've heard of it). It's an appalling and, frankly, frightening look into Clinton's character, and until some other candidate is defined so clearly it makes her the least desirable.
Mr. Cline's essay is long, but I'll post the quote that best sums up Clinton (and note that there's a great deal of analysis that backs this up):
It takes a village, or a Toohey, or an Alinsky, to fill such a void. This is a candidate for the Presidency of the United States. Hillary has progressed from doubting the effectiveness of massive government programs to help the poor to seeing them as the only answer, in the name of “social justice.” Like Alinsky, like Toohey, she wishes to crush the individualist independence of Americans and replace it with dependence on the state – and she would be the state – chiefly because she has grown to fear and hate independence in anyone.
No matter how slickly “human” she presents her made-over self to the public in debates or during interviews, one can still detect in her the desire to kill in every American his integrity, self-respect, sense of values, the heroic, and happiness. When she left Wellesley, she decided to become the “star,” someone whom uncounted others would come to depend on and thank for that dependence.
Read the whole thing. It's well worth it.
Mr. Cline's essay is long, but I'll post the quote that best sums up Clinton (and note that there's a great deal of analysis that backs this up):
It takes a village, or a Toohey, or an Alinsky, to fill such a void. This is a candidate for the Presidency of the United States. Hillary has progressed from doubting the effectiveness of massive government programs to help the poor to seeing them as the only answer, in the name of “social justice.” Like Alinsky, like Toohey, she wishes to crush the individualist independence of Americans and replace it with dependence on the state – and she would be the state – chiefly because she has grown to fear and hate independence in anyone.
No matter how slickly “human” she presents her made-over self to the public in debates or during interviews, one can still detect in her the desire to kill in every American his integrity, self-respect, sense of values, the heroic, and happiness. When she left Wellesley, she decided to become the “star,” someone whom uncounted others would come to depend on and thank for that dependence.
Read the whole thing. It's well worth it.
New Bomb Explodes, and Then Explodes Again
As I think I've mentioned before, I'm all for our military developing the most powerful weapons imaginable. It's called deterrence, you see: the more powerful we are, the less likely some tinpot dictator is to start something with us (or, the not-so-tinpot dictators, as well).
Well, it appears our military agrees, because it's developed a bomb that not only explodes, but is made of reactive materials that themselves explode upon contact. And interestingly enough, they should even appeal to the anti-war crowd, for whom the alternative, cluster bombs, have been such an issue. See, the new bomb won't leave behind any unexploded ordnance (or, I suppose, not much).
There are those who think such constant improvements in weaponry is just the military-industrial complex gone mad. But that's only because they refuse to recognize that there really are bad people out there who plan very bad things for us (and by that, I mean Americans) for any number of reasons. There are evil things happening all over the planet with which the US is completely uninvolved, and yet there are those who think that only America is capable of doing wrong.
I'm just glad that others, like the inventors of this kind of weaponry, don't give a damn what they think and just keep coming up with good stuff.
Well, it appears our military agrees, because it's developed a bomb that not only explodes, but is made of reactive materials that themselves explode upon contact. And interestingly enough, they should even appeal to the anti-war crowd, for whom the alternative, cluster bombs, have been such an issue. See, the new bomb won't leave behind any unexploded ordnance (or, I suppose, not much).
There are those who think such constant improvements in weaponry is just the military-industrial complex gone mad. But that's only because they refuse to recognize that there really are bad people out there who plan very bad things for us (and by that, I mean Americans) for any number of reasons. There are evil things happening all over the planet with which the US is completely uninvolved, and yet there are those who think that only America is capable of doing wrong.
I'm just glad that others, like the inventors of this kind of weaponry, don't give a damn what they think and just keep coming up with good stuff.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
NASA Creates Plan for Nuke-Based Asteroid Protection
You know, it's stories like this that convince me that the government knows a little more than it's letting on about an impending asteroid strike. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for them keeping it secret. Things might get a little crazy if word were to get out.
This particular NASA design would use nukes to nudge an asteroid out of the Earth's path. Funny, but they're only proposing 1.2 megaton warheads, albeit on six separate units. Nevertheless, I would have expected larger weapons. But, they're the mathematicians, not me.
