zim's rants

Disappearing Oil???

2010-08-16T22:28:00.002-06:00

I'm just catching up on blog entry's. I hear that Gulf waters are clearing since oil stopped flowing. Is this due to the fact that dispersants have taken the oil off the top and spread it to the depths. Or is it because of the warm Gulf waters fostering bacteria that break down the oil??? I hope it stays warm down there late into the fall. I hope nature helps us out!

To Mosque or not to Mosque...

2010-08-16T22:01:00.002-06:00

President Obama, I believe, said the correct thing when talking to a group of Muslims at a White House event. Yes, we have this Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion. But I question the wisdom of him weighing in at all. His Muslim guests were probably delighted, but the majority of Americans find the idea of a Mosque in that area offensive. It was not Obama's decision to make, anyway. For me, it not a question of legality, but rather what kind of Islam will be taught there??? Tolerance and community involvement or urging Sharia Law for America!!! Imagine if Fred Phelps (God loves dead soldiers) built a church in my neighborhood... Would I be silent??? Law abiding? Probably not!

Are we going to see signs like radical Muslims display in London? All that offensive, in your face stuff??? Yes, they have the right to build it. Yes they do! But I hope that the Imam in charge will show us moderation and tolerance. Otherwise, things could get nasty, even violent.

I'd be just as happy if NO institution of religion were built there. I don't know if Muslims have enough "Islamic Centers" in New York to adequately serve them, but they probably do already.

Imagine...

2010-06-16T21:30:00.002-06:00

Imagine if one didn't know what was happening throughout the world. Ah, it's summer now, nice and green because of the recent rains and driving to Nebraska, I would have noticed all the water flooding into Lake Mac without the benefit of the Internet statistics. And to think, I could read old books about the white sand beaches along the Gulf Coast and never know about the oil spill. Stuff is growing like heck in the garden this year...

I'm thinking about going away. I'm tired of news. It's all bad. I should kill this silly blog and forget about the trials and trivialities of humankind. If a disaster strikes my neck of the woods, I'll know it.

We don't hate the British, just B.P.!

2010-06-12T17:24:00.002-06:00

Brits are supposedly getting defensive over anti-British sniping from frustrated Americans. Now, let me be clear here, Exxon-Mobile, Conoco-Phillips, Shell or any other American based oil corporation could have caused a spill somewhere.

It's hard to hate the British people as my first L.P. record was by the Beatles.

There is also some grousing about some Americans desire to see B.P. cut dividends, to have more cash on hand to help pay for this disaster. Frankly, I don't think this corporation has enough money to totally pay for this disaster, even if they wanted to... But they should pay, and pay well! I'm sorry if people see their pensions harmed because the funds are invested in B.P., but to my understanding, even some Americans funds are invested in B.P..

As some Brits have defensively said: we use the oil (gas) and we have to put up with the consequences of that. I'm sure a lot of Indians hated Americans after the Bhopal gas spill from Dow Chemical. But, as an American, I would have wanted Dow Chemical to pay and pay till the victims were fully reimbursed. I don't know if they have been, but they should have been. Sorry, but that is a thing called corporate responsibility!

And speaking of this, it is not totally B.P. that is responsible. There is the rig operator, Transocean, as well is Halliburton, which were involved. Yes, I heard about quarreling between Transocean and B.P., prior to the explosion. Whom is negligent here is my main concern. I suppose most of us Americans would like it to be B.P., but investigations need to be done.

First, stop the damed leak and clean it up!

Brownie? WTF?

2010-05-04T20:15:00.002-06:00

That Katrina Brownie guy (former FEMA director) is trying to gain attention by claiming the Obama Administration is "using" the awful gulf oil spill to shut down big oil. Unless I see evidence that someone caused that accident on purpose, I just say it is ole Brownie trying to remain relevant after his famed Katrina debacle...

I'm not saying that the Obama Administration has done anything pro or con to solve this crisis. Frankly, I'm more concerned with B.P. and the engineers trying to cap the leak. B.P. needs to pay and pay billions!

Brownie STFU!

A sickening mess!

2010-05-03T22:40:00.002-06:00

It is too depressing for me to think about the spreading oil mess in the Gulf of Mexico drifting towards the coast. Especially since there is no guarantee of them stopping the undersea leaks. I have heard it could go on for months!

Failed explosion!

2010-05-03T22:17:00.004-06:00

Thank God for a vigilant vendor in Times Square spotting a suspicious vehicle. I hate to admit it, but I'd thought about blowing up propane tanks. It's just that the damned things are everywhere and under $20. But how would you ignite such a thing? Without blowing one up in a deserted area, like those Mythbuster guys would do, how would you know it would be set off? So it is my understanding that there were gas tanks and firecrackers as well in there. At what temperature will the tanks explode? And why not, as one guy suggested, were the release valves turned on prior to the attempted explosion?

Now, I hear of a naturalized U.S. citizen of Paki origin who is the suspect. Geez, all I hear about over in Afghanistan and Pakistan are successful detonations. Haven't they perfected the technique?

Too bad this guy is a U.S. citizen and can get all lawyered up. I do not make any assumptions that we will be so lucky in the future.

Sara Palin, Tea Party, angry white Christian Militia!

2010-03-29T23:07:00.003-06:00

It's getting weird, I'm sorry, but this stuff is starting to freak me out! Initially I was somewhat supportive of Tea Party folks and their movement. But I wanted to see what the group would morph into. Sarah really wants to lead the Tea Party... But what are her aspirations? I'm tired of listening to the bimbo, myself! I've listened to Glenn Beck carefully and his comparisons of socialists like Hitler and Stalin and his casual comparison to the current administration gives me the chills! Obama and crew are a bit inexperienced and too far to the left, but Hitler??? I think not.

Now we see a resurgence of all white "Christian" militia... I'll say here and now to my brother George and everyone else that is Christian, that I in no way believe these members of this perverted sect are in any way Christians! Neither is the racist KKK for that matter.

As for the Tea Party, some of the signs at their protests border on racist. My gut feeling is that they make some good points, but if they let extremists hijack their agenda, I have no use for them.

It's passed and now what?

2010-03-27T21:32:00.002-06:00

The massive healthcare bill passed, along with the fixit bill - both have been signed into law by President Obama. I don't know if the court challenges issued by 14 state Attorney General's will hold up, but I kind of doubt it. Anyway, would this hold up the entire bill?

Looking at it, I can see good parts and bad parts. I think it is good that parents can allow their children to stay under their insurance till age 26. It is good to think about exchanges for those with pre-existing conditions. But I worry that too many mandates, taxes and regulations could stifle the economy.

Wait and see, I say, I doubt if the bill will mean life or death for me.

The end is in sight? Or not.

2010-03-19T17:30:00.002-06:00

Sunday, the House of Representatives votes on the Healthcare bill. Some difficult to understand process of "reconcilliation" will allow the bill to pass with a simple majority. I read something about a bill of "fixes" will follow, or something like that.

A health care bill may be on it's way to the President's desk. But I would not sit here lazily and assume that health care will be fixed just by the stroke of a pen. Then there could be court challenges to some of the mandates in the bill. Can you really force someone to buy health insurance? Perhaps the fate of health care in the United States will be in the hands of the Supreme Court...

The way I look at it, (sorry to be so cynical) is that we are screwed no matter which way this close contest goes. We may be screwed faster if the bill is signed into law, but the fact that there will be no political oomph to do anything for the nation's health system for a time into the future.

Ron Paul wins straw poll at CPAC conference.

2010-02-22T12:33:00.002-07:00

Glenn Beck made a good speech there as well. He was discussing history, the Constitution and what was intended by the founding fathere.

Dr. Paul is spot on in my opinion. His views are different from other conservatives because he is "conservative" about getting troops involved in foreign conflicts. To me, a conservative foreign policy is one where we maintain our power, militarily, but do not go around the world threatening, invading or lecturing other nations. Iran is a case in point. Our condescending attitude only makes them more belligerant. It is a matter of national pride for them.

We should work with the Russians and others to reduce nuclear stockpiles. Lead by example. Also, and I've said it before, Israel has quite the nuclear deterrent.

I'm as angry as the rest of you!

2010-02-18T20:55:00.002-07:00

Two incidences of angry (white) males dominate the news lately. First, a doctor affiliated with Porter Hospital in Denver goes into detox treatment at another area hospital and stabs a nurse. Secondly, a guy in Austin Texas flies his small plane into an IRS office there after setting his house ablaze.

