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A few words on China’s fallen hero
The track where Liu Xiang will not compete.
My Monday ESPN Beijing Bureau post dealt with Liu Xiang. At this point not much more needs to be said, but if I can add just one thing…
Concluding paragraph from the ESPN post:
Later that night, at the conclusion of the day’s track and field events, the Bird’s Nest’s giant screens showed a highlight package that included Liu Xiang’s face. First it was from the morning, his expression contorted with pain and the initial stirrings of unspeakable disappointment. A little later he appeared again, this time as part of a montage set to the Olympic song “Forever Friends.” It was an image everyone here is familiar with: the moment the hurdler crossed the finish line in Athens, his eyes lighting up as it dawned on him that he’d just pulled the biggest shocker in his country’s sporting history, exertion giving way to pure jubilation. It was a poignant moment, and one people here will want to remember. Who knows when we’ll see it again?
Liu Xiang’s problematic heel has been bothering him for years, and it may not get better. Anyone who runs knows how painful a bum heel can be. Now imagine trying to run at world-class speed while hoping over a set of ten hurdles, landing on your heels each time. When people say Liu Xiang was in “excruciating” pain, I believe it.
The question no one here is asking but everyone should be is, Will Liu Xiang ever be the same? Will he ever contend again at world championships? Will he be a medal contender in London? I’m not so sure. At 25, his career may be over. He gave China one incredible, unforgettable moment — that instant he crossed the finish line in Athens — and now he may have to take his leave. It’s too early. I understand why people here want more: Liu Xiang is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete, the sort who has a combination of charm, intelligence, dedication, patriotism, good looks and natural ability. When will China get another Liu Xiang? For that matter, when will China get another male athlete able to compete with the big boys in the glamorous track and field events?
It’s a question no one’s asking, and for good reason: we may not want to know the answer.
Ten Post Round-Up: War On Everything Edition
Doesn’t it seem like we are always at war with something, if not with someone? The “War on Terror”, aside, we also have the “War on Drugs” (or rather, the people who use them), the “Mommy Wars” (where apparently, stay-at-home moms are an affront to working moms and vice versa) and a war on just about everything that was meant to be enjoyed (like food or adult entertainment).
In an ideal world, I’d like to buy the world a Coke and then lob the empties at the idiots who like to keep the rest of us in a heightened state of anxiety by sucking the life and love out of everything under the sun.
Of course, in reading today’s Ten Post Round-Up, you will find that not all wars are bad, while most still make the world a difficult, if not, scary place to live.
- Yes, Virginia, there are some mommies who stay home, rather than go to work, because of the kids, not despite them (Dizzy is proud to say that she is one of them).
- McCain appears to be in some hot water over the speech he gave regarding the Russo-Georgia conflict.
- Speaking of the the Russo-Georgia confrontation, The Russians have apparently called the whole thing off. But, at the time of this posting, apparently the word hadn’t gotten to everyone.
- Australia may have cracked the case in the war on cancer.
- Doesn’t it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that John Lennon’s killer gets conjugal visits while our brave soldiers are being poisoned?
- It’s just a tad irritating that law-abiding, homosexual citizens aren’t allowed to get married (in most states) while heterosexual perverts are allowed to wed with wild abandon?
- If famous deaths come in threes, it looks like somebody needs to watch their back. I don’t need to mention that the somebody in question actually played the namesake from the most recent dead person’s hit song of the same name (and just wrapped a movie with the two dead guys who triggered this thread). It’s a good thing I’m not superstitious!
- Sometimes, I have to ask myself, “how come sh** like this never happens in my neighborhood?”
- Do you think that the legacy that GWB is trying to leave will be called “The Age of Irony?”
- And, as if you thought that GWB and the boys weren’t doing enough for our troops, along comes the news that the VA is happy to make it more difficult for vets to register to vote.
(originally posted at: Hypocrisy)
Ten Post Round-Up: Georgia On My Mind Edition
For some reason, I woke up this morning and as I traveled the blogosphere, began having visions of Ray Charles sitting down at his grand piano, playing “Georgia On My Mind” as rockets and bombs went off in the background.
