Recently, Arlington police arrested six young members of a gang that was staging and filming fights. They would then sell these videos on the internet for $15 each. Even though the six are currently awaiting trial, they are still selling the videos. One thing has changed though. Because of all the publicity, the videos are now selling for $20.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram recently ordered a video off the internet. It was mailed to them from south Arlington last week.
Although they have instituted a "zero tolerance" policy for fighting and being spectators at a fight, Arlington police said they were aware that the web site is still up and fight videos are still being sold. They said it is not illegal to sell the videos. However, there may still be state and federal laws being broken. Police have contacted the Texas Comptroller's office. Dona Medlock, director of enforcement in the comptroller's office, said they had no record of Michael Jackson [who is selling the video] applying for a tax identification number [which is used to keep record of sales tax collections]. The video sales would be subject to sales tax under Texas law. The comptroller's office is currently investigating.
The Arlington police have also contacted officials with the Internal Revenue Service. They will be looking to see if these sales were declared as income [which they are].
The current video for sale, Agg Townz Fights 2, was filmed in and around Arlington, and has about 50 fights on it, including several group brawls. The footage police seized recently was believed to be for a third video.
NOTE - Previous posts on this topic can be found in our archives section. The dates are May 20th, May 12th, and May 11th.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thoughts On Iraq
* A few weeks ago, Georgie told us that things were improving in Iraq and he would soon start troop reductions. I hope you didn't really believe that, because today he did just the opposite. Georgie has just sent an additional 1,500 troops from Kuwait to Iraq. The reason he did this was because nearly 100 people have been killed in Iraq in the last two days. Today, 48 people were killed in Iraq. Yesterday, 51 people were killed in Iraq [including 1 American soldier and two CBS newspeople]. Doesn't sound like much progress is being made.
* Rep. Murtha has reported that it looks like American soldiers have murdered around 24 innocent civilians including many women and very young children. This will probably result in some front-line soldiers being court-martialed, but what about the higher-ups? This kind of thing doesn't happen without a serious lack of leadership. Also, who was involved in covering this up? We are just now finding out about it, but it supposedly happened about 6 months ago. If Abu Graib is the model, then expect to see only a very few people with low rank to be court-martialed. As for Rep. Murtha, he is fast earning my respect. It is refreshing to see a democrat that's not afraid to tell the truth. Maybe some of the spineless ones can look and learn.
* Many who are involved in this war don't want to admit it, but this is looking more and more like Vietnam every day. We are fighting without a clear idea of how to win. We cannot tell our friends from our enemies. We are propping up a puppet government made up only of candidates approved by us. When we crush the enemy in one area, he just pops up in another area. Our soldiers keep dying and nothing seems to be accomplished. The vast majority of the population do not want us there. All of these were true about both wars, including the seemingly endlessness of it all. Once again, we are in an unwinnable war and waiting for the President to realize it.
* Do we have any idea at all how many billions of dollars are flowing into the coffers of Halliburton in no-bid contracts in Iraq?
* Rep. Murtha has reported that it looks like American soldiers have murdered around 24 innocent civilians including many women and very young children. This will probably result in some front-line soldiers being court-martialed, but what about the higher-ups? This kind of thing doesn't happen without a serious lack of leadership. Also, who was involved in covering this up? We are just now finding out about it, but it supposedly happened about 6 months ago. If Abu Graib is the model, then expect to see only a very few people with low rank to be court-martialed. As for Rep. Murtha, he is fast earning my respect. It is refreshing to see a democrat that's not afraid to tell the truth. Maybe some of the spineless ones can look and learn.
* Many who are involved in this war don't want to admit it, but this is looking more and more like Vietnam every day. We are fighting without a clear idea of how to win. We cannot tell our friends from our enemies. We are propping up a puppet government made up only of candidates approved by us. When we crush the enemy in one area, he just pops up in another area. Our soldiers keep dying and nothing seems to be accomplished. The vast majority of the population do not want us there. All of these were true about both wars, including the seemingly endlessness of it all. Once again, we are in an unwinnable war and waiting for the President to realize it.
* Do we have any idea at all how many billions of dollars are flowing into the coffers of Halliburton in no-bid contracts in Iraq?
Monday, May 29, 2006
Remembering Heroes As Body Count Rises
Today is Memorial Day, the day set aside to honor the heroes who fell in war to defend our country and our way of life. They should be honored, because if the word "hero" fits anyone, it is them. Regardless of their race, creed, color, sex, country of origin, age, sexual preference, or political beliefs, they are all heroes.
