THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: Courts are telling Bush he's overstepping his authority. THWACK.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President George W. Bush's broad assertions of power in his war on terrorism are under assault by U.S. judges who have rejected his indefinite imprisonment of enemy combatants and the domestic spying program.
A pair of recent rulings, one from military judges and the other from a U.S. appeals court, delivered new legal setbacks for Bush's tactics in dealing with terrorism suspects held at the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, or in the United States.
"In case after case, this nation's judicial branch has told the administration that it may not trample on fundamental rights in the name of national security," said Hina Shamsi of the New York-based group Human Rights First.
A federal appeals court panel in Virginia ruled 2-1 on Monday that Bush could not declare civilians in this country to be enemy combatants and have the military hold them indefinitely.
The ruling said Bush overstepped his authority in the case of a Qatari national and suspected al-Qaeda operative, Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, who has been held in military custody for four years without any charges.
"Once again, the courts have stepped in to rein in the executive and restore the rule of law," said Jennifer Daskal, U.S. advocacy director of Human Rights Watch.
No doubt Bush and the boys are trying to do some good, but the end can't justify the means in this case. We got to have our system in place. It's part of what makes us a worthwhile country, even when a villian gets off on a technicality. We can't respect ourselves (and get respect from the world) unless we in turn respect the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The judges did a good thing here, and we're moving in the right direction.
THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: Gay marriage in Massachusetts upheld. Prudes and homophobes upset.
From Erika Hayasaki, LA Times Staff Writer:
In a victory for supporters of gay marriage, Massachusetts lawmakers on Thursday blocked a measure to let voters decide whether a constitutional amendment should ban same-sex marriage in the only state that allows it.
State legislators killed the ballot proposal after a four-year attempt by conservative groups to override a historic 2003 court decision that legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts.
Kris Mineau, president of the Massachusetts Family Institute, which backed the measure, said opponents of same-sex marriage were "disappointed and shocked" by the defeat.
This is great news. I think people should do what they want, and any one who stays up at night worried about homosexuals really needs to start thinking about helping to solve more pressing matters. I'm sure you can find quotes in the Bible that have to do with things other than damning gays.
If only people would obsess over the enviroment or human rights as much as they worry about these two fine young Americans pictured above. Ladies, you are patriots in my book... keep up the good work.
The Pentagon has confirmed it was building a "gay bomb" that would make their enemies more interested in fucking each other than fucking over the enemy.
Edward Hammond of the Sunshine Project said, "The Ohio Air Force Lab proposed that a bomb be developed that contained a chemical that would cause enemy soldiers to become gay, and to have their units break down because all their soldiers became irresistibly attractive to one another. The notion was that a chemical that would probably be pleasant in the human body in low quantities could be identified, and by virtue of either breathing or having their skin exposed to this chemical, the notion was that soldiers would become gay."
The Pentagon said it was proposed in 1994, but quickly dismissed.
THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: AlJazeera, the CNN of the Middle East, contains a few thoughtful people with useful perspectives Americans blissfully unaware of.
An excellent documentary called The Control Room is a revealing look at all the media covering the first few months of the Iraqi conflict, including perspectives from AlJazeera and the U.S. military press core. All of whom struggled with what they were seeing and tried to make sense of it from their somewhat isolated news outposts.
I think it is an even handed and objective film with lots on insights by, as reviewer Tom Keogh puts it, "well-meaning, Western-educated, pro-democratic Arabs an opportunity to express views on Iraq as they see it--in an international context, and in a way most Americans never hear about."
I think most Americans would be surprised to hear the thoughtful reactions to events like the removal of Saddam's statude in Baghdad or the bombing of AlJazeera positions (See earlier post on this event).
From an Amazon.com reviewer of the film:
"One of the things I really, really liked about this documentary is that it isn't out from the get go to demonize anyone. The vast majority of the people portrayed in the film (US military press core, western news media, arab news media, etc.) come across as basically well intentioned people with very different perspectives of what is going on and what needs to be done, different cultural understandings, etc."
Link to it on Amazon, though I rented my copy from a local Blockbuster.
THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: Assholes bomb religious and cultural treasures to provoke civil war.
"You are sons and grandsons of the two greatest imams who ever lived. Please stop the sabotage and destruction, and work on the aims and goals of the city."
Salaheddin Gov. Hamed Hamoud Shekti, Iraq
Above: Al-Askariya Mosque. Samarra, Iraq. Repeatedly bombed, possibly by Al Queda, to incite a Sunni/Shi'ite civil war. It's working.
THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: Palestinian factions can't decide if they hate eachother more than the Jews.
Picture above: A Palestinian militant from Hamas holds a copy of the Quran, Islam's holy book, as he stands on a desk inside the Preventive Security headquarters after it was captured from Fatah loyalist security forces in Gaza. Courtesy AP.
