Movin' On Down
As the new year approaches, I will be moving back down to So. Cal. where I've accepted a job with a relatively new and small law firm in Orange County. Hopefully, this job will work out a lot better than the last associate attorney position I held, and civil litigation won't be something that I hate so much.
Although I am sad to be leaving No. Cal., I do plan to make my way back up here in the next 2-3 years.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Monday, December 27, 2004
Just Watch. He'll Be Called an "Uncle Tom" Liberal
Set for publication this week in the Stanford Law Review is a controversial article written by UCLA law professor Richard Sander. In this article, Sander essentially concludes that affirmative action admission policies in our nation's law schools hurts minorities (e.g., blacks) more than it helps them.
As summarized by Terry Eastland at the Weekly Standard(article link via Powerline):
In the picture Sander draws, the admissions preferences for blacks are very large. This is the case with respect to almost all law schools. Which is to say, contrary to conventional wisdom, preferences aren't confined to the elite schools. Indeed, "affirmative action has a cascading effect through American legal education." The top-tier law schools enroll not only the small number of blacks who don't need preferences to get in but also less-qualified black applicants whose credentials would have sufficed to gain them admission under a race-blind standard to a second-tier school. Second-tier schools are then forced to choose between having few if any black students (under a race-blind standard) or using preferences to reach their racial goals. The second-tier schools make the latter choice, and so the effects cascade to the third-tier schools and on down the law-school ladder. There is thus a "system" in place whose net effect is "to move nearly all blacks up a tier (or two) in the law school hierarchy." Only at the bottom--in the lowest-tier schools--do you find black students who are probably unqualified for any law school.
The cascading effect leaves most black students "mismatched" with peers whose academic credentials (in terms of LSAT scores and UGPA) are superior. Which means, as Sander puts it, that "nearly all blacks [are placed] at an enormous academic disadvantage in the schools they attend." And so there are "mismatch effects." In their first year, about 50 percent of black law students end up in the bottom tenth of their class, and roughly two-thirds in the bottom fifth, with only 8 percent placing in the top half. The grades of black law school students go down a bit from the first to the third year. Black students have a much higher attrition rate than white students (19 percent compared with 8 percent). Sander finds that fact unsurprising, since students (of whatever race) with the very worst grades are those who are expelled or drop out. Finally, black law school graduates fail the bar exam at four times the rate of white graduates. Sander concludes that more than 40 percent of black students starting out to become lawyers never reach that goal.
Set for publication this week in the Stanford Law Review is a controversial article written by UCLA law professor Richard Sander. In this article, Sander essentially concludes that affirmative action admission policies in our nation's law schools hurts minorities (e.g., blacks) more than it helps them.
As summarized by Terry Eastland at the Weekly Standard(article link via Powerline):
In the picture Sander draws, the admissions preferences for blacks are very large. This is the case with respect to almost all law schools. Which is to say, contrary to conventional wisdom, preferences aren't confined to the elite schools. Indeed, "affirmative action has a cascading effect through American legal education." The top-tier law schools enroll not only the small number of blacks who don't need preferences to get in but also less-qualified black applicants whose credentials would have sufficed to gain them admission under a race-blind standard to a second-tier school. Second-tier schools are then forced to choose between having few if any black students (under a race-blind standard) or using preferences to reach their racial goals. The second-tier schools make the latter choice, and so the effects cascade to the third-tier schools and on down the law-school ladder. There is thus a "system" in place whose net effect is "to move nearly all blacks up a tier (or two) in the law school hierarchy." Only at the bottom--in the lowest-tier schools--do you find black students who are probably unqualified for any law school.
The cascading effect leaves most black students "mismatched" with peers whose academic credentials (in terms of LSAT scores and UGPA) are superior. Which means, as Sander puts it, that "nearly all blacks [are placed] at an enormous academic disadvantage in the schools they attend." And so there are "mismatch effects." In their first year, about 50 percent of black law students end up in the bottom tenth of their class, and roughly two-thirds in the bottom fifth, with only 8 percent placing in the top half. The grades of black law school students go down a bit from the first to the third year. Black students have a much higher attrition rate than white students (19 percent compared with 8 percent). Sander finds that fact unsurprising, since students (of whatever race) with the very worst grades are those who are expelled or drop out. Finally, black law school graduates fail the bar exam at four times the rate of white graduates. Sander concludes that more than 40 percent of black students starting out to become lawyers never reach that goal.
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Still Pining for a Gore Presidency
No doubt largely inspired by Barbara Boxer's most recent foray into the ridiculous, California's other left-wing U.S. Senator, Dianne Feinstein, wants to "fix" the national electoral system by proposing a constitutional amendment that would abolish the electoral college. (news link via Hugh Hewitt).
No doubt largely inspired by Barbara Boxer's most recent foray into the ridiculous, California's other left-wing U.S. Senator, Dianne Feinstein, wants to "fix" the national electoral system by proposing a constitutional amendment that would abolish the electoral college. (news link via Hugh Hewitt).
Hi-ho Silver, Eh?
The Supreme Court of Canada has been asked to determine whether the word "kemosabe" (most famously used in The Lone Ranger TV show) is racist. I imagine the Vancouver Canucks hockey team will be looking on with much interest.
The Supreme Court of Canada has been asked to determine whether the word "kemosabe" (most famously used in The Lone Ranger TV show) is racist. I imagine the Vancouver Canucks hockey team will be looking on with much interest.
Saturday, December 18, 2004
Yet One More Reason to Homeschool
How incredibly perceptive of the Plano Independent School District to figure out that when people wear red and green colors around the Christmas holiday, they are trying to proslytyze their Christian faith.
How incredibly perceptive of the Plano Independent School District to figure out that when people wear red and green colors around the Christmas holiday, they are trying to proslytyze their Christian faith.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Judge Wears Ten Commandments on Robe
A nice idea, although I personally find it a bit aesthetically awkward (I would have put a discrete, but noticeable, "PX" symbol).
A nice idea, although I personally find it a bit aesthetically awkward (I would have put a discrete, but noticeable, "PX" symbol).
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Another Example of How Barbara Boxer is a Freakin' Nut
Images of a raging magalomaniac arise, as the left wing senator from California not so subtly threatens to put the Federal government hammer on college football if the private consortium that oversees the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) doesn't adopt some kind of a playoff system (as it currently stands, the top Division I-A football teams are more or less determined by some mysterious mathmatical formula that, of course, takes into account wins and losses). And oh yeah, Boxer's son is a graduate of Cal, whose football team this year got numerically squeezed out of a BCS bowl game that would have netted the school several million dollars. Quite a coincidence, eh?
Images of a raging magalomaniac arise, as the left wing senator from California not so subtly threatens to put the Federal government hammer on college football if the private consortium that oversees the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) doesn't adopt some kind of a playoff system (as it currently stands, the top Division I-A football teams are more or less determined by some mysterious mathmatical formula that, of course, takes into account wins and losses). And oh yeah, Boxer's son is a graduate of Cal, whose football team this year got numerically squeezed out of a BCS bowl game that would have netted the school several million dollars. Quite a coincidence, eh?
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Doing God's Work
A woman who has dedicated her life to saving babies from infanticide wins $27 million in the California lottery.
All too often, the ring of Debi Faris-Cifelli's cell phone means there is another abandoned newborn at the morgue, another forsaken child for her to name and bury in a shoebox-size coffin under a white cross in the California desert.
"Maybe it's the children saying, 'Thank you' for taking care of them when nobody else would," Faris-Cifelli said, bubbling with laughter. "It's a gift and one for which we feel an awesome responsibility."
It's what they did next that sets the Cifellis apart.
"That's a lot of money to be responsible for. We want to be really good stewards of that money. We feel like it's a gift," said Debi.
"And the first thing we thought of was a scholarship fund," said Steve.
A woman who has dedicated her life to saving babies from infanticide wins $27 million in the California lottery.
All too often, the ring of Debi Faris-Cifelli's cell phone means there is another abandoned newborn at the morgue, another forsaken child for her to name and bury in a shoebox-size coffin under a white cross in the California desert.
"Maybe it's the children saying, 'Thank you' for taking care of them when nobody else would," Faris-Cifelli said, bubbling with laughter. "It's a gift and one for which we feel an awesome responsibility."
It's what they did next that sets the Cifellis apart.
"That's a lot of money to be responsible for. We want to be really good stewards of that money. We feel like it's a gift," said Debi.
"And the first thing we thought of was a scholarship fund," said Steve.
Friday, December 10, 2004
The Power of Ordination Belongs to State and Federal Judges
So effectively suggests a Connecticut defense attorney who believes that Catholic priests should unionize in order to protect their "careers" from "baseless allegations" of criminal misconduct.
Wonder where this yayhoo was on the day they taught the First Amendment in law school.
So effectively suggests a Connecticut defense attorney who believes that Catholic priests should unionize in order to protect their "careers" from "baseless allegations" of criminal misconduct.
Wonder where this yayhoo was on the day they taught the First Amendment in law school.
That Would Be "Aiya!"
Michelle Malkin posts a story about how Nike is apologizing for running an "offensive" commercial that has since been banned in China, and what China does to folks who dare to exhibit courage.
Michelle Malkin posts a story about how Nike is apologizing for running an "offensive" commercial that has since been banned in China, and what China does to folks who dare to exhibit courage.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
"Christophobia"
It appears the Vatican is pushing for an adoption of the term by the U.N.
Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican's foreign minister, said anti-Christian feeling had increased, exacerbated by the war on terrorism.
He said Christianity was often mistakenly seen as being inextricably linked with Western political policy, and had suffered as a result in the backlash against the West.
His comments, at a conference in Rome, were primarily aimed at Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, where insurgents have bombed a number of churches.
But he also echoed Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a leading contender to be the next Pope, who said last month that parts of Europe were so now secular that Christianity was being pushed into the margins.
A stupendously bad idea if you ask me. For one thing, a phobia is an irrational psychiactric fear, not an overt expression of ignorant hostility or hatred. Second, adopting this made up term only lends further credibility to ridiculous political words like "homophobia." Seems to me that if you want a word that adequately describes anti-Christianity, the word "anti-Christianity" should be used.
It appears the Vatican is pushing for an adoption of the term by the U.N.
Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, the Vatican's foreign minister, said anti-Christian feeling had increased, exacerbated by the war on terrorism.
He said Christianity was often mistakenly seen as being inextricably linked with Western political policy, and had suffered as a result in the backlash against the West.
His comments, at a conference in Rome, were primarily aimed at Middle Eastern countries such as Iraq, where insurgents have bombed a number of churches.
But he also echoed Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a leading contender to be the next Pope, who said last month that parts of Europe were so now secular that Christianity was being pushed into the margins.
A stupendously bad idea if you ask me. For one thing, a phobia is an irrational psychiactric fear, not an overt expression of ignorant hostility or hatred. Second, adopting this made up term only lends further credibility to ridiculous political words like "homophobia." Seems to me that if you want a word that adequately describes anti-Christianity, the word "anti-Christianity" should be used.
Maybe Target Did A Good Thing
In an unintentional fashion, the controversial decision by the Target Corporation to prohibit the Salvation Army from ringing bells (i.e., soliciting charitable donations) in front of their stores may very well be in the best interest for Catholics. (link via Amy Welborn)
In an unintentional fashion, the controversial decision by the Target Corporation to prohibit the Salvation Army from ringing bells (i.e., soliciting charitable donations) in front of their stores may very well be in the best interest for Catholics. (link via Amy Welborn)
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Friday, December 03, 2004
By and Large, AIDS is a Homosexual Disease
This is certifiably confirmed by the fact that over 40 percent of those in America who are afflicted with the disease are homosexual males. Sure would be nice if the "gay community" would fess up to this and admit that their chosen lifestyle is inherently dangerous.
This is certifiably confirmed by the fact that over 40 percent of those in America who are afflicted with the disease are homosexual males. Sure would be nice if the "gay community" would fess up to this and admit that their chosen lifestyle is inherently dangerous.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Unhinged
If the Democrat Party doesn't disassociate itself from folks like these, it can forget about ever winning back Congress and the presidency. (link via Michelle Malkin)
If the Democrat Party doesn't disassociate itself from folks like these, it can forget about ever winning back Congress and the presidency. (link via Michelle Malkin)
Monday, November 29, 2004
Detroit Not Only Has Basketbrawl
They also have Boy Scout troops that throw dinner parties for anti-Boy Scout congressmen. Huh.
They also have Boy Scout troops that throw dinner parties for anti-Boy Scout congressmen. Huh.
SCOTUS Won't Review Mass. Case
The SCOTUS declines to review the blatantly activist decision by the Mass. high court legalizing "gay marriage." Since the rejection was made without comment, one can only speculate that it might be based on the proposed amendment to the Mass. constitution that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman.
The SCOTUS declines to review the blatantly activist decision by the Mass. high court legalizing "gay marriage." Since the rejection was made without comment, one can only speculate that it might be based on the proposed amendment to the Mass. constitution that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman.
Blackballed
For daring to blow the whistle on John Kerry, 'Rat mafiosos (can there be any other way to describe them?) have apparently succeeded in getting Swift Boat vet Steve Gardner fired from his job. (link via Powerline)
For daring to blow the whistle on John Kerry, 'Rat mafiosos (can there be any other way to describe them?) have apparently succeeded in getting Swift Boat vet Steve Gardner fired from his job. (link via Powerline)
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Friday, November 19, 2004
Thought Exercise
Primary Mission of the Catholic Laity: Apply Principles Taught by the Church to the Secular World. That, to me at least, was the general underlying theme of the insightful lecture I attended last night given by Fr. Michael Sweeney, O.P. at St. Dominic's church. Within the realm of American politics, this is an incredibly challenging goal, especially when one considers the inherent conflict between the traditional emphasis that our culture places on individualism (which all too often has lead to destructive self-centeredness -- see, e.g., the Sexual Revolution) and the prime importance that the Church gives to self-sacrifice and doing things for the common good.
It is, of course, important to make a distinction between principle and doctrine. Although both are taught by the Church and can be upheld by Her as infallible truths, it seems to me that principle tends to transcend religion. As such, even an atheist can embrace and believe in a principle that the Church recognizes as being from God. The most obvious example would be the prohibition against murder (which, legally defined, is the intentional killing of another person with malice).
