Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
CNN headline comment
CNN headline this morning, "Celeb DUI docket: Lohan, Hilton, Richie, Rhymes"
Why can't they have their bodyguards drive them around? Well, I guess that didn't work so well for Princess Diana...
Why can't they have their bodyguards drive them around? Well, I guess that didn't work so well for Princess Diana...
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Samson the Shaheed!
During my second semester of grad school I wrote a paper and did a presentation on the subject of suicide bombers. (The presentation caused quite a stir and is a story in and by itself, which I hope to cover at a later date) My paper began with the premises that the common notion of suicide bombings having started with modern radical Muslims is completely false. I argued that suicide bombings/missions have been used around the globe as a strategy throughout history by men and women, religious and secular. Their common denominator was only that they were committed revolutionaries willing to die for their cause.
I went on to explain that probably the first record of a suicide mission was from the Bible when Samson gave his own life to destroy the ancient Philistines. (This was primarily quoted for the shock value, as in truth Samson was bound and about to die anyway. He never chose his final fate due to a predetermined conviction.) Then it was used by the secular Tamil Tigers and the Japanese Kamikazes.
Anyway, today I found out that a newspaper from the UAE published an article making this exact claim! (See below)
I am now consulting with my council as to what legal actions I should take against this blatant act of plagiarism...
"Arab Paper: Samson Was the First Shaheed
(IsraelNN.com) In an attempt to show that Jews and not Arabs are not to blame for inventing suicide killings, an Arab newspaper article claims that biblical hero Samson – known in Hebrew as Shimshon Hagibor – was the first 'shaheed' (martyr). The article in Al Itihad, which is published in the United Arab Emirates, quotes the passages from the Book of Judges which describe Samson's final act of heroism, in which he brought down a Philistine temple, killing the enemy leadership along with himself.
The article appears under the headline: "Suicide Bombings [sic] Began with the Jews and Did Not End with Kamikazes." It describes suicide attacks throughout history, mentioning the Japanese kamikaze pilots of World War 2, the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers and the Spaniards in the civil war of the 1930s as examples of forces which used this tactic."
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/127088
I went on to explain that probably the first record of a suicide mission was from the Bible when Samson gave his own life to destroy the ancient Philistines. (This was primarily quoted for the shock value, as in truth Samson was bound and about to die anyway. He never chose his final fate due to a predetermined conviction.) Then it was used by the secular Tamil Tigers and the Japanese Kamikazes.
Anyway, today I found out that a newspaper from the UAE published an article making this exact claim! (See below)
I am now consulting with my council as to what legal actions I should take against this blatant act of plagiarism...
"Arab Paper: Samson Was the First Shaheed
(IsraelNN.com) In an attempt to show that Jews and not Arabs are not to blame for inventing suicide killings, an Arab newspaper article claims that biblical hero Samson – known in Hebrew as Shimshon Hagibor – was the first 'shaheed' (martyr). The article in Al Itihad, which is published in the United Arab Emirates, quotes the passages from the Book of Judges which describe Samson's final act of heroism, in which he brought down a Philistine temple, killing the enemy leadership along with himself.
The article appears under the headline: "Suicide Bombings [sic] Began with the Jews and Did Not End with Kamikazes." It describes suicide attacks throughout history, mentioning the Japanese kamikaze pilots of World War 2, the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers and the Spaniards in the civil war of the 1930s as examples of forces which used this tactic."
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/127088
Stop the Clash of Civilizations
I agree with the concept, in theory, unfortunately, this is obviously politically motivated...Too bad...(It was for this reason that I did not sign the petition at the end!)
Saturday, May 26, 2007
On the Virginia Tech Massacre
On the Virginia Tech Massacre
Ruth King
All Americans are saddened and dumbfounded
by the killing spree that snuffed out the lives
of so many students and faculty on the halcyon campus
of Virginia Tech near the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains. We recall similar senseless murderous
rampages at Columbine, Oklahoma City, at a rural
Amish school.
Terrible as these events are, they could be
even more horrifying. Here’s a thought experiment.
Suppose the murderers had imbibed their allconsuming
hatred from their parents, their religious
leaders, their elected officials, their news media? What
if their elementary school teachers had taught them
Americans were vermin, bacteria, pigs and dogs?
What if television stations broadcast documentaries in
which six year olds lisped that they wanted to grow up
to be like Timothy McVeigh?
Suppose parents took money to send out
their children on these murderous rampages? Suppose
the mother of one of these murderers declared
her only wish was that she had ten more children to
give to “the cause?” What if their hometowns named
streets after them and they were celebrated as heroes
and martyrs? What if dozens of newborns were
named after them? What if Stephen Spielberg and
Tony Kushner made a movie about these wanton killers
and drew moral equivalency between them and
their victims? What if these movies were nominated
for Oscars?
All this is disgusting and impossible you say.
Well folks, it’s what happens under the Palestinian
Authority. Precisely such hatred is taught and such
mass murder is celebrated by the entire society while
international media draw moral equivalence between
victim and assassin. Americans are horrified when
they see the chilling suicide-video Cho Seung-Hui sent
to NBC—actually taking time between his shooting
sprees to go to the post office to mail it. But what
about the equally chilling videos made by the Arab
suicide bombers (which apparently inspired Cho to
make his own version) just before their “missions?”
These are broadcast to cheering local Arab audiences
after a bombing in a café or pizzeria or bus stop or
market where Israeli civilians are maimed and murdered.
As Steven Zak points out in FrontPage, the
monster at Virginia Tech is no more monstrous than
the monster who left a bomb packed with bolts,
screws and nails in a bag on a table in the crowded
cafeteria at the student center of the Hebrew University
in Jerusalem, leaving nine dead and 85 maimed.
