Midguard

Of Monitoring And Muslims

2005-08-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

I emailed the Prime Minister of Australia today. I wasn't too happy about his anti-terrorism efforts and I thought I should tell him. Monitoring Muslim schools and mosques isn't really what I'm for. I've decided to post my email to him below (I've edited out my name). Drop him a line here.

Dear Prime Minister Howard,

Not to question your judgment or decisions to ensure the safety and "values" of the Australian people---but I strongly believe someone should. Now I'm sure that an email requesting you to stop your measures of monitoring Muslim schools and mosques probably won't do a bit of good; I simply figured that if there can be one more voice of opposition, there might be a better chance of rash decisions being stopped before they get out of hand.

Your statement, "We have a right to know..." carries quite a lot of weight for the Muslim people in your country and across the globe. Now, I'm sure that you have the best interests for all your people, which makes me question if your political decisions are always right in line with your values. You know, that knowledge that keep you doing what's good and just, that tell you what's right and wrong. Is it possible that the new actions to have intelligence agencies spy on places of religious worship and education aren't really what you want, but rather another group that supports, and might have elected you wanted?

Said simply: they aren't the right changes to make. This will accomplish nothing to ensure the values and security of the Australian people. The best it can do is erode the civil liberties of each and every Muslim individual. It doesn't matter if they are a minority, nor if they might have had their rights trampled on before. It's the wrong thing to do and you are aware of that. To simply fall back into the arms of your supporters will make you ignorant. That's the last thing a developed country needs with the power it has.

By all means I encourage you to stop your futile actions. I call them futile only in the context of a nation governed by true morals and liberty which includes freedom of the individual (the Muslim community) and always the freedom of thought no matter what position you hold in society (I don't think I need say who that's intended for).

Yours,

Midguard

And always remember Prime Minister: Though your status now may guarantee power, it can never guarantee you respect.

A Bit Like Journalism

2005-07-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

It's like sitting in a room with someone you thought was interesting. But all they do is sit there. Nobody's talking, and it gets really awkward.

That's when I don't post anything new.

Canada legalized same sex marriage--and no one really took notice. It seemed to not really be that big of a deal to anyone....except for gays and lesbians in Canada. Though I haven't heard anything from them either. This is another example of the poor coverage by the media and why it has really become an entertainment-news source. It's got to stop, plain and simple. Everyone becomes dependent on the filth on TV, and the news tries to compete by being the same.

It would even be more tolerable if, say, they all didn't report on the same things. Why doesn't anyone say, "Oh, Channel 4 is already doing that story so how about we go report on something interesting?" And here's where their brainwashing media powers really have an effect: It seems like there is a fewer and fewer amount of people who actually look for real news. So the vast majority, as I see it, get on their knees and are violated by the media who "persuade" the viewer into watching what is interesting. The real job of the media, having legitimate reporters (I know, I have high expectations) and not wasting time with repetetive stories and unjustified opinions: is to bring journalism to the public, and though not always exact, to do that to the best of their ability. But none of that seems to be happening, it always keeps reminding me things are going more and more downhill in this highly influential and important part of modern society.

To bring this full circle, blogging is a bit like journalism. I say a bit, to those of you who would quickly reject my saying it's anything more. And I say it's a lot like journalism to anyone else who believes that.

Bush Experiences Deep Impact

2005-07-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

Scrape! Crackle! Cop!
As Conan O'Brien quoted the Bush's physician: He'll be back on his big wheel in no time. That's good to hear, but because it's not the first time Bush has hurt himself.

Don't worry folks, I think he'll be okay, I sent him one of these in case of future... mishaps.

George W. Bush must be pacing frantically right now that he's heard same sex marriage is close to being legalized just above the border. How could they be achieving a more equal society faster than the United States? We're supposed to be the best at everything (for good or worse, in many cases)!

That NASA group seems to be having a lot of...experience. I say this because Deep Impact is so damn cool. It's kind of a like that movie I saw. When I heard about the project a while ago, I thought of how cool it would be that we were spending tons of money to blow things up in space. And then that's when I was overwhelmed when scientists told me that it would be going to scientific use. How wonderful, it works out for everyone. If this little cavity we've created gets us some special little information, we will have...expanded our knowledge! Yeah, it doesn't sound too exciting but it could mean that we have made a new discovery on how the planets and universe were formed. Could possibly debunk a few myths. That's right, they're only myths.

In the "what would've been cool had it worked" category, we have for you: solar sails. But NASA's sure on this one that the first launch was just a fluke and it will work. Hope so.

-----
George W. Bush must be pacing frantically right now that he's heard same sex marriage is close to being legalized just above the border. How could they be achieving a more equal society faster than the United States? We're supposed to be the best at everything (for good or worse, in many cases)!

Runaway Bride>Possible Democracies

2005-06-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

Alright, you must have read about 1984 about a billion times now. Sorry about that.

There is some wicked cool news that obviously interests me. Apparently, a democratic group is looking to take down the dictator that has ruled over them since he last led a coup. Well, maybe another one will happen and it will be worth while (for everyone). The last thing I want to see is a successful coup where they establish a non-secular "democracy". Do we need another one?

It could also be said that there isn't much of a chance for a secular democracy to last either. But really, and don't hold me to this Libyan people, things can only get better, right? I believe (though I've never experienced) that coups started by the people (and won) are a lot more satisfying than other government reforms. But Castro became a dictator, which wasn't necessarily what he promised the Cuban people. Go for it also, Cubans. Viva la revolution. But hopefully something like the Rose Revolution which didn't end of up in a mess of civilian and revolutionary bodies. In fact, they did it without more than a large bruise...to the ousted leader's pride.

Just let me rant on this topic one more time: Americans do not pay attention to foreign matters. It's not they don't have the access, they have more than anyone else on Earth. It's simply that they do not care. This fact embarasses me, especially when in mass numbers they turn on the evening news as their only source of information and connection to the outside world. They all think it's terrible and somewhat interesting and then go about their lives.

Nobody cares though.

There is no more amount of real sympathy than the news reporters let you feel. Journalistic quality is often no different on the news than from what I type at my computer. They've got credentials, and I've got a real interest in what's going on.

Nineteen Eighty Four

2005-05-27T17:30:00.000-07:00

About two weeks ago, I finished reading George Orwell's 1984, and it is required reading. For all humans. Anyone into politics, this is a must. Freedom loving people or anyone concerned about protecting their societies, 1984 is the book for the analytical thinker.

This book is serious and thought provoking. If you never make any connections to present day society...well, how can you not? In the book three superpowers constantly fight each other, because that is how their government works. Every citizen is absolutely loyal, or else they "disappear" during the night. This is still happening in many countries, on different levels, of course. Symbolism is non-stop and even more common is the book's direct approach on what it means. If anyone ever used the Cliff Notes for this book in some report when they were in school, it's worth a re-read (or rather, a first read).

It's a classic, and what's more, I've really got to stop rambling about it. But I continue on from reading 1984, to Noam Chomsky. Just a couple of hours ago, now, I picked up "Hegemony or Survival: America's Quest For Global Dominance". Sounds a tad liberal. Sounds like very good reading. So far, from what I've read (page 3), Chomsky lives up to his reputation of being an insightful intellectual. After all, the man is a professor in linguistics.

Revenge of the Wal-Martians

2005-05-21T20:37:00.000-07:00

Of the many things I dislike about the human race, one of them is certainly their ability to forget, or to really never take note of human tragedies. But the thing is people do not always see them as human tragedies, it's just someone else's problem.

Yeah, everything I bought at Wal-Mart today was made by adults and children in China that get paid eight cents an hour. Good thing for me they do it that way, because now everything is within my budget.

This has got to stop. If this is some sort of perfect capitalism, with it's sweatshops and rich executives, I want the world to be different. Who can stop this? I can only hope there is some president in the future who demands it's end. Maybe the U.N, if they get their stuff together and something or somebody can get people motivated.

There are special interest groups, but really, this is not enough. I'm not in favor of this, "It's not fair to take money from wealthy people, they earned it." Now I do not advocate total communism here, but all over the world the rich should have a moral obligation to give to the disadvantaged. This is why I am in support of the U.N's plan to eradicate severe poverty.

This guy says it perfectly. A good article, read it. Distribute.

I've still yet to find an answer to find out how this could've happened. The United States is supposed to be free, and the mantra stands, if one of us is not free, then none of us are. How could people of all nations and different places come together and give in to a combined corporate culture? Forty percent (facts taken from article) of all Wal-Martians can afford health care, which they only receive after two years of unemployment. As a strong health care advocate, I believe it should be a required immediately for any line of work, except for, of course, the doctors that are so skilled they can operate on themselves. How cool is that. But for the rest of us...

Unions, what I see as one of the most American of all employment opportunities, are prohibited from Wal-Mart. They are threats to the absolute power of the Empire. The damn Sith-like Empire. I'm not sure exactly how to go about this, but think tanks need to be focused, email chains started, fliers distributed, and information of all sorts passed on with the complete effort and concentration on the liberation and liberalization of Wal-Mart.

There have been victories over the corporate culture, but certainly not enough. Unions exist in order to give a collective voice of the workers. If it is not reasonable for them to be applied to all employments, then it must be obvious that with the size of Wal-Mart and the numbers of people employed, that they'd have some freedom and free speech. Not disruption, not rioting, but only would I (and hopefully all people) should try to demand rights in the places that need it through due process. Obviously, companies of the "successful" capitalist sort wouldn't like this, but it is not American to allow massive amounts of people have their rights trampled and violated!

See that exclamation mark? Yeah, I thought I'd put that in there for effect, and it looks pretty good. Flaming rhetoric is fun for everyone.

And in case you were wondering, on Thursday I was lucky enough to see Star Wars. It was spectacular to see the dark side take over and Anakin transform to become Darth Vader. The amount of symbolism in the complex plot of the series (I-VI) comes together and all the ends are tied. I won't give away too much, because it's way you might want to see it, too. See, I thought I'd be nice like that. Revenge of the Sith is fun for everyone...except maybe small children.

I love the guy, but hate everything he stands for.

2005-05-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

The bully, er, Reverend Ken Hutcherson has had his victory, but maybe a loss, as well.

Hutcherson being the nice fellow who threatened a national boycott of Microsoft if they continued their support of a Washington state anti-discrimination bill for gays. Anti-discrimination, why would any right-thinking human being be against that? And here's the kicker: Ken Hutcherson is black. He grew up in the south, destitute and black. How do you think his life was? Yeah.

And I read the article this morning, and they brought this up, but he pretty much said, "Shut up, alright? That's entirely different. Entirely. " This bill had nothing to do with legalizing gay marriage, or anything of the sort. But what they obviously are trying to do is to destroy it at the stem of their individual freedoms. If you cut their throats, they cannot speak up.

What this bill was doing was adding to the list of illegal discrimination against people of color, disabled, and all the other groups you'd expect to receive equal rights. But he scared (though Microsoft denies it) the software giant into taking their name off the list of supporters for the legislation.

The bill was rejected by one vote in the state senate.

And what's pretty funny, is the news that came out today. That's right, the adventure's not over, as Microsoft again claimed they would support similar legislation in the future. Just two weeks after it gets shot down in the senate. No, they weren't intimidate by the good reverend. Maybe now they can stick to their convictions and urge the congress to make a new bill as soon as they can.

Guess Who's in Bed Together?

2005-05-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

We may not be making too much progress on the nuclear issue, but we've gotten a good start: name calling. United States, you're first:

America: Tyrant!

North Korea: Hooligan!

America: Dangerous person!

North Korea: Philistine!

America: Bully!

North Korea: Bush is a world dictator whose hands are stained with the blood shed by innocent civilians.

America: Ass.

We've sure got some good foreign policy going on. Last night's Saturday Night Live had some pretty funny comments on it, too. One of my favorites was Rachel Dratch's character "Debbie Downer", where the sketch ended with her saying, "Guess who's in bed together? North Korea and nukes."

And now Iran is getting some of their own, and everything looks like we're totally screwed. But don't worry, we've got Iraq under control. Unfortunately they don't have any weapons of mass destruction, while two of the most unpredictable dictators do have them (or will soon have, in the case of Iran). But don't forget! Iraq has elections.

While North Korea has nukes.

Let's get rational, Americans. You've already pretty much blown it by your votes of "More of the same!" What are we getting done? What are we capable of getting done? A lot more than what we're doing now.

Now that I think of it, it was pretty common sense to invade Iraq, at least, in Bush's mind. If we had tried something crazy like diplomacy, it wouldn't have worked at all. Look what's happening now, when we try to come to terms with the person who's armed currently.

