Several Large Piles of Crap Found in Capitol Building.

According to “Roll Call”, several piles of crap were found on the Senate side of the Capitol building last Wednesday. Capitol Hill Police released the piles of crap after Kennedy and McCain showed their credentials. The other 98 piles of crap could not be reached for comment.

In a related story, on the House side of the building…

It's WAR!

Switzerland invades Liechtenstein, France surrenders.

This is Worse than Bad Statistics.

This could be considered election tampering. The Lancet et al say that 655,000 extra Iraqis have died since the start of the war. That’s around 550 dead per day. Well, that seemed a tad high to me, so I did a comparison. I compared the Iraqi losses with those of Imperial Japan during World War II, as a percentage of total population. Since the Lancet didn’t distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, I included both Japanese military and civilian deaths.

In 1931 Japan had a population of 73 million. During the entirety of WWII they lost 1.9 million military and 393,000 civilians for a loss rate of 3.1% of total population.

At the beginning of the Iraq War there were about 25 million Iraqis, and, according to the Lancet et al, 655,000 have died for a loss rate of 2.6% of total population.

This isn’t absurd, it’s profoundly absurd. There’s no way numbers can be that far off on their own. But we all make mistakes, and we learn.

Apparently not. It seems these same academics unveiled a similarly depressing study right before the 2004 elections.

Honestly, I have no idea if this is election tampering, but I’ve gotta wonder.

Take A Pill, Pal.

The Ayatollah Khomeini famously said: "An Islamic regime must be serious in every field. There are no jokes in Islam. There is no humor in Islam. There is no fun in Islam."

Here's a quick timeline of events in the 2 years following Khomeini's rise:

Feb. 1979 ----Shah Falls. Khomeini assumes power.

Nov. 1979----American Embassy hostages taken in Tehran.

Dec. 1979-----Russia invades Afghanistan.

Sept. 1980----Iraq invades Iran.

Apparently Khomeini was right.

Thnx to: Mary Madigan at Dean's World.

It’s a Deterrent, It’s a Deterrent Not.

BTK killer Dennis Rader has gone to prison for life. He won’t be executed because Kansas did not have the death penalty when he committed the murders:

“Rader could not face the death penalty because Kansas did not reinstate capital punishment until 1994, three years after his last killing.”

If Rader is telling the truth, did the institution of the death penalty deter him from claiming more victims? Or did he remain undeterred and only confess to killings he committed during the non-death penalty period?

Either way, he's still the lowest form of life in the universe.

The Sad and the Sickening.

I’m not going to pass judgment on Cindy Sheehan’s actions or opinions. She has lost her son which must be unbearably sad. Is she melting down, or is she acting according to her strong beliefs? Maybe both, I just don’t know.

I will, however, pass judgment on the sickening behavior of the anti-war groups and the media who are using her to advance their agendas, sell more papers, or increase their viewership. If Ms. Sheehan were an alcoholic, these people would be buying her drinks. If she were standing on the roof of a building, threatening to leap to her death, these lowlifes would be yelling “Jump, Jump”. I can imagine no conduct more contemptible.

There is much debate about whether these folks are lazy, ignorant, willfully biased, or lacking a conscience. Well, one thing they clearly lack is a soul.

Independence Day

(Note: I submitted this letter this site. I don't think it made it, so I'm putting it here)

To all those serving,

I really don't know how words can convey my deep pride in your selfless defense of our nation and your attempt to bring liberty to the people of Iraq and Afghanistan. However, I must try.

I served a tour in Vietnam and know something of what you're going through. My year was the most frustrating, rewarding, frightening, and exhilarating time of my life. I'm sure you feel the same and will always hold that knowledge in your hearts.

There are some here at home who try to undermine our nation's actions and, by extension, your service. Do not listen to them, they are small persons who cannot stand to see others do what they cannot even imagine. They speak of right and wrong, yet know nothing of either. These poseurs do not fool most Americans. Most Americans wholeheartedly support both you and your mission. Do not forget this, for we will never forget you.

