Memorial Day 2007
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. — Thomas Jefferson
Politics
What’s in a Number?
There was a minor kerfuffle on the intertubes earlier this week as Digg tried unsuccessfully to limit links to web sites that contained a 16-digit hexadecimal number that is part of the built-in copy protection system used in HD-DVD players. The reason Digg undertook to limit these links is because the AACS Licensing Authority, which … Read more
Mission NOT Accomplished
sigh. You know what I’m talking about. A challenge to my detractors: explain to me, in one simple sentence that speaks to specifics, not lofty ideals, what are our goals in Iraq, and answer specifically, how would you define victory in Iraq? If you can’t do that, then I would appreciate not being labeled a … Read more
Where Have All the Leaders Gone?
A powerful bit of writing, excerpted from Lee Iacocca’s new book: Had Enough? Am I the only guy in this country who’s fed up with what’s happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We’ve got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, … Read more
Two From a Master
While confirming the accuracy of one quote, I came across another that I just had to share. Both are from that great American observer, Mark Twain. The first deals with, what else, the current situation in Washington: Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it. — Mark Twain … Read more
I Wanted to be Wrong
It gives me absolutely no pleasure, but it appears I was right, 4 years ago today.
Abuse of Power?
Ted Rall’s cartoons often raise valid points, but are also often so extreme that their message is lost in delivery. No so with today’s observation. As I have been known to ask folks who fail to see the problem with the erosion of our civil liberties, and who feel they must trust the president, because … Read more
America’s Must Do List
America used to stand for something. Does it still? Are we still the shining beacon of hope, the protector and defender of human rights around the world? I believe most Americans wish and believe this to be true. However, in recent times, our actions around the world have lead to a decline in our stature, … Read more
The War in Iran, Part One: Before it Starts
I’ve been mostly silent about the possibility of us starting yet another war under false pretexts, believing that the debacle in Iraq would temper any plans to try and cause a war with Iran. However, these past few months the reports of planning for just such a war continue to be heard, and based on … Read more