Whew, let's calm down from my rhetoric...with another quote from SNL. On "Weekend Update", Tina Fey reported that Bush said, "If it's required, America can send 70% of the marines to South Korea while sending another 70% to Iran, while maintaining our current 70% in Iraq." I paraphrase.

***( meaning I'm off the topic of North Korea)

I found this pretty interesting. Since today is May Day (I like to call it May 1st) , everyone (workers worldwide) decided to protest over rights, fueled by a brand spanking new pope who called for, "working conditions (that) will be ever more respectful of the dignity of the human person." By everyone, I mean excluding communist China who's not really into that kind of thing.

Weapon of Choice

2005-04-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

I know the guy's new, but I already don't like him. He hasn't done anything to offend me personally and has said nothing bad about my family, but I disagree with his strong conservative beliefs. There will be no extension of the Catholic church, creating (or rather continuing) a vortex of denial for the issues of birth control, marriage rights (minister and homosexuals) and all that I resiliently stand with a, "why not?"

I've heard he's trying to lighten the whole staunch conservative thing, in an effort to appeal to non religiocons. How exactly would you go about doing that? Hopefully it might be allow same-sex civil unions? Again, why not? Let them have their rights. They deserve as much as you or I do. We're all humans, and are equal under the constitution. At least, it looks good on paper. I know the pope doesn't create U.S. laws, but he has a profound influence on the world. Enough so, that a little blogger like me is talking about him, and I am really no one "important".

I heard an interesting claim the past week, and it's made a lot of sense to me. And I don't just say this as a harsh critic of religion. The pope is a dictator. He is, really. One man, though elected by his best friends (what I see somewhat of as an oligarchy), who rules his own little (though very little) "nation". There is no democratic processes that go on, to my knowledge.

The faithful, then, might (metaphorically) be considered people under a dictator. But as with most dictators, I believe the citizens never really experience truth. Complete honesty and individuality. With a pope, such a powerful influence and Catholic voice he is, the faithful do not always think for themselves. But I guess that's one of the comforts of religion, or cults, or whatever conforming organization you'd like to be a part of.

Dictators always hide behind something. It's the way the oppress their people and deny the truth. It doesn't matter if their weapon is military might, religions obedience, or "democracy". The subtle ones that no one one questions are the ones that we need to keep an eye on.

We Don't Need No Education...

2005-04-10T15:35:00.000-07:00

I have to agree with the Chinese protesters in their cause. It's messy, but they are right. If Japan cannot create honest textbooks that confess their wartime atrocities from World War Two, the history books should not be published. Unless Japan can admit to their crimes (which are in the past and no longer involve current Japanese citizens), the books will be misleading of facts.

Iraq has a newly elected president and he predicts magically American troops will be out of Iraq within two years. I just can't wait. I will celebrate Iraq's democracy as it happens and be critical of the current nation building every step of the way. Too much needs to be fixed at home as far as health care, income disparity, and economic conditions go. Two years for American troops feels like forever and yet it is relatively soon compared to some estimates of complete soldier returns.

The bottom line is we need Iraqi soldiers. Iraqi citizens who are willing to defend their country in a more technologically advanced and (god let's hope) safer Iraq. I've heard things about soldiers being trained that are only part time and are usually farmers. While farmers are an absolute critical necessity, career soldiers are needed for security. Permanent defense.

In some lighter news, this is fantastic. Apparently, an Australian citizen had recently come to the United States, and the first thing he decided to do was to stand outside the capitol building with two suitcases. Police suspected he was a terrorist, possibly a suicide bomber. They tried negotiating with him, but he refused to tell police what was inside his suitcases. He said only that he wanted to talk to the president. The standoff ended with the man being tackled and nobody getting injured.

When the police obtained his bags, the bomb squad blew one up and found that the probably contained a CD player or "a watch or something". I can't help but find that amusing.

Okay, maybe that wasn't "lighter" news, due to the fact he could've been a real terrorist! Our congressman could all be dead right now! As I hope you can tell, I do not seriously mean the previous two sentences in the slightest. The man just wanted to have a chat with W, that's all.

God to Peter Jennings: You're Next

2005-04-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

No joking though, cancer sucks, and Peter Jennings has it. It seems like god doesn't like famous people. They're dropping like things that often are dropped, like expensive china.

First batter is (sorry, baseball just started you see) Terri Schiavo. I'm glad her suffering is over, wether her passing went as smoothly as I would've prefered (euthanasia maybe). Granted, her husband may have done some weird stuff, but I like to think he was looking out for her best interest. What can I say, I agree with the guy despite any shading dealings the right screams about.

The "people's pope" has finally died, as well. Both, I think would've been expected earlier. The pope has been a gross human being, health wise, and this one we were all expecting. From what I've been hearing, there's some strange rituals that they do with a dead pope. These ranging from hitting the pope on the head with a hammer (a special one) to parading him around (well we knew this, but) they do it while his body releases a horrible stench.

After this post had been saved, the pope was buried, providing all with more water cooler debates and blog post ideas. Does anything happy happen in the news...at all?

Too bad Pope, Terri (well it wasn't bad for the latter). They are now both going going gone.

Okay, I'll stop.

Good Explanation

2005-03-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

I have a perfectly good explanation. Really. Okay, here it goes: nothing happened in the world. Damn, I was wrong. Though there may have been a lack of blogging on my part, there was of course a wealth of opinions and ideas. Some of these opinions were me telling my self, "Hey, you should try blogging. You know, at least more than once a month. " Some ideas being, "Hey, you're right. My blog's state is ridiculous."

Now on to the Schiavo debate. Well, the majority of the religious side would like to call me a cold blooded killer. But I personally find it hard to "kill" someone in a vegetative state. More like letting nature take its course, which the politically religious advocates are usually in favor of. Why feeding tubes but no stem cells?

A discussion I heard via radio was of who is playing god. Now the "pro life" side declares that by removing the feeding tube you are playing god (this usually being bad). But who's playing god by artificially keeping someone alive? Also, her husband has testified saying she told him previously she would not want to be kept alive artificially. Is he telling the truth? I don't know, but I'd like to think so.

Usually by keeping someone alive, you are preserving something. But, and I mean this with all respect, what are we retaining here? Terry Schiavo cannot do much at all. You really get the same of keeping her alive as you do looking at a picture. She does not respond well (if at all) and does not have any chance whatsoever of recovering from her vegetative state. You just can't do it, no matter how we'd like the opposite.

Easter is upon us, and some say that it's not only fitting but that it is supposed to be this way. These people, with all respect, are not understanding that Schiavo can die with some dignity. It's my belief, that this Schiavo case and debate is embarassing, really. When the choice is so obvious, it must be done. The protesters to the removal of the tube are making a simple (though emotionally dificult) decision, to be halted. Emotionally dificult decisions can be made.

Though we never like to lose another one of our own, we have to think of what's best for them, and not much can be done for Terry Schiavo on this earth. We can keep her alive and her parents will be satisfied. Who doesn't want their child to be kept alive? But this is not the way, and we should learn to let go and let her die with dignity.

Consider this, Christian protesters: even if we let her die, won't she be going to a better place? With more than we could offer her when she was alive.

Bonus! Don't you just love bonuses!

I still have about a billion Gmail Invites I can give out. 1000 MegaBiters. Want it? You got it. If I could feed starving children with Gmails, I could 50 starving children.

Free Lebanon?

2005-03-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

Lebanon rallied together, as a people, to oust the Syrian-backed government. This is very good news in the middle east, which is of course a rarity.

Syria has troops that have been occupying the country of (roughly) four million. As everyone knows, they are part of the Axis of Evil Version 2.0. We forgot to add them to the first one. Our mistake.

Now that it seems Syrian political domination is coming to an end, the Lebanese people demand that Syrian troops leave as well, which apparently, the Syrian president is all for. This recent happening (if not somewhat of a revolution) has been compared to the Ukraine's rise to (though obviously shaky) democracy.

But I hope it shall become a democracy none the less, because this is what we need in the middle east, obviously. And thankfully there was not massive blood shed to get this far. For once, it seems.

In news about me, I have updated my profile so that it is no longer the bland "Young Political Blogger". But don't worry, I kept that, just in case you might miss it. On top of that, there is my interests, favorite music, and books. A good time will be had by all, discovering me, a blogger.

The real reason I added on to my profile is that it grants easier access for people with similar interests to find my blog and satisfy my addiction to getting this blog hits. Why do cocaine, when you can get hits? My tracker shall hopefully find it's "stash" richer each day. But, I also found it fun to include the information about me because after all, that's what I know best (or the least?).

Goodnight, don't drink and drive. Okay, if you're really careful.

Positronic Assassination

2005-02-19T19:39:00.000-08:00

Of course by now you've heard from your fancy up to date news sources and your all knowing "breaking news", but I have things to report on anyway.

The Lebanese PM is not good news on so many levels. One, someone in the world was killed. Two, he was a Prime Minister. Third, it was in the damn Middle East, of course. Also, they aren't very creative, too. I mean, we Americans invented assassinations. Ever heard of a guy named Abraham Lincoln? God, John Wilkes Booth must be rolling in his grave. <----Satire! Please, do not assassinate me. As I am writing this post, I am doing my last minute journalism thing by looking up pretty links for you to click on. This one was very interesting, and I enjoyed it (and feared what some of it meant) a great deal. It's all about antimatter, what it is and what its place in the future.

You might have heard about antimatter in science fiction movies or your science class and you're likely to know very little about it. That's the way the Air Force would like it, too. What antimatter is, is the opposite of matter (obviously). But this is important to know, because it's like simple math. A negative plus a positive equals what? Let's say they are both 4. So -4 + 4= 0.

Zero is nothing. Bombs create nothing. They (at least attempt) to make nothing, and destroy everything. The Air Force would like this for obvious reasons, to make those bombs and have a leg up on everyone in the global rivalry to annihalate the human race.

I. Am. Pissed. About half of this post was just lost due to Blogger's greatness. I don't get it. But I will retype it all, just for you. Okay?

For antimatter to exist, there must be opposites of the two main components of an atom. The atom is made of protons and electrons. Protons being positively charged, and electrons being negatively charged. The antiproton is where the proton would be, but has a negative charge. The antielectron, or positron, is where I got excited. Immediately my mind raced back to Isaac Asimov's robot stories and how he described them as having positronic brains. Well, I'm not sure how that kind of brain was all wired about, or how it's similar to this, but maybe it's powered by this kind of science?

The guy (Asimov, my favorite author) usually knows his stuff. He was a chemist. I'm not, but this intrigues me, as you can probably tell. I hope you understood what I was trying to say and that it was written in a clear and easy manner. It may be brief but that's because I am retyping this explanation of it.

Oh, and don't let me leave out the good parts of antimatter research. It might be able to help humanity obtain the ultimate fuel. This is the kind of thing that gets science fiction fans (like myself) excited. In many science fiction stories, apparently, (I haven't read these, or at least can't recall) many authors write of how the hero's starship is powered by antimatter. Maybe you thought they said this because, well, it sounds really cool. But it could be possible. The only trouble is we are producing very small amounts of it each year (billionths of a gram). Other hopeful news is that there is very little required to make one hell of an explosion. But still, we need more to get something done.

This is still many years off, but we should invest in it more for betterment of all people (the fuel, not the bombs). At least, by publishing it on a worthless (and yet priceless) blog, I can get information out and it can be circulated better.

I Promise

2005-02-17T22:27:00.000-08:00

I promise that there will be a NEW post up on Friday or Saturday. I shall try my hardest to make time. There's tons to catch up on and I'm brimming with ideas.

Also, if you'd like a Gmail Invite, they dispatched several more to their users, I believe. Thus how I jumped from 5 to 50 invites.

Remember, this is not a real post. Just a precursor (to a real one).

All Troops Accounted For, One Toy Missing

2005-02-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

This is just great, at least I hope it is. What I speak of is the finding that the "missing American soldier" is actually a toy. This is a good thing, because it might be showing the weakness and waning of insurgents. Or maybe, it shows they have a sense of humor. A dark, twisted sense of humor.

On the Daily Show, their coverage of this breaking news was second to none. Jon Stewart "reported" that the insurgents were threatening to blow the GI up with fireworks and stick Ken's butt in his face. You just have to love it. America needs the Daily Show, now more than ever. When all you see on the news is death and destruction, slow traffic and rainy weather, you can appreciate this humorously-slanted "news source" to give you your daily dose of funny.

