I Promise
Never to go for the field goal in this situation.
Update: Link fixed.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Who Else Other Than Me?
Thinks this deserves retaliation.
Can we just send it some hit squads to kill all the mullahs? No invasion, no bombings, just a bunch of frigging ninjas.
Thinks this deserves retaliation.
Can we just send it some hit squads to kill all the mullahs? No invasion, no bombings, just a bunch of frigging ninjas.
Abandon Iraq
Chris Hitchens article.
The jihadist formula: 1) It is easy to creat chaos. No government anywhere has been able to defeat a dedicated group of terrorists. 2) Governments will opt for stability over chaos - even if that stability is in the form of a bunch of assholes.
Thusly, they can create chaos until a satisfactory government, ie Syrian Baathists or Taliban, etc. are in control and will allow them a safe haven.
How do we disrupt such a formula? One attempt: get rid of the government and replace it with a democracy - Iraq. And now it's gotten ugly and tough, but the same issues are in play.
Chris Hitchens article.
The jihadist formula: 1) It is easy to creat chaos. No government anywhere has been able to defeat a dedicated group of terrorists. 2) Governments will opt for stability over chaos - even if that stability is in the form of a bunch of assholes.
Thusly, they can create chaos until a satisfactory government, ie Syrian Baathists or Taliban, etc. are in control and will allow them a safe haven.
How do we disrupt such a formula? One attempt: get rid of the government and replace it with a democracy - Iraq. And now it's gotten ugly and tough, but the same issues are in play.
Can I Get Me Some...
...of that global warming stuff in my apartment? Jesus, I get back from Thanksgiving and it's freaking freezing, Mr. Biggilsworth.
I notice a trend these days whenever it's hot, people whisper, un-ironically, mind you, about global warming. Well dammit man, can I get me some in my bedroom this evening.
...of that global warming stuff in my apartment? Jesus, I get back from Thanksgiving and it's freaking freezing, Mr. Biggilsworth.
I notice a trend these days whenever it's hot, people whisper, un-ironically, mind you, about global warming. Well dammit man, can I get me some in my bedroom this evening.
I Miss the Cold War
Yeah, I said it. The Russian's are off poisoning people left and right. I miss this kind of treachery. At least it makes sense. A guy you who opposes you get poisoned. It's not liberal, not democratic, but it makes sense in a stupid, ape, thuggish way.
But I hate these Islamic Fundamentalists who go around blowing themselves up for attention. That's what basically all this terrorist shit is about. Blowing themselves up to get on the news, make the US and the West feel ashamed about ourselves and leave them alone to chop off the heads of people they don't like and stone women to death when they hold hands with their boyfriends. Fundamentally, that's what they are trying to do. And it's no fun playing cat and mouse with these pieces of shit who don't care whether they live or die. They have no interest in a space race or beating us in the Olympics or trying to engage in an intellectual debate over which systems of governments are better. They want to blow up our athletes in the Olympics, have zero interest in space or technology other than technology that can kill and terrorize, no interest in intellectual debate, just subservience to their primative ideology (yes, primative professor laemelle who in college objected to the term because it denotated superiority).
Like I said, there was some fun in the Cold War, spies running around trying to outfox one another, trying to make the Russians look foolish, beating them at hockey, racing to the moon, Rocky IV for goddsake. Beating up these Islamic Fundamentalists is so unjoyful and boring compared to it.
I miss the Cold War.
ps - a side note idea. The Jihadists got so excited about beating the Russians in Afghanistan, right? That's where they got all their cojones. They think they brought down the mighty Soviet Union. My idea is to somehow solicit the Russians to do our fighting for us in this War on Terror. The Russians are bastards to fight. Ask the Germans in WWII. The Russians don't give a shit about how many of their men die or how many of their civilians die. They just fight and fight and are super brutal. Remember when terrorists took over a Moscow theater? Europeans would have paid the terrorists off, saved the the hostages, looked good for a moment in the headlines, and inadvertantly funded another several hostage taking episodes and/or terrorist attacks. The Russians said fuck it and invaded the theater, killing all the terrorists and losing half the hostages. But the terrorists haven't attack Moscow again because doing so, they know they'll die.
So we supported the mooj against the Russians. Don't they want payback? Can't we now support the Russians against the mooj? Let's get those old KGB badasses running around the globe to terrorize Al Queda and company. Let's sick those plutonium poisoners on Bin Laden. I read today we've spend $495 Billion since 9/11 on War on Terror related things. And I don't see Bin Laden's scalp. Something isn't adding up.
Yeah, I said it. The Russian's are off poisoning people left and right. I miss this kind of treachery. At least it makes sense. A guy you who opposes you get poisoned. It's not liberal, not democratic, but it makes sense in a stupid, ape, thuggish way.
But I hate these Islamic Fundamentalists who go around blowing themselves up for attention. That's what basically all this terrorist shit is about. Blowing themselves up to get on the news, make the US and the West feel ashamed about ourselves and leave them alone to chop off the heads of people they don't like and stone women to death when they hold hands with their boyfriends. Fundamentally, that's what they are trying to do. And it's no fun playing cat and mouse with these pieces of shit who don't care whether they live or die. They have no interest in a space race or beating us in the Olympics or trying to engage in an intellectual debate over which systems of governments are better. They want to blow up our athletes in the Olympics, have zero interest in space or technology other than technology that can kill and terrorize, no interest in intellectual debate, just subservience to their primative ideology (yes, primative professor laemelle who in college objected to the term because it denotated superiority).
Like I said, there was some fun in the Cold War, spies running around trying to outfox one another, trying to make the Russians look foolish, beating them at hockey, racing to the moon, Rocky IV for goddsake. Beating up these Islamic Fundamentalists is so unjoyful and boring compared to it.
I miss the Cold War.
ps - a side note idea. The Jihadists got so excited about beating the Russians in Afghanistan, right? That's where they got all their cojones. They think they brought down the mighty Soviet Union. My idea is to somehow solicit the Russians to do our fighting for us in this War on Terror. The Russians are bastards to fight. Ask the Germans in WWII. The Russians don't give a shit about how many of their men die or how many of their civilians die. They just fight and fight and are super brutal. Remember when terrorists took over a Moscow theater? Europeans would have paid the terrorists off, saved the the hostages, looked good for a moment in the headlines, and inadvertantly funded another several hostage taking episodes and/or terrorist attacks. The Russians said fuck it and invaded the theater, killing all the terrorists and losing half the hostages. But the terrorists haven't attack Moscow again because doing so, they know they'll die.
So we supported the mooj against the Russians. Don't they want payback? Can't we now support the Russians against the mooj? Let's get those old KGB badasses running around the globe to terrorize Al Queda and company. Let's sick those plutonium poisoners on Bin Laden. I read today we've spend $495 Billion since 9/11 on War on Terror related things. And I don't see Bin Laden's scalp. Something isn't adding up.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tina Fey's Interesting Take on Sexuality
"Lemon, if you were any other woman on earth, I'd be turned on."
I was not surprised to hear second hand about Tina Fey's interview with Howard Stern where she talks about losing her virginity at 24 to her current husband. It makes sense, particularly in the context of her work...