Here in America we feel horror and grief for
the victims and rage at the murderers. We do not argue
that they have legitimate grievances which must
be addressed. Yet when it comes to the Arab monsters
our media and politicians are full of
“understanding.” The New York Times offers sympathetic
portraits of the butchers and their enablers;
endlessly describes the “root causes” of their frustration;
their “humiliation” when security checks are implemented
etc. etc. The suicide bombers and the Israelis
who seek to protect the innocent are portrayed
as equally culpable. Our pundits, academics and politicians
call the handlers and supporters of those who
carry out the murders “moderates,” “partners for
peace.” Our administration and Congress fund them,
arm them and continue to gratify them by demanding
concessions on their behalf. Such is the upside down
world of our own State Department, a sad, sad commentary
on the double moral standard consistently
employed against Israel.
We would not countenance leaders who
looked the other way or made excuses for the vicious
murderers who preyed upon our children. Why do we
expect the leaders of Israel to do so?
www.afsi.org
Ruth King
All Americans are saddened and dumbfounded
by the killing spree that snuffed out the lives
of so many students and faculty on the halcyon campus
of Virginia Tech near the beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains. We recall similar senseless murderous
rampages at Columbine, Oklahoma City, at a rural
Amish school.
Terrible as these events are, they could be
even more horrifying. Here’s a thought experiment.
Suppose the murderers had imbibed their allconsuming
hatred from their parents, their religious
leaders, their elected officials, their news media? What
if their elementary school teachers had taught them
Americans were vermin, bacteria, pigs and dogs?
What if television stations broadcast documentaries in
which six year olds lisped that they wanted to grow up
to be like Timothy McVeigh?
Suppose parents took money to send out
their children on these murderous rampages? Suppose
the mother of one of these murderers declared
her only wish was that she had ten more children to
give to “the cause?” What if their hometowns named
streets after them and they were celebrated as heroes
and martyrs? What if dozens of newborns were
named after them? What if Stephen Spielberg and
Tony Kushner made a movie about these wanton killers
and drew moral equivalency between them and
their victims? What if these movies were nominated
for Oscars?
All this is disgusting and impossible you say.
Well folks, it’s what happens under the Palestinian
Authority. Precisely such hatred is taught and such
mass murder is celebrated by the entire society while
international media draw moral equivalence between
victim and assassin. Americans are horrified when
they see the chilling suicide-video Cho Seung-Hui sent
to NBC—actually taking time between his shooting
sprees to go to the post office to mail it. But what
about the equally chilling videos made by the Arab
suicide bombers (which apparently inspired Cho to
make his own version) just before their “missions?”
These are broadcast to cheering local Arab audiences
after a bombing in a café or pizzeria or bus stop or
market where Israeli civilians are maimed and murdered.
As Steven Zak points out in FrontPage, the
monster at Virginia Tech is no more monstrous than
the monster who left a bomb packed with bolts,
screws and nails in a bag on a table in the crowded
cafeteria at the student center of the Hebrew University
in Jerusalem, leaving nine dead and 85 maimed.
Here in America we feel horror and grief for
the victims and rage at the murderers. We do not argue
that they have legitimate grievances which must
be addressed. Yet when it comes to the Arab monsters
our media and politicians are full of
“understanding.” The New York Times offers sympathetic
portraits of the butchers and their enablers;
endlessly describes the “root causes” of their frustration;
their “humiliation” when security checks are implemented
etc. etc. The suicide bombers and the Israelis
who seek to protect the innocent are portrayed
as equally culpable. Our pundits, academics and politicians
call the handlers and supporters of those who
carry out the murders “moderates,” “partners for
peace.” Our administration and Congress fund them,
arm them and continue to gratify them by demanding
concessions on their behalf. Such is the upside down
world of our own State Department, a sad, sad commentary
on the double moral standard consistently
employed against Israel.
We would not countenance leaders who
looked the other way or made excuses for the vicious
murderers who preyed upon our children. Why do we
expect the leaders of Israel to do so?
www.afsi.org
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
What I learned of political science
"You can't be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. It helps if you have some kind of football team, or some nuclear weapons, but at the very least you need a beer." - Frank Zappa
LA Times Poll: 1/4 of younger U.S. Muslims, "Suicide bombings justified!"
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-muslim23may23,0,6359682.story?coll=la-home-nation
From the Los Angeles Times
Some younger U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings could be justified
By Rebecca Trounson
Times Staff Writer
12:10 PM PDT, May 22, 2007
One in four younger Muslims in the United States believes suicide bombings to defend Islam are justified in at least some circumstances, although nearly 80% of all Muslim Americans say such attacks are never acceptable, and most are critical of Al Qaeda, according to a nationwide poll released today.
The study, by the Pew Research Center, paints a picture of a richly diverse, complex and still largely immigrant community that for the most part has blended comfortably into American life.
Most Muslim Americans are moderate, mainstream and middle class, the study shows. They are largely assimilated, happy with their lives and have adopted such core American values as a belief that hard work will lead to success. And their income and educational levels are comparable with most Americans.
In a conference call today from Washington, D.C., Pew Research Center director Andrew Kohut said that the support for suicide bombings--although limited--was one of the few trouble spots the study found in an overwhelmingly positive portrait of the U.S. Muslim community.
Overall, 78% of Muslim Americans said suicide bombings of civilian targets to defend Islam cannot be justified; 13% say they can be, in some circumstances. The view is strongest among those younger than 30, but for all Muslim Americans, such support is far lower than among Muslims in many other nations, including in several Western European countries.