Firstly, I hope the nurse is o.k. and that Dr. Holder gets treatment, gets his sanity back and apologizes to that nurse. A lot of nurses have taken too much shit off of doctors for too long. Second, two people were taken to an Austin hospital and one person was still missing the last I heard. I hope they find the person alive and that everyone recovers. Thanks, asshole for causing suffering and wasting our tax dollars to have the fucking building rebuilt. Hope you rot in hell!

Yes, I'm angry at a lot of things in society. It's all going downhill. But people lashing out at innocent people is no good. For me, it's living each day at a time and trying to get the most out of life. I hope not to die having a legacy of doing something evil like this. Think of all the bad Karma I will have to deal with... I am sure I have enough to get rid of already.

Focus on the Family Superbowl Ad...

2010-01-26T22:15:00.004-07:00

Well, I say fine, but I hope there is also a good selection of ridiculous and humorous ads. In principle, I have no problem in someone advocating against abortion. Supposedly this ex Florida Gators quarterback, Tim Tebow would not have been born if his parents had followed advice of doctors, who thought he would not be born healthy.

See, I have no problem with private groups who try and convince expectant mothers that abortion is wrong. No problem at all! However, you have to realize that no woman would ever ask me if I thought it was o.k. for her to have an abortion. No, this won't happen. So, it's not exactly my issue. But if one did ask me, I'd try and encourage them to seek alternatives. Not that they'd listen.

My premier social issue is how we treat our Veterans and all the homeless vets. To me, they are precious human beings as well.

Obama said the right thing!

2010-01-20T18:45:00.003-07:00

I've been somewhat critical of his Administration lately. However Obama reportedly spoke about how Democrats should not try to rush through this health care bill before the new senator from Massachusetts is sworn in. I agree.

I seriously wish these politicians could start over and come up with something pallitable to both parties. Surely, there are those who would be able to claim their bipartisan efforts during their re-election campaign later this year. Obstructionists with no new ideas or those who want to ram through a massive spending bill using secretive and questionable tactics to get it passed - well, they deserve to get voted out.

I want Obama to improve, however I've heard his promises before.

Republican win in Mass a big defeat for Obama...

2010-01-19T20:50:00.002-07:00

Momentum is going against the President. I would highly recommend they do not try to rush this Health Care Bill through congress before the new Senator is sworn in. It looks like a November rout is building nationwide.

But whoa, wait a minute! I'm not exactly sure the Republicans will retake Congress, but at this point the wild legislative agenda comes to a halt. Let us assume that it becomes larger than expected and both the House and Senate are retaken by Republicans. Will they cease to work on Health Care? There are certain to be enough Democrats left to block any bills supported by Repubs. So where does this leave John Q. Public? Stuff needs to get done. Immigration, Health Care and several other things need fixing. If they were not so broken, I would not be saying this. But I'm afraid they all will never be able to get along. Vote them ALL out of office next election and vote in a few more Independent candidates.

Bill Clinton had a stunning defeat in 1994. Yet he was able to sign a couple of bills favored by Republicans, remain relevant and popular and get re-elected in 2006. Well, o.k. Bob Dole was not the best candidate to run against him. Ah, I kind of liked old Bob.

Robertson: Haiti is cursed...

2010-01-15T01:11:00.004-07:00

Oh my God, there he goes again! He speaks about how they made a pact with the devil to gain independence from the French, years ago. Well, alllllrighty then! This explains it all! Robertson was there at the time!

Really, Haiti is cursed by poverty, government corruption and poor building codes. Well, actually, the concrete may do well against hurricanes, but not earthquakes. And this one struck quickly after many hundreds of years of relative calm. So, yes, they did not include earthquake preparedness in their civic planning.

I strongly support aid efforts and any kind of assistance for the short term. But any long range grants or loans should be closely watched.

Harry Reid sucks!

2010-01-11T19:28:00.002-07:00

Just what is a Negro dialect? Well, it comes out that Senator Reid talked about how Obama could get elected because of his light skin and lack of a "negro dialect". Oh, you mean he doesn't talk jive?

Reid is gone after the next elections anyway. I don't care if a health care bill does pass. I never did care for that little weasel anyway!

Sarah Palin signs with Fox News....

2010-01-11T18:23:00.004-07:00

Hmm, funny, I have often thought this would happen! She's been paraded on there so many times and interviewed by the likes of Gretta and O'Reilly. She's a perfect match for them, if I dare say so myself! But with so many conservative voices, how will she distinguish herself?

As I have said, I find her a colorful and intriguing woman. If I did not disagree with her foreign policy views, I would be more interested in seeing her attain political office. Ah, but after she said that Obama should not have dared to ask Netanyahu for settlement freezes on the West Bank... because all kinds of Jews will be moving there and need a place to live... Well, I figure her viewpoint is shaped by her religion.

So, I'll say NO for her becoming President as she appears to be just like the Neo Cons of the Bush Administration. However, this is not to say that there is nothing for me to agree with her on. Some of her criticisms of the Obama Administration are spot on.

Yes, she was awkward in some of her interviews for the Vice Presidential Campaign. So what? I think the criticism went overboard and, frankly was a tad bit sexist. Did I just say that? Well, o.k. it shows I am a fair minded person. However, I watch very carefully and analyze anyone with strong religious beliefs. I don't want to hear that God told them to invade some country!

So, Sarah, I look forward to occasionally watching you on Fox News! I'm sure you'll fit right in with Bill, Glenn and Gretta! That is, when I'm not watching Al Jazeera!

Was Rush really ill?

2010-01-04T20:30:00.003-07:00

Rush Limbaugh enters a Florida hospital with chest pains. He says America has the best health care system in the world. I agree, but it is the best only IF you have money.

I don't know if Rush has health insurance or not. Does it really matter? I'm glad he was prudent and came in to have his alleged chest pains evaluated. Could this have been a ruse for publicity? Regardless of that hospital's political leanings, I'm sure they were glad to have all that praise heaped on them.

And I'm sure they were glad to have a patient who is guaranteed to be able to pay his bill, regardless of what the insurance would pay.

No war on terror?

2010-01-04T19:57:00.003-07:00

I really don't care what you call this "problem" with Islamo-Facists, it has not gone away. It is pragmatic and prudent to restrict this "war" to those who actually want to inflict terror on the West. I'm hoping that with the recent slip up in security, allowing that guy to smuggle a bomb in his underpants, the agencies responsible will take a good look at their procedures.

My suggestions? First, profile people for behavior, not just race. If you need help, enlist Israelis to help you accomplish this. Second, the full-body scans are acceptable to me (sorry you have to look at my fat naked body, but do what you have to do to keep us safe). Also, it's just a thought, but can't dogs be trained to sniff out these bombs? I don't mind passing by a sniffer dog at all. But then again, I hate all the other crap you go through when flying.

I think Obama is correct for toning down the rhetoric. Millions of peaceful Muslims believe that it's a war on Islam. We don't need chest-banging patriotism, we need results!

Do more than just complain...

2010-01-04T19:02:00.002-07:00

Republicans are bound to see big gains in the 2010 elections. I hear about several Democrats retiring from Congress. However, in order to become the party in power, Republicans need to put forth a positive vision for the country. So far, they are simply playing defense. We know little of what they would do if they return to power.

Let's assume the massive health care bill gets derailed prior to Obama's State of the Union address. Republicans should offer to work with him and pass parts of the bill, which would be acceptable to them. An example would be insurance exchanges for small business. Likewise, Obama should show some bipartisanship (which has been sadly lacking so far) and fully accept a Republican idea, such as selling insurance across state lines.

If this massive bill does pass, well, then all one can do is hope for the best. Democrats will tout this bill as progress for the upcoming elections, however it will be too early to know if the bill does any good. Republicans will undoubtedly tout the reckless Democrat spending as proof they should be voted out.

Me? Well, yes I would vote for a moderate Republican or two to help rebalance things. However their record from the past decade does not endear me to them. They got off track with a bunch of religion related issues (gay marriage and abortion), instead of working on issues that affect us all. The Neo-Con's reckless foreign policy agenda scares me.

Republicans beware: any religion-based platform will cause me to vote for Libertarian or other third-party candidates.

The Blame Game...

