« December 2005 | Main | February 2006 »
January 31, 2006
A Great PoliticalSports Type Site
I just stumbled onto this site. I will put in a link over on the left. It looks very interesting, fun and potentially profitable.
http://www.tradesports.com/aav2/menu.jsp
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:40 PM | Comments (0)
Another Win for Big Industry, Another Loss for the Environment
It seems that the EPA has just approved a deal to designed by the Farming Industry, which will allow them to disregard environmental regulations for up to four years for the purpose of "studying" pollution.
The Bush administration will exempt thousands of farms that raise poultry, cattle and hogs from heavy fines for fouling the air and water with animal excrement in exchange for data to help curb future pollution.
The Environmental Protection Agency has signed agreements with 2,681 animal feeding operations in the egg, chicken, turkey, dairy and hog industries. They would be exempt from having to pay potential fines of up to $27,500 a day for violations either in the past or over the next four years.
The Sierra Club responds
What is most disturbing is that the deal was created by the polluters and for the polluters. Industry lobbyists approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the fall of 2001 with their own proposal, and the administration's final deal closely mirrors the polluters' wish list. What's more, leaked electronic mail correspondence revealed the frequent and close access that polluters had to the administration: from private monthly meetings, to the chance to draft presentations for EPA officials to deliver.
Similar to the Insurance Industry, which wrote most of the new Senior Prescription Drug Plan, industry lobbyists secured a huge win for their clients.
Thanks to Bad Attitudes (BA) for the information and links.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:17 PM | Comments (1)
Gonzales Lies to Congress
The Washington Post reported today that Russ Feingold is charging Gonzales mislead Congress during his confirmation hearings for Attorney General (WaPo)
At the hearing, Feingold asked Gonzales where the president's authority ends and whether Gonzales believed the president could, for example, act in contravention of existing criminal laws and spy on U.S. citizens without a warrant.
Gonzales said that it was impossible to answer such a hypothetical question but that it was "not the policy or the agenda of this president" to authorize actions that conflict with existing law. He added that he would hope to alert Congress if the president ever chose to authorize warrantless surveillance, according to a transcript of the hearing......
Gonzales was White House counsel at the time the program began and has since acknowledged his role in affirming the president's authority to launch the surveillance effort. Gonzales is scheduled to testify Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee on the program's legal rationale.
One should remember that the administration's strategy is based on achieving particular ends irrespective of means. Truth, and law, are used or dismissed, depending on their value in scoring. Too many times over the past five years we see where the President and his administration interprets the law they way they want. They are merely tools to use to further political gains, without any other inherent value. Gonzales just followed the administration game plan, nothing more, nothing less.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:48 PM | Comments (1)
Tonight on Subject 2 Discussion - Come listen in at 10:30 EST
Come listen to me tonight, 10:30 Eastern Time, 7:30 on the West Coast, on Subject 2 Discussion, a live Internet radio program. I will be discussing Bush's State of the Union speech.
To listen LIVE go to http://www.LVROCKS.com and click on LISTEN and click on CAM/CHAT.
To post questions to the program go to the blog at SUBJECT2DISCUSSION.com
For those who miss the LIVE program can catch up with the podcast.
If you have an IPOD and wish to subscribe to the feed here is the RSS url:
http://podcasts.lvrocks.com/rss.aspx?channelid=5
If you do not have an IPOD you can still listen to the podcast version by going to this address and choosing the previous editions of the program:
http://podcasts.lvrocks.com/details.aspx?castid=5
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:25 AM | Comments (2)
January 30, 2006
Why CBS Misleads on Abramoff
CBS reported tonight that the Abramoff scandal was bipartisan. They said that though Democrats did not receive money directly from Abramoff, like the Republicans, they did receive cash from his clients. The American Prospect reports the results of a non-partisan research group that analyzed Abramoff and client donations. (AmPros)
But the Morris and Associates analysis, which was done exclusively for The Prospect, clearly shows that it's highly misleading to suggest that the tribes's giving to Dems was in any way comparable to their giving to the GOP. The analysis shows that when Abramoff took on his tribal clients, the majority of them dramatically ratcheted up donations to Republicans. Meanwhile, donations to Democrats from the same clients either dropped, remained largely static or, in two cases, rose by a far smaller percentage than the ones to Republicans did. This pattern suggests that whatever money went to Democrats, rather than having been steered by Abramoff, may have largely been money the tribes would have given anyway.
The analysis includes a detailed look at seven of Abramoff's tribal clients, and a comparison of their giving with that of approximately 170 other tribes. (Abramoff is often said to have had nine tribal clients. But Morris omitted two of the tribes - the Pueblo of Santa Clara, whose donations were virtually nonexistent, and the Tigua Indian Reservation, because it isn't listed in Federal lobbying files as having a lobbyist and Abramoff worked on contingency. At any rate Santa Clara’s post-Abramoff donations to the GOP were overwhelmingly higher than to Dems, so including them would have added even more to the GOP side of the ledger.)
So why would CBS ignore this information? So they don't get burned by the highly partisan Republicans. CBS assumes, with good reason, that the Republicans will punish them if they do not do absolutely everything possible to be "fair and balanced". That means that each side in this, and all, debates is seen as equally at fault. If not, one can expect that regulators will come down hard on CBS in one way or another. It might be some regulation, it might be a request for some type of application or approval, whatever. The point is that the Republicans will make their business that much harder. That would hurt their bottom line, and they don't want that. Their goal is to increase their business. Too often that means pleasing the political powers that be, which in this case means the Republicans and the White House.
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:36 PM | Comments (0)
WOW? - Words of Wisdom? 1/30
What luck for the rulers that men do not think.
~ Adolf Hitler
Posted by Chip Spear at 6:10 PM | Comments (2)
Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah, Nah
You can't catch me.
Al Qaeda's number two is standing behind a tree, taunting Bush, teasing him, over and over again. You can't catch me, you are a loser, you're a liar, you're bad luck. If American's die, it is your fault. (CNN)
Al-Zawahiri directs a message to President Bush.
"My first message is to the butcher of Washington, Bush: You are not just defeated and lying about it, but you are, with God's help, a loser. You are bad luck to your people. You brought them disasters and catastrophes, and you will bring them even more disasters."
Al-Zawahiri also taunts the U.S. president, saying, "Bush, do you know where I am? I am among the Muslim masses enjoying their care with God's blessings and sharing with them their holy war against you until we defeat you, God willing."
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah you can't catch me...........and off he goes into the night.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:57 PM | Comments (2)
Director's Cup Rankings
For those of you interested in college sports, beyond the major action, you might find this site interesting. The Director's Cup ranks all schools based on results from every varsity sport. View the final fall results here.
It is fun to poke around the site, to see who won in the past, get a little history of who does well in which sports. Plus I enjoy looking at all the small schools, to see who has successful programs.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:00 PM | Comments (0)
Fabulous Fumble of the Week - President George
We don't like to pick on our President too much, however he does fumble so much that we can't help ourselves. Personally I think he does have a disarming sense of humor. I loved his comment during last week's press conference about wearing helmets while the camera was hanging down. That was pretty funny. What was not funny was his statement accusing the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans of not having any sort of reconstruction plan. This occurred shortly after his administration rejected a plan proposed by La. Representative Baker and supported by (NYT)
But the Bush administration refuses to support the plan of Representative Richard Baker, Republican of Louisiana, which would give everyone the capacity to rebuild and which had the backing of the mayor, the governor and the state's Congressional delegation. (To add insult to injury, two days after the White House shot down Mr. Baker's proposal, President Bush suggested at a news conference that Louisiana's problem was the lack of a plan.)