Because of the failure of many American Catholics to make a distinction between principle and doctrine, self-identified and elected Catholic politicians like Mario Cuomo, John Kerry and presumably Gavin Newsome have pretty much "gotten away" with making convoluted public statements about personally being against something that the Church also opposes (e.g., abortion) but nevertheless supporting its legality. In the view of these politicians, the use of their public authority to apply a transcending principle that is dogmatically upheld by the Church equates to an impermissible imposition of religious doctrine. This is plainly untrue, and it’s also scandalous to the extent that many other Catholics have been persuaded into embracing the same false belief. That being said, while no one of us in the Catholic laity can claim perfection in carrying out the primary mission we have been given by the Church, those Catholics who refuse to even engage in the mission by raising the false legal pretense of "separation of church and state" would seem to be especially culpable.
Primary Mission of the Catholic Laity: Apply Principles Taught by the Church to the Secular World. That, to me at least, was the general underlying theme of the insightful lecture I attended last night given by Fr. Michael Sweeney, O.P. at St. Dominic's church. Within the realm of American politics, this is an incredibly challenging goal, especially when one considers the inherent conflict between the traditional emphasis that our culture places on individualism (which all too often has lead to destructive self-centeredness -- see, e.g., the Sexual Revolution) and the prime importance that the Church gives to self-sacrifice and doing things for the common good.
It is, of course, important to make a distinction between principle and doctrine. Although both are taught by the Church and can be upheld by Her as infallible truths, it seems to me that principle tends to transcend religion. As such, even an atheist can embrace and believe in a principle that the Church recognizes as being from God. The most obvious example would be the prohibition against murder (which, legally defined, is the intentional killing of another person with malice).
Because of the failure of many American Catholics to make a distinction between principle and doctrine, self-identified and elected Catholic politicians like Mario Cuomo, John Kerry and presumably Gavin Newsome have pretty much "gotten away" with making convoluted public statements about personally being against something that the Church also opposes (e.g., abortion) but nevertheless supporting its legality. In the view of these politicians, the use of their public authority to apply a transcending principle that is dogmatically upheld by the Church equates to an impermissible imposition of religious doctrine. This is plainly untrue, and it’s also scandalous to the extent that many other Catholics have been persuaded into embracing the same false belief. That being said, while no one of us in the Catholic laity can claim perfection in carrying out the primary mission we have been given by the Church, those Catholics who refuse to even engage in the mission by raising the false legal pretense of "separation of church and state" would seem to be especially culpable.
Thursday, November 18, 2004
If Only They Weren't Required to be Celibate and Allowed to Marry
A California DMV employee is arrested and charged with sexually molesting seven teenaged girls during driving tests.
A California DMV employee is arrested and charged with sexually molesting seven teenaged girls during driving tests.
Living The Faith After The Election
That's the title of a speaking event tonight at St. Dominic's church is San Francisco. Probably won't be nearly as unintentionally humorous as the upcoming Gavin Newsome Show on Nov. 22 at St. Vincent de Paul's (which I sadly won't be able to make, because I'll be in L.A.), but it should be interesting.
That's the title of a speaking event tonight at St. Dominic's church is San Francisco. Probably won't be nearly as unintentionally humorous as the upcoming Gavin Newsome Show on Nov. 22 at St. Vincent de Paul's (which I sadly won't be able to make, because I'll be in L.A.), but it should be interesting.
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
Only in Berserkeley
Despite running a $7.5 million defecit, the city of Berkeley spends in excess of $70,000/year storing shopping carts that were stolen and abandoned by homeless people.
Meanwhile, the chancellor of UC Berkeley was named yesterday to oversee the implementation of California's "loan for clones"pogrom scam program.
Despite running a $7.5 million defecit, the city of Berkeley spends in excess of $70,000/year storing shopping carts that were stolen and abandoned by homeless people.
Meanwhile, the chancellor of UC Berkeley was named yesterday to oversee the implementation of California's "loan for clones"
Monday, November 15, 2004
This Oughtta be a Hoot
Mayor Gavin Newsome, the man who violated state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and who probably supports legalized abortion, will be giving his "perspective" on being a Catholic politician at an upcoming Young Adult Group meeting at St. Vincent de Paul church in San Francisco. Given the certain predictability of his comments, and my thin skin for outright stupidity, I'm going to need some other incentive to show up for this meeting.
Mayor Gavin Newsome, the man who violated state law by issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and who probably supports legalized abortion, will be giving his "perspective" on being a Catholic politician at an upcoming Young Adult Group meeting at St. Vincent de Paul church in San Francisco. Given the certain predictability of his comments, and my thin skin for outright stupidity, I'm going to need some other incentive to show up for this meeting.
Sunday, November 14, 2004
Support Ahnuld for Prez TV Ads
My fellow Cahleefonians, starting this Monday there will be a series of television ads running encouraging the adoption of a constitutional amendment that will allow naturalized citizens, like Ahnuld, to run for President. You have been warned girly-men!!
My fellow Cahleefonians, starting this Monday there will be a series of television ads running encouraging the adoption of a constitutional amendment that will allow naturalized citizens, like Ahnuld, to run for President. You have been warned girly-men!!
Friday, November 12, 2004
Power, Like Nature, Abhors a Vacuum
Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, warns against secular democracy and that if the West isn't careful, Islam could very well be the communism of the 21st century.
Update:Arrrgh! Registration is required to read the article linked above. Here's a summary from Catholic News.
Cardinal George Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, warns against secular democracy and that if the West isn't careful, Islam could very well be the communism of the 21st century.
Update:Arrrgh! Registration is required to read the article linked above. Here's a summary from Catholic News.
Chairman of SF Abuse Panel Resigns
And while going out the door accuses the archdiocese of obfuscating and engaging in a public relations scheme. (link via Amy Welborn)
And while going out the door accuses the archdiocese of obfuscating and engaging in a public relations scheme. (link via Amy Welborn)
Thursday, November 11, 2004
Sad Local Note
Acclaimed author and Bay Area resident Iris Chang has apparently committed suicide, leaving behind a husband and 2 year old son. If you ever get the chance, read Ms. Chang's book The Rape of Nanking, a very haunting and controversial chronicle of the atrocities committed by the Japanese in China during WWII.
Acclaimed author and Bay Area resident Iris Chang has apparently committed suicide, leaving behind a husband and 2 year old son. If you ever get the chance, read Ms. Chang's book The Rape of Nanking, a very haunting and controversial chronicle of the atrocities committed by the Japanese in China during WWII.
Wednesday, November 10, 2004
Not Sure I Like This
According to Al Reuteera, President Bush will be nominating White House Legal Counsel Alberto Gonzales to be the next U.S. Attorney General. In light of the reports that Gonzales has squishy positions on affirmative action and life issues, conservatives should definitely be concerned about this apparent nomination.
According to Al Reuteera, President Bush will be nominating White House Legal Counsel Alberto Gonzales to be the next U.S. Attorney General. In light of the reports that Gonzales has squishy positions on affirmative action and life issues, conservatives should definitely be concerned about this apparent nomination.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
The Anti-Janet Reno Resigns
And I mean that as a complement. Nice job Mr. Ashcroft, and thank you for your service.
And I mean that as a complement. Nice job Mr. Ashcroft, and thank you for your service.
Kill the Sick and Useless Among Us!!
Such effectively is the calling cry of two California state legislators who plan on introducing a bill that would legalize physician assisted suicide. Ahnuld, having made one too many Terminator movies, is apparently undecided on the matter.
Such effectively is the calling cry of two California state legislators who plan on introducing a bill that would legalize physician assisted suicide. Ahnuld, having made one too many Terminator movies, is apparently undecided on the matter.
Monday, November 08, 2004
A Real Choice
Some Federal employees in Illinois now have the option of choosing a Catholic-run health insurance plan that doesn't cover abortions or contraception. Predictably, Planned Parenthood opposes the providing of such a choice by disingenuously confusing reasonable accommodation for religious indoctrination. Plus, I'm sure those baby butchers don't like the fact that they'll be losing money from this.
Some Federal employees in Illinois now have the option of choosing a Catholic-run health insurance plan that doesn't cover abortions or contraception. Predictably, Planned Parenthood opposes the providing of such a choice by disingenuously confusing reasonable accommodation for religious indoctrination. Plus, I'm sure those baby butchers don't like the fact that they'll be losing money from this.
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Aiming for Arlen
Folks at The Corner think that pressure should be applied to deny Arlen Specter the Chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee for his warning remarks to President Bush about nominating judges who are openly critical of Roe v. Wade, while conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt thinks pro-life efforts should be focused on changing the Senate rules that have allowed pro-abortion Democrats to obstruct Bush's judicial nominees. Frankly, I don't really know who's right on this, but I will say it's a most unfortunate situation that probably could have been altogether avoided had Bush shown a little bit of courage and not endorsed Specter over Pat Toomey in the Pennsylvania GOP primary.
Come to think of it, Hewitt did support Bush's move to endorse Specter in the primaries, so perhaps his argument for restraint and analysis isn't as dispassionate as it should be. But he does nevertheless raise some good points, and I'm going to have to mull them over for a bit to see if I should jump on the "Axe Arlen from the Judiciary Chairmanship" bandwagon.
Update: I'm now leaning toward denying Specter the chairmanship.
Folks at The Corner think that pressure should be applied to deny Arlen Specter the Chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee for his warning remarks to President Bush about nominating judges who are openly critical of Roe v. Wade, while conservative talk show host Hugh Hewitt thinks pro-life efforts should be focused on changing the Senate rules that have allowed pro-abortion Democrats to obstruct Bush's judicial nominees. Frankly, I don't really know who's right on this, but I will say it's a most unfortunate situation that probably could have been altogether avoided had Bush shown a little bit of courage and not endorsed Specter over Pat Toomey in the Pennsylvania GOP primary.
Come to think of it, Hewitt did support Bush's move to endorse Specter in the primaries, so perhaps his argument for restraint and analysis isn't as dispassionate as it should be. But he does nevertheless raise some good points, and I'm going to have to mull them over for a bit to see if I should jump on the "Axe Arlen from the Judiciary Chairmanship" bandwagon.
Update: I'm now leaning toward denying Specter the chairmanship.
Chief Justice Thomas?
All the scuttlebut surrounding William Rehnquist's health and who might succeed him as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court kind of reminds me of the all the mostly media speculation that's been going on the last several years about who the next pope is going to be. In any event, Drudge is flashing a news report about how President Bush is supposedly looking into the possibility of elevating Clarence Thomas to the position of Chief Justice if and when Rehnquist resigns. A bold move to be sure, and one that I would wholeheartedly support. Between Thomas and Antonin Scalia, I personally think Thomas is the better jurist mostly because he appears to view the Ninth Amendment as a vehicle for Natural Law principles. The same can't be really said about Scalia who doesn't really seem to see the Ninth Amendment as anything more than an ink blot that conveys a nice sentiment.
All the scuttlebut surrounding William Rehnquist's health and who might succeed him as the next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court kind of reminds me of the all the mostly media speculation that's been going on the last several years about who the next pope is going to be. In any event, Drudge is flashing a news report about how President Bush is supposedly looking into the possibility of elevating Clarence Thomas to the position of Chief Justice if and when Rehnquist resigns. A bold move to be sure, and one that I would wholeheartedly support. Between Thomas and Antonin Scalia, I personally think Thomas is the better jurist mostly because he appears to view the Ninth Amendment as a vehicle for Natural Law principles. The same can't be really said about Scalia who doesn't really seem to see the Ninth Amendment as anything more than an ink blot that conveys a nice sentiment.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Good Question
Howard Bashman at How Appealing asks what the election results of this past Tuesday mean if, as some people would have you believe, that it is impossible to fill a probable opening on the Supreme Court with a nominee who is a known opponent of Roe v. Wade.
Howard Bashman at How Appealing asks what the election results of this past Tuesday mean if, as some people would have you believe, that it is impossible to fill a probable opening on the Supreme Court with a nominee who is a known opponent of Roe v. Wade.
California is a Weapon of Mass Destruction
In a state where abortion has been expressly proclaimed to be a fundamental right, it really isn't suprising that a ballot initiative which allows human beings to be created in a petrie dish and destroyed for purposes of "scientific research" passed with flying colors. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.
In a state where abortion has been expressly proclaimed to be a fundamental right, it really isn't suprising that a ballot initiative which allows human beings to be created in a petrie dish and destroyed for purposes of "scientific research" passed with flying colors. Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Lefty Dem Dilemmas
First, they make vacuous promises to leave the U.S. and move to Canada if George Bush wins reelection, then comes news that they'd have to wait up to a year before Canada allows them to become citizens of the Great White North.
Wonder if some of these 'Rats have ever thought of Cuba? I'm sure Fidel would fast track their citizenship applications in no time.
First, they make vacuous promises to leave the U.S. and move to Canada if George Bush wins reelection, then comes news that they'd have to wait up to a year before Canada allows them to become citizens of the Great White North.
Wonder if some of these 'Rats have ever thought of Cuba? I'm sure Fidel would fast track their citizenship applications in no time.
I am Alone in an Ocean of Loony Lefties
The final tally on the presidential race here in San Francisco is Kerry 83% and Bush 15%. A local initiative that would actually have allowed non-U.S. citizens to vote in San Francisco school board elections barely lost 51% to 49%, while an initiative condemning President Bush as a liar and demanding U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq easily passed by a 63% to 37% margin.
The final tally on the presidential race here in San Francisco is Kerry 83% and Bush 15%. A local initiative that would actually have allowed non-U.S. citizens to vote in San Francisco school board elections barely lost 51% to 49%, while an initiative condemning President Bush as a liar and demanding U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq easily passed by a 63% to 37% margin.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Should I Feel Disenfranchised?
The type of voting ballot being used in San Francisco requires a person to fill in a broken arrow to a candidate of choice. At the polling place that I was at, a felt-tip pen was provided inside each voting stall. As most people might be aware, anything that is written with a felt-tip pen can be easily smudged, which is exactly what happened to a few of the markings I made on my ballot. When I asked the kid (he looked college-aged) who was running the ballot reading machine if this was a problem, he said "no." I remain skeptical.
Also, the voting for San Francisco Supervisors employed something called "ranked choice voting," which basically asks people to selct their first, second and third choices for a particular District Supervisor seat. The claimed purpose of this crazy voting method is to avoid prolonged and costly runoffs in case there is either a tie among two candidates or no candidate is able to garner more than 50% of the vote (I can't remember which one it is). Since there was only one supervisorial candidate in my district who I could vote for in good conscience, I didn't make a second and third choice. This seems to have been the reason for why the ballot reading machine didn't initially scan my ballot. After asking me if I had failed to fill in a couple of things on the Supervisor ballot, the kid running the ballot reading machine punched in a couple of buttons, and voila, my ballot got scanned. At least I think it did. Now I'm kicking myself for not asking.