The poll also found that most Muslim Americans are Democrats or lean that way, but also tend to be social conservatives.
It also found that native-born African American Muslims, who make up about 20% of the Muslim community in this country, are the most disillusioned segment, tending to be more skeptical of the view that hard work pays off and less satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S.
The Pew poll estimates that there are roughly 2.35 million Muslim Americans. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask questions about religious beliefs or preferences.
The study was based on telephone interviews with 1,050 adult Muslims, some of whom were interviewed in Arabic, Urdu or Farsi, in addition to English. The margin of error for the poll, which was conducted between January and April, is plus or minus 5 percentage points.
rebecca.trounson@latimes.com
From the Los Angeles Times
Some younger U.S. Muslims say suicide bombings could be justified
By Rebecca Trounson
Times Staff Writer
12:10 PM PDT, May 22, 2007
One in four younger Muslims in the United States believes suicide bombings to defend Islam are justified in at least some circumstances, although nearly 80% of all Muslim Americans say such attacks are never acceptable, and most are critical of Al Qaeda, according to a nationwide poll released today.
The study, by the Pew Research Center, paints a picture of a richly diverse, complex and still largely immigrant community that for the most part has blended comfortably into American life.
Most Muslim Americans are moderate, mainstream and middle class, the study shows. They are largely assimilated, happy with their lives and have adopted such core American values as a belief that hard work will lead to success. And their income and educational levels are comparable with most Americans.
In a conference call today from Washington, D.C., Pew Research Center director Andrew Kohut said that the support for suicide bombings--although limited--was one of the few trouble spots the study found in an overwhelmingly positive portrait of the U.S. Muslim community.
Overall, 78% of Muslim Americans said suicide bombings of civilian targets to defend Islam cannot be justified; 13% say they can be, in some circumstances. The view is strongest among those younger than 30, but for all Muslim Americans, such support is far lower than among Muslims in many other nations, including in several Western European countries.
The poll also found that most Muslim Americans are Democrats or lean that way, but also tend to be social conservatives.
It also found that native-born African American Muslims, who make up about 20% of the Muslim community in this country, are the most disillusioned segment, tending to be more skeptical of the view that hard work pays off and less satisfied with the way things are going in the U.S.
The Pew poll estimates that there are roughly 2.35 million Muslim Americans. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask questions about religious beliefs or preferences.
The study was based on telephone interviews with 1,050 adult Muslims, some of whom were interviewed in Arabic, Urdu or Farsi, in addition to English. The margin of error for the poll, which was conducted between January and April, is plus or minus 5 percentage points.
rebecca.trounson@latimes.com
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Pittsburgh - The most livable city? The truth...
Sorry Pittsburgh, The cat is out of the bag...
Most Livable City: Pittsburgh?
By BILL STEIGERWALD
May 20 2007
A couple of weeks ago, Places Rated Almanac shocked the country and ticked off the tourist-and-convention bureaus in dozens of losing cities by declaring metropolitan Pittsburgh the most livable city in the United States.
Local boosters and most of the equally joyous local media in this economically stagnant, overtaxed and poorly governed region greeted the "news" like it was a scientific certainty - or like Pittsburgh had been awarded a new Toyota plant. It's not the first time the PR-savvy folks at Places Rated Almanac have crowned the former Steel City as the country's most livable city. It also happened in 1985, just as the region's manufacturing economy was being crushed by the collapsing steel industry like a rusty old car.
Choosing Pittsburgh in 1985 was so shocking, the New York Times couldn't believe it. It parachuted a reporter into Pittsburgh who wrote that "With its breathtaking skyline, its scenic waterfront, its cozily vibrant downtown, its rich mixture of cultural amenities, its warm neighborhoods and its scrubbed-clean skies, it no longer is the smoky, smelly, gritty mill town of yesteryear."
It was a nice plug for the "Smoky City," though in '85 it hadn't actually been smoky for more than 30 yesteryears. Meanwhile, as Pittsburghers basked in the glory of living in America's most livable city, the region's manufacturing economy was falling off a cliff. In 1985 alone, 38,000 mostly young job-seekers moved away. By 2000, more than 140,000 had left.
Since 1985, despite the outflow of people and a slow conversion to a sluggish service economy based on health care and organ transplants, the region has always been ranked among the almanac's Top 20 most livable cities. That's mainly because the ranking system favors the area's many priceless assets, which include an abnormally low crime rate, a populace of regular-guy, smart-ass Michael Keaton-types (Keaton's a native), great old city neighborhoods and big suburban homes so cheap they'd make a Washingtonian weep.
Pittsburgh also has top universities including Carnegie-Mellon and Pitt, major league sports teams, and a beautiful green landscape of hills, hollows and wide rivers. Sure, pay scales are low and the populace can be a little bigoted, too Democrat, and too working class. The two unofficial regional religions - unionism and Steelerism - can be annoying. And pop culturally, it's at least five years behind L.A. But Pittsburgh is a good city to raise a family in, grow old in and die in.
Places Rated Almanac bases a city's overall rank on nine categories, on each of which the Pittsburgh region consistently hits doubles and triples but no home runs: recreation, education, transportation, ambiance, health care, crime, economy, housing and climate.
"Ambiance" includes historic districts and cultural and artistic assets, and Pittsburgh is amply blessed with them. Its best (i.e. lowest) score was in recreation (21st in the country). Its moderate four-season climate score was worst, but not bad - 135th best out of 379 cities.
