Friday, May 29, 2009
Ivan of da InnerToobz
"direct access”—Holy Clap!
Do we really need another unelected, unaccountable Czar? [and weren’t Czars the whole raison d’êtr for that Russian Revolution thang and it’s charming aftermath? just, yanno, sayin’...]
And what’s the actual goal [as opposed to the stated goal] for this Czar at this time?
Cyberspace is real, and so is the risk that comes with it.’
"Our pursuit of cybersecurity will not — I repeat, will not — include monitoring private sector networks or Internet traffic,” Obama said. “We will preserve and protect the personal privacy and civil liberties that we cherish. I remain firmly committed to net neutrality so we can keep the Internet as it should be — open and free."
Here’s your incidental laff of the day:
Mr Obama noted that his own computer system for the presidential campaign at one point last year was compromised by hackers, but said the security of the names and financial information on contributors was intact.*
srsly?
raadio draama
I heard this am on da raadio that purported “conservative” host Mancow decided to get himself waterboarded and then reversed his previously stated opinion and declared it “torture.” Because it made him uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable.
Then he got up and walked away. And went on Olberdoosh.
Now I gloogle it and find that *shock* Mancow is just another radio dooshtool: Mancow’s ‘Waterboarding’ Was Completely Fake Whatever.
Dooshnozzles and publicity whores aside, the controversy remains: is waterboarding actual ‘torture’ or merely an extremely uncomfortable and frightening method of squeezing out some intel?
We seriously demean the term, torture, if we use it to describe every uncomfortable experience. [Otherwise they’d hafta hold Congressional hearings over every speech by the TOTUS. And every bone broken on a soccer field. And every irritating spouse. And TehDailyKox]
So are the Howling Masses calling waterboarding and other enhanced techniques “torture” because they are involuntary experiences? IOW, we made the detainees do it? Whereas similar experiences undergone by our own armed forces during training are considered voluntary and therefore not ‘torture’?
Or is the definition based on the degree of discomfort? [whereupon, given that being ‘detained’ and questioned by infidels or women eek would be extremely uncomfortable, we would have to have them question each other.] Is the definition based on long-lasting physical harm, like a drill to the knee or random missing bits ‘n’ pieces?
Frankly, I don’t much care what happens to those who are genuinely responsible for acts of war against the US and the West: I do care that we stick to our own Values [simmer down—our American Values—not ∏eh n∅∅b’s pseudo, politically advantageous “values"]. I do care about those tasked with this distasteful chore. I want them to have room enough to accomplish their mission, constraint enough to keep them on the up and up, and support enough that they know the rules can’t be changed on them after the fact.
So. How do we manage that?
EUroweenies skittery about terrorists?
Restoring America in the eyes of the World as a laughing stock
...German officials complained that the Obama administration has not shared enough details from the Uighurs’ files to allow an independent assessment of whether they pose a security risk. More trouble emerged when Washington stipulated that the Uighurs would be barred from traveling to the United States.
“If the U.S. says they should come here, but they cannot travel to the U.S., we would have to ask why not?” said a German Interior Ministry official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. “Does that mean they are dangerous?”
...European officials involved in the negotiations said Obama administration officials had assured them that some detainees who are not considered security threats would be released in the United States, while others would be prosecuted in U.S. courts…
“Our European allies have made it quite clear that they expect our help and participation in solving the problem of Guantanamo, which we created,” [said Susan Baker Manning, a Washington lawyer who represents two Uighurs seeking to go to Munich.]
Yeah. Of Course. It’s Bush’s Fault©. ‘Cept it’s not. Bush didn’t attack the US—iSlamopithecus did. Then they attended training camps/indoctrination centers, dressed down, armed up and hit the battle field. We responded.
So, ∏eh Bambi; if yer so damn burdened by the “inherited problems,” whyinhell did you apply for the job in the first place? It’s not like those extant “problems” were a mystery.
Whatever Happened to "none of your business"?
Americans forget their rights
What would say if the county asked you these questions about a private gathering of 15 or so people in your own home?
‘Do you have a regular meeting in your home?’
‘Do you say amen?’
‘Do you pray?’
‘Do you say praise the Lord?’
Every Tuesday night about 15 people drive to [pastor David Jones]’s Bonita home to eat dinner and discuss the Bible. They usually park on Jones’ property, he said, but sometimes that parking spills out into the cul-de-sac.
Last month, someone filed a complaint about the number of cars.
That code enforcement officer asked the questions above, to which the pastor’s wife answered “yes.” First mistake.
In April, Jones received a written warning for “unlawful use of land” and was ordered to stop hosting his “religious assemblies."
They’re trying to make the Jonses’ get a permit for a ‘church’—which won’t happen in a residential neighborhood. But what if they were holding a weekly ACORN meeting? or discussing string theory - in Mandarin?
"We want to make sure—whether they’re on a public road or a private road—that they’re parking safely; that we can get fire trucks in; that we can get police vehicles in,” [Chandra Wallar of the county’s land use and environment group] said.