2009-12-28T22:57:00.002-07:00

President Obama comes out with some strong words today... Perhaps this is to make up for his Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano mis speaking and acting so dismissive when she said "the system worked". Yes, the passengers did their jobs, but I can hardly think this "system" did it's job. This is especially true because the suspects father walked into the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria to report on his son. This is almost as inexcusable as those guys with box cutters being able to fly planes into the WTC.

Call this one a training mission. It will either help our people make flights more secure, or it will help Al Qaeda become better at terror.

Christmas luck!

2009-12-25T20:50:00.002-07:00

The device, which failed to explode on that flight to Detroit, gave us a little luck for Christmas. Also, though the Pope was knocked down by a deranged lady in another incident, he was O.K. and able to give Christmas Mass.

For me, this season is fucking depressing enough, without the horror of a terrorist attack or harm coming to Papa. The terror attempt made me a little glad I have the van for my trips. Airline security is bound to be a hassle for some time, until they figure out what it was that got smuggled aboard that airliner. If I had someplace real to go, like overseas, I'd fly. Otherwise, I'm driving. I just have to watch out for those Texas sherrifs who seize people's belongings to pay for trips to Hawaii.

No glee here!

2009-12-23T22:31:00.002-07:00

The U.S. Senate is ready to pass it's Health Care bill. Then comes the reconciliation with the House bill. What can I do? I have little faith this will improve things. But hopefully, I will fall into a sweet spot of those who benefit from the plan. Just like I don't think Nebraska should get special Medicaid breaks for Ben Nelson's vote, I feel that this bill should attempt to improve health care for all people, rich or poor.

The Left is mad because there is no public option and the right is mad because of new taxes and costs.

What should I do? Call Senator Bennett or Udall? Call Dianna Degette? Fat chance on them changing their minds.

What can I do? I can do what I can to improve my health! So far, I've pretty much stopped eating meat and a lot of fatty foods, so as to give my arteries a chance. So far, no weight loss and a lot of farting from all the plant fiber. But I feel my brain is sharper. I know there are some genetic and congenital diseases that simply require a lot of medical care. But for those of us who have problems caused by our lifestyle, we must change. I predict our government will fail us in Health Care...

Press the reset button please

2009-12-17T22:44:00.002-07:00

Obama heads off on his dubious trip to Copenhagen. This is not to say that I wish they could develop more clean energy sources, but it is difficult to get all these countries to agree on anything which will really cut greenhouse emissions. I believe that the problems will only get solved when new technologies become economical. Otherwise, big investments in the middle of a world recession will hamper recovery for the short term. I betcha the Chinese come out ahead of the technology race in the beginning.

Then there is Healthcare.... Yuck! Press the reset button, please! Whenever Senator Nelson faces re-election, he will face fierce opposition in his conservative state if he signs this monstrous bill. However I have more serious concerns than abortion - which is his sticking point.

Nobody wants some progress in health care more than chronically ill people like me. Don't get me wrong. I really wanted something to be crafted, which would solve problems. But I'm afraid this bill is too large, complex and contains too many compromises to please various groups. Plus, it will cost too much.

Just passing a bill to pass a bill or reaching an agreement on climate change in order to give people a false sense of progress is no good. It's got to be the right bill and the right pact on the climate. Otherwise, it will ruin us!

'Broad agreement' reached on Senate health care bill, says Reid

2009-12-08T19:46:00.002-07:00

Hmmm.... Well I tell ya one thing, I could care less about abortion. I think it's fine for the bill to NOT pay for abortions. At least not any more than they do now. I'm amazed that this red herring (abortion) rears it's ugly head once again. Let them put this aside.

Well, I'm not so sure I will be happy if this passes anyway. I would really like for them to tackle components of healthcare separately. Like leave Medicare alone! The component I hope for most is exchanges for small business to be able to buy into insurance plans. And give hefty tax breaks to small business for insurance, too. And please, don't expand Medicare until the current system is fiscally solvent. Geez, I think I can wait 9 years for Medicare...

Well, if it passes, I will hope for the best, but am trying to get healthier just in case they screw it up.

The furror over global warming...

2009-12-07T17:48:00.003-07:00

Now we hear about revealing e-mails from scientists urging each other to make their data support the P.C. view of global warming. This is not good as Obama heads to Copenhagen to work on a climate deal with other world leaders.

My view? Pollution and carbon dioxide emissions are not good, but they are not provable in terms of an impending catastrophe. I'd rather have Obama humiliated and discredited and the planet turn out to be O.K. in the long run. Ah, but some of those photos of melting glaciers and sinking islands are kind of convincing! And then, could the planet have some self correcting cooling mechanisms built into it? Certainly, in the past the planet has had large scale emissions from volcanoes and such.

What I'd hate to see is them stop working on alternative energy. I believe it is out there waiting to be harnessed and even if global warming proves to be a hoax, saving energy will eventually strengthen our economy. Alternatives to oil can only mean a more secure nation.

Where I have some questions is this cap and trade stuff. I'm not sure that it isn't just smoke and mirrors. When I save energy, I do it to save money! So far the only thing that has worked are these flourescent bulbs which are supposed to have mercury in them. Ah, but I think my energy efficient windows are saving energy, though my condo association pays the heat. But they do feel more cozy and I am hoping for the tax credit on them.

Ultimately, any alternative energy projects that can produce employment are a good thing. That's the way to look at it...

Pardon the lack of posts...

2009-11-08T22:55:00.002-07:00

Late season depression setting in? Perhaps.

Well, I see some sort of healthcare bill has passed the House of Representatives. Now, how the heck do they marry it up with the Senate bill? At this point I don't know whether I'm for it or against it. Anyway, we're damned if we do and damned if we don't.

Gunman at Fort Hood: I am fascinated by mass murderers. But I feel bad for peaceful Arab Americans and Muslim Americans. I still choose to believe that a vast majority of these people ARE peaceful. But just like a few Christian wackos I've read about, his mental illness was probably fed by religious fundamentalism. But rest assured, I will never reach that point as I can put myself in the place of the Major's victims and their family members. Odd that he was a psychiatrist - with a heavy burden of treating soldiers mental issues.

Obama's latest is his sitting on the decision to bring more troops to Afghanistan. It's a heavy decision for sure and I don't mind a few weeks of pondering. Just don't let the weeks turn into months. Also, don't do it half-assed. Either develop a strategy for withdrawal or put in the resources to do it right. Please don't do the same thing as Bush did and under deploy troops thinking it will be a cake walk. As for me, I am wavering. I feel bad about the corrupt election, but unless the Afghans can somehow pull the country together, it will return to the type of days when it was ruled by the Taliban. We can only pour so much blood and treasure into it.

Insurers mount attack against health reform...

2009-10-12T11:08:00.002-06:00

Hmmm... What did you expect? Of course I have other concerns about the health care bills, but as far as I am concerned, the insurance industry has little credibility.

O.k., they say it could raise the cost of premiums by hundreds or a few thousand a year. I realize that even a few dollars a year is important to some people struggling to survive. But for those who are left out, or those who's so-called "insurance" doesn't really work for them, I'm sure they would rather pay an insurance premium than the medical bills outright.

Where I have complaints is in the scope of the bill. Why, oh why, do they have to cram everything together in one bill? Work on the most critical elements, but stop messing with things like employer plans. And some of the uninsured could really cough up the money and buy a policy if they don't get it at work. So work on the most critical elements first like finding some kind of pool for the un-insurable (whom are not poor and can not qualify for Medicaid).

Obama pressed on war strategy...

2009-10-06T19:36:00.003-06:00

Hmmm...

Whom is going to pressure the Pres most? The anti-war left or the pro war people. Judging on the past decisions of this President, I suspect he will give Gen. McCrystal more troops. But I hope he and his strategists will put together a plan with an end game.

Sen. McCain likes surges, but we should not assume this will be just like Iraq. Give it a year with the resources and troops that the General(s) request and then reevaluate. We can't be there forever! Afghanistan is the graveyard of empires!

Obama warns recession makes climate change fight harder...

2009-09-22T21:15:00.002-06:00

I like China's stance of planting trees. Aside from this, yes it is expensive and hard to justify in a recession. But hopefully something practical can be done.

Ahmadinejad arrives in New York )-:

2009-09-22T19:02:00.002-06:00

I have a suggestion: just ignore him! Don't give his speech airtime on U.S. networks. And please, no more interviews on the likes of Larry King, etc.!!!

The street protests are bound to be colorful, hopefully not violent.

Have a safe trip Dr. Nejad

Did I hear this right?

2009-09-21T22:38:00.002-06:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Editor's note: No, this ain't sayin much....

