Well, as predicted here a few weeks ago Europe has retained the Ryder Cup. I had expressed reservations about Tom Lehman as Captain and contrary to European opinion said that Ian Woosnam would be a formidable Euro Captain. It’s never pleasant to be correct when you don’t want to be. Still the American team looked defeated before they started.
Frankly, as professional athletes, they are an embarrassment to the game. American pros can’t play as a team, as proved in the singles they can’t play on their own either. While the play is not over as this is being written it seems likely that this will be the worst defeat of either side in the history of the competition. The American team let the Euro press jibes wear them down. Like children they let one miscue ruin their attitudes toward victory. Essentially they quit.
Tiger Woods played miserably, even in winning his singles match, the other two members of the world top three didn’t even show up. It’s possible that Phil Mickelson’s career is just about finished; he apparently became depressed about throwing away the US Open and is still in a funk. The behavior of the two teams couldn’t have been more different: the Euros encouraged each other while the Americans barely spoke to each other.
Tom Lehman was an utter failure as the Team Captain sticking with losing combinations well past anything reasonable. All the motivational speakers, movies, rants, and tirades will never work in a sport where self motivation is the only way to win.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
How Crazy Can You Get
I was watching a news talk show yesterday, fair and balanced, and two of the usual kinds of guests were yammering away at each other; one left and one right. Although their views and opinions were quite predictable there were one or two points of interest. The leftist commentator was an American who is employed by the BBC to bash George Bush. When asked about Hugo Chavez he lit up and jumped in. Here are a few of the highlights.
Hugo Chavez is a master politician who overshadows George Bush in ability, and to top it off Chavez was legally elected while George Bush was not. Of course there was no mention of Chavez imprisoning anyone who criticizes him. Further Hugo is a humanitarian sending relief to Katrina victims while George Bush played golf. I wish he would have followed up on the relief effort but as it simply grandstanding I guess he couldn’t. Chavez is a man of peace while Bush is a man of war, notwithstanding the fact that Islamofascists attacked the USA and not Venezuela. Ahmadinejad is a scholarly leader unlike the stupid George Bush. Chavez provided heating oil to Massachusetts and New York’s Harlem; why didn’t George Bush do that? Of course when you nationalize an industry it is easy to send is its assets anywhere you want to. George Bush doesn’t control the distribution of oil or anything else.
The right wing commentator attempted to rebut these ideas and then realized his opponent was making his case for him. So he simply said “ These are the views of the Democrat Party, please keep going” Of course the BBC speaker attempted to deny that idea , to no avail.
I have said this many times watch out for those who will make you dependent on them. You will dance to their tune. In the paradises of Venezuela and Iran more people are poverty stricken with no opportunity to change their situation than in the United States. Why is this so in a society of equality?
The Democrat leadership is trying to back away from Chavez, including Jesse Jackson, because they realize he gave away too much in his speech. When you witness Danny Glover, a white man hater if there ever was one, embrace Hugo you know what’s up. Danny knows what the United States was like, he is old enough and so am I. No doubt he suffered psychically , if not physically during the 1950’s and 1960,s but look at him now. He did overcome, he should be proud instead of hateful. He, Belafonte, and others could not have risen to the heights they have reached in any other country; certainly not Europe.
I say let them all have their say and let’s decide in November how we want our society to continue.
Hugo Chavez is a master politician who overshadows George Bush in ability, and to top it off Chavez was legally elected while George Bush was not. Of course there was no mention of Chavez imprisoning anyone who criticizes him. Further Hugo is a humanitarian sending relief to Katrina victims while George Bush played golf. I wish he would have followed up on the relief effort but as it simply grandstanding I guess he couldn’t. Chavez is a man of peace while Bush is a man of war, notwithstanding the fact that Islamofascists attacked the USA and not Venezuela. Ahmadinejad is a scholarly leader unlike the stupid George Bush. Chavez provided heating oil to Massachusetts and New York’s Harlem; why didn’t George Bush do that? Of course when you nationalize an industry it is easy to send is its assets anywhere you want to. George Bush doesn’t control the distribution of oil or anything else.
The right wing commentator attempted to rebut these ideas and then realized his opponent was making his case for him. So he simply said “ These are the views of the Democrat Party, please keep going” Of course the BBC speaker attempted to deny that idea , to no avail.
I have said this many times watch out for those who will make you dependent on them. You will dance to their tune. In the paradises of Venezuela and Iran more people are poverty stricken with no opportunity to change their situation than in the United States. Why is this so in a society of equality?
The Democrat leadership is trying to back away from Chavez, including Jesse Jackson, because they realize he gave away too much in his speech. When you witness Danny Glover, a white man hater if there ever was one, embrace Hugo you know what’s up. Danny knows what the United States was like, he is old enough and so am I. No doubt he suffered psychically , if not physically during the 1950’s and 1960,s but look at him now. He did overcome, he should be proud instead of hateful. He, Belafonte, and others could not have risen to the heights they have reached in any other country; certainly not Europe.
I say let them all have their say and let’s decide in November how we want our society to continue.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
What They Don't Know Could Hurt Them
What Ahmadinejad and Chavez do not understand explains their behavior. These two “leaders” are unfamiliar with how representative democracy works. Under their regimes they can stay in power as long as the Mullahs, in the case of Iran, or the army, in the case of Venezuela, agree that they are functioning as expected. Dissent in Iran and Venezuela is greeted not with courtesy and consideration of the ideas but with a prison sentence absent a trial. Media outlets are closed unless they hew to the strict party line.
Is this what the left wants for the United States? Are they so frustrated that a coup of some kind is possible? Well, there won’t be a coup because citizens of the USA are too independent to stomach such a thing, but it is a fantasy cultivated by the left. They consider themselves so smart and sophisticated that only they are fit to rule. Somehow this smacks of pseudo-monarchism. The glitterati of Hollywood think that money and notoriety must be equated with personal value; of which they would have little otherwise.
Ahmadinejad and Chavez lament the reign of President Bush but don’t seem to realize he will be gone in two years by rule of law. They will be around through many US presidents unless something untoward happens. Their speeches revealed what should have been obvious: they are completely without scruple and will use whatever trappings are necessary to manipulate the public to their ends.
What are the real goals of these two presidents for their nations? They speak of freedom and economic justice, but do they exist in Iran and Venezuela? The tired old saw of the Jews are responsible for everything is lame but is trotted out to cover the failings of an elite that is out for itself. This is true in Hollywood where Jews are very prominent Jew bashing is a favorite sport. The Jews in Hollywood are a microcosm of the ultra left: they are afraid to rock the boat, are fearful, and therefore don’t really like themselves very much. This self-hatred is reflected in their silence. Oh they went after Mel Gibson but this was really about their anger towards him over the Passion of the Christ in which he earned hundreds of millions of dollars and they did not.
What are the real goals of the United States? Believe or not Americans prefer not to be involved in foreign adventures and only do so in the belief that it is always better to fight somewhere else. Once attacked the United States is a fearsome enemy even though at the moment it appears to be a bit of a paper tiger. The full wrath of the US has not and hopefully will not be unleashed.
The thing the liberals are hoping for, another terror attack might backfire on them. The national rage might be such that all stops will be pulled out and their will be no quitting until absolute victory is achieved. That will be difficult, painful, and costly.
