Powell Sends Stern Message to Arafat
"Let's be clear about what brought it all to a halt: terrorism,"

Condi Crazy
The idea of a Bush-Rice ticket in 2004 is gaining popularity. I think blogs deserve some of the credit. Patrick Ruffini and Instapundit are two that pushed the idea to the forefront.

For Cuba's disillusioned youth, hip-hop offers a way to speak out

Slavery is not history
I think their claims of 27 million slaves today is probably an exaggeration. The important point, is that slavery does still exist in the world.

It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.
The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. LUKE 23: 44-49

Good Friday: My Personal Thoughts
Looking at the present circumstances in the world, maybe there is hope.
The darkest hour in the life of Jesus was actually the beginning of the greatest victory. This was a silencing of truth, the destruction of hope.
That is how it looked. The looks were deceiving. This is a hope that we all can hold onto.
In an age of suicide bombers, where life is seen as having only political value, the story of a man dying on a cross still has meaning.
Compare the difference.
Other religions are lead by warriors who send the young to die for their doctrines. They preach about the virtues of a death, that they themselves will not confront.
Jesus took a different road, he said, "Follow me".
He died so that others would not have to taste death. He put down the swords and allowed his disciples to flee, to be safe.
What a contrast.
The difference is clear to me.
God became man. Good Friday is when he was most human and that is why the cross is where humans can find a Redeemer.

Alas! and did my Savior bleed,
and did my Sovereign die?
Would he devote that sacred head
for sinners such as I?

At the cross, at the cross,
where I first saw the light,
and the burden of my heart rolled away;
it was there by faith I received my sight,
and now I am happy all the day!

Israeli Forces Enter Arafat's HQ
Will Arafat live long enough to retract his statements about wanting peace?

Call It How You See It.
U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) is calling on Rick Caruso to resign because he called her a slur. Rick Caruso is the president of the police commission, and has been accusd of calling Waters a slur in a private meeting. He denies the charge and there are no witnesses that have confirmed the accusations.
What was the slur? "bitch"
As Jack Dunphy states, in his NRO article, "In any action for slander, the truth is an absolute defense. Let the reader decide."

19 More Killed by Palestenian Suicide Bomber
VodkaPundit describes my own feelings better than I can. Go read the entire response, here is a small quote from it:

Mostly, I'm just sick to death of the senseless, bloody idiocy.
But there is no end in sight. There is no persuading men who don't hold to reason. There is no coexistence. There will be no peace.
The time has come for Israel to expel every single last Palestinian from the West Bank. If they so much as squawk, then those in Gaza should be expelled, too. They can flee to Jordon, or Syria, or Egypt, or to Lebanon. I don't care where they go.
Frankly, they can go to hell.

Afghan War Is a Lab for U.S. Innovation From the drawing board to the field in less than six months.

Eight days after the Sept. 11 attacks, Ronald M. Sega, who directs research and engineering at the Pentagon, called a dozen defense technology officials together to talk about what projects should be accelerated to support the impending war.
Sega said three emerged from a crowded field of 150 projects: the thermobaric bomb, a bunker-busting, air-launched cruise missile, and a "nuclear quadrapole reasonance" sensor to detect the presence of bulk explosive materials in trucks and shipping containers. He said all three have been deployed, either in Afghanistan or the United States.

I love this little story:

One senior Navy official told of how Special Forces called in a carrier-based Navy warplane on four al Qaeda fighters in a sports utility vehicle who stopped and took cover under a bridge as soon as they heard the approaching jet.
With the Special Forces troops shining a laser designator on the enemy, the official said, the Navy pilot was able to "bounce" a laser-guided bomb and kill the enemy without damaging the bridge.

Proof that socialism will kill you!

China has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with about 290,000 deaths a year. And in contrast to the rest of the world, more than half the victims are women -- most in the countryside.

Mystery Black Water
This is really weird. It will be intresting to see if any conclusions can be made.

Hybrid Vehicle News:

The 2003 Honda Civic will be the first to get a hybrid powertrain.
The battery package in the Civic is 42 percent smaller than that of its hybrid sibling, the Insight, which means more room inside.
Expect fuel economy in the high 40s, 10 mpg better than ordinary Civics. Price: $20,000.

They are not marketing hybrid vehicles properly. They should sell it as a status symbol, and place it in unique and/or expensive vehicles. Some possible candidates: VW Beetle, Chrysler PT Cruiser, BMW M3. Mercedes SLK. People buying these vehicles would likely spend the extra money to also be the first with a hybrid engine.

This article in the Economist.com if the rich countries will deliver on their promised aid?
Wrong question.The correct question is, will countries in need of aid make the needed reforms?
America does not OWE anybody aid.

Foreign Aid: America is not stingy!
America is the stingiest country when it comes to giving foreign aid to poor nations. This chorus was repeated by every major news organization during the International Conference on Financing Development in Monterrey, Mexico. Bill Gates has been quoted repeating this misnomer. America spends 0.1% of GDP on foreign aid, compared to the European average of 0.3%. These figures are seen as objective proof that America is a wealthy nation that does not care about the needs of poor countries. These statements are based on an inability to understand capitalism and the role of government in American life.

All foreign aid cannot be summed up by what a government gives in relation to its GDP. There is direct private aid and indirect aid that is provided. When all forms of aid are considered the true picture of America’s philanthropy is clear. There is no country that is more giving than America.

Private aid is all the aid given by people and organizations. Foundations, like the Gates Foundation, are an example of the ways private aid gets distributed. Private aid is a problem for the governments of many countries because they want control over how the money is spent. While the government of France is proud that they give $6 billion (.3%), the amount of private aid from French citizens is non-existent. This lack of personal involvement is the norm in every country, except the US. According to Scott Walker of the Philanthropy Roundtable, in msnbc.com article. "If you're in Sweden or France, its something the government is suppose to do. If you were in England, it is the nobility." 69% of American households nationally give to charity. American citizens spend $14 billion a year to help immunize babies, bring health care to regions of the world that do not have hospitals. This amount is more than any government gives.

Indirect aid is either services provided by the US government for free, or indirect private funds. A major source of indirect aid is the personal money that is sent to families by relatives working in America. Mexicans working in America sent $9.3 billion to Mexico in 2001. The American economy and our immigration policy provide the opportunity for people to give. Steven Denbeste notes that America spends a great deal of money on things that other countries benefit from. These include the CDC, the USGS, weather monitoring of hurricanes in the Atlantic, the US Navy and more. The military provides indirect aid that is immeasurable in its economic impact. The military has had a greater impact on creating economic growth than any foreign aid. Governmental stability is a major factor in attracting private investment and creating long-term economic growth. The nations that we help protect have been able to build thriving economies. We do not charge Taiwan, Japan and South Korea for military protection. The members of NATO do not have to invest as much into their military infrastructure, because the US military is there to provide protection for them, and their economies.
The next time someone says that America is a stingy country quickly correct him or her. America is the most generous country on earth. The amount of direct and indirect foreign aid given, is unmatched by any nation.

The Bush administration wants the World Bank to give half of its aid in the form of grants. The European Union opposes giving grants instead of loans. The EU fears that that without the interest from the loans there will not be any future funding available.
Loans come with political ties that limit the economic options of a debtor nation. This is exactly what is wrong with the present system. Grants shift the power to the beneficiary country. The recipient nation will have certain criteria they will have to reach, in order to qualify for the grants. Once a grant is paid, the country that gave it loses the ability to control the money or the recipient of the grant. This also leads to greater changes being required before any money is given.
The loans have become a modern form of economic slavery. The nation that owes the debt begins to make economic decisions that are beneficial to the loaner nation, not what is in the best interest of their own country. This leads to continued dependence, and the cycle of debt continues.

Kill Vehicle Scores a Hit With Proponents of Missile Defense

U.S. Prods Israel to Allow Arafat to Go to Arab Summit
Bush has really pissed me off! The administrations' latest moves involving Arafat are counter productive. Maybe I am blind, or do not understand what is going on. The two most powerful and effective military forces in the world, the US and Israel, are pandering to an Egyptian born terrorist. What exactly are the consequences of ignoring Arafat? The suicide bombings increase with every move toward a deal. If the US compromises on terrorism for those shitty Saudi Arabians, then we have lost the war. It is not like they are going to help the US topple Iraq, or ever give their unconditional support.
I have tried to assume the best, and will give them a little more time before becoming completely angered. I assumed that they may have been trying to wait out Sharon, and the probable election of Netanyahu. I assumed they are waiting on the manufactoring of the missiles needed to attack Iraq. I assumed they are waiting on the Afghan situation to settle some, and free resources to be used in Iraq. Their actions sem to be falling into the Arab trap. I am sick of the pandering. They are suppose to kiss our azz, not the other way around.

