David Brooks once again is right on target with this commentary. Sharpton and Falwell do not speak for Christ. They speak for their supporters, from their egos and for their institutions.
I don't know Stott, but I will find more about him. If he is as Brooks describes him, speaking always about the person of Jesus Christ, then he's my man.
Thanks David! The following quote is among the best:
"Politicians, especially Democrats, are now trying harder to appeal to people of faith. But people of faith are not just another interest group, like gun owners. You have to begin by understanding the faith. And you can't understand this rising global movement if you don't meet its authentic representatives.
Not Falwell, but Stott."
November 30, 2004
The New York Times > Washington > Demonstrators Greet Bush in Canada
Bias in headline writing. The Times, which owns the Tribune, will do anything to smear Bush.
The New York Times > Washington > Demonstrators Greet Bush in Canada
Bias in headline writing. The Times, which owns the Tribune, will do anything to smear Bush.
November 29, 2004
Supersizing the UN | csmonitor.com
Where else is this story being reported in the MSM (Main Stream Media)? The UN is in dire need of overhaul, because form the perspective of security of people, it is failing miserable, while arguably doing a bit better in the area of humanitarian relief.
UN reorg should go nowhere until the facts of the Oil-for-Food scandal are made public and penalities paid by those who are guilty of fraud, bribery, or falsification of records. The ill gotten gains should be recovered and used for humanitarian purposes, preferably in Iraq.
UN reorg should go nowhere until the facts of the Oil-for-Food scandal are made public and penalities paid by those who are guilty of fraud, bribery, or falsification of records. The ill gotten gains should be recovered and used for humanitarian purposes, preferably in Iraq.
The New York Times > Business > The Number Wall St. Crunches the Most
Capitalism continues to thrive. Big bucks in year-end bonuses for the top financial producers.
PressThink - Big Media Loses in the Election
The mainstream media did lose and they've dug themselves a big hole in the liberal swamp (should I say wetland...it's more PC).Watching how they climb out of this hole will be interesting, particularly as bloggers and alternative media become more skilled, more prevalent and more believable.
The monopoly is finished and the liberal bias that exists has been exposed. What will the Times do? CBS? ABC? the LA Times, Washington Post, Newsweek? Will they hire differently? Manage differently? Admit their bias, not only editorially but in the newsroom, too?
For good journalism, try the Christian Science Monitor.
The monopoly is finished and the liberal bias that exists has been exposed. What will the Times do? CBS? ABC? the LA Times, Washington Post, Newsweek? Will they hire differently? Manage differently? Admit their bias, not only editorially but in the newsroom, too?
For good journalism, try the Christian Science Monitor.
Salento Information Excerpt
A grim reminder of the ancient ...and now present Islamic terrorism. What a vilent world we live in now and it has been worse in earlier centuries.
Carol and friends are considering an Italian school in Otranto for a couple of weeks in the Spring.
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'Nirentine Riviera' on the Ionian Coast towards Nard and Gallipoli Otranto is the city of the eight-hundred martyrs, slaughtered by the Turks under Mohammed II in 1480 during the famous sack of this city. It had been living 'peacefully forgotten' (as is written on the epigraph on Minerva's Hill) when the Ottoman host descended upon it. The city resisted to the last, but after seventeen days of siege, when the walls had been breached and the lives of twelve thousand of its defenders had been lost, the remaining 800 survivors were horribly massacred."
Carol and friends are considering an Italian school in Otranto for a couple of weeks in the Spring.
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'Nirentine Riviera' on the Ionian Coast towards Nard and Gallipoli Otranto is the city of the eight-hundred martyrs, slaughtered by the Turks under Mohammed II in 1480 during the famous sack of this city. It had been living 'peacefully forgotten' (as is written on the epigraph on Minerva's Hill) when the Ottoman host descended upon it. The city resisted to the last, but after seventeen days of siege, when the walls had been breached and the lives of twelve thousand of its defenders had been lost, the remaining 800 survivors were horribly massacred."
The New York Times > International > Americas > Port-au-Prince Journal: Haiti's Wounds Overwhelm a Suffering Public Hospital
Is any hope on the horizon for Haiti? This is the rotting example of a failed state in our hemisphere, nearly in America's backyard. There are successful Christian mission programs, but the country lacks a political system, education infrastructure, a moral base or any economy that could sustain these. Haiti is a ward of the world. I wish I had an answer. There don't seem to be any.
The New York Times > Technology > The Disco Ball of Failed Hopes and Other Tales From Inside Intel
Technology's relentless march causes giants to stumble when good, smart competitors focus on their strengths and their competitors' weaknesses. Intel will rebound, and the customer will win with better products that will do amazing things.
Wireless wins!
Wireless wins!
The New York Times > International > Europe > Premier's Camp Signals a Threat to Ukraine Unity
Ethnic and religious allegiances are far stronger than political ties, as we learned in Yugoslavia, Iraq, Darfur, and many other places on earth. jurisdictional and political boundaries and institutions mean little against the forces that tie people to their passions, language, family and beliefs.
The United States is truly a unique experiment in the democratic rule of law, one that will be tested now and in the future as immigrants continue to arrive and shape this country, seeking a better economic future and relief from the class and ethnic warfare in their homelands.
The United States is truly a unique experiment in the democratic rule of law, one that will be tested now and in the future as immigrants continue to arrive and shape this country, seeking a better economic future and relief from the class and ethnic warfare in their homelands.
November 28, 2004
The Globe and Mail: Protesters won't rule out possible acts of violence
Oh, yes. Peace activists possibly planning to use "direct action" (violence?) in their protests for President Bush's visit to Ottawa.
The AIDS Tragedy in Sub-Saharan Africa - Courtesy NY Times
Click here for a good summary of the issues faced by sub-Saharan Africa.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The Last Mile
Thomas, help with the media piece. Does the NY Times have an Arabic language daily/weekly? If not, why not invest in one or a TV station that will counter Al Jazeerah? The issue of information and news that Arab society believes or hears or reads does not solely belong to Bush. Why doesn't American media step up to the plate? Because, in general 'Big Media' doesn't support the war, that's why.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Blood Is Thicker Than Gravy
Thanks for giving your brother space in your column to speak what most Americans believe. Now, take it to heart and get with the mainstream. But I'll bet you won't. You make too much money in the ultra left domain and have your bosses to satisfy.
The New York Times > International > Africa > A Hollowed Generation | Plunge in Life Expectancy: Hut by Hut, AIDS Steals Life in a Southern Africa Tow
A tale that will have a tragic ending, I'm afraid. There are so many factors underlying this epidemic, not the least of which are ignorance, superstition, rampant warfare (including rape) and apparent unrestrained or unprotected sex.
So sad. But is it preventable in this culture? Doubtful.
Click here for a good summary of the issues faced by sub-Saharan Africa.
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"He does not know, he acknowledged, how much worse that epidemic will become.
Virtually all the Swazis dying today were infected in the 1990's, when the infection rate was far lower than it is today. Those who are just now infected will not fall gravely ill until about 2012 - a tidal wave of illness and death that is still eight years away.
How Lavumisa and other similar towns will cope with that is anyone's guess. 'Nobody has ever walked that road,' Dr. von Wissell said. 'Nobody.' "
So sad. But is it preventable in this culture? Doubtful.
Click here for a good summary of the issues faced by sub-Saharan Africa.
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"He does not know, he acknowledged, how much worse that epidemic will become.
Virtually all the Swazis dying today were infected in the 1990's, when the infection rate was far lower than it is today. Those who are just now infected will not fall gravely ill until about 2012 - a tidal wave of illness and death that is still eight years away.
How Lavumisa and other similar towns will cope with that is anyone's guess. 'Nobody has ever walked that road,' Dr. von Wissell said. 'Nobody.' "
November 27, 2004
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Good News About Poverty
David Brooks is at it again, sharing good news. The good news is that globalization works. Anti-globalization rioters and lunatics take note...you may be out of a job. (We know you're out of work because you have all this time to engage in globe-trotting riots.) Other less radical but ultra-liberal folks, pay attention. Are downsides associated with globalization? Yes. There are dislocations in the developed countries as some jobs move to others, but looked at on a global basis, more people have a higher standard of living.
I love Brooks' concluding message:
"Just once, I'd like to see someone like Bono or Bruce Springsteen stand up at a concert and speak the truth to his fan base: that the world is complicated and there are no free lunches. But if you really want to reduce world poverty, you should be cheering on those guys in pinstripe suits at the free-trade negotiations and those investors jetting around the world. Thanks, in part, to them, we are making progress against poverty. Thanks, in part, to them, more people around the world have something to be thankful for."
I love Brooks' concluding message:
"Just once, I'd like to see someone like Bono or Bruce Springsteen stand up at a concert and speak the truth to his fan base: that the world is complicated and there are no free lunches. But if you really want to reduce world poverty, you should be cheering on those guys in pinstripe suits at the free-trade negotiations and those investors jetting around the world. Thanks, in part, to them, we are making progress against poverty. Thanks, in part, to them, more people around the world have something to be thankful for."
The New York Times > Washington > Vast Borrowing Seen in Altering Social Security
This article is a very worthwhile read. It explains in relatively simple terms the cost of the fix to Social Security. I favor personal accounts for the primary reason that they will very likely return more to the beneficiaries on the invested amounts over the long term. In addition, significant equity capital would be available to the private sector which should help the economy. Many do not favor private accounts, but I don't understand their opposition in the face of what nearly everyone agrees is a very large financial dilemma. What are the arguments against private accounts?
