The Boston Globe is not stingy with the adjectives when praising Air America and their present situation and future outlook.
Naysayers viewed the venture with skepticism, arguing, among other things, that liberals were generally too humorless to succeed in what is essentially an entertainment medium. As the new HBO documentary ''Left of the Dial" (which airs tonight) reports, the early days of Air America were marked by financial chaos, management turnover, and the constant threat of extinction. Today, however, the Air America lineup is heard on 54 stations in cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, as well as Boston.
Don't you believe it. The Radio Equalizer has the real poop on Error America's latest major city market shares and overall condition.
Air America now lists 51 mostly tiny affiliates, which is not very impressive after a full year of media attention, industry affection and trade publication hype. Many smaller conservative radio networks can boast twice that number and still not be taken very seriously by radio professionals.
Watch the HBO special tonight, then read Bryan Maloney's piece. Bet you'll know who's telling the truth. On second thought, save some time, just read Maloney.
Thursday, March 31, 2005
HE'S IN
Paul Wolfowitz was approved by the World Bank Board today. Think I'll swing over to DU aka today the "Wailing Wall."
Euphemistic..... but Accurate?
In a previous post, the queeziness of the left with certain terms such as "starvation" and "killing" were discussed. We made the prediction that euphemisms for these were imminent. NRO reports they have emerged.
But while the public may have agreed with the removal of Schiavo's feeding and hydration tube, apparently there are limits to the public's willingness to tolerate euthanasia — and apparently its defenders recognized these limits. So we saw euphemism after euphemism deployed to cloud the issues.
Perhaps chief among these was the fiction that we were "letting her die." On March 18, Schiavo was in no medical danger of death. She was profoundly brain-damaged (although just how profoundly remains unknown), but she was not in a coma or on a respirator. She was not being kept alive by artificial means, any more than small children are kept alive by artificial means when their parents feed them. Her body was functioning, there is some reason to believe she was minimally conscious, and she was responsive to stimuli (it's been reported she was actually being administered pain medication). She had devoted parents and siblings who were willing to care for her. She could easily have gone on in these conditions for many years. She was not close to dying. For death to arrive, she would have to be killed.
And for that to happen, the use of words like "starvation" and "dehydration" would have to be discouraged. Those words might, after all, have reminded us that what was done to Schiavo would be criminal if done to an animal and provoke cries of "torture" and "cruel and unusual punishment" if done to a convicted capital murderer.
That's what makes this job easy. The left is soooooo predicable
But while the public may have agreed with the removal of Schiavo's feeding and hydration tube, apparently there are limits to the public's willingness to tolerate euthanasia — and apparently its defenders recognized these limits. So we saw euphemism after euphemism deployed to cloud the issues.
Perhaps chief among these was the fiction that we were "letting her die." On March 18, Schiavo was in no medical danger of death. She was profoundly brain-damaged (although just how profoundly remains unknown), but she was not in a coma or on a respirator. She was not being kept alive by artificial means, any more than small children are kept alive by artificial means when their parents feed them. Her body was functioning, there is some reason to believe she was minimally conscious, and she was responsive to stimuli (it's been reported she was actually being administered pain medication). She had devoted parents and siblings who were willing to care for her. She could easily have gone on in these conditions for many years. She was not close to dying. For death to arrive, she would have to be killed.
And for that to happen, the use of words like "starvation" and "dehydration" would have to be discouraged. Those words might, after all, have reminded us that what was done to Schiavo would be criminal if done to an animal and provoke cries of "torture" and "cruel and unusual punishment" if done to a convicted capital murderer.
That's what makes this job easy. The left is soooooo predicable
SHE'S GONE 1963-2005
Parents denied access to her bedside at her death....Godspeed Terri.
Now the real battle begins. Musing Minds has more, Jawa's take.
Now the real battle begins. Musing Minds has more, Jawa's take.
The emperor's new robes
The wonderful thing about Ann Coulter is she has the ability to navigate through all the static and reduce things to their lowest common denominator. Here in a few short paragraphs she brings to the Schaivo story perfect uncluttered clarity.
On the bright side, after two weeks of TV coverage of the Terri Schiavo case, I think we have almost all liberals in America on record saying we can pull the plug on them.
There are a few glaring exceptions. On the anti-killing side, to one extent or another, are: former Clinton lawyer Lanny Davis, former Gore lawyer David Boies, former O.J. lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman, McGovern and Carter strategist Pat Caddell, liberal blogger Mickey Kaus, Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader and Rainbow Coalition leader Jesse Jackson, as well as several of my friends who are pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage but not Pro-Adulterous Husbands Who, After Taking Up With Another Woman, Suddenly Recall Their Wives' Clearly Stated Wish to Die.
There are a lot of telling facts, but two big ones are:
The only family member lobbying for Terri's death is her husband, who is affianced to a woman he's been living with for several years and with whom he already has two children. (Today's brain twister: Would you rather be O.J.'s girlfriend or Michael Schiavo's fiancee?
Terri's husband has refused to allow her to be given either an MRI or a PET scan, which are also known as: "The tests that could determine whether Terri is even in a permanent vegetative state." (I believe his exact words were, "PET scan? MRI? What do I look like, a guy who just won a $1 million malpractice settlement?") More here
On the bright side, after two weeks of TV coverage of the Terri Schiavo case, I think we have almost all liberals in America on record saying we can pull the plug on them.
There are a few glaring exceptions. On the anti-killing side, to one extent or another, are: former Clinton lawyer Lanny Davis, former Gore lawyer David Boies, former O.J. lawyer Alan Dershowitz, Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman, McGovern and Carter strategist Pat Caddell, liberal blogger Mickey Kaus, Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader and Rainbow Coalition leader Jesse Jackson, as well as several of my friends who are pro-abortion and pro-gay marriage but not Pro-Adulterous Husbands Who, After Taking Up With Another Woman, Suddenly Recall Their Wives' Clearly Stated Wish to Die.
There are a lot of telling facts, but two big ones are:
The only family member lobbying for Terri's death is her husband, who is affianced to a woman he's been living with for several years and with whom he already has two children. (Today's brain twister: Would you rather be O.J.'s girlfriend or Michael Schiavo's fiancee?
Terri's husband has refused to allow her to be given either an MRI or a PET scan, which are also known as: "The tests that could determine whether Terri is even in a permanent vegetative state." (I believe his exact words were, "PET scan? MRI? What do I look like, a guy who just won a $1 million malpractice settlement?") More here
EU Head Office Says It Will Impose Trade Sanctions on Washington
Collectively they can't come to a concensus on any way to stop the genocide in the Sudan that has killed 100,000s, but this they can agree on. Priorities I guess.
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union said Thursday it will impose sanctions on U.S. products to punish Washington for failing to repeal an antidumping law ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.
The 25-nation EU has long asked for Washington to repeal the 3-year-old legislation and the Bush administration has been working with Congress to bring it into line with its obligations. Yet the EU executive Commission said it was time to bring further action.
"The EU understands that Canada will be announcing retaliatory measures against certain products from the United States and expects that other co-complainants will soon join it in applying retaliation," the EU head office said.
The other complainants are Brazil, Chile, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexic
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - The European Union said Thursday it will impose sanctions on U.S. products to punish Washington for failing to repeal an antidumping law ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.
The 25-nation EU has long asked for Washington to repeal the 3-year-old legislation and the Bush administration has been working with Congress to bring it into line with its obligations. Yet the EU executive Commission said it was time to bring further action.
"The EU understands that Canada will be announcing retaliatory measures against certain products from the United States and expects that other co-complainants will soon join it in applying retaliation," the EU head office said.
The other complainants are Brazil, Chile, India, Japan, South Korea and Mexic
German Unemployment Up Again
They would choose to lecture us on everything from international relations to the economy. Like a boastful child who thinks he knows more than he does, he ends up embarrassed as the truth is invariably exposed.
Unemployment in Germany rose sharply in March for the third consecutive month, although economists warned that much of the jump reflected statistical changes.
The statistics, to be officially released today, will show a seasonally adjusted rise of 92,000 in the number of job seekers to 4.9m. The figures, published yesterday by Reuters and confirmed by people close to the Federal Labour Office, were substantially higher than economists had expected.
12% Unemployment and they laud a 1.6% economic growth rate. Excessive governmental stewardship and regulation will do it everytime.
On the flipside here in the states, Incomes Rise Solidly Thursday March 31, 8:43 am ET By Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer Americans' Incomes, Bolstered by Gains in Hiring, Rise 0.3 Percent; Consumer Spending Also Rises.
The 0.3 percent rise in incomes was attributed to a surge of 262,000 new jobs in February, the biggest increase in four months. Further solid gains in both incomes and consumer spending are expected in the months ahead as the consumer continues to be a driving force in the economy. Now who should be lecturing whom?
Unemployment in Germany rose sharply in March for the third consecutive month, although economists warned that much of the jump reflected statistical changes.
The statistics, to be officially released today, will show a seasonally adjusted rise of 92,000 in the number of job seekers to 4.9m. The figures, published yesterday by Reuters and confirmed by people close to the Federal Labour Office, were substantially higher than economists had expected.
12% Unemployment and they laud a 1.6% economic growth rate. Excessive governmental stewardship and regulation will do it everytime.
On the flipside here in the states, Incomes Rise Solidly Thursday March 31, 8:43 am ET By Martin Crutsinger, AP Economics Writer Americans' Incomes, Bolstered by Gains in Hiring, Rise 0.3 Percent; Consumer Spending Also Rises.
The 0.3 percent rise in incomes was attributed to a surge of 262,000 new jobs in February, the biggest increase in four months. Further solid gains in both incomes and consumer spending are expected in the months ahead as the consumer continues to be a driving force in the economy. Now who should be lecturing whom?
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Norm Olson: Parents' lawyer thwarted plan to send militias to aid Terri Schiavo
A truly amazing story of civil disobedience that if carried out would have had enormous consequences. This issue is now and will continue to be a powderkeg of ideology and smoldering emotion.
Norm Olson, senior adviser to the Michigan militia and pastor of a strong right-to-life church in Wolverine, said Tuesday he had put together an unarmed coalition of state militias that were prepared to storm the Florida hospice where Terri Schiavo has been left to die, and take her to a safe house.
Olson said he needed only the OK from Schiavo's father, Robert Schindler, either directly or through his attorney David Gibbs, to put the plan, called "Operation Resurrection," into action on Sunday.
Olson said that last Thursday he phoned Gibbs' secretary with a message that he had organized 1,500 to 2,000 militia members from Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia and Michigan, who were ready to remove Schiavo from the hospice and take her in a convoy to a safe house.
Just picture the scene had this thing been pulled off. Tyranny of any sort Judicial or otherwise can elicit this sort of reaction, so it's not surprising. A country such as ours who have experienced nothing but freedom and liberty for over 200 years are acutely sensitive to the smell of it.
Norm Olson, senior adviser to the Michigan militia and pastor of a strong right-to-life church in Wolverine, said Tuesday he had put together an unarmed coalition of state militias that were prepared to storm the Florida hospice where Terri Schiavo has been left to die, and take her to a safe house.
Olson said he needed only the OK from Schiavo's father, Robert Schindler, either directly or through his attorney David Gibbs, to put the plan, called "Operation Resurrection," into action on Sunday.
Olson said that last Thursday he phoned Gibbs' secretary with a message that he had organized 1,500 to 2,000 militia members from Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Georgia and Michigan, who were ready to remove Schiavo from the hospice and take her in a convoy to a safe house.
Just picture the scene had this thing been pulled off. Tyranny of any sort Judicial or otherwise can elicit this sort of reaction, so it's not surprising. A country such as ours who have experienced nothing but freedom and liberty for over 200 years are acutely sensitive to the smell of it.
Insurgent Attacks Against Troops Decline
AP does it's level best to moderate this, but we can sift through their chaff to get a pretty clear idea what's actually happening.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgent attacks in Iraq have fallen dramatically since the Jan. 30 elections, and the number of U.S. deaths reported this month dropped to the lowest in a year.
Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, which has been tracking the insurgency, said attacks against U.S. forces have dropped by at least 25 percent since last fall, when U.S. officials launched a major offensive against the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. Attacks then ranged from 80 to 90 a day, O'Hanlon said.
U.S. defense officials say they were down to 40 to 45 a day in recent weeks, lower than the pre-election average of 50 to 60 a day.
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgent attacks in Iraq have fallen dramatically since the Jan. 30 elections, and the number of U.S. deaths reported this month dropped to the lowest in a year.
Michael O'Hanlon, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, which has been tracking the insurgency, said attacks against U.S. forces have dropped by at least 25 percent since last fall, when U.S. officials launched a major offensive against the insurgent stronghold of Fallujah. Attacks then ranged from 80 to 90 a day, O'Hanlon said.
U.S. defense officials say they were down to 40 to 45 a day in recent weeks, lower than the pre-election average of 50 to 60 a day.
Doubts Raised On Schiavo "Memo"
Howard Kurtz offers up a weak half hearted defense of the "Teri" Schaivo "memo".
Bloggers are swarming around a new target: the Terri Schiavo "talking points."
Fake but Accurate Again?" says the Weekly Standard headline on an article by John Hinderaker, an attorney and conservative blogger who had challenged the CBS documents.
While there is no hard evidence that the memo is fake, there are several strange things about it, including the basic fact that no one seems to know who wrote it and that the noncontroversial part of it is lifted from a Republican senator's press release.
Here we go again. Ever since Rathergate we have all become keenly aware that the press feels they can report anything without evidence of it's legitimacy and yet when questions are raised, they demand clear and convincing evidence of fakery. How bass ackwards is that? Are they teaching this in journalism school?
ABC and The Post say their reports on the Schiavo memo were accurate and carefully worded.
Another canard. They avoid actually stating something in cold hard black and white, but strive throughout the entire piece to lead the reader down a very intentional path to their desired conclusion. That way they achieve their goal, but can accurately state "We never explicitly stated what the reader inferred."
Neither report said Republicans had written the memo, although they may have left that impression, and they included no comment on the memo from party leaders. ABC's Web site went further than Douglass's on-air report with the headline: "GOP Talking Points on Terri Schiavo."