In Bush's Hispanic strategy comes unraveled At least that is what John O'Sullivan says in the NRO.
I disagree with his statement, that the Texas primary shows the hispanic vote has drifted into the Democratic column. He is making a common mistake by lumping all hispanics into one group, The hispanic population is very diverse, racially, econoically and politically. A hispanic in Miami is not the same as a hispanic in Texas. I think he is also missing a very important point. The Republican party only needs a large plurality of hispanic votes in order to be a strong majority party.

Berry, Denzel Win Lead-Acting Oscars
I was so happy, especially when Halle Berry won. She is a fellow buckeye.

Last Word on Pickering
A friend of mine posted the following on a website. I wanted to be sure as many people as possible got a chance to read his letter.

According to the TBWT commentary article written by congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, dated 3/20/2002, Judge Charles Pickerings' record on civil rights is "particularly appalling".
http://athena.tbwt.com/content/article.asp?articleid=250

Appalling, MS. Johnson?? How do you define appalling?? The congresswoman points to a law review the Judge wrote "early" in his career in opposition to interracial marriage. Ummm, this was written 40 years ago, and the Judge has denounced that review. Do I really have to bring up Senators Byrd and Hollings horrid past?? These are ranking members who vote on, and write laws. I see no concern from the Black Caucus or civil rights groups about them, or the past records of some of those Dems on the Judiciary Committee that voted no to Pickering.

Also, minister Louis Farrakan has both written and spoken of opposition to interracial marriage. Are you now at odds with the Nation of Islam, MS. Johnson??

The congresswoman writes that Pickering supported voting-related measures that discriminated against African Americans. Details, MS. Johnson. You give no details as to what those measures were, and how they discriminate against Blacks. Could it be because you don't know the details, and don't care???

And how is it a matter of civil rights to be opposed to abortion?? Next you'll tell us he doesn't like watermelon!!

MS. Johnson also fails to mention the Judiciary Committee vote went 10 to 9 against Pickering along party lines. The Dems knew if the Pickering nomination went to the floor, he would get the confirmation. Pickering was unanimously confirmed to the District Court in 1990 by the senate. Can MS. Johnson or any of you point to any breach of civil rights laws committed by the judge since then????

As the congresswoman mentions, this is really about all out war with John Ashcroft and the Justice Dept.!! If as Ms. Johnson says, the courts and the Justice Dept are so important to us, then holding up Bush nominees to those positions severely weakens those institutions, and in effect is hurting not helping the judicial process.

I'm also sending this post to TBWT editors. I'm not holding my breath for a response, but would love to see them prove me wrong. Good luck.

SO LONG, FINALLY, MARY ROBINSON
Lets wait and see who replaces her before we get too excited. Of course, to be worse than her a person would have to be an outright communist.

What has caused the price of gas to spike recently?

I Wish We Had Russia's Tax System
Before you attempt to have me locked up on the 13th floor at the closest hospital, consider thefollowing items. The NY Times and NRO both had articles this past week highlighting the positive effects that Russia's flat tax has had on the economy.

Russia's economy grew by more than 5% last year while most other nations were mired in recession. Even the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development called Russia's flat tax system a "key accomplishment," a stunning admission since the Paris-based bureaucracy is infamous for complaining about the "unfairness" of nations using low tax rates to lure jobs and capital from high-tax nations. It also is interesting to note that Russian tax revenues are skyrocketing even though the tax rate now is now far below the 30% top rate of the old system. According to preliminary figures, inflation-adjusted tax revenues climbed by 28% last year.

In China, the Rich Seek To Become the 'Big Rich'
This is a must read article. Capitalism continues its victory march in socialist countries. It appears that the American Dream, is really a universal dream.

When Deng Hong was 17, he led a company of Chinese soldiers into battle against the Vietnamese. By the time he was 20 he was out of the military and selling clothes. By 30, he had made millions in China's go-go property markets. He divorced his Chinese wife, married an American, immigrated to the United States and bought property in Hawaii and Silicon Valley.
"I was," recalled Deng, now 41, "living the American Dream."
But Deng junked that dream and returned here to Sichuan province to pursue another. The reason, he said, was that becoming "big rich" in China was easier than in the United States. He was right: At last count he owned 35 cars, including a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, some Jeeps, a Corvette, several 600 series Mercedes-Benzes and a fat Lincoln Continental. He shuttles between two houses in Chengdu and a suite at his convention center. He recently purchased the rights to develop 100 square miles of land next to one of China's national parks.
After striving to obliterate classes for years, China has become one of the world's most stratified societies with, according to Chinese economists, a gap between rich and poor that dwarfs the divide in the United States.
Today, every major city sports gated communities fit for kings and modeled after those in the United States. The sign at the entrance to the Lemon Lake housing development in a northern suburb of Beijing says it all: "North American Demeanor, Rich and Strong."

Run Tom, Run!
I am rooting for Daschle to run for the Presidency in 2004. Before you think I am crazy, read on:

Bill Janklow, Republican governor of South Dakota, just signed into law a bill forbidding Tom Daschle from running simultaneously for president and Senate re-election in 2004.

This would give the Republicans two victories. Daschle winning the Democratic nomination for President, which is unlikely, would be a gift to Bush. The open senate seat would probably be filled by a Republican. The best reward will be Daschle disappearing from the political scene.

Maud Farris-Luse died. She was the world's oldest person at 115.

Squeels like a pig, smells like a pig, walks like a pig.
Bill would establish A&M as homeland security hub

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, introduced a bill Wednesday to establish a national center for homeland security at Texas A&M University. The proposal would funnel $120 million in federal funds over five years to the Texas A&M System to set up the center at the flagship campus in College Station.

Duh! Middle East Truce Talks End Without Sign of Deal

A priceless moment for troops:

About 150 soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) got an unexpected extra dose of motivation Jan. 18 en route to Afghanistan - their own personal fly-over of "Ground Zero" in Manhattan.
The man responsible was Capt. Richard Osborne, who was piloting the chartered airliner. A former Army pilot, Osborne told the troops over the plane's public address system that he regarded the opportunity to fly them on their deployment "an honor and a privilege," and he made sure they wouldn't forget the trip.
When he was about 20 minutes' from the metropolis, Osborne contacted New York air traffic controllers. He told them who his passengers were and where they were headed. After playing that trump card, he asked for permission to circle the site of the Sept. 11 attack. The air traffic controllers were more than willing to oblige, said Osborne, who spent three years in the Army, most of them flying fixed-wing surveillance aircraft in Vietnam. "You could tell in their voices they were sympathetic to the significance" of having the troops fly over the site, Osborne said.
Flying at 35,000 feet, at night, Osborne maneuvered his World Air MD11 in two slow turns around lower Manhattan, allowing soldiers on each side of the aircraft ample opportunity to view the site. The large floodlights at the scene made it the brightest spot in the city. The sight left the soldiers awestruck, and determined. "It's something we've only seen on the TV," said Sgt. Scotty Mendenhall, a team leader in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. "It gives you a little extra aggression.
"That right there is the reason why we're doing what we're doing now."

UN to Examine US Actions Toward Iraq
One more good reason to rid the world of Saddam Hussein. The sooner we drop those nuclear bunker busters, the sooner we can end this international charade.

Iraq has asked the United Nations whether U.S. actions toward Saddam Hussein violate international law, according to documents obtained Wednesday. Secretary-General Kofi Annan passed this and 18 other questions posed by Iraq to the U.N. Security Council, asking for "any response" it might want to provide by April 10.

Fred Barnes stole my thoughts with his latest article: The Terrorism Loophole.

"IMAGINE if Yasser Arafat, who is no slouch at terrorism, were treated the same as Osama bin Laden, the world's foremost terrorist at the moment. Arafat would have fled Palestinian territory and would be on the run, hunted by a coalition of nations bent on apprehending him dead or alive."

