![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Color me surprised - NOT
Dec. 12th, 2006 11:16 pm28% Republican. | "You're probably one of those people who still thinks that getting a blowjob is not an impeachable offense." |
Commander in what?
Jun. 1st, 2006 07:30 am(Thanks to ![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
velvet_wood for the link to the rant.)
This past Saturday, President Bush delivered the commencement address at West Point.
However, the rant I am referring to is here, given by an alumnus of West Point (and former soldier). It is, I must say, one of the most finely crafted rants I have EVER read. It is brilliant!
Oh, and just to see another viewpoint, you can read the comments made by William F. Buckley here. (I find it more and more frightening when I seem to have opinions in common with people like Buckley & Buchannan.)
velvet_wood for the link to the rant.)This past Saturday, President Bush delivered the commencement address at West Point.
However, the rant I am referring to is here, given by an alumnus of West Point (and former soldier). It is, I must say, one of the most finely crafted rants I have EVER read. It is brilliant!
Oh, and just to see another viewpoint, you can read the comments made by William F. Buckley here. (I find it more and more frightening when I seem to have opinions in common with people like Buckley & Buchannan.)
More on NSA
May. 12th, 2006 06:49 pmThe Constitution is good.
FISA in One Syllable Words, by Kung Fu Monkey.
(Found & linked viakightp.)
FISA in One Syllable Words, by Kung Fu Monkey.
(Found & linked via
kightp.)
Pay attention, Comrades...
May. 11th, 2006 12:41 pmDomestic Spying Inquiry Killed: Justice Department says NSA wouldn't grant clearance
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government has abruptly ended an inquiry into the warrantless eavesdropping program because the National Security Agency refused to grant Justice Department lawyers security clearance.
Is it just me, or is this a little too much USSR for us to still be in the US? There's part of me that would like to think that shit like this went on before, we just didn't know about it because of the lack of a "24 hour news cycle", but somehow I doubt it. In fact, I'm pretty sure that it has more to do with certain Shrubberies.
This shit scares me.
(Found courtesy ofwcg.)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government has abruptly ended an inquiry into the warrantless eavesdropping program because the National Security Agency refused to grant Justice Department lawyers security clearance.
Is it just me, or is this a little too much USSR for us to still be in the US? There's part of me that would like to think that shit like this went on before, we just didn't know about it because of the lack of a "24 hour news cycle", but somehow I doubt it. In fact, I'm pretty sure that it has more to do with certain Shrubberies.
This shit scares me.
(Found courtesy of
wcg.)
Update to "No Satisfaction"
Apr. 26th, 2006 11:29 pm(In reference to my post here.)
Well, apparently we all got our legs pulled:
Stones deny hotel tiff with U.S. president.
However, I feel that I am not alone; this story was picked up widely, and even that bastion of "truthiness", Bill O'Reilly, fell for it (as seen here at the bottom of the page).
So, I'm sorry if it didn't happen...I kinda hope it did & the Stones are simply publicly denying it...but I'm a bad girl. ;)
Well, apparently we all got our legs pulled:
Stones deny hotel tiff with U.S. president.
However, I feel that I am not alone; this story was picked up widely, and even that bastion of "truthiness", Bill O'Reilly, fell for it (as seen here at the bottom of the page).
So, I'm sorry if it didn't happen...I kinda hope it did & the Stones are simply publicly denying it...but I'm a bad girl. ;)
Grass-roots Movement Taking Hold
Apr. 25th, 2006 11:59 pmI first heard about this on a message board yesterday; I've researched it, and it seems to be accurate.
There are currently three states with resolutions in their State Congress to Impeach George W. Bush:
Illinois: Resolution to push Bush impeachment
California: California Becomes Second State to Introduce Bush Impeachment
Vermont: Vermont Democrats Push Congress to Impeach President Bush
According to the Fox News article about Vermont, it mentions other states involved (New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin) but I haven't found anything else on these states - although the Vermont story has the earliest dateline.
There is also an article at OpEdNews.com discussing the Illinois resolution, but it also contains the text of the resolution.
This movement is founded based on something known as Jefferson's Rules, the pertinent portions being:
In the House there are various methods of setting an impeachment in motion: by charges made on the floor on the responsibility of a Member or Delegate; by charges preferred by a memorial, which is usually referred to a committee for examination; by a resolution dropped in the hopper by a Member and referred to a committee; by a message from the President; by charges transmitted from the legislature of a State or territory or from a grand jury; or from facts developed and reported by an investigating committee of the House. (Emphasis mine.)