Signs like this don't help their cause...

2009-09-12T21:41:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry, but this shit does not help. The tea party idea was kind of catchy, but I personally find this sign offensive.

A good speach, but...

2009-09-09T19:55:00.003-06:00

Nobody knows how this will pan out or if Obama's reassurances to people's fears will prove valid. However, I have to say I liked it overall. What hurt the cause of Republicans most was the childish outburst of Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, who yelled out: "you lie!" when the President said that this universal healthcare plan would not cover illegal aliens.

I'm sure it is not the intention of them to cover illegals. But of course, who knows what ways they could fraudulently get it??? Anyhow, the immature prick of a Congressman did not prove anything by whipping up anti Obama frevor. It's kind of like them objecting to Obama's speech to school children that was carefully made non-partisan following the initial uproar before the speech.

More important, and totally unprovable, are Obama's claims that it will be revinue neutral and save money. I would not even believe that about a Republican plan, necessarily. Healthcare costs money, period.

The best thing Americans can do in the mean time is to try the best to live a healthy life and stop habits that harm their health. Keep more of what you earn and out of your doctor's pocket.

Ridiculous!

2009-09-08T11:59:00.002-06:00

Ridiculous is how I explain the reaction to President Obama's speech to the students of the nation. Really! Believe me, I have plenty of criticism for Obama, but it has not gotten to the point that I believe he should be shunned and censored. Besides, as they had plenty of warning about the speech, the White House was careful to craft the speech to be non-political.

So, basically, he told students to study hard and stay in school. What could possibly be wrong with that?

Beck getting flack from advertisers...

2009-08-24T19:20:00.003-06:00

I have to admit that ever since he went to Fox News, Glenn Beck has been a bit over the top. Emboldened by his conservative co-harts, he has gone into full attack mode against President Obama and his "socialist" agenda. Now I hear that a couple of advertisers are pulling out from advertising during his segment.

Hmm, I'm sure he'll blame it on leftist propaganda for sure.

I can understand and appreciate him criticizing the Pres.. But in railing against the proposed health care legislation, he has failed to offer alternative ideas... at least on the segments I've watched. Most of us do not want them to screw up health care any more than it is already. But we do want to see something done to remedy this horrible situation.

I'm totally disgusted in both sides not being able to work together and create a good bipartisan bill.

Slipping approval...

2009-08-07T08:54:00.003-06:00

The Messiah (Obama), as his haters call him, is having some trouble. Health care is stalled and the unemployment rate is too high. Too many of our troops are dying in Afghanistan.

Well, what did you expect? He can't work miracles with all the problems on his plate.

I give the Administration generally good grades on foreign policy. Yes, the Iraq withdrawal just kind of happened. But Obama is listening to his generals and there are no precipitous withdrawls. I only hope Iraq continues to need less of our troops so they can be used in Afghanistan and elsewhere (as well as take a break). And I hope we reevaluate Afghanistan after the elections. His speech in Cairo was excellent, but of course the Muslim world expects actions, not just speeches. In small part, the desire for change in Iran can be credited to Obama. If they officially snub us, well it just makes them look bad.

I disagree with the rushed stimulus package, as few knew what was in it at the time. It was too much deficit spending. However, the economy looks more stable now. Unemployment is the last thing to go down, as employers are hesitant to add jobs.

He should have been more involved in encouraging bipartisanship. What would be the problem with including a few Republican ideas in the stimulus and health care bills? Health care has stalled and this is probably a good thing. Take some time to work over the bill and perhaps include some ideas from the Blue Dog (conservative) Democrats. I would be even happier if the Republicans had something which could be included in the bill, but right now all they can say is "no"!

Public option or Co- ops...

2009-07-28T20:08:00.002-06:00

Hmmm, shit I don't know! This co-op thing sounds good, but who knows the details?? The public thing is being rushed, I think. Heck, let the fucking congress take their god damned break and come back and hash out a decent healthcare plan.

As much as I would love another option for health care, I don't want them bankrupting this already broke country. If the co-op thing gives a few more people access to (halfway affordable) healthcare, at a lower cost, then so be it.

A few months ago, I said that Obama had inherited a lot of problems and we had to give it time to see how he did. Now, time has passed and I can criticize him and Congress for two (big) things: A. the rush to push through a hastily prepared stimulus package. and B. trying to rush health care legislation.

He is rushing, because he thinks a repeat of 1994 will happen and the Congress will (re)gain a lot of Republicans. Right now, it looks as if this may happen. Hmmm, perhaps I will vote for one! No religio-cons or neo-cons, however!

Try to get it done by the end of the year, then you've still beat the dreaded election season!

Whom to get maddest at?

2009-07-21T19:08:00.002-06:00

Healthcare reform is hitting speed bumps. Perhaps it is good to slow down a bit, but can the warring parties ever come together to reach a compromise? So pick your side that you are maddest at. The bottom line is that the problem isn't getting solved. I really would feel better if this bill was bipartisan and one that conservative Democrats could sign on to!

Changing subjects here...

2009-07-20T22:00:00.003-06:00

Getting back to an important domestic issue which affects us all, I wanted to weigh in on health care... It looks like both Democrats and Republicans are at odds with each other and there is little consensus. The big difficulty here seems to be in paying for it. The Dems want to tax the rich and the Repubs, well, I'm not sure how they would reform health care.

First, health care is important, so I feel we should all pay into the system - based on our income. This taxing the "rich" stuff sounds good, but I feel it is fairer to have everybody pay a reasonable premium. The problem is now, there are no reasonable ways for an old fart like me to buy health insurance on my own. So therefore I must work for someone to get insurance. While I don't want to see employer based insurance go away, I would just like to be able to afford coverage through a non-employer plan... just in case I loose my job and can't find another one for 18 months, or wish self employment, I'd like a policy with a reasonable premium that covers all my needs - medical and prescription.

I think that if you took all the uninsured in this country and gave them access to affordable premiums, I bet enough would be enrolled to perhaps cover the costs without totally blowing a hole in the budget.

Blame it on the U.S.!!!

2009-06-29T19:24:00.004-06:00

I'm miffed by all this talk: first, now Iran's President is accusing U.S. backed outside forces of killing Neda. Well, you know Ahmadinejad - that lying S.O.B.! As I posted on Press Tv website, they would blame the U.S. and Israel if they got a hemmorhoid on their ass! Surely they deleted my post.

Then there is Mahmoud's old buddy Hugo... He goes on about how the coup in the Honduras was enabled by the U.S.. Again, another lying S.O.B... Obama did quite reasonably denounce the coup and ask for restoration of the elected president there.

Enough said!

We will never forget!

2009-06-23T21:24:00.001-06:00

Scratch their eyes out, ladies!

2009-06-23T18:24:00.004-06:00

Normally, I'm not too much of a feminist supporter, but some of these proud Persian ladies have impressed me. Especially that young gal who stood up to that basij prick and said, "go ahead, hit me." While I'm glad she wasn't badly injured, her feirce courage helps this cause. Her story got out to the outside press...

These two dudes and several other clerics deserve to be attacked by throngs of angry Iranian women! Scratch their eyes out, ladies!

It's in God's hands now...

2009-06-23T18:16:00.003-06:00

I can't know if I will ever be hearing from my dear friend in Iran. I believe the Internet is still slowly cranking out of Iran, but it is most difficult and dangerous to navigate on. It was my hope for this revolt to happen and I am hoping that he and his family can survive this without getting hurt. I will post no details of them on this blog. Alas, it will be a joyous day should he reappear and things improve for them.

Message from Mohammed in Tehran...

2009-06-22T09:21:00.000-06:00

Mohammed: Americans, European Union, international community, this government is not definitely — is definitely not elected by the majority of Iranians. So it’s illegal. Do not recognize it. Stop trading with them. Impose much more sanctions against them. My message…to the international community, especially I’m addressing President Obama directly – how can a government that doesn’t recognize its people’s rights and represses them brutally and mercilessly have nuclear activities? This government is a huge threat to global peace. Will a wise man give a sharp dagger to an insane person? We need your help international community. Don’t leave us alone.

Beautiful Neda!

2009-06-21T21:59:00.010-06:00

Neda, you are gone but not forgotten. What a tragedy such a beautiful young life has to be cut short!

Woman protester shot on streets of Tehran!

2009-06-20T16:24:00.003-06:00

Her name is Neda. This particular clip is rather graphic.