What makes this Memorial Day even sadder than usual is the fact that we are currently engaged in a senseless war and the body count grows higher every day. Currently over 2400 US soldiers have died in the Iraq War. Thousands more have been injured and maimed. Was it neccessary?
Of course it wasn't. There were no "weapons of mass destruction" & Saddam was not a threat to us. Now we are just invaders and occupiers trying to force our kind of government on Iraq, and it can never succeed. As soon as we leave, the Iraqi's will get rid of our puppet government and install whatever they want. This will happen whether we leave tomorrow or stay another 10 years.
But none of this is the fault of our brave soldiers. Their courage and fortitude are beyond reproach. But the same cannot be said of our leadership. Our leaders have bungled this war from the very beginning and continue to do so.
We must demand that our leaders stop sacrificing our soldiers for access to a few barrels of oil. Let the Iraqi's determine their own future and sell their own oil. Bring all our soldiers home from Iraq immediately.
NOTE - For those who complain about media coverage of the war, do you really understand how dangerous it is for these media members? Today, CBS correspondent Kimberly Dozier was critically wounded in Iraq. Her soundman and her cameraman were both killed along with an American soldier. Somewhere between 94 and 120 media members have been killed in the Iraq War. These people are doing a good job in an incredibly dangerous situation.
What makes this Memorial Day even sadder than usual is the fact that we are currently engaged in a senseless war and the body count grows higher every day. Currently over 2400 US soldiers have died in the Iraq War. Thousands more have been injured and maimed. Was it neccessary?
Of course it wasn't. There were no "weapons of mass destruction" & Saddam was not a threat to us. Now we are just invaders and occupiers trying to force our kind of government on Iraq, and it can never succeed. As soon as we leave, the Iraqi's will get rid of our puppet government and install whatever they want. This will happen whether we leave tomorrow or stay another 10 years.
But none of this is the fault of our brave soldiers. Their courage and fortitude are beyond reproach. But the same cannot be said of our leadership. Our leaders have bungled this war from the very beginning and continue to do so.
We must demand that our leaders stop sacrificing our soldiers for access to a few barrels of oil. Let the Iraqi's determine their own future and sell their own oil. Bring all our soldiers home from Iraq immediately.
NOTE - For those who complain about media coverage of the war, do you really understand how dangerous it is for these media members? Today, CBS correspondent Kimberly Dozier was critically wounded in Iraq. Her soundman and her cameraman were both killed along with an American soldier. Somewhere between 94 and 120 media members have been killed in the Iraq War. These people are doing a good job in an incredibly dangerous situation.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Repubs Protect Dem [& Themselves]
Last week, the federal prosecutors got a search warrant to search the Congressional office of Rep. Jefferson [D-La.]. The search warrant was executed by the FBI. The warrant had been issued because the federal officers had Rep. Jefferson on tape accepting a $100,000 bribe. Sounds like a cut & dried criminal case, doesn't it?
Well, not to the republicans in Congress! They are incensed with the search and are demanding that the items seized be returned. Yes, these are the same republicans that have no problem with warrantless wiretaps on Americans. They are the same republicans who passed the Patriot Act giving the President enormous powers to snoop on other Americans. What has changed?
These republicans now say that because of the division of powers between the three branches of government, the Executive branch does not have the power to search the offices of members of the Congressional branch. This is a ridiculous argument. This is not a fight between branches of government. It is a criminal case. The federal officers followed the rules on this one and obtained a legal search warrant. No one is above the law in this country, not even members of Congress.
Since no one is above the law, and a legal warrant was obtained, why are the republicans sticking up for a democrat who has evidently broken the law? The answer is self-preservation. They don't care about Rep. Jefferson. They care about themselves. While this happens to be a democrat in trouble, the vast majority of people being investigated in Washington are republicans. If Jefferson's office can be searched, then their own offices can be searched. This is what worries them.
It is time that ALL government officials realize that no one is above the law in the United States. Being elected to office does not exempt anyone from having to obey the law. Check to see if your Congressman thinks he/she is immune to a legal search warrant. If he/she does, then punish them in November by voting for their opponent. You have the power. Use it.
Well, not to the republicans in Congress! They are incensed with the search and are demanding that the items seized be returned. Yes, these are the same republicans that have no problem with warrantless wiretaps on Americans. They are the same republicans who passed the Patriot Act giving the President enormous powers to snoop on other Americans. What has changed?
These republicans now say that because of the division of powers between the three branches of government, the Executive branch does not have the power to search the offices of members of the Congressional branch. This is a ridiculous argument. This is not a fight between branches of government. It is a criminal case. The federal officers followed the rules on this one and obtained a legal search warrant. No one is above the law in this country, not even members of Congress.
