OMG! Are you watching the same thing I am? Did he actually say that? I know, I can't believe it either! I can't believe that I am watching/listening to the State of the Union Address.
1) George W. Bush actually says that Congress should have a balanced budget and that he will cut bloated government program. My question, does that include graft and the war in Iraq and Afghanistan?
2) He says that a decent education is the only way for many children to achieve their dreams, obviously it wasn't necessary for the Bush. He is harping on and on about failing public schools, what about failing private schools, like the ones he attended?
3) I am appalled at the beginning of his speech. He was actually threatening the Democrat dominated Congress with veto after veto. I was wondering, how does that give us the "State of the Union?"
4) He wants more manufacturing in the United States. I would like to see him support laws that will protect American jobs from being outsourced overseas.... for a change.
5) Energy security? How can he and his big oil buddies benefit from energy security? Where will the big profits come if the prices do not stay high?
6) Limit carbon emissions? Is he admitting that there is global warming? Then why not sign on the the Kyoto Protocols, as a starting point upon which to improve?
7) Ted Turner? Did I just see Ted Turner in the house of Congress for the State of the Union Address?
8) By asking Congress to pass laws banning unethical practices, does that included corruption in the Food and Drug Administration and will actually prevent the approval of drugs that kill, and are known to kill?
9) Did he just say that the Constitution should be respected? When did he have this change of heart?
10) By supporting faith-based groups, does that include the Muslim faith or will they continue to be discriminated as "terrorist" organizations?
11) Here comes the Social Security reform. Beating a dead horse. He is worried about deficits, um, did you pay attention to how many billions of dollars that flow into Iraq and Afghanistan (and not into New Orleans)?
12) Is it just me, or are you also repulsed every time Bush talks about "high ideals?"
I can't watch any more. I am done here. Actually, I expected him to get up and tell us how he and his friends have hoodwinked the United States and once his term is done how they will make off with billions of our tax dollars and the next president will deal with the economic problems caused by it.
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iraq. Show all posts
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, October 14, 2007
October 14, 2007
I think I now have time for a breather. Whew. The last couple of weeks have been brutal. I have survived, and no worse for the wear, thank goodness. Our parade float (the Class of 2008) won the competition - our first victory in that particular competition. Our football team destroyed the opposition in their homecoming game, 51-0, and remains undefeated at 9-0. Incredible! We have a great team and an excellent group of coaches. And I don't just mean their coaching ability, but they are also good guys. Keep up the good work, all around!
Last night, Mercer and I went to Goodnight's comedy club to see a friend perform his comedy routine. He and two other locals opened up for Victoria Jackson or Saturday Night Live fame. Now, I have never been a big fan of Victoria Jackson, her voice annoys me along with her ditzy performances. On the other hand, Big A was hilarious! He was the funniest act of the night. I am really glad I decided to go see him!
Today I played in a softball game with George's work team. They all seemed like nice guys and gals. As it turned out, this was their first win of the season. I'd like to say I had something to do with that, but let's be realistic. My defense in left field was solid. My batting was suspect. I popped up to the infield twice in two at bats. So much for the line drives I usually hit. I think I was a bit anxious and a little rusty. The ironic thing is that I came into the came expecting things to go opposite, good batting and poor fielding. Fortunately for me, according to George's scouting of his own team, the bats aren't the problem, it is more the defense. So I guess to an extent I helped by locking down left field today. Ah, October softball.
Today's Headlines:
House Dems Vow Continued Push for Health Plan (USAToday.com)
Did you know, the United States government is the only "industrialized" nation in the world that does not provide health care for its citizens? I did not know that. I bet you didn't either. (Did you also know that the United States is the only nation in the world to use nuclear weapons in war? I bet you did, but I had to throw that one in.) I am dismayed. Our "president" continues to ask for blank checks to fund defense and rebuilding in Iraq (did you know that Cheney and Rumsfeld did not relinquish their holdings in major corporations involved in the rebuilding in Iraq? I bet you didn't) but will not sign a bill that will provide healthcare to more children in the United States. He claims that it will cost too much. That's right, it will cost too much. Since when is Bush concerned about government costs? Then again, since when has he been concerned with children? Or anything that didn't benefit him personally? I know it looks unlikely that Congress will muster enough votes to override a veto but it is important enough for them to try. I am glad they are trying to push for increased healthcare for children. The way I see it is as an investment in the future. Studies show that better helathcare for children will lead to increased health in their later years. Logically, that will decrease the strain on the healthcare system in the future. On the other hand, by having the government provide healthcare for children, it will be difficult for government officials to pay back political favors to the insurance lobby. So logically, Bush has to veto this bill. Am I too cynical?