I’m sure after perusing today’s Ten Post Round-Up, you may begin having the same visions…
- Truthdig has a primer on the conflict in Georgia, in case you are interested. Ezra Klein informs us that everyone in the region is blaming US and by “US”, I mean, “the you-ess-of-ay”. Putin thinks we are taking sides by airlifting Georgian troops from Iraq back home (meanwhile, Georgians are upset that the US isn’t sending troops when, after all, they “are” helping us in Iraq). Adding insult to injury, oil prices are heading back upwards after almost a month of a trickling downward AND this conflict could catapult us to war with Iran (I’ll bet Cheney is doing the “happy dance” about now!).
- Speaking of Iraq (and Afghanistan), Homefront Six blogs about a new program being implemented by a judge in Buffalo, NY called the Veteran Treatment Court. It’s meant to help divert troubled troops to help when their crimes are non-violent and its counselors are other war veterans, including those who served in Vietnam. It’s nice to see somebody stepping up to the plate and offering our brave men and women the help and support they need.
- Former christian singing sensation and Top 40 hottie, Katy Perry makes me wonder just what “Fundie Kids” are playing on their iPods, these days!
- Maybe Ben Stiller can benefit from controversy more than Ben Stein did?
- All you Applebee’s fans can now get a side of lizard with your salad!
- Pelosi admits she hasn’t read the articles of impeachment against Herr Bush put forth by Dennis Kucinich. That’s too bad. Because of that (rather, the fact that she took impeachment off the table), now she has to read articles about her political rival, Cindy Sheehan, until November.
- California home educators can breath a sigh of relief, for the time being.
- The Brilliant cafe reminds me why I will likely never fly, again. I’m also reminded why I will probably stay away from buses, as well.
- Lest you forget, please pay your taxes, so that the state does not have to arrest you for that $10 you stole from them…
- And, in case you missed these: Obama is a technological elitist, Isaac Hayes was a Scientologist, Former “American Idol”, Clay Aikens, is a new daddy, and John Edwards…well, you know…
(originally posted at: Hypocrisy)
Cindy Sheehan on the ballot in Frisco’s 8th District!
It was confirmed today that Cindy Sheehan has delivered more than the required 10,000 signatures to ensure her place on the ballot this November in California’s 8th District as an Independent challenger to incumbent Democrat Nancy Pelosi. This is just the sixth time in California history that this has happened.
Sheehan has garnered nationwide support for her candidacy as people have come to realize that a successful challenge to Pelosi is the best chance for drastic policy change in Washington. Under Pelosi’s ineffectual leadership, Congress’ approval rating has free fallen to a historical low of just 9%. Sheehan has been an outspoken critic of Pelosi, citing her failure to end the Iraq war and advance articles of impeachment against George W. Bush as reason for her challenge.
Most recently, she was removed from the ‘non-impeachment’ hearings for standing up and calling it exactly what it was: A toothless sham.
Ban On Homosexual Marriages Trails In California
Money Flowing Into Californ
ia on Both Sides
The constitutional amendment to ban homosexual marriage in California is drawing large contributions from both sides. The amendment which will appear on the November ballot, was introduced following the California Supreme Court’s May 15 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. The amendment states: “Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.”
The homosexual rights group Equity for All and a related organization raised about $2.6 million in the first half of 2008 to fight Proposition 8, according to the San Jose Mercury-News. That’s about $300,000 more than the amount raised by the major backers of the amendment, Protect Marriage and the National Organization for Marriage-California.
James Dobson’s Focus on the Family organization, gave $250,000 to Protect Marriage that supports the ban. Focus on the Family told the Mercury-News that Dobson’s organization believes the outcome of the vote on Proposition 8 will affect the rest of the country as well. California does not require couples to be residents to marry there.
Donations have continued to pour in since the end of June, and much of the money has been coming from outside California. The Mississippi-based American Family Association gave Protect Marriage $500,000 on July 21.
Equality for All recently received $1.05 million from a political action committee of the Washington, D.C.-based Human Rights Campaign, and $250,000 from the Gill Action Fund, a gay rights foundation in Denver.
Both sides believe they can raise between $10 million and $15 million by Election Day.
Back in 2000, a proposition declaring that “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California” passed with 61 percent of the vote.
The Supreme Court ruling struck down that statue, meaning the constitutional amendment is needed to ban same-sex marriage.
Barack Obama opposes the initiative, calling it “divisive and discriminatory,” but he remains opposed to same-sex marriage and supports civil unions and domestic partnerships. His presidential rival John McCain announced his support for the amendment in June.