I'm going to be very interested to see where this goes; I know damned well it won't happen here in good old red-state Indiana, but I'll sure be watching the news.
There are currently three states with resolutions in their State Congress to Impeach George W. Bush:
Illinois: Resolution to push Bush impeachment
California: California Becomes Second State to Introduce Bush Impeachment
Vermont: Vermont Democrats Push Congress to Impeach President Bush
According to the Fox News article about Vermont, it mentions other states involved (New Mexico, Nevada, North Carolina and Wisconsin) but I haven't found anything else on these states - although the Vermont story has the earliest dateline.
There is also an article at OpEdNews.com discussing the Illinois resolution, but it also contains the text of the resolution.
This movement is founded based on something known as Jefferson's Rules, the pertinent portions being:
In the House there are various methods of setting an impeachment in motion: by charges made on the floor on the responsibility of a Member or Delegate; by charges preferred by a memorial, which is usually referred to a committee for examination; by a resolution dropped in the hopper by a Member and referred to a committee; by a message from the President; by charges transmitted from the legislature of a State or territory or from a grand jury; or from facts developed and reported by an investigating committee of the House. (Emphasis mine.)
I'm going to be very interested to see where this goes; I know damned well it won't happen here in good old red-state Indiana, but I'll sure be watching the news.
GWB Can't Get No Satisfaction
Apr. 25th, 2006 06:38 pmFound this yesterday, thought it was immensely amusing:
Mick Beats George To Suite
To sum up, Mick Jagger has the Royal Suite reserved at the Imperial Hotel in Vienna, Austria for when the Stones are on their tour this summer. GWB is going to Vienna for some sort of summit meeting. His people called Mick & asked him to give the suite up to GWB.
Mick said "no". :D
I don't know that I can express exactly how amused this makes me. GWB is *so* used to pushing people around that it's nice to see someone (even politely) push back.
As seen on a message board in reference to this issue: "Mick certainly isn't showing much sympathy for the devil."
*chortle*
Mick Beats George To Suite
To sum up, Mick Jagger has the Royal Suite reserved at the Imperial Hotel in Vienna, Austria for when the Stones are on their tour this summer. GWB is going to Vienna for some sort of summit meeting. His people called Mick & asked him to give the suite up to GWB.
Mick said "no". :D
I don't know that I can express exactly how amused this makes me. GWB is *so* used to pushing people around that it's nice to see someone (even politely) push back.
As seen on a message board in reference to this issue: "Mick certainly isn't showing much sympathy for the devil."
*chortle*
Stupid Bumper Stickers
Apr. 23rd, 2006 07:32 pmI saw probably the STUPIDEST bumper sticker today. It read:
"If Mary had been Pro-Choice, we wouldn't have Christmas."
*rolleyes*
I don't think I need to go into all the reasons that this is a stupid bumper sticker. However, my immediate response was, "Well, then I wouldn't have YOU telling me what I can do with MY OWN body."
Dumbass.
"If Mary had been Pro-Choice, we wouldn't have Christmas."
*rolleyes*
I don't think I need to go into all the reasons that this is a stupid bumper sticker. However, my immediate response was, "Well, then I wouldn't have YOU telling me what I can do with MY OWN body."
Dumbass.
I've always loved Eleanor...
Apr. 21st, 2006 07:22 am | You scored as Old School Democrat. Old school Democrats emphasize economic justice and opportunity. The Democratic ideal is best summarized by the Four Freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
What's Your Political Philosophy? created with QuizFarm.com |
NYT Op Ed Piece
Apr. 9th, 2006 10:30 amfilkertom posted this article/op ed and I think it's wonderful! There need to be some of the "fundie base" who need to read it.Christ Among the Partisans", by Garry Wills. Mr. Wills is most recently known for writing the new book What Jesus Meant.
It's worth the read, regardless of your religious affiliation or inclination.
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-syndicated.gif){kind=small}
I didn't watch. In fact, I was rather annoyed that it pre-empted two of my favorite shows, House and Love Monkey. I had a pretty good idea of what the Shrub was going to say (more of the usual talking points, for an hour) so I avoided it. However, among my friends, I've found a good couple of "bookend" articles/opinion pieces for the before & after.
The "before" (found byfilkertom):
The State of The Union by William Rivers Pitt.
The "after" (found bysyreene):
W Places Apple On Head, Dares Nation To Shoot it Off by Tom Gilroy.