-MC
Last night, Mercer and I went to Goodnight's comedy club to see a friend perform his comedy routine. He and two other locals opened up for Victoria Jackson or Saturday Night Live fame. Now, I have never been a big fan of Victoria Jackson, her voice annoys me along with her ditzy performances. On the other hand, Big A was hilarious! He was the funniest act of the night. I am really glad I decided to go see him!
Today I played in a softball game with George's work team. They all seemed like nice guys and gals. As it turned out, this was their first win of the season. I'd like to say I had something to do with that, but let's be realistic. My defense in left field was solid. My batting was suspect. I popped up to the infield twice in two at bats. So much for the line drives I usually hit. I think I was a bit anxious and a little rusty. The ironic thing is that I came into the came expecting things to go opposite, good batting and poor fielding. Fortunately for me, according to George's scouting of his own team, the bats aren't the problem, it is more the defense. So I guess to an extent I helped by locking down left field today. Ah, October softball.
Today's Headlines:
House Dems Vow Continued Push for Health Plan (USAToday.com)
Did you know, the United States government is the only "industrialized" nation in the world that does not provide health care for its citizens? I did not know that. I bet you didn't either. (Did you also know that the United States is the only nation in the world to use nuclear weapons in war? I bet you did, but I had to throw that one in.) I am dismayed. Our "president" continues to ask for blank checks to fund defense and rebuilding in Iraq (did you know that Cheney and Rumsfeld did not relinquish their holdings in major corporations involved in the rebuilding in Iraq? I bet you didn't) but will not sign a bill that will provide healthcare to more children in the United States. He claims that it will cost too much. That's right, it will cost too much. Since when is Bush concerned about government costs? Then again, since when has he been concerned with children? Or anything that didn't benefit him personally? I know it looks unlikely that Congress will muster enough votes to override a veto but it is important enough for them to try. I am glad they are trying to push for increased healthcare for children. The way I see it is as an investment in the future. Studies show that better helathcare for children will lead to increased health in their later years. Logically, that will decrease the strain on the healthcare system in the future. On the other hand, by having the government provide healthcare for children, it will be difficult for government officials to pay back political favors to the insurance lobby. So logically, Bush has to veto this bill. Am I too cynical?
-MC
Monday, September 17, 2007
September 17, 2007
Just another manic Monday. Why was I filled with such enthusiasm today, you ask? Test day! That's right, all my classes were taking tests today which means a pretty easy day for me. Sure, I will have to grade those tests, but since they are all "scantron" I simply run them through the scanner and the results are printed for me. This year, or at least this semester, I have decided to not put essays and written components on standard type multiple choice tests. Instead, the students get their essay's and short answers separate form their tests and will be able to write their responses in a much less stressful environment. My hope is that I will get better results from the students.
Evan and I went to the park today after school. The weather was beautiful so we decided to take advantage. We played on the swings, Evan climbed the jungle gym, jumped, slid, and had a good time while I tried to take some pics with my phone. It was nice, I am glad we did it. Afterwards, we went home before meeting Michelle, Dan and Aidan at Olive Garden - just one of those spur of the moment dinner plans we make 15 to 30 minutes before dinner time. My after work phone call with Michelle usually goes something like this:
Michelle: So, what do you want to do about dinner?
Matt: I dunno, what do you want to do about dinner?
Michelle: I dunno. I just got of the phone with Dan, he said if we do anything to call him.
Matt: OK, any suggestions?
Michelle: Not really, I was thinking maybe about ______. How does that sound?
Matt: Sounds OK, hang on . . .
[Matt calls out in the background "Evan, do you want to go to ______ for dinner?"
Matt: Yeah, ______ sounds good.
Michelle: Well, I hope to finished here by about 6:00, so we'll meet there at about 6:15-6:30?
Matt: Sounds good.
Yeah, it is like that every afternoon, believe it or not. Not too exciting, I know, but since neither of us really want to cook when we get home, that is how dinner is decided. From time to time I try to be good and cook something, or plan out a few day in the week, but undoubtedly I get lazy before it is all said and done.