The next closest asteroid that we (the public, I mean) know about is the Apophis asteroid that's supposed to pass between the Earth and the Moon in 2029. I understand that in astronomical terms, that's pretty darn close.
I've not always been a 100% fan of NASA, wondering whether it's government's business to explore space. Now, I'm a believer. Give NASA all the funding it needs.
This particular NASA design would use nukes to nudge an asteroid out of the Earth's path. Funny, but they're only proposing 1.2 megaton warheads, albeit on six separate units. Nevertheless, I would have expected larger weapons. But, they're the mathematicians, not me.
The next closest asteroid that we (the public, I mean) know about is the Apophis asteroid that's supposed to pass between the Earth and the Moon in 2029. I understand that in astronomical terms, that's pretty darn close.
I've not always been a 100% fan of NASA, wondering whether it's government's business to explore space. Now, I'm a believer. Give NASA all the funding it needs.
Cox and Forkum on Penn and Chavez
Cox and Forkum on Sean Penn's recent visit with Chavez. As usual, they illustrate their point better than I could state it.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 3792 Diggs, is a link to a story about one of Digg's pet issues: the legalization of marijuana (with which I agree, incidentally). Apparently, some group (I didn't read the entire story) has offered to give $1 billion to the state to help offset budgetary issues.
At least it's a story with some sort of significance, even if it is a bit out there.
At least it's a story with some sort of significance, even if it is a bit out there.
Celebrity Report: Mia Farrow Offers Herself for Sacrifice
Celebrity Report: Actress Mia Farrows has offered herself up as a hostage for, well, I'll quote:
Suleiman Jamous, a moderate who has been a key link between Darfur rebels and aid workers in the beleaguered Sudanese region, is in a U.N. hospital suffering from abdominal problems. The U.N. said he is free to leave, but he fears arrest or government reprisal.
Her letter to Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir:
"As you are undoubtedly aware, Mr. Jamous is in need of a medical procedure that cannot be carried out in Kadugli. I am therefore offering to take Mr. Jamous' place, to exchange my freedom for his, in the knowledge of his importance to the civilians of Darfur and in the conviction that he will apply his energies toward creating the just and lasting peace that the Sudanese people deserve and hope for."
While the altruism inherent in this offer is remarkable for its clarity, and as an Objectivist I find altruism to be the amongst greatest evils of the age, one has to give some credit where credit is due. At least Ms. Farrow, unlike other celebrities who give lip service to their dedication to the Darfur cause, has actually put something of value on the line--the fact that it would be a terrible self-sacrifice notwithstanding.
Suleiman Jamous, a moderate who has been a key link between Darfur rebels and aid workers in the beleaguered Sudanese region, is in a U.N. hospital suffering from abdominal problems. The U.N. said he is free to leave, but he fears arrest or government reprisal.
Her letter to Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir:
"As you are undoubtedly aware, Mr. Jamous is in need of a medical procedure that cannot be carried out in Kadugli. I am therefore offering to take Mr. Jamous' place, to exchange my freedom for his, in the knowledge of his importance to the civilians of Darfur and in the conviction that he will apply his energies toward creating the just and lasting peace that the Sudanese people deserve and hope for."
While the altruism inherent in this offer is remarkable for its clarity, and as an Objectivist I find altruism to be the amongst greatest evils of the age, one has to give some credit where credit is due. At least Ms. Farrow, unlike other celebrities who give lip service to their dedication to the Darfur cause, has actually put something of value on the line--the fact that it would be a terrible self-sacrifice notwithstanding.
Ayn Rand Institute on 2007 Farm Bill
Here's a quick piece from the Ayn Rand Institute on the 2007 Farm Bill. Just a quick quote:
"The focus of Americans' energy concerns should be the continuing growth and progress of industrial civilization, which progressively improves the length and quality of our lives--including our ability to cope with any bad weather. This requires liberating energy producers of all kinds to produce and sell abundant, cheap energy. The new 'progressive' farm bill does the exact opposite. It enables contribution-grubbing, central-planning energy ignoramuses in Washington to whimsically bestow favors or impose punishments on energy producers--while at the same time continuing to pass legislation that severely restricts the production of practical, plentiful, life-giving energy from fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Now go read the rest.