Also, Ann Coulter got served, as the (stupid) saying goes. She was being interviewed on CBC (that's Canadians, you'll understand), and she claimed that Canada sent troops to Vietnam. Bob McKeown, interviewing Coulter, rejected the statement. They did not, he said. She wished desperately to go back in time to make Canada militarize so she'd be right today. Well, they did not, just as McKeown said. I'm glad someone isn't just drinking wildly and getting viewers drunk on the lies of Coulter. He's asking the hard questions, as reporters should. Or maybe this was just a lucky strike of truth. Whatever it may be, hats off to McKeown.

But, I know conservatives are going to start screaming at me. Canada, in Vietnam, did form the largest foreign contingent for the United States army. That's in a U.S. uniform, and Canada is still not officially involved as a government. "Coulter is still wrong," claims Sorceress Sarah of the Daily Kos.

What's new there?

Halo Scanning

2005-01-29T21:15:00.000-08:00

I have added Halo Scan commentary to this blog. Isn't that swell. Thanks GreenEggs for showing me how. Go to his blog, also. Good stuff there.

Must stop talking in short sentences.

Let's see, what's in the news (haha).... Well, here's a good one. UN inspection teams in Iran have found no weapons. So far. Maybe they do, I don't know. Iran makes me nervous. But let's hope that their uranium enrichment is peaceful.

Saying that a country fired off a nuke, atomic bomb, or some hidious scenario, what would they gain? Yes, they'd get their target, but then we'd destroy them far worse than they could ever imagine (we are the US, right?). Pyongyang attacks Seoul. American tanks take Pyongyang. Kim Jong Il captured. Job well done. But it might just be a sacrifice for the bad guys. Especially if this happen's late in the fall of the American Empire. That is, if it faltering at all (hey, we've conqured two countries within a few years, according to a past commenter).

Let's say this bastard axis of evil, ehem, sorry, Axis of Evil, is smart in the coordination of their American doomsday theories. They all fire their weapons at once. Ka-boom. We're vaporized, or whatever that Patriot Act says will happen if we don't submit. The only thing that this relates to real life is that some people believe this is a very real scenario, and can happen any time.

I can understand being cautious, but actions made by the Bush Adminstration seem to be made out of paranioa. Fear will keep the local systems in line.

What makes me laugh sometimes is when conservatives display their ultimate powerful liberal beliefs. Big government, they say. Health care for all, that's crazy talk. Silly liberals, poltics are for the Right. But yet, when something comes up like the Patriot Act or segregating society by discrimanating against people that may be different, that's just mainting order.

You guys are probably right anyways, things are working out just fine for you guys.

Hiatus

2005-01-14T20:20:00.000-08:00

I was on vacation...from ever getting on the computer. Sorry about that, was too busy. I know it seemed as if I was on a hiatus as long as Gob's (we miss you), but I was alive and well the whole time (we hope you are too).

There's plenty of action in Palestine, some good and some...not so good. I like this guy (Abbas) better than Arafat, by far. He's more into peace and laying down the arms. I hope he can be a "partner for peace" as the expression goes. Same with Sharon....

These resistance fighters, no matter the cause, are too arogant to work towards peace. The same goes for many of the Israeli soliders (not all of them of course, don't go calling me anti-semitic). In Israel, it's required to serve in the military for two years, right? Do you think all of those guys are nice, cooperative and do only what their supposed to? Hell no. Out of that many people, there are bound to be several bad apples.

I had a thought the other day (I usually have several throughout the course of a day), that it might be possible that everyone in the Middle East would get tired of fighting. I then laughed at the thought because rationale got the best of me. Everything has to do with revenge, it seems. They blew up our bus of children, so that means we have to blow up some of their tanks. Yeah, way to work things out, guys.

That (realistic) look at it reminds of a really bad cowboy movie, where one guy shoots first and the other guy shoots second. But let's pretend there are a few thousand cowboys, and they all get shot and then get their own shot off before falling to the ground. Nobody wins. This starts to look really...silly. I can't believe I just called the Israeli-Palestinine conflict silly. But really, take a look back and all things seem rather trivial to kill someone over.

So cut it out.

Cloning. Do it.

2005-01-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

After looking up whatever in the world the Raelians could be (it's a strange cult), I discovered a blog-worthy topic: cloning. Fun fact: the Raelians are the group that has claimed to have successfully cloned a human baby. Strange, like I told you.

For the many who are aware of cloning but have little idea of what it really is and how it's done, let me give you this link (there is some flash demos full of info on the side bar). Or better yet, let me sum it up for you.

To clone something (or soon to be somebody), a male and a female are required. Well, parts of them are. There is the cell that is required from the male, and this will be put in the female's egg. But wait! Not too fast! First, they take the DNA from the egg. They throw this away, as it is not needed. The next step is to combine the sperm and the egg by electrifying them. Literally, electricity is used to bind them together. This, becoming an embyro, is put inside the uterus of a woman. Nine months later, or every five seconds if you're a rabbit, a clone of the male has been created.

In this process, as far as I know and can see, it is only possible (at the moment) to clone a male. This also (for now), will result in a male from a male being born. But it might be possible in the future to clone a male and have a female be born (with all the same genetic material exclding gender). This site I found interesting, and the second part of it tackles that question to an extent. They are still very unsure, this scientific breakthrough is still in its very early stages. I know this may sound silly, but it's a very exciting time for medical research (and cures).

This really is a medical breakthrough we will accomplish, because as was mentioned some during the elections, stem cell research is depending (to a good extent) on cloning to be able to create those wonderful cures we envision.

To do this, we would require a person with medical needs. The CNN example is a heart condition, and I hope they won't mind me restating their information. Okay, I've memorized a bit, and here we go. To first cure you of your terrible heart condition, we would need DNA from you. This would be very easy to get, as it would be simple enough to extract some DNA from your skin. Then, the DNA cell would be put in the nucleus-free (and therefor DNA free) female egg. After being electrified, or a special bath in chemicals, the embryo would be "destroyed" as you have heard thrown around. What really happens is the embyro would be left out to decay, adnd what would be left is some stem cells. These stem cells can be used in any part of the body, in this case your heart. The new cells would repair the heart and your condition would be vanquished.

My take: this whole "curing diseases" thing sounds pretty swell. But again, we are in our very first stages. We have successfully cloned animals. We want to cure health conditions. What I would do as a scientist (if I were a scientist) is to find an animal with some health condtion. If I can cure the rat with heart disease, I'll be more sure that I can do the same on a human.

Your take: comment on this please, I'd love to hear your input. Also, if you know more about this cloning business than I do (I know there are many people out there), I will graciously listen to any pointers, corrections or input you have. If you've learned something, tell me, and it will have made my day.

Help If You Can

2004-12-30T22:39:00.000-08:00

Please if you can, donate to:

UNICEF

World Vision

Red Cross

Feed the Children

Direct Relief International

United Methodist Church

Red Crescent

Give to those who have nothing.

Another post will follow sometime of my observations of the tsunami and earthquake that tilted the Earth on it's axis and claimed over 100,000 lives (so far).

Boxing Day

2004-12-26T15:28:00.000-08:00

Today is the most important of all the holidays. Today is Boxing Day, which no one really cares about at all. Just thought I'd share.

Yesterday was Christmas and it was great. I received a copy of Fahrenheit 9/11, and it will be fun to watch again. Wether you agree with it or not, it's a piece of history at the least. Unfortunately, the day after Christmas was not great for everyone, specifically southeastern Asia.

Hell rained down on them with tsunamis. It is poorly located, and this is bound to happen every once in a while. But right in the middle of the holidays. The tsunamis were triggered by one of the largest and most powerful earthquakes in 40 years. As the richter scale recoreded it: 8.9. Eight point nine! That is massive, which would explain why over 11,000 innocent people have been killed.

You can expect my summary of 2004 some time soon, and hopefully before 2005, if I'm not too lazy. As you know it will be full many happy things! <---Lie.

And for the enjoyment of all, an Obama article I found.

Poland Pulling Out?

2004-12-15T19:31:00.000-08:00

Poland is pulling out their forces in Iraq. Well, a third of them. Hey Mr. Bush: Nice coalition you've got there.

Go back in time with me to a time where Bush lost debates and Kerry won them easily. Well there was a time where Bush was defending his mad skills in Iraq. "Don't forget Poland!" he said when his US-led coalition was criticized.

Well, now that it seems Poland is pulling many out, that sure should be a slam to your coalition, right? After all, Poland is your left-hand man (2nd best ally?). So, as you go to bed, remember that John Kerry still haunts you. 49% of America is dissapointed at you. What do you care, though? You repress their rights, and the majority still votes for you. You're a very sly fox, Mr. Bush.

I have thought, why is Poland doing this? This isn't in the Coalition's best interests, is it? Yes, it may only be a cut by a third, but a third they need. "The pullout, long discussed by Warsaw, is due to take place after Iraq's parliamentary elections". Is that really what they (the Coalition) needs? After the election wouldn't be safer, let me tell you that. This is Iraq we're talking about. Problems won't be solved just because there is elections.

And hear me clearly when I tell the world: these elections won't be real. They can't be, with all the groups that are boycotting them. The only ones that will vote will be the puppets to the United States, not the true majority voice of Iraq. I am pretty much on that same boat to boycott the elections. This isn't because I'm an enemy of democracy, it's because I support democracy. There's only one first time for Iraq's democracy, and I think all of the people of Iraq would like it to be accurate. And very little in this poorly-planned war has gone right. Let this be something positive.

Don't Comment

2004-12-12T18:58:00.000-08:00

That's it, reverse psychology...

I recently read an article from Al Jazeera about this Palestinian boy who was shot because an Israeli soldier...wanted to. You know, because he can. It was no accident either. Ten shots in the head. The head. After you do that kind of thing, you just feel warm and fuzzy inside, don't you?

Here's the thing about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict: I'm not hardcore supporting either one of them. I want peace, obviously. I don't favor Israelis or Palestinians. They both need to learn some things before there can be a chance for peace. They need to know there's a better way. Israeli soldiers could obviously use some sort of sensitivity training. Both sides need to have more humanity and compassion towards each other.

I am a big supporter of disliking other governments. Sure, that's fine. It's your opinion, right? But what always gets me is when people take their opinion too far. They start building a hate towards that country's people. Take France, for example. You hate the French! Why? It doesn't make any sense.

This seems to happen to Palestinians. Many correlate the words Palestinians and terrorists together. This likely true in many cases. Some groups obtain funding from terrorist organizations. That's not a good thing and should be stopped. The United States couldn't allow a free Palestinian state to be skipping and holding hands with terrorists.

But I'm just thinking out loud here...what if the Israelis had no United States funding? That's billions of dollars a year. This is like saying, here, take your people and have some space. This sounds similar to what happened to the Palestinians. Is it possible (just go with me) that terrorists are willing to support a group that is bent on destroying a people supported by the United States? Of course this is likely. And also, is it possible, that Israelis would create some sort of militia to fight off it's enemies (Palestine)? Might they be similar to them at all?

By expressing these ideas, I might touch some sensitive subjects. For this one in particular, I have little background knowlege of their conflicts. I have an opinion, and would appreciate it being critiqued.

Send in the---rats?

2004-12-05T01:05:00.000-08:00

Now I've heard everything. Rats are currently being used to find mines underground. And from what I hear, the rats are doing swell. This is a successful way of determining wether you might blow up if you walk through an area. Good to know.

But don't worry about the rats. They are too light to be detected by the mines, and this is a good thing, because you can recycle your rats, too. Using them over and over again not only helps clear mine fields, but it also provides a very necessary service--it gives the rats something to do. The rats are well paid, of course. After all, they do daring work everyday.

This "pay" that they get it simply bananas and peanuts. And life, assuming they aren't grossly obese enough to set off a land mine. But if we were all eating only bananas and peanuts, I can't imagine any human would be obese, either. Bright Idea: I'm going to start a new diet! PATENT PENDING. COPYRIGHT PENDING, whatever is required to stop you from stealing my cure to world (I mean American) obesity.

This rats thing is what the world needs more of: simple solutions (ones that don't screw over the environment). This tactic of rat mine-clearing is being used in African countries that have been torn by war. Now, they are left with broken hearts and a hell of a lot of mines and they have no clue where they are. Read more here.

Isn't it just neato? Right on. We can dress little rats up in Army uniforms (custom made, of course) and have the march (scramble) around a minefield. Better rats than people, by far.

Bonus Read: I have accomplished two milestones (for my blog at least). First of all (remember this is very exciting, and if not, just try to look excited) I finally solved my HTML problems on my Blogger Template. My little things on my links to other sites wouldn't leave a space inbetween the next one on the list. So I added a slash (

) and presto! It works. Now there is spaces inbetween links. I told you this would be very amazing.

My second accomplishment: I am no longer a Self-Commenting Virgin. By this awkward title, I mean that I had never before commented on my own site. Today (just three minutes ago) I responded to GreenEggs' (one of my few readers) comment. Fascinating stuff, really.