In watching 30 Rock (and thinking a bit back upon Mean Girls) Fey has a tendency to portray sexuality as either gross or mindnumbingly stupid. In 30 Rock, the blonde TV star uses her sexuality in a rather repulsive manner and Lemon's intern is the dumb blonde who is able to turn men into primative ape-like dummies by showcasing her butt and boobs.
One of the funniest moments of the show is when Lemon dresses up and feels hot, walks through the office in a glam shot and is met by jeers from her fellow writers, "Ewww, you're making me gay."
There's something about Fey's point of view I find rather refreshing and original, instead of putting sexuality - particularly female sexuality - on this pedastal and relishing in it's seductive power (see Sharon Stone or Salma Hayak), Fey treats it as simply gross and rather stupid. And the fanatistic thing is that she doesn't replace it with an plain jane, dirty hippy, I don't care how I look thing, nor try to disguise her femininity with buff, mannish behavior, but has a cute, self deprecating humor about it all. I rather like it.
And the irony, of course, is that she's totally hot.
"Lemon, if you were any other woman on earth, I'd be turned on."
I was not surprised to hear second hand about Tina Fey's interview with Howard Stern where she talks about losing her virginity at 24 to her current husband. It makes sense, particularly in the context of her work...
In watching 30 Rock (and thinking a bit back upon Mean Girls) Fey has a tendency to portray sexuality as either gross or mindnumbingly stupid. In 30 Rock, the blonde TV star uses her sexuality in a rather repulsive manner and Lemon's intern is the dumb blonde who is able to turn men into primative ape-like dummies by showcasing her butt and boobs.
One of the funniest moments of the show is when Lemon dresses up and feels hot, walks through the office in a glam shot and is met by jeers from her fellow writers, "Ewww, you're making me gay."
There's something about Fey's point of view I find rather refreshing and original, instead of putting sexuality - particularly female sexuality - on this pedastal and relishing in it's seductive power (see Sharon Stone or Salma Hayak), Fey treats it as simply gross and rather stupid. And the fanatistic thing is that she doesn't replace it with an plain jane, dirty hippy, I don't care how I look thing, nor try to disguise her femininity with buff, mannish behavior, but has a cute, self deprecating humor about it all. I rather like it.
And the irony, of course, is that she's totally hot.
One of the Better Writers
I've been casually reading him for awhile, but Victor David Hanson is great at putting things in historical perspective.
As an addendum, there's an article in this month's Atlantic (best magazine - by far) about nuclear weapons and how scientifically easy it is to put one together. There is also a description of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki blasts which in reading, almost brings tears to the eyes, just thinking of the awesome power of these devises and the horror they inflicted. 150,000 civilians dead in Hiroshima. Can we fathom that? In one second.
A few have talked about 9/11 being the jihadists greatest mistake...that they basically let slip the surprise ending of their movie before it came out. Had they only waited until they could get their hands on one or more nuclear devises (which would have been easier pre-9/11), they could've likely brought Western Civilization to our knees.
I've been casually reading him for awhile, but Victor David Hanson is great at putting things in historical perspective.
As an addendum, there's an article in this month's Atlantic (best magazine - by far) about nuclear weapons and how scientifically easy it is to put one together. There is also a description of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki blasts which in reading, almost brings tears to the eyes, just thinking of the awesome power of these devises and the horror they inflicted. 150,000 civilians dead in Hiroshima. Can we fathom that? In one second.
A few have talked about 9/11 being the jihadists greatest mistake...that they basically let slip the surprise ending of their movie before it came out. Had they only waited until they could get their hands on one or more nuclear devises (which would have been easier pre-9/11), they could've likely brought Western Civilization to our knees.
A First
Believe it or not, I've never walked out of a movie. Until tonight. I have no idea why I had high hopes for Bobby. Perhaps because he's an interesting political figure and personality. They always said you were either a Jack or Bobby fan, and since I wasn't alive, never got to have an opinion. Perhaps there was something I liked about Emilio Estevez reinventing himself as an autuer filmmaker.
But I should've known better. What a piece of shit. From now on, when I'm interested in a person, I'm reading a book.
So....what's next? Now that I've walked out on a movie, we've got snorting cocaine or internet dating...any bids?
Believe it or not, I've never walked out of a movie. Until tonight. I have no idea why I had high hopes for Bobby. Perhaps because he's an interesting political figure and personality. They always said you were either a Jack or Bobby fan, and since I wasn't alive, never got to have an opinion. Perhaps there was something I liked about Emilio Estevez reinventing himself as an autuer filmmaker.
But I should've known better. What a piece of shit. From now on, when I'm interested in a person, I'm reading a book.
So....what's next? Now that I've walked out on a movie, we've got snorting cocaine or internet dating...any bids?
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
The News and the N-Word
Caught some early morning local news today and they were talking about the Michael Richards thang.
Apparently, a bunch of black "leaders" like Jesse Jackson and Maxine Walters (ie old farts) were making a call for the elimination of the n-word. They are asking all comedians, rappers, actors, writers, etc, to stop using the word because of it's hurtful, hateful history. (Note: I just gagged)
And thankfully, the local newspeople took this with skepticism, all pointing to the hilariousness of Chris Rock, Chappelle, and how rappers using, or rather - re-using - the word strips it of the original meaning, strips the hateful history and reappropriates it as an innocuous, impotent, everyday throwaway (a throwaway I can't manage to write on my blog).
Maybe it's a generation thing, they said. Because for some reason Maxine Walters and Jesse Jackson honestly think white people, behind closed doors, secretly are using the n word, and are plotting secret ways to keep the black man down. Gimme a freaking break. No one thinks that way. No one is sitting in their rooms plotting and thinking about how inferior black people are. No one is subtly trying to keep the black man down. Michael Richards himself, I'm positive, if given the power, would not enact racist legislation or otherwise do something to harm a black person because they are black.
But anyway. These "leaders," Jesse Jackson and Maxine Walters, have nothing interesting to say. Nothing new to add. It's a wonder we listen to them at all. Their mindset is stuck in a time that no longer exists. We might as well listen to Mike Ditka talk about the World Cup. Retire already.
Caught some early morning local news today and they were talking about the Michael Richards thang.
Apparently, a bunch of black "leaders" like Jesse Jackson and Maxine Walters (ie old farts) were making a call for the elimination of the n-word. They are asking all comedians, rappers, actors, writers, etc, to stop using the word because of it's hurtful, hateful history. (Note: I just gagged)
And thankfully, the local newspeople took this with skepticism, all pointing to the hilariousness of Chris Rock, Chappelle, and how rappers using, or rather - re-using - the word strips it of the original meaning, strips the hateful history and reappropriates it as an innocuous, impotent, everyday throwaway (a throwaway I can't manage to write on my blog).
Maybe it's a generation thing, they said. Because for some reason Maxine Walters and Jesse Jackson honestly think white people, behind closed doors, secretly are using the n word, and are plotting secret ways to keep the black man down. Gimme a freaking break. No one thinks that way. No one is sitting in their rooms plotting and thinking about how inferior black people are. No one is subtly trying to keep the black man down. Michael Richards himself, I'm positive, if given the power, would not enact racist legislation or otherwise do something to harm a black person because they are black.
