A new approach to campaigning...

Hat tip to Radical Redneck, who posted this at the Rott.

The Clinton's only raped and occaisionally murdered. This guy is willing to renounce his allegience to anyone. A dangerous person to have in the Oval Office...

Happy Friday!

Today's Friday Brunette is Cote de Pablo. Those of you who watch NCIS will recognize her. Those of you who don't...why don't you?

Ye Shall Know Them By the Company They Keep...

Another of the Obamessiah's close associates opens mouth and inserts foot.

Another pastor complicates Obama’s campaign
Priest mocks Clinton as feeling entitled to nomination because she is white
MSNBC and NBC News
updated 1 hour, 27 minutes ago
CHICAGO - Sen. Barack Obama sought Thursday night to extinguish a burgeoning controversy over another Chicago minister who supports him, denouncing the comments of a Catholic priest who said “a whole lot of white people [are] crying” because a black man was within reach of the Democratic presidential nomination.

Can you say race-baiting? I knew you could.

The remarks by the Rev. Michael Pfleger, a white minister known as “Chicago’s renegade priest” for his liberal social activism in the city’s black community, came from the pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ, the same church where sermons by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright came under scrutiny from critics who called them anti-American and racially divisive.

Can I be disgusted yet?

Pfleger, pastor of predominantly black St. Sabina’s Catholic Church, who fiercely defended Wright even as Obama eventually rejected his support, sounded similar themes Sunday in a guest sermon at Wright’s church.

Yeah, well "Hate Whitey" is much easier than actually, you know, writing a sermon.

Saying he was seeking to “expose white entitlement and supremacy wherever it raises its head,” Pfleger mocked Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York for appearing to weep at a campaign appearance before the New Hampshire primary in January, saying she was crying because “there’s a black man stealing my show.”

He should feel lucky that I don't get to expose idiotarianism the way I would prefer...by means of a screaming purple dot that leaves its mark on them.

“She always thought, ‘This is mine. I’m Bill’s wife, I’m white and this is mine,’” Pfleger said in his fiery sermon.

He got it wrong. She feels entitled because she's "The Smartest Woman in America". Just ask her. She'll tell you.

As the racially mixed congregation responded “Amen!” and “Yes, sir!” Pfleger pretended to cry and shouted: “And then out of nowhere came him, Barack Obama. And she said: ‘Damn! Where did you come from?! I’m white! I’m entitled! There’s a black man stealing my show!’

No. She's mad because he has no experience, no brains, and keeps company more contemptable than her own.

“She wasn’t the only one crying!” he said. “There was a whole a lot of white people crying!”

Because they realize there is very real chance that this knucklehead is going to get elected and start dismantling whatever the terrorists don't destroy.

Then, sensing that he may have gone too far, Pfleger added: “I’m sorry. I don’t want to get you in any more trouble. The live streaming [video] just went out again.”

"You mean someone will see me being an asshat? Oh, Snap!"

Obama, priest issue statements
After conservative commentators and Fox News Channel latched onto Pfleger’s remarks, which received wide circulation on YouTube and conservative political blogs, Obama released a statement late Thursday repudiating the priest, who resigned from the campaign’s pastoral advisory committee several months ago.

Preist? Which church? I don't recall the part of the Bible said "Thou shalt be racially devisive." Maybe it was in the Inner-City Translation.

“As I have traveled this country, I’ve been impressed not by what divides us, but by all that unites us,” he said. “That is why I am deeply disappointed in Father Pfleger’s divisive, backward-looking rhetoric, which doesn’t reflect the country I see or the desire of people across America to come together in common cause.”

"Damn, they nailed another of my spiritual advisors."

Pfleger issued a separate apology Thursday, saying his remarks were “inconsistent with Sen. Barack Obama’s life and message, and I am deeply sorry if they offended Sen. Clinton or anyone else who saw them.”

"I'm deeply sorry I got caught. Now I won't get to collect the spoils when we come to take away everything that you whiteys have worked for all your lives."

There was no immediate reaction from the Clinton campaign.

As they were all in a closed-door meeting plotting how to Vince Foster his ass.

Of course, the MSM left out the choicest bits of his unconscionable race-inspired frothing at the mouth. Here is the link to the transcript of his "sermon".

And because they are so incredibly insipid, here's how he really feels:

I must now to address the one who says, 'don't hold me responsible for what my ancestors did.' But you have enjoyed the benefits of what your ancestors did! And unless you are ready to give up the benefits — Throw away your 401 fund! [sic] Throw away your trust fund! Throw away all the money that been put away in the company you walked into 'cause your daddy and your granddaddy and your great grandaddy —

(screaming at the top of his lungs)

Unless you are willing to give up the benefits, then you must be responsible for what was done in your generation! 'Cause you are the beneficiary of this insurance policy!

This guy is as insulting as he is dangerous.

Memo to the good father: "I don't owe the black man a damn thing. I didn't enslave anyone, and I sure as Hell am not holding anyone down. If anything, as a white male, I suffer from racism to a much greater degree. The only difference is that the racism I face is not just institutionalized, it is embraced by society, which chooses to call it "affirmative action" or "diversity", which in the 70's subplanted merit as a means for hiring and advancement in the workplace. And we have suffered ever since. I know it is easier for you to sell taking something from those who have worked for it than it is to sell hard work and perseverence, but you seem to have mistaken "the land of the free" for the "Land where everything is free for the taking". Don't make this mistake, and get yer eyes of the meager bits I work my tail off for, sir.

Did I mention that other members of my tribe...

...really piss me off sometimes?

Am I the only one who remembers a time when vacation plans went awry, and people took it as the adventure it was? Whether things go according to plan, or the plan goes out the window, you make memories. After all, US SCARE really screwed to pooch when it came to getting my honeymoon started, and although it pissed me off royally at the time, and has occasionally seemed like a glimpse of things to come, it gave me a funny story to tell, and I like telling it. My point is this: Did I sue the airline for completely screwing my wedding night up so we didn't get to the hotel until midnight, after they had given our room away, and after room service closed, I had to leave our twin beds and go down to the front of the hotel because the delivery driver wasn't allowed in the hotel. I didn't hold the damn airline responsible for my happiness. I didn't bellyache. I didn't sharpen my pencil and draft a complaint. I dealt with it. In another day and age, a judge might toss this wanker out on his ear. Now I foresee years of protracted litigation. Ain't progress grand?


"Through its gross negligence, malfeasance and absolute incompetence, Mr. Roth holds Delta responsible for ruining his vacation," said the lawsuit, filed in New York state court.

How sad that he holds the airline responsible for his family's state of mind. What a freakin loser.

Scary Stuff

Yeah, it ain't your Father's Andromeda Strain.

It is a severe rewrite, and so far, it is implying that maybe we don't beat it.

Absolutely freightening.

A Spring Evening...

Tonight, Heir No. One got his Wolf badge in an outdoor ceremony. It was a perfect Pacific Northwest evening, and I couldn't have been more proud. He then took part in a graduation ceremony in which he received his Bear book and scarf for the coming year. Now for camping over the summer, including at Mt. Rainier and the Hood Canal.

"Thank You" Can Never Be Enough...

The very end doesn't reflect my opinions, but I woke up this morning humming this song, and I still felt it appropriate.

And A Great Comedy Team Is Reunited...

Dick Martin passes at age 86.

Even though the show started before I was born, I was a student of political and cultural history. I enjoyed "Laugh-In" in reruns. One of the very few things I shared with my father. I'm sad at his passing, but happy to know he and Dick will be back to cracking wise to those who share their company.

Communists See Red. No Pun Intended.

Indiana Jones makes Russian communists see red By Denis Pinchuk
Fri May 23, 4:21 PM ET

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) - Russian Communist Party members condemned the new "Indiana Jones" film on Friday as crude, anti-Soviet propaganda that distorts history and called for it to be banned from Russian screens.

Not to be confused with the crude, anti-life Soviet Union, which crushed millions of Russians under the bootheel of Communism. Kinda hard to distort the record of one of the most evil regimes to ever hold an entire region of the world in its bloody grasp.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" stars Harrison Ford as an archaeologist in 1957 competing with an evil KGB agent, played by Cate Blanchett, to find a skull endowed with mystic powers.

Of course "evil KGB agent" is an oxymoron.

"What galls is how together with America we defeated Hitler, and how we sympathized when Bin Laden hit them. But they go ahead and scare kids with Communists. These people have no shame," said Viktor Perov, a Communist Party member in Russia's second city of St. Petersburg.