It is the 4th of July weekend, and thanks to you and all who have come before, we celebrate America's Independence Day.

Someday, maybe the Iraqis and Afghans will celebrate their own Independence Days, with freedom and in peace.

When that day comes, know one thing, you will have made it possible. Then the world will realize the greatness of your achievement, the immensity of your sacrifice, and the goodness of your souls.

Even though it will never be enough, accept my humble thanks.

George Hamid

Another Obituary*...Maybe They Thought Kelo Referred To A Quantity Of Pot.

Washington, DC 6/23/05

Word has been received of the death of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution died at its home after a lengthy illness. It was surrounded by loved ones and lawyers.

The Constitution was born in 1786 in Philadelphia, PA. Though afflicted with a number of congenital defects, through surgery and other therapies it made an almost full recovery. The Constitution became a leading proponent of liberty and justice and an admired leader throughout the world.

Diagnosed in 1965 with Emanating Penumbritis, the Constitution deteriorated rapidly as major amendments were infected and began to fail. It is survived by an older brother, The Declaration of Independence.

A memorial service was to be held in the National Cathedral, however, the building was condemned and demolished to make way for upscale condos and a high-end outlet mall.

In lieu of flowers, cash donations can be sent to the DNC, RNC, or the ABA.

* The first obituary.

This Way to the "Great Exit Strategy".

A "small bi-partisan group" in the House is revisiting the moronically naive concept of an Iraq "exit strategy". They even want a no-later-than date to begin troop withdrawal (Oct. 1, 2006). Now maybe I'm taking this too seriously, I mean Dennis Kucinich is one of the group's four members, but this stupidity should have been put out of its misery a long time ago. Anyone who advocates such a plan is woefully ignorant of the very nature of war. All it takes is a quick look at the "exit strategies" of some of America's previous wars.

The Civil War:
"If I had been allowed my way this war would have ended before this, but we find it still continues..." Abraham Lincoln 1862

World War I:
"We won't be back till it's over, over there." From a popular song of that era.

World War II:
Absolute and unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan.
In other words, if you don't stop fighting and admit utter defeat, we will kill every man, woman, and child in your respective nations.

The Korean War:*
We'll defend the 38th parallel for as long as it takes.

* Technically, the war is still on-going. Also, it was not exactly American, it was a U.N. operation.

The Vietnam War:**
"All we are saying, is give peace a chance." From a popular song of that era.

** Notice how well this one turned out. Transparency Alert: I did a tour in 'Nam.

I guess what I'm trying to say, about war, is that one of its most terrible ironies is that no-one knows how or when it will end. If anyone says they do, ignore them. They are, at best, fools, and every time they start talking about an "exit strategy", I remember a story about P.T. Barnum.

It seems that Barnum had a problem at his famous museum of oddities. The museum had become so popular that the patrons wouldn't leave and the building quickly filled to capacity. This prevented more patrons from helping to fill P.T.'s bank account. Barnum thought for a bit, then had signs with arrows made-up saying "This way to the Great Egress". Sure enough, people followed the signs to a large set of doors over which read "The Great Egress". Full of anticipation they went through the doors only to find themselves back out on the street.

Of course, I'm sure you know, egress means exit.

The Opposite of Love is not Hate, But Indifference.

What should America do about other nations hating us? Should we give away more money and aid? Should it be given with no strings attached? Or maybe we should allow our people to be killed indiscriminatly for simply being U.S. citizens?

Well let me say something to those who hate us so. All nations have a “street opinion” and that includes the U.S. How far do you think we can be pushed before the American “street” becomes enraged? America has always been slow to anger, but once angry will deliver unimaginable retribution. I can speak only for myself when I say I’m not far from that rage now.

I don’t want people hating my nation, but there are other concerns I find far more important.

If You Read Anything This Memorial Day.

This is the least I can do to thank Don Surber.

Exercising His Right To Be A Festering Pustule.

