U.S Helps Establish A Theocracy?

Appears Iraq's new constitution has run into some unexpected bumps and delays. A draft of the new Iraqi constitution currently under construction would have Islam as the main source, the basis for law in Iraq. This is much different than the model set down by U.S. authorities. The "sharia", or Islamic law would be the rule of the day. The U.S. had previously stated that Islam could be a "source" of the constitution, but not the "basis." Wow, to think that the U.S. might be on the verge of starting a theocracy! What does this mean? For one thing, women would lose many of their civil rights. It could also move Iraq in a direction much different than that envisioned by the Bush Administration. Iraq would be no different than Iran or any other theocratic society. And the future will have Bush and the U.S to thank.
But, when you think about it, it isn't much different than what the radical Republican agenda has for America. Allow the religious right to run the government and the U.S. too could become a theocracy. Fade the division between church and state, and who knows what the future of the U.S. holds.
History will certainly be an interesting read, not only for what happens in Iraq, but also what happens in the U.S. Perhaps this is what the founding fathers thought would happen if a religion was established is the U.S. The Bush Administration never fathomed the surmounting problems in Iraq. One problem after the other. Not the simple conquer, occupy, and re-establish Bush thought of. And perhaps the Republicans have no idea what allowing religion to play such a major part in secular politics can have.

No Psychological?

I guess the examination does not include a psychological/psychiatric evaluation.....No way he would have passed!

Life's A Beach

Oh those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! What's a girl to do?

Thank You, Music

I am sitting here now listening to jazz artist, Wayman Tisdale. He's a 6'4, 300 lb. former basketball player, who plays the bass guitar like I have never heard before. I like all kinds of music, depending on my mood at the time. I go from Jazz to Country to good ol' fashion Gay Dance (as I like to call it). But I just have to say "Thank You, Music. You make my day. You lift me up when down...or bring me down when a bit too up." Music amazes me. Just think about it: all the millions of songs made each year, maybe even each day or week, and no 2 exactly alike. What is there, 8 notes? (I am not a musician). And the combination of these notes, "infinitessable"! Music is better than any drug developed, better than any liquor created. (Although these can add to the "feel" of the music). A world without music would be pretty dull. Give me my music!

Some People Are Just Too Friggin' Much

A teenage boy was shot in Atlantic City early friday morning. The Press of Atlantic City (Saturday, 7/30/05) is now reporting that the man police are looking for, Antoine McCall, Pleasantville, chased down and shot the 17 year old simply because he was from the same neighborhood as some people involved in an earlier fight. The boy was not involved in that earlier fight, but McCall wanted to get revenge on the neighborhood that was involved in the fight. So the boy became the target at the time.
I am sorry, but some people do not deserve to live! What a reason to shoot someone! (Not that there really is any good reason). To seek revenge against a neighborhood. So, take a gun and shoot anyone who happens to be from that neighborhood. How ridiculous!
But this is the norm anymore. If someone doesn't like someone, is offended by someone, is pissed off at someone, or just feels like having fun, shot them! Go buy a gun, if you don't already have one, and simply shoot the person. Pretty easy, isn't it? Or so it seems.
I go back and forth on the death penalty. But more and more I believe there are people on this earth, that for whatever reason, are plain and simply BAD, and do not deserve to live. There is not a thing you can do to stop them or cure them. I don't know the reason why someone turns out BAD, but some just do. Maybe they're just "bad seeds." And then it's too late. Catch the likes of Mr. McCall, put him in jail, try to rehabilitate him (even though this does not really occur in prison), but the Mr. McCalls of the world will again shoot and kill.
I don't know the answers. If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here right now. But something has to be done about the violence on our streets. It is absolutely absurd at how easy it is to shoot, stab, and kill.
By the way, the 17 year old boy was not killed. He is however, in the trauma unit of a local hospital, indicating major injury. Hopefully he come out alive.

Fox To Investigate American Idol Affair...Better Late Than Never?

FOX TV has hired an independent counsel to determine if there is any truth to the allegations that judge Paula Abdul had an affair with then contestant Corey Clark. First of all, I could really care less! Both are adults. Clark quit the contest, the reason still not really known. So big deal!
What I find more interesting is that these allegations occurred in April,when the contest was in full swing. Heaven forbid if FOX investigated the allegations then. What about the show? What about FOX's ratings? So now, months after the show ended, FOX has decided to investigate the allegations. FOX refused to answer what will happen if the allegations are founded. Auditions for the upcoming season start in August, with the show beginning in the fall. Is there more in FOX's timing? What great publicity for the upcoming season?

Beware The Robins!

SO, appears it's not the nasty crow afterall that is the potential source of West Nile Virus. It very well could be the beloved, cute little Robin that is all over the place. What to do now? Shoot all the Robins? Should be pretty easy. It'd be like hunting and shooting squirrels....they're a dime a dozen.