"The focus of Americans' energy concerns should be the continuing growth and progress of industrial civilization, which progressively improves the length and quality of our lives--including our ability to cope with any bad weather. This requires liberating energy producers of all kinds to produce and sell abundant, cheap energy. The new 'progressive' farm bill does the exact opposite. It enables contribution-grubbing, central-planning energy ignoramuses in Washington to whimsically bestow favors or impose punishments on energy producers--while at the same time continuing to pass legislation that severely restricts the production of practical, plentiful, life-giving energy from fossil fuels and nuclear power.
Now go read the rest.
Carbon Credits = Feudalism? Maybe So
Here's a short bit in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on the "carbon credits" movement and how it creates a new form of feudalism.
A quote:
Under the ruse of "protecting the planet," certain well-connected bureaucrats and politicians will determine how much coal, wood or petroleum products they will allow a person, business and even a country to use.
This resembles the government-chartered monopolies in the age of mercantilism. In fact, it will be a type of Marxist monopoly envisioned in Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged." And who stands to benefit for this feudal right to allocate resources and sell the permission to use carbon?
Well said, I think. Read the story to learn who benefits.
A quote:
Under the ruse of "protecting the planet," certain well-connected bureaucrats and politicians will determine how much coal, wood or petroleum products they will allow a person, business and even a country to use.
This resembles the government-chartered monopolies in the age of mercantilism. In fact, it will be a type of Marxist monopoly envisioned in Ayn Rand's novel "Atlas Shrugged." And who stands to benefit for this feudal right to allocate resources and sell the permission to use carbon?
Well said, I think. Read the story to learn who benefits.
Muslim Immigration and Europe
Here's an interesting discussion on the impact of Muslim immigration on Europe. This is an unproven source, and so one would need to verify the facts to fully support the conclusions drawn. But, I have seen similar statistics elsewhere, and so I tend to believe that this post has some truth to it.
The money quote:
In Europe, Muslims already make up more than 25 percent of the population of Marseilles, 15 percent of Brussels and Paris, and 10 percent of Amsterdam, for example. And these numbers are rising fast. Indeed, demographers predict that the number of Muslims living in Europe may double again by 2015. Thus Princeton University’s Bernard Lewis, one of the world’s most distinguished scholars of the Arab and Islamic cultures, recently told the German newspaper Die Welt that: “Europe will be Islamic by the end of the century.”
The money quote:
In Europe, Muslims already make up more than 25 percent of the population of Marseilles, 15 percent of Brussels and Paris, and 10 percent of Amsterdam, for example. And these numbers are rising fast. Indeed, demographers predict that the number of Muslims living in Europe may double again by 2015. Thus Princeton University’s Bernard Lewis, one of the world’s most distinguished scholars of the Arab and Islamic cultures, recently told the German newspaper Die Welt that: “Europe will be Islamic by the end of the century.”
Did Russia Fire Missile into Georgian Territory?
Did they or didn't they? Georgia is accusing Russia of firing a missile from a fighter in Georgian airspace in an "act of aggression." Russia, of course, denies it. Personally, I believe the flyover was on purpose, but maybe the missile release was accidental.
Some excerpts:
President Mikhail Saakashvili visited the site of the incident, where missile debris bearing Cyrillic writing was found, and demanded a condemnation from the European Union. "This is not Georgia's problem. This a problem for European security and safety," he said. "This was a provocation calculated for only one reason - to disrupt the peace in Georgia. This is sowing panic in society and [is aimed at] changing the political course of the country," said the pro-Western President.
This follows along with Russian's general attitude toward the pro-Western Georgian government:
Russia has gradually tightened the screws on the former Soviet republic since the 2004 election of Mr Saakashvili, who wants to take Georgia into Nato and the EU. Georgia is virtually under a complete trade embargo ordered by the Kremlin, with Russia having banned wine and mineral water exports, halted transport links and recently introduced visa restrictions against the Georgians.
I hope that we continue to support Georgia, and I doubt that we're doing enough.
Some excerpts:
President Mikhail Saakashvili visited the site of the incident, where missile debris bearing Cyrillic writing was found, and demanded a condemnation from the European Union. "This is not Georgia's problem. This a problem for European security and safety," he said. "This was a provocation calculated for only one reason - to disrupt the peace in Georgia. This is sowing panic in society and [is aimed at] changing the political course of the country," said the pro-Western President.