What galls me is a pathetic Russian Communist completely glossing over the scary history of communists, especially in his part of the world. What's worse is his flawed analysis. We make Soviet Communists villains. Domestic Communists get to be successful Democratic Party candidates for President. Go Figure.

The comments were made at a local Communist party meeting and posted on its Internet site www.kplo.ru.

I'd like to hope that these meetings are a sorry assembly in some loser's Babushka's basement, but seeing as the Russian people have a centuries long proven track record of selecting shitty governments, this may actually be mainstream.

The film, the fourth in the hugely successful Indiana Jones series, went on release in Russian cinemas on Thursday. Russian media said it was being shown on 808 screens, the widest ever release for a Hollywood movie.

Damn that free market. Damn it I say!

In past episodes Indiana Jones has escaped from Nazi soldiers, an Egyptian snake pit, a Bedouin swordsman and a child-enslaving Indian demigod.

Thanks for explaining that to the two people in the world who have never seen the films.

RUNNING DOGS

"Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett (are) second-rate actors, serving as the running dogs of the CIA. We need to deprive these people of the right of entering the country," said another party member, Andrei Gindos.

Buwaaahhahahahahahahahahahaha! Hollyweird actors working for the CIA? *snort* Hahhahahahahahahahaha! That gets my vote for the stupidest remark of the year.

Though the ranks of the once all-powerful Communist Party have dwindled since Soviet times, its members see themselves as the defenders of the achievements of the old Soviet Union.

Which achievements are we talking about? The slaughtering of thousands due to the fallacy of a planned economy tempered with a souless political ideology, or the bilking of an entire nation by a select few who understood the underlying premise of Animal Farm: Some are MORE equal then others.

Other communists said the generation born after the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union were being fed revisionist, Hollywood history. They advocated banning the Indiana Jones outright to prevent "ideological sabotage."

And just like a phoenix, dangerous stupid rises from the ashes of history. It really is the long war, my friends.

"Our movie-goers are teenagers who are completely unaware of what happened in 1957," St Peterburg Communist Party chief Sergei Malinkovich told Reuters.

"They ought to be out driving their five-year plan tractors on the communes and working in the factories like good little proletariat. Movies are for high-ranking party apparatchiks like myself. Pass the v'da and caviar, comrade."

"They will go to the cinema and will be sure that in 1957 we made trouble for the United States and almost started a nuclear war."

Fer cryin out loud! Its a freakin movie, Sergei! You want to be offended by characterizations of the Soviets? I have a much better list for you. Jet Pilot. Hunt for the Red October. 13 Days. Spies Like Us.

"It's rubbish ... In 1957 the communists did not run with crystal skulls throughout the U.S. Why should we agree to that sort of lie and let the West trick our youth?"

I agree. Instead you were trying to infiltrate Hollywierd and the State Department.

Vladimir Mukhin, another member of the local Communist Party, said in comments posted on the Internet site that he would ask Russia's Culture Ministry to ban the film for its "anti-Soviet propaganda."

Of course, the very existence of a "culture ministry" underscores the Wrong direction Russia is already headed in. Here's a tip, Vlad. When you are scared of ideas and speech, your government isn't worth saving.

The "Indiana Jones" film is not the first Hollywood production to offend Russian sensibilities.

Yeah. I bet "Miracle" didn't play well, either.

In 1998 the Russian parliament demanded the government explain why the Hollywood film "Armageddon" - which depicted a dilapidated Russian space station that blows apart because of a leaky pipe -- was allowed onto Russian cinema screens.

Akin to Congressional hearings on steroids in baseball.

A government official at the time said the film, starring Bruce Willis as the leader of a team of astronauts sent to deflect an asteroid on a collision course with Earth, "mocked the achievements of Soviet and Russian technology."

Well, after you take away the originality, innovation, and superior quality of American technology, you're left with creaky, pale imitations that lend new meaning to the term "Soviet".

Get over it guys. Embrace the new world. It will benefit you far more than the old.

Talk About Delusions of Adequacy...

H/T to LC Scott at the Rott.



Yes indeed, the purveyors of the failed "policies" of the past will save us from success, if we will only embrace our inner STOOPID and believe what they keep telling us.

Happy Friday!

Another in a string of beautiful women who will make you stop and say "Hello."



Isabella Rossellini. Pick your jaws back up now, guys.

For the Admiral...because he asked

No Surprise Here...

Court: Texas wrongly seized sect children
MSNBC News Services
updated 8 minutes ago
SAN ANGELO, Texas - A state appellate court ruled Thursday that child welfare officials had no right to seize hundreds of children from a polygamist sect's ranch on April 3.

You mean that due process still applies? That's a relief.

It was unclear how many children were affected by the ruling. The state took 464 children into custody, but Thursday's ruling directly applied to the children of 48 sect mothers represented by the Texas Rio Grande Legal Aide, said Cynthia Martinez of the agency.

For once, it sounds like a legal aide group has been defending the right things. Awesome!

The Third Court of Appeals in Austin ruled that the grounds for removing the children were "legally and factually insufficient" under Texas law. The ruling did not immediately order the return of the children.

I have been very quiet on this story. Generally, when kids are involved, there is an awful lot of factual material that does not get released. Knowing this, I kept quiet because I realized it was possible that the justification might not be made public. However, considering what had been reported, this story has rubbed me wrong from day one. Apparently, I am not the only one.

Child welfare officials removed the children on the grounds that the sect pushed underage girls into marriage and sex and trained boys to become future perpetrators.

But apparently, they have had some trouble proving it.

The appellate court ruled that a chaotic hearing held last month did not demonstrate the children were in any immediate danger, the only measure of taking children from their homes without court proceedings.

Actually, I do admire these parents for their restraint. If someone thought they were going to take my boys from me in such a manner, they might want to see to it that their life insurance was paid up first. Considering that this occurred in Texas, where citizens still practice their Second Amendment rights, it was an extraordinarily gutsy move on the part of the officials there.

Earlier Thursday, attorneys for Child Protective Services said 15 of the 31 mothers authorities put in foster care as children have now been declared adults. One is 27, they said.

And this was problematic for them to determine beforehand because...???

Another girl listed as an underage mother is 14, but the state has conceded she is not pregnant and does not have a child.

So no justification there.

The underage mothers had been cited as evidence that the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints committed widespread sexual abuse of girls.

But was it "widespread"? They are polygamists, afterall. Maybe it was one polygamist with several underage wives. Maybe two. Maybe three. When does it become "widespread"?

In Texas, girls who are younger than 17 generally cannot consent to sex with adult men.

Sounds like a conservative state. But why the hedge with "generally"?

No one has been arrested or charged in the case.

Which I find to be an outrage this long after the seizure of the children. These kids have been separated from their parents for how long now? And no one has been arrested or charged? Most people wouldn't find it copacetic to be separated from "stuff" that long under the circumstances. Where are the protesters and the perpetually outraged on this one? If these were muslims, public interest groups would be tripping over each other filing writs and amicus briefs in an attempt to get these children back to their parents.

The FLDS, which teaches polygamy brings glorification in heaven, broke away from the mainline Mormon church, which disavowed polygamy more than a century ago.

It wouldn't be my choice. Yes, as a guy, you might get around the "Not tonight dear, I have a headache.", but if you have more than one wife to angry at you? Sounds like misery to me.

Sect leader Warren Jeffs, who is revered as a prophet, has been sentenced to prison in Utah for being an accomplice to rape in arranging a marriage of a 14-year-old follower to her 19-year-old cousin. He is awaiting trial in Arizona, where he is charged as an accomplice with four counts each of incest and sexual conduct.

Sounds like a real sweetheart. I'm sure his fellow inmates will enjoy his company.

Jeffs' lawyers want the incest counts dropped, arguing that prosecutors in Mohave County cannot pursue those charges along with the sexual conduct counts. A judge is considering the request.

What, no charging in the alternate?