The debate has even generated controversy over the veracity of the California based Field Poll. During the Proposition 22 debate the Field poll, as it does now claimed support for homosexual marriage was 50% but it passed by over 60%.
A July 15, 2008 Field Poll says 51% will vote “no” and 42% will vote “yes.” The major parts split while non-partisan voters overwhelmingly oppose it 66-27%.
Obama Drilling Flip-Flop Because He’s Getting “Killed” On Issue
McCain Gains On Energy And Other Issues.
Eighty-one percent (81%) of Americans see development of new energy sources as an urgent priority. Only 9% disagree. For nearly two-thirds (65%), finding new sources of energy is more important that reducing the amount of energy Americans now consume. Twenty-eight percent (28%) think reducing current usage is more important.
Sixty-seven percent (67%) of adults also believe there is an urgent national need to reduce the amount of energy Americans now consume, although 25% don’t share this belief.
Those likely to vote for Obama see the two needs as almost equal, with 83% characterizing finding new sources of energy as an urgent national need and 80% saying the same of reducing U.S. energy consumption. Among potential voters for Republican John McCain, 80% agree that finding new sources is an urgent need, but only 53% feel that way about reducing energy usage.
Democrats are more divided than Republicans on which is more important. While 57% of Democrats say finding new sources should be the priority, 36% believe that about reducing energy use. By contrast, Republicans lean far more heavily toward finding new energy sources 79% to 15%.
Among unaffiliated voters, 61% say finding new sources is more important, while 31% believe it is more essential to reduce the amount of energy Americans now use.
McCain has gained some momentum on the energy issue since he first proposed in early June lifting the long-standing ban on offshore oil drilling. Most Americans have responded positively to the idea of offshore drilling which Obama strongly opposed for several weeks. The Democrat now appears to be more supportive of it at least in part because, as the New York Post reported today, “Obama’s internal polling shows that he’s getting killed on this issue.”
Most voters like Obama’s proposal for a $1,000 energy credit for working families. But voters are evenly divided on Obama’s call for a windfall profits tax on oil companies, perhaps because many fear it will lead to higher gas prices.
Obama’s latest proposal — to draw 70 million barrels of oil from the government’s emergency oil stockpile to help bring gas prices down — is a lot less popular. Only 31% say that $4-a-gallon gas is the kind of emergency that justifies tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, but 57% disagree.
It’s high gas prices, in fact, that most voters (57%) say are more likely to reduce U.S. energy consumption than actions by the government. Just over one-quarter (26%) of voters say government regulations are more likely to reduce energy usage.
Again, a partisan divide is evident. While 67% of Republicans believe high gas prices are more likely then government regulation to reduce the amount of energy Americans consume, only 49% of Democrats agree. One-third of Democrats think government regulation is more likely to curb energy usage, compared to just 17% of Republicans. For unaffiliated voters, 58% see high gas prices as the answer versus 24% who think government regulation is more likely to reduce consumption.
In a separate survey late last month, McCain had gained ground on Obama on energy issues, with 46% of voters saying they now trusted the GOP candidate more than his opponent in this area versus 42% who say they trust Obama more. Two months ago, Obama held a four-point advantage.
Voters Voting What They Watch On TV
Forty-nine percent (49%) if voters believed that most reporters are trying to help Obama win the presidency. Only 14% thought they are trying to help McCain win.
Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Fox News viewers say they are likely to vote for John McCain, while those who watch CNN and MSNBC plan to support Barack Obama in November 65% of CNN viewers and 63% of MSNBC.
52% of Americans say they watch local television news for information on the campaign at least several times a week, including 37% who say they watch it every day. Half (50%) say they watch cable news for that information during the week, including 26% who watch daily.
Those who watch local news every day support Obama over McCain 52% to 42%. But for those who say they watch several days a week but not every day, it’s McCain over Obama 50% to 43%.
Those who read a print newspaper during the week are fairly evenly divided. Among those who read the same papers online, Obama has the edge as do those who get their campaign information from online sources in general, again time spent is the key. Those who go online every day are evenly divided, but over half of those who go online one or more times a week plan to vote for McCain.
Talk radio is also McCain territory. More than 60% of those who listen at least several times a week plan to vote for the Republican versus less than a third who say they will vote for Obama. National security also polls as a much stronger concern among those who listen regularly to talk radio than it does to voters overall.