For a long time I have wanted to see one of those pompous Senate committees get told off by someone called to be abused by it. Well, it just happened and do I get an Oliver North moment of courage and honor? Noooooo, I get a George Galloway moment of arrogance and pond-scummery.

I'd go on but I couldn't come close to the eloquence of Christopher Hitchens or Gerard Baker.

Yet I've got to give Galloway credit for doing something I thought impossible, making the US Senate look like a lesser evil.

Phraseology You Don't See Every Day.

This is from a Yahoo! news story, emphasis mine:

Although she quit school as a young woman to perform on stage, Travis enlisted in college in the 1980s and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Oklahoma in 1992.

Maybe there's still hope for American Higher Education. Here's the link to the article.

Hey, At Least I Waited For John-Paul To Be Buried.

The College of Cardinals will now need to select a new Pope. It's unlikely an American will be named due to Iraq, our approach to reproduction, and our nation's generally secular nature.

And you know, that's OK. There are far more devout Catholics in the third world who need the help of the church more than we do.

Anyway, who needs a Pope Pedophile I .

Stuff it Buffett

Jimmy Buffett has cultivated his laid back, live and let live persona for as long as I can remember. But a few years back a local band that did covers of his songs had the temerity to call themselves the "Parrotheads". Somehow this transgression was discovered by Buffett or one of his minions and the band was enjoined to cease and desist. Now the same fate has occurred to a band named "Parrotville".

Well, Mr. live and let live, you're a freakin' hypocrite. Why not trademark "Parrotburgh" or "Parrottown"? Or just "Parrot".

By the way, Jimmy, if you're still looking for your lost shaker of salt, I know where it is. It's up your ass, right next to your head.

Death Seems Heavy in the Air.

Nice post title, huh. But am I wrong? I mean, Terri Schiavo, the Pope, Frank Perdue. Of course, many other people have died in the last few days who will be mourned by only a few loved ones, and mourned as deeply. It's fitting that we should keep trying to understand death.

But how we live is more important than how we die, and that, to me, is the lesson in all this. And I think Frank, Terri, and John-Paul would agree.

This Really Sucks

Much has been said about the acrimony resulting from the Terri Schiavo affair. Glenn Reynolds sadly posts about the hate mail, the bitter attacks, and the friendships that seem to be slipping away. There have been controversies like this before, but this time it's become a near blood feud. Why is it different now?

Since the late 60's the media and the politicians have increasingly chosen to exploit our differences rather than forge our common interests. They magnify the extremes of our culture and ignore the moderate majority. Why would they do this? The media desires profit and accolades, the politicians want re-election. They both crave power.

The reaction to Terri Schiavo's situation is only a symptom of a greater, more horrible disease. It's not about the judiciary, nor is it about religion or the lack thereof. It's not even about life versus death. It's about what happens to a society when it's leadership sacrifices honor and integrity for power and status. And, it's about how a great nation begins to destroy itself.

The Terri Schiavo Affair

Who's to decide between life and death. Should we rely on mortal judgements, with thier biases and their insights, their honor and their deceit? Such a course is, naturally, frightening with it's uncertainity. Or should we adhere to a belief where the decisions are clear? Where they are made by powers greater than us. Oddly, such a course is, still, frightening with it's uncertainity.

I don't know. I wish I did. I do think I know one thing, though.

If God, alone, had been the judge in this, Terri Schiavo would have died the same day she had the heart attack. Her husband, her parents, her friends, would have been spared so much heartache. But God, alone, did not make the decision, we intervened, and now it's not as simple. It seems God, alone, would have been more just, more merciful.

Like it or not, it's not just God, alone, anymore. We don't have the luxury.

Let Me Get This Straight

The Colorado University at Boulder faculty have expressed their support for Ward Churchill, who lied about being a Native American, called all but the janitors killed on 9/11 "little Eichmanns", claimed other's artwork as his own, and plagiarized the writing of fellow academics.

The Harvard University faculty have expressed no confidence in Lawrence Summers, who said that women might not have as great an aptitude for science and math as men.

So let me get this straight, people actually pay money to attend these asylums?