For the record, I am NOT advocating polygamy, nor am I defending taking a girl for a wife. There are very good reasons why both practices are not only frowned upon, but illegal. However, there are also reasons why you have to have PROOF that bad things are occurring before you have the state go in and snatch children away from their parents. This story indicates to me that the state failed to obtain such proof. If they prevailed, then the standard could continue to drop, until failure to turn your kids into good little government-reliant socialists could be termed "abuse" and establish grounds for taking your kids away. I'm not just outraged that these kids were taken without proper cause, I'm livid because they have been in the care of the state. Think about the competency of your average state employee, and now consider them looking after YOUR kids. Not a happy thought, is it? I heard some asshat on the radio the other day saying that since these legal proceedings have been costing the state so much, maybe the state ought to seize church assets. I wonder if he would be so creative in fashioning a remedy now that the shoe is on the other foot? Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress? Check. Violation of Due Process? Check. Sounds to me like something that should cost the state a whole lot more, and maybe a few clue-addled snivel servants their jobs.

New Game.

Horked from Fyreman, who Horked it from Admiral, who was tagged by...you get the point.

1. What is your occupation? Frustrated Author.

2. What color are your socks right now? Black.

3. What are you listening to right now? David Sanborn-Closer.

4. What was the last thing that you ate? An Apple.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes.

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? A client.

7. Do you like the person who tagged you? No one Tagged me for this one.

8. How old are you today? 36.

9. What is your favorite sport to watch? Ottawa Senators Hockey!

10. What is your favorite drink? Hornsbys Crisp Apple Cider.

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? No. I would look silly. (Ok, sillier.)

12. Last time you hugged your child? The little one? When I put him to bed last night, the big one, right before he went to bed.

13. Favorite food? Spicy Salmon Pasta.

14. What was the last movie you watched? The Shadow.

15. Favorite day of the year? October 20th.

16. How do you vent anger? The worst anger does not get vented...I let it do a slow bleed.

17. What was your favorite toy as a child? A die cast Starship Enterprise.

18. What is your favorite season? Fall.

19. Ocean or pool? What? No lake?

20. Cherries or Blueberries? Both.

21. Do you want your family & friends to participate? Knock themselves out.

22. Who is the most likely to respond? Nobody, since I'm not tagging.

24. Living arrangements? Married.

25. When was the last time you cried? A few days ago.

26. What is on the floor of your closet? The forest of shoes

27. Who is the family or friend you have known the longest that you are tagging? I Ain't tagging.

28. What did you do last night? Im'd with a freind.

29. Hawaii or Florida? Hawaii? Never been.

30. What inspires you? The irrepressable joy of Heir No. Two.

31. What are you most afraid of? The thought of someone else raising my children.

32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Spicy and Cheesy...pass the Cholula.

33. Favorite dog breed? Dalmatians.

34. Favorite day of the week? Saturday.

35 How many states have you lived in? 2.

36 Do you like these questionnaires? Only the ones I steal.

37. What kind of car did your very first date drive? She didn't.

38. What is the Last book you read? If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans, by Ann Coulter.

39. What are your hobbies? Blogging, Playing with my boys, cooking, and occaisionally knocking out a chapter for my novel.

40. Can you still make the Hula Hoop stay around your waist? No.

Emails...I get emails...

The Pacific Northwest According To Jeff Foxworthy:

1. You know the state flower (Mildew).

Yup. I have to powerwash a whole side of my house.

2. You feel guilty throwing aluminum cans or paper in the trash.

Only 'cause I grew up in a state where there was a deposit on the cans.

3. Use the statement "sun break" and know what it means.

I can vouch for it. I learned really quickly.

4. You know more than 10 ways to order coffee.

Only 10. Sounds like a coffee virgin.

5 You know more people who own boats than air conditioners.

I don't own any.

6. You feel overdressed wearing a suit to a nice restaurant or to
church.

This took me a long time to get used to. I guess I've adapted. I wore shorts to church last Sunday.

7. You stand on a deserted corner in the rain waiting for the "WALK"
Signal.

Its true. Nobody jaywalks here. Nobody.

8. You consider that if it has no snow or has not recently erupted,
it's Not a real mountain.

True. The other bumps are "foothills".

9. You can taste the difference between Starbucks and Tullys.

Um, yeah. Tully's tastes like coffee. Starbucks tastes like BURNT coffee.

10 . You know the difference between Chinook, Coho and Sockeye salmon.

Doesn't everybody? Oh, and the best kind? Copper River. Worth the outrageous price every time.

11. You know how to pronounce Sequim, Puyallup, Yakima, Issaquah, Oregon, Yakima and Willamette.

You mean squim, pu al up, ya kim a, iss a quah, o re gone, and wil a mette?

12. You consider swimming an indoor sport.

I don't. I grew up in Michigan.

13. You can tell the difference between Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Thai food and people.

Food yes. People? Working on it.

14. In winter, you go to work in the dark and come home in the dark while only working eight-hour days.

Depressingly true.

15. You never go camping without waterproof matches and a poncho.

A good idea where I am from too.

16. You are not fazed by "Today's forecast: showers followed by rain,"
And "Tomorrow's forecast: rain followed by showers."

Or by completely understanding the distinction between the two.

17.You have no concept of humidity without precipitation.

Refreshingly, this is also true. Unlike Michigan, where you can have a summer day with a temperature of 89 and 90% humidity.

18. You know that Boring is a town in Oregon and not just a state of Mind.

Why not both?

19. You can point to at least two volcanoes, even if you cannot see through

the cloud cover.

Mt. Ranier? That's easy. Only about 35 miles away. Mt. St. Helens is over the southern horizon, though.

20. You notice, "The mountain is out" when it is a pretty day and you
can actually see it.

What's freakier is when it is cloudy. You would never know Mt. Ranier is there. Really. It dominates the skyline here on a clear day and is completely concealed when the clouds are just right.

21. You put on your shorts when the temperature gets above 50, but
still wear your hiking boots and parka.

Yup.

22. You switch to your sandals when it gets about 60, but keep the
socks on.

Uh, no. Sorry.

23. You have actually used your mountain bike on a mountain.

Some people have.

24. You think people who use umbrellas are either wimps or tourists.

It doesn't rain hard enough to bother with an umbrella. Wear a hat, fer cryin out loud.

25. You buy new sunglasses every year, because you cannot find the old ones after such a long time.

Also untrue. I know exactly where my Ray Bans are. I paid too damn much for them to lose track. Besides, my eyes are too sensitive to light any more. I wear them while driving in the rain. 26. You measure distance in hours.

27. You often switch from "heat" to "a/c" in the same day.

No A/C, but I can identify.

28. You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit under a raincoat.

Hahahahahahahahahaha. NO. Last three Halloweens have been dry and COLD. I take the heirs to the local shopping mall, with all the other smart parents.

29. You know all the important seasons: Almost Winter, winter, Still Raining (Spring), Road Construction (Summer), Deer & Elk season (Fall).

As opposed to Michigan's seasons: Football, Hockey, Winter, bow season, rifle season, wet and muddy, hot and sticky, and construction.

30. You understood these jokes and will probably forward them

Or publish them on your blog.

I Love The Sound Of Her Voice

Of Brain Cancer and Dying...

I'm Sorry that Senator Kennedy has brain cancer. It isn't something I would wish on anyone. Treat it, and it can be misery, for the patient, and family. Don't treat it, and it isn't much better.

I can recognize that he and I are diametrically opposed on anything that matters. I can also recognize that the citizens of Massachusetts kept re-electing him, so from that perspective I can recognize his service, and I hope that a near lifetime of service is recognized and rewarded by a merciful and loving creator.

This Is Why We Will Never Make Progress With Dhimicrats In Positions of Power

House passes bill to sue OPEC over oil prices By Tom Doggett

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved legislation on Tuesday allowing the Justice Department to sue OPEC members for limiting oil supplies and working together to set crude prices, but the White House threatened to veto the measure.

Yeah. That'll stop them. I'm sure they fear US Courts. Where does a large portion of investment capital in this country come from again?

The bill would subject OPEC oil producers, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela, to the same antitrust laws that U.S. companies must follow.

And what are we going to do when they look at us and yawn? Beat them Up? Could be damn hard to get there without OIL.

The measure passed in a 324-84 vote, a big enough margin to override a presidential veto.

Thus demonstrating that shrewness overpowers intellect when enightened self interest of the voting parties is in line.

The legislation also creates a Justice Department task force to aggressively investigate gasoline price gouging and energy market manipulation.

Sound and Fury Amounting to Nothing.

"This bill guarantees that oil prices will reflect supply and demand economic rules, instead of wildly speculative and perhaps illegal activities," said Democratic Rep. Steve Kagen of Wisconsin, who sponsored the legislation.

It guarantees nothing but high prices and short supply. How stupid are these people?