This follows along with Russian's general attitude toward the pro-Western Georgian government:
Russia has gradually tightened the screws on the former Soviet republic since the 2004 election of Mr Saakashvili, who wants to take Georgia into Nato and the EU. Georgia is virtually under a complete trade embargo ordered by the Kremlin, with Russia having banned wine and mineral water exports, halted transport links and recently introduced visa restrictions against the Georgians.
I hope that we continue to support Georgia, and I doubt that we're doing enough.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Class-Action Lawsuit Against Google/YouTube Growing
YouTube's getting in hotter and hotter water. The class-action lawsuit I mentioned earlier is growing. Essentially, the intellectual property environment's a little more complex than I've seen mentioned before:
Unlike the music labels such as Universal and EMI, which own copyrights to specific recordings of songs, the NMPA owns copyrights to music lyrics and specific melodies. Media companies that wish to use music usually have to obtain licenses from both the music label and the NMPA, as pointed out by the Wall Street Journal —something that YouTube has not done when forming agreements with the four major labels to use their music on the site in exchange for a cut of ad revenue.
And being a class-action suit, merely settling out of court will be a little more difficult. Each party's going to have their own agenda.
This does nothing but strengthen my believe that Google is a bit cavalier in how it approaches intellectual property, and that this is going to cost them.
Unlike the music labels such as Universal and EMI, which own copyrights to specific recordings of songs, the NMPA owns copyrights to music lyrics and specific melodies. Media companies that wish to use music usually have to obtain licenses from both the music label and the NMPA, as pointed out by the Wall Street Journal —something that YouTube has not done when forming agreements with the four major labels to use their music on the site in exchange for a cut of ad revenue.
And being a class-action suit, merely settling out of court will be a little more difficult. Each party's going to have their own agenda.
This does nothing but strengthen my believe that Google is a bit cavalier in how it approaches intellectual property, and that this is going to cost them.
Russian's New "Anti-Westernism"
An interesting read in the Moscow Times on Russia's growing anti-Western stance. Some excerpts:
The Russian political elite has long dreamed of finding a national idea capable of rallying the people. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev tried to consolidate the country with his idea of socialism "with a human face." Former President Boris Yeltsin roused the people around anti-communism.
And President Vladimir Putin came to power under the unofficial slogan: "Let's put an end to the Yeltsin-era chaos." Now the elite is pushing a new national idea to rally the nation. It can be stated as follows: "We will protect the country from external enemies and establish a new global order to replace the one that so humiliated Russia in the 1990s." To put it more simply, Putin's motto is: "Russia is back!"
And then:
What is behind the new national idea? Anti-Western ideology has become an important factor that legitimizes the highly centralized state. The Kremlin has to offer some kind of explanation for the concentration of authority in so few hands, the elimination of political pluralism, the expansion of the state's role in the economy and the redistribution of property. The search for enemies and the cultivation of a "siege mentality" have always been used to justify "iron-hand" regimes in Russia. To be sure, the Kremlin also has created smaller enemies, such as Georgia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states. In addition, liberals and certain unpopular oligarchs serve as convenient adversaries. But a great power should not be shooting at sparrows with a cannon or focusing so much attention on "small fries," as one Russian analyst said. The West, and especially the United States, has proven to be the most convincing enemy.
And yet, interestingly:
Fortunately, the majority of people have managed to avoid getting caught up in the anti-Western hysteria. Polls show that 70 percent of Russians still consider Europe to be a partner. But there are definite consequences to the Kremlin's heavy anti-Western propaganda. The elite, which has built a political and foreign policy program based on anti-Western ideas, cannot easily switch back to the opposite position. That is the legacy Putin leaves behind -- a legacy built by everyone who today shouts with such enthusiasm, "Russia is back!"
It's an interesting read that explains quite a bit.
The Russian political elite has long dreamed of finding a national idea capable of rallying the people. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev tried to consolidate the country with his idea of socialism "with a human face." Former President Boris Yeltsin roused the people around anti-communism.