Debunking the Digital Divide

It may turn out that the "digital divide" -- one of the most fashionable political slogans of recent years -- is largely fiction.[...] The Census Bureau's latest survey of computer use reports narrowing gaps among different income and ethnic groups. In 1997 only 37 percent of people in families with incomes from $15,000 to $24,999 used computers at home or at work. By September 2001 that proportion was 47 percent. Over the same period, usage among families with incomes exceeding $75,000 rose more modestly, from 81 percent to 88 percent. Among all racial and ethnic groups, computer use is rising. Here are the numbers for 2001 compared with similar rates for 1997: Asian Americans, 71 percent (58 percent in 1997); whites, 70 percent (58 percent); blacks, 56 percent (44 percent); Hispanics, 49 percent (38 percent).

Senate Democrats, Aiming at Debt, Offer $2.1 Trillion Budget

"Democrats in the Senate said today that they would propose a $2.1 trillion federal budget for next year that provides all of what President Bush wants for the war on terrorism but also makes more progress than the administration's plan would in paying off the national debt."

You are a liar and evil, here is $95million, now be good.N. Korea Not Following Nuclear Pact

The Bush administration will not certify that North Korea is abiding by a 1994 agreement designed to freeze its nuclear weapons program, [...] Despite its displeasure, the administration intends to permit $95 million in fuel oil to go to North Korea this year, as called for in the 1994 Agreed Framework.

Stealth asteroid nearly blindsides Earth

"A sizable asteroid zipped near our planet this month without anyone noticing because it traveled through an astronomical blind spot, scientists said.
The space boulder passed Earth within 288,000 miles (461,000 kilometers) -- or 1.2 times the distance to the moon -- on March 8, but since it came from the direction of the sun, scientists did not observe it until four days later.
The object, slightly larger than one that flattened a vast expanse of Siberia in 1908, was one of the 10 closest known asteroids to approach Earth, astronomers said."

The Millennium Summit is in full PR mode:

Trade and Aid in a Changed World The NY Times has an op-ed from Kofi Annan, the secretary general of the United Nations.

Eighteen months ago, the political leaders of the world agreed, at the Millennium Summit here in New York, that we should devote the first 15 years of this new century to a major onslaught on poverty, illiteracy and disease.
Last Thursday, President Bush announced an important American contribution when he pledged $5 billion over three years for a Millennium Challenge Account to help developing countries improve their economies and standards of living.[...] a significant step toward the United Nations target of 0.7 percent.
These amounts will not be sufficient by themselves. All economic studies indicate that to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, we need an increase of about $50 billion a year in worldwide official aid - a doubling of present levels.

A key feature of the conference is the active participation not only of U.N. agencies but also of the World Bank, IMF and WTO....the conference will seek to strengthen the policies and institutions required to mobilize domestic resources and attract foreign investment, emphasizing the primary responsibility of developing countries to implement sound economic policies, strengthen the rule of law, create fair and impartial judicial systems and fight impunity and corruption.

How will these countries be held accountable? Will aid be with held until after the legal system is set in place? If the countries wanting aid are required to make changes in their system before receiving aid, then what is the UN really accomplishing. The free market already rewards countries that implement these changes. The only beneficiaries would be the dictators and corrupt governments that do not want to make the systematic changes.

As a steppingstone on the path toward development for all, Monterrey should allow us to move closer to new and more far-reaching goals, including some proposals that didn't make the radar screen this time.

This makes it very clear that the agenda is much larger than just this conference.

For example, global taxes such as the one proposed on carbon emissions could be used to finance global public goods.

Here we go, this is the goal. Notice he uses the plural taxes, not just a tax. There are many others they would love to implement, like a tax on guns or the size of a military.

This is based on a simple premise: fairness.

Fairness-For the utopian leaders at the UN, this means funding of abortions and supporting dictatorships with humanitarian aid.

The industrialized countries that generate a disproportionate share of carbon emissions into the atmosphere should pay accordingly, providing money for development and also a more efficient use of scarce resources.

The developing countries generate a disproportionate share of emission, on a per capita basis. This is simply a plan to redistribute money from America to other countries.

Another pending item is the long-standing target of asking developed countries to provide official development aid equivalent to 0.7 percent of their GDP, a target that has been controversial and difficult to meet for many nations.

The flat rate is being used to ease the fears of large countries. They will implement a graduated tax, in the name of fairness, where wealthier countries will be required to pay more.

Regardless of specific goals and programmatic decisions, the task ahead is clear. Besides ensuring that the resources available to finance development are increased, we must also embrace a new vision for the common future of humanity.

This is not just about economics, it is about a particular vision for the world. this vision is one that Karl Marx would approve.

This week in Monterrey we have the duty to take steps to ensure that future generations in the developing world can be spared the poverty and suffering that until now have been their inevitable destiny.

This will only be accomlished by implementing democratic governments and eliminating the despotic leaders in thexse countries. Does anyone really believe that the UN is ready to make those type of radical changes?
Why should America send money through an international buracracy, instead of giving it directly wher it will have a greater impact? This is just another plan to make the UN a world government, and redistribute wealth.? What would it accompish? Afghanistan is being rebuilt without this agreement.
Once they are given the authority to tax, they will require the authority to enforce payment. An international IRS being run by third world dictators and socialist. If that does not cretae fear, then we have truly lost our understanding of sovereignty. This would accomplish all of the UN's socialist goals with one simple act. There would no longer be Kyoto treaties, they would just implement a tax. It would all be done to accomplish the socialist dream of fairness.

Zimbabwe: Where is the international outrage ?

They found Terry Ford's body sprawled by a tree in his front yard, his brown-and-white terrier curled up beside him, growling at anyone who approached. For months, militia from Zimbabwe's ruling party had menaced the white farmer, warning him to abandon his thatched-roof cottage in a pine grove near the broad Mamyami River.

posted by Sean McCray | 12:48 AM |

---

 

Capitalism's on the sly in Cuba
Capitalism offers a better life, even where it is illegal.

"Many are motivated by the constant quest for U.S. dollars, which, despite the 4-decade-old U.S. trade embargo, are the coin of the realm. With greenbacks, almost anything from Brussels sprouts to treadmills can be had. Without dollars, even milk is scarce."

Not only is the socialist economy failing, the highly praised (By the UN) health care system is also not working. It appears that universal health care is neither healthy or free.

"A soft-spoken man with a gift for language, Miguel used to work in his neighborhood bakery, producing bread for daily rations. Now he makes bootleg copies of the latest CDs on a borrowed computer, selling them for $3 apiece. By way of explanation for his illicit trade, he holds up his right hand and says, "Look at this." His thumb and two adjacent fingers are missing. Six years ago, Miguel caught his wrist in the bakery mixer, badly mangling it. A month later, his fingers were amputated because he could not afford the three pills needed daily to induce circulation. They cost $1 apiece, and, at the time, he was paid in bread -- six loaves a day."
"In this situation, I have more tranquillity," Miguel said. "I am my own boss. I work when I want. I rest when I want . . . and my money is my money."