GAZA (Reuters) - Islamist Hamas fighters hunted down key loyalists of the Western-backed Palestinian president in the Gaza Strip on Thursday after seizing most of the final strongholds of his secular Fatah movement in the enclave.
After six days of fighting that have killed over 100 people and ripped apart Palestinians' hopes for a state, President Mahmoud Abbas dismissed the Hamas-led government and declared a state of emergency. He held out the prospect of early elections but it was gun law not the constitution that held sway in Gaza.
Hamas militants "executed" a top Fatah "collaborator" and paraded his body through the streets and leaders issued a death list of other Fatah supporters. They dismissed the decrees issued in the Fatah-controlled West Bank and said Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas remained in charge in their enclave.
Jubilant young Hamas gunmen hoisted green Islamist flags over captured Fatah buildings and pounded the remaining Fatah bastion, Abbas's own Gaza compound, with heavy weaponry.
Generally speaking, I am not a big supporter of Israel. Their recent military actions are as draconian and clueless as the U.S. That said, when I see these animals running around dragging dead bodies behind them, that concrete wall Israel's working on is looking better and better all the time.
I am sure gaining more insight into complex historical web of this would help (blah blah blah) but watching this unfold along side the Sunni/Shi'ites/Kurd three-way-gang-shoot in Iraq, it seems like Middle East violence is more of a way of life, with teenage men full of rage running around saying "God is Great. Gimmie someone to shoot at. God is Great." Maybe thugs like Arafat or Saddam are the only power they really respect. There is nothing worse than being both radicalized AND stupid.
Fatah totally wasted their opportunity in power, but if Hamas take over, I'm sure Israeli tanks will be heading back in before long, creating more bloodshed. The cycle of wasted chances continue.
THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: Bush wants new Surgeon General to be a dude who thinks gays can be cured.
President Bush's nominee for surgeon general, Kentucky cardiologist Dr. James Holsinger, has the distinction of writing a 1991 paper that gay sex is unnatural and an unhealthy. Additionally, Holsinger helped found a Methodist congregation that believes homosexuality is a matter of choice and can be "cured." Yes, he's one of those... and he wants the job as America's top physician.
"He has a pretty clear bias against gays and lesbians," said Christina Gilgor, director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, a gay rights group. "This ideology flies in the face of current scientific medical studies. That makes me uneasy that he rejects science and promotes ideology."
Genius! This wingnut is another recycled member of Daddy Bush's old gaurd. It's stunning that W has the time to find the absolute WORST people to bring into his administration. This is from the Recovery page of the Hope Spring Community Church website, which Holsinger helped to found:
Men’s Sexual Integrity: Offers an opportunity for men to heal from sexual brokenness and find strength to overcome unhealthy sexual behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. Find the support and accountability you need and develop a closer relationship with the one who can heal, Jesus Christ."
Below is an excerpt from a study of homosexuality by Holsinger. It get's me so HOT.
He goes on to justify the the legitimacy of heterosexual sex via plumbing jargon for pipes. Think I'm bullshitting you? Read the entire study here.
I don't care if this guy has a cure for cancer. Anyone who is not an advocate for the rights of any consenting American to screw any other consenting American is unacceptable. If he kept his opinions to himself, that is one thing, but since he is using his influence as a physician to publicly bolster anti-gay sentiments, his personal opinions do affect his viability as surgeon general.
I am not gay, but just the same, please keep your mind off my anus, doctor. There is only one way to cure homosexuality, and this is it:
THE LEAST YOU NEED TO KNOW: "Too many of us did far less than we could have to avert disaster."
Citizens of Iraq: I'm an American, and I have something to tell you that is long overdue. It does not come easily. Many people in my country would berate me for saying it, call me a coward, think me morally weak, or even worse – betraying the soldiers who fight on behalf of my freedom. But I do not believe any of that. I believe the those who fear saying what they believe are the true cowards, and are not free at all.
People of Iraq, I would like to tell you I am sorry.
I am sorry for the unjust suffering that my government has inflicted upon you in my name.
I am sorry that at the conclusion of our first war with Iraq when Saddam invaded Kuwait, our former President encouraged you to rise up, promising you our support, and when you did, we let you be killed by the thousands while we did nothing but watch.
I am sorry for a new war that was sold to America with outright lies, half-truths, and omissions of fact. I am sorry that most of us believed them, allowing ourselves to be frightened beyond reason by tales of secret Iraqi weapons, though many truly knowledgeable people knew better. The "yellow-cake" uranium from Africa. The aluminum centrifuges. The mobile poison gas facilities. The "smoking gun in the form of a mushroom cloud."