Laziest...Blogger...Ever.

2004-11-30T20:24:00.001-08:00

There is no doubt in my mind that I have been the laziest blogger in the western hemisphere. Or the world, whichever sounds better. So this is my lazy return post, attempting to get myself back into the "swing of things". I am sitting down right now, and am going to type this all night if I have to (or until my fingers fall off).

What has been happening? Better question: should you be asking (lazy) me? Well, somewhat, because I paid attention to some stuff this week, but I wasn't up to my usual private journalistic performance. So let's see what I saw happening...

Sad News This Week: Three People Left Us:

1. Ken Jennings lost on Jeopardy!
2. Tom Brokaw is leaving NBC
3. Tom Ridge is stepping down (not so sad)

For those who would like to receive their own, personal copy of the longwinded 9/11 Commison Report can finally get it right....here. I know I was giddy the first time I saw it. Now I just have to read it all, so I can be a political genius and maybe attain half the knowledge of the book and be able to successfully debate Republicans on consecutive occasions. But hey, that's if I actually read it.

Oh, you "fans" of mine hardly did a thing to get me some super-fine nomination at the Weblog Awards. Okay, I'm sorry I just alienated myself from any fans I might have had. That's why you shouldn't be reading this. But go ahead anyways, and enjoy.

Please excuse me for any strange type of language or style I might be using, it's almost noon (at night). That's 12:00 PM for you math-only people.

Another thing this week I'd been casually keeping track of was new blood being spilled in Baghdad. That's hardly causual, but I hope you understand how I just used that word. Would you like such a link for this late breaking news? I'll be nice enough to give you one. No, have a second.

That's all for now. That's right, my fingers really have fallen off. BLOG OFF.

By the way:
If anybody would like to email me (or just comment) please tell how (or if) my style and speech in this post was different from others. These "others" can be found no where else but the archives. Enough of myblathering, the night grows late.

Fear Will Keep The Local Systems In Line

2004-11-26T17:18:00.000-08:00

Among all the ridiculous things the "HomeLand of Security" has done, this latest one might be among their best. Let me take that back, the Patriot Act was pretty bad. But this one is terrible, too. Your friendly United States government is striking fear into the hearts and minds of the people, yet again.

I'll give you a nice little look at how the HomeLand "Security" policies affect you:

The first signal instantanelously gets to your brain.
This, your brain, is almost one with your heart in these times of fear, and you get an emotion.
This emotion travels on and eventually is released as it runs down your pants.

Simple enough? No, too simple. Lack of information is what they like best. Let me explain with my liberal-tastic view of things.

The first thing I dislike about these advertisements has got to be where it starts. With a small child that starts worrying about terrorism just so they can play the guilt card on the parents. I suppose the message is: "Fear! Fear! Fear! Your very existence depends on fear! Do what we say or....or...this child will die!" Sorry, but that's the nicest way I can interpret it.

A look at how the government wishes you to see it: Be prepared. That's what they say they want you to do. Create a plan incase of terrorist attacks. Just, you know, in case. Oh thanks a lot HS department. It makes me feel much safer. Just so you know, that's sarcasm. Probably another thing the HS department just loves (I don't know, they just tend to not like a lot of things).

Why would our nice little government want to do such a thing (repress us with fear)? Well, it just so happens that while we are all stricken with fear (which we believe is sponsored by the terrorists) the government can get away with much more than Constitutionally possible.

But other than that, you know, hope you had a nice Thanksgiving…Hopefully one thing went right for you (and the country).

Media+UN=Media Nations?

2004-11-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Two Items up for discussion: Media, and a failed United Nations bill. The title of this post just sounded neat.

Have you ever noticed how the media always fades in and out of what's going on? Why don't they ask, "Mr. President, where the hell did your Mission to Mars go?".

As an example, the crisis in Sudan is still more terrible than ever, if not worse, the media seems to forget about unless something really bad happens or a country pitches in, right? The media always seems to do this, to go to wherever is popular despite several thousand people dying in other countries.

So temporarily ditching other forms of media, I have started using Al Jazeera as a resource. Yep, that Al Jazeera. The terrorist supporting romp in the sand. It's not that bad as some people would like to have you believe. Yes, it does show terrorists doing stuff free of censorship. But that may not be all bad, if you actually go to this link. There is honest, quality journalism going on there. They are based in the country of Qatar, the only country that starts with a "Q".

Oh, and the link is in english, in case you were wondering.

In other news, in United Nations news, they defeated an American backed plan to ban cloning in stem cell research. I am sure glad it failed. We need it now more than ever, and I can't grasp why these people could pass up the opportunity. Yes, I've heard the fight. "Taking human lives". It is an inalienable right to do so through abortion, and I see why it wouldn't be any different through stem cell research. And besides, it's a little different. They do it much earlier on, and so it makes it gives humanity another option: a new life or a new cure. Let us be selfish and take the cure.

We sure need cures to our numerous problems.

To Those Who Left Us

2004-11-15T22:10:00.000-08:00

A couple famous faces have left us this week. One was ODB. Let's not be censored here. His name was Ol Dirty Bastard, and I never listened to his music. So as you can imagine, I could really care less. Sorry you ODB lovers.....

But the second person who left us is....Colin Powell, of course. Yeah, he's not really dead...but whatever. Just go with me here. As much as I'll miss Powell, who was the sheep to the Bush Administration, I will have greater fear for his replacement. It can't be Condi, not Condi, anybody else, please.

Condoleeza Rice is expected to take the job. This would probably mean someone is going to take her job, too. So we do a little switcharoo and there is a newish administration. Doctor Rice...if she really is a doctor, is not the best choice for Powell's job. She shouldn't really even be involved in government, that much we should know already. National Security Advisor, too easy for you? Take a step up, I wait to see you fail there, too.

I know I'm being a little harsh, but someone deserving, well, deserves the position.

Who else left us, this week? Oh yeah, all those soldiers in Iraq. Many are dying in Fallujah and I myself, trust that many (if not all) Americans support the troops wether they support the cause or not. That's so critical for everyone to understand. Must...get...message...to...public.

Because if you have forgotten, there used to be a great debate of signs for and against the Iraq War. The opposition (liberal pride!) held up simple yet powerful signs of "No Iraq War". The Republicans however (I use full facts in this statement) held signs that said "Support the Troops".

Thanks, jerks. You think (or at least want others to think we don't even support the troops. Well, big suprise coming here...we do. A man once said that the warrior and war should never be tied together and therefore misused in a statement (I am paraphrasing immensely). I believe that man was the guy I supported to be President (John Kerry).

Nowadays there is a full blown war, and the only signs you see out there fittingly are "Support the Troops". This makes a lot of sense, right? We are in the war, and they do need support. But since it is the same sign that paraded against liberal ideas by harassing them that they did not support the troops, I can't help but feel some angst against them. That's my (and I imagine many liberals' dillema). We want to honk, we want to say, "Go troops! Keep it up. Come home safely." But yet, since we know who this sign is from (and how they used the sign), we hate it as we love it.

It is terrible. The sign doesn't mean what it's says blatantly. But so is much of the political world, I imagine.

Siege of Fallujah

2004-11-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

I've heard things like the siege of Fallujah, or The Siege of Fallujah, will be the biggest fight since Vietnam or something. Correct me if I'm wrong, but just keep it to yourself...

It is a big fight, indeed. Hopefully it will turn the tide of this war and (in the future) there can be less casualties. If Fallujah is possible, it seems almost anything in Iraq is possible. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, we thought this would be a "quick" war.

It will be bloody as one army expert (I have good sources don't I? "Army expert"), okay, let's call him a militaristic battle expert. Sound better? Of course it does! Anyways, that guy said that there was about 5000 insurgents in the city that once had a population of 300,000. Most of the civilians have moved out, I hear. I would, too.

We can only hope the Siege of Fallujah will be short and a decisive victory for the United States (I mean, the "Coalition"). This may take a while, too. These are many many insurgents attacking us in their city where they know the area. Hard to beat that, but we might be doing that.

I read that communications are being disrupted for the insurgents. That is good for us, because like I've said before "communication is the key" (though that pertained to a different subject). Well hopefully we've taken that key and now they are desperatly looking under the matt, fake rocks or retracing their steps to find the key that will get them into their own home.

Here is what the army is facing in the streets:

-Roadside (or car) bombs
-Sharp shooters from inside buildings
-Overt shooters on top of buildings
-Roaming gangs of (usually) three or four insurgents. Many of those use small arms, but small arms are arms none the less.

Here is what the insurgents are facing:

-Anything but small arms (come on, we have tanks)
-Organized (usually, I'd hope) groups of soldiers that are not simply patrolling and standing around waiting for an explosion (as in other parts of Iraq), but they are actively searching for these insurgents.
-Bombs overhead that all too often destroy unnceccessary buildings and soak up civilian lives like a sponge.
-Oh, and it's Veteran's Day, so they might be even more fired up to rid Fallujah of insurgents and terrorists while serving their country.

Bush Won, America Lost

2004-11-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

Yeah, we lost. Bush has won and hell has frozen over. He won the popular vote and that stupid electoral college. Kerry conceded. Republicans retain control of congress. This is old news by now, and I'm sorry I'm just getting to it. I thought, I should blog this now, but never did...go figure.

Get ready for four more years of the same! Hoorah! Glad you all like it, though many (if not most) agree there should be more change. Kerry would have brought it, but you decide, and I'm afraid you chose wrong.

Those tax cuts are really working for all Americans, considering "the number of Americans living in poverty increased by 1.3 million last year, while the ranks of the uninsured swelled by 1.4 million."

There will be more limits to stem cell reasearch (has been, I should say). Not true with Kerry, as you'll find out if you read the article.

This guy is going to do better, right? He had his chance, but that's just my insane opinion...

So how about that Southern influence from John Edwards. That worked terribly, didn't it? He didn't even get his own state. Shame. Couldn't they have tried harder in the South? We can't just rely on those coastal states. At least we have a strong New England backing. Maybe we can invade the South from there...I mean, we can poltically influence them...

Notes: by the time most people see this, my blog will have been up for 100 days. At least, the tracker (at the bottom of this page) will be 100 days old. Over 900 hits. This is great, and I'm glad people keep reading and this blogging community is growing fast. I enjoy doing this a great deal. It would have been really nice if I could get 1000 hits in 100 days. But I'll take what I can get and hopefully my blog will continue to grow. It's up to you: tell some people! If you tell one person and they tell one person, I'll have 3 people who know of it and one person that actually goes to it once and then gets bored and goes back to Google.

If you're looking to do that, Google is right here.

If not, I encourage you to read the archives (to the right of this text somewhere) and especially one of the latest ones, "Rated L for Liberal" (it's right below this).

My biggest political nightmare that I've feared for four years has come true. Good luck America, because even if Bush won, you lost.

Rated L for Liberal

2004-11-01T15:49:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping that some of this can appeal to gay-rights opposing people.

This election is a catalyst. A beginning of a fight that shall remain heated. Quite unfortunate, but it should go on for quite a while. Gay rights. Yes or no? The real question for me is, why not?

They deserve rights just the same as you or me. Do they not? It wouldn't make sense to suppress rights from a group that is different than you. I'm not here to point out who's patriotic and who's not, but doesn't that seem just a little bit un-American. And if someone might come to their senses while reading this post, I will forgive you. I'm sure all gay people would, if they could achieve true freedom.

You don't like gays, you say. You wouldn't like being gay, right? Because you are straight. That's fine. We're different, and believe it or not, we can get along. Seems almost beyond belief, doesn't it?

I wrote a well thought-out skit that I'd like you to read. Meet the characters.

Person A-Straight
Person B-Gay

Person B: I am gay.
Person A: Yes you are. And that is fine.
Person B: Thanks. I'm glad we can get along despite our differences.

WOW! Did you see (read) that? Amazing, isn't it? And yes, I am quite aware that is the poorest piece of writing you may ever see at this blog (and you should be aware of that already).

One thing everyone should be aware of: these are people. Real people with opinions and thoughts. You may have something in common, too! Try it. Communication is key to getting along. This them being people thing, it is critical for everyone to understand. Relationships are about getting along and (hopefully) falling in love. Many of these people have, and they should be allowed to be treated equally to you.

One fight from conservatives is that people in relationships should be capable of creating a baby. That's wrong, too.

They can have a baby if they want, all they have to get is for someone to carry it or for someone to donate a sperm, right? If they can't have a baby and aren't looking to have one, that's fine too. It doesn't affect you.