Yea, "left an impression" like with a sledgehammer.
ABC News had very reliable, multiple sources who indicated the memo was distributed to Republicans on the floor of the Senate, and that is what we reported," network spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said yesterday.
Undoubtedly anonymous, low level, and from the other side of the aisle. Any high ranking Republicans or even Democrats for that matter that would go on record? No? That's what we thought.
Despite its unknown author, the memo has been used against Republicans. On ABC's March 19 "Good Morning America," Kate Snow cited the document in asking House Majority Leader Tom Delay, "Is this just pure politics, Mr. DeLay?"
The rest of the left and MSM sure didn't have any doubt what they were NOT explicitly stating. Appears they got the message loud and clear.
The truth is these memos could have come from anywhere. Most clear thinking people have serious questions concerning both their origin and authenticity. Somebody's secretary could have typed them for all we know with the evidence that has thus far been provided. A Democrat dirty trick is certainly every bit as, if not more plausible than ABCs or WAPOs version. Oh, wait a minute, can't be, there's no evidence of that.
Malkins take here
Bloggers are swarming around a new target: the Terri Schiavo "talking points."
Fake but Accurate Again?" says the Weekly Standard headline on an article by John Hinderaker, an attorney and conservative blogger who had challenged the CBS documents.
While there is no hard evidence that the memo is fake, there are several strange things about it, including the basic fact that no one seems to know who wrote it and that the noncontroversial part of it is lifted from a Republican senator's press release.
Here we go again. Ever since Rathergate we have all become keenly aware that the press feels they can report anything without evidence of it's legitimacy and yet when questions are raised, they demand clear and convincing evidence of fakery. How bass ackwards is that? Are they teaching this in journalism school?
ABC and The Post say their reports on the Schiavo memo were accurate and carefully worded.
Another canard. They avoid actually stating something in cold hard black and white, but strive throughout the entire piece to lead the reader down a very intentional path to their desired conclusion. That way they achieve their goal, but can accurately state "We never explicitly stated what the reader inferred."
Neither report said Republicans had written the memo, although they may have left that impression, and they included no comment on the memo from party leaders. ABC's Web site went further than Douglass's on-air report with the headline: "GOP Talking Points on Terri Schiavo."
Yea, "left an impression" like with a sledgehammer.
ABC News had very reliable, multiple sources who indicated the memo was distributed to Republicans on the floor of the Senate, and that is what we reported," network spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said yesterday.
Undoubtedly anonymous, low level, and from the other side of the aisle. Any high ranking Republicans or even Democrats for that matter that would go on record? No? That's what we thought.
Despite its unknown author, the memo has been used against Republicans. On ABC's March 19 "Good Morning America," Kate Snow cited the document in asking House Majority Leader Tom Delay, "Is this just pure politics, Mr. DeLay?"
The rest of the left and MSM sure didn't have any doubt what they were NOT explicitly stating. Appears they got the message loud and clear.
The truth is these memos could have come from anywhere. Most clear thinking people have serious questions concerning both their origin and authenticity. Somebody's secretary could have typed them for all we know with the evidence that has thus far been provided. A Democrat dirty trick is certainly every bit as, if not more plausible than ABCs or WAPOs version. Oh, wait a minute, can't be, there's no evidence of that.
Malkins take here
DU Quote of the Day
The dimwits over at DU are still rehashing the 2004 election. Delusional totally, entertaining absolutely.
Peace Patriot says: Wilms, have you forgotten that we won the election??? --and that......'Hollywood' played a very prominent role in that win?
Peace Patriot says: Wilms, have you forgotten that we won the election??? --and that......'Hollywood' played a very prominent role in that win?
Vatican: Pope Getting Nutrition From Tube
He better go anywhere but here if he needs additional treatment. Jawa report was clairvoyant.
Lebanon's Prime Minister Says He'll Resign
Syria got him back in, propped him up, but it still wasn't enough. They are done calling the shots in Lebanon.
Lebanon's pro-Syrian prime minister said Tuesday he would resign, unable to put together a government, and the head of military intelligence stepped aside in new signs the anti-Syrian opposition was gaining momentum in the country's political turmoil.
Prime Minister Omar Karami's decision comes amid a deadlock over forming the government, which must be completed before parliamentary elections can be held. Elections are scheduled for April and May, and the opposition - which is expected to win them - is eager to see them held on time.
Lebanon's pro-Syrian prime minister said Tuesday he would resign, unable to put together a government, and the head of military intelligence stepped aside in new signs the anti-Syrian opposition was gaining momentum in the country's political turmoil.
Prime Minister Omar Karami's decision comes amid a deadlock over forming the government, which must be completed before parliamentary elections can be held. Elections are scheduled for April and May, and the opposition - which is expected to win them - is eager to see them held on time.
11th Circuit Senses Legislative Scrutiny
The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has shown a bit of humility in allowing a review of the FACTS rather than only the proceedural law in the Schiavo case. One can only surmise that they are sensing the heat of ignoring the law passed by Congress and are attempting to appear judicious and thorough. In all liklihood, by the time they make a decision, it will be moot.
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (AP) -- In a rare legal victory for Terri Schiavo's parents, a federal appeals court agreed to consider an emergency motion requesting a new hearing on whether to reconnect their severely brain-damaged daughter's feeding tube.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta issued a written order without comment late Tuesday allowing Bob and Mary Schindler to file the appeal, even though the court had set a March 26 deadline for doing so.
The request for a new hearing also asks to have the tube reinserted immediately "in light of the magnitude of what is at stake and the urgency of the action required."
The courts have essentially thumbed their noses at Congress and some fallout from this is inevitable. In my humble opinion this is just a standard cover their butt move. On the other hand maybe it was the influence of Jesse.....you think?
Update: As predictable as Howard Dean sticking his foot in his mouth again and the sun rising tommorrow AM, the 11th Circuit denied Terri Schavio's bid to have her feeding tube reconnected. As if they had any intention of seriously deliberating the matter let alone granting the motion........sigh
PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (AP) -- In a rare legal victory for Terri Schiavo's parents, a federal appeals court agreed to consider an emergency motion requesting a new hearing on whether to reconnect their severely brain-damaged daughter's feeding tube.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta issued a written order without comment late Tuesday allowing Bob and Mary Schindler to file the appeal, even though the court had set a March 26 deadline for doing so.
The request for a new hearing also asks to have the tube reinserted immediately "in light of the magnitude of what is at stake and the urgency of the action required."
The courts have essentially thumbed their noses at Congress and some fallout from this is inevitable. In my humble opinion this is just a standard cover their butt move. On the other hand maybe it was the influence of Jesse.....you think?
Update: As predictable as Howard Dean sticking his foot in his mouth again and the sun rising tommorrow AM, the 11th Circuit denied Terri Schavio's bid to have her feeding tube reconnected. As if they had any intention of seriously deliberating the matter let alone granting the motion........sigh
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Light Blogging
Blogging may be a bit sparse today. My little twin petri dishes came home from kindergarten with who knows what and dutifully passed it on to Dad.
Jesse on the Right Side of an Issue?
FLYING PIG ALERT, I actually agree with Jesse Jackson.
Rev. Jesse Jackson has broken with his fellow Democrats to blast what he
said was the "violent" execution of Terri Schiavo, calling it "a great moral and
ethical crisis that we should address."
Appearing on MSNBC's "Scarborough Country" Monday night, Jackson said the
mistreatment of Schiavo is "worse - more violent and wrong than the convicted's
executions."
Rev. Jesse Jackson has broken with his fellow Democrats to blast what he
said was the "violent" execution of Terri Schiavo, calling it "a great moral and
ethical crisis that we should address."
Appearing on MSNBC's "Scarborough Country" Monday night, Jackson said the
mistreatment of Schiavo is "worse - more violent and wrong than the convicted's
executions."
A first for me.
AFGHANISTAN: Taliban Surrenders Turn Into a Stampede
More good news on the military front that seems to have slipped by the NYT and Washington Post.
March 26, 2005: More Taliban are surrendering, and the government expects about a thousand to openly turn in their weapons and accept an amnesty. These surrenders also provide information on Taliban who are not surrendering. As a result of this, the government is turning more of its attention, and guns, to the drug gangs.
March 23, 2005: An increasing number of tips from local villagers along the Pakistan border, has led American troops several Taliban leaders. The resulting firefights left seven dead, including one Taliban leader (Raz Mohammad) and a bomb making workshop . Because the Taliban hide in villages, civilians are often killed in the crossfire.
March 26, 2005: More Taliban are surrendering, and the government expects about a thousand to openly turn in their weapons and accept an amnesty. These surrenders also provide information on Taliban who are not surrendering. As a result of this, the government is turning more of its attention, and guns, to the drug gangs.
March 23, 2005: An increasing number of tips from local villagers along the Pakistan border, has led American troops several Taliban leaders. The resulting firefights left seven dead, including one Taliban leader (Raz Mohammad) and a bomb making workshop . Because the Taliban hide in villages, civilians are often killed in the crossfire.
Churchill Finds his Niche
Not much Ward"Cleaver"Churchill news lately, but this is a gem.
Newly on notice that his job as a tenured ethnic studies professor at the University of Colorado remains in jeopardy, Ward Churchill spent the weekend in the bosom of a community where his defiant, iconoclastic political message is mother's milk.
The highlight of his tour was the 10th annual San Francisco Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair on Saturday at Golden Gate Park.
There were even games to play, including "Pin the Molotov Cocktail on the Cop Car."
Telling his standing-room-only audience Saturday that they live in a country that grants its citizens rights that are honored "up until the moment you try to exercise them," Churchill, 57, didn't sound as if an eventual departure from CU gave him great concern.
Just proves that anyone can find an audience. There are enough wacko ideologies and twisted rationals in this world, even a self important, cowpie spewing moonbat like Ward Churchill can find a niche. A small delusional fish in a polluted mudpuddle.
Newly on notice that his job as a tenured ethnic studies professor at the University of Colorado remains in jeopardy, Ward Churchill spent the weekend in the bosom of a community where his defiant, iconoclastic political message is mother's milk.
The highlight of his tour was the 10th annual San Francisco Bay Area Anarchist Book Fair on Saturday at Golden Gate Park.
There were even games to play, including "Pin the Molotov Cocktail on the Cop Car."
Telling his standing-room-only audience Saturday that they live in a country that grants its citizens rights that are honored "up until the moment you try to exercise them," Churchill, 57, didn't sound as if an eventual departure from CU gave him great concern.
Just proves that anyone can find an audience. There are enough wacko ideologies and twisted rationals in this world, even a self important, cowpie spewing moonbat like Ward Churchill can find a niche. A small delusional fish in a polluted mudpuddle.
Report: Schiavo Reacts to Friend’s Visit
It's amazing how many people have said that Terri "reponds" which of course is impossible if she were truly in a PVS. Nurses, family members, clergy, friends and officers of the court have all said they have elicited reactions from Terri.
Friar Paul O’Donnell, spiritual adviser to Bob and Mary Schindler, said Florida hospice patient Terri Schiavo - under court order to be starved and dehydrated to death - received a visit from her father, Bob Schindler, and an old girlfriend of hers Sunday night, resulting in an "extraordinary” reaction to the latter.
Identified only as Sherry, the friend, according to an account in the Miami Herald, reminisced about their old times dancing and partying together.
According to the Herald, O’Donnell said Schiavo "raised her hands up and was moving and started making guttural sounds - like she does when she talks to her mother."
How Judge"Dredd"Greer could have ignored much of this is beyond me. I guess any evidence to the contrary has a chilling affect on his ability to support a claim of "beyond a reasonable doubt".
Friar Paul O’Donnell, spiritual adviser to Bob and Mary Schindler, said Florida hospice patient Terri Schiavo - under court order to be starved and dehydrated to death - received a visit from her father, Bob Schindler, and an old girlfriend of hers Sunday night, resulting in an "extraordinary” reaction to the latter.
Identified only as Sherry, the friend, according to an account in the Miami Herald, reminisced about their old times dancing and partying together.
According to the Herald, O’Donnell said Schiavo "raised her hands up and was moving and started making guttural sounds - like she does when she talks to her mother."
How Judge"Dredd"Greer could have ignored much of this is beyond me. I guess any evidence to the contrary has a chilling affect on his ability to support a claim of "beyond a reasonable doubt".
Monday, March 28, 2005
Zarqawi Capture Imminent?
Being that we get a Zarqawi "close to capture" report at least once a week, I hesitate to get all worked up about this. The report is however a bit more widespread than usual and from a relatively high ranking source. You can get all the details over at the Jawa Report.
Reports becoming more widespread, ie. AP, and Fox News
Reports becoming more widespread, ie. AP, and Fox News
Crossed the Line?
Perhaps readers can enlighten me on a topic that has been nagging at me concerning the Terri Schaivo case.
How can Judge Greers ruling that Terri recieve no food or hydration orally(by mouth) possibly be rationalized. I disagree completely, but can understand a feeding tube being legally construed as (extraordinary measures). Prohibiting food or water by mouth however, is a giant legal and ethical leap.
It is therefore Ordered and adjudged that the Respondents’ Emergency Expedited Motion for Permission to Provide Theresa Schiavo with Food and Water by Natural Means is DENIED.
This would be akin to removing someone from a respirator and then also removing all oxygen from the room should the person breath on their own. Could any thoughtful person honestly believe that if Terri would have been asked "If you were in a state where your relatives might have to aid in your feeding and drinking, would you prefer they did not and let you die" she would have wished the latter?
I believe this is where Judge"Dredd"Greer is most vulnerable. No rational person could possibly construe someone being helped to eat or drink by mouth as "extraordinary means". It is it's most fundamental sense a deprivation of the guaranteed constitutional right to life. The ruling has monumental ramifications ie, A patient could be provided food and water on a table across the room, but if they couldn't get up and retrieve it, they could be allowed to starve.
This decision in many ways slipped under the radar. I believe however, it will emerge as one that is both legally unjustafiable and ethically indefensible.
Legal scholars, have at it.