I am sorry we allowed those who questioned our government's assertions to be bullied into silence, sidelined, punished, or black-listed as un-American, including those of reason within our Congress, our military, and the news media we trusted to objectively inform us and protect our best interests.
I regret a fabricated coalition that was formed to invade your country. Fourty-nine countries, many of whom were present in name only to satisfy American demands. This so-called "coalition" cheapened the true coalitions of history that were created to fight for just and noble causes.
I regret that our soldiers were ordered to leave a worthy cause in Afghanistan to turn it's attentions upon your country, though I trust few of you were sorry to see Saddam ousted. Our soldiers are by-and-large good people with spirit and character. They sacrifice everything to protect their country. The deserve better than they have received, yet they still try to do what is decent and honorable.
I apologize that during the siege of your capital, the short-sightedness of our military planners – so focused on your oil – forgot to protect you and your national treasures from criminals, the mob, and fanatic warlords.
I am sorry that while years were spent planning the invasion of your country, only weeks were spent considering how to deal with what came after. I am sorry we put people in charge that had no credentials other than being ideologically aligned with our President and his staff.
I am deeply sorry that in our rush to oust the tyrant who brutalized your country, we did not study your history, which would have easily foretold the civil unrest and retribution killing which plague you now. Some did foresee this, though again, those voices were silenced or ignored. Without this insight, we allowed your communities to fall into chaos, causing many of you to flee homes your families have owned for generations and see loved ones murdered without cause.
I regret the thousands of people sent to Abu Ghraib to be tortured and humiliated. Torture has been proven time and again to not produce reliable information, though it often works well on American television. I fear our current leaders did not know the difference.
More over, I am deeply sorry that in this rush to war, we took our eyes off the true threats that we all share, and somehow must learn to face together.
Apologies can be hard to come by in uncertain times. They are particularly scarce from this American government.
People of Iraq, America is a nation of good people. We will spill our blood at a moment's notice for a worthy cause, even for people we have never met. 3,500 American soldiers have died, and 20,000 have been wounded for a cause they believe worthy. More innocent Iraqis have died and than can be reliably counted. But our government has betrayed us, and has betrayed you as well. I hope someday soon we will restore our government to one that is worthy of our people – and you will be able to rebuild your country free of tyranny and chaos.
Finally, and most importantly, I am so very sorry that we came to Iraq with the premise of defeating religious fanatics willing to kill for power, while not realizing we had those very same people in charge our own country.
U.S. Arming Sunnis in Iraq to Battle Old Qaeda Allies BAGHDAD, June 10 — With the four-month-old increase in American troops showing only modest success in curbing insurgent attacks, American commanders are turning to another strategy that they acknowledge is fraught with risk: arming Sunni Arab groups that have promised to fight militants linked with Al Qaeda who have been their allies in the past.
This is my favorite line in the article:
In exchange for American backing, these officials say, the Sunni groups have agreed to fight Al Qaeda and halt attacks on American units.
The article then continues, reminding us that we just spent $15 billion (BILLION) training 350,000 Iraqi army and police force who... wait for it... ...are heavily SHI'ITE.
Um, I'm just spit-ballin' here, but isn't this how we ended up with Bin Laden et al. back when he was fighting the Soviets? Hey, what the fuck, right? Let's see what happens. What are the chances we're suppling our enemies with American weapons, right? 'Cause that'd just be crazy.
PS: Sorry couldn't resist using the shi'ite joke. I know Stewart used it all ready. :-/
Our name is Ron, and one of us is running for President. Actually, a more appropriate question might be: “Who the hell is Ron Paul?”
When I first mentioned Paul’s name to Jay, he thought I was talking about a porn star.
In case you were thinking the same thing, allow me to clarify:
Ron Paul is not a porn star. He is a Republican Congressman from the Longhorn State. And he’s running for president.
Ron Jeremy is a porn star. He has long been in a horny state. He’s not running for president.
I like Ron Paul. I don’t know if he’d make a good president. He certainly doesn’t stand much of a chance of getting elected. But he’s got the courage of his convictions and a long history of going against the political tide in defense of his beliefs.
At a time when we've already got a go-at-it-alone Commander-in-Chief, this might hardly seem like an attractive quality; but the difference here is that Paul bases his decisions on whether or not they are Constitutional.
The Republican machine doesn’t want to see this guy on stage during their debates. Like the John McCain of old, Ron Paul is something of a loose canon and can’t be counted on to tow the party line. But true conservatives should be paying more attention to this guy. He’s a poster boy for the Reaganesque ideals of limited government and sensible foreign policy.
Of course, Paul’s recent comments about US foreign policy haven’t done much to endear him to the Republican base, although it has generated some buzz and support – particularly over the Internet (much like Howard Dean in 2004). At last month’s Republican presidential debate in South Carolina, Paul suggested that US foreign policy invited the September 11 attacks, which of course didn’t sit well with Rudy Giuliani and the rest of the gang.