To put it simply, the only possible situation that I can think of where it is critical that a man and a women get together (and have a baby) is that ridiculous "If I were the last man on Earth and you were the last woman on Earth" scenario. That should really be the only time that having a baby because you're in a relationship is absolutely neccessary.

We are all equal. You say you know this and you are equal to the guy next to you. You love black people, don't you?

The black issue has only been one hurdle of many in the United States' history. And on that one we kind of tripped over it but were still allowed to go forward and win the race. The Gay Hurdle, if you will, is an uphill challenge that we now face. They deserve just as many rights as you do. To those who see this for what it is, a worthwhile and neccessary cause, join me in the fight for our rights to party (and go out and get embarassed and not care because you're with the one you love as you go get married and fall in love happily ever after).

Osama Bin Laden-Explosive Politician

2004-10-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

That new tape by Osama bin Laden is real, according to the CIA. It made me think, because all the people he criticized, that he's really just an explosive poltican.

By that, I mean, he criticizes world leaders and he has his own agenda. That would be kind of making him a politican (not to mention he has a rather large backing and financial support). And the explosive part...rather explains itself. He is a terrorist.

The CIA also claims that this is the first Osama tape in a while that does not have a call to arms. That's good news. But of course, he's airing his message, and that's never good. (Seattle Times- "The tape is more about his own audience, about getting himself re-elected as the head of the movement, than anything else," said Winston Wiley, former CIA deputy director of intelligence.)

That's a very interesting look at it, and I'm inclined to agree.

Happenings of Me, Obama

2004-10-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm glad to report to everyone that the Red Sox are World Champions (as if you couldn't hear the Red Sox Nation's shouts, chants and screams of a repressed people that have been waiting for this sweet moment for 86 years). Whew! Talk about a run-on sentence!

In politics (finally): The website "Yes Bush Can" has update it's site with "Let's Hope He Doesn't". That's right. This independent Pro-Bush group is now Anti-Bush and Pro-Kerry. While campaigning for him all across the country, they gained sympathy for the people that have been let down by him (or never believed in him in the first place). Interesting stuff, huh? And right before the elections...

It's good to have the support for Kerry. He is our man to unseat Bush.

I recieve a newsletter from the campaign for Barack Obama. He still sounds like a great man, and I wouldn't mind having him as president. He has tons of support from local newspapers and seems to be on his way to a relatively easy victory. I support him entirely and his superior ideas and visions to Alan Keyes.

He will win. Senator Barack Obama; that's sounds so very good. He will win, that I know.

Living off the Land

2004-10-23T14:40:00.000-07:00

Red Sox won, yes, I know. I am overjoyed. Good luck to them tonight.
Now on to a real post:

I can't (or any political commentator) always talk and debate and express our beliefs on current events. That over time, won't get us far. We sometimes have to plan for the future and find better ways to live off the land. As you can guess, that is what I'm writing about....

One of the things that we cannot live without is energy. And if there are ways which we can get that energy (which there is) that are better than what we are doing now, we must start doing it immediatley. If our modern medical crises could be cured or scaled back via stem cell research, we can do the same for the energy problems we face.

Nuclear energy, isn't it great? We've heard things about a new nuclear plant in Iran. I'm not worrying about nuclear missiles here, but the energy they create. It will create cheap energy for the people of Iran (that can afford it). But with cheap energy like this comes large amounts of waste.The thing is though, it doesn't have to be this way.

Think about it. This is Iran. Do you think they might get a lot of sun there? Possibly? How about Solar Energy. A perfect solution for (many) of their energy needs.

The link I've given you here is a site I found while googling about solar power. This place seems to have it all. If you are looking to completely transfer your small island country to solar energy, this might be the place to do it. I hope that some administration (hopefully the Kerry one) will start a massive environment saving movement. It's not just a "it would be nice" kind of thing. We need to start it now. But it doesn't stop with solar energy. Living off the land means what it means. So let's talk wind power.

If we had been using wind power more often, we'd have a lot less problems (at least having them be less severe). What we do know frustrates me so much. The computer I type at is powered by nuclear energy, if I'm not mistaken. Oil spills happen and our environment the takes the toll. It's not right, plain and simple.

I want you to go to this site. It states: " Contrary to what some antinuclear activists would like you to believe, the nuclear industry has found a solution for its waste challenges." While that may be true in some cases, as the site attests, it is not up to par, clearly. Look at those towers of emissions and tell me that it's safe for you, your children and the world you live in.

If you see where the environment is going, it is obvious it needs improvement. The sun and wind are not planning to stop any time soon (as far as I know). They do create jobs and make living better, not just now, but most importantly, for the future, too.

Red Sox+Game Seven=Sweet

2004-10-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

Politics is the last thing on my mind right now. Okay, it's the second thing on my mind. But the first one is the Boston Red Sox defeating the Yankees in New York to be the first team to go from 3 games down to the tie it up and force a 7th game. Four words can describe this feeling: it's about damn time!

I love it when the Yankees are beaten, and the by the Red Sox is even better. And not to mention...they achieved history tonight! A statue of David Ortiz should be built in the heart of Boston to commemorate baseball history. Or put it in Cooperstown, wherever, just don't place it in Florida because some Hurrican Random will destroy it.

Tommorow, more history shall be made. The Boston Red Sox will win Game 7 and it will be sweet(er).

On to victory Red Sox Nation!

BackDoor Draft

2004-10-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

There should be no reason why people don't understand John Kerry when he says there is a backdoor draft going on. It means that soldiers already enlisted are being drafted. Forced to go back to Iraq when they have served their time. Sending veterans to another country against their will is a great thing, isn't it?

It's not. It needs to stop. And when Kerry says something bad about Bush, I'm pretty confident he's going to work his hardest to make sure that doesn't happen under a Kerry Administration.

Wait, do I really trust Kerry? Especially after his "record" and all? Yes, I do. I feel strongly I can trust this man more than the liar who has ruled over our country for four long years.

Saying that John Kerry becomes President, he has the opportunity to accomplish great things. What makes him qualified is:

* He is President (will be)

* He is the current President (and after seeing what works and doesn't with 43 other presidents, he has an advantage)

John Kerry can stop the backdoor draft. Bush will not, he obviously supports it.

Fear not?

2004-10-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

I think that I have been worrying less about a draft. If Bush wins, which we'll make sure he doesn't, it's only four years. I am admitting that I am easing off the democratic hot button issue. Flip-flop? No.

I believe I have said (or at least always believed) that Bush would be more likely to enstate a draft. So Republicans in cowboy hats need not gather in mobs and wave their arms.

And I've also heard Republican comments on John Kerry's statement that he will expand the army by 40,000 troops. One unit with a backup unit (I don't think it's a "unit", but you understand me...is it regiment?Battalion?). This is like saying that because Kerry said he wants to make healthcare cheaper, he's forcing you to get it. The army will still be a choice under Kerry. There are ways to that kind of things. I would know exactly how,I'm not a politician...yet.

The last debate is over and we face a "sprint to the finish". If anybody cares I watched the debates on NBC, another "liberal media" outlet.

Bush did well in the last debate, though John Kerry might have done a little better in the final and third debate. I also think John Kerry won all three debates. You can tell this by my little graph (below):

1st Debate-Winner:John Kerry-It was a clear victory, I don't need put that Bush was the "loser" which I entirely agree with.

2nd Debate-Winner:John Kerry-It was actually more of a tie, but I'm partisan,right?

3rd Debate-Winner:John Kerry-Enjoying his performance very much, I was not as impressed with President Bush's talks which often seemed vintage Bush public speaking, not up to par.

Extra 2nd Debate Commentary: Bush was yelling and cutting off the moderator. Do you think he does this with other countries, too?

Blog Explosion

2004-10-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Let me just talk about the blog itself for a bit:

I went to Teeter's Thoughtpad, and thought about his problem getting hits and real readers, too. I always want readers, so I thought it might be a good gamble to try BlogExplosion. But I am too having the same doubts, so I asked BlogExplosion to take my blog off their list.

My hits have gone up quite a bit, 31 today, but I am wondering how many read what I have to say. Probably not that many, considering the way BlogExplosion does things.

"If you go to two sites, someone will go to yours". That's basically their motto. I like getting the hits, but I like getting readers better. So if you're here from BlogExplosion, tell me if you've actually been reading this. And also, I wouldn't mind if you checked out the archives, full of my political thoughts.

This is all so weird. You know, I might keep it, because some people might bother to read it. Numbers about my blog tend to make me happy, so maybe I will keep it. Now I just have to see if BlogExplosion responds to my email.

And, if you're interested in watching TV, here is what I reccomend:

The Daily Show (Comedy Central)
Saturday Night Live (NBC)
CBS News (Haha, just kidding)

2nd Prez Debate

2004-10-08T20:18:00.000-07:00

Well, there is no doubt that Bush's second debate was received better by the republican community than the first one. However, though Bush defended several key issues, maybe he, quite honestly, doesn't know what he's talking about.

A few times as Kerry would speak, Bush would make another strange face as if to say, "My advisors never told me that." I enjoyed it when Kerry made a comment (I'm paraphrasing), "This president wants you to see all the issues as black and white." That is a great point he made, which the administration has been doing for the longest time, since, oh...September 11th.

Bush was a better debater (than he was before) because he spoke clearer and confronted issues better. I can at least give credit to him for that.

Kerry spoke sensibly about the issues and let America know more about him.

The debate was different because the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and put the candidate on the spot. It was good in some ways (it let an average American be heard) and bad in some ways (they kept asking national security questions, when really they were supposed to focus on domestic issues -Right?-).

It seems that after John Kerry shoots down an accusation by Bush, Bush is always right. He can hear the greatest answer in the world from Kerry and still continue on his hard-headed rhetoric (sorry, I believe that it's not being hard-headed, but dedicated, right? Must be).

Bush is getting to much into the mentality of "Why isn't every person in America voting for me?" He just seems a bit cocky as he smirks and makes those strange faces as Kerry responds to a question.

I want John Kerry to be a man (and a president) of inspiration who can not only make the people feel better, but accomplish things, too. We cannot afford four more years. I don't care how many times that line is repeated, but it always rings true.

Right Contradiction

2004-10-07T18:41:00.000-07:00

The religious right does not like abortion. We've heard that all. But what confuses me is thier stance against contraception. Their religion does not agree with it, right?

Well, sometimes you have to ask yourself if what you believe in makes sense. If teens (or people) aren't educated about contraception, aren't they more likely to get pregnant? And since they had no intention of having a baby, wouldn't they be more likely to have an abortion?

To me it seems logical, for both sides, really. One side wants to prevent unwanted babies altogether, and the other wants to prevent a religiously frowned upon way of delayed-contraception (abortion).

But this probably doesn't matter, really. What the religious right does anyways hardly ever appeals to me as logical. But for the ones willing to think like I do, just for a second, does it really make sense to do what you are doing?

They are pro-life, after all and we constantly hear their message. So maybe this logical sense can never appeal to them. But to many people, it just might.

And I hope all listen to the logic and the scientific ways of advancing technology and our society.

I'm not Dead!

2004-10-06T11:32:00.000-07:00

If anybody worried about me, I took a strangely long absence from the blog. I missed two debates to blog about, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

Why wasn't I blogging? No internet. It was terrible, send me emails of sympathy. But the router is fixed and I blog once more.

The Kerry/Bush Presidential Debate:

I believe Kerry was the better speaker and more ideas, too. Bush clearly ran out of things to say a while back in the debate. Kerry, however, had a strong message he finally cleared up for the American public. Good to see.

Bush, however, was not a good speaker. That kind of comment isn't trying to be partisan. I'll tell you when he does do well, but he was not a good speaker. Also, he wasted much time by repeating himself.

This brand new clear look (and very happy at times) was just what we needed to see. The polls showed better for Kerry (most of them).

The Vice Presidential Debate...

I feel that Edwards could have capatalized more on Dick Cheney. Cheney was very negative and quite monotonous.

Realy though, I'm not sure there was much of a winner, or if it sparked much interest at all. It was alright, but not deserving of 90 minutes. Maybe an hour, how's that?

American Idiot

2004-09-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

No, the title of this post is not directed towards anyone in particular, though it could label quite a few people. This isn't exavtly a politics post, but I feel it's worthwhile enough to blog about.

What I'm getting at is the new Green Day CD, entitled "American Idiot". It is their best CD yet. To make it have some importance of blogging about here, it has really strong, well written lyrics. Some favorite ones of mine are "American Idiot","Jesus of Suburbia", "Boulevard of Broken Dreams". All the songs are good, really.

You can see the video of "American Idiot" here. It's a powerful song that I just can't get enough of. I'm sure that effect will wear off, I'll just give it time.

Till next time...