Instead of an alternate solution, the president's Katrina czar, Donald Powell, has offered sleight of hand, touting $6.2 billion in development money for Louisiana passed last year by Congress as if it were somehow a substitute. And in an attempt to narrow the scope of the problem, Mr. Powell says the government first needs to care for the roughly 20,000 homeowners without flood insurance who lived outside the federally designated flood plain. The real tally of destroyed or damaged homes in the region is well over 200,000. And the real need is housing for residents, whether they were renters or owners, insured or uninsured, living above the flood plain or trusting the federal government's levees to protect them from storms.
In addition, NPR reported last week that many residents have no idea where to go for help. Federal, State and local agencies are not coordinating actions or funding. People are confused. Hurricane Katrina created the worst natural disaster in our nation's history. If there were ever a time for the Federal government to step up to the plate and take control of the game, this is it. There are no excuses. For the President to say that he has never seen a plan two days after rejecting such a plan earns our dear leader this week's Fabulous Fumble Award.
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:33 AM | Comments (2)
Player of the Week, Jan. 30, 2006 - Mahmoud al-Zahar
This week's Political Player of the Week Award has to go to the alledged leader of Hamas, Mahmoud al-Zahar. (Alleged because Hamas will not officially announce a leader for fear he will be assassinated by Israel) The upset win in last week's Palestinian elections certainly ranks as one of the bigger surprises in the crazy world of Mid-East politics. Over the past few years Hamas has carefully expanded its support by filling the void left by Fatah politicians. Not only have they led the terrorist fight against Israel, but they have played a significant role in providing needed services for the poor. By providing food and educational support they showed many Palestinians that they care about more than just the destruction of their neighbor.
Their political strategy appealed not only to Palestinians anger, but their hearts, minds and stomachs, which is far more than the Fatah accomplished over the past decade. Rather than addressing the needs of their constituents, the Fatah leadership seemed more concerned with laundering aid money into personal Swiss bank accounts. This left the playing field to Hamas. Under the leadership of Mahmoud al-Zahar they took advantage in ever way imaginable and scored big time. Many political analysts recognized that Hamas was a force with the people, but no one, not Israeli intelligence, the CIA, western scholars, or news media knew the depth of that support. Mahmoud deserves this week's Political Sports Award.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:33 AM | Comments (4)
January 29, 2006
Politics and Money
U.S. Internet companies are relucant to participate in Congressional briefings about their business dealings with the Chinese government. The issue is restriction of Internet searches and the tracking of data.
The firms were asked to attend the February 1 briefing by the Congressional Human Rights Caucus following uproar caused by search giant Google's decision last week to censor websites and content banned by China's propaganda chiefs.
"We have heard from Microsoft that no representative from the company will attend the briefing. So, with Cisco Systems, this makes two companies that have confirmed they're opting out," Lynne Weil, spokeswoman for caucus co-chairman Democratic Representative Tom Lantos (news, bio, voting record), told AFP.
As the briefing date gets closer, "others are still unfortunately keeping us in suspense," she said. "It is mystifying why these companies would not want to take part after all this is an opportunity to clear their names," Weil said.
Google agreed to censor websites and content in its search service launched Wednesday in China.
The move followed similar actions by rivals Microsoft and Yahoo in cooperating with Chinese censorship.
From a business strategy, this is a losing proposition for the Internet companies. Why is it in their financial interests to comply? I am sure that they might get some negative feedback from various human rights groups and maybe some politicians, but the longer term impact by backing out of China is far more consequencial. It is a huge market, which they could easily lose if they leave. In addition, there is the hypocritical position of many critics in that they currently support hundreds of companies who are doing business in China. Thousands if not millions of Americans buy products made in China, a place that does not pay proper wages or necessarily comply with acceptable safety and environmental standards. Where is the protest about this? I am sure the same Internet companies see this hypocrisy and think it better to keep their mouths shut. The strategy is financial not necessarily ethical. The way they score is by making money. They all seem to view the current strategy as being more benefial to their own game than that played by the politicians. In addition, I have never seen a business plan that indicated Google is required to provide every single person in the world access to every piece of information they desire.
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:15 PM | Comments (1)
January 26, 2006
George Wants it ALL
What is to stop him from using the same excuse for any and everything? (Slate)
The final problem with Gonzales' theories of unfettered executive authority is that they, as the lawyers say, prove too much. The Article II plus AUMF justification for warrant-less spying is essentially the same one the administration has advanced to excuse torture; ignore the Geneva Conventions; and indefinitely hold even U.S. citizens without a hearing, charges, or trial. Torture and detention without due process are bad enough. But why does this all-purpose rationale not also extend to press censorship or arresting political opponents, were the president to deem such measures vital to the nation's security?
Stalin and Hitler constantly used the excuse of National Security to extend their personal power. It is an old tactic, and so far is alive and well in America.
Posted by Chip Spear at 5:27 PM | Comments (1)
Google Plays China
The recent controversy about Google restricting its search results in China makes me think that people should get a grip. Google is a business, not a non-profit working on human rights issues, nor a government entity. It's purpose is to make money within the rule of law. Google turned down U.S. government requests for information on searches in the U.S. because it felt the government action was outside the law. This is not the case with China. Yes, it would be great if Google could transact business in the same way it does here, however we are not talking about torture or killing, we are talking about a very limited amount of information. Google wants to be a part of the huge Chinese market, as do many other American businesses. They act within Chinese laws. I think most people think China will get more democratic over time. Google wants to be a player in the market as that happens. They certainly don't want to be an outsider looking at other companies making huge amounts of money, controlling the market, while they wait until the Chinese government allows a specified list of search terms.
We should not forget a journey starts with one small step.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:07 PM | Comments (0)
An Admirable Goal
From Sports Illustrated's print edition, Kris Benson, former pitcher for the NY Mets, was traded to the Baltimore Orioles last week. He mentioned that he looked forward to playing there and working with pitching coach Leo Mazzone.
His wife said she was excited because it would allow her and hubby to have sex at yet another major league ballpark.... She also expressed a desire to "christen the parking lot" of Camden Yards, a reference to the couple's plan to make love at every stadium Kris plays in.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:01 PM | Comments (1)
Bush Lies Again
The Bush Administration was thrown for another loss today with this revelation.
In June, 2002, Republican Sen. Michael DeWine of Ohio introduced legislation (S. 2659) which would have eliminated the exact barrier to FISA which Gen. Hayden yesterday said is what necessitated the Administration bypassing FISA. Specifically, DeWine's legislation proposed:
to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to modify the standard of proof for issuance of orders regarding non-United States persons from probable cause to reasonable suspicion. . . .
In other words, DeWine's bill, had it become law, would have eliminated the "probable cause" barrier (at least for non-U.S. persons) which the Administration is now pointing to as the reason why it had to circumvent FISA.....
The Administration's claim that the "probable cause" component of FISA was preventing it from engaging in the eavesdropping it needed is the opposite of what it told Congress when refusing to support the DeWine Amendment. And its claim that Congress knew of and approved of its FISA-bypassing eavesdrop program is plainly negated by the fact that the same Congress was debating whether such changes should be effectuated and then refused to approve much less extreme changes to FISA than what the Administration secretly implemented on its own (and which it now claims Congress authorized).
As long as they think the strategy works they will not change course.
Posted by Chip Spear at 1:17 PM | Comments (0)
Hamas Hits a Grand Slam
What a real surprise. I don't think anyone really expected Hamas to actually win a majority in yesterday's Palestinian elections. And now that they have, the question that is everywhere in the media is, "Now what?" War? Peace? Stalemate? Higher walls? More terrorism? More targeted Israeli strikes? Uneasy truce? Ah, if I could only see into the future, I would be a very rich man. From a strategic standpoint I doubt that Hamas wants to commit suicide. I doubt that they will be too blatant in advocating Israel's destruction now that they are running the country. They know that Israel has the guns and army to inflict an amazing amount to physical destruction. Israel can also tighten the borders to make it very hard for Hamas to strike back. It will not be impossible, but hard. Over time, if no one is too stupid, the reality of governing a country will change their policy. Many Palestinians rely on Israel for their livelihood. They need Israel. If they can't work and can't trade, Hamas will have serious internal problems. I feel that eventually they will begin a slowly reach out to the Israelis. How it manifests itself is anyone's guess. Is this assured? No, but it seems a reasonable course of action. There are many other variables here, including Al Qaeda and Iran getting involved in the mix, but I think that the potential for serious damage by Israel will preclude them from being too influential.