Those who watch the the three major television networks support Obama as follows: 70% of those who watch CBS’ Katie Couric every day plan to vote for Obama, as do 71% of the daily viewers of ABC’s Charles Gibson and 67% of those watching NBC’s Brian Williams. The bad news for Obama is when asked specifically about the networks and their star news anchors, well over half of Americans say they rarely or never watch Couric or Gibson for information on the presidential campaign. Just under half (49%) say they rarely or never watch Williams.
Maszka on Thomas Friedman’s “Drilling in Afghanistan”
Friedman in his usual insightful manner began it by saying:
“Before Democrats adopt “More Troops to Afghanistan” as their bumper sticker, they need to make sure it’s a strategy for winning a war — not an election.”
The main caution I would offer to Thomas Friedman’s suggestion that “islands of democracy” would be beneficial, is the danger of a policy of nation-building and the quagmire it can create (Iraq and Afghanistan serve as excellent examples). Thomas Friedman’s discussion of the situation concerning America’s worn-out welcome in Afghanistan is basically a mirror image of Pakistan (without nukes). As much as various entities exploit nihilism as a source of public support for terrorism, I honestly believe that those same entities are even more successful in generating support by exploiting the sense that they have somehow been egregiously wronged by the United States. Unfortunately, we have been losing the the war on terror at the most crucial front of all, the popular opinion front. As long as we continue to allow those who would foster terrorism to be more influential and media savvy than we are, we will continue to lose. I honestly believe that we need to change many facets of our foreign policy toward the Muslim and Arab states. But that being said, the bottom line in this war is not truth, but the perception of truth. And the international perception of the United States has become very unpopular over the last decade.”
Erstwhile Reporter Questions Obama On Absent Pledge of Allegiance
Despite Obama’s most vociferous denials and explanation about religion and patriotism - as recently as Monday - issues still haunt him and concern many voters
During a “town hall” meeting this week at Baldwin Wallace College near Cleveland, Ohio a man wearing press credentials asked Barack Obama why he had not opened the meeting by leading the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance. Obama countered by asking the man to do it himself and he did.
Asked why he had interrupted the event, the man said: “He (Obama) said it was a town-hall meeting” and open to the public. He expressed dismay that Obama hadn’t called for the pledge himself, saying, “You all learned the pledge in the first grade.”
Obama’s staff said they did not know the man who was equipped with a “press badge” and carrying a professional looking telephoto lens and did not know what news organization he represented, if any.
In addition to reopening the “flag” issue raised earlier when Obama muffed his response as to why he was not wearing a flag lapel pin and later started wearing one.
The “reporters” question raises the question of whether or not Obama, who attended a Muslim and for two years a Catholic elementary schools from the time he was six in Jakarta, Indonesia, learned the Pledge of Allegiance to the United State flag. His step father was a Muslim and mother an avowed atheist or agnostic. His mother sent Barack back to the United States when he was 11 or 12 although that is unclear.
In 1988 Dukakis was defeated in part because he vetoed a bill requiring students to say the Pledge of Allegiance so the issue shouldn’t be dismissed. This incident is almost certain to resurrect a video clip of Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) in which Obama did not place his hand over his heart during the playing of the national anthem at a campaign event in Indianola, Iowa.
Monday in Independence, Mo. Obama went out of his way to make a point he will not permit criticism or even questioning of his patriotism and then inexplicably left the door wide open a day later in Ohio.
There is no evidence that the “reporter” was sent by anyone and Obama’s camp has not alledged that.
Call to Islamic prayer “one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset.”
What do you think about Obama’s comments and what did he mean about Alabamans?
The resurrection and reexamination of a then largely unnoticed New York Times interview is again making ripples and raising questions about Barack Obama.
“I was a little Jakarta street kid,” Barack Obama told the New York Times a year ago, and he said he once got in trouble for making faces during Koran study classes in his elementary school. He said as president he is less likely to stereotype Muslims as fanatics - and more likely to be aware of their nationalism - since he once studied the Koran with them.
Obama recalled the opening lines of the Arabic call to prayer, reciting them with a first-rate accent according to the New York Times article by Nicholas Kristof who also reported Obama saying “It’ll give Alabama voters heart attacks.”
Obama also described the call to Islamic prayers as “one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset.”
Sean Hannity discussed Kristof’s article today, Tuesday, July 29, 2008 on his afternoon radio program. What do you think?