How can Judge Greers ruling that Terri recieve no food or hydration orally(by mouth) possibly be rationalized. I disagree completely, but can understand a feeding tube being legally construed as (extraordinary measures). Prohibiting food or water by mouth however, is a giant legal and ethical leap.
It is therefore Ordered and adjudged that the Respondents’ Emergency Expedited Motion for Permission to Provide Theresa Schiavo with Food and Water by Natural Means is DENIED.
This would be akin to removing someone from a respirator and then also removing all oxygen from the room should the person breath on their own. Could any thoughtful person honestly believe that if Terri would have been asked "If you were in a state where your relatives might have to aid in your feeding and drinking, would you prefer they did not and let you die" she would have wished the latter?
I believe this is where Judge"Dredd"Greer is most vulnerable. No rational person could possibly construe someone being helped to eat or drink by mouth as "extraordinary means". It is it's most fundamental sense a deprivation of the guaranteed constitutional right to life. The ruling has monumental ramifications ie, A patient could be provided food and water on a table across the room, but if they couldn't get up and retrieve it, they could be allowed to starve.
This decision in many ways slipped under the radar. I believe however, it will emerge as one that is both legally unjustafiable and ethically indefensible.
Legal scholars, have at it.
Michael Schiavo Wants "Wife" Cremated
Odd considering that the Catholic religion is not terribly accepting of cremation.
Michael Schiavo decided to have his wife's body cremated after her parents' lawyers obtained medical records showing she had sustained broken bones, a nurse who cared for Terri Schiavo is now claiming.
"He immediately went to court and [said he] wanted her body cremated at that time," she said, "after we got hold of the records that proved there were dislocations and fractures."
Jeb Bush needs to instigate an investigation into Michael Schiavo immediately upon Terri's passing including a complete autopsy. Would be interesting to see Greer try and stop that.
Michael Schiavo decided to have his wife's body cremated after her parents' lawyers obtained medical records showing she had sustained broken bones, a nurse who cared for Terri Schiavo is now claiming.
"He immediately went to court and [said he] wanted her body cremated at that time," she said, "after we got hold of the records that proved there were dislocations and fractures."
Jeb Bush needs to instigate an investigation into Michael Schiavo immediately upon Terri's passing including a complete autopsy. Would be interesting to see Greer try and stop that.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Quote of the day
"Isn't it amazing the a county probate judge can dictate his wishes to an elected Governor, Florida DCF and the US Congress!"
"Only in America.
Unbelievable!"
"Only in America.
Unbelievable!"
Law Enforcement Officers Tell Bush to Open Criminal Investigation In Schiavo Case
Expect to see more of this after Terri passes.
Officer Jack McLamb (ret), the highest decorated police officer in the history of Phoenix, AZ, has joined with active and retired law enforcement officers asking Florida’s Gov. Jeb Bush to open a criminal investigation in the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, the disabled Florida woman who probate judge George W. Greer has sentenced to death by starvation and dehydration because she uses a feeding tube.
Officer Jack McLamb (ret), the highest decorated police officer in the history of Phoenix, AZ, has joined with active and retired law enforcement officers asking Florida’s Gov. Jeb Bush to open a criminal investigation in the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, the disabled Florida woman who probate judge George W. Greer has sentenced to death by starvation and dehydration because she uses a feeding tube.
Victorious
Victorious! Victorious!
Christ has arisen glorious;
Where the fun’ral knell was tolled
Be the hymn of triumph rolled,
Let the palm’s green branches wave
O’er the slumber of the grave;
From its gloom victorious,
Christ has risen glorious,
Christ has risen glorious.
Victorious! Victorious!
Christ has arisen glorious;
Where the heavy tomb was sealed
Gates of Paradise revealed,
Where the mourners wept around,
Faith looks up, with glory crowned.
O’er the grave, victorious,
Christ has risen glorious,
Christ has risen glorious.
Victorious! Victorious!
Christ has arisen glorious;
On His brow the conqueror’s wreath,
n His hand the keys of death,
He shall buried hopes restore,
He shall live forevermore.
Over death victorious,
Christ has risen glorious,
Christ has risen glorious.
Christ has arisen glorious;
Where the fun’ral knell was tolled
Be the hymn of triumph rolled,
Let the palm’s green branches wave
O’er the slumber of the grave;
From its gloom victorious,
Christ has risen glorious,
Christ has risen glorious.
Victorious! Victorious!
Christ has arisen glorious;
Where the heavy tomb was sealed
Gates of Paradise revealed,
Where the mourners wept around,
Faith looks up, with glory crowned.
O’er the grave, victorious,
Christ has risen glorious,
Christ has risen glorious.
Victorious! Victorious!
Christ has arisen glorious;
On His brow the conqueror’s wreath,
n His hand the keys of death,
He shall buried hopes restore,
He shall live forevermore.
Over death victorious,
Christ has risen glorious,
Christ has risen glorious.
Felos: Starving Terri Looks 'Beautiful'
Now the the first stage of their plan has been accomplished, Felos, Schaivo and the rest of the gang of death proceed with the second stage, make sure Terri's execution by starvation has as an appealing and acceptable face as possible.
After going more than eight days without food and water, starving Terri Schiavo looks "beautiful," the attorney for her husband, who appears to have won the battle to force her death, told reporters on Saturday.
"In all the years I've seen Mrs. Schiavo, I have never seen such a look of peace and beauty upon her," he insisted.
Felos's comments were sharply at odds with accounts from her family and their lawyers, who say her eyes are sunken, her skin is flaking and that she's bleeding from the eyes and mouth.
This is heinous what's happening, absolutely heinous - this is absolutely barbaric," her brother Bobby Schindler complained. "If she is in fact dying so peacefully and easily, why not allow a camera in there to videotape it?" he said.
These men are beyond despicable. If it's not bad enough that they succeed in executing an innocent women, but now they insist on painting it as a pleasant and beautiful experience. If there is any justice on this earth the truth will come out and these people will answer for their crimes.
After going more than eight days without food and water, starving Terri Schiavo looks "beautiful," the attorney for her husband, who appears to have won the battle to force her death, told reporters on Saturday.
"In all the years I've seen Mrs. Schiavo, I have never seen such a look of peace and beauty upon her," he insisted.
Felos's comments were sharply at odds with accounts from her family and their lawyers, who say her eyes are sunken, her skin is flaking and that she's bleeding from the eyes and mouth.
This is heinous what's happening, absolutely heinous - this is absolutely barbaric," her brother Bobby Schindler complained. "If she is in fact dying so peacefully and easily, why not allow a camera in there to videotape it?" he said.
These men are beyond despicable. If it's not bad enough that they succeed in executing an innocent women, but now they insist on painting it as a pleasant and beautiful experience. If there is any justice on this earth the truth will come out and these people will answer for their crimes.
A Democrat with Integrity
On Meet the Press this morning Joe Lieberman in the tradition of Patrick Moynahan, Zell Miller and Henry"Scoop"Jackson showed that some Democrats can actually speak the truth.
1) Referring to Greer "The judge really doesn't know what Terri wants"
2) Russert asking Joe if he feels threatened being a Jew in America. JL: "This country was founded by Christians"
3."You cannot separate God from America"
He better be prepared for a spanking when he gets back in Senate. There's always a price to pay for straying off the reservation.
1) Referring to Greer "The judge really doesn't know what Terri wants"
2) Russert asking Joe if he feels threatened being a Jew in America. JL: "This country was founded by Christians"
3."You cannot separate God from America"
He better be prepared for a spanking when he gets back in Senate. There's always a price to pay for straying off the reservation.
Michael Schiavo Slips and Tells the Truth
From the direct transcript from Michael Schiavo's interview on Larry King.
KING: Do you understand how they feel?
M. SCHIAVO: Yes, I do. But this is not about them, it's about Terri. And I've also said that in court. We didn't know what Terri wanted, but this is what we want...
That one statement is probably the only bonafide truth he has uttered since the very beginning.
KING: Do you understand how they feel?
M. SCHIAVO: Yes, I do. But this is not about them, it's about Terri. And I've also said that in court. We didn't know what Terri wanted, but this is what we want...
That one statement is probably the only bonafide truth he has uttered since the very beginning.
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Florida judge rejects latest Schiavo appeal
Well Judge"Dredd"Gregg is consistent. Stubbornly, innanely, manevolently, incompetently, myopically consistent. May this haunt him for the rest of his life and hopefully in the afterlife as well.
Another Successful Iraqi Operation
Here is more good news from Iraq you likely won't be seeing reported by the MSM. Curious how we need to rely on the Foreign press for any news of success.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi soldiers backed by U.S. helicopters have killed severalsuspected insurgents and seized 131 more in a dawn raid, capturing tons of explosives earmarked for attacks on the holy city of Kerbala, officials say.
"It was a surprise operation based on intensive surveillance by military intelligence,"Defence Minister Hazim al-Shaalan told Reuters on Saturday. "It was very successful."
The vast majority of the 131 captured were Iraqis, although officials said many fakedIraqi identification papers were also found. It was not clear how many people were killed.
Note, again this was an Iraqi operation. We only had a few choppers handy acting as referees if needed to kick a few escaping terrorist back into the field of play.
BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi soldiers backed by U.S. helicopters have killed severalsuspected insurgents and seized 131 more in a dawn raid, capturing tons of explosives earmarked for attacks on the holy city of Kerbala, officials say.
"It was a surprise operation based on intensive surveillance by military intelligence,"Defence Minister Hazim al-Shaalan told Reuters on Saturday. "It was very successful."
The vast majority of the 131 captured were Iraqis, although officials said many fakedIraqi identification papers were also found. It was not clear how many people were killed.
Note, again this was an Iraqi operation. We only had a few choppers handy acting as referees if needed to kick a few escaping terrorist back into the field of play.
Human Life vs Gallon of Gas
Our good friends over at Musing Minds have a really terrific piece concerning the Greer court's reliance on totally inappropriate standards and precedents.
In determining what weight to give the irreparable harm that will come to Terri in the latest stay application to keep her alive (at the heart of an injunction proceeding the court must weigh the irreparable harm versus, among other things, the strength of the potential case) guess what type of case the court principally considered. An accused on death row? A terrorist about to be deported to a state where he'll be put to death?
Nope. The court in Schiavo relied on a case about a gas dealer regarding the sale of below cost gasoline.
Swing over there and read this in it's entirety, it's an eye opener.
In determining what weight to give the irreparable harm that will come to Terri in the latest stay application to keep her alive (at the heart of an injunction proceeding the court must weigh the irreparable harm versus, among other things, the strength of the potential case) guess what type of case the court principally considered. An accused on death row? A terrorist about to be deported to a state where he'll be put to death?
Nope. The court in Schiavo relied on a case about a gas dealer regarding the sale of below cost gasoline.
Swing over there and read this in it's entirety, it's an eye opener.
The Rule of Terri's Case Strikes Again
More background on this case to get your blood pressure up.
The "Rule OF Terri's Case" has struck again. The term was coined by Pat Anderson, attorney for Terri Schiavo's parents Bob and Mary Schindler, who complained: "If following a legal procedure will likely result in Terri dying, it will be adhered to. But if a procedure could make that outcome more difficult to attain, it will not be followed."
Anderson's complaint has ample evidentiary support. For example, under Florida law, Terri should have a court-appointed guardian ad litem to exclusively represent her interests. But, Judge George Greer, of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, refused to allow one for Terri in the guardianship case ever since her first ad litem was dismissed after recommending that she not be dehydrated to death.
Similarly, "Terri's Law," the new statute that permits Florida's governor to suspend the planned removal of a feeding tube in certain cases, also requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem. This was done. But after the ad litem Jay Wolfson urged that she be allowed a swallow test, David A. Demers, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, refused to renew his authority. This, despite Governor Jeb Bush specifically informing Demers that he needed further information from Wolfson to properly carry out the governor's responsibilities under Terri's Law. So, once again, Terri is without the protection of a guardian ad litem.
While we are on the subject of Michael Schiavo treating Terri as if she were already dead: I recently completed reading his November 19, 1993 deposition. The examination took place after the Schindlers attempted to remove Schiavo as Terri's guardian because he refused to allow the administration of antibiotics to treat a serious infection. After admitting to having been romantically involved with other women during this period, he was asked what he did with Terri's jewelry. He answered:"Um, I think I took her engagement ring and her--what do you call it--diamond wedding band and made a ring for myself."
This guy is such a snake. The more we know, the more there is to despise.
The "Rule OF Terri's Case" has struck again. The term was coined by Pat Anderson, attorney for Terri Schiavo's parents Bob and Mary Schindler, who complained: "If following a legal procedure will likely result in Terri dying, it will be adhered to. But if a procedure could make that outcome more difficult to attain, it will not be followed."
Anderson's complaint has ample evidentiary support. For example, under Florida law, Terri should have a court-appointed guardian ad litem to exclusively represent her interests. But, Judge George Greer, of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, refused to allow one for Terri in the guardianship case ever since her first ad litem was dismissed after recommending that she not be dehydrated to death.
Similarly, "Terri's Law," the new statute that permits Florida's governor to suspend the planned removal of a feeding tube in certain cases, also requires the appointment of a guardian ad litem. This was done. But after the ad litem Jay Wolfson urged that she be allowed a swallow test, David A. Demers, chief judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, refused to renew his authority. This, despite Governor Jeb Bush specifically informing Demers that he needed further information from Wolfson to properly carry out the governor's responsibilities under Terri's Law. So, once again, Terri is without the protection of a guardian ad litem.
While we are on the subject of Michael Schiavo treating Terri as if she were already dead: I recently completed reading his November 19, 1993 deposition. The examination took place after the Schindlers attempted to remove Schiavo as Terri's guardian because he refused to allow the administration of antibiotics to treat a serious infection. After admitting to having been romantically involved with other women during this period, he was asked what he did with Terri's jewelry. He answered:"Um, I think I took her engagement ring and her--what do you call it--diamond wedding band and made a ring for myself."
This guy is such a snake. The more we know, the more there is to despise.
Friday, March 25, 2005
Andrea Mitchell on Hardball
Andrea Mitchell is sitting in for Chris Matthews on Hardball tonight.