Today's Headlines:
Iraq Revokes US Security Contractor Licence (Reuters.com)
I have wondered about this private security company, Blackwater, for quite sometime now, but never bothered to do a search. Well, it seems that all the major news organizations have done the research for me, and lucky thing too, because all the links to any part of their website comes up "Service Unavailable" after today's news that Iraq has expelled the agents of this company from the country after an incident that left 11 Iraqis dead. According to information I have obtained today, there are roughly 100,000 Blackwater security workers in Iraq, in addition to the 150,000 US military personnel. This security force is financed by sources greater than those supporting our troops. Blackwater has the money and facilities to train their agents in the backwoods of North Carolina. It also has the money to buy supplies, weapons, and equipment more advanced and expensive that can be afforded US military troops in Iraq. Check out the links to Blackwater yourself, or do a google search and try to connect from there:
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/
www.blackwaterusa.com/about/default.asp
www.blackwaterusa.com/archive/default.asp
www.blackwaterusa.com/employment/default.asp
www.blackwaterusa.com/training
I have several problems with this. Estimates are at about 40¢ per dollar for the war in Iraq is being spent on Blackwater and other private security firms, leaving 60¢ per dollar for all other spending in Iraq, including supplying our regular military forces there. Additional estimates show that only about 800 Blackwater agents have died in Iraq compared to the roughly 3,000 US regular military personnel. It sounds to me that 40% of money earmarked for Iraq is going to a private company (whose chairman is a major contributor to Bush campaigns) and their mercenary soldiers are not doing their fair share of the dying. (Not that any dying is fair, of course). Right, our tax dollars are going to protect these mercenaries, who were hired to kill and protect without as much of the danger of being killed as our regular military who volunteer to fight for the United States and our ideals abroad.
Now, this may seem like a travesty to some. And on the face of it, it does appear as such. But, if there are 250,000 soldiers (US military and mercenary), in Iraq getting the job done, and 100,000 are no longer going to be allowed to operate there, how will the US government make up the difference? Is a military draft in order? Whose children will be forced to continue a war that was ill conceived but cannot be abandoned? Check out this video below on Youtube, maybe you will begin to see some problems by allowing such mercenary armies to operate.
-MC
Evan and I went to the park today after school. The weather was beautiful so we decided to take advantage. We played on the swings, Evan climbed the jungle gym, jumped, slid, and had a good time while I tried to take some pics with my phone. It was nice, I am glad we did it. Afterwards, we went home before meeting Michelle, Dan and Aidan at Olive Garden - just one of those spur of the moment dinner plans we make 15 to 30 minutes before dinner time. My after work phone call with Michelle usually goes something like this:
Michelle: So, what do you want to do about dinner?
Matt: I dunno, what do you want to do about dinner?
Michelle: I dunno. I just got of the phone with Dan, he said if we do anything to call him.
Matt: OK, any suggestions?
Michelle: Not really, I was thinking maybe about ______. How does that sound?
Matt: Sounds OK, hang on . . .
[Matt calls out in the background "Evan, do you want to go to ______ for dinner?"
Matt: Yeah, ______ sounds good.
Michelle: Well, I hope to finished here by about 6:00, so we'll meet there at about 6:15-6:30?
Matt: Sounds good.
Yeah, it is like that every afternoon, believe it or not. Not too exciting, I know, but since neither of us really want to cook when we get home, that is how dinner is decided. From time to time I try to be good and cook something, or plan out a few day in the week, but undoubtedly I get lazy before it is all said and done.
