"Bitch Slap"

So, how much of Russia's deal to supply Iran with nuclear fuel supplies has to do with Pres. Bush's recent "lecture" to Vladimir Putin about the responsibilities of a democratic government? I'm sure there are other forces at work, but it does seem like a pretty big bitch slap to the US for its heavyhanded foreign policy.

And now Sen. McCain wants Russia to be "uninvited" from the next summit of the G8 (of which Russia is a legitimate member) in July. I wonder what Russia's reaction to that will be...

"The European Dream" Redux

OK, an update on our book selection for the month of March: Harris, Fox, Andy Smith (welcome Andy!), and myself (so far) have agreed to read The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream. I'm recommending we finish it by the third week of March.

Any other takers?

Sharpen that pencil and resume

I need a theme song for this. Any ideas? Your posting theme songs implies my right to use and publish.

Republican heart

The ongoing fight for the heart of the Republican Party has a face as of this morning.

Senator Russ Potts, a brave and moderate 'R', took a leap that he hopes will change the tenor of the party.

The Kilgore folks have weighed-in in no uncertain terms. In an impressive display of spin, the chair of the Virginia Republican Party agreed:

STATEMENT OF RPV CHAIRMAN KATE OBENSHAIN GRIFFIN

—Russ Potts Needs To Make It Official: Become A Democrat And Resign—

– The Democrat Party of Virginia now has a fight on their hands between two gubernatorial candidates representing the Democrat establishment’s high-tax, pro-abortion liberal views.

"As Tim Kaine and Russ Potts battle for the hearts and souls of Virginia Democrats, it is time for Russ Potts to officially declare himself a Democrat.

"Russ Potts should resign immediately from his State Senate seat to allow Governor Mark Warner to call a special election for Senate District 27. The voters in Senate District 27 deserve a Republican who shares their values. Russ Potts has been flagrantly disingenuous with hard working Virginia families that took him at his word in the last election." ###

In all the rumblings and news reports leading up to today's announcement, Kilgore and Griffin have been the first two to suggest that Potts will siphon Democrats away from Tim Kaine.

Most think that if Potts fails to connect with enough moderates to win, he'll just spoil what was expected to be a close race for Kilgore.

Virginia Republicans have been moving more and more to the right each year. If Potts doesn't stop them his way, the Dems will stop them their way.

MPAA: Stooge of the Bush Administration?

So Gunner Palace gets a PG-13 rating from the MPAA on appeal, after initially getting an R rating, but Fahrenheit 9/11 keeps its R rating even after appeal? I guess the propaganda machine wouldn't have it any other way...

"Lost in Europe"

Very interesting opinion piece, "Lost in Europe," in The Guardian today by Sidney Blumenthal regarding the EU's evolving, pragmatic attitude towards the 2nd Bush administration. Of course, you also have to consider the source (Blumenthal is a former Clinton advisor) but he does raise some interesting points. Two that stick out:

"The European reception for Bush was not an embrace of his neoconservative world view, but an attempt to put it in the past. New Europe is trying to compartmentalise old Bush. To the extent that he promises to be different, the Europeans encourage him; to the extent that he is the same, they pretend it's not happening."

"Facing the grinding, bloody and unending reality of Iraq doesn't mean accepting Bush's original premises, but getting on with the task of stability. Ceasing the finger-pointing is the basis for European consensus on its new, if not publicly articulated, policy: containment of Bush."

The notion that its welcome of Bush is not a sign that the EU is accepting or condoning US policy, but instead trying to find a way to put it behind them and move on is at odds with the picture presented over here (and maybe even with what Bush himself believes.) I've been getting the impression that the administration sees Bush's European tour as almost a vindication of past policy decisions. I guess we'll see how this plays out moving forward, specifically with the Iran situation. As Blumenthal asserts, "In time Bush must either join the negotiations [with Iran] or regress to neoconservatism, which would wreck the European relationship." Just how important is our relationship with the EU and what will this mean for US foreign policy?

