THE WINDFALL....

All last year Grandpa and Grandma Edwin Johnson were receiving $500.00 checks in the mail every month and cashing them. It turns out the insurance company made a mistake with the address. The checks were intended for another Edwin P. Johnson, and now Grandpa receives notice he has to pay back $6,000.00. Visibly upset, he complains to his grandson, an accountant. His grandson asks, "Grandpa, didn't you wonder why you were receiving checks for doing absolutely nothing?" Grandpa answers, "I just figured the Democrats were back in power." (Thanks Sue, made the day a little better!)

More UN Nonsense

A few hours ago, I saw a snippet on the news that the UN had approved $500 million to help Lebanon rebuild. World donors have increased that amount to more than $900 million.I've been waiting to see how much they are going to raise to help Israel rebuild. I'm still waiting.

Be Afraid!

Ireland Gives Public Two Months to Hand in Illegal Guns Without Penalty

DUBLIN, Ireland — Owners of illegally owned firearms will be given two months to hand over the weapons without penalty before a new, tougher law comes into force, the government announced Thursday. Justice Minister Michael McDowell included the amnesty for illegally owned guns in its new criminal justice bill, which makes some firearms-ownership offenses punishable by five to 10 years in prison. The amnesty will permit people to hand over unlicensed firearms, as well as a wide range of other lethal weapons including hunting knives and crossbows, throughout September and October. The bill creating new offenses with tougher sentences would become law in November. The government declined to say whether any surrendered guns would be subject to forensic tests to determine whether they had been used in specific crimes. More than 20 people have been fatally shot in the Republic of Ireland this year, most of them in Dublin criminal feuds.

Be VERY afraid!

Disgusting!

They have the gall and audacity to put this in the "entertainment" category? President Bush 'assassinated' in new TV docudrama

Set around October 2007, President Bush is assassinated as he leaves the Sheraton Hotel in Chicago.

H/T: Stop The ACLU

Laundry Musings

Have you ever noticed that when you decided to actually DO laundry, a whole lot of things happen? Laundry seems simple enough, until you actually have the time and inclination to "do it". 1. Ever notice that panyhose end up in the load, and ALWAYS gets wrapped around other items? It's a great training tool for unraveling Christmas lights. 2. More expensive towels end up "shedding", just like the less expensive ones. Of course, the sheddings always end up on other items, stuck like the dryer used Super Glue, and have to picked off one by one. 3. A cat will always decide to curl up on the load you are planning to throw in the washing machine next, and is always the same feline who wants to help type. 4. There's always something your husband "forgot" to put in the basket. 5. No matter how much technology has "improved" our lives, there still isn't a washer and dryer combination that: a) gathers up all the dirty clothes b) puts them in the washing machine, adds detergent, turns itself on c) transfer clothes to the dryer d) folds and puts away clean clothes We can only hope that some day..... I'm all for wearing something once or twice, and buying new! :)

What Were They Drinking?

Who's bright idea was it to grant a visa to a terrorist? Former Iranian President Khatami Granted Visa

There will be no restrictions on his travel.

I sure hope the people who live in the area will make it quite difficult for him to wander around.

Khatami plans to attend a U.N. conference Sept. 5-6, and speak at the Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 7.

What moron agreed to him speaking at OUR National Cathedral? This is a representative of a religion that has NO tolerance for other religions. How dare any American grant him permission to speak in the same Cathedral that honored the murdered victims of terrorists, on the eve of the 5th anniversary of those murders.

A growing number of former U.S. diplomats and members of Congress have urged the administration to talk to Iran about their disagreements.

They mean the Neville Chamberlain types... appease the evil at the cost of lives, like Jimmy Carter.

He proclaimed human rights while lauding the Shah of Iran'’s repressive regime. When the Shah'’s revolutionary successors held 52 American diplomats hostage for 14 months, Ayatollah Khomeini accurately sneered: "“Neither does Carter have the guts for military action, nor would anyone listen to him."”