But anyway. These "leaders," Jesse Jackson and Maxine Walters, have nothing interesting to say. Nothing new to add. It's a wonder we listen to them at all. Their mindset is stuck in a time that no longer exists. We might as well listen to Mike Ditka talk about the World Cup. Retire already.
Another Altman Eulogy
"I would like to send my condolences out to Catherine Altman, Robert Altmans wife, as well as all of his immediate family, close friends, co-workers, and all of his inner circle.
I feel as if I've just had the wind knocked out of me and my heart aches.
If not only my heart but the heart of Mr. Altman's wife and family and many fellow actors/artists that admire him for his work and love him for making people
laugh whenever and however he could..
Robert altman made dreams possible for many independent aspiring filmmakers, as well as creating roles for countless actors.
I am lucky enough to of been able to work with Robert Altman amongst the other greats on a film that I can genuinely say created a turning point in my career.
I learned so much from Altman and he was the closest thing to my father and grandfather that I really do believe I've had in several years.
The point is, he made a difference.
He left us with a legend that all of us have the ability to do.
So every day when you wake up.
Look in the mirror and thank god for every second you have and cherish all moments.
The fighting, the anger, the drama is tedious.
Please just take each moment day by day and consider yourself lucky to breathe and feel at all and smile. Be thankful.
Life comes once, doesn't 'keep coming back' and we all take such advantage of what we have.
When we shouldn't..... '
Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourselves' (12st book) -everytime there's a triumph in the world a million souls hafta be trampled on.-altman Its true. But treasure each triumph as they come.
If I can do anything for those who are in a very hard time right now, as I'm one of them with hearing this news, please take advantage of the fact that I'm just
a phone call away.
God Bless, peace and love always.
Thank You,
BE ADEQUITE
Lindsay Lohan
**Thank you, Lindsay. You can expect that phone call from me.
"I would like to send my condolences out to Catherine Altman, Robert Altmans wife, as well as all of his immediate family, close friends, co-workers, and all of his inner circle.
I feel as if I've just had the wind knocked out of me and my heart aches.
If not only my heart but the heart of Mr. Altman's wife and family and many fellow actors/artists that admire him for his work and love him for making people
laugh whenever and however he could..
Robert altman made dreams possible for many independent aspiring filmmakers, as well as creating roles for countless actors.
I am lucky enough to of been able to work with Robert Altman amongst the other greats on a film that I can genuinely say created a turning point in my career.
I learned so much from Altman and he was the closest thing to my father and grandfather that I really do believe I've had in several years.
The point is, he made a difference.
He left us with a legend that all of us have the ability to do.
So every day when you wake up.
Look in the mirror and thank god for every second you have and cherish all moments.
The fighting, the anger, the drama is tedious.
Please just take each moment day by day and consider yourself lucky to breathe and feel at all and smile. Be thankful.
Life comes once, doesn't 'keep coming back' and we all take such advantage of what we have.
When we shouldn't..... '
Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourselves' (12st book) -everytime there's a triumph in the world a million souls hafta be trampled on.-altman Its true. But treasure each triumph as they come.
If I can do anything for those who are in a very hard time right now, as I'm one of them with hearing this news, please take advantage of the fact that I'm just
a phone call away.
God Bless, peace and love always.
Thank You,
BE ADEQUITE
Lindsay Lohan
**Thank you, Lindsay. You can expect that phone call from me.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Things I Learned Over Thanksgiving
1. I still don't pass for 21.
2. My family is surprisingly good at poker.
3. Mike Nolan preps his players well, but when it comes to making play calls, is a wuss.
4. USC has a legitimate shot at winning the national championship.
5. I stink at Golf.
6. Any work discipline I have goes out the window in Northern California.
7. You can get a prostitute from Craigslist.
1. I still don't pass for 21.
2. My family is surprisingly good at poker.
3. Mike Nolan preps his players well, but when it comes to making play calls, is a wuss.
4. USC has a legitimate shot at winning the national championship.
5. I stink at Golf.
6. Any work discipline I have goes out the window in Northern California.
7. You can get a prostitute from Craigslist.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
How Not To Rob A Liquor Store
It's probably not the best idea in the first place, but there's bad ideas and then there's bad execution.
It's probably not the best idea in the first place, but there's bad ideas and then there's bad execution.
Subjectivity and Objectivity
To understand the notion of right versus wrong is to understand that some moral questions are objective and not subjective. Slavery is not wrong because we all agree it's wrong, or because we happen to live in a particular historical moment. It is objectively wrong. Or so I think.
And does this also apply to taste? Is taste objective?
To understand the notion of right versus wrong is to understand that some moral questions are objective and not subjective. Slavery is not wrong because we all agree it's wrong, or because we happen to live in a particular historical moment. It is objectively wrong. Or so I think.
And does this also apply to taste? Is taste objective?
What's Going On?
Why is everyone gushing over the new Bond movie? The writing is a complete and utter mess - from a structural standpoint. There are some good moments and good casting and if there had been a great 3rd Act, I would have been able to forgive some of the lame aspects of the beginning...but jesus, the third (and fourth) acts were a total disaster.
But my favorite comment of all is still Phil's, when he leans over during the movie and says, "Man, they are getting some really good poker hands."
Indeed.
Why is everyone gushing over the new Bond movie? The writing is a complete and utter mess - from a structural standpoint. There are some good moments and good casting and if there had been a great 3rd Act, I would have been able to forgive some of the lame aspects of the beginning...but jesus, the third (and fourth) acts were a total disaster.
But my favorite comment of all is still Phil's, when he leans over during the movie and says, "Man, they are getting some really good poker hands."
Indeed.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The downside of comedy. This is what happens when you try to push the envelope and fail. Hugely.
UPDATE: I've watched this about five times. It's so freaking weird. I have a lot of crazy, different thoughts, not of which are least bit concerned with whether this makes Michael Richards racist or not - sorry Chuck.
IF I WERE A MODERN FRENCH PHILOSPHER: This is a man melting down. The comic equivalent of committing suicide. You could feel how badly he hurt. I felt nothing but sadness. People have written similarly of the Zidane incident at the World Cup. How could he crumble like that? If the Columine killings forshadowed 9/11 with the suicidal urge to indiscrimately kill and inflict terror through suicide, what do these professional suicides forshadow? The complete implosion of the West? I have a feeling Mel Gibson's Apocolypto will hit upon the same nerve, the same urge, that something is rotten and sick inside Western Civilization, a self hatred so deep, we've resorted to cutting ourselves on our arms and legs. We need help, lest we jump off the bridge one day.
IF I WERE A COMEDIAN: It wasn't funny. And that, beyond being racist or anything, is the most hurtful thing one can say about a comedian. Comedian's live and die on the success of their last joke. As a comedian, Michael Richards is dead - until he comes back.
IF I WERE HIS FRIEND: I hope I'd be as a good as Seinfeld.
IF I WERE BLACK: I'd be proud of how the the audience members handled the situation. They were above it. Way above it. Martin Luther King would have been proud. As am I.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Can We Arrest These People?
Got into an argument last night about Constitutional protections for terrorist suspects. With a lawyer. She seemed to think Constitutional protections should apply to suspects - even if they are non-citizens. The example she gave was that legal and illegal aliens in the US are protected by US laws. Okay...
So if that's true, then should non-US citizens in foreign countries also be subject to prosecution if they break US laws? Like, in this case, threatening to assassinate President Bush publically?
