1900+ American Dead in Iraq - Is it worth it??

BY JALAL TALABANI
Wednesday, September 21, 2005 12:01 a.m. EDT

BAGHDAD--There is no more important international issue today than the need to defeat the curse of terrorism. And as the first democratically elected president of Iraq, I have a responsibility to ensure that the world's youngest democracy survives the inherently difficult transition from totalitarianism to pluralism. A transformation of the Iraqi state and Iraqi society is impossible without a sustained commitment of soldiers from the United States and other democracies.

To understand why, let us recall how we reached this juncture in history. How is it that Iraq today has a democratically elected head of state, government and Parliament? How it is that members of the most repressed ethnic groups now hold the highest offices of state? All these welcome developments are a result of the courage and vision of President Bush and his allies, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Australian Prime Minister John Howard, leaders whose commitment of troops to enforce U.N. Security Council resolutions liberated Iraq.

Without foreign intervention, the transition in Iraq would have been from Saddam's bloodstained hands to his psychopathic offspring. Instead, thanks to American leadership, Iraqis have been given an opportunity of peaceful, participatory politics. Contrary to the new conventional wisdom, Iraq and the history of 20th-century Europe demonstrate that force of arms can implant democracy in the most arid soil.

The rapidity of the democratization and reform of Iraq is staggering. There was no German state for four years after the Second World War. By contrast, Iraq has moved from a centralized, one-man dictatorship to a decentralized, federal republic in half that time.

Inevitably, there have been stresses and strains. In Iraq these have been amplified by the terrorism of the remnants of the fascist Baathist dictatorship and our interfering neighbors. To contain these tensions, and to defend our young democracy, requires the support of American and other troops. Foreign forces are needed to train and equip the new Iraqi armed forces and to give Iraq its own counterterrorism capability. Only the United States and its closest allies are able to provide such assistance.

Creating these Iraqi forces has not been easy, but Iraqis have been undaunted by the difficulties. Every terrorist attack on Iraqi forces leads to a surge in military recruitment--the opposite of the appeasers' myth that resisting terrorism causes more terrorism. For all the short-term problems, the soundness of the long-term strategy of building up Iraqi forces was demonstrated in recent days when Iraqis took over sole control of security in the holy city of Najaf.

As Iraqi forces gain in confidence and capability, so the need for foreign troops will diminish. The number of foreign troops will be determined in consultations between the Iraqi government and its foreign allies on the basis of operational requirements.

American forces are in Iraq at the invitation of the democratically elected government of Iraq, and with the backing of a United Nations Security Council resolution. Your soldiers are in my country because of your commitment to democracy. Moreover, during my visit to Washington, Mr. Bush reaffirmed the United States' complete support for the Iraqi political process toward sustainable democracy, and for the fight to defeat fascist and jihadist terrorism in Iraq.

That commitment to liberty has shaped our opposition to any timetable for withdrawal. There are also two practical, policy reasons to avoid such a scheduled reduction in foreign troop numbers. First, a timetable will aid the terrorists and tell them that all they have to do is wait. Second, military plans must be flexible. We should have the suppleness to respond to the often-changing level of terrorist threat. Indeed, we will require ongoing security assistance in many forms for many years to come.

If we keep progressing at the present rate, Iraqis may be able to take over many security functions from foreign forces by the end of 2006. That is not a deadline, but it is reasonable aspiration. During my visit to the United States, I was fortunate to meet relatives of some of the brave troops serving in Iraq. They were staunch, and I want their loved ones to have to serve in Iraq not a moment longer than is necessary.

Americans should be proud of what its soldiers have achieved. The presence of foreign forces has prevented a renewed civil war in Iraq--renewed because there has already been a civil war in Iraq. For 35 years, Saddam and his Baath Party made war on the Iraqi people. The liberation of Iraq ended that civil war.

Above all, American forces provide Iraq with a much-needed deterrence capability. In the past, Iraq sought an illusory security through the follies of aggression, terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Today, our external security comes from our alliance with the United States. Our neighbors can thereby be assured that we will settle all of our differences with them peacefully.

Sadly, some of our neighbors have chosen not to understand this. They seem either unwilling or unable to shut off the pipeline of terrorists crossing into Iraq. And in addition to what is at least passive support for the terrorists, some of them are providing financial and material support to them, too. They must desist from this behavior now.

While the problem of some of our neighbors supporting terrorism is bad enough, we can only imagine what our neighbors might have done if American troops had not been present. Most likely, Iraq would have been transformed into a regional battlefield with disastrous consequences for Middle Eastern and global security.

Without American forces, the vision of American leadership and the quiet fortitude of the American people, Iraqis would be almost alone in the world. With its allies, the United States has provided Iraqis with an unprecedented opportunity. Iraqis have responded by enthusiastically embracing democracy and volunteering to fight for their country. By giving us the tools, your troops help us to defend Iraqi democracy and to finish the job of uprooting Baathist fascism.

Mr. Talabani is president of Iraq.

 

I'm no fearmonger but.........

I'm an optimist. If you have read this blog very long, I don't suffer fools well, I am often angry with opportunists and I am optimistic to a fault.

I support Bush, I think the War in Iraq is for good, There is no Oil Shortage, Katrina will not affect our economy negatively, all in all I'm an optimist.

So, it is a departure for me to bring to light an impending catastrophe that if people really knew the truth would terrify them like "War of the Worlds", and that was just a radio show.

For the last few years there has been a wholesale slaughter of fowl in an effort to contain or prevent avian flu. This effort as noble as it has been is beginning to fail.

There have been a few mentions of this in the Mainstream Media. A few. The problem is, it's not newsworthy, there's no one is to blame for this. You can't blame Bush, liberals, conservatives, communists, fascists. No one can protect you, not your doctor, government, politician or priest. There is no vaccination, cure, or remedy if (when) it takes off.

At this moment it (the bird flu strain) is mutating into the human population so that it will spread person to person. It hasn't happened yet.

Since it's an unmutated virus there is no base genetics from which to create a vaccine. The vaccine's that are available and proposed to be preventative are panaceas, a sugar pill placebo will do about as much. And when it makes the leap it will move so fast it will be too late to create and incubate enough vaccine to do any good before the pandemic does it's dirty work.