These issues are further complicated by the uncertainty in Israel with Sharon's stroke. So much is up in the air. We don't know who is going to lead Israel and what policies they will implement. Will they continue to withdraw settlements or reverse course? Will they attack Hamas if terrorism continues? If so, to what degree? We don't know how Hamas will combine its radical past with governing a country. So many questions and so few answers.
Posted by Chip Spear at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)
January 25, 2006
Mid-East Peace Talks - One Confusing Game
With Hamas winning 40% of yesterday's vote, and Sharon out for the count with his stroke, we are looking at one confusing game in the Middle East. It is unclear what is going on in Israel with the peace plan. Since Sharon was the main driver of the offense, no one knows what will happen until after their elections. Will the Israelis continue to withdraw from occupied territories, will they strengthen existing settlements or even build more? We don't know.
Hamas advocates the destruction of Israel and they now play a major role in the official government. Granted, they said little preceding the election to remind the world of their violent past, but they haven't renounced it. What can we expect from the Palestinians? Peace? War? More terrorism? These are interesting times.
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:28 PM | Comments (0)
Player of the Week for Jan. 23, 2006 - Osama bin Laden
I normally try to post the Player of the Week Award on Mondays, but I was swamped with work the past couple of days which prevented me from getting to this.
A hearty congratulations to our friend, Osama bin Laden. He has once again managed to throw the American media into a tizzy with his latest audio tape. Nobody hears a word from the guy for over a year. Many analysts think he is dead, even the President thinks he is no longer a factor, then voila! there he is, announcing to the world that he is still breathing and more than ready to ready to kick some more American butt. Top that off with new reports from ABC News that the Taliban is gaining control of large areas of the Pakistan tribal lands and things suddenly don't look too good for our war on terror. (ABCNews)
Al Qaeda and its former protectors — the Taliban — are in the midst of a powerful resurgence, according to accounts by local officials and information contained in new al Qaeda videotapes obtained by ABC News.
U.S. troops are not permitted inside Pakistan, and the Pakistani army is barely seen in this part of Waziristan Province.....
The tape claims Taliban officials have taken over government functions. There is no date on the tape, but in the last month ABC News reporters have confirmed that Western aid organizations have been forced out, their headquarters burned, schools shut down, teachers and journalists killed, and music banned.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:34 PM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2006
Tonight on Subject 2 Discussion
Come listen to me tonight, 10:30 Eastern Time, 7:30 on the West Coast, on Subject 2 Discussion, a live Internet radio program. I will be discussing the latest topics in today's political arena.
To listen LIVE go to http://www.LVROCKS.com and click on LISTEN and click on CAM/CHAT.
To post questions to the program go to the blog at SUBJECT2DISCUSSION.com
For those who miss the LIVE program can catch up with the podcast.
If you have an IPOD and wish to subscribe to the feed here is the RSS url:
http://podcasts.lvrocks.com/rss.aspx?channelid=5
If you do not have an IPOD you can still listen to the podcast version by going to this address and choosing the previous editions of the program:
http://podcasts.lvrocks.com/details.aspx?castid=5
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:09 PM | Comments (2)
WOW? - Words of Wisdom? 1/24
Set your goals high, and don't stop till you get there.
~ Bo Jackson
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:56 PM | Comments (2)
I Can Only Laugh
Iran threatens to accelerate their nuclear enrichment program if they are referred to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions. (AP) Here is a government that is caught lying and cheating about their nuclear program. When confronted they essentially say, "Fuck You". Turn us in to the cops and were going to really screw you. Can the rest of the world make them stop? Will they? How?
Soltaniyeh, in comments to The Associated Press, warned against referral, suggesting such a "hasty decision" would backfire.
Whether Iran's suspension of its full-scale enrichment program remains in effect "depends on the decision of Feb. 2," he said. If the board votes for referral, he said, Iran would resume efforts to fully develop its nascent enrichment activities.
Iran insists its nuclear ambitions do not go beyond wanting to generate fuel, but concerns are growing that its focus is on making nuclear weapons.
These guys are playing a tough game. They are very good. If we were playing poker I would say they are calling our bluff. How do you want to play it?
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:49 PM | Comments (0)
George Caught in Another Lie
The NY Times reported that the Department of Homeland Security told the White House that Hurricane Katrina would create an excessive amount of damage and exceed their previous doomsday predictions. This clearly contradicts the President's assertions that no one expected such a disaster. (NYT)
A Homeland Security Department report submitted to the White House at 1:47 a.m. on Aug. 29, hours before the storm hit, said, "Any storm rated Category 4 or greater will likely lead to severe flooding and/or levee breaching."
The internal department documents, which were forwarded to the White House, contradict statements by President Bush and the homeland security secretary, Michael Chertoff, that no one expected the storm protection system in New Orleans to be breached.
"I don't think anyone anticipated the breach of the levees," Mr. Bush said in a television interview on Sept. 1. "Now we're having to deal with it, and will."
Other documents to be released Tuesday show that the weekend before Hurricane Katrina made landfall, Homeland Security Department officials predicted that its impact would be worse than a doomsday-like emergency planning exercise conducted in Louisiana in July 2004.
In that drill, held because of common knowledge that New Orleans was susceptible to hurricane-driven flooding, emergency planners predicted that in a Category 3 storm, one million people would be forced to move away, 17 percent of the nation's oil refining capacity would be knocked out and as many as 60,000 lives might be lost.
With all the issues in the media now I doubt that this will get huge traction in the mainstream press, but it is still another big loss for the President.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:28 PM | Comments (0)
January 23, 2006
Bush Poll Ratings Down Again
President Bush's poll ratings are down to a 36% approval rating according to The American Research Group (ARG) 58% disapprove of his job performance.
When it comes to Bush's handling of the economy, 34% approve and 60% disapprove.
Among Americans registered to vote, 37% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 58% disapprove. When it comes to the way Bush is handling the economy, 35% of registered voters approve of the way Bush is handling the economy and 60% disapprove.
The NY Times last week cited another statistic that was interesting, 22% of Americans still believe that Saddam had direct links to Al Qaeda and the 9/11 attacks. Can we assume that all 22% support President Bush? How smart are these people, considering that absolutely no link has ever been found despite great media attention, between Saddam and Al Qaeda? 14% of the American public, who know there is no link support him, and the rest are.........?
Posted by Chip Spear at 6:28 PM | Comments (0)
Today's Quote - 1/23
An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.
~ Victor Hugo
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:32 PM | Comments (3)
Fabulous Fumble of the Week - Chris Matthews
Chris Matthews wins this past week's Fabulous Fumble award for his statements comparing administration critic Michael Moore and Osama Bin Laden. I wrote a short entry last week, and don't want to repeat what I already wrote, but suffice it to say that the comparison is highly inappropriate no matter what one's political persuasion. Michael Moore does not run a terrorist organization, has not planned and executed an attack that killed over 3000 Americans, plus destroyed some rather significant real estate. Mr. Matthews said that we, the public, misconstrued him. I ask, "Whose fault is that?" Perhaps you should have been more precise in your description.
Congratulations on your win, Chris.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:57 PM | Comments (1)
January 20, 2006
Weekend Playoff Picks
Since I am on such a roll with the football picks, 1 for 4 last week, I thought I would put in my Great Guesses for this weekend.
