Saturday, April 30, 2005

Announcement

I just wanted to let my blog readers know that my posting might be a bit thin, this weekend and the first of next week. We have friends coming from Australia next weekend, as well as my stepson coming home from college for a week.

That means the war department (my wife) will have numerous home improvement projects going. The first will be painting the family room where the computer is. After that, who knows? She is a master of the last minute idea.

So, stay tuned. I will be back as soon as humanly possible.

Thanks again, for reading Political Yen/Yang.

Fox News Domination Continues

The news network numbers in the President's speech last night according to Drudge:

IN TOTAL VIEWERS
FNC -- 2,722,000 (final)
CNN -- 896,000 (final)
MSNBC -- 569,000 (final)

Is it any wonder that FOX is smoking the MSM outlets? The market is the judge and it is plain the FOX News is the most popular in the market. They even beat both CNN and MSNBC combined by a 2:1 margin.

Evidently, objectivity does count and people are starting to see where the objectivity lies and where it does not.

A Sports Milestone: The Final Playoffs Of Reggie Miller

Time for another break from the madness by honoring the final hurrah by one of the best NBA guards ever. Fans know that these are the last days of a stellar career. The Pacer great is retiring after the playoffs and is showing very little rust, so far.

Over the years, Reggie has been one the best clutch players. He sits pretty prominently in the all-time scoring department and is number one in all-time three-pointers. Who can forget the many game winning shots at the buzzer to win the game? (Especially the one with three, three-pointers in the final seconds against the Knicks in the playoffs, after Spike Lee taunted him.) This certainly has earned him future spot in the Hall Of Fame.

Reggie is fired up and is trying like hell to fire his team up, as well. I am not sure whether they have the staying power to win it all, or not. But they should beat Boston. I don't think they have the ability to beat a Detroit, Miami, and the Western Conference Champions. But it will certainly be fun to watch, if you are an NBA fan.

Watch for Miller to become a coach, after maybe a year or two as an announcer. He has the heart, the competitive spirit, and the knowledge. He might be offered a spot as an assistant for the Pacers, as a possible replacement for Rick Carlisle someday. I think it will be hard for him to be far from the game for too long.

Good Luck to Reggie, in the playoffs and in whatever endeavor he decides is best for him.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

The Filibuster Issue

Click on the title for a link to a piece by Dr. Steven Taylor of Poliblog. It contains an in-depth look at the current filibuster issue in the Senate.

I see some pros and cons to both sides of the coin, but there is a lot of misinformation being presented by both sides. Some manufacturers of that misinformation are members of that very chamber and should know better.

Give this a serious read.

High Ranking Saudi Officials Encouraging Jihad?

Click on the title for a link to an article reporting the Saudi chief justice has been inciting young Saudis to cross the border into Iraq and fight the infidel invaders. Which leads us to a form of the old cliche, with friends like the Saudis, who needs enemies?

Now, it is important to understand the current state of affairs in the kingdom. Much has been said about the fact that if a true election were to be held between Osama Bin Laden and the King, Bin Laden would win in a major landslide. That's not just rhetoric, it's true. With top government officials in the jihad camp, it really makes me nervous that a regime change is becoming more and more imminent. And it won't be for the better.

Can you imagine what would happen to the world economy, if the jihadist sympathizing faction was completely in charge of Saudi oil? Who is to say that isn't already happening? I mean, look at the evidence that we keep uncovering about officials and even members of the royal family actively supporting groups with ties to terrorists. It really doesn't seem like the Royal family has a lot control over what takes place, even within the family.

All of you who criticized the war in Iraq, take a good look. This is part of the reason we are having a difficult time with insurgents. High ranking Saudi sympathizers are whipping the jihadist elements into a holy war frenzy. At some point though, it will back fire on them. In the not too distant future, the monarchy may be obsolete and wahabi cleric rule will be instituted. Then, watch for an oil embargo with the US that will make the 1973 one look like a sandbox spat. And then won't you be glad that we can have an alternative to Saudi oil, in Iraq?

Ted Kennedy Marks One Year Anniversary Of Abu Ghraib With Speech

Can you actually believe it? Click on the title for a link to Ted Kennedy's speech marking this anniversary. I don't expect you to read the whole thing. It is long, it is monotonous, it is just another attempt to score political points. It is old news and it has been dealt with.