Update: I noticed this guy's name among the candidates running for San Francisco School Board, and I just thought to myself, "This city is loony bin."
The type of voting ballot being used in San Francisco requires a person to fill in a broken arrow to a candidate of choice. At the polling place that I was at, a felt-tip pen was provided inside each voting stall. As most people might be aware, anything that is written with a felt-tip pen can be easily smudged, which is exactly what happened to a few of the markings I made on my ballot. When I asked the kid (he looked college-aged) who was running the ballot reading machine if this was a problem, he said "no." I remain skeptical.
Also, the voting for San Francisco Supervisors employed something called "ranked choice voting," which basically asks people to selct their first, second and third choices for a particular District Supervisor seat. The claimed purpose of this crazy voting method is to avoid prolonged and costly runoffs in case there is either a tie among two candidates or no candidate is able to garner more than 50% of the vote (I can't remember which one it is). Since there was only one supervisorial candidate in my district who I could vote for in good conscience, I didn't make a second and third choice. This seems to have been the reason for why the ballot reading machine didn't initially scan my ballot. After asking me if I had failed to fill in a couple of things on the Supervisor ballot, the kid running the ballot reading machine punched in a couple of buttons, and voila, my ballot got scanned. At least I think it did. Now I'm kicking myself for not asking.
Update: I noticed this guy's name among the candidates running for San Francisco School Board, and I just thought to myself, "This city is loony bin."
Sunday, October 31, 2004
No Camelot for Kerry
At least as far as getting the Catholic Vote [tm] is concerned.
Several things of note in the linked article: 1). Apparently, the Daily Herald is amazed that any Catholic will not be voting for someone who claims (repeatedly) to have once been an altar boy; 2).The liberal/heretical Pax Christi is laughingly referred to as a "social justice group"; 3). Catholic concern about abortion is described as an "ideological shift" that occurred in the last 30 years; 4). Life related issues are qualified as "so-called"; 5). "Anti-abortion rights?"; and 6). Catholic Answers is described as being partisan and of the position that Catholics are required to "vote for a candidate who supports any one of five 'non-negotiable issues'"
If it wasn't for the fact that this article is being passed off as news, all of the blatant distortions and misleading comments that are made would be hilarious.
At least as far as getting the Catholic Vote [tm] is concerned.
Several things of note in the linked article: 1). Apparently, the Daily Herald is amazed that any Catholic will not be voting for someone who claims (repeatedly) to have once been an altar boy; 2).The liberal/heretical Pax Christi is laughingly referred to as a "social justice group"; 3). Catholic concern about abortion is described as an "ideological shift" that occurred in the last 30 years; 4). Life related issues are qualified as "so-called"; 5). "Anti-abortion rights?"; and 6). Catholic Answers is described as being partisan and of the position that Catholics are required to "vote for a candidate who supports any one of five 'non-negotiable issues'"
If it wasn't for the fact that this article is being passed off as news, all of the blatant distortions and misleading comments that are made would be hilarious.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
I Kind of Like My Car
Thus, my hesitancy to slap a Bush/Cheney sticker on it out here in the Bay Area. (link via Drudge)
Thus, my hesitancy to slap a Bush/Cheney sticker on it out here in the Bay Area. (link via Drudge)
This Guy Needs to be Dropped Like a Bad Habit
A pro-abortion lawyer (he's given lots of money to pro-abortion candidates) retained by a Wisconsin diocese advises said diocese against distributing a Catholic pro-life voter guide.
A pro-abortion lawyer (he's given lots of money to pro-abortion candidates) retained by a Wisconsin diocese advises said diocese against distributing a Catholic pro-life voter guide.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Government May Discriminate Against Private Religious Schools
So, in effect, decrees the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. From just the article itself, it looks as though this might have been a case involving a challenge to a "Blaine Amendment", which from a historical standpoint, has its roots in anti-Catholicism.
So, in effect, decrees the U.S. 1st Circuit Court of Appeals. From just the article itself, it looks as though this might have been a case involving a challenge to a "Blaine Amendment", which from a historical standpoint, has its roots in anti-Catholicism.
Friday, October 22, 2004
Leftist Law School Intolerance
A Christian law student club sues UC Hastings over the school's homosexual membership policy. Hastings, a government funded law school in San Francisco, won't afford the Christian club official recognition unless it allows practicing homosexuals to become members and officers.
"UC Hastings has apparently decided to withdraw itself from the 'marketplace of ideas,'" said ADF Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull. "What’s next? Will they require a vegetarian club to admit meat-eaters or a Democratic Party student group to admit Republicans?"
"Permitting people to join HCF [Hasting Christian Fellowship -- sic]who disagree with the group’s beliefs and goals would contradict and undermine their purpose,” Bull added. "The Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that student organizations have the right to determine their own membership."
A Christian law student club sues UC Hastings over the school's homosexual membership policy. Hastings, a government funded law school in San Francisco, won't afford the Christian club official recognition unless it allows practicing homosexuals to become members and officers.
"UC Hastings has apparently decided to withdraw itself from the 'marketplace of ideas,'" said ADF Chief Counsel Benjamin Bull. "What’s next? Will they require a vegetarian club to admit meat-eaters or a Democratic Party student group to admit Republicans?"
"Permitting people to join HCF [Hasting Christian Fellowship -- sic]who disagree with the group’s beliefs and goals would contradict and undermine their purpose,” Bull added. "The Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that student organizations have the right to determine their own membership."
Signs That the "Catholic Democrat" Will Soon Be an Endangered Species
From Colleen Carroll Campbell:
Election-year polls have shown Catholic support about evenly split between Kerry and President George W. Bush, with churchgoing Catholics favoring Bush and those who rarely attend Mass preferring Kerry.
But other polls suggest that Bush may be pulling ahead among Catholic voters as a whole. In midsummer, Zogby International pollsters began seeing a significant Catholic shift toward the president in such swing states as Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Zogby senior political writer Fritz Wenzel told the Catholic News Service that increased attention on Kerry's pro-abortion policies combined with strong pro-life networks in those swing states was making the difference for Bush. The numbers show "concern about the legitimacy of the war in Iraq being overridden by ongoing discomfort with Kerry's stand on abortion," Wenzel said.
By the end of September, the difference was obvious to pollsters at the Barna Research Group, who found a "seismic shift" in support for the President among Catholics. In May, Kerry had led Bush 48 percent to 43 percent among Catholic voters. Late last month, a 22-point shift had put Bush in the lead, with 53 percent of Catholic voters supporting him and just 36 percent backing Kerry. Survey director George Barna said many of Bush's Catholic supporters "have traditionally voted Democratic, but have chosen a different course this time around."
The numbers remain in flux and conclusions are premature. A new Zogby poll suggests that Kerry may be regaining a slight edge among Catholics, though white Catholics — who tend to vote in greater numbers — continue to favor Bush. The race for the Catholic vote may be too close to call, but the fact that a Catholic Democrat running for president has failed to lock in the Catholic vote at this late stage should worry Kerry's team — and buoy the Bush camp.
From Colleen Carroll Campbell:
Election-year polls have shown Catholic support about evenly split between Kerry and President George W. Bush, with churchgoing Catholics favoring Bush and those who rarely attend Mass preferring Kerry.
But other polls suggest that Bush may be pulling ahead among Catholic voters as a whole. In midsummer, Zogby International pollsters began seeing a significant Catholic shift toward the president in such swing states as Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Zogby senior political writer Fritz Wenzel told the Catholic News Service that increased attention on Kerry's pro-abortion policies combined with strong pro-life networks in those swing states was making the difference for Bush. The numbers show "concern about the legitimacy of the war in Iraq being overridden by ongoing discomfort with Kerry's stand on abortion," Wenzel said.
By the end of September, the difference was obvious to pollsters at the Barna Research Group, who found a "seismic shift" in support for the President among Catholics. In May, Kerry had led Bush 48 percent to 43 percent among Catholic voters. Late last month, a 22-point shift had put Bush in the lead, with 53 percent of Catholic voters supporting him and just 36 percent backing Kerry. Survey director George Barna said many of Bush's Catholic supporters "have traditionally voted Democratic, but have chosen a different course this time around."
The numbers remain in flux and conclusions are premature. A new Zogby poll suggests that Kerry may be regaining a slight edge among Catholics, though white Catholics — who tend to vote in greater numbers — continue to favor Bush. The race for the Catholic vote may be too close to call, but the fact that a Catholic Democrat running for president has failed to lock in the Catholic vote at this late stage should worry Kerry's team — and buoy the Bush camp.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
The Off-Centered Mind of Jimmah
QandO points out this little gem from a Chris Matthews interview of ex-Presidente Jimmy Carter:
MATTHEWS: Let me ask you the question about—this is going to cause some trouble with people—but as an historian now and studying the Revolutionary War as it was fought out in the South in those last years of the War, insurgency against a powerful British force, do you see any parallels between the fighting that we did on our side and the fighting that is going on in Iraq today?
CARTER: Well, one parallel is that the Revolutionary War, more than any other war up until recently, has been the most bloody war we‘ve fought. I think another parallel is that in some ways the Revolutionary War could have been avoided. It was an unnecessary war. Had the British Parliament been a little more sensitive to the colonial‘s really legitimate complaints and requests the war could have been avoided completely, and of course now we would have been a free country now as is Canada and India and Australia, having gotten our independence in a nonviolent way.
As QandO points out, Canada, India and Australia didn't effectively become independent until the 20th century. And the claim about the Revolutionary War and War on Terror being the most bloody wars the US has ever fought is just plain wrong. Yes, I do believe Jimmah has been smoking a few too many peanut plants.
QandO points out this little gem from a Chris Matthews interview of ex-Presidente Jimmy Carter:
MATTHEWS: Let me ask you the question about—this is going to cause some trouble with people—but as an historian now and studying the Revolutionary War as it was fought out in the South in those last years of the War, insurgency against a powerful British force, do you see any parallels between the fighting that we did on our side and the fighting that is going on in Iraq today?
CARTER: Well, one parallel is that the Revolutionary War, more than any other war up until recently, has been the most bloody war we‘ve fought. I think another parallel is that in some ways the Revolutionary War could have been avoided. It was an unnecessary war. Had the British Parliament been a little more sensitive to the colonial‘s really legitimate complaints and requests the war could have been avoided completely, and of course now we would have been a free country now as is Canada and India and Australia, having gotten our independence in a nonviolent way.
As QandO points out, Canada, India and Australia didn't effectively become independent until the 20th century. And the claim about the Revolutionary War and War on Terror being the most bloody wars the US has ever fought is just plain wrong. Yes, I do believe Jimmah has been smoking a few too many peanut plants.
High Hopes Dashed From Lack of Cash
The unfortunate and abrupt ending of Campion College in San Francisco:
In late July Campion College, San Francisco's upstart Catholic college, announced that it was shutting its doors after two years of operations. Citing the decision of Guadalupe Associates to cease their funding of the college and an inability to raise alternative funding, the college informed the archdiocese of San Francisco that it had no choice but to cancel classes for the fall semester.
Campion College was conceived by Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio in February of 2002, following the well-publicized gutting of the University of San Francisco's Saint Ignatius Institute. The idea for an authentically Catholic, two-year liberal arts college had been discussed by Fessio and John Galten, the former director of the Ignatius Institute, a number of years ago, but it remained in the discussion stage until the Jesuits moved on the institute, leaving a void in Bay Area Catholic higher education.
Under the umbrella of the Guadalupe Associates, the parent organization to Ignatius Press, a curriculum was drafted, administration positions filled, and faculty hired, all under Father Fessio's direction.
(...)
When the Guadalupe Associates board unanimously decided to sever its funding relationship to Campion College, Galten, who is a voting member of the Guadalupe board, was on the East Coast on a combination vacation and student recruitment trip. "I knew that there was going to be a planning meeting to discuss matters for the future," said Galten. "They knew that I was going to be away. I guess that matters came up at that meeting. I was not aware that the fate of Campion College might be discussed."
While the meeting without Galten and the lack of warning to either the faculty or students takes on a darkly conspiratorial note to some involved, Brumley insists that the board did not go into that meeting with a premeditated intention to cut funding. According to Brumley, "[while] over the past year, we had concerns, it was really at the end of May that it became clear [that there was a crisis]. A couple of factors: we were unable to recruit a sufficient number of students. We only had two for the fall who were committed. We needed to see ten students for Campion to be viable. That would be one factor. We had a few students who had told us that they were not returning, and many of the students who were returning were not in a position to contribute much more financially. Third was the overall financial strain that Campion was posing to Ignatius Press."
One father of a Campion student (who asked not to be named) discounted this, noting that a responsible business should have been able to see the budget and recruitment problems no later than December of 2003, when a decision to discontinue funding would have left faculty and students adequate time to make other plans. Furthermore, he added, "I had never heard that we should be looking out for money. They asked those of us on financial aid to let the college know if our financial situation changed, but there was no importuning for us to seek outside donations to help the college financially."
The unfortunate and abrupt ending of Campion College in San Francisco:
In late July Campion College, San Francisco's upstart Catholic college, announced that it was shutting its doors after two years of operations. Citing the decision of Guadalupe Associates to cease their funding of the college and an inability to raise alternative funding, the college informed the archdiocese of San Francisco that it had no choice but to cancel classes for the fall semester.
Campion College was conceived by Jesuit Father Joseph Fessio in February of 2002, following the well-publicized gutting of the University of San Francisco's Saint Ignatius Institute. The idea for an authentically Catholic, two-year liberal arts college had been discussed by Fessio and John Galten, the former director of the Ignatius Institute, a number of years ago, but it remained in the discussion stage until the Jesuits moved on the institute, leaving a void in Bay Area Catholic higher education.
Under the umbrella of the Guadalupe Associates, the parent organization to Ignatius Press, a curriculum was drafted, administration positions filled, and faculty hired, all under Father Fessio's direction.
(...)
When the Guadalupe Associates board unanimously decided to sever its funding relationship to Campion College, Galten, who is a voting member of the Guadalupe board, was on the East Coast on a combination vacation and student recruitment trip. "I knew that there was going to be a planning meeting to discuss matters for the future," said Galten. "They knew that I was going to be away. I guess that matters came up at that meeting. I was not aware that the fate of Campion College might be discussed."