Death to Ali Khamenei!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-20T14:07:00.002-06:00

Damned old religious bureaucrat! Fuck all them Mullahs. Shall a doddering old man be leader of the young Iran? I think not. Death to Khameinei!!!!!!!!!

Fuck off and DIE!!!!!!!!

What if you knew them and found them dead on the ground?

2009-06-16T20:00:00.002-06:00

Take a look at these clean cut young kids: do they look menacing? You can tell that shots were fired into the crowd.

How will this all play out...

2009-06-15T19:52:00.003-06:00

I wish I knew who the protesters were who were injured. I pray for the safety of all the brave souls who are fed up with the regieme in Iran. I know where the Azadi tower and square are, so those protests seem close by as my friend lives near there.

I don't know who would win even if they did a re-vote, but I suspect it wouldn't be such a lopsided vote.

Victory celebration???

2009-06-13T22:03:00.003-06:00

Here we have fires in the streets of Tehran. Some sort of victory celebration??? NOT! Seriously, I don't know who exactly won this election, yet pictures of angry youths tell another story. There is growing discontent against Ahmadinejad.

My advice??? Don't get too carried away with burning tires and smashing windows. Save your strength to fight on another day.

Conflicting results...

2009-06-12T15:18:00.003-06:00

Shit! Why do people come out and make announcements about elections before the facts are known? First, Mousavi comes out and declares victory in the Iranian Presidential election. Then the state run news agency announces that Ahmadinejad is solidly winning. Unless Mousavi is really, REALLY sure, he should keep his trap shut. Now, Ahmadinejad is declaring victory.

I hope Mousavi can prevail. But if somehow the state media are right, it will discredit Mousavi and increase "credibility" of the current President.

I like to compare Ahmadinejad to an evil version of Bush. It is the rural voters who really go for him, as did the voters of rural America for Bush. The urban students are fed up with the government's intrusion into their freedoms. The rural voters of Iran cling to their religion and Ahmadinejad's promise to distribute oil revenues to the poor. Meanwhile, the economy there is screwed up.

Hmm, two hard-liners in Iran and Israel! Well, let us hope this does not end in conflict

Editor's note: These were my views before knowing the facts. I choose to keep my words, but obviously a week later we know that Moussavi and his supporters were correct in objecting to the rigged election!

Change...

2009-06-12T11:07:00.004-06:00

I wanted to post a picture of a "Change" poster to show how they are following the lead set by America,. Now, a bit of a disclaimer here: it is ONLY the President being elected here, not the real leader of Iran. Still, though he has his followers in Iran, Ahmadinejad does not come across well to the Western press.

I certainly expect the next President there not to recognize Israel. Fine! But please can it with the Holocaust denial crap!!! The students and young people want Mousavi, so I do as well. Besides, I don't believe the high inflation (25%) and high unemployment work well for Ahmadinejad.

It is one thing to stand up for the Palestinians. But eventually you have to focus on your country and it's internal problems. From what I read, Ahmadinejad has been somewhat of an autocratic President and has not used oil revinues from last year's oil spike to the advantage of most Iranians.

About that speech in Cairo...

2009-06-02T22:46:00.003-06:00

Obama debuts in Cairo for his Muslim Speaking Tour... Here's what's important: you won't and you can not solve everything with a speech... But you can lay groundwork. Don't promise to try and get the Israelis to do something and then not have the will to follow through.

I am sick and tired, as an American, of giving money to a government who gives lip service to allowing a homeland to the Palestinians and then turns around and allows the building of settlements and bulldozing of Palestinian houses. Perhaps the Jewish people are scared of becoming a minority in their country. But the present course just builds hate.

Can O Worms...

2009-05-26T18:58:00.003-06:00

This is how I describe the California Supreme Court decision on same sex marriage. It is always problematic to grant rights and then try to take them away. It is better to ban them in advance. Then, should the public get a different mindset, they can always change the states laws or constitution. Now, there are 18,000 same sex couples allowed to marry, nobody else. This is unless this goes to the Supreme Court.

Interesting this comes at a changing of the guard on the U.S. Supreme Court. David Souter probably waited until Bush left, because he has been somewhat left of center.

Not in my back yard!

2009-05-19T23:26:00.002-06:00

Yeah, I thought closing gitmo wouldn't prove so easy. The fact that Democrats are balking at Obama's decree tells us that their constituants don't want to live next to terrorists. As I said earlier, an eventual closing of the base is a good thing to do, but also very problematic.

The first thing I would have done is gotten due process for those swept up, but not proven to be real terrorists. Nobody should be held in prison without a trial or conviction....

Yes, I like Obama's sentement to break with the past. However, you need a plan to deal with these people. I think some can't return to their home countries. And since the U.S. pushed this war, we are left alone to deal with the aftermath.

They'll now be forced to come up with a plan. So it is good that Congress did not just go forward and rubber stamp the President's request.

Bibi and Obama in testy White House meeting...

2009-05-18T22:11:00.002-06:00

Well, it wasn't really that contentious! Gently telling Netanyahu to stop building settlements on the West Bank and to get on with it in negotiating with the Palestinians was about all that happened. But, hey, it's a start, I suppose!

I realize it was a pretty mild disagreement between the two. If it were myself as the U.S. President, I'd be a one termer, for sure!

One State Solution...

2009-05-12T22:45:00.003-06:00

A couple of posts back I mentioned theTwo-State Solution for the Middle East. Don't get me wrong, that's not exactly what I would do with it, if I somehow had the ability to persuede everyone to my view:

One-State solution, with the Israeli Provences and Palestinian Provences. Call the whole thing the United Middle East Republic. Give ALL people living there, Arabs, Jews and Christians equal rights and citizenship. Let everyone travel to all the provences like we do to the states and the E.U. does.

Yeah, I have no say, so they'll continue to fight on...

Miss America speaks out, keeps crown!

2009-05-12T22:36:00.002-06:00

O.k., this call I have to defend. She has a right to her beliefs. I would have felt the same way if they had tried to decrown her for supporting gay marriage. I admire her for sticking to her beliefs.

That said, this is about as far as I will go in defending her. As I've stated many times before, I believe marriage is in the hearts of the people involved. The government only dispenses benefits and privledges.

The blond lady looks like she could have a bright future at Fox News, where she'll fit right in!

Iran frees U.S. Journalist!

2009-05-11T10:54:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry, but I don't believe Roxana Saberi should have been in prison in the first place. Obviously, the Iranian authorities bowed to international pressure, and set her free. Now, pardon my French, but she needs to get the fuck out of there.

It's too bad, this freelance and NPR journalist will not be allowed to provide us with information from within the Islamic Republic. Yeah, it was probably her probing that got her into how water. I don't believe the crap about her spying for the U.S..

He's free!

2009-04-12T14:44:00.002-06:00

What else could be so uplifting as to hear that the captain got away from his captors who took him on a lifeboat from the ship they attempted to hijack? Captain Phillips of the Maersk lines ship Alabama was rescued after hours of attempted negotiations. What more noble thing could one do, but offer yourself as a hostage to free your ship. Then, the brave actions of Navy Seals, secured his release. Three of the "pirates" were shot, whereas one was taken aboard the ship to negotiate.

I'm sorry people had to die, but clearly this happens at a good time, when American self-esteem needs a boost. It will be interesting to see how the captive man from Somalia is tried for his crimes. It is ironic that this ship was full of food aid FOR people in Somalia!

LBJ and Reagan loyalists clash over Obama agenda

2009-04-07T21:02:00.003-06:00

Hmmm... well I tend to like the memory of old Ronnie. But it was more for his personality than perhaps what he actually got done. Under his Administration, they initially cut taxes, but reporedly raised them on later occasions.

I don't remember a lot about LBJ... So I remember things like welfare, left over from the "Great Society". I also remember him for "going big" and sending troops en masse to Vietnam. (another Texan war monger) I'm not sure what JFK would have done... I also remember Johnson for civil rights legislation, which is good.

I think Republicans will have a lot to attack Obama on, come the next election cycle. But Americans may not listen, as the memory of the Bush years and what was the result of them will still be fresh in voters memory.

Any third party candidates out there???

Israel's Netanyahu vows to seek peace with Arabs...

2009-03-31T19:11:00.003-06:00

Yeah right... He failed to utter the words: Two-State Solution! People talk about how two-faced Yasser Arafat was, when he used to say one thing to the western press and another to the Palestinians. But what about the Israelis? Netanyahu is bound to utter "two state solution" while in the company of Obama. Then, when he gets back to Israel, he is likely to authorize more settlement and wall-building.