Angel at Woman Honor Thyself looks at this issue, with other links.

Land Grab

While reading this article, I started thinking, this sounds a lot like what's been happening in this country with the abuse of 'eminent domain'. The only difference I see, it's the city councils who are behaving like dictators, not the head of the country and his cronies.

Backed by a land law passed in 2003, the Chavez government has targeted 4 million acres of farmland for seizure and redistribution this year to poor farm cooperatives. The moves are part of a broader social agenda to move the poor out of the cities and onto small farms.

This type of "Robin Hood" action doesn't really work in the long run. Being poor sucks, I know, been there, done that. However, the opportunity to improve your own life, through education and hard work is a whole lot more important than being given a new apartment. Yes, having a decent roof over your heads is a high priority, however, earning that roof with your own hard work is a benefit the socialist types just don't understand. If it doesn't actually belong to you, are you going to care as much about the upkeep? Odds are, no, as we've seen in the many "projects" throughout our own country. Sometimes, circumstances beyond our control have a profound effect on our lives, but it's what we learn from those experiences helps create the person we become, good or bad.

Backed by a land law passed in 2003, the Chavez government has targeted 4 million acres of farmland for seizure and redistribution this year to poor farm cooperatives. The moves are part of a broader social agenda to move the poor out of the cities and onto small farms.

When a government takes control of private industry, even a country club, the results are pretty much the same as when it was in private hands, only it's the government officials who are getting rich, and the poor are still poor. The inequities grow even more. Communism does not work! There will be no utopia created by stealing private property "for the greater good".

Fear of squatter seizures has brought new apartment construction to a virtual halt in the capital and other Venezuelan cities, creating an acute shortage of units and inflating rents.

So, the more land and property the dictatorship of Venezuela seizes, the less construction actually occurs. Who is this helping? Not the workers, who are trying to provide the aforementioned roof for their families, or the renters, who will have to fork over even more money to their landlords. The simple principle of "supply and demand" seems to be completely lost on the socialist mindset. I will repeat it, COMMUNISM DOES NOT WORK! Perhaps this is a good time for Cindy Sheehan to go make nice with her favorite dictator, especially since she'd rather live in a country run by Chavez, than by George W. Bush.

Fireman Demoted

How long will it be before something like this happens in this country? Or has it started already? Fireman demoted for refusing to attend gay festival

A fireman who refused to hand out safety leaflets at a homosexual pride march has been demoted. Eight of his colleagues who also refused to attend the Pride Scotia parade in June have been told they must undergo intensive "diversity training", following a series of disciplinary hearings. After several days of deliberation, senior officers at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue (SFR) today announced the nine would receive written warnings for disobeying orders. The demoted fireman faces a salary cut of up to £5,000. The men's refusal to hand out the leaflets represented a "fundamental breach of their core responsibilities", it was judged.

Since when is passing out pamphlets for a homosexual event a "core responsibility" for a fireman? And here I grew up thinking that firemen fight fires, rescue people, and generally make life a little safer for us all. I guess I got it all wrong.

Kofi Luvs Mahmoud

Stolen: Disgruntled Truck Driver!

Mother Moonbat Not Above the Law

Cindy Sheehan evidently has too much on her mind these days. Unfortunately for her, the Woodway, Texas police didn't forget that Sheehan hadn't paid the fine for a traffic violation. Sheehan had two outstanding warrants -— one for the original ticket for following too closely, another for failure to appear, the spokeswoman said. Well, at least they didn't have any trouble finding her.