Here's a debate clip:
I didn’t watch the entire debate on TV, but I did see that statement live, and I’ve since watched it again online. I don’t think Ron Paul was saying that the US got what was coming to it on 9/11. We did not deserve that. No one does. Of course, I wish he had just come out and said as much. Not doing so hurt him.
Paul’s point, as I interpret it (and you need to read past this paragraph to see the logic through), was that the US sometimes makes mistakes in its foreign policies. Those mistakes do cause people in other countries to see us in a negative light. And their grievances can be legitimate.
Just as individuals need to self-reflect from time-to-time to ensure their behavior is consistent with their code of ethics and standards, nations should do the same.
Now, that’s not to say that if you oppose US foreign policy you can ever be justified in hijacking our planes or murdering our people. When you take a legitimate grievance and use it to advance perverse and evil ideologies, in my book, you lose your right to be “understood.”
But many people never take their discontent to that level. And they’re often unheard and ignored. It’s only when the hijackers, shoe bombers and beheaders enter the picture that we seem to notice that there are other people around the world who aren’t so happy with us. And at that time, we can choose to:
a) get angry and kick some ass
or
b) stop those who want to harm us while also making sure that we’re living up to our noble ideals
I think this is what Paul was trying to say, though I can only speak for myself here. I can understand why Giuliani and the other Republicans were so quick to anger – I used to get the same way myself when this topic came up. But six years and two wars later, I’m more willing to listen to the argument.
And that’s what I like about Paul. He’s willing to bring it up.
I know this one has been out there a while. This is Rush Limbaugh with the Barack Obama spoof "Barack The Magic Negro".
Here's a clip:
Limbaugh carefully precedes the multiple airings of the song with an explanation why he's using the term "magic negro", which was supposed to justify creating the song. He cited the Los Angeles Times columnist David Ehrenstein: "But it's clear that Obama also is running for an equally important unelected office, in the province of the popular imagination — the 'Magic Negro."
Read his article here. It's pretty weak, in my opinion. Sounds like he's getting bored of writing movie reviews and wants to get in political editorials. Anyway have a look.
Ehrenstein is African-American, while Limbaugh is as white as a sheet of fax paper. That gives him slightly more of a right to use a term like "negro". Also, Ehrenstein's premise that a white person voting for Obama is in fact a way to "assuage white "guilt" (i.e., the minimal discomfort they feel) over the role of slavery and racial segregation in American history." Then he goes into a history of the "magic negro" in popular films. He concludes with "Obama is there to help, out of the sheer goodness of a heart we need not know or understand. For as with all Magic Negroes, the less real he seems, the more desirable he becomes. If he were real, white America couldn't project all its fantasies of curative black benevolence on him."
Huh? Is he any more a mythic transformation of Rudy Giuliani from semi-unpopular NYC mayor to post-911 superleader? He was knighted by the Queen! I'd call that mythic.
Dude, I'm white, and I feel no guilt about slavery, besides thinking it was wrong and I'm glad it was ended. I am, however, looking for someone to vote for that isn't full of shit -- so far Obama is full of less shit that most -- so he's a potential person to vote for. That's as far as my thinking goes. I never even SAW Driving Miss Daisy.
The issue here is Rush Limbaugh frothing at the mouth because he was able to quote a column as an excuse to get away with saying "negro" on the air, and slamming Obama was just a nice added benefit. It may be argued he was trying to make some kind of point about race relations or Al Sharpton being jealous of Obama, etc. Let's just call it like it is.
Rush Limbaugh just couldn't pass up the chance of calling Obama a negro on national radio.
I think Tom DeLay is an example of everything that is wrong about American politics. I actually prefer George Bush to DeLay -- if W. wasn't busy running the country into the ground, he may be someone fun to go to Hooters with. DeLay strikes me as someone far more dangerous.... bitter, twisted and visibly rotting from the inside out. Wrapped in the Bible, the American flag, and contempt for anyone who gets in his way.
That said, I strive to overcome my pre-conceived notions about the world. I wanted to be as fair as possible to Tommy Boy. I went onto Amazon and scored a $3 used/unwanted audiobook version of his memoir No Retreat, No Surrender. Four wonderful hours of Tom DeLay as read by the man himself. I got it in the mail yesterday, peeled it out of the manila package, feeling a little queazy that I just allowed this guy into my home, and started listening.
I wasn't disappointed. Within a 15 minutes, he shared this pearl of wisdom:
"I have learned something about liberals; they are much like communists. They believe they have to destroy you in order to win."
Communists??? Liberals are Communists?