Since no one is above the law, and a legal warrant was obtained, why are the republicans sticking up for a democrat who has evidently broken the law? The answer is self-preservation. They don't care about Rep. Jefferson. They care about themselves. While this happens to be a democrat in trouble, the vast majority of people being investigated in Washington are republicans. If Jefferson's office can be searched, then their own offices can be searched. This is what worries them.
It is time that ALL government officials realize that no one is above the law in the United States. Being elected to office does not exempt anyone from having to obey the law. Check to see if your Congressman thinks he/she is immune to a legal search warrant. If he/she does, then punish them in November by voting for their opponent. You have the power. Use it.
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Net Neutrality In CD #24 [Texas]
Last week, the "Net Neutrality Act of 2006" was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill seeks to maintain a free and open internet with equal access to everyone. It seeks to stop an effort by some companies to go to a tiered-access system, where your access would be determined by the amout of money you pay - more money would mean more access. It could come up for a vote in the full house very soon.
A friend of mine recently e-mailed both candidates for Congress in Texas Congressional District #24. He only asked one question, "Where do you stand on net neutrality?" The e-mail was sent a couple of weeks ago, but the Marchant campaign still has not answered. Kenny Marchant is the republican incumbent in CD #24. Looks like he will be joining his rich buddies in opposing internet freedom.
Gary R. Page, the democratic challenger in CD #24, quickly answered the e-mail and made his views very clear. He says, "I support the Network Neutrality Act of 2006. I feel there are a great many things that are publically owned [by all Americans]. Some of those items that come to mind are the airwaves, electrical lines, phone lines and towers, aquifers, state and federal roads, federal lands, and open and free access to the internet. An open and free internet will maintain competition and spur innovation."
Looks like the choice is clear for internet users in CD #24. The democrat favors a free internet. The republican does not. I support Gary R. Page in his campaign for Congress and I urge all residents of CD #24 to do likewise.
NOTE - Over at Marc's Miscellany, it is reported that Marchant also opposes the extension of the Voting Rights Act. He was one of a group of southern congressmen that delayed a vote on extending the act. This guy has turned out to be a real embarrassment for the citizens of CD #24.
A friend of mine recently e-mailed both candidates for Congress in Texas Congressional District #24. He only asked one question, "Where do you stand on net neutrality?" The e-mail was sent a couple of weeks ago, but the Marchant campaign still has not answered. Kenny Marchant is the republican incumbent in CD #24. Looks like he will be joining his rich buddies in opposing internet freedom.
Gary R. Page, the democratic challenger in CD #24, quickly answered the e-mail and made his views very clear. He says, "I support the Network Neutrality Act of 2006. I feel there are a great many things that are publically owned [by all Americans]. Some of those items that come to mind are the airwaves, electrical lines, phone lines and towers, aquifers, state and federal roads, federal lands, and open and free access to the internet. An open and free internet will maintain competition and spur innovation."
Looks like the choice is clear for internet users in CD #24. The democrat favors a free internet. The republican does not. I support Gary R. Page in his campaign for Congress and I urge all residents of CD #24 to do likewise.
NOTE - Over at Marc's Miscellany, it is reported that Marchant also opposes the extension of the Voting Rights Act. He was one of a group of southern congressmen that delayed a vote on extending the act. This guy has turned out to be a real embarrassment for the citizens of CD #24.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Sen. Hutchison Is No Moderate
For years, I have been hearing that Kay Bailey Hutchison is a "moderate" republican. This image has mostly been built up during her campaigns, where she tries to position herself as the rational and moderate choice. Evidently, this ploy has worked, because that is how many in Texas view her. Is it true? Let's examine her voting pattern and see just where she falls on the political scale.
Senator Hutchison voted for the Iraqi War. Of course, many on both sides of the aisle made this mistake, but the senator still supports the war. She also voted for the "Patriot Act" and the extension of this act. It doesn't look good that she cannot identify an illegal war when she sees one, and is not upset at the government stomping on individual rights.
She has also supported all of Georgie's appropriation bills. She has helped Georgie take a surplus of over a trillion dollars and turn it into the largest deficit ever. When it comes to her voting patterns, financial responsibility seems to be of little concern to Senator Hutchison. She voted for Georgie's tax cuts, and voted against efforts to repeal those tax cuts. She also voted for the onerous republican bankruptcy bill.
But while voting to give more money to the richest Americans, she is not that generous with our veterans. Twice in 2005, she voted against providing more money for the care and treatment of our veterans. She doesn't mind paying to send our young people to war, but when they return home, they are on their own.