This is bullet we as humans cannot dodge.

The prospect is dire. WHO (World Health Organization) has made quiet little published predictions of the outcome. Globally a half billion to a billion dead. North America 30-40 million gone. True decimation. And, there's NOTHING we can do about it.

You can do something for yourself and your loved ones:

1. Hug your family, keep short accounts, get over it, they might not be here soon.

2. Stay healthy as best you can. Don't lean into the punch. Take your vitamins. A healthy body is more resistant to virus.

3. Avoid being angry, anger weakens the body's immune system.

4. Avoid being bitter about the situation as it evolves, bitterness will weaken your immune system.

5. Avoid crowds if you can. I'm not going to give up going to the opera, Theater (Shakespeare) or Church. But be careful.

6. Get right with God. If you or one of your loved ones should change worlds as a result of this, as they step from time into eternity be sure they know where they are going.

HMMM, number 6 doesn't seem like a bad option.

Evenso come Lord Jesus.

ART down low

A friend of mine sent me this link. Take a look at it. If it doesn't astound you, your astounder is broken.

http://andy.saturn9.ws/Photo%20Albums/sidewalk/

It's not a painting of Elvis on Velvet or that fine example of artistic expression "Dogs Playing Poker" (by Rembrandt I believe). Those I can comprehend and keep examples of both on my gallery wall.

But This - this boggles my pea brain.

Tip of the hat to AJ

Liars lie, but this is disgusting

A couple of days ago I wrote about Aaron Broussard, the sobbing parish president from Jefferson Parish (Mom called every day, I kept telling her, someone was coming etc). I was angry that he broke my wife's heart with his alligator tears. It was all a lie. The press had been quiet on this. I got nervous.

I almost lost my guts. I almost retracted my accusation. Then, TODAY NBC, the network on which he said all this "Meet the Press"in the first place published a story questioning his veracity.

There were questions from the outset that made this story less than credible. Don't they still teach reasoning in Journalism School? Didn't Tim Russert, a good guy, maybe not so good a Journalist, see the red flags?

there was no phone service after katrina blew through town -- cell or land lines. How could Mom call?

The nursing home, St Ritas was visibly under water on Tuesday PM. She was gone, her son knew it, everyone knew it. Brossard knew it.

The son in question, Rodriquez, called the nursing home on the 27th, they said they were going to evacuate, Then on the 28th he called. They hadn't yet. On the 29th the storm hit and he couldn't get thru. Rodriguez said he called his Mom. She never called him. Brossard the liar made it all up.

I did just the most limited backgrounding on this liar. Little ole me and my trusty keyboard, the most limited Google backgrounding on this liar demonstrates the following information:

September 5, 2005

12:10 AM ET. From the Web site of the invaluable New Orleans TV station WWL, from an interview with new folk hero Aaron Broussard, president of hardhit Jefferson Parish. He received wide attention and applause Sunday when he cited the callous federal response to the disaster last week and the drowning of an associate's other. Apparently he has not mellowed today. Here are the latest entries from the newspaper's blog:

--"Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard: 'I'm not surprised at what the feds say, they're covering their butts. They're keeping the body counts down because they don't want to horrify the nation. It's worse than Iraq, worse than 9-11. They just don't want to know how many were murdered by bureaucracy.'

--"Broussard: 'I know what the body count is so far, but I won't horrify the nation.'"

Lie is in RED.

When Wal-Mart sent three trailer trucks loaded with water," the Times reported, "FEMA officials turned them away, [Broussard] said. Agency workers prevented the Coast Guard from delivering 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, and on Saturday they cut the parish's emergency communications line, leading the sheriff to restore it and post armed guards to protect it from FEMA, Mr. Broussard said." This all turned out to be a lie.

Here's some truth about Broussard. Over the past week, Broussard, president of Jefferson Parish (just south of New Orleans) and a former Democratic candidate for governor, has become a ubiquitous component of hurricane coverage.

All this lying is about politics.

Democrat Head of Jefferson Parish Accuses Federal Government of "Murdering" Thousands Link Here

Aaron Broussard is president of Jefferson Parish.
Gretna is in Jefferson Parish.
Gretna police officers fired shots over the heads of people who tried to leave NO by walking over the bridge to Gretna.
Is it possible he would have had anything to do with that since he is president of the parish? Just asking.

BROUSSARD THE LIAR CLAIMS HE IS NOT A RELIGIOUS MAN, ABOUT AS SPIRITUAL AS A POTATO AS HE PUT IT, I HAVE BAD NEWS FOR HIM. THINGS ARE GONNA HEAT UP IF HE DOESN'T TURN.

The Word of God expressly states in Revelation 21:8 that, " ... All liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Now, mainstream press, how about this, do you have the guts to tell the TRUTH?

The Brotherhood of Man and Katrina

Below is a guest post by a Rabbi about Katrina.  I couldn't agree with him more.

 

by Rabbi Aryeh Spero

Posted Sep 7, 2005

In New Orleans, beginning Tuesday morning, August 30, I saw men in helicopters risking their lives to save stranded flood victims from rooftops. The rescuers were White, the stranded Black. I saw Caucasians navigating their small, private boats in violent, swirling, toxic floodwaters to find fellow citizens trapped in their houses. Those they saved were Black.

I saw Brotherhood. New York Congressman Charlie Rangel saw Racism.

Yes, there are Two Americas. One is the real America, where virtually every person I know sends money, food or clothes to those in need -- now and in other crises -- regardless of color. This America is colorblind.

The other is the America fantasized and manufactured by Charlie Rangel, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, who constantly cry “racism!” even in situations where it does not exist, even when undeniable images illustrate love, compassion and concern.  These three men, together with today’s NAACP, want to continue the notion of Racist America. It is their Mantra, their calling card. Their power, money, and continued media appearances depend on it.

Often, people caught up in accusing others of sin neglect to undergo their own personal introspection. They begin to think they alone inhabit the moral high ground. It is high time these men peered into their own hearts at the dark chamber that causes this unceasing labeling of their fellow Americans as “racist.”  They may find in that chamber their own racism -- against Whites.