The lawmaker said Americans "are at the mercy" of OPEC for how much they pay for gasoline, which this week hit a record average of $3.79 a gallon.

$3.79 a gallon? I wish it was that cheap.

The White House opposes the bill, saying that targeting OPEC investment in the United States as a source for damage awards "would likely spur retaliatory action against American interests in those countries and lead to a reduction in oil available to U.S. refiners."

That evil President. How dare he be right!

The administration said less oil going to refineries would limit available gasoline supplies and raise fuel prices.

Duh.

Foreign investment in U.S. oil infrastructure has declined in the last decade. But the state-owned oil companies of several OPEC nations are owners of U.S. refineries, and those investments could be affected if the legislation becomes law, said Arlington, Virginia-based FBR Capital Markets Corp.

So we get to screw with our too-few refineries as it is. How wonderful.

The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to carryout a study on the effects of prior oil company mergers on energy prices.

It is stupid energy policy that put us in this mess. We need to be drilling where the oil is, and as Glenn Beck has stated "I am willing to drill right through a polar bear's head to get it if that's where the oil is." And we need new refineries too. Lots of them.

The Senate would still have to approve the House measure.

I never thought I'd be glad for the Senate.

The Senate previously approved similar legislation as part of a broad energy bill. However, the OPEC-suing provision was removed after White House opposition in order to get the underlying energy legislation signed into law.

The adults said no, and the kiddies still want it their way. These people will get us all killed.

Jonnhy Diesel and the Injectors

Yeah, Its a solid Rock and Roll Mood tonight. What can I say?

More Godfathers...

Yes, I have posted it before. It still rocks.

"Hit By Hit" was a casette I wore out in High School

And this is one of the reasons why:

Good Tune...

...Screwed Up Visuals...

Besides, as snarky as Steely Dan is, I figure they must be conservatives.

Stoopid Still Spills From Hopey Changeyness's Mouth

WASHINGTON - Democrat Barack Obama has a message for Tennessee's Republican Party: "Lay off my wife."

Obama, his party's presidential front-runner, and his wife, Michelle, were asked in an interview aired Monday on ABC's "Good Morning America" about an online video last week by the state's GOP taking her to task for a comment some considered unpatriotic.

Yes, given some of the things she's said, I think we SHOULD question her patriotism.

"The GOP, should I be the nominee, can say whatever they want to say about me, my track record," Obama said. "If they think that they're going to try to make Michelle an issue in this campaign, they should be careful because that I find unacceptable, the notion that you start attacking my wife or my family."

Be careful because I find that unacceptable" Kinda misses the point. Aside from sounding like an arrogant, elitist prick used to getting his own way, he very much forgets that as a public servant, he works for US, and should he be successful, his wife gets a position and title out of this also.
He called the strategy "low class."

The video, posted on YouTube, centered on remarks Michelle Obama made while campaigning in Wisconsin last February, when she said: "For the first time in my adult life, I am really proud of my country."

I wish that I could say its the first time in my life I have been very very offended by a comment made by a Dhimicrat officeholder or their spouse. Sadly, I'm not. Still, its an odd thing for her to say, given the fact that the country has been much better to her than to some people.

The four-minute video replayed the remark six times, interspersing it with commentary by Tennesseans on why they are proud of America. In a news release that included a link to the video, Tennessee's GOP said "the Tennessee Republican Party has always been proud of America." It urged radio stations to play "patriotic music" during Michelle Obama's visit to Nashville last Thursday.

Am I the only one who can remember when this was considered something different...like a valid campaign strategy.

Michelle Obama later clarified the remark, saying she meant she was proud of how Americans were engaging in the political process and that she had always been proud of her country.

Known by the official term "Damage Control" and more unofficially as "backpedaling".

"Whoever is in charge of the Tennessee GOP needs to think long and hard about the kind of campaign they want to run, and I think that's true for everybody, Democrat or Republican," Obama said in the ABC interview, adding: "These folks should lay off my wife."

Waaaaaa! Waaaaaaa! If you ar going to have her campaign for you, then her remarks are fair game. That's just how it is.

Obama said his wife "loves this country. For them to try to distort or to play snippets of her remarks in ways that are unflattering to her is, I think, just low class. I think that most of the American people would think that as well."

I think that like you, Hopey, she likes the power and perks that come with the office. Dhimicrapic love of country usually entails apologizing to our enemies for having a backbone and suggesting that we should be more enlightened, like the occupied states of EUrabia.

Tennessee's Republican Party was roundly criticized in March, including by likely presidential nominee John McCain, for a news release that used Barack Obama's middle name — Hussein — and showed a photo of him wearing what it said was "Muslim attire."

"roundly criticized" by a RINO who wants to be liked more than he wants to be a conservative, and the MSM who have annointed the Obamessiah. Mheh.

The release ultimately was removed from the party's Web site at the urging of the state's two Republican senators and Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan, who said he "rejects these kinds of campaign tactics."

Thus demonstrating why the Republican party is no longer fit to lead either. Excuse me. I'm gonna go hurl now.

Pandering Needlessly to Arab Street

By now, you may have read the story about the U.S. Soldier who got in dutch for using the koran as a target at a small arms range. While I do question his choice of targets when he is in country, apparently there were no jhadis available.

Seriously. I'm really tired of PC and the worried handwringing over what the reaction on Arab Street will be about this or about that. Enough already. This is silly. We are saving their asses and making their country a beacon of civilization, and yes, this is disrespectful, but we're doing the heavy lifting, so maybe they can dial it back about ten or twelve notches. We are eradicating the vermin from their country.

The quote from the news story that is telling:

Bloody protests have sometimes been held across the Muslim world when the Islamic faith has been insulted.

Meanwhile, Christians in all parts of the world are murdered at the hands of these uulating bloodthirsty savages. If the muslims started burning Bibles in Mecca, we wouldn't see Christians howling in the streets, screaming for blood.

They want to act like animals? Treat them like animals. They love it when we pander to them. They hate it when we are firm. Maybe they need a reminder who the big dog is.

There are blogwars, and there are blogwars...

And usually it comes down to one thing: Somebody's feelings got hurt. What differentiates this one from others? I'll never howl for somebody's head. Just because someone else is wrong, like I dunno, the Muslims? Doesn't mean I'll be whipped into a bloodthirsty frenzy. My God takes care of his own business, and in his own time. In the interim, threatening me and mine puts you in the mad dog category, and we know what happens to them when they are perceived as a threat, right?

Web Site Sympathetic to Terrorists Blasts FOX News for Profile
Sunday, May 18, 2008

An English-language Web site that unabashedly promotes the work of Islamic terrorists has responded to a FOXNews.com profile of the site by assailing "the Kuffaar behind FOX News." Kuffaar, roughly translated, means "unbelievers."

I generally consider declining to believe in the bloodsoaked scrawlings of a murderous savage who thought it perfectly acceptable to bugger little girls a good thing. I'm funny that way.

After quoting FOX News.com's Friday story and citing verses from the Koran, the Revolution.Muslimpad.com blog affirms the belief that jihad is "an Islaamic obligation" rooted in Muslim texts.

Well, at least it should be credited with being truthful about that.

"So in reality, you are calling my Prophet, Muhammad — peace be upon him — a terrorist," the blog post continues. "But of course, you guys won’t say that directly because you fear the wrath of the Muslims."

Listen clearly. I'm saying that MoHamHead was a murderous thug who liked to kill anyone who did not agree with his warped world view and enjoyed being a pedophile, all wrapped in the mantle of rock-worshipping spirituality. Is that stated plainly enough for you?

The site also decries what it calls a double standard toward terrorists, comparing the attacks of Sept. 11 with the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima during World War II.

One was an act of war, designed only with the purpose to murder, the other was an act to end a war, undertaken with the purpose to save tens of thousands. No double standard, but well-versed in the ways of hyperbole and lunacy this one is. He could write talking points for the DNC.

Revolution.Muslimpad.com, also called "The Ignored Puzzle Pieces of Knowledge," is believed to be the brainchild of a 22-year-old American Samir Khan of Charlotte, N.C.

The only revolution I advocate is the attempted scouring of Idiotarianism from the halls of power and the corridors of the media.

The site's sleek modern style includes collections of the latest videos of U.S. military Humvees exploding from roadside bombs in Iraq, as well as pro-jihad messages aimed at radicalizing readers.

I suspect the only people who would be 'radicallized' in the manner intended already have a tendency to uulate and blow themselves up.