Senator Hutchison voted to support Georgie's "No Child Left Behind" education bill [which leaves a couple of million kids behind at last count], but voted against more money for our schools. In other words, she supports placing new mandates on our schools, but has no interest in funding those mandates. She also voted against a paltry $200 increase in pell grants for students seeking higher education.
She shows very little compassion for working people. In 2004, she voted against extending unemployment benefits, and in 2005, she voted against raising the minimum wage. To politicians like Hutchison, only their rich friends have a right to make a decent living.
Here are some of the other positions taken by Sen. Hutchison as shown by her senate votes:
* Voted against allowing Americans to purchase less expensive drugs from Canada and other places.
* Voted against allowing patients the right to sue insurance companies over decisions regarding their medical care.
* Voted for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prevent homosexuals from getting the same marriage rights as other Americans.
* Voted to allow drilling for oil/gas in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge.
* Voted for CAFTA [Central America Free Trade Agreement]. Evidently, NAFTA didn't hurt American workers enough for Sen. Hutchison, so now she wants CAFTA. Will she not be happy until all our jobs are gone?
* Voted for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would criminalize the desecration of the U.S. flag.
* Voted against bipartisan campaign reform in 2002.
* Voted for liability protection for the makers, importers, and sellers of firearms.
Finally we come to abortion. This is an area that helps Hutchison with the moderate image, because she is supposedly pro-choice. Let's see if her voting record supports the image. In 1999, she voted against an amendment that expressed support for the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court. In 2000, she voted against allowing military women and/or dependents to receive a privately-funded abortion in a military hospital overseas. In 2003, she voted to criminalize "partial-birth" abortions. In 2005, she voted against allocating $100 million to prevent unwanted pregnancies [including teen pregnancies]. If Senator Hutchison is a friend to the pro-choice forces, then they certainly don't need any enemies.
Senator Hutchison campaigns as a moderate, but her voting record shows that she is not. She is a member of the radical right fundamentalists that are taking this country down the wrong path. Don't listen to her soft campaign words. Look at her voting record. That is where the truth lies.
Senator Hutchison voted for the Iraqi War. Of course, many on both sides of the aisle made this mistake, but the senator still supports the war. She also voted for the "Patriot Act" and the extension of this act. It doesn't look good that she cannot identify an illegal war when she sees one, and is not upset at the government stomping on individual rights.
She has also supported all of Georgie's appropriation bills. She has helped Georgie take a surplus of over a trillion dollars and turn it into the largest deficit ever. When it comes to her voting patterns, financial responsibility seems to be of little concern to Senator Hutchison. She voted for Georgie's tax cuts, and voted against efforts to repeal those tax cuts. She also voted for the onerous republican bankruptcy bill.
But while voting to give more money to the richest Americans, she is not that generous with our veterans. Twice in 2005, she voted against providing more money for the care and treatment of our veterans. She doesn't mind paying to send our young people to war, but when they return home, they are on their own.
Senator Hutchison voted to support Georgie's "No Child Left Behind" education bill [which leaves a couple of million kids behind at last count], but voted against more money for our schools. In other words, she supports placing new mandates on our schools, but has no interest in funding those mandates. She also voted against a paltry $200 increase in pell grants for students seeking higher education.
She shows very little compassion for working people. In 2004, she voted against extending unemployment benefits, and in 2005, she voted against raising the minimum wage. To politicians like Hutchison, only their rich friends have a right to make a decent living.
Here are some of the other positions taken by Sen. Hutchison as shown by her senate votes:
* Voted against allowing Americans to purchase less expensive drugs from Canada and other places.
* Voted against allowing patients the right to sue insurance companies over decisions regarding their medical care.
* Voted for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would prevent homosexuals from getting the same marriage rights as other Americans.
* Voted to allow drilling for oil/gas in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge.
* Voted for CAFTA [Central America Free Trade Agreement]. Evidently, NAFTA didn't hurt American workers enough for Sen. Hutchison, so now she wants CAFTA. Will she not be happy until all our jobs are gone?
* Voted for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would criminalize the desecration of the U.S. flag.
* Voted against bipartisan campaign reform in 2002.
* Voted for liability protection for the makers, importers, and sellers of firearms.
Finally we come to abortion. This is an area that helps Hutchison with the moderate image, because she is supposedly pro-choice. Let's see if her voting record supports the image. In 1999, she voted against an amendment that expressed support for the Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court. In 2000, she voted against allowing military women and/or dependents to receive a privately-funded abortion in a military hospital overseas. In 2003, she voted to criminalize "partial-birth" abortions. In 2005, she voted against allocating $100 million to prevent unwanted pregnancies [including teen pregnancies]. If Senator Hutchison is a friend to the pro-choice forces, then they certainly don't need any enemies.