Assault Weapons

2004-09-20T16:16:00.000-07:00

Since the lifting of the assault weapons ban, I, to be honest, have done very little about it. But I guess I am doing something about it by simply blogging and informing people of things I think they should know. And this is definitly one of them.

I think all Americans, liberal or conservative, should oppose them and have them re-banned. Why not? Is it that I don't trust my fellow American? To be honest, who does? You lock your doors at night, you claim to need a gun for "protection". Is it not just as likely that someone bad who breaks into people's houses can get this gun just as easily as someone who claims to have good intentions with it? And don't tell me that you need an assault weapon for hunting...come on. "There, I've blown the brains out of that deer, let's go have dinner."

And protection? Honestly, I don't believe you need to have a gun in your home for protection. It offers more danger than safety...

To bring up the subject once again, right after September 11th, do you think the Ney York city officials were thinking, "Damn it! Only if every person in New York had a gun on them..." Wouldn't we all be safer?

But really, there might be a plus out of all of this.

After all nuclear war and hell breaks loose, there's gonna be a huge cloud of nuclear dust and decay. And once that cloud clears, we (Americans) will come out of our houses, bunkers, underground tunnels, and along with out assault weapons, blow the heads off of whatever's left. Great? So we're all doing the right thing? Okay!

It's just great to have some assurance about this all...

Deadliest Words- HR 163 (Updated)

2004-09-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

This bill, HR 163 (just search "HR 163"), is exactly what I have been talking about. It is the Return of the Draft. That's in capitals because Michael Moore should make a movie of it.

It is The Draft and nothing less. Men AND women will be required to serve two years in the uniformed services or homeland or community service positions that the Thief-in-Chief deems neccessary. But that is if Bush is reelected. If Kerry is elected, I sincerely hope that he does not agree with the representive's voting (IF they vote for the Draft.)

Lots of ifs. Only time will tell really. And if time does tell that President Kerry enacts the Draft, I was wrong and I won't be afraid to admit that. I can't avoid the truth, and at the moment, he looks to be the lesser of two evils.

If this is will never happen, which I hope does not, good. If it does happen, it will be terrible.

To make one thing clear: I did not get this information from Michael Moore. I didn't think anybody would think that, but apparently one person did, so just to make that clear to all.

But if this is simply "nonsense" to some, how so? Is it not a bill? Is there not enough idiots in Washington to make a bad decision?

Some call the American military "stretched", and to be honest, I will be the first one to admit I don't know the exact number of enlisted troops or how much is "stretched" for that number. But if the government really wants more soldiers, let them have their advertisements. Get people interested instead of fearing the armed forces. If they join the army that way, it was thier decision (maybe with some influence) but it's still their decision. And that's what we pride ourselves on here in America. Our ability to make our own decisions.

Instead of being forced to do something, why don't they increase a little spending in advertisements. Who knows? Maybe it'll be quite extensive. It can give people a career and satisfy the armed forces' "need" for more troops. Couldn't that be done?

It might work for everybody.

North Korea Testing Weapons?

2004-09-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

I read a little bit of an article in the Seattle Times about North Korea possibly testing their nuclear weapons. Pretty heavy stuff.

Some believe that this could start an arms race in Asia. I hope not, and I don't they have to go so far as that. I sincerely hope that the remaining "Axis of Evil" can have their nuclear plans derailed. We can hope. But also, action will eventually be taken, and this can best be done by international pressure. This time, the UN has should be given a chance to do things better this time around (hopefully they will!). My biggest fear is a US invasion of Iran. I think that is the farthest from what we want. We need to avoid total warfare like in Iraq. That of all things, is the end result when you cannot deal with a nation (or don't try hard enough).

If you really would like to know it, my ideal liberal dream is that after it is virtually impossible for a nation or group to obtain nuclear materials, we can all fire them up into space and blow up the moon. Sound good?

Okay, we probably won't do that, but I still have a dream that the world can be de-nuclearized (including the United States). There would be no reason to threaten nations with no nuclear capabilities when you have all the nukes. That itself, would be terrorism. But it's not like the stakes should be even, either. We can't say, "Here, you take half of the nukes, and you take the other half. There. Have fun. Start a war." So maybe it does look good for us to have the majority (temporarily) until we can dissarm them all. Until then, we go after each country and take their stuff. Anybody? Nod if you agree.

That is also why I am thinking that the United Nations would be in charge of nukes removed from other countries' governments. If that isn't true, I'd be kind of suprised. I am pretty sure that's what would happen.

In fact, going back to that crazy liberal dream of mine:

We should just give the nukes to the United Nations. EVERYONE DOES. We just say "Here, take these. Don't remind me I lost them." And BAM! No more nuclear holocaust. Unless the UN went haywire and passed them out again when asked.

Don't ask what I'm saying really, I'm just thinking out loud.

Anyways! This post is on North Korea testing weapons... Anyone else scared? Where are they going to test them? I never got to that part of the article (if it was in there). It's a test, so I'm betting they would shoot it somewhere desolate and barren. And hopefully that site is not populated with thousands of people. Or any person, really. That would especially suck. A nuke shot at you and no one else. Scary? I think so. But it's a good thing humans live in packs...

Three Years Later

2004-09-11T13:03:00.000-07:00

Waking me up, I was told that two planes had just slammed into the side of the Twin Towers in New York. I was up immediately and ran to see the images replay on the TV. This was wrong. It was terrible. I knew it immediatly. Some people thought that maybe it was another rogue country attacking America. Just like Pearl Harbor. But eventually we found out different, of course. I knew right away our country was going to war.

The government wouldn't put up with this under any circumstances. The world had changed forever and I feared we were heading to darker times. And we were, more or less. People were going to take opposite sides on how to handle this whole thing. But then, we were all frightened together. We feared the future of our country. And we still should, more or less.

There is no doubt in my mind that the terrorists had their victory. I am not afraid to say it. They won, and we failed. It couldn't be clearer. America lost that day. We lost three thousand people, two magnificent and hopeful buildings. We suffered a great loss, the greatest on American soil.

But also, I strongly believe the loss on September 11th, 2001 inspired us that we could win tommorow. Together, not as Democrats, not as Republicans, but Americans, we were confident we could recover from our loss and stand proud and that we can do better.

We started by bravely saving as many Americans in the towers as much as possible, sending money and gifts, and prayers to New York and its people which suffered so much.

Now the real challenge was how to deal with the real threats out there. It was clear that we must, the world was with us and we were emerging as leaders again. Straight back to the drawing board we went, a new drawing board, liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, to find out the ways to make America better.

In a time of caution and crises and repression in fear, we need brave men and women once again. We need innovative ideas to help us see right and wrong. Not only the evils of the world, but things right here in our home. To exercise our rights to the best of our ability is the right way to go. Question authority, and criticizing even the things we love the most is the only way we can make it better. It's something we must do now, before another tradgedy strikes.

Stupid White Men, Lies

2004-09-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

I recently read Michael Moore's Stupid White Men. A very good book. I especially like the way he portrays the corporate crooks. It's funny, and it conveys a strong message. It's not just "This guy did that" so you should hate him. He brings logical evidence to the table often times and that is desired of a political activist.

Moore brings up things of his past, things he'd like to see in the future, and most importantly, what we can do better now. Some things he mentioned made me laugh and others would indeed make me laugh, but behind the clever humor was a deep meaning that soon made you angry. When you're done, you will feel quite a bit more informed.

If you've been thinking about reading this, and you've also been thinking "I need to read more often" this may be the thing you need to stick with a good book. And if you enjoy Stupid White Men, you may want to read Moore political satirists (pun intended).

I was inspired, and I have begun reading Al Franken's (and TeamFranken, Al and his team of fourteen harvard graduates)Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right.Currently at page 19, it is fantastic. Funny, clever and completely well done.

I'll keep reading, and of course, I'll keep posting.

By the way...I have a few Gmail invites left. If anybody wants one, all I really require is you:
1. Email me
2. Tell all your friends about my blog (which I'm sure you've already done)
3. And...run in circles ten times without falling down.

Goodbye Florida

2004-09-08T17:42:00.000-07:00

I don't know why anybody would move to Florida. The hurricanes are obviously after them.

Honestly. There was that first one, and people kinda thought, "Oh that's normal around here." But now, Frances is here, and they say there might be another one on its way. Goodbye Floridians.

I wish there was some way you could both be friends, hurricane and Floridians. Maybe the wind could help you to relieve some of your energy crises. And in turn, the Floridians could help the hurricane with it's obvious anger problem.

See, and you thought problem solving with hurricanes couldn't work!

The Blogger sincerely apologizes for the previous post.

"Vacation"

2004-09-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

I have been enjoying a little "vacation". And by "vacation" I mean I have been very lazy not posting new stuff.

Well, I'll give you one thing. Those polls going around show Bush leading by 11 percent. What is going on with the public? Did they see everybody on TV cheering so much that they decided it's best to make a complete switch of polical view simply because the cowboys on TV had a party.

It has been neck and neck until now, and that worries me. It not only worries me in the way that Bush may be re-elected, but how easily the public is swayed by Fox News (I mean, the media).

Obviously all of America did not read my post on thinking for yourself. How is it that so many Americans suffer or complain and then they have a great turnaround in a mere four days? How are Americans supposed to get what is wants, when it doesn't KNOW what they want!

If so many Americans want the politicians to "stick to the issues" why they (the public) are so unclear on what issues they care about? Because the ones that often "bash" the opposition are usually the ones that will not change their polical view for a different party, it means the unsure ones (who used to be at least SOMEWHAT sure) are the ones being swayed. I firmly believe they are not thinking enough about what they want out of their president.

This defies the point of democracy! You are supposed to have the rights and abilities to uncover all the facts on the issues that you care about and will help you elect a leader to make those ideas come true!

The rights and abilities have been given to you. Not enough citizens are using them, sadly.

This must change.

Day 3- The Speech

2004-09-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

I made sure not to miss Presiden't Bush's speech. I was very excited to hear what he wanted to do with our country. He did say quite a lot of stuff but only the end of his speech was really worthwhile.

Bush stressed health care (him of all people). But he never really talked of how he would accomplish the things he promised in his speech. I wish he really could have talked what we need to do to solve our critical problems here in America. I do not care to hear him say, "We've got to do this, we've got to do that,". I really wish he'd tell us how, that might even buy him a few votes from the people who, you know, expect change.

Do the people out there really want to listen to this guy and just assume he has a plan? He says this needs improvement, so we'll just leave that to him. He's had four years. Why does he deserve four more? What is his defense?

"Well, when I promised all that stuff in 2000, I assumed that I'd have eight years to do it in." That's not the way it works. We can easily throw you out after four. The American people should expect something more to be done after the first term. If very little has been done, why would we expect him to get it done in another four years?

But, really, the last part of his speech was genuine. It was more heart felt and didn't let the crowd keep intrrupting him every 2 lines. If you'd like to, read the his speech here.

But Bush yet again, forgets where each one belongs, and indirectly tells America that he is on a mission from God. Okay, what does Reverend Bush have to say this time?

He spoke of a calling from beyond the stars (something very similar to this, I can't find exact text). From beyond the stars, huh?

How can he not excpect the opposition to think this sounds a little like a holy war. The Christian States of America vs. Islamic Extremists. No matter for what cause, religious politics has been and can be very dangerous.

President Bush made great promises and therefore, possibly putting more challenges and critiscism to live up to his promises to the American people.

Day 2 in RNC World

2004-09-01T20:13:00.004-07:00

Predictable he was. Cheney sparked quite a fire as he preached to the choir. It seemed like everyone in there (except for Michael Moore I'm sure) was estatic at every line the man said. I have no doubt in my mind that Dick Cheney's speech could have taken up half the time it did if it weren't for the mob-like behavior of the bubbling Republicans.

Many Americans, I believe, have seen the pictures, have seen the video footage of followers of Muqtada al-Sadr and you might wonder: how can they be so stupid to listen to this guy? Well, it's similar to what Cheney did, really. He simply tells them what they want to hear. And some more of the undecided voters out there see them parading around happy listening to him and think "Wow, maybe he really is all he's cracked up to be, I guess I'll vote for him". It might be a good start to your political learning, but to really see what you like and what you don't like, you should investige more about both parties.

Sadly, many Americans choose not to do this. But some are learning, and provide me hope. And Dick Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America, provides me little hope. The rest of his speech was not very interesting either, if you were looking for new and exciting speech at a political convention or something...

But this high school pep rally continued to spout the same stuff that we've grown tired of in the past four years.

Enough of my rants, Mr. Cheney, your turn:

"Our nation has the best health care in the world, and President Bush is making it more affordable and accessible to all Americans."