Today's Headlines:
Iraq Revokes US Security Contractor Licence (Reuters.com)
I have wondered about this private security company, Blackwater, for quite sometime now, but never bothered to do a search. Well, it seems that all the major news organizations have done the research for me, and lucky thing too, because all the links to any part of their website comes up "Service Unavailable" after today's news that Iraq has expelled the agents of this company from the country after an incident that left 11 Iraqis dead. According to information I have obtained today, there are roughly 100,000 Blackwater security workers in Iraq, in addition to the 150,000 US military personnel. This security force is financed by sources greater than those supporting our troops. Blackwater has the money and facilities to train their agents in the backwoods of North Carolina. It also has the money to buy supplies, weapons, and equipment more advanced and expensive that can be afforded US military troops in Iraq. Check out the links to Blackwater yourself, or do a google search and try to connect from there:
http://www.blackwaterusa.com/
www.blackwaterusa.com/about/default.asp
www.blackwaterusa.com/archive/default.asp
www.blackwaterusa.com/employment/default.asp
www.blackwaterusa.com/training
I have several problems with this. Estimates are at about 40¢ per dollar for the war in Iraq is being spent on Blackwater and other private security firms, leaving 60¢ per dollar for all other spending in Iraq, including supplying our regular military forces there. Additional estimates show that only about 800 Blackwater agents have died in Iraq compared to the roughly 3,000 US regular military personnel. It sounds to me that 40% of money earmarked for Iraq is going to a private company (whose chairman is a major contributor to Bush campaigns) and their mercenary soldiers are not doing their fair share of the dying. (Not that any dying is fair, of course). Right, our tax dollars are going to protect these mercenaries, who were hired to kill and protect without as much of the danger of being killed as our regular military who volunteer to fight for the United States and our ideals abroad.
Now, this may seem like a travesty to some. And on the face of it, it does appear as such. But, if there are 250,000 soldiers (US military and mercenary), in Iraq getting the job done, and 100,000 are no longer going to be allowed to operate there, how will the US government make up the difference? Is a military draft in order? Whose children will be forced to continue a war that was ill conceived but cannot be abandoned? Check out this video below on Youtube, maybe you will begin to see some problems by allowing such mercenary armies to operate.
-MC
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
September 11, 2007
My morning began with a parent making an unannounced visit to meet me. She did not attend Open House last night, but what she wanted to talk about was more specific to her son, not about a general overview of the course. The family has very recently moved here from Puerto Rico. That is, they moved here just last week due to the father's job. The student is a senior and is now taking the courses that, we believe, will allow him to graduate in June. The major concern is that most of the courses he has to take are required EOC (End-of-Course) subjects. These courses are those where the state makes the final exam and uses the data it collects from the results to determine school performance. The big concern here is that these are high pressure courses at Leesville. The stakes are pretty high and the student is afraid that he will not do well. And of course, his extra obstacle to success is a language barrier. From speaking with the ESL teacher, this student reads and writes English very well, but seems to have a difficult time comprehending spoken English. This is very concerning because i want him to succeed. The mother told me today that her son wants to go back to Puerto Rico in order to complete the 12th grade. The mother was on the verge of tears and I felt very badly for her. I wish there was more I could do to help, but I do not speak Spanish so I can't explain things more plainly to him. What is more, the nature of the course, Civics & Economics, is current events. All of the concepts and theories that are read and taught are followed up with real time examples as the make headlines day-to-day. My explaining these examples, I fear, will be lost on him. I only hope that his hard work (which is already evident) will be rewarded in the long run.
The rest of the day was business as usual. The classes cooperated very well. We seem to get a long very well and so I anticipate great progress this year. I did have a student ask me a personal question during class today about my political views. That is a bit of a slippery slope because as a teacher and an authority figure, I have to be careful not to portray my opinion as fact. So I did my best to explain that from time to time, when asked, I will give my opinion and that the students should understand that by no means is my opinion the rule or the fact and that the students should make sure to form their own opinions after gathering as much information on a subject as possible.
In the Civics & Economics class I showed a short video about the Declaration of Independence. It is a very well done video featuring many popular movie personalities reading the Declaration of Independence, but not after an inspiring introduction by Morgan Freeman (what a great name for the person introducing the Declaration of Independence). I was hoping to add it here to this blog today because I believe everyone should see it, but I do not have it saved on my computer. I will try to remember to bring it home tomorrow and add it. It is very moving and inspiring, and was made even more so, today, Patriot Day, September 11.
Today's Headlines:
Kanye: MTV Exploited Britney for Ratings
Kanye West seems a bit fed up with MTV, and I can't blame him, I have been up with the network ever since they took the "music" out of MTV and filled it with reality shows that are clearly not any person's reality (the "Real World," for one!) His gripe is that MTV exploited Britney Spears Sunday having her perform during the music awards knowing she was not ready and was not up to it. Although I did take my shots at Britney yesterday, I have to say, I do agree with Kanye, the network must have known that she was in no condition, physically and mentally, to perform, but signed her on anyway. That is just despicable. If you haven't seen the performance, just look to my blog from yesterday.