I can somewhat understand a military reaction to rocket attacks or suicide bombers... But I cannot understand more settlement activity inside what is supposed to be the proposed Palestinian homeland. Perhaps the former settlements in Gaza were supposed to be a buffer against what is going on now, namely rocket attacks. But it begs the question: If Israel takes over ALL the land, where the fuck are the Palestinians going to live???

I don't think the Palestinians will accept a semi-autonomous region... They want their own state. The Arabs came up with a good plan, namely a retreat to the borders of 1967. Share Jerusalem.

Also, I'd like to see repayment of the $900 million given by the U.S. to rebuild Gaza that Israel destroyed. Yep! Were I the king of America, I'd deduct that from military aid given to Israel.

Obama: U.S. to persue high value targets in Pakistan...

2009-03-30T00:41:00.003-06:00

Hmm... Perhaps this has some relationship to the newest terror attack in Pakistan???? This has to be a limited engagement, please!!!??? Personally, I have no faith in our government's search for those "high value targets"... Every time someone gets killed, the news makes it sound like the TOP of Al Quada was killed... But then the person or persons killed turn out to be lesser officers.

The tragedy is that this kind of attack, usually carried out by drone or other aircraft, turns out to almost always kill innocent civillians. Could there be a relation between the increase in terror and anger of those who know people who perished?

Afghanistan is labled "The Graveyard of Empires" for good reason. They have to have an exit strategy for this land. There are two potentially failed states here: Afghanistan and Pakistan. We must make it clear to them that we are not there to stay!!!!!

Do it the Japanese way... Kill yourself!

2009-03-17T14:59:00.002-06:00

Sen. Charles Grassley raised a ruccus. He commented that the people getting AIG bonuses should bow down humbly and appologize for the demise of the company... either that or kill yourself as do the Japaneese. Of course the news media siezed upon the suicide part.

Ha ha, I was amused by this. Grassley has a good sense of humor! Not that I really think it is necessary for them to take sword and impale themselves... But really, could you guys at least return your bonuses?

Kiss my fat ass....

2009-03-16T20:35:00.007-06:00

Megan McCain reportedly has a message for talk show host Laura Ingraham: "Kiss my fat ass!"

Well, kudos to Megan. Please understand the context that this shot was fired in... Ingram reportedly suggested the younger McCain was a "valley girl gone awry" and a "plus sized model". Of course after watching Ingraham on Fox News on several occasions, I am glad to see her slip up. Megan can full well stand up for herself and is a skilled blogger! All I can say to Dr? Laura Ingraham is: NOT NICE!

I only wish people would read my blog like Megan's, but it helps to have celebrity dad!

Here's her blog: http://mccainblogette.com/

Take it from one who is fat, Megan you are not fat!

The mighty Chineese Fleet...

2009-03-10T23:04:00.003-06:00

Re: Officials: US ship in China spat was hunting subs... I don't care what it was doing, did you see those rickety old boats out harassing that big ship? Yeah, of course they could do some kind of U.S.S. Cole maneuver, but I doubt it. To my understanding one of those boats was dumping chunks of wood in the path of the American Vessel. Yeah, like that would stop it! I'm sure if that interesting-looking U.S. vessel were to ram one of those dinghys, it would be sunk for sure! Apparently, the large American vessel's civilian crew used a water cannon to soak and strip the Chinese passengers of their cloths. What a sight! A bunch of naked, shivering Chinese!

I'm sure China has bigger boats than this. Probably even the subs they were hunting. Look the Chinese are kicking our ass in many ways, but sea power is NOT one of them!

Officials: Iran does not have key nuclear material....

2009-03-10T22:34:00.002-06:00

Hmmm.... what's the problem? I can't believe such an advanced people could not get this done! Perhaps it is the corrupt religious theocracy that prevents things from getting done there. I'm sure if the Shah had wanted a bomb, he could have built one. I'm sure the bright minds of Iranians could get this done, but the idiots that rule them are another thing.

Geez, I had figured they already had the bomb... And then they go on and on about all the centrifuges they have and how much uranium they are reprocessing. It sounds like they would be insulted by such a report!

Seriously, nuclearizing the Mid East any more than it already is .... well, it's not a good thing. Plus, in earthquake prone Iran they best build good reactors.

America becoming less Christian, survey finds...

2009-03-09T20:27:00.002-06:00

Hmmm..... I kind of thought the number of people declaring themselves to be Christian was a bit high. I can even see how some might just assume that I am Christian. I am NOT! But I do share some common beliefs: A. Turn your troubles over to God and stop worrying. B. Prayer can heal and is healthy. C. I believe the almighty is awsome beyond our immagination.

But of course, I could be of numerous other religions as well. As a matter of fact, I am not religious at all. It is just that there are times when I will utter a phrase like "May God Bless You" and they'll assume I'm with the majority.... Heck, wouldn't a Muslim or Jew say "God Bless You" too? I have no idea whether the actual God would bless you or not, but if I say it, it is my hope it will happen.

I have no power except my well wishes.

Based on scientific facts not ideaology...

2009-03-09T18:23:00.002-06:00

Re: Obama reverses Bush limits on embryonic stem cell research. Well, for me, religious beliefs have NOTHING to do with this. More importantly, will the embryonic cells yield results that adult stem cells won't??? Otherwise all this fuss is a mute point.

Then, there is the federal funding for this research. Obama's Executive Order does not pay for anything. I have no problem at all with doing research on something that would be otherwise thrown away. But will the results pay off? Or can just as much be done with adult cells? Obviously, they won't know unless they try.

If you believe that doing research on the cells from a frozen embryo constitutes taking of a life, then even the Bush limits would be to high. I don't and the only way I would feel it constitutes taking of a life if they were to tear an implanted embryo from a woman's uturus.

Also, they do need a few basic ethics guidelines: Like don't grow a human being out of the embryo! Otherwise, my concerns are primarily that money could be wasted on this.

What If US Collapses? Soviet Collapse Lessons Every American Needs To Know

2009-03-09T15:12:00.002-06:00

Look, I like to write my own stuff, but occasionaly a brilliantly written piece comes along that I like to share.

What the author seems to be saying is that due to their meager living conditions (for most people), the Russkis actually were better prepared, whereas us Amerikanskis are too soft. Let there be no mistake, the Soviet collapse was brutal on most people.

So, read this and ponder it; THIS makes sense!

Obama says now might be a good time to buy stocks...

2009-03-03T23:11:00.002-07:00

Perhaps he is right... But I'd rather catch the elevator on the way up. I don't try and time the market and I don't know how long this malaise will last. So let others capitalzie on the downturn.

What Obama should do...

2009-03-03T22:01:00.002-07:00

To set a precident, Obama should follow Republican advice and veto the pork laden $410 billion spending bill. He has enough clout that he could probably get away with ruffling the feathers of some of his fellow Democrats in Congress. Otherwise his claims of cutting out pork will come across as lies.

They claim that this budget reflects last year's budget requests, or something like that. But Obama needs to be bold and put his foot down. Either that or he really isn't against earmarks. Saying you'll get started with the line by line stuff in the NEXT budget is not good enough. Do it now!!! So fucking what if the government goes unfunded for a week or two!

Americans are not in the mood to hear bullshit. If you are going to talk earmark reform, then do it!!!!! Otherwise, there will be lots of ammo for the next election. Perhaps even I will vote for a Republican or two!

Limbaugh the de-facto Republican Leader?

2009-03-02T21:26:00.002-07:00

I think not! Even though McCain fades into the sunset, he is more of a leader than that fool. Still, this reflects the current dilema of the GOP. Bobby Jindel had his chance, but was not recieved too well in his response to Obama's speech to the Nation. Frankly, I don't think Sarah Palin can recover, either.

There is a lot they can find to oppose with the Obama Administration. It would be good to have some measure of qualified opposition to install checks and balances. But Limbaugh is a mere entertainer. I seriously doubt he could ever fill any political office, as he is better running off at the mouth on his talk show. It is my belief that the GOP could recover, if they return to some of their core values. Time needs to pass for the bad memories of the past eight years to ease. Then, they need to find a qualified spokesperson to promote their agenda again.

Centrist party leads Israeli elections, but big gains for Likud Party...