"The European Dream"

OK, Schmoliticians (you know who you are!) for March I propose we read The European Dream: How Europe's Vision of the Future Is Quietly Eclipsing the American Dream. From Publishers Weekly:

Why are so few Americans paying attention to the dramatic changes taking place across the Atlantic, Rifkin (The End of Work) asks in his provocative and well-argued manifesto for the new European Union. Famously, Americans "live to work" while Europeans "work to live," and Rifkin demonstrates statistically and anecdotally that Europe's humane approach to capitalism makes for a healthier, better-educated populace. The U.S. lags behind in its unimaginative approach to working hours, productivity and technology, Rifkin claims, while Europe is leading the way into a new era while competing well in terms of productivity. Rifkin traces the cultural roots of what he says is America's lack of vision to its emphasis on individual autonomy and the accumulation of wealth; Europe's dream is more rooted in connectedness and quality of life.... Rifkin's comparative study is scrupulously thorough and informative, and his rigor will please all readers interested in the future of world affairs.

Hunter S. Thompson Dead at 67

It's a sad week for fans of "gonzo journalist" Hunter S. Thompson, who apparently committed suicide on Sunday at his home in Aspen, Colorado. Many of us know his 1971 novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas which was made into a 1998 film starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro, and which recounted the author's road trip across the Nevada desert with his lawyer and a trunk full of drugs, ostensibly to report on a dirt bike race across the American Southwest. Instead they ended up consuming all of their drugs ("We had two bags of grass, 75 pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a salt shaker half full of cocaine and a whole galaxy of multicolored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers..."), reporting on nothing, spending their days and nights in various trashed hotel suites waiting to come down from their uncontrollable binges and trips... Hunter S. Thompson wrote beautiful, upsetting, non politically correct, often psychadelic, always crazy, genre-defining stuff, and he will be missed.

An American in Paris

Anyone else a little bit encouraged by Bush’s overtures to the EU during his European vacation? I know they’re self-serving (he wants more EU/NATO support for Iraq) but it also seems that he’s looking for areas of common ground on issues such as Syria, Iran, Israel/Palestine, and North Korea--acknowledging the importance of the EU and its right to hold its own unique positions--as opposed to his “my way or the highway” attitude in the past.

Our New 'DNI'

So, past human rights abuse allegations aside, what do you guys think the chances of Negroponte succeeding in creating a unified national intelligence community? Personally, I think it was a pretty savvy move to appoint a career diplomat to a post that is going to require the stroking of some seriously over-developed egos (and anything that makes Rumsfeld squirm is a welcome sight in my book.) According to the Washington Post, Negroponte’s success—and that of the DNI post in general—is going to depend on the close backing of the president. Having Bush’s nod is the only way to get a handle on all the divergent interests, agendas, and resources of the 15+ agencies he’ll supervise. Close affiliation with the president will lend credibility to the post, but as is suggested in this NY Times article, it can also lead to suggestions of collusion between the DNI and the administration, and the manipulation of intelligence data to suit administration policies. So, basically, Negroponte is looking at a situation that—to borrow from Dan Rather—would “give an aspirin a headache.” No matter what the relationship between this new DNI and the president, someone is going to find fault.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about bringing all of our intelligence agencies under one national directorate. If it means a better utilization and deployment of resources, better coordination between agencies, more information sharing, and an increase in the overall quality of intelligence generated, then I guess it’s a good thing. Of course, the skeptic in me distrusts centralized authority. Whereas before it might have been hard for a dozen separate agencies to organize themselves into a civil-rights eating, Big Brother type action; having someone coordinating them could put civil liberty at even greater risk in this country.

In general, I would like to see more transparency built into our intelligence gathering abroad and domestically, and specifically into the monitoring of private citizens. Surprising even myself, I would probably consent to some level of monitoring, as long as I knew what it was and for what purpose. Obviously, this also means the bad guys know too, but isn’t that the definition of a deterrent? I object to government monitoring of my activities when I don’t know about it and don’t know why they’re doing it. I don’t think it would cost them that much in capability to keep the public informed, and would probably make their jobs a lot easier in the end.