Frustration Evident as Officials Grilled on Iraq
Six years ago today terrorist attacks were engaged on the United States that were largely successful. Today (and yesterday), in the Senate, General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker presented their report on the current condition in Iraq. They were asked some serious questions today and responded admirably. Although I personally am skeptical, I agree with Senator Leiberman who gave these two men much credit for their candor, truthfulness, and clarity. Having heard information from the General who is one of the best positions to understand and respond to the conditions in Iraq, I am confident in what he is doing there. That being said, I still do not remain confident in the plan as portrayed but this "administration." We are however at a critical point in Iraq (every point from no on will be a critical point). Despite my disagreement with the motivations for invading Iraq, our forces are there and cannot just up and leave with making sure that a stable and secure government exists. As a result, our troops must remain in Iraq until that job is done because it is in the best interest of the region, the United States, and the world. Iran has already said that any political or power vacuum that exists in Iraq after American forces leave will be filled by Iran. So, despite the fact that our government created this problem in Iraq, we must stay there until it is fixed.
To hear part of the Senate hearing:
listen at NPR.org
The rest of the day was business as usual. The classes cooperated very well. We seem to get a long very well and so I anticipate great progress this year. I did have a student ask me a personal question during class today about my political views. That is a bit of a slippery slope because as a teacher and an authority figure, I have to be careful not to portray my opinion as fact. So I did my best to explain that from time to time, when asked, I will give my opinion and that the students should understand that by no means is my opinion the rule or the fact and that the students should make sure to form their own opinions after gathering as much information on a subject as possible.
In the Civics & Economics class I showed a short video about the Declaration of Independence. It is a very well done video featuring many popular movie personalities reading the Declaration of Independence, but not after an inspiring introduction by Morgan Freeman (what a great name for the person introducing the Declaration of Independence). I was hoping to add it here to this blog today because I believe everyone should see it, but I do not have it saved on my computer. I will try to remember to bring it home tomorrow and add it. It is very moving and inspiring, and was made even more so, today, Patriot Day, September 11.
Today's Headlines:
Kanye: MTV Exploited Britney for Ratings
Kanye West seems a bit fed up with MTV, and I can't blame him, I have been up with the network ever since they took the "music" out of MTV and filled it with reality shows that are clearly not any person's reality (the "Real World," for one!) His gripe is that MTV exploited Britney Spears Sunday having her perform during the music awards knowing she was not ready and was not up to it. Although I did take my shots at Britney yesterday, I have to say, I do agree with Kanye, the network must have known that she was in no condition, physically and mentally, to perform, but signed her on anyway. That is just despicable. If you haven't seen the performance, just look to my blog from yesterday.
Frustration Evident as Officials Grilled on Iraq
Six years ago today terrorist attacks were engaged on the United States that were largely successful. Today (and yesterday), in the Senate, General Patraeus and Ambassador Crocker presented their report on the current condition in Iraq. They were asked some serious questions today and responded admirably. Although I personally am skeptical, I agree with Senator Leiberman who gave these two men much credit for their candor, truthfulness, and clarity. Having heard information from the General who is one of the best positions to understand and respond to the conditions in Iraq, I am confident in what he is doing there. That being said, I still do not remain confident in the plan as portrayed but this "administration." We are however at a critical point in Iraq (every point from no on will be a critical point). Despite my disagreement with the motivations for invading Iraq, our forces are there and cannot just up and leave with making sure that a stable and secure government exists. As a result, our troops must remain in Iraq until that job is done because it is in the best interest of the region, the United States, and the world. Iran has already said that any political or power vacuum that exists in Iraq after American forces leave will be filled by Iran. So, despite the fact that our government created this problem in Iraq, we must stay there until it is fixed.
To hear part of the Senate hearing:
listen at NPR.org
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
August 21, 2007
OK, I'm back. I am just getting acclimated to being back at work so I need some time to adjust my schedule and make time to blog. Next week will get more interesting here because the students will be back to school so I will have some additional content.
Yesterday was a quiet day, as far as meetings are concerned. We didn't have any, today, just a couple of short ones, so I was able to spend plenty of time getting my room set. Yesterday I hung shelves and a bulletin board, so I felt productive.