Is this what the left wants for the United States? Are they so frustrated that a coup of some kind is possible? Well, there won’t be a coup because citizens of the USA are too independent to stomach such a thing, but it is a fantasy cultivated by the left. They consider themselves so smart and sophisticated that only they are fit to rule. Somehow this smacks of pseudo-monarchism. The glitterati of Hollywood think that money and notoriety must be equated with personal value; of which they would have little otherwise.
Ahmadinejad and Chavez lament the reign of President Bush but don’t seem to realize he will be gone in two years by rule of law. They will be around through many US presidents unless something untoward happens. Their speeches revealed what should have been obvious: they are completely without scruple and will use whatever trappings are necessary to manipulate the public to their ends.
What are the real goals of these two presidents for their nations? They speak of freedom and economic justice, but do they exist in Iran and Venezuela? The tired old saw of the Jews are responsible for everything is lame but is trotted out to cover the failings of an elite that is out for itself. This is true in Hollywood where Jews are very prominent Jew bashing is a favorite sport. The Jews in Hollywood are a microcosm of the ultra left: they are afraid to rock the boat, are fearful, and therefore don’t really like themselves very much. This self-hatred is reflected in their silence. Oh they went after Mel Gibson but this was really about their anger towards him over the Passion of the Christ in which he earned hundreds of millions of dollars and they did not.
What are the real goals of the United States? Believe or not Americans prefer not to be involved in foreign adventures and only do so in the belief that it is always better to fight somewhere else. Once attacked the United States is a fearsome enemy even though at the moment it appears to be a bit of a paper tiger. The full wrath of the US has not and hopefully will not be unleashed.
The thing the liberals are hoping for, another terror attack might backfire on them. The national rage might be such that all stops will be pulled out and their will be no quitting until absolute victory is achieved. That will be difficult, painful, and costly.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
The Devil and Hugo Chavez
The Devil spoke at the UN yesterday which must have come as a surprise to the American Left. A surprise because most, if not all, of the political left don’t believe in the Devil or God; this has been made abundantly clear by one of their main spokespersons Bill Maher. What a shock it must have been when the spiritual leader of the American Left, Hugo Chavez, used his experience to detect the Devil’s presence.
Perhaps we don’t know all we could about Hugo, maybe he apprenticed at Ghost Busters; he was able to detect the smell of sulfur at the UN something apparently the smoke detectors failed to find. Hugo, that defender of Venezuelan democracy and human rights went on a Mussolini-like rant denouncing the United States. This is a good thing for conservatism in the USA and the left will rejoice in their naiveté thinking that because UN delegates responded with a standing ovation so will the American citizenry.
When Hugo called for the destruction of the United States by the end of this century he was displaying the hallmarks of statesmanship for which he is best known. Cindy must have been having another nocturnal event when she heard it. Michael is now planning his next documentary “Barbara’s Baby” loosely based on a 1960’s film with a similar name.
The uber left is now preparing for the occupation of the former United States by Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. They just can’t wait. Finally they will be able to follow the humane example of these nations: close media outlets that criticize them, imprison writers they don’t like, impose behavioral patterns on the unwilling, mandatory gymnasium memberships, national body mass standards which are violated at one’s peril.
Oh Happy Day!! Michael Moore as Minister of Culture (he might have some body mass adjustment to perform); Cindy Sheehan as Minister of the Peace Department; Teddy Kennedy as Attorney General; with others yet unnamed. Of course the top spots will be reserved for the God fearing Muslims who did not have to be convinced by the sword. There might be some friction with Hugo and Ahmineajad, the one being a “Christian” and the other a Muslim, but perhaps the Pope can bring them together.
The United States government should exercise the power of eminent domain to condemn the UN building in New York, buy it for fair market value, raze it, and build some kind of housing area for the poor. At the very least the United States should reduce its annual contribution of UN funding by half to start, further reductions as time goes on. It is a certainty that UN delegates would much prefer to be in the land of God than in the land of the Devil. Teheran, Damascus, Beirut, Caracas, Havana all come to mind as Gardens of Eden where diplomacy can be conducted in a leisurely manner. All bribery and theft can pass unnoticed in such places; of course good restaurants and alcohol might be in short supply. Those are small enough inconveniences to bear when doing the world’s work.
Isolationism Forced on US
More than an ocean separates us. The us is the USA and our European roots. Citizens of the United States are viewed by many of their European cousins as losers. It is a common attitude among Europeans that Americans of European descent are the descendants of those who could not succeed or survive in the societies which they left. It’s not so much the escape from religious and political persecution but more the fact that economically they were failures.
This world view complicates the current situation with Iran and the Iranian leadership (rulers) is skillfully exploiting European fears. The socialistic nature of European economies makes them vulnerable to any suggestion of hard choices which might have negative consequences. With unemployment rates at 10% or higher there is little incentive for these nations to make it worse by endorsing economic sanctions against Iran for the mere reason of preventing another nuclear nation.
Centuries of war, famine, rapacious monarchies, and finally two world wars have exhausted the European spirit. As a whole they feel that it is better to be “Red than Dead.” Of course that old saw refers to Soviet domination but its essence still works.
The Bush Administration has a problem if they think sanctions are going to be put in place anytime soon. First there is the credibility problem with regard to Iraq. This despite the fact that every major intelligence agency in every nation was convinced that WMD existed in Iraq; they are probably in Syria and perhaps Iran at the moment. Second the level of trade between Europe and Iran dwarfs any such activity with between the US and Iran. The Europeans have too much to lose. Couple this with their growing Muslim population and the resulting de facto isolation of the United States. This will complicate US domestic politics in the future.
The Democrat Party will feel the pinch when they return to control of the government. They will seek a rapprochement with Europe and Islam by acquiescing to most demands and will then lose the power they have lusted after for the last few years. Accommodation is impossible as long Islam promises only paradise in the future. The desire of the liberal –ultra liberal types to be integrated into the “sophisticated Euro society” will never happen as acceptance has always been an illusion.
Being rescued twice by the United States has made European feel a bit inadequate and angry. They strike back through false superiority and getting a perverse pleasure from thwarting US aims even when the danger to themselves is obvious.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Violent Islam How Can This Be
American Muslim reaction to the Pope’s speech and the violence that followed has been amusing. I recommend today’s Wall Street Journal commentary by Bret Stephens for an interesting exposition of the ideas expressed by Benedict. In the USA Muslim leaders have distanced themselves from the violent reaction to the published account of the speech, but have still insisted that the remarks were “unfortunate.”
These actions will no doubt be interpreted by liberals as an example of the moderate nature of American Muslims. Islam is a faith that has no borders or nationality. Muslims in the United States subscribe to the same set of beliefs as any other Muslim. They all believe in jihad, fatwa’s, Sharia law, death to infidels and apostates, and that there can be no criticism of Islam or its leaders. This closed ended approach means that no cultural progress can be made. American Muslims are merely playing possum, waiting for the promised time when Islam will reign supreme throughout the world.
Islam, as a word, means peace in the Arabic language and dialects. Still one would be wise to observe the actions rather than the words of believers. Islamic demagogues have seized on the Pope’s speech to fuel the fires of hatred and fear. The West would do well to remember that in Islam this life is of no importance only the promise of Paradise, with its accompanying treats, counts. A martyr’s death is the ultimate prize.
