It Didn’t Have to Happen. Again. And Again. And Again…

Another school, another massacre. Another student showing warning signs ignored by the authorities. How many more students and teachers have to die before our society changes its behavior?

Black Like Barack

‘Melissa Harris Lacewell, a professor of politics and black studies at Princeton University, said Mr. Obama missed an opportunity to prove himself to blacks and white liberals who would have wanted Mr. Obama take the lead in condemning Mr. Imus. "This was so easy, and his unwillingness to touch it tells me this is going to be his third rail, and race never goes away in politics," she told the Boston Globe. "Black people want to love Barack. They're doing everything they can to love Barack. We want to believe that Barack is better than this. But they will turn on him."’ (from Washington Times, 4/12/07)

Is it any wonder why blacks continue to struggle when they are turned so easily by unimportant issues? Ms. Lacewell seems to indicate African-Americans are just waiting for Obama to slip up so they can “turn on him.”

How to Deal with Mr. Imus

Regardless of whether it’s a free speech issue or an insulting blacks or women issue, I just want to say I’m sick of pottymouths like Imus being on the radio. My suggestion for punishment? Wash his mouth out with soap – on air.

Profiling is Bad, but...

“Six Muslim men removed from a plane last fall after being accused of suspicious behavior are suing the airline and threatening to sue the passengers who complained…” (from MSNBC.com).

While I have a great deal of empathy for these gentlemen, I also have to say I’m sorry, but we aren't fighting Swedish terrorists, or Caribbean terrorists, or Japanese terrorists – we’re fighting Arab terrorists. While it’s a shame that Muslims should have to be profiled, people shouldn’t be put in a position of fearing a lawsuit because they have legitimate concerns about someone on a flight. Let’s not forget the fact that you only get one chance on a plane; once it’s in the air, if there’s a bomb or hijacking, your options are pretty limited.

While I deplore racism of any kind, we have to realize by necessity there is going to be some profiling going on here because the terrorists come, in the large majority, from one particular ethnic group. If I had been on that flight I might very well have been one of the passengers to speak up. That is what these gentlemen appear not to understand in this case.

Muslims should be taking more care when they travel; it’s only common sense, something seemingly lacking in this ‘war on terror’ with all sides. Muslims must realize that certain behaviors (like chanting “God is great” in Arabic or changing seats) will draw