Mitchell: "Aren't these kind of scenes taking place all across America every day?"
Frum: "Yes, but America is being forced to come face-to-face with the fact of the starvation of a woman.
Mitchell: "Isn't starvation a loaded term?"
What would YOU call it, Andrea? "Involuntary ultimate slimming?"
From the very beginning the left has been terribly uncomfortable with the terms "starvation" and "kill. Too bad because that's exactly what it is. Look for some euphemisms to be offered up in the very near future.
Big H/T governsleastgovernsbest at FR
Mitchell: "Aren't these kind of scenes taking place all across America every day?"
Frum: "Yes, but America is being forced to come face-to-face with the fact of the starvation of a woman.
Mitchell: "Isn't starvation a loaded term?"
What would YOU call it, Andrea? "Involuntary ultimate slimming?"
From the very beginning the left has been terribly uncomfortable with the terms "starvation" and "kill. Too bad because that's exactly what it is. Look for some euphemisms to be offered up in the very near future.
Big H/T governsleastgovernsbest at FR
Friend: Terri Wanted Divorce Before Accident
The condition of his marriage to Terri is not at all as Michael Schiavo would have us believe. A friend of Terri's paints a somewhat more accurate picture.
Terri Schiavo had a bad fight with her husband the night before she was discovered unconscious in the hallway of her St. Petersberg, Fla., home 15 years ago, and intended to seek a divorce, a close friend said Friday.
"They were talking about divorce at the time that Terri collapsed," Jackie Rhodes told Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends." Rhodes became a friend of Ms. Schiavo's when they worked together at an insurance company.
"They were talking about a divorce at the time that Terri collapsed, and I do feel they were headed for divorce," Rhodes said.
If he lied about this, did he also lie about Terri's wishes regarding sustaining her life. Sounds like reasonable doubt to me.
Update: On Greta last night this same friend stated that Terri would often come in to work with bruises. Details here
Terri Schiavo had a bad fight with her husband the night before she was discovered unconscious in the hallway of her St. Petersberg, Fla., home 15 years ago, and intended to seek a divorce, a close friend said Friday.
"They were talking about divorce at the time that Terri collapsed," Jackie Rhodes told Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends." Rhodes became a friend of Ms. Schiavo's when they worked together at an insurance company.
"They were talking about a divorce at the time that Terri collapsed, and I do feel they were headed for divorce," Rhodes said.
If he lied about this, did he also lie about Terri's wishes regarding sustaining her life. Sounds like reasonable doubt to me.
Update: On Greta last night this same friend stated that Terri would often come in to work with bruises. Details here
The Great Escape.....NOT
We aren't the Germans and you aint Steve McQueen.
CAMP BUCCA, IRAQ -- U.S. military police Friday thwarted a massive escape attempt by suspected insurgents and terrorists from this southern Iraq Army base that houses more than 6,000 detainees when they uncovered a 600-foot tunnel the detainees had dug under their compound.
Within hours of the discovery on the first tunnel, a second tunnel of about 300 feet was detected under an adjoining compound in the camp, which holds 6,049 detainees. The elaborate escape is reminiscent of the 1994 movie, "The Shawshank Redemption," where a prisoner burrows his way out of prison.
Betcha those 6000 prisoners are pi$$$$$$ed.
The Jawa Report says it's all about Col. Klink.
CAMP BUCCA, IRAQ -- U.S. military police Friday thwarted a massive escape attempt by suspected insurgents and terrorists from this southern Iraq Army base that houses more than 6,000 detainees when they uncovered a 600-foot tunnel the detainees had dug under their compound.
Within hours of the discovery on the first tunnel, a second tunnel of about 300 feet was detected under an adjoining compound in the camp, which holds 6,049 detainees. The elaborate escape is reminiscent of the 1994 movie, "The Shawshank Redemption," where a prisoner burrows his way out of prison.
Betcha those 6000 prisoners are pi$$$$$$ed.
The Jawa Report says it's all about Col. Klink.
Terri Nurse: Let Me Testify
The fallout from this has just begun. Look for an escalating level of scrutiny and accusation from here on out.
A registered nurse who cared for Terri Schiavo complained on Thursday that federal judges in the case have not taken the time to examine her bombshell allegations - and she is considering joining with two other Schiavo nurses for a joint press conference.
"We wanted to testify but we weren't allowed to," Carla Sauer Iyer told WBT Charlotte substitute host Steve Malzberg.
Judge"Dredd"Greer was responsible for an additional innocent murder when one of his "well reasoned" rulings cost an innocent women her life, details here.
Buckle your seatbelts because we could be in for a very bumpy ride.
A registered nurse who cared for Terri Schiavo complained on Thursday that federal judges in the case have not taken the time to examine her bombshell allegations - and she is considering joining with two other Schiavo nurses for a joint press conference.
"We wanted to testify but we weren't allowed to," Carla Sauer Iyer told WBT Charlotte substitute host Steve Malzberg.
Judge"Dredd"Greer was responsible for an additional innocent murder when one of his "well reasoned" rulings cost an innocent women her life, details here.
Buckle your seatbelts because we could be in for a very bumpy ride.
It's Over
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A federal judge refused Friday to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, another in a string of defeats for the parents of the brain-damaged woman in their battle against her husband to keep her alive.
A sad day......
A sad day......
Schiavo and Christ had similarities in their deaths
I in no way want to compare Jesus Christ with Terri Schavio for obvious reasons. There are, however, some similarities in their plight and circumstance.
1) They were both guilty of no legitimate crime.
2) Both were betrayed by someone trusted and very close to them.
3) Both had people with ulterior motives bear false witness against them.
4) They both were to die within 1 week of each other.
5) These two innocent people were executed by their respective governments while the people stood by and in some cases even cheered the spectacle.
6) Both were condemned by the judiciary edict.
7) In both cases a governor could have directly intervened in their behalf, and did not.
8) Both their mothers tried desperately to save them by appealing to both the judges and the people and failed.
9) Rather than a quick painless execution, both suffered slow painful deaths.
10) Both had a significant portion of the populace that realized what a terrible miscarriage of justice was occuring, but were powerless to stop it.
11) Both misguided executions illustrated the brutality and moral decadence of their respective society's.
12) Both executions were highly publicized and visible.
1) They were both guilty of no legitimate crime.
2) Both were betrayed by someone trusted and very close to them.
3) Both had people with ulterior motives bear false witness against them.
4) They both were to die within 1 week of each other.
5) These two innocent people were executed by their respective governments while the people stood by and in some cases even cheered the spectacle.
6) Both were condemned by the judiciary edict.
7) In both cases a governor could have directly intervened in their behalf, and did not.
8) Both their mothers tried desperately to save them by appealing to both the judges and the people and failed.
9) Rather than a quick painless execution, both suffered slow painful deaths.
10) Both had a significant portion of the populace that realized what a terrible miscarriage of justice was occuring, but were powerless to stop it.
11) Both misguided executions illustrated the brutality and moral decadence of their respective society's.
12) Both executions were highly publicized and visible.
Thursday, March 24, 2005
Thomas Jefferson on The Judiciary
Jefferson's comments are as relevant now as they were in 1820...maybe more so.
To consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions [is] a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy. Our judges are as honest as other men and not more so. They have with others the same passions for party, for power, and the privilege of their corps. Their maxim is boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem [good justice is broad jurisdiction], and their power the more dangerous as they are in office for life and not responsible, as the other functionaries are, to the elective control. The Constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruptions of time and party, its members would become despots. It has more wisely made all the departments co-equal and co-sovereign within themselves." —Thomas Jefferson to William C. Jarvis, 1820. ME 15:277
To consider the judges as the ultimate arbiters of all constitutional questions [is] a very dangerous doctrine indeed, and one which would place us under the despotism of an oligarchy. Our judges are as honest as other men and not more so. They have with others the same passions for party, for power, and the privilege of their corps. Their maxim is boni judicis est ampliare jurisdictionem [good justice is broad jurisdiction], and their power the more dangerous as they are in office for life and not responsible, as the other functionaries are, to the elective control. The Constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruptions of time and party, its members would become despots. It has more wisely made all the departments co-equal and co-sovereign within themselves." —Thomas Jefferson to William C. Jarvis, 1820. ME 15:277
Deserter Without a Home
This courtesy of LGF, the Candadian government basically said you can run but you can't hide up here.
TORONTO - An immigration panel in Toronto has denied refugee status to a former paratrooper who fled the United States to evade the war in Iraq.
The Immigration and Refugee Board members said Thursday that Jeremy Hinzman, 26, hadn’t convinced them that he would be persecuted if he returned to his native land.
Hinzman faces a court martial if he goes back and could be sentenced to five years in jail as a deserter.
TORONTO - An immigration panel in Toronto has denied refugee status to a former paratrooper who fled the United States to evade the war in Iraq.
The Immigration and Refugee Board members said Thursday that Jeremy Hinzman, 26, hadn’t convinced them that he would be persecuted if he returned to his native land.
Hinzman faces a court martial if he goes back and could be sentenced to five years in jail as a deserter.
5:00 PM Eastern Fate of Chief Running Skunk (Churchill) to be Announced
Just announced on KOA 850 am radio news by Gloria Neal... a live 5pm ET news conference by CU Chancelor Phil DiStefano to announce the fate of Ward Churchill. It will be carried live on their website.
Update: Sorry folks, turned out to be a real non-story. DiStefano stated that Churchill was within his legal rights concerning his speech, however, there is enough substance of research misconduct and plagiarism to be further investigated. Translation: draw this out as long as possible and maybe it will go away.
Update: Sorry folks, turned out to be a real non-story. DiStefano stated that Churchill was within his legal rights concerning his speech, however, there is enough substance of research misconduct and plagiarism to be further investigated. Translation: draw this out as long as possible and maybe it will go away.
Further Judicial Arrogance
Judge"Dredd"Greer denies DCF/State petition.
Update: Whittemore to recieve appeal by 3:00 Eastern
Net scuttlebutt is Whittemore could grant some sort of restraining order on other grounds, unlikely. It is unclear at this point what exactly is happening because the logical next step after Greer would have been the state appellate court. Whittemore hearing scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern ........stay tuned
Update: Whittemore to recieve appeal by 3:00 Eastern
Net scuttlebutt is Whittemore could grant some sort of restraining order on other grounds, unlikely. It is unclear at this point what exactly is happening because the logical next step after Greer would have been the state appellate court. Whittemore hearing scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern ........stay tuned
Supreme Court Decision
SCOTUS Rules Terri will die
Greer denies request to unseal Schiavo medical records
Greer denies request to unseal Schiavo medical records
Wife wanted to keep husband alive, he ruled against
Greers vociferous defense of spousal determination relating to maintenance of life issues could be a smokescreen for his penchant for death.
Judge George Greer, the Florida county jurist at the center of the Terri Schiavo case, ruled against a woman who was fighting to keep her husband alive in 2000.
While Greer has ruled consistently with husband Michael Schiavo, who seeks to terminate his wife's life by depriving of her of food and water, the parallel case suggests the judge may have a predisposition to removal of any life-support devices rather than an inclination toward the legal guardian.
Welcome Football Huddles.com readers
Judge George Greer, the Florida county jurist at the center of the Terri Schiavo case, ruled against a woman who was fighting to keep her husband alive in 2000.
While Greer has ruled consistently with husband Michael Schiavo, who seeks to terminate his wife's life by depriving of her of food and water, the parallel case suggests the judge may have a predisposition to removal of any life-support devices rather than an inclination toward the legal guardian.
Welcome Football Huddles.com readers
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Greer Admits Factual Error in Schiavo Case
Our illustrious probate judge is not almighty after all
Clearwater, Florida - Judge George Greer admits there was an error in fact in the 2000 trial that established Terri Schiavo;s "right to die."
When a family friend claimed a 19-year-old Terri was upset that right to die icon Karen Ann Quinlan's parents removed her from life support, the Judge discounted the testimony,
reportedly because the Judge said Quinlan died in 1976.
Quinlan was taken off life support in 1976, but died in 1985. A technical error, yes. But Wednesday afternoon, Judge Greer ruled it was not enough to affect the outcome of the 2000 lawsuit that held Terri would not want to be kept alive with severe brain damage.
Anyone else wonder how many more of these there are?
Clearwater, Florida - Judge George Greer admits there was an error in fact in the 2000 trial that established Terri Schiavo;s "right to die."
When a family friend claimed a 19-year-old Terri was upset that right to die icon Karen Ann Quinlan's parents removed her from life support, the Judge discounted the testimony,
reportedly because the Judge said Quinlan died in 1976.
Quinlan was taken off life support in 1976, but died in 1985. A technical error, yes. But Wednesday afternoon, Judge Greer ruled it was not enough to affect the outcome of the 2000 lawsuit that held Terri would not want to be kept alive with severe brain damage.
Anyone else wonder how many more of these there are?
DCF Contends Terri Schiavo Given Morphine!
The complete PDF file of the DCF petition to intervene for Terri Schiavo is over at Musing Minds. Read the whole thing. Third page, they contend that Teri Schiavo was given morphine and other pain meds and querie WHY WOULD A PERSON IN A PVS NEED A PAINKILLER?
And then there's this....
When a top ranking agent of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) opened a criminal investigation in the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, he was called into his supervisor’s office and told to shut down the investigation not once, but twice.
And then there's this....
When a top ranking agent of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) opened a criminal investigation in the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo, he was called into his supervisor’s office and told to shut down the investigation not once, but twice.
Gabriel Keys (foreground) is arrested by police officers for trespassing in Pinellas Park, Florida, March 23, 2005. The young protester attempted to take a glass of water intothe Woodside Hospice for the brain-damaged Terri Schiavo. A federal judge approved the murder of Terri Schiavo by rejecting a request from her parents to order her feedingtube reinserted to save her life.
It's Not Over Yet
11th Circuit en banc rule against Terri, not suprising. Judicial remedies almost exhausted. Judiciary has been hostile every step of the way.