While the meeting without Galten and the lack of warning to either the faculty or students takes on a darkly conspiratorial note to some involved, Brumley insists that the board did not go into that meeting with a premeditated intention to cut funding. According to Brumley, "[while] over the past year, we had concerns, it was really at the end of May that it became clear [that there was a crisis]. A couple of factors: we were unable to recruit a sufficient number of students. We only had two for the fall who were committed. We needed to see ten students for Campion to be viable. That would be one factor. We had a few students who had told us that they were not returning, and many of the students who were returning were not in a position to contribute much more financially. Third was the overall financial strain that Campion was posing to Ignatius Press."
One father of a Campion student (who asked not to be named) discounted this, noting that a responsible business should have been able to see the budget and recruitment problems no later than December of 2003, when a decision to discontinue funding would have left faculty and students adequate time to make other plans. Furthermore, he added, "I had never heard that we should be looking out for money. They asked those of us on financial aid to let the college know if our financial situation changed, but there was no importuning for us to seek outside donations to help the college financially."
Terrorist Enablers and Sympathizers
Proving once again that they are even kookier than their ideological brethren on the kooky Left, the ACLU turns down $1.15 million in funding from the abortion loving Ford and Rockefeller foundations. Why? Because both of these institutions have expressly said that their money can't be used for anything that encourages or facilitates terrorism.
Proving once again that they are even kookier than their ideological brethren on the kooky Left, the ACLU turns down $1.15 million in funding from the abortion loving Ford and Rockefeller foundations. Why? Because both of these institutions have expressly said that their money can't be used for anything that encourages or facilitates terrorism.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
UBL is Dead and Both Bush and Kerry Know It
So speculates (fairly persuasively IMO) Matthew Heidt at Froggy Ruminations. I especially like the insights on why Bush won't mention that UBL is pushing up daisies, despite the fact that doing so would easily put him over the top in the race for the presidency, and how Kerry is trying to shamelessly exploit Bush's restraint for his own political advantage. (link via Powerline)
So speculates (fairly persuasively IMO) Matthew Heidt at Froggy Ruminations. I especially like the insights on why Bush won't mention that UBL is pushing up daisies, despite the fact that doing so would easily put him over the top in the race for the presidency, and how Kerry is trying to shamelessly exploit Bush's restraint for his own political advantage. (link via Powerline)
Al Presseera Strikes Again
Despite numerous other news sources reporting that well over 60% of the military and their families have a favorable opinion of President Bush, the AP ignores this fact altogether in a "report" on a poll which finds that 62% of the military think that more troops should have been sent to Iraq. QandO provides more details and commentary.
Despite numerous other news sources reporting that well over 60% of the military and their families have a favorable opinion of President Bush, the AP ignores this fact altogether in a "report" on a poll which finds that 62% of the military think that more troops should have been sent to Iraq. QandO provides more details and commentary.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Let It Never Be Forgotten
That a monster was removed.
A mass grave containing the bodies of children, babies and their mothers has been unearthed in Iraq.
Shocked investigators reported finding "thighbones the size of matchsticks" at what they believe is the site of one of Saddam Hussein's atrocities. Among the findings-were the skeletons of unborn babies and toddlers clutching toys.
A baby had been shot in the back of its head and was found still being clutched by its mother, who had been shot in the face. The discovery was reported as Tony Blair came under mounting pressure to apologise to Parliament for the misleading intelligence claiming Saddam had weapons of mass destruction.
That a monster was removed.
A mass grave containing the bodies of children, babies and their mothers has been unearthed in Iraq.
Shocked investigators reported finding "thighbones the size of matchsticks" at what they believe is the site of one of Saddam Hussein's atrocities. Among the findings-were the skeletons of unborn babies and toddlers clutching toys.
A baby had been shot in the back of its head and was found still being clutched by its mother, who had been shot in the face. The discovery was reported as Tony Blair came under mounting pressure to apologise to Parliament for the misleading intelligence claiming Saddam had weapons of mass destruction.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Job Interview With Gigante Law Firm
I've actually always tried to avoid working for a large firm, and at the time I sent in my resume to the one I'll be interviewing with next week, I had no idea they had well over 100 attorneys and offices in San Fran, L.A., New York and Hong Kong. Yikes! Anyway, since this firm has expressed an interest in talking to me, I figure I may as well see if I can impress them enough to maybe offer me a job.
I've actually always tried to avoid working for a large firm, and at the time I sent in my resume to the one I'll be interviewing with next week, I had no idea they had well over 100 attorneys and offices in San Fran, L.A., New York and Hong Kong. Yikes! Anyway, since this firm has expressed an interest in talking to me, I figure I may as well see if I can impress them enough to maybe offer me a job.
FCC Commissioner Admits MSM Has Liberal Bias
In his unwarranted criticism of the Sinclair Broadcast Group's decision to air an anti-Kerry program on 60 of its local stations, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps effectively admits that shows like Nightline have a left-wing political bias. I tried doing a Google search to see if Copps ever criticized Nightline, but wasn't able to come up with anything.
Update: Go here for the official Stolen Honor documentary website.
In his unwarranted criticism of the Sinclair Broadcast Group's decision to air an anti-Kerry program on 60 of its local stations, FCC Commissioner Michael Copps effectively admits that shows like Nightline have a left-wing political bias. I tried doing a Google search to see if Copps ever criticized Nightline, but wasn't able to come up with anything.
Update: Go here for the official Stolen Honor documentary website.
Contraception Brownshirts
Devout Catholic pharmacist refuses to fill a college student's prescription for birth control pills. Militant college student can't wait another day or two to have intercourse, so she calls the police and eventually forces the pharmacist to defend himself in front of a state licensing board.
Devout Catholic pharmacist refuses to fill a college student's prescription for birth control pills. Militant college student can't wait another day or two to have intercourse, so she calls the police and eventually forces the pharmacist to defend himself in front of a state licensing board.
Lots of Smoke in the City
I noticed it when I walked outside this afternoon, and wondered where it was coming from. Now I know.
I noticed it when I walked outside this afternoon, and wondered where it was coming from. Now I know.
The SCOTUS Will Review Ten Commandments Monument Cases
And in reporting this fact, the Al Presseera (via "reporter" Gina Holland) once again reveals its leftist bias and ignorance.
Examples:
The Constitution bars any state "establishment" of religion. That means the government cannot promote religion in general, or favor one faith over another.
No, the Constitution expressly prohibits Congress from establishing religion. And I will buy Ms. Holland a dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts if she can point out where the Constitution says the government cannot promote religion or show favoritism toward one faith over another.
The lawyer for the Kentucky counties, Mathew Staver of the conservative law group Liberty Counsel, told justices that lower courts are fractured on the issue. A divided appeals court panel sided with the American Civil Liberties Union in the Kentucky case.
Interesting how the Liberty Counsel is explicitly described by the AP as "conservative" but the ACLU avoids getting tagged with the "liberal" designation.
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State said Tuesday that he hopes the court uses the cases to declare government displays of religious documents and symbols unconstitutional.
"It's clear that the Ten Commandments is a religious document. Its display is appropriate in houses of worship but not at the seat of government," Lynn said.
Why is the "Rev." Barry Lynn the only one in the whole "report" who gets directly quoted? And again notice that even though Americans United is a clearly leftist organization, the AP avoids describing it as such.
And in reporting this fact, the Al Presseera (via "reporter" Gina Holland) once again reveals its leftist bias and ignorance.
Examples:
The Constitution bars any state "establishment" of religion. That means the government cannot promote religion in general, or favor one faith over another.
No, the Constitution expressly prohibits Congress from establishing religion. And I will buy Ms. Holland a dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts if she can point out where the Constitution says the government cannot promote religion or show favoritism toward one faith over another.
The lawyer for the Kentucky counties, Mathew Staver of the conservative law group Liberty Counsel, told justices that lower courts are fractured on the issue. A divided appeals court panel sided with the American Civil Liberties Union in the Kentucky case.
Interesting how the Liberty Counsel is explicitly described by the AP as "conservative" but the ACLU avoids getting tagged with the "liberal" designation.
The Rev. Barry W. Lynn of Americans United for Separation of Church and State said Tuesday that he hopes the court uses the cases to declare government displays of religious documents and symbols unconstitutional.
"It's clear that the Ten Commandments is a religious document. Its display is appropriate in houses of worship but not at the seat of government," Lynn said.
Why is the "Rev." Barry Lynn the only one in the whole "report" who gets directly quoted? And again notice that even though Americans United is a clearly leftist organization, the AP avoids describing it as such.
Monday, October 11, 2004
More Vatican Ignorance
And so in addition to being pretty clueless about American sensibilities and putting undeserved faith in an unaccountable and corrupt organization like the United Nations, the Vatican tries to "bury the hatchet" with Tony Blair and President Bush by analogizing post-war reconstruction efforts in Iraq to an illegitimate child who must be educated and reared.
With all due respect Cardinal Sodano: Shat up!
Update: Great take on Cardinal Sodano's unfortunate choice of words by The Mighty Barrister. Kind of makes you think that perhaps Sodano would have preferred that Saddam had stayed in power.
And so in addition to being pretty clueless about American sensibilities and putting undeserved faith in an unaccountable and corrupt organization like the United Nations, the Vatican tries to "bury the hatchet" with Tony Blair and President Bush by analogizing post-war reconstruction efforts in Iraq to an illegitimate child who must be educated and reared.
With all due respect Cardinal Sodano: Shat up!
Update: Great take on Cardinal Sodano's unfortunate choice of words by The Mighty Barrister. Kind of makes you think that perhaps Sodano would have preferred that Saddam had stayed in power.
Morbid Musing
This past weekend, philosopher Jacques Derrida , actor Christopher Reeve, and former Major League Baseball player and MVP Ken Caminiti passed away. Kind of odd how celebrities, or relatively well know people, seem to always die in threes.
This past weekend, philosopher Jacques Derrida , actor Christopher Reeve, and former Major League Baseball player and MVP Ken Caminiti passed away. Kind of odd how celebrities, or relatively well know people, seem to always die in threes.
Kerry's Consistent Inconsistency
On the issue of requiring parental notification before allowing a minor to obtain an abortion, Kerry during last Friday's debate said he was against it because he didn't want "to require a 16 or 17 year old kid who's been raped by her father and who's pregnant to have to notify her father." The big problem with Kerry's rationale, however, is that he has voted against notification proposals that made an exception for the very type of scenario that he raised.
On the issue of requiring parental notification before allowing a minor to obtain an abortion, Kerry during last Friday's debate said he was against it because he didn't want "to require a 16 or 17 year old kid who's been raped by her father and who's pregnant to have to notify her father." The big problem with Kerry's rationale, however, is that he has voted against notification proposals that made an exception for the very type of scenario that he raised.
Friday, October 08, 2004
Bombshell
Drudge obtains an internal memo which confirms what most people with half a brain and not drinking the MSM's Kool Aid already know: there is a liberal bias at ABC News.
Drudge obtains an internal memo which confirms what most people with half a brain and not drinking the MSM's Kool Aid already know: there is a liberal bias at ABC News.
Maybe He Meant the Cambodia Marathon
Much like John Kerry's Christmas in Cambodia story, there is no evidence that supports Kerry's claim that he ever ran the Boston Marathon.
President Bush, on the other hand, has run many races, including the Houston Marathon. (link via Michelle Malkin)
Much like John Kerry's Christmas in Cambodia story, there is no evidence that supports Kerry's claim that he ever ran the Boston Marathon.
President Bush, on the other hand, has run many races, including the Houston Marathon. (link via Michelle Malkin)
Theology of the Demented Fruitcakes
Alleged scholars and theologians at an upcoming convention on American religion will be presenting papers which basically argue that true spirituality may be manifested through sadomasochism, transvestism, transsexualism and polyamory. Dollars to donuts that one of these crackheads throws out an argument that Christ was sexually aroused during the crucifixion.
Alleged scholars and theologians at an upcoming convention on American religion will be presenting papers which basically argue that true spirituality may be manifested through sadomasochism, transvestism, transsexualism and polyamory. Dollars to donuts that one of these crackheads throws out an argument that Christ was sexually aroused during the crucifixion.
Why "Catholic" Kerry Will Help Bush Win More Catholic Votes
George Marlin opines in the Washington Times:
This November, the number of Bush Catholics is likely to increase because many Catholics are angered by the specter of one of their own, candidate Kerry. This backlash may doom Mr. Kerry's candidacy, because unlike non-practicing "cafeteria" Catholics who are congregated in the northeastern and far western states that Mr. Kerry will easily carry, practicing Catholics are a major voting bloc in the key swing states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri.
According to liberal political pollster Stanley Greenberg, these practicing Catholics are "those most committed to and identified with the church and most likely to bring their Catholic identity into politics."
Right now, most pollsters agree that these states are moving in Mr. Bush's direction. Mr. Kerry's poor social-issues record has lead to Catholics in certain battleground states polling significantly more in favor of Mr. Bush than the general population.
George Marlin opines in the Washington Times:
This November, the number of Bush Catholics is likely to increase because many Catholics are angered by the specter of one of their own, candidate Kerry. This backlash may doom Mr. Kerry's candidacy, because unlike non-practicing "cafeteria" Catholics who are congregated in the northeastern and far western states that Mr. Kerry will easily carry, practicing Catholics are a major voting bloc in the key swing states of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio and Missouri.
According to liberal political pollster Stanley Greenberg, these practicing Catholics are "those most committed to and identified with the church and most likely to bring their Catholic identity into politics."
Right now, most pollsters agree that these states are moving in Mr. Bush's direction. Mr. Kerry's poor social-issues record has lead to Catholics in certain battleground states polling significantly more in favor of Mr. Bush than the general population.
Al Presseera
If you ever had any doubt that the AP news service is nothing but a mouthpiece for the Left, read this and wonder no more.
If you ever had any doubt that the AP news service is nothing but a mouthpiece for the Left, read this and wonder no more.
Glorifying Evil
So what does a self-described Catholic school like the University of San Francisco do in response to a mayor who is pro-abortion and breaks the law by granting official government recognition of gay "marriages?" Why, the university gives him an award! Like the city it's named after, USF is completely insane. (link via Mark Shea)
So what does a self-described Catholic school like the University of San Francisco do in response to a mayor who is pro-abortion and breaks the law by granting official government recognition of gay "marriages?" Why, the university gives him an award! Like the city it's named after, USF is completely insane. (link via Mark Shea)
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Judge William Pryor
Of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will be appearing EWTN's "Life on the Rock" show tonight at 5pm PDT. In case you might have forgotten, William Pryor was at the center of a heated confirmation battle in the U.S. Senate last year because of his express pro-life beliefs, and the fact that he once called Roe v. Wade "the worst abomination in the history of constitutional law."