Both interesting & to the point.
The "before" (found by
filkertom):The State of The Union by William Rivers Pitt.
The "after" (found by
syreene):W Places Apple On Head, Dares Nation To Shoot it Off by Tom Gilroy.
Both interesting & to the point.
More "War on Christmas"
Dec. 23rd, 2005 12:44 pmTwo more links.
I found this first one through![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
metaquotes and is a link to the actual post, not the metaquotes entry:
Thoughts on political correctness and the war on Christian values. [Warning: Some bad language & a great deal of bitterness.] A quote: "What I care about is that this is getting ridiculous. Christians, you are not an oppressed minority. There is no war on your religious holiday which is the only religious holiday that is also a federal holiday. It's not even your holiday. You stole it from the pagans who celebrated the rebirth of the sun god Mithras on the winter solstice. The Christmas tree is a Teutonic pagan icon that was integrated into British culture during the reign of Queen Victoria on account of her German husband. But hey, if you want to claim it for yourself and call it the birthday of your lord and savior, fine. You do that.
All I ask. All any of us ask, really, is that you shut up about it already. Drink your nog, attend your service, give your gifts, do your thing, but stop cramming it down our throats."
The second one was posted in my friendsyreene's journal, and I nicked it:
The Stranger and the Fox: A Christmas Fable. (As posted in "The Huffington Post".) A quote: " 'So some Palestinian walks into town - beard, sandals, looks like a terrorist, right? Says that God can be directly experienced by everyone, without rich, powerful clergymen or their politician buddies. And when folks want to exchange money at our convenient in-Temple banking centers - which is their God-given right - he calls it an abomination. He's part of the war on Passover! What can you do with a guy like that but string him up, right? I'm Bill O'Reilly and this is the No-Spin Zone.' "
What can I say, I'm getting political in my old age. *sigh*
I found this first one through
metaquotes and is a link to the actual post, not the metaquotes entry:Thoughts on political correctness and the war on Christian values. [Warning: Some bad language & a great deal of bitterness.] A quote: "What I care about is that this is getting ridiculous. Christians, you are not an oppressed minority. There is no war on your religious holiday which is the only religious holiday that is also a federal holiday. It's not even your holiday. You stole it from the pagans who celebrated the rebirth of the sun god Mithras on the winter solstice. The Christmas tree is a Teutonic pagan icon that was integrated into British culture during the reign of Queen Victoria on account of her German husband. But hey, if you want to claim it for yourself and call it the birthday of your lord and savior, fine. You do that.
All I ask. All any of us ask, really, is that you shut up about it already. Drink your nog, attend your service, give your gifts, do your thing, but stop cramming it down our throats."
The second one was posted in my friend
syreene's journal, and I nicked it:The Stranger and the Fox: A Christmas Fable. (As posted in "The Huffington Post".) A quote: " 'So some Palestinian walks into town - beard, sandals, looks like a terrorist, right? Says that God can be directly experienced by everyone, without rich, powerful clergymen or their politician buddies. And when folks want to exchange money at our convenient in-Temple banking centers - which is their God-given right - he calls it an abomination. He's part of the war on Passover! What can you do with a guy like that but string him up, right? I'm Bill O'Reilly and this is the No-Spin Zone.' "
What can I say, I'm getting political in my old age. *sigh*
The "War" on Christmas
Dec. 20th, 2005 05:34 pmI've been pondering this issue for quite some time, and have thought about writing my own essay/diatribe about it. However, other people seem to have beaten me to it:
The Truth About Christmas: The so-called 'War on Christmas' is a nonexistent threat that does more harm than good for the Christian religion. (Found viaroyalcrow.)
Over intheferrett's domain, we have In Which I Tell You That Everyone's Crazy: The War On Christmas, with follow-up posts here and here.
There's an editorial in the Boston Globe which is good (albeit short & to the point): Whose Holy Day?
And, an article from our local Indianapolis Star, A holiday hot button.
I may not agree with everything in these articles, but it comes down to the fact that, asdimetherwen states in a post from her LJ here (found via metaquotes) "As for the "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" issue... for the love of Pete, everyone. Even if you're Christian, there are still two holidays in this particular season- Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/Etc. and New Year's. Put that giant yuletide log from your ass and deal with it."