Senator Hutchison campaigns as a moderate, but her voting record shows that she is not. She is a member of the radical right fundamentalists that are taking this country down the wrong path. Don't listen to her soft campaign words. Look at her voting record. That is where the truth lies.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Lay & Skilling Found Guilty
I must have been very good this year - really really good, because I keep getting these wonderful presents and it's not even Christmas! Maybe I'm dreaming. If so, DON'T wake me up. Let me list these wonderful gifts:
* Randy "Duke" Cunningham is convicted of accepting bribes and sentenced to a prison term.
* Jake Abramoff and several underlings are convicted of illegal lobbying efforts.
* Tom DeLay is indicted and several of his aides convicted for misusing campaign funds. DeLay also has to resign his leadership position, and finally his house seat.
* "Scooter" Libby is arrested for lying to a grand jury [and now it looks like Cheney may have to testify at the trial].
* Congressman Bob Ney is being investigated by federal prosecutors and the House Ethics Committee, and it looks like charges may be forthcoming.
* Sen. Frist is accused of "insider trading" of stocks. Still unknown if charges will come.
As if these gifts weren't wonderful enough, today there were more. It was just announced today in Houston that Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling [leaders of Enron Corp.] have been found guilty on all their charges. The jury deliberated 6 days before finally finding both men guilty. They could now get 20-30 years in prison, and they certainly deserve it. Kudos to the Houston jury.
It looks like the wheels are coming off of the republican wagon. I can hardly wait to see which greedy republican will be next. Personally, I'm hoping it's Karl Rove.
* Randy "Duke" Cunningham is convicted of accepting bribes and sentenced to a prison term.
* Jake Abramoff and several underlings are convicted of illegal lobbying efforts.
* Tom DeLay is indicted and several of his aides convicted for misusing campaign funds. DeLay also has to resign his leadership position, and finally his house seat.
* "Scooter" Libby is arrested for lying to a grand jury [and now it looks like Cheney may have to testify at the trial].
* Congressman Bob Ney is being investigated by federal prosecutors and the House Ethics Committee, and it looks like charges may be forthcoming.
* Sen. Frist is accused of "insider trading" of stocks. Still unknown if charges will come.
As if these gifts weren't wonderful enough, today there were more. It was just announced today in Houston that Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling [leaders of Enron Corp.] have been found guilty on all their charges. The jury deliberated 6 days before finally finding both men guilty. They could now get 20-30 years in prison, and they certainly deserve it. Kudos to the Houston jury.
It looks like the wheels are coming off of the republican wagon. I can hardly wait to see which greedy republican will be next. Personally, I'm hoping it's Karl Rove.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Senator Bentsen
Senator Lloyd Bentsen is dead at the age of 85. I know he was a congressman, Treasury Secretary, Vice-Presidential candidate, etc., but I will always remember him as Senator Bentsen. The title just always seemed to fit him. Bentsen was not like many modern politicians who condemn anyone who doesn't agree with them. The Senator was intelligent, soft-spoken, and dignified [qualities more politicians could use].
I did not always agree with Senator Bentsen, but I always respected him. He was an honest man who did his best for the people of Texas. He will be missed.
I did not always agree with Senator Bentsen, but I always respected him. He was an honest man who did his best for the people of Texas. He will be missed.
Sometimes We Talk Sports
This blog mostly discusses politics, both local and national. But I have to admit to being sort of a sports nut. So don't be surprised if I can't help myself every now and then and blog a little about sports [especially my beloved Cowboys]. I say all this in order to issue the following alert - World Cup Soccer is almost here.
I am not a rabid soccer fan, but there's something special about the World Cup. I just love it! The first game will be played on June 9th. The United States team is scheduled to play on June 12th, June 17th, and June 22nd. These games will determine whether the US can advance to the second round, and that is by no means a sure thing.
The US has a very good team - maybe the best team we have ever had. But we are also in a very tough group. Both Italy and the Czech Republic are in our group. Both are great soccer teams, but one of them will have to go down if the US is to advance. Whatever happens, it should be a lot of fun.
NOTE - June 9th is also the date the State Democratic Convention opens in Fort Worth. Looks like it'll be a busy weekend for those of us who love both politics and sports.
I am not a rabid soccer fan, but there's something special about the World Cup. I just love it! The first game will be played on June 9th. The United States team is scheduled to play on June 12th, June 17th, and June 22nd. These games will determine whether the US can advance to the second round, and that is by no means a sure thing.
The US has a very good team - maybe the best team we have ever had. But we are also in a very tough group. Both Italy and the Czech Republic are in our group. Both are great soccer teams, but one of them will have to go down if the US is to advance. Whatever happens, it should be a lot of fun.