And President Vladimir Putin came to power under the unofficial slogan: "Let's put an end to the Yeltsin-era chaos." Now the elite is pushing a new national idea to rally the nation. It can be stated as follows: "We will protect the country from external enemies and establish a new global order to replace the one that so humiliated Russia in the 1990s." To put it more simply, Putin's motto is: "Russia is back!"
And then:
What is behind the new national idea? Anti-Western ideology has become an important factor that legitimizes the highly centralized state. The Kremlin has to offer some kind of explanation for the concentration of authority in so few hands, the elimination of political pluralism, the expansion of the state's role in the economy and the redistribution of property. The search for enemies and the cultivation of a "siege mentality" have always been used to justify "iron-hand" regimes in Russia. To be sure, the Kremlin also has created smaller enemies, such as Georgia, Ukraine, and the Baltic states. In addition, liberals and certain unpopular oligarchs serve as convenient adversaries. But a great power should not be shooting at sparrows with a cannon or focusing so much attention on "small fries," as one Russian analyst said. The West, and especially the United States, has proven to be the most convincing enemy.
And yet, interestingly:
Fortunately, the majority of people have managed to avoid getting caught up in the anti-Western hysteria. Polls show that 70 percent of Russians still consider Europe to be a partner. But there are definite consequences to the Kremlin's heavy anti-Western propaganda. The elite, which has built a political and foreign policy program based on anti-Western ideas, cannot easily switch back to the opposite position. That is the legacy Putin leaves behind -- a legacy built by everyone who today shouts with such enthusiasm, "Russia is back!"
It's an interesting read that explains quite a bit.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a light 2833 Diggs, is a link to a list of "20 Things I Learned from Tech Support." It's cute, as are many such lists.
Yahoo!'s China Troubles Keep Growing
I think things are going to get tougher for Yahoo! in their Chinese troubles before they get any easier. I remain torn on whether American businesses should do business with nations that don't recognize individual rights (my natural inclination as an Objectivist is to say that they should not), but this quote is unsupportable:
Yahoo! has always said its Chinese subsidiary was only obeying local laws.
Such a stance can be taken to support any action, no matter how evil. It could have been used to justify a company's direct support of and business with the Nazis. After all, the Holocaust was simply the result of local German laws.
Yahoo! has always said its Chinese subsidiary was only obeying local laws.
Such a stance can be taken to support any action, no matter how evil. It could have been used to justify a company's direct support of and business with the Nazis. After all, the Holocaust was simply the result of local German laws.
Russian and China Play War Games
The Russian/Chinese joint military exercises being discussed for some time now seem a bit larger than necessary for anti-terrorism activities, specifically, unless it were anti-terrorism of the "invade a territory and root out terrorists" variety. The linked story speculates that it could be a show of defiance against NATO.
Which, of course, if true, is of concern.
Which, of course, if true, is of concern.
Russia Continues Showing Two Faces
Russia needs to decide whether it wants to join in the European missile shield program, or whether it wants to continue seeing it as a threat to Russia. Because continuing to talk about alternatives to the American plan while developing new weapons to defeat the system is just self-contradictory and tiresome.
Other than merely envying America's currently dominating role in the world, I just don't see much reason for Russia to believe that the West is a threat to them. Sure, we're cozying up to some of Russia's neighbors, but Russia isn't supposed to be an enemy any longer. They're supposed to be a "democracy," (in quotes because I hate that term), and "democracies" aren't supposed to fight wars. At least, it's never happened in the past.
Perhaps Russia perceives a threat because it knows itself that its turn toward totalitarianism (of a more national socialist nature) will eventually bring it at odds with the West. Hell, maybe it's already happening. As far as I can tell, Russia has no intention of joining the West and supporting individual rights (to the extent that the West does so, of course), and so perhaps it's just preparing itself for the inevitable.
Other than merely envying America's currently dominating role in the world, I just don't see much reason for Russia to believe that the West is a threat to them. Sure, we're cozying up to some of Russia's neighbors, but Russia isn't supposed to be an enemy any longer. They're supposed to be a "democracy," (in quotes because I hate that term), and "democracies" aren't supposed to fight wars. At least, it's never happened in the past.
