Yes, it's true

I'm sure you have all been reading everything you can about Gov. Palin.

I've seen lots of comments from all sides. Knee jerk comments. People in disbelief. People laughing. People crying. Who is this person? Why did John pick her?

Do not underestimate Ms. Palin. She may very well be a formidable opponent. In her short two years as governor, she has already established a reputation of reform and fighting corruption, especially in the Alaskan republican hierarchy. She has left quite a trail of bruised and bleeding people in her wake. She is the most popular governor in America if you can go by approval ratings.

Republicans see her as a refreshing change. I see her as still more of the same. Even with her short record of reform. There are still many reasons that she is completely ineligible for the office of Vice President of the United States and represents the same republican dogma that we have seen forever.

She is vehemently anti-choice.
She has a very spotty record on the environment.
She is married (literally and figuratively) to the oil industry. Good or bad?
She is unabashedly anti-gay marriage rights, though she has stood up for same sex benefits.
She believes creationism should be taught in public schools.
She wants to gut social security.
She has no stance on foreign policy.
She has no stance on free trade.
She has no stance on immigration.

Aside from that, as late as last month she had no idea what a VP does on a daily basis.

Second in line to the highest office in the land? That scares me.

McCain - Palin ??

Could it be true?

There's a web site: http://www.mccainpalin.com/

There's a private jet from Alaska to Ohio reportedly containing Palin and others: http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N222GY

ABC news reports that Palin is still in Alaska. What does that mean? http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/mccain-vp-conte.html

Palin is a very conservative young Republican governor of Alaska. She has served for two years. And is already embroiled in some controversy regarding abuse of power. http://www.ktva.com/circare/html/sca_template.jsp?runSearch=true&query=monegan&searchButton.x=0&searchButton.y=0

I guess we'll find out later today who McCain's running mate is, but Palin seems to be rising to the top of the rumor mill.

8 years of GOP leads to drop in income

Personal income in largest drop in 3 years

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Personal income fell in July by the biggest drop in 3 years after surging the prior two months because of $90 billion in economic stimulus payments.

The Commerce Department said Friday that individual income decreased by 0.7% in July after a 0.1% jump in June and a 1.8% increase in May. Economists polled by Briefing.com were expecting income to fall by 0.2% in July.

The sharp decline in personal income was the largest drop off since August of 2005, when personal income plunged by 2.3%, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

from CNN . . read more

So do you see Jesus everywhere?

I am convinced that if we want to see something in random patterns we will. Remember the virgin Mary? She has appeared in water stains under a bridge, on burnt toast, and even on light reflected on a building's windows. Well, now this guy from Texas has found Jesus on the back of a moth. Take a look for yourself.


I don't know. It looks an awful lot like Mohammed to me.

(edited to add) Of course, it could also be Dorothy, from the Wizard of Oz.

Another Man of the Cloth living a lie

This one is a real good one. A pastor in Australia told people for two years he was battling cancer to hide an addiction to pornography. Sad but true.

I divorce thee, I divorce thee, I divorce thee

Oh no you don't! You're not in Pakistan anymore. KUDOS to the Montgomery County Circuit Court in Maryland for upholding US laws and not allowing idiotic religious sharia law to usurp our democracy.

A woman has won a case saying that the Muslim talaq is not valid for divorce in Maryland because it does not provide the woman with her due rights.

Religious Child Abuse takes another young life

This story from the heartland of the US, Weston, Wisconsin, is so sad. An 11 year old child suffering for days with lack of insulin slipped into a coma and her parents refused to seek medical treatment. She finally died from ketoacidosis. Easily treated if her parents had sought help. The parents will be charged with second-degree reckless homicide. If you ask me they should be locked up in the loony bin. When will we stop the insanity of irrational religion?

Update 4/29/2008: It seems the Neumanns are part of an end of times cult. The Unleavened Bread Ministries is trying to justify negligent homicide. I'm sorry, Pastor Bob, they are not being charged for praying, they are being charged for standing by watching their daughter die a slow painful death.

I Believe

I believe in Freedom of Speech. If the religious nutjobs in Florida want to have a license plate with xtian sentiments, more power too them. I think some people who read this blog may be surprised that I say that. I don't have any problem with this proposal. As I said, we should all have freedom to express our opinions and beliefs. If someone wants to paint their car with big Jesus fish on the side, I don't care. If they want to tattoo a cross on their foreheads, way to go! Easier to identify the crazy people, if you ask me. There's something funny, though. It's religious folks that are getting bent out of shape about this license plate. They have the same sentiments as apparent anti-semite Rep. Kelly Skidmore, a Roman Catholic from Florida.

"It's not a road I want to go down. I don't want to see the Star of David next. I don't want to see a Torah next. None of that stuff is appropriate to me," said Skidmore, a Democrat who voted against the plate in committee.

You see, they only want their religion expressed and would never want any other's to be acknowledged in public. What would their children think if they were tolerant of other's beliefs?

Yes, I want to see this plate adopted in Florida and then see what happens when requests for Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Secular plates start appearing.

Easter is almost here - Clean your whips!

In the Philippines, Catholics have an Easter tradition - self flagellation. Apparently this good friday ritual has become quite a tourist attraction. I can see why. We just don't get enough pain and blood on TV and video games. Apparently the Philippine government is asking that people make sure to clean their whips well to prevent infections. Ironic, though. Wouldn't God prevent that from happening to the most penitent?

$12,000,000,000.00

12 BILLION dollars every month. That's the current burn rate in Iraq. In the end this war will cost us almost $3 trillion. That's a bill of over $9,000 for every man, woman and child in America. Couple that with our current $9.6 trillion debt. This spells economic ruin. We've already lost. The sad thing is that all this money spent in Iraq has done nothing to quell Al Qaeda. They've regrouped in our Pakistani friends' backyard.

Faith and Politics

In 1987 then Vice President George H. W. Bush was campaigning for president. At a campaign stop on August 27, 1987 the following exchange took place between Vice President Bush and a reporter.

Reporter: What will you do to win the votes of the Americans who are atheists?
Bush: I guess I'm pretty weak in the atheist community. Faith in God is important to me.
Reporter: Surely you recognize the equal citizenship and patriotism of Americans who are atheists?
Bush: No, I don't know that atheists should be considered as citizens, nor should they be considered patriots. This is one nation under God.
Reporter: (somewhat taken aback): Do you support as a sound constitutional principle the separation of state and church?
Bush: Yes, I support the separation of church and state. I'm just not very high on atheists.

This exchange affected me deeply. Here was the Vice President of my country, a man who swore on a bible to uphold the constitution, telling me that I should not be considered a citizen. The same man that went on to become president. I think it was that moment when I knew I would have to fight for my rights as an American, that they were not just to be taken for granted. I lost my allusion that America stood for justice and liberty for all.

We know how history has played out. This discrimination and the bastardization of the constitution has become even greater under the hands of Little George. In this year's election campaign I have been paying attention to what the candidates have to say about faith and the lack thereof. I don't care if people have faith as long as they don't use it to discriminate or to decide major policy decisions just based on it.

We have heard how the right wing candidates feel about faith. More of the same. You gotta have faith or you don't belong. I mean, really, did you listen to Romney's speech about faith? How about Huckabee? And McCain is no different in his disdain for American atheists.

What about our Democratic candidates? Both have professed a deep religious faith in Christianity. Well, despite the fact that our constitution says there shall be no religious test to hold office, it is a fact that no candidate can win unless they do profess such a thing. However, we need to look at how the candidates view all the rest of us Americans.