The American dream of self determination appears to be pretty popular, even in this socialist country.

posted by Sean McCray | 12:10 AM |

---

 

Smash Hit: The power politics of missile defense
The Pentagon's Ballistic Missile Defense Organization now says it will have a rudimentary missile-defense system ready a little more than two years from now. It won't protect the United States against a massive attack from China or Russia, but it will make it impossible for a country with primitive missile technology, such as North Korea, to engage in nuclear blackmail.
There's even a target date for deployment: September 2004. Hmmm. The first time an American president can tell his country that it's safe from a nuclear power's sneak attack comes about two months before the next presidential election. Sounds like a campaign event.

posted by Sean McCray | 12:08 AM |

---

3/19/2002  

I have updated my links. I need to make a few adjustments

posted by Sean McCray | 4:16 AM |

---

 

Challenging Democrats, Bush Proposes Tax-Cut Plan Bush seems to recognize that his original taxcuts were not large enough.
In an election year challenge to Democrats, President Bush will propose a plan on Tuesday to permanently repeal estate taxes and help small businesses boost investment and lower health care costs. The package, which would cost more than $117 billion over 10 years, includes many tax cuts popular with Republican constituents.

posted by Sean McCray | 4:15 AM |

---

 

STAR WARS EPISODE TWO: ATTACK OF THE CLONES
Harry Knowless got a sneak preview of Star Wars: Episode II. "You have to understand something in going into this film. What you have seen in Star Wars movies before were skirmishes… incidents… Remember, The Battle of Hoth was small, a minor hiccup. In ATTACK OF THE CLONES, you have the first REAL Star War...What Lucas has done, is to make a film that is so relentlessly entertaining and thrilling, that there will be no movie this summer that can stand against it. This is it. This movie is the real deal."

posted by Sean McCray | 4:12 AM |

---

 

I really have no problems with gays adopting children. It should not be the first choice, but it is better than fostercare.

posted by Sean McCray | 4:12 AM |

---

3/18/2002  

Was Nixon, not Clinton, the 'first black president'?
Personally, I find the idea of calling Clinton "the first black president" offensive. Here is more proof that Clinton was a great pretender.
The president with a hardscrabble past understood how hard it was to fight barriers like segregation and fought to open doors to blacks. "If Bill Clinton had Richard Nixon's record, he'd be quite a worshiped figure," says Dean Kotlowski, a Nixon scholar. A Salisbury (Md.) University history professor and author of Nixon's Civil Rights (Harvard University Press),[...] While there was "little doubt" Nixon was prejudiced, Kotlowski found repeated examples of the prez telling aides he had to "do what was right," even if it hurt politically. Like expanding voting rights, funding black colleges, and desegregating the South's schools.[...] By comparison, says Kotlowski, Clinton "talked the talk but didn't walk the walk."
Nixon was also the first to add quotas to affirmative action policies of the federal government.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:42 PM |

---

 

Contaminated Piss!
Urine from Guantanomo prisoners may tell tale of nukes.
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory scientists say they can test whether someone has been exposed to plutonium in at least the past five years, perhaps as long as 20 years. They are creating a similar test for uranium, the other main ingredient in nuclear weapons.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:41 PM |

---

 

How do they verify their work hours? When do they clock in and out?
Prostitutes working in a Berlin brothel have been offered employment contracts with a 40-hour working week and a profit-sharing scheme.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:41 PM |

---

 

Blogstops
I am still trying to get up to speed on the theodicy debate going on between some bloggers. Louder Fenn, Junk Yard Dog , William Sulik , Charles Murtaugh , Mark Byron and Hokiepundit are all involved in this discussion.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:41 PM |

---

 

There is something really wrong when we are still asking Arafat to denounce violence. I think the US should allow Israel to respond without restraint. If the Arab nations feel that terrorism works, then it will intensify their efforts against America. We cannot go back and forth with the enemy, and should not be asking Israel to be restrained. When our policymakers wake up and realize that it does not matter what America does, they will still villify and seek to destroy us.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:40 PM |

---

 

Economy in sudden acceleration
In not much more than a week, perceptions of the US economy have shifted decidedly, from glimmers of recovery to visions of clear-cut growth.
And while some forecasters say heavy debts could restrain America's high-spirited consumers, others talk of full-fledged 5 percent growth.
If the economy picks up speed and grows at a rate of 3% or more, then the budget will again have a surplus. This will take away the one issue Democrats are trying to use agaisnt the President.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:40 PM |

---

 

Makings of a 'Dirty Bomb'
RTGs are self-contained power sources that convert radioactive energy into electricity. Compact and relatively small -- Soviet models are between two and four feet in length and weigh between 1,000 and 3,000 pounds -- they are ideal for remote areas with little access to traditional fuels.[...] each contain up to 40,000 curies of highly radioactive strontium or cesium. These two heavy metals could contaminate large areas if combined with conventional explosives in a radiological weapon or "dirty bomb."

posted by Sean McCray | 9:40 PM |

---

 

Paul Krugman informs us that the right wing conspiracy has been busy in ANWR. I am right, conservatives hate the environment and the common person is stupid. That pretty much sums up the attitude of in his article on ANWR.
"...was an alliance between conservatives who hate the very idea of conservation, on one side, and union leaders trying to demonstrate their influence by making politicians jump."
He just cannot fathom the idea that the conservatives may have a legitimate reason. That would require him to actually think through his own ideas.
"The Times recently had an eye-opening article confirming something I had been hearing myself, that oil companies are not behind the push for drilling there - indeed, they are notably unexcited by the prospect."
He decides to ignore that Alaskans want to drill for oil in ANWR. Many people, libertarians and conservatives, are uncomfortable with the federal governments intrusion into local decisions.
The rights of the land owners to develope their land, is reason enough.
He states that the real reason conservatives want to drill in ANWR is because "it makes the tree-huggers furious, and that's what's appealing about it.
He bases his opinion on what "one very moderate environmentalist" told him.
Do not even waist your time reading this article. There is not enough substance in it to debate.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:39 PM |

---

 

Conservatives win in Portuguese election
The Social Democrats have pledged to cut corporate taxes, slash public spending and sell off some state companies in an effort to revive Portugal's faltering economy.
''We lost, but we lost honourably,'' Socialist leader Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues said.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:39 PM |

---

 

Clinton to Violate Treaty in War Against Iraq
For all those people screaming about Bush's stance on the use of nuclear weapons. All Bush did was clarify the policy. Clinton was the one that actually changed the policy to allow for the use of nuclearweapons against Iraq.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:38 PM |

---

 

Contaminated Piss!
Urine from Guantanomo prisoners may tell tale of nukes.
Lawrence Livermore Laboratory scientists say they can test whether someone has been exposed to plutonium in at least the past five years, perhaps as long as 20 years. They are creating a similar test for uranium, the other main ingredient in nuclear weapons.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:51 PM |

---

3/16/2002  

Help me googlebomb the New Black Panther Party: (This is the first time I have tried this.)
You just "View Source" and copy it for your blog. You do not have to actually click on the links.

Malik Zulu Shabazz is the African-American Muslim head of the New Black Panther Party. Malik Zulu Shabazz promotes anti-semitism. The New Black Panther Party gained publicity for protesting Bill Clinton moving to Harlem, and the war on terrorism.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:05 PM |

---

 

Russia 'will stand by coalition even if Iraq is attacked'
Russia made clear yesterday that it would not pull out of the American-led coalition against terror even if the United States launched a unilateral strike against Iraq. Russia and Britian are not leaving the coalition if the US attacks Iraq. Does anyone else really matter?

posted by Sean McCray | 4:02 AM |

---

 

Giving back the latest from Walter Williams
"Free markets -- along with peaceable, voluntary exchange -- are morally superior to other alternatives. In order to make a claim on what my fellow man produces, I must serve him. Contrast that principle to government handouts, where a person is told: "You don't have to serve your fellow man. We'll take what he produces and give it to you."

posted by Sean McCray | 3:55 AM |

---

 

Claritin’s manufacturer decides it’s safe after all
The decision to allow Claritin to be sold over the counter was started by WellPoint petitioning the FDA.. "This is a blatant example of a company gaming the regulatory system to ensure profits at the expense of its customers. I don’t hate the pharmaceutical industry, which produces products that make life better for millions of people. But it’s also extremely dependent on the government, which funds 40 percent of its research and then grants it monopoly patents. The industry also benefits from perverse incentives built into the tax-code-subsidized third-party payer system, which makes most drug customers insensitive to a product’s real costs."

posted by Sean McCray | 3:47 AM |

---

3/15/2002  

Blasts at U.S. Embassy in Yemen
In Washington, a U.S. official said two concussion grenades were thrown at an embassy wall. One person was apprehended, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:13 PM |

---

 

A Victory for Guns. Man Forces Intruder At Gunpoint To Call Police "A man fed up with recent break-ins to his Bristol, Ohio, home decided to take care of the problem himself this week. Police said that Jerald Miller decided to camp out in his living room with a handgun to try and catch the intruder. Miller's wait paid off when a teen-age boy he didn't know entered the house. Miller pointed the gun at the boy and made him call the police on himself."

posted by Sean McCray | 2:10 PM |

---

 

Thomas Sowell is Naming names
His latest article is a must read. He opened my eyes to how black family names developed in America.
"Names are just part of the process of creating wholesale frauds about the past, in order to advance special agendas in the present. Personal names are also part of that fraud....Slaves were not only not given family names, they were forbidden to have family names.
Of all the reactions against the supposed "slave names" among blacks, the most painfully ironic has been the taking of Arab names instead."