IReporters on CNN Pan and Praise “Black in America”
Veronica Delacruz reported on CNN that comments from blacks included that they are tired of the whole race focus and do not think the much promoted CNN feature “Black in America” portrayed the average black man.
Who invited those racially insensitives to the CNN pity party?
Some of course praised it and demanded someone do something about it.
“Black in America” adds some more well known examples of a poorly performing group in America but mostly it adds fuel to the fire as does the aging and irrelevant Jesse Jackson in the style of “steal my soul away,” the victim and related anachronistic approaches to improving lives by placing blame on the victimizer. You.
That is unlike “MLK: Words That Changed A Nation“, also by CNN’s Soledad. Inspiring, with useful information, many of us, regardless of race, probably still do not know.
Houston, we do have a problem but it cuts most importantly not along the lines of race but of poverty and under achievement, which visits all races to varying degrees and each with it’s different histories. Kind of like people as individuals, we all have, to a person, a unique history along with our commonalities.
Society will always lean heavier on some individuals, races, nations, neighborhoods, clubs, religions etc and
so on. Get over it. MoveOn. Get a life, do all that you can do, become all that you can become. Persevere.
My white ancestors were discriminated against and taken advantage of by other whites, rich and poor, by blacks and probably more. Some of them overcame and prospered and some did not do as well. As Frankie sang, “That’s Life”.
I feel bad for anyone, regardless of the reason, for any distress. Humans have feelings for other humans and even Bill Clinton could mostly only feel your pain (don’t go there) but was not really able to help except for when the economy was strong.
No law could have been written that would have protected my ancestors or most down and outs today, against the sometimes dark heart of mankind, which shows up all too often….not entirely in our power, other than what we as individuals do.
We can add to the problem by harming others or not taking care of ourselves, or looking to others to make everything OK, or we can do something that at least has a chance for a more positive outcome, focus on our own self reliance while being good citizens.
Obama Sags On World Tour
McCain Gains During Obama Absence.
Barack Obama has decided to buy $5 million in national advertising on NBC during the broadcast of the Olympic games. The ads will appear on network and cable channels. The ad purchase was first reported Wednesday on the Web site of Advertising Age, a magazine that covers the industry. The Olympics, to be held in Beijing, will open Aug. 8. Such an extensive purchase of ad time would give Obama wide exposure before the Democratic National Convention, to be held the last week in August.Obama has the resources: He has set fundraising records and reported raising $52 million in June, more than twice the $21.5 million raised by his rival, Republican John McCain.
The Republican National Committee sensing vulnerability is running ads against Obama in Germany as he visits there.
McCain has squirted ahead in all important Ohio with its 20 electors. While Obama has been on an overseas tour, 45% of voters say the Democratic hopeful is too inexperienced to be President. That’s up four percentage points from a week ago. An equal number-45%–disagree with that assessment and say Obama has the necessary experience. When leaners are included, Obama leads 253-247 in electors considering Ohio’s shift from Lens Democrats to leans Republican. If McCain pick Romney and he delivers Michigan’s 17 electors the total becomes 236 to 264. 270 electors are needed to win.
UCSB Anti-Americans Spit on Veteran
My hand hurt for a week but he had to eat through a
straw for 6-weeks.
Anti-America activist encouraged by University of California Santa Barbara faculty members and other are being shown on Hannity and Colmes spitting on Iraqi War veterans on its campus. Such nitwits are still rampant in the Santa Barbara area.
During the VietNam war a decorated veteran was similarly spit upon but he broke the offenders nose and jaw. Police excused the assault and did not chanrge the spitter.
39th Anniversary of First Man on Moon
U. S. Plans 2012 Return to Moon.
On July 20, 1969 Commander Neil Alden Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon. The Apollo 11 mission Launched on July 16, 1969, it carried, Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin Eugene ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, Jr. was the first manned mission to land on the Moon. It was the fifth human spaceflight of Project Apollo and the third human voyage to the Moon.
When he stepped onto the moon’s surface Armstrong uttered the now famous words,
“One small step for man; one giant step for mankind.”
The mission fulfilled President John F. Kennedy’s goal of reaching the moon by the end of the 1960s, which he expressed during a 1961 speech:
“I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”
The United States is planning the next moon landing in 2012 and China plans to be the second country to put a man on the moon with its own mission in 2013.