Legislative:
1.) The Florida legislature is crafting a bill that could have Terri's case treated in a similar fashion to that of reviewing a murderer's conviction with new DNA evidence. XDefeatedX
Executive:
2.) The DCF could intervene and put Terri under protective custody.
UPDATE: Fla judge blocks DCF efforts to take Terri into protective custody(who else, Greer)
.......We wait
Legislative:
1.) The Florida legislature is crafting a bill that could have Terri's case treated in a similar fashion to that of reviewing a murderer's conviction with new DNA evidence. XDefeatedX
Executive:
2.) The DCF could intervene and put Terri under protective custody.
UPDATE: Fla judge blocks DCF efforts to take Terri into protective custody(who else, Greer)
.......We wait
Executive Action?
George Bush: (paraphrased) I am waiting for this to go through the judicial process, BUT I am looking at all options from AN EXECUTIVE BRANCH PERSPECTIVE!
Those in a rush to kill Schiavo ignoring facts of case
Excellent article refuting the MSM and prevailing wisdom concerning the Schiavo case. Definately worth a read.
In the Schiavo case, supporters of the judicial decision that she be allowed to starve to death use a number of arguments: that it should be left to the spouse; that it is properly a matter for the states in which the feds should not intervene; that the Republicans are exploiting the case for partisan reasons, and that Congress has better things to do.
O'Sullivan deftly chops these arguments to pieces.
In the Schiavo case, supporters of the judicial decision that she be allowed to starve to death use a number of arguments: that it should be left to the spouse; that it is properly a matter for the states in which the feds should not intervene; that the Republicans are exploiting the case for partisan reasons, and that Congress has better things to do.
O'Sullivan deftly chops these arguments to pieces.
Up to 80 insurgents killed in Iraq raid
Have you noticed we are losing very few American soldiers in Iraq lately and the terrorists are losing hundreds? It's called winning and we are doing it big time.
"We have killed 80 fighters in a battle that lasted 17 hours. We lost 12 of our men including four officers," said Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim with the Joint Coordination Centre, a rapid reaction unit that includes Iraqi and US forces.
"There was a significant number of insurgent forces located at that site and since yesterday afternoon Iraqi and coalition forces have consolidated at that site and have control of it," said Major Richard Goldenberg of the 42nd Infantry Division "There is an undetermined number of insurgent casualties."
"We have killed 80 fighters in a battle that lasted 17 hours. We lost 12 of our men including four officers," said Colonel Mohammed Ibrahim with the Joint Coordination Centre, a rapid reaction unit that includes Iraqi and US forces.
"There was a significant number of insurgent forces located at that site and since yesterday afternoon Iraqi and coalition forces have consolidated at that site and have control of it," said Major Richard Goldenberg of the 42nd Infantry Division "There is an undetermined number of insurgent casualties."
The Court Omnipotent
The Terri Schiavo case is a dramatic example of the unchecked arrogance of the court system in America today.
The Congress of the United Stated passed a specific law to grant Terri Schiavo a de novo review of claimed constitutional deprivations. A de novo review means: to start all over, to try the matter anew. The injunction sought to replace the tube while this de novo review took place. No deference to previous "finding of fact" was to be given.
Accordingly, these standards control whether temporary injunctive relief is warranted, notwithstanding Congress' intent that the federal courts determine de novo the merits of Theresa Schiavo's claimed constitutional deprivations. It is apparent that Theresa Schiavo will die unless temporary injunctive relief is granted. This circumstance satisfies the requirement of irreparable injury.
The Federal district and appeals courts effectively disregarded the intent of this new Congressional legislation and examined only proceedural law and the likely outcomes of the Schaivos requested relief. Instead of a de novo review as specifically mandated by the law, they simply skimmed over existing findings to reach their erronious conclusions. This violated both the specific language and intent of the legislation. They essentially acted dictatorially as if the new law did not exist.
In addition, their conclusion: "Notwithstanding these findings, it is essential that Plaintiffs establish a substantial likelihood of success on the merits, which the court finds they have not done." This is nothing more than a twisted and rather weak justification for ignoring the new legislation. The entire intent of the legislation was to grant Terri the opportunity to present evidence "anew" that could potentially change that paradigm. It's a ludicrous contention that someone show they can prevail before the grounds for prevailing have been submitted. It's a Catch 22 in the Twilight Zone.
Our founding fathers were correctly wary of the Judiciary. They intentionally gave the power of enforcement to the exectutive branch and the power of drafting law to the branch most accountable to the people (Congress). It now appears not only can the Judiciary unilaterally make law from the bench but they can nullify it as well. It's high time we invoke the precedent set by Andrew Jackson when he said "The Supreme Court has made their decision, now lets see them enforce it."
The Congress of the United Stated passed a specific law to grant Terri Schiavo a de novo review of claimed constitutional deprivations. A de novo review means: to start all over, to try the matter anew. The injunction sought to replace the tube while this de novo review took place. No deference to previous "finding of fact" was to be given.
Accordingly, these standards control whether temporary injunctive relief is warranted, notwithstanding Congress' intent that the federal courts determine de novo the merits of Theresa Schiavo's claimed constitutional deprivations. It is apparent that Theresa Schiavo will die unless temporary injunctive relief is granted. This circumstance satisfies the requirement of irreparable injury.
The Federal district and appeals courts effectively disregarded the intent of this new Congressional legislation and examined only proceedural law and the likely outcomes of the Schaivos requested relief. Instead of a de novo review as specifically mandated by the law, they simply skimmed over existing findings to reach their erronious conclusions. This violated both the specific language and intent of the legislation. They essentially acted dictatorially as if the new law did not exist.
In addition, their conclusion: "Notwithstanding these findings, it is essential that Plaintiffs establish a substantial likelihood of success on the merits, which the court finds they have not done." This is nothing more than a twisted and rather weak justification for ignoring the new legislation. The entire intent of the legislation was to grant Terri the opportunity to present evidence "anew" that could potentially change that paradigm. It's a ludicrous contention that someone show they can prevail before the grounds for prevailing have been submitted. It's a Catch 22 in the Twilight Zone.
Our founding fathers were correctly wary of the Judiciary. They intentionally gave the power of enforcement to the exectutive branch and the power of drafting law to the branch most accountable to the people (Congress). It now appears not only can the Judiciary unilaterally make law from the bench but they can nullify it as well. It's high time we invoke the precedent set by Andrew Jackson when he said "The Supreme Court has made their decision, now lets see them enforce it."
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
2nd Schiavo Nurse Comes Forward
In addition to nurse Carla Sauer Iyer, a second nurse Nora Lynn Wagner has come forward. Her story here
UPDATE: Second, Third Nurse Accuse Michael Schiavo.
Two additional nurses have filed affidavits in the Terri Schiavo case that corroborate bombshell allegations by nurse Carla Sauer Iyer, who went public on Tuesday with claims that Michael Schiavo had deliberately withheld treatment from his disabled wife.
"We were convinced that he was abusing her, and probably saying cruel, terrible things to her because she would be so upset when he left."
Hat tip: friend Kathy
UPDATE: Second, Third Nurse Accuse Michael Schiavo.
Two additional nurses have filed affidavits in the Terri Schiavo case that corroborate bombshell allegations by nurse Carla Sauer Iyer, who went public on Tuesday with claims that Michael Schiavo had deliberately withheld treatment from his disabled wife.
"We were convinced that he was abusing her, and probably saying cruel, terrible things to her because she would be so upset when he left."
Hat tip: friend Kathy
Women Arrested For Trying to Bring Terri Water
After all that's been reported, this short paragraph and photo is the whole story. Even the person attempting to give Christ water as he carried the cross was not arrested.
St. Francis Catholic worker Lana Jacobs (R) is arrested by Pinellas Park, Florida police officers and is handcuffed by Pinellas Park Sheriff deputies for trespassing. Jacobs tried to take a bottle of water into the Woodside Hospice for Terri Schiavo in Pinellas Park, Florida on March 22, 2005. Schiavo, the brain-damaged woman who resides at the Hospice had her feeding tube removed last Friday, March 18, 2005 by a court order. REUTERS/Rick Fowler
St. Francis Catholic worker Lana Jacobs (R) is arrested by Pinellas Park, Florida police officers and is handcuffed by Pinellas Park Sheriff deputies for trespassing. Jacobs tried to take a bottle of water into the Woodside Hospice for Terri Schiavo in Pinellas Park, Florida on March 22, 2005. Schiavo, the brain-damaged woman who resides at the Hospice had her feeding tube removed last Friday, March 18, 2005 by a court order. REUTERS/Rick Fowler
"I Have Had Enough of This and I'm Not Going to Take it Anymore!"
Hearing about more of this everyday, it's the death rattle for the terrorist's.
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 22 - Ordinary Iraqis rarely strike back at the insurgents who terrorize their country. But just before noon today, a carpenter named Dhia saw a troop of masked gunmen with grenades coming towards his shop and decided he had had enough.
As the gunmen emerged from their cars, Dhia and his young relatives shouldered their own AK-47's and opened fire, police and witnesses said. In the fierce gun battle that followed, three of the insurgents were killed, and the rest fled just after the police arrived. Two of Dhia's young nephews and a bystander were injured, the police said.
As if they didn't have enough to worry about with the US military bearing down, now they've got average Joe al-Iraqi on their butt; No assault weapons ban here.
BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 22 - Ordinary Iraqis rarely strike back at the insurgents who terrorize their country. But just before noon today, a carpenter named Dhia saw a troop of masked gunmen with grenades coming towards his shop and decided he had had enough.
As the gunmen emerged from their cars, Dhia and his young relatives shouldered their own AK-47's and opened fire, police and witnesses said. In the fierce gun battle that followed, three of the insurgents were killed, and the rest fled just after the police arrived. Two of Dhia's young nephews and a bystander were injured, the police said.
As if they didn't have enough to worry about with the US military bearing down, now they've got average Joe al-Iraqi on their butt; No assault weapons ban here.
Santorum: Terri Ruling Defied Congress
This is beginning to look as though it has the makings of a Legislative/Judicial bare knuckle fist fight. If so, it's long overdo. The Judiciary has been trespassing onto the Legislatures turf for years now and it's high time this thing came to a head.
U.S. District Court Judge James Whittemore has defied Congress by not staying Terri Schiavo's starvation execution for the time it takes him to hold a full hearing on her case, a leading Republican senator said Tuesday.
"You have judicial tyranny here," Santorum told WABC Radio in New York. "Congress passed a law that said that you had to look at this case. He simply thumbed his nose at Congress."
Quoting Captain Marco Ramius: "A little revolution every so often is a good thing"
U.S. District Court Judge James Whittemore has defied Congress by not staying Terri Schiavo's starvation execution for the time it takes him to hold a full hearing on her case, a leading Republican senator said Tuesday.
"You have judicial tyranny here," Santorum told WABC Radio in New York. "Congress passed a law that said that you had to look at this case. He simply thumbed his nose at Congress."
Quoting Captain Marco Ramius: "A little revolution every so often is a good thing"
Time for Celebration?
This courtesy of Ankle Biting Pundits shows how the party of compassion and sensitivity is reacting to the Schiavo decision.
Just About Over
I am sad to report that in all liklihood Terri Schiavo will continue to be denied food and water and therefor starved to death.
Personally my heart aches for Terri, but I am also deeply saddened for our society and culture. We have allowed another person guilty of nothing more than being unable to take care of themself to be destroyed. When the life of a single individual is so devalued the conscience of the entire culture is diminished. Of all the emotions I feel right now, the most intense is shame, shame for the my country, shame for the arrogance of our judges and shame for personally not having done more to see this wasn't stopped. Men (and women) of conscience and principle know when an injustice is being done. This my friends is a great injustice indeed.
The destroying of Terri's life is but another step in our slow but steady walk down the path of dehumanization. We started down this road with the aborting of our society's most innocent and helpless , the unborn. It's only logical the next step be to excise the elderly and infirmed. This is a journey initiated of convenience and arrogance, a belief in our superior insight into what is "best", what has worth and what does not, what merits preservation and what is derserving of eradication. It's an arrogance borne of declining values and a maladjusted moral compass. It has also been the point of initiation in the decline of every major civilization in the history of man.
I would hope that Terri would prove to be a martyr for the cause of life, but I am doubtful that will be the case. Within a week or two of her passing, the American people will have "moved on" and I fear she will be soon forgotten. We have done some despicable things in our 225 year history, this will prove to be one of them. Many of our elected officials have proven themselves to be righteous in this cause. 200+ repesentatives, many Senators and our President. As long as there are people such as these with character and conviction, we have hope.
I earnestly appeal some greater good will come from your death. Godspeed Terri, I for one will do my level best to see that no one forgets.
Personally my heart aches for Terri, but I am also deeply saddened for our society and culture. We have allowed another person guilty of nothing more than being unable to take care of themself to be destroyed. When the life of a single individual is so devalued the conscience of the entire culture is diminished. Of all the emotions I feel right now, the most intense is shame, shame for the my country, shame for the arrogance of our judges and shame for personally not having done more to see this wasn't stopped. Men (and women) of conscience and principle know when an injustice is being done. This my friends is a great injustice indeed.
The destroying of Terri's life is but another step in our slow but steady walk down the path of dehumanization. We started down this road with the aborting of our society's most innocent and helpless , the unborn. It's only logical the next step be to excise the elderly and infirmed. This is a journey initiated of convenience and arrogance, a belief in our superior insight into what is "best", what has worth and what does not, what merits preservation and what is derserving of eradication. It's an arrogance borne of declining values and a maladjusted moral compass. It has also been the point of initiation in the decline of every major civilization in the history of man.
I would hope that Terri would prove to be a martyr for the cause of life, but I am doubtful that will be the case. Within a week or two of her passing, the American people will have "moved on" and I fear she will be soon forgotten. We have done some despicable things in our 225 year history, this will prove to be one of them. Many of our elected officials have proven themselves to be righteous in this cause. 200+ repesentatives, many Senators and our President. As long as there are people such as these with character and conviction, we have hope.
I earnestly appeal some greater good will come from your death. Godspeed Terri, I for one will do my level best to see that no one forgets.