Well, she would say, no, of course. But I'm not sure how the logic stands up. Actually, yes I do.
Got into an argument last night about Constitutional protections for terrorist suspects. With a lawyer. She seemed to think Constitutional protections should apply to suspects - even if they are non-citizens. The example she gave was that legal and illegal aliens in the US are protected by US laws. Okay...
So if that's true, then should non-US citizens in foreign countries also be subject to prosecution if they break US laws? Like, in this case, threatening to assassinate President Bush publically?
Well, she would say, no, of course. But I'm not sure how the logic stands up. Actually, yes I do.
Opps, Pelosi
Although I only read the first half, this article seems to be on the money. Pelosi going for the jugular with Murtha in her first week does strike me as a rather stupid move. Why make your first order of a business a political embarassment? Can't she count votes?
Although I only read the first half, this article seems to be on the money. Pelosi going for the jugular with Murtha in her first week does strike me as a rather stupid move. Why make your first order of a business a political embarassment? Can't she count votes?
We're Back, Baby
5-5. Could be 6-4 if it wasn't for that lame Arizona loss earlier in the year. The rest of the schedule are all beatable except for the Broncos. Do I smell a 10-6 record and a division victory? No. Gimme a break. The Niners are not a good team, but they play hard for Nolan and they've got a running game and Alex Smith isn't dropping the ball anymore. That means we have a chance and it means I'll be in the Ye Rustic Inn eating breakfast burritos and buffalo wings more than I should.
In other Bay Area sports news, Frank Thomas signed with Toronto...I agree with this blog on the subject. It was a stupid move by him, not by the A's. We made an offer he should have accepted. I think Toronto is overpaying for the guy. He had a great year, but didn't come through in the 2nd round. And let's face it, he's an old man.
Every year it looks tough for the A's in the offseason and every year we come back strong. Let's sign Bonds and just win the whole damn thing.
5-5. Could be 6-4 if it wasn't for that lame Arizona loss earlier in the year. The rest of the schedule are all beatable except for the Broncos. Do I smell a 10-6 record and a division victory? No. Gimme a break. The Niners are not a good team, but they play hard for Nolan and they've got a running game and Alex Smith isn't dropping the ball anymore. That means we have a chance and it means I'll be in the Ye Rustic Inn eating breakfast burritos and buffalo wings more than I should.
In other Bay Area sports news, Frank Thomas signed with Toronto...I agree with this blog on the subject. It was a stupid move by him, not by the A's. We made an offer he should have accepted. I think Toronto is overpaying for the guy. He had a great year, but didn't come through in the 2nd round. And let's face it, he's an old man.
Every year it looks tough for the A's in the offseason and every year we come back strong. Let's sign Bonds and just win the whole damn thing.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Okay
An evolutionary biologist predicts humans will subdivide into two different species in the next 100,000 years. I won't hold my breath.
An evolutionary biologist predicts humans will subdivide into two different species in the next 100,000 years. I won't hold my breath.
Media Bias
Listening to a podcast about how liberal media bias hurts Democrats. It's an interesting notion that the media, by being tougher on Republicans in general, actually allows the Republicans to respond to criticism quicker and sharper. In contrast, by giving Democrats a little more leeway, the media is in some sense, acting like a unstrict parent who lets their kid get away with too much. Hence, what we see are Democrats constantly being disappointed by election results, having anger towards "Red America," and so forth, similar traits to spoiled children not getting what they want.
Of course, this past election results run counter to this theory. However, there are signs that conservative Democrats are the ones holding the party together, ie Murtha losing the inter-Dem election and Lamont losing in Vermont.
Listening to a podcast about how liberal media bias hurts Democrats. It's an interesting notion that the media, by being tougher on Republicans in general, actually allows the Republicans to respond to criticism quicker and sharper. In contrast, by giving Democrats a little more leeway, the media is in some sense, acting like a unstrict parent who lets their kid get away with too much. Hence, what we see are Democrats constantly being disappointed by election results, having anger towards "Red America," and so forth, similar traits to spoiled children not getting what they want.
Of course, this past election results run counter to this theory. However, there are signs that conservative Democrats are the ones holding the party together, ie Murtha losing the inter-Dem election and Lamont losing in Vermont.
Mark Warner
This is an interview with a man who I could really get behind as a Presidential candidate. Too bad the whole interview is about how he won't run.
I like the tough questions Helen asks throughout the interview. He handles her good questions fairly well. And he's right on the main point. There is a ton of creative and patriotic energy being unused in America right now. Most Americans, save the troops, are not being asked to sacrifice anything. A lot of us long to do something more to make our lives and the world a better place, but there isn't much we can do but go on living our lives and buy ethos water from starbucks.
This is an interview with a man who I could really get behind as a Presidential candidate. Too bad the whole interview is about how he won't run.
I like the tough questions Helen asks throughout the interview. He handles her good questions fairly well. And he's right on the main point. There is a ton of creative and patriotic energy being unused in America right now. Most Americans, save the troops, are not being asked to sacrifice anything. A lot of us long to do something more to make our lives and the world a better place, but there isn't much we can do but go on living our lives and buy ethos water from starbucks.
Good News
I walked out from Pete's Cafe last night and noticed a cool, small video store opened up next door. I thought to myself, "how in the hell is a new video store opening up with netflix and everything? aren't video stores closing everywhere?"
I peruse around, the shelves are lined with good TV shows and criterion movies, the store is wood with low light.
I ask the guy this very question - when did you open and how do you sustain? He said that it's blockbuster and hollywood video that are really suffering from netflix, that there are people who still like to come to video stores to rent and get ideas about movies to see. Plus, his is the first video store in the neighborhood downtown.
Interesting.
I walked out from Pete's Cafe last night and noticed a cool, small video store opened up next door. I thought to myself, "how in the hell is a new video store opening up with netflix and everything? aren't video stores closing everywhere?"
I peruse around, the shelves are lined with good TV shows and criterion movies, the store is wood with low light.
I ask the guy this very question - when did you open and how do you sustain? He said that it's blockbuster and hollywood video that are really suffering from netflix, that there are people who still like to come to video stores to rent and get ideas about movies to see. Plus, his is the first video store in the neighborhood downtown.
Interesting.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
There's A Big Difference
It's not 1938 and Iran isn't Germany because the fact remains we could wipe them, or any portion of them off the planet, and so could Israel...I imagine.
It's not 1938 and Iran isn't Germany because the fact remains we could wipe them, or any portion of them off the planet, and so could Israel...I imagine.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Leave It To Hitchens
To take Borat to town.
Did I not write about Borat? I can't believe it. I was working on a blog entry while watching the movie, and don't think I ever got to it.
First, we'll start with the compliments, because that's how were taught to talk about movies in film school. The Gypsy scene was the best in the movie. It was my only belly laugh. My other favorite part were confronting the feminists and the dinner table shit scene...
...but what I longed for in this movie more than anything else was for Borat to take on bigger, tougher targets. It's too damn easy to show stupid frat guys and dumbass homophobic rodeo hicks. We could stick a camera at those fools sans Borat and they'd eventually make idiots of themselves. Big deal.