There is only one real America.  Beginning Friday morning in Houston, thousands of regular citizens poured into the Astrodome offering water, food, clean clothes, personal items, baby diapers and toys, love and even their homes to the evacuees who had been bused in from New Orleans. Most of the givers were White, most of those being helped were Black. But there was Jesse Jackson, busy on TV, accusing the country of not putting Blacks --  i.e., him -- on some type of Commission he is demanding. Where was he early in the week? Not sweating with others from around the country who had scraped their last dollar to come help. With Jesse, it’s always about Jesse.

After decades of hearing accusations from Jesse, Al, Charlie, the NAACP and certain elitists about how racist America is, it would have been refreshing to hear them for once give thanks to those they for years have been maligning. These self-anointed spokesmen for the Black community lead only when it comes to foisting guilt and condemnation, and not when it comes to acknowledging the good in those they have made a career in castigating.

As a Rabbi I have a message I wish to offer to my fellow members of the cloth, Reverends Jackson and Sharpton: It is time to do some soul searching. Your continued efforts to tear this country apart, even in light of the monumental goodness shown by your White brothers, is a sin.

There are no churches in the world like the American churches. And there are no better parishioners and members of churches anywhere in the world. These churches are saving the day. Their members -- infused by the special and singular teachings of our unique American Judeo-Christian understanding of the Bible -- are, at this moment, writing an historic chapter in giving, initiative, and selflessness. They are opening their homes to strangers.  They are doing what government is incapable of doing.

America works because of its faith-based institutions. It always has. That is what makes it America.

So next time the ACLU tries to diminish and marginalize the churches, saying there is no role for religion in American public life, that an impenetrable wall must be erected separating the citizens from their faith, cry out “Katrina.”

Next time the ACLU goes to court asking that U.S. Soldiers not be allowed to say Grace in the Mess Hall and that communities be forbidden from setting up a nativity scene, ask yourself: without the motivation of Goodness sourced in Faith, would people offer such sacrifice? Where else does this Brotherhood come from but the Bible which teaches “Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor as Yourself.”

I saw brotherhood on Fox News, where 24/7 reporters used their perch as a clearing-house for search-and-rescue missions and communication between the stranded and those in position to save. In contrast, the Old-line networks continued with their usual foolish, brain-numbing programming. Those who always preach “compassion” chose profit over people.

The New York Times has utterly failed America. Its columnists could have used their talents and word skills to inspire and unite a nation. Columnists such as Frank Rich and Paul Krugman, however, revealed their true colors by evading their once-in-a-lifetime chance to help and instead chose to divide, condemn, and fuel the fires and poison the waters of Louisiana. In them, I saw no Brotherhood. The newspaper always preaching “compassion” verifies Shakespeare’s “They protest too much.”

Similar elitists here in the Northeast and on the West coast have over the years expressed their view of the South as “unsophisticated” and Texans as “cowboys.”  Well, the South has come through, especially Houston and other parts of Texas, whereas, as I write this on Labor Day, the limousine moralizers are lying on east and west coast beaches thinking they’re doing their part by reading Times’ editorials and calling George Bush “racist.”

How sanctimonious life becomes when proving you are not a racist depends not on living in a truly integrated neighborhood, but by simply calling others racist.

Like so often in history, facts trump platitudes. Reality reigns. Those who always preach brotherhood, thus far have acted devoid of it. Those who for decades have been accused by elitists of not having compassion are the ones living it. They are: the churches, the military, and the sons and daughters of the South.

 

 

Why I Stand With George Bush

First, I didn’t fall off the pickle truck.  I know George Bush is not and will never be the on level Genius Bill Clinton (to his detriment, “is, is”) was or is today.

 

He is just George.  An accidental president.  I remember when his campaign crucified McCain in 1999.  It was brutal.  I didn’t like Bush then. 

 

But, now he is our president for good or bad.  I am ever thankful that in the seat of power that GWB occupies today, that Al Gore or John Kerry isn’t there.  It’s not their politics.  It’s who they are.  Who I can believe or not.  Who can and will make things better as opposed to just talk about it.

 

Bill Clinton was a remarkable man.  His wife will probably be the 44^th president of the USA.  But he was nearly always form over substance.  I’ll never forget a trip to Russia he made in the 7^th year of his presidency.  After his return on NPR radio Veteran reporter-commentator Daniel Schorr, who is well over 80, was waxing eloquent on his conquests and accomplishments as a result of  this trip Clinton had just returned from.  His two guests, both Russian experts, both well versed in the things of the world were asked to list the main accomplishments of Clinton on the trip.  Both said none, they said, he had done nothing, it was all smoke and mirrors.  Schorr astonished asked, NOTHING?  Nope, Nothing.  He accomplished nothing they said.  These were not right wing conservatives.  They were scholars who had an objective view of what they hoped might happen.  

 

Bill Clinton was a heck of a guy.  I would enjoy hanging out with him.  He certainly would be fun.  But he was all form over function.  Today People long for the Clinton days.  The Tech bubble that he fed with fantasy that exploded a year after his departure from the White House.  The artificial surplus that so many people talk about because he cut spending and reduced military and raised taxes that eventually created the market collapse.  Just after he was gone.  I think madam President will be smarter.  Bill will be good to make speeches.  We might be back to the days of co-presidency.  Just as long as Hillary is in charge.

 

So why do I trust and honor President Bush?  Because, in spite of low approval numbers (like Truman), a hostile press (like Lincoln), explosive national catastrophes (like Roosevelt) and an unpopular war with a divided nation (like Washington) he stays the course.  People call him an idiot, stupid and a moron.  They regret voting for him if they did and they think others that did are beyond understanding.  He is considered elite and aloof (like Roosevelt), out of touch with the people (like Eisenhower), and too stupid to hold the office (like Carter). 

 

So, with those disqualifications I think he has a good bet to be one of our all time great presidents in the rear view mirror.  Popular and approved doesn’t make for presidential quality, it just makes good press.  People who are influenced by negative press need to start thinking for themselves.

 

I don’t want the likes of a cynical Bill Mahr or Michael Moore to be leading this country.  Thank God for President Bush.