Monday, March 21, 2005
The Other Side
Reader Marta sent me these stories relating to the Terri Schiavo case. They are thought provoking but in no way change my thoughts on this issue and I will explain why.
Two dark scenarios haunt Jay Wolfson even now,
One is that the severely brain-damaged woman is in a terrible lightless place, aware of nothing but a yawning, endless hopelessness.
The other is that even though he never elicited a response from her, despite all the pleading and cajoling he did at her bedside, that he might have missed some subtle, nearly invisible signs that she was somewhere in there, aware.
In the end, after long hours at Schiavo's bedside and after poring over 30,000 pages of legal documents, Wolfson concluded that Schiavo was indeed in a permanent vegetative state.
Assuming that the legal guardian was indeed looking out for Terri's best interests as opposed to Michael's or the courts, lets look at the what's really important here.
Terri Schiavo has never had legal representation. A legal guardian( Jay Wolfson) is not an attorney and in no way fights to protect a clients legal rights, it's not their job. Terri Schiavo is entitled to legal representation just as any person who's fate is to be determined by the courts. To deny this is to deny "Due Process". A review by the Federal Court with an attorney representing Terri would remedy this inequity. Secondly, a significant amount of testimony was excluded by Judge Greer, testimony that differed to a greater or lesser degree from the courts finding of facts. Again a Federal review with ALL testimony and additional medical testing including introduction of an MRI would only help to clarify a determination. Third, medical professionals disagree as to whether Terri in in a PVS. Bill Frist just today quoted a neurologist who examined Terri and said she is NOT in a PVS and is capable of improvement. At the very least the prognosis is unclear. Any of these facts alone would warrant judicial review, but together they make such an action imperative.
The other main variable here are the husband Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers. As saintly as these articles paint him, the facts don't neccessarily bear that out. A significant amount of the money earmarked for Terri's care have gone rather for the legal fees ($400,000) associated with putting her to death. It was approximately 5 years post Terri's CVA that any mention of Terri's wish to die was mentioned by Schiavo. Up untill then he maintained that any settlement would go toward Terri's care and rehabilitation. It wasn't untill just after the settlement was made that the first references to Terri's wishes were offered up. There of course is the persistent $300,000 life insurance policy that keeps rearing it's ugly head, cannot be definitively proven however. His motives may be altruistic and then again they may not be. His ethics are also in question being that he has sired a child with his common law wife while continuing to stay married to Terri. In a nutshell, it is unclear whether Michael Schiavo is operating in good faith and therefor is worthy of additional scrutiny. In contrast, the motivations of the Schindler family are crystal clear. They love Terri and want what they feel is best for her. They stand to gain nothing from her continued life other than years of hardship and potential heartache, all to keep her with them in this world. Does anyone believe that they would wish her continued existence if they believed her to be nothing more than inanimate object. They see in her a spark of life and consciousness, one they hope and pray can be rehabilitated. Who are we to say they are wrong.
I said it last week on this very blog but I'll give GW credit for it; When in doubt, error in favor of life. There is more than a reasonable amount of doubt in this case and a complete and thorough Federal review is at minimum required. Any less is to devalue life and diminish ourselves.
Two dark scenarios haunt Jay Wolfson even now,
One is that the severely brain-damaged woman is in a terrible lightless place, aware of nothing but a yawning, endless hopelessness.
The other is that even though he never elicited a response from her, despite all the pleading and cajoling he did at her bedside, that he might have missed some subtle, nearly invisible signs that she was somewhere in there, aware.
In the end, after long hours at Schiavo's bedside and after poring over 30,000 pages of legal documents, Wolfson concluded that Schiavo was indeed in a permanent vegetative state.
Assuming that the legal guardian was indeed looking out for Terri's best interests as opposed to Michael's or the courts, lets look at the what's really important here.
Terri Schiavo has never had legal representation. A legal guardian( Jay Wolfson) is not an attorney and in no way fights to protect a clients legal rights, it's not their job. Terri Schiavo is entitled to legal representation just as any person who's fate is to be determined by the courts. To deny this is to deny "Due Process". A review by the Federal Court with an attorney representing Terri would remedy this inequity. Secondly, a significant amount of testimony was excluded by Judge Greer, testimony that differed to a greater or lesser degree from the courts finding of facts. Again a Federal review with ALL testimony and additional medical testing including introduction of an MRI would only help to clarify a determination. Third, medical professionals disagree as to whether Terri in in a PVS. Bill Frist just today quoted a neurologist who examined Terri and said she is NOT in a PVS and is capable of improvement. At the very least the prognosis is unclear. Any of these facts alone would warrant judicial review, but together they make such an action imperative.
The other main variable here are the husband Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers. As saintly as these articles paint him, the facts don't neccessarily bear that out. A significant amount of the money earmarked for Terri's care have gone rather for the legal fees ($400,000) associated with putting her to death. It was approximately 5 years post Terri's CVA that any mention of Terri's wish to die was mentioned by Schiavo. Up untill then he maintained that any settlement would go toward Terri's care and rehabilitation. It wasn't untill just after the settlement was made that the first references to Terri's wishes were offered up. There of course is the persistent $300,000 life insurance policy that keeps rearing it's ugly head, cannot be definitively proven however. His motives may be altruistic and then again they may not be. His ethics are also in question being that he has sired a child with his common law wife while continuing to stay married to Terri. In a nutshell, it is unclear whether Michael Schiavo is operating in good faith and therefor is worthy of additional scrutiny. In contrast, the motivations of the Schindler family are crystal clear. They love Terri and want what they feel is best for her. They stand to gain nothing from her continued life other than years of hardship and potential heartache, all to keep her with them in this world. Does anyone believe that they would wish her continued existence if they believed her to be nothing more than inanimate object. They see in her a spark of life and consciousness, one they hope and pray can be rehabilitated. Who are we to say they are wrong.
I said it last week on this very blog but I'll give GW credit for it; When in doubt, error in favor of life. There is more than a reasonable amount of doubt in this case and a complete and thorough Federal review is at minimum required. Any less is to devalue life and diminish ourselves.
Terri Enjoys Food?
This provocative posting courtesy of Anchoress:
"At least three times during any shift where I took care of Terri, I made sure to give Terri a wet washcloth filled with ice chips, to keep her mouth moistened. I personally saw her swallow the ice water and never saw her gag."
"[Another CNA] and I frequently put orange juice or apple juice in her washcloth to give her something nice to taste, which made her happy. On three or four occasions I personally fed Terri small mouthfuls of Jello, which she was able to swallow and enjoyed immensely."
One must seriously question the "facts" as they have been presented. Additional information coming out directly refutes the contention that Teri Schiavo is in a PVS. Many have suspected this was the case and now there is an increasing amount of evidence supporting that suspicion.
"At least three times during any shift where I took care of Terri, I made sure to give Terri a wet washcloth filled with ice chips, to keep her mouth moistened. I personally saw her swallow the ice water and never saw her gag."
"[Another CNA] and I frequently put orange juice or apple juice in her washcloth to give her something nice to taste, which made her happy. On three or four occasions I personally fed Terri small mouthfuls of Jello, which she was able to swallow and enjoyed immensely."
One must seriously question the "facts" as they have been presented. Additional information coming out directly refutes the contention that Teri Schiavo is in a PVS. Many have suspected this was the case and now there is an increasing amount of evidence supporting that suspicion.
Politics or Purity
The LA Times in predictable form lambasted the right for standing up for Terri Schiavo's rights. Accusing the Republicans of disingenuous political motivations and hypocracy for their "Midnight Coup"they called the action "Stalinlike". I tend to be a bit naive when it comes to scrutinizing "my party" but I vehemently believe conservatives are on the right side of this issue. I regard for the most part their motivations honorable and their desire to prevent a potential injustice pure.
Republican leaders, eyeing an opportunity to appease their radical right-wing constituents, convened Congress over the weekend to shamelessly interject the federal government into the wrenching Schiavo family dispute. [snip]
Conservatives are the historical defenders of states' rights, and the supposed proponents of keeping big government out of people's lives, but this case once again shows that some social conservatives are happy to see the federal government acquire Stalinist proportions when imposing their morality on the rest of the country. So breathtaking was this attempted usurpation of power, wresting jurisdiction over a right-to-die case away from Florida's judiciary, that Republican leaders in the end had to agree to limit this legislation's applicability to the Schiavo case.
Ambivelant at the beginning, the more informed I have become on this case the stronger my beliefs that Republicans are doing exactly what is required. Many questions from how the case was handled by Greer to the motivations of Michael Schiavo need to be looked into. A federal court is the ideal forum for such an inquiry. For the left, staunch opposition to this action carries with it potentially dangerous consequences. If it is uncovered by the Federal Court that Michael Schiavo had nefarious motives or that her condition was erroniously diagnosed, the left would come off looking very bad. Republicans would be the men who nobly saved a women from wrongful execution, the Democrats, however, would invariably be viewed as co-conspirators with Michael Schiavo and George "Flaky" Felos. Their public image could be devastated. They better pray that all is as it has been portrayed by the MSM, if not they are in for a public relations nightmare.
As for my party, I am just plain proud of them. There are certain things in life that are so egregious, so warped and inequitable that they need to be addressed and remedied by any and all means, lest a truly monumental injustice be done. This I believe is one of those times. The system usually works, but once in awhile something foul and twisted occurs that calls for men of principal and conscience to rise and say NO this is wrong, this must be corrected, to he11 with the consequence, we must act. And so it is with this and in my mind, rightly so.
Republican leaders, eyeing an opportunity to appease their radical right-wing constituents, convened Congress over the weekend to shamelessly interject the federal government into the wrenching Schiavo family dispute. [snip]
Conservatives are the historical defenders of states' rights, and the supposed proponents of keeping big government out of people's lives, but this case once again shows that some social conservatives are happy to see the federal government acquire Stalinist proportions when imposing their morality on the rest of the country. So breathtaking was this attempted usurpation of power, wresting jurisdiction over a right-to-die case away from Florida's judiciary, that Republican leaders in the end had to agree to limit this legislation's applicability to the Schiavo case.
Ambivelant at the beginning, the more informed I have become on this case the stronger my beliefs that Republicans are doing exactly what is required. Many questions from how the case was handled by Greer to the motivations of Michael Schiavo need to be looked into. A federal court is the ideal forum for such an inquiry. For the left, staunch opposition to this action carries with it potentially dangerous consequences. If it is uncovered by the Federal Court that Michael Schiavo had nefarious motives or that her condition was erroniously diagnosed, the left would come off looking very bad. Republicans would be the men who nobly saved a women from wrongful execution, the Democrats, however, would invariably be viewed as co-conspirators with Michael Schiavo and George "Flaky" Felos. Their public image could be devastated. They better pray that all is as it has been portrayed by the MSM, if not they are in for a public relations nightmare.
As for my party, I am just plain proud of them. There are certain things in life that are so egregious, so warped and inequitable that they need to be addressed and remedied by any and all means, lest a truly monumental injustice be done. This I believe is one of those times. The system usually works, but once in awhile something foul and twisted occurs that calls for men of principal and conscience to rise and say NO this is wrong, this must be corrected, to he11 with the consequence, we must act. And so it is with this and in my mind, rightly so.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Senate Passes Schiavo Legislation
Now that the Senate has acted, it's up to the House. The HOR will convene @ 9:00 PM tonight. Three hours of debate will be allowed followed by a vote shortly past midnight.
Update: 12:35 AM House passes Schiavo bill 203 - 58. At 1:11 AM , the bill was been signed by president Bush, we now await federal court action to re-install Terri's feeding tube.
Update: 12:35 AM House passes Schiavo bill 203 - 58. At 1:11 AM , the bill was been signed by president Bush, we now await federal court action to re-install Terri's feeding tube.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
The immutable Howard "the screamer" Dean has done it again. As pointed out by Ankle Biting Pundits, he maintains his penchant for impeccable timing.
NY Times: Starvation Death Not Painful
The NYT has spoken, let all discussion of the matter desist.
The newspaper that was most outraged over photos of Iraqi terrorist suspects being mistreated by U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison said Sunday that the two week-long starvation-execution of Terri Schiavo will cause her "little discomfort."
The Times also cites Dr. Sean Morrison, a professor of geriatrics and palliative care at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, who insists that starvation victims "generally slip into a peaceful coma." (pretty definitive......or is it)
Wesley J. Smith, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and an attorney and consultant for the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, says that in fact, for a conscious patient like Terri Schiavo, death by starvation will be fraught with agony.
"They feel the pangs of hunger and thirst. Imagine going one day without a glass of water. Death by dehydration takes ten to fourteen days. It is an extremely agonizing death."
If the Old Grey Lady is correct, we certainly don't need to go through all the trouble and expense of lethal injections. Just remove all food and water from the condemned, "they will experience little discomfort and in a couple of weeks they will just gently slip into a coma and pass on."
The newspaper that was most outraged over photos of Iraqi terrorist suspects being mistreated by U.S. soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison said Sunday that the two week-long starvation-execution of Terri Schiavo will cause her "little discomfort."
The Times also cites Dr. Sean Morrison, a professor of geriatrics and palliative care at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, who insists that starvation victims "generally slip into a peaceful coma." (pretty definitive......or is it)
Wesley J. Smith, a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute and an attorney and consultant for the International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide, says that in fact, for a conscious patient like Terri Schiavo, death by starvation will be fraught with agony.
"They feel the pangs of hunger and thirst. Imagine going one day without a glass of water. Death by dehydration takes ten to fourteen days. It is an extremely agonizing death."
If the Old Grey Lady is correct, we certainly don't need to go through all the trouble and expense of lethal injections. Just remove all food and water from the condemned, "they will experience little discomfort and in a couple of weeks they will just gently slip into a coma and pass on."
Two Years After Iraq Invasion, Protesters Hold Small Rallies
Were there Iraq war protests yesterday? Guess I missed it.
World Bank Staff Go BWWAAAAA
The next time I interview for a job, I'll make it clear that I am dissatisfied with the boss and think he should be replaced by someone of my choosing.