I applaud the Republicans for taking the initiative to fix SS before the crisis is fully upon us. This is absolutely the right time to address the problem.
I applaud the Republicans for taking the initiative to fix SS before the crisis is fully upon us. This is absolutely the right time to address the problem.
November 25, 2004
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: In My Next Life
Thanks, Thomas. You do have it right way down inside where it counts. The people who willingly fight and die in the service of this country must be honored whether one agrees with the policies underlying their sacrifice or not. By and large they do what they do because they believe in this country and its underlying values
The excesses of vanity, selfishness and power that you describe in the rest of the article are wrong and need fixing. Sports and political excesses, our inherent selfisness and all the dark side of what America is do not serve us well. But, it's not a Republican or Democrat thing. Power breeds expected privilege and our Congress, as one example, is now and always has been replete with power brokers who do the country a disservice when their motives are less than altruistic. The underlying problem is the corruptible 'us,' as Pogo knew so well.
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"If I can't be any of these, then I want to be just a simple blue-state red-state American. I want to take time on this Thanksgiving to thank God I live in a country where, despite so much rampant selfishness, the public schools still manage to produce young men and women ready to voluntarily risk their lives in places like Iraq and Afghanistan to spread the opportunity of freedom and to protect my own. And I want to thank them for doing this, even though on so many days in so many ways we really don't deserve them."
The excesses of vanity, selfishness and power that you describe in the rest of the article are wrong and need fixing. Sports and political excesses, our inherent selfisness and all the dark side of what America is do not serve us well. But, it's not a Republican or Democrat thing. Power breeds expected privilege and our Congress, as one example, is now and always has been replete with power brokers who do the country a disservice when their motives are less than altruistic. The underlying problem is the corruptible 'us,' as Pogo knew so well.
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"If I can't be any of these, then I want to be just a simple blue-state red-state American. I want to take time on this Thanksgiving to thank God I live in a country where, despite so much rampant selfishness, the public schools still manage to produce young men and women ready to voluntarily risk their lives in places like Iraq and Afghanistan to spread the opportunity of freedom and to protect my own. And I want to thank them for doing this, even though on so many days in so many ways we really don't deserve them."
November 24, 2004
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Marines in Falluja Find Rebel Leader's Arsenal
Good to find his arsenal, better to find and eradicate him.
Reuters News Article- Declaration of Independence Banned at CA School
A piece describing a situation where political correctness distorts and destroys the truth. This is a prime example of the wrongfulness of political correctness. How can anyone tolerate this foolishness? Courts should uphold a teacher's right to describe, teach and reveal that God and morality was a fundamental underpinning of the founding of this country.
Whether someone believes in God is irrelevant to the truth of history and the founding principles of this nation.
Whether someone believes in God is irrelevant to the truth of history and the founding principles of this nation.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Steamroller Out of Steam
I agree with Safire (gosh, we'll miss him at the Times!) that the Senate Intelligence Committee has not done its oversight job. As I recall John Kerry is one of the committee's senior members who didn't bother showing up for meetings.
Release the report of the Cole attack.
Release the report of the Cole attack.
November 23, 2004
The New York Times > Business > Media & Advertising > Dan Rather to Step Down at CBS in March
This is as it should be. At 73 Rather should step down from the anchor position and away from '60 Minutes' and all of CBS News as well . He has done his work over the years. Now the time has come to hang up the spurs. And the producer, Mapes, should resign also because it appears she had a big part in the forged documents fiasco, including her call to the Kerry campaign.
November 20, 2004
Yahoo! News - Pacers Brawl With Fans During Pistons Game
Americans are rivaling the violence of world soccer fans. One problem in America is that many hooligans are playing the game in addition to those buying tickets. Sad.
The New York Times > National > What's the Name of That Lake? It's Hard to Say
When I lived nearby, we used to call it Webster Lake, but I've always remembered the Indian name and could always pronounces it reasonably accurately, but spell it? No way!
November 19, 2004
The New York Times > AP > Technology > Congress Blocks Net Connection Taxation
Good work by our Congress. Keep the Internet and access to it tax free. Taxing the Internet DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. Additional legislation may be needed to privent taxation of VoIP.
"``Congress, consumers and the private sector should be able to revisit the issue and adjust to emerging technologies and market realities,'' he (National Governors Association Executive Director Raymond C. Scheppach) said. ``It just makes sense.''
The bill has no effect on an emerging Internet technology that some states want to tax as a traditional telecommunications service -- Voice Over Internet Protocol or VOIP. The service lets consumers use Internet technology like telephones."
"``Congress, consumers and the private sector should be able to revisit the issue and adjust to emerging technologies and market realities,'' he (National Governors Association Executive Director Raymond C. Scheppach) said. ``It just makes sense.''
The bill has no effect on an emerging Internet technology that some states want to tax as a traditional telecommunications service -- Voice Over Internet Protocol or VOIP. The service lets consumers use Internet technology like telephones."
The New York Times > AP > Business > Greenspan Says U.S. Deficits Pose a Risk
This could be a very BIG problem. "So far, foreigners are willing to lend the United States money to finance the current account imbalances, Greenspan pointed out. The worry, however, is that at some point foreigners might suddenly lose interest in holding dollar-denominated investments. That could cause foreigners to unload investments in U.S. stocks and bonds, sending their prices plunging and interest rates soaring."
The New York Times > Education > Republicans Outnumbered in Academia, Studies Find
A very skewed academic environment on major college campuses. This article describes the situation well. Not a healthy mix of worldviews when liberals outnumber conservatives nine to one or more.
November 18, 2004
Yahoo! News - News Groups Will Delay Future Exit Polls
Eliminate exit polls. If news organizations won't do it, the interviewees should lie. Exit polls should not substitute for vote counts.
The New York Times > Washington > House G.O.P. Acts to Protect Chief
The Republicans shouldn't have done this.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: A Plague of Toadies
Is Dowd the 'loyal opposition' or only a shrew? Her diatribes always seem calculated to rouse the anti-Bush rabble. She has good points to make, but is always over the top in her language and ranting literary style. To be expected from a disappointed leftie, I suppose, with a forum. Hate-filled. Too bad.
OpinionJournal - Peggy Noonan
Quiet wisdom from Peggy Noonan for Republicans and Democrats alike. Maureen Dowd...are you listening/reading?
Privacy-Anonymity-Paranoia
A friend forwarded this link to me. My take on the privacy issue is this:
Having made the decision to enter the electronic world, life is too short for me to expend excessive energy and angst on who knows what about me or worrying the FBI or some other spook will come aknocking at my door. I really don't care that my email is stored forever or that people may mine it. I don't have any expectation that what I put in email is private. Any recipient of my email can choose to forward it to anyone they wish. So we really shouldn't have any privacy expectation using email whether GMail or any other email service.
Having said that, I take reasonable precautions not to expose my electronic information to the world. Just as we may not use a cell phone (not so much an issue with digital cell service as it was in ye old analog world) for certain discussions, email should be treated the same way. Some things are best handled face-to-face, on the telephone (but that may be an issue as we move to IP telephony, or telephony via the Internet) or in snail mail (assuming we trust the postal services of the world).
I want my government to have the means to snoop on the bad guys with adequate protections to prevent abuse. If I were a 'bad guy' I'd worry about snoopers and Google and Hotmail and any other email service that retains my email. The government can get my phone records (no content, unless they wiretap) for just cause. I think that's OK.
I believe the most vexing risk is identity theft and I try to take precautions to avoid that.
In the words of my friend: "...so I pays my dues and takes my chances as they say."
Having made the decision to enter the electronic world, life is too short for me to expend excessive energy and angst on who knows what about me or worrying the FBI or some other spook will come aknocking at my door. I really don't care that my email is stored forever or that people may mine it. I don't have any expectation that what I put in email is private. Any recipient of my email can choose to forward it to anyone they wish. So we really shouldn't have any privacy expectation using email whether GMail or any other email service.
Having said that, I take reasonable precautions not to expose my electronic information to the world. Just as we may not use a cell phone (not so much an issue with digital cell service as it was in ye old analog world) for certain discussions, email should be treated the same way. Some things are best handled face-to-face, on the telephone (but that may be an issue as we move to IP telephony, or telephony via the Internet) or in snail mail (assuming we trust the postal services of the world).
I want my government to have the means to snoop on the bad guys with adequate protections to prevent abuse. If I were a 'bad guy' I'd worry about snoopers and Google and Hotmail and any other email service that retains my email. The government can get my phone records (no content, unless they wiretap) for just cause. I think that's OK.
I believe the most vexing risk is identity theft and I try to take precautions to avoid that.
In the words of my friend: "...so I pays my dues and takes my chances as they say."
The New York Times > Technology > SBC in Deal With Microsoft to Provide TV on High-Speed Lines
The race is finally on now that the telcos have a green light form the FCC to deploy fiber on a non-common carrier basis. This whole show has been one of timing as the FCC 'waited' for the cable companies to deploy their digital network so that facilities-based competition would exist rather than rely on the use of telco facilities by other providers of services.