Well, that’s fine. That’s their job. If there’s a complaint, go give out some tickets. Suggest car pooling. But the content of their discussions is strictly none of the county’s business.
Jones said a visitor to a neighbor’s house called the County after a Bible study member hit the visitor’s car while leaving. Shortly after, a county code enforcement officer gave him a citation that said he needed a permit to host the weekly Bible study meetings, he said.
Revenge by zoning board—not uncommon. ...for Statists.
But it brings to light one of the biggest hazard areas of the Shadow Government of regulators, bureaucracies and agencies which pass regulations that carry the force of law with hardly any oversight by elected officials and damn near none by citizens who have to live with ‘em. That’s our mistake—not taking time to keep an eye on these regulators or supporting the people/organizations who do.
I was under the impression that one is only legally required to answer questions posed by an actual police officer when he is investigating an actual crime. And he must demonstrate to you, the citizen, that those questions are relative to the crime under investigation. No fishing expeditions. [this is where ya’ll jump in and correct my naive assumptions][please]
Without that restriction, a “zoning enforcement officer” can—and often does—become a petty tyrant.
I look forward to Pacific Justice Institute being all over this one.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I do not think that concept means what you think it means.
...box of noodles
Restoring our respect in the World…
A year ago, Pelosi was labeled a “disgusting figure” in a commentary by the state-run Xinhua news service. ... in 1991, she helped unveil a banner in Tiananmen Square honoring “those who died for democracy in China” .... “she confused right with wrong… (and) hurt the feelings of the Chinese people and impaired China-U.S. relations."
That’s the background—this is the current visit. Nanny is using a “new approach.”
The new approach has been welcomed in China. “At the beginning, I was surprised,” says Zhu Feng, a international studies professor at Peking University. “She is a big mouth and a very harsh critic of Chinese human rights..."
Dimples Pelosi
Turning around her usual criticisms about human rights, Pelosi linked global warming to environmental justice, saying the right to a clean environment is a basic human right.
..."They also have to do it with openness, transparency and accountability to the people,” she said. “Everyone has to have their situation improved by it.”
“In every country, not just China and the U.S., the global climate crisis is best surmounted with transparency and openness, respect for the rule of law and accountability to the people,”...
Next week, TurboTaxTimmy Geithner travels to Beijing.
*face palm*
"Wings"
Ridin’ that train Bull . . .
weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Energy-drink maker Red Bull GmbH’s push into cola sales is facing its first major setback in Germany, where local lawmakers began pulling Red Bull Simply Cola off shelves after a study found the drink contains trace elements of cocaine.
...In a statement issued Monday, Red Bull, based near Salzburg, Austria, said “decocainized coca leaf extracts” like those contained in Red Bull Simply Cola are permitted under U.S. and European drug laws. “Use of the extract is regarded in the U.S. and Europe as harmless and nonimpairing.”
...About 100,000 liters of the cola would need to be consumed to be harmful,... “There is no danger” from Red Bull Simply Cola, said Bernhard Kuehnle, head of the food-safety department at the federal ministry for consumer protection. “But that has nothing to do with it being allowed or forbidden."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Oh *Here's* a Good Idea
snug in my handbasket, headed for Europe
Most of the options being discussed for financing health reform — higher taxes for the rich, added levies on business and introducing taxes on sugar-laden sodas to name a few — have one thing in common. They won’t cover the bill.
That has rekindled at least some Washington interest in a value-added tax, a sort of national sales tax,
[Aside: why does this foo’ still have a campaign website?]
Barack Obama’s tax plan delivers broad-based tax relief to middle class families ...
Obama’s Comprehensive Tax Policy Plan for America will:
Cut taxes for 95 percent of workers and their families
Fable. Fabrication. Distortion. Prevarication. Revilement. Tall STory. Whopper. Hyperbole. Flaming Bullshitte. Falsification. Dissimulation. Horse Hockey. Misinform. Snow Job. Fake.
Will She Say it With a Straight Face?
or just flush white*
U.S. Code
TLE 28 > PART I > CHAPTER 21 > § 453Each justice or judge of the United States shall take the following oath or affirmation before performing the duties of his office:
“I, [insert name here], do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me as [insert title here] under the Constitution and laws of the United States. So help me God.”
*hey! If she can promote basing judicial decisions on race, I can make race jokes.
“race” jokes - as opposed to “racist” jokes: discuss
Say Whaaa?
International Testes Testeys
"Those who provoke [North Korea] once will not be able to escape its unimaginable and merciless punishment,” the North’s official news agency said.
Just for keeping in mind…
"The DPRK conducted another nuclear test in disregard of the common opposition of the international community,” a Foreign Ministry statement, issued May 25, noted. “The Chinese government is firmly opposed to this act.”
Is that so? Today, China supplies about 90% of North Korea’s oil, 80% of its consumer goods and 45% of its food. Beijing is Pyongyang’s only formal military ally and its primary backer in the United Nations Security Council and other diplomatic forums. If it weren’t for the Chinese, there would be no North Korean missile program, no North Korean nuclear program and no North Korea.