Washington's nomination of Paul Wolfowitz as the World Bank's next president hasA revealing peek into the thinking of career bureaucrats. They are so insulated and far removed from legitimate enterprise, they haven't a clue how things work. These nimrods don't understand that the shareholders control the company and make the decisions, their idiotic opinions and concerns mean less than nothing. Memo to staff: "If you feel unable to function effectively in the working environment created by President Wolfowitz , you are required to vacate your office by weeks end. Thank you and good luck in your search for employment".
triggered an outcry among the bank's staff, who have demanded the right to have
a say in his confirmation, it emerged yesterday.
The staff association has
met the bank's executives to voice its concerns after it was swamped with
complaints from employees over the selection of Mr Wolfowitz, the US deputy
defence secretary and one of the architects of the Iraq war.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
Free Canadian Healthcare, You Get What You Pay For
Here's a little glimpse into socialized medicine. Not exactly the picture the left has been painting.
TORONTO -- A letter from the Moncton Hospital to a New Brunswick heart patient in need of an electrocardiogram said the appointment would be in three months. It added: "If the person named on this computer-generated letter is deceased, please accept our sincere apologies."
The patient wasn't dead, according to the doctor who showed the letter to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. But there are many Canadians who claim the long wait for the test and the frigid formality of the letter are indicative of a health system badly in need of emergency care.
Americans who flock to Canada for cheap flu shots often come away impressed at the free and first-class medical care available to Canadians, rich or poor. But tell that to hospital administrators constantly having to cut staff for lack of funds, or to the mother whose teenager was advised she would have to wait up to three years for surgery to repair a torn knee ligament.
It's like somebody's telling you that you can buy this car, and you've paid for the car, but you can't have it right now," said Jane Pelton. Rather than leave daughter Emily in pain and a knee brace, the Ottawa family opted to pay $3,300 for arthroscopic surgery at a private clinic in Vancouver, with no help from the government.
One legislator put it this way: What we (USA) have now is a 2 tiered system, People who get good care and people who get poor care. In Canada they have complete equality, everyones care is poor.
TORONTO -- A letter from the Moncton Hospital to a New Brunswick heart patient in need of an electrocardiogram said the appointment would be in three months. It added: "If the person named on this computer-generated letter is deceased, please accept our sincere apologies."
The patient wasn't dead, according to the doctor who showed the letter to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. But there are many Canadians who claim the long wait for the test and the frigid formality of the letter are indicative of a health system badly in need of emergency care.
Americans who flock to Canada for cheap flu shots often come away impressed at the free and first-class medical care available to Canadians, rich or poor. But tell that to hospital administrators constantly having to cut staff for lack of funds, or to the mother whose teenager was advised she would have to wait up to three years for surgery to repair a torn knee ligament.
It's like somebody's telling you that you can buy this car, and you've paid for the car, but you can't have it right now," said Jane Pelton. Rather than leave daughter Emily in pain and a knee brace, the Ottawa family opted to pay $3,300 for arthroscopic surgery at a private clinic in Vancouver, with no help from the government.
One legislator put it this way: What we (USA) have now is a 2 tiered system, People who get good care and people who get poor care. In Canada they have complete equality, everyones care is poor.
House Going to Pass Senate Version of Schiavo Bill
This should set the stage to have Terri's feeding tube restored Monday.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In an effort to intervene to keep alive a severely
brain-damaged Florida woman, federal lawmakers agreed on Saturday on a
compromise bill aimed at restoring her feeding tube and pushing the right-to-die
case back into court.
The deal was reached just 24 hours after doctors
acting on a Florida court order removed the feeding tube that has kept Terri
Schiavo alive for the past 15 years.
Senate Convenes
The Senate will convene an emergency session this afternoon in regards to Terri Schiavo per Fox News.
An Interesting Question
7 al-Zarqawi insurgents found slain in retaliation for killing
Payback's a .......
Unlike the corpses elsewhere, which were mostly Iraqi police and soldiers, the
bodies in Ramadi apparently were foreigners, fighters working for Jordanian
militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who has claimed responsibility for suicide
bombings, kidnappings and assassinations.
"My cousins are the ones who killed them," said Jabbar Khalaf Marawi, 42, aIf this continues watch the insurgency disappear.
former army officer and Communist Party member in Ramadi. Marawi said the
slayings were carried out by members of his Dulaimi clan in retaliation for the
Oct. 2 killing of a clan leader, Lt. Col. Sulaiman Ahmed Dulaimi, the Iraqi
National Guard commander for Ramadi and Fallujah, by al-Zarqawi's group.
Frist: Terri is NOT in PVS
Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), a renowned heart surgeon before becoming Senate majority leader, went to the floor late Thursday night for the second time in 12 hours to argue that Florida doctors had erred in saying Terri Schiavo is in a "persistent vegetative state."
"I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office," he said in a lengthy speech in which he quoted medical texts and standards. "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli."
His comments raised eyebrows in medical and political circles alike. It is not every day that a high-profile physician relies on family videotapes to challenge the diagnosis of doctors who examined a severely brain-damaged patient in person. Democrats were quick to note that Frist was getting rave reviews from conservative activists who will play a major role in the 2008 presidential primaries he is weighing.
Democrats are always "quick" to accuse Republicans of political expediency and disingenuousness. After all it's human nature to "project" ones own motivations onto the actions of others. The left just better be careful what side of the issue they stake out here.
"I question it based on a review of the video footage which I spent an hour or so looking at last night in my office," he said in a lengthy speech in which he quoted medical texts and standards. "She certainly seems to respond to visual stimuli."
His comments raised eyebrows in medical and political circles alike. It is not every day that a high-profile physician relies on family videotapes to challenge the diagnosis of doctors who examined a severely brain-damaged patient in person. Democrats were quick to note that Frist was getting rave reviews from conservative activists who will play a major role in the 2008 presidential primaries he is weighing.
Democrats are always "quick" to accuse Republicans of political expediency and disingenuousness. After all it's human nature to "project" ones own motivations onto the actions of others. The left just better be careful what side of the issue they stake out here.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The left again shows us how pettiness and political advantage trump conscience and principal as Henry "Nostrils" Waxman bemoans the use of Congessional supoena power to buy Terri Schiavo time.
WASHINGTON - Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, a key player in House efforts to block the removal of Terry Schiavo's feeding tube yesterday, said he issued subpoenas to preserve evidence for a congressional investigation.
"This will allow us to fully understand the procedures and practices that are currently keeping her alive," he said yesterday.
Waxman contended the subpoenas "were issued unilaterally by Tom Davis, acting at the request of the Republican leadership. There was no vote and no opportunity to debate the issue in committee. The process was a perversion of democracy."
The only "perversion of Democracy" is allowing an appointed judge to usurp the authority of an elected representative.
WASHINGTON - Rep. Thomas M. Davis III, a key player in House efforts to block the removal of Terry Schiavo's feeding tube yesterday, said he issued subpoenas to preserve evidence for a congressional investigation.
"This will allow us to fully understand the procedures and practices that are currently keeping her alive," he said yesterday.
Waxman contended the subpoenas "were issued unilaterally by Tom Davis, acting at the request of the Republican leadership. There was no vote and no opportunity to debate the issue in committee. The process was a perversion of democracy."
The only "perversion of Democracy" is allowing an appointed judge to usurp the authority of an elected representative.
Friday, March 18, 2005
DeLay Spot On
I am now beginning to understand why the left so despises Tom DeLay. He minces no words calls em as he sees em and won't let the spineless, mealy mouthed liberal crapweasels go unchallenged.
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay pledged Friday to hold Florida state judge George Greer in contempt of Congress for ignoring a congressional subpoena for Terri Schiavo's testimony, saying, "No little judge sitting in a state district court in Florida is going to usurp the authority of Congress."
But DeLay told Hannity, "This judge and the Supreme Court of Florida are well known to be liberal judges that have a different worldview and they're imposing their worldview on the law."
DeLay called a lawyer for Michael Schiavo, who has pressed for years to have his wife starved to death, "the personification of evil."
This man means business, and some little two-bit would be dictator in Jerkwater Florida is not going play chicken with the United States Congress and get away with it. Kick a$$ Tom and no prisoners
House Majority Leader Tom DeLay pledged Friday to hold Florida state judge George Greer in contempt of Congress for ignoring a congressional subpoena for Terri Schiavo's testimony, saying, "No little judge sitting in a state district court in Florida is going to usurp the authority of Congress."
But DeLay told Hannity, "This judge and the Supreme Court of Florida are well known to be liberal judges that have a different worldview and they're imposing their worldview on the law."
DeLay called a lawyer for Michael Schiavo, who has pressed for years to have his wife starved to death, "the personification of evil."
This man means business, and some little two-bit would be dictator in Jerkwater Florida is not going play chicken with the United States Congress and get away with it. Kick a$$ Tom and no prisoners
Greer Orders Tube Removal to Go Forward
This is by no means the end of this. Congress will appeal the decision and there will be a stay (restraining order) of this action untill things are sorted out. A federal court will supersede this state judges ruling, look for that to happen shortly.
LATEST:Hearing: "House leadership says members need to stand by this weekend because they might get called in for votes Monday or Tuesday. Only reasonable deduction is that they think they can work something out, which would probably mean taking the Senate bill or something quite similar."
Update: George Felos came across in his press conference as a bonafide snake. After reading this excerpt from his book, one would be compelled to classify him as a real nutburger as well.
LATEST:Hearing: "House leadership says members need to stand by this weekend because they might get called in for votes Monday or Tuesday. Only reasonable deduction is that they think they can work something out, which would probably mean taking the Senate bill or something quite similar."
Update: George Felos came across in his press conference as a bonafide snake. After reading this excerpt from his book, one would be compelled to classify him as a real nutburger as well.
True Confessions
A sort of cross between "Iraqi Idol" and "Iraqi's Most Wanted" this television program scores high ratings and accomplishes the political goal of exposing the terrorists for what they are.
BAGHDAD -- Iraq's wildly popular new television hit features a nightly parade of men, most with bruised faces, confessing to all kinds of terrorist and criminal acts.
''Terrorism in the Hands of Justice" is the Iraqi government's slick new propaganda tool; its televised confessions, police say, aim to discredit the armed resistance and advertise the government's success at cracking down on gangs.
Iraqi government officials brag that the show has ruined the image of jihad, or holy war, in the country, exposing the resistance as a racket of street criminals and thugs who attack Americans and Iraqi security forces for pay.
The Globes typical moral relativism and thinly veiled condescention are apparent in this piece, but interesting nontheless.
BAGHDAD -- Iraq's wildly popular new television hit features a nightly parade of men, most with bruised faces, confessing to all kinds of terrorist and criminal acts.
''Terrorism in the Hands of Justice" is the Iraqi government's slick new propaganda tool; its televised confessions, police say, aim to discredit the armed resistance and advertise the government's success at cracking down on gangs.
Iraqi government officials brag that the show has ruined the image of jihad, or holy war, in the country, exposing the resistance as a racket of street criminals and thugs who attack Americans and Iraqi security forces for pay.
The Globes typical moral relativism and thinly veiled condescention are apparent in this piece, but interesting nontheless.
Zarqawi escape
Interesting story from the Washington Times.
A U.S. intelligence official disclosed new details on the near capture of Abu Musab Zarqawi, the top terrorist in Iraq, last month. Iraqi and U.S. forces nearly caught the al Qaeda terrorist during a raid on a vehicle traveling in western Baghdad on Feb. 20. By either luck or treachery, Zarqawi avoided capture, but two of his key aides — Abu Qutaybah and Zarqawi's driver — were captured. Intelligence officials were baffled that Zarqawi was not inside the vehicle that was stopped.
He's been extremely lucky on more than one occasion. His days are numbered.
A U.S. intelligence official disclosed new details on the near capture of Abu Musab Zarqawi, the top terrorist in Iraq, last month. Iraqi and U.S. forces nearly caught the al Qaeda terrorist during a raid on a vehicle traveling in western Baghdad on Feb. 20. By either luck or treachery, Zarqawi avoided capture, but two of his key aides — Abu Qutaybah and Zarqawi's driver — were captured. Intelligence officials were baffled that Zarqawi was not inside the vehicle that was stopped.
He's been extremely lucky on more than one occasion. His days are numbered.
Playing politics with Terri's life
I am not so naive as to believe that the Republican party is not capable of some really nasty politics. There are times when I am downright disgusted with my party for one reason or another. Each party has it's moments as we all know. What the Democrats are doing here, however, is so beneath contempt, so vile and repugnant, it's difficult to believe it's true.
A handful of Democrats decided late yesterday to begin to leverage the life of Terri Schiavo in an attempt to win concessions on certain provisions of other Senate action. The move was a despicable example of the level to which the Senate Democrats are willing to stoop to try to salvage some sort of achievement in the 2005 session.
"I'm not sure. We lobbied senators all week and thought we had the support of senators like Mr. Schumer, but today, a small handful, including Mr. Reid and Mr. Schumer, have decided to hold out their support for saving my sister, and innocent woman, from death by starvation."
According to the same sources, a handful of U.S. senators have taken it under advisement to leverage "Terri's Law," which clearly appeals to pro-life voters across the country, against other measures that include budgetary items.
What a clear illustration to what extent the Democrat party has devolved. Have these people no conscience, no shame? It's sad, the once noble party has deteriorated to this, a body with a functioning brain but a heart and soul that has long since expired.
A handful of Democrats decided late yesterday to begin to leverage the life of Terri Schiavo in an attempt to win concessions on certain provisions of other Senate action. The move was a despicable example of the level to which the Senate Democrats are willing to stoop to try to salvage some sort of achievement in the 2005 session.
"I'm not sure. We lobbied senators all week and thought we had the support of senators like Mr. Schumer, but today, a small handful, including Mr. Reid and Mr. Schumer, have decided to hold out their support for saving my sister, and innocent woman, from death by starvation."
According to the same sources, a handful of U.S. senators have taken it under advisement to leverage "Terri's Law," which clearly appeals to pro-life voters across the country, against other measures that include budgetary items.