Training to be Illegal

Illegal aliens are a major problem in this country. Those making the illegal border crossing now have the opportunity to take a training course in how to avoid the "migra", or border patrol if you actually speak English. For $15, you can match wits with immigration Park attraction in Mexico offers reality, but doesn't amuse lawmen

EL ALBERTO, MEXICO — "Run! They're on our tails!" shouted a man in a ski mask as he led 15 people down a steep ravine and into a thorn-infested thicket. Gunshots pierced the night air. Sirens wailed. Then came a voice, sounding like the Border Patrol. "Don't cross the river!" someone yelled in a heavy accent. "Go back to Mexico where you belong!" Welcome to one of Mexico's strangest tourist attractions: A park where visitors pay $15 to hike across fields and through treacherous ravines, a grueling experience aimed at simulating an illegal journey across the U.S.-Mexico border. "We want this to be an exercise in awareness," said Alfonso Martinez, who acts as the chief smuggler at EcoAlberto Park in central Mexico. "It's in honor of all the people who have gone in search of the American Dream." The park, funded in part by the Mexican government, compares crossing the border to an "extreme sport" and tells participants that they, too, can "trick the Migra," slang for the Border Patrol. Real-life agents are not amused.

Neither am I. Read the rest here.

File this under... HUH?

Scientists seek to save baby-eating sharks from themselves

Sharks whose babies eat each other in the womb may not be everybody's idea of a species worth worrying about, but Australian scientists are desperately trying to save them from themselves.

That's about the silliest thing I've ever heard. Isn't there a reason for everything? I'm sure the baby sharks have a darn good reason for wiping out their "siblings". Like maybe mama shark can't afford to support the other 39? :) Don't these scientists have something better to do with their time than artificially "save" baby sharks? H/T: Shining City Atop a Hill

Cancer Sucks - Pt 3

I'm finding it more and more difficult to reconcile the vibrant, lovely lady of one month ago to the fragile creature now laying in a hospital bed barely 8 feet from where I am now sitting. If it wasn't for St. Agnes Hospice Care, I honestly don't think the family would have been able to deal with the current situation. They have been a God send. I'm sure the one or two regular visitor's have probably noticed I seem a bit distracted lately, now you know why.

Useless Annan

Annan unable to confirm troops alive There's no doubt in my mind this clown is the most useless human being on the planet. A big strong, but my aggravation with anything to do with the UN has doubled in the last couple of months, and it was pretty huge before this most recent mess.

"There will be no unconditional release. This is not possible," Minister of Energy and Hydraulic Resources Mohammed Fneish, one of two Hizbullah members in Lebanon's Cabinet, told reporters in Beirut.

Pardon my ignorance, but wouldn't the "Minister of Energy and Hydraulic Resources" be more inclined to deal with, oh, let's say energy and hydraulic resources, and NOT war? This statement from a member of Hezbollah tells me who, in the Lebanese government actually running the show. The Lebanese people voted these two terrorists into power, and have effectively given over their lives to the results of their actions, aka....war with Israel.

"There should be an exchange through indirect negotiations. This is the principle to which Hizbullah and the resistance are adhering," he said.

The difference between arresting criminals and kidnapping soldiers is obvious to me. I guess, however, the terrorist mind works a lot differently.

Annan told reporters that he was under the impression that the kidnapped troops were alive, but stopped short of confirming it. He was referring to a statement by US civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson, who met Syrian and Hamas leaders in Damascus and said that the soldiers were "alive and well."

Someone explain to me what Jesse Jackson has to do with anything? Another anti-Semite getting involved with the situation. That sure makes sense. (read sarcasm) Israel has not lifted the blockade, and says it won't unless both international forces, and Lebanese troops are deployed on the Lebanon-Syria border to prevent more weapons from coming into the country to re-arm Hezbollah. I can understand their position completely. You'd think the "international" world would try to enforce this request.

Asked by a reporter why he was going to Iran, a country whose leader has called for the destruction of Israel, Annan replied, "As the secretary-general of the UN, it is my responsibility to speak with anybody who can help us improve the situation. If I can't have a discussion with Ahmandinejad, how else could I relay the message that what he is saying is wrong."

Another slap on the wrist? (snicker) Ahmebooboo doesn't give a happy crap what Annan and the UN says, why on earth would he start now?

Just Because...