To blow something like this so far out of proportion demonstrates a huge lack of understanding of the world and makes him the laughing stock of intelligent life, everywhere. It also shows the degree of desperation of the opposition party and the lengths they will go to draw attention away from their lack of ideas and solutions.

I am still waiting to hear him condemn the beheadings by terrorists, not to mention the attacks on a democratically elected government. Where is his condemnation of the enemies of freedom and democracy? All we ever get from the Senator these days is scathing indictments of the administration, free from evidence and good sense.

Read the speech (if you can stay awake). He spoke a lot, but really didn't say a damned thing.

Monday, April 25, 2005

Another Update: Five Year Old Cuffed By Police After School Outburst

Five Year Old Cuffed By Police After School Outburst

It seems that this is the story that won't go away. The family's attorney won't let it.

Let's break this down:

1. The girl was not hurt.

2. The tape showed no evidence of wrongdoing.

3. The parents should let this be a lesson to the girl and use it as a valuable lesson on possible consequences to her actions.

But sadly enough, these parents do not care about the long-term development of this child. They only want to cry foul, when someone tries to do the job they aren't doing.

More From The Rogue State Of Florida

Just click on the title for the article. But be forewarned, it'll make you mad. How these people get away with this stuff for so long, is beyond me.

Living In The Surreal World

Living In The Surreal World

I would like to announce the addition of a new blogroll link on PYY, which is linked above. As anyone that has read this blog with any consistency knows, I don't just blogroll anyone.

LITSW is a site that has some interesting perspectives, on a host of political topics and others. One twist is that Leslie (the administrator) is a huge Sci-Fi fan. So if politics with a healthy dose of Sci-Fi is your thing, this is your site.

Why Bolton?

I have asked myself repeatedly why President Bush nominated Mr. Bolton to the post of UN Ambassador, especially knowing he is the type of personality that would most definitely draw fire from the opposition. Part of politics is strategy and it seems like the administration should/would have known that it wouldn't fly. The game of politics can be compared to a football game, whereby the plays being contemplated are well thought out and are very often being planned several plays ahead. Many times, plays are called based on how you think the opposition will react.

Now before we go any further, let me say that I think Bolton was a decent choice, given the current state of affairs in the UN. The place is crawling with snakes. Self-interest under the guise of seeking peace and stability in the world, has become commonplace. The days of the UN being a place to settle disputes and resolve sensitive issues are gone. It has become the habitation of thieves.

But Bush knowing the decibal levels the left is capable of, should have known that they would have done just exactly what they have done. They have nitpicked this man's management style and have made it an issue, equal to or greater than having some kind of criminal record. The reasons confirmation should not make it out of committee, do not include being a jerk to work for.

So I am thinking, why did he do it? Why did he do it knowing that he would never get this guy in? Why did he waste this precious time? Why didn't he just nominate someone more moderate, more temperate, and better able to pass through the confirmation process?

And then I really began to think. What if he was thinking a couple of moves ahead?

He could have known that whoever he nominated would have had something significant enough, for the opposition to scream about. Maybe he thought to himself, it didn't matter who he sent up there first. The left was going to campaign to have whoever rejected, as a offensive strategy. (There are those in the Boxer Brigade that have no principles and will align themselves against the President, at every opportunity for political purposes only.)

Think about it. The President could have someone else a little less openly brash in mind, as a plan B. Rather than sacrifice him to the "always against Bush" crowd, maybe he threw the pass long to the end zone, to spread out the defense. Now that he has done that he has the option of a running play, short or medium range pass, or (if he chooses) another long one.

The Dems can't continue to oppose every choice without it beginning to look more like what they already are, obstructionists. But if they want to play that game, they will find it will backfire on them. The next play will consist of a person with a gentler exterior, but a tough interior. Which may be what we need.

Maybe this is true, maybe it is not. But the thing to remember is that there are always parts of this (and other stories) that go on behind the scenes. Parts that we may never know.

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Are The Dutch Wavering Too?

Click on the title for a link to an article by Ian Bickerton of the Financial Times. It seems the Dutch may be having some doubts about the EU constitution, like France. Who would have thought this would have been such a hard sell?

The Dutch vote three days after the French. I bet as France goes, so will go the Netherlands.

Europe Will Fall

Click on the title for a link to an article by John Thornhill of the Financial Times, on the prospect of a No vote on the EU constitution meaning the fall of Europe.

I really doubt that France voting No would mean that Europe as a continent would dissolve. But you see the scare tactics many are trying. The European governments want this so much that they will dig out all of the scare tactics possible.