Being picked "most livable" over great cities such as San Francisco, Boston and even overrated Portland, Ore., is always nice. But the more you know about what's really wrong with this once great and still very fine city, the less you trust Places Rated Almanac knows what it's doing.
Maybe its data crunchers secretly grade on the curve for Rust Belt cities ruined by the arrogance, greed, and stupidity of political and corporate power brokers. Or maybe they slipped the city some extra points for having the country's youngest mayor, for winning five Super Bowls, or for pioneering the deindustrialization of North America 60 years ago.
The almanac didn't subtract livability points for Pittsburgh's high tax rates, decades of moronic management, and the millions in subsidies handed to the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins for their new playpens, as well as to national retailers whose outlets then went belly-up.
Pittsburgh is in a death spiral. It's bankrupt. Its school district spends $16,000 a year per kid. Its parking tax is the highest on Earth: 50 percent. City police and firefighters irresponsibly pad their numbers, salaries and pensions - and openly trade their mayoral votes for sweetheart contracts.
Meanwhile, local school and property taxes are among the highest in the country. So are public bus and taxi fares. And, oh yeah, highways are congested, in bad shape and underbuilt.
Yes, Pittsburgh is highly livable. But it's also dying. The region has the doomed demographics of Western Europe. It has fewer foreign-born immigrants and a higher percentage of white people than any major American city. In 1960, when the country had 175 million people, there were 2.4 million people in the metro Pittsburgh region, 1.6 million in Allegheny County and 604,000 in the city of Pittsburgh.
Today, with 300 million Americans, the comparable numbers are 2.3 million metro, 1.2 million county and - incredibly - just 315,000 souls left in a city built to handle 1 million.
No matter how flawed or unscientific the almanac's title of "most livable" is, beating out 378 cities was great for the morale and civic pride of Pittsburgh, whose thriving civic booster sector will live off the good PR for a decade. Unfortunately, however, a recent U.S. Census Bureau study reported some disappointing news.
Since 2000, Pittsburgh has lost more people - almost 60,000 - than any other metropolis in the country except for poor New Orleans. But New Orleans' depopulation disaster doesn't count. It was caused by a once-in-a-lifetime act of God and the ineptitude of the Army Corps of Engineers. So unless 50,000 immigrants invade Pittsburgh real soon, it looks like "America's Most Livable City" will soon become "America's Most Leave-able City."
Bill Steigerwald is a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He wrote this for Reason Magazine.
Copyright 2007, Hartford Courant
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/hc-plcpittsburgh0520.artmay20,0,975368.story?coll=hc-headlines-commentary
Most Livable City: Pittsburgh?
By BILL STEIGERWALD
May 20 2007
A couple of weeks ago, Places Rated Almanac shocked the country and ticked off the tourist-and-convention bureaus in dozens of losing cities by declaring metropolitan Pittsburgh the most livable city in the United States.
Local boosters and most of the equally joyous local media in this economically stagnant, overtaxed and poorly governed region greeted the "news" like it was a scientific certainty - or like Pittsburgh had been awarded a new Toyota plant. It's not the first time the PR-savvy folks at Places Rated Almanac have crowned the former Steel City as the country's most livable city. It also happened in 1985, just as the region's manufacturing economy was being crushed by the collapsing steel industry like a rusty old car.
Choosing Pittsburgh in 1985 was so shocking, the New York Times couldn't believe it. It parachuted a reporter into Pittsburgh who wrote that "With its breathtaking skyline, its scenic waterfront, its cozily vibrant downtown, its rich mixture of cultural amenities, its warm neighborhoods and its scrubbed-clean skies, it no longer is the smoky, smelly, gritty mill town of yesteryear."
It was a nice plug for the "Smoky City," though in '85 it hadn't actually been smoky for more than 30 yesteryears. Meanwhile, as Pittsburghers basked in the glory of living in America's most livable city, the region's manufacturing economy was falling off a cliff. In 1985 alone, 38,000 mostly young job-seekers moved away. By 2000, more than 140,000 had left.
Since 1985, despite the outflow of people and a slow conversion to a sluggish service economy based on health care and organ transplants, the region has always been ranked among the almanac's Top 20 most livable cities. That's mainly because the ranking system favors the area's many priceless assets, which include an abnormally low crime rate, a populace of regular-guy, smart-ass Michael Keaton-types (Keaton's a native), great old city neighborhoods and big suburban homes so cheap they'd make a Washingtonian weep.
Pittsburgh also has top universities including Carnegie-Mellon and Pitt, major league sports teams, and a beautiful green landscape of hills, hollows and wide rivers. Sure, pay scales are low and the populace can be a little bigoted, too Democrat, and too working class. The two unofficial regional religions - unionism and Steelerism - can be annoying. And pop culturally, it's at least five years behind L.A. But Pittsburgh is a good city to raise a family in, grow old in and die in.
Places Rated Almanac bases a city's overall rank on nine categories, on each of which the Pittsburgh region consistently hits doubles and triples but no home runs: recreation, education, transportation, ambiance, health care, crime, economy, housing and climate.
"Ambiance" includes historic districts and cultural and artistic assets, and Pittsburgh is amply blessed with them. Its best (i.e. lowest) score was in recreation (21st in the country). Its moderate four-season climate score was worst, but not bad - 135th best out of 379 cities.
Being picked "most livable" over great cities such as San Francisco, Boston and even overrated Portland, Ore., is always nice. But the more you know about what's really wrong with this once great and still very fine city, the less you trust Places Rated Almanac knows what it's doing.