 

Here is why I back him:

 

I can trust him to do what he says.  He does very little hyperbole and empty promises.  If he says it, count on it.  He’s a man of very few eloquent words and much follow thru to the chagrin of his critics.  When he said he was going to take on the terrorists, he did.  It’s not done, but have you visited any training camps protected by the Taliban in Afghanistan lately? Neither has anyone else. 

 

He is loyal to a fault to his staff and his friends.  The lack of political executions of those who fail him is admirable.  Michael Brown was a dope.  Should have gone.  I don’t know the man but he hung around longer than most people would have given him.  Loyalty to a fault is better than falsehood.  I can admire this and respect a man who is loyal to those to whom he makes a commitment.

 

He is at his core motivated to help others if he can.  Sometimes he can’t, sometime he doesn’t know what to do.  That’s why he has staff, but in the end you can trust him to help if he can.  It’s who he is.

 

His using pet names for people, even to the preposterous limits he does (Putti Put Putin) irritates me at some level but I have known people like this.  They in their heart are friendly folks.  Take em out the ranch and barbeque, even the prime minister of China.  I think a smile has power, Bush knows how to do this better than many of his stiff predecessors.

 

His heart is kind and compassionate.  He is moved sincerely by the needs of people if he knows about it.  Sometimes he is too insulated by his schedule and his staff but when he becomes aware of a situation he responds with kindness and action.  Real Kindness.  Only Jimmy Carter is his equal in this.

 

He knows his role and he stays within it.   He understands his place in the scope of things.  Sometimes I wish his staff would stay out of the way but he knows there is an order and a structure and he tries hard to stay in it unlike the image many try to lay on him of a wild cowboy.  I don’t see it.

 

He is an optimist.  He never seems to be downhearted.  He is always cheerful.  Sometimes more than I am.  He hangs in there.  When the world sees a destroyed New Orleans he sees the new dawn of the Crescent City better than ever.  I may think it naïve, but sometimes I want to believe.

 

He is a fiscal conservative but with too big a heart.  I have often wished he would spend less, take away his credit card.  The NOLA spending scares me.  But I’m timid.  On the other hand he has already talked about the changes needed to fund this.  I am hoping his core thrifty bent will dominate.

 

He is courageous.  At the UN, in Iraq, against an Axis of Evil, against naysayers.  He is not deferred.  He doesn’t take a 3pm poll and adjust his policies to fit the mood of the country.  Clinton did.  He was popular but ineffective.  I hope his wife when she becomes president does better. 

 

He exemplifies order and decorum in every way.  He has been criticized for working out as much as he does.  OK, I’ll bite.  He always wears a suit.  He always looks the part.  And that is wrong how?  He’s trim, ready and alles in ordnung.  He makes other walk the walk too.  I admire him for being in order.

 

He is a God fearing man.  I have been lambasted by enough so called Christians to know that I’m in good company with George Bush.  Jesus was accused over 20 times of being in cahoots with the devil, not being a good Jew, of breaking religious ordinances.  So, if Jesus got it, I get it, and George Bush gets it, I’m ok with that.   I know this, he knows God.  You might not understand this but with him as the head of our country knowing his ear is had by the likes of TD Jakes, James Robinson, and Kim Clement makes me sleep at night.  He will hear the word of the Lord loud and clear.  I don’t think Bill Mahr who is an avouwed atheist has much to say about this.

 

In Conclusion, George Bush is better prepared in many ways to be president at these critical times and the times to come than any other person we might have had in office.  (There will be two more MAJOR crises equal or greater than 9-11 or Katrina in his presidency before his term is done)

 

I for one along with many am thankful he is there.  Perfect, no.  But even the perfect one was crucified.  Why should GWB get off any easier. 

 

So, hang in there, he’s going to the president for the next 3 years no matter what any of us thinks  He is one of the great ones.  Maybe the greatest we ever had.  Only history will tell.  I’ll wait.

 

We’re in good hands.

 

 

 

ABC News Experiences Shock and Awe

An ABC News reporter who apparently expected hurricane evacuees to criticize the president after his speech Thursday night, instead heard words of praise for Bush and blame for local officials.

Dean Reynolds, in the parking lot of Houston's Astrodome, spoke with black evacuees from New Orleans, but "not one of the six people interviewed on camera had a bad word for Bush – despite Reynolds' best efforts," said the Media Research Center in a report on the segment.

A video excerpt can be viewed here.

Reynolds asked Connie London: "Did you harbor any anger toward the president because of the slow federal response?"

"No, none whatsoever," she said, "because I feel like our city and our state government should have been there before the federal government was called in."

London pointed out: "They had RTA buses, Greyhound buses, school buses, that was just sitting there going under water when they could have been evacuating people."

Reynolds asked Brenda Marshall: "Was there anything that you found hard to believe that he said, that you thought, well, that's nice rhetoric, but, you know, the proof is in the pudding?"

She replied, "No, I didn't," prompting Reynolds to marvel to anchor Ted Koppel: "Very little skepticism here."

Reynolds pressed another woman: "Did you feel that the president was sincere tonight?"

She affirmed: "Yes, he was."

Reynolds asked who they held culpable for the levee breaks – a problem national media have blamed on Bush-mandated budget cuts:

One evacuee said, "They've been allocated federal funds to fix the levee system, and it never got done. I fault the mayor of our city personally. I really do."

The full text of Reynolds interviews is as follows:

"I'd like to get the reaction of Connie London who spent several horrible hours at the Superdome. You heard the president say repeatedly that you are not alone, that the country stands beside you. Do you believe him?"

Connie London: "Yeah, I believe him, because here in Texas, they have truly been good to us. I mean-"

Reynolds: "Did you get a sense of hope that you could return to your home one day in New Orleans?"

London: "Yes, I did. I did."

Reynolds: "Did you harbor any anger toward the President because of the slow federal response?"

London: "No, none whatsoever, because I feel like our city and our state government should have been there before the federal government was called in. They should have been on their jobs."

Reynolds: "And they weren't?"

London: "No, no, no, no. Lord, they wasn't. I mean, they had RTA buses, Greyhound buses, school buses, that was just sitting there going under water when they could have been evacuating people."