It's refreshing to listen to someone who is so out of touch that he needs to conjure the Cold War to get people afraid of "liberals". Does he actually know that the Soviet's split over 15 years ago? Couldn't he come up with a more contemporary villain? Al Queda? The Taliban? "The Others" from LOST? I dunno. Something current.
Is this what this guy is about? Recycling tired trigger words to get knee-jerk reactions to those still traumatized by the Cold War?
15 minutes down, Three hours and forty-five minutes to go.
Man, can California handle a single high-celebrity court case? O.J. and that Baretta dude were bad enough. Now even a simple parole violation becomes a mess!
Two UNCONFIRMED reports on bad behavior with the system are floating around now:
1) Sheriff Lee Baca (who released Hilton to house arrest and made a public statement yesterday concerned with her mental health) accepted a $1,000 campaign donation last year from Paris Hilton's grandfather, William Barron Hilton. $1,000 is the maximum amount allowable under California campaign rules. SOURCE
2) Paris was placed back in jail because Judge Sauer was pissed that he was kept out of the loop and not consulted on Paris’ release. He was never given a copy of the medical report that got her transferred home. Apparently he kept asking for the paperwork during yesterday's proceedings. SOURCE
These may be just another case of media obsession masterbating itself into paranoid rumor-induced frenzy, but if either is true, it's a poor showing for L.A. law. If the Sheriff donation story is true, it lends credence to the suspicion the Hilton family called in a favor to get special treatment -- exactly what most people thought when they heard that she was released. If the judge story is true, it's bureaucratic red-tape that trigged some kind of sado-ego-tastic power play between the Sheriff's Department and the judge. Either possibility is odious. And if these stories were fabricated, then whoever made them up are UTTER dicks. And I do believe I am using the word "dick" correctly here.
The more important point here is how can we properly handle the combo of money, celebrity, and justice. I don't even know how much Paris Hilton has little to do with it anymore, other than being another famous person who did something dumb. As I mentioned in my earlier post, it appears that Paris' fame is working against her, and this seems to be compounded by internal politics within the L.A. justice system.
Clip of Baca's statement on Friday courtesy of I Don't Like You In That Way. Still sounds straight up to me, but maybe he's just another out of work actor in L.A.
Paris Hilton has been ordered back to jail in Lynwood and will serve out her sentence with a credit for the 5 days she's already served. Reporters say she was crying through the entire process and, when Judge Michael Sauer gave his decision, she let out a huge cry and said, "This isn't right." She was then physically dragged out of the courtroom by a female deputy, in tears, screaming, "Mom, Mom, Mom."
Paris, I'm afriad it IS right to serve your time, regardless of your feeling the judge is treating you unfairly.
I do feel bad for her, I would guess that despite her endless socializing, she's a fairly lonely person. I don't know if she has the capacity to contemplate her situation and how her or her excessive lifestyle is perceived. If anything, it seems her fame is making the situation far harder than it may otherwise be, for the attention on the case makes it a test of the justice system's fairness.
From Reuters: The sheriff denied Hilton was given preferential treatment, saying that under an early release program established to ease overcrowded jails she was actually serving more time than other inmates in the same low-level category.
"Under our early release program, she would not have served any time in our jail, or would have been directly put on our home electronic monitoring system," he said. "So the special treatment, in a sense, appears to be ... more time in jail."
After hearing the statement by Sheriff Baca, who released her to house arrest yesterday, it's clear he only had her best intentions at heart, though his actions were specifically prohibited by the judge. Click here to see his statement on TMZ.com
I don't feel too good about posting the pictures of her crying in the police car today -- they seem too personal. Go to The Superficial to view those.
Thanks Judge Sauer, you restored some of my faith in the justice system, though it's unfortunate that Paris (or anybody) would need to suffer to do so. I would be interested to learn what was behind your decision to prohibit her to house arrest, though I have to say I agree with it.
As those well-informed about things besides the current shape of Britney Spears' ass (it is not great) know, Democratic Rep. William J. Jefferson was indicted Monday for allegedly using his congressional office to enrich himself and his family through a pattern of fraud, bribery and corruption that spanned five years and two continents. Jefferson maintains his innocence.
The charges, the first against a Democratic member of Congress in the wake of the Justice Department's recent crackdown on public corruption, follow a two-year investigation that gained attention when FBI agents raided Jefferson's home and found $90,000 in cash stuffed in his freezer "wrapped in aluminum foil, and concealed inside various frozen food containers,"
If these allegations are true, not only is this dude void of any ethical or moral guidance, he sucks at hiding cash. Doesn't he know that the freezer is one of the worst places to hide cash? This from aol money:
Here are the burglar's top five places not to hide your valuables: 3. Refrigerator & Freezer: "Many drugs last longer when refrigerated so big stashes end up in the refrigerator. Prescription drugs could also be found in the refrigerator."