Flaming Duck: Predictions on the Future of the MSM

Flaming Duck: Predictions on the Future of the MSM

VARepublicMan at the Flaming Duck shows why it's not just Katie Couric's sour disposition and biased reporting that is suffering. Unless the networks, newspapers, and other MSM outlets get their act together, the MSM will die out.

Clink on the link to see why.

The Decline Of Katie Couric's Popularity Is Beginning To Show

Click on the title for a very short piece on the Drudge Report, concerning Katie Couric and her behavior, in light of the recent ratings skid on the Today Show.

I don't make any bones about it, I don't like Katie. She always comes across as someone who has an axe to grind. It is certainly indicative of a bitter personality, which was no doubt learned from the "king of bitter axes to grind", Bryant Gumbol. She learned well.

Martha, Martha. When Will It All End?

Click on the title for a link to an article about Martha attending a recent Time gala.

It seems like Martha is a trouble magnet. Why is that? And, who really cares? But the media can't seem to get her out of their heads.

Does she push the limits? Yes. Most filthy rich and famous people feel privileged and want special treatment. Part of the reason she did any time at all was her arrogance. It certainly wasn't because she did anything different that many others do and get away with. Arrogance may be a character flaw, but it is not illegal in and of itself.

What she did was certainly against the law, but come on. Unless she violates the terms of her home detention in a reckless manner, the Feds do not want her back in their jail. The media makes the whole thing a circus(as usual) and if she heads back to the big house, it will once again dominate slow news days.

If Martha would care to take some advice from me, I would say stop pushing limits, keep a low profile, do what they tell you to until the day you don't have to. Then once it's all over, go back to doing what you want, when you want.

If you don't, venomous elements capable of injecting deadly publicity into your image and that of your companies, will most certainly do so. We know they will because they have done this kind of thing before and have made it almost a science.

Update: Cuffed Five Year Old

I saw part of the tape aired on FOX just moments ago. Although she was not a danger to herself or others (remember, she's only five), the child was still out of control and not responding to any redirection, whatsoever. I saw no evidence of any wrongdoing by the educators.

One of the other contentions by the "take no responsibilty" parents in this case, is that the police should not have cuffed her. That's absurd.

Teachers and administrators do not have time to deal with each kid that can't be controlled and take away precious class time from other students and other affairs. You cannot drop the stack of plates, to catch the one is dropping. Likewise, I am sure that the police don't have time to sit and psychoanalyze an out of control five-year old, that the educators aren't having a lot of luck with. If the police hadn't cuffed her and the girl got hurt while being transported, then the bleeding heart apologists would have had a field day, not to mention the family's attorney.

Five Year Old Cuffed By Police After School Outburst

Click on the title for an article about a five year old that was so disruptive and so destructive that it landed her in handcuffs and taken into custody by police. The report says it was almost entirely caught on tape, so there is no way the parents can say the school abused her.

But you watch, I'll bet some bleeding heart organization will try to blow this out of proportion and blame the school, anyway. The family's attorney has already begun the legal rhetoric. Since it was taped, any attorney that takes this case would be a fool. But then again, this happened in the rogue state of Florida. So who knows just what will happen?

Authorities need to take a moment and find out why this little girl of five cannot be controlled with discipline that the vast majority of five year olds respond to. Start with the parents.

Saturday, April 23, 2005

What Network Letters Really Mean

CNN- Communist News Network

ABC- Always Believe Communists

NBC- Never Blame Communists

MSNBC- More of Same Never Blame Communists

CBS- Communist Broadcasting System (or the traditional BS, you pick)

NPR- National Proletariat Radio

PBS- Proletariat Broadcasting System

FOX- Fair Objective eXperts

Friday, April 22, 2005

Can Benedict Convert Europe's Muslims?

Click on the title for an interesting article. I don't know how realistic it is or even how accurate it is. But one thing is for sure, if it is either, it will be nothing short of a miracle.

But then again, who would have ever thought in a million years that one Pope could help bring down the Soviet Union and its Warsaw Pact empire. He didn't do it alone, but it could not have been done without him.

My thinking is that JPII could have told the Cardinals before his death, to honor his longtime second in command by elevating him to the Papacy, after his death. He could have sold them on the idea that (then) Cardinal Ratzinger was old and could serve as a transitional pontiff (for a short period) to aid in the healing process. Once elected, maybe JPII left wishes that Benedict actively seek to convert Muslims, to prevent the church from losing its grip on Europe through Arab immigration. JPII was certainly a visionary of epic proportions and I am quite sure Benedict learned well from him.