This might not be my most *original* post, but I'll tell you each one of these things really made me think. Feel free to do the same. :)
The Truth About Christmas: The so-called 'War on Christmas' is a nonexistent threat that does more harm than good for the Christian religion. (Found via
royalcrow.)Over in
theferrett's domain, we have In Which I Tell You That Everyone's Crazy: The War On Christmas, with follow-up posts here and here.There's an editorial in the Boston Globe which is good (albeit short & to the point): Whose Holy Day?
And, an article from our local Indianapolis Star, A holiday hot button.
I may not agree with everything in these articles, but it comes down to the fact that, as
dimetherwen states in a post from her LJ here (found via metaquotes) "As for the "Merry Christmas" and "Happy Holidays" issue... for the love of Pete, everyone. Even if you're Christian, there are still two holidays in this particular season- Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/Etc. and New Year's. Put that giant yuletide log from your ass and deal with it."This might not be my most *original* post, but I'll tell you each one of these things really made me think. Feel free to do the same. :)
Interesting link
Dec. 6th, 2005 07:49 pmI found this while mucking about on MSNBC today via their "Test Pattern" blog. It's a comparison that someone put together of Richard Scarry's Best Word Book Ever, comparing the 1963 version with the 1991 version. Fascinating stuff about societal changes, gender roles, and political correctness.
The Best Word Book Ever, 1963 & 1991.
The Best Word Book Ever, 1963 & 1991.
I'm very lucky, really.
Dec. 1st, 2005 08:23 pmI have to say, I'm lucky. To my knowledge, I have not ever known someone who is *either* HIV+ or has died of AIDS. Not personally. However, living where I do in Indiana, I am *very* familiar with the story of Ryan White. I had already graduated by the time he became known, but I know the town he grew up in, and I can imagine what it was like for him trying to go to school there. I've been to his grave. He faced a lot of bigotry (and being ill) with a lot of grace.
If you haven't ever read it (or seen the movie) you should read And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic. Very well written, very scary.
Anyway, I might not know anyone personally, but that doesn't stop me from caring. Or being careful.
If you haven't ever read it (or seen the movie) you should read And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic. Very well written, very scary.
Anyway, I might not know anyone personally, but that doesn't stop me from caring. Or being careful.
Two stores down...
Nov. 14th, 2005 05:55 pmWell, I already don't shop at Wal-Mart (unless I absolutely have to) because of their business practices. I've managed just fine, thank you, except for a couple things that I've only been able to find there, in shopping at Target & Meijer instead. Now, thanks to an article that filkertom posted, I can't shop at Target, either.
Target digs itself a deeper hole in emergency contraceptive scandal.
To summarize, Target is backing their pharmacists who refuse to dispense prescriptions for Plan B emergency contraceptive pills. They mentioned at some point that this is due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but legalistas have shown that is an invalid interpretation of the CRA.
I don't mind that the American Pharmacists Association has a policy to allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions on moral grounds as long as it doesn't restrict the patient from receiving treatment. A position statement I read on the APhA website points out that this is no different than allowing doctors or nurses to refuse to participate in treatment they find morally objectionable, and I would have to agree. But too many of these pharmacists become "holier-than-thou" and use this policy to completely refuse any type of birth control. And when you're talking about emergency contraception, time is of the essence.
I don't know at what point these people decided that being free to *express* their beliefs translated over into being free to *impose* their beliefs. It's happening all over, and it's PISSING ME OFF.
Yeah, I don't like neo-nazis/white supremacists/whatever either, but I'm not going to tell them they can't believe what they want to believe. They have as much right to be stupid as anyone else. And yes, I'll fight for their right to express their beliefs, too. These moralistic hypocrites have every right to their beliefs...just like I'm free to believe in gods & godesses, or Buddha, or nothing at all as I see fit.
Anyway, I don't know where's going to be next...the next boycott, the next hypocrite, the next idiot. But it sucks, because boycotts and letters are the only way to get through to these people. :p
filkertom posted, I can't shop at Target, either.Target digs itself a deeper hole in emergency contraceptive scandal.
To summarize, Target is backing their pharmacists who refuse to dispense prescriptions for Plan B emergency contraceptive pills. They mentioned at some point that this is due to the Civil Rights Act of 1964, but legalistas have shown that is an invalid interpretation of the CRA.
I don't mind that the American Pharmacists Association has a policy to allow pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions on moral grounds as long as it doesn't restrict the patient from receiving treatment. A position statement I read on the APhA website points out that this is no different than allowing doctors or nurses to refuse to participate in treatment they find morally objectionable, and I would have to agree. But too many of these pharmacists become "holier-than-thou" and use this policy to completely refuse any type of birth control. And when you're talking about emergency contraception, time is of the essence.