posted by Sean McCray | 9:20 AM |

---

 

More cool futuristic military stuff. Army selects MIT for $50 million institute to use nanomaterials to clothe, equip soldiers.
"MIT won the Army competition for the five-year, $50 million proposal for an Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies (ISN). Industry will contribute an additional $40 million in funds and equipment."
"The ISN will focus on six key soldier capabilities: threat detection, threat neutralization (such as bullet-proof clothing), concealment, enhanced human performance, real-time automated medical treatment, and reduced logistical footprint (i.e., lightening the considerable weight load of the fully equipped soldier). At the news conference, Thomas noted that one ISN goal is to reduce the weight of a soldier's equipment from today's 125-145 pounds to the 45 pounds carried by Roman warriors"

posted by Sean McCray | 9:13 AM |

---

 

U.S. Navy mulls robot submarines
"Elated by the success of unmanned spy planes over Afghanistan, the U.S. military is rushing ahead with plans to build a new fleet of "drones." This time, they're robot-controlled submarines. Cruising surreptitiously along a hostile shore, the sensor-packed U.S. Navy submarines would hunt mines and map coastlines ahead of an invasion force."

posted by Sean McCray | 9:09 AM |

---

 

Minister Louis Farrakhan writes an Open Letter To Jamil Al-Amin
"It grieves me and the members of the Nation of Islam to learn of the decision of the jury. We had hoped that you would be found innocent."
Did the family of the African-American officer that Jamil Al-Amin killed get a letter? Probably not, they are not Muslims.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:06 AM |

---

3/14/2002  

My 2 Cents:
Activists revive the Black Panthers, at least in name.
"The New Black Panthers win instant credibility, not for their politics or ideology, but simply because of their name." Most of the original Black Panthers oppose the use of their name. They say this new group, which they believe espouses antiwhite and anti-Jewish hatred, is exploiting the Panther name and symbolism and tarnishing their legacy. The focus seems to be headline grabbing not community service.

The New Black Panther Party (NBPP) is a cult that espouses a mix of racist, pseudo-science and perverted Islam to promote socialism. After reading many speeches and articles, I was confused by the contradictions. I was trying to figure out how they could make contradictory statements, and then I began to see a paradigm of beliefs. (Example of two common paradigms: socialism is better than capitalism because a greater importance is placed on equality of wealth; capitalism is morally superior to socialism because it allows more freedom.) Here is a hierarchy of the NBPP philosophy:

The lowest, at the bottom is "the jew", the scum of the earth. (I did not capitalize it on purpose; I do not equate their use of the word with the proper use of Jews.)
Only slightly above "the jew", is the white race.
These two control the world, and all evil emanates from their existence.

Religion then begins to play a role. Christianity is seen as a Western religion that has been perverted over the years. They are fundamentalist Muslims, except when race or political ideology trump those concerns.

Then the victims: People of Color (POC). These people are morally superior based solely on their ethnicity. They are victims of circumstances, which were created by the "jews" and whites.
Since their view of ethnicity is based on skin complexion, the darker POC are greater victims and therefore morally superior. Lighter skinned POC (Chinese, White Latinos, lighter Arabs) rank lower than darker complexioned POC (Africans, Black Hispanics, etc.) Ethnicity, victimhood and religion are mixed in a haphazard manner that is situational.

The highest value they hold, the one that trumps all others, is socialism. They will argue that religion or race is their highest priority but quickly ignore those when in conflict with their socialist agenda. Creating an Islamic state is secondary to building a socialist government. China and Cuba are used as examples of good systems that only have problems because of the capitalistic system preying on them. The persecution of Muslims in China is ignored. Slavery in the Sudan is dismissed as a media ploy. Like fascists their real god is a nationalistic socialist state.

The biggest problem I have, is how the media is allowing them to be used. I have seen the head of the organization on all three of the large news channels. The networks understand that controversy creates higher ratings. There is a small unofficial coalition of extremists that help keep groups like this in the media. The white supremecy groups want the message of racial division to be promoted, and to project the "angry black man" image. Many on the extreme left want to promote their socialist agenda, regardless of the medium being used.

This is where the blogosphere has a role to play. The mainstream press is afraid of the entire race issue, and will never expose organizations like NBPP. The bloggers have no commercial interests, and can expose these people before they really get a platform like Jackson or Sharpton. This must be done in at least two ways: 1) Promoting intelligent people that can dialogue about race, across the political spectrum. 2) Expose those extremist organizations, and demand accountability of the mainstream press.

posted by Sean McCray | 11:39 PM |

---

 

My First Googlebomb (by way of VodkaPundit)
The following text and links were lifted directly from Megan McArdle's Jane Galt, in an effort to Googlebomb away shoddy civilian death statistics from the Afghan campaign.
Feel free to "View Source" and copy it for your blog, too. You don't need to click the links to make the Googlebomb, so just scroll on down to my next post.
"Kill Marc Herold Afghan casualties meme by Googlebombing it. For the uninitiated, “Googlebombing” takes advantage of the fact that Google gives a high ranking to regularly updated sites; this means that if a lot of bloggers link to, say, Iain Murray’s take-down of the Herold Afghan casualties study, using relevant search terms like Afghanistan civilian casualties and Herold collateral damage and Marc Herold Afghanistan study, we can move Iain’s article to the top of Google’s search results."

posted by Sean McCray | 11:32 PM |

---

 

Whoa, this is sick:
Police have broken up a ring of child pornographers who videotaped themselves and watched each other violently spanking and abusing their children.

posted by Sean McCray | 11:30 PM |

---

 

They are coming after your burger and fries. Obesity is being compared to the greatest sin of all, cigarette smoking. This is their attempt to lay the groundwork for taxes, and socialized medicine. Obesity Harder on Health Than Smoking, Study Says: "The study found that obesity -- linked to health complications including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, strokes and certain cancers -- raises a person's healthcare costs by 36 percent and medication costs by 77 percent...In terms of dollar amounts, the study found that obesity raised healthcare costs by an average of $395 a year, while smoking increased costs by $230 and heavy drinking is associated with a $150 annual increase."

posted by Sean McCray | 4:33 PM |

---

 

CRISIS Interview with Mikhail Gorbachev
On Clinton: "My relationship with President Clinton was quite strained, if not downright tense...I was highly critical of his foreign policy. He is guilty for the fact that the U.S. has wasted those ten years following the end of the Cold War."

On the strong relationship between President Bush and President Putin: "It would be good if no one paid attention to those who criticize Bush in the United States or those who tend to criticize Mr. Putin in Russia. Mr. Putin has great support among the ordinary people, but some scholars and intellectuals who cater to the party interests of ruling elites try to criticize him."

posted by Sean McCray | 1:07 AM |

---

 

Michelle Malkin is Just wondering :
What really happened on United Airlines Flight 93?
What really happened on American Airlines Flight 11?
Who murdered Katherine Smith, and why?
Why does Norm Mineta still have a job?
Who's responsible for the anthrax attacks?
So where the hell is Osama bin Laden, anyway?

posted by Sean McCray | 1:05 AM |

---

 

Racial Profiling Not Unique To U.S.
In a report from the U.K., racial profiling is alive and well. While the overall number of people stopped by police fell by 17% last year, the number of Black people stopped by police increased by 4%. Figures show that Black people are still seven times more likely to be stopped by police.

posted by Sean McCray | 12:58 AM |

---

3/13/2002  

Chocolate’s dark secret
Two documentary filmmakers say that at least some of the workers who harvest the cocoa bean from which chocolate is made are kept as slaves, locked up at night and beaten if they try to flee.

posted by Sean McCray | 7:58 PM |

---

 

Study: Health Care Unequal for Blacks
This was done by a group of Harvard researchers, so I will have to do some research before commenting.

posted by Sean McCray | 7:54 PM |

---

 

No auction of Malcolm X’s items Letters from late black activists’ family halts Butterfields’ sale.

posted by Sean McCray | 7:50 PM |

---

 

UK Courts Rule in Favor of Farrakhan

posted by Sean McCray | 7:48 PM |

---

 

Cheer, cheer for the Fightin' Whities
I know this has already made it around the web, but it just has to be repeated.

posted by Sean McCray | 7:45 PM |

---

 

Terrorist Pilots' Student Visas Approved After 9-11
This is absolutely mindblowing incompetence

posted by Sean McCray | 2:04 AM |

---

3/12/2002  

blogger is acting crazy

posted by Sean McCray | 4:20 PM |

---

 

My Blogstops

Balloon Juice: The best picture of the WTC memorial he has seen; and he mentions that HokiePundit has an interesting method for getting people to mention them, and even more important, an effective way to punish them for not mentioning him. It works, it really does.