Perhaps Russia perceives a threat because it knows itself that its turn toward totalitarianism (of a more national socialist nature) will eventually bring it at odds with the West. Hell, maybe it's already happening. As far as I can tell, Russia has no intention of joining the West and supporting individual rights (to the extent that the West does so, of course), and so perhaps it's just preparing itself for the inevitable.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Presidential Candidate Tom Tancredo Suggests Attacks on Mecca and Medina if US is Nuked
I'm sure I'll be roasted for this, if it gets any wide readership, but I don't necessarily disagree with Republican Presidential candidate Tom Tancredo when he suggests that one way to avoid an Islamic fundamentalist nuclear attack on the US is to establish a policy that such an attack would result in equal attacks against Mecca and Medina.
If taken seriously, this would have two affects. First, it would certainly give the state sponsors of terrorism, who would be the ones to give the terrorists the weapons in the first place, reason to give the whole matter some thought. Second, once they thought about it, it would give them reason to actively seek out any and all terrorists who might be considering such an attack, and make sure it doesn't happen.
Is it a harsh policy? Certainly. But then, a nuclear attack against the US would have harsh repercussions, not just for the US. In fact, targeting Mecca and Medina would result in far fewer human losses than targeting Tehran and Damascus. And it would demonstrate that the US is not a nation to be trifled with--which is the one lesson al Qaeda and other terrorists organizations haven't yet learned (because we haven't taught it to them).
All they understand is strength. And such a policy would represent the sort of strength that they would certainly understand. After all, their targets on 9/11 were of just as much symbolic value to Americans as these holy sites are to Muslims, and yet the terrorists had no problem attacking them. In fact, that was the point--which should be the point of our policy, as well.
If taken seriously, this would have two affects. First, it would certainly give the state sponsors of terrorism, who would be the ones to give the terrorists the weapons in the first place, reason to give the whole matter some thought. Second, once they thought about it, it would give them reason to actively seek out any and all terrorists who might be considering such an attack, and make sure it doesn't happen.
Is it a harsh policy? Certainly. But then, a nuclear attack against the US would have harsh repercussions, not just for the US. In fact, targeting Mecca and Medina would result in far fewer human losses than targeting Tehran and Damascus. And it would demonstrate that the US is not a nation to be trifled with--which is the one lesson al Qaeda and other terrorists organizations haven't yet learned (because we haven't taught it to them).
All they understand is strength. And such a policy would represent the sort of strength that they would certainly understand. After all, their targets on 9/11 were of just as much symbolic value to Americans as these holy sites are to Muslims, and yet the terrorists had no problem attacking them. In fact, that was the point--which should be the point of our policy, as well.
The Register Reports Shocking News That Sales Went Up and Prices Went Down
Umm, news to the Register: in elastic markets (like computer chips) sales typically do go up as prices go down. That's a result of this thing called "economics." In fact, and this might come as a surprise to the story's writer, companies sometimes actually lower prices on purpose to increase sales.
Read the story. It actually states that, although sales were up, chipmakers were hurt because prices were lower. I don't mind a little ignorance in a journalist, but man, this is a doozy.
Read the story. It actually states that, although sales were up, chipmakers were hurt because prices were lower. I don't mind a little ignorance in a journalist, but man, this is a doozy.
Founders Believed in Seperation of Church and State
A tremendous post on the Rule of Reason blog supports with copious amounts of evidence the notion that America was not founded on Christian moral principles. It's an important discussion of the need and justification for the seperation of church and state.
It's not a short read, but I won't quote any here because it's too tightly-written an essay to quote from. If you care at all about the issue, you'll read the piece in its entirety.
It's not a short read, but I won't quote any here because it's too tightly-written an essay to quote from. If you care at all about the issue, you'll read the piece in its entirety.
Miltary Loses Track of 190,000 Weapons in Iraq
I'm not sure what I find worse about this MSNBC story, that we've lost track of 190,000 assault rifles and pistols provided to Iraqi security personnel, or that we were giving them AK-47's instead of American weapons. From my limited military perspective, that would seem, well, stupid.
I was in the military, as it happens, and so I know how these things can happen. The military's a bureaucracy like any other, and when things are rushed and policies not followed (as seems to be case here), things like this are commonplace. The lost of the weapons, I mean. But, at the risk of repeating myself, I still don't get that we were handing out AK-47's.