India and China already know what to expect from Islam and are two of the main impediments to the Islamofascists goals. Why don’t the terror groups strike China? The reason is quite simple: in China if you cause problems you are executed forthwith. That will be the fate of any Islamic terror attempt. Indian Hindus and Muslims are constantly at each other’s throats with massacres a regular affair. Only in Europe, Canada, and the United States do we hope against hope that the liberal interpretation of life will prevail.
These actions will no doubt be interpreted by liberals as an example of the moderate nature of American Muslims. Islam is a faith that has no borders or nationality. Muslims in the United States subscribe to the same set of beliefs as any other Muslim. They all believe in jihad, fatwa’s, Sharia law, death to infidels and apostates, and that there can be no criticism of Islam or its leaders. This closed ended approach means that no cultural progress can be made. American Muslims are merely playing possum, waiting for the promised time when Islam will reign supreme throughout the world.
Islam, as a word, means peace in the Arabic language and dialects. Still one would be wise to observe the actions rather than the words of believers. Islamic demagogues have seized on the Pope’s speech to fuel the fires of hatred and fear. The West would do well to remember that in Islam this life is of no importance only the promise of Paradise, with its accompanying treats, counts. A martyr’s death is the ultimate prize.
India and China already know what to expect from Islam and are two of the main impediments to the Islamofascists goals. Why don’t the terror groups strike China? The reason is quite simple: in China if you cause problems you are executed forthwith. That will be the fate of any Islamic terror attempt. Indian Hindus and Muslims are constantly at each other’s throats with massacres a regular affair. Only in Europe, Canada, and the United States do we hope against hope that the liberal interpretation of life will prevail.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Carolina Panthers Maybe Next Year
Super Bowl bound? Not likely for the Carolina Panthers; they will be lucky to win six games this year. It’s time for Jake Delhomme to retire he just hasn’t got it anymore. For the past two weeks he has looked more like a bad high school quarterback than a leader and NFL quarterback.
The TV announcers were making excuses for the team, the offensive line hasn’t played together much, they get down on themselves, etc. These men are professional football players not children. They play for pay if they can’t deliver anything more than the last two anemic performances then they should drop out of the league. Carolina fans will desert them and deservedly so.
What kind of coaching leads a player like Chris Gamble to throw the game away? Is he on the take from gamblers? The team is sloppy and poorly coached even though John Fox has a good record and excellent credentials. The only bright spot is the defense and even then only a couple of players really stand out.
This team has lost two games to teams that will not do much all year either; the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams look good against mediocrity but don’t stand a chance against well coached, motivated, professional football players. The reach for league parity and expansion team has diluted the talent pool to the extent that no one team can dominate for a period of years.
American professional football is a joke. Bring on soccer (world football)
The TV announcers were making excuses for the team, the offensive line hasn’t played together much, they get down on themselves, etc. These men are professional football players not children. They play for pay if they can’t deliver anything more than the last two anemic performances then they should drop out of the league. Carolina fans will desert them and deservedly so.
What kind of coaching leads a player like Chris Gamble to throw the game away? Is he on the take from gamblers? The team is sloppy and poorly coached even though John Fox has a good record and excellent credentials. The only bright spot is the defense and even then only a couple of players really stand out.
This team has lost two games to teams that will not do much all year either; the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams look good against mediocrity but don’t stand a chance against well coached, motivated, professional football players. The reach for league parity and expansion team has diluted the talent pool to the extent that no one team can dominate for a period of years.
American professional football is a joke. Bring on soccer (world football)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Benedict XVI Correct for a Change
Based on the behavior of Muslims around the world, the pope’s use of a Byzantine Emperor’s assessment of Islam was correct. By quoting a statement by a virtual contemporary of The Prophet Pope Benedict struck a nerve. Today it was announced that a Roman Catholic Nun had been murdered by Muslims in revenge for the statement. The emperor apparently said that by converting non-Muslims by the sword Mohammed had launched a religion that encouraged inhumane behavior, brutal, and inimical to civilized life.
The reaction in the Muslim world is completely predictable. In these pages it has been said time after time that if one is not a Muslims and refuses to become one, then one’s death is not only justified but is compulsory. Muslims must kill any infidel they come across. This applies to “moderate” or “radical” Muslims. There is not a dimes worth of difference between them. Essentially a moderate Muslim is also an infidel. The Quran is very clear on this matter. Convert or Die. A living infidel is an insult to Allah, even though Allah is the creator of all. Actually that attitude is an insult to Allah and by definition any religion that purports to think for God is blasphemous.
Islam developed as a reaction to what Mohammed considered a debauched Arab society. His values were basically middle class, in the vein of American Fundamentalist middle class nut jobs. Religion should be a way of developing the spiritual side of humanity, helping them make peace with the ultimate outcome of life: death. Some religions have dogma that defines it; others opt for belief in striving for the best of humanity. Corruption of religion comes when priests, mullahs, imams, preachers, etc, take charge. Then it becomes a simple case of one group dominating another.
The Roman Catholic Church took a lesson from the organization of the Roman Empire and improved the model. Today’s corporations a generally based on this model as are military and to a lesser degree political parties. The hierarchy demands obeisance from the bottom up. It is human nature to dominate, one reason why communism will never truly work, and when attempts to dominate are resisted the simple way out is usually taken. Kill one’s enemies quickly and thoroughly.
The Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant Christians later, could have qualified for the same criticism that Benedict offered of Islam. The normal human impulse to live and prosper finally undid organized Christianity in Europe; it will eventually do so in the United States and elsewhere. Islam will meet the same fate and become an artifact.
Prosperity is the downfall of religion that controls. This is the reason that cults strictly control the information available to their slaves. They also control access to money or any other things that might lead the “faithful” astray. Once that Muslim world in general enjoys prosperity and the opportunity for individual fulfillment the power of the Ayatollahs, Imams, and religious police will fade.
Benedict was correct in his use of the quotation but the timing could have been left to another Pope who was analyzing the past.
The reaction in the Muslim world is completely predictable. In these pages it has been said time after time that if one is not a Muslims and refuses to become one, then one’s death is not only justified but is compulsory. Muslims must kill any infidel they come across. This applies to “moderate” or “radical” Muslims. There is not a dimes worth of difference between them. Essentially a moderate Muslim is also an infidel. The Quran is very clear on this matter. Convert or Die. A living infidel is an insult to Allah, even though Allah is the creator of all. Actually that attitude is an insult to Allah and by definition any religion that purports to think for God is blasphemous.
Islam developed as a reaction to what Mohammed considered a debauched Arab society. His values were basically middle class, in the vein of American Fundamentalist middle class nut jobs. Religion should be a way of developing the spiritual side of humanity, helping them make peace with the ultimate outcome of life: death. Some religions have dogma that defines it; others opt for belief in striving for the best of humanity. Corruption of religion comes when priests, mullahs, imams, preachers, etc, take charge. Then it becomes a simple case of one group dominating another.