Hillary Clinton

Hillary is a big disappointment to me in regards to her support of all Americans. Not only will she not stand up against the discrimination of gays and lesbians, but she has acted in opposition to those of us who are nonbelievers. Last June while discussing her husband's infidelity, Hillary made this statement.

"At those moments in time when you are tested, it is absolutely essential that you be grounded in your faith."

Is she really saying that without religious faith you cannot persevere? How ignorant is that?

In 2002, Hillary also posted a statement about the Pledge of Allegiance on her web site. In that statement she actually said she was offended that an appeals court would rule "one nation under god" as not belonging in our pledge. She actually implied in that statement that you must have faith to be part of our nation.

I have never found any evidence that Hillary considers Atheist Americans as part of this country.

Barack Obama

There is a great deal of controversy about Barack's faith and his supposed islamic indoctrination as a child. I think even some of his most outspoken critics have come around to conclude that he is what he says he is, a devout Christian. Regardless, the question in my mind is how does he view Americans of other faiths, particularly those with no faith.

Finally a candidate has stood up and proclaimed that atheists ARE Americans and are WANTED in the conversation of America.

"We all have a part in this conversation . . . believer and nonbeliever alike. Because, while I'm a Christian, I don't believe that religious folks have a monopoly on morality."

Can it be true? A presidential candidate that includes all of us? Since G. H. W. Bush proclaimed that atheists are not Americans over 20 years ago, I have not ever heard a candidate or a leader make such a statement. Not Bill, not Hillary, and certainly not any republican.

I think I am beginning to believe that change is possible.

Like sheep to the slaughter

The ignorance of American evangelicals never ceases to astound me. This video (also posted on pharyngula) shows the depths that the evangelical flock can fall into. It is clear these folks are just parroting the same lies and bullshit over and over. I mean, come on! I think it's been pretty much laid to rest that Obama is not an undercover islamic extremist trying to get his reigns on the American government so he can open the floodgates for the tides of jihadists to invade. Please folks. Use your own brains. If you believe in god then surely you believe she gave you a brain for a reason, right? Don't bleat like a bloody sheep.

4 children dead

A sad story this morning out of Washington, DC. Four children are dead and their decomposing bodies were discovered in their mother's house. Why were they killed? Because they were possessed by demons. This is the kind of delusional harm that comes from religion. I suspect even catholic priests who perform exorcisms would call this woman crazy. Yet they can't see in the mirror.

Happy Eid al-Adha

picture from Karin's Public Gallery

Abraham is a central patriarchal figure in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. If it were not for Abraham we would not have the mutilation of male genitalia so pervasive in Islam and Judaism. Abraham was such a great man he was willing to slaughter his own son Isaac because some voice in his head commanded him to. Today when people do this they are arrested and thrown in prison. I wonder if it's just the women that get arrested. Abraham was regarded as a hero. Hmmm. In Islam Eid al-Adha is the festival of sacrifice celebrating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice foreskins and offspring to god and this year it starts tomorrow on December 19. To honor such sacrifice they slaughter sheep, goats and cattle by the millions. Sounds like fun! Who needs Mortal Combat when you can go out in the streets and cut the throat of a live sheep.

A Jesus™ Nation

That's what Huckabee is fighting for. It's clear he has a vision of one nation under Jesus™. He basically says so in his own words way back in 1998:

"I didn't get into politics because I thought government had a better answer. I got into politics because I knew government didn't have the real answers, that the real answers lie in accepting Jesus Christ into our lives. . . . I hope we answer the alarm clock and take back this nation for Christ."

It looks like Huckabee is surging in the polls. So I guess all you Jews, Muslims, Wiccans, Buddhists, Hindus, Baha'is, Taoists, Druids, Native Americans, Universalists, Pagans, and atheists better start thinking about moving to a new country. If this guy gets in the whitehouse I don't think you'll be very welcomed here.

Mitt Romney is a blathering idiot

"Freedom requires religion, just as religion requires freedom. Freedom opens the windows of the soul so that man can discover his most profound beliefs and commune with God. Freedom and religion endure together, or perish alone," he said.

So says Mitt. I can't believe that this guy is seriously seeking the presidency. Has he not read the constitution? Does he not understand that our founders purposely separated religion from affairs of the state? To say that religion is the only way to find one's personal self is completely and utterly insane. I would say Mitt will be as fundamentally bad for the separation of church and state as Bush is now based on statements like this.

The Golden Compass

Come on folks. It's FANTASY! Really, kids can tell the difference between fantasy and reality. They can. Why do you think it's so hard to get them up and out the door to Sunday school? If you haven't heard there's an uproar about the new film, The Golden Compass. It's like Harry Potter all over again. Religious nuts think this movie will indoctrinate their children into the evils of atheism. Give me a break. And give your children some credit. If you have raised your child to believe in your god, fine. This movie is not going to change their minds. Are you so afraid that your believes are so tenuous that a fantasy movie will destroy it? You must not have much faith in your beliefs then. It's interesting to see the evangelical blogsphere get their panties all in a bunch about this. I can't wait to take my son to see this movie. I'm sure we'll have a spirited discussion about it afterwards.

Another tragic death from fantasy

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Religious fantasy kills. Fourteen year old Dennis Lindberg of Seattle, Washington passed away last night because he thought getting a life-saving blood transfusion would make him unclean. Sad, really. This was even against his parents' wishes. They wanted him to live. Unfortunately, Dennis' aunt, a Jehovah's Witness, greatly influenced him. The judge in the case that let the eight grader die didn't believe his decision was the result of any coercion. What the hell is fantastical religious indoctrination if not coercion? The doctors said he would have had a 70% chance of beating his leukemia with the transfusion. The judge said his ruling was a death sentence. We need to protect our children from this idiocy.

You're elected to work not pray

Part of me makes me glad I don't live in Georgia, but I'm sure it is similar here. This story from CNN today raises the issue nicely. I'm talking about elected officials wasting valuable taxpayer paid time pleading with some fantastical deity for help when they could be doing work for the people. This year Georgia is suffering from one of the worst droughts in its history. Water shortages are reaching critical stage in Atlanta and many places in GA. There's a lot to do. So, what does Governor Sonny Perdue and the GA legislature have on their agendas today? Yes. They're going to stand around on the steps of the Capitol mumbling to some imaginary magical creature to come down and spread some rain around. This is NOT what public servants are elected to do.

Now, I have no problem with people praying. Prayer can make people feel good. It can give them inner strength and lift them up. The GA governor and legislature can pray all they want to, but can't they do it on their own time? Their constituents are certainly expecting more from their work day. Most working people don't get to stop working to organize prayer vigils. They use their day off on Sunday for their worship. Why should elected officials be granted special rights in this regard?

At least one guy down in GA has the right idea:

"The governor can pray when he wants to," said Ed Buckner, who is organizing the protest. "What he can't do is lead prayers in the name of the people of Georgia."

Not all xtians are scientifically ignorant

There is hope. According to a recent poll, many xtians believe the earth could be billions of years old. There are still a lot of nutjob biblical literalists who think only in terms of a few thousand years really. Only 30% of xtians believe the earth is billions of years old. Maybe that's a frighteningly large number to the fundies, but I find it frighteningly small.

Democrats are letting us down

A friend just sent me an email with a question from Jim Babka of DownsizeDC.org. A very important question that we all need to consider.