NOTE - June 9th is also the date the State Democratic Convention opens in Fort Worth. Looks like it'll be a busy weekend for those of us who love both politics and sports.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Mavs / Spurs - A Great Series !
Well, it's over now, and the Mavericks have won 119-111, but what a great series it was. It was only fitting that it couldn't even be decided in regulation, needing an overtime period to decide the winner. These are two great teams who both played hard and with a lot of heart. As Popovitch said before the game, if they played 20 games it would probably finish 10-10. In fact, these may be the two best teams in the NBA - it's too bad they had to meet this early in the playoffs.
The Spurs have been there before, but this is a really big deal for the Mavs. It was like the Spurs were the 500 lb monkey on the Mavs back. They could not claim to be a great team until they had taken the Spurs 4 out of 7. Now they have done it. And now they must win two more series.
It would be easy for the Mavs to let up after such a hard-fought series, but I don't think Avery Johnson will let that happen. He's really done a great job so far. Can a coach really win the NBA championship in his first full year as coach? It's going to be fun to find out.
It's sad San Antonio is out for this year already, but they played great and they're a class organization. There's no doubt they'll be back among the best next year. I look forward to the future Mavs/Spurs battles.
The Spurs have been there before, but this is a really big deal for the Mavs. It was like the Spurs were the 500 lb monkey on the Mavs back. They could not claim to be a great team until they had taken the Spurs 4 out of 7. Now they have done it. And now they must win two more series.
It would be easy for the Mavs to let up after such a hard-fought series, but I don't think Avery Johnson will let that happen. He's really done a great job so far. Can a coach really win the NBA championship in his first full year as coach? It's going to be fun to find out.
It's sad San Antonio is out for this year already, but they played great and they're a class organization. There's no doubt they'll be back among the best next year. I look forward to the future Mavs/Spurs battles.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Baghdad ER
Last week there was a minor controversy when some top military leaders came out against the showing of HBO's new documentary Baghdad ER. They claimed it could hurt some American soldiers by causing a flare-up of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since this didn't seem very likely, I dismissed the story as silly and didn't think anymore about it. I saw the show tonight and I now understand why they didn't want the show to air.
It's not the soldiers these people are worried about seeing this show. Our brave soldiers have seen the worst things imaginable and endured incredible hardships. No TV show can match the horrors they've experienced. But there is another group that could be swayed by a well-made documentary like this one - VOTERS!
Many in leadership positions, both military and government, still remember when TV began to show nightly pictures of the pain, suffering and hopeless of our position in Vietnam. It did not take long before opposition to the war began to grow rapidly. Georgie and his henchmen understand this, and it scares the hell out of them.
Since the beginning of the war, they have tried to keep this kind of information from the public. That is why they ban reporters and pictures when the coffins of dead soldiers are returned to the U.S.. They are trying to keep as many of the "bad pictures" from the public as they can. Fox News trys to help Georgie by parroting his lies, but even that won't help Georgie if the truth comes out elsewhere.
What tiny bit of credibility Georgie has left is tied up in the Iraq War. HBO's documentary comes at a bad time for him. With the public already turning against the war, Georgie cannot afford for the people to be told a little truth. But HBO has done it anyway.
The show is both powerful and graphic. I recommend you see it. It won't hurt any soldiers, but it might change some minds about Iraq. I hope so.
It's not the soldiers these people are worried about seeing this show. Our brave soldiers have seen the worst things imaginable and endured incredible hardships. No TV show can match the horrors they've experienced. But there is another group that could be swayed by a well-made documentary like this one - VOTERS!
Many in leadership positions, both military and government, still remember when TV began to show nightly pictures of the pain, suffering and hopeless of our position in Vietnam. It did not take long before opposition to the war began to grow rapidly. Georgie and his henchmen understand this, and it scares the hell out of them.
Since the beginning of the war, they have tried to keep this kind of information from the public. That is why they ban reporters and pictures when the coffins of dead soldiers are returned to the U.S.. They are trying to keep as many of the "bad pictures" from the public as they can. Fox News trys to help Georgie by parroting his lies, but even that won't help Georgie if the truth comes out elsewhere.
What tiny bit of credibility Georgie has left is tied up in the Iraq War. HBO's documentary comes at a bad time for him. With the public already turning against the war, Georgie cannot afford for the people to be told a little truth. But HBO has done it anyway.