I was in the military, as it happens, and so I know how these things can happen. The military's a bureaucracy like any other, and when things are rushed and policies not followed (as seems to be case here), things like this are commonplace. The lost of the weapons, I mean. But, at the risk of repeating myself, I still don't get that we were handing out AK-47's.
Cox and Forkum on Islamic Crackdown on Concert Attendees
Cox and Forkum on a recent arrest of 230 Iranian youths attending a private concert. Apparently, the arrest is part of an effort to crackdown on the sort of "immoral" behavior defined during the original Islamic Revolution.
With Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) as lunatic President and with Islamic totalitarianism on the rise, nah, there's no reason for the US to be concerned about Iran.
With Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) as lunatic President and with Islamic totalitarianism on the rise, nah, there's no reason for the US to be concerned about Iran.
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 5929 Diggs, is a link to a picture of Kevin Mitnick's business cards. For those who don't see hacking as a criminal activity, I suppose this is sort of like hero-worship. To others, well, it's not.
Ron Paul's Appeal is to the Internet's Youngsters
I agree that this is fascinating: Ron Paul barely registers in the mainstream of the 2008 Presidental campaign, but on the Internet, he's #1 over both Dems and Republicans. CNET suggests that perhaps it's an age thing, that Paul's positions resonate with the Internet's younger demographics.
I'll buy that. I think it also relegates the Internet to relative unimportance in contemporary politics.
I'll buy that. I think it also relegates the Internet to relative unimportance in contemporary politics.
Google/YouTube Sued for Copyright Infringement
And therein lies the rub: yes, Google/YouTube might remove copyrighted material whenever requested, but by that time, the cat's already out of the bag. With tools for downloading video from YouTube, by the time it's removed thousands or even millions of copies might already have been made.
These services must devise methods to prohibit the infringement in the first place. How they do so is up to them, but until they do, they're providing a platform for committing crimes. At the very least, such civil actions as that discussed in the linked CNET story should succeed.
These services must devise methods to prohibit the infringement in the first place. How they do so is up to them, but until they do, they're providing a platform for committing crimes. At the very least, such civil actions as that discussed in the linked CNET story should succeed.
Boing Boing Interviews Sudhir Vankatesh About Street Gangs
Boing Boing posts about an upcoming book by Sudhir Venkatesh (author of Freakonomics) on street gangs. To be titled Gang Leader for a Day, the author had this to say in an interview at Columbia University:
Q: How do gang members see themselves as fitting in with society at large? Do gang members have a real comprehension that the things they do — dealing drugs, engaging in violence, destroying property, scaring people — are widely perceived as not only illegal but also morally wrong?
A: Many gang members who attain leadership status are deeply conscious of their perception by wider society. They tend to make two arguments when discussing their behavior: first, that whites also work in the underground economy but are not prosecuted (or stigmatized) to the same degree (just look at the differential rates of punishment for powder cocaine and crack cocaine — the former is distributed by whites to a far greater degree); and second, that corporations also engage in criminal activity, but are rarely viewed as outlaws — not just Enron, but oil and other companies that have established histories of supporting anti-democratic regimes in developing counties to secure their own profits.
What fascinates me the most about the gang leader's answer is this part: "that corporations also engage in criminal activity, but are rarely viewed as outlaws." If the book is supposed to show that gang leaders are actually in touch with what's really going on, then it's already failed. American corporations and businesspeople are perhaps the single most persecuted group in American society, being blamed for everything from pure greed to outright evil. If the only example this gang leader can think of is Enron, than he's not very well read.
Q: How do gang members see themselves as fitting in with society at large? Do gang members have a real comprehension that the things they do — dealing drugs, engaging in violence, destroying property, scaring people — are widely perceived as not only illegal but also morally wrong?
A: Many gang members who attain leadership status are deeply conscious of their perception by wider society. They tend to make two arguments when discussing their behavior: first, that whites also work in the underground economy but are not prosecuted (or stigmatized) to the same degree (just look at the differential rates of punishment for powder cocaine and crack cocaine — the former is distributed by whites to a far greater degree); and second, that corporations also engage in criminal activity, but are rarely viewed as outlaws — not just Enron, but oil and other companies that have established histories of supporting anti-democratic regimes in developing counties to secure their own profits.