Steelers @ Broncos
The Steelers seem to be playing with I-beams, rods, and every piece of heavy equipment, including one big bus, they can come up with. They complete shutdown Peyton last week and I think they will do the same with Jake. This team is on fire, and while the Broncos are very good, and haven't lost at home in over a year, I think their streak will end. Ben and Bus will get it done, not by much, but they will find a way to win an imperfect game. Steelers by 4.
Panthers @ Seahawks
After last week, I believe. The Panthers are for real. No fake kittens are they. The big black cats are playing some mighty tough football. I know their offense is dominated by Steve Smith. Take him out and they might have nothing, but so far it has worked pretty well. I think they will figure out a way to keep getting him the ball. Delhomme is battle tested. He knows the drill and can deliver under pressure. Like the Broncos, the Seahawks are very good, and they will have Alexander back, but I don't think it will be enough. I think Delhomme is better than Hasselback, especially in a championship game. I like the underdog here too. Panthers by 3.
If the Panthers play the same way they have the past couple of weeks, and the Steelers win, I think we will be in for a great Super Bowl.
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:43 PM | Comments (3)
Today's Quote - 1/20
There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between.
~ Pat Riley
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:28 PM | Comments (3)
Chris, And Here I Thought You Were A Closet Democrat
Chris Matthews said that Osama bin Laden (remember who he is?) reminded him of an over the top Michael Moore. This is starting to get a lot of media attention, especially on the blogs. You can get more info here. It certainly is worth considering what would happen if Chris said the same thing about Ann Coulter or Rush Limbaugh or any of a number of other Republican advocates. His statement is certainly a tactic used by the Republican right. Has Chris joined them and become "Foxified"? Has he lost objectivity? What would be his motivation? Has he succumbed to corporate pressure to support the administration? If we assume he has become a right wing advocate he has quickly stooped very low. Perhaps he is just trying to generate some controversy. I am sure that many folks will tune in tonight to see if he issues some type of apology.
Posted by Chip Spear at 1:15 PM | Comments (3)
January 19, 2006
Well, Look at This
Shortly after I posted my analysis of Iran I found this.
"In case of sanctions, other countries will suffer as well as Iran," Oil Minister Davoud Danesh-Jafari said, according to the official news agency, IRNA.
"One of the consequences will be the unleashing of a crisis in the oil sector and particularly a price hike."
Iran, the number two oil exporter in OPEC with oil revenue last year of 42 billion dollars, risks being referred to the United Nations Security Council over what the West suspects is a covert nuclear weapons drive.
I sure am glad that Bush/Cheney announced an all out research and development program for alternative fuels, U.S. energy independence, and gas and oil conservation. Because of their program, we will be able to ignore economic blackmail and prevent them from pursuing their nuclear program and blowing up Israel.....:-)
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:19 PM | Comments (1)
Today's Quote - 1/19
I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me.
~ Dudley Field Malone
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:16 PM | Comments (0)
Iran - What Now?
The situation and strategies
Iran ------
Ambitious, Arrogant Leadership
Wants to lead the Muslim World
Exceptionally rich
Hates the West
Wants to destroy Israel
Leadership doesn't travel
Occupies a geographically important position relative to shipping and oil
Educated middle class
Developing Nuclear Weapons in dispersed, underground and unknown locations.
Could care less what the UN thinks.
Has huge oil contracts with China, which desparately needs their oil
Could quickly cut off oil supplies to the West in event of an attack resulting in huge price increases
U.S. and the West --------
Economic sanctions - would have little effect, plus the Chinese would probably oppose
Restrict diplomatic travel - the mullahs wouldn't care.
Military action -
Quick, short strike - very limited hope of success if targeting nuclear sites due to dispersed nature of nuclear program (see above).
Large scale invasion - Impossible to surprise Iran about an attack. U.S. doesn't have the resources now for a prolonged and difficult war while engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan. There would be a huge stress on the military which would be difficult to maintain. Iran could block the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in a disasterous jump on oil prices. Iran could attack U.S. in Iraq very easily. The U.S. would get very little international help.
Anticipated Actions:
I feel that we can expect a long period of diplomacy and a rebirth of some type of cold war with Iran unless they launch an attack on the West, which includes Israel. In such a circumstance the U.S. would try to destroy the Iranian government as quickly as possible, whatever the difficulties.
Posted by Chip Spear at 12:05 PM | Comments (2)
Her Kiss Would Pucker a Lemon
She sits in the stands watching the game and all I hear are complaints. They aren't doing this, they aren't doing that. They suck. The QB is bad, the line is bad, the coaches are bad, the receivers can't catch, the halfback always drops the ball. Eloquent, funny at times but oh so sour. Life is not all bad and the team does not always suck, not even most of the time.
Poor Maureen Dowd, the Op-Ed writer for the NY Times. I didn't get around to reading her Times Select piece until last night. I usually read the Times early in the day. I was once again struck by the complete negativity of her writing. I swear that she could make a lemon pucker if she kissed it. I don't think there is much need to quote her, other than to say she once again accused the Dems of being "girlie" (who is being sexist here?) and the Republicans of being "tough". It seems that no matter what any Democrat says, it is disingenuous, weak, or a contradiction of some previous position. I seriously doubt that every Democrat falls into that category. I wonder if she is even capable of writing a positive piece.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:28 AM | Comments (5)
January 18, 2006
Abramoff and Reform
With Republicans still in firm control of both houses and the White House, it seems inconceivable that they would act in any way which would hurt their political play. Granted, they are worried, perhaps very worried, about any fallout from this scandal in next year's election, but one can be assured that whatever reform they do propose will be something that only marginally addresses the problems of money, lobbyists and reform in Washington.
A winning team, the Republicans, will only do so much to change tactics if they have been wildly successful. A stumble here and there is inevitable. I think most of their preliminary reform proposals are smoke screens, designed to give voters the appearance of reform without actually doing so. I certainly could be wrong, but when the actual bills go through committees and get signed there will probably be enough loopholes to allow many of the same types of actions to occur, just in different forms. One can also bet that they will be designed to play to Republican strengths and Democratic weaknesses.
With such success the Republicans are not going to want to really change the nature of the game. Nobody wants to sit on the bench. And I doubt they will not put themselves in a position to lose. They will do whatever they can to convince the electorate that they have rooted out evil, reformed themselves and are ready to lead the country well into the next decade. Transfer this thinking to a personal level. If you had been exceedingly successful doing something and were going to continue in that endeavor, would you change the rules to minimize the value of your particular skill and hurt your chances of victory? I doubt it.
Posted by Chip Spear at 5:04 PM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2006
Today's Quote - 1/17
The American Dream is financial, not ethical.
~ Chinese Ambassador, The West Wing, Jan. 15, 2006
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:34 PM | Comments (1)
Today's Quote - 1/16
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:24 AM | Comments (3)
January 16, 2006
Player of the Week for Jan. 16, 2006 - Sam Alito
Sam Alito acted perfectly all last week in his Senate confirmation hearings. He talked only as much as necessary and seldom said anything of substance that would subject him to controversy and threaten his accension to the Supreme Court. Try as they might, the Democrats could not elicit the slightest bit of actual, personal opinion from the man. He was a study in evasion, deception and lies. If you think I speak too harshly, I would disagree due to his so-called inability to recall his participation in the infamous Princeton club. Given that he spoke so glowingly of his involvement when applying for a job in 1985, it is more than disingenuous that he said he had no recollection now. He managed to bob and weave, slip and slide, jump and roll, gaining ground on almost every question. He scored well and seems a lock on confirmation. I hope the country is proud.
Posted by Chip Spear at 1:58 PM | Comments (2)
Hmmm, My Picks Were a Little Off
I didn't have a particularly good weekend on the "Picks" front. So, let's see here, I picked the Seahawks over the Redskins. That was good. I said they would win by 10 and they did. Other than that I would say I got thrown for a few huge losses. The Patriots made too many errors including 5 turnovers, which is highly uncharacteristic. Tom Brady was off the mark on too many throws that could have changed the game. This was definitely his worst playoff appearance, and one of his worst games ever. So much for continuing the dynasty this year. Oh well.
