I guess I missed my blogiversary or whatever it is called. It was last week. Yay for me!
Archives for 2003
What? No Love For George?
Republicans were described as showing “crass indifference” when unemployment benefits were not extended before the Christmas recess, despite the President’s urging.
Today, however, when Congress passes the legislation as demanded by President Bush, Democrats had this to say:
“Frankly, it’s the least they can do,” said Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, the House Democratic minority leader.
No thanks, just a ‘f— y–‘ from the left. Hey Nancy- Those are, in part, my tax dollars. You are welcome.
It is going to be a long congressional session, marked by lots of high-pitched squealing from the Democrats. In other words, it should be fun.
Paging Yogi Berra
My Governor, Bob Wise, discussing the need to streamline state government to make it more efficient, during his State of the State Address:
” It’s not a question of if we change. The only issue is how and when. I say now..”
Yogi Berra was spotted weeping openly in the audience.
My other favorite Wise quote from tonight:
Some may say step back — we say move forward.
And you do the hokie pokie…
Governor Wise did have one really interesting proposal which just goes to show how far the internet has come, and again, shows where we are going in the future:
Last year, we condensed the budget and the bills to two tiny compact discs and gave them to each member on the first day. We’ve made it a tradition. This year, we’re going a step further:
The executive budget, and my legislative proposals are being transferred as I speak to your email accounts. They also being delivered electronically to the press, to state agencies and many citizens — and we’re saving a ton of paper and printing and postage costs in the process.
Good. An outstanding use of technology that no one should be against (now watch the idiots print them out on ther government computers- ruining the whole purpose).
Where Are the Osbourne’s?
LOS ANGELES(AP) – A gunman who apparently believed his neighbors were demons shot to death a 67-year-old man and critically injured his son before surrendering, police said.
The man was arrested Monday evening after a three-hour standoff at a North Hollywood home.
Does anyone know where Ozzy Osbourne and his son are, and if so, are they in good health?
Tony Blair for Press Secretary
Tony Blair for Press Secretary
Thank Goodness for the Brits. Read some of this speech:
First, we should remain the closest ally of the US, and as allies influence them to continue broadening their agenda. We are the ally of the US not because they are powerful, but because we share their values. I am not surprised by anti-Americanism; but it is a foolish indulgence. For all their faults and all nations have them, the US are a force for good; they have liberal and democratic traditions of which any nation can be proud. I sometimes think it is a good rule of thumb to ask of a country: are people trying to get into it or out of it? It’s not a bad guide to what sort of country it is.
and
The US choice to go through the UN over Iraq was a vital step, in itself and as a symbol of the desire to work with others. A broader agenda is not inimical to the US; on the contrary. For example the US decision to back a new relationship between Nato and Russia has made both missile defence and Nato enlargement easier and less divisive.
The price of British influence is not, as some would have it, that we have, obediently, to do what the US asks. I would never commit British troops to a war I thought was wrong or unnecessary. Where we disagree, as over Kyoto, we disagree.
But the price of influence is that we do not leave the US to face the tricky issues alone. By tricky, I mean the ones which people wish weren’t there, don’t want to deal with, and, if I can put it a little pejoratively, know the US should confront, but want the luxury of criticising them for it.
and
We must reach out to the Muslim world.
This is about three things. It is about even-handedness. The reason there is opposition over our stance on Iraq has less to do with any love of Saddam, but over a sense of double standards. The Middle East peace process remains essential to any understanding with the Muslim and Arab world. The terrorism inflicted upon innocent Israeli citizens is wicked and murderous and undoubtedly will bring strong action from the Israeli government. No democratic government could do otherwise. That is not the point. The point is that unless there is real energy put into crafting a process that can lead to lasting peace, neither the carnage of innocent Israelis nor the appalling suffering of the Palestinians will cease. At the moment the future of the innocent is held hostage by the terrorists.
But reaching out to the Muslim world also means engaging with how those countries move towards greater democratic stability, liberty and human rights. It means building pathways of understanding between Islam and other religious faiths. This seems an odd thing for a politician to say – but then I am used to clerics offering me advice. But we need to engage with mainstream Islam at a theological as well as political level. Inter-faith dialogue is one important part of greater understanding. The fanatics who abuse true Islam have to be challenged by ideas and values as much as by security and arms. They will recruit new volunteers as fast or faster as we imprison or destroy the old ones, unless we are helping those within the faith of Islam who are speaking out in favour of moderation, tolerance and sense.
Again, thank god for the Brits and Tony Blair. I will take one England over the rest of the EU any day of the week.
Cats Rule I was sitting
Cats Rule
I was sitting here at the computer having a snack, and my cat, Tunch, jumped up on the desk to get in the way say Hello. I was eating sliced pineapple, which I like to dip into a little powdered sugar. Tunch stuck his nose down to investigate, not knowing what was on the plate, but still willing to offer his taste-testing skills, got a big snoot of powder up the nose. He then totally freaked out and fell off the desk. I felt bad for him, but I am still laughing.
BTW- IF you are planning on getting a cat, first go buy a couple little boxes to put things in. Like pens. Change. Lighters. Anything that can be knocked off of a flat surface, in other words.
Conservative Media?
The whole media bias thing has been in the forefront lately, so when I see headlines like this, I just have to laugh:
Some Democrats Urge Broad U.S. Military Draft
The exhaustive list of ‘Some Democrats’ include:
Charles Rangel and John Conyers.
I think much of the bias in the media is the result of sheer laziness and stupidity. What do you expect from people who chose journalism because it was easier than political science and history, and they were rewarded for having bleached blonde hair. Expert, thoughtful Analysis?
I guess two Democrats does count as ‘some.’ Someone help us. Please.