The show is both powerful and graphic. I recommend you see it. It won't hurt any soldiers, but it might change some minds about Iraq. I hope so.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Apology To Commenters
I apologize to anyone who has tried to comment on this blog in the last day or so and has been unable to do it. We've been having trouble with a spammer. I'm afraid I blew my top and in my haste to delete and block the spammer, I accidently deactivated the comment section. I guess that shows you what a computer idiot I truly am. Anyway, I believe the problem is fixed now. If anyone does have a problem posting a comment, please e-mail me at jobsanger@hotmail.com. Once again, I am sorry this happened.
Thanks to Matt for pointing out my blunder! I appreciate it.
Thanks to Matt for pointing out my blunder! I appreciate it.
Community Responds To Agg-Town Fights
Last week, I discussed the videos being sold showing teens fighting and entitled Agg-Townz Fights 1 and Agg-Townz Fights 2. The videos were being made and sold by a teen gang in Arlington [the street slang name for Arlington is Agg-Town]. Police learned of the criminal scheme when the filmmakers orchestrated a vicious attack on a 16 year-old, sending him to the hospital. At that time, 5 people were arrested - 4 adults and a 14 year-old.
There has now been a sixth arrest. Last sunday, Arlington police arrested a 16 year-old and took him to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. He was the last person being sought in connection with the assault that hospitalized a youth.
The Arlington Police Department has also declared a zero tolerance policy toward youth fights in an effort to get a handle on this situation. A few days ago, police arrested a 15 year-old and a 16 year-old for fighting at Seguin High School. They also arrested nine teens for being spectators.
Mayor Robert Cluck has announced that Arlington would expand youth programs and activities. He has asked Arlington Parks & Recreation officials to get together and come up with ideas on how this can be done. He also said he would be getting together with civic and church leaders to get their ideas.
Last week at Bowie High School, several hundred parents met with city and police officials to be briefed on the situation. They were warned about how teens are using [or misusing] modern technology. They were also told to be aware of where their kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with. The Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington also held a well-attended community meeting on this subject.
This is an extremely serious situation, and I am glad to see the community of Arlington responding in a serious and appropriate manner. I wish them much success in their efforts. The true measure of a community is in how it reacts to the bad things that happen. There is a long way to go, but Arlington has made a good start on solving this problem.
There has now been a sixth arrest. Last sunday, Arlington police arrested a 16 year-old and took him to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. He was the last person being sought in connection with the assault that hospitalized a youth.
The Arlington Police Department has also declared a zero tolerance policy toward youth fights in an effort to get a handle on this situation. A few days ago, police arrested a 15 year-old and a 16 year-old for fighting at Seguin High School. They also arrested nine teens for being spectators.
Mayor Robert Cluck has announced that Arlington would expand youth programs and activities. He has asked Arlington Parks & Recreation officials to get together and come up with ideas on how this can be done. He also said he would be getting together with civic and church leaders to get their ideas.
Last week at Bowie High School, several hundred parents met with city and police officials to be briefed on the situation. They were warned about how teens are using [or misusing] modern technology. They were also told to be aware of where their kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with. The Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington also held a well-attended community meeting on this subject.
This is an extremely serious situation, and I am glad to see the community of Arlington responding in a serious and appropriate manner. I wish them much success in their efforts. The true measure of a community is in how it reacts to the bad things that happen. There is a long way to go, but Arlington has made a good start on solving this problem.
11 Quick Thoughts On Immigration
I submit the following thoughts on immigration for your perusal:
1. There are no indigenous groups of people in the United States. All of our ancestors originally came from somewhere else. It is true that "native americans" got here a few thousand years before the rest of us, but they also came from somewhere else. In fact, scientists tell us that the only place on earth truly indigenous to humans is Africa. Every person in the world can trace his/her ancestry back to Africa where humanity started.
2. Many who complain today about illegal immigration had ancestors who entered this country illegally. I know it is a popular myth that everyone in the past entered legally through Ellis Island. This is simply not true. In fact, it was much easier in the past to enter illegally than it is today.
3. The current immigration debate is bigoted in nature. It has to be. Otherwise, we would not just be concentrating on our southern border where those "brown-skinned" people are coming in. We have a much longer border with Canada, but few resources are allocated to protect our northern border. Could it be because most Canadians are "white"?
4. When politicians say they want to secure our southern border so the "terrorists" can't enter, they are not being truthful. They are simply playing the terrorist card to further their own bigotry. Crossing our southern border is far too difficult and dangerous for terrorist entry. Only those poor and destitute people who have no choice will attempt this rigorous journey. Most terrorists who enter this country do so through our many international airports. All they need is a decent set of papers [and they have the money and knowledge to do this]. Even without papers, it is much easier and less dangerous to simply walk across the Canadian border.