Reynolds: "Now, Mary, you were rescued from your house which was basically submerged in your neighborhood. Did you hear something in the President's words that you could glean some hope from?"

Mary: "Yes. He said we're coming back, and I believe we're coming back. He's going to build the city up. I believe that."

Reynolds: "You believe you'll be able to return to your home?"

Mary: "Yes, I do."

Reynolds: "Why?"

Mary: "Because I really believe what he said. I believe. I got faith."

Reynolds: "Back here in the corner, we've got Brenda Marshall, right?"

Brenda Marshall: "Yes."

Reynolds: "Now, Brenda, you were, spent, what, several days at the Superdome, correct?"

Marshall: "Yes, I did."

Reynolds: "What did you think of what the President told you tonight?"

Marshall: "Well, I think -- I think the speech was wonderful, you know, him specifying that we will return back and that we will have like mobile homes, you know, rent or whatever. I was listening to that pretty good. But I think it was a well fine speech."

Reynolds: "Was there any particular part of it that stood out in your mind? I mean, I saw you all nod when he said the Crescent City is going to come back one day."

Marshall: "Well, I think I was more excited about what he said. That's probably why I nodded."

Reynolds: "Was there anything that you found hard to believe that he said, that you thought, well, that's nice rhetoric, but, you know, the proof is in the pudding?"

Marshall: "No, I didn't."

Reynolds: "Good. Well, very little skepticism here. Frederick Gould, did you hear something that you could hang on to tonight from the President?"

Frederick Gould: "Well, I just know, you know, he said good things to me, you know, what he said, you know. I was just trying to listen to everything they were saying, you know."

Reynolds: "And Cecilia, did you feel that the President was sincere tonight?"

Cecilia: "Yes, he was."

Reynolds: "Do you think this is a little too late, or do you think he's got a handle on the situation?"

Cecilia: "To me it was a little too late. It was too late, but he should have did something more about it."

Reynolds: "Now do you all believe that you will one day return to your homes?"

Voices: "Yes" and "I do."

Reynolds: "I mean, do you all want to return to your homes? We're hearing some people don't even want to go back."

Mary: "I want to go back."

Reynolds: "You want to go back."

Mary: "I want to go back. That's my home. That's all I know."

Reynolds: "Is it your home for your whole life?"

Mary: "Right. That's my home."

Reynolds: "And do you expect to go back to the house or a brand new dwelling or what?"

Mary: "I expect to go back to something. I know it ain't my house, because it's gone."

Reynolds: "What is the one mistake that could have been prevented that would have made your lives much better? Is it simply getting all of you out much sooner or what was it?"

Mary: "I'm going to tell you the truth. I had the opportunity to get out, but I didn't believe it. So I stayed there till it was too late."

Reynolds: "Did you all have the same feeling? I mean, did you all have the opportunity to get out, but you were skeptical that this was the really bad one?"

Unnamed woman: "No, I got out when they said evacuate. I got out that Sunday and I left before the storm came. But I know they could have did better than what they did because like they said, buses were just sitting there, and they could have came through there and got people out, because they were saying immediate evacuation. Some people didn't believe it. But they should have brung the force of the army through to help these people and make them understand it really was coming."

London: "And really it wasn't Hurricane Katrina that really tore up the city. It was when they opened the floodgates. It was not the hurricane itself. It was the floodgates, when they opened the floodgates, that's where all the water came."

Reynolds: "Do you blame anybody for this?"

London: "Yes. I mean, they've been allocated federal funds to fix the levee system, and it never got done. I fault the mayor of our city personally. I really do."

Reynolds: "All right. Well, thank you all very much. I wish you all the best of luck. I hope you don't have to spend too much more time here in the Reliant Center and you can get back to New Orleans as the President said. Ted, that is the word from the Houston Astrodome. And as I said, when the President said that the Crescent City will rise again, there were nods all around this parking lot."

Not Every Sad Tale is True

You saw it.  The Parish President from the New Orleans area on Meet the Press telling the tale of a woman in a nursing home who called her son every day for several days as the water rose to ask:  "Are they coming, is anyone coming".  And tearfully he assured, "Yes Momma, they're coming". 

 

Then we were told she drown because no one came.

 

It broke my heart.  Peggy cried.  The man on TV cried.  It was tragic. 

 

EXCEPT

 

It was all a lie.  He broke my wife's heart for POLITICAL gain.  I doubt some sad stories I see on TV.  Sometimes they are just too darn convenient.  So should you.

 

I have been accused of being just a little cynical.  Accused of not being the Christian I "Pretend" to be.  I'll let others decide.  I know in whom I believe.

 

My only question is, will this play on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, MSNBC, CNN, NY Times, Washington Post, or perhaps the show which started it all, Meet the Press.    We'll see.  This is my little coal to help see if more heat will stoke up the feet I hope are in the fire.

 

I'm the Guilty One

I'll come clean.

That mess in Southern Louisiana and Mississippi. I did it. I caused the Hurricane, I made sure that the evacuation was incomplete, I didn't send the busses, I just left them in the parking lot, I bombed the Levy so it would flood the city, I stranded thousands in Convention Centers and the Superdome to be abused.

I kept the FEMA crew away a few extra days for sensitivity training. I didn't use the national guard when I could have. I didn't send the military as quickly as I might have. I stole money for pet pork projects in New Orleans for years so the infrastructure would fail under pressure.

I am keeping the remains of the victims hidden to keep the death count down.

Don't bother blaming anyone else. I did it all by myself. Guilty as charged.

What? You don't believe I did all those things? I'm holding me accountable. Why can't you?

So why in heck do we blame our President or the Governor of LA for these things even if they are willing to say the buck stops there. HUH? I admire both for saying I didn't do as well as I should have. I think it shows true statesmanship. Something that is missing in politics, I've been watching the Roberts Hearings. The left should hang their head in shame. When I fix the next election I'll make sure GWB and LA's Gov get re-elected (I'll have to fix the constitution too, but with Roberts as Chief Justice that's no problem).

This is so Stupid - the we gotta blame somebody society is out of control.