Why did a Democrat controlled Congress pass a bad bill that President Bush wanted, when the Republican controlled Congress couldn't muster the votes for it the year before?

Of course I'm talking about the FISA bill - Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. You know, the one that allows our government to monitor at will any phone call we make outside of the homeland? The bill that legalizes all of the illegal acts this administration has perpetrated on us over the last six years. That bill.

In the House, 41 Democratic representatives voted to approve and legalize illegal wiretapping on us. This includes my own representative, Earl Pomeroy. Earl, you should be ashamed of this vote.

In the Senate the picture was no better - 16 Democrats voted to weaken our constitution. Senator Conrad from North Dakota was among them. Dorgan weaseled out by not being present to vote. I'd like to know where he stood on the issue.

Someone remind me why we voted in all these spineless politicians last November?

Christians are just too busy for god

Results of a five year worldwide study are in and it says that the majority of christians have no time for god. This study, conducted by the Charleston Southern University School of Business, sampled some 20,000 christians from 139 countries and found that a significant number of folks were too busy to develop their relationship with god. North American christians topped the chart with 62% reporting they were too busy for god. Interestingly, when the results were categorized by profession, the results were surprising. 65% of pastors said they were too busy to develop their relationship with god.

They've found the cure for autism

Because we all know that autism is not really a disease but evil spirits lurking in our brains.

"(Uyesugi felt that) the boy could be prayed over and the demons could be cast out of him," Detective Brad Swain told 6News' Ben Morriston."
. . .
Swain said Uyesugi "forced the boy down, punched him in the face several times, put his fingers in the boy's throat, causing him to vomit."

"When the family objected, Uyesugi told them that the vomit was demons being cast out," Swain said

Fortunately this guy was arrested and charged with battery. Frankly, he belongs in an institution.

You wonder where they get these crazy ideas? Oh, I see - this guy was an usher for the Cherry Hill Christian Center in Bloomington, IN. Apparently you can go to school to learn all kinds of things there, like new, never before heard, languages.

"The purpose of the School of the Holy Spirit is to feed and develop the spirit man, to release the rivers of prayer language and prophesying, and to move into the revelation and power gifts (word of knowledge, word of wisdom, discerning of spirits, gift of faith, gifts of healing, and working of miracles)."

This church looks like a scary place. If I were in Bloomington, I'd be watchful of my neighbors who go there.

Even Hindus are NUTS

I wonder if there are any religions that are not completely bonkers.

Man cuts off hand for Hindu goddess offering

A man from Nepal cut off his right hand for the Hindu goddess of power. Loopy if you ask me.

Anyone can go to heaven - if you believe as I do

A couple weeks ago I posted about the Pope's holier than thou attitude toward other xtians and how they don't truly follow christ. There was an interesting response to the Pope in the Fargo Forum letters section this morning. The Rev. Howard Fleury claims that god does not exclude anyone from eternal life, despite what the pope says. Now, that sounds all nice and inclusive until you really read his letter. Just as I expected from a delusional charlatan, the Rev. Fleury goes on to explain that you must believe as he does and be 'born again' to enter heaven. He even proudly claims that xtianity is an exclusive club and no one else can be saved. The rest of us will all end up in hell. Interestingly he claims that about 66% of the world's population will rest in hell. Does that mean that 33% of the Earth's 6 billion people are born again xtians? I think not! Certainly the "Born Agains" are a much smaller fraction of the xtian population. Not only is Rev. Fleury delusional, he thinks HIS club is the biggest in the world. Perhaps he should read more than just his bible.

(for a PDF of the Forum letter, click here)

The War that Wasn't

It's July and it's not just the summer sun that is getting hot. The War on Christmas™ is heating up also. Before anyone has even uttered a "Happy Holidays" (which is an expression of well wishes, not a slap in the face) the lunatic fringe is mobilizing their xtian soldiers to take on the great opposing army. The non-christians are swarming like plague-infested rats during the dark ages. If left alone to reproduce, they will soon take over! Oh wait, xtians still make up over 80% of the US population. Yes, I'm being satirical.

Two articles have caught my eye today regarding this so-called war. The first I gleaned from the Atheist Revolution blog about a petition in Berkely, Michigan for the city to display a nativity scene on public land. The second article comes from the xtian news source, One News Now. This reports on the attempts by the Seattle airport to ban religious displays. The local locos have their panties in a bind claiming this is some kind of "censorship" of religion.

I have just one question for the xtians out there. There's a christian church on nearly every street corner in America. If you put a nativity scene on every lawn, wouldn't you just about saturate every city in America with your religious symbolism? Why must you have it on the city square, or, for crying out loud, in an airport? Have you been in an airport lately? With all the delays people are just running from one end to the other to make their connecting flights. They don't have time to sit and wonder at the fantastical magic of a virgin birth. Please, just leave a little room for the rest of us. That's all we ask.

I agree with PZ

Magical incantations DO NOT belong in the senate. Unbelievable that these so-called christian zealots want everyone to tolerate their prayers in our senate, at high school football games, and everywhere else, but they can't sit in silent respect for two minutes to listen to a Hindu prayer.

Read more and watch the video on Pharyngula.

Superiority Complex

Nearly every religion has it. If you ask a leader of any one of the world's religions, they will tell you their version of reality imagination is the only true one. Some are more vocal, and violent, than others. The latest 'holier than thou' proclamation comes from the Vatican. Yes, Pope Rat has decreed that non-catholics are not true followers of Jesus Christ™. Of course, this declaration is basically aimed at any christian denomination that does not bow to the pope. Silly me, and I always thought religion was about a personal relationship with one's deity. Perhaps we need to replace the 10 commandments monument that is in Fargo's city hall square with a graven image of Pope Rat.

Read the full story here.

Who Cares about CAIR?

An interesting article appeared yesterday in the Washington Times describing the precipitous decline in membership for CAIR in recent years - down from 29,000 members in 2000 to only 1,700 in 2006. CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, pretends to be a civil rights organization. Frankly, this is a sham. It is clear they want nothing less than the adoption of Sharia law for America. Several CAIR spokespeople have been caught saying this in the past. It is not surprising that most mainstream American thinking Muslims are rejecting CAIR. They have known ties to Hamaas and other terrorist jihadist groups and have been named as co-conspirators. I would urge you to find out more about this very narrow-minded group that hides behind a cloak of civil rights. Here are some web sites for further reading.

CAIR Watch
CAIR: Islamists Fooling the Establishment
CAIR: 'Moderate' friends of terror
Anti-CAIR In defense of the Constitution

Dick Cheney is an SOB

When all is said and done, I think this administration will go down in history as the most corrupt ever. Every day we hear of new depths of unethical behavior by people who are entrusted with our lives. Dick Cheney heads the list of arrogant power mongers who don't give a rat's ass about the integrity of what our country stands for. According to this Washington Post article, Dick disagreed with justice officials about the illegality of wiretaps. Now that, of course, is not the problem. Everyone has the right to disagree. But, according to testimony of former deputy attorney general James Comey, Cheney's office retaliated by blocking the promotion of senior Justice Department lawyer, Patrick Philbin. Why did he block the promotion? Because Patrick raised concerns about the illegal surveillance that Cheney was pushing for. I'm sorry, this kind of retaliation seems to be commonplace in this administration. When will it stop? I think Cheney belongs in jail.

Kevin's Got it Right

A letter appeared in The Forum this morning that says it like it is. Way to go, Kevin!