Ehh...I don't think so. He has done little to work towards a better system like universal health care. Millions of Americans don't have it and have increasingly tough medial bills they must pay. They should not have to make decisions like rent or food, frustration or suffering! Know what we might need to solve this problem? A democrat. That should be on Ripley's Believe it or Not because so many people (I call them Republicans) can't seem to understand that.

And this one too had me laughing:

(I can't find the exact text anywhere, arrg.)

He brought the sensitive thing up again! Again he looks past the real meaning of the word and says "I'm going to rip apart your serious and thought out plans for America's future so I can get more votes."

Not much hope at all, really.

A note on this blog: I have it set up so whenever you leave a comment here, it emails me with whatever you've put here. So rest assured, when you respond to me, I can know about it.

Think For Yourself

2004-09-01T15:17:00.000-07:00

I won't make up anything about the second day of the Republican Convention because, well, I didn't see it. Sorry. Maybe I can get to it later. But I do have news I would like to discuss:

When our Founding Fathers started this country, they had to think for the future. They knew that the smart and innovative ideas of freedom would become increasingly popular, so they had to think long and hard about the kind of government they would want. Eventually, they saw the positives in federalism and chose an indirect democracy.

For those of you who don't know, an indirect democracy is when you elect an official for a position. They, in essence, really have more power than you to make the important decisions that will affect you in everyday life. You elect someone to make decisions that should be in your favor, so you don't have to.

What is the other kind of democracy then, that I believe should be used more? Direct democracy. And if you don't know what that is, it's exactly what the ancient greeks in Athens had. Every citizen is part of making the laws and it is fair. They vote, the vote is tallied, and a law is created. Simple.

But this eventually developed into the Romans' form of government. They had a senate who made the important decisions for you.

How does this relate to today? How is it affecting me in this election?

You see this pretty often, actually. When a group, say the FDNY, endorses President Bush, it obviously gets people's attentions. They think, "Oh wow, I really like the FDNY. And they support Bush so maybe I should too". They stop thinking for themself.

Another such example, a better one, is how many Catholics are tending to claim they are Republicans when they hear a official Catholic group of "officials" endorse President Bush. This can get legions of voters to be persuaded. They listen to the "authority" and believe they must. But many feel torn between both. Say that they have been a Catholic Democrat. They feel they must listen to the others, and therefore aren't really listening to themselves completely. And each vote represents one person with views to make this country better, and it should be their own views showing how they really feel about the issues.

Please, in this election just do one thing for whatever party you favor or how you stand on issues: Think For Yourself.

More direct democracy in the United States wouldn't be a bad thing. Just pick carefully and thoughtfully in the primary and presidential elections, and that is a type of direct democracy in its own.

RNC Day 1

2004-08-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed John McCain's speech at the RNC. It was more moderate and less hard core conservative view. A nice change.

His introduction was done by Lindsey Graham, who I was more displeased with. He said that the Republican opposition spoke of two Americas. But as I clearly remeber at the DNC, a great man, I beleive his name was Barack Obama said, "Well, I say to them tonight, there’s not a liberal America and a conservative America—there’s the United States of America." That man, Barack Obama, can be president one day. I'd vote for him. Read/watch the rest of his speech from the DNC and you'll see why.

McCain spoke of how he had liberal and democrat friends, and he was fine with that. I'm glad he tried to bridge the gap of this already too partisan race. He said in an interview shortly after that both democrats and republicans are going to have to work together soon. Once they do this, hopefully they can make a positive change.

But McCain's speech was not approved by me completely. He got large applause and directed large boos towards Michael Moore with one line. "And certainly not a disingenuous film maker who would have us believe that Saddam's Iraq was an oasis of peace..."

I disagree. I'm not sure that Michael Moore supported Saddam Hussein, he was just against the war. How hard is that to understand? Moore doesn't support terrorism in case you were wondering.

This week, Mr. Moore is writing an editorial for USA TODAY. I read today's and it was pretty good. I recommend it. I like the idea in the article.

Oh, and a little comment on slogans. Those political ones, for both parties, tend to get pretty boring, huh? Kerry's "Hope is on the Way" made me roll my eyes a couple times. And the GOP's "A Nation of Courage" put me to sleep after seeing it the one thousandth time. But hey, that does show that both parties are dedicated. They don't flip flop in one respect.

Don't Support The Troops

2004-08-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

As you can guess, since I am a liberal, I'm against supporting the troops. That really isn't what we need to do right now. We must Save The Troops. That is really the best way to show we support them and to keep them safe. By electing John Kerry, we can only do better.

This process is quite simple, but powerful. You register to vote. You vote for John Kerry.

After such a process, if you have told your friends and all others you know to get out there and vote (via email, in person, blogging), hopefully the majority of Americans will agree with you. If so, you get a better leader. Sounds too easy, huh? Nope. There's no catch this year (hopefully, unlike 2000), and it shall all work out in favor of America's interests.

If you vote as the above directions tell you, you will recieve your better America in the near future. Don't forget to vote on state governments and senates too, they can affect many (if not all). And maybe if you feel you have something you yourself can contribute, and would like to make a change yourself, run for office in a local or state position. Why not? It might be a great place to start your political ground or simply to get your career going.

It's a democratic process, and it can't work without the people. Sure, four years ago democracy may have been cheated, but with your support this year, the Democratic party will come out on top.

Freaky Friday

2004-08-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

Thank you Don for responding and providing me with a fine link. I suggest you check it out. It's pretty scary stuff after hearing threats of terrorism in the United States mostly, and all of a sudden something hit's our closest ally. Russians say it's terrorism. One group claims to have done it. (It's all here in that article.)

We all hope that this is not an act of terrorism and the extremist group may just be trying to get some attention or something. If it's just them trying to put fear in our minds, they probably have succeeded again. Or is the American public too dense to figure out they might be in danger too? If it is terrorism, who knows where it could happen? But even if it is say, engine failure, it could very well happen to Americans or any other people that are often flying.

Chechen separitists are under high speculation. They are supsects as they have been known to be funded by terrorist groups including al-qaida. Not good stuff. Russia isn't too fond of them, either. Sepraists aren't usually a good thing, and especially when they start to attack your country. But as it says in the end of the article, some of the Chechen leaders only have control of some of the sepratist warriors. And that's real bad, too, if only some are attacking and all are being blamed. It's so much like politics, isn't it? Just great stuff...

OTHER:

I recently downloaded Mozilla FireFox and I am delighted with it. If it shall stop internet threats more often that Internet Explorer, I will be sure to use it more often. I reccomend it. Download it here.

Also, if you would like to: on the side of this blog, you can subscribe to Midguard and the homepage of this blog should be sent to you. If it doesn't or something is different than when you load it on your browser, tell me so I can report it.

The Russia Disaster

2004-08-25T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is terrible. The former superpower, Russia has suffered a disaster. A major security flaw may have lead to terrorist activity. Two planes went down at approximately the same time. Curious. But Russia claims to be having very tight security. That seems good, but the disaster is terrible. They must figure out why to prevent another plane from mysteriously crashing.

That is if it is mysterious. It could very well be a terrorist organization at it again just like they did on September 11th. Sure there were less casualties, but it was on an airplane, so they're pointing a finger at al-qaeda.

But some insist it may not be terrorism, just an accident.

It's terrible no matter what, and it's likely both can be prevented in the future. Hopefully they will. I'll try to give you information when I get it.

The Man Who Slept For Four Years

2004-08-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well, it's getting closer and closer (slow as it may be) to November and it's almost time to vote. Hope all the democrats out there are getting ready to re-elect Al Gore. Wait---what do you mean he didn't win? Oh my.

I've come to the realization that we didn't get the president we so richly deserve. Instead, we have a president who leads us into war on false pretenses and ideas that are not true. But that would make the president a liar. And last I checked, that's not what we want in America.

There is no way that the majority of Americans would elect him. But since my awakening it didn't take much research at all to find the right choice in this election. America saw four years of this man, and I'm glad I wasn't there to see it all. But I am glad that I am awake now.

Now, with such a realization, what else could be my goal but to convince others? It took me a while to wake up and see the light. And then more time to see the truth of the world around me. So now I must make the others see the light and truth so they make wake up too, and make the right decision.

Comment from the blogger: Please, just save the world and VOTE.

Gmail

2004-08-23T19:54:00.000-07:00

I have received a delightful gift, a Gmail account. For those of you who don't know, Gmail is the how Google does email. You can only get an account by asking politely to another Gmail user (yes, seriously). Each Gmail user has invites that they can send to other people so they
may join. I'm not sure how to or if I have that feauture yet, so don't ask me for one.

But if you want to ask me about anything else, email me here. And all of your comments will start heading over there too, so each time you respond to me I can know about it.

This post isn't about politics, obviously, but we can get back to that later...say, tommorow.

Thank you Tyrelle for the invite you so quickly gave me.

Most Americans favour embryonic stem cell research

2004-08-21T21:28:00.000-07:00

A swell article I read today has shown that approval ratings for stem cell research are higher than they were in 2001. This is fantastic news that proves that people are starting to agree more with the scientific community. This is the way we grow, improve and live better. With science. Isaac Asimov has said that science can lead to great discoveries that can bring disasterous conclusions or marvelous solutions. We are looking for solutions right now in this time of unknown and hidden facts. We must look to science and be determined to finding the truth so that we all may live better and have a brighter tommorow.

Lost...and found?

2004-08-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing the issue of stem cell research appear more and more lately. I am glad to report this shouldn't be qualified as a "Runaway Issue". As you can imagine, I am all for it and I think every human being should. Because if you care about the health of common diseases that crate burdens in everyday lives, stem cell research could relieve these and eventually cure them. There's hardly a reason to not begin doing such a thing immediately.

I got to see part of Ron Reagan's speech at the DNC. It was very helpful in inspiring and reassuring my confidence in the research. We are moving into the future and there are threats around us that we must deal with. And with the capabilties to accomplish these goals for the good of science and humankind, I encourage alll to support stem cell research. I will update you of my thoughts on this and many other issues later.

Runaway Issues

2004-08-19T13:27:00.000-07:00

Camera Crew: Okay, Mr. President...you're on in 3, 2, 1 (points to Bush).

Bush: My fellow Americans, your administration has been hard at work on an idea that will lead us into the future and distract the media from the real issues. Because whatever I say will be on CNN tommorow. So let's stop wasting more of my time, let's start wasting yours.

Forget all the "important" issues that bombard you each day like gay marriage, election results...none of that matters for now. And neither did the following issue in this post, and it makes some wonder why. These are the Runaway Issues. Those things officials may have talked about once or twice and it got people talking, then it quickly died down again. They have been lost for a while, but today I'd like to uncover them, blow off the dust and see what it's really about.

One fine example is that little Mars distraction. Even the Daily Show saw it right away with headlines, "Mars Distracts!" Even they saw it, and I wish more Americans did, too. We shouldn't have to deal with administrations that give you these temporary distractions to get you excited and thinking, "Wow, this guy really is a true leader." But he's not, because obviously you forgot. He didn't keep his word, at least he's not updating us about the progress of these plans.

Mr. President, why do you distract us so? Why did the media forget about it so quickly as it does so often with many other issues. But the media went on quite a while about that Elian Gonzalez kid. And this, which Bush has proposed, is a long term, billion dollar spending spree. So why do we forget? Why has he not updated us?

The media should look at this more. Would that be being partisan though? But really, it's just looking at the facts.

Increasing death toll and insurgent uprisings...what to do...what to do? (Light bulb appears over head) "I've got a great idea! Hey everybody! Check out this other complicated and interesting plan that we have going on. Forget about that Iraq thingy! Look, we're gonna send people into space!" Grins like an idiot. "Isn't that great?"

It's like distracting a small child with a new toy. "Here, play with this for a while."

Wait a minute. This guy is the leader of the free world. At least I thought he was. He's not really doing the job I'd expect from the President of the United States. But as long as he's keeping us in it and bringing us new toys, I guess I'd vote for him.

200, wow.

2004-08-18T19:08:00.000-07:00

I have reached 200 hits in 21 days. This is amazing. Thanks to all who visit, hope you read more. Bookmark us, please. Interested in link exchanges? Email me.

Tommorow's topic: Runaway Issues.

"Democratic" People's Republic of Korea

2004-08-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Korean Central News Agency does not bring you news at all. It does not even give you facts. It's fiction.

But what else would you expect from a maniacal government that brain-washes their people into strange and twisted beliefs that are hardly "democratic". But you might think the same of some US media.

This is run by the government though. Stifling out all freedom of speech and stamping on it so the people never know it existed. North Korea is a real threat. Iraq was not. In North Korea there is a massive army being raised appearing ready for World War III. In North Korea, the "President" Kim Jong Il parades around telling the world he has nuclear weapons.