Shift on Iraq Found in New Polling
Partisan Split on Iraqi Victory
Forty percent (40%) of American voters now say victory in Iraq is possible. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that a slightly larger percentage-44%–disagree and say victory is not possible. The issue splits on party lines — Republicans, by a 3-to-1 margin, say victory is possible. Democrats, by a similar margin, say it is not. Unaffiliated voters are evenly divided. A plurality of men say victory is possible while a plurality of women say it is not. Those figures reflect more optimism than was found a year ago. In July 2007, just 32% of American voters said that victory was possible and 54% disagreed.
Only 5% believe that terrorist organizations will stop attacking the United States if we withdraw our troops from Iraq. Eighty percent (80%) disagree and believe that terrorists will continue attacking the U.S. regardless of whether or not we have troops in Iraq. Just 13% believe that withdrawing troops from Iraq will make the United States safer than it is today. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say that withdrawing troops from Iraq will make the United States less safe and 45% say it will have no impact.
Most Americans-52%–said in a May Rasmussen Survey that bringing the troops home within four years is a higher priority than winning the War. Other research seems to show political motivations that if it takes losing the war to get Obama elected that is acceptable to Democrats but the converse is not true for Republicans.
Thirty-nine percent (39%) disagree and say winning the War is more important. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say that withdrawing troops from Iraq will make the United States less safe and 45% say it will have no impact. Fifty percent (50%) say that the people of Iraq will be less safe if U.S. troops withdraw. Only 8% believe the Iraqi people will be safer without U.S. troops.
There’s One Less Malodorous Person On The Planet
“I’ve been portrayed as a caveman by some. That’s not true. I’m a conservative progressive, and that means I think all men are equal, be they slants, beaners, or niggers.”
-Jesse Helms to the North Carolina Progressive, Feb. 6, 1985
Death is a funny thing. People tend to forget someone’s horrific behavior once they’ve kicked the bucket. By the time Tricky died, his Watergate transgressions were all but forgotten. I’ve been reading obituaries about Jesse Helms since his July 4th death. Some of them might make you think he was an admirable person. While my mother told me never to speak ill of the dead, I think she’d make an exception in this case. The fact is that Jesse Helms was one of the most malodorous people on the planet, a racist bigot and a virulent homophobe. I’m always mystified when people like Helms are spoken of as ‘religious’ or ‘God fearing.’ I’m not sure where Helms passed on to, but I have a difficult time believing he’s sitting at the right hand of God.
In a 52-year career, Helms was often portrayed as a champion of the poor and common man. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Helms didn’t mind big spending big government as long as the money was going to those who already had plenty. He had no problem bailing out savings and loan associations, or investing billions of dollars in bloated defense projects. Contrary to his image, he slashed assistance for school lunches for the poor, medical care for disabled people and prescription drugs for the elderly.
In spite of serving five terms (from 1973 to 2003), Helms was a polarizing figure in North Carolina and national politics. The largest percentage he took in any election was just 54.5%. He often neglected his home state. During Helms’ five terms, only four states received less per capita in federal funds than North Carolina. North Carolina ranked 42nd in release of cancer-causing toxins; 43rd in manufacturing wages; and 44th in infant mortality.
According to those who ran against him, he got those that did not like him to vote for him because he tapped into the fears of white, middle-class Americans afraid of their country being taken over by liberals. “Just think about it,” he’d say, “homosexuals, lesbians — disgusting people — marching in our streets, demanding all sorts of things including the right to marry each other and the right to adopt children. How do you like that?”
Here are some other interesting realities about Helms:
- He had a virulent hatred of Castro, but close ties to and was a sponsor of the right-wing Salvadoran Nationalist Republican Alliance and its leader, Roberto D’Aubuisson. When it was brought to Helms’ attention that D’Aubuisson ran death squads and murdered civilians, he responded, “All I know is that D’Aubuisson is a free enterprise man and deeply religious.
- Likewise, he was a supporter of Chilean dictator (and 30th president) Augusto Pinochet. As Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean army, Pinochet engineered the overthrow of President Salvador Allende. More than 3,200 were killed and 80,000 detained without trials and subjected to torture. When he died in December of 2006, there were still 300 criminal charges pending against him.
- Helms was opposed to federal financing of AIDS research and treatment. He opposed the Kennedy-Hatch AIDS bill of 1988 stating, “There is not one single case of AIDS in this country that cannot be traced in origin to sodomy.”