Kevin Oak, Detroit Lakes, Minn. letter: Bible-thumping dimwits at it again
The Forum
Published Thursday, May 03, 2007

What’s with these Bible-thumping dimwits and their rant against The Forum’s article about the two young men attending prom together? I thought The Forum did a fine job presenting this issue in the context of what is a very significant event in a teen’s high school tenure.
But then you get these self-righteous nut jobs who read it with minds sealed drum tight, gasp, clutch at their chests, and frantically peruse the good book to find some passage in an attempt to make some obscure point. Then it’s up to the altar they go with a “God loves you but ...” finger-shaking hellfire-and-brimstone tirade.

And they continue to show the depth of their ignorance by expressing sympathy for gays’ family members, or saying something really stupid, like how a gay can change what happened at conception but only with a close, personal relationship with Jesus.

Please, sit down and shut up, already. I’m only here to listen to the choir.

The Jesus I know is about forgiveness, tolerance and acceptance.

He’s also the guy who said, “Let the person who is without sin cast the first stone.” Because if the Bible-thumpers’ God judges all sins on an equal basis, the water they’ll be in on their judgment day is going to be just as hot as anybody’s.

John, Sam and Santa

What do John the Baptist, Uncle Sam and Santa Claus have in common?

Why, John Frum, of course!

The people on the isolated South Pacific island of Tanna, in the country of Vanuatu, have long put their faith in John Frum, a figure they insist is a former American GI during World War II who will someday emerge from the volcano and shower his believers with wealth and knowledge.

Frum has been described as a combination of John the Baptist, Uncle Sam and Santa Claus.

Well, if you are worried about their poor lost souls, fear not, for Christian evangelism has arrived to save the day. Apparently 7000 islanders have given their hearts to Jesus™ after watching a Jesus™ film video that was left behind. I guess if you're gullible enough to be swayed by Santa, Sam and John, then Jesus™ should not be too hard to swallow.

Read the story here.

Littering is against the law in North Dakota

Ok, I'm all for free speech and all that jazz, but I do have a problem with people littering public places with propaganda. I was at NDSU today and had to use the restroom. As I was washing up I noticed some money laying around here and there. On closer inspection, they appeared to be $1,000,000 bills! I picked one up and flipped it over and behold - Once again, someone is trying to save me. What a waste of trees and ink. It's one thing to hand them out to people. That's fine. But it is quite another thing to dirty up our public spaces with all this paper. Frankly the folks who drop these around campus should be cited for littering.

Godless Money Commands a High Price

Say what you want about "In God We Trust" on US currency, but it's clear that people are paying a premium for new dollar coins that are missing this inscription. The US Mint has released some new dollar coins that were improperly struck. Intially coins were fetching upwards of $600. As word spread, more were discovered and the price has settled down to about $50 on ebay.

Read the story here

Minimum Wage is a Republican Ideal?

I think not! Once again, the Republican-controlled ND legislature has shown their true arrogant plagiaristic selfs and held a photo-op touting their "Republican" bill to raise the minimum wage. Funny, they've killed the bill the last 10 times the Democrats have brought it to the table. The real credit should go to Sen. Tim Mathern (D-Fargo) and Rep. Jasper Schneider (D-Fargo).

The Forum has more to say on the issue:

Forum Editorial: Democrats initiated wage bill
The Forum
Published Wednesday, March 07, 2007

Monday’s celebratory photo op for signing a minimum wage bill was among the more bizarre political sideshows to come out of the North Dakota legislative session. Conducted by a Republican governor and Republican lawmakers, the lead participants pretty much soft-pedaled the fact that the original minimum wage bill was a Democrat initiative. Indeed, all the majority Republicans did was amend the bill to say it would not take effect until the federal minimum wage is raised, which Congress is expected to do this year.
The efficacy of government setting wages in a diverse jobs marketplace aside (we think it’s a bad idea for North Dakota), the failure of Republicans to properly acknowledge the primary role of Democratic lawmakers in the wage bill was petty. Oh, a brief mention was made of the Democrats, but it seemed almost an afterthought. And a couple of Democratic legislators and a labor union leader were on hand, but their marginal participation came off as so much window dressing.

The original bill was written by Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, and Rep. Jasper Schneider, D-Fargo. It was given little chance of passing because the Republican majority historically has been against raising the state’s minimum wage. But Congress changed hands after the November election and the new Democratic majority said it would advance a federal minimum wage hike. President Bush went along and said he would sign a wage bill. Apparently when the Republican president said he would support a higher minimum wage, Republicans in the North Dakota Legislature began to dance to his tune.

If a minimum wage hike was anathema to Republican legislators in the past, why would they think it’s a good idea now – even if the president apparently thinks so? Why did they appropriate what clearly was – and has always been – a Democratic initiative? Free-market, conservative Republicans have no business lining up behind a wage philosophy that contradicts everything they say they believe.

And since the minimum wage hike was a Democratic bill from the start (changed minimally to reflect pending federal legislation), why snub Sen. Mathern and Rep. Schneider? That’s rude and a tad dishonest.

Sometimes politics – even in civil North Dakota – just stinks.

Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.

Republican Plagiarism in North Dakota

plagiarism |ˈplājəˌrizəm| noun
the practice of taking someone else's work or ideas and passing them off as one's own.

That describes the republican dominated North Dakota legislature. For years they have completely discounted the democratic minority with arrogance and disdain. The idea that ND Democrats should just be happy their ideas are becoming law even if Republicans have stolen those ideas as their own is completely idiotic. This is just plain unethical! Republicans should be ashamed of themselves. If I were to do this in my university, I would be fired for plagiarism. It's a serious ethical offense.

Read more from the Grand Forks Herald:


VIEWPOINT : Yes, the GOP stole our bills in Bismarck
By Arlo Schmidt and Dorvan Solberg,
Published Thursday, March 01, 2007, Grand Forks Herald


BISMARCK - This is a response to the comments made by Republican leadership in a recent Forum Communications Capitol bureau story, “Cross words at crossover” (Page 4B, Feb. 16).
Republicans acted as if they didn't notice that they had stolen ideas from Democrats. However, it is hard to imagine that Republicans didn't realize they were stealing our ideas. For example, we asked a Republican senator and representative to co-sponsor a bill to keep interest rates down for student loans. They told us they would not sponsor that bill, but then introduced a virtual carbon copy of the bill with several other Republican co-sponsors.

House Majority Leader Rick Berg, R-Fargo, insinuated that it was Democrats' fault for not getting the bills passed. He seemed to indicate that no bill will be passed with a Democrat sponsor because Republicans are in control of both the Senate, the House and the governor's office.

Senate Majority Leader Bob Stenehjem, R-Bismarck, implied that this is just part of the legislative process. But Stenehjem needs to know that stealing ideas, hoghousing bills and dominating public policy is not part of the legislative process. It is bad politics, and it is not going unnoticed.

Berg alluded to the idea that Democrats shouldn't be upset that Republicans are stealing our ideas. He says that Democrats should just be happy to see their ideas brought forward and getting passed - as if he is doing us a favor by stealing our ideas.

We would just like to compare the situation to something Herald readers can identify with. Pretend that you came up with a great idea at your place of employment. Pretend that you go to a co-worker and ask for help in presenting this great idea to your boss.

Now, imagine the audacity that co-worker would need in order, first, to tell you to your face that he can't help you; and then second, to go to the boss and present your idea as his own.

We suspect you would not be very impressed with that co-worker. That is exactly what is happening in the state Legislature and why we are calling foul.