I know there are a lot of issues covered here, but any thoughts? Feelings?

Race & Politics

Nancy Benac, "Dean Ready To Take Charge Of Democrats," The Associated Press, 2/11/05:

During a meeting Friday with the Democratic black caucus, Dean praised black Democrats for their work for the party, then questioned Republicans' ability to rally support from minorities.

``You think the Republican National Committee could get this many people of color in a single room?,'' Dean asked to laughter. ``Only if they had the hotel staff in here.''

The chair of the Republican Party of Virginia had this to say about it.

We're all aware that had a Republican stereotyped hotel staff as people of color, we'd be going down that Trent Lott road again. This is a major reason why Ms. Obenshain Griffin might feel compelled to make a release like this - the Dems would have.

What gives? I wish we'd just get off of race. Does anyone really believe Howard Dean or Trent Lott are racists?

A Few Things To Chew On

1. Did anyone see the Daily show clips on this: testimony that the total cost for Iraq would total $1.7 billion. Funny that the new total is approaching $200 billion.
2. First it was smoking, now this. I will never get another job.
3. I expect I am upset over the emergency request for reasons that differ from most of our participants. Why is tsunami relief in an emergency appropriation for war? How many schools are we rebuilding in Afghanistan? This article only touches on part of it.

File Under "The Daily Feed"...

I couldn't resist this. These guys are pure genius.

And Women Thought It Was Their Fault...

There now is scientific evidence to explain why men tend to fall asleep after having sex. Clay still searching for science to explain falling asleep while on date...

Boogada, boogada, boogda

Nothing like threatening the attorney arguing before your court.

Blogging about work: firing offense or protected speech?

My PoliSci professor mentioned this Washington Post article, "Free Expression Can Be Costly When Bloggers Bad-Mouth Jobs," in our class this past Friday on Internet privacy issues. It speaks of a growing phenomenon--called "getting dooced"--in which people are getting fired for posting comments about their jobs, bosses, co-workers on personal blogs. Under the current law, employers pretty much have carte blanche over employees computer usage during work hours (and it would seem, outside of work.) They can track your web activity, read your email, etc. I have some problems with this but am willing to concede that they own the machines and so what you do with them is open to scrutiny. Not to mention the fact that most companies require that you agree to and abide by Internet and email usage policies every time you log on to the network, so you kind of, by default, forfeit your right to complain. That issue aside, my concern is with employers holding their employees accountable for statements made/content posted outside of company time, in personal Web space, and using their personal computers. Why isn't this protected speech under the first amendment? I was going to say that it would be one thing if you were giving away company secrets and/or defaming individuals by name, but the issue still remains the same--to me, it's a freedom of expression that needs to be protected and not stifled. What say you?

A Bunch of Random Links

Pete is having an aneurism

When is a plant a plant? What is the definition of "is"?

Delegate Black:

"Needless to say, I was upset to find out that the show our children were not supposed to miss was one where two male students engaged in a homosexual kiss onstage and then addressed the audience saying, 'You can’t tell me that there isn’t a little bit of me in every one of you,' stated a press release from Black’s office.

'The idea that our public school system is being used to promote a homosexual lifestyle is disturbing,' Black said. 'When Christ’s name is banned in schools, and bricks with crosses on them are removed from Potomac Falls High School until a lawsuit forces them to be put back, it makes me feel that a double standard is being placed against people of faith. We are continuously lectured on the idea that we need to keep God out of the classroom. Am I now to believe that the reason we need to keep God out is so that homosexual teachings can have free reign?' Black’s release added."

Couldn't find the Delegate's actual press release, so here's an article.

Wal-Mart 1, Union 0

I’m not an avid fan of Wal-Mart, but I’m an even lesser fan of unions. They’ve outlived their usefulness and in current fashion largely use the threat of striking to extort corporations for above market benefits at the expense of higher consumer prices.

In this case, the moral of the story is ‘be willing to back up your threats’.

