An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for 3 October 2007
Cute
Got an email from my niece this evening with a tiny snippet of video. Naturally, finding it quite amusing, I had to hunt down a YouTube version.
A seagull in Aberdeen, Scotland has been stealing chips from a neighborhood shop. The seagull waits until the shopkeeper isn’t looking, and then walks into the store and grabs a snack-size bag of cheese Doritos.
The seagull’s shoplifting started early this month when he first walked into the store and helped himself to a bag of chips. Since then, he’s become a regular. He always takes the same type of chips.
Customers have begun paying for the seagull’s stolen bags of chips because they think it’s so funny.
Thanks Alana! I needed the chuckle today! 
Raise the Bar!
I wonder if Eugene Kane ever reads Walter E. Williams? If he did, he might realize that instead of lowering the bar on our kids – black, white, yellow, brown, or purple with pink polka dots – we should demand MORE from them, not less.
Kane’s recent column in the Urinal Sentinel only reinforces that bad policies of the liberal agenda have done damage.
Many people insist that talking about a cultural bias in tests is nothing but politically correct mumbo-jumbo. It’s seen as yet another excuse for the poor performance of black students instead of decrying the lack of emphasis on education in their homes.
These people insist all children get taught the same things in school anyway so there’s no need to make the tests different.
Many of us can no doubt fashion a bunch of questions based on our specific life experience that other people couldn’t answer. I imagine many people would react badly to being called “stupid” just because they don’t know the answers. Maybe it’s time to give failing black kids the same benefit of the doubt and try to bridge the gap with better tests or better preparation.
I’d like to know who would test a kid on popular tv shows, rather than base them on whether or not the kid can read, write, add and subtract? Is it really pertinent to a kid’s success in life to know that chitlins stink up the kitchen? BTW, I knew that, and I’m not black.
On the other hand, Williams’ column addresses the crime caused by said failed liberal policies.
Much of what’s seen today is a result of harebrained ideas and a tolerance for barbaric behavior. Kathleen Parker cited such an example in her May 16 syndicated column. The case concerned teacher Elizabeth Kandrac, who was routinely verbally abused by black students at Brentwood Middle School in North Charleston, S.C. A sample of the abusive language: white b—-, white m—f—, white c—, white ho. Despite frequent complaints, school officials did nothing to stop the abuse. They told her this racially charged profanity was simply part of the students’ culture, and if Kandrac couldn’t handle the students’ cursing, she was in the wrong school. Kandrac brought suit alleging a racially hostile work environment, and the school district settled out of court for $200,000.
People with such a tolerant mindset are in effect saying that blacks are not to be held to civilized standards of conduct and academic expectations that might be enforced for others. That’s a disgusting and debilitating notion. I guarantee you that years ago, such nonsense would not have been tolerated, and a person making excuses for barbaric behavior by black students would have been considered a lunatic.
Wouldn’t it be a much better idea to stop placating the kids, and demand they actually learn, and behave? It doesn’t matter what a kid’s skin color, allowing kids to run roughshod over the schools, kowtowing to parents who honestly, IMO, don’t care if their kid learns or not, and throwing money at a problem that could, and should, be solved with discipline, is not helping future generations.
Demand more, you’ll, usually, get more.
Congressional Dhimmis & Terrorists: BFF
Top 10 Beneficiaries of Democrats’ Terrorist Bill of Rights
House Judiciary and Armed Services Committee Democrats intend to consider HR 2826 — what amounts to their Terrorist Bill of Rights — which will grant terrorist detainees special rights that are not even afforded to American men and women in uniform under international laws of war. The Democrats’ unprecedented and ill-defined legislation would allow terrorists to cherry-pick the most favorable judges by bringing a federal habeas petition in any federal court in the country, a right that even our troops do not enjoy. (See: The Terrorist Bill of Rights by Jed Babbin.)