The only competitive business model that makes sense is facilities-based competition. Now the question is: what becomes of the broadcast TV channels and companies. Long term that frequency spectrum is best used for wireless device connectivity and yet another competitive facilities-based alternative for broadband services, of which traditional TV/video is only one.
The deal with Microsoft is interesting. Since Verizon already has a deal with Microsoft as ISP associated with its DSL service, it makes sense for then to use MS for IP-TV too.
"Consumers will potentially have hundreds of channels to choose from, although the delivery of that programming will be different from cable's. All IP-TV programs will be delivered as video-on-demand - consumers request a program from a central server and it is delivered immediately. In contrast, cable companies typically send hundreds of channels to customers' homes all at once - although newer, digital cable systems can also send programs one by one as in video-on-demand.
Initially, SBC hopes that the Microsoft technology will allow it to simultaneously send two high-definition channels and two standard-definition channels for consumers with two televisions on at once, as well as a high-speed Internet connection to consumers. Subscribers will need to add only a new set-top box to receive the programming. SBC will also have to achieve vast increases in data speeds on its network."
The only competitive business model that makes sense is facilities-based competition. Now the question is: what becomes of the broadcast TV channels and companies. Long term that frequency spectrum is best used for wireless device connectivity and yet another competitive facilities-based alternative for broadband services, of which traditional TV/video is only one.
The deal with Microsoft is interesting. Since Verizon already has a deal with Microsoft as ISP associated with its DSL service, it makes sense for then to use MS for IP-TV too.
"Consumers will potentially have hundreds of channels to choose from, although the delivery of that programming will be different from cable's. All IP-TV programs will be delivered as video-on-demand - consumers request a program from a central server and it is delivered immediately. In contrast, cable companies typically send hundreds of channels to customers' homes all at once - although newer, digital cable systems can also send programs one by one as in video-on-demand.
Initially, SBC hopes that the Microsoft technology will allow it to simultaneously send two high-definition channels and two standard-definition channels for consumers with two televisions on at once, as well as a high-speed Internet connection to consumers. Subscribers will need to add only a new set-top box to receive the programming. SBC will also have to achieve vast increases in data speeds on its network."
November 17, 2004
The New York Times > Business > Kmart Moves to Acquire Sears in $11 Billion Retailing Deal
Fascinating! Kmart buys sears. There's a great article about Lampert, the Kmart CEO, comparing him to Warren Buffett in the Nov. 22 Business Week.
November 16, 2004
The New York Times > Technology > Unused PC Power to Run Grid for Unraveling Disease
A powerful harnessing of unused CPUs. Since Google also sponsors a project of this nature, will many good works be competing for computing power? Interesting dilemma.
Projects within the IBM initiative will also compete for priority.
Projects within the IBM initiative will also compete for priority.
November 15, 2004
The New York Times > Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
Given her venomous nature, at least as portrayed in her columns, I'd say Dowd is in the crosshairs of many outspoken conservatives and moderates. Her column should be printed in red ink.
ABC News: Democrats Vie for Party Chair
Go for it Howard and continue the Democrats' train wreck. I think you will not get the post.
A symbol of moderation exits | csmonitor.com
Very sorry to see Powell leave, though he has said for some time he wouldn't stay on after the election.
FOXNews.com - FNS w/ Chris Wallace - Transcript: Sen. Joe Lieberman on 'FOX News Sunday'
Lieberman is a good guy. I like him and I hope that Bush will offer him a cabinet post. If not, then his leadership in the Senate will be invaluable. The country would be well served with Joe Lieberman in a policy leadership role.
The New York Times > Business > Teamsters Find Pensions at Risk
Here's an example of an excellent story by the Times. Stories like this, though, will be used in arguments about the Bush administration's attempts to revamp Social Security. Let the debate begin!!
Mini clash of civilizations - The Washington Times: Commentary - November 15, 2004
Radical Islam is on the march in Europe. The stunning statistic in this piece about the Muslim population in Holland is this:
"Today, Muslims are a majority among children under 14 in the Netherlands' four largest cities."
"Today, Muslims are a majority among children under 14 in the Netherlands' four largest cities."
The New York Times > Health > Tiny Antennas to Keep Tabs on U.S. Drugs
I can already hear the screams of the privacy advocates, those who see this as a another increase in the cost of health care, advocates who say this is nothing more than a ploy to protect the big drug companies, etc., etc..
When all is said and done, publicity for RFID on wholesale drug containers may be as effective as the implementation to cut down on the counterfeit drug trade.
As for theft, people will bring their own containers when stealing drugs from the local pharmacy for personal use or resale.
This is not a panacea.
When all is said and done, publicity for RFID on wholesale drug containers may be as effective as the implementation to cut down on the counterfeit drug trade.
As for theft, people will bring their own containers when stealing drugs from the local pharmacy for personal use or resale.
This is not a panacea.
Cal Thomas
Cal Thomas speaks the truth about Arafat and we should be vigilant concerning the motives of any other Palestinian leader(s) who may emerge. Recent events after Arafat's burial indicate the people are in a frenzy.
I believe that the Arab world could solve this problem if they wanted to. More likely they won't because the radical Islamists in all countries want Israel pushed into the sea.
I am fearful that a day will come when we find a nuke has been exploded in Israel. I wonder if America and Europe have a contingency plan for that short of Armageddon?
I believe that the Arab world could solve this problem if they wanted to. More likely they won't because the radical Islamists in all countries want Israel pushed into the sea.
I am fearful that a day will come when we find a nuke has been exploded in Israel. I wonder if America and Europe have a contingency plan for that short of Armageddon?
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: U.N. Obstructs Justice
Safire has written one of the hardest-hitting commentaries yet on U.N. corruption in the Iraqi Oil-for-Food program.
Where is the investigative reporting from the media? Where is the outrage from the left and those who truly believe the U.N. is the forum for global peace, humanitarian relief and harmony?
When will what is shaping up as an outrageous scandal be fully exposed? No surprise that France and French interests seem to be major players and beneficiaries in this mess. My guess is that some Americans are caught up in it, too.
Stay with this, Safire! I hope the Times sees fit to devote many more resources to this story.
Where is the investigative reporting from the media? Where is the outrage from the left and those who truly believe the U.N. is the forum for global peace, humanitarian relief and harmony?
When will what is shaping up as an outrageous scandal be fully exposed? No surprise that France and French interests seem to be major players and beneficiaries in this mess. My guess is that some Americans are caught up in it, too.
Stay with this, Safire! I hope the Times sees fit to devote many more resources to this story.
November 14, 2004
Arafat's Thievery
A report from Drudge quoting Time Magazine and other sources says that not only was Arafat a terrorist, but also a thief, stealing from the Palestinian people for years. Many think him a hero. History will show him to be a worthless terrorist and thief. What a terrible travesty he and his henchmen have wrought on the Palestinian people.
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"MAG: Arafat Skimmed $2 Million a Month From the Gas TradeSun Nov 14 2004 09:53:40 ETNew York --
Last year auditors discovered Arafat was guilty of skimming $2 million a month from the gasoline trade in the territories, TIME reports.In August 2002 international donors forced Arafat to sign over his investments to the Palestine Investment Fund, which was audited by U.S. accountants and managed by Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayyad, a former International Monetary Fund official. After scouring corporations throughout the Arab world and bank accounts in the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg, the auditors identified $800 million, which has been made a part of the Palestinian Authority’s official budget. “It’s the most successful financial reform in the Arab world,” Jim Prince, president of the Los Angeles–based Democracy Council and head of the audit team, tells TIME.
People close to Fayyad’s investigation told TIME of Arafat’s skimming from the gas trade. Breaking the gasoline smuggling and corruption boosted the Palestinian Authority’s official treasury by $10 million a month and cut gas prices for ordinary Palestinians. “Arafat’s death means his followers may never know just how much more they may be owed,” writes TIME’s Matt Rees in “Where’s Arafat’s Money?”
In the mid-1990s, Arafat controlled a financial empire worth at least $3 billion. By the time of his death, he was down to his last $1 billion, according to Israeli-intelligence estimates.Arafat wife Suha’s outburst that his successors were “trying to bury [him] alive” came after she learned that Arafat had signed over at least $800 million to the government of the Palestinian Authority two years ago, TIME reports.
Top Palestinian officials say Suha wants the new chief of the P.L.O., Mahmoud Abbas, and Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qurei to give her money out of the P.L.O.’s party coffers. But a senior P.L.O. official tells TIME, “they’ll pay her a pension, and that’s it.
”People familiar with Arafat’s finances say the Palestinian leader sent Suha $200,000 a month out of the Palestinian Authority’s budget for the Office of the President. French authorities are investigating transfers of $15 million from Swiss banks to Paris accounts in Suha’s name at the Arab Bank and at BNP Paribas Bank, a French bank, TIME reports. Senior Palestinian security officials tell TIME that Arafat also shipped money to the gunmen of the Aqsa Martyrs Brigades."
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Pray for enlightened leadership from the Palestinians, Israel, the Arab world and the U.S.
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"MAG: Arafat Skimmed $2 Million a Month From the Gas TradeSun Nov 14 2004 09:53:40 ETNew York --
Last year auditors discovered Arafat was guilty of skimming $2 million a month from the gasoline trade in the territories, TIME reports.In August 2002 international donors forced Arafat to sign over his investments to the Palestine Investment Fund, which was audited by U.S. accountants and managed by Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayyad, a former International Monetary Fund official. After scouring corporations throughout the Arab world and bank accounts in the Cayman Islands and Luxembourg, the auditors identified $800 million, which has been made a part of the Palestinian Authority’s official budget. “It’s the most successful financial reform in the Arab world,” Jim Prince, president of the Los Angeles–based Democracy Council and head of the audit team, tells TIME.