Of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will be appearing EWTN's "Life on the Rock" show tonight at 5pm PDT. In case you might have forgotten, William Pryor was at the center of a heated confirmation battle in the U.S. Senate last year because of his express pro-life beliefs, and the fact that he once called Roe v. Wade "the worst abomination in the history of constitutional law."
The Vatican Doesn't Really Get the U.S.
On the stage of world affairs, National Catholic Reporter correspondent John Allen writes in his new book All the Pope’s Men that the Vatican just doesn't think the U.S. has what it takes to run the world. George Weigel, citing Allen's book, thinks that's probably an accurate assessment of the Vatican, but also adds that many Vatican officials are unaware of the fact that most Americans think the same thing.
But Americans have come to understand, however reluctantly, that power, like nature, abhors a vacuum. Perhaps no one can, or should, “run the world.” But someone will take the lead in shaping world politics. That someone can’t be the United Nations as presently configured. And it can’t be those western European countries who are reviving the failed appeasement strategies of the 1930s. Absent American leadership, the world will not be calm and orderly; the world will be chaotic — lethally chaotic.
So does the Vatican understand or see this? Doesn't really seem like it.
On the stage of world affairs, National Catholic Reporter correspondent John Allen writes in his new book All the Pope’s Men that the Vatican just doesn't think the U.S. has what it takes to run the world. George Weigel, citing Allen's book, thinks that's probably an accurate assessment of the Vatican, but also adds that many Vatican officials are unaware of the fact that most Americans think the same thing.
But Americans have come to understand, however reluctantly, that power, like nature, abhors a vacuum. Perhaps no one can, or should, “run the world.” But someone will take the lead in shaping world politics. That someone can’t be the United Nations as presently configured. And it can’t be those western European countries who are reviving the failed appeasement strategies of the 1930s. Absent American leadership, the world will not be calm and orderly; the world will be chaotic — lethally chaotic.
So does the Vatican understand or see this? Doesn't really seem like it.
No WMD Stockpiles Inside Iraq, But...
That doesn't mean they aren't outside of the country, that Saddam didn't have a rudimentary WMD program in place, and that Saddam wasn't going to try and actively develop WMDs had there been no military intervention by US led coalition forces.
Update: From BBC Washington reporter Aaron Brookes:
Crucially, Mr Duelfer was asked in Congress today whether he thought the world was better off without Saddam Hussein.
Mr Duelfer hesitated, and then replied, "Yes, as an analyst, the world is better off."
Update: Some good analysis of the ISG report at Powerline. Check it out.
That doesn't mean they aren't outside of the country, that Saddam didn't have a rudimentary WMD program in place, and that Saddam wasn't going to try and actively develop WMDs had there been no military intervention by US led coalition forces.
Update: From BBC Washington reporter Aaron Brookes:
Crucially, Mr Duelfer was asked in Congress today whether he thought the world was better off without Saddam Hussein.
Mr Duelfer hesitated, and then replied, "Yes, as an analyst, the world is better off."
Update: Some good analysis of the ISG report at Powerline. Check it out.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
ID-ing the Baby Killers
Pro-life activists warn Oakland residents about a local gynecologist who flies to Kansas every month to perform abortions. As expected, the pro-aborts wring their hands and allege that "misinformation" and "lies" are being spread. Exactly what the pro-lifers are lying about, they don't say.
Pro-life activists warn Oakland residents about a local gynecologist who flies to Kansas every month to perform abortions. As expected, the pro-aborts wring their hands and allege that "misinformation" and "lies" are being spread. Exactly what the pro-lifers are lying about, they don't say.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Pro-Aborts Hate Democracy (and Children)
The euphemistically named Center for Reproductive Rights sounds the alarm that at least 30 states will either ban or impose broad restrictions on wanton baby killing if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
"The building blocks are already in place to recriminalize abortion," said Nancy Northup, the center's president.
The group's report comes less than a month before the presidential election, which those on both sides of the abortion issue say will be critical in determining the future of the Roe decision.
Currently, it is believed that five of the nine justices support abortion rights, but that balance could be tipped if President Bush, in a second term, nominates a new justice who reflects his anti-abortion views. Democratic contender John Kerry is a strong supporter of abortion rights.
The euphemistically named Center for Reproductive Rights sounds the alarm that at least 30 states will either ban or impose broad restrictions on wanton baby killing if Roe v. Wade is overturned.
"The building blocks are already in place to recriminalize abortion," said Nancy Northup, the center's president.
The group's report comes less than a month before the presidential election, which those on both sides of the abortion issue say will be critical in determining the future of the Roe decision.
Currently, it is believed that five of the nine justices support abortion rights, but that balance could be tipped if President Bush, in a second term, nominates a new justice who reflects his anti-abortion views. Democratic contender John Kerry is a strong supporter of abortion rights.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Cert Denied
Among the various First Amendment cases that the SCOTUS has declined to review is Catholic Charities of Sacramento v. California. This is the case where Catholic Charities has challenged the State of California's requirement that relgious backed service organizations include contraception coverage in their employee health benefit plans. Because the SCOTUS has declined to review the matter, the California Supreme Court's ridiculous ruling that Catholic Charities is not an exempt religious institution stands.
Among the various First Amendment cases that the SCOTUS has declined to review is Catholic Charities of Sacramento v. California. This is the case where Catholic Charities has challenged the State of California's requirement that relgious backed service organizations include contraception coverage in their employee health benefit plans. Because the SCOTUS has declined to review the matter, the California Supreme Court's ridiculous ruling that Catholic Charities is not an exempt religious institution stands.
Ahnuld OKs Pedophile Protection Act
Even though I didn't vote for him, I'm sorry I ever put up a defense for his election. I would have at least thought Ahnuld would refrain from signing any idiotic bills that helps protect the baby butchers at Planned Parenthood. Ugh! Maybe we need another recall. (link via Mark Shea)
Even though I didn't vote for him, I'm sorry I ever put up a defense for his election. I would have at least thought Ahnuld would refrain from signing any idiotic bills that helps protect the baby butchers at Planned Parenthood. Ugh! Maybe we need another recall. (link via Mark Shea)
Will the MSM Pick This Up?
CNSNews.com, the first news service to break Rathergate, obtains evidence that appears to cement the claim that Saddam had WMD and ties to terrorists.
CNSNews.com, the first news service to break Rathergate, obtains evidence that appears to cement the claim that Saddam had WMD and ties to terrorists.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
San Francisco Schools For Jihad
Yes, this place is truly an insane asylum.
The San Francisco Unified School District will host an event tomorrow (Saturday, October 2) in support of overseas terrorist groups given by the International Solidarity Movement and its affiliate, International ANSWER. Taking place at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco’s Mission District, the event is titled “The Struggle for Palestine: 4th Anniversary of the Intifada.” The Intifada means the violent insurrection started by the PLO in September, 2000 that has resulted in over 25,000 terror attacks and more than 1,000 innocent people deliberately murdered in cold blood.
For the radical Left, this event is especially timely, since it follows the beheadings of two American citizens in Iraq last week, a crime and tragedy that undoubtedly will not be condemned during the proceedings at the Horace Mann Middle School this weekend.
Yes, this place is truly an insane asylum.
The San Francisco Unified School District will host an event tomorrow (Saturday, October 2) in support of overseas terrorist groups given by the International Solidarity Movement and its affiliate, International ANSWER. Taking place at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco’s Mission District, the event is titled “The Struggle for Palestine: 4th Anniversary of the Intifada.” The Intifada means the violent insurrection started by the PLO in September, 2000 that has resulted in over 25,000 terror attacks and more than 1,000 innocent people deliberately murdered in cold blood.
For the radical Left, this event is especially timely, since it follows the beheadings of two American citizens in Iraq last week, a crime and tragedy that undoubtedly will not be condemned during the proceedings at the Horace Mann Middle School this weekend.
When You Mess With the Bull, You Get the Horns
A public school district is ordered to pay-up big time for its intolerance of traditional Catholic views about homosexuality. (link via Amy Welborn)
"Hopefully, this will deter Ann Arbor Public Schools from violating students' constitutional rights in the future," said Robert Muise of the Thomas More Law Center on Friday, after learning that U.S. District Judge Gerald Rosen had ordered the school district to reimburse the center for suing on behalf of Elizabeth (Betsy) Hansen.
"They could have avoided all of this by simply letting her express her views," Muise said. The center is an Ann Arbor-based public interest law firm that defends the religious liberties of Christians.
A public school district is ordered to pay-up big time for its intolerance of traditional Catholic views about homosexuality. (link via Amy Welborn)
"Hopefully, this will deter Ann Arbor Public Schools from violating students' constitutional rights in the future," said Robert Muise of the Thomas More Law Center on Friday, after learning that U.S. District Judge Gerald Rosen had ordered the school district to reimburse the center for suing on behalf of Elizabeth (Betsy) Hansen.
"They could have avoided all of this by simply letting her express her views," Muise said. The center is an Ann Arbor-based public interest law firm that defends the religious liberties of Christians.
Friday, October 01, 2004
What They Said
Why no serious Catholic should even consider voting for Kerry. (link via Mark Shea)
Kerry has a proven record of hostility to judges who share the beliefs that form the core of the Church’s teachings on life, family, and social issues. With the full support of Senators Kerry and Edwards, Senate Democrats have used unprecedented filibusters to prevent the Senate from holding a vote on many of President Bush’s judicial nominees – not because they were unqualified but because of liberal concerns that their judicial philosophy would yield results that conform too closely to the core teachings of Catholic doctrine. In effect, to paraphrase one commentator, Senate Democrats have adopted a viewpoint test for judicial office that has the effect of screening out all nominees who are faithful to the Church’s teaching.
Why no serious Catholic should even consider voting for Kerry. (link via Mark Shea)
Kerry has a proven record of hostility to judges who share the beliefs that form the core of the Church’s teachings on life, family, and social issues. With the full support of Senators Kerry and Edwards, Senate Democrats have used unprecedented filibusters to prevent the Senate from holding a vote on many of President Bush’s judicial nominees – not because they were unqualified but because of liberal concerns that their judicial philosophy would yield results that conform too closely to the core teachings of Catholic doctrine. In effect, to paraphrase one commentator, Senate Democrats have adopted a viewpoint test for judicial office that has the effect of screening out all nominees who are faithful to the Church’s teaching.
Putting Terri's Faith on Trial?
A Florida judge considers whether evidence of Terri Schiavo's commitment to her Catholic faith should be allowed in arguments against removing her feeding tubes.
In a hearing Thursday, attorneys for the parents of the 40-year-old brain-damaged woman argued that Schiavo was a practicing Catholic whose views would be affected by statements made by Pope John Paul II in March.
The pope said in a speech that someone in a persistent vegetative state still has the right to basic health care, including nutrition and hydration, and that to withhold it would be a sin.
A Florida judge considers whether evidence of Terri Schiavo's commitment to her Catholic faith should be allowed in arguments against removing her feeding tubes.
In a hearing Thursday, attorneys for the parents of the 40-year-old brain-damaged woman argued that Schiavo was a practicing Catholic whose views would be affected by statements made by Pope John Paul II in March.
The pope said in a speech that someone in a persistent vegetative state still has the right to basic health care, including nutrition and hydration, and that to withhold it would be a sin.
From the Same Folks Who Said "The Passion" Would Cause Anti-Semitism
The Anti-Defamation League successfully henpecks Riverside County to cover up a Theodore Roosevelt quote (“The true Christian is the true citizen”) that was engraved on a courthouse wall about 70 years ago.
The ADL, which seeks to fight anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry, sent a letter to the court in July stating that the quote should be covered because it could be interpreted as a direct “endorsement of Christian faith.”
Alison Mayersohn, associate director of the group’s Pacific Southwest region, said that without the original context, the quote could easily be perceived by socially vulnerable groups, particularly minorities “as equating Christianity and good citizenship.”
In other words, the ADL thinks minorities are too stupid to figure out that the quote in no way implies that one must be a Christian in order to be a true citizen. Typical elitist left-wing goofs.
The Anti-Defamation League successfully henpecks Riverside County to cover up a Theodore Roosevelt quote (“The true Christian is the true citizen”) that was engraved on a courthouse wall about 70 years ago.
The ADL, which seeks to fight anti-Semitism and other forms of bigotry, sent a letter to the court in July stating that the quote should be covered because it could be interpreted as a direct “endorsement of Christian faith.”
Alison Mayersohn, associate director of the group’s Pacific Southwest region, said that without the original context, the quote could easily be perceived by socially vulnerable groups, particularly minorities “as equating Christianity and good citizenship.”
In other words, the ADL thinks minorities are too stupid to figure out that the quote in no way implies that one must be a Christian in order to be a true citizen. Typical elitist left-wing goofs.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
LA County Sued for Voting to Remove Cross Off Seal
God bless the plaintiffs who filed the complaint, but practically speaking, I don't see them getting too far with this.
The suit alleges that the supervisors' action was hostile toward religion and a waste of taxpayers' money.
Supervisors earlier this month voted 3-2 to approve a new county seal to avoid a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.
The ACLU claimed the cross symbol represented a government endorsement of Christianity in violation of the First Amendment.
God bless the plaintiffs who filed the complaint, but practically speaking, I don't see them getting too far with this.
The suit alleges that the supervisors' action was hostile toward religion and a waste of taxpayers' money.
Supervisors earlier this month voted 3-2 to approve a new county seal to avoid a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.
The ACLU claimed the cross symbol represented a government endorsement of Christianity in violation of the First Amendment.
Individuals Can't Be Required to Obtain Speech Permits
So rules the 6th Circuit Court of Appeal in a case involving a street preacher who had attempted to verbally express his religious beliefs on public property. What's real interesting about this case, though, is that no determination was made as to why it is acceptable for the State to require groups to obtain a speech permit, but not individuals.
In a dissent, Judge Deborah Cook said she thought the state's rules for use of the Statehouse grounds were appropriate because they regulated the time, place and manner of speech but not the content of the message.
Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro was considering whether to appeal the decision, spokeswoman Kim Norris said.
"We continue to maintain that there is no principal difference between individual speakers and groups on the grounds of the Statehouse," Norris said. The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board regulates use of the Statehouse grounds and approves permits.