Maybe its data crunchers secretly grade on the curve for Rust Belt cities ruined by the arrogance, greed, and stupidity of political and corporate power brokers. Or maybe they slipped the city some extra points for having the country's youngest mayor, for winning five Super Bowls, or for pioneering the deindustrialization of North America 60 years ago.
The almanac didn't subtract livability points for Pittsburgh's high tax rates, decades of moronic management, and the millions in subsidies handed to the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins for their new playpens, as well as to national retailers whose outlets then went belly-up.
Pittsburgh is in a death spiral. It's bankrupt. Its school district spends $16,000 a year per kid. Its parking tax is the highest on Earth: 50 percent. City police and firefighters irresponsibly pad their numbers, salaries and pensions - and openly trade their mayoral votes for sweetheart contracts.
Meanwhile, local school and property taxes are among the highest in the country. So are public bus and taxi fares. And, oh yeah, highways are congested, in bad shape and underbuilt.
Yes, Pittsburgh is highly livable. But it's also dying. The region has the doomed demographics of Western Europe. It has fewer foreign-born immigrants and a higher percentage of white people than any major American city. In 1960, when the country had 175 million people, there were 2.4 million people in the metro Pittsburgh region, 1.6 million in Allegheny County and 604,000 in the city of Pittsburgh.
Today, with 300 million Americans, the comparable numbers are 2.3 million metro, 1.2 million county and - incredibly - just 315,000 souls left in a city built to handle 1 million.
No matter how flawed or unscientific the almanac's title of "most livable" is, beating out 378 cities was great for the morale and civic pride of Pittsburgh, whose thriving civic booster sector will live off the good PR for a decade. Unfortunately, however, a recent U.S. Census Bureau study reported some disappointing news.
Since 2000, Pittsburgh has lost more people - almost 60,000 - than any other metropolis in the country except for poor New Orleans. But New Orleans' depopulation disaster doesn't count. It was caused by a once-in-a-lifetime act of God and the ineptitude of the Army Corps of Engineers. So unless 50,000 immigrants invade Pittsburgh real soon, it looks like "America's Most Livable City" will soon become "America's Most Leave-able City."
Bill Steigerwald is a columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He wrote this for Reason Magazine.
Copyright 2007, Hartford Courant
http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/commentary/hc-plcpittsburgh0520.artmay20,0,975368.story?coll=hc-headlines-commentary
A Zionist Response to the Rocket Attacks
According to Israel's Channel 10 today, "8,000 of Sderot's 23,000 residents are currently residing outside of the town, because of the intense rocket barrage that it has been subjected to in recent days."
Israel's tit for tat retaliation strategy is obviously not working and the Israeli citizens living in the surrounding areas around Gaza feel abandoned by the government that was tasked to defend them.
I don't blame the individuals that flee to protect the lives of their loved ones, but this is EXACTLY WHAT THE TERRORISTS WANT!
They would love to see nothing more than Jews running from their homes, evacuating what they call 'occupied territory'. They adore the sight of tens of thousands being held hostage as virtual prisoners in their own homes. (This was a lesson learned all too well in last summers rocket attacks in the north!)
The solution is a simple one. For each rocket attack, the government in turn supports the building of an additional 'settlement'. For each bombing, another dunam of land is annexed. This would be a true punishment to dissuade terrorists from continuing their aggressive campaign.
The threat of loss of land, is the key to peace in the Middle East. It is the one card that Israel holds that puts fear in even the most hardened Arab heart. They cannot afford to lose any more wars. Israel must end this war of attrition ASAP as it is destroying what is left of the national morale. To paraphrase former PM Shamir, "I don't believe in land for peace, I believe in peace for peace. If they want peace, we are happy to reciprocate with peace!"
Once it is clear that violence will not be rewarded can both sides sit down at the negotiating table and figure out how they can avoid a mutually assured destruction!
Israel's tit for tat retaliation strategy is obviously not working and the Israeli citizens living in the surrounding areas around Gaza feel abandoned by the government that was tasked to defend them.
I don't blame the individuals that flee to protect the lives of their loved ones, but this is EXACTLY WHAT THE TERRORISTS WANT!
They would love to see nothing more than Jews running from their homes, evacuating what they call 'occupied territory'. They adore the sight of tens of thousands being held hostage as virtual prisoners in their own homes. (This was a lesson learned all too well in last summers rocket attacks in the north!)
The solution is a simple one. For each rocket attack, the government in turn supports the building of an additional 'settlement'. For each bombing, another dunam of land is annexed. This would be a true punishment to dissuade terrorists from continuing their aggressive campaign.
The threat of loss of land, is the key to peace in the Middle East. It is the one card that Israel holds that puts fear in even the most hardened Arab heart. They cannot afford to lose any more wars. Israel must end this war of attrition ASAP as it is destroying what is left of the national morale. To paraphrase former PM Shamir, "I don't believe in land for peace, I believe in peace for peace. If they want peace, we are happy to reciprocate with peace!"
Once it is clear that violence will not be rewarded can both sides sit down at the negotiating table and figure out how they can avoid a mutually assured destruction!
War Czar
I just applied for this cool looking government job...
http://www.whitehouse.org/news/2007/04/war-czar.asp
http://www.whitehouse.org/news/2007/04/war-czar.asp
Friday, May 18, 2007
Benjamin Orbach
This week I went to hear Benjamin Orbach, author of Live from Jordan. It seems his publicist found my blog and thought we may have something in common. Well, besides the fact that we are around the same age, are from the same city, we have common friends, are the same religion, went to the same school, studied the same major in college and had many similar experiences in the Middle East, we have very little in common!
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed his talk and look forward to reading his book.