The Roman Catholic Church took a lesson from the organization of the Roman Empire and improved the model. Today’s corporations a generally based on this model as are military and to a lesser degree political parties. The hierarchy demands obeisance from the bottom up. It is human nature to dominate, one reason why communism will never truly work, and when attempts to dominate are resisted the simple way out is usually taken. Kill one’s enemies quickly and thoroughly.
The Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant Christians later, could have qualified for the same criticism that Benedict offered of Islam. The normal human impulse to live and prosper finally undid organized Christianity in Europe; it will eventually do so in the United States and elsewhere. Islam will meet the same fate and become an artifact.
Prosperity is the downfall of religion that controls. This is the reason that cults strictly control the information available to their slaves. They also control access to money or any other things that might lead the “faithful” astray. Once that Muslim world in general enjoys prosperity and the opportunity for individual fulfillment the power of the Ayatollahs, Imams, and religious police will fade.
Benedict was correct in his use of the quotation but the timing could have been left to another Pope who was analyzing the past.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Kumbya Detainees
Lindsey Graham and John McCain are delusional. Their position on the terror detainees is that if we don’t accord them the privileges specified under the Geneva Convention protocols that we are endangering our own soldiers if and when they are captured. What do they mean? Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Islamic Jihad, North Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, any African country are not signatories to this treaty. Graham and McCain are worried that those nations that are signatories might change their attitude towards the treaty terms if we, in violation of the treaty, fail to accord these murderers the status of soldiers.
John McCain was tortured by the North Vietnamese, legitimately according to them as they were not bound by the Geneva Convention protocols. The view that somehow the United States must behave in a manner that is not specified by the treaty on the grounds that we are somehow morally superior is pure fantasy. It is not a vote getter, which is what McCain and Graham are hoping for. Do they think that American or NATO prisoners will be beheaded in a humane manner? Once again this is an American failure to acknowledge reality.
Yesterday’s revelation that an opportunity was lost to eliminate part of the Taliban leadership was justified by an Army spokesperson “…if we were in an all out war demanding unconditional surrender we would bomb first and sort out later.” According to President Bush we are in a battle for survival. Isn’t that the definition of an “all out war”? There is no reason to put hot pinchers to the skin of detainees, nor use electrical genital stimulation, or pump water down their throats, but a little sensory deprivation, intimidation, or psychological prodding is justified and should be used.
The so-called atrocities at Abu Ghraib were anything but, and were cynically used by Democrats and others to flog the United States. Ted “High Ground” Kennedy compared the US to Nazi Germany and the US military to the Gestapo; obviously Irish Whiskey has clouded his memory.
The United States is either in a war to the death or it isn’t. The Government should make up its mind and wage war effectively or quit.
John McCain was tortured by the North Vietnamese, legitimately according to them as they were not bound by the Geneva Convention protocols. The view that somehow the United States must behave in a manner that is not specified by the treaty on the grounds that we are somehow morally superior is pure fantasy. It is not a vote getter, which is what McCain and Graham are hoping for. Do they think that American or NATO prisoners will be beheaded in a humane manner? Once again this is an American failure to acknowledge reality.
Yesterday’s revelation that an opportunity was lost to eliminate part of the Taliban leadership was justified by an Army spokesperson “…if we were in an all out war demanding unconditional surrender we would bomb first and sort out later.” According to President Bush we are in a battle for survival. Isn’t that the definition of an “all out war”? There is no reason to put hot pinchers to the skin of detainees, nor use electrical genital stimulation, or pump water down their throats, but a little sensory deprivation, intimidation, or psychological prodding is justified and should be used.
The so-called atrocities at Abu Ghraib were anything but, and were cynically used by Democrats and others to flog the United States. Ted “High Ground” Kennedy compared the US to Nazi Germany and the US military to the Gestapo; obviously Irish Whiskey has clouded his memory.
The United States is either in a war to the death or it isn’t. The Government should make up its mind and wage war effectively or quit.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Bush and Clinton Separated at Birth
I turned on the news this morning and wondered what all the fuss concerning the Clinton administrations incompetence was about. The report stated that 190 Taliban leaders and members had gathered for a comrade’s funeral. The United States had the chance to kill them all, or at least a large number of them and shied away. George Bush, my erstwhile hero, has failed again to put his money where his mouth is.
This reminds me of the Katrina fiasco; the blind leading the blind. The real problem is political polling which President Bush claims to ignore; this action puts the lie to that statement. War is about killing your enemy and killing as many as possible in as short a time as possible. It’s about killing the fighters, their families, and friends until they quit.
Politicians in the United States are basically a venal and cowardly group. President Bush and his supporters in Congress talk about how hard and long the war on terror will be. Well, it’s going to be a lot longer if we don’t start killing more of the enemy. The so called rules of engagement should be find’em, kill’em, find some more, and repeat.
If this is the Republican method of war fighting I can’t wait for the Democrats to take control. The similarities to Vietnam that have been long been bandied about falsely are now beginning to take shape. During that war actions against the enemy were hostage to domestic political opinion which deteriorated, naturally, as the war dragged on with no decisive end in sight. That the war against terrorism is a different can be argued. No standing armies to defeat, fifth columns at home deterring action, a weakening of the will rekindled only after another attack, these are the factors that ensure defeat. The failure to kill an enemy in plain sight is just plain crazy; I can’t wait to hear what Tony Snow has to say about this.
It seems that Clinton and Bush have more in common than was originally thought. Howard Dean is correct but for the wrong reason. He said that the administration looks ridiculous for the speech that Bush made on September 11; the administration looks ridiculous because its words are empty. Never mind what a person says it’s what they do that counts.
This reminds me of the Katrina fiasco; the blind leading the blind. The real problem is political polling which President Bush claims to ignore; this action puts the lie to that statement. War is about killing your enemy and killing as many as possible in as short a time as possible. It’s about killing the fighters, their families, and friends until they quit.
Politicians in the United States are basically a venal and cowardly group. President Bush and his supporters in Congress talk about how hard and long the war on terror will be. Well, it’s going to be a lot longer if we don’t start killing more of the enemy. The so called rules of engagement should be find’em, kill’em, find some more, and repeat.
If this is the Republican method of war fighting I can’t wait for the Democrats to take control. The similarities to Vietnam that have been long been bandied about falsely are now beginning to take shape. During that war actions against the enemy were hostage to domestic political opinion which deteriorated, naturally, as the war dragged on with no decisive end in sight. That the war against terrorism is a different can be argued. No standing armies to defeat, fifth columns at home deterring action, a weakening of the will rekindled only after another attack, these are the factors that ensure defeat. The failure to kill an enemy in plain sight is just plain crazy; I can’t wait to hear what Tony Snow has to say about this.
It seems that Clinton and Bush have more in common than was originally thought. Howard Dean is correct but for the wrong reason. He said that the administration looks ridiculous for the speech that Bush made on September 11; the administration looks ridiculous because its words are empty. Never mind what a person says it’s what they do that counts.
Monday, September 11, 2006
No Memorials Yet Please
All the speeches and memorials today are a bit premature. Those who were killed certainly deserve to be remembered and will be, but the war is not over. The war will not be over for a long time. As long as the battle of civilizations continues the fight will be seen on every shore, city, town, and village. The United States is forced to lead this fight because no one else will. This war is not about economics it is about survival. The latest tape from Al Zawahiri demonstrates this very clearly.