Knowledge is power, Mr. Jefferson.
Any by the way, they seem to have so much evidence on you that even your fellow Democrats are resigned to the fact you are guilty, and that would mean one less seat preserving the slight Democratic majority. Nice job, buddy! Keep helping the cause. A good time line of the investigation can be found on the Seattle Times Website.
Feel free to send your letters of support or damnation to: Congressman William J. Jefferson SECOND DISTRICT, LOUISIANA 240 CANNON · WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 202/225-6636 · 202/225-1988 FAX · www.house.gov/jefferson
This is amusing. I think these clips do a nice job showing the tap dance Republican candidates need to do to keep the support of the big-money right wing base and their own views, which in many cases are more moderate. Sadly that tap dance turns them into mock-worthy fodder.
NOTE, June 8: I decided not to edit my initial reaction, but after hearing the Sheriff's side of the story, I no longer think it is "an obvious case of money." Sheriff Baca, I think you probably made an ernest (though contemptuous?) call. Please don't make me retract this retraction!
In an obvious case of money making the courts go round, poor Paris Hilton was released from jail after less than five days. She was sentenced to 40 days, then reduced to 23, but she was suffering psycological distress. She was apparently released from jail due to medical reasons, although the LA County Sheriff's department has refused to release details about the "medical issue" due to confidentiality. Apparently she's been fitted with an ankle bracelet and put under house arrest for the next 40 days.
TMZ reports: "Psychiatrist Charles Sophy visited Hilton in jail yesterday and the day before. We're told after Sophy's visit yesterday, word was passed to the Sheriff that Hilton's mental state was fragile and she was at risk. The reason for releasing her had nothing to do with a rash or other physical issues. It was purely in her head."
Paris, I'm sure the blog and editorial world has just begun to get worked up over this, but all I can say is "Instant Karma is gonna git ya". Next time you tramp off to the club, barely noticing others less fortunate than you, remember there are people in that same jail with less money and darker skin for offenses like yours, and won't get out because they "couldn't take it." You disgust me, lady. And like any spoiled brat, you could care less.
From The Superficial: "Since when is being rich and famous considered a medical condition?"
Well put.
Image below of Paris' new and old bedrooms courtesy of Celebitchy
UPDATE FROM TMZ.com, June 7: The Los Angeles City Attorney has filed a motion asking the judge who sentenced Paris Hilton to have her returned to jail to serve out her full sentence.
In the documents obtained by TMZ, City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo is also asking Judge Michael Sauer to hold a hearing, demanding that the Sheriff's Department show why it should not be held in contempt of court for "violating Judge Sauer's May 4, 2007 order, which expressly stated "no electronic monitoring."
Late this afternoon, the judge granted the request for a hearing, which is now scheduled for 9:00 AM PDT tomorrow.
WASHINGTON — Former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby left a federal courtroom with his wife Tuesday after being sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $250,000 fine for lying and obstructing the CIA leak investigation.
Looks like Scooter's taking the fall to save Karl Rove and Dick Cheney's collective keesters. If this guy gets a pardon I will riot in the streets (or just shake my fists in rage and bitch about it on this blog). Don't do it Bushy. Don't you do it. I know you will. But don't anyway.
I believe Blogs are empowering, giving individuals a chance to do what only big news/big money could do in the past. That said, I am basically just a guy sitting here trying to share information and make sense out of the world. So what does a BLOG really do to help anything? I do not have the time or money to fact-check every detail, so I depend heavily on books, newspapers, television, or the Internet. This means that even if I look at multiple sources from (hopefully) multiple points of view, I still lean on others to do research for me. I'm at the mercy of their biases. Does this make my Blog just a part of the "echo chamber" that is so often manipulated by politicians and corporations? Can what I publish here really be objective?
Not really.
What I can try to do is provide editorial opinion, hopefully backed with facts. Does this sound reasonable? Worth thinking about as people read all these wonderful Blogs out there. Or anything else they read or watch on TV, I suppose. Just thinkin'
It's not easy running a public radio station. Money is hard to come by, and stations are always trying to scrape together cash for the big name shows (Car Talk is a riot, but it 'aint free). To get that cash, they need to risk alienating listeners with the dreaded on-air fundraisers. That usually means endless blathering and repeating their 800 phone number until both lips and ears go numb, trying to get the last few couple of bucks pledged before the commuters get home and turn off their car radios for the night. Meanwhile, listeners are hitting the radio's "seek" button to find NPR on some station whose not trying to pump the well for cash that week.