Well, Evan's soccer practice was cancelled tonight right after the McDonald's he was in was struck by lightning! Michelle and I were at Evan's school for Open House and Dan had the boys at McDonald's. They were waiting outside under an awning for Dan to put some things in the car in the rain when the lightning struck. It scared the bejesus out of them, it would me too! The Open House was not as I had hoped. We were in the Media Center hearing a spiel from the two first grade teachers about the content of the course. Afterwards, they had to give the same presentation again for the "second session." We did not get to ask the teacher any questions, which is just as well because I wanted to ask what the difference was between the way they teach (Core Knowledge, which was abandoned a few years ago) and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (adopted in place of Core Knowledge). I also want to know why she is handing out so many "Yellows" to students who are doing things like blowing their pencil across their desk when their head should be down.
Something that bothers me: supermarkets. I am sure you will agree, but I think ALL supermarket should be laid out the same way! When I walk into a supermarket, I want to be able to go right for what I am looking for and get out. I shouldn't have to worry that if on my way home I stop at a different supermarket than the one I normally shop that I will not be able to find what I need. There is nothing more frustrating than walking back and forth through a supermarket for a single item and not being able to find it. And I don't mean some obscure item, I mean something like yogurt.
Today I received an email from John Kerry. He was urging me to support his push to get everyone out of Iraq for a vote this September. I don't think he was in the Senate the day General Patraeus said that a draw down plan would begin in spring 2008. I think that was one of the things that was pointed out in the 2000 election that Kerry didn't spend enough time actually in the Senate. I guess that is the problem with politicians, they don't listen and they don't pay attention.
I was reading a blog on Rudy Giuliani today. Maybe you'll find it interesting. (I am trying to build traffic to my friend's blog!)
Yesterday was a quiet day, as far as meetings are concerned. We didn't have any, today, just a couple of short ones, so I was able to spend plenty of time getting my room set. Yesterday I hung shelves and a bulletin board, so I felt productive.
Well, Evan's soccer practice was cancelled tonight right after the McDonald's he was in was struck by lightning! Michelle and I were at Evan's school for Open House and Dan had the boys at McDonald's. They were waiting outside under an awning for Dan to put some things in the car in the rain when the lightning struck. It scared the bejesus out of them, it would me too! The Open House was not as I had hoped. We were in the Media Center hearing a spiel from the two first grade teachers about the content of the course. Afterwards, they had to give the same presentation again for the "second session." We did not get to ask the teacher any questions, which is just as well because I wanted to ask what the difference was between the way they teach (Core Knowledge, which was abandoned a few years ago) and the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (adopted in place of Core Knowledge). I also want to know why she is handing out so many "Yellows" to students who are doing things like blowing their pencil across their desk when their head should be down.
Something that bothers me: supermarkets. I am sure you will agree, but I think ALL supermarket should be laid out the same way! When I walk into a supermarket, I want to be able to go right for what I am looking for and get out. I shouldn't have to worry that if on my way home I stop at a different supermarket than the one I normally shop that I will not be able to find what I need. There is nothing more frustrating than walking back and forth through a supermarket for a single item and not being able to find it. And I don't mean some obscure item, I mean something like yogurt.
Today I received an email from John Kerry. He was urging me to support his push to get everyone out of Iraq for a vote this September. I don't think he was in the Senate the day General Patraeus said that a draw down plan would begin in spring 2008. I think that was one of the things that was pointed out in the 2000 election that Kerry didn't spend enough time actually in the Senate. I guess that is the problem with politicians, they don't listen and they don't pay attention.
I was reading a blog on Rudy Giuliani today. Maybe you'll find it interesting. (I am trying to build traffic to my friend's blog!)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
August 15, 2007
I spent the day at school supervising the seniors as they decorate the Senior Wall. It is coming along very nicely. I will be there all day tomorrow, in 100-degree heat. That part should be fun (sarcasm), but the students are doing the work, they will be a bit hotter than I. Besides the weather, the other thing that bothers me is that the none of the principals have even come by to take a look at the progress. You would think that the building principal, whose ideas this was to begin with, would be interested to see what is going on. Don't get me wrong, the idea is a good one - to paint a very visible wall with supervision instead of illegally painting an intersection, in the dark, at night. I definitely approve, but the fact that he hasn't even "popped in" is disappointing.
Michelle and Evan are busy packing for they leave to go to Massachusetts tomorrow morning to return Monday afternoon. Evan is picking out his movies, toys, games and finding it to be a difficult task. That is OK, maybe he will spend more time outside playing - the weather is supposed to be much milder, highs of 70s lows in 40s.