The great Sacha Cohen work was done when Ali G spoke to Sam Donaldson, Pat "my main man" Buchanan, and Boutros Boutros Gali.
Don't get me wrong. The wine tasting with Borat in Season 2 is perhaps the greatest bit of physical humor put on tape in my lifetime...ut I felt like he didn't expand upon the TV show in the movie. Yes, it's become a cultural phenonmenon, and a more deserved character/comedian I do not know...but this was no South Park, as a movie, and it sure as hell didn't make me think anything different about American society other than, "Man, these folks are rather patient."
Big up yourself.
To take Borat to town.
Did I not write about Borat? I can't believe it. I was working on a blog entry while watching the movie, and don't think I ever got to it.
First, we'll start with the compliments, because that's how were taught to talk about movies in film school. The Gypsy scene was the best in the movie. It was my only belly laugh. My other favorite part were confronting the feminists and the dinner table shit scene...
...but what I longed for in this movie more than anything else was for Borat to take on bigger, tougher targets. It's too damn easy to show stupid frat guys and dumbass homophobic rodeo hicks. We could stick a camera at those fools sans Borat and they'd eventually make idiots of themselves. Big deal.
The great Sacha Cohen work was done when Ali G spoke to Sam Donaldson, Pat "my main man" Buchanan, and Boutros Boutros Gali.
Don't get me wrong. The wine tasting with Borat in Season 2 is perhaps the greatest bit of physical humor put on tape in my lifetime...ut I felt like he didn't expand upon the TV show in the movie. Yes, it's become a cultural phenonmenon, and a more deserved character/comedian I do not know...but this was no South Park, as a movie, and it sure as hell didn't make me think anything different about American society other than, "Man, these folks are rather patient."
Big up yourself.
The Music Genome Project
This is frigging awesome.
Sample:
Song: Blue Moon by Elvis ; 1st Song Returned: Dancing on My Feet by Everly Brothers.
But they add an entire station of music.
Artist: Thievery Corporation ; 1st Song Returned: Reign by Crytal Method.
Awesome.
This is frigging awesome.
Sample:
Song: Blue Moon by Elvis ; 1st Song Returned: Dancing on My Feet by Everly Brothers.
But they add an entire station of music.
Artist: Thievery Corporation ; 1st Song Returned: Reign by Crytal Method.
Awesome.
Goddammit
A's moving to Fremont. How annoying.
It's further away, no longer in Oak-town (a cool city), probably a big increase in ticket prices, and lastly - no offense Cindy - but who the hell has ever heard of Fremont.
A's moving to Fremont. How annoying.
It's further away, no longer in Oak-town (a cool city), probably a big increase in ticket prices, and lastly - no offense Cindy - but who the hell has ever heard of Fremont.
Deal with Iran
The problem with making a deal with Iran, as I and a lot of other, smarter, people have proposed is an analysis of their strategic position. Basically, Iran's primary strategic objective is to humiliate the United States. They reason, correctly, that a humiliated United States with relatively less influence in the region will be a boon for Iran's regional power. They also see such a move as isolating Israel even further, moving them towards their dual long term goals of destroying the Israeli state and dominating the Sunnis.
So to make a deal with Iran would make little sense without a reordering of strategic priorities, for we would end up going down a road built designed for our own failure.
The problem with making a deal with Iran, as I and a lot of other, smarter, people have proposed is an analysis of their strategic position. Basically, Iran's primary strategic objective is to humiliate the United States. They reason, correctly, that a humiliated United States with relatively less influence in the region will be a boon for Iran's regional power. They also see such a move as isolating Israel even further, moving them towards their dual long term goals of destroying the Israeli state and dominating the Sunnis.
So to make a deal with Iran would make little sense without a reordering of strategic priorities, for we would end up going down a road built designed for our own failure.
Interesting Issue
Are we are war with all terrorists or only terrorists that target the United States?
It's actually a pretty good strategic question. We know that it's only a matter of time before groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas bring the fight to us. But does that mean we should necessarily go after them?
And then there's the case of the PKK, which is a group that is currently destabilizing Turkey, our oestensible alley, but whose feathers we don't want to ruffle for fear the one element of Iraq project that is working could be hurt, ie the Kurdish North (where the PKK hides).
The whole thing is rather complicated.
Are we are war with all terrorists or only terrorists that target the United States?
It's actually a pretty good strategic question. We know that it's only a matter of time before groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas bring the fight to us. But does that mean we should necessarily go after them?
And then there's the case of the PKK, which is a group that is currently destabilizing Turkey, our oestensible alley, but whose feathers we don't want to ruffle for fear the one element of Iraq project that is working could be hurt, ie the Kurdish North (where the PKK hides).
The whole thing is rather complicated.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Why Cut and Run Won't Happen
Europundits finally published a post and he's afraid because Rumsfeld is gone.
The thing is, despite worrisome rhetoric from the Michael Moore-Cindy Sheehan-Huffington-Murtha Left, the people that actually have to govern and weigh consequences of policies will still have to look at Islamic Fundamentalism in the eye and make a decision. They know, like Bush knows, it would be shirking their duty to ignore this menace. There's no excuse, from a historical perspective, after 9/11 and the persistence these guys have shown in Iraq and elsewhere that we can count on them to collapse under their own stupidity.
This is a fight that cannot and will not be abandoned. If we take it in another direction, so be it, and I'll be with the rest of Americans, measuring the results.
Iraq cannot turn into a terrorist stronghold. No politician in the Congress would last, I think, by advocating abandoning it wholeheartedly.
Europundits finally published a post and he's afraid because Rumsfeld is gone.
The thing is, despite worrisome rhetoric from the Michael Moore-Cindy Sheehan-Huffington-Murtha Left, the people that actually have to govern and weigh consequences of policies will still have to look at Islamic Fundamentalism in the eye and make a decision. They know, like Bush knows, it would be shirking their duty to ignore this menace. There's no excuse, from a historical perspective, after 9/11 and the persistence these guys have shown in Iraq and elsewhere that we can count on them to collapse under their own stupidity.
This is a fight that cannot and will not be abandoned. If we take it in another direction, so be it, and I'll be with the rest of Americans, measuring the results.
Iraq cannot turn into a terrorist stronghold. No politician in the Congress would last, I think, by advocating abandoning it wholeheartedly.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Looking Forward
I'm really looking forward to proving both the terrorists and Republicans wrong. But don't think it makes me a bit nervous.
I'm really looking forward to proving both the terrorists and Republicans wrong. But don't think it makes me a bit nervous.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Ariana Should Shut Her Hole
I really dislike her. She makes me want to become a Republican. I'm totally serious. She's a shrill, annoying, witch. The only reason she's a democrat is because she was humiliated by her uber rich arch-conservative gay husband. I mean, seriously....this woman was an uber conservative and without any other way to get attention, refashioned herself into an anti-Arnold, and now anti-Iraq crusader.
We have a word for that where I come from: chode.
I really dislike her. She makes me want to become a Republican. I'm totally serious. She's a shrill, annoying, witch. The only reason she's a democrat is because she was humiliated by her uber rich arch-conservative gay husband. I mean, seriously....this woman was an uber conservative and without any other way to get attention, refashioned herself into an anti-Arnold, and now anti-Iraq crusader.
We have a word for that where I come from: chode.
