I've been discussing the "new" Katrina tapes with friends so I might as well share here as well. I've been looking for the actual transcripts to the videoconferences, since the AP is embarrasingly misleading and most news outlets who don't copy the AP wire verbatim without verification have a very specific agenda. I found an AP article that links ( Read more... )

There are times when I just can't keep the ranting inside. So here you go:

First off is just a public service. If you're curious about what the US will actually spend on "defense" in 2006 (or plan to scream fanatically on one side of the debate or the other) you should go read this excellent article about the subject.Now for the ranty part ( Read more... )

I just can't help it. First off, kudos to the Supreme Court for telling the Federal government to bugger off about the Oregon assisted suicide law. Now you may or may not agree with the law itself, but I despise this power play the executive branch employs over state laws that they disagree with on moral grounds. I think Scalia (coincidentally: ( Read more... )

I've been avoiding the "Christmas Crisis" because it's a perfect example of what drives me batshit insane about people. So let me address the folks out there who actually care that other people say "Happy Holidays" or, more specifically, that they don't say "Merry Christmas."

• Never confuse the war on stupid with a war on Christmas. Though I'll ( Read more... )

I thought I'd start today with a word from out president:If we are going to commit American troops, we must be certain they have a clear mission, an achievable goal and an exit strategy.
--Karen Hughes, speaking on behalf of George W Bush
Okay that's too easy, I know. But it's a shame that the man doesn't even listen to himself. And who would ever ( Read more... )

Big surprise, the GAO (continuing voice of reason) has pointed out in a new report that the proposed savings from the pentagon's base closings are a combination of ignorance, optimism and the usual bullshit.

I subscribed to Kerry's listserv back during the campaign, more out of curiosity than anything else. I wish I had subscribed to Bush's as well so I could do an interesting comparison of the competing bullshit (years from now when I might care). The salient point being that I'm still on Herman's and he keeps sending things. Want to know why I ( Read more... )

It's interesting to me that just last week Watergate re-entered the american consciousness for its 15 minutes of ADD-fueled news ticker fame. I understand when the new generation of kids look quizically and wonder what the big deal was. The concept of a government that not only tries to cover its tracks but also manages to do so with more ( Read more... )

The laws regarding age and legal status came up in conversation today, and it occured to me just how silly they are. Here's the recap:

at 16, society has deemed you mature enough to:

• drive a car, even though not a single person on earth thinks it's a good idea
• start having sex (in most states), but only with people your own age: the apparent ( Read more... )

I know I know, but sometimes I just can't help becoming aware of what the rest of the 6.4 billion of you are up to ( Read more... )