North Carolina Web Site Said to Be 'Gateway Drug' To Terror Its list of 63 top "scholars of Islam" and people to "take knowledge from" contained mostly known terrorists — including Usama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. The site provides links to their works, all translated into English.

If they are so smart, how come they are dead or living in caves somewhere?

Terror experts say it is unique because it is written in English for a Western audience.

Yeah, because "Go Blow Yourself Up" resonates so well with Western youths.

Sunday Morning

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping their beaks off outside, the boys are running around grinning like idiots and the air has that sweet smell of summer morning that will bake off by afternoon. I sit here sipping my tea and and listening to Jake's half-formed words, and it helps me to think.

A song:



And I am to believe that it all is a random happenstance? That a some amino acids came together in a pile of goo, and Bang! One planet teeming with life? I'll take a creator for $5000, Alex. Between that, and a few personal experiences, I can'tand won't buy that. You all have a nice Sunday morning.

I think he explained it correctly...

...its the only reason I can think of that my tastes cross so many genres...

A memory...

It was one of those hot summer Michigan nights. The kind where the air feels like a heavy hot blanket that you can't get out from under. The humidity was high. Flashes of heat lightning occassionally punctuated the darkness of my room. The drone of the fan was soothing, but it was just too hot to sleep.

It was the summer of 1980, and the Flint area was suffering the worst economy since the Great Depression. I didn't know any of this. I was an eight-year old towhead who's Dad had a job. Air conditioning was reserved for offices, stores, restaurants, but still a rare thing in homes.

I turned over in the dark, having long since shed the sticky sheet, and shut my eyes for the millionth time, trying to fall asleep. At least tomorrow, I could go out and play in the water...the birthright of any Michigan kid. Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open. Light spilled aross the ceiling, floor and wall before my eyes.

"Come on." My Dad's voice floated through the muggy air. "Where?" I asked.
"We're going for a drive."
I looked at the clock. It was 10 pm.
"Ok. Let me get my shoes."

I got in the back of the LeBaron, and we were off. It felt like an adventure. Being up late, riding in the car in my PJs, with the windows down on a hot summer night. We seemed to be driving around aimlessly. Finally we came to the Burger King near Richfield and Center. Dad turned into the drive thru. He ordered three milk shakes, and Mom leaned over and whispered something in his ear. He turned looked at me, smiled, looked to her, and order one of the Empire Strikes Back glasses for me as well.

We drove around for over an hour after getting the shakes, waiting for the temperature to drop a little. It was an unusual thing for my Dad, and for a few minutes, he made me feel like the coolest kid in the world.

I slept very well that night.

No spring this year.

Here in Puget Sound we seemed to have gone from the tail end of winter earlier this week straight to summer. 80s and sun (sun? what's that?) yesterday, and the same today. I have to mow my lawn and powerwash my house now. And I don't go anywhere without my sunglasses. Since I got my eyes fixed, my pupils dialate to pinpoints in any sort of light at all. In full sun? Forgedabout it. Off to fill my gas can.

The Concert Was Fun

Every year, the Boss gets tickets to the Auburn Rotary Scholarship Show. He's a member of the Auburn Rotary, so he gets hit up for 4 fairly pricey tickets each year. He has to work at the show, so he doesn't use them. The last four years, I have scored at least two of the tickets. (Being a member of a neighboring Rotary Club not responsible for the show, I get to go enjoy myself.)

The show is always held at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, which is an 1100 seat venue, i.e. there are no bad seats. A local barbeque place sponsors with food, for the dinner, and normally, there are two shows. Two years ago, Phil Vassar was the headliner and it was a lot of fun. I really don't remember who it was last year. This year was the 25th Anniversary of the Show, and they only had one performance. The dinner was not up to the usual high standards, and the opening act was...interesting. The headliner made up for it. I'm not terribly familiar with his music, but the guy is a great perforrmer and singer and it was a lot of fun. Who was it? Blake Shelton. For me, the standout song of the night was this one, although Mrs. BiW would be very quick to disagree with me.



The drawback of a big act in such a small venue? It gets really LOUD. As in its at least a few hours until my hearing comes back loud. Oh well, never had it as bad as after seeing Queensryche at the Saginaw Civic Center in 1990. Two days. Two freaking days. I didn't think my hearing was ever coming back.

The Thought Police Are Coming.

Dutch cartoonist arrested for 'insulting people'
Cartoonist known for mocking Muslims, leftists has received death threats

updated 7:05 a.m. PT, Fri., May. 16, 2008
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A Dutch political cartoonist was arrested this week on suspicion of insulting people because of their race or religion through his work, authorities said Friday.

How enlightened of them. Must be their muzzie masters and their outrage.

The cartoonist, who works under the pseudonym Gregorius Nekschot, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of violating hate speech laws and held overnight before being released, a spokeswoman for his publisher Uitgeverij Xtra said.

"Hate Speech" Not too far removed from "hate crime", which we know is a criminal act, but one committed against a minority.

"He was arrested with a great show of force, by around 10 policemen," the spokeswoman said.

Of course, the offender is much more threatening then the outraged parties screaming for beheadings.

She asked that her name not be used, and declined to give Nekschot's real name, because the cartoonist and publisher have both received death threats.

Can't say I blame her. The police would probably be kind enough to give the assassins an escort, just to be sure that justice was done.

Nekschot is known primarily for cartoons mocking Muslims and leftists, though the spokeswoman said he is a satirist who targets "any strong ideology."

Two groups deserving of mockery. Also derision and scorn.

Amsterdam public prosecutor spokeswoman Sanne van Meteren said Nekschot remains a suspect in a criminal investigation.

But the people who have undoubtedly threatened him are no doubt walking around unfettered, swinging their rusty scimitars in outrage.

"We suspect him of insulting people on the basis of their race or belief, and possibly also of inciting hate," she said.

How dare he say what he is thinking.

Each is a crime punishable by up to a year in prison under Dutch hate speech laws — or two years for multiple offenses.

Prison time. Think, people. The Obamessiah would love to see this here. Can't attack his hopey changeyness.

Police seize computer, sketches
Nekschot publishes primarily on several Web sites, including his own, but has also been featured on the Web site of Theo van Gogh, the filmmaker who was murdered by a Muslim radical in November 2004.

The same Theo van Gogh that was murdered for speaking out against the pestilence of islam that is infesting his country?

The cartoonist also works for HP/De Tijd, a major Dutch language weekly news magazine, and he has published two books.

One recent cartoon on his Web site caricatured a Christian fundamentalist and Muslim fundamentalist as zombies who met at an anti-gay rally and now wished to marry.

Funny, as a Christian, I don't feel moved to call for his head. What's the mood on Arab Street?

Van Meteren said prosecutors were investigating a complaint that dated from 2005. They are now focusing on eight or nine published cartoons, she said, but prosecutors are not disclosing which ones.

Speedy are the wheels of Dutch 'justice'.

Nekschot did not answer police questions during his arrest, she said, appealing to his right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

I'd have given them the finger. All night long.

The spokeswoman for Xtra said police had seized Nekschot's computer, sketches, CDs, DVDs and telephone at the time of his arrest.

Because his CDs and DVDs are no doubt filled with hate speech. Either that or he had a few ultra-rare CDs and the cops took a shine to them.

Just Because I Can...

I have decided that I really like The Hostages BBF tradition, but in the spirit of the fact that this is my half-acre of the blogosphere, I'd rather follow my own eye candy traditions. With this is mind, I give you my latest musical crush...Sara Evans. I really don't understand my thing for brunettes, but I can't deny it, either.

More From the Brave New F***ing World...

Normally, I wouldn't waste my time with the Huffington Poo, but I was reading another story that someone had linked to, and saw this lurking in the sidebar.


Sex And The American Mom: 1 In 3 Report Getting Action On The Side
Posted May 13, 2008 | 07:32 AM (EST)


You or someone you know is having an affair. We know, it sounds surprising, shocking even, but apparently that is the case. Cookie Magazine and "AOL Body" did a survey on the subject and 30,000 people responded. As far as surveys go, that is a big number, and it's even bigger when you consider that their questions were aimed solely at married women with children. Yep, lots of mommies are getting action on the side.

Oh goodie. We just have to continue to screw around with the family. Its bad enough that we took away roles, and burdened both sexes with every responsibility, and told women they could have it all, just not how. Now we have to imply that their lives aren't complete without infidelity. Lovely.