...
Balance. of Powah.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Rabid Troll on the Loose
uh oh
North Korea’s military says it considers South Korea’s participation in a U.S.-led program to intercept ships suspected of spreading weapons of mass destruction tantamount to a declaration of war against the North.
The communist North’s military said in a statement Wednesday that it will respond with “immediate, strong military measures” if the South actually stops and searches any North Korean ships under the Proliferation Security Initiative.
And the ChiComs say . . .
*crickets*
Here They Come...
walkin’ down your street...
Nanny Statists on the march.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told a group of reporters at the National Press Club ... “It is a way to coerce people out of their cars."
... “If somebody wants to ride their bike, if--to work or to the place of employment or to other places--mass transit, light rail--creating opportunities for what we call livable communities.” ... “Now, look, every community is not going to be a livable community. “
Work downstairs, live upstairs in your 800 sf apartment, [one door to lock when the shtf] riding a crowded, sticky “smart train” or the ideal transportation in both summer heat and winter storm—a bike. Options! That’s what America is all about!
But at least LaHood caaares...
"Some conservative groups are wary of the livable communities program, saying it’s an example of government intrusion into people’s lives,” said the moderator. “How do you respond?”
“About everything we do around here is government intrusion in people’s lives,” said LaHood. “So have at it.”
At least they’re transparent about it…
And from Great Sharia Britain,
Government advisers are developing menus to combat climate change by cutting out “high carbon” food such as meat from sheep, whose burping poses a serious threat to the environment.
I do not think that word means what you think it means.
The Carbon Trust, a government-funded firm, is working with food and drink companies to calculate the “carbon footprints” of products - sometimes with surprising results.
Coca-Cola, for example, generates only about half the greenhouse gas emissions of Innocent’s “smoothies”. Cadbury’s chocolate generates about 4½lb for every 2.2lb eaten - less than half that from theof CO2 [sic????] same weight of chicken.
So, as we progress on a diet of Coke and Cadbury’s eww, someone check just how much Algore is making from The Carbon Trust.
The Exquisite Subtlety of International Diplomacy
...
Yeah—let’s have a meet-up…
"We think those who assume restoring nuclear weapons can have the upper hand in political equations are politically retarded," [said Ahmadinejad]
The Ill Little Kim appeared not to respond.
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad proposed on Monday a face-to-face debate with President Barack Obama at the United Nations if he is re-elected next month as Iran’s president.
[Reiterating] that Iran would never abandon its advances in uranium enrichment in exchange for offers of easing sanctions or other economic incentives.
...The nuclear issue “is closed,” he [said]
Friday, May 22, 2009
Keeping You Safe...
from capitalism
Letter to the editor
My name is George C. Joseph. I am the sole owner of Sunshine Dodge-Isuzu, a family owned and operated business in Melbourne, Florida. My family bought and paid for this automobile franchise 35 years ago in 1974. I am the second generation to manage this business.
On Thursday, May 14, 2009 I was notified that my Dodge franchise, that we purchased, will be taken away from my family on June 9, 2009 without compensation and given to another dealer at no cost to them
Allow me to highlight: my Dodge franchise, that we purchased ... will be taken away from my family ... without compensation and given to another dealer at no cost to them.
But wait: there’s mooore.
My new vehicle inventory consists of 125 vehicles with a financed balance of 3 million dollars. This inventory becomes impossible to sell with no factory incentives beyond June 9, 2009. Without the Dodge franchise we can no longer sell a new Dodge as “new,” nor will we be able to do any warranty service work. Additionally, my Dodge parts inventory, (approximately $300,000.) is virtually worthless without the ability to perform warranty service. There is no offer from Chrysler to buy back the vehicles or parts inventory.
Our facility was recently totally renovated at Chrysler’s insistence, incurring a multi-million dollar debt in the form of a mortgage at Sun Trust Bank.
...most likely force my family into bankruptcy. This will also cause our 50+ employees to be unemployed.
...
HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN IN A FREE MARKET ECONOMY IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA?
Word of the Day: Economic Fascism
"Cowboy Words in a Lawyah Voice"
honeymoon over?
Start at 2:00. A most interesting juxtaposition.
[and the most damning thing Jon Leibowitz could have said to/about ∏eh ∅ne ]
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | M - Th 11p / 10c | |||
| American Idealogues | ||||
| ||||
OR *clicky*clicky*
[nothing worth your while after 3:00 - just same ‘ol same ‘ol]
"Cowboy Words in a Lawyah Voice"
honeymoon over?
Start at 2:00. A most interesting juxtaposition.
[and the most damning thing Jon Leibowitz could have said to/about ∏eh ∅ne ]
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | M - Th 11p / 10c | |||
| American Idealogues | ||||
| ||||
OR *clicky*clicky*
[nothing worth your while after 3:00 - just same ‘ol same ‘ol]
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{/if}