Oh those who would whistle past the graveyard are doing so in hopes that they will be spared when they surrender. It is not to be. Saudi Arabia has banned the possession and sale of dogs and cats; this despite the fact the Prophet had a fondness for cats. These pets were banned, not at the behest of PETA, but by the religious police on the grounds that pet’s ownership is a western perversion. The veneration of cats and dogs is an ancient relationship of man to animal. Cats had an honored place in ancient Egypt.
Zawahiri stated that they gave the West a chance to convert, to enjoy a ten year truce, and that by declining the West has empowered Al-Qaeda and its look a likes to attack, maim, kill, butcher, and anything infidels deserve. This is the reason we can’t all just get along.
By all means honor the dead of this war including those in Bali, Riyadh, Kabul, Kandahar, Madrid, London, and all the other places these wahabbi fanatics have attacked. Their fellow travelers the “moderate Muslims” support and encourage the jihadists financially, emotionally, and morally. They don’t speak out or condemn and would be happy to pick the pieces of a destroyed Western Culture.
There is nothing admirable about a civilization that has not progressed beyond 1400 AD; which is the situation in the Muslims nations. Science doesn’t count if that science is put to destructive use. The one consolation will be Michael Moore explaining why he can’t be a Muslim, though it is doubtful that he will refuse to convert given the alternative. The separation of church and state will be an arcane concept when the Democrats appease the Wahabbi killers. ACLU its members will be killed because Jews won’t be allowed to convert and the non-Jewish members will be considered too dangerous to ever practice faithfully.
Movies and video games, hip-hop, rock, and all the rest banished on pain of death or life in prison. Homosexuals will be executed forthwith as will all the confused transgendered waifs of Western society.
These are the promises of 9/11 and one should ignore them at their own peril. The unhonored heroes are those military personnel killed in action and despised by their fellow liberal Americans. The left cannot wait for the next event worth noting: the 3000th death in Iraq. This will be greeted with joy on the left, in secret of course, and public indignation on the platforms of power in Washington.
It cannot be argued that radical Islam wants to destroy all infidels; that has been their war cry for hundreds of years. The West is mostly infidel, decadent, and despicable to these people one would do well to remember that when listening to the deafening silence of moderate Islam.
Oh those who would whistle past the graveyard are doing so in hopes that they will be spared when they surrender. It is not to be. Saudi Arabia has banned the possession and sale of dogs and cats; this despite the fact the Prophet had a fondness for cats. These pets were banned, not at the behest of PETA, but by the religious police on the grounds that pet’s ownership is a western perversion. The veneration of cats and dogs is an ancient relationship of man to animal. Cats had an honored place in ancient Egypt.
Zawahiri stated that they gave the West a chance to convert, to enjoy a ten year truce, and that by declining the West has empowered Al-Qaeda and its look a likes to attack, maim, kill, butcher, and anything infidels deserve. This is the reason we can’t all just get along.
By all means honor the dead of this war including those in Bali, Riyadh, Kabul, Kandahar, Madrid, London, and all the other places these wahabbi fanatics have attacked. Their fellow travelers the “moderate Muslims” support and encourage the jihadists financially, emotionally, and morally. They don’t speak out or condemn and would be happy to pick the pieces of a destroyed Western Culture.
There is nothing admirable about a civilization that has not progressed beyond 1400 AD; which is the situation in the Muslims nations. Science doesn’t count if that science is put to destructive use. The one consolation will be Michael Moore explaining why he can’t be a Muslim, though it is doubtful that he will refuse to convert given the alternative. The separation of church and state will be an arcane concept when the Democrats appease the Wahabbi killers. ACLU its members will be killed because Jews won’t be allowed to convert and the non-Jewish members will be considered too dangerous to ever practice faithfully.
Movies and video games, hip-hop, rock, and all the rest banished on pain of death or life in prison. Homosexuals will be executed forthwith as will all the confused transgendered waifs of Western society.
These are the promises of 9/11 and one should ignore them at their own peril. The unhonored heroes are those military personnel killed in action and despised by their fellow liberal Americans. The left cannot wait for the next event worth noting: the 3000th death in Iraq. This will be greeted with joy on the left, in secret of course, and public indignation on the platforms of power in Washington.
It cannot be argued that radical Islam wants to destroy all infidels; that has been their war cry for hundreds of years. The West is mostly infidel, decadent, and despicable to these people one would do well to remember that when listening to the deafening silence of moderate Islam.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Dems Gone Wild
Is the Democratic National Committee so nervous, even the face of victory, that they must resort to censorship? Howard Dean is making the rounds of black broadcasters begging them to get out the vote “In your own interest” because finally seniority is coming to elected black representatives. Of course one them is an impeached Federal judge but that shouldn’t worry Democrats. Then here comes ABC, one of the Democrat Party stalwart media helpers. How could this happen … The Road To 9/11?
The howls of pain, even though Bill Clinton claims that no one on his side has even seen it, Billy boy called Eiger the head of Disney to plead for a no-broadcast. Why? Was there any outcry about fairness when Howard Dean was recommending Fahrenheit 911 as the definitive reason to vote Democrat? Then here comes Cindy fantasying about aborting an unborn George W. Bush, are these people really so horrible? It seems that they are and the nation will pay a stiff price for reinstating them.
What are these people afraid of? Are they projecting their own behavior when they think about the Bush administration? Of course they are facile in their claims of international dislike of the United States, but if its true why when they come back to seat of power and ego should that change. They are still Americans aren’t they?
Here’s what’s going to happen the day after the elections if the Democrats get control of the house: George Bush will have impeachment proceedings instituted against him. If the Democrats get control of both houses GWB will most likely be convicted and removed from office. That puts Dick Cheney in charge. Victory? What about the state of the nation? Taxes will be raised, the military will have its budget cut, and the US will run out of Iraq. The Iraq War was won, the peace was lost.
The United States will be seen as weak and vacillating; vulnerable to attack without answer. When terrorists blow up another two or three thousand people the Democrats will send the FBI to investigate and warn the bomber not to do it again or something bad will happen to them. Once they stop laughing another bomb will explode.
The howls of pain, even though Bill Clinton claims that no one on his side has even seen it, Billy boy called Eiger the head of Disney to plead for a no-broadcast. Why? Was there any outcry about fairness when Howard Dean was recommending Fahrenheit 911 as the definitive reason to vote Democrat? Then here comes Cindy fantasying about aborting an unborn George W. Bush, are these people really so horrible? It seems that they are and the nation will pay a stiff price for reinstating them.
What are these people afraid of? Are they projecting their own behavior when they think about the Bush administration? Of course they are facile in their claims of international dislike of the United States, but if its true why when they come back to seat of power and ego should that change. They are still Americans aren’t they?
Here’s what’s going to happen the day after the elections if the Democrats get control of the house: George Bush will have impeachment proceedings instituted against him. If the Democrats get control of both houses GWB will most likely be convicted and removed from office. That puts Dick Cheney in charge. Victory? What about the state of the nation? Taxes will be raised, the military will have its budget cut, and the US will run out of Iraq. The Iraq War was won, the peace was lost.