- After 12-year-old Ryan White died of AIDS in 1990, his mother went to Capitol Hill to speak to 23 legislators on behalf of people with AIDS and to gain support for the Ryan White Care Act. Helms refused to speak with her, even ignoring her completely while he rode in an elevator with her. In spite of his opposition, the legislation passed in 1990.
- When the Ryan White Care Act came up for refunding in 1995, Helms again tried to defeat it, stating that AIDS victims contracted the disease thorough “deliberate, disgusting, revolting conduct.”
- Helms served as an aid in the 1950 North Carolina Republican candidate Willis Smith who was running against Frank Graham. In this capacity, he helped to create attack ads against Graham. One read, “White people wake up before it’s too late. Do you want Negroes working beside you, your wife and your daughters, in your mills and factories? Frank Graham favors mingling of the races.”
To those he harmed, there was nothing admirable about Jesse Helms. His political positions and legislative maneuvers were steeped in discrimination, racism and homophobia. His passing represents one collective sigh of relief in the minds of all fair-minded Americans.
The identity of Israel’s post-Olmert prime minister will determine its war options on Iran
DEBKAfile Exclusive Report
DEBKAfile is usually viewed as an authoritative and well informed source.
July 1, 2008, 4:23 PM (GMT+02:00)
According to DEBKAfile’s military and intelligence sources, the overriding considerations that will determine if and when Israel attacks Iran are these: whether to strike before George W. Bush’s exit, whether Iran’s strategic ties with Syria and the Palestinian Hamas can be severed in advance and what Israeli prime minister is chosen to manage the war, and who is elected U. S. President.
These are the determinants, rather than “the red lines” cited by senior Pentagon officials to ABC News Monday as triggers for an Israeli offensive, namely when Natanz nuclear facility produces enough weapons-grade uranium - some time in 2009 or this year - and when Iran acquires SA-20 air defense systems from Russia
DEBKAfile quotes intelligence sources as negating those triggers:
1. Contrary to most reports, including those put out by Teheran, Iran is lagging behind its target date for producing a sufficiency of weapons-grade uranium. It is held up by the technical hitches dogging the smooth, continuous activation of its high-grade centrifuges.
2. Moscow has suspended all sales of sophisticated air defense systems to Iran and Syria alike - so that Israel has no cause for haste on that score. Sources other than DEBKAfile say Russia’s decision was an accomodation to President Bush’s plea not to be the provocation for war.
3. That Iran is heading for a nuclear weapon is no longer in doubt. What Israel must decide very soon is whether to strike Iran’s production facilities before Bush leaves the White House or wait for his successor to move in, in 2009. Most observers say if Obama is elected Israel feels it must attack but, think a McCain win would lessen the urgency.
There is a preference in Jerusalem for a date straight after the America’s November 4 presidential election - except that military experts warn that weather and lunar conditions at that time of the year are unfavorable.
If Israel does opt for an attack, August and September would be better, they say - or else hold off until March-April 2009.
Non-DEBKAfile sources speculate that the discussion about timing is a ruse.
Israel’s political volatility is another major factor in the uncertainty surrounding an attack. Towards the end of September, the ruling Kadima party is committed to a leadership primary. The party’s choice of prime minister and the factors that determine how he (or she) reaches a decision on attacking Iran can only be guessed at.
4. A final consideration must be Israel’s ability to prevent Syria and Hamas opening war fronts at the time of Israel’s attack on Iran. In other words, the IDF needs to know it must contend with two fronts, Iran and the Lebanese Hizballah, not four.
Notwithstanding these major deterrents, the weight of opinion in Israel’s decision-making community at this time is in favor of an early military strike. There is an international consensus that Iran cannot be allowed to attain a nuclear bomb, but no sanctions or incentives are proving effective as preventatives. Therefore, it is felt, the sooner Israel pre-empts a nuclear-armed Iran, the better, because the longer it delays, the more dangerous the Islamic Republic’s retaliatory capabilities will become.
California Split on Homosexual Marriage
San Francisco Gay Parade Puts Focus On November Ballot Battle.
San Francisco’s gay pride paraders celebrated their newfound freedom to marry as the city’s 38th annual march got under way with a matrimonial touch.
Members of the lesbian motorcycle group Dykes on Bikes wore bridal veils and wedding gowns and tossed bouquets as they led Sunday’s parade. Some of the motorcycles were adorned with signs reading “Just Married.”