The Steelers really took it to the Colts. I am always afraid of the Steelers. I grew up in Cleveland and am a huge Browns fan. The Steelers were never any good when I was growing up, but in the seventies they really changed. Now I never lose the sense that they are a lurking giant, not to be counted out until they are actually eliminated, stone cold dead. They proved it again. They are one tough SOB team. Congrats to them. I do feel sorry for the Colts. They are a great team, who had some bad luck at the end of the year. Plus they have been so close the past few years. I would like to see them break through. A friend of mine is a big Colts' fan. He has been suffering for years, though not as long as I have. I will probably see him this evening with tears still in his eyes.
Finally, the Panthers and Bears....The Panthers are hot. They really stepped up their play in December. They are playing some inspired football, no question. They thrashed the Giants last week and look great yesterday.. I think next week's game with the Seahawks is going to be a real slugfest. It will definitely be fun.
One out of four isn't too good. My fortune telling career doesn't look promising. But next week will be MUCH better.
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:15 AM | Comments (2)
January 14, 2006
Getting Closer
Why is this not a surprise? From the NY Times:
....a report by MSNBC said the April protest had appeared on what the network said was a database from a Pentagon surveillance program. The protest was listed as a "credible threat" - to what is not clear to people around here - and was the only campus action among scores of other antimilitary demonstrations to receive the designation.
"We will only spy on phone conversations going out of the country," the White House says in response to concerns over the NSA tapping phone conversations without a warrent. Then you read things like this and know that all your worst fears are coming true. This sort of thing reminds me too much of government reaction to Vietnam era protests.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:25 PM | Comments (0)
January 13, 2006
Problems in Paradise
One can look at almost any situation and see it both in a positive or negative light. This little article is of the negative variety. Mark Shields writes in CNN today a very factual account of where we stand as a country after 5 years of George Bush's Presidency.
...a case can be made -- four-and-a-half years after the terrorists' assaults on New York and Washington -- that the criminals who organized and executed that attack have succeeded beyond their wildest expectations.
First, the United States is less favorably regarded and much more isolated in the world than it was before 9-11. According to the Pew Global Attitudes Project, anti-Americanism "surged as a result of the U.S. war in Iraq." In 2000, three out of four citizens of Canada, Britain, France and Germany held a favorable opinion of the United States. By 2005, less than a minority of people in those same countries felt favorably.....
The number and percentage of this country's citizens in poverty has gone up each and every year of this decade. Today, there are 5.4 million more Americans living in poverty, most of them children, than there were when George W. Bush was elected president. The number without health insurance grew by more than 6 million from 2000 to 2004, to more than 45 million Americans. During the same period, employer-sponsored health insurance dropped by 5 full percentage points, from covering 66 percent of the non-elderly to just 61 percent.
Inflation-adjusted hourly and weekly wages are still below where they were in the fall of 2001, in spite of the fact that worker productivity has risen some 13.5 percent during that same time. For five years in a row, Americans' median household income has dropped. It was actually $1,740 lower in 2004 than it had been in 1999. Those in the nation forced to work for the minimum wage (which has not been increased in nearly nine years, during which time the Congress has voted itself seven salary increases) have paid a painful price. The real value of the minimum wage has fallen by 82 cents from $6.02 to $5.15 an hour since 2000 to today.
In a morally just nation, the rich do not get richer while the poor get poorer.
There is more. It is well worth the read.
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:34 PM | Comments (3)
Today's Quote - 1/13
As I continue my life's journey; reading, studying, and learning, I find I know more about the little things, but less about the big ones.
~ The Block of Granite
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:24 PM | Comments (3)
Weekend Playoff Picks
For the first time in a few years I am really interested in the divisional playoffs. I think there are eight good teams playing in the four games over the weekend. I am sure, if you have any interest in football that you have an opinion on the outcome or read any of the thousand sportswriters picks. Well, I am going to throw my 2 cents in as well. Take it for what it is worth, because I don't profess to be a complete expert on all sports. Here is my take:
Saturday -
Seahawks vs. Redskins:
I know, you are asking yourself how can a bunch of Seahawks defeat a tribe of Redskins? Normally I would say they can't, but the Redskins are slow, plus they are really beat up. They are strong fighters and don't quit easily, but I think the Seahawks are too fast for them. Their beaks are sharp and those talons are really, really nasty. They fly high then drop like a rock out of the sky, knocking their prey before they know what hit them. I know that the Redskins protect themselves well, they put up a good defense, but I think those birds can see everything and use the air much better. And for a bunch of birds they manage to get around on the ground exceedingly well. Seahawks by 10.
Broncos vs. Patriots:
Broncos are fast and they are accustomed to running around at that high altitude. Like the Colts, they are young and always seem to have a bunch of fast runners. Plus they have that sneaky Jake Bronco. He is berry, berry twicky. He never does what you expect. I loved him when he was still a youngster in school down in Arizona. The Patriots are a long way from their New England home, but they are tough, they did beat the entire British Empire after all. I know they had a big game last week, but I think they are ready. They come into town with their Brady muskets. Those muskets have managed to do an awful lot of damage the past few years. I realize they are single shot muzzle loaders, but over the course of 60 minutes they should have more than enough time to shoot 22 Broncos. Patriots by 3.
Sunday -
Colts vs. Steelers:
The Colts are young, quick, and strong. They are bigger than most Colts you find these days. Their hooves are stronger and they manage to get up fast and swing their legs around in the air much harder than anything I have seen. Plus, if you get behind them they can kick the living shit out of you. I don't think a group of Steelers, right out of the factory, is going to be able to keep up with them. They're probably tired and out of shape. I've seen those Steel Workers. They drink a lot of beer, spend time in bars and seldom work out. I know that Bettis guy is big. He has a great beer belly, but I doubt he can be effective the entire game. He is a spot player at best. I think the Colts are going to run all around these guys. Colts win by 10.
Bears vs. Panthers:
Now this is a really interesting game. Those Panthers are big, and fast. They have been training hard and seem to be coming into their own at just the right time. If last week was any indication against the big, mighty Giants, those Bears are going to get all they can handle. The thing about the Bears is that they give the appearance of being big and lumbering. However, did you know that they can run down a horse in a quarter mile? They are deceptive. The Grossman Bear was hurt and there is certainly some question whether he is ready, especially for Panthers, but I think he can get his act together and do some real damage. I feel the Bears just might be fast enough to force the Panthers to change their game plan and get too close for their own good. Then it will be all over, they are going to get caught by those amazingly powerful, sharp claws and teeth. I like the Bears by 3.
Posted by Chip Spear at 1:59 PM | Comments (3)
Want to Buy A Nice Bridge?
The lies and deception just keep on coming. Read here.
Newly released military documents show U.S. Army investigators closed a probe into allegations an Iraqi detainee had been abused by a shadowy military task force after its members used fake names and asserted that key computer files had been lost.
As long as the administration can get away with this, then they keep doing it. Whatever works, I guess.
Posted by Chip Spear at 1:55 PM | Comments (0)
More Alito Evasion
E.J. Dionne condemned Alito for evading Senator's questions over the past few days of hearings.
It turns out that, especially when their party controls the process, Supreme Court nominees can avoid answering any question they don't want to answer. Senators make the process worse with meandering soliloquies. But when the questioning gets pointed, the opposition is immediately accused of scurrilous smears. The result: an exchange of tens of thousands of words signifying, in so many cases, nothing -- as long as the nominee has the discipline to say nothing, over and over and over.
Alito, an ardent baseball fan, established himself as the Babe Ruth of evasion.