The survey, "Sex and the American Mom," revealed that 34% of these married moms is in the midst of, or has already had, an affair. Think of three married moms you know and ask yourself, "Which one is cheating?" We tried this and Colleen came up empty. Taylor could think of one or two, but not one out of three--that number seems staggering. Are we just naive? In the dark? Out of touch? Which of our friends has managed to stray without anyone knowing (and when do they find the time and where they hell do they go?)?

Sadly, they are naive about it. But then so are many husbands. To their detriment. As for the time, its called "something has to give, and it is usually time with the family. Don't take my word for it. Read any relationship message board, or go to SurvivingInfidelity.com and read up on it there.

Another somewhat mind-blowing result of this survey was that 77% of the respondents said they want more sex. That's more than three quarters of the 30,000 women asked who said they aren't getting enough. Again, we ask, who are these people? And are we to conclude that so many stray because they are not sexually satisfied?

Actually, since I have done a lot of reading on the subject, I'll chime in on it. The conventional thinking on it is that many cheaters are actually less inhibited with their lovers since there are none of the other pressures present in their marriage. No issues with children, spouses, families, or bills. They can fantasize about sex and "write their own scripts" that they can act out in their clandestine meetings. They are also less burdened by the thought of acting out their wildest fantasies with the other parent of their children. A twist on the old analysis of the male ideals of the Madonna and the Whore.

Cheating seems to be a direct result of not getting what you need, be it sex, attention, openness, what have you. If there is a void, and it can be filled by someone else, chances are it will be. Affairs used to almost guarantee a trip to divorce court. Today, however, the "cheatee" might experience a sense of betrayal, but the "cheater" is not necessarily stigmatized socially, and often both agree to at least attempt reconciliation. It has even been viewed as a "wake-up call" -- one that can actually save a marriage, with each person expressing a sense of shared blame.

This can be true. However, taking the stigma away only makes it easier to stray. The fact is that the cheating is the result of selfishness, and if a wake-up call it is, it needs to be tempered with the realization that each spouse needs to take ownership of how they contributed to the trouble in the marriage, but the cheater owns the infidelity 100%, because it is a choice, not an inevitability.

As a society, it seems as though we've become less judgmental about affairs in general. Maybe we've realized how hard marriage is and have simply gotten more realistic. But, maybe the scope of the issue is bigger, and what's happening is that we're in the midst of redefining marriage as we have known it.

Or maybe its because we have rejected time tested and proven notions of marriage and family because some people in society want not only to do whatever they want without thought to consequences or damage they cause, and they want such behavior to have at least the tacit sanction of society at large.

The stereotype, of course, is if there's someone sneaking around in a marriage, it's the guy. In general, no one is surprised to hear that men cheat on their wives. However, when it comes to wives cheating on their husbands, while not entirely new, it is much more common than we thought. When we told men that one in three married moms cheat (or have cheated) on their husbands, and that a solid majority are actually looking for more sex than they're having at home, most mens' eyes light up with surprise and certainly curiosity. Some even joked about where they might find one of these gals. But, what we didn't hear was "Yes, I can understand that. I'm not in the mood very often and I'm probably not satisfying my wife's sexual desires."

Or maybe she's lost sight of the reason she married you in the first place, or maybe she thinks she missed out on something by not sleeping around when she was younger, but I'm not surprised that the authors implied that its Harry Husband's fault that Betty Bride decided to spread her legs for someone who isn't her husband.

Could the American male be suffering from a proverbial "headache?" Maybe the insatiable male sex drive is just a myth? After hearing what Michelle Weiner-Davis, an internationally recognized relationship therapist and the Director of The Divorce Busting Center, had to say in an interview with Psychology Today, this may not be far-fetched. She thinks we don't hear a lot about the man's lack of sexual interest because, "Men are so ashamed of speaking up about [it]." Estimating that it affects, "at least 20 to 25%" of adult males," Michelle adds, "...low desire in men is America's best-kept secret."

Well, some times stress and increased participation in all other aspects of family life take their toll. I don't get randy when I lie in bed at night thinking about the bills and how to pay them all.

Please don't confuse our effort to understand what's going on here with male-bashing. When a couple's sex life changes, for better or worse, generally both parties are complicit. For the record, we love men and we're aware that sex is complicated. Let's face it, marriage is complicated, and it only becomes more so after having kids. If mom or dad feels rejected by the other, he or she may cheat. And if you're married and you've got kids, you know that sex, or lack there of, can be loaded with a lot of other emotions and agendas that don't have anything to do with lust, or even love.

This almost sounds like an excuse. I suppose this is why many therapists suggest that when your life is in this busy phase, you should strive to make time for sex, even schedule it. Like anything else, practice makes perfect, and it does go a long way toward to increasing the chemical bonding between spouses. Because things are busy and you're tired is not an excuse to betray your spouse and go get a f*** buddy.

As the Hook-Up Generation grows up and gets married, chances are affairs may even go mainstream. It's hard for us to believe that this won't lead to hurt feelings and collateral damage (remember the kids), but maybe that's because we're from a different generation.

Or simply one that doesn't buy into the belief that anything goes if it "makes you feel more fulfilled as a person"? I think we are already seeing this becoming mainstream. Websites abound where people advertise their sexual prowess, appetites, and endowments, seeking playmates whether single, married or attached. Cell phones, Text messages, IMs, and free email accounts ease the communication, aiding the betrayer in the pursuit of their fanatasies.

We understand that the person who lies just outside of the daily grind--the one who's not figuring out how to pay the mortgage that month; the one who isn't angry about spending too little time with the kids--can seem like a vacation worth taking--at least once.

Vacation? Hhhhmmm. An interesting term to apply to a purely selfish and in this day and age, dangerous, endeavor.

We're glad to hear that women want more sex, because frankly, it's good news that the female libido is alive and well. As for the affairs....If we could add one question to the poll it would be this: "Is/Was the Affair Worth It? "

I don't know. Is it worth it to betray the people closest to you who have every right to trust you not dishonor them or the marriage and family? Is it worth it to push your family and spouse aside so you can get some tail on the side? Is it worth destroying the complete trust another has naively entrusted you with? Is it worth robbing your children of the stability of a home with parents who love and respect each other and provide a safe environment for living and growing? Is it worth it to cause such financial disarray as is the typical result of divorce. Broken people for selfishness and a few moments of carefree bliss is a fools bargain, and the price is often high, especially since you are dealing with not only the trust and emotional well-being of others, but also your very health, and the health of your spouse if you are so callous that you would expose them to the same risks you decided to take. But, hey, do what you want, and don't let others judge you. As long as you are happy, that's all that matters, right?

I have some reservations about this...

Mom indicted in MySpace suicide case
Computer charges against woman whose daughter feuded with victim

updated 2:49 p.m. PT, Thurs., May. 15, 2008
LOS ANGELES - A federal grand jury on Thursday indicted a Missouri woman for her alleged role in perpetrating a hoax on the online social network MySpace against a 13-year-old neighbor who committed suicide.

Interesting. If she really is guilty, then I think that she should suffer some unpleasant consequences, at a minimum.

Lori Drew of suburban St. Louis allegedly helped create a false-identity MySpace account to contact Megan Meier, who thought she was chatting with a 16-year-old boy named Josh Evans. Josh didn't exist.

Sock puppeteers everywhere, take note.

Megan hanged herself at home in October 2006 after receiving cruel messages, including one stating the world would be better off without her.

Seems like an overreaction. It would be true of the people I might be tempted to utter such things about, but then I don't pick on teenage girls. I save it for the loathsome and offensive and criminally stupid.

Salvador Hernandez, assistant agent in charge of the Los Angeles FBI office, called the case heart-rending.

Dead children usually are.

"The Internet is a world unto itself. People must know how far they can go before they must stop. They exploited a young girl's weaknesses," Hernandez said. "Whether the defendant could have foreseen the results, she's responsible for her actions."

An interesting concept. The eggshell rule for internet communications? That runs the risk of making something actionable that might otherwise be said in person. I think there are some valid First Amendment concerns here, and any court consider this should tread very very carefully. And if they are successful, I want the damn spammers in Bourkina Faso who keep sending me their scam emails to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

She's denied sending messages
Drew was charged with one count of conspiracy and three counts of accessing protected computers without authorization to get information used to inflict emotional distress on the girl.

Doesn't sound like serious jail time if convicted. Just enough to put a felony on her record.