5. A fence sounds good to many in this country, but it just will not work. As long as the opportunity to work exists, people will cross our southern border. Fences traditionally do not work. The Great Wall of China did not keep their enemies out. The Berlin Wall did not keep the Germans in. A fence between Mexico and the U.S. is a waste of money and effort.
6. Putting the National Guard on our southern border is just silly. Their ranks have been decimated by the Iraq War and new enlistments are at an all-time low. They have also not been properly trained for the duties they will be expected to perform on the border. A few years ago, army units were sent to help patrol the border. They were withdrawn after a soldier shot and killed an unarmed person. We seem to have short memories in this country.
7. The "minutemen" are an embarrassment to us all. They patrol with their guns and confederate flags, unashamed of their bigotry. Surely these aren't the people we want representing us at the border. They should be sent home.
8. The debate over the National Anthem being sung in spanish is a false one. Georgie said it should be sung in English, but he didn't mind singing along to the anthem in spanish while he was on the campaign trail. No one else seemed to mind it at that time either.
9. Georgie's "guest worker" proposal sounds an awful lot like indentured servitude to me. These workers will be brought in to work for less-than-decent wages and will have none of the protections American workers have. If they complain about employer abuse, they will be deported. Slavery was outlawed in this country, but it looks like Georgie wants to reinstitute it.
10. There is a simple and effective way to cut off illegal immigration in this country. Cut off the jobs. Send a few employers to prison and fine them heavily, and make sure the rest know it will also happen to them if they hire illegal workers. When there are no jobs for illegals, they will stop coming. As long as there are jobs, nothing can keep them out.
11. Hilary Clinton voted in favor of building the fence on our southern border. Does she have any credibility left as a liberal?
1. There are no indigenous groups of people in the United States. All of our ancestors originally came from somewhere else. It is true that "native americans" got here a few thousand years before the rest of us, but they also came from somewhere else. In fact, scientists tell us that the only place on earth truly indigenous to humans is Africa. Every person in the world can trace his/her ancestry back to Africa where humanity started.
2. Many who complain today about illegal immigration had ancestors who entered this country illegally. I know it is a popular myth that everyone in the past entered legally through Ellis Island. This is simply not true. In fact, it was much easier in the past to enter illegally than it is today.
3. The current immigration debate is bigoted in nature. It has to be. Otherwise, we would not just be concentrating on our southern border where those "brown-skinned" people are coming in. We have a much longer border with Canada, but few resources are allocated to protect our northern border. Could it be because most Canadians are "white"?
4. When politicians say they want to secure our southern border so the "terrorists" can't enter, they are not being truthful. They are simply playing the terrorist card to further their own bigotry. Crossing our southern border is far too difficult and dangerous for terrorist entry. Only those poor and destitute people who have no choice will attempt this rigorous journey. Most terrorists who enter this country do so through our many international airports. All they need is a decent set of papers [and they have the money and knowledge to do this]. Even without papers, it is much easier and less dangerous to simply walk across the Canadian border.
5. A fence sounds good to many in this country, but it just will not work. As long as the opportunity to work exists, people will cross our southern border. Fences traditionally do not work. The Great Wall of China did not keep their enemies out. The Berlin Wall did not keep the Germans in. A fence between Mexico and the U.S. is a waste of money and effort.
6. Putting the National Guard on our southern border is just silly. Their ranks have been decimated by the Iraq War and new enlistments are at an all-time low. They have also not been properly trained for the duties they will be expected to perform on the border. A few years ago, army units were sent to help patrol the border. They were withdrawn after a soldier shot and killed an unarmed person. We seem to have short memories in this country.
7. The "minutemen" are an embarrassment to us all. They patrol with their guns and confederate flags, unashamed of their bigotry. Surely these aren't the people we want representing us at the border. They should be sent home.
8. The debate over the National Anthem being sung in spanish is a false one. Georgie said it should be sung in English, but he didn't mind singing along to the anthem in spanish while he was on the campaign trail. No one else seemed to mind it at that time either.
9. Georgie's "guest worker" proposal sounds an awful lot like indentured servitude to me. These workers will be brought in to work for less-than-decent wages and will have none of the protections American workers have. If they complain about employer abuse, they will be deported. Slavery was outlawed in this country, but it looks like Georgie wants to reinstitute it.
10. There is a simple and effective way to cut off illegal immigration in this country. Cut off the jobs. Send a few employers to prison and fine them heavily, and make sure the rest know it will also happen to them if they hire illegal workers. When there are no jobs for illegals, they will stop coming. As long as there are jobs, nothing can keep them out.
11. Hilary Clinton voted in favor of building the fence on our southern border. Does she have any credibility left as a liberal?
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