People close to Fayyad’s investigation told TIME of Arafat’s skimming from the gas trade. Breaking the gasoline smuggling and corruption boosted the Palestinian Authority’s official treasury by $10 million a month and cut gas prices for ordinary Palestinians. “Arafat’s death means his followers may never know just how much more they may be owed,” writes TIME’s Matt Rees in “Where’s Arafat’s Money?”
In the mid-1990s, Arafat controlled a financial empire worth at least $3 billion. By the time of his death, he was down to his last $1 billion, according to Israeli-intelligence estimates.Arafat wife Suha’s outburst that his successors were “trying to bury [him] alive” came after she learned that Arafat had signed over at least $800 million to the government of the Palestinian Authority two years ago, TIME reports.
Top Palestinian officials say Suha wants the new chief of the P.L.O., Mahmoud Abbas, and Palestinian prime minister Ahmed Qurei to give her money out of the P.L.O.’s party coffers. But a senior P.L.O. official tells TIME, “they’ll pay her a pension, and that’s it.
”People familiar with Arafat’s finances say the Palestinian leader sent Suha $200,000 a month out of the Palestinian Authority’s budget for the Office of the President. French authorities are investigating transfers of $15 million from Swiss banks to Paris accounts in Suha’s name at the Arab Bank and at BNP Paribas Bank, a French bank, TIME reports. Senior Palestinian security officials tell TIME that Arafat also shipped money to the gunmen of the Aqsa Martyrs Brigades."
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Pray for enlightened leadership from the Palestinians, Israel, the Arab world and the U.S.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The Arafat Voids
Power is everything, Tom. Doing the right thing is only second best...at best. However, that said, since Sharon is in the last days of his life and Bush is in his last term, perhaps they will choose the right thing since they have the power now, but will soon lose it.
The more difficult question is: Do the Palestinians want peace? I have seen little that suggests they do. The only way for peace to break out is if Arab leaders, not only Western leaders, stand up and say we want peace and then take actions to curb the terrorists.
This ball is not only in Bush's court. I don't think the Arabs and Palestinians have shown they want peace. Until they do, Israel should not give an inch. The Gaza withdrawal is a good sign but should not be done n a vacuum.
The more difficult question is: Do the Palestinians want peace? I have seen little that suggests they do. The only way for peace to break out is if Arab leaders, not only Western leaders, stand up and say we want peace and then take actions to curb the terrorists.
This ball is not only in Bush's court. I don't think the Arabs and Palestinians have shown they want peace. Until they do, Israel should not give an inch. The Gaza withdrawal is a good sign but should not be done n a vacuum.
NYTImes Reporting on Nantucket Sound Wind Farm
Cape Cod Wind Farm Mock-up
Aesthetics and clean energy. Will the twain ever meet.? I think the answer is yes, but not without much pain and great expense. Vermont is wrestling the same issue with the debate now centered on the mountain ridgelines,. However, Lake Champlain has an ample supply of wind and the Islands area, particularly South Hero, has plenty of shallow water and prevailing southerlies and southwesterlies. This is the same area that VELCO was forced to place power lines underwater when ice damaged the overhead towers.
Wouldn't it be ironic if someday this same area sprouted wind turbines?
The much larger question is the economics of wind vs. fossil vs. nuclear. Nuclear is probably the best source for future electrical energy generation, much more effective than wind, but the irrational fear of nuclear will thwart its growth.
In all these discussions and controversies, we should always be mindful of the often hidden anti-growth agenda of many 'environmentalists.' The essential debate, it seems to me, is the long term sustainability of the economic and social well-being of our society and its continuing demand for energy to support the 'good life.' Few want to risk being labeled "Anti-growth", though Vermont has more than its share of people who really see this as the crucial issue in air and water quality controversies as well as for renewable energy. Cheap nuclear power would abrogate the sustainability arguments.
Jeff Wennberg, Vermont's Commissioner of Environmental Conservation, recently exposed anti-growth as the real agenda behind the Conservation Law Foundation's litigation efforts at stormwater remediation and the water quality of Lake Champlain.
The New York Times > Week in Review > The Public Editor: It's Good to Be Objective. It's Even Better to Be Right.
I saw Okrent on C-SPAN recently at a Harvard seminar. I find him to be smart, but a bit scatter-brained. Here's his attempt to handle objectivity in reporting. He seems so ingrained in journalism's nuances that he is not straightforward enough in his own writing.
He almost implies that reporting and commentary are inseparable. A key point he does make, though, is the power of the editing and story selection process, a place where bias and objectivity can have a field day.
He certainly has a tough job! I wouldn't want it.
He almost implies that reporting and commentary are inseparable. A key point he does make, though, is the power of the editing and story selection process, a place where bias and objectivity can have a field day.
He certainly has a tough job! I wouldn't want it.
The New York Times > Week in Review > The Public Editor: It's Good to Be Objective. It's Even Better to Be Right.
I saw Okrent on C-SPAN recently at a Harvard seminar. I find him to be smart, but a bit scatter-brained. Here's his attempt to handle objectivity in reporting. He seems so ingrained in journalism's nuances that he is not straightforward enough in his own writing.
He almost implies that reporting and commentary are inseparable. A key point he does make, though, is the power of the editing and story selection and placement process in the newspaper, an arena where bias and objectivity can have a field day.
He certainly has a tough job! I wouldn't want it.
He almost implies that reporting and commentary are inseparable. A key point he does make, though, is the power of the editing and story selection and placement process in the newspaper, an arena where bias and objectivity can have a field day.
He certainly has a tough job! I wouldn't want it.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The C.I.A. Versus Bush
This piece by Brooks is a call to action for Bush to clean house at the CIA. If what Brooks says is true, then stern action is required. While we can tolerate political differences at the CIA, we cannot tolerate insubordination and active hostility against the elected President, whoever he is and whichever party is in power. Seems a come-uppance of some sort is needed quickly.
November 12, 2004
ARIANNA ONLINE - November 11, 2004 - The Architects Of Defeat
An insightful analysis of the bad advice that Kerry received from the Democratic 'pros.' They will probably be sent out to pasture by the next Democratic candidate in 2008.
My Way News - Scott Peterson Guilty
Finally this fiasco is over. Now the cable and network news channels can go back to regular programming. Real news and commentary is what we need, not these soap opera diversions.
FundWatch: U.S. stock funds lure more cash as investors buck up - Financial - Financial Services - Mutual Funds
The market likes the Republican sweep!
The New York Times > Washington > AARP Opposes Bush Plan to Replace Social Security With Private Accounts
Personal accounts within the Social Security framework make sense. AARP and the Democrats would be wise to help with a solution rather than oppose the President. The votes of young people are at stake in future elections. Haven't the Democrats learned anything? Perhaps they have an alternative plan for Social Security. If so, out with it!
The New York Times > National > Caution in Court for Gay Rights Groups
These comments show the degree that gay rights advocates see America's courts out of step with public opinion and beliefs. This thinking argues for different courts and judges. Never has it been so clear that the Constitution and the underlying moral beliefs that led to it's creation are under attack.
Gay marriage is NOT a civil right.
"Matthew Coles, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's lesbian and gay rights project, said that groups like his would adopt a measured pace in filing lawsuits.
"The consequences - the risks - of losing are great," Mr. Coles said. "And we're unprepared for the consequences of winning." In his eyes, he said, winning in court too soon could mean losing in the court of public opinion, in Congress and under the United States Constitution.
The challenge now, gay rights leaders said, is to change public attitudes.
"There is no putting lipstick on this pig," said Matt Foreman, who is the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and who will give the keynote address on Friday morning at the group's conference in St. Louis. "Our legal strategy is at least 10 years ahead of our political and legislative strategy."
Gay marriage is NOT a civil right.
"Matthew Coles, the director of the American Civil Liberties Union's lesbian and gay rights project, said that groups like his would adopt a measured pace in filing lawsuits.
"The consequences - the risks - of losing are great," Mr. Coles said. "And we're unprepared for the consequences of winning." In his eyes, he said, winning in court too soon could mean losing in the court of public opinion, in Congress and under the United States Constitution.
The challenge now, gay rights leaders said, is to change public attitudes.
"There is no putting lipstick on this pig," said Matt Foreman, who is the executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and who will give the keynote address on Friday morning at the group's conference in St. Louis. "Our legal strategy is at least 10 years ahead of our political and legislative strategy."
FOXNews.com - Politics - Privacy Experts Shun Black Boxes
The buyer of a car should be able to choose whether or not a black box is installed, or if that isn't feasible, the owner of the car should be able to turn off the black box at will. Black boxes can be very helpful, but should not be mandatory
Black boxes in public transportation is not the same as in private transportation
Black boxes in public transportation is not the same as in private transportation
November 11, 2004
France's Chirac hails Arafat as man of courage
Arafat was 'a man of courage and conviction,' but a terrorist through and through.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: 'Groundhog Day' in Iraq
Good questions from Friedman, particularly #3. That's the one that has me worried. We shouldn't kid ourselves that Muslims think about government like we do...far from it.