So rules the 6th Circuit Court of Appeal in a case involving a street preacher who had attempted to verbally express his religious beliefs on public property. What's real interesting about this case, though, is that no determination was made as to why it is acceptable for the State to require groups to obtain a speech permit, but not individuals.
In a dissent, Judge Deborah Cook said she thought the state's rules for use of the Statehouse grounds were appropriate because they regulated the time, place and manner of speech but not the content of the message.
Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro was considering whether to appeal the decision, spokeswoman Kim Norris said.
"We continue to maintain that there is no principal difference between individual speakers and groups on the grounds of the Statehouse," Norris said. The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board regulates use of the Statehouse grounds and approves permits.
Not Everyone Should be Allowed to Vote
Some words of something other than wisdom from Ms. Cameron Diaz (via Drudge):
"We have a voice now, and we're not using it, and women have so much to lose. I mean, we could lose the right to our bodies. We could lo--if you think that rape should be legal, then don't vote. But if you think that you have a right to your body, and you have a right to say what happens to you and fight off that danger of losing that, then you should vote, and those are the..."
Some words of something other than wisdom from Ms. Cameron Diaz (via Drudge):
"We have a voice now, and we're not using it, and women have so much to lose. I mean, we could lose the right to our bodies. We could lo--if you think that rape should be legal, then don't vote. But if you think that you have a right to your body, and you have a right to say what happens to you and fight off that danger of losing that, then you should vote, and those are the..."
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
More Catholics Supporting Prez. Bush
According to a poll conducted by former Catholic George Barna. A good sign, but probably still should be taken with a grain of salt.
According to a poll conducted by former Catholic George Barna. A good sign, but probably still should be taken with a grain of salt.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Time to Come Clean Mr. President
Bobby Eberle at FrontPageMag.com raises some serious questions on whether the President lied about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Interestingly, it isn't President Bush that needs to answer the hard questions.
Bobby Eberle at FrontPageMag.com raises some serious questions on whether the President lied about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction. Interestingly, it isn't President Bush that needs to answer the hard questions.
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Dubya Got No Preferential Treatment
According to the man who swore him in to the Texas Air National Guard. Don't expect a little inconvenient fact like this to deter the draft dodger loving 'Rats and their Kool-Aid drinking enablers in the media to change their contrarian mantra, though. (link via Drudge)
On Thursday, Morrisey said the argument that Bush got off easy by being in the National Guard doesn't take into consideration the context of the 1960s.
"Bush and the others were flying several flights day or night over the Gulf of Mexico to identify the unknown,'' he said. "The Cold War was a nervous time. You never knew. There were other things going on equally important to the country, and the Air National Guard had a primary role in it.''
Morrisey said the commander he worked for at the unit in Texas was sent there to rebuild the image of the unit. There were only two to four pilot training slots given to them per year, he said. Individuals questioned by an evaluation board and then chosen by the commander had to be the best.
"Bush was selected and he turned out just fine,'' he said.
According to the man who swore him in to the Texas Air National Guard. Don't expect a little inconvenient fact like this to deter the draft dodger loving 'Rats and their Kool-Aid drinking enablers in the media to change their contrarian mantra, though. (link via Drudge)
On Thursday, Morrisey said the argument that Bush got off easy by being in the National Guard doesn't take into consideration the context of the 1960s.
"Bush and the others were flying several flights day or night over the Gulf of Mexico to identify the unknown,'' he said. "The Cold War was a nervous time. You never knew. There were other things going on equally important to the country, and the Air National Guard had a primary role in it.''
Morrisey said the commander he worked for at the unit in Texas was sent there to rebuild the image of the unit. There were only two to four pilot training slots given to them per year, he said. Individuals questioned by an evaluation board and then chosen by the commander had to be the best.
"Bush was selected and he turned out just fine,'' he said.
Heterosexist?!
A white-male-Christian college student prevails in his discrimination claim against a University of North Carolina propagandist, errr, professor.
Professor Elyse Crystall violated student Timothy R. Mertes' civil rights, the agency said, by improperly accusing him of "hate speech" in an e-mail sent to students after a class discussion in which Mr. Mertes said he was a Christian and felt "disgusted, not threatened" by homosexual behavior.
(...)
In her e-mail, Ms. Crystall told students: "I will not tolerate any racist, sexist, and/or heterosexist comments in my class. What we heard Thursday at the end of class constitutes 'hate speech' and is completely unacceptable, it has created a hostile environment. I am deeply sorry and apologize to those of us who are now feeling that the classroom we share is an unsafe environment, for those of us who feel vulnerable or threatened. I will do my best to counter those feelings and protect that space from further violence."
Naming Mr. Mertes in the e-mail, Ms. Crystall wrote: "What we experienced, as unfortunate as it is, is, however, a perfect example of privilege, that a white, heterosexual, Christian male, one who vehemently denied his privilege last week insisting that he earned all he has, can feel entitled to make violent, heterosexist comments and not feel marked or threatened or vulnerable is what privilege makes possible."
A white-male-Christian college student prevails in his discrimination claim against a University of North Carolina propagandist, errr, professor.
Professor Elyse Crystall violated student Timothy R. Mertes' civil rights, the agency said, by improperly accusing him of "hate speech" in an e-mail sent to students after a class discussion in which Mr. Mertes said he was a Christian and felt "disgusted, not threatened" by homosexual behavior.
(...)
In her e-mail, Ms. Crystall told students: "I will not tolerate any racist, sexist, and/or heterosexist comments in my class. What we heard Thursday at the end of class constitutes 'hate speech' and is completely unacceptable, it has created a hostile environment. I am deeply sorry and apologize to those of us who are now feeling that the classroom we share is an unsafe environment, for those of us who feel vulnerable or threatened. I will do my best to counter those feelings and protect that space from further violence."
Naming Mr. Mertes in the e-mail, Ms. Crystall wrote: "What we experienced, as unfortunate as it is, is, however, a perfect example of privilege, that a white, heterosexual, Christian male, one who vehemently denied his privilege last week insisting that he earned all he has, can feel entitled to make violent, heterosexist comments and not feel marked or threatened or vulnerable is what privilege makes possible."
Killer Kangaroo Courts
Citizens United Resisting Euthanasia (CURE) releases a statement on the recent death sentence imposed on Terri Schiavo by the Florida Supreme Court. (link via Times Against Humanity)
Citizens United Resisting Euthanasia (CURE) releases a statement on the recent death sentence imposed on Terri Schiavo by the Florida Supreme Court. (link via Times Against Humanity)
Thursday, September 23, 2004
See the Full Monty on Pier 39
San Francisco's "enlightened" city prosecutors drop all charges against the Naked Yoga Guy and say it isn't illegal to be naked in the middle of Fisherman's Wharf. Is this place an insane asylum, or what?
San Francisco's "enlightened" city prosecutors drop all charges against the Naked Yoga Guy and say it isn't illegal to be naked in the middle of Fisherman's Wharf. Is this place an insane asylum, or what?
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Institutional Religious Liberty vs. Protection of Children
Such appears to be the fundamental conflict in a Bay Area lawsuit, where alleged abuse victims are arguing they ought to be able to sue the Church for negligent hiring, firing and supervision of abusive priests. (link via Amy Welborn)
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Ronald Sabraw issued a temporary ruling Thursday stating a 2002 state law temporarily lifting the statute of limitation on damage suits against institutions that protected known child molesters gave abuse victims the right to sue.
Arguing for the church, lawyer Paul Gaspari said the Constitution forbade punishing the church for the standards it sets for the ordination of priests.
"If a religious institution chooses to ordain a known child molester that it felt had truly repented, it has that constitutional right," Gaspari said. "The government may not second-guess that choice."
Marci Hamilton, a lawyer assisting the abuse victims' legal team, argued that repentance was not relevant to the issue of culpability.
Such appears to be the fundamental conflict in a Bay Area lawsuit, where alleged abuse victims are arguing they ought to be able to sue the Church for negligent hiring, firing and supervision of abusive priests. (link via Amy Welborn)
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Ronald Sabraw issued a temporary ruling Thursday stating a 2002 state law temporarily lifting the statute of limitation on damage suits against institutions that protected known child molesters gave abuse victims the right to sue.
Arguing for the church, lawyer Paul Gaspari said the Constitution forbade punishing the church for the standards it sets for the ordination of priests.
"If a religious institution chooses to ordain a known child molester that it felt had truly repented, it has that constitutional right," Gaspari said. "The government may not second-guess that choice."
Marci Hamilton, a lawyer assisting the abuse victims' legal team, argued that repentance was not relevant to the issue of culpability.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation
I had always been a little unclear on what Ronald Reagan's position on abortion was, so I did a Google search and discovered that he wrote the above titled essay on the 10th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 1983. Quite an amazing man was our 40th President.
What, then, is the real issue? I have often said that when we talk about abortion, we are talking about two lives—the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child. Why else do we call a pregnant woman a mother? I have also said that anyone who doesn't feel sure whether we are talking about a second human life should clearly give life the benefit of the doubt. If you don't know whether a body is alive or dead, you would never bury it. I think this consideration itself should be enough for all of us to insist on protecting the unborn.
The case against abortion does not rest here, however, for medical practice confirms at every step the correctness of these moral sensibilities. Modern medicine treats the unborn child as a patient. Medical pioneers have made great breakthroughs in treating the unborn—for genetic problems, vitamin deficiencies, irregular heart rhythms, and other medical conditions. Who can forget George Will's moving account of the little boy who underwent brain surgery six times during the nine weeks before he was born? Who is the patient if not that tiny unborn human being who can feel pain when he or she is approached by doctors who come to kill rather than to cure?
I had always been a little unclear on what Ronald Reagan's position on abortion was, so I did a Google search and discovered that he wrote the above titled essay on the 10th anniversary of Roe v. Wade in 1983. Quite an amazing man was our 40th President.
What, then, is the real issue? I have often said that when we talk about abortion, we are talking about two lives—the life of the mother and the life of the unborn child. Why else do we call a pregnant woman a mother? I have also said that anyone who doesn't feel sure whether we are talking about a second human life should clearly give life the benefit of the doubt. If you don't know whether a body is alive or dead, you would never bury it. I think this consideration itself should be enough for all of us to insist on protecting the unborn.
The case against abortion does not rest here, however, for medical practice confirms at every step the correctness of these moral sensibilities. Modern medicine treats the unborn child as a patient. Medical pioneers have made great breakthroughs in treating the unborn—for genetic problems, vitamin deficiencies, irregular heart rhythms, and other medical conditions. Who can forget George Will's moving account of the little boy who underwent brain surgery six times during the nine weeks before he was born? Who is the patient if not that tiny unborn human being who can feel pain when he or she is approached by doctors who come to kill rather than to cure?
Friday, September 17, 2004
Myth: Only Smart People Attend UC Berkeley
A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to the intellectual bankruptcy of the Left.
A picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to the intellectual bankruptcy of the Left.
To An Extent, A Good Decision
A California Court of Appeal has thrown out a case filed by a man who claimed that unmarried/cohabitating couples of the opposite sex should have the same right to file a wrongful death lawsuit as cohabitating same-sex couples.
Jack Holguin said the law's exclusion of unmarried heterosexual couples violates his equal protection rights. Holguin's girlfriend, Tamara Booth, was killed in a car accident. They had lived together for three years, but never married.
The Los Angeles County trial judge dismissed the complaint, and the 1st District affirmed, holding that the state Legislature had "rational bases" for not extending partnership benefits to "cohabiting unmarried couples in general."
Although I understand the illogic of the law that the plaintiff in this matter was trying to expose and eliminate, I think the decision by the Court of Appeal was proper for two reasons: 1) an equal protection violation ruling would have resulted in sexual orientation being given the equivalent status of race, sex and ethnicity (all of which are constitutionally protected classifications); and 2) cohabitation by unmarried couples of the opposite sex would have been legally endorsed (i.e., "blessed").
A California Court of Appeal has thrown out a case filed by a man who claimed that unmarried/cohabitating couples of the opposite sex should have the same right to file a wrongful death lawsuit as cohabitating same-sex couples.
Jack Holguin said the law's exclusion of unmarried heterosexual couples violates his equal protection rights. Holguin's girlfriend, Tamara Booth, was killed in a car accident. They had lived together for three years, but never married.
The Los Angeles County trial judge dismissed the complaint, and the 1st District affirmed, holding that the state Legislature had "rational bases" for not extending partnership benefits to "cohabiting unmarried couples in general."
Although I understand the illogic of the law that the plaintiff in this matter was trying to expose and eliminate, I think the decision by the Court of Appeal was proper for two reasons: 1) an equal protection violation ruling would have resulted in sexual orientation being given the equivalent status of race, sex and ethnicity (all of which are constitutionally protected classifications); and 2) cohabitation by unmarried couples of the opposite sex would have been legally endorsed (i.e., "blessed").
Why "Everybody Loves Raymond" is the Only Reason to Watch CBS
The colonel who allegedly pressed to have Bush's National Guard records "sugarcoated" categorically denies ever having done so.
In his first public statement since "60 Minutes II" aired a program claiming it had unearthed damaging memos, retired Col. Walter Staudt told ABC News that Bush was a highly qualified officer who passed all the necessary tests.
"I never pressured anybody about George Bush because I had no reason to," Staudt said.
Staudt, who served as brigadier general of Bush's unit in Texas, retired in 1972. A purported memo by Bush's squadron commander Col. Jerry Killian dated Aug. 18, 1973 -- 18 months after Staudt left the Guard -- said Staudt was putting on pressure to "sugar coat" the performance evaluation of Lt. Bush.
CBS has tried to explain the discrepancy by suggesting Staudt still was in the sphere of influence.
But Staudt said that after his retirement he had no involvement in Guard affairs.
"I didn't check in with anybody -- I had no reason to," he said. "I was busy with my civilian endeavors, and they were busy with their military options. I had no reason to talk to them, and I didn't."
The colonel who allegedly pressed to have Bush's National Guard records "sugarcoated" categorically denies ever having done so.
In his first public statement since "60 Minutes II" aired a program claiming it had unearthed damaging memos, retired Col. Walter Staudt told ABC News that Bush was a highly qualified officer who passed all the necessary tests.
"I never pressured anybody about George Bush because I had no reason to," Staudt said.