The United States will be seen as weak and vacillating; vulnerable to attack without answer. When terrorists blow up another two or three thousand people the Democrats will send the FBI to investigate and warn the bomber not to do it again or something bad will happen to them. Once they stop laughing another bomb will explode.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
A trial for terrorists
A trial for terrorists is a difficult issue clouded by the term Prisoner of War. After a recent Federal Appeals Court decision, politically motivated, struck down the methods planned by the Executive Branch for trying terrorists in military tribunals, the government is trying to get new laws passed the will make this possible. Will there be an end to the war on terror? If so the prisoners must be released at that point. Are they prisoners of war or criminals? If they are the latter then they must be tried and if convicted imprisoned for some period.
The method of trial chosen is that of a military court, with rules of evidence competent with that setting. These trials will most likely but held in secret, but maybe not. The secrecy would prohibit political grandstanding, but would lead to questions about the legitimacy of the convictions. The same end of punishment can be gained by declaring these captives prisoners of war and holding them indefinitely until the war on terror is declared over. That could be a very long time indeed.
There is a problem with this plan in that is reduces the need for the terrorists to cooperate with the US government as a ploy for earlier release. If the information gathered from these individuals has been or is helpful they should be released earlier in compensation. Their release should not be precipitous but calculated to protect their lives and the USA simultaneously. Undoubtedly such captives would be killed by their confreres upon their reentry in the world of IslamoFascism.
The real social and political difficulty in the United States is the desire on the ultra-left to make heroes of those who would kill all non Muslims and those in the middle and right who want to protect the country and do the right thing at the same time. Can this be done? The ultra-left and their intimidated left compadres are in a tight spot. Their heroes: Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Che Gueverra, Ghaddafi, and the rest are in direct opposition to main stream American opinion and view of what is correct.
A good guess is that this question will be resolved to no one’s satisfaction by the Supreme Court in due course.
The method of trial chosen is that of a military court, with rules of evidence competent with that setting. These trials will most likely but held in secret, but maybe not. The secrecy would prohibit political grandstanding, but would lead to questions about the legitimacy of the convictions. The same end of punishment can be gained by declaring these captives prisoners of war and holding them indefinitely until the war on terror is declared over. That could be a very long time indeed.
There is a problem with this plan in that is reduces the need for the terrorists to cooperate with the US government as a ploy for earlier release. If the information gathered from these individuals has been or is helpful they should be released earlier in compensation. Their release should not be precipitous but calculated to protect their lives and the USA simultaneously. Undoubtedly such captives would be killed by their confreres upon their reentry in the world of IslamoFascism.
The real social and political difficulty in the United States is the desire on the ultra-left to make heroes of those who would kill all non Muslims and those in the middle and right who want to protect the country and do the right thing at the same time. Can this be done? The ultra-left and their intimidated left compadres are in a tight spot. Their heroes: Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, Che Gueverra, Ghaddafi, and the rest are in direct opposition to main stream American opinion and view of what is correct.
A good guess is that this question will be resolved to no one’s satisfaction by the Supreme Court in due course.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
The Labor Day weekend
The Labor Day weekend raised some interesting issues some of them frustrating to conservatives. The promotional momentum is with the Democrats and they know it. Their behavior is becoming more confident as the polls show that they are ahead in nearly every category. Beware the polls! There might be a con game afoot with the mainstream media leading the way. The constant barrage of bad news must of course wear anyone down, but it is Election Day that will produce the final poll numbers.
In this respect the Republicans are in danger if they cannot motivate their core voters to take seriously the chance of losing control of the House and Senate, despite the fact they have been mostly unwilling to exert such power as they have. The Democrats are so confident that they have begun proposing the end of funding for the military action in Iraq, something that Tim Russert had said would not happen. Speeches are being given listing Republican failures over the last six years, a litany that would not have occurred without the strength of polling data; some of which purports that the majority of Americans trust the Democrats more on national defense. That is an assertion that is worth some skepticism.
The Democrats willingness to use and abuse power when they get it is well known. Should court nominations arise while they control the Senate, rest assured that the nuclear option will be used by them if needed to achieve their ends.
During the Labor Day Celebrations many columnists urged businesses to raise wages, without considering if the business could afford this action. It is simply a feel good action on the part of the writer. Illegal workers demonstrated against arrest for violation of the law. “Don’t arrest the workers” read some signs; a really pathetic attempt to evoke sympathy. Where were the union activists pleading for the admission of illegals? Where were the liberals demanding that low wages be stopped so that union workers could maintain their position in society?
The Republicans have failed to protect the borders of the United States and the results will be obvious in the next few years. Undoubtedly IslamoFascists sleeper cells are here and waiting orders. It may sooner, but most likely the attacks will begin after the Democrats take charge. The enemies of this nation know that the liberals and ultra-liberals feel guilty about their place in the world and will do anything to appease these murderers. The recent suggestion by Al-Zawhiri that all non-Muslims take the time to convert to Islam was not a joke. Michael Moore and his followers don’t take these people seriously so great is their outrage at their own country.
Coming soon to a mall near you will be the self-exploding, naïve, Muslim. Be wary.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Who's Really Stupid
There is a march today in Illinois that has as its objective the immediate naturalization of 12 million illegal immigrants. Once again the Democrats are caught between their ambitions and reality. How can the Democrat party, the party of Labor Unions, support the wage degradation caused by illegal immigrants. It is just one more manifestation of the liberal desire to gain power and impose their will on the nation. Both parties are at fault for not enforcing the laws that are currently enacted.
Republicans have always been portrayed as the friends of exploitative capitalistic business, while the Democrats are the friend of the working class. If these paradigms are true then let’s go after the corrupt Republican business people. Alas this cannot be done because the wealthy liberals got their money from somewhere and most likely exploited labor in the process. Yet their union supporters, actually party adjuncts, are being betrayed. Cheap labor is just that no minimum wage bill is going to help a worker making $20.00 and hour when he can be replaced for $11.00 an hour.
Why is this happening? Simply, the ultra-liberal and liberal elites feel it is their right to rule and tell the rest of the stupid citizens how to live correctly. Of course the answer is more complex in the final analysis but only in the sense of how these elites think they got the right to dictate.
For example Wal-Mart is the biggest target on the Democrat hit list. Is this the case because the company was started in Arkansas by “Crackers” in an area that is generally Republican; with the Clinton aberration of course? What if Wal-Mart hired undocumented workers? Undoubtedly they do, even if inadvertently, would the Dems still be going after them? The answer is yes because this is a sop to Labor. It seems that the white males who run the party have it made and the worker bees such as the blacks, unions, feminazis, et al simply do as they are told. The white male Democrats like Kennedy, Reid, Corzine, and the rest out number any female members in the suites of power. Why doesn’t this obvious contradiction cause problems?
The strength of the Democrat Party is based on class hatred, excluding the wealthy Democrats of course. How can these people buy into the notion that George Bush is stupid when they, the rank and file, put up with such behavior from their leaders?
Republicans have always been portrayed as the friends of exploitative capitalistic business, while the Democrats are the friend of the working class. If these paradigms are true then let’s go after the corrupt Republican business people. Alas this cannot be done because the wealthy liberals got their money from somewhere and most likely exploited labor in the process. Yet their union supporters, actually party adjuncts, are being betrayed. Cheap labor is just that no minimum wage bill is going to help a worker making $20.00 and hour when he can be replaced for $11.00 an hour.