Why The World Is Cruel
It only pays to win. If we were winning Iraq, there would be no talk of war crimes. Since we're losing, there is. Anyone who thinks differently knows they're wrong. If we lost WWII all our heroic generals would have been tried as war criminals. It's a dirty business. And shitty, unfair world.
It only pays to win. If we were winning Iraq, there would be no talk of war crimes. Since we're losing, there is. Anyone who thinks differently knows they're wrong. If we lost WWII all our heroic generals would have been tried as war criminals. It's a dirty business. And shitty, unfair world.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Middle East In the Long Term
American power in the region is certainly going downhill. This is a good article outlining what we should do to make sure our interests are protected.
If I were President, I'd make energy independence the number one long term policy goal. Tax gas at the pump, offset by other tax reductions elsewhere...and rabid experimentation with alternative energy sources working in conjunction with the business community and gas and oil companies.
The Middle East would look worse than Africa if they didn't have the oil.
American power in the region is certainly going downhill. This is a good article outlining what we should do to make sure our interests are protected.
If I were President, I'd make energy independence the number one long term policy goal. Tax gas at the pump, offset by other tax reductions elsewhere...and rabid experimentation with alternative energy sources working in conjunction with the business community and gas and oil companies.
The Middle East would look worse than Africa if they didn't have the oil.
That Sounds Like My Plan
Opening talks with Iran?
The deal I proposed: help us bring Iraqi violence to a manageable level and give up your nuke quest. In exchange, we recognize your country and give you bags of goodies, like Hollywood movies and McDonalds.
It's a win win. Mullah's can't compete with McDonalds for popularity.
Opening talks with Iran?
The deal I proposed: help us bring Iraqi violence to a manageable level and give up your nuke quest. In exchange, we recognize your country and give you bags of goodies, like Hollywood movies and McDonalds.
It's a win win. Mullah's can't compete with McDonalds for popularity.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Used Amazon
I couldn't find this book I had already read and felt stupid rebuying it, so I looked it up on Amazon and found it used for $2. I thought to myself, how can I go wrong. I ordered it about two weeks ago and it finally came today. Combined with shipping it was $5. Charlie Wilson's War, is the name of the book and it's incredible. It would make a great movie, and then today, I learned it's in the can with Tom Hank and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Mike Nichols. Bad casting, if you ask me. But anyway.
Now I've just ordered a James Grady book for $.01. No joke. Shipping is $3.50 on this one, but I don't see how I can go wrong buying books this way.
I couldn't find this book I had already read and felt stupid rebuying it, so I looked it up on Amazon and found it used for $2. I thought to myself, how can I go wrong. I ordered it about two weeks ago and it finally came today. Combined with shipping it was $5. Charlie Wilson's War, is the name of the book and it's incredible. It would make a great movie, and then today, I learned it's in the can with Tom Hank and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Mike Nichols. Bad casting, if you ask me. But anyway.
Now I've just ordered a James Grady book for $.01. No joke. Shipping is $3.50 on this one, but I don't see how I can go wrong buying books this way.
She Represents Marin, Too
Pelosi is saying all the right things. And I hope she shows the country that a "San Francisco Democrat" is something to be proud of...
I hope she can help usher in a new strand of liberalism, one that's shaken the legacy of Vietnam and is ready to confront the largest threat to liberalism everywhere - Islamic Fascism. We'll see.
Pelosi is saying all the right things. And I hope she shows the country that a "San Francisco Democrat" is something to be proud of...
I hope she can help usher in a new strand of liberalism, one that's shaken the legacy of Vietnam and is ready to confront the largest threat to liberalism everywhere - Islamic Fascism. We'll see.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
We Can Thank Osama For That
The younger generation is voting. I'd say it's because of 9/11 and the aftermath.
The younger generation is voting. I'd say it's because of 9/11 and the aftermath.
Voting
I've written about it before, but it's hard not to feel pretty damn good about this country if you take the 15-30 minutes out of your date to vote.
There's something I really like about walking down the street to the Middle School, seeing a bunch of people from my neighborhood, just matter of factly grabbing their ballots and going into booths and ink dotting the cards. It's something so simple and elegant and something we've all grown up with, I think it's easy not to appreciate the beauty of it. Voting is a symbolic gesture - the symbol of a decent society. It demonstrates a respect for others point of view, and being humble about your own.
In the scheme of things, the results aren't what matters. It's the process.
Voting, like chicken soup, is good for the soul.
PS - on a side note, there is a really interesting essay to be written about the mental process of a voter looking at all the crap on the ballot and what people think when they are voting. I'm guessing, not much...
I've written about it before, but it's hard not to feel pretty damn good about this country if you take the 15-30 minutes out of your date to vote.
There's something I really like about walking down the street to the Middle School, seeing a bunch of people from my neighborhood, just matter of factly grabbing their ballots and going into booths and ink dotting the cards. It's something so simple and elegant and something we've all grown up with, I think it's easy not to appreciate the beauty of it. Voting is a symbolic gesture - the symbol of a decent society. It demonstrates a respect for others point of view, and being humble about your own.
In the scheme of things, the results aren't what matters. It's the process.
Voting, like chicken soup, is good for the soul.
PS - on a side note, there is a really interesting essay to be written about the mental process of a voter looking at all the crap on the ballot and what people think when they are voting. I'm guessing, not much...
High Traffic
A lot of people checking up on the blog, despite my lack on contributions. I suspect the election has something to do with it. It does have the feel of something important right now. Maybe it's the press, maybe it's the fact I'm involved with this redistricting game...who knows.
I don't have any bold predictions or interesting thoughts. In my district Becerra is running unopposed for the House. Feinstein will surely win the Senate. Gov'ner Arnold will probably be the first Republican I vote for.
I'll vote NO on all the Propositions because I always vote NO on Propositions unless I'm firmly convinced they are a good idea.
I won't get excited about a Republican or Democrat victory. I won't suspect the election results are rigged. I'm concerned with getting a job after school and LA getting annihilated by a loose nuke.
In that order.
A lot of people checking up on the blog, despite my lack on contributions. I suspect the election has something to do with it. It does have the feel of something important right now. Maybe it's the press, maybe it's the fact I'm involved with this redistricting game...who knows.
I don't have any bold predictions or interesting thoughts. In my district Becerra is running unopposed for the House. Feinstein will surely win the Senate. Gov'ner Arnold will probably be the first Republican I vote for.
I'll vote NO on all the Propositions because I always vote NO on Propositions unless I'm firmly convinced they are a good idea.
I won't get excited about a Republican or Democrat victory. I won't suspect the election results are rigged. I'm concerned with getting a job after school and LA getting annihilated by a loose nuke.
In that order.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
I Think He Might Be Right
One of the best Iraq essays I've read. From strictly the American point of view.
One of the best Iraq essays I've read. From strictly the American point of view.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Idiots
So many weird things here. First, the video quality is unbelievable on this hotair video on waterboarding. A Fox News Correspondent agreed to put himself under the waterboard techniques as done by our CIA guys.
They and Andrew Sullivan focus on whether this shit is torture. I'm sitting here thinking - how the fuck is this useful? How does it make these people speak? Wouldn't they rather die than talk? I don't know, I find it confusing.