HokiePundit: Next Right has been moved from People Who Haven't Mentioned Me to Consie Christers. Told you, it works.


Ideas etc...: Kevin's mother is coming to visit for six weeks! His mom and his wife for SIX WEEKS! He will not be golfing much during that time.


Kyle Still Free Press: Letterman Ain't Going Nowhere. I love Letterman, and agree with Kyle about Leno. "I cannot for the life of me see why Leno outdraws him, but who cares? I'm sticking with my man."


USS Clueless: Suggests using porn to get more hits.


VodkaPundit on Janet Reno: "After the speech, Reno admitted it had been difficult not to play with matches in a room filled with "so many, many helpless people."

posted by Sean McCray | 4:17 PM |

---

3/11/2002  

My Blogstops
PatrickRuffini.com: Condi Rice 2004/2008 Veep to Prez idea. "Apparently, the RNC has done some polling related to the subject".

USS Clueless: This is a great quote about copy protection and its ability to stifle technology.
Copy protection is a lockout feature. That's the opposite of a "killer feature". A killer feature is "must-have". A lockout feature is "must not have".

Andrew Sullivan: gives a vivid description of the 9-11 documentary.I would be doing a disservice to quote any of the description, but he ends it with a succint comment. " In an odd way, having seen it all again, I feel less afraid of what lies ahead, and more eager to get on with it. The simple virtue of those rescuers remind us of what human beings are capable of, and the invincible character of the civilization they are a part of, however ruthless the evil arrayed against it."

posted by Sean McCray | 10:42 PM |

---

 

Pilot believed alive, held in Iraq
What the ..... If this turns out to be true, will the Europeans be angry about the Geneva Convention being violated?
Missing Pilot's Bio Information

posted by Sean McCray | 2:47 PM |

---

 

9-11 Looking Back Through Blogs
I wanted to see what bloggers wrote on 9-11 as the events of that day unfolded. I went through every blog on links, and most did not have an archive that dated back to September 2001. Blogging, especially warblogs, is a convergence of online technology and national tragedy. The blogging explosion was created by people who found common ground on political issues. While going through many of the archives, I found that some of my favorite bloggers hold political views in direct opposition too my own. The terrorist attacks forced everyone to focus on the most important and urgent issues facing this country. This is where the American bond is created, in ideas and values, not ethnicity or background.
Here are some links to some blog archives from 9-11.

little green footballs

USS Clueless

PatrickRuffini.com

Libertarian Rant

BlueChemical.com

KEN . LAYNE . DOT . CON

Metafilter

Midwest Conservative Journal

posted by Sean McCray | 2:40 PM |

---

 

The Blogsters...
I keep trying to mention other blogs in my postings. So I am just going to do it:
Kevin Holtsberry at Ideas etc...has Blog Watch Three up.

I am sorry. I really am. I read Hokiepundit everyday, and he has me in the list of bloggers that haven't mentioned him. he does deserve to be mentioned. He has made me go back and refresh my theology training.

Patrick Ruffini. This guy has been the one to go to for a conservative perspective on California's Governors' race. He has also been featured on FoxNews.com

Vodkapundit writes "An Open Letter to George W. Bush" about tariffs on steel.

Michael Moynihan, at The Politburo, takes The Globe to task for continuing the Cuba's propaganda. This was on time for me, I was in the middle of a debate on a website and someone mentioned Cubas health care system.

Muslimpundit got some hate e-mail, accusing him of not being a "real" Muslim. I want some hate mail too. I should have pissed someone off by now.

posted by Sean McCray | 1:44 AM |

---

 

Who Needs To Work? - Panhandling a Boon for "Shaky Lady"
The Shaky Lady is, to many, a poor desperate soul who is in dire need of help. But as the article shows us, she is actually making off like a bandit, and making a mockery of the charity and kindness of others who pass her way. How much of this occurs in other areas, in other cities? If I could sit at a street corner and earn a couple of hundred dollars for a few hours of abject begging, maybe all my time spent at university and plans for a career are actually misguided? Perhaps being a theatre major would end up being a more lucrative course of study in the end?
She is getting $2500 per week, for begging!

posted by Sean McCray | 1:29 AM |

---

3/10/2002  

WTC Symbol
From USS Clueless: There was a sculpture made of steel and bronze called "The Sphere" which was in the plaza at the World Trade Center. After the collapse, it was found. It had been badly damaged, but it still existed and it was preserved.
This symbol is perfect, it is unique and can easily be identified with the 9-11 tragedy.

posted by Sean McCray | 7:03 PM |

---

 

Russia's US chicken ban in force If we can protect steel, they can protect their poultry industry.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:36 AM |

---

3/09/2002  

My 2 Cents
My suggestions for both the PLO and Israel, on how to win over world opinion.
Israel- Unilaterally withdraw from the West Bank to the 1967 border everyones claims they want. You do not need a buffer to protect your people, your military is far superior to any other Arab nation. This would take away every excuse that the PLO uses to justify their terrorism.

The Palestenians - Arrest all terrorists, at least all future terrorists, and close down all terrorist organizations. Promote non-violent protests to Israel's occupation. Instead of spending money on weapons and bombs, spend it on lobbying western countries and on economic developement.

If either side made these moves they would gain the moral high ground. If both sides made these moves it would create peace.
America should withdraw ALL financial and military support from both parties until after they make the above moves.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:19 PM |

---

 

U.S. Works Up Plan for Using Nuclear Arms
The Bush administration has directed the military to prepare contingency plans to use nuclear weapons against at least seven countries and to build smaller nuclear weapons for use in certain battlefield situations, according to a classified Pentagon report obtained by the Los Angeles Times.
The secret report, which was provided to Congress on Jan. 8, says the Pentagon needs to be prepared to use nuclear weapons against China, Russia, Iraq, North Korea, Iran, Libya and Syria. It says the weapons could be used in three types of situations: against targets able to withstand nonnuclear attack; in retaliation for attack with nuclear, biological or chemical weapons; or "in the event of surprising military developments."
The critics responded: "They're trying desperately to find new uses for nuclear weapons, when their uses should be limited to deterrence," said John Isaacs, president of the Council for a Livable World. "This is very, very dangerous talk . . . Dr. Strangelove is clearly still alive in the Pentagon."
The more possible uses, the greater the deterrence. Why spend the time and money to build these weapons and not be willing to use them? If it is a choice between losing American lives or destroying an enemy, we must destroy the enemy.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:10 PM |

---

3/08/2002  

Engaging China on humane family planning
"...the recent administration decision to freeze funds for the UN Population Fund because it is trying to work with the Chinese on voluntary family planning."
Voluntary ? Either you have an abortion, or the government will volunteer you for their abortion.
"We cannot expect China to reconstitute itself in the American image overnight. Instead, it is in our interest to engage with China in the search for deeper understanding."
Just crazy leftist talk. What is the deeper understanding?
"It is an especially unwelcome development given that the president requested funding in his fiscal 2002 budget, and the final appropriation bill that he signed included $34 million for the agency and was approved unanimously in the Senate and by a 3-1 margin in the House."
These same people complain about Americans not being fed, but have no problem giving $34 million to a Communist country. This writer does not explain that China is increasing their military budget by 17% in 2002. The more we pay for their social programs, the more they have to build a military that will attempt to kill Americans.
In its assessment of human rights in China, the State Department noted significant progress in reducing coercive family planning.
What exactly is "significant progress"?
If one person was forced to keep a child until full term, would this writer see that as a small issue?

posted by Sean McCray | 11:49 PM |

---

 

