And We're Surprised (Things Are So Messed Up)!?

Almost not a day or week has gone by since the beginning of the war in Iraq that we have not seen on the news how things have been royally screwed up! We are constantly reminded how incompetent those in charge have been. We have also seen how things were handled in domestic situations such as Hurricane Katrina. And we wonder why?

George W. is one of the biggest baffoons ever to lead this country. I previously said after the 2004 elections that Americans deserved what they get in the coming years. Unlike my friend Pax Romano, I am not resolved to "stop saying to people who voted for Bush, "Told Ya' So!!!". I will never stop saying to those who put Bush into office for a second term, "I Told YOU so!" Morons and assholes! They elected this idiot and they deserve exactly what they have gotten!

Here's a man who said "mistakes were made", but "Mybad..........OH well!" Bush has been responsible for the death of thousands and he can simply say, "MyBad....OH well!" If he were a man, he'd take responsibility for his mistakes and resign. If Bush was a Samuri warrior responsible for the unnecessary death of thousands, he commit harikari. If you or I mistakenly killed one individual, we'd be charged with manslaughter at least.

So why do we sit in amazement when we hear how incompetent George W. is. A moron will always be found out eventually!

It's About Time Congress Steps Up To Bat!

"The Constitution makes Congress a coequal branch of government. It's time we start acting like it." This is what Senator Russell Feingold (D-Wis.) said at a hearing today on Congress' war powers. Senator Arlen Spector (R-Pa) stated that, " I would suggest respectfully to the president that he is not the sole decider (about what happens in the Iraq War)," and that "The decider is a shared and joint responsibility."

For too long, with the Republican controlled House and Senate, whatever George W. has decided has occurred with little or no debate, and certainly no contradiction. But that time is now over! Mr. Bush is going to have to realize that he is president, not dictator of the US. George W. is not going to have things done just because he wants them done so. George W. is going to have to have the approval of Congress on this issue and many others. The US was thrust into this ungodly war because of the failure of Congress to debate and disagree, and it's about time Congress takes up its appropriate role and share some of the responsibility in the decisions made about US involvement in the world.

Congress could actually halt the war by stopping funding of the war. But this would be a political gamble that not too many in Congress seem willing to take. Vice President Dick Cheney challenged Congress to back up its objections to Bush's plan to put 21,500 more troops in Iraq by zeroing out the war budget, understanding that such a drastic move is doubtful because it would be fraught with political peril. But I believe the Congress has the backing of the Americam people who spoke in the November 2006 election, showing their disdain for the war. George W. & Company have chosen to use the election results as a means to say Americans wanted a change in direction, not an exit from Iraq. But I believe the American people are ready to see the US involvement in Iraq STOP! And I hope Congress takes the gamble and does what the president will not: get our troops out of Iraq NOW!

Gay Marriage Coming To Connecticut?

In the state that gave the US the first non-court odered civil unions, Connecticut may soon become the first state to allow gay couples full marriage rights. Connecticut legislators are expected in the next few months to take up a bill that if passed would allow same-sex couples to marry. This comes about two years after civil unions became law in Connecticut. It's hard to say whether or not a bill that will soon be filed will become law, but Senator Andrew McDonald (D-Stamford), one of the bill's co-sponsors said, "I think there's a very real possibility that we will be able to pass it in the Legislature." Here's to Connecticut today, perhaps New Jersey in a few years?

Anybody Miss Me?

Ok. Be honest? Did you miss me? And don't say so just to make me feel good! I haven't blogged since New Year's Day, 28 days ago! I know Mommanator missed me because she told me she so; she said she missed reading what I had to say. So here's to you, Mommanator! You're looking better than ever, and I wish you would get back soon and keep your boys in line!

Oh yeah. I turned another year older in December. That's my birthday cake that my special someone bought for me. A strawberry shortcake birthday cake! YUMMY! Another year older, and another year wiser! As the old saying goes, "if I only knew then what I know now!" How true that is.

So again I will blog my heart out even though blogs are supposed to be a thing of the past. It gives me a place to make my thoughts known and vent some of my frustrations and bang my pulpit for change in our world. It gives me a place to say what's wrong with our world as well as look at the positive things that are going on. So I will be blogging on!

NYC Christmas 2006

Took my annual Christmas pilgrimage to NYC this past week. What a fabulous place NYC is anytime, but especially at Christmas. As is customary, I get out of the city before the big New Year's Eve Bash, making only a stop in Times Square to see the NYE preparations. That way I can sit in front of my television watching the party on NYE and say, "I walked there....and there....and there."

Ate at two great restaurants, Geisha, and Tao. Geisha is an satisfies the Japanese desire and Tao the Pan-Asian cuisine. Both were exceptional. Went to two shows, Martin Short, Fame Becomes Me, and The Little Dog Laughed. Totally different, one a musical and the other a play, both were very entertaining.

I LOVE NY!!

SCUM

I don't often condone the death penalty, but these 2 should be taken out and shot!

What Planet Is Bush On?