I think to 'mend fences' with Iran is the wrong metaphor. Try 'let freedom ring'
I think to 'mend fences' with Iran is the wrong metaphor. Try 'let freedom ring'
November 10, 2004
FCC further deregulates Net calls | Tech News on ZDNet
Another positive step by the FCC to enable VoIP. The states' role in telephony regulation must be rethought. Further actions by the FCC will be needed. Seems NARUC and the FCC really must sit together and decide the many issues involved in the transition to VoIP rather than pursue a 'let the courts decide' approach.
The New York Times > Technology > Even Digital Memories Can Fade
Mindful of this, I do upload most of my keeper photos to Shutterfly. Hopefully they feel compelled to retain them for a very long time. However, I can't download from Shutterfly. Perhaps they have an alternate business plan as a digital storage utility.
Seems there's a need for such a service for personal use. xdrive.com offers something akin to that now. Keeping digital stuff stored on the net with reputable companies makes sense, if the price and security is right. Broadband penetration will certainly facilitate the up/download. A filing system must be searchable and easy to use. Seems to me that Google is the right company to offer a service like this given the massive server farms they already have in place for their search services, the Usenet archives, Picasa, and Blogger. Certainly is in line with their mission. (Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.)
Seems there's a need for such a service for personal use. xdrive.com offers something akin to that now. Keeping digital stuff stored on the net with reputable companies makes sense, if the price and security is right. Broadband penetration will certainly facilitate the up/download. A filing system must be searchable and easy to use. Seems to me that Google is the right company to offer a service like this given the massive server farms they already have in place for their search services, the Usenet archives, Picasa, and Blogger. Certainly is in line with their mission. (Google's mission is to organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful.)
November 9, 2004
My Way News - Arafat Barely Alive
Follow the money!
"Suha Arafat, the mother of Arafat's daughter, seems to have aligned herself with hard-liners who apparently seek to lead in a post-Arafat era, though some Palestinian officials said her motives are more financial.
According to a senior official in Arafat's office, she has received monthly payments of $100,000 from Palestinian coffers and is widely believed to control vast funds collected by the PLO.This year, French prosecutors launched a money-laundering investigation into transfers of $11.4 million into her accounts. She has refused to talk to reporters about Palestinian finances. "
"Suha Arafat, the mother of Arafat's daughter, seems to have aligned herself with hard-liners who apparently seek to lead in a post-Arafat era, though some Palestinian officials said her motives are more financial.
According to a senior official in Arafat's office, she has received monthly payments of $100,000 from Palestinian coffers and is widely believed to control vast funds collected by the PLO.This year, French prosecutors launched a money-laundering investigation into transfers of $11.4 million into her accounts. She has refused to talk to reporters about Palestinian finances. "
What The Mullahs Learned From Their Neighbor
The first order of business, not clearly stated herein is to get our 'allies' clean and honest in their mid-east dealings. The French, Germans and Chinese (I don't have any information about Japan) were up to their eyeballs in the Oil for Food scam, their holding of a large amount of Iraqi debt and major suppliers to the illicit Iraqi dealings in WMD. If they are at it again in Iran, that has to stop before any of the author's suggestions will work.
At some point the facts will be on the table and our 'allies' will have to answer for their selfish, charade. If the Europeans are serious, they'll put troops in the Middle East along with Britain and France. The 'old' Europeans need to clean up their act.
How Bush deals with all this, probably with a new Secretary of State, will be fascinating. The 'old' European leaders may not like Bush, but they have to deal with him and the realities in the Muslim world. Their tendency is appeasement and that just won't work.
At some point the facts will be on the table and our 'allies' will have to answer for their selfish, charade. If the Europeans are serious, they'll put troops in the Middle East along with Britain and France. The 'old' Europeans need to clean up their act.
How Bush deals with all this, probably with a new Secretary of State, will be fascinating. The 'old' European leaders may not like Bush, but they have to deal with him and the realities in the Muslim world. Their tendency is appeasement and that just won't work.
Top News Article | Reuters.com| Is Arafat Dead or Alive?
Even in death, or lack thereof, Arafat and the Palestinians continue to show no signs of hope. They and the French cannot even agree whether he's dead or not. What a ridiculous state of affairs. The Israelis are smart to stay quiet on the sidelines at the moment but be prepared for riotous violence to follow. Meanwhile, the world can watch this farce play out.
The United States should send no one to his funeral, unless Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton want to go.
The United States should send no one to his funeral, unless Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton want to go.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Take a Ride to Exurbia
And, of course, pick up a copy of David Brooks' book, 'On Paradise Drive.' Brooks gets it and the old line Democrat strategists didn't in this election. The Democrats' traditional rust belt, union, welfare, black and ethnic thinking did them in. The people who care about the future, have hope and optimism, and want to see terrorists not only defeated but eradicated (Bush uses the euphemism 'brought to justice') voted for Bush. The hatred-driven vote and the hate-filled appeal from assholes like Michael Moore and Barbara Streisand failed and will always fail, with or without the help of The Rolling Stones.
I will carefully watch how/if the New York Times and CBS can set their ships on a more realistic course. The real key to that is diversity of thought in the newsroom.
I will carefully watch how/if the New York Times and CBS can set their ships on a more realistic course. The real key to that is diversity of thought in the newsroom.
Kate O'Beirne What Republicans Knew in 2004
Can't find a link to this opinion piece that appears in today's Burlington Free Press. But she is incisive in her comments on Bush's reelection. If I find a link, I will include it.
Here's an excerpt of her piece and I think a key to why W won:
"Bush enjoys the appeal of authenticity. He is a conviction politician, utterly comfortable with who he is and what he believes. Kerry, meanwhile, tried to shed his party and his past by donning a yellow barn coat and attempting to pass himself off as a fiscal conservative, a defense hawk, a gun aficionado, a faithful Catholic and a proud veteran."
Here's an excerpt of her piece and I think a key to why W won:
"Bush enjoys the appeal of authenticity. He is a conviction politician, utterly comfortable with who he is and what he believes. Kerry, meanwhile, tried to shed his party and his past by donning a yellow barn coat and attempting to pass himself off as a fiscal conservative, a defense hawk, a gun aficionado, a faithful Catholic and a proud veteran."
November 8, 2004
The New York Times: Daniel Okrent's Columns & Web Journal (Forum/Message Board)
A pithy and well stated comment (#400) to the Times' Public Editor, Daniel Okrent.
CBS 2 - New York News: Local Wire
Not a chance that the Dems would choose Howard Dean. The Clintons wouldn't stand for it.
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Iran Jails More Journalists and Blocks Web Sites
Iran's mullahs are fighting a losing battle. Information and opinion on the Internet will prevail over the restrictions on "disturbing the public mind ," as the charges are labeled. How long will it take, and will the revolution be peaceful or violent? If violent and if the U.S. has a significant military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, what will we do? Big question. I think the mullahs should be worried.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Contributor: Voting Without the Facts
And on goes the debate. Herbert now asserts that many who voted for Bush are ignorant, thus inferior to those in the know, as he suggests left-leaning liberals are.
The flow will continue as all the excuses are poured out. Ignorance is not a virtue, nor a value. Bias is the real issue, isn't it? Whether liberal OR conservative. Bias is not intrinsically bad, except when it masquerades as truth or is disguised as objectivity, as is often the case in the media.
The flow will continue as all the excuses are poured out. Ignorance is not a virtue, nor a value. Bias is the real issue, isn't it? Whether liberal OR conservative. Bias is not intrinsically bad, except when it masquerades as truth or is disguised as objectivity, as is often the case in the media.
NPR : Arafat's Wife Criticizes Palestinian Leadership
Follow the money!! If it turns out that Arafat has stashed millions in Swiss banks as some allege, the money should be quickly confiscated, put under some trusted authority (not necessarily the U.N. because they have been shown to be corrupt in the Iraq Oil for Food fiasco) and distributed to the Palestinian people in some equitable way that would be tied to a reinvigorated Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
News - Blas Damages Muslim School In Netherlands
Unfortunate, but this is the type of 'warning' signal that Muslims open themselves up to when one terrorist kills in the violent, grisly manner in which Van Gogh was killed. Let's pray there is no further bloodshed. I hope Dutch Muslims are strongly condemning Van Gogh's slaying.
November 7, 2004
My Way News - Social Reform Security Plan
Well, as expected, Democratic leadership in Congress will oppose fixing Social Security. Pelosi is not getting off on the right foot (no pun intended!). Here's a Washington Times commentary that provides some estimates based on the 2001 SS Commission's recommended 'Model 2.' The Commission was chaired by the late Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
The real value of reform to include a system of SS personal accounts investing all young Americans in capitalism, the crucial underpinning of American democracy. The continue-as-is option inevitably creates a more socialistic welfare state because of the enormous infusion of tax dollars and/or substantially higher payroll taxes, rather than 'personal investment $, that would be required to pay for the present system. However, in this transition one must not underestimate the value and comfort level that has been created by 401(k)s and other retirement vehicles. Because of their proliferation, Americans might accept more easily the SS reforms to include private accounts invested in bonds and equities. Long term, any private accounts plan has the advantage of keeping more of the public debt (when government bonds are chosen as investments) in the hands of ordinary Americans rather than today's escalating reliance on foreigners owning our debt.