....it happens to be true! :) Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea. -Robert A. Heinlein

How Strange is This?

If you won $209 million, would you pussy foot around, and not bother claiming it, and get your ticket validated? $209 million jackpot still unclaimed

The group of 100 Sargento Foods factory work-ers who claim to have the winning ticket from the Aug. 5 Powerball drawing worth $208.6 million have yet to claim their prize, Wisconsin Lottery spokes-woman Jessica Iverson said Tuesday. "(The ticket) has not yet been validated," Iverson said. Iverson said she did not know why the group has not claimed the prize, but said the process can be more difficult for a large group because there is more legal work involved.

Odd!

Another Must Read from Owen

Pork by any other name still wasteful

Have you ever heard of "earmarks?" You probably have, but by another name: "pork." Earmarking has been a problem for some time, but in the past decade or so, it has become an epidemic. So what are earmarks anyway? Earmarks are spending items that are inserted into bills that are designated for a specific project. In the normal budgeting process, the legislature will debate how much money should be spent on a particular department or program and then grant that money. But the bureaucracy actually prioritizes and dispenses the funds. For example, in the latest transportation bill, Congress voted to spend about $286 billion on transportation items. Exactly what projects that money would be spent on would be determined by the federal and state bureaucracies. Earmarks are specific spending items that are slipped in at the last minute - usually behind closed doors. Legislators don’t put their names on the earmarks and no debate is ever held on them. In that same transportation bill, congressmen slipped in 6,371 earmarks, representing $24 billion - or about $80 for every man, woman, and child in America - of additional spending. Among the items included were $6 million for graffiti elimination in New York, $2.4 million for the Red River National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Louisiana, and $1.2 million for the Blue Ridge Music Center in Virginia.

Read the rest here. Brilliant!

This is Good Stuff

Go Here! Don't ask questions....just trust me on this one, ok? :)

Court Hand Tying

Snuck away from Redstate

Mother Moonbat's Fading Fame

The folks in Crawford, Texas aren't all that impressed that Cindy Sheehan "lives" in their community. Since Sheehan has been recovering from surgery, and she hasn't been the focus of a media frenzy, no one is much concerned where she is. I'm sorry she had to have the surgery...been there, done that, and let me tell ya, it's no fun. But since there's have been some serious medical advancements, I doubt she'll have a long recovery time. Cindy Sheehan not the media draw she once was

The Cindy Sheehan staying near here this weekend does not command the same attention or sympathy as the one who arrived near President Bush’s ranch as a furious, grieving stranger more than a year ago. But even as fading fame, partisan criticism and growing nationwide concern about the Iraq war have contributed to make the Vacaville, Calif., “peace mom” a far less relevant figure, the importance of her first Crawford visit still lingers. Her call for quick withdrawal represented a radical view that no prominent politician was endorsing. Thirteen months later, it is a serious Senate campaign platform in Connecticut and Virginia. Calls for withdrawal are now raised often by editorial page writers, politicians and even former military leaders. All of which has left Sheehan herself more marginalized. “She is a little bit less of a player now,” said Bruce Buchanan, a political science professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

Read the rest here.

Gotta Love the Local Weather Service

Another theft from Disgruntled Truck Driver!

Howard Dean

Republicans Are Obstructing King's Dream, Dean Says

On the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean accused President Bush and other Republicans of abandoning the civil rights movement and the call of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to fight poverty. "As we mark this anniversary, we should remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King and others who spoke on the Mall in Washington some 43 years ago calling on each one of us as individuals and our nation to honor our obligation to one another as part of the American community," Dean said in a statement. "We have a long way to go in ensuring the dream that Dr. King spoke of some 43 years ago, and Republicans' misplaced priorities are not getting us closer to making that dream a reality," Dean said. The Democrats' message to residents of the Gulf Coast still rebuilding after the devastating storm is that "we have not and we will not forget you. We will work hard to ensure the Gulf Coast has the resources needed to rebuild its communities," he said.