Denmark- the Socialist Model
Denmark is often cited as an exemplary country within the EU, with an economic system that others should seek to emulate. In the comparisons of GDP per capita, Denmark ranks consistently in the top ten worldwide, and often in the top five.
This article decides to look behind the facade and gets to some important facts.
In 2002, the lowest marginal income tax level is 44.31 percent, then it increases to 49.77 percent and 63.33 percent. Forty percent of the working people pay the top marginal tax rate of 63.33 percent, which applies to all income over $33,000.
A sales tax of 25 percent hits just about everything.
The capital gains tax is 59.7 percent for a private person in the high income tax bracket, unless you hold your investment for more than 3 years. It then falls to 44.8 percent.
For cars, there is a 180 percent special tax on top of the sales tax of 25 percent. Then there is a registration fee and a weight fee to be paid twice per year for the privilege of using the roads. The price of gasoline is nearly three times as high as it is in the US.
A total tax level that approaches 70 percent is a relentless and debilitating reminder that this country desires no personal economic achievement and no accumulation of wealth.

posted by Sean McCray | 11:44 PM |

---

 

Deroy Murdock says Free-Trade ’Em Into Shape
Free trade should be another arrow in America's anti-terrorist quiver. Countries that aid this new war, especially those in the Middle East, should gain duty-free access to American markets.

posted by Sean McCray | 6:46 PM |

---

 

Arafat asks US to halt Israeli 'slaughter'
Two problems:
Arafat can't control terrorists, but expects America to control Israel?
If America asks Israel to stop, and Israel does stop retaliating, then it will feed into the myth that America can control the violence.

posted by Sean McCray | 6:35 PM |

---

 

It's Not my fault for being lazy and fat! I am relieved, I think I will celebrate with some chocolate. They're coming after you
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is one of the Washington lobbies that wants to control what we eat. These tyrants not only propose taxes on what they deem as non-nutritious foods, they've also proposed a 5 percent tax on new television sets and video equipment, and a $65 tax on each new car or an extra penny per gallon of gas. You might ask why tax these items? CSPI Nazis see watching television and videos, and riding instead of walking, as contributing to obesity. And, as they see it, just as tobacco companies were responsible for people smoking, television manufacturers are responsible for people being couch potatoes, automobile companies are responsible for people riding instead of walking and the food industry is responsible for people eating too much.

posted by Sean McCray | 3:56 PM |

---

 

Bush sheds tears
I really like this guy. He is genuine.

posted by Sean McCray | 3:52 PM |

---

 

Black daughter of Confederacy
When Nessa B. Johnson attended her first United Daughters of the Confederacy meeting in January, she said chapter members welcomed her like family even though she is black.

posted by Sean McCray | 3:46 PM |

---

 

Activists give Bush plaudits for effort to combat hunger
Something is wrong when hunger activist agree with Bush.

posted by Sean McCray | 1:07 PM |

---

 

US jobless rate falls to 4-month low
The percentage of US workers seeking unemployment benefits edged lower to 5.5% in February, the US Labor Department reported

posted by Sean McCray | 12:54 PM |

---

3/07/2002  

U.S. Troops Survive 18-Hour Ring of Fire From Al-Qaida Fighters
"It's quite a surprise to our enemies that my boys are up there at 10,000 feet, chasing them down,"
The enemy does not understand what this country is capable of accomplishing. We will not tire.

posted by Sean McCray | 11:31 PM |

---

 

Glenn Harlan Reynolds of Instapundit fame, feels the Republicans should side with the consumer against the record companies. This will back Democrats into a corner. Republicans Should Back Recording Artists, Consumers
Record companies regularly deduct 15 percent off the top of sales as an allowance for "breakage" — a survival from the days of shellac records that now simply serves to reduce artist royalties by that amount.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:10 PM |

---

 

Note This: A Good Idea from Congress. Bipartisan Caucus of Lawmakers Tout Zero Capital Gains Tax
Eliminating the federal capital gains tax would be good for the economy and wouldn't make much of a dent in the flow of tax dollars to Washington, says a new congressional caucus.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:01 PM |

---

 

You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
"...research, development and production of high-tech munitions will be funded to the tune of $1.8 billion in the '03 budget, according to Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz. The munitions range from the newly familiar to the truly eye-popping:"

posted by Sean McCray | 2:39 PM |

---

 

The free market is punishing Anderson more than Congress ever can. Delta latest company to drop Andersen

posted by Sean McCray | 2:31 PM |

---

 

Never Forget!
ABCNEWS.com : Two Policemen's Bodies Found at WTC The bodies of two police officers are recovered at Ground Zero.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:28 PM |

---

 

Report: Half Billion People Have Home Net Access
How many hits are you getting? Just a little perspective on internet traffic.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:25 PM |

---

 

DUH!
Maryland blacks ask more from Democrats
Maryland Republicans — led by state party chairman Michael Steele, who is black — have been making efforts to recruit minorities
Democrat Delegate Lisa Gladden of Baltimore said "The young African-Americans that have talent are tempted and often taken by the Republicans because they know they'll push them to the top,"
Roscoe Nix, former president of the Montgomery County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said..."If African-Americans were being strategic politically, they'd join the Republican Party...If they were politically astute, they'd infiltrate the Republican Party. They need to be more adaptable."

posted by Sean McCray | 2:21 PM |

---

 

Waiting lists highest ever: 58,000 queue for treatment

Socialist medicine at its best!
n "excess waiters" - those who have had to wait longer than 12 months for cardiac surgery or 18 months for other specialities - has risen by 2,124.
Heart disease? Can we schedule you for June 2003?

posted by Sean McCray | 2:14 PM |

---

 

Undergraduate union approved
Resident assistants at the University of Massachusetts yesterday voted to form a union, becoming what is believed to be the first group of undergraduate students in the country to organize.By a vote of 138-88 with 12 ballots contested, the resident assistants, or RAs, voted to join United Auto Workers Local 2322.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:01 AM |

---

 

Jurors Refuse To Convict Accused Murderer Because He Is Black
Four witnesses testified that Montez Taylor chased down an SUV last July in a Cincinnati neighborhood and, after the vehicle turned over, shot the driver and passenger execution-style. These testimonies, along with the evidence against him, could have had Taylor facing the death penalty. Instead, today his trial ended in a hung jury.
Two jurors, one black, one biracial, refused to seriously deliberate on the charges. Ignoring the evidence, the two jurors didn't want to convict him strictly because he was a black man.
How can releasing a murderer into the black community be constructive? The victims were also black. If people get angry about the police murdering blacks, they should be just as angry with these people.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:00 AM |

---

3/06/2002  

Best Comeback by a politician this week:
Actor Alec Baldwin was at the Capitol on Wednesday, much to the surprise of Gov. Jeb Bush.
"He had promised he would leave the country if my brother got elected," Bush said during a stop in Orlando. "Well he's back, I guess. We'll welcome him to Tallahassee."

posted by Sean McCray | 5:39 PM |

---

 

Washington state refuses to rename highway after Black war hero. A state Senate committee has quietly killed a proposal to rename Jefferson Davis Highway after William P. Stewart, a black Civil War veteran and early Washington settler. "It's pretty disgusting," groused Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, who sponsored the bill to rename the highway, better known as state highway 99. "This is a statement about what Washington state thinks is important."
I was surprised to find Washington state arguing over Civil War issues.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:29 PM |

---

 

I loved this quote from a local Afghani regarding the latest military attacks by America.
"Good, good, America, America good," he said in English, pointing skyward to the vapor trail left over Shah-i-Kot by a B-52. "They're not bombing good Afghan people, they're bombing Arabs and Chechens and Pakistanis, and we don't want them here, either. It's not their country, and they came here to make war. We want to live in a country in a peaceable condition. We want to forget all about war."

posted by Sean McCray | 5:23 PM |

---

 

The Core of Muslim Rage
Thomas Friedman has a must read article in todays NY Times.
Why is it that when Hindus kill hundreds of Muslims it elicits an emotionally muted headline in the Arab media, but when Israel kills a dozen Muslims, in a war in which Muslims are also killing Jews, it inflames the entire Muslim world?
Why are you so pained about Israelis brutalizing Palestinians, but don't say a word about the brutality with which Saddam Hussein has snuffed out two generations of Iraqis using murder, fear and poison gas?
How could a tiny Jewish state amass so much military and economic power if the Islamic way of life - not Christianity or Judaism - is God's most ideal religious path?
This is not to say that U.S. policy is blameless. We do bad things sometimes. But why is it that only Muslims react to our bad policies with suicidal terrorism, not Mexicans or Chinese?