2009-02-10T19:24:00.002-07:00

Ah crap! Well, this is typical of a country when they feel threatened... they lean to the right. I like Israel's Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni far better than Benjamin Netanyahu of the Likud party. There was a time I embraced Israel's hard liners and the likes of Netanyahu. Then I saw him trying to lobby the American public on the conservative Glenn Beck show when Glenn was on CNN.

Netanyahu was trying to make the case about how America and Israel face the same threat from terrorism, so we have a lot in common. I would like to say to Netanyahu that America only gets terrorized because of our totally unconditional support of Israel. I'm not suggesting we desert our "friend" in the Middle East, but when a "friend" gets carried away, then a true friend of theirs will step in and tell them. Since the U.S. helped to create the modern state of Israel, the U.S. should have a say over there. This is especially true, considering the billions of dollars of aid and military hardware we supply them with.

I'm not sure Livni would be much different, but if they say she is more centrist, I would take the chance. I certainly hope that if Israel tries to get some kind of permission from the Obama Administration to try some kind of foolhardy attack on Iran, that Obama stops them. Certainly, if Iraq is any kind of sovergn nation now they would not approve overflight of Israeli fighters, would they? Obama should insist that border crossings into Gaza are opened for relief aid as much as is possible.

I read that Israel's President, Shimon Peres, will pick the Prime Minister based on who has the best liklihood of forming a successful coalition. So even if Livni's party wins the most votes, they might not be represented by Prime Minister.

I was hoping for moderation so Iran would follow suit and get a more moderate replacement for Pres. "A" in their upcoming election. Now, I fear they will react to Israel and keep that prick in office. Certainly this war with Gaza (Hamas) is not playing well in Iran.

A good start, but more needed!

2009-02-05T21:01:00.001-07:00

President Barack Obama Authorizes $20.3 Million Aid to Gaza Victims of Israel's Bombings
The US will give $20.3 million in aid to Palestinian victims of Israeli bombs.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1446000/president_barack_obama_authorizes_203.html

All these tax dodgers...

2009-02-03T23:20:00.002-07:00

Well, it looks like Obama had a bad day. At least he had the balls to take responsibility for it! But this does raise questions about how closely they vet the people they select! Gawd, is everyone in Washington crooked???

Pope urged to act on Holocaust-denying bishop...

2009-02-03T22:54:00.002-07:00

O.k. you can say 6 million plus or minus, but heaps of people perished in the camps. There's too many photos and too many eye witness reports to deny the damned thing. Yes, it would be good to re-examine the history of it, but puhleeze, don't try to re-manufacture history!

I sincerely hope that they keep the memory of this horrid event alive - so as mankind doesn't repeat this horror. My fear is that people will forget, or history be rewritten and then it will occur somewhere else! Perhaps in the U.S.A.?

The only problem with the Holocaust is that it seems to be remembered as the only one. Stalin, Pol Pot and many others have perpetrated holocausts on their own peoples. The Pope should act due to his Nationality, which is partly mine as well.

Also, Israel can not use the Holocaust as an excuse to do anything they want against the Palestinians. They should be the first ones to try and treat them with compassion!

My thoughts on Obama so far...

2009-01-27T21:49:00.004-07:00

Let me see, I'll just tick off a list:

Tax Rebates on the huge 850 billion stimulus package: The Repubs want tax rate cuts. I would tend to agree, however I suppose sending out checks would be quicker. Problem is I hate seeing people who pay no taxes get checks anyway! Hope it "stimulates" better than the last gift!

Meeting with Republicans and Conservatives: Good! But adopt at least a couple of their better ideas.

Giving interview to Al Arabia: Excellent! (He should have expressed more sympathy for Gaza civilians, however.)

Closing Gitmo: Fine, but problematic. He probably should have not been so firm on a closing date. As long as the hard core terrorists get some kind of due process and aren't tortured, I think they could be there for a while. Meanwhile we could examine all the detainees to find the ones who just got swept up, but aren't really terrorists. They should be the first to leave there.

Car mileage standards: He wants to let states (California) set their own standards if they exceed the federal ones. This could add expense to car manufacturing. Also, he set federal goals for mileage standards. Well, I think this is a laudable goal, but car manufactures cannot have to rigid of a standard to comply with or they will fail. Government does need to find a way to steer them towards a greener future.

Middle East envoy: George Mitchell is excellent. Obama seems to use the language indicating they will get involved immediately and stay involved! But, again, PLEASE EXPRESS SOME SYMPATHY FOR GAZA CIVILIANS AND OFFER WHATEVER WE CAN IN HUMANITARIAN AID!

Hope...

2009-01-20T20:38:00.003-07:00

This is what I cling to tonight... I made a point of getting up to watch the Innauguration of our new President. I have no delusions that this will be easy! The country is a mess and should he leave with it being more of a mess, well then America could slip into facism.

I'm not thinking about this, some people's cynical comments or the fact that (ouch!) the stock market tanked today... I'm thinking of the bright young President, who might just surprise us with his success in leading us out of this mess. He just might have the ability to inspire us out of this mess!

The world really seems to want a new start for America!

Bush commutes sentences of former Border Patrol agents

2009-01-19T16:01:00.003-07:00

Hmmm.... I was beginning to wonder! Well, better late than never. But I really would have preferred a full pardon for those two agents.

All in all, this is probably the best thing Bush could have done on his last day. I know that none of the foreign leaders he called really cared to hear from him. Time to ride off into the sunset!

Men stoned to death for adultery, murder in Iran

2009-01-13T21:34:00.002-07:00

So, what's new? Until the fucking mullahs are run out of town... or better yet, given this punishment, this crap will continue.

I have to laugh when conservatives here rail against anything secular. Does Bill O'Reilly really want us to end up like a Christian version of Iran? Talk about morally corrupt and evil leadership! And don't think that because people are "Christian" or "Jew", they can't be capable of such radical actions: take a look at some of the stuff in the Old Testiment!

I believe Islam will survive, but not in such a radical form. People won't stand for such an oppresive governing force for too long. Religion in America is strong - but will only stay that way with a wall between church and the state.

Getting used to Pres. O....

2009-01-12T20:41:00.003-07:00

Things are going to move fast and furious when this guy gets started. I have to say I approve of most of his pre-inauguration decisions so far. I'm a little unsure about Leon Panetta as CIA chief, but probably his management skills will contribute something to the Bureau. Also, I think he should move carefully to close Gitmo. There's a lot of hardened terrorists there and I am not too excited about them going to U.S. facilities. This is not to say that I don't wish to see Gitmo closed soon. Just go slowly with it and carefully move the "detainees". Get them trials and due process.

Now he is handling the flap over Pastor Rick Warren and the Inauguration just fine: he has picked (gay) Bishop Gene Robinson to issue a prayer at another event. So, I hope everyone will be happy!

He has requested Bush to release the other $350 Billion.... hmm.... I'm still not too sure about these massive expenditures...

Haggard to go on Larry King Live Jan 29th...

2009-01-12T20:30:00.002-07:00

I'll be sure and NOT watch! Who cares about this idiot? It just goes to prove my theory: make an ass out of yourself and you can be rich! Of course I understand Pastor Ted is in debt now, but I sure as hell won't read his book! I would not direct even one red cent his way!

But I'm sure that many would wish to be titillated by his sordid story... Gawd, he looks creepy! Go behave yourself and disappear from the limelight FOREVER, fool!

Bombing the shit out of Gaza won't solve anything!

2009-01-01T01:18:00.004-07:00

What is the score now, 360 Gazans to 4 Israeli? O.k., I'm no fan of Hamas, but Israel is not winning any friends, either in Palestine or throughout the world. I'm afraid that if ever the tiny Gaza Strip has time to regroup and any movement occurs through borders or their ports... well, uh, the portable rocket launchers will soon reappear.

What is Israel to do? I suspect they will try an invasion and re-occupation of the strip. This will probably stop rockets for a while. But this will not build any permanent good will. Then there is the grave humanitarian crisis brewing. Hamas clearly operates among civilian populations.

This will be an important test for President Obama. If he is lucky, Israel will have completed it's military operation. Then it will be up to the new President to deftly maneuver through this crisis... AND, I might add, show a bit of neutrality in this conflict. Next, the U.S. has to head efforts to help the humanitarian crisis. Gaza is being turned into a giant prison camp. I don't believe that Americans, or even most Israeli's for that matter, want it turned into a concentration camp!