Why is this happening? Simply, the ultra-liberal and liberal elites feel it is their right to rule and tell the rest of the stupid citizens how to live correctly. Of course the answer is more complex in the final analysis but only in the sense of how these elites think they got the right to dictate.
For example Wal-Mart is the biggest target on the Democrat hit list. Is this the case because the company was started in Arkansas by “Crackers” in an area that is generally Republican; with the Clinton aberration of course? What if Wal-Mart hired undocumented workers? Undoubtedly they do, even if inadvertently, would the Dems still be going after them? The answer is yes because this is a sop to Labor. It seems that the white males who run the party have it made and the worker bees such as the blacks, unions, feminazis, et al simply do as they are told. The white male Democrats like Kennedy, Reid, Corzine, and the rest out number any female members in the suites of power. Why doesn’t this obvious contradiction cause problems?
The strength of the Democrat Party is based on class hatred, excluding the wealthy Democrats of course. How can these people buy into the notion that George Bush is stupid when they, the rank and file, put up with such behavior from their leaders?
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Voters are shareholders
Voters are shareholders, and as members of a capitalist society should act accordingly. This means that when the management team is not measuring up to its potential then it is time for a change. There are two major political firms in the USA, with many other smaller ones trying to get bigger. While the Republicans and Democrats command the largest market share it might be possible for some others to form partnerships to challenge the dominance of the Big Two.
Why should this be necessary? At this point in the political life of the United States a point of stasis has been reached. There seems to be no way forward and certainly there is no way back. The elected managers of the country are managing their careers instead of managing the business of governing. This presents a grave danger to the ultimate survival of the nation.
The Democrats are very good at suggesting that more sacrifice is needed on the part of the citizenry. They are not so good at sacrificing themselves. When the leading lights of the liberal left include Nancy Pelosi, Michael Moore, Harry Reid, and company it is obvious that the left is in no position to lead anyone anywhere. Pronouncements won’t make things happen or make them true. The statements emanating from this group are so crazy that one wonders how anyone can take them seriously. Well many people do, just watch the traffic go by and check out the bumper stickers. They are proud of their stupidity.
Republicans have nothing to brag about. When called upon to act they wilt from the heat of a possible mistake. Polls rule the lives of Republican lawmakers, where the real power is, as Bush seems to decline in popularity the party representative’s move to the left. The national media have done a good job of Bush bashing and many people are suffering from Bush news fatigue. In fact George Bush is probably the first honest politician the United States has had in many years. This will be his downfall.
Bush’s earnest desire to lead the nation to successful growth makes him a formidable competitor and the Democrats fear him. Why else would their mantra be simply “Bush is too stupid to lead.” What this means is that he is too honest, and to a degree a bit naïve. He seems to be genuinely compassionate, something liberals spout but fail to deliver. The mid-term elections are near and all shareholders have an obligation to vote and take charge of their lives. Simply allowing the proxies to dominate (not voting allows those who do to rule) will not produce a satisfactory management team.
Why should this be necessary? At this point in the political life of the United States a point of stasis has been reached. There seems to be no way forward and certainly there is no way back. The elected managers of the country are managing their careers instead of managing the business of governing. This presents a grave danger to the ultimate survival of the nation.
The Democrats are very good at suggesting that more sacrifice is needed on the part of the citizenry. They are not so good at sacrificing themselves. When the leading lights of the liberal left include Nancy Pelosi, Michael Moore, Harry Reid, and company it is obvious that the left is in no position to lead anyone anywhere. Pronouncements won’t make things happen or make them true. The statements emanating from this group are so crazy that one wonders how anyone can take them seriously. Well many people do, just watch the traffic go by and check out the bumper stickers. They are proud of their stupidity.
Republicans have nothing to brag about. When called upon to act they wilt from the heat of a possible mistake. Polls rule the lives of Republican lawmakers, where the real power is, as Bush seems to decline in popularity the party representative’s move to the left. The national media have done a good job of Bush bashing and many people are suffering from Bush news fatigue. In fact George Bush is probably the first honest politician the United States has had in many years. This will be his downfall.
Bush’s earnest desire to lead the nation to successful growth makes him a formidable competitor and the Democrats fear him. Why else would their mantra be simply “Bush is too stupid to lead.” What this means is that he is too honest, and to a degree a bit naïve. He seems to be genuinely compassionate, something liberals spout but fail to deliver. The mid-term elections are near and all shareholders have an obligation to vote and take charge of their lives. Simply allowing the proxies to dominate (not voting allows those who do to rule) will not produce a satisfactory management team.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Democrats In Soon
It seems very likely that the Democrats will regain control of at least one part of congress either the Senate or the House. This means two things: lame duck status for George and probably impeachment proceedings. While bad for the Republicans it might be good for the rest of us. These congressional clowns won’t be able to pass many laws that will be detrimental to the country. If this happens the Republicans have only themselves to blame.
While the Democrats are duplicitous and completely untrustworthy they at least stick to their guns. The Republicans have turned out to be gutless wonders that prefer the perks of governing more than the responsibility of governing. What is really needed is some kind of independent movement that can lead the country in the way George Bush started out doing.
One other benefit of the Democrats in power is that everything will change. When they are in charge all the things that they have been criticizing will still be going on, but since they will be doing it there will be nothing wrong. When another hurricane devastates part of the nation, FEMA will still not respond adequately. Why have we forgotten Hurricane Andrew? The people affected by that storm didn’t get any help for days. Was that because Bill Clinton was a bumbler?
The mainstream media will be able to relax a bit as they will have complete access to their masters in the Party. Talk radio will have a field day which will make it even more interesting. All leaks will become government press releases. Our enemies will rejoice and feel that they can attack with impunity. Iraq will fall into even greater turmoil. It will be amazing, perhaps it will be the end of the Democrat Party.
One can always hope.
While the Democrats are duplicitous and completely untrustworthy they at least stick to their guns. The Republicans have turned out to be gutless wonders that prefer the perks of governing more than the responsibility of governing. What is really needed is some kind of independent movement that can lead the country in the way George Bush started out doing.
One other benefit of the Democrats in power is that everything will change. When they are in charge all the things that they have been criticizing will still be going on, but since they will be doing it there will be nothing wrong. When another hurricane devastates part of the nation, FEMA will still not respond adequately. Why have we forgotten Hurricane Andrew? The people affected by that storm didn’t get any help for days. Was that because Bill Clinton was a bumbler?
The mainstream media will be able to relax a bit as they will have complete access to their masters in the Party. Talk radio will have a field day which will make it even more interesting. All leaks will become government press releases. Our enemies will rejoice and feel that they can attack with impunity. Iraq will fall into even greater turmoil. It will be amazing, perhaps it will be the end of the Democrat Party.
One can always hope.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Ryder Cup Thoughts
After watching the WGS tournament held at Firestone Country Club last week it’s clear that the US is fielding a rather weak team. Tom Lehman is a poor choice for Captain and he will have difficulty motivating players who, on the regular tour, have a hard time motivating themselves. One redeeming feature is that the European team, while marginally stronger, also has members that play mostly for themselves.