I don't know at what point these people decided that being free to *express* their beliefs translated over into being free to *impose* their beliefs. It's happening all over, and it's PISSING ME OFF.
Yeah, I don't like neo-nazis/white supremacists/whatever either, but I'm not going to tell them they can't believe what they want to believe. They have as much right to be stupid as anyone else. And yes, I'll fight for their right to express their beliefs, too. These moralistic hypocrites have every right to their beliefs...just like I'm free to believe in gods & godesses, or Buddha, or nothing at all as I see fit.
Anyway, I don't know where's going to be next...the next boycott, the next hypocrite, the next idiot. But it sucks, because boycotts and letters are the only way to get through to these people. :p
To all our veterans
Nov. 11th, 2005 11:31 amToday, Veteran's Day, I would like to thank all of you who are veterans reading my LJ, those of you with family members who were veterans, and those who are currently serving. Also I thank the 2000+ who have already given their life in our current conflict. (And for those who were wondering, yes, I oppose the Iraq War, but I support our troops, their decision to serve, and want to see them come home safely & soon.)
In honor of this day, I want to post a poem that has always spoken to me, ever since I first read it in elementary school. I don't think the sentiment has changed much.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918), Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Thank you for serving that I might be free.
In honor of this day, I want to post a poem that has always spoken to me, ever since I first read it in elementary school. I don't think the sentiment has changed much.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918), Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Thank you for serving that I might be free.
A seat is open...
Oct. 24th, 2005 09:50 pmI just found out that Rosa Parks has died today at age 92. (STORY)
A quote from her at a celebration in her honor held in 1988:
“I am leaving this legacy to all of you ... to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die — the dream of freedom and peace.”
Rest in Peace. Thank you.
A quote from her at a celebration in her honor held in 1988:
“I am leaving this legacy to all of you ... to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be. Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die — the dream of freedom and peace.”
Rest in Peace. Thank you.
Love is Love
Oct. 1st, 2005 08:51 amFrom siliconshaman, filkertom and others (keep it going):
I am the guy who came out to the entire school in his senior speech and got a standing ovation for his courage.
I am the girl who kisses her girlfriend on the sidewalk and laughs at those who glare.
We are the couple who planned and studied and got a damn good lawyer and BEAT the state that wanted to take our child away.
We are the ones who took martial arts classes and carry pepper spray and are just too dangerous to gay bash.
I am the transgender person who uses the bathroom that suits me, and demands that any complaining staff explain their complaint to my face in front of the entire restaurant--and shares with my other trans friends which restaurants don't raise a stink.
I am the mother who told her lesbian daughter to invite her girlfriend over for dinner.
I am the father who punished his son for calling you a fag.
I am the preacher who told my congregation that love, not hate, is the definition of a true follower of God.
I am the girl who did not learn the meaning of "homosexual" until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing.
I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.
We are the high school class who agrees, unanimously, along with our teacher, that love should be all that matters.
If you agree, repost this. Do it. You don't have to be afraid. You can handle it. You're stronger than you think.
I am making a difference. Hate will not win.
siliconshaman, filkertom and others (keep it going):I am the guy who came out to the entire school in his senior speech and got a standing ovation for his courage.
I am the girl who kisses her girlfriend on the sidewalk and laughs at those who glare.
We are the couple who planned and studied and got a damn good lawyer and BEAT the state that wanted to take our child away.
We are the ones who took martial arts classes and carry pepper spray and are just too dangerous to gay bash.
I am the transgender person who uses the bathroom that suits me, and demands that any complaining staff explain their complaint to my face in front of the entire restaurant--and shares with my other trans friends which restaurants don't raise a stink.
I am the mother who told her lesbian daughter to invite her girlfriend over for dinner.
I am the father who punished his son for calling you a fag.
I am the preacher who told my congregation that love, not hate, is the definition of a true follower of God.
I am the girl who did not learn the meaning of "homosexual" until high school but never thought to question why two men might be kissing.
I am the woman who argues (quite loudly and vehemently) with the bigots who insist that you do not have the right to marry or raise children.
We are the high school class who agrees, unanimously, along with our teacher, that love should be all that matters.
If you agree, repost this. Do it. You don't have to be afraid. You can handle it. You're stronger than you think.
I am making a difference. Hate will not win.