In the North Dakota House of Representatives, Schmidt, a Democrat from Maddock, N.D., represents District 7 and Solberg, a Democrat from Ray, N.D., represents District 2.

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is my hero

Here she is on Real Time with Bill Maher. I was shocked to see Bill come full circle and state Islam has been violent from the beginning. This from a man who once said Mohammed was liberal and tolerant. The difference between Islam and many other religions is that in large part, it has not abandoned the violence that most religions gave up since the 14th century.

Take a look at this clip:

Death to women who won't cover their heads

PZ Myers has a lot to say today about the execution of Pakistan's Minister for Social Welfare in Punjab province. Her crime? She did not cover her head.

The shooter had this to say . .

"I have no regrets. I just obeyed Allah's commandment," he said, adding that Islam did not allow women to hold positions of leadership. "I will kill all those women who do not follow the right path, if I am freed again," he said

I particularly like PZ's commentary about this story . .

Face it, everyone. Religion is not a source of moral behavior. It's a source of tribalism and obedience to authority, which sometimes coincides with respectable morality, but isn't necessarily associated with it. We have to find our virtue in one true thing, our common humanity, and these ancient superstitions actually interfere with instruction in how to be good by encrusting it with nonsense.

Read more from PZ here . . .

Speaking of Islamic Rants - they want you dead

Omar Brooks thinks all non-muslims should be slaughtered.

I am ashamed of my party

As a liberal democrat, I abhor intolerance. So when our party's leaders support individuals and groups that are intolerant, I can't understand it. On Feb. 2, Howard Dean stood next to Imam Husham Al-Husany as the Imam feigned a desire for peace and love and called Americans oppressors. Is Howard so shallow that he does not understand that this Imam is only interested in everyone living under shari'a law? His associations with CAIR and his support of terrorist organizations around the world are ample evidence that he is another Islamic leader who thinks that peace, love and unity can only come if we all follow Muhammed.

Although I don't really care for Sean Hannity's tactics, Imam Al-Husany's rants during his interview with Sean demonstrate how out of touch he really is. It's clear that if anyone criticizes Islamic domination, then they encourage the wrath of Muhammed and Jesus. Incredible! Peace and Love and Understanding . . I don't believe that is what the Imam really wants. He wants the whole world to be like him. And Howard embraces characters like this? Take a listen for yourself:



Oh, and after the DNC address, equally ignorant young democrats blindly supported Howard's choice.



One more reason that RELIGION and GOVERNMENT should forever be separated. This Imam is as nuts as the christians Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, and Fred Phelps!

My party should be better than this.

Pardon me for wondering

Ok, I have to ask. Did anyone else wonder why this story (Russian smuggled nuclear-bomb uranium) that appeared on CNN.com tonight has been kept under wraps since last summer? I usually don't go in for conspiracy theories, but . . is it coincedence that this came out one day after GW's gloom and doom State of the Union address? I mean, the sting happened last summer! The perpetrator has already been arrested, charged and convicted! According to the article:

Details of the investigation, which also involved the FBI and Energy Department, were provided to The Associated Press by U.S. officials and Georgian Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili.

That means the US government released the information by choice today.

This is my speculation, but I think this was released today to bolster Bush's pro-war agenda after his speech. This is an important piece of news. If (when) "nucular" material does get into the hands of terrorists, we are all in trouble. Why wasn't this news reported last summer? Using information that is vital to all of our safety for political agendas is disgraceful.

Man, the last few years have really turned me into a pessimist.

Politics: Dare I say the "I" word?

Yes, I'm talking about IMPEACHMENT. Not a word I throw around lightly. One I thought I would never want to use. But I don't know what else to do with the ignorant arrogant self-appointed dictator that is George Bush. To say he, and he alone, knows what's best for America and the rest of us have no say in the matter just goes too far. Whether or not his troop surge is right or wrong is irrelevant in this discussion. What is relevant is his complete and utter disregard for Congress and the American people who have spoken loudly that he needs to do something else. Maybe his way is right, but he hasn't made the case yet and he can't sit on his throne and simply tell us it is. He and Dick are now saying it is their duty to stomp all over our rights. Yes, we 300,000,000 Americans are too stupid to understand how King George and Prince Dick will save the world. Well, it's time to dethrone them. This is the last straw.

Ok, that being said, I want to ask, WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THE DEMOCRATS? Where are their plans? We need them to lead, NOW. THIS IS THE TIME! DO IT. George will just keep doing this unless you Dems start doing something smart. Howard went around the country talking about "Tough but Smart". Well, it's January, we have wrestled congress from the clutches of the Republicans. It's time for the Tough and Smart. Please step up to the plate, and do it quick before we're all doomed.

Politics: So Long Gerry

And so an era ends. 93 is a good long time to be on Earth. Rest in peace. I don't know why I have a little soft spot for President Ford. Perhaps because he was from my home state of Michigan. I never cared much for his presidency.

So long James

There will never be another like you. Rest in peace.

Happy Solstice

In the dead of winter here in the north daylight is few and far between. Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. I always find myself contemplating new beginnings and the return of the sun at this time of the year. The solstice brings thoughts of joy and rebirth. I know if I just wait for the sun to make it's slow march back to my part of the world, the miracle that is spring will be back once again. I can understand why so many joyous holidays in human history have appeared around this time of the year.

Here's wishing you all a very Happy Solstice.

Religion: Back to the roots

It would seem that ritualistic human behavior is older than previously thought. Archeologists have found evidence of python worship dating back 70,000 years making the discovery the world's oldest ritual. I always did have a soft spot in my heart for snakes.

".... mankind descended from the python and the ancient, arid streambeds around the hills are said to have been created by the python as it circled the hills in its ceaseless search for water."

Fun: How do you say that?

This is a fun little quiz. It was spot on for me.

What is your American accent?

Politcs: Your Turn

Ok Democrats, you better not f*** it up.

Politics: VOTE TODAY

I did! Your Turn!

Religion: Still a Hypocrite

So, I haven't commented on the whole Ted Haggard thing until now. I'm not sure whether to pity or loathe the man. He has recently all but confessed to his "sins". But Ted still thinks that god can somehow heal him of his 'homodisease'.

"The fact is, I am guilty of sexual immorality, and I take responsibility for the entire problem."

"I am a deceiver and a liar. There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life."

"Our church's overseers have required me to submit to the oversight of Dr. James Dobson, Pastor Jack Hayford, and Pastor Tommy Barnett. Those men will perform a thorough analysis of my mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical life. They will guide me through a program with the goal of healing and restoration for my life, my marriage, and my family. "

You really should read his letter. I'm sure it was hard for him to write. But, I don't think he can redeem himself simply by asking for prayer and forgiveness.

What I wonder is if he really means the things he preaches. If he truly believes homosexuals are evil and all the bullshit that he says on the pulpit, then I feel very sorry for him. How tortured his life must be. On the other hand, perhaps he simply was corrupted by the power and the money of his position and he really doesn't believe the crap he spouts. In that case, he is a supreme hypocrite preying on his flock.

Either way it's clear. What Ted needs is not prayer and healing from above, he needs a good honest man to make him a man. Too bad he can't admit it.

Interesting that his wife is sticking by his side. He should be honest with her.

Well, why not? Afterall, it's her fault!

Politics: Are you a Strawberry or a Blueberry?

So much is going on that I just can't bring myself to comment. We've got hypocrites on all sides going nuts -- John Kerry, Ted Haggard. Enough said. Politics and scandals go on. The elections are right around the corner. Ze Frank has put it all into perspective today.