Drew has denied creating the account or sending messages to Megan.

And she would if she were my client, too.

U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien said this was the first time the federal statute on accessing protected computers has been used in a social-networking case. It has been used in the past to address hacking.

On the one hand, I admire the cleverness of the prosecutors who find new applications of existing laws, but then I also remember that this carries novel implications for those who never intended to violate them. RICO comes to mind, as does most sexual harassment legislation.

"This was a tragedy that did not have to happen," O'Brien said.

No. It didn't.

Both the girl and MySpace are named as victims in the case, he said.

MySpace because it gives the prosecutors a justiciable controversy, perhaps?

MySpace is a subsidiary of Beverly Hills-based Fox Interactive Media Inc., which is owned by News Corp. The indictment noted that MySpace computer servers are located in Los Angeles County.

Thus giving jurisdiction to California. Read your Terms of Service, people. Pencil-pushers like myself write these with specific intents in mind.

Due to juvenile privacy rules, the U.S. attorney's office said, the indictment refers to the girl as M.T.M.

Thus showing that NOTHING is stronger than bureaucratic rules. It isn't like no one knows the girl's name at this point.

FBI agents in St. Louis and Los Angeles investigated the case, Hernandez said.

Internecine turf wars. Gotta love it.

Each of the four counts carries a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. Drew will be arraigned in St. Louis and then moved to Los Angeles for trial.

If convicted, my prediction is that she serves a year. Maximum.

Citing terms of MySpace service
The indictment says MySpace members agree to abide by terms of service that include, among other things, not promoting information they know to be false or misleading; soliciting personal information from anyone under age 18 and not using information gathered from the Web site to "harass, abuse or harm other people."

This is where it gets hinky. If this kind of language is the basis for these kinds of charges, then the next time you get into a flame war with a leftie who is determined to shout you down because he can't win an argument on the merits, then you may find yourself guilty of harassment or abuse of one of these poor widdle flowers. Don't scoff. I see some chilliness ahead. Lefties and fundamentalist muslims tend to be threatened by the truth, and find it very abusive and harmful. These are the same people who run to the courts whenever anyone has the temerity to offend their nuanced beliefs with truth and fact.

Drew and others who were not named conspired to violate the service terms from about September 2006 to mid-October that year, according to the indictment. It alleges they registered as a MySpace member under a phony name and used the account to obtain information on the girl.

Sock puppets and cyber stalkers beware: Here there be monsters.

Drew and her co conspirators "used the information obtained over the MySpace computer system to torment, harass, humiliate, and embarrass the juvenile MySpace member," the indictment charged.

If the indictment didn't charge that, then a 1L could get the case dismissed, but thanks for the newsflash, Sparky.

After the girl killed herself, Drew and the others deleted the information for the account, the indictment said.

See immediately proceeding comment.

Last month, an employee of Drew, 19-year-old Ashley Grills, told ABC's "Good Morning America" she created the false MySpace profile but Drew wrote some of the messages to Megan.

Otherwise known as an admission against interest and an attempt to throw the co conspirator under the bus. No honor in crime any more.

A joke taken too far
Grills said Drew suggested talking to Megan via the Internet to find out what Megan was saying about Drew's daughter, who was a former friend.

Why did Mom care so much? Didn't she have a life of her own? Well, I guess that is one problem solved.

Grills also said she wrote the message to Megan about the world being a better place without her. The message was supposed to end the online relationship with "Josh" because Grills felt the joke had gone too far.

Stupid and cruel, but criminally so?

"I was trying to get her angry so she would leave him alone and I could get rid of the whole MySpace," Grills told the morning show.

Well, that is one explanation. I'm sure the prosecutor will have another.

Megan's death was investigated by Missouri authorities, but no state charges were filed because no laws appeared to apply to the case.

And while sad, I think that there may be a good reason for that. If you have to strain existing law to adapt it to meet a specific circumstance, then maybe you should very carefully consider what you are doing. Maybe, instead of opening Pandora's Box with respect to speech on the internet, you should let karma take its course. As I recall, Drew's family had to move, and I'm sure she is unemployable. Sometimes bad conduct carries all sorts of long-running consequences.

California Supreme Court Takes on Mantle of Legislature and Makes Bad Law. Rest of Country Yawns.

Calif. Supreme Court rejects gay marriage ban
Constitutional initiative drive under way in state to restrict unions

updated 1:18 p.m. PT, Thurs., May. 15, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO - In a monumental victory for the gay rights movement, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter-approved ban on gay marriage Thursday in a ruling that would allow same-sex couples in the nation's biggest state to tie the knot.

Anyone who is surprised by this, speak up. *crickets chirp*

Domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage, the justices ruled 4-3 in an opinion written by Chief Justice Ron George.

Yeah. What the hell do those legislators know, anyway.

Outside the courthouse, gay marriage supporters cried and cheered as news spread of the decision.

I'll withhold comment.

"Our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation," the court wrote.

The city of San Francisco, two dozen gay and lesbian couples and gay rights groups sued in March 2004 after the court halted San Francisco's monthlong same-sex wedding march.

You mean the illegal one? Hhhhmmmm. I wonder why a court would do that?

"Today the California Supreme Court took a giant leap to ensure that everybody — not just in the state of California, but throughout the country — will have equal treatment under the law," said City Attorney Dennis Herrera, who argued the case for San Francisco.

The City Attorney demonstrates his incisive legal acumen, thus showing why he works for San Francisco instead of the private sector, where competent attorneys work. The California Supreme Court can affect California law, but not that of other states, especially the 26 or so that have passed variations on the DOMA acts.

As for equal treatment under the law, this was never at issue. Men were free to marry women, women were free to marry men.

Coalition to challenge
The challenge for gay rights advocates, however, is not over.

A coalition of religious and social conservative groups is attempting to put a measure on the November ballot that would enshrine laws banning gay marriage in the state constitution.

Damn those voters. Damn them, I say. Who the Hell do they think they are, anyway?

The secretary of state is expected to rule by the end of June whether the sponsors gathered enough signatures to qualify the marriage amendment, similar to ones enacted in 26 other states.

And if 26 states have passed laws against it, there isn't exactly a ground swell of support for the idea, as the pink swastika brigades would have you believe. Don't bother trying to tell them that, however. Facts are only cause to shout down who ever has the temerity to share the party sharing them.

If voters pass the measure in November, it would trump the court's decision.

As it should be.

California already offers same-sex couples who register as domestic partners the same legal rights and responsibilities as married spouses, including the right to divorce and to sue for child support.

So they get the benefits and the burdens without having to redefine what married people have, but of course this isn't good enough. They simply must be referred to in the same way or their riiiiiggggghts are being viiiiiolated. Wake up call, Nancy boy. He may live with you and get your health insurance and the right to screw you over in a nasty divorce, but it still ain't marriage. Thanks for cheapening mine, however.

But, "Our state now recognizes that an individual's capacity to establish a loving and long-term committed relationship with another person and responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation," Chief Justice Ron George wrote for the court's majority.

So, unlike Massachusetts, which at least took a stab at a legal reason with a technical argument, California is legislating from the bench based on emotion. I think every professor I had in law school said "Emotions make great cases, but bad law." And here, California had to go and prove it. Of course, this is the same court that rejected such hallowed common law concepts as coming to the nuisance, so anyone paying attention wouldn't be too terribly shocked by this ruling.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Marvin Baxter agreed with many arguments of the majority but said the court overstepped its authority. Changes to marriage laws should be decided by the voters, Baxter wrote.

A Justice on the Court who has a sense of restraint? Who understands that there is a separation of powers for a reason? A novel concept indeed.

Massachusetts is now the only U.S. state to allow gay marriage. Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Vermont permit same-sex civil unions that grant largely the same state rights as married couples but lack the full, federal legal protections of marriage.

What federal protections of marriage are you talking about? This is and always has been the purview of the states. The feds have only gotten involved when the states have tried to tie the privilege to Race (Loving v. Virginia) or Unrelated Offenses (Zablocki v Redhail){where a party was denied the right to marry because he was behind on child support payments}.

"I respect the court's decision and as governor, I will uphold its ruling," said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in a statement. "Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this (ruling)."

But of course, he doesn't have to. If it is put to the voters, and it passes, then he doesn't win votes by opposing it (doing something) but he can pay lip service to his disappointment (an old trick used for decades by politicians in Quebec when they speak about sovereignty).