This from the head honcho of the party of "keep them down, make excuses for bad behavior, don't expect the best, and DEATH".

"I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today."

Isn't it time to implement that dream and stop treating any American as more, or less, than any other American? This is what Republicans want, and are working hard to achieve. The Democrats seem to think that they know what's best for everyone, and anyone who isn't Caucasian isn't smart enough to get ahead on their own. That's just flat out wrong! Where is the outrage from the black community?

A Few Highlights of the Day

Annan: Israel guilty of truce violations

UN secretary-general meets with Defense Minister Peretz, slams Israel for violating southern Lebanon ceasefire. Annan also calls on Israel to lift aerial, naval blockade imposed on Lebanon since beginning of war.

I don't think so! Ahmadinejad challenges U.N., Bush

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad today challenged the authority of the U.N. Security Council as Iran faces a deadline to halt its uranium enrichment, and he called for a televised debate with President Bush on world issues.

Wouldn't that be amusing. Amibooboo doesn't speak English, and Bush doesn't speak Persian. U.S. Incomes Up, 1st Rise Since '99

Americans' incomes rose last year for the first time since 1999, the Census Bureau reported today. But the poverty rate stayed stubbornly high - and more people were without health insurance than ever before.

This should annoy the libs. Unfortunately, "there will always be poor among us". Fugitive Polygamist Sect Leader Arrested in Las Vegas

A fugitive polygamist leader who was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List was found with cell phones, laptop computers, wigs and more than $50,000 in cash when he was arrested, authorities said Tuesday.

One seriously disgusting pervert! I wonder if his idea of having so many wives is not religion based, but rather that he can't....um...perform up to snuff, and is embarrassed? Just a thought. No matter, he's still a sick puppy! Tropical storm drenches southern Florida

Tropical Storm Ernesto's leading edge drenched Miami and the rest of southern Florida on Tuesday as it steamed toward the Sunshine State with a potential for more than a foot of rain. But forecasters said there was only an outside chance it would strengthen into a hurricane.

It's Bush's fault! :) Rumsfeld: Bush Foes Lack Courage on Terror

Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Tuesday accused critics of the Bush administration's Iraq and counterterrorism policies of lacking the courage to fight terror.

I think Rumsfeld has a point there. A sorry exhibition

The third exhibition game, the one moment of semi-truth for any team in the National Football League, couldn't have turned out more abysmally for the Green Bay Packers.

Cincinnati, 48 - Packers, 17. Ok, they did more than lose, they got squashed. Know what? I don't care! :) It's a game fer petes sake!

Oh NOOOOOO!

It's official! The American guards are torturing Saddam Hussein!

Saddam's cartoon capers

Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is being made to watch his appearance in cult cartoon South Park while he is behind bars. The deposed leader on trial in Iraq was featured in the movie spin-off as the lover of the devil. South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut featured Hussein and Satan attempting to take over the world together. Speaking at the Edinburgh International Television Festival, South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone said US Marines guarding the former dictator during his trial for genocide were making him watch the movie "repeatedly". "I have it on pretty good information from the Marines on detail in Iraq that they showed him the movie last year. That's really adding insult to injury. I bet that made him really happy," Stone said.

I've Noticed Something

There seem to be a race to get advertisers in the comments sections. I guess someone goes through all the blogs, and pick out one to leave their calling card. No comments are left about the subject, just what they're selling. I made the mistake of accepting one of these a while back, and I'll be darned if it wasn't within 2 days, I was getting spam from that very same company. Does this happen to anyone else? I've since learned to reject those types of comments, but I'm wondering, does someone get paid to do that? Maybe a buck a comment? :) Hmmm... not a bad way to annoy people and make money at the same time! :)

Stolen from Disgruntled Truck Driver

Pigs Are Flying!

Go here to find out more.