So many weird things here. First, the video quality is unbelievable on this hotair video on waterboarding. A Fox News Correspondent agreed to put himself under the waterboard techniques as done by our CIA guys.
They and Andrew Sullivan focus on whether this shit is torture. I'm sitting here thinking - how the fuck is this useful? How does it make these people speak? Wouldn't they rather die than talk? I don't know, I find it confusing.
Entourage
I'm late to the game, but the show is damn good. Watching the first season. Before there was Baldwin, there was Pivan. The guy is awesome.
Two best moments in the show. End of episode 4, I think, Piven asks the main dude if he thinks his new assistant is hot. Piven admits, he can't tell. The main dude has been dating the girl and says, "Yes," to which Piven responds, "I think I'll bang her."
Then, the long steadicam, Goodfellas rip off on Piven at the beach house. Better than Goodfellas.
I'm late to the game, but the show is damn good. Watching the first season. Before there was Baldwin, there was Pivan. The guy is awesome.
Two best moments in the show. End of episode 4, I think, Piven asks the main dude if he thinks his new assistant is hot. Piven admits, he can't tell. The main dude has been dating the girl and says, "Yes," to which Piven responds, "I think I'll bang her."
Then, the long steadicam, Goodfellas rip off on Piven at the beach house. Better than Goodfellas.
Friday, November 03, 2006
I Still Don't Get the WMD Thing
Everyone, right and left, is still so hopped up on the WMD thing. Today, the hawk blogosphere is creaming their pants because the NY Times points out Saddam was close to getting a nuke.
It doesn't change the fact Iraq is a mess, nor does it retroactively justify the invasion. Nor do I expect it will change anyone opposed to the invasion originally to shift their thinking. I've decided, for my own personal reasons, the possession of WMD argument was one of the least important justifications for going into Iraq. I think Bush and Blair emphasized the reason too heavily and that it was essentially a legal ruse to get the UN on board, when the real good reasons for going into Iraq were political, strategic, and moral - not legal.
And not to mention, that in hindsight the WMD argument has come back to haunt Bush and Blair, giving the war opposition ammunition to avoid the real issue of this weird symbiotic relationship autocratic middle eastern states have with international jihadist organizations. From the debate perspective, it was a weak line of reasoning.
Even if we found WMDs in the first place, that wouldn't have justified the invasion in the eyes of war opponents. Prior to the invasion war opponents were not arguing that Saddam didn't have WMDs. They were arguing that he was containable and that we should only go in with UN backing. Whether he had weapons was, as I said before, unknowable.
I supported the war - not because I knew Saddam had WMDs - but because I thought amoung other things - we would never be able to be sure he did or did not have WMDs. I also think the only long term solution to the issue of jihadism was a shaking up of the Middle East, with an alternative to autocratic governments. I also think we need to wean ourselves off Saudi oil, and a west friendly Iraq sans Saddam could be used as to balance the Saudis - who are blackmailing the world with their control of oil reserves. I also think thugs like Saddam, who thumb their noses at the world, and more importantly the United States, deserve a commupatance, that in general, we'd gotten too soft on mega-assholes and Saddam was the biggest mega-asshole of them all.
Saddam was not behind 9/11. I think the relationship between Saddam and Islamic Jihadist groups was an implicit one, where they benefitted from one another, but did not actively work with one another to a degree that justified immediate retaliation, anyway. I just think the jig was up with the guy, and it was time to deal with him the way we should have 12 years before in Gulf War 1.
I always knew there was a potential downside, that invading Iraq would inflame angry around the Muslim world and make France, Russia, and the rest of the axis of weasels squirm. But I also thought it was time to take a bold, different approach to dealing with pieces of shit.
I didn't not think about the ethnic tensions and hatred. Part of that is because it is so foreign to my own personal mindset, I don't really understand it. I didn't worry so much about the notion of Iraqi nationalism and that there would be a widespread anti-US insurgency like the Viet Cong. And it turns out I was right. There isn't a widespread nationalist impulse in Iraq. There are sectarian elements who fight viciously because they fear being slaughtered by one another.
I still think it was worth the risk. I strongly suspect the administration has bungled the operation and that we could be in a better position today if we figured out the insurgency earlier. But I don't regret going at it alone, but I regret that we weren't good enough to make it a resounding success. Iraq has been humbling. And I don't think we'll be doing it again in the near future.
And despite the negative elements that I did not anticipate, the insurgency and chaos that has been difficult to quell, there are some positive things for the US that we've gotten out of Iraq, that I did not anticipate. One, we're getting a taste of what war is going to look like for the 21st century. We're training troops for the future. We're also starting to see that the democratic reformists in the Middle East are a bunch of bullshitters without any balls whatsoever. For years, "liberals" in the Middle East have been claiming that if the US didn't bail on them and supported them, got the guns from their heads, that we'd see reform. Well, it's looking more and more to me that these fuck faces, for the most part, have been trying to play us to their own advantage. Either they are incapble or disingenous, either way, they aren't to be trusted and don't deserve another opportunity. We've sacrificed too much for them, and it makes me long for the days of real politik, playing groups off one another in a cynical, British style foreign policy. I admit to having twinges of liberal guilt about bailing on the Kurds in 1991, deposing elected governments in Iran, playing Saddam off the Ayatollah's, and so forth. That guilt is fading and that's what they can look forward to in the future.
Enough.
Everyone, right and left, is still so hopped up on the WMD thing. Today, the hawk blogosphere is creaming their pants because the NY Times points out Saddam was close to getting a nuke.
It doesn't change the fact Iraq is a mess, nor does it retroactively justify the invasion. Nor do I expect it will change anyone opposed to the invasion originally to shift their thinking. I've decided, for my own personal reasons, the possession of WMD argument was one of the least important justifications for going into Iraq. I think Bush and Blair emphasized the reason too heavily and that it was essentially a legal ruse to get the UN on board, when the real good reasons for going into Iraq were political, strategic, and moral - not legal.
And not to mention, that in hindsight the WMD argument has come back to haunt Bush and Blair, giving the war opposition ammunition to avoid the real issue of this weird symbiotic relationship autocratic middle eastern states have with international jihadist organizations. From the debate perspective, it was a weak line of reasoning.
Even if we found WMDs in the first place, that wouldn't have justified the invasion in the eyes of war opponents. Prior to the invasion war opponents were not arguing that Saddam didn't have WMDs. They were arguing that he was containable and that we should only go in with UN backing. Whether he had weapons was, as I said before, unknowable.
I supported the war - not because I knew Saddam had WMDs - but because I thought amoung other things - we would never be able to be sure he did or did not have WMDs. I also think the only long term solution to the issue of jihadism was a shaking up of the Middle East, with an alternative to autocratic governments. I also think we need to wean ourselves off Saudi oil, and a west friendly Iraq sans Saddam could be used as to balance the Saudis - who are blackmailing the world with their control of oil reserves. I also think thugs like Saddam, who thumb their noses at the world, and more importantly the United States, deserve a commupatance, that in general, we'd gotten too soft on mega-assholes and Saddam was the biggest mega-asshole of them all.
Saddam was not behind 9/11. I think the relationship between Saddam and Islamic Jihadist groups was an implicit one, where they benefitted from one another, but did not actively work with one another to a degree that justified immediate retaliation, anyway. I just think the jig was up with the guy, and it was time to deal with him the way we should have 12 years before in Gulf War 1.