His people suffer, but yet so many love him. They beleive he is the one working hard to bring Korea peace and stabiltity. These are people who have been lied to their entire lives and have a distorted vision of what is good and what is truth.

And the government rants about how the US is doing this, the US is doing that, but that's not so uncommon these days, is it? They do it to many countries, not only claiming that the United States is arming themselves for nuclear war but that Japan is militarizing themselves for overseas aggression.

They isolate themselves in a way to show their people that they are the ones who are doing good in the world. They are the ones working towards peace.

What could happen in the near future? It seems almost anything. Will North Korea start alliances and invade South Korea? Will they not bother with alliances and nuke the west coast of the United States? Can the United Nations dissarm them in time to prevent futher death, destruction and despair?

And what about China? They have a similar ideas of how to run their country. But they don't prance about saying, "We have nukes! Fear and respect us!" But should we be wary of them too?

I don't mind countries that simply dissagree with the United States as much as I do to countries that may be a threat to my country.

We must work with allies to stop real threats to world peace. This cannot go on forever and it will not. It can be ended in peace, or disaster.

The North Koreans tell their people in the same newspaper that the United States is trying to get biological and chemical weapons to exterminate all Koreans. Through all the confusion of that newspaper and all the things in our world today, we must see what is right and what is wrong.

And what we find to be right or wrong, will eventually be the deciding factor on is what to come.

Thrilled

2004-08-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

This blog is now ad-free and much more professional looking. Blogger created an annoying toolbar to take the place of the giant ad at the top of each free "Blogspot" web blog. I didn't really want anything there, so I went to my handy-dandy Blogger's Forum and I learned how to get rid of it via HTML. Good stuff.

More on NK soon

2004-08-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have been looking into North Korea a little bit straight from the source: A North Korean run newspaper. It is very secretive and anti-US indeed. It is easily one of the ways they brainwash their people to oppose the peoples of other nations. I will keep reading more from there (and I will give you the link). I will have to do all of this later.

15 Days and counting...

2004-08-15T00:13:00.000-07:00

...till the Republican National Convention. I can't wait to see the largest GOP rally in four years. I wonder how it will compare to the Democratic National Convention in terms of affecting voters and how long the message will stick with people, like some said that Kerry was on fire, then wore off quickly.

It is possible that both parties will have these huge parties and hardly affect voters. That would be a little strange, but it did happen with Kerry somewhat. The Republicans may have an advantage being the last one to host a convention. They may be the last impression on the voters, and if the impression does influence them for good, I fear for America's well-being even more (yes, liberals do).

Hopefully the American people will see through the lies and wrong-doings of President Bush. They shall make the right decision, which is John Kerry. Even if you aren't too fond of Kerry but you are sure you don't want Bush a second time, Kerry at least could be lesser of two evils.

No more free press, I say! Obey me!

2004-08-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Mr. Bush,

You are the president, I beleive. Wether I like you or not, it seems I have to deal with you for the time being. But I'd really rather have you stick to your job. That is to keep us safe and sustain our freedoms and rights.

You've done a very poor job.

Mr. Bush, I believe I heard that you are calling for both sides to pull all independent television ads off the air. Is this really fair? I would understand it if you asked both campaigns to do that, but to ask us to ignore the free press?

That just seems so un-American to me, so I'd really like to have you clear that up to me because I MUST be wrong; I mean, you're the president. And, after all, I am a liberal so I must not be able to comprehend any of the great things you do to our country.

I am sincerely apologetic for my previous miscalculations. Good luck in this year's elections...

He just can't help at being so sensitive...

2004-08-12T21:56:00.000-07:00

Without even thinking about John Kerry's words, Dick Cheney immediately thought of a way to attack him. He ranted on about how we don't need to fight a more "sensitive" war on terrorism. This helped get the crowd into it, as you can imagine.

Very Clever, Cheney. "Mission Accomplished" indeed. You did your job. You've been doing it for almost four years. Exploiting the truth to get some votes. I'm a big fan of yours.

Let us take a closer look, as Mr. Cheney forgot to do. Let us start with the very definition of "sensitive". Dictionary.com's definition is: Capable of perceiving with a sense or senses.

And that's the first one, folks. Mr. Cheney clearly did not interpret this correctly. He was not capable of perceiving the fact John Kerry promised to be tough on terrorism and be sensitive about it. Sensitive as in being able to perceiving what the right decision is, as Bush has forgotten to do.

AND, Kerry's spokesman has pointed a little fact out. Mr. Cheney's boss, the big man, Mr. President Bush has in fact used the same word before.

In 2001, Bush said: "Precisely because America is powerful, we must be sensitive about expressing our power and influence." And this month, he said: "We need to be very sensitive" in balancing individual rights and intelligence gathering.

You go Cheney! Way to think about that one. You know what? We should REALLY re-elect this guy along with his fabulous pal, George W. Bush. What better combination to lie to us, but also make us feel so proud to be American! And that's what matters, right?

Some of the information in this post was provided by ABC NEWS.

Responding to...

2004-08-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

I honestly do not know why there is so much belief that simply supporting the president is helping the war on terror. If he doesn't have support and maybe feels "unloved" is he going to slack off? "Since you guys don't like me, I'm not going to try as hard."

I do not ever think (or at least hope) that this will be said from a president. Will Bush do so? Probably not.

With all due respect to veterans in all wars, is it true that America's freedoms are really being protected if the war is lost? And you wonder why they say Iraq is becoming another Vietnam.

Our handling of Iraq is not up to par. Going in there in the first place was not neccessary, but now that we are there; we'd better find a way to make it work.

John Kerry is not the Democrat that I wanted. He still is confusing to me in some ways (like I'm sure he is to many people). It may look like a gamble to some, but if what Kerry envisions has a chance to come true, America will be better off.

Responding to one of the comments on my post on the draft, I assure you that John Kerry is less likely to start a draft. He does want to add 40,000 active duty troops, but not in Iraq. He is looking to strengthen the armed forces over time in his four years in office. This could not be an immediate plan. His first day in office he will not make a push for the draft, nor will he in his term. He is looking to put more international troops to strengthen Iraq.

I am fully aware I cannot tell the future and some of these ideas maybe me alterted by me. Unfortunately, I cannot look into Kerry's mind, but from what I've been hearing, this is what I predict and hope may happen if he is to become president.

No more breeding ground of terror, please. I'd prefer a smart, thought out plan, that might actually work. Don't you? I think America might agree with those ideas.

Now...if I could just get them all to vote...

Real?

2004-08-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

I just found this on the internet today.

08/05/2004
"Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."
-- George W. Bush

Do you think it's real? Do you know IF it's a real quote?

Anyways, its funny and I thought everyone might enjoy that.

The Draft: Good? Bad? Any time soon?

2004-08-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

The draft is not a good thing. It's the opposite of what we pride ourselves about here in America. It limits are rights and makes us government property. But would you go? Step up and answer the call? Not to mention abandoning everything you know back home.

Off to Iraq! Would you go? Is that being patriotic? Sure it is! Answering you're country's call. As they say, there's no better way to show your support and pride then join the armed forces.

But this is being forced, and really, as the average teenager would put it, "That's not cool, man."

Is it also not being patriotic to not do such thing? To obey your rights? Seems reasonable to me. If you really want to "answer your country's call", join the armed forces. It's always been an option.

Many veterans, after hearing rumors get pretty nervous. They remember Vietnam, and I'm betting they didn't enjoy their stay. Not many soldiers I don't think said, "Oh wow! It was great! You've gotta go sometime."

Those are just rumors, though. But I don't want those rumors to become reality. And I have a feeling it would be much more likely to happen with a President Bush then a President Kerry.

Next Big Thing

2004-08-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

My next little bit I plan to write about the draft, and if it's coming back. Can't do it now, so expect it later.

Campaign

2004-08-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

From what I've heard, since the convention in Boston is done, they (Kerry and Edwards) are going to convince voters to vote for them on a coast to coast capaign. Sounds pretty good. They probably will talk of the same ideas you saw at the convention.

If you know that he is going to be in your area, I strongly encourage you to go. Electing Kerry is a huge step up from Bush and his management of this country. I can't find any place to get this information (for the Kerry campaign) at the moment, but if I do, I'll be sure to tell you.

Comments, Email

2004-07-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hello readers, most of you are new. I encourage you to read through the recent blogs. Email me here. And feel free to add comments!

John Kerry Performs Well Under Pressure

2004-07-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

The long awaited speech by John Kerry at the Fleet Center in Boston went remarkably well. Newspapers absolutley loved it. He gave America what they expected to hear and what they wanted to hear. Now he's under pressure to fulfill these promises should he become President Kerry.

The Democrats want someone they can trust to be their next president. Said Jimmy Carter Monday Night, "Trust is at the very heart of our democracy, the sacred covenant between the president and the people." Obviously they did not get this from Bush and are quite dissapointed about that.

Many thought Kerry was far too rigid and a stiff, but he proved to be quite a hit with everyone. And he had confidence and spoke with, get ready for this, enthusiasm. For those of you who didn't think he had it in him, you might want to reconsider. Kerry was quite specific on his promises to America, reassuring them that "Help is on the Way".

A lot of stress has been taken off his shoulders with this speech. It was a new kind of John Kerry. A better one, a more honest one and by far, a more inspirational one. He got everyone into this and now, no longer is the Democratic Party the "weaker party". They are becoming united, and are trying to make America more united. Kerry seems to be wanting to not look at the past as much he looks to the future, "For us, this is a country of the future. We're the can do people."

If you did not have the privelege of seeing Kerry's speech and might still doubt how sure of what he wants to do with America, get a load of this:

"As President, I will ask hard questions and demand hard evidence. I will immediately reform the intelligence system so policy is guided by facts, and facts are never distorted by politics. And as President, I will bring back this nation's time-honored tradition: the United States of America never goes to war because we want to, we only go to war because we have to.

I know what kids go through when they are carrying an M-16 in a dangerous place and they can't tell friend from foe. I know what they go through when they're out on patrol at night and they don't know what's coming around the next bend. I know what it's like to write letters home telling your family that everything's all right when you're not sure that's true.

As President, I will wage this war with the lessons I learned in war. Before you go to battle, you have to be able to look a parent in the eye and truthfully say: ``I tried everything possible to avoid sending your son or daughter into harm's way. But we had no choice. We had to protect the American people, fundamental American values from a threat that was real and imminent.'' So lesson one, this is the only justification for going to war."

That might be my favorite part of the whole speech. Here is the complete text of his speech.

All these promises from Kerry are quite an inspiration. With one of their own, the democrats are counting on him so that they may not be let down again. They want Kerry to be their president. They want President Kerry to live up to his promises to truly create an America that is "Stronger at Home and Respected in the World".

Democratic Convention- Day 3

2004-07-29T16:15:00.000-07:00

Please leave comments if you'd like.

I didn't watch a whole lot of the convention and am dissapointed at myself. I did see the beginning with John Edwards waiting for a few minutes till the massive applause died down. It was fascinating seeing all those tall, thin red signs. It seemed everybody there loved him. He just seems to be a charismatic person.

And he's a very good speaker, too. He shows no fear and seems very used to large crowds like Barack Obama. But unlike Obama, he displayed less new ideas but rather reassured he and John Kerry's goals for the future. That is rightly so, since Obama was known of little before his national debut.

Edwards did fine. He wasn't really lacking anything and it wasn't extra special, but he was well approved of by the democrats of America. John Edwards also has the duty of leaving some of the magic to John Kerry, who is after all, the presidential candidate. But Edwards got such a reception you would have thought he was the candidate for president.

The whole point of him being out there, I believe, is to get the crowd excited and pumped up. He did both of these exceedinly well, but it's not like he really had to try. Before he got on stage this crowd already loved him, and this is a good sign for the Democratic Party.

Here is the complete text of his speech.

Democratic National Convention- Day 2

2004-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, I was really impressed when I saw Barack Obama. He is quite an amazing man. He truly represents what we need in America now.

Obama was a fantastic speaker and was obviously used to large crowds and public speaking. He also had strong principles and beliefs. What else does a politician need?

Barack Obama, as a keynote speaker had countless times where he could be quoted over and over. The speech was overall fantastic.

Here is the complete text of his speech.

"Fresh faces electrify delegates" is the headlines of The Seattle Times today. And it sure did. There was a sea of supporters holding up Kerry/Edwards signs and quite possibly even more Obama/2004 signs. And that was quite a nice thing to see. He sure deserves to be in our senate and represent Illinois. I have a feeling (and sure hope) that Barack Obama will not stop as Senator Obama and become an important politician in our country's history.