Way to put Jonquiere on the map.

Civic Duty

I have been summoned to the Circuit Court of Virginia for jury duty during the month of March. If I actually get to hear a trial, I will post my reflections on this process.

So far, all I’ve had to do is complete a typewritten form and return it to the court in a preaddressed envelope that appears to be older than me.

I’ve considered strategies to get dismissed, such as wearing a necktie that looks like a noose, or borrowing accessories from the Johnny Rebel clothing line, but even though I may regret it, I think I’d like to go through the process of jury duty.

What if I got a death penalty case? I’d have the chance to face my convictions for real – beyond the hypothetical. Granted, the odds are in my favor for a personal injury case, but then maybe I’d be presented with the opportunity to hold the line on ‘jackpot justice’.

Do the trial lawyers on this panel even think I’ve got a chance?

Stay tuned.

File under "Linda Lovelace Opus"

Clay and Todd are thrilled: Deep Throat is returning to theaters.

Michigan 4-Year-Old Does Late-Night Driving

From Jack Jebo: This sounds like something Clay would claim he did -- only there would be booze involved.

Hypocrisy? - I think we touched on this in an email

Former Klansman Blasted Nominee
Editor, Times-Dispatch: Has anyone in the media made mention of the fact that during the confirmation hearings for Condoleezza Rice a very surreal thing happened?
It was an old, white, former Klansman, Democratic Senator Robert Byrd, trying to defeat the nomination of a black, female Republican.
I think we would have heard a lot more if Byrd were an evil conservative and Ms. Rice were a Clinton appointee. The fact that the Dems even have a Klansman propped up as a "leader" in their party speaks volumes to their

GoDaddy.com Superbowl ad

Was it tasteless garbage or the best ad of a mediocre crop? You decide...

John TV hits the big city

Richmond Prostitution?

One More from the Richmond Times-Dispatch

Scroll down: NRA, Not NAACP, Deserves the Title

Editor, Times-Dispatch: I would like to note a correction required to the Associated Press article, "NAACP Divided Over Future." The article's author states that the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization.

The title for America's oldest and largest civil rights organization in fact belongs to the National Rifle Association (NRA). Founded in 1871 and with approximately 4 million members today, it has always stood for the most basic civil right of self-defense for all persons.

The NRA is notable in that since its inception it has welcomed members regardless of race, religion, or sex -- somewhat rare for organizations founded in that era. John Schuler, Richmond

While I'm at it...

Okay, one more thing that bugged me today. I was reading an article about the unfortunate wimpiness displayed by PBS, as they succumbed to Bush Administration pressure (even though they claim it was an independent decision) and refused to air an episode of "Postcards from Buster" in which one of the children Buster visits has a mom, and her mom has a "friend", Gillian. Although it is not a big part of the episode, the children apparently have lesbian parents. In the article, they quote a Baptist minister from Kansas who states, in Jesus-like fashion, "Tolerance is a dangerous word." I think that might actually be in the New Testament. Somewhere in Luke, I think. I also love that a bunch of conservative groups have come out against "No Name-Calling Week", because it includes prevention of harassment of gays. I love those guys! Don't call people names, as long as they conform to your idea of what is acceptable. Yikes! What do we do with these people?!?!?!?

"What the war was all about..."

This morning on CNN, Bill Schneider was giving commentary on the State of the Union address. He specifically referenced a touching moment when the mother of a slain US soldier hugged an Iraqi woman who voted in the recent election. He called it, "what the war was all about." I'm sorry. I know I am getting older, but my recollection is that the war was all about weapons of mass destruction, support of terrorism by the Iraqi regime, and the potential for a nuclear threat from Iraq. If we didn't invade the country, they would attack us. I distinctly remember the word "pre-emptive" being bandied about. Since we found no WMD's, and there was no proven connection between Saddam Hussein and al Qaeda, its a good thing we "freed" the Iraqis. Otherwise, we would look pretty stupid. Good thing we have Bill Schneider around to give us the straight scoop and hold the administration accountable.