Want my opinion, America?......Well here it is anyway.

• To the far left, grow-up.
• To the far right, lighten-up.
• To the rest of us, don't give-up.

Want my opinion, world?

• You're starting to become a pain in the ass.

Terrorism is a NUISANCE ?????       Words fail me.

But they sure don't fail James Lileks.

An Obituary.....Sort Of.....Or Not.

French philosopher Jacques Derrida has died. It seems that his primary claim to fame, or shame depending on who you talk to, is the formulation of a school of thought called "deconstructionism". As near as I can figure, deconstructionism states that language can mean almost anything the listener wishes it to mean. So a Stop sign could mean Don't Stop, or possibly, Let's go grab a burger. Who knows?

The web, naturally, is having some fun at Derrida's expense. But the best one I've seen is at JustOneMinute.

By the way, I agree with Derrida, so if you don't like my posts, it's your own damn fault.

There Are Some Things I’ll Just Never Understand.

One of the first blogs I began to read regularly was “The Daily Dish” by Andrew Sullivan. That was in the heady days following 9/11 and I found Mr. Sullivan to be insightful, compassionate, and articulate, and while I haven’t agreed with him as much lately, I’ve still held him in high regard. That’s what makes this post so hard.

On Friday October 1st Mr. Sullivan posted one of his “Quote Of The Day” features. It was an example from the first debate of George Bush mangling the English language. Of course this isn’t exactly new ground, even his most ardent supporters shudder in fear when the President has to make un-prepared statements. Hell, I’ve frequently cringed during some of his prepared statements.

Here is Mr. Sullivan’s post with links to the NYT transcript and the post itself:

Friday, October 01, 2004

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "In Iraq, no doubt about it, it's tough. It's hard work. It's incredibly hard. It's - and it's hard work. I understand how hard it is. I get the casualty reports every day. I see on the TV screens how hard it is. But it's necessary work. We're making progress. It is hard work. You know my hardest, the hardest part of the job is to know that I committed the troops in harm's way and then do the best I can to provide comfort for the loves ones who lost a son or a daughter or husband and wife." - president George W. Bush. Reassured that he's on top of things in Iraq? Me neither. - 8:06:02 PM

So I was going to post that, yes, Bush had indeed butchered another response but that a person’s speaking skills have little, if any, bearing on their ability to function as commander-in-chief of America’s armed forces. But first I felt I should go the NYT link Mr. Sullivan provided to be sure of the context of the statement.

I was amazed to find that the quote didn’t exist, at least not in one place. It turned out it was a combination of four quotes from different parts of the debate. Now maybe I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, but this doesn’t seem right to me.

Here is where the first part (in bold) of Mr. Sullivan’s “Quote of the Day” is found:

Mr. Lehrer New question, Mr. President. Two minutes. Do you believe the election of Senator Kerry on Nov. 2 would increase the chances of the U.S. being hit by another 9/11-type terrorist attack?

Mr. Bush I don't believe it's going to happen. I believe I'm going to win because the American people know I know how to lead. I've shown the American people I know how to lead. I have - I understand everybody in this country doesn't agree with the decisions that I've made. And I've made some tough decisions. But people know where I stand. People out there listening know what I believe. And that's how best it is to keep the peace.

This nation of ours has got a solemn duty to defeat this ideology of hate. And that's what they are, this is a group of killers who will not only kill here but kill children in Russia. That will attack unmercifully in Iraq hoping to shake our will. We have a duty to defeat this enemy. We have a duty to protect our children and grandchildren.

The best way to defeat them is to never waver, to be strong, to use every asset at our disposal. It's to constantly stay on the offensive. And at the same time spread liberty. And that's what people are seeing now is happening in Afghanistan. Ten million citizens have registered to vote. It's a phenomenal statistic. That if given a chance to be free they will show up at the polls. Forty-one percent of those 10 million are women.

In Iraq, no doubt about it, it's tough. It's hard work. It's incredibly hard. You know why? Because an enemy realizes the stakes. The enemy understands a free Iraq will be a major defeat in their ideology of hatred. That's why they're fighting so vociferously.