I always knew there was a potential downside, that invading Iraq would inflame angry around the Muslim world and make France, Russia, and the rest of the axis of weasels squirm. But I also thought it was time to take a bold, different approach to dealing with pieces of shit.
I didn't not think about the ethnic tensions and hatred. Part of that is because it is so foreign to my own personal mindset, I don't really understand it. I didn't worry so much about the notion of Iraqi nationalism and that there would be a widespread anti-US insurgency like the Viet Cong. And it turns out I was right. There isn't a widespread nationalist impulse in Iraq. There are sectarian elements who fight viciously because they fear being slaughtered by one another.
I still think it was worth the risk. I strongly suspect the administration has bungled the operation and that we could be in a better position today if we figured out the insurgency earlier. But I don't regret going at it alone, but I regret that we weren't good enough to make it a resounding success. Iraq has been humbling. And I don't think we'll be doing it again in the near future.
And despite the negative elements that I did not anticipate, the insurgency and chaos that has been difficult to quell, there are some positive things for the US that we've gotten out of Iraq, that I did not anticipate. One, we're getting a taste of what war is going to look like for the 21st century. We're training troops for the future. We're also starting to see that the democratic reformists in the Middle East are a bunch of bullshitters without any balls whatsoever. For years, "liberals" in the Middle East have been claiming that if the US didn't bail on them and supported them, got the guns from their heads, that we'd see reform. Well, it's looking more and more to me that these fuck faces, for the most part, have been trying to play us to their own advantage. Either they are incapble or disingenous, either way, they aren't to be trusted and don't deserve another opportunity. We've sacrificed too much for them, and it makes me long for the days of real politik, playing groups off one another in a cynical, British style foreign policy. I admit to having twinges of liberal guilt about bailing on the Kurds in 1991, deposing elected governments in Iran, playing Saddam off the Ayatollah's, and so forth. That guilt is fading and that's what they can look forward to in the future.
Enough.
Which Shows How Insensitive I Truly Am
I might be sad when this guy dies. He gives me lots of laughs.
I might be sad when this guy dies. He gives me lots of laughs.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Internet Video
For the first time, I see where all this is headed. First, I've started watching TV shows on the internet because they are fast enough and good enough quality to make it worthwhile. And the convenience factor. Awesome. I watch 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights. 30 Rock has one awesome line each episode I've seen. Usually Baldwin has the line, but this week, when Tina Fey gets dressed up sexy, the fat ugly guys goes, "Uhhh, I just threw up in my mouth." I laughed out loud.
But with You Tube taking down copyrighted stuff and television putting all their shows online, the whole business of video over the internet is starting to make sense. Because, let's be honest, who the fuck wants to watch a bunch of home videos on you tube? Losers, that's right. And who would want to pay for those videos? Not even the losers...
...an idea about some sort of movie/tv democratic freedom utopia opportunity via You Tube video is a total joke. It might - and I emphasize might - serve as a calling card for some people to get some opportunities they might not have otherwise had. And if one can take advantage of that - power to them - but it ain't a revolution...it's just a new tool.
Finally, it looks like TV has gotten smart...because suddenly, I'm watching TV again, which I virtually stopped doing. I didn't even watch Arrested Development, despite loving the show, because it wasn't convenient for me to keep up. Now I watch Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock at some point during the week. It I catch the live episode, great. If not, I'll watch it sometime on the internet.
And yes, I watch the commericials. Count it a winner.
For the first time, I see where all this is headed. First, I've started watching TV shows on the internet because they are fast enough and good enough quality to make it worthwhile. And the convenience factor. Awesome. I watch 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights. 30 Rock has one awesome line each episode I've seen. Usually Baldwin has the line, but this week, when Tina Fey gets dressed up sexy, the fat ugly guys goes, "Uhhh, I just threw up in my mouth." I laughed out loud.
But with You Tube taking down copyrighted stuff and television putting all their shows online, the whole business of video over the internet is starting to make sense. Because, let's be honest, who the fuck wants to watch a bunch of home videos on you tube? Losers, that's right. And who would want to pay for those videos? Not even the losers...
...an idea about some sort of movie/tv democratic freedom utopia opportunity via You Tube video is a total joke. It might - and I emphasize might - serve as a calling card for some people to get some opportunities they might not have otherwise had. And if one can take advantage of that - power to them - but it ain't a revolution...it's just a new tool.
Finally, it looks like TV has gotten smart...because suddenly, I'm watching TV again, which I virtually stopped doing. I didn't even watch Arrested Development, despite loving the show, because it wasn't convenient for me to keep up. Now I watch Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock at some point during the week. It I catch the live episode, great. If not, I'll watch it sometime on the internet.
And yes, I watch the commericials. Count it a winner.
Who Knew?
I thought the left had a monopoly on political correctness. Now Instapundit is getting wobbly over a little Halloween fun.
Gimme a break.
I thought the left had a monopoly on political correctness. Now Instapundit is getting wobbly over a little Halloween fun.
Gimme a break.
Fareed Zakaria
I'm in favor of his proposal for Iraq.
It's a must read for those interested in the region.
I'm in favor of his proposal for Iraq.
It's a must read for those interested in the region.
Sullivan Is Right
Kerry made a boo boo. Bush completely exploited it for partisan gain. So what? Democrats should be so clever as to do the same. God knows, Bush has enough gaffes that are exploitable.
In soccer, a lot of times wimpy, stupid players whine about another team fouling when the other team is simply playing harder. You can make hard, clean tackles that physically hurt, but are completely legal and even desirable to gain psychological advantage.
On the other hand, you can mean well, be gentle on the other team, but simply be slow or uncoordinated and commit fouls.
Democrats remind me of teams that don't play hard and whine about how the other team is fouling or the referee not calling the game fairly. I feel like saying, shut the fuck up and grow a sack.
If he truly misspoke, Kerry should just say, "look, I've got nothing to really apologize for. I simply misspoke - make your jokes and be done with it. Of all the people, GW should know about misspeaking." Or something to that effect.
Kerry made a boo boo. Bush completely exploited it for partisan gain. So what? Democrats should be so clever as to do the same. God knows, Bush has enough gaffes that are exploitable.
In soccer, a lot of times wimpy, stupid players whine about another team fouling when the other team is simply playing harder. You can make hard, clean tackles that physically hurt, but are completely legal and even desirable to gain psychological advantage.
On the other hand, you can mean well, be gentle on the other team, but simply be slow or uncoordinated and commit fouls.
Democrats remind me of teams that don't play hard and whine about how the other team is fouling or the referee not calling the game fairly. I feel like saying, shut the fuck up and grow a sack.
If he truly misspoke, Kerry should just say, "look, I've got nothing to really apologize for. I simply misspoke - make your jokes and be done with it. Of all the people, GW should know about misspeaking." Or something to that effect.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Oh Kerry
Trauma. It's like our country is reenacting the same political trauma over and over. Kerry has a liberal freudian slip and the Republicans jump on it for political advantage.
Snooze.
Trauma. It's like our country is reenacting the same political trauma over and over. Kerry has a liberal freudian slip and the Republicans jump on it for political advantage.
Snooze.
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