Blame your cat, he's just as guilty. MEOW

Money is NOT the Answer

Unless you ask the right questions.

 

This is true in life, in business, in government and in politics.

 

The New Orleans rebuilding and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts are about to demonstrate the truth of this.  You,Me, FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army and the US taxpayer continues to throw money at a problem that needs much more.  Short term it is OK.  People are being fed, clothed, housed, and in general welfare ways being placed where they can live, work and create a life.

 

That's all admirable. 

 

I remember an experiment from the late 1970's.  50 different people from all backgrounds, poverty, wealth, color, ethnicity, working class, middle class were all discovered at a time where for one reason or another they had all found themselves flat broke.  Out of money.  Destitute.  Lots of reasons.  Lots of backgrounds.  Over 3 years when these people were discovered they were give an equal financial stipend.

 

Each of them was given unrestrained a significant amount of money.  $200,000 dollars.  This was a grant.   Given to them.  They had to agree to be tracked for the 3 years following the grant.

 

The results were not surprising.  Those who came from poverty returned to poverty after the money ran out.  Those from wealth emerged wealthy.  Those middle class, middle classed, those working class working classed. 

 

So, what does this mean?  It means that to give money without a cultural and sociological change only means you interrupt a cultural dependency mentality which money can't break.  Eventually they will return to what they were. This is not about education.  It's about a cultural expectations.  It's about who they are and what they see themselves becoming.  Low expectation low results.

 

When I saw what happened in New Orleans after Katrina was not color, it was culture.  If the culture of these people doesn't change New Orleans will not be better.  It will end up ultimately like those people of the grant who returned to their former state. 

 

One cultural condition in Southern Louisiana particularly in the metro New Orleans area among leadership and power brokers is a culture of corruption, graft, people on the take and crime.  If we as the American taxpayers and those who contribute money and time are going to really help we must not pour money into a black hole with no accountability.  I implore those who can to be careful and discerning in how you give.  I implore those in positions of authority to not just give money. 

 

Let's do what we can to change the culture with those people who need the change or nothing will change. 

I couldn't disagree with him more but I like him

Jack Sunday is a radio star on WDAY in Fargo ND.  He also writes a blog called NODAK JACK.  He's a real guy with guy issues.  One issue he differs from me with is politics.  It's ok.  I think it would be fun to chew the proverbial fat with him.

 

His latest post was full-on left wingnut crazy again.  He mentioned something about a SCOTUS test.  That was a new one on me.  I decided to look it up on google.  Here's what I found.  Take the SCOTUS test and decide if you are politically properly centered (Right Wing Wacko) or a (Outer Space Left Wing) Progressive.

 

I'm proudly a Right Wing Wacko thank you very much. Now about invading Belgium....

 

Send Money, but Send it to the RIGHT Charity

I will get in trouble with some of you. You will think I'm awful. But I must take a stand. I have friends on the front lines of Katrina right now in Louisiana and Mississippi. I get reports from them about what's going on there every day.

I have considered publishing the emails directly but I don't want to jaundice them. I don't mind being a little jaundiced. Two examples:

Catholic friends of mine in Biloxi were feeding thousands. The Red Cross came in and stopped them. If they continued to do so any aid they might have gotten would be cut off. They ended up throwing away pots of Jambalaya because of this.

FEMA thru the Red Cross will not help people with relief who are being housed if that housing did not come thru the Red Cross. This from another friend of mine. This is happening right now. It's tragic.

I have a dozen others I am cataloging. This is not a pretty sight. It's all about power and control.

The Red Cross has done many good things. They have become a controlling bureaucracy which may not be the best use of our contributions.

A few days ago a fellow blogger rebuked me in my questioning of the Red Cross, I backed down. I now have to take it back. I have continued to get backchannel feeds which tell me something is really wrong. Either all those people who don't know each other are lying or.....What?

My suspicion is no one who is in a position to be hurt or not helped by the Red Cross is going to say anything right now. My further suspicion is there are so many stories like this which will come to the surface in time. I hope the Red Cross can resolve the questions that will be raised. I have doubts.

Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, any good sound faith based organization is a better way to give. Lutheran Relief. Baptist whatever your bent is, most of that money is funneled properly and without the control, agenda and the bureaucracy that the Red Cross has become.

Hang on to your hats. When the stories start coming they will be brutal. Red Cross, this shot is directly across your bow. Your future depends on it. You can't afford a scandal now. The work you do is too important for you to mess it up now.

I appeal to any representative of the Red Cross to contact me, I would like to get to the bottom of this. I await your email.

Told Ya So

Larry Ristvedt used to say the cure for high prices was high prices. I commented a while back that the best news in the world was the high price of oil because it meant that Gasoline prices would come down. Only artificially controlled oil prices keep gas expensive and in short supply. There has been a foolish petition to ask Bush to lower gas prices. I didn't sign it. It's counterintuitive.

Larry used to say that if Soybeans were $20 a bushel everyone in America would be growing them in their back yard. And the price would come down.

Adam Smith's invisible hand at work.

Don't top off your tank just yet.

I Dream of Cars

I have recurring pleasant dreams at night. 

 

No, not that kind. Shame on you for even thinking that. 

 

I dream of Cars.  Wonderful cars.  Cars of my youth.  Cars of pure pleasure. 

 

I confess, I was a gear head as a youth.  I loved the smell of burning rubber in the morning.

 

When I left home I left behind two huge boxes of assorted “Hot Rod” type magazines.  All with wonderful cars in them with flames on the side.  If I had them today I would be financially better off.  I digress.

 

My friend Charlie Comstock (He’s now Chuck) had a car I thought was wonderful.  A 56 4 door Chevy Bellaire.  It had a piston knock.  It smoked.  He painted it sea green.  It was a beautiful thing.  I dream of that car.  That series of automobile was one of Detroit’s finest ever made.

 

I dream of old Dodge’s.  48-50.  You sat upright, you could wear a hat in the car. 

I never owned one but always wanted to.  I had a straight eight 53 Pontiac Cheiftan Black and Chartreuse (I painted it).  It was 400 yards long.  Slow as molasses.  Still in all a wonderful car.