I have always believed George W to be a complete idiot, but his speeches today have totally confirmed that. While Bush was stating that, "...One result that Iraq would like to see is for the Iranians to leave them alone," Iraqi President Jalal Talabani was in Tehran meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadnejad. I don't know about you, but to me that does not sound like the Iraqi people, at least not all of them, want the Iranians to leave them alone!

What planet does George W live on? What news does George W watch? Hello, George! Reality check, George! The Iranians and Syrians are going to just step into Iraq and solve the problems that the US has been unable to do the past several years. And the Iraqis are going to greet the Iranians and Syrians with open arms. So which is it, George? Do the Iraqis, or do the Iraqis not want, Iran's and Syria's assistance?

But then George gave the explanation of the real problem in Iraq. It is Al Qaeda! Al Qaeda is responsible for the latest wave of sectarian violence and Bush vowed not to withdraw troops “until the mission is complete.” (Whatever the fuck the "mission" is)! There is no civil war in Iraq! All the violence is the work of Al Qaeda! Now when the Sunnis retaliate when the Shiites kill someone, that does not sound like Al Qaeda to me. THE REAL WORLD, GEORGE! There is no election to be won here now, so you can stop trying to frighten Americans with Al Qaeda!

Someone who really cares about George, maybe his mother, father, Dick Cheney, or whomever, needs to bring George back into the real world!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

Did You All Get Out On Black Friday?

Thank God I didn't do any shopping today, Black Friday 2006. I did have to make a trip past the Hamilton Mall on my way to the gym, and boy was it crazy. The parking lot was packed and the traffic around the mall was outrageous! Why do people think they have to do all their Christmas shopping in one day? Sure there are great sales, but guess what? There will be sales everyday until Christmas. People are crazy! My sanity kept me away from the stores today. But starting tomorrow, look out world; Karl's on the prowl for those hot gifts!

Oh What A Mess We've Made (Or Should I Say Bush Has Made)

I turned on CNN this morning to catch up on the world's events and CNN introed the Iraq update with the title, Iraq In Crisis. Damn! What a mess the US has made in Iraq, not to mention the entire Middle East. What a big screwup for George W.! The US went into Iraq first and foremost because of the threat Iraq posed to the US. Secondly, George W. wanted to bring, catch this, STABILITY, to the Middle East! Look at the stability! Hundreds killed yesterday and many killed everyday. Sectarian violence soon to end up in an out and out civil war. US soldiers killed almost everyday in Iraq! Sounds like stability to me. I hate to admit it, but Saddam Hussein had control of Iraq.

It's actually pretty scary when you look at what's happening in Iraq. Syria and Iran are joining together to assist in the stabilization of Iraq. You can't really blame them; Iraq is their neighbor, and since the US has only screwed things up there, why shouldn't Syria and Iran move in? God only knows what will happen to the US, not to mention Israel, when that entire region becomes ultra-Islamic and goes after the US and Israel. The Apocalypse?

How does the US "fix" Iraq? I haven't got the faintest idea. George W. has really messed things up, and as UN General Secretary Kofi Annan said the other day, the US is trapped in Iraq. We cannot just leave, and if we stay only more and more turmoil will take place.

Hurry Up, Verizon

With the news that Comcast will raise its cable tv cost by 3.2% by January 1st, all I can say is, "Hurry up, Verizon!" Verizon has begun its cable tv wiring and sales in NJ. My good friend Pax Romano has had his domain wired for Verizon, but I believe Comcast made him a pretty good deal to keep him as one of theirs. And that's what I'm talking about; the competition will be good for the consumer. If Comcast thinks raising its rates is going to keep customers, they are dead wrong! So I hope Verizon moves faster in getting the rest of South Jersey cable ready.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Those Damned Activist Judges!

Well, those damned activist judges are at it again, making law and procedure. However this time it's in Israel. The Israeli Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the government Tuesday to recognize same-sex marriages performed abroad. Although efforts by Israel's gay community to win approval for same-sex marriage face a major obstacle because Israel's religious authorities have a monopoly over marriage and divorce, this ruling does make it possible for same-sex couples to marry outside Israel and that marriage be legally recognized in Israel. Israeli law stipulates a couple must be married to adopt a child, and with this ruling, same-sex couples can now adopt if married elsewhere. Prior to this ruling, gay couples in Israel already had many of the rights of heterosexual partnerships. Now married gay couples will get the same tax breaks as a married couple.

It amazes me that the U.S. thinks it is so progressive, but other countries seem to be surpassing it's recognition of gay rights. On November 14th, the South African parliament voted 230-41 to legalize same-sex marriages. South Africa of all places! Wow! Maybe someday soon the U.S. will realize that gay individuals deserve the same rights and recognition as hetero couples. You don't have to like it or be happy with it, but gays in the U.S. pay the same taxes and are as productive to society as anyone else. They deserve the same rights!

Where To Buy; What To Buy

The Human Rights Campaign has again published it's Buying for Equity 2007 Guide. This guide makes it easier to buy from those companies/businesses that support equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans. Before making any purchases this year please check out the guide. (The guide can also be ordered through the mail from the HRC site).

Is A "Disaster" The Same As A Mistake?