Mistakes to make on Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T23:51:00.002-07:00

First of all, don't read the news! I won't repeat the news, as pretty much of it was not good. Well, except the mountains had a white Christmas, giving much needed snowpack a boost!

Second of all, don't tell anybody you don't celebrate Christmas.... or they will be shocked and dismayed. That is, unless you are Jewish and they will immediately understand.

If it is o.k. for a self-defined agnostic/Zoroastrian/spiritualist like myself to go around wishing people a happy Christmas (and a Merry New Year - and then another Chinese one in February and then finally the Persian one in the Spring)... Well, then it should be o.k. for everyone else to wish people of the majority glad tidings, etc...

For me, though, it is tough!!! Always glad when actual Dec 25 gets here as it be over... Hardly anyone to celebrate it with, except Ebenezer Toan and our happy little weenie dog, Laura.... And believe you me, I'm thankful for that! I've had leaner years! And I could in the future!

Yeah, Atheist Steve really liked Christmas and look where it got him! He wanted to celebrate it with me and his other friends, but the 100 year blizzard came and although we had a small get together later, he slipped on the humongous snow bank and almost died right there. A few days later he died from a fall when getting up to go to the bathroom...

Not to be bah humbug, but stories such as the above or today's news might give you some perspective on my seasonal blues.

A Christian Christmas in Snowy Iran!!!

2008-12-24T20:33:00.002-07:00

Click on the picture below to open page:

Article by William Weldin

Vatican backs gay decriminalization, not U.N. measure

2008-12-22T19:17:00.002-07:00

Well, at least can't they get something passed that condems the hanging of underaged teens, like they do in Iran? The Vatican is so worried about the "sanctity of marriage", that they overlook the sanctity of LIFE! Nobody was asking countries to allow gay marriage, but the Vatican somehow felt that the wording of the majority resolution would somehow weaken their great institution of "marriage".

In failing to endorse the majority resolution, the fucking Vatican becomes complicant in the murders taking place in Iran and other countries.

"Merry" Christmas!

2008-12-22T18:33:00.003-07:00

This so reminds me of times in Merry Olde England, where Christmas was thought to be a raucous, drunken party in the middle of winter... It sounds cool, but then what would we have to do on New Years???

Yes, I have decided to enbibe a bit... But just some red wine. Stuff's to strong to guzzle it, as I had in the past with beer. But a couple of glasses gets me a light buzz, without a hangover. Appropriate for the holiday spirit, eh?

Kill Madoff!

2008-12-17T22:03:00.004-07:00

I'm sorry, but I saw him walking down the street on tv... Madoff was the investment guru who ran a ponzi scheme... Get a gun and kill the bastard! All those people who were bilked out of all that money deserve some justice! Just be happy it wasn't me!

Would I buy a Chevy?

2008-12-17T04:57:00.003-07:00

Yup, I would. In the wake of a GM bankruptcy, I suspect there will be back yard businesses popping up to do the maintenance and aftermarket parts to keep them running. Especially the older models. I have to say, as one who drives a Ford, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with American vehicles. Oh, yes they went through a difficult period of quality in the 70's and 80's. But my little Ranger is one good running truck. Yeah, I suppose I should pull out the dipstick more often as she has over 180K miles and would presumably start using some oil at some point. But so far no oil usage. Amazing!

Hmm... Hope he is clean...

2008-12-17T04:43:00.004-07:00

Though I don't care for his father, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. seems to be a decent guy. I'm hearing stuff like Guv. Blago. saying that Jackson's wife didn't get a job with the Illinois Lottery because a $25k donation was not forthcoming to him. It is reported that Jackson had talked to the Feds before about Blago.

If he isn't tainted by this mess, all the better. And also, I feel even more so about Obama. But heck, what do we really know about these people? It could go either way.

Of course, the Guv. is not giving up without a fight... He doesn't give a damn that it hurts the people of his state to stay on. He probably stepped on a lot of people to get where he is today.

Four Senators gone....

2008-12-15T20:21:00.004-07:00

Well, I suppose if you are a conservative Republican, you’d like seeing these Democrats going to the Obama Administration in order to give the Republicans more power in the Senate. But now, Senators Obama, Biden, Clinton and Salazar presumably will be gone. Did I miss any others? There is such thing as experience and while none of these people are really seasoned, excepting Senator Biden, it does take away some years of experience.

Of course for Colorado, I will not be too upset to lose Ken Salazar. I would rank him as o.k., but not the strongest Senator. He has introduced little legislation and none of note. Still, he can be classified as a moderate, whereas the liberal Colorado Governor might appoint a liberal Senator. As Interior Secretary, well at least Ken knows a little about the West.

With Illinois, all I can say is that prick of a Governor had better NOT appoint somebody… especially himself!!! The people of Illinois deserve better and might even deserve a special election. Problem is they have to get Barack’s seat filled in a timely manner. I know it would serve Illinois Democrats right to have the special election happen and a Republican take the seat…

"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!"

2008-12-15T10:17:00.004-07:00

Not one, but two shoes! Haha... I don't know if anyone is upset about the shoe-throwing incident, but I'm sure as heck not! It is surprising that two shoes got launched before the guy got tackled. Anyway, I'm sure that although not everyone feels that way about President Bush in Iraq, there are a lot that do!

Good throw! (also, good job ducking, Bush)

We don't need this shit!

2008-12-09T16:00:00.003-07:00

Look, I'm not necessarily surprised about Gov. Blagojevich of Illinois being indicted in this scandal. But it is hitting a bit too close to home for Pres elect Obama. Let us hope he is clear of any taint in this mess. Reportedly, one thing Blag was trying to do is sell Obama's former Senate seat to the highest bidder.

Only the really petty and bitter opponents of Obama would want to see him wrapped up in this. So far, it looks like he is not. But this hits too close to home for comfort! As for Illinois, well it is a big (population wise) state and it would be helpful if they could get a replacement Guv in there fairly quickly. Kind of like they did in New York after Spitzer resigned.

Now, will the scumbag Guv resign? It looks pretty serious for him and although I'd like to presume innocence, it probably won't be. Alas, sometimes these people can be stubborn...

Totally insane!

2008-12-02T02:33:00.003-07:00

Talk about senseless... What about that Wal Mart employee trampled to death on Black Friday? First of all I didn't know Wal Mart had Black Friday sales events! Second, what kind of insane pigs would be so eager to get in that store so early? Would they not even notice the person under their feet?

Yes, I shop at Wally World sometimes... Not my favorite thing to do, but yes their everyday prices are low. But I sure as HELL wouldn't go to some crowded sales event! Excuse the sexism, but I can envision a bunch of huge bimbo cows rushing the door. It's not just my imagination that a lot of people who buy all that pre-cooked and processed food are grossly overweight. And this includes men, too! But heck, maybe it was some kind of big screen tv event?

Yes, I'll continue to shop there. From what I can see it wasn't the store's fault, although I think they should take a look at their opening procedures. It was the rude, selfish people who trampled that poor associate to death! Personally, I'll look for times when the store isn't so crowded to do my shopping. They advertise everyday low prices and this is pretty much true.

I can only hope that Wally World does the right thing and helps that person's grieving family out.

This is the place to do it...

2008-12-01T17:17:00.002-07:00

If ya come here for holiday cheer, yer outa luck!!! I do not want to spread my gloom to everyone else, but it should be recorded for posterity. Alas, nobody reads Zim's Rants anymore, so I don't have to worry about getting people depressed. Not that anyone would give a rat's ass anyway!

But lest ye get too much glee, I'm makin' her through in fine shape. Even giving a few dollars for charity. Ho Ho...

Not much to say on this...

2008-11-30T06:50:00.002-07:00

I'm sorry the attacks on Mumbai happened over U.S. Thanksgiving. Well, I'm sorry this happened at all. Those I've met from India are really nice people and it was so sad to see that American father and his young daughter murdered. Not to mention this grand old hotel being destroyed... although I have some hope for it's restoration.

What I hope is that terrorists finally wake up and realize that nothing can be accomplished with violence. India, home of Ghandi, provides an example of change through non-violence. I hope that those who are disenfranchised with the West become even more turned off by this senseless violence. That is the only way this will end.

Hmm... not on the scumbag's pardon list???

2008-11-24T16:22:00.003-07:00

Border agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean remain in prison as a list of 14 Presidential Pardons is released by Bush. All I can say is that I really hope Bush has not completed his selections! Otherwise, Bush tops my list of Greatest Scumbag Evar!

Get with it, Bushie!