The headlines went to the abortion issue. Alito was pressed about his statement in a 1985 job application letter to the Reagan administration that "the Constitution does not protect a right to an abortion." ......
But Alito would neither embrace nor back away from what he had said. He did allow that "there is a general presumption that decisions of the court will not be overruled." Well, yeah.
When Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) asked Alito if the issue was "well-settled in court," he offered the celebrated formulation: "I think that depends on what one means by the term 'well-settled.' " The standard dodge is that nominees can't answer questions bearing on cases they might later have to decide. But Democrats Feinstein, Richard J. Durbin (Ill.) and Charles E. Schumer (N.Y.) all noted that Alito was perfectly happy to speak expansively on some questions he would face, notably reapportionment.
I love the sports reference there. Seriously though, I think that we must keep in mind that Alito's goal is confirmation, not necessarily answering questions, at least not in any meaningful way. In some ways he is in a four corners, Dean Smith, offense, stalling whenever possible, making sure no one else gets the ball. He figures he is ahead in the game, all he has to do is not let the other guys get the ball and score. He just has to provide enough of an answer to keep the game going, but not so much as to put his position, or the game, in jeopardy.
Posted by Chip Spear at 11:20 AM | Comments (0)
Fabulous Fumble of the Week, Jan. 13 - Sen. Mike DeWine
I wish I was a funny as Jon Stewart. Last night he had a running clock tracking the amount of time that various blowhards spent before asking Supreme Court nominee Sam Alito a question. Mike DeWine won, talking over 9 minutes. What an idiot. I realize that it is not the end of the week, and there is still time for another winner, but this was too good to pass up. I will say that Joe Biden, who has spent 50 minutes "asking" questions to Alito's 18 minutes answering came in a very close second. I couldn't decide if the one question thing outweighed the cumulative totals. I decided on the single question in this case.
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:24 AM | Comments (3)
January 12, 2006
Winter Cheerleaders - Nomination
Winter Cheerleaders, Really.
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:51 PM | Comments (1)
Today's Quote - 1/12
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any.
~ Alice Walker
Posted by Chip Spear at 4:14 PM | Comments (1)
Iran is Playing a Perfect Game
I doubt many can deny that the Iranians are playing a perfect political game these days. There influence in Iraq is growing, especially since the religious Shiites won the last election. Their President recently made statements saying Israel should be wiped off the map. It has served to make the Iranians the most powerful opponent of western influence to the millions of disaffected in the Middle East. They also snubbed their noses at the UN and West by restarting their nuclear enrichment program. Their profits from oil have soared with the rise in petroleum prices, so they are not hurting for cash. Threats of economic sanctions fall on deaf ears. The mullahs would almost like western goods removed from the country considering it will only reduce western cultural influence. The Iranians have done a masterful job of balancing competing interests of Russia, China and the West against each other. Its President makes strong anti-Israeli statements, solidifying its position as the leading anti-West, anti-Israel country in the world. It surreptitiously supplies terrorist organizations with funds and guns throughout the world and the West can't seem to do anything about it. It appears that economic sanctions will have little effect on policy, and an armed attack, given the strained state of the U.S. armed forces and international opposition seems out of the question. One would be hard pressed to figure how they could play this political game any better.
Posted by Chip Spear at 11:18 AM | Comments (2)
Iraq, Occupation and America
How would we feel here in the good old U.S. of A. if we had just gone through a period of 40 years with a horrible dictator? Another country, like China, invaded to get rid of him, citing national security, which proved to be completely bogus. China installed a new government and left 2.8 million troops in our grand country (the U.S. is approximately 20 times bigger than Iraq) to "maintain order". We spent a number of years watching the Chinese march around, drive huge tanks in and around our cities and generally treat us like dirt. During 3 years that the Chinese tried to secure the country more than 350,000 Americans died (the U.S. population is 11.5 times larger than Iraq). In addition, many Americans doubted Chinese motives, thinking they desired our natural resources and access to our technology. Would we be happy campers? Would we want the Chinese to leave? Would many of us choose to fight?
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:02 AM | Comments (4)
January 11, 2006
Oh Sure
Sam Alito said in his confirmation hearings today that he had no recollection that he joined or was a member of a conservative Princeton organization that opposed admitting more women and minorities to the university.
After Kennedy criticized Alito's membership in a conservative Princeton alumni group that opposed admitting more women and minorities to the university, the senator called for the committee to subpoena records of the alumni group, housed in the Library of Congress.
After strongly denouncing the group's views and repeating that he had "no specific recollection of joining," Alito sat quietly as Kennedy and Specter bickered over the issue.
I must admit that I went to an Ivy League school, and am only two years younger than Mr. Alito. I remember every organization I participated in at school. This is a very big deal, Sam Alito knew he would be asked about this. He had ample time to check his own history if he thought his memory was faulty. I find it laughable that anyone would believe that he has "no recollection" of being a member. You don't forget that sort of thing, ever.
Posted by Chip Spear at 5:36 PM | Comments (0)
Today's Quote - 1/11
Nothing is more odious than the majority, for it consists of a few powerful leaders, a certain number of accommodating scoundrels and submissive weaklings, and a mass of men who trot after them without thinking, or knowing their own minds.
~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Posted by Chip Spear at 5:12 PM | Comments (1)
In Addition to the Posting on Polling
I just read this article, which I pass along in case you have any question as to why the wiretapping issues matter.
The great English-speaking democracies are almost inevitably remaking themselves as police states. Changing or ignoring the laws of liberty and instituting more and more invasive technological monitoring of citizens are the new passions of the interventionary state -- all in the name of spreading freedom.
While the U.S. government, supported by majorities in national polls, is ignoring laws on oversight of homeland spying, the British are developing systems to literally follow, photographically, every citizen on his or her daily rounds. Big Brother, the fictional invention of a British writer, George Orwell, will be real and functional within a year. The first step, scheduled to be operational next March, will use thousands of cameras linked to government databases to photograph every vehicle entering or leaving London, driving on major highways or stopping for gasoline -- and checking those movements against driver's licenses and other government information over two- and five-year periods.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:49 PM | Comments (1)
Polls and Other Nonsense
Sometimes, actually not too often, you have to wonder about the American public. From CNN here
A CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll of 1,003 adults found that 50 percent of those polled believe it's OK to forgo warrants when ordering electronic surveillance of people suspected of having ties to terrorists abroad.
Another 46 percent said the policy is wrong, and 4 percent said they had no opinion.
I guess most people have never read the Constitution or know much about civil rights. Did you read the Kristof column in the NY Times a couple of months ago? I think it was before they went to their famous Times Select thing. If not, a reminder:
The best argument against "intelligent design" has always been humanity itself. At a time when only 40 percent of Americans believe in evolution, and only 13 percent know what a molecule is, we're an argument at best for "mediocre design."...
One-fifth of Americans still believe that the Sun goes around the Earth, instead of the other way around. And only about half know that humans did not live at the same time as dinosaurs.
The polls don't tell us what is right or wrong, they only tell us what people think. I take them with a grain of salt. The most unfortunate thing is that these same people vote.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:36 PM | Comments (0)
From Andrew Sullivan on Robertson
Check out his site here for more info.
"Fully 44% of Americans believe that God gave the land that is now Israel to the Jewish people while a substantial minority (36%) thinks that "the state of Israel is a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy about the second coming of Jesus." White evangelical Protestants and, to a lesser degree, African-Americans accept both of these propositions. Significantly fewer white Catholics and mainline Protestants believe Israel was granted to the Jews by God or think that Israel represents a fulfillment of the Bible's prophecy of a second coming."
When a poll of all adults finds over a third holding the view that the state of Israel is fulfilling the prophecy of the imminent Second Coming, you can see that pre-millenarianism is not some fringe idea, touted by Robertson. It's fundamentalist orthodoxy. Robertson is cruel and tactless, and many evangelicals would agree. Their compassion forbids them from making personal attacks as Robertson does. But he didn't make up his theology. And it's mainstream.