Looks like British Prime Minister Tony Blair has admitted that the invasion of Iraq by the United States and Britain was "a disaster." Blair made this assessment of the situation in Iraq in an interview with David Frost. "Iraq invasion a disaster, Blair admits on Arab TV," was the headline in the Daily Telegraph. Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell said the Prime Minister should now apologize for his actions.

My assumption is that Blair still does not feel that the invasion of Iraq was a mistake, given what intelligence, although flawed, showed. But at least Blair has admitted the situation in Iraq is a disaster! Bush won't even do that. He and only a handful in the US, Cheney and Rumsfeld among that group, still think things are going well in Iraq! With the help of the midterm elections Bush at least is not on his "stay the course" strategy, but he still believes all is well in the Land of Iraq. As I have said before, admit the mistake, and get out ASAP!

The Role Gays Played In The Election

The Advocate.com contains a story asking whether gays should be thanked for the Democratic victory in the recent mid-term elections. According to The Advocate.com, in Virginia, the effort to defeat an anti-gay marriage amendement brought thousands of "progressive voters" out, and most of them also voted for Democrat James Webb.

I would also suggest that in at least one other race, Pennsylvania, Democrat Bob Casey, Jr. should be thanking the gay community a whole bunch for his victory over Republican Rick Santorum. I personally saw gay groups passing out ant-Santorum literature and supporting Casey. "Gay rights supporters nationwide savored the defeat of several high-profile anti-gay incumbents, and no prize was larger than Republican Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania, who lost by double digits to moderate Democrat Bob Casey", according to Bay Windows, New England's Largest LGBT Newspaper. This paper also reports that Barney Frank, D-Massachusetts, openly gay, will become one of the most influential men in America when he assumes the chairmanship of the powerful House Financial Services Committee.

I am going to wait to see what actually happens when the new Congress takes over. Many of the Dems that won the election are moderates, many not favoring gay marriage. Will their personal beliefs and feelings prevail, or will these men and women push for equal rights for all Americans? Only time will tell.

How 'Bout A Roadtrip?

I LOVE NEW YORK!!!!

Coming Soon To A City Near You

Rain, or this? MMMMM!!! Which do I like best? I am looking forward to a little of the white stuff. I am getting tired of being in my apartment, too hot because it's warmer than it should be and I cannot open the windows because of the rain. Yes, I've even had the AC on for a bit. Crazy to have the AC on in November!

Get Real, Assemblyman Richard Merkt

The NJ State Legislators pumped up their positions on gay marriage vs. civil unions yesterday. While Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, D-Mercer, presented a bill that would open up marriage to "any two consenting adults committed to a permanent relationship" and would protect religious institutions from having to perform or recognize such unions, Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris, proposed impeaching the state Supreme Court justices who last month extend the rights of same-sex couples beyond the domestic partner benefits they now have. GET REAL, MERKT!

I understand some people being upset by the NJ Supreme Courts' ruling that committed same-sex couples have the same rights as their straight counterparts, but like it or not, that was the ruling! So stop belly-aching and reacting in such a manner as Merkt and get busy completing the task set forth by the NJ Supreme Court.

Throughout history, it has been the "activist courts" that have set in motion legislation that has improved the civil rights of US citizens. If not for "activist courts" my guess is there would still be slavery in southern states and women wouldn't be voting. Yes, it was constitutional amendments that gave these rights, but the "activist courts" prompted it with various rulings. (Do a Google search for specifics). In NJ, like Massachusetts, the Supreme Courts have also set in motion rights that are deserved by citizens.

Let Assemblyman Richard Merkt know what you think!

The Iraq War Was A Mistake

I have always been told that everyone makes mistakes, and that "to err is human." I rarely make them, mistakes that is, but I must admit I do. I do not know any person who does not make a mistake or two, or three or four or a thousand, in his lifetime. If such a person existed he wouldn't be called a "person", he'd be called GOD!

When is someone going to admit that the war in Iraq was a mistake? Who is going to admit that the war in Iraq was a mistake? It was a mistake from the very beginning. I'll even give the Bush Administration the benefit of the doubt and say the intelligence was incorrect, not that Bush & Company twisted the intelligence for their own purpose. And if the intelligence was wrong, then it was a mistake! The way the war has been handled is a mistake! So when is someone going to admit this and correct the mistake?

I know that alot has been lost in the war. Some 2,800+ American lives have been lost, and today Iraq claimed 150,000 civilians, not counting soldiers, have lost their lives in Iraq since the US invasion. It is said the US must win so the lives of our soldiers lost will not be in vain. But I ask how many more lives must be lost before someone finally gets it? THE WAR IN IRAQ WAS A MISTAKE! Plain and simple! We are in a quagmire! We leave now and who knows what will happen? We stay another 2, 3, 4, 10 years and how many more lives will be lost unnecessarily?

Everyone is all excited about the Dems taking over control of the House and Senate. It is time for a change in direction all proclaim. But what kind of change? Maybe the Iraq war should be recognized for what it is, one huge mistake! The event in US history will go down as one of the biggest blunders ever made! George W. will go down in history as one of the biggest buffoons in history! So why not just stop beating around the bush? Why not stop sugar-coating the mistake? Admit the mistake and move on.