The constant struggle for cash eventually might have you hop into bed with corporations, who in turn may erode your ability to maintain editorial integrity. For example, WFCR in Springfield, MA has recently announced plans to join with media monster Clear Channel. This is a fairly alarming development. Clear Channel and their 1,200 station army has a history of controversy that ranges from "pay-to-play" music programming to censorship of anti-Bush commentary (Google it). Their move into public radio is disturbing to me. It's hard enough to get news that is "fair and balanced", even if it claims to be. I wish WFCR well, but a tie to Clear Channel is enough to make my radio dial run for the hills.
So here's a success story: Northeast Public Radio WAMC. Led by the seemingly inexhaustible Dr. Alan Chartock, WAMC features a bold, independent style and a diverse range of national and regional public programming. The heavy hitters in public radio are there: NPR News, Morning Edition, Fresh Air, etc. They also feature some excellent in-house shows, including The Media Project, an inside look at media coverage of current events, and Vox Pop, a daily call-in talk program with experts in just about any topic under the sun.
WAMC had tough times to, and were tempted by the dark side of public radio. In a story Chartock recalled during their current fundrive, at one point the struggling station was offered a new building and enhanced facilities... with a catch. They were never to utter the word "abortion" on the air. Chartock was enraged and walked out on the offer rather than have such restrictions. He lost a huge deal for WAMC, but preserved it's soul. Fortunately, they have a solid base of listeners who help support the station, and their radio signal on Mt. Greylock reaches parts of 7 states.
Though someone in San Diego may have little interest in the regional programming, their web site streams it's signal live to anyone with a decent Internet connection. This, in my opinion, is a gift to the world. In a world full of corporate news echo chambers, WAMC provides intelligent, insightful broadcasts that are not afraid to call it how they see it, while giving the other side of the issue a chance to respond.
They are truly a national treasure. Keep it up WAMC! My pledge is in the mail. Really.
The ULTIMATE tip of the hat not only this kid, but his lovely date. Any girl that attractive willing to put up with your date wearing a Stormtrooper costume to the prom is my kind of girl. Come to think of it, any girl that attractive even DATING a sci-fi geek that goes out in public wearing a Stormtrooper outfit... wow. Young lady, where were you when I was 17? Oh damn, you weren't born yet when I was 17... shit I'm old.
By the way, this girl's parents should rest easy. My home boy Sean has one of these costumes; they are highly uncomfortable, and blood flow to extremities are severely impared. I guarantee that the odds of this couple having after prom sex is approximately 3,720 to 1.
Thank goodness. It looks like we have a shot a getting back in the U.S. vs Russia business! We were good at that, weren't we? You bet we were.
From Reuters:
BERLIN (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday U.S. plans to install a missile defense system in Europe increased the chances of a nuclear conflict. Moscow is alarmed by U.S. plans to deploy parts of a global missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic and last week it tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile it said could ensure the country's security for the next 40 years.
"The strategic balance in the West is disturbed," said Putin, adding Russia had to create a system to counter U.S. weapons.
Thanks Mr. President! Rehashing the whole Reagan-era "Star Wars" bluff for Iran and North Korea is going to do wonders for the James Bond francise. Just think of all the cool 007 movies we'll have again with a real villian to spy. Ever since the 90s we've had Bond going for drug lords, newspaper moguls and arms dealers. Yippie for new material!
Plus the "Red Scare/fear of communist thing" was so much cooler than the "War on Terror/fear of Islamic militants thing". We'll even know when we're invading the wrong country. Bring it on.
As I was listening to Al Gore's new book today, it struck me that perhaps I was only surrounding myself with information that supports my left-leaning preconcieved notions. Perhaps I was guilty of the same subjectivity that I accuse the Bush/Cheney administration of. Maybe I just don't like him becuase he has a really creepy face and oily skin? So, with that I went over to my local Borders and started skimming through Tom DeLay's new book No Retreat, No Surrender.
In the book, he manages to be critical of just about everyone on the right and left from Bill Clinton to Newt Gingrich, his own ability at self reflection seems to follow a pattern that goes something like:
I may have made some mistakes, but with the help of Jesus (cause I'm a born again Christian, so all those shots of whisky I took from hookers' belly buttons in the 80's are forgiven) I have worked through those issues. Nobody is perfect, but with the help from Jesus...
You get the idea. This book wasn't written to convert anyone, it was written (or most likely ghost-written) to sell to the devoted following that think Delay was simply a great man who fell victim to those vicious, scheming, manipulative LIBERALS. Of course, the book does not admit to any serious wrong doing, accept maybe being too humble and perhaps just loves America too much. He even provides a top 10 list of commonly held falsehoods about him.
In the spirit of fairness, I should list some democracy-shredding falsehoods and tribulations the vile liberals have subjected poor Tom to:
Gerrymandering of Texas congressional districts to the benefit of the Republican Party.