The real value of reform to include a system of SS personal accounts investing all young Americans in capitalism, the crucial underpinning of American democracy. The continue-as-is option inevitably creates a more socialistic welfare state because of the enormous infusion of tax dollars and/or substantially higher payroll taxes, rather than 'personal investment $, that would be required to pay for the present system. However, in this transition one must not underestimate the value and comfort level that has been created by 401(k)s and other retirement vehicles. Because of their proliferation, Americans might accept more easily the SS reforms to include private accounts invested in bonds and equities. Long term, any private accounts plan has the advantage of keeping more of the public debt (when government bonds are chosen as investments) in the hands of ordinary Americans rather than today's escalating reliance on foreigners owning our debt.
November 6, 2004
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Footprints in the Sand
Thomas is right about Arafat. He is not a hero in any sense of the word. He is a terrorist, pure and simple. The sooner he's gone from the world scene the better. But if he has stashed millions in Swiss banks, they should be retrieved and spent to improve the lot of the Palestinians. Israel is not going to disappear and any hope that they will is foolish, unless someone nukes them. God forbid!
Let's hope for enlightened leadership.
Let's hope for enlightened leadership.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Rove's Revenge
Dowd is so hate-filled, she's going over the edge. Too bad.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Time to Get Religion
Yet another excellent piece, this time by Kristof, far more liberal than Brooks, but a realist, it appears.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The Values-Vote Myth
Thank you David Brooks for setting the record straight. You have properly described the reality of this election. The liberals just don't get it because they live inside a bubble they call rational thinking. They are more often than not idealists who think that rational policies will make people, with rational government help, better off.
Unfortunately, within this bubble they breathe a polluted atmosphere of political correctness, believing that learning, education and listening to National Public Radio will turn everyone into liberals with their values. The American reality is very much more diverse than this, thank goodness.
Unfortunately, within this bubble they breathe a polluted atmosphere of political correctness, believing that learning, education and listening to National Public Radio will turn everyone into liberals with their values. The American reality is very much more diverse than this, thank goodness.
MSNBC - Clinton to Dems: Don't whine, work on image
Message to Bill: I agree whining is not useful. But it's not image the Dems need, it's beliefs, values and a clear policy on the future of America. As an example, I will be interested to see how the Dems respond to the initiative to fix Social Security. Will they cooperate or obstruct?
So very interesting that Clinton uses these words, quoting from the AP article:
"Former President Clinton has a message for Democrats inconsolable after President Bush?s re-election: "Buck up. It?s not that bad. You need to improve your image" (Emphasis added as Bill doesn't use the words we and our. He disassociates himself from the Democrats who failed to elect Kerry. True Clinton style. He has not changed his spots.)
So very interesting that Clinton uses these words, quoting from the AP article:
"Former President Clinton has a message for Democrats inconsolable after President Bush?s re-election: "Buck up. It?s not that bad. You need to improve your image" (Emphasis added as Bill doesn't use the words we and our. He disassociates himself from the Democrats who failed to elect Kerry. True Clinton style. He has not changed his spots.)
The New York Times > International > Middle East > Battle Plans: All Sides Prepare for American Attack on Falluja
Here's in a nutshell how the fight for Falluja shapes up. Martyrdom is at hand for the terrorist 'insurgents'
"We are going to rid the city of insurgents," said Lt. Col. Gary Brandl, a battalion commander in charge of about 800 marines at a base outside the city. "If they do fight, we will kill them."
"The man, who identified himself as Abu Muhammad, said the fighters were more numerous and better prepared than the last time they battled the Americans, in April. "We trust in God," he said, explaining why he thought that the insurgents were so strong. "We have two choices - victory or martyrdom."
"We are going to rid the city of insurgents," said Lt. Col. Gary Brandl, a battalion commander in charge of about 800 marines at a base outside the city. "If they do fight, we will kill them."
"The man, who identified himself as Abu Muhammad, said the fighters were more numerous and better prepared than the last time they battled the Americans, in April. "We trust in God," he said, explaining why he thought that the insurgents were so strong. "We have two choices - victory or martyrdom."
November 5, 2004
Why Americans Hate Democrats?A Dialogue - The unteachable ignorance of the red states. By Jane?Smiley
Why Americans Hate Democrats?A Dialogue - The unteachable ignorance of the red states. By Jane Smiley
I can't believe that a rational American could write this. If not deranged, Jane Smiley would make a wonderful sidekick to Howard Dean, Dan Rather and Maureen Dowd.
I can't believe that a rational American could write this. If not deranged, Jane Smiley would make a wonderful sidekick to Howard Dean, Dan Rather and Maureen Dowd.
Victor Davis Hanson on Election 2004 on National Review Online
Victor Davis Hanson has it right. Finally some sane, rational analysis of the situation we faced that resulted in Bush's win. The Democrats cannot fool the people with their hate disguised as manufactured facts and lofty arguments.
I am so disappointed, but not surprised, that most and usually best of the media failed America by aligning with the Kerry camp and willingly fabricated biased and sometimes false reporting to help Kerry win this election. Sad, but I distrust the media for what they have done. How they will make amends is hard to fathom. They have so little sympathy or respect from so many people.
I am so disappointed, but not surprised, that most and usually best of the media failed America by aligning with the Kerry camp and willingly fabricated biased and sometimes false reporting to help Kerry win this election. Sad, but I distrust the media for what they have done. How they will make amends is hard to fathom. They have so little sympathy or respect from so many people.
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Contributor: Why We Lost
Finally, an assessment that makes sense from a hard-working Democrat who has spoken that the Democrats are lost as a party and need to find their way.
Howard Dean's answer is the wrong one because it's built on hate.
Howard Dean's answer is the wrong one because it's built on hate.
From Mathew Manweller
What more to say?
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This was written in the Daily Record (Ellensburg's [WA]paper) on Wed. Oct. 6, 2004. It was written by Mathew (only one t) Manweller who is a Central Washington University political science professor. The title of the article was "Election determines fate of nation."
"In that this will be my last column before the presidential election there will be no sarcasm, no attempts at witty repartee. The topic is too serious, and the stakes are too high. This November we will vote in the only election during our lifetime that will truly matter. Because America is at a once-in-a-generation crossroads, more than an election hangs in the balance. Down one path lies retreat, abdication and a reign of ambivalence. Down the other lies a nation that is aware of its past and accepts the daunting obligation its future demands. If we choose poorly, the consequences will echo through the next 50 years of history. If we, in a spasm of frustration, turn out the current occupant of the White House, the message to the world and ourselves will be twofold. First, we will reject the notion that America can do big things. Once a nation that tamed a frontier, stood down the Nazis and stood upon the moon, we will announce to the world that bringing democracy to the Middle East is too big of a task for us. But more significantly, we will signal to future presidents that as voters, we are unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, preferring caution to boldness, embracing the mediocrity that has characterized other civilizations.
The defeat of President Bush will send a chilling message to future presidents who may need to make difficult, yet unpopular decisions. America has always been a nation that rises to the demands of history regardless of the costs or appeal. If we turn away from that legacy, we turn away from who we are. Second, we inform every terrorist organization on the globe that the lesson of Somalia was well learned. In Somalia we showed terrorists that you don't need to defeat America on the battlefield when you can defeat them in the newsroom. They learned that a wounded America can become a defeated America. Twenty-four-hour news stations and daily tracing polls will do the heavy lifting, turning a cut into a fatal blow. Except that Iraq is Somalia times 10. The election of John Kerry will serve notice to every terrorist in every cave that the soft underbelly of American power is the timidity of American voters. Terrorists will know that a steady stream of grizzly photos for CNN is all you need to break the will of the American people. Our own self-doubt will take it from there. Bin Laden will recognize that he can topple any American administration without setting foot on the homeland.
It is said that America's W.W.II generation is its 'greatest generation.' But my greatest fear is that it will become known as America's 'last generation.' Born in the bleakness of the Great Depression and hardened in the fire of WW II, they may be the last American generation that understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. It is difficult to admit, but I know these terms are spoken with only hollow detachment by many (but not all) in my generation. Too many citizens today mistake 'living in America' as 'being an American.' But America has always been more of an idea than a place.
When you sign on, you do more than buy real estate. You accept a set of values and responsibilities. This November, my generation, which has been absent too long, must grasp the obligation that comes with being an American, or fade into the oblivion they may deserve. I believe that 100 years from now historians will look back at the election of 2004 and see it as the decisive election of our century. Depending on the outcome, they will describe it as the moment America joined the ranks of ordinary nations; or they will describe it as the moment the prodigal sons and daughters of the greatest generation accepted their burden as caretakers of the City on the Hill."
+++++++++++++++++
This was written in the Daily Record (Ellensburg's [WA]paper) on Wed. Oct. 6, 2004. It was written by Mathew (only one t) Manweller who is a Central Washington University political science professor. The title of the article was "Election determines fate of nation."