Religion: Are you there God? It's me, America.

In a recent survey by Harris Poll 42% of US adults indicated that they are not "absolutely certain" there is a god. Interestingly, this number is up by 25% in just the last three years when only 34% were not certain about god. The full details of the survey have not appeared yet on the Harris web site, but you can get a synopsis of them here.

Here is a link to the 2003 Harris Survey.

Politics: Hillary Clinton is a political opportunist

As much as I admire Hillary's intellect and hard work in public office, she has fallen into the trap of political opportunism. She, and other Democrats (and Republicans, for that matter) need to stand up firmly for their principles, not cow to whatever the prevailing senitmental winds are. When will politicians stop worrying about getting elected, and start working toward making America and Americans better. Perhaps I am too idealistic. Yes, yes, I know politicians don't have the opportunity to make changes unless they get elected. Yes, yes, I know the election is important to worry about. But at what point does that balance with your principles? Hillary has flip flopped in the wind to get elected as much or more than most. The latest is her position on *gasp* Gay Marriage! In 2000 when she was running for congress, she was absolutely against it. Now, her position has "evolved". But not really.

"I believe in full equality of benefits, nothing left out," she said. "From my perspective there is a greater likelihood of us getting to that point in civil unions or domestic partnerships and that is my very considered assessment."

If she really believed in full equality, she would believe in marriage rights, not appease her conservative supporters. She's trying to make everyone happy and, in doing so, is sacrificing her principles.

Religion, Hypocrisy: It wasn't rape, he liked it

It seems Mark Foley's Holy Abuser seems to think that fondling teenage boys is ok if they like it. I guess the fact that Mark's priest, Father Anthony Mercieca, was in a position of power over him means nothing. Just like Mark never used his power and influence to get anywhere with the pages. Of COURSE it's abuse! Of COURSE it's wrong to use your stature and power to gain sexual favors. UGH - hypocrisy. This is typical of the denial in the Catholic Church on this issue - abuse is such a harsh word - we like to call it helping our kids.

Mercieca, however, rejected the idea that he sexually abused Foley, saying, "See abuse, it's a bad word, you know, because abuse, you abuse someone against his will. But it involved just spontaneousness, you know?"

"Let's say it was 40 years ago, almost 40 years ago, so why bring this up at this late stage?" Mercieca asked. "Anyway, he will overcome it, with a psychiatrist you know. Mark is a very intelligent man."

Politics, Hypocrisy: GOTV

GOTV - Get Out The Vote. Both parties say they're for it. But a Republican campaign in California is trying to frighten people into not voting.

SANTA ANA, Calif. - State investigators have linked a Republican campaign to letters sent to thousands of Orange County Hispanics warning them they could go to jail or be deported if they vote next month, a spokesman for the attorney general said.

Politics: We're all Terrorists and Sexual Predators

If you listen to FBI Director Robert Mueller, you might think that. Why else would they want Internet Service Providers to record and track their customers' online activities?

"Terrorists coordinate their plans cloaked in the anonymity of the Internet, as do violent sexual predators prowling chat rooms," Mueller said in a speech at the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in Boston.

Science: Can you believe I'm siding with Bill Frist?

While my political views obviously lie on the left side of the spectrum that society has created, I believe there really is no such thing as a Republican or a Democrat. We all have ideas and positions on issues and they don't always align with whatever political parties we see every day. On the issue of Science Funding, this is definitely a bi-partisan (multi-partisan?) issue and people from all sides can have solid reasonable ideas. These party wars do not solve the problems of our society, they interfere with efforts to solve problems. I was very happy to read this morning an article by Bill Frist published in the Inside Higher Education on-line magazine about congress' efforts to increase funding for basic science. He makes some very accurate arguments.

"While I have nothing against applied research — as a doctor, I never did any other kind — we ultimately need to do more basic research if we want to retain our position as a world leader. The invention of devices like the iPod, a wonderful machine that has changed the way we listen to music, will never result in a Nobel Prize. Without new fundamental discoveries about the nature of the universe and our world, the United States can’t remain the world’s economic and technological leader."

This is truly a bipartisan effort and one that I think Bill takes too much credit for. While I applaud Bill for making the case I do wonder how much he truly believes and how much he is using for political gain. I think back to the Terry Schiavo fiasco and that causes me to pause a bit in my praise for Bill. Never the less, the message is right this time. On a similar note, the Bush administration, and even Sen. Frist, have stood by as the NIH changed it's fundamental support mechanisms away from basic science endangering a whole generation of young scientists trying to get established. Although the NIH budget has doubled from 1999-2003 (initiated during the Clinton administration), the number of individual RO1 grants, the ones that really support researchers in basic biomedical sciences, has, alarmingly, decreased. So, I think we need to do more to fix the NIH, not just increase NSF funding.

Religion, Politcs: If you preach the politics, you gotta pay the taxes

What these religious nuts don't understand about separation of church and state is that it's just as much about preventing government from interfering with religion as it is about preventing religion from interfering in government. The IRS rules are very very clear. If you invite political candidates to your church and promote their platform on your pulpit, you are not eligible for tax exempt status. Well, the holy shit has hit the fan in Minnesota after Michele Bachmann, preaching from the stage at Living Word Christian Center in Brook Park, MN, told the parishoners that God called upon her to run for congress. Now, if that is not bad enough, the pastor of the church told his flock that the church should be wholly involved in politics. You can watch it all here on youtube. For more on this story, see the posts at Minnesota Monitor and Dump Michele Bachmann.

Update: Here's the first 9 minutes of Michele's appearance at Living Word on youtube.

Religion: This time I agree with Hannity and Colmes.

There is absolutely no way to reach people like this.

Politics: Byron and Steve

I should have posted this earlier. I didn't watch Bryon live, but I found the youtube video. I'd say he handled himself well with Steve. Earl? Your turn!!!

Religion: PZ and Me

There is a reason why PZ Myer's blog, Pharyngula, was named the top science blog of 2006 by Nature. It's darn good and on my daily reading list. Today I had the pleasure of meeting PZ when he came to NDSU to present a talk entitled, "Accommodation isn't enough: why scientists need to speak out against religion".

He started his talk discussing the poor arguments against religion:

• Science has NOT disproven God - it is silly to make that argument
• Atrocities done in the name of religion - there are certainly atrocities done by atheists as well as many good deeds done in the name of religion. This is a very weak argument.

He then presented even worse arguments for religion:

• Scripture - it is not validated
• Morality - both religious and non-religious may be moral or immoral
• Consolation - use religion to console, fear of death
• Inspiration - Bach could be argued to be inspired by religion. Sure, but was he inspired by God or did that come from himself. PZ had a great comeback for this one - "Have you ever listened to Christian Rock these days?"
• Non-overlapping ideas - Religion and science can't mix.

PZ then went on to discuss why we should oppose religion, particularly extremist religion. He makes a case for why it should not be a basis for public policy or governance. He discussed a bit of the books by Ken Miller and Francis Collins.

He did have a funny "top 10" list of why Religion is Just Like Pornography. It was amusing and you can read all the details on his blog.

I think the highlight of the talk was his statement:

"Religion has been granted an exalted, priveleged position in our culture. What it deserves is laughter."

We had a nice discussion after the talk, but certainly nothing as heated as I epected. I guess the religious nutjobs stayed away from this one.