To those that think church liberals will be seeping into the College of Cardinals anytime soon, think again. Benedict will soon be appointing cardinals to the College to elect his replacement. And, I somehow doubt he will appoint those that disagree with him very much.

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Ethics Panel To Probe Tom Delay's Activites

Click on the title for an article by Larry Margasak of the Associated Press about the Tom Delay probe announced today.

I have never been much of a Delay fan. But as to whether or not he should resign should be up to his constituents. In light of the allegations, I do believe that he should step down from his leadership position. But as to his seat in the House, that is entirely up to the voters in his district.

From what I have gathered, he seems to be the current target that the Dems are using to take the attention off of their continued lack of any substantial idea, plan, or proposal. Both parties have officials that practice nepotism, but the focus is on Delay because of what he says. I may not agree with Delay or his style, but he was elected and he has the right to say whatever, just as those on the left do.

Bolton Faces More Scrutiny

The Democrats:

We need more time to evaluate claims that Mr. Bolton is fit for the job.

We can't have someone that has been accused of having a rigid management style or difficulty dealing with people doing our international bidding for us. He may have been too hard on his secretaries and other underlings and that would not be good for international diplomacy.

Translation:

We need more time to dig up dirt on Bolton and get his nomination killed, so Europe won't be mad at us.

Slow News Week

Is it just me or is this a boring news week? Except for the new Pope being named, it's just the same old blase rhetoric. The war of words and strategies between the parties is in full swing and everything happening in Washington has been predictable. The GOP move boldly, the Dems obstruct. What else is there to do?

Was An Innocent Man Executed?

Click on the title for an article by Steve Mills of the Chicago Tribune, about the possibility of the state of Texas executing an innocent man.

This is just one very good reason to not have a death penalty. Those that understand and embrace liberty, understand why it is better that a guilty person (or more) live, than for one innocent person to be executed. Who knows how many instances this has occurred?

I fully understand that there are times when there is overwhelming evidence and I know that there are extremely heinous cases that make your blood boil. There are instances that I feel that same sense of outrage, but to me, I would think it would be more miserable to live lonely in a prison with nothing but thugs around you. No love, no warmth, no hope, only time.

Two Anniversaries And A Birthday We'd All Love To Forget

April 20.

To some people it triggers thoughts to Columbine, others Hitler's birthday. Couple those dark memories with the one yesterday (anniversary of OKC bombing) and you have two pretty sad days in an otherwise typical moment in spring. It certainly makes you wonder just what the world would be like today, if those events had never taken place, at all.

But they did. And we all must learn to live with it.

As harsh as it sounds, that is the only thing we can do. We can't go back and change it and we can never heal if we don't stop beating ourselves up over it. Like 9/11, we were caught off guard by Columbine and OKC. No one could have ever imagined that people could be so mean and hateful, as to kill innocent people, for no damned good reason right here in America. (I know some apologists love to give their reasons, but I cannot find any good one, not one)

It was established that the killers in Columbine picked April 20 as the day of their attack, in part, because it was Hitler's birthday. How an evil man that came close to plunging a continent (and possibly the world) into an oppressive nightmare could still have an effect on some people, is beyond me.

In the OKC bombing, the known conspirators were known to be affiliated with neo-fascist hate groups. The influence of Hitler was prevalent in their ideology and certainly affected their thinking enough to commit the worst terror attack on US soil, up to that time. Now we are learning that there may be much more to the attack, than we have previously been led to believe.

Looking back now, we can see what we missed. We can beat ourselves up for not seeing (what we spent months after the fact investigating) the signs. We can continue to point fingers and blame. Or, we can learn from our mistakes and vow to never overlook what we have learned, again. We can come out of this a little smarter, a little wiser, and much more vigilant.

We can never forget, but we can heal. And if we heal, we will be stronger. That which does not destroy us, can make us that much stronger if we let it. But we have to let it.

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Benedict XVI Risked Life To Desert From Hitler's Army

He's already been branded a Nazi by the left. His conservative theology has made him a target of those that want reform. The attacks will most likely continue for a while, but how long will depend on how Benedict XVI will connect with his flock. JPII was a staunch conservative on matters of doctrine, but he was well loved because he made a connection with those he led. Benedict will need to continue that.