posted by Sean McCray | 5:19 PM |

---

 

Fred Barnes asks What If . . .Democrats were in control of the war on terrorism
The scary part, is that some will read this and actually wish we had responded accordingly.
"The United States would be a lot more loved and a lot less respected. There would be less projection of raw military power, more attention to the social work aspects of foreign policy. The country would be less secure because fewer sponsors of terrorism would be terrified and fewer weapons to fight them would be produced."

posted by Sean McCray | 5:11 PM |

---

 

Gambling with the lives of Americans. They are sacrificing safety for political correctness.
After Sept. 11, the airlines decided to rely on a random search program rather than using a comprehensive profile selection system. As a result, 40 million air travelers each month participate in a system that has as low a chance of success as a state lottery - with their lives in the balance.
Instead, we routinely search individuals who are the least likely people to be a terrorist in a system that emphasizes the appearance of security over the reality of security.
Yet more than 75 percent of African-Americans polled recently said that they favored profiling at airports and understood the difference between airport and racial profiling.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:05 PM |

---

 

This is not a joke, or a headline from the Onion.
Rights panel asks for big raise
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is asking for a $6 million budget increase for 2003.

posted by Sean McCray | 5:01 PM |

---

 

The real cost of war. "Families Count Cost of Afghan Battle With Memories From 7 Lives" These are real people, not just statistics on the news.
The seven servicemen were drawn from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Those from the Army were Sergeant Crose; Specialist Anderson; Sgt. Philip J. Svitak, 31, of Joplin, Mo.; and Pfc. Matthew A. Commons, 21, of Boulder City, Nev., the Pentagon said. The Pentagon listed Sergeant Crose's age as 27, but his father said he was 22.
The four Army soldiers were members of the First Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, based at Hunger Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga.
The sailor who was killed was Petty Officer First Class Neil C. Roberts, 32, of Woodland, Calif., the Pentagon said.
The Air Force dead were Tech. Sgt. John A. Chapman, 36, of Waco, Texas; and Senior Airman Jason D. Cunningham, 26, of Camarillo, Calif., the Pentagon said.
Airman Cunningham, who was stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia

posted by Sean McCray | 1:50 PM |

---

 

Scientists Develop Plastic That Mends Itself
In the latest efforts to design more resilient materials, scientists at U.C.L.A. have developed a transparent, yellowish plastic that mends its cracks when heated.

posted by Sean McCray | 1:48 PM |

---

 

China takes delivery of aircraft carrier
A U.S. intelligence satellite photo of Russia's unfinished aircraft carrier Varyag, then docked at Nikolayev shipyard on the Black Sea. The Varyag has now reached the S. China Sea and will be used by the Chinese military.

posted by Sean McCray | 1:46 PM |

---

3/05/2002  

Radical New Views of Islam and the Origins of the Koran
Applying western theological methods to the Koran, could lead to a more secular Islam.
Yet despite the fear, a handful of experts have been quietly investigating the origins of the Koran, offering radically new theories about the text's meaning and the rise of Islam.
As long ago as 1977, John Wansbrough of the School of Oriental and African Studies in London wrote that subjecting the Koran to "analysis by the instruments and techniques of biblical criticism is virtually unknown."
Mr. Wansbrough insisted that the text of the Koran appeared to be a composite of different voices or texts compiled over dozens if not hundreds of years. After all, scholars agree that there is no evidence of the Koran until 691 - 59 years after Muhammad's death - when the Dome of the Rock mosque in Jerusalem was built, carrying several Koranic inscriptions.
These inscriptions differ to some degree from the version of the Koran that has been handed down through the centuries, suggesting, scholars say, that the Koran may have still been evolving in the last decade of the seventh century. Moreover, much of what we know as Islam - the lives and sayings of the Prophet - is based on texts from between 130 and 300 years after Muhammad's death.

posted by Sean McCray | 10:12 PM |

---

 

Social Security Rethink
This is why I like William Rasberry, common sense trumps political ideology. He quickly debunks the Enron argument being used by those who oppose privatizing social security. Much of the argument against a thrift-savings component to Social Security amounts to little more than liberals against conservatives. Conservatives love it, so liberals must oppose it. It would be good if we could move beyond this partisan silliness and deal with some of the real issues -- and perceptions -- of the matter.

posted by Sean McCray | 10:10 PM |

---

 

The Soldier of the Furture
The Objective Force Warrior envisioned by the Army and a team from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and organizations throughout the country. The goal is to develop a high-tech soldier with 20 times the capability of today's warrior and to have that soldier commissioned by about 2010.

posted by Sean McCray | 10:09 PM |

---

 

Black profs to boycott Thomas visit
A coming visit to UNC this week by Clarence Thomas has rankled the black members of the university’s law school faculty, none of whom plan to attend any of the day’s events featuring the conservative associate justice of the nation’s highest court.
The open dialogue of college campuses only applies to liberal ideas.

posted by Sean McCray | 3:05 PM |

---

 

'Shadow Government' Was Not a Mystery
Maybe Daschle doesn't read. Articles about the "secret"government were run as early as October.

posted by Sean McCray | 3:01 PM |

---

 

Bush to Announce Tariffs Amid Worries About Reaction of Allies
Tarriffs will only make the steel industry weaker and less competitive.

posted by Sean McCray | 2:58 PM |

---

3/01/2002  

Jesus in Islam
I read this book review and did a little research on how Islam views Jesus.
This short book ("The Muslim Jesus") contains...sayings and stories of Jesus drawn from Islamic literature.The legacy of Jesus is gentleness, compassion, and humility."
In Muslim writings, Jesus has a life of his own. His miraculous birth is emphasized, but there's no mention of the Passion. Here Jesus companions with ascetics rather than with sinners, as in the Gospels...The sayings and stories are presented in 303 segments. Each segment contains a translation and a short commentary.
Examples:
"Jesus said," goes No. 122, " 'God likes His servant to learn a craft whereby he can become independent of people, and God hates a servant who acquires religious knowledge and then adopts it as a craft."

"Jesus met a man and asked him, 'What are you doing?' 'I am devoting myself to God,' the man replied. 'Who is caring for you?' 'My brother,' replied the man. Jesus said, 'Your brother is more devoted to God than you are.' "

The Ahlul Bayt `Aalim Network was a mailing list consisting of Islamic scholars who answer questions about Islam.
(Example: In response to a question about Jesus….. "He was blessed in two ways, one of which was not shared by many other prophets. He was both chosen as a Prophet and also blessed with the Holy spirit (2: 87, 253; 5: 110; 21:91; 19:17). Many other prophets were not blessed by the Holy spirit. )

The Nature of Jesus This is a paper that attempts to portray the Islamic view of man and God, and the position of Jesus within the Islamic world view. The main thesis states that only by placing him within the theological context of Islam is it possible to gain some insight into Jesus.

Answering-Islam A Christian website that gives very detailed explainations of the differences between Islam and Christianity.
(Examples: In the topical subjects area, under Jesus: · Muslims believed that Jesus will come again during the last days. Some traditions attribute that Jesus will be a just ruler. Some identify Jesus with the Mahdi, while others that he will be a follower of Imam Mahdi. see MAHDI.
In Islam, it is not clear what the status of Jesus is at the present moment in heaven. It is said that the sign of his coming is the moon and sun eclipsing in the same month of Ramadan. Ahmadis believe that it happened to Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian in 1894. [We certainly need astronomers to confirm this.] Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said "How will you be when the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you and he will judge people by the Law of the Quran and not by the law of Gospel (Fateh-ul Bari page 304 and 305 Vol 7) (Sahih Bukhari 4.658)

Another Christian site: Islam: A Guide

posted by Sean McCray | 2:10 PM |

---

 

Boycott-Riaa.com
Lots of information on the record company cartel.

posted by Sean McCray | 10:46 AM |

---

 

I will be doing some moving today, so posting will be light

posted by Sean McCray | 10:13 AM |

---

 

Revised GDP shows stronger growth
Gross domestic product — the broadest measure of economic activity on U.S. soil — rose at a 1.4% annual pace in October, November and December, stronger than estimated by most analysts and the best showing since the fourth quarter of 2000, the Commerce Department said.

posted by Sean McCray | 9:59 AM |

---