Ian Woosnam will make a very good Captain as he is quite a fighter and a very determined individual. There are excellent players on both sides but the player who is and who should be expected to be far above the rest is Tiger Woods. He has already taken on defacto assistant captain’s role by contacting the younger team members and attempting to bond with them. Tiger might actually end up as the shadow playing captain.
In the last several weeks Tiger has faced competition from members of both sides and has prevailed. Just yesterday he held off Stewart Cink for his fourth straight tour championship. The conditions were good most of the week and Tiger overcame a distinct problem of four straight bogies that would have unhinged a lesser person. At the same time none of the other players could play well enough to eliminate Tiger while he was faltering. Emotionally Tiger is at the top of his game, the question is can he maintain this peak performance at the Ryder Cup?
The course at the K Club is not as difficult as the Firestone course. The disadvantage for the US Team is that the play will be in Ireland. These professionals are used to traveling to be sure, but several members are struggling at home. Phil Mickelson seems to be self-destructing after his US Open meltdown. Stewart Cink couldn’t put Tiger away when he had the chance. None of the other US Ryder Cup players were even in contention.
The European Team members who were in contention faltered badly under the pressure of a Tiger comeback. Luke Donald, who faded badly in the PGA Championship, couldn’t hold on. Paul Casey had a firm grasp on the victory and let it slip away fading to -7 at the end. The Ryder Cup is nothing like a regular tour event and so things might play out differently. The so-called American weakness in the alternate shot format is overrated. Why shouldn’t professional golfers be able to cope with whatever situation is left them?
The tournament will be a good one and the result is far from certain. The victory will be a close run thing whichever side prevails. Don’t be surprised with a tie, which is actually a defeat for the US as the Europeans will retain the Cup.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Delusional Democrats
It’s been suspected for quite awhile now that the leadership of the Democrat Party is at least partially delusional. As the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches they are going even crazier. Harry Reid has made the statement that New Orleans was not hit by a natural disaster but by the incompetence of the Bush Administration. What next? What about the rest of the states hit by the storm? What about those affected by Hurricane Rita?
The wailing and gnashing of teeth by the Democrats wouldn’t be so bad if they would only take responsibility for the actions of their leaders such as Ray Nagin and Governor Blanco. The criticism of the Bush administration’s handling of the aftermath is mostly well deserved, but the horror was made worse by local politicians who were either jockeying for credit (Blanco)afraid that Bush might get some good press, or simply paralyzed in the face of events (Nagin). The media didn’t help by all the false reports of murders, rapes, etc. To this day there have been no retractions or apologies for their behavior.
Next week we will be treated to all kinds of sob stories and heroic tales, but hardly any of the truth will be told. This is the case with almost every big event in this country each of them is twisted by the media partisans of both sides. This makes it very difficult to even guess at what’s going on. Even the pictures of the scene are suspect; we are shown only what will fit in the lens of the reporter’s and crews of the news teams. If there are areas of tranquility they are not news and therefore not mentioned.
It would be easier to respect members of the left if they simply tried to make sense instead making attacks that most reasonable won’t take seriously.
The wailing and gnashing of teeth by the Democrats wouldn’t be so bad if they would only take responsibility for the actions of their leaders such as Ray Nagin and Governor Blanco. The criticism of the Bush administration’s handling of the aftermath is mostly well deserved, but the horror was made worse by local politicians who were either jockeying for credit (Blanco)afraid that Bush might get some good press, or simply paralyzed in the face of events (Nagin). The media didn’t help by all the false reports of murders, rapes, etc. To this day there have been no retractions or apologies for their behavior.
Next week we will be treated to all kinds of sob stories and heroic tales, but hardly any of the truth will be told. This is the case with almost every big event in this country each of them is twisted by the media partisans of both sides. This makes it very difficult to even guess at what’s going on. Even the pictures of the scene are suspect; we are shown only what will fit in the lens of the reporter’s and crews of the news teams. If there are areas of tranquility they are not news and therefore not mentioned.
It would be easier to respect members of the left if they simply tried to make sense instead making attacks that most reasonable won’t take seriously.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Safer Now
Recently there has been a spate of articles, books, and commentaries about the so-called war on terror. Apparently we are losing and just don’t know it. These commentators miss the point; it is a world wide war on terror. As usual the US media is focused almost exclusively on the United States, Iraq, and Afghanistan it’s no wonder that most Americans knowledge of the rest of the world is pitifully limited. The press mantra is “Are we safer five years later?”
The fact that there have been no successful terror attacks in the USA is indeed remarkable, almost unbelievable. There have been terror attacks elsewhere since the destruction of the World Trade Center Complex; an accomplishment in itself that is probably worth five years of reflection. Americans are a complacent lot worrying only about the banal and being hardly aware of their on country let alone the rest of the globe.
Recent studies have produced results about historical and geographical knowledge that are amazing if true. Something like 60% of high school graduates can’t locate on maps of the world countries they hear about on the news every day. They don’t seem to be hearing the message. Most colleges in the US don’t require a basic grounding in US or World History. These failures make the US an easy target and the rest of the West to the extent they emulate the US education system.
The premise that the intelligence agencies of the US are in turmoil is probably true. Undoubtedly there are turf wars within the agencies as old enemies are displaced and new ones taken on board. Cultural and political differences are preventing the increase of competence needed to infiltrate the enemy’s camp. It is unlikely that the Irish Catholic and Italian “wise-guys” of the FBI that defeated the IRA and the Mafia will be successful against the various jihadists. The CIA and FBI are having a difficult time coming to grips with the need to recruit Arabic Muslims and not just Arabic speaking agents. They must hire infiltrators from the terror breeding grounds in order to successfully defend the civilization.
This course of action presents its own dangers of course, but the risk must be run. It is difficult to defeat an enemy about whom you know almost nothing except his willingness to die to achieve his goal.
The fact that there have been no successful terror attacks in the USA is indeed remarkable, almost unbelievable. There have been terror attacks elsewhere since the destruction of the World Trade Center Complex; an accomplishment in itself that is probably worth five years of reflection. Americans are a complacent lot worrying only about the banal and being hardly aware of their on country let alone the rest of the globe.
Recent studies have produced results about historical and geographical knowledge that are amazing if true. Something like 60% of high school graduates can’t locate on maps of the world countries they hear about on the news every day. They don’t seem to be hearing the message. Most colleges in the US don’t require a basic grounding in US or World History. These failures make the US an easy target and the rest of the West to the extent they emulate the US education system.
The premise that the intelligence agencies of the US are in turmoil is probably true. Undoubtedly there are turf wars within the agencies as old enemies are displaced and new ones taken on board. Cultural and political differences are preventing the increase of competence needed to infiltrate the enemy’s camp. It is unlikely that the Irish Catholic and Italian “wise-guys” of the FBI that defeated the IRA and the Mafia will be successful against the various jihadists. The CIA and FBI are having a difficult time coming to grips with the need to recruit Arabic Muslims and not just Arabic speaking agents. They must hire infiltrators from the terror breeding grounds in order to successfully defend the civilization.
This course of action presents its own dangers of course, but the risk must be run. It is difficult to defeat an enemy about whom you know almost nothing except his willingness to die to achieve his goal.
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