Let's be clear. I oppose this ruling because it does not appear to be supported by a legal rationale. Instead, the Court seems to have made, sua sponte, a decision to change the law because it doesn't match the majority's opinion of society today. If we let judges and not voters or legislatures make these determinations, then we abdicate our roles as citizens in a republic. Separation of powers exists for a reason. Courts have the right to overturn laws because they violate the Constitution, not because they do not feel them to be appropriate. However, the left long ago adopted the strategy of asking the courts to grant them what they want and could not get from legislatures or the voters. We continually allow a tyranny of a minority, with the express and explicit collaboration of a branch of government that fails to properly understand and act in accordance with its assigned role and limitations. If this continues, we may as well do away with legislators. Or elections, for that matter.

Thanks, PJM.

I just got back from the Doc. Its official. I have strep.

Happy Mother's Day

The calendar says its May, which in some parts of the country means spring. While I'm not certain spring has arrived in this corner of the Pacific Northwest, my rhodies say differently. Happy Mother's Day to all my blogfreinds, including those who are moms.

I think i used to work for this company

One Good Funny Deserves Another.

Folly posted the Lumberjack Song...one of my favorites from Monty Python.

So, From the Kids In the Hall, I give you every male attorney's worst nightmare:

Anyone Who Doubts That We Are In It For the Future of Civilization...

...needs to check this out.

How many Americans will have to die needlessly before we fully awake to this very real and intolerant threat?

Happy Friday!

The Episcopal Church Must Have A Differrent Bible.

Despite death threats, gay bishop plans civil union
It’s ‘what God is calling me to do,’ says controversial clergyman

TODAYShow.com contributor
updated 8:25 a.m. PT, Thurs., May. 8, 2008
Episcopal bishop Gene Robinson knows he is inviting death threats by entering into a civil union with his gay partner on the eve of his church’s biggest ecclesiastical conference. And he says it is worth it, because he is doing what God asks of him.

1. Death threats. If true, despicable. God takes care of his own business and in his own time.
2. What God asks of him??? He must be reading a different Bible. I have a King James, New King James, NIV, and NASB, and the prohibitions all read pretty much the same. I don't understand.

“When your life is at stake, you learn that there are things in life that are much worse than death,” Bishop Robinson told TODAY’s Matt Lauer Thursday in New York. “That’s the great reward of being a Christian. Not living your life — that’s worse than death. And if something were to happen to me, I would know that I am doing what I discern God is calling me to do.”

Of course the God who has specifically proscribed these behaviors probably has something very different for you in death then what you seem to be contemplating.

In 2003, Robinson became the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church when he was elected by the congregations of New Hampshire. Dubbed “the most controversial Christian in the world,” he faced death threats then and wore a bulletproof vest during his consecration. Now, he has announced that he will “marry” Mark Andrew, his partner of some 20 years, a move sure to outrage conservatives in his religion.

Maybe its just me, but I have real trouble with this guy using the appellation "Christian". I'm gonna go hurl now.

The Federalist 3 and 4

In Paper 3, John Jay discusses how a strong national government can do much to promote peace with neighboring powers by offering a whole perspective and response, rather than local independant units, and how as a nation, we can stand strong to grow commerce, rather than be forever divided and bickering amongst ourselves by stronger more established powers.

Paper 4 was about how a strong national government can protect us from threats within by offering a balanced perspective and response to local issues and demagogery.

No real money quotes in either one.

Too True

Sometimes, I Have a Lucid Moment...

...not often, but occaisionally. I was playing on this thread over at the Rott, and someone asked a question that none of my fellow rotties seemed to have the correct answer for. I helped them. As follows:

No, really - how do you envision an America under Obama?

A land where one will have to adopt a hyphen for their Americanism to even approach enjoyment of the blessings of Liberty.

A land where “Whitey” will feel the anger and reprisal of mobs whipped into frenzies for the slights and injustices committed by past generations.

A land where the liberally perverted notions of fairness and ‘equality’ will enforce mediocrity and utterly destroy the spark of genius that breathed life into this country and all it has achieved.

A land where reason and logic will be divorced from the law, and legislation by judical fiat will become the unquestioned norm.

A land where our leaders will allow those who hate freedom and liberty to inflict insult and injury on our populace at will, while those charged with securing and defending our liberty continue to kneel and grovel before our enemies in an attempt ‘have a dialogue’.

A land where the scorn and derision that the elitist left in this country harbor for it becomes completely mainstream, and normal Americans will be taught to loathe and apologize for all that is good about this country.

A land where everyone is special, so that no one is.

A land where the decieved would soon hope for change…back to a country worth having.

Does that answer your question?

I Miss This Show

I hate reality shows. Not much real about them. I did enjoy this one, though. This was classic. Everyone but the mark knows its fake, but he's the one who keeps screwing up the script! Through it all, he revealed himself to be a pretty nice guy, which of course left them all feeling that much worse for messing with the guy. A truly great idea, which would be difficult to repeat. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you ...Joe Schmo

Today's Melodies

Dichotomy is a wonderful thing.

I woke up this morning singing "You Didn't Know Me When" By Harry Connick, Jr. and then switched to "International Bright Young Thing" By Jesus Jones.

Oh, and April? Thanks for planting that new Eagles song deep, deep into my subconscious.

...I rode a rollercoaster, from Coney Island to Key West. I hung on with one finger, so the other ten could rest...

Yeah, Right.

TV Reviews

I Don't Know What Upsets Me More...

These people who pray at a symptom instead of a cause, or the severely mocking tone of the article. Its a close one, but I think the 'journalist' wins my "Asshole of the Day Award", whether its for the derision of American cars, or his sneering at faith and people's understanding that prayer can change things. I'd like to smack him for both.

I had a headache this afternoon, so I watched

Casino Royale again. I forgot how good they did with the girl this time around. Vesper Lynd, played by Eva Green,on the left side.





Stylish sassy brunettes. They rock.

An American Creation.

I watched IRON MAN yesterday. Freakin excellent,thanks for asking.

I sat and thought about it after and it came to me. The superhero is a uniquely American invention.

Really. I used to collect comic books years ago. Part of that phase of my life was understanding the history as well as the artists. (yes, I can look at it and know if it was drawn by Joe Kubert, Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Gene Colan, Sal Buscema, Neal Adams, and others), and yes, we did it first, as long as you discount some of Nitsche's writings.

And we developed it. From the larger-than-life such as Superman, to Marvel's stamp on the superhero, which was to make them human...people with messy relationships, rent to pay, etc.

Which had me thinking...who might they make a movie of yet? The characters they have so far: The Fantastic Four, Spiderman, The Hulk, the X Men, and now, Iron Man. Teams are obvious choices: The Avengers, The Defenders, The Champions, Alpha Flight, The Invaders, but the characters? Doctor Strange, and Captain America come to mind. Maybe the Sub Mariner. Moon Knight? Rom? Omega?

So many opportunities. And that's just Marvel. I'd pay to see Green Lantern...Hal Jordan, of course.

And this just in from the sad but true desk...

Wife convicted in husband's shooting of lover
Woman cried rape when caught with her lover, so husband shot him

updated 7:07 a.m. PT, Sat., May. 3, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas - A Texas woman who caused her lover's shooting death by falsely crying rape was convicted Friday of involuntary manslaughter.

The girl who cried wolf and forgot what she was up to...

Tracy Denise Roberson, 37, cried a bit when the verdict was announced. The punishment phase was set for Monday, and she faces two to 20 years in prison.

Only a bit?

In late 2006, Darrell Roberson came home from a late-night card game to find his scantily clad wife with another man in a pickup truck in the driveway. Tracy Roberson was with her lover but cried rape, and her husband fired four shots into the truck as Devin LaSalle drove off, killing him.

I guess staying for one more really did kill him. I'd shed a tear but the guy willing to screw another's wife really isn't a sympathetic figure...

Darrell Roberson initially was arrested, but a murder charge was later dropped and a grand jury indicted Tracy Roberson instead.

Oh, yeah, that's right...he had reason to believe that his wife was actually being, you know, raped.

During her three-day trial, defense attorneys called no witnesses but blamed LaSalle's death on Darrell Roberson's jealousy and rage.

Yeah, that whole crying rape thing when he showed up had NOTHING to do with it.

But prosecutors placed all the blame on Tracy Roberson, showing evidence of the affair with LaSalle, 32, and a text message in which she invited him to her house that evening.

Sounds like "Case closed" to me.