Here is a link to his blog: http://www.benjaminorbach.com/
Check it out and let me know what you think...
Well, I thoroughly enjoyed his talk and look forward to reading his book.
Here is a link to his blog: http://www.benjaminorbach.com/
Check it out and let me know what you think...
Harvard and the Zayed Center
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/05/19/eveningnews/main554591.shtml
I know this is old news that Harvard Divinity School returned a $2.5 million donation because it was determined that the source was also funding terrorist and hate groups, but I need to make a comment for the record.
I understand that the integrity of the school demands that they not be connected with people and organizations that support bad things. That having been said, WHY WOULD YOU RETURN $2.5 MILLION DOLLARS THAT WILL PROBABLY BE FUNNELED TO OTHER HATE AND TERRORIST GROUPS???
Correct me if my logic is faulty, but it seems to me that they would have been better off using the money to combat terrorism rather than sending it back so it could be used for dubious purposes!
Just a thought...
I know this is old news that Harvard Divinity School returned a $2.5 million donation because it was determined that the source was also funding terrorist and hate groups, but I need to make a comment for the record.
I understand that the integrity of the school demands that they not be connected with people and organizations that support bad things. That having been said, WHY WOULD YOU RETURN $2.5 MILLION DOLLARS THAT WILL PROBABLY BE FUNNELED TO OTHER HATE AND TERRORIST GROUPS???
Correct me if my logic is faulty, but it seems to me that they would have been better off using the money to combat terrorism rather than sending it back so it could be used for dubious purposes!
Just a thought...
Mark Twain
Another great quote from the master:
"You should never allow school to get in the way of your education"
-Mark Twain
(Non scholae, sed vitae discimus)
"You should never allow school to get in the way of your education"
-Mark Twain
(Non scholae, sed vitae discimus)
Maysoon Zayid
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2431532953182464527&q=Maysoon+Zayid
I just watched this Palestinian comedian and I found it quite humorous. Now that is something coming from the mouth of a conservative Israeli!
Of course, she and I are probably on total opposites of the political spectrum, but I still enjoy the non-pc humor.
My first reaction was she's an Arab Sarah Silverman! [http://www.jesusismagicthemovie.com/]
On second thought, its too bad that she doesn't use her talent to bring Jews and Arabs closer together instead of contributing to their division.
An example of this is another Palestinian, Ray Hanania: http://www.hanania.com/humor/humor.htm
I just watched this Palestinian comedian and I found it quite humorous. Now that is something coming from the mouth of a conservative Israeli!
Of course, she and I are probably on total opposites of the political spectrum, but I still enjoy the non-pc humor.
My first reaction was she's an Arab Sarah Silverman! [http://www.jesusismagicthemovie.com/]
On second thought, its too bad that she doesn't use her talent to bring Jews and Arabs closer together instead of contributing to their division.
An example of this is another Palestinian, Ray Hanania: http://www.hanania.com/humor/humor.htm
"Percautions" for safe travel
Percautions for safe travel
May 16, 2007
We’re not sure what your summer vacation plans are this year - maybe with fuel prices ever rising, you’re planning to stay close to home.
But if you are one of a growing number of adventure travelers, or those who simply enjoy untrammeled and exotic places, be forewarned.
The No. 1 cause of non-natural death for tourists is not terrorism or murder or mysterious illness, despite the fact that such stories of demise are most likely to make the evening news.
The biggest killer of Americans abroad is traffic accidents - in traditional tourist countries as well as exotic locales.
According to the Make Roads Safe Campaign, traffic crashes killed 741 Americans traveling overseas during 2004-2006. That was one-third of all deaths.
The data come from an analysis of U.S. State Department figures.
Make Roads Safe suggests that the real numbers could be even higher, because the families of some survivors would not have reported the accidents to the State Department.
Due to a confluence of deficiencies, highway safety is particularly problematic in developing countries. Roads are often poorly designed and in bad repair. Vehicles may be old and inadequately maintained. Drivers may be relatively unskilled and unreliable. And safety regulations - or their enforcement -may be lacking.
Dangers also exist in developing nations such as China. There, use of the automobile has expanded so rapidly that even if authorities were committed to Western-style safety standards, they likely would be overwhelmed in enforcing them. Sales of passenger cars rose 37 percent there just last year alone.
Travel experts say tourists need to plan trips with an eye toward more than just getting the right shots and carrying the right clothing for the climate.
They need to research the country’s road safety history, the nature of its terrain (brake failure on a mountain is more dangerous than brake failure on a plain) and the safety records of any tour groups they might be using.
The Association for Safe International Road Travel (www.asirt.org) provides such information. It was founded by a mother who lost her son in a road accident in Turkey.
“Travelers indeed worry about malaria - all the diseases they can contract. They worry about terrorism, they worry about hooliganism, they worry about people taking their things,” Rochelle Sobel told the Associated Press.
“And they don’t worry about the single greatest cause of death.”
May 16, 2007
We’re not sure what your summer vacation plans are this year - maybe with fuel prices ever rising, you’re planning to stay close to home.
But if you are one of a growing number of adventure travelers, or those who simply enjoy untrammeled and exotic places, be forewarned.
The No. 1 cause of non-natural death for tourists is not terrorism or murder or mysterious illness, despite the fact that such stories of demise are most likely to make the evening news.
The biggest killer of Americans abroad is traffic accidents - in traditional tourist countries as well as exotic locales.
According to the Make Roads Safe Campaign, traffic crashes killed 741 Americans traveling overseas during 2004-2006. That was one-third of all deaths.
The data come from an analysis of U.S. State Department figures.