 

I dream of all these cars.  AND MORE:

 

Last night I dreamed of a 57 Chevy Station Wagon.  It had a 37 gallon gas tank and got 30 miles to the gallon on the road.  Do the math.  That’s a thousand mile range or better.  In my sleep it had one of those on board computers that shows all the MPG and stuff like the Buick I drive now has.  It was luxurious inside.  Had power windows, door locks and power rear gate air and the 367 engine.   I suspect in my stupor it was a PT Cruiser type reiteration of the 57 wagon.  Sort of like, if you could go back and get the beauty and charm of the 57 wagon combined with the modern plusses of today’s vehicles.

 

In my dream we (Peggy and I are younger again) are with our kids going somewhere on one tank of gas driving this wonderful car. 

 

I have these perfect car dreams often. 

 

Am I weird?

 

Maybe.  But I note that Detroit keeps trying to reinvent cars that were perfect.  Look at the new 1950 Chevy pickup.  Or the new Chevy 1948 suburban.  And the PT cruiser.

 

I know where this all comes from.  Lloyd Ertelt had a 57 Chevy, Brown and White with a 367.  It was a beaut.  I never forgot it.  55-57 were great Chevy years.  Then the Aircraft carriers came along.

 

Detroit, take a hint.  Build the 57 Chevy Wagon again.  I can see it.  4WD.  367.

30 mpg.  37 gallon tank.  The marriage between the SUV and the Minivan with mileage. 

 

Call me, I’ll tell you where to send the royalty check.

Bush is Hiding Dead Bodies in New Orleans

I am constant in my amazement at Bush Hating liberals. They see everything thru their darkly clouded lenses. The REDLIN COMMISSION report will appear in a few days. I will then give you the truth about what happened in the wake of Katrina, who to blame and what should be done next. What gives me the right you ask? I have as much right as those on the left (like Molly Ivins) who continue to beat this already dead dog. They know less than you (or me).

A writer of some quality has parodied the left wing mentality in his new blog. It's pretty good read. He's from Berkley California. There are conservatives in Berkley.

Sadly, here is a news story written by a liberal reporter that in essence accuses Bush of hiding dead people and their body count for political gain.

You would think the fact that we will end up far less than a thousand total dead from Katrina is good news. That the fact people were wise, saved, rescued, and now being housed, clothed and fed by volunteers nationwide would be a positive. If you take the total of the population, subtract the dead, the percentage saved is very high.

This is bad news for liberals. Really bad. It means that the flotsam of dead bodies upon who's graves the liberals intended to dance their victory dance will not be there. They really counted on this albatross to hang around Bush's neck.

The Lost Art of Economics - A challenge

I'll admit it, I'm not an economist. I do understand economics like I understand how to walk, sit and speak. If you live it, you understand it, unless you aren't paying attention.

I have 4 major disagreements with current economic forecasting theory in the mainstream media and politicians.

MY THESIS:

Inflation isn't caused by high prices. High prices aren't even a harbinger or indicator of inflation. In fact high prices often can be a deflationary influence. Yet, every time I hear a report about oil prices, diesel prices, gas prices, home heating prices and steel prices it's always followed by the statement that this could lead to higher inflation. Then worse, politicians push on Greenspan and the Fed to do something about inflation (by raising interest rates).

MY FRUSTRATION:

How dumb can you get and still breathe? Sorry to be so blunt but I wish one cogent person on the planet would help me understand where this grand delusion comes from. Don't they teach economics in high school anymore?

MY ARGUMENTS:

1. High prices for inelastic demand goods (Gasoline, diesel, home heating in some part steel) act as a TAX on the economy. (the word taxing has nothing to do with IRS and everything to do with negative stress). If I have to pay more for things I MUST buy I will have less money to buy things I would LIKE to buy (discretionary income). I an expert on having too little discretionary income.

2. Inflation comes from shortages. Shortages? Oil, nope. Gasoline, Temporary. Diesel ditto. Steel. All of the above has to do with interruptions in logistics, not from core scarceness. We have little genuine scarceness. Oh, those prices will be higher for a while, but they aren't inflationary. Not inflationary because there far too much capacity for everything else. Name me ONE item that is short (for real). Milk, bread, rental property, automobiles, clothing, food in general, tires, name ONE. Every item in our economy is in abundance or surplus. I thought about this long and hard. I can't come up with one thing you can't buy all of that you want at whatever price you are willing to pay. That's a harbinger of deflation not inflation. Too many goods chasing scarce dollars. That brings me to #3.

3. Real inflation comes from too much money chasing too few goods. Look in your heart of hearts. Even among wealthy friends. Does anyone have so much money they are chasing too few goods? Do you? The big problem we have in our economy is liquidity. People have too little money. Real incomes in America on average adjusted to 1970's dollars basis is DOWN, a great deal. I (and you) are making less money than you did then in real dollars. In 1972 I knew many people who were making $50,000 per year and it wasn't considered big money. The shop workers we had then in our factory during that time were making $15 per hour and they tried to organize for more money. UPS workers in 1985 used to start at $18 per hour to load trucks, today it is HALF of that! Too much money. Not on your life.

4. High priced inputs only impacts profit not selling price. This is the issue I have the biggest argument with the MSM on. If it costs me more to produce a widget because of fuel prices I can NOT automatically pass on that higher cost to the consumer. I can try. But, the buyer who looks at my goods, prices them and makes a decision based on reduced discretionary income to buy or not at a higher price decides if I will be allowed by the market to sell at a higher price. The real price anyone can get is what I am willing to sell it for paired with what you are willing to buy it for. If we agree to that transaction that's the price. Not what I asked and not what you thought you were willing to pay. The actual price is after the transaction has taken place. So, for inflation to begin means lots of people willingly pay higher prices for discretionary goods. I don't see that happening any time soon. Discretionary goods are the only source of inflation, inelastic demand items higher priced are a drag on inflation pressures.

MY CHALLENGE:

I would hear anyone out who thinks I'm all wet. Your experiences might trump my theories. I need you to do more than tell about old aunt Helen, what happened to her, poor soul. Give me sound economic rationale that supports your argument. I, like many of you, lived thru and learned well from a rampant inflationary cycle that ended up with interest rates of 20% as normative. I see NOTHING like this in our economy at all today. AND?