Staudt, who served as brigadier general of Bush's unit in Texas, retired in 1972. A purported memo by Bush's squadron commander Col. Jerry Killian dated Aug. 18, 1973 -- 18 months after Staudt left the Guard -- said Staudt was putting on pressure to "sugar coat" the performance evaluation of Lt. Bush.
CBS has tried to explain the discrepancy by suggesting Staudt still was in the sphere of influence.
But Staudt said that after his retirement he had no involvement in Guard affairs.
"I didn't check in with anybody -- I had no reason to," he said. "I was busy with my civilian endeavors, and they were busy with their military options. I had no reason to talk to them, and I didn't."
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
I Wonder...
Up to now, the White House has been pretty dead silent over Rathergate (sorry, I haven't yet figured out how to superscript the "th" on Blogger). I'm beginning to wonder if the Bush team might have had an inkling that the CBS memos were bogus, but instead of expending their own time and energy in proving it and picking a fight with a big television network, simply left it to the New Media to expose the fraud. Maybe not so out of the question, seeing as how the issue of Bush's military history is largely irrelevant with the American public and the Bush campaign has its own blog.
Up to now, the White House has been pretty dead silent over Rathergate (sorry, I haven't yet figured out how to superscript the "th" on Blogger). I'm beginning to wonder if the Bush team might have had an inkling that the CBS memos were bogus, but instead of expending their own time and energy in proving it and picking a fight with a big television network, simply left it to the New Media to expose the fraud. Maybe not so out of the question, seeing as how the issue of Bush's military history is largely irrelevant with the American public and the Bush campaign has its own blog.
Willful Deception?
Was CBS really duped? The following ABC News report reveals that at least two professional document examiners had expressed some doubt to CBS about the authenticity of the alleged Killian memos. (link via Kerry Spot). Perhaps a congressional investigation into this would be appropriate.
Emily Will, a veteran document examiner from North Carolina, told ABC News she saw problems right away with the one document CBS hired her to check the weekend before the broadcast.
"I found five significant differences in the questioned handwriting, and I found problems with the printing itself as to whether it could have been produced by a typewriter," she said.
Will says she sent the CBS producer an e-mail message about her concerns and strongly urged the network the night before the broadcast not to use the documents.
"I told them that all the questions I was asking them on Tuesday night, they were going to be asked by hundreds of other document examiners on Thursday if they ran that story," Will said.
But the documents became a key part of the 60 Minutes II broadcast questioning President Bush's National Guard service in 1972. CBS made no mention that any expert disputed the authenticity.
"I did not feel that they wanted to investigate it very deeply," Will told ABC News.
A second document examiner hired by CBS News, Linda James of Plano, Texas, also told ABC News she had concerns about the documents and could not authenticate them. She said she expressed her concerns to CBS before the 60 Minutes II broadcast.
"I did not authenticate anything and I don't want it to be misunderstood that I did," James said. "And that's why I have come forth to talk about it because I don't want anybody to think I did authenticate these documents."
Side Note: Nothing like a little network competition to bring out some truth.
Was CBS really duped? The following ABC News report reveals that at least two professional document examiners had expressed some doubt to CBS about the authenticity of the alleged Killian memos. (link via Kerry Spot). Perhaps a congressional investigation into this would be appropriate.
Emily Will, a veteran document examiner from North Carolina, told ABC News she saw problems right away with the one document CBS hired her to check the weekend before the broadcast.
"I found five significant differences in the questioned handwriting, and I found problems with the printing itself as to whether it could have been produced by a typewriter," she said.
Will says she sent the CBS producer an e-mail message about her concerns and strongly urged the network the night before the broadcast not to use the documents.
"I told them that all the questions I was asking them on Tuesday night, they were going to be asked by hundreds of other document examiners on Thursday if they ran that story," Will said.
But the documents became a key part of the 60 Minutes II broadcast questioning President Bush's National Guard service in 1972. CBS made no mention that any expert disputed the authenticity.
"I did not feel that they wanted to investigate it very deeply," Will told ABC News.
A second document examiner hired by CBS News, Linda James of Plano, Texas, also told ABC News she had concerns about the documents and could not authenticate them. She said she expressed her concerns to CBS before the 60 Minutes II broadcast.
"I did not authenticate anything and I don't want it to be misunderstood that I did," James said. "And that's why I have come forth to talk about it because I don't want anybody to think I did authenticate these documents."
Side Note: Nothing like a little network competition to bring out some truth.
No Stranger to Persecution
A priest-journalist recalled the late Bishop Giovanni Gao Kexian of Yantai as "a reserved and timid man" whose name is added to the "ranks of the martyred who gave their lives for Christ in China."
The bishop died "in an unknown prison in northern China," said Father Bernardo Cervellera, director of the AsiaNews agency.
On Saturday the Vatican announced the bishop's death and at the same time confirmed his episcopal consecration.
The 76-year-old prelate died last month, and his body was sent to his relatives. The Vatican noted that there had been no news of him for some time.
Bishop Gao "lived underground for most of his life," Father Cervellera said. " Only now, after his death, has his ordination by the Vatican [as bishop] been made public."
"When he was arrested in 1999, news reports said that he was either a layman or at best a priest ... to avoid him any further legal persecution by China's security apparatus," the director of AsiaNews said.
Only "three years ago was his status as bishop of Shandong [province] finally made public," explained Father Cervellera, of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions.
According to the priest, the prelate had been raised in the Catholic faith among the underground Christians living in China's largest Catholic community, Hebei province.
"Today, there are an estimated 1.5 million Catholics in this province, most of them belonging to the underground Church, guilty in the government's eyes of exercising what in theory is a constitutionally guaranteed right, namely, the right to practice their religion," Father Cervellera said.
A priest-journalist recalled the late Bishop Giovanni Gao Kexian of Yantai as "a reserved and timid man" whose name is added to the "ranks of the martyred who gave their lives for Christ in China."
The bishop died "in an unknown prison in northern China," said Father Bernardo Cervellera, director of the AsiaNews agency.
On Saturday the Vatican announced the bishop's death and at the same time confirmed his episcopal consecration.
The 76-year-old prelate died last month, and his body was sent to his relatives. The Vatican noted that there had been no news of him for some time.
Bishop Gao "lived underground for most of his life," Father Cervellera said. " Only now, after his death, has his ordination by the Vatican [as bishop] been made public."
"When he was arrested in 1999, news reports said that he was either a layman or at best a priest ... to avoid him any further legal persecution by China's security apparatus," the director of AsiaNews said.
Only "three years ago was his status as bishop of Shandong [province] finally made public," explained Father Cervellera, of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions.
According to the priest, the prelate had been raised in the Catholic faith among the underground Christians living in China's largest Catholic community, Hebei province.
"Today, there are an estimated 1.5 million Catholics in this province, most of them belonging to the underground Church, guilty in the government's eyes of exercising what in theory is a constitutionally guaranteed right, namely, the right to practice their religion," Father Cervellera said.
Monday, September 13, 2004
Politically Correct Wimps
L.A. County designs a new "neutral" seal for the purpose of appeasing the "neutral" anti-Christians from the ACLU.
A cross floating in the sky above the Hollywood Bowl was removed from the revamped seal to prevent a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union with regard to the constitutional separation of church and state.
That and the other changes were made with an eye toward retaining the look and feel of the original seal, said county chief administrative officer David Janssen, who oversaw the redesign.
"There was a strong opinion by the county counsel that, if sued, the county would lose," Janssen said. "The county decided to substitute an unconstitutional symbol with another that is presumably constitutional, and yet reflects the same thing: the role of the missionaries in the founding of Los Angeles."
L.A. County designs a new "neutral" seal for the purpose of appeasing the "neutral" anti-Christians from the ACLU.
A cross floating in the sky above the Hollywood Bowl was removed from the revamped seal to prevent a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union with regard to the constitutional separation of church and state.
That and the other changes were made with an eye toward retaining the look and feel of the original seal, said county chief administrative officer David Janssen, who oversaw the redesign.
"There was a strong opinion by the county counsel that, if sued, the county would lose," Janssen said. "The county decided to substitute an unconstitutional symbol with another that is presumably constitutional, and yet reflects the same thing: the role of the missionaries in the founding of Los Angeles."
New Dean is a Starr
Former Whitewater prosecutor, Ken Starr, assumes the dean's position at the Malibu (Malibu!) based and Church of Christ affiliated Pepperdine Law School.
Starr's appointment is generally regarded by Pepperdine and the broader legal community as a boon for the law school. It's widely thought that he has potential to be a star in raising funds and in improving scholarship and teaching, along with attracting high-caliber faculty and students. The law school, founded in 1970, has more than 700 students and 35 professors who are tenured or on track toward earning tenure.
"Profile-wise, he's going to be great, getting our name out there," said Valerie Lopez, a third-year Pepperdine law student from Clifton, N.J. "We don't have the highest reputation in comparison to other schools here, like UCLA or USC."
Pepperdine previously offered Starr the role of dean over both its law and public policy schools in 1997, and he accepted, only to withdraw days later after the disclosure that he would leave the Whitewater probe in midstream created a furor. Starr said his change of plans had nothing to do with the public reaction, but with concerns raised by his Whitewater deputies that it would be "a premature departure" that could hurt the investigation.
Former Whitewater prosecutor, Ken Starr, assumes the dean's position at the Malibu (Malibu!) based and Church of Christ affiliated Pepperdine Law School.
Starr's appointment is generally regarded by Pepperdine and the broader legal community as a boon for the law school. It's widely thought that he has potential to be a star in raising funds and in improving scholarship and teaching, along with attracting high-caliber faculty and students. The law school, founded in 1970, has more than 700 students and 35 professors who are tenured or on track toward earning tenure.
"Profile-wise, he's going to be great, getting our name out there," said Valerie Lopez, a third-year Pepperdine law student from Clifton, N.J. "We don't have the highest reputation in comparison to other schools here, like UCLA or USC."
Pepperdine previously offered Starr the role of dean over both its law and public policy schools in 1997, and he accepted, only to withdraw days later after the disclosure that he would leave the Whitewater probe in midstream created a furor. Starr said his change of plans had nothing to do with the public reaction, but with concerns raised by his Whitewater deputies that it would be "a premature departure" that could hurt the investigation.
Dark Knight For Dads
Well, Robin was his ward, so I guess this makes some sense. (link via Drudge)
A protester dressed as Batman scaled up the front wall of Buckingham Palace on Monday afternoon, reaching a ledge near the balcony where the royal family appears on ceremonial occasions, campaigners and witnesses said.
The protester was identified as Jason Hatch, 33, from Gloucester, a member of the Fathers 4 Justice group, which is campaigning for greater custody rights for divorced or separated fathers.
(...)
"We've got a guy dressed as Batman who's on Buckingham Palace on a balcony." said Matt O'Connor, spokesman for the group.
Well, Robin was his ward, so I guess this makes some sense. (link via Drudge)
A protester dressed as Batman scaled up the front wall of Buckingham Palace on Monday afternoon, reaching a ledge near the balcony where the royal family appears on ceremonial occasions, campaigners and witnesses said.
The protester was identified as Jason Hatch, 33, from Gloucester, a member of the Fathers 4 Justice group, which is campaigning for greater custody rights for divorced or separated fathers.
(...)
"We've got a guy dressed as Batman who's on Buckingham Palace on a balcony." said Matt O'Connor, spokesman for the group.
Friday, September 10, 2004
22 Reasons
QuandO provides a nice summary of all the arguments for why the memos produced by CBS are forgeries.
Update: The Empire wimpers back.
Update: NRO's Kerry Spot on The Empire's wimper response [BAD MOVE, CBS]:
Nothing about kerning. Nothing about the paper size. Nothing about the stationary. Nothing about the widow or the son. Nothing about proportional spacing. Nothing about the difference in tone and writing style from other memos by this author. Nothing about the anachronistic language.
They changed the story from coming from his personal files, to admitting that CBS only had a photocopy to work from. The said some typewriters had superscript. Yes, but how common were they? Would they have one of those typewriters in an Air National Guard office?
They said the font Times Roman had been around for many years before the memo. Yes, but could you do it on a typewriter?
Rather said a lot about the criticism of the story is coming from “partisan political operatives.” Like all the forensic experts cited by ABC News and the Washington Post?
Update: Reason No. 23 -- The man named in the memo who supposedly pressured Killian to "sugar coat" Bush's military evaluations had retired from the National Guard a year before the memo was allegedly written. (link via Instapundit)
QuandO provides a nice summary of all the arguments for why the memos produced by CBS are forgeries.
Update: The Empire wimpers back.
Update: NRO's Kerry Spot on The Empire's wimper response [BAD MOVE, CBS]:
Nothing about kerning. Nothing about the paper size. Nothing about the stationary. Nothing about the widow or the son. Nothing about proportional spacing. Nothing about the difference in tone and writing style from other memos by this author. Nothing about the anachronistic language.
They changed the story from coming from his personal files, to admitting that CBS only had a photocopy to work from. The said some typewriters had superscript. Yes, but how common were they? Would they have one of those typewriters in an Air National Guard office?
They said the font Times Roman had been around for many years before the memo. Yes, but could you do it on a typewriter?
Rather said a lot about the criticism of the story is coming from “partisan political operatives.” Like all the forensic experts cited by ABC News and the Washington Post?
Update: Reason No. 23 -- The man named in the memo who supposedly pressured Killian to "sugar coat" Bush's military evaluations had retired from the National Guard a year before the memo was allegedly written. (link via Instapundit)
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Not Your Grandfather's Law School
Unlike elitest uber-liberal Ruth "Buzzy"Ginsberg, Justice Antonin Scalia gives a thumbs up to cyberspace law schools like Concord Law School.
From his chambers at the Supreme Court, Ginsburg's colleague Justice Antonin Scalia conducts an hourlong online colloquium with more than 400 Concord Law School students, answering their questions and expounding on the rule of law. From chilly disdain to the warm embrace of the members of the nation's highest court: not a bad arc of change in five years. Its significance was not lost on Barry Currier, Concord's dean. "We've certainly come a long way," Currier said after the Scalia colloquium.
In many ways, the online law school has made huge strides. The year before Ginsburg was pooh-poohing it, Concord opened its virtual doors to 35 students and six faculty members. The Concord Law School Scalia "visited" now boasts roughly 1,700 students. More than 70 faculty members -- including Harvard Law School's Arthur Miller on civil procedure -- teach through a variety of methods. Mass lectures are taped and video-streamed; real-time online classroom discussions are conducted through a combination of Real Player audio and a form of instant messaging that allows teachers to direct oral questions to individual students -- and demand immediate answers, Paper Chase-style, except that the students type the replies in for all to see.