The media has already highlighted his membership in the Hitler Youth and Nazi Army, to cast a shadow. What many of his detractors fail to realize is, when the Nazis required something they meant it (or else). What those same detractors can't say with any measure of truth is what they would have done, had they lived in that time, under Hitler. None of us can.

Anyway, click on the title for an interesting article on the new Pope and how he deserted.

Some Unhappy About New Pope

Like I have said in the past, I am not Catholic. But, there are a couple of things that I do admire about the Roman Catholic Church.

They do not take opinion polls and they do not allow lay people to run the church as they see fit. They base their principles on what they believe is true and will not compromise them for a noisy liberal minority. Morals and principles do not change with public opinion or cultural trends.

Click on the title for an article that features a couple of people that do not share my opinion.

Benedict XVI

Catholics have a new pope, but from looks of their choice, not much is likely to change. The prognosticators that predicted Cardinal Ratzinger would be the next Pope can now gloat. Since I am not Catholic, I have refrained from the temptation to publicly predict. Basically, I didn't care; I couldn't vote, even if I did.

With Ratzinger so close to JPII and the College packed with his people, it does come as little surprise. The message that needs to be taken away from the choice is quite simplistic. No liberal reforms in the foreseeable future is the one prediction, I will make.

Friday, April 15, 2005

Bovine Economics 101

CHRISTIAN: You have two cows. You keep one and give one to your neighbor.

A SOCIALIST: You have two cows. The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor.

A COMMUNIST: You have two cows. The government seizes both and provides you with milk.

A FASCIST: You have two cows. The government seizes both and sells you the milk. You join the underground and start a campaign of sabotage.

DEMOCRACY You have two cows. The government taxes you to the point where you have to sell both cows to support a man in a foreign country who has only one cow, which was a gift from your government.

CAPITALISM You have two cows. You sell one, buy a bull, and breed a herd of cows.

BUREAUCRACY You have two cows. The government takes them both, shoots one, milks the other, pays you for the milk, then pours the milk down the drain.

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when the cow drops dead.

A FRENCH CORPORATION: You have two cows. You go on strike because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create clever cow cartoon images called Cowkimon and market them worldwide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You reengineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves efficiently.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. But you don’t know where they are. You break for lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You count them and discover you have five cows. You count them again and discover you have 42 cows. You count them again and discover you have 12 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION: You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge others for storing them.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION: You have two cows. You worship both of them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION: You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim full employment, high bovine productivity, and arrest the journalist who reported otherwise.

THE ENRON CORPORATION: You have two cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt-equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows. The milk rights of the six cows are transferred through an intermediary to a Cayman Island company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The Enron annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more.

Playing The America Card?

Click on the title for an article about Chirac telling his countrymen that a vote no, means strengthening America. It's just more desperation from a desperate man.

Be afraid France. The big bad boogey-man America will come get you if you don't vote no, like the Neo Holy Roman Emperor Wannabe Chirac wants. Dont forget France, a vote yes means you lose some of your individual national identity, freedom, and sovereignty.

Happy Tax Day

Yeah? Right. It's a happy one, alright.

Have ever noticed that election day is scheduled as far away from tax day, as they could get it? Have you ever wondered why? Do you think that we'd have any seniority in government? I know that if they held an election tomorrow, the way I feel now, I would vote against every damned elected official I have.

So I say, to all of those that don't need government assistance (and yet still get it because you are too lazy to get a job), to all of the politicians that spend our money like there is no tomorrow (and pad their own bank accounts in the process), and to all of the lazy and inefficient (but still draw a paycheck because you are in a union) federal workers; I hope all of you get a rash.

If you truly need the assistance, if you are one of the handful of semi-honest and caring politicians that really do try, or you are a hardworking, diligent federal worker; please disregard the aforementioned curse.

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Annan Blames US And UK

It's a crying shame. Click on this title for an article that irritates me.

The mighty UN, the all seeing and all powerful entity that holds the keys to peace in the world has failed the world, and its citizens. The glorious UN, the organization designed to settle international disputes is incompetent, corrupt, and scandalous, on its best day. It resembles nothing of what it was created for. It is not objective. It does not solve problems. It takes money and devours and it produces nothing in return.

Yet, there are proponents that turn a blind eye towards the misdeeds of their heroes.

And why not?

Chief Hero Annan, the biggest failure in UN history won't accept any responsibility for his ineffective management. If he was a CEO of a corporation, he would have been fired and brought up on charges. What do you want to bet he gets a medal, someday?