This supports my contention (see below) that Robertson is not so far off the mark with many Americans.
Posted by Chip Spear at 12:33 PM | Comments (0)
The Alito Hearings
A slip, a slide, a jump, a wiggle, Sam Alito evades all tackles, always moving forward, gaining valuable yards, toward the goal line he goes. I wonder who is the more elusive runner, Sam Alito, Shaun Alexander, or Tiki Barber? I find these hearings only marginally interesting. I really don't watch them for anything of substance. Rather I like it because it gives me an opportunity to watch teh nominee, in this case Alito, spend hours before the Senate committee saying as little as possible. And what he does say is so vanilla that he presents no real target for opponents. On the flip side are the Senators, like Joe Biden, who are continually preening for the cameras. I hate pontificators. Biden was a disaster, a joke. If you are going to have a hearing, ask questions! I believe he spent 26 out of his allotted 30 minutes talking. Somebody should have stuck a sock in his mouth and taped it shut.
I also love all the analysts, especially those on the left, who complain that Alito is not answering any questions. Or they point to the contradictions between in past statements and what he is saying in the today's hearings. And that is a surprise? That is news? What do you expect? His job is to get confirmed, not necessarily to provide answers to satisfy all the Democrats. Every word is chosen to provide the smallest possible target, he less said the better.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:41 AM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2006
Today's Quote - 1/10
A leader is best
When people barely know he exists.
Not so good when people obey and acclaim him,
Worse when they despise him.
"Fail to honor people,
They fail to honor you."
But of a good leader, who talks little,
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will say, "We did this ourselves."
~ Lao-tzu, The Way of Life According to Lao-Tsu
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:55 PM | Comments (0)
Internet Radio Interview
Come visit me tonight at 10:30. I shall be a guest on Subject 2 Discussion, with Shaun Daily. We will be discussing all the latest stuff in the Political Sports world. Shawn will also be hosting Katee Sackhoff, who plays Starbuck on the SciFi Channel's Battlestar Galactica.
You can reach the show here:
To listen to the program LIVE go to LVROCKS.COM and click on LISTEN and click on CAM/CHAT to be with us in the chatroom.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:43 PM | Comments (1)
The Wall Street Journal Leads the Charge
The Wall Street Journal has written several editorials in the past week or two strongly supporting the administration and the NSA in the wiretapping flap. There is no question that they wholeheartedly endorse what the President is doing and never question the implications beyond the narrow outlines of war. As a general rule conservatives distrust government. I realize that is a blanket statement, but I think it is not inaccurate. As a group they think the government is wasteful, and generally can't be trusted. It makes me wonder what it is about this President that they can suddenly trust? His actions over the past 5 years would indicate that he is incredibly secretive, disrespectful of other branches of government and has a tendency to do whatever he pleases as it suits his goals.
The fear people have is that this will significantly change our democratic government. If Bush is issuing his own interpretations of bills that he signs and determining when and how he will follow the so-called letter of the law, how is this different than a dictator, or old style king? He begins to act in an imperial fashion all in the name of national security. We have heard that before throughout history. Leaders have used those terms over and over again to suppress opposition of all sorts. Are we really supposed to trust him? Why? Has he given the country evidence that he is truthful? How has he earned the benefit of the doubt? Perhaps the Wall Street Journal sees something different in the man? Or is it the fact that he is a Republican and therefore one of their team? Or is it just because we are involved in a "war" of sorts, which could last for decades? How far is too far? And where is the check on absolute power?
The framers of the Constitution distrusted men and wrote a Constitution designed to protect our country from overwhelming concentrations of power in any one branch of government. The Executive Branch was never intended to be above or beyond the law even during this time of a non-war war. What is the Wall Street Journal thinking?
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:51 AM | Comments (0)
Iran and The Nukes
The NY Times reports that Iran intends to restart its nuclear enrichment program, which has raised huge concerns in the West, especially with the EU and United States. The United States has threatened to take the matter to the United Nations Security Council and press for sanctions or censure. What is that going to do, really? Will Iran buckle under the strain? How well did it work with Iraq? The Iranian leadership doesn't seem too concerned with what the world thinks, and many Iranians, whether they support the leadership or not, are proud that their country has the ability to develop nuclear weapons. I have not yet seen an effective policy to deal with this problem.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:38 AM | Comments (0)
January 9, 2006
Today's Quote - 1/9
Democracy is not a spectator sport.
~ Randy Schutt
Posted by Chip Spear at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)
January 8, 2006
Pat Robertson - Maybe Not So Crazy
I've read many articles in serveral paper's and on the Internet about Pat Robertson's remarks regarding Ariel Sharon deserving his stroke on account of his policies. I laughed and thought to myself that the guy is really a ding dong. But today, as I read an article in the NY Times, I began to think about him from a slightly different perspective, one that is much closer to mainstream America than the far right religious conservatives. I had pictures in my head of many athletes praying to God before big games and making signs of the cross after touchdowns. I remembered numerous interviews with game winning players, some making the big shot, catching the big pass, making the big hit, thanking Jesus for their victory. Think of all the sport's movies where the team prays before every game, "God, give me the strength and courage to beat the living shit out of the other team and win this amazingly important game that is going to decide the fate of mankind and make me a hero to the town and assure that I get laid." I thought about all the people, not only athletes, who might think that they did not win that day because they were undeserving, or had done something wrong to anger God. It is the "Maybe I didn't succeed because I am not a good person, or angered him in some way" crowd. I know many of us Americans thank god for our gifts, our food, our friends. Sometimes we also apologize for our mistakes that we felt led to some type of defeat. One might pray, "I know that my problems are because I have been bad and you are angry at me for doing XYZ."
I think that there are many in the country who might look at the their friend's and neighbor's troubles and think those problems result from God's work. Maybe they were nasty people, maybe a wife had an affair, maybe the kids steal, who knows. The point is that I do not believe it is so unusual for people in this country to think that someone's problems are a result of God being angry with their actions. In that context Pat Robertson is not so far outside the mainstream, he just moved it into the political arena.
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:15 PM | Comments (3)
January 6, 2006
Today's Quote - 1/6
You have to laugh every day, because if this is reality, we are all in deep doo doo.
~ The Block of Granite
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:28 PM | Comments (2)
Anthrax
Hey, what ever happened to that anthrax investigation? I am thinking that no news is bad news.
Posted by Chip Spear at 7:26 PM | Comments (1)
January 5, 2006
Today's Quote - 1/5
You can fool all the people all the time if the advertising budget is big enough.
~ former Republican political campaign consultant Ed Rollins to columnist Frank Rich, August 6, 1996 after publication of Rollin's book Bare Knuckles and Back Rooms
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:13 PM | Comments (0)
I Heard Some Very Funny Jokes This Morning
I was listening to Imus this morning, actually watching it on TV as I got my kids ready for school. Imus had Senator Rick Santorum from PA on. He told some really funny stories. I didn't know he was as funny as he is, really. Imus asked him if he was connected to Abramoff in any way and whether we were going to be seeing him in handcuffs. Rick laughed and said no, that wasn't going to happen. He gabbed for a minute about that then slipped in that he was returning Abramoff money he received, just like Dennis Hastert and a sizeable number of other Republicans. It was perfectly alright that he had the money before Abramoff was indicted I guess, but not after. That was very funny. Imus asked him about wiretaps and the like and Rick responded that the President has been very straightforward with the American people. I was laughing out loud at that. My youngest daughter asked me why I was laughing and I had to tell her that it was a funny political type joke.When I explained it she didn't really get it. Imus also asked him about the mining accident. Sen. Rick replied to that by stating that the Federal government tried to keep people safe. I couldn't answer his riddle. I really couldn't decide if the answer was the miners or the executives running the companies. Considering the company in West Virginia has had over 270 safety violations in the past two years and that the Republicans in the Federal Government and specifically the Department of Interior, have been stripping safety laws from the books (see the post below), I would guess it was the executives, but I am not sure. What do you think? If anyone has any specific info on how Santorum has either helped the miners or not please pass it on. When the segment ended I was chuckling to myself, thinking that was very amusing.