"In that this will be my last column before the presidential election there will be no sarcasm, no attempts at witty repartee. The topic is too serious, and the stakes are too high. This November we will vote in the only election during our lifetime that will truly matter. Because America is at a once-in-a-generation crossroads, more than an election hangs in the balance. Down one path lies retreat, abdication and a reign of ambivalence. Down the other lies a nation that is aware of its past and accepts the daunting obligation its future demands. If we choose poorly, the consequences will echo through the next 50 years of history. If we, in a spasm of frustration, turn out the current occupant of the White House, the message to the world and ourselves will be twofold. First, we will reject the notion that America can do big things. Once a nation that tamed a frontier, stood down the Nazis and stood upon the moon, we will announce to the world that bringing democracy to the Middle East is too big of a task for us. But more significantly, we will signal to future presidents that as voters, we are unwilling to tackle difficult challenges, preferring caution to boldness, embracing the mediocrity that has characterized other civilizations.
The defeat of President Bush will send a chilling message to future presidents who may need to make difficult, yet unpopular decisions. America has always been a nation that rises to the demands of history regardless of the costs or appeal. If we turn away from that legacy, we turn away from who we are. Second, we inform every terrorist organization on the globe that the lesson of Somalia was well learned. In Somalia we showed terrorists that you don't need to defeat America on the battlefield when you can defeat them in the newsroom. They learned that a wounded America can become a defeated America. Twenty-four-hour news stations and daily tracing polls will do the heavy lifting, turning a cut into a fatal blow. Except that Iraq is Somalia times 10. The election of John Kerry will serve notice to every terrorist in every cave that the soft underbelly of American power is the timidity of American voters. Terrorists will know that a steady stream of grizzly photos for CNN is all you need to break the will of the American people. Our own self-doubt will take it from there. Bin Laden will recognize that he can topple any American administration without setting foot on the homeland.
It is said that America's W.W.II generation is its 'greatest generation.' But my greatest fear is that it will become known as America's 'last generation.' Born in the bleakness of the Great Depression and hardened in the fire of WW II, they may be the last American generation that understands the meaning of duty, honor and sacrifice. It is difficult to admit, but I know these terms are spoken with only hollow detachment by many (but not all) in my generation. Too many citizens today mistake 'living in America' as 'being an American.' But America has always been more of an idea than a place.
When you sign on, you do more than buy real estate. You accept a set of values and responsibilities. This November, my generation, which has been absent too long, must grasp the obligation that comes with being an American, or fade into the oblivion they may deserve. I believe that 100 years from now historians will look back at the election of 2004 and see it as the decisive election of our century. Depending on the outcome, they will describe it as the moment America joined the ranks of ordinary nations; or they will describe it as the moment the prodigal sons and daughters of the greatest generation accepted their burden as caretakers of the City on the Hill."
November 4, 2004
World Tribune.com--Front Page Arafat Dead
Can this be true that Arafat has stolen millions if not billions? I would not put it past him, terrorist that he is. The world is better off without him.
OpinionJournal - Peggy Noonan
Contrast Peggy Noonan's article with that of Maureen Dowd in an earlier post to see pride and respect compared to flaming hatred.
And this laurel tossed to the bloggers and others who refused to abide the mainstream media's attempt to sway this election. CBS and the NY Times should be ashamed of themselves. Three cheers for the bloggers who did their homework and stepped on the media necks!
"Who was the biggest loser of the 2004 election? It is easy to say Mr. Kerry: he was a poor candidate with a poor campaign. But I do think the biggest loser was the mainstream media, the famous MSM, the initials that became popular in this election cycle. Every time the big networks and big broadsheet national newspapers tried to pull off a bit of pro-liberal mischief--CBS and the fabricated Bush National Guard documents, the New York Times and bombgate, CBS's "60 Minutes" attempting to coordinate the breaking of bombgate on the Sunday before the election--the yeomen of the blogosphere and AM radio and the Internet took them down. It was to me a great historical development in the history of politics in America. It was Agincourt. It was the yeomen of King Harry taking down the French aristocracy with new technology and rough guts. God bless the pajama-clad yeomen of America. Some day, when America is hit again, and lines go down, and media are hard to get, these bloggers and site runners and independent Internetters of all sorts will find a way to file, and get their word out, and it will be part of the saving of our country."
And this laurel tossed to the bloggers and others who refused to abide the mainstream media's attempt to sway this election. CBS and the NY Times should be ashamed of themselves. Three cheers for the bloggers who did their homework and stepped on the media necks!
"Who was the biggest loser of the 2004 election? It is easy to say Mr. Kerry: he was a poor candidate with a poor campaign. But I do think the biggest loser was the mainstream media, the famous MSM, the initials that became popular in this election cycle. Every time the big networks and big broadsheet national newspapers tried to pull off a bit of pro-liberal mischief--CBS and the fabricated Bush National Guard documents, the New York Times and bombgate, CBS's "60 Minutes" attempting to coordinate the breaking of bombgate on the Sunday before the election--the yeomen of the blogosphere and AM radio and the Internet took them down. It was to me a great historical development in the history of politics in America. It was Agincourt. It was the yeomen of King Harry taking down the French aristocracy with new technology and rough guts. God bless the pajama-clad yeomen of America. Some day, when America is hit again, and lines go down, and media are hard to get, these bloggers and site runners and independent Internetters of all sorts will find a way to file, and get their word out, and it will be part of the saving of our country."
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: The Red Zone
The post-election vitriol doesn't get much more vehement than this. Dowd is really pissed. She is a obviously a far left wing crazy liberal. Very talented, but what a shame she is so filled with hate.
World faces a Mideast minus Arafat | csmonitor.com
Arafat's demise will first be the elimination of one more terrorist. Second, his demise hopefully will make way for more sensible Palestinian leadership that will have some control over the terrorist groups. That's doubtful and I am not optimistic that things will change much in the near term. Israel is right to continue targeting and eliminating terrorist leaders until and unless they renounce their intent to eliminate the Jewish state.
Where the Democrats go from here | csmonitor.com
A thoughtful piece without recriminations, crying or whining.
"But while the losses hold sharp implications for the future direction of the Democratic Party - and will probably shape which candidate it chooses for its next nominee - history shows that often a party's chance of recapturing the White House and rebounding in Congress is dictated less by what it does than by events and how the party in power handles them."
Another relevant quote:
"Significantly, one of the few demographics where Democrats seemed to expand their hold was among highly educated voters, even as Republicans gained ground among the less-educated."
"In the Southern states, there's a kind of antielitism which you would think, economically, would make these people pro-Democrat, but it's a cultural antielitism," says Andy Taylor, a political scientist at North Carolina State University. "Kerry personified the type of person that this philosophy does not like - an aristocratic, northeastern intellectual."
"But while the losses hold sharp implications for the future direction of the Democratic Party - and will probably shape which candidate it chooses for its next nominee - history shows that often a party's chance of recapturing the White House and rebounding in Congress is dictated less by what it does than by events and how the party in power handles them."
Another relevant quote:
"Significantly, one of the few demographics where Democrats seemed to expand their hold was among highly educated voters, even as Republicans gained ground among the less-educated."
"In the Southern states, there's a kind of antielitism which you would think, economically, would make these people pro-Democrat, but it's a cultural antielitism," says Andy Taylor, a political scientist at North Carolina State University. "Kerry personified the type of person that this philosophy does not like - an aristocratic, northeastern intellectual."
November 3, 2004
CBS News | Shortcomings Of Exit Polls | November 3, 2004?20:23:55
Maybe now the media will abandon exit polls and let the voters decide the race rather than use erroneous data in an attempt to sway voters who have not yet cast a ballot.
Power Line: What Was Going On With the Networks' Calls?
One more fact, this time from Joe Trippi, Deans' campaign manager,that paints the media liberal. I Believe Americans are not deceived. The media IS overwhelmingly liberal and they can't tolerate Fox's success. Now what will this liberal media do, if anything? Given their present tack, they risk becoming less relevant and can no longer sway the electorate. Good night, Dan Rather.
The New York Times > Business > News Analysis: Deficits and Tax System Changes in Bush's Second-Term Economy
And in this corner we have the doom and gloom, sour grapes NY Times' Edmund Andrews painting a bleak financial picture. Is he a realist of a fear-monger?
Reflections on the Election of 2004
My initial thoughts on yesterday's election.
National Election:
I believe that moral issues (right and wrong), faith and the 'trust factor' were the reasons for Bush's decisive win yesterday. Though important from a policy perspective and appealing to the rational man, it's not the war in Iraq and it's not the economy that were the deciding factors. In that final moment in the voting booth I think people who are not committed always vote from the gut. Bush was believable and sincere, worthy of trust. Kerry was not.
The election results reveal that the 'common man' in America responds not as as the eastern and western liberal elites (those Blue states) would hope they would, to rational policy, plans and strategies. Another reality is that labor unions and ethnic votes are not monolithic. People make up their minds based on trust and who they think will improve their personal lot. While black and Hispanic voting has not yet been analyzed, I think we'll see that they now vote not as a bloc as they may have heretofore, but as individuals who listen to their heart, not the traditional party label they may be assigned.
Traditional Democrats now have no choice but to reevaluate what they think 'works.' As people become invested in the stock market through 401(k)s and other vehicles and can plainly see that Bush and Republican policies generate personal wealth, the 'entitlement mentality,' historically sponsored by Democrats, fails to produce assure voters will vote for Democrats. To the extent that Democrats rely on the traditional 'playbook,' they will continue to lose. As an example, the best option to preserve Social Security is personal accounts which will accumulate value based on a market economy. If that plan is implemented, it will benefit Republican values and hurt the Democratic 'entitlement' worldview. In reality, the government cannot be the savior for those who choose a 'victim mentality.'