Unlike elitest uber-liberal Ruth "Buzzy"Ginsberg, Justice Antonin Scalia gives a thumbs up to cyberspace law schools like Concord Law School.
From his chambers at the Supreme Court, Ginsburg's colleague Justice Antonin Scalia conducts an hourlong online colloquium with more than 400 Concord Law School students, answering their questions and expounding on the rule of law. From chilly disdain to the warm embrace of the members of the nation's highest court: not a bad arc of change in five years. Its significance was not lost on Barry Currier, Concord's dean. "We've certainly come a long way," Currier said after the Scalia colloquium.
In many ways, the online law school has made huge strides. The year before Ginsburg was pooh-poohing it, Concord opened its virtual doors to 35 students and six faculty members. The Concord Law School Scalia "visited" now boasts roughly 1,700 students. More than 70 faculty members -- including Harvard Law School's Arthur Miller on civil procedure -- teach through a variety of methods. Mass lectures are taped and video-streamed; real-time online classroom discussions are conducted through a combination of Real Player audio and a form of instant messaging that allows teachers to direct oral questions to individual students -- and demand immediate answers, Paper Chase-style, except that the students type the replies in for all to see.
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
Strike Three
A third federal district court (this time in Lincoln, Nebraska) rules that the federal ban on infanticide is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf's decision followed two similar rulings in New York and San Francisco. Those rulings are expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The decision by the court in Nebraska is disappointing but not surprising," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, which specializes in constitutional law and is supporting the Justice Department in defending the ban in court.
"In the opinion, the court refused to consider the expert testimony of well recognized and highly respected medical experts simply because they had not performed abortions. This conclusion is not only legally flawed but shows the hostility the court exhibits to medical experts who have respect for human life," Sekulow said.
"No one expected the constitutionality of the ban on partial-birth abortion to be decided at the federal district court level. We are hopeful that the appeals process will result in overturning the decisions of the lower courts and conclude that the law designed to end the horrific procedure known as partial-birth abortion survives these constitutional challenges," he added.
Sekulow said the cases are expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court where both sides are in for a "lengthy and critical legal battle."
A third federal district court (this time in Lincoln, Nebraska) rules that the federal ban on infanticide is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Richard Kopf's decision followed two similar rulings in New York and San Francisco. Those rulings are expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
"The decision by the court in Nebraska is disappointing but not surprising," said Jay Sekulow, chief counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice, which specializes in constitutional law and is supporting the Justice Department in defending the ban in court.
"In the opinion, the court refused to consider the expert testimony of well recognized and highly respected medical experts simply because they had not performed abortions. This conclusion is not only legally flawed but shows the hostility the court exhibits to medical experts who have respect for human life," Sekulow said.
"No one expected the constitutionality of the ban on partial-birth abortion to be decided at the federal district court level. We are hopeful that the appeals process will result in overturning the decisions of the lower courts and conclude that the law designed to end the horrific procedure known as partial-birth abortion survives these constitutional challenges," he added.
Sekulow said the cases are expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court where both sides are in for a "lengthy and critical legal battle."
Out of Bounds!
Recently, Republican US Senate candidate Alan Keyes stated that Christ would not vote for his Democrat opponent, Barack Obama, because Mr. Obama supports the right of a woman to kill her unborn child. While certainly a controversial and politically incorrect statement, it is entirely logical, unless one is of the strange opinion that Christ did or does not regard unborn children as human beings.
Although it is unsurprising that the secular liberal media would be in an uproar over what Keyes said, the same can't really be said for certain self-identified pro-life Catholic political writers and commentators. One such writer/commentator is Rod Dreher from The Corner, who today wrote:
The news from Illinois just gets more and more depressing, doesn't it Kathryn? I'm beginning to think Alan Keyes (R-Saturn) is a Democratic plant. Depressingly enough, I've been involved in some heated debates with fellow pro-life Catholic conservatives regarding the Keyes candidacy. Some of them consider it treason to criticize Keyes, because he's pro-life. Such tunnel vision! If Nicolae Ceaucescu, the communist dictator who banned abortion in Romania, came back to life and declared for US Senate, you'd have these lemmings cheering him on because HEY, he's pro-life!
A little harsh and uncharitable if you ask me.
Recently, Republican US Senate candidate Alan Keyes stated that Christ would not vote for his Democrat opponent, Barack Obama, because Mr. Obama supports the right of a woman to kill her unborn child. While certainly a controversial and politically incorrect statement, it is entirely logical, unless one is of the strange opinion that Christ did or does not regard unborn children as human beings.
Although it is unsurprising that the secular liberal media would be in an uproar over what Keyes said, the same can't really be said for certain self-identified pro-life Catholic political writers and commentators. One such writer/commentator is Rod Dreher from The Corner, who today wrote:
The news from Illinois just gets more and more depressing, doesn't it Kathryn? I'm beginning to think Alan Keyes (R-Saturn) is a Democratic plant. Depressingly enough, I've been involved in some heated debates with fellow pro-life Catholic conservatives regarding the Keyes candidacy. Some of them consider it treason to criticize Keyes, because he's pro-life. Such tunnel vision! If Nicolae Ceaucescu, the communist dictator who banned abortion in Romania, came back to life and declared for US Senate, you'd have these lemmings cheering him on because HEY, he's pro-life!
A little harsh and uncharitable if you ask me.
Profile: Smut Lawyers, LLC
How do legal beagle defenders of porn live with themselves, you might ask? By consistently deluding themselves into thinking that graphic videos and still pictures of people perversely bonking one another is constitutionally protected speech. Of course, they draw the line at defending child porn. Why? Because they don't want to have a 'bad' reputation.
Southern California's San Fernando Valley is the epicenter of the adult entertainment industry. The majority of XXX videos on the market have their roots in this strip of dingy suburbs northeast of downtown Los Angeles. But when the Valley's porn purveyors need a lawyer -- and they always need a lawyer -- many head over the Sepulveda Pass to the upscale enclave of Westwood, where the law offices of Weston, Garrou & DeWitt rest high in an innocuous white office tower.
There, surrounded by sports memorabilia, generations of family photos, and a panoramic view of the West L.A. hills, attorney Clyde DeWitt has carved out a reputation as one of the pre-eminent specialists in adult entertainment law. The five-partner practice is one of the only firms in the U.S. to focus on this unusual area, which encompasses issues from free speech to contracts to copyrights.
"It's a lot of fun," says DeWitt, a stocky 55-year-old with a rumbling baritone voice. "First Amendment is the centerpiece of what we do, because the overwhelming majority of our clients' problems are the government trying to regulate them in one way or another."
How do legal beagle defenders of porn live with themselves, you might ask? By consistently deluding themselves into thinking that graphic videos and still pictures of people perversely bonking one another is constitutionally protected speech. Of course, they draw the line at defending child porn. Why? Because they don't want to have a 'bad' reputation.
Southern California's San Fernando Valley is the epicenter of the adult entertainment industry. The majority of XXX videos on the market have their roots in this strip of dingy suburbs northeast of downtown Los Angeles. But when the Valley's porn purveyors need a lawyer -- and they always need a lawyer -- many head over the Sepulveda Pass to the upscale enclave of Westwood, where the law offices of Weston, Garrou & DeWitt rest high in an innocuous white office tower.
There, surrounded by sports memorabilia, generations of family photos, and a panoramic view of the West L.A. hills, attorney Clyde DeWitt has carved out a reputation as one of the pre-eminent specialists in adult entertainment law. The five-partner practice is one of the only firms in the U.S. to focus on this unusual area, which encompasses issues from free speech to contracts to copyrights.
"It's a lot of fun," says DeWitt, a stocky 55-year-old with a rumbling baritone voice. "First Amendment is the centerpiece of what we do, because the overwhelming majority of our clients' problems are the government trying to regulate them in one way or another."
Running Amuck
A Washington State judge effectively rules that homosexuality is the equivalent of race and ethnicity, thus finally enabling some Caucasion males the ability to claim minority status. Twisted.
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks was the second trial judge in four weeks to strike down Washington's Defense of Marriage Act, overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature six years ago.
Hicks, in a 38-page ruling, wrote, "The clear intent of the Legislature to limit government approved contracts of marriage to opposite-sex couples is in direct conflict with the constitutional intent to not allow a privilege to one class of a community that is not allowed to the entire community."
But Hicks went further, finding that under Washington's Constitution, homosexuals are a so-called suspect class, groups with such immutable characteristics as race or sex that entitle them to equal protection of the law.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing, in his Aug. 4 ruling, had declined to find homosexuals a protected class, based on federal law.
Hicks' finding surprised some legal observers and outraged gay-marriage opponents.
"The court is taking a significant step in deciding the issue this way," said Peter Nicolas, a University of Washington law professor who teaches a course in sexual-orientation law. "A lot of decisions, including some from the U.S. Supreme Court, have said just the opposite."
A Washington State judge effectively rules that homosexuality is the equivalent of race and ethnicity, thus finally enabling some Caucasion males the ability to claim minority status. Twisted.
Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks was the second trial judge in four weeks to strike down Washington's Defense of Marriage Act, overwhelmingly approved by the Legislature six years ago.
Hicks, in a 38-page ruling, wrote, "The clear intent of the Legislature to limit government approved contracts of marriage to opposite-sex couples is in direct conflict with the constitutional intent to not allow a privilege to one class of a community that is not allowed to the entire community."
But Hicks went further, finding that under Washington's Constitution, homosexuals are a so-called suspect class, groups with such immutable characteristics as race or sex that entitle them to equal protection of the law.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing, in his Aug. 4 ruling, had declined to find homosexuals a protected class, based on federal law.
Hicks' finding surprised some legal observers and outraged gay-marriage opponents.
"The court is taking a significant step in deciding the issue this way," said Peter Nicolas, a University of Washington law professor who teaches a course in sexual-orientation law. "A lot of decisions, including some from the U.S. Supreme Court, have said just the opposite."
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
The Intolerance of the "Tolerant" Left
To be a conservative Republican in San Francisco is almost like being a Ronald Reagan admirer in Cuba. I think the only thing that prevents some of these Brownshirt leftists from harrassing me is the fact that I'm of Asian descent (sometimes, playing the race card can be a good thing). (Link via Mark Shea)
The Bay Area prides itself on its openness and acceptance, but many local Republicans said they have been met with intense hostility for their political beliefs. They said they've endured everything from rude remarks to threats and physical violence.
Some said the McCarthy-era paranoia about Communists aptly describes how they often feel.
"There's a lot of teachers out there that are closet Republicans because they are so afraid if they say anything in their workplace, they will be retaliated against," said Karen King, the chair of the County's Republican Party. "That's the ugliness that I would like to get rid of. At the end of the day, I'd like to think the opposition believes in free speech as well."
Jennifer Kerns, a spokeswoman for Republican Assembly candidate Steve Poizner's campaign, said trying to register voters as Republicans in San Mateo County can be a depressing -- or even dangerous -- activity.
"One person had hot coffee thrown on him. Others have had registration forms torn up or kicked off tables. They've also been called racial slurs," Kerns said of voter-registration workers.
To be a conservative Republican in San Francisco is almost like being a Ronald Reagan admirer in Cuba. I think the only thing that prevents some of these Brownshirt leftists from harrassing me is the fact that I'm of Asian descent (sometimes, playing the race card can be a good thing). (Link via Mark Shea)
The Bay Area prides itself on its openness and acceptance, but many local Republicans said they have been met with intense hostility for their political beliefs. They said they've endured everything from rude remarks to threats and physical violence.
Some said the McCarthy-era paranoia about Communists aptly describes how they often feel.
"There's a lot of teachers out there that are closet Republicans because they are so afraid if they say anything in their workplace, they will be retaliated against," said Karen King, the chair of the County's Republican Party. "That's the ugliness that I would like to get rid of. At the end of the day, I'd like to think the opposition believes in free speech as well."
Jennifer Kerns, a spokeswoman for Republican Assembly candidate Steve Poizner's campaign, said trying to register voters as Republicans in San Mateo County can be a depressing -- or even dangerous -- activity.
"One person had hot coffee thrown on him. Others have had registration forms torn up or kicked off tables. They've also been called racial slurs," Kerns said of voter-registration workers.
Much Like His Native Fresno
Republican US Senate candidate Bill Jones seems to be an afterthought for most folks in California. Darned shame too, 'cause even though I fault Jones for switching his endorsement from Bush to McCain back in 2000, and for midwiving California's short lived and unconstitutional 'open primary' system, I really really can't stand Baghdad Barbara Boxer.
Support from Bush — which seems tepid at best — won't do Jones much good in a state where only two of five likely voters say they back the president. And though a public embrace from Schwarzenegger, whose job-approval rating stands above 60%, might help, the freshman governor so far has kept Jones at arm's length.
This is Jones' quandary. Despite campaign swings by such high-profile Republicans as Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Sen. John McCain, the Republican Party has not given Jones the kind of support it has given candidates in other states, a disengagement that has left the former Fresno-area rancher mired in a political bog of low name recognition, low fundraising and low voter interest.
(...)
Only half of likely Republican voters were satisfied with Jones as their candidate, though 77% said they would vote for him, according to an August poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. Nearly three-fourths of Democrats were satisfied Boxer was their candidate, and 87% said they'd vote for her.
Republican US Senate candidate Bill Jones seems to be an afterthought for most folks in California. Darned shame too, 'cause even though I fault Jones for switching his endorsement from Bush to McCain back in 2000, and for midwiving California's short lived and unconstitutional 'open primary' system, I really really can't stand Baghdad Barbara Boxer.
Support from Bush — which seems tepid at best — won't do Jones much good in a state where only two of five likely voters say they back the president. And though a public embrace from Schwarzenegger, whose job-approval rating stands above 60%, might help, the freshman governor so far has kept Jones at arm's length.
This is Jones' quandary. Despite campaign swings by such high-profile Republicans as Vice President Dick Cheney, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Sen. John McCain, the Republican Party has not given Jones the kind of support it has given candidates in other states, a disengagement that has left the former Fresno-area rancher mired in a political bog of low name recognition, low fundraising and low voter interest.
(...)
Only half of likely Republican voters were satisfied with Jones as their candidate, though 77% said they would vote for him, according to an August poll by the Public Policy Institute of California. Nearly three-fourths of Democrats were satisfied Boxer was their candidate, and 87% said they'd vote for her.
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