What fascinates me the most about the gang leader's answer is this part: "that corporations also engage in criminal activity, but are rarely viewed as outlaws." If the book is supposed to show that gang leaders are actually in touch with what's really going on, then it's already failed. American corporations and businesspeople are perhaps the single most persecuted group in American society, being blamed for everything from pure greed to outright evil. If the only example this gang leader can think of is Enron, than he's not very well read.
Iran and Saudi Arabia: Allies?
Once again, a very dubious source, but imagine if this post is true. The money quote:
Iran's President and the king of Saudi Arabia stressed on boosting unity and brotherhood among Muslims in a phone conversation.
If this conversation actually took place, and has any real meaning, then we just promised $20 billion to an Arab that hopes to be allied with Iran.
Somehow I doubt it really means anything (and the $20 billion to Saudi Arabia can't really be made any worse), but it's just creepy.
Iran's President and the king of Saudi Arabia stressed on boosting unity and brotherhood among Muslims in a phone conversation.
If this conversation actually took place, and has any real meaning, then we just promised $20 billion to an Arab that hopes to be allied with Iran.
Somehow I doubt it really means anything (and the $20 billion to Saudi Arabia can't really be made any worse), but it's just creepy.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Digg Report
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 2869 Diggs, is a link to what the poster calls the most "intense" tattoo you'll ever see. I say, it's the most grotesque.
Ahmadinejad Says Israel Should "go find somewhere else" To Live
I wonder a bit about this source, but if true, then Iranian President Imajihadi (or whatever his name is) has put his foot into it again. Here's a quote:
Iran's outspoken President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on Israel to "go find somewhere else" for its state and leave its territory for the creation of a Palestinian state, according to an interview published Saturday. "Our support (for the Palestinian people) is unconditional.
I'm sure that, as usual, this will be downplayed by the Left as merely mistranslation, as with the hundreds of other such statements he's made. If this source is valid, it's just another piece in a long line of evidence that Iran is led by a madman.
Iran's outspoken President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called on Israel to "go find somewhere else" for its state and leave its territory for the creation of a Palestinian state, according to an interview published Saturday. "Our support (for the Palestinian people) is unconditional.
I'm sure that, as usual, this will be downplayed by the Left as merely mistranslation, as with the hundreds of other such statements he's made. If this source is valid, it's just another piece in a long line of evidence that Iran is led by a madman.
China Publishes Anti-Corruption Game
The Chinese government is taking corruption seriously: it created a game where the object is to kill all corrupt officials on the way to a corruption-free paradise. This is, I suppose, to prepare future Chinese leaders to avoid corruption.
There's an irony there. Leave a comment if you've noticed it.
There's an irony there. Leave a comment if you've noticed it.
Some More on "Sicko"
Here's a nice short essay on "Sicko," by our favorite Leftist, Michael Moore. Some quotes:
One of "Sicko's" recommended models, the so-called free medical system in Sweden, requires a 13.9 percent gross income tax with no exemptions on total personal income, plus employer and general fund contributions to pay for it. This, when coupled with a co-pay system that collects from patients $13 to $30 for each doctor visit, prescription, and specialist consultations at clinics, by definition makes the Swedish medical system not a free lunch.
...
In fact, it can be argued some welfare state healthcare systems such the U.K.'s are evolving into two systems based upon who pays. Those who have means to pay have access to spa-like personal service, and those who don't want to, or those who do not have the means, join waiting lists and in many cases receive treatment in a Spartan-like environment.
It's a short piece, and barely scratches the surface, but worth a quick read nonetheless.
One of "Sicko's" recommended models, the so-called free medical system in Sweden, requires a 13.9 percent gross income tax with no exemptions on total personal income, plus employer and general fund contributions to pay for it. This, when coupled with a co-pay system that collects from patients $13 to $30 for each doctor visit, prescription, and specialist consultations at clinics, by definition makes the Swedish medical system not a free lunch.
...
In fact, it can be argued some welfare state healthcare systems such the U.K.'s are evolving into two systems based upon who pays. Those who have means to pay have access to spa-like personal service, and those who don't want to, or those who do not have the means, join waiting lists and in many cases receive treatment in a Spartan-like environment.
It's a short piece, and barely scratches the surface, but worth a quick read nonetheless.
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