Posted by Chip Spear at 11:29 AM | Comments (0)
Safety Violations at the Mine
The Washington Post reports here that the Sago mine in West Virginia had 273 safety violations in the past 2 years. How is it that this mine was allowed to continue operation? Big Business....lobbying.....government officials a part of the industry. The NY Times reports in their editorial
Steven Griles, a mining lobbyist before being appointed deputy secretary of the interior, devoted four years to rolling back mine regulations and then went back to lobbying for the industry.
One might not have anything directly to do with the other, but it does fall into a pattern we are all too familiar with over the past 5 years. When is enough, enough?
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:11 AM | Comments (3)
Sharon
Ariel Sharon is in the hospital after suffering a massive stroke. It is all over the news and my re-stating the obvious is no big deal. However, given that this is a "Sports" site and does deal with physical actions and activity, including exercise, I have to make an observation: The man was seriously, seriously overweight. Just like with many obese Americans, there are consequences to not exercising, eating poorly and generally not taking care of one's body. I don't know all of his history, but he has been fat for many years. That sort of problem has bad results, like massive heart attacks. When someone spends their entire life smoking, gets lung cancer and is on the verge of death, one can feel sorry, but you also have to think that the person either had a death wish or was a bit of an idiot. What in the world did everyone expect?
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:05 AM | Comments (0)
January 4, 2006
Can Anyone Spell "Screw You"?
The President signed a bill into law Friday which he intends to ignore whenever he feels like it. Read here.
After approving the bill last Friday, Bush issued a ''signing statement" -- an official document in which a president lays out his interpretation of a new law -- declaring that he will view the interrogation limits in the context of his broader powers to protect national security. This means Bush believes he can waive the restrictions, the White House and legal specialists said.
'"The executive branch shall construe [the law] in a manner consistent with the constitutional authority of the President . . . . as Commander in Chief," Bush wrote, adding that this approach '"will assist in achieving the shared objective of the Congress and the President . . . of protecting the American people from further terrorist attacks."
Some legal specialists said yesterday that the president's signing statement, which was posted on the White House website but had gone unnoticed over the New Year's weekend, raises serious questions about whether he intends to follow the law.
Nothing like believing in the intent of the Constitution, you know, checks and balances, we are not a dictatorship, no one is above the law, and all that nonsense. I guess the Grand Pooh-bah Father Knows Best, or wait, that was a TV show, wasn't it?
Posted by Chip Spear at 8:38 PM | Comments (0)
Today's Quote - 1/4
Today is a good day to die.
I loved my family and friends with all my heart.
I hunted the biggest bear I could find.
I shook hands with my best competitor.
I forgave my enemies and the assholes of the world, because they can't help that they are idiots, they just are.
I learned some new things.
I laughed at myself.
I toasted the moon with a nice, cold beer
And if given the chance I will do it all again tomorrow.
~ The Block of Granite
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:29 AM | Comments (1)
A GREAT Game
For those of you conventional sports fans you couldn't beat last night's fabulous Orange Bowl game between Florida State and Penn State, culminating in PSU's field goal victory in triple overtime. The two winningest coaches in college history slugging it out until 1 AM. What a game and what a tribute to two great coaches who have had storied careers. You can turn to any of the numerous sports sites, like this one, to get the lowdown. Congratulations to both of them.
Posted by Chip Spear at 9:17 AM | Comments (1)
January 3, 2006
Today's Quote - 1/3
A politician thinks of the next election; a statesman thinks of the next generation.
~ James Freeman Clarke
Posted by Chip Spear at 3:45 PM | Comments (1)
Political Sports Fumbler of the Year - 2005
President George W. Bush wins this year's Fumbler of the Year Award. Many on the right might disagree with this choice, after all he is the President of the good, old, United States of America, but let's consider his year. Political success is not only measured in terms of accomplishments but how one scores against the other team. In that sense he has had many, many mishaps. His poll numbers have dropped precipitously throughout the year. He lost major yardage when the press finally started to question all the misleading statements about our reasons for going to war in Iraq. Then there was the issue of outing Valerie Plame. He said he would fire anyone who was involved in any way. He hasn't done that, in fact, one can say he lied because he changed his story to firing anyone convicted of outting Plame, which is significantly different. We have the Katrina disaster, much of it brought about by his policies of appointing unqualified friends to important government posts. Add to this the torture problems at Abu Ghahib and Guantanamo, plus the revelations of secret "torture" prisons in former Soviet Gulags, the recent warrantless wiretap revelations and threats to civil rights, the problems with his Supreme Court nominee, Harriet Miers, and you have some very serious problems that has helped his opponents and weakened his own Republican team.
Many of these problems and "fumbles" transcend partisan politics. I can't believe that one can actually think we have done a good job running the war in Iraq and managing the transition to democracy. The U.S. is held in contempt in much of the world right now, based in no small degree by his policies. We have no long range energy plan to deal with the obvious problems with oil.More than 45 milllion Americans are without health insurance. And the discrepancy between rich and poor, or extremely rich and everyone else is accelerating instead of slowing down. The terms "uniter not a divider" and "compassionate conservative" are nowhere in evidence. The President and his staff clearly understood they were treading on exceedingly shakey ground with regard to wiretaps, yet they decided to act unilaterally instead of working closely with Congress, controlled by their own party, to resolve any potential legal and technical issues with existing law.
I have only touched the surface here, but the point is that the President has an enormous opportunity to do great things, to heal wounds and make people's lives significantly better. He has chosen to reward his political supporters rather than move the country in direction to prepare it for a better future. The issue of Iraq is still in question. There is certainly a possibility that his war will start to transform the Middle East. It is way to early to tell. However his methods are definitely questionable and have only served to increase frustration and anger factor in an increasingly contentious country.
Posted by Chip Spear at 1:28 PM | Comments (0)
January 2, 2006
Political Sports MVP of 2005
This year's MVP award goes to two people, both former Presidents, Bill Clinton and George Herbert Walker Bush, or Bush 1 as some refer to him. Both men have done extraordinary things over the past year to make our entire world a much better place. First, the fact that Pres. Bush would work closely with Bill Clinton is quite something in and of itself. Then to think that they have actually become quite close as a result of their work is rather miraculous. The current President Bush asked the two former Presidents to lead fund-raising and relief efforts after last year's tsunami in SE Asia. Together they raised millions of dollars and spent hundreds of hours working with relief efforts to turn the tsunami relief one of, if not the, most successful relief efforts in history with pledges of over $10 Billion.
In addition the two collaborated again on Katrina disaster relief, working with private and government agencies to ensure that as much aid as possible was reaching needed victims. In addition, Clinton has been exceedingly busy, traveling the world working to raise money for AIDS relief throughout the third world. The December issue of Esquire has a great issue by Joe Conason, where he describes many of Clinton's current projects. He sites one project, The Clinton Global Initiative,
Nearly a week has passed since the closing session of the Clinton Global Initiative. As he talks about it now, his blue eyes widen and he allows himself the hint of a satisfied smile. Producing pledges of almost $2 billion to finance more than two hundred new projects around the world, the conference almost instantly proved to be more than just another "talkathon," as he feared it might be, more than another gust of hot air.
The two men traveled far in overcoming their differences in order to use their post-Presidency power to affect positive change in areas of the world sorely in need of help. They serve as role models for all of us and a reminder that one can use politics to make a positive difference in our world. We salute them as our first Political Sports MVPs.
Posted by Chip Spear at 2:23 PM | Comments (3)