The next two fragments (in bold) of “The Quote of the Day” come six questions later, fully five pages after the first part:

Mr. Lehrer New question, Mr. President. Two minutes. You have said there was a "miscalculation'' of what the conditions would be in post-war Iraq. What was the miscalculation? And how did it happen?

Mr. Bush No, what I said was that because we achieved such a rapid victory more of the Saddam loyalists were around. Other words, we thought we'd whip more of them going in.

But because Tommy Franks did such a great job in planning the operations, we moved rapidly. And a lot of the Baathists and Saddam loyalists laid down their arms and disappeared. I thought we would, they would stay and fight. But they didn't. And now we're fighting them now.

It's-and it's hard work. I understand how hard it is. I get the casualty reports every day. I see on the TV screens how hard it is. But it's necessary work.

And I'm optimistic. See, I think you can be realistic and optimistic at the same time. I'm optimistic we'll achieve. I know we won't achieve if we send mixed signals. I know we're not going to achieve our objective if we send mixed signals to our troops, our friends, the Iraqi citizens.

We've got a plan in place. The plan says there'll be elections in January, and there will be. The plan says we'll train Iraqi soldiers so they can do the hard work, and we are.

And it's not only just America, but NATO is now helping, Jordan's helping train police, U.A.E. is helping train police. We've allocated $7 billion over the next months for reconstruction efforts. And we're making progress there.

And our alliance is strong. I just told you there's going to be a summit of the Arab nations. Japan will be hosting a summit.

We're making progress. It is hard work. It is hard work to go from a tyranny to a democracy. It's hard work to go from a place where people get their hands cut off or executed to a place where people are free. But it's necessary work. And a free Iraq is going to make this world a more peaceful place.

The final part (in bold) of Mr. Sullivan’s purported quote occurs two questions and two pages later:

Mr. Lehrer New question, Mr. President. Two minutes. Has the war in Iraq been worth the cost in American lives: 1,052 as of today?

Mr. Bush Every life is precious. Every life matters. You know my hardest, the hardest part of the job is to know that I committed the troops in harm's way and then do the best I can to provide comfort for the loves ones who lost a son or a daughter or husband and wife.

In the end, I cannot understand why Andrew Sullivan would post something like this. Maybe someone he trusts sent him this misleading quote and Mr. Sullivan didn’t take the time to check it out. If, however, he cobbled it together on his own, I think he was wrong. It reminds me of Mt. Holyoke Professor Joseph Ellis who, though a Pulitzer Prize winning historian and well-respected author, savaged his own reputation by falsely claiming that he served in combat during the Vietnam War. Now while I don’t mean to imply that Mr. Sullivan’s post sinks to that level, to me it’s still very disappointing.

By G. Hamid
bouport@yahoo.com

If you got to this post by reading down from the top of the blog, scroll to the bottom and read back to here if you want the following posts to make the most sense.

Not that they will make any sense that way, either.

And finally , gasp in horror as you witness G shamelessly linking to popular bloggers in the forlorn hope of attracting a few page views.

Instapundit
Andrew Sullivan
James Lileks

And to prove that G is a bi-partisen bottom-feeder:

Daily Kos
Atrios

Laugh as you watch G copy and paste a post from his old blog that no one reads, to his new blog that no one reads !

OK, how about a joke?

What's the French word for victory?

There is none.

Actually, there is one. It's "victoire". They just haven't had to use it for a while.

Thrill as G re-inserts the picture, while adding humorous commentary!




I think the use of silly pictures of the presidential candidates is getting out of hand. I mean, who among us hasn't been photographed looking like a nitwit? So have your laughs with your caption contests, make up lines such as "He looks like France in 1939, bent over, reluctantly accepting a throbbing German blitzkrieg." Chuckle as you type "Did the broad just hear him rip one?". But remember there are lots of pictures of Bush out there. And Nader.

Silence please, as G attempts to insert a picture!

Let's try a link to my website.         Three Years Out

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