The number of radical Islamic terrorists captured by American forces fighting the War on Terror is increasing every day, and the United States military is fighting — and winning — legal battles in order to prosecute those being held at Guantanamo Bay. Unfortunately, Democrats are fighting to give all captured terrorists their very own Bill of Rights, trying to give special legal rights to those who sought to take life and liberty from Americans. Here is a list of the top terrorists who would benefit from this bill, as compiled by the office of House Republican Leader John Boehner (Ohio).
1. Khalid Sheikh Muhammad
The driving force behind the 9/11 attacks as well as several subsequent plots against the U.S. and Western targets worldwide. Also, one of al Qaeda’s most capable senior operatives.2. Nurjaman Riduan bin Isomoddin (aka Hambali)
Formerly al Qaeda’s operations chief for Southeast Asia. Helped plan the first Bali bombings in 2002 that killed more than 200.3. Abu Zubaydah
Recruited by Osama bin Laden to be one of al Qaeda’s senior travel facilitators. Oversaw the “Khaldeen group†training camp and guest houses from 1995-2000 that were used to train three of the 9/11 hijackers.4. Ahmed Khalfan Ghailani
One of the FBI’s Most Wanted terrorists and one of al Qaeda’s top forgers.5. Mustafa al-Hawsawi
One of two key financial facilitators entrusted by 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Muhammad to manage the funding for the hijackings.6. Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri
Mastermind and local manager of the bombing in October 2000 of the U.S.S. Cole.7. Abu Faraj al-Libi
Served as a communications conduit for al Qaeda managers to Osama bin Laden from August 2003 until his capture in 2005.8. Walid bin Attash
Alternated between serving as a bodyguard for Osama bin Laden and participating in combat against the Northern Alliance. During the eight months before the attacks, he served as primary communications intermediary between the hijackers in the United States and al Qaeda’s leadership in Afghanistan and Pakistan.9. Ali Abd al-Aziz Ali
Communications intermediary between al Qaeda and “shoe bombers†Richard Reid and Saajid Badat.10. Mustafa Ahmad al-Hawsawi
One of two key financial facilitators entrusted by 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Muhammad to manage the funding of the hijackings.
Hormonal Female?
Morning Coffee 10/03/07
Limbaugh Broadcaster Comes to Radio Host’s Defense
“It’s about them and they are desperately trying to salvage themselves with their own lunatic fringe base who they are not only disappointing but they are deceiving because the dirty, little secret, as I also predicted, was that if the Democrats win the White House in ’08 they are not pulling out of Iraq. All the top tier Democrats have said so,” Limbaugh told his audience.
“Time to distract those peasants with pitchforks out there who are fit to be tied over being betrayed by Harry Reid, (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi and the rest of the Democrats,” he said.
We all know Reid has a few screws loose, but his attack of Limbaugh, right there on the Senate floor, goes beyond any rational thought process. It’s obvious the little weasel didn’t bother to either listen, or read, what was actually said. I’m sure Bin Laden is very proud of his puppet.
Carter in Darfur shouting match
“You can’t go. It’s not on the program!” the local national security chief, who only gave his first name as Omar, yelled at Carter, who is in Darfur as part of a delegation of respected international figures known as “The Elders.”
“We’re going to anyway!” an angry Carter retorted, telling security officers they didn’t have the authority to stop him.
(Wonder if he stomped his feet at the same time?) The Sudanese gubmint doesn’t give a rip about the people who have been murdered and starved by their corruption. They don’t seem to care what the ‘world’ think of them. So, why on earth would they care what a doddering old man says or does?
Democrats draw attention to Iraq with tax-hike bill
Arguing it is unfair to continue to pass the cost of the war in Iraq to future generations, three senior House Democrats on Tuesday offered a long-shot plan to raise taxes to pay for the $150 billion bill for the war in 2008.
At the same time, one of the Democrats, Rep. David Obey of Wisconsin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, announced he would delay action on the White House’s war request for next year, saying he refuses “to continue the status quo.”
The tax plan, unveiled by Obey and Reps. John Murtha, D-Pa., and Jim McGovern, D-Mass., would require low- and middle-income taxpayers to add 2 percent to their tax bill. Wealthier people would add a 12 to 15 percent surcharge, Obey said.