God Works In Mysterious Ways...depending on one's perspective

BEWARE! What I'm about to say may shock some: perhaps God sent the lightening bolt down that struck and killed a boy scout leader and scout. Maybe it was because of the Boy Scouts of America discriminatory policies? Perhaps it was because of the amount of sexual abuse done by boy scout leaders? Who knows?
CALM DOWN! I do not for a moment believe that. But, if it had been a group of gays participating in an outing that got struck by the lightning, you can be sure religious leader across this country (not all, but quite a few) would be saying, or at least thinking, that God was dishing out some good old fashion justice! Well, why is that when some natural disasters happen, it's God causing it, and when others occur, it's God who stops it, indicating it wasn't God who caused the disaster in the first place? I guess it just depends on one's perspective.
Let's face it. Bad things just happen. There is no rhyme nor reason behind them. SHIT HAPPENS is how I believe we best put it. And if God is in control, then I guess no matter what happens, God is causing it. Or no, is he just allowing it to happen? Again, who knows? I sure don't, nor does Jerry Fallwell, Pat Robertson, or any other human being on the face of this earth.
So let's stop trying to think we are smarter than God by explaining events in terms of God doing or not doing it.

Bush Says It & It's Done?

When George Bush made up the scenario to invade Iraq, most believed it. Bush said the US needed to invade Iraq to get rid of the menace and threat (to the US), Saddam Hussein. Although debated, very few with any power fought against Bush's decision. 9-11 had recently happened, the US was taking care of the terrorists in Afghanistan, and to voice an opinion against invading Iraq was viewed as unpatriotic. So invade Iraq was what the US did.
Then, one infamous morning on a battleship, Bush said, "Mission accomplished!" Most believed him. US citizens rejoiced because in their minds, the war was just about over and US soldiers would be coming home. I am sure soldiers and their families felt the same way. But guess what? The "mission" was far from over.
A little over a month ago, Bush addressed the country. He said that there was no end in sight. The US would stay in Iraq as long as it takes. No benchmarks, no goals, no hope. And again, most believed Bush. Most have accepted what Bush said and are no longer pushing for any end to the war.
The war continues. Sometimes it almost seems like it is just a normal part of life. The media reports casualties on a daily basis, but somehow it just doesn't have the same impact it did in the beginning of the war. Hurricanes, missing people, the space shuttle all take the lead story over Iraq.
But people continue to die in Iraq. Americans, Iraqis, and people from all over the world die every single day in Iraq. And is the end in sight? Not at all. There are no indicators whatsoever that the US will leave Iraq anytime soon. Where is the outrage? Where is the anger that US men and women are dying over an exaggerated imagination and personal desire of our president? Where are the people in power who were afraid to speak against invading Iraq in the first place? They should be pushing this down Bush's throat everyday. And, where is the media? Why is the media so complacent to not challenge the Bush Adminstration?
The only hope I think we have for leaving Iraq will come in 2008, the next presidential election. If the citizens of the US are fed up enough with Iraq by then, a president advocating the withdrawl of troops from Iraq will be elected. If the citizens of the US continue their complacency, then a president who will "stay the course" will be elected in 2008. The election of 2008 will more than likely become a referendum on the war in Iraq and the future of US troops in Iraq. Until then, unless something miraculous occurs, the US will remain in Iraq, and more will die there.

Progressive Democrats of America Update

An update of the Progressive Democrats of America.......Downing Street Memo public forums across the country; Rove-Gate and the DSM; Roe v. Wade and the new Supreme Court nominee; and more.

Fight Terrorism at Home, But Use Caution & Good judgment

I have to admit after hearing about the man shot in London who was "directly linked" with the July 7, 2005 London subway and bus bombings, my first reaction was, "shoot 'em all!" I, like many, felt that this is what should happen to those animals that caused such devastation, as well as for those who continue to commit such crimes. But now it has been announced that the man that was shot had absolutely nothing to do with the bombings. And it has not been reported whether the man had actually done anything illegal. Was he shot simply because of his nationality or color? Was there really just cause for his death? Seems like a great overreaction by the police. (I am not judging the police in this situation. I was not there and do not know what actually transpired). Was this just vengence for the July 7 bombings?
I think we all feel that rush of anger and wish to see justice done, maybe even to the extent of revenge, when a wrong has been done. We are living in a world of fear. One never knows when such an event like 9-11 or the London bombings, or the Egyptian resort bombing will happen again. We're living on edge. We want protection, and we want everything done to make sure we are as safe as possible. But, is judging, or should I say, prejudging someone, the right thing to do? Just because someone is of a different nationality or religion, maybe even a nationality or religion in which a great majority hate America, does that give anyone the right to assume that person is a terrorist?
In our fight to stop terrorism and to protect US citizens here and around the world, one must use caution and good judgement. We cannot allow our human nature to revenge and get even to cause a deadly mistake like that in London. During the recent US debate on extending the Patriot Act such discussion ensued. We must protect the civil rights of all Americans while protecting the safety of all Americans. This is NOT an easy measure, but one that must be done with good judgement. Let us not give up our freedoms, put innocent people under suspicion, and make this country one under martial law.

T.O.-Please SHUT UP & Sit Down!