French Desperation Mounts

Think of the money this is costing the French. France's economy isn't the envy of the world right now. What this boils down to is a full blown ad campaign and expensive sales pitch for something that was once deemed a sure thing.

Click on the title to see.

History News Network

I don'y mind saying that I love history. My father was a history professor, I love it, and my son wants to be a history professor, like his grandfather.

I have proudly added this site to my blogroll. It is well managed and very informative. So click on the title or the link on the blogroll, for a great experience.

A Quote To Ponder

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.

Aristotle

How Quickly They Forget

Click on the title for an article about how some in Russia are wanting to honor Stalin. It's amazing how quickly people forget history.

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Chinese Riot To Protest Factory Pollution

Seems like, not all is blissful in the People's Republic. Click on the title to read about it.

Crisis In The EU?

Click on the title for a link to an article by the Financial Times, about the possibility of France voting to reject the EU Constitution. If they do reject it, it will indicate whether or not Chirac has the staying power to win another election. This is his baby.

Remember, France was not too delighted that Chirac was their only real choice in the runoff in the last election. His opponent, Jean-Marie Le Pen, was even further to the right than him, and anti-semitic. That's not much of a choice.

Did you ever notice that we seemed to get more genuine cooperation from France, when the Socialist Mitterand was President?

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Chinese-Japanese Tension Revisited

Click on the title for a link to an article about new tensions between China and Japan.

Japan wants a seat on the UN Security Council. China wants an apology for the aggression during WWII. Japan really has never officially apologized (at least that I am aware of) and it seems like a small thing, if they want it bad enough.

But on the other hand, it seems ridiculous to ask for it now. Most of the guilty parties involved during that era, are dead. Most Japanese alive today, didn't have a thing to do with it. Should today's population be held accountable for the sins of its fathers? It sounds to me like just another childish act by a country that wants to flex its political and diplomatic muscle.

Monday, April 11, 2005

Thanks For Reading PYY

Political Yen/Yang (PYY) would like to take a moment and thank each reader who reads any of my posts. I have no counter as of yet, so I really have no idea how many that is. In fact I haven't got a lot of things, as I am just learning how to navigate and operate in the blog world. Regardless of that fact, PYY is here not for profit, notoriety, and certainly not recognition. It is the product of my mind, will, and spirit. It seeks only to stimulate thought, passions, and ideas.

While it is not totally devoid of opinion, it is opinion based on deep thought and considerations. I have been mad at both parties in the past 15 years, at one time or another. I post a lot of original (from the heart, mind, and spirit) commentary that pretty much sums up my thoughts (and why they are my thoughts). PYY is not pro-Bush, it is not anti-Bush.

It is issue driven, so if what I believe is what Bush thinks, great. If what I believe, goes against what Bush believes, then great. I don't form my opinions based on what any politician thinks and rest assured that what I choose to write about goes deeper than any one man or woman. Many of the problems we have today, existed long before Bush and will certainly exist long after him.

As original as I try to be, there may be times when a post may parallel another's. I do not and will not use anyone's ideas and assume them as my own, ever. If there is ever a similarity, it is purely coincidental. You know what they say, "Great minds think alike". Sometimes the news of the day, causes us all to ponder some of the same things. But always know that I will credit anyone, that inspires and/or influences my posts.

I am starting my blogroll and already have a handful of sites listed. These are those that have impressed me early on. I have read them consistently since I began my blogging adventure, and feel comfortable endorsing them. There will be more to come, as the process continues. Please visit these other blogs. They stimulate me to think and they can do the same for you, too.

Again, thanks so much for reading and feel free to make comments anytime. If you like what you see, let me know. Likewise, if you disagree, let me know.

NYT Reports Pentagon May Withdraw Troops From Iraq Next Year

Click on the title for a link to an article about possible major troop withdrawals in Iraq, next year. Liberals should applaud, but somehow I doubt they will.

Telegraph Reports Possible Deal For Saddam's Life

Click on the title for a link to an interesting article.

The Telegraph is reporting there could be a deal with the Sunnis which could lead to an end of the insurgency. But the big catch is, Saddam gets life in prison and not the death penalty. This will surely outrage a lot of people. I can hear it now.