MY CONCLUSION:

The biggest concern I have is an Illiquidity in the money supply as happened after 9-11 that causes a near miss with deflation and potential depression. We are tottering on that today.

THERE IS NO INFLATION!

The Terminator Terminates the Courts and Dumb Politicians

I love the fact that AHNOLD had the courage to do what the people of California wanted.

They voted fair and square in Prop 22, no gay marriage in CA

Legislators and Courts said, uh uh, you can't do that, we know better. They passed a law that said Gay Marriage is OK. Take that you voters. We know better than you..

SO, the legislator's petulance?
.

Arnold vetoed it.

Good on him!

The courts and the legislators, Oh, They'll be Back. They know better than the vote of the people, So let's have prop 33. Vote all over again. The the courts will rule against the vote of the people and spineless politicos will cover their butts by voting PC and on and on.

Hang in there Mr. World. The courts don't make law except in Iran. (and sometimes Californaya)

Frustration with FEMA

I watched the news tonight. People are frustrated with FEMA. No answers. No answerers. If you get a human on the phone they have another phone number you have to call. I hate to say it, typical government. But that's what you get when you recite the 23rd PALM (as in handout) The Government is my Shepherd, I shall not want..

I have dealt with another Governmental agency I-S which shall go nameless, for the last year. When I call the (no) Service Center I get either a person who's retired, does this part time and knows little about his or her job or someone who, how can I say this properly, is there in part because of an equal opportunity employment policy (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I understand these people I saw on TV. I have compassion.

Where's General Honere. He'll kick some butt! (and take some names)

I'm calling my congressman next, who just happens to be Denny Hastert, my close personal friend. Between those two bulldogs maybe something will happen.

Now you can put your money where your MOUTH is!

I love Chicago. I came here as part of the Trading Establishment 20 years ago. You know, soybeans, pork bellies, bonds and gentlemen don't trade oats.

Some enterprising traders have put together a real life environment to allow you to trade on events, their probability and outcomes.

If you have an opinion and you got the guts you can trade for real money.

You take a position and at some point it either happens as you predict or it doesn't. It all works against a clock. If it happens it goes off the board at 100, if it doesn't it goes off at zero.

So, now if you believe whatever you can put your money down. The site is a little hairy but I'll bet you can find your way around it. Click on markets. You'll find it.

I will have Compassion on whom I will have Compassion - God

Many people with a poor understanding of the nature of God is that he always blesses everyone, that everyone gets an unlimited measure of mercy and compassion, that God is just a big sugar daddy looking for ways to make your life better. This misunderstanding usually is parroted by people without much depth who criticize others with statements of the following preface:

• How can you call yourself a Christian if
• Jesus only spoke about Love and Forgiveness
• If God is a God of Love howcome
• and my all time un-favorites, Jesus said, don't be judgmental toward sin
  
• and he said: let he who without sin cast the first stone so we aren't supposed to be ____________

So, we are supposed to be as un-wise and indiscrimating as this god they have in their imaginations. It suits their purposes of course, don't question my motives, just give and close a blind eye to what I do. We used to call that being an enabler. Too harsh? OK, read on.

I'm not going to try to help you understand the Holy nature of God. I don't myself. But if you believe any of the above, I need you to think about this verse. God says to Moses in exodus 33:19. "" I will have mercy on those I will have mercy and compassion on those on whom I will have compassion"". Paul the Apostle reiterates this in Romans 9:15. Read all of Romans 9 and you will get a big picture of the situation.

The essence of these verses is simply this, God is no respecter of persons, we are not to ask why. God is not injust but he's not just according to human measurements. He does discriminate in his mercies, judgments and compassions.

So should we.

Julie Neidlinger (I will stop promoting her when she gets boring which may not be anytime soon) writes a brilliant essay on Compassion. I think everyone who struggles with wise giving needs to read this. I have forwarded it to several pastor friends and have found it to be pretty sound theology. They agree.

In The Chronicles of Narnia, an allegory by C. S. Lewis, the author has two girls, Susan and Lucy, getting ready to meet Aslan the lion, who represents Christ. Two talking animals, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, prepare the children for the encounter.

"“Ooh,"” said Susan, "“I thought he was a man. Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion."”

"“That you will, dearie," said Mrs. Beaver. "“And make no mistake, if there'’s anyone who can appear before Aslan without their knees knocking, they'’re either braver than most or else just silly."

"Then isn'’t he safe?"” said Lucy.

"“Safe?"” said Mr. Beaver. "“Don'’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? Of course he isn'’t safe. But he'’s good. He'’s the king, I tell you!"”

We have a King, Jesus, he isn't safe, but you can trust him.

Rehnquist and Me

Everyone has a double, a doppelganger, a un-genetic twin.

There are people who make a living impersonating famous people because they look just like them. I never cashed in.

My double just died. Chief Justice William Rehnquist.

20 years ago when I moved to Chicago I was always amazed at people who would look at me funny, who would comment they knew who I was, and some would outright ask me. Walking thru airports particularly on the east coast was a hoot. Here'’s the strange part. I didn'’t know what it was all about until one day a man stopped me on the streets of downtown, asked me, then said, ""“You look exactly like the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court""”.

Of course, that'’ll get your attention. So, I found pictures. Sure enough. He had the temerity to look like me. The rascal.

Remember the movie Dave? The President of the United States has a stroke, they find a man that looks just like him, he impersonates the President. Does pretty well. Falls in love with the soon to be widowed first lady. Happy endings all around. I liked the movie. Thought it might mean that someday I would get a call to sit on the supreme court in lieu of the Chief Justice. My phone never rang. I guess my shot at power is gone. Pity, I would have been good at it. HEH!

I gained a pound or two. He got older. It was always interesting to see him age. I kept thinking, maybe I'’ll look that good 20 years from now. When he was 60 and I was 40, he looked young and I looked, well like I look now. We Redlins have this habit of hitting an age and stopping.

I hope the Chief Justice rests in peace.







He always was a good looking fellow.