Partial List

AirTran pilot among Comair victims

But one of the victims was a pilot for AirTran Airways who was traveling to the carrier's hub at the Atlanta airport. AirTran said Clarence W. Fortney II, 34, was scheduled to fly as co-pilot on one of the discount airline's Boeing 717s later that morning. Fortney, of Stanton, Ky., was hitching a free ride on Comair to get to work, but was riding in the passenger cabin rather than a so-called "jump seat" in the cockpit, according to AirTran. "It's a sad situation," said Klaus Goersch, AirTran's vice president of flight operations. "He had a son a little over a year old." Goersch said Fortney was hired a little over a year ago. "My understanding is he's been a great employee," he said.

This young man was Steve's (Hog on Ice) cousin in law.

Pinnochio was a Muslim

Not only do some Mulsims try to change reality, they're also changing fiction. Read about it at Dhimmi Watch.

Swiped from Sparks from the Anvil

Maywood, Calilfornia?

Last time I checked, California was still part of the United States of America!

The Mexican flag flying over a UNITED STATES post office.

This one speaks for itself.

There are a lot more pictures, and commentary, on Save Our State. I haven't seen one single thing on the news, any news, anywhere, on this. And you bet your boots I'm pissed! H/T: The Asian Blogger & Michelle Malkin

Response from Ole

Recently, I have been having a "dialog" about a post I made on 8/1, Letter about Teaching. Ole sent me her response to this "dialog":

Hi, Kate: Jim printed your blog in which you aired my recent editorial on education. The comments were amusing, but I would like to inform those who say my union gave me my retirement and benefits: when I retired in 1985, my salary was probably less than half of what the salaries are now, and that's what my retirement is based on. Since then salaries have gone up and up and up, and that wouldn't be so bad, except that the quality of education has gone down and down and down. I remember that the union rep. used to come around at contract time, and urge us to demand a higher settlement each time. Once I said, "But couldn't we just take a breather for three years and be satisfied with what we have and give the taxpayers a break?" " Oh, heavens, no! Then we would never be able to get more! " was the answer.. The mindset was in, and so it went. Love, Ole

I think she addressed the issue rather well, don't you? :)

Isn't He Dead Yet?

I do believe Jimmy Carter has been brain dead for years, evidenced by his continuous crap spouting against, not only President Bush, but against America. Now he's criticizing Prime Minister of Great Britain, Tony Blair.

Death Penalty Debate

After 153 years, the citizens of Wisconsin will be given the chance to express their opinion on the death penalty with their vote. Much coverage has been given to the "Marriage Amendment" issue that will be on the ballot on November 7, but little has been said about the other issue being brought before the voters. That issue, the question of whether or not Wisconsin should reinstate the death penalty. State voters to sound off on death penalty

"Should the death penalty be enacted in the state of Wisconsin for cases involving a person who is convicted of first-degree intentional homicides, if the conviction is supported by DNA evidence?"

Personally, I'd add a few other offenses to the wording, like serial child molesters for example, only after some extreme torture.

And U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., issued a statement to The Reporter voicing his concern. "I am disappointed that this referendum will be included on the November ballot and as a Wisconsin voter, I oppose it. Although the outcome of the referendum is not binding, it certainly seems timed to be used as another election-year wedge issue," Feingold said.

Perhaps Feingold is opposed to the death penalty because after he's found guilty of treason, he's afraid it might be applied to him? Ok, cheap shot. I'm not a fan of Feingold, if you couldn't tell, but I don't wish him ill, I just wish he'd go away. Kohl couldn't be reached (big surprise).

"Ninety percent of inmates on death row cannot afford an attorney and are people of low social status," stated Sister Joann Sambs, general superior of the congregation.

That's why attorneys are "appointed" Sister, paid for by the taxpayers. There are some really good public defenders. Naturally, there are also some really bad ones as well, but then, that's the case even if you have to pay for your defense.

The state of Wisconsin abolished the death penalty in 1853. It has been over 155 years since an execution, making it the longest any state has gone without doing so.