Today's Headlines:
Petraeus Says He Will Propose Troop Cuts (USA Today)
What I really like is all the bickering in Washington about troop cuts. Republicans arguing to wait until Patraeus gives his September report. Democrats arguing that we need to be out as soon as possible. Maybe this is just what was needed for both sides of the aisle to come together for a change. Republicans get what they want because many were arguing that the troops should stay for as long as it takes (and Patraeus is showing signs that perhaps enough time has been spent there on such a large scale) and the Democrats get what they want because troops may be brought home as early as this spring. The only thing that could derail this is an excuse for the "President" to invade another country - unless this troop draw down is designed to free up soldiers for just that, an invasion elsewhere. (Remember, you heard it here, first!)
NYPD Warns of Homegrown Terror Threat (USA Today)
This is such a slippery slope there is no telling where the slide will end. If we were to look objectively, we could find terrorist possibilities among any person not happy with their government (local, state, or national). We can narrow it down to any and every demographic. This would give the government an excuse to surveil any person or group that has the slightest sound of contradicting the regime. In which case democracy will be gone, and freedoms will be a topic for ancient storybooks. Diversity, free though, individuality all fair tales and so will be the inventive spirit and scientific advancement. In their place will be fear, oppression, singular thinking, discrimination, all run by a police state. We are living in a dangerous time where everyone is dangerous and their thoughts can be incriminating. But who will be next? Which group will be singled out as terrorists?
Michelle and Evan are busy packing for they leave to go to Massachusetts tomorrow morning to return Monday afternoon. Evan is picking out his movies, toys, games and finding it to be a difficult task. That is OK, maybe he will spend more time outside playing - the weather is supposed to be much milder, highs of 70s lows in 40s.
Today's Headlines:
Petraeus Says He Will Propose Troop Cuts (USA Today)
What I really like is all the bickering in Washington about troop cuts. Republicans arguing to wait until Patraeus gives his September report. Democrats arguing that we need to be out as soon as possible. Maybe this is just what was needed for both sides of the aisle to come together for a change. Republicans get what they want because many were arguing that the troops should stay for as long as it takes (and Patraeus is showing signs that perhaps enough time has been spent there on such a large scale) and the Democrats get what they want because troops may be brought home as early as this spring. The only thing that could derail this is an excuse for the "President" to invade another country - unless this troop draw down is designed to free up soldiers for just that, an invasion elsewhere. (Remember, you heard it here, first!)
NYPD Warns of Homegrown Terror Threat (USA Today)
This is such a slippery slope there is no telling where the slide will end. If we were to look objectively, we could find terrorist possibilities among any person not happy with their government (local, state, or national). We can narrow it down to any and every demographic. This would give the government an excuse to surveil any person or group that has the slightest sound of contradicting the regime. In which case democracy will be gone, and freedoms will be a topic for ancient storybooks. Diversity, free though, individuality all fair tales and so will be the inventive spirit and scientific advancement. In their place will be fear, oppression, singular thinking, discrimination, all run by a police state. We are living in a dangerous time where everyone is dangerous and their thoughts can be incriminating. But who will be next? Which group will be singled out as terrorists?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
August 12, 2007
Tonight is the Perseid Meteor shower. I hope it is worth watching. Last fall there was an alleged meteor shower in which I saw.... nothing. So I hope tonight's will produce a better display.
Today was pretty low-keyed. We went to brunch at Sweet Tomatoes. It was OK. Just a buffet brunch with breakfast foods such as eggs, waffles, french toast, breakfast cereals, muffins, and so on. But it also had some of its regular lunch/dinner menu with things like salads, soups, fruits, breads, "pizza." It was a change for breakfast. This afternoon I uploaded more sketches to one of my other blogs: http://matts-sketches.blogspot.com . There are quite a bit of old things I uploaded, the most recent from 1990 and the oldest from 1983. Check them out if you get the chance. I also uploaded a couple of sets of pictures to our photoalbum today too. These pictures go back to this past Christmas. This evening Peter, Katie and the boys came over for dinner and so the kids can play. It was nice we grilled out and ate in (since we didn't have any deck furniture yet). But, Dan came by after coming back from DC with furniture from his dad's that we can borrow until he moves in down here. So we can put off buying deck furniture until next year.