Americans are individuals, not voting blocs, and the Democrats should heed this reality or they will continue to lose credilbility and elections.
Another thing we learned is that the pre-election polls and the 'exit' polls, are helpful, but not definitive. Keep in mind that people do not always tell the truth to anonymous callers or interviewers.
Vermont Election:
Vermonters trust Douglas and Dubie and reelected them overwhelmingly yesterday. Because they are not easily deceived, voters assured that Brock defeated Ready, a lightweight and dishonest to boot. Unfortunately, the Legislature has become more liberal at a time when we Vermonters have appetites for government spending that we cannot afford. After all, there are only 610,000 of us. Douglas may find himself in the position of exercising the veto more frequently than in the past. Our fiscal health cannot be left to the liberal legislature.
I feel Vermont is out of step with the nation and while Republicans...honest and decent folks... hold the top offices, the Legislature is disposed to spend beyond its means. Vermont, philosophically, is a Blue state but it cannot afford what Blue states believe government should accomplish.
Now, we can all listen to the talking-head pundits and recognize that they know no more than we do. Thanks, democracy, for prevailing!
National Election:
I believe that moral issues (right and wrong), faith and the 'trust factor' were the reasons for Bush's decisive win yesterday. Though important from a policy perspective and appealing to the rational man, it's not the war in Iraq and it's not the economy that were the deciding factors. In that final moment in the voting booth I think people who are not committed always vote from the gut. Bush was believable and sincere, worthy of trust. Kerry was not.
The election results reveal that the 'common man' in America responds not as as the eastern and western liberal elites (those Blue states) would hope they would, to rational policy, plans and strategies. Another reality is that labor unions and ethnic votes are not monolithic. People make up their minds based on trust and who they think will improve their personal lot. While black and Hispanic voting has not yet been analyzed, I think we'll see that they now vote not as a bloc as they may have heretofore, but as individuals who listen to their heart, not the traditional party label they may be assigned.
Traditional Democrats now have no choice but to reevaluate what they think 'works.' As people become invested in the stock market through 401(k)s and other vehicles and can plainly see that Bush and Republican policies generate personal wealth, the 'entitlement mentality,' historically sponsored by Democrats, fails to produce assure voters will vote for Democrats. To the extent that Democrats rely on the traditional 'playbook,' they will continue to lose. As an example, the best option to preserve Social Security is personal accounts which will accumulate value based on a market economy. If that plan is implemented, it will benefit Republican values and hurt the Democratic 'entitlement' worldview. In reality, the government cannot be the savior for those who choose a 'victim mentality.'
Americans are individuals, not voting blocs, and the Democrats should heed this reality or they will continue to lose credilbility and elections.
Another thing we learned is that the pre-election polls and the 'exit' polls, are helpful, but not definitive. Keep in mind that people do not always tell the truth to anonymous callers or interviewers.
Vermont Election:
Vermonters trust Douglas and Dubie and reelected them overwhelmingly yesterday. Because they are not easily deceived, voters assured that Brock defeated Ready, a lightweight and dishonest to boot. Unfortunately, the Legislature has become more liberal at a time when we Vermonters have appetites for government spending that we cannot afford. After all, there are only 610,000 of us. Douglas may find himself in the position of exercising the veto more frequently than in the past. Our fiscal health cannot be left to the liberal legislature.
I feel Vermont is out of step with the nation and while Republicans...honest and decent folks... hold the top offices, the Legislature is disposed to spend beyond its means. Vermont, philosophically, is a Blue state but it cannot afford what Blue states believe government should accomplish.
Now, we can all listen to the talking-head pundits and recognize that they know no more than we do. Thanks, democracy, for prevailing!
Power Line: Kerry gives up
Here's a relevant comment from a serious blogger. Can the Democrats accept this new reality? If so, what will they do about it?
The New York Times > Washington > Election 2004 > Bush Plans to Address Nation After Kerry Speaks in Boston
This quote sums up the article describing the Democrats loss in this election. Once again we see reality has overcome the liberal media bias portrayed by the Times and CBS, as prime examples.
"Taken together, it marked a glum night for the Democrats. Unlike 2000, Mr. Bush won with with the support of more than 50 percent of the country. In addition, Republicans gained seats in the House and in the Senate, and Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the minority leader, was defeated in his bid for re-election."
Now it will be the Democrats' task to understand why they lost and figure out what they intend to do about it. Their loss or seats in Congress must be particularly difficult for them.
The only Democrat I can think of who may be quietly cheering today is Hillary Clinton.
"Taken together, it marked a glum night for the Democrats. Unlike 2000, Mr. Bush won with with the support of more than 50 percent of the country. In addition, Republicans gained seats in the House and in the Senate, and Senator Tom Daschle of South Dakota, the minority leader, was defeated in his bid for re-election."
Now it will be the Democrats' task to understand why they lost and figure out what they intend to do about it. Their loss or seats in Congress must be particularly difficult for them.
The only Democrat I can think of who may be quietly cheering today is Hillary Clinton.
The New York Times > Washington > Election 2004 > News Analysis: President Seems Poised to Claim a New Mandate
The results are not final, but it seems the Times believes that Bush is the winner. This quote below reveals, I think, the fundamental reason that Bush wins: Voting 'against' is not nearly as powerful as voting 'for' a candidate. I believe this to be the fatal chink in the Democrats' armor. They didn't have a strong 'for' candidate.
If Bush is declared the winner, it will be an opportunity to make progress in the appointment of Federal judges, one of the most important considerations that will determine the cultural flow of this society. The Senate Democrats, led by Senator Leahy, will undoubtedly continue to vehemently oppose Bush's nominees, despite the increased Republican Senate majority.
"Mr. Kerry was counting on millions of first-time Democratic voters to carry him through, and millions apparently did turn out, but probably not enough to make the difference. Many of those who chose Mr. Kerry said they considered their vote to be against Mr. Bush, not for their candidate, according to surveys of voters leaving the polls."
If Bush is declared the winner, it will be an opportunity to make progress in the appointment of Federal judges, one of the most important considerations that will determine the cultural flow of this society. The Senate Democrats, led by Senator Leahy, will undoubtedly continue to vehemently oppose Bush's nominees, despite the increased Republican Senate majority.
"Mr. Kerry was counting on millions of first-time Democratic voters to carry him through, and millions apparently did turn out, but probably not enough to make the difference. Many of those who chose Mr. Kerry said they considered their vote to be against Mr. Bush, not for their candidate, according to surveys of voters leaving the polls."
November 2, 2004
Power Line
Here's one blog among thousands spewing rumors about exit polls and election results. The bloggers will have a field day tonight.
As for me, voting at 10:00 am found the polls full but no waiting. Very well organized, quiet, peaceful, no excitement or anxiety as I voted using optically scanned paper ballots.
Predictions:
President- Too close to call
Governor- Douglas (landslide)
Senator- Leahy (landslide)
Congressman- Sanders (landslide) (we only have one from VT)
As for me, voting at 10:00 am found the polls full but no waiting. Very well organized, quiet, peaceful, no excitement or anxiety as I voted using optically scanned paper ballots.
Predictions:
President- Too close to call
Governor- Douglas (landslide)
Senator- Leahy (landslide)
Congressman- Sanders (landslide) (we only have one from VT)
The New York Times > Opinion > Op-Ed Columnist: Hope and Frustration
Well said, Mr. Brooks. Seems you are voting the lesser of two evils. That's a tough predicament. I'll vote much more optimistically for President Bush, a man of character and resolve.
I read that when journalists gave money to the Presidential campaigns this year the results are 93 to 1 in favor of Kerry. Perhaps you are the '1.' This ratio, if correct, demonstrates the media bias which inevitably creeps into reporting and editing.
I read that when journalists gave money to the Presidential campaigns this year the results are 93 to 1 in favor of Kerry. Perhaps you are the '1.' This ratio, if correct, demonstrates the media bias which inevitably creeps into reporting and editing.
November 1, 2004
PCWorld.com - Three Minutes With Ray Kurzweil
Genius Ray Kurzweil is bullish on extending life using biotechnology and nanotechnology. He is seeking a fountain of youth and claims to have substantially slowed his own aging process.
The New York Times > Technology > Have Supercomputer, Will Travel
The world is changing at warp speed and China, India and other countries will be the equal, technologically, of the U.S. within 5-10 years.
Today we hear frequent rants over job outsourcing. The world's economic playing field is becoming much leveler as computing and other technologies penetrate into other countries. The real crunch will come when the world refuses to continue buying into our national debt. We'd best get that under control, PDQ.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Such computing now occupies a central role throughout the global economy, providing stark proof that decades-long American attempts to control the flow of advanced information-processing technologies are largely moot. It is only a matter of time, experts say, before companies in places like China, India and Russia essentially match the capabilities of the American and Japanese leaders."
Today we hear frequent rants over job outsourcing. The world's economic playing field is becoming much leveler as computing and other technologies penetrate into other countries. The real crunch will come when the world refuses to continue buying into our national debt. We'd best get that under control, PDQ.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Such computing now occupies a central role throughout the global economy, providing stark proof that decades-long American attempts to control the flow of advanced information-processing technologies are largely moot. It is only a matter of time, experts say, before companies in places like China, India and Russia essentially match the capabilities of the American and Japanese leaders."
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