Make Roads Safe suggests that the real numbers could be even higher, because the families of some survivors would not have reported the accidents to the State Department.
Due to a confluence of deficiencies, highway safety is particularly problematic in developing countries. Roads are often poorly designed and in bad repair. Vehicles may be old and inadequately maintained. Drivers may be relatively unskilled and unreliable. And safety regulations - or their enforcement -may be lacking.
Dangers also exist in developing nations such as China. There, use of the automobile has expanded so rapidly that even if authorities were committed to Western-style safety standards, they likely would be overwhelmed in enforcing them. Sales of passenger cars rose 37 percent there just last year alone.
Travel experts say tourists need to plan trips with an eye toward more than just getting the right shots and carrying the right clothing for the climate.
They need to research the country’s road safety history, the nature of its terrain (brake failure on a mountain is more dangerous than brake failure on a plain) and the safety records of any tour groups they might be using.
The Association for Safe International Road Travel (www.asirt.org) provides such information. It was founded by a mother who lost her son in a road accident in Turkey.
“Travelers indeed worry about malaria - all the diseases they can contract. They worry about terrorism, they worry about hooliganism, they worry about people taking their things,” Rochelle Sobel told the Associated Press.
“And they don’t worry about the single greatest cause of death.”
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Democracy?
The Pittsburgh mayoral election makes a sad statement for democracy. The incumbent, Luke Ravenstahl is running uncontested in the primary on Tuesday. Personally, I'd vote for almost ANYBODY, just to have another option! It almost reminds me of the good ole' days in Iraq (see above image)...
Anyway, there's one guy who is making a stand. His name is Mark Desantis and he is trying to get the Republican nomination for mayor. Now in a a city that is 5:1 Democrat it's pretty much a losing battle, but, that having been said I appeal to everyone out there to do the right thing in the name of democracy and allow an opponent to run on the ballot. Even if you are not a Republican, you should write in "MARK DESANTIS" for mayor. Spread the word to your friends, neigbors and family. He needs 250 Republican write ins to be placed on the ballot in November.
VOTE FOR DEMOCRACY - VOTE FOR DESANTIS!
[NOTE: Maybe he should change his name to "Dissent-is"!]
I am including directions for those that are unfamiliar with how to do a write in electronically:
1. Touch voting screen to start.
2. In the upper right of the 2nd screen, you will see a colored box that says "Mayor" at the top. Immediately below it will be the words "Write-in."
3. Touch the screen with the words "Write-in."
4. A keyboard screen will appear.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
5. Using the screen keyboard, type "MARK DESANTIS."
6. Press button marked "Accept."
7. Go home and pat yourself on the back for supporting the democratic process!
More can be found about Mr. Desantis on this blog site: http://burghreport.blogspot.com/2007/05/city-republicans-push-write-in-for.html
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
The D4DR Club
Just a quick word about my international club, the D4DR Club. Please read this news article about it and if you have any questions feel free to ask: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/04328/415890.stm
ps Just one more point...No need to ask, if you had the mutated, elongated D4DR chromosome, you would know it! Also, the URL has changed since that news article was printed. It is now: www.d4dr.net
Enjoy!
ps Just one more point...No need to ask, if you had the mutated, elongated D4DR chromosome, you would know it! Also, the URL has changed since that news article was printed. It is now: www.d4dr.net
Enjoy!
Azmi Bishara
I try not to narrowly focus in only on Middle East politics, but I can't pass over this critical news item. The court gag order has been lifted today that points to further allegations against former Arab Member of Knesset Azmi Bishara. These charges are of the most serious to ever be laid against an Israeli government official. He is accused of no less than treason during war time. He allegedly passed secret information to the enemy (Hizbollah) during the 'second Lebanon war' and is being investigated for numerous other crimes against the State. (http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1178096592312&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull)
Let me suffice it to say, that these are probably the most incriminating charges, not only against this individual, but against the entire Arab Israeli community. There has always been talk of a fifth column in Israel (The Israel Arabs) which is often hushed up, because Israel is a democracy. But if Israeli Arab political leaders are repeatedly found guilty of such grievous crimes, the Israeli public will have no choice but to recognize and take on this very serious issue. It becomes even a bigger problem in a day and age when, for the first time, Israel has appointed an Israeli Arab cabinet minister.
I can't help but think what would be the backlash in the United States if it was discovered that, let's say, promenent Moslem politicians were leaking classified information to Iran, Syria or the insurgents in Iraq that led to the killing of countless American soldiers abroad.
I hope that the Israeli Arab community wakes up quick and distances themselves far from this kind of treachery. Unfortunately, the call against global Jihad has, until now, not been very audible.
Let me suffice it to say, that these are probably the most incriminating charges, not only against this individual, but against the entire Arab Israeli community. There has always been talk of a fifth column in Israel (The Israel Arabs) which is often hushed up, because Israel is a democracy. But if Israeli Arab political leaders are repeatedly found guilty of such grievous crimes, the Israeli public will have no choice but to recognize and take on this very serious issue. It becomes even a bigger problem in a day and age when, for the first time, Israel has appointed an Israeli Arab cabinet minister.
I can't help but think what would be the backlash in the United States if it was discovered that, let's say, promenent Moslem politicians were leaking classified information to Iran, Syria or the insurgents in Iraq that led to the killing of countless American soldiers abroad.
I hope that the Israeli Arab community wakes up quick and distances themselves far from this kind of treachery. Unfortunately, the call against global Jihad has, until now, not been very audible.