Today's Headlines:
Italian Arms Investigators See Iraqi Ties
What seems to be the problem is that weapons are being sold to Iraq and funneled through many off shore companies before they make it to their destination. Where exactly are these guns are going is anybody's guess. But, if the legitimate government of Iraq were buying these weapons, why would they need to be "laundered" through offshore companies? The next question I have is, why did the Italian anti-Mafia agency make this discovery? Is the mafia running guns for Iraq? How deep does this go?
Today was pretty low-keyed. We went to brunch at Sweet Tomatoes. It was OK. Just a buffet brunch with breakfast foods such as eggs, waffles, french toast, breakfast cereals, muffins, and so on. But it also had some of its regular lunch/dinner menu with things like salads, soups, fruits, breads, "pizza." It was a change for breakfast. This afternoon I uploaded more sketches to one of my other blogs: http://matts-sketches.blogspot.com . There are quite a bit of old things I uploaded, the most recent from 1990 and the oldest from 1983. Check them out if you get the chance. I also uploaded a couple of sets of pictures to our photoalbum today too. These pictures go back to this past Christmas. This evening Peter, Katie and the boys came over for dinner and so the kids can play. It was nice we grilled out and ate in (since we didn't have any deck furniture yet). But, Dan came by after coming back from DC with furniture from his dad's that we can borrow until he moves in down here. So we can put off buying deck furniture until next year.
Today's Headlines:
Italian Arms Investigators See Iraqi Ties
What seems to be the problem is that weapons are being sold to Iraq and funneled through many off shore companies before they make it to their destination. Where exactly are these guns are going is anybody's guess. But, if the legitimate government of Iraq were buying these weapons, why would they need to be "laundered" through offshore companies? The next question I have is, why did the Italian anti-Mafia agency make this discovery? Is the mafia running guns for Iraq? How deep does this go?
Monday, July 30, 2007
July 30, 2007
Evan is officially a 1st grader. This morning his stomach was in knots - a combination of anxiety, excitement, and nerves. But once he got to school he slid right back into the routine. Sitting at his table are two of his friends from kindergarten and two students he did not know. One of the familiars at his table was Cameron, his "partner in crime" from Ms. Riggins' class. Although they are at the same table they do not sit next to each other, which, if it was deliberate by the teacher, was a good idea - keep familiar students near but not right next to each other, force them to make new friends. The first day of school video will be forthcoming.
Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC, is up to his tricks, he is now trying to bash John Edwards' stand on Iraq. In yet another email I received he points out that Edwards has changed his position on Iraq, quite recently. But what he misses is that starting to pull troops out of Iraq does not constitute abandoning Iraq to al-Qaeda. There are other ways to support Iraq and fight terrorism than by sacrificing our young servicemen and women. Political, financial, and trade support can also help the Iraqis fight terrorism in their own country. The United States can provide support, but does not need to be the front line. But the Republican National Committee only sees things as "black and white" - either you fight al-Qaeda but keeping the troops in Iraq or you abandon the fight against terrorism by pulling troops from Iraq. And that is the problem with the Republican control of the White House for the last 6 years, they do not see any middle ground, it is all or nothing for them. Bush said it himself not long after 9/11: "either you're with us or against us." What he fails to realize is that maybe other countries around the world want to fight terrorism but not on George Bush's terms. It is the very nature of fascism.
Mike Duncan, chairman of the RNC, is up to his tricks, he is now trying to bash John Edwards' stand on Iraq. In yet another email I received he points out that Edwards has changed his position on Iraq, quite recently. But what he misses is that starting to pull troops out of Iraq does not constitute abandoning Iraq to al-Qaeda. There are other ways to support Iraq and fight terrorism than by sacrificing our young servicemen and women. Political, financial, and trade support can also help the Iraqis fight terrorism in their own country. The United States can provide support, but does not need to be the front line. But the Republican National Committee only sees things as "black and white" - either you fight al-Qaeda but keeping the troops in Iraq or you abandon the fight against terrorism by pulling troops from Iraq. And that is the problem with the Republican control of the White House for the last 6 years, they do not see any middle ground, it is all or nothing for them. Bush said it himself not long after 9/11: "either you're with us or against us." What he fails to realize is that maybe other countries around the world want to fight terrorism but not on George Bush's terms. It is the very nature of fascism.
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