Personally, I think that living in prison the rest of his life would be more of a punishment. Killing him only lets him out the misery and suffering of being bored to death. He who kept freedom from his people through brutality and oppression, should have his freedom taken away. That would be more humiliating to him, than allowing him to die. Let him see the growth of the Iraqi republic; let him seethe, as he sees democracy grow where he once suppressed any notion or thought of it.

To do so though, would not be without risks.

What if he were to attempt a comeback? What if someone springs him? How tight will security be in the new republic, after the Americans leave? Could it happen? Probably.

But would it? That's the crap shoot part of it.

Whatever happens, it will be up to the Iraqis to make that decision. They will have to live with it.

The Torch Is Being Passed

The generation of leaders that led me, taught me, showed me, demonstrated for me, and otherwise raised me are going off of the scene. The generation that fought Fascism and later Communism is retiring, dying, or both. Many are doing it honorably, others are not. This speaks the need for my generation to realize, the world is going to be changing, again.

Change is a constant and no matter what happens in life, change will always occur. We all change. As people change, so does the world.

Old leaders leave the scene, new ones replace them. We live, we age, and hopefully, we learn from those that paved the way before us. Events (old and new) shape our lives. Hopefully, we have learned enough to meet the challenges of our day. I say this because, those of us that survive, must carry on the work. We must now assume leadership.

The past year has seen a lot of influential people pass away or retire. The most recent and most heartfelt was the death of John Paul II. It was a very profound loss and affected many people around the world. He was the fifth pope in my lifetime, but to some, he was the only.

Prince Ranier just passed. He was the only monarch I ever knew from Monaco. He built modern day Monaco.

Ronald Reagan. I remember him as governor, as a young child. In my twenties, I remember him as President. In my early thirties, I witnessed the fruit of his and John Paul's labor, when the Berlin Wall (and the rest of the Iron Curtain) fell.

Johnny Carson. The king of late night was usually on when my parents stayed up late. I watched him as a teenager and as a young adult, after working second shift. I don't remember Paar, so Johnny was it for me.

Tom Brokaw retired. Dan Rather did too, but it was under a cloud of shame and scandal. And sadly, Peter Jennings is now fighting for his life. The face of the media has changed much throughout my years, but never so suddenly and drastically at one time.

I could go on, but you get the drift. A lot has happened. Yet, the point I wish to make is simple.

For some of us, it is the time to step up. And for others, it is time to sit up and take notice, of what we do. Because, you that must take notice will someday be charged with taking the torch from us. We won't always be right, but we will try. Watch what we do right and learn from it. Watch what we do wrong and learn from it. Take our best ideas forward, scrap the ones that aren't worth anything, and above all, learn to come up with your own ideas. Learn to think for yourself. Then, get ready for the ride of your lives.

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Indiana Man Of Arab Descent Jailed For Espionage

The MSM has once again failed to pay adequate attention to a case that could have happened before and could still be happening now. I am amazed that this still is considered a local story and the national media has yet to pick up on it. Even Drudge missed it.

Click on the title for an article that appeared in the Sunday Indianapolis Star. See what you think. This case was first reported a few weeks ago and now is taking an interesting turn.

Friday, April 08, 2005

Clinton Gets One Right

It was reported that former President Clinton has said that the late Pope will have a mixed legacy. I agree with him.

Clinton, on the flight to Rome earlier this week, had said that John Paul "may have had a mixed legacy," but he called him a man with a great feel for human dignity. "There will be debates about him. But on balance, he was a man of God, he was a consistent person, he did what he thought was right," Clinton said. "That's about all you can ask of anybody." -Tom Raum (AP)

(Click on the title above for the complete article by Raum)

The Pope was certainly a valuable instrument in catalyzing the inevitable fall of the USSR, and the Communist system with it. He traveled the world, went to the people where they lived, reaching people that were forgotten by previous popes. But the one thing he failed to do was adequately address the child molestation issue. Pulling Bernard Law to Rome and elevating his position was evidence enough.

NYT Finally Gets One Right

Click on the title for an article that echoes what I have been saying about China, for years. After acquiring Hong Kong, the Chinese government has benefitted greatly from an increased cash flow. This money is being spent on military research and development, as well as production.

After the fall of the USSR, the most likely nation to fill the power vacuum was and still is China. I can remember people discounting this theory of mine, ten years ago. But here we are, just the same.

Give this a read and see what you think.

Wednesday, April 06, 2005

Media Overkill Not Limited To Fox And CNN

Now, back to the real madness.