Election clarification
Clarification:
I admit it, I am a conservative. I am a Republican. But when election time comes around I become liberal. Not a Liberal, with a capital 'L', but a non-sectarian citizen that wants people to cast their ballots regardless of their political leanings. I encourage everyone to get out and vote, because I believe in the democratic process regardless of each individuals personal beliefs. When more people go to the polls, the country, collectively becomes a representative or "liberal democracy". This is the ideal that so many Americans pride themselves on, but so few participate in...So, do your civic duty on the May 15th primary and vote your conscience!
I admit it, I am a conservative. I am a Republican. But when election time comes around I become liberal. Not a Liberal, with a capital 'L', but a non-sectarian citizen that wants people to cast their ballots regardless of their political leanings. I encourage everyone to get out and vote, because I believe in the democratic process regardless of each individuals personal beliefs. When more people go to the polls, the country, collectively becomes a representative or "liberal democracy". This is the ideal that so many Americans pride themselves on, but so few participate in...So, do your civic duty on the May 15th primary and vote your conscience!
Saddam Photo Exhibit
When I visited Iraq during the war, I had the opportunity to acquire a fascinating and historic collection of original Saddam Hussein photos and posters. I am searching for the right venue to display this collection. At this point, after his execution, I think this controversial piece of history has its place. I am willing to loan it out to a museum or art gallery. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Your comments are welcome!
It was temporarily displayed in Pittsburgh's Soldiers and Sailor's Museum in 2004. Here is a link to the article in the local newspaper about that event: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/04247/372788.stm
It was temporarily displayed in Pittsburgh's Soldiers and Sailor's Museum in 2004. Here is a link to the article in the local newspaper about that event: http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/04247/372788.stm
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
What is a PA State Constable?
Many people ask me about my elected position. I was formally elected to the office in 2003 and my commission will be up in 2009. In order to clarify, I am copying here a short explanation of the position from Wikipedia...Enjoy!
"Constables in Pennsylvania are elected and serve a six-year term, they are Peace Officers by virtue of the office they hold, upon completing state certification and training, they may also serve as the Law Enforcement Arm of the Court. Constables primarily serve the District Courts but may also assist in serving the Common Pleas Court, when requested by the Sheriff.
As Public Officials Constables are required to file an annual Statement of Financial Interests with the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission .
Each Constable may with approval of the President Judge, appoint Deputies to work under his authority. Each Deputy is given the same authority as the Constable himself, but serves at the pleasure of the elected Constable.
Constable’s are considered to be the "Peoples Peace Officer" because of their Constitutional origin, and as elected officials they are independent of other governing bodies, this gives the Constable the freedom and authority to perform his duties according to statute, in the interest of justice.
Under Pennsylvania Law, Constables are Public Officers, elected or appointed to their position in accordance with the laws of elections.
A Constable is a sworn Law Enforcement / Peace Officer that can arrest for felony crimes and breaches of the peace committed in his presence, or by warrant anywhere in the commonwealth.
A Constable is also an officer empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system, by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies.
Constables are also charged with maintaining order at the election polls and ensuring that no qualified elector is obstructed from voting, Constables are the only Law Enforcement Officials permitted at the polls on election day.
While Constables primarily serve the Courts, they belong to the executive branch of government.
Constables are elected at the municipal level, however State law governs Constables and they have statewide authority, thus the title became "State Constable".
Constables are empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws, Police Officers are empowered to enforce criminal and traffic laws, Sheriff's are the chief law enforcement officer of the County and are empowered to enforce criminal, civil and traffic laws."
Link to source: http://www.pastateconstable.org/history.html
Link to laws governing Constables in PA: http://pafoc.org/index_files/Authority.htm
Source: Wikipedia
"Constables in Pennsylvania are elected and serve a six-year term, they are Peace Officers by virtue of the office they hold, upon completing state certification and training, they may also serve as the Law Enforcement Arm of the Court. Constables primarily serve the District Courts but may also assist in serving the Common Pleas Court, when requested by the Sheriff.
As Public Officials Constables are required to file an annual Statement of Financial Interests with the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission .
Each Constable may with approval of the President Judge, appoint Deputies to work under his authority. Each Deputy is given the same authority as the Constable himself, but serves at the pleasure of the elected Constable.
Constable’s are considered to be the "Peoples Peace Officer" because of their Constitutional origin, and as elected officials they are independent of other governing bodies, this gives the Constable the freedom and authority to perform his duties according to statute, in the interest of justice.
Under Pennsylvania Law, Constables are Public Officers, elected or appointed to their position in accordance with the laws of elections.
A Constable is a sworn Law Enforcement / Peace Officer that can arrest for felony crimes and breaches of the peace committed in his presence, or by warrant anywhere in the commonwealth.
A Constable is also an officer empowered to carry out the business of the statewide district court system, by serving warrants of arrest, mental health warrants, transporting prisoners, service of summons, complaints and subpoenas, and enforcing protection from abuse orders as well as orders of eviction and judgement levies.
Constables are also charged with maintaining order at the election polls and ensuring that no qualified elector is obstructed from voting, Constables are the only Law Enforcement Officials permitted at the polls on election day.
While Constables primarily serve the Courts, they belong to the executive branch of government.
Constables are elected at the municipal level, however State law governs Constables and they have statewide authority, thus the title became "State Constable".
Constables are empowered to enforce both criminal and civil laws, Police Officers are empowered to enforce criminal and traffic laws, Sheriff's are the chief law enforcement officer of the County and are empowered to enforce criminal, civil and traffic laws."
Link to source: http://www.pastateconstable.org/history.html
Link to laws governing Constables in PA: http://pafoc.org/index_files/Authority.htm
Source: Wikipedia
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