So, T.O. says he'll be in training camp, "But I won't be happy, I can tell you that much! Take from that whatever you want." On a Comcast sports network T.O. vowed that "its not going to be a good situation" if he has to go into training camp with his contract unchanged. Poor, poor T.O.! Guess he realizes the penalty for not showing up to training camp will cost him lots of money. And, he has to worry about his family. You know what my solution to the situation is? If T.O. does not perform up to par, he simply sits out, if necessary for the season. Then, maybe after his reputation is ruined, he can be traded next year. Or, maybe even wait until his contract with the Eagles is up.

Two Boys Executed In Iran For Being GAY

It has been reported by Michael Rogers of PageOneQ.com that 2 Iranian boys have been lashed 228 times and hanged for sexual crimes-being gay. (This has been confirmed by other news sources). I was going to write something about this, then decided not to because it is such a sickening thing. I am not going to say much about it but this: If there is a Heaven, these boys and others who have to experience such hatred, brutality, and injustice should be in the best spot there.

LAUGH A LITTLE

Laugh with Mark Fiore...............http://www.sfgate.com/comics/fiore/

The White House Becoming The New Clinton For Candidates?

Remember when Al Gore was running for President in 2000? He stayed as far away from Bill Clinton as possible, not wanting his quest for president to be tarnished by association with Bill's personal life. (Perhaps that was a big mistake made by Mr. Gore). Seems now that the same thing is happening with George Bush, especially in NJ.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Forrester had a campaign fundraiser scheduled for this Friday which included a visit by Dick Cheney. It didn't take the Democrats long to jump on that one. The Bush Administration is quickly becoming very unpopular in NJ, and the Forrester campaign quickly pulled the announcement that Cheney would be attending the fundraiser from its website. The Forrester campaign claims that it is not ashamed of Cheney, but rather that Cheney never confirmed his appearance.
Forrester's reliance on national GOP support has come under heavy fire in NJ, especially in light of the alleged Karl Rove leakage. US Senator Frank Lautenberg had earlier started a petition drive asking Forrester to return the "blood money" raised with the help of Rove. Forrester started the tit-for-tat when he accused Senator John Corzine, Democratic gubernatorial candidate of links to corruption in the Democratic party.
Oh the games of politics!

Bush Vows To Fire Anyone Committing A Crime In White House Leak

So, Bush has vowed to fire anyone who has committed a crime in connection to the leak of CIA agent Valerie Blame (That could possibly mean Karl Rove). But don't be so satisfied with the answer. It's another Bush word game. Bush said anyone who has committed a crime. Most feel that even if Rove leaked the name of Blame, it was probably not criminal. Unethical maybe, but not criminal. And we know Bush doesn't care about ethics! Or will he, if the pressure is tough enough!

Another Enemy Amongst Us? Rick Santorum Aid.

Robert Traynham, anti-gay Senator Rick Santorum's main spokesman and deputy chief of staff, has told a Washington blog that he is gay. Traynham also stated that he stands by his boss. Supposedly Traynham is out to Santorum, one of the biggest supporters, and leading sponsor of the Federal Marriage Amendment. How, Mr. Traynham, can you work with and support someone who considers you second class? Join me and other gay rights activists in adding Mr. Traynham to the list of enemies of decent gay Americans!

Thanks Again, George!

Thank you again, Mr. President. At least another 60, dead and as many as 100 injured! Everytime someone dies in Iraq, especially American men and women, thank our president!

Two Simple Solutions To The World's Problems

I am a country music fan. (Well, today's country, not necessarily the "twangy" stuff my dad listened to). The lyrics of the songs are pretty simplistic, not alot to think about. The songs don't have any hidden, indepth meaning to them. They say what they mean. As for the problems of the world, 2 country songs give a very simple solution.
Terry Clarks says, "I Think The World Needs A Drink.": "Turn on the TV; more crime on the streets; More trouble in the Middle East an'fires out west, Politicians flingin dirt; got dissension in the church....I think the world needs a drink; I think enough's enough. She's been spinnin around so long, I'd say she's pretty wound up. Calm down, sit back, relax, Tear up the contracts an' save the ink: Yeah, I think the world needs a drink."
And Hank Williams, Jr. (That's him, the "Are You Ready For Some Football?"), sings, "Why Can't We All Just Get A Long(neck)?". "This crime in the city streets. Always trouble in the Middle East. How'd they let things get so outta hand? Just watchin the tv news that would give anyone the blues. The more I know, I think the less I understand. Oh why can't we all just get a long...(neck)? And make a toast to peace and harmony? Why, why can't we all just get a long....(neck)? And see how good gettin along might be?"
Oh, if it could be that simple. George Bush, Tony Blair, and President Hussein (in times previous), sitting in a London pub having a Guiness and discussing the WMD. But, they'd probably fight over what to drink. Then there'd be a barroom brawl. But then, maybe that's how things out to be solved!

Where Are They Now?

Victor Edward Willis, the original policeman of The Village People, was arrested by the real police in Daly City, just south of San Francisco. A gun and drugs were found in the "policeman's" car, and he went from Macho, Macho Man to suspect. Willis also did not have a valid drivers license or ID, and first lied about his name and residence. He said something about living at the Y.M.C.A.