Hypocrisy, Religion: Cover thy genitalia

(Thanks to the folks at Pandagon.net for posting this story)

Art, to Sydney McGee, reflects civilizations past and present and is a thing of utlimate value. For years she has shared her love of art with her 5th grade class in Frisco, Texas. Now, after 28 years of teaching she has been suspended for daring to take her class *gasp* to the Dallas Museum of Art. Of course she should be exposed for the evil person she is! Taking children to such a den of iniquity where they might be exposed to *shudder* nude figurines from ancient mediterranean cultures. All kidding aside, this is a serious issue. Do should we really censor art and elevate it to something grossly sexual when it is not? I think the religious fundamentalists have had a hand in this one. Maybe there's more to this story, but claims of "performance issues" by the school board are not supported by Ms. McGee's record of excellent job evaluations over the last 28 years.

Read the NY Times article.

So . . I'll let you be the judge. Below is a picture of the nude piece in question at the Dallas museum. Next to it a piece of 'art' I found on the prayerful woman's web site. Which would you rather have your children see?

Politics: Today the Conservative Revolution Takes Over

Yes, today the Conservative Right takes over control of the Supreme Court. The new Court opens today without Sandra Day O'Conner leaving a court that is now tipped towards the conservative ideal. Chief Justice John Roberts pushed back a number of important cases until this year when the conservatives will be able to overturn precedent.

President Bush's two conservative appointees, Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito, give opponents of abortion and affirmative action reason to hope the high court will move in their direction. It was only a few years ago that a different mix of justices seemingly settled some of these questions in high-profile cases.

Take a listen to Nina Totenberg's NPR report on the issue.

Politics, Hypocrisy: The Culture of Corruption Continues

Well, if Friday's news wasn't bad enough, it appears the story is much deeper than we thought. Pages were warned by Republican staffers five years ago to watch out for Mr. Foley.

Matthew Loraditch, a page in the 2001-2002 class, told ABC News he and other pages were warned about Foley by a supervisor in the House Clerk's office.

Loraditch, the president of the Page Alumni Association, said the pages were told "don't get too wrapped up in him being too nice to you and all that kind of stuff."

Republican House Speaker, Dennis Hastert, at first, denied knowing anything, then changed his tune once Tom Reynolds came out saying he had informed Hastert of inappropriate emails in 2005. This sure stinks of a coverup. Why nothing was done is beyond me. It looks pretty obvious that the Republicans cared more about covering up their dirty laundry so the election was not affected and could care less about victimized teenagers.

Oh, and today Mr. Foley is blaming it all on alcohol! . . . Talk about the apology that wasn't!

Politics, hypocrisy: One more closet door opens

After all the grief about Gov. McGreevey last year from the so-called moral right wing, today's news is quite interesting. At least McGreevey was looking for sex from an adult. Today, Republican Representative Mark Foley (Florida) resigned from congress amidst scandalous rumours regarding inappropriate email communication with a 16 year old male page. I don't really care about Foley's sexual orientation, but I am struck by the hypocrisy here. According to his web page, he is the Co-Chairman of the Missing and Exploited Childrens Caucus. Well, it would seem he has some direct experience to bring to the table for that caucus.

Among the latest of these is a program designed to show children how to protect themselves from online predators.

Here is Mr. Foley's statement:

"Today I have delivered a letter to the Speaker of the House informing him of my decision to resign from the U.S. House of Representatives, effective today. I thank the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District for giving me the opportunity to serve them for the last twelve years; it has been an honor.

I am deeply sorry and apologize for letting down my family and the people of Florida I have had the privilege to represent."

According to ABC News:

Hours earlier, ABC News had read excerpts of instant messages provided by former male pages who said the congressman, under the AOL Instant Messenger screen name Maf54, made repeated references to sexual organs and acts.

Apparently this is not just one isolated incident.

UPDATE: ABC News has released a transcript of an instant message exchange between Mark Foley (Maf54) and a high school student. (note: sexually explicit content)

Politics, Bigotry: No Discussion in Wisconsin

Boy, our country has really degraded. In Wisconsin you get beat up just for trying to discuss an upcoming ballot measure.

It started with a group of diners talking about gay marriage and the same-sex marriage amendment that will be on Wisconsin's November election ballot.

A gay woman named "Jorryn" says the debate got heated when a customer from another part of the restaurant came over and joined the gay marriage discussion. "He said it's never going to happen, it's never going to never going to pass in Wisconsin, and it's against God."

That when the argument got physical.

Surveillance video shows the man, who had just joined the debate, pushed "Jorryn" down and then punched another customer.

The fight continued with the suspect yelling, throw chairs and punching people.

Read on . . .

Politics: Condi is a liar

A few days ago, President Clinton went on the defensive on Fox News after being questioned about why he did not pursue Osama Bin Laden. In that interview, he said,

"That's the difference in me and some, including all of the right-wingers who are attacking me now," Clinton said in the interview. "They ridiculed me for trying. They had eight months to try; they did not try."

Ms. Rice just came out with a statement to the contrary.

"What we did in the eight months was at least as aggressive as what the Clinton administration did in the preceding years," Rice said during a meeting with editors and reporters at the New York Post.

What she says is a flat out lie and she knows it. She cites the 9/11 report, but obviously she must have read the Bush version and not the version published by the 9/11 commission. It's clear the Bush administration barely gave Al Qaeda a second thought during their first 8 months. To say they were as aggressive as the Clinton administration is complete bull.

Religion: Islam - The religion of submission

Just a commentary on how twisted religion really is. Now, I'm no friend of the Pope, but come on. The Pope reads a quote that questions Mohammed. Protests erupt around the world in the Muslim community. Now, that, in itself is not really that troublesome. I'm all for protest - peaceful protest. But that's where things get carried away. The Pope says he didn't mean to offend and apologizes. In response a nun is shot to death in Somalia, churches around the world are firebombed, and Al Qaeda threatens the Pope and all of us in the west saying we are "Doomed". That we should convert to Islam or die by the sword as the Koran command.

There are no people one more intolerant on earth than religious zealots. And Islamic zealots are by far the worst. In the minds of Islamic fundamentalists, Islam ≠ Peace, Islam = Submission.

Fun: Keep your Gentlemen Stockings Fresh

I'll admit it - my socks are getting pretty darn ratty. So, this morning I pulled out a bag of new socks that my wife bought for me some time ago. Fruit of the Loom they are. What do you do with a bag of new socks? If you're like me, you rip open the bag and dump them into your sock drawer. Well, I was quite surprised to find this bag of socks had a great new feature - a zip-lock top! Yup! That's right. A resealable plastic sock bag. Imagine the possibilities! They'll stay fresh in the freezer for decades. You can take one pair out at a time and the rest will stay as fresh as the day you bought them. And, the best part - after you wear them, you can seal them back up to keep the stinky sweat in. I'll bet these were invented with the TSA in mind!

Religion: A Hero gives up her practice in order to save her life

In my eyes Seyran Ates is a hero. Not just a hero, she is an amazingly brave hero. For twenty years she has been fighting against the subjugation of Muslim women by fighting for their rights. She is a lawyer and has represented countless women who have escaped from the tyranny of male domination. She has fought against "honor killings" to prevent the death of Muslim women who are slaughtered for the crime of wanting to be an equal member of society. She has fought against forced marriage and has helped many women escape abuse at the hands of their husbands. In 2005 she was named Germany's Woman of the Year, deservedly so. Facing increased pressure from Muslim men - ok, let me rephrase that - after being shot once, recently attacked outside a courtroom, and after receiving death threats daily, she has decided her life and her daughter's life took priority. She has decided to stop practicing law. What a tragedy that twisted religious ideology that thinks women are second class and should be killed for the honor of their husbands has driven this hero out of her career and more importantly has prevented her from saving the lives of countless women in the future.