I think it's a shame the author of this article, Sharon Roznik, failed math. Ms. Roznik should request a calculator from the Reporter's office supply closet. 2006, take away 1853... 153. sigh....

First Assistant State Public Defender in Fond du Lac Bill Retert agrees with a statement of opposition issued by the Wisconsin State Public Defender Board. "I personally think the death penalty is wrong. It's very expensive and it doesn't deter homicide, and no matter how thorough the investigation, every once in awhile a mistake is made," he said.

Oh, I don't know. Let's see, a lifetime of food, clothing, housing, dental and medical care, at the expense of the taxpayer as oppose to... NONE? Hmmmm... I'd say it would be a lot cheaper, IF appeals were limited, with a time limit. Not to mention you'd definitely reduce the prison population. "Doesn't deter homicide"? Well, I'd say it's a major deterrent. On the off chance the murderer is let out of prison, which does happen ya know, they are able to kill again. If they're dead, odds are, they won't do it again. Just how many mistakes have been made? Not all that many, and I'd rather have one mistake, and get rid of the many who deserve execution, and worse. I'm all for "public hanging" in some instances.

Feingold said public safety goals can be achieved by sentencing offenders to life without parole. "I have long opposed capital punishment and have proposed legislation at the federal level to put a moratorium on the federal death penalty. I'm very proud to be from a state that abolished the death penalty more than 150 years ago, and I hope the voters of Wisconsin defeat this referendum," he said.

Remember, this is the same guy that supports the barbaric practice of "partial birth abortion", as do his "followers".

Swiped from The Absurd Report

No Surprise

Can anything good ever be said about any part of the U.N.? Probably not! What did you do in the war, UNIFIL?

UNIFIL--the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, a nearly 2,000-man blue-helmet contingent that has been present on the Lebanon-Israel border since 1978--is officially neutral. Yet, throughout the recent war, it posted on its website for all to see precise information about the movements of Israeli Defense Forces soldiers and the nature of their weaponry and materiel, even specifying the placement of IDF safety structures within hours of their construction. New information was sometimes only 30 minutes old when it was posted, and never more than 24 hours old.

I can't even begin to express my disgust with the U.N. H/T: Badger Blogger

Grief in the Blogosphere

If you are a regular around here, you'll know that I've occasionally linked to Hog on Ice (I just noticed that site is one of those I lost when I changed my template.) He had friends and family on the Comair flight that crashed this morning. See here, here and here. My thoughts and prayers are with Steve and his family.

Admitting Mistakes....

....what a novel concept! PA gov't spokesman: People are to blame for situation Palestinian government spokesperson and Hamas official criticizes chaos, violence in Gaza, says Israeli occupation couldn't be blamed for all; calls on Palestinians to admit to mistakes.

Soul searching in Hamas. Dr Ghazi Hamad, the spokesperson of the Palestinian government, waged scathing criticism against the Palestinian public on Sunday, blaming the Palestinians for turning the Gaza Strip into a lawless and violent place. "Have mercy on Gaza," he wrote in an op-ed published on Sunday. "After the withdrawal from Gaza, we hoped for a bright future, we thought that this year we will reap the fruits of our sacrifices. But I ask myself today – why did the occupation return to Gaza. The occupation – wise men and commentators will say – is responsible. I am not defending the occupation, but I want to stop at our mistakes, which we are accustomed to blame on others." "Anarchy, wanton killing, land steeling, thuggery … is the occupation responsible for all?," he asked, saying that the Palestinians should stop espousing conspiracy theories which "limit our thinking." Hopes of economic prosperity and peace in the Gaza Strip after Israel withdrew settlers and troops from there have been systematically shattered as the Palestinian Authority failed to enforce law and order and provide basic services to 1.3 million Palestinians living in the tiny coastal strip. Hundreds of dunams of agricultural land evacuated by Jewish settlers were expected to create as many as 4,000 jobs and generate millions of dollar