What a clear illustration to what extent the Democrat party has devolved. Have these people no conscience, no shame? It's sad, the once noble party has deteriorated to this, a body with a functioning brain but a heart and soul that has long since expired.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Group Sues U. Of Illinois Over Indian Mascot
Ever notice that the only people that care about this are the pseudo intellectual hyper- politically correct latte crowd and people who stand to "gain" from the controversy (ie. The Illinois Native American Bar Association)?
"The use of this mascot is outrageous, it's been going on way too long and it should come to an end," said Kim Edward Cook, association president. "We've tried for a long time to work with the Board of Trustees with the University of Illinois and we haven't been able to get them to recognize that the use of the Chief Illiniwek is a racial stereotype and is damaging to all Native Americans."
When the American Indians are asked, they are completely OK with, even proud of this type of reference to their culture. BTW notice I did not use the politically correct "Native American" because the majority concerned prefer to be called American Indians.
"The use of this mascot is outrageous, it's been going on way too long and it should come to an end," said Kim Edward Cook, association president. "We've tried for a long time to work with the Board of Trustees with the University of Illinois and we haven't been able to get them to recognize that the use of the Chief Illiniwek is a racial stereotype and is damaging to all Native Americans."
When the American Indians are asked, they are completely OK with, even proud of this type of reference to their culture. BTW notice I did not use the politically correct "Native American" because the majority concerned prefer to be called American Indians.
Senate Will Take Up Terri Schiavo Bill, President Bush Would Sign It
Terri has some powerful advocates working in her corner now.
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Now that the House of Representatives has weighed into the Terri Schiavo debate by passing legislation allowing her parents to take their case to prevent her starvation death to federal courts, the onus is on the Senate to act.
In a Thursday speech, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist urged his colleagues to support the House-approved bill.
"The question is, should we allow her to be starved to death?" Frist said. "It has to do with the culture of life. And I believe this body is going to have to speak on this particular matter before we leave."
Does anyone believe that if we had President Kerry this would have any chance of passing and being signed into law?
UPDATE: Senate passes Schiavo bill! Levin votes Nay
Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) -- Now that the House of Representatives has weighed into the Terri Schiavo debate by passing legislation allowing her parents to take their case to prevent her starvation death to federal courts, the onus is on the Senate to act.
In a Thursday speech, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist urged his colleagues to support the House-approved bill.
"The question is, should we allow her to be starved to death?" Frist said. "It has to do with the culture of life. And I believe this body is going to have to speak on this particular matter before we leave."
Does anyone believe that if we had President Kerry this would have any chance of passing and being signed into law?
UPDATE: Senate passes Schiavo bill! Levin votes Nay
Report: Trust in journalism has hit all-time low
The cliche' that comes to mind is "You only have yourselves to blame". One can't twist, spin, mold, convolute and fabricate without consequence. Contrary to popular MSM belief, the American public does know a lie when they see it, and the majority now appear to understand that the media is one big fat one.
Published by the Project for Excellence in Journalism, the report showed that in
the past 17 years, the public has come to see the press as self-serving and
discreditable. The number of those who thought the press was highly professional
fell from 72 percent to 49 percent, while the number of those who thought the
press covered-up its mistakes rose from 13 percent to 67 percent.
This lack of trust has translated into a decline in readership as the State ofSooner or later the MSM is going to have to finally decide which is more important, furthering their agenda or maintaining a mass audience. If they continue pursuing the former, they will end up preaching to an empty room.
the Media also showed. According to the report, the number of newspaper readers
has fallen from its height, 75 percent in 1992, to 60 percent in 2004, due to
distrust and other factors.
Italy forced to backtrack on Iraq
In a frantic effort to cast Italy as the latest coalition partner to withdraw, the press got it wrong again.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was forced by Washington and London to backtrack on his surprise announcement that Italian troops would start leaving Iraq in September, the Italian press said today.
Berlusconi then qualified his remarks on pulling Italy's 3,300 soldiers out of southern Iraq in about six months, calling it "a wish".
Was it Berlusconi who was "forced to backtack" or the overzealous press. They were salivating over the possibility that Sgrena might have accomplished her aim and pushed the Italian government into this move. ie. Rather, you want a story to be true bad enough, you make it so.
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was forced by Washington and London to backtrack on his surprise announcement that Italian troops would start leaving Iraq in September, the Italian press said today.
Berlusconi then qualified his remarks on pulling Italy's 3,300 soldiers out of southern Iraq in about six months, calling it "a wish".
Was it Berlusconi who was "forced to backtack" or the overzealous press. They were salivating over the possibility that Sgrena might have accomplished her aim and pushed the Italian government into this move. ie. Rather, you want a story to be true bad enough, you make it so.
Palestinians set to announce truce with Israel
Being that presently there is only an "informal cessation of attacks" this would be a significant step in the right direction.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Palestinian groups say they will reach an agreement today on a formal halt to attacks onIsraelis, a step President Mahmoud Abbas hopes will persuade Israel to pull back from Palestinian towns.
"We have an agreement in our hands now from all factions on the 'calm'," Samir Mashharawi, an official fromAbbas's Fatah movement, told Reuters on Thursday.
Mashharawi said radical militant groups were still holding out for setting a time limit on the truce, but anotherofficial said he expected the differences to be settled within hours.
CAIRO (Reuters) - Palestinian groups say they will reach an agreement today on a formal halt to attacks onIsraelis, a step President Mahmoud Abbas hopes will persuade Israel to pull back from Palestinian towns.
"We have an agreement in our hands now from all factions on the 'calm'," Samir Mashharawi, an official fromAbbas's Fatah movement, told Reuters on Thursday.
Mashharawi said radical militant groups were still holding out for setting a time limit on the truce, but anotherofficial said he expected the differences to be settled within hours.
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Intellectuals Back Cuba Over Rights Record
We all know what a humanitarian and staunch proponent of civil rights Uncle Fidel has been, several big names think so too.
About 200 intellectuals, activists and artists from Latin America and elsewhere issued a letter Monday urging the top United Nations human rights watchdog to side with Cuba in an expected battle over the communist country's rights record.
Among American signatories were actor Danny Glover, author Alice Walker and historian and activist Howard Zinn. Other international figures included filmmaker Walter Salles of Brazil, the music group Manu Chau and France's former first lady, Danielle Mitterrand.
Sarcasm off, Are these people serious? The so-called champions of 1st amendment rights and personal freedoms giving their stamp of approval to a repressive dictactor like Fidel Castro is beyond mind boggling. I guess as long as anyone is far enough left all sins are forgiven. Definately gives a whole new meaning to the word intellectual.
About 200 intellectuals, activists and artists from Latin America and elsewhere issued a letter Monday urging the top United Nations human rights watchdog to side with Cuba in an expected battle over the communist country's rights record.
Among American signatories were actor Danny Glover, author Alice Walker and historian and activist Howard Zinn. Other international figures included filmmaker Walter Salles of Brazil, the music group Manu Chau and France's former first lady, Danielle Mitterrand.
Sarcasm off, Are these people serious? The so-called champions of 1st amendment rights and personal freedoms giving their stamp of approval to a repressive dictactor like Fidel Castro is beyond mind boggling. I guess as long as anyone is far enough left all sins are forgiven. Definately gives a whole new meaning to the word intellectual.
As We Predicted....
Paul Wolfowitz to head World Bank per CNN......DU on suicide watch....details to follow
Most Iraqis Say Future Looks Brighter
The Iraqi's appear to feel more hopeful about their future than we do.....go figure.
WASHINGTON — More Iraqis believe their country is headed in the right direction and fewer think it's going wrong than at any time since the U.S. invasion two years ago, according to a new poll.
The poll, by the International Republican Institute (IRI), due to be made public today, also found that nearly half of Iraqis believe that religion has a special role to play in government.
The survey of 1,967 Iraqis was conducted Feb. 27-March 5, after Iraq held its first free elections in half a century in January. According to the poll, 62% say the country is headed in the right direction and 23% say it is headed in the wrong direction. That is the widest spread recorded in seven polls by the group, says Stuart Krusell, IRI director of operations for Iraq. In September, 45% of Iraqis thought the country was headed in the wrong direction and 42% thought it was headed in the right direction. The IRI is a non-partisan, U.S. taxpayer-funded group that promotes democracy abroad.
Guess they don't have an eminently unbiased and professional press to tell them different.
WASHINGTON — More Iraqis believe their country is headed in the right direction and fewer think it's going wrong than at any time since the U.S. invasion two years ago, according to a new poll.
The poll, by the International Republican Institute (IRI), due to be made public today, also found that nearly half of Iraqis believe that religion has a special role to play in government.
The survey of 1,967 Iraqis was conducted Feb. 27-March 5, after Iraq held its first free elections in half a century in January. According to the poll, 62% say the country is headed in the right direction and 23% say it is headed in the wrong direction. That is the widest spread recorded in seven polls by the group, says Stuart Krusell, IRI director of operations for Iraq. In September, 45% of Iraqis thought the country was headed in the wrong direction and 42% thought it was headed in the right direction. The IRI is a non-partisan, U.S. taxpayer-funded group that promotes democracy abroad.
Guess they don't have an eminently unbiased and professional press to tell them different.
Further deployment still possible
With the possible exception of Great Britain, do we have a better ally then Australia?
PRIME Minister John Howard refuses to rule out a further commitment of
Australian troops to Iraq in the wake of Italy's surprise decision to withdraw
its forces.
Australia last month committed an extra 450 soldiers to Iraq, to replace a
1400-strong Dutch force guarding Japanese engineers.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
A Note To Readers
Recently some of you have submitted some really excellent articles for the blog and I just wanted to say "Thank You". Whenever possible I will use them. Please let me know if you would prefer not to be recognized for your contribution because I like to acknowledge all who add to the forum.
Remember, TERRREEEZZZA says: contribute early and often.
Your humble servant, TR
Remember, TERRREEEZZZA says: contribute early and often.
Your humble servant, TR
Marines to UAW: Yea, I Got Your Parking Spaces....Right Here
Facing intense criticism, UAW President Ron Gettelfinger reversed his decision to ban Marine Corps reservists driving foreign cars or displaying pro-President Bush bumper stickers from parking at the union's Solidarity House headquarters in Detroit.
"I made the wrong call on the parking issue, and I have notified the Marine Corps that all reservists are welcome to park at Solidarity House as they have for the past 10 years," Gettelfinger said in a statement.
Wounded by what they consider an unpatriotic ambush, the Marines rejected the union's olive branch and secured an alternative parking lot.
Translation: Semper Fi gentleman, and you know what you can do with your olive branch.
"I made the wrong call on the parking issue, and I have notified the Marine Corps that all reservists are welcome to park at Solidarity House as they have for the past 10 years," Gettelfinger said in a statement.
Wounded by what they consider an unpatriotic ambush, the Marines rejected the union's olive branch and secured an alternative parking lot.
Translation: Semper Fi gentleman, and you know what you can do with your olive branch.
Iraqi women fear they will be restricted
This article and many like it look at the situation in Iraq through the veil of ignorance , personal bias and misinformation.
BAGHDAD — The women at Nasar's beauty salon were Christian and Muslim, both Sunni and Shiite, but they spoke with one voice on an issue that worries them all.
"I'm sure they will form an Islamic government and our freedom will be gone," Suzan Sarkon, 30, said as she settled in to get her long black hair trimmed. "We've never lived freely in Iraq, and now I think we never will."
Since the election results were confirmed, many women have expressed deep concerns about the direction in which they see their country headed. A coalition of Islamist Shiite parties won the largest share of the seats in Iraq's new National Assembly. The parties have nominated an Islamic scholar to be prime minister, and though they insist they do not want to impose a religious government on Iraq, they have made it clear they expect Islam to feature prominently in the new constitution.
A third of the representation in Iraq will be comprised of women. A significant percentage of those women are conservative and support Islamic law being central to governance. Jenan al-Ubaedy a leading female politician in Iraq is one of many who support "sharia" and other ideas we might find archaic. The point is, it's their country, their decision, and not everybody is going to be satisfied. Classic MSM spin is to find a group of the disaffected and then use them in an attempt to discredit the entire process. YOU CAN"T PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME. Perhaps this author should have listened a bit better in civics class. The nature of a democratically elected representational process is that it bestows a certain advantage to the majority. After all 48% of the people in this country were pretty unhappy after our last election.
BAGHDAD — The women at Nasar's beauty salon were Christian and Muslim, both Sunni and Shiite, but they spoke with one voice on an issue that worries them all.
"I'm sure they will form an Islamic government and our freedom will be gone," Suzan Sarkon, 30, said as she settled in to get her long black hair trimmed. "We've never lived freely in Iraq, and now I think we never will."
Since the election results were confirmed, many women have expressed deep concerns about the direction in which they see their country headed. A coalition of Islamist Shiite parties won the largest share of the seats in Iraq's new National Assembly. The parties have nominated an Islamic scholar to be prime minister, and though they insist they do not want to impose a religious government on Iraq, they have made it clear they expect Islam to feature prominently in the new constitution.
A third of the representation in Iraq will be comprised of women. A significant percentage of those women are conservative and support Islamic law being central to governance. Jenan al-Ubaedy a leading female politician in Iraq is one of many who support "sharia" and other ideas we might find archaic. The point is, it's their country, their decision, and not everybody is going to be satisfied. Classic MSM spin is to find a group of the disaffected and then use them in an attempt to discredit the entire process. YOU CAN"T PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME. Perhaps this author should have listened a bit better in civics class. The nature of a democratically elected representational process is that it bestows a certain advantage to the majority. After all 48% of the people in this country were pretty unhappy after our last election.
The Big Rip
What a total fiasco this entire project has been. Astronomically over budget, plagued with every problem imaginable and now it doesn't work.
BOSTON — The independent engineering specialist who led an investigation into
leaks at the $14.6 billion Big Dig project says he can no longer vouch for the
safety of its tunnels.
I am now unable to express an opinion as to the safety of the I-93 portion ofAs with so many things associated with Massachusetts recently, ridiculously overpriced, poorly planned, and completely inadequate.
the Central Artery," Jack K. Lemley wrote in the March 9 letter to the
Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, a copy of which was obtained by The Boston
Globe.
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