Using government resources including Homeland Security and the Federal Aviation Administration to obtain whereabouts of Democratic Members of the Texas House who had fled Austin in a plane to prevent above gerrymandering.
Criminally conspiring with two political associates to inject illegal corporate contributions into 2002 Texas state elections.
Using his political action committee, Texans for a Republican Majority (TRMPAC), to launder corporate money to Texas state campaigns in 2002, a violation of state law.
Founding "The K Street Project," which pressures Washington lobbying firms to hire Republicans in top positions (and thus have access to influential officials) and to punish firms with Democrats in top positions.
An unprecedented four admonishments by unanimous votes of the bipartisan House Ethics Committee
Employing various bullying techniques and threats to get congressional votes, earning him the name "The Hammer"
Getting a paid trip to Scotland to play golf from a Native American lobbying group
Accepting illegal gifts of foreign travel, lodging and an exclusive golf outing from lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
A trip DeLay took in 1997 to Moscow may have been underwritten by business interests lobbying on behalf of the Russian government.
DeLay's political action and campaign committees have paid his wife and daughter more than $500,000 since 2001.
Forced through the Medicaid bill condition which prevents the federal government from negotiating drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies
Called those who wanted to remove Terri Schiavo's feeding tube "an act of barbarism." He turned off life-support for his own father in 1988.
Taking trip to South Korea with other House Members and staff funded by Korea-U.S. Exchange Council, a business-financed group created with the help of a lobbying firm headed by DeLay’s former chief of staff.
Suffering the humiliation of being arrested.
That he became a born again Christian as a political strategy to gain votes.
Worst of all, they have produced this terrible documentary about him called "The Big Buy". How can he take this abuse? Here is a clip dealing with the gerrymandering.
I only hope that Tom can somehow get through this terrible time. It seems even when the Republicans controlled the Senate, House AND Oval Office, those damn liberals still find ways of casting dispersions on the good character of these upstanding public servants. Hang in there buddy. And buy some stridex, 'kay?
Keith Olbermann on the DeLay equating liberals to Hitler:
I'm pleased to share that Jack Kevorkian was released from prison today after serving part of his sentence for helping people humanly do what they should have the right to do anyway: end their own lives. He served 8 out of the possible 10-25 year sentence for second degree murder.
A smiling Kevorkian, now 79, said it was "one of the high points in life" as he walked out with his lawyer.
He has thought to have been involved in at least 130 assisted suicides. His "Thanatron" and "Mercitron" were two of the devices used to help people commit suicide by pressing a button leading to an IV or breathing Carbon Monoxide.
"You think I'm going to obey the law? You're crazy," he said in 1998 shortly before he was accused -- and then convicted -- of murder after injecting lethal drugs into Thomas Youk, 52, an Oakland County man suffering from Lou Gehrig's disease. Kevorkian had videotaped Youk's death and sent it to 60 Minutes. The public airing of this suicide, in which Kevorkian actually administered the injection was to be the catalyst which lead to his incarceration in Michigan.
On his release, his legal assistant Ruth Holmes said his views on the subject haven't changed. "This should be a matter that is handled as a fundamental human right that is between the patient, the doctor, his family and his God."
Kevorkian will be on parole for two years, and one of the conditions he must meet is that he can't help anyone else die. He is also prohibited from providing care for anyone who is older than 62 or is disabled. In a recent interview, Kevorkian was quoted as saying "It's got to be legalized. That's the point... I'll work to have it legalized. But I won't break any laws doing it."
He is scheduled to appear on 60 Minutes again this Sunday.
I applaud what Kevorkian does, as no one should have to suffer. I wonder if those who desired the laws forbidding suicide have faced the pain of Cancer or Lou Gehrig's disease. The Michigan Catholic Conference is one such interest group trying to ensure assisted suicide never is legalized in their state. In my opinion, just because you think it's wrong (or your faith has told you it's wrong) it does not justify forcing others to adhere to the same judgement. If I was in Thomas Youk's position I'd rather use one of his machines and go gently than attempt suicide employing a more painful, traumatic method (for myself and my family).
Mr. Kevorkian: You are a hero and a defender of human freedom. Thank you for having the guts to go to jail to support our right to choose.
People who are against assisted suicide: If your son or daughter is dying of a miserable disease and in intense pain, with no possibility of survival, then by all means keep them alive until the last possible shudder and moan. Then you can let your god decide if you did the right thing. Don't tell me what is best for my body and soul. Thanks.
Photo above: Kevorkian with a "suicide machine." Painting below: Very Still Life, Jack Kevorkian
Presently living in an abandoned Soviet radar station
I'm a former male model with degrees in philosophy and martial arts. I left the seminary to spread the word of truth to the infidels (the other ones). I frequently mix Vodka, Cialis, Viarga and Paxil to control my overzealous love of mankind.