Seyran's Web Page (in German)
Telegraph Story
Deutsche Welle Story
Western Resistance Story

Politics, Hypocrisy: Flippity Floppity

Matt Mechtel is running for the US House on the Republican ticket against incumbent Earl Pomeroy. For all the flack that Democrats have received from Republicans regarding the issue of "flip-flopping", I found todays news article in The Forum to be quite funny. It pertains to the issue of immigration.

Back in March, Mr. Mechtel made a statement in an interview about illegal aliens and immigration.

March 29, 2006:

Interviewer: Sure. One quick follow-up. One thought that I’ve had and I wanted to get your thought on it, was a key to maybe making it less, providing less of an incentive to illegal immigrate might be to make our legal immigration process easier, more streamlined. Is that something you agree with?

Mr. Mechtel: Absolutely, absolutely. We can work on streamlining that process and you know to the point right now where we do have illegals in the country, you know, let’s, let’s give them an amnesty period to get signed up and go through a period where they can legalize themselves so we don’t criminalize the people that are already here. They’ve made it here, let’s give them the opportunity to get melded into the system, let’s give them the opportunity to be legal. That way we can get a handle on this thing right to start with. We’ve got to start somewhere and there’s no perfect solution to this so, you know, that’s definitely one way we could start.

September 6, 2006 he made this statement:

“No one who is here illegally will ever get citizenship. There will be no amnesty.”

I love the response of Jim Fuglie, Executive Director of the ND Dem-NPL:

Fuglie said it is “interesting that the first debate on illegal immigrants in North Dakota this year is between Matt Mechtel and Matt Mechtel.”

Politics: Vote For Us Or Die

I'm getting tired of the administration's fear mongering. So, I did what every citizen should do - I wrote a letter to the editor of my local paper. Here's what I sent:

Dear Editor,

It would seem the Republican administration is feeling the pressure of public opinion and is reaching into their bag of tricks to pull out old, familiar messages. Yup. They're laying the fear card flat out on the table. They would have you believe that if you vote for a Democrat our border gates will suddenly be lifted and swarms of islamofacists will come streaming in to rape and murder our citizens. They keep lying about "cut and run" when the Democrats have long said we need a tough and smart approach to address the problems facing our nation and the world. Rumsfeld says we are immoral and stupid to criticize an administration that has never had any idea what threatens our nation or how to face it. This is coming from someone who three years ago said that the war would only last six more months! This is coming from a Secretary of Defense who would not listen to his generals when they pleaded to provide enough troops and equipment to face our enemies. This is coming from a man in power who, along with the vice president, thought the insurgency was "in its last throes". This rhetoric is coming from an administration that demonstrably never had a plan in the beginning and is still floundering and waiting for Jesus to come down and save us. And you believe what they say about Democrats? They are not protecting us. They are not thinking about, nor solving, the problems that face our country. Why? They are too busy worrying about how to make people afraid enough to vote for them. We don't need strategies on how to win elections, we need strategies on how to save the world.

We are seeing the same old tricks. The Republicans say the same lies over and over again until people forget the truth. The truth is Democrats do not want an immediate pullout from Iraq. They know we are entrenched there for some time, but for God's sake, we need to plan beyond tomorrow. We need to start coming up with a strategy to bring our brave men and women back. We need to convince the Iraqi forces they will have to take control of their own security. That will never happen with an open-ended occupation.

Democrats want a smart military. We need to regroup and restore our armed forces that are so thinly stretched now. We have other threats arising around the world. What would we do if the problems in Iran or North Korea suddenly escalated today? We don't have the military resources to address them. Democrats know that our security must start here at home. It has been five years since September the 11th and we are still not protecting our ports, protecting our nuclear plants, or protecting our citizens in meaningful ways.

Democrats know that building our economy, reeling in spending, and supporting all our citizens, not just the richest 1%, is the surest way to build a stronger, more unified nation. Democrats do have plans. Democrats do not want to tax and spend. I can't, for the life of me, understand why people keep supporting an administration that wants to borrow and spend. That is fiscal irresponsibility.

We do not need fear, we need leaders who will roll up their shirtsleeves and get down to work. We need smart leaders who will fight for Americans and our way of life. We need leaders in our elected offices that will reach across partisan boundaries and solve problems. When President Bush stood up and addressed our nation during his inaugural speech and pledged to unite our nation by "reaching out to all who share his beliefs," I knew then the country would be more divided than ever.

Let me say this again. Democrats have plans to turn this country in a new direction, to better the lives of its citizens, and secure our nation. They have plans to restore our status in the world as a strong but caring nation. They will not ignore the world's environmental problems and will do their part to keep our planet alive for generations to come. They have plans to balance our nation's checkbook so our kids will not have to pay for our fiscal ineptitude. Democrats want to instill hope rather than spread fear.

Don't be swayed by lies. Read. Become informed about all candidates who will be coming up for election - locally, statewide, or national. Ask tough questions and expect detailed answers. It is the responsibility of all of us to be informed voters, not ignorant followers. That is how we will change our country for the better.

Terror: Fox guarding the henhouse

The Syrians object to an international peace force on the border of Lebanon so they say THEY will prevent arms shipments to Hizbollah.

Syria to enforce arms embargo
...
Syria promised to "undertake as soon as possible" measures to increase its number of border guards and give them additional training and equipment, Annan said. Syria will also establish liaisons with the Lebanese armed forces, border police and international personnel "in order to set up an effective interdiction regime," the secretary-general added.

Asked whether such measures would succeed in blocking arms shipments to Hezbollah, Annan replied: "I think it can happen. It may not be 100 percent, but it will make quite a lot of difference if the government puts in place the measures the government has discussed with me. I have no reason to believe it will not be done."

Hmm . . wait a minute . .isn't Syria one of the countries that supports terrorism? Didn't they arm Hizbollah in the first place?

US State Department:

Syria provides safehaven and material support for several Palestinian rejectionist groups, including HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine General Command (PFLP-GC) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), the Abu Musa Organization (AMO), and the Popular Struggle Front (PSF).

Syria continues to provide safe haven and political cover to Hizbollah in Lebanon, a group responsible for killing hundreds of Americans and numerous others in the past. Syrian support for Hizbollah continues to be a major impediment towards progress in our counterterrorism efforts. Syria allows resupply of Hizbollah from Iran via Damascus. Syria also allows wanted Hizbollah terrorists, including Imad Mugniyah, to transit Syria and find haven there. The Syrian military presence in Lebanon supports Hizbollah actions there.

Nonpartison Council on Foreign Relations:

Syria and Iran work together over issues related to Hezbollah.

After 29 years of occupation, Syria was forced out of Lebanon in April 2005 largely due to massive public and international protests. The results of a preliminary U.N. investigation into the February 2005 assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, implicated several top officials in the Syrian government. Following the preliminary report, the United Nations passed a resolution requiring full cooperation from Damascus into the murder investigation. Although Syria has officially withdrawn from Lebanon, experts say it maintains intelligence operations there, and continues to exert some influence, both in politics and through its support of Hezbollah.

While I have respect for Kofi Annan as leader of the United Nations, I think he is seriously ingenuous. To state that he has no reason to believe Syria will not follow through means that he is completely ignorant of Syria's nature and recent history.