Same-sex marriage has been legal since June 16 after a California Supreme Court decision that ruled the voter passed law unconstitutional.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom received ovations along the parade route for his role in working to overturn the state’s gay marriage ban with a ballot initiative that has qualified for the November ballot. Governor Schwarzenegger said in a pretaped interview aired Sunday on Meet the Press that he absolutely opposes a Constitutional change banning homosexual marriage in California.
Proponents of a Constitutional amendment to ban marriage between homosexuals submitted 1,120, 801 signatures to qualify the matter for the November ballot. If passed it would follow 24 other states where marriage is between one man and one woman.
If the marriages proceed during the next four months, it is unclear whether they would be nullified if the amendment passes. Some legal scholars have said the state Supreme Court might get called on again to settle that question.
A Field Poll released by U. S. News and World Report on June 29th found 51 percent of voters surveyed since the Supreme Court ruling say they approve of homosexual couples marrying; 42 percent disapprove. An LA Times poll, released last week found 54% supporting amending California’s Constitutional limiting marriage to one man and one woman.
Playing Popular Seasonal Pastime, Obama Flip Flops on Finance
According to AP, “Though it opens him to charges of hypocrisy,” the Obama campaign is going for the big bucks and has joined those he claims have “become masters at gaming this broken system.”
Because he can, and only because he can, Obama is dropping out of the public finance system he believes in so strongly. McCain will remain in and limit his campaign expenditures whereas Obama can spend all he can raise, which has been proven to exceed that of any prior candidate for president, in any party.
But “they understand that issues of campaign finance do not rank high in most voters’ minds.”
So, it’s all good then. Accurate charges of hypocrisy will not get any traction, and traction is what counts, not promises. Read more about the turnaround in the Hartford Courant.
Democrats Tell Bush to “Drop Dead” On Lifting Offshore drilling Moritorium
57% Support Ending Offshore Oil Drilling ban
Democrat members of the House of Representatives called for nationalizing oil refineries at a Wednesday News Conference. Proponents point to the fact that Norway, Mexico, Venezuela and other socialist and communist countries have nationalized their oil and many other industries as justification for this radical proposal. At the same time Congressional Democrats told President Bush to “drop dead” on his call to lift the moratorium on offshore oil drilling despite 57% of American’s support for that idea.
Boing Barack Bounces - “Get It On” Say Voters; Sooner The Better Says Chicago Sun Times
The Barack Bounce continues much as expected. On Monday Obama attracted 48% of the vote while John McCain earns 40%. When “leaners” are included, Obama leads 50% to 44%. Last Tuesday, just before Obama clinched the nomination, the candidates were tied at 46%.
Overall perceptions of the two top candidates are shifting rapidly. 67% see Obama as politically liberal including 36% who say he is Very Liberal. 67% say McCain is conservative just 19% say he is Very Conservative. That compare to 36% of voters who say they are politically conservative, including 16% who say they are Very Conservative. Thirty-seven percent (37%) say they are politically moderate and 25% claim to be politically liberal an increase from 17% who said so four years ago. That last figure includes 8% who are Very Liberal.
According to a Rasmussen Poll released Monday 77% of voters nationwide say John McCain’s call for a series of ten Town Hall debates is a good idea and only 11% disagree. Ninety percent (90%) of Republicans support McCain’s debate proposal along with 66% of Democrats and 80% of unaffiliated voters. The Chicago Sun Times says forget about 10 do 20 and get going. Sixty percent (60%) prefer the town hall format. Thirty-seven percent (37%) say that Presidential debates are Very Important to their voting decision. Another 40% say they are Somewhat Important.
New York Times Agrees to Capital “N” in Negro on June 7, 1930
Some sources say that the New York Times officially agreed to capitalize the “N” in the word negro on June 7, 1930.
Before that happened it was a subject of debate for up to a century. Some writers of the eras chose to use negro while others choose to use Negro.
In 1903, a writer for the New York Times advocated for the capital “N”.
Discussions included scientific opinions and grammatical opinions but it’s likely political reasons ultimately weighed heavily, tipping the scale to any contrary considerations be they scientific or grammatical and the use of Negro rather than negro became more commonplace.
It is one of many chapters in the label name game for all over the world, resolving political, ethnic and basic human considerations. That will probably continue around the world and in the United States.