Here’s a novel concept: How ’bout supporting the troops efforts, then it would probably end a LOT sooner, the troops could come home, and learn how to balance a check book. This war has been prolonged thanks to those who want to raise taxes. That’s the answer to everything for them. RAISE TAXES! The next time y’all want to build a dog walking park, pass the hat in Congress and take it out of YOUR salaries, K? 
Pakistan’s grip on tribal areas is slipping
The government of President General Pervez Musharraf faces policy failure in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. Taliban forces and their sympathizers are becoming entrenched in the region and are aggressively expanding their influence and operations (especially in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Swat Valley in North-West Frontier Province – NWFP).
A lethal combination of Musharraf’s political predicament and declining public support, a significant rise in suicide attacks targeting the army, and the reluctance of soldiers in the area to engage tribal gangs militarily, further exacerbates this impasse.
Sounds like Musharraf has some major problems, which of course, mean problems for the entire region. If the Arab world won’t fight against groups like the Taliban, I guess there really aren’t any ‘moderate Muslims. Of course, this also means major trouble for us in the long run.
Accused murderer faces porn charges
A Ripon man accused of murdering his wife made an initial court appearance Tuesday on child pornography charges.
Fond du Lac County Circuit Court Judge Richard Nuss set a $50,000 cash bail for Kevin M. Moore, 44, who’s been in custody at the Fond du Lac County Jail since November when he was arrested on a first-degree intentional homicide charge in connection with the death of his wife.
On Tuesday, Moore was charged with eight counts of possession of child pornography.
Is it just me, or does 50 grand seem awfully low?
Iraq: Polish ambassador wounded, in car bomb attack on convoy
The Polish ambassador to Iraq was slightly wounded Wednesday and one civilian was killed in a car bomb attack early Wednesday, according to the Polish foreign ministry.
Gen. Edward Pietrzyk was taken to a US military hospital, Polish foreign ministry spokesman Robert Szaniawski said, adding the ambassador was moving on his own, which meant his injuries were most likely not life-threatening.
Insanity.
N Korea agrees nuclear deadline
North Korea has agreed to disable its main nuclear reactor and give complete details of its nuclear programme by 31 December, Chinese officials say.
The agreement came after negotiations last week in Beijing involving China, the US, Japan, Russia and the Koreas.
Oh sure, I believe ‘em, don’t you? (sarcasm)
McCain Assails Clinton on Foreign Policy
“The Democratic front-runner wants to have it both ways when it comes to foreign policy. On the one hand, the New York senator voted for the Iraq War. On the other hand, she now opposes it – sort of,” McCain says in the prepared remarks.
“On the one hand, she wants a firm deadline for retreat. But, on the other hand, she says we cannot abandon the nation to Iran’s designs,” the speech says.
It continues, “Senator Clinton, this is not the ’90s. This is the post-September 11 world. The commander in chief does not enjoy the luxury to conduct our national security by means of triangulation.”
The Clinton campaign said the two senators, both members of the Armed Services Committee, “have an honest disagreement on the war.”
Somehow, the word ‘honest’ just doesn’t jibe with ‘politician’. Hmmm…. Especially one named Clinton.
Fred Thompson: Spend more on troops
Thompson said the U.S. had initially misjudged the war.
“We clearly did not anticipate what we were confronting there, and I don’t think we went into this with enough troops, and I don’t think we had all the equipment we needed.”
He blamed some of that on reductions in military spending at the end of the Cold War.
“We cut back on those things, and a lot of those chickens are coming home to roost,” Thompson said. “Our military is stretched thin, and we’ve got a lot of worn-out equipment.”
While backing the war, Thompson said, “No one wants to drill in a dry hole forever.” He has consistently opposed a timetable for withdrawal.
Give them what they need to get the job done. Turn it over to the Iraqis. Bring them home. And stop bad mouthing them on the floor of the Senate, and in the MSM!