Click on the title for a link to an article that reveals Americans aren't the only ones tired of the extended media coverage of the Pope's death. It seems that Fox and CNN aren't the only networks guilty of overkill.

Congrats To UNC

Congratulations to North Carolina for winning the title last night, in an exciting game. The difference was coaching. Roy Williams had his team prepared to come out and dictate the flow of the game and they did it. Illinois could only muster a few short bursts here and there, while the Tar Heels met every attempted run with stiff resistance.

You could play this game 20 times and probably see it split pretty even. But on this night, the experienced coach had the upper hand. If I were Weber, I would have taken the ball at Felton just as soon as he picked up #4, to try and get him out of there. I believe Williams would have, if the roles had been reversed.

We can prognosticate all we want. The major factors that affected the outcome of this game were:

1. Preparation and Game Plan. Williams got them ready to overpower and overrun the Illini. They put them on their heels and they never seemed to be able to get any momentum going.

2. Illinois had no answer for May. Sean May put forth the kind of performance his father once did. But the question being asked now is will he be a star or a role player in the pros?

3. NC's Defense and Transition Game. They executed it, Illinois didn't.

For now, NC Reigns. But rest assured, Illinois will be back next year and will be in contention for another shot at the title. So will others.

Sunday, April 03, 2005

And Then There Were Two

Another Break From The Real Madness

Monday night's National Title game pits #1 Illinois against #2 North Carolina and from what was witnessed last night, it looks to be one of the best. These two teams were the dominant teams for the season on a national level and both showed why, in both of their semi-final games. This they did in spite of the fact, they both got the short end of the officiating in the first half of each game.

Illinois was really having to work especially hard, when their hot hand Powell was forced to sit midway through the first half. The Illini were called for 7 fouls before Louisville ever got whistled and it looked like most were ticky-tack fouls. Louisville seemed to gain the refs' favor early on; they were hammering the Illini, with no whistles. Both were being physical, yet it was the Illini that got singled out. When the Cardinals finally did get a whistle, the crowd cheered in a sarcastic manner making their displeasure well known. In spite of the favoritism, Illinois held up well, maintaining their composure and their lead.

But after the start of the second half, it seemed like the officiating crew had been replaced with fair and objective refs. They began to call a much more equitable game and in the end, Illinois was just too talented, too smart, and too athletic. In fact, this team reminds me of the last undefeated national champion, the 1976 Indiana Hoosiers. Any starter on that team (as well as this Illinois team) could have a banner night, on any given night and burn you. They loved to exploit the mismatches and it was easy when you had a team of individuals that cared nothing about who was high man.

The North Carolina game was similar in that the physical play by Michigan State, was not whistled early on. That allowed the Spartans to rough up the Tar Heels a little, frustrating them and getting them out of their rhythm. But in the second half, NC came out and reestablished themselves with solid play from Sean May (son of Scott May, a forward on the 1976 Indiana team). Roy Williams certainly must have said something to his team at halftime, because they looked and played like a different team on both sides of the ball. They turned the tables on MSU, causing havoc on the defensive end. In fact, MSU hardly looked anything like the team that had beaten Duke and Kentucky.

This game will be good but in the end I believe Illinois will prevail, because of their extraordinary talent, their skills, and their willingness to get the ball to the open man. They make as many passes as necessary, to get the right shot and they are not a bit selfish. Bruce Weber has this team prepared and ready. And with only one loss all year long, they seem like a team of destiny.

If this the way it goes down, you have to feel bad for Roy Williams. He has been at this level before and had a stellar career, coaching some outstanding Kansas teams without one title to show for it. And then here comes Weber a newcomer to big-time NCAA basketball and in his second year as coach of a big-time program, he grabs the title with a special bunch of kids. If it happens, it will have to hurt.

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Cardinals Ponder Successor To An Impact Leader

This pope will be a hard act to follow. John Paul II was an integral part in the ulimate demise of the Soviet Union and its Communist empire. As I have said in the past, I am not Catholic. But in the wide scope of things, this Pope did more to change the world than many political leaders ever have or ever will.

So what kind of Pope will succeed? Who knows.

Who would have thought that in 1978, a Polish Cardinal would break the tradition of Italian popes? So, it's anyone's guess. There already is much speculation and there will certainly will be more anticipation and prognostication, at the moment the votes are being cast. The article this post is linked to (click on title for link) gives us a rough idea of who might be in the running.

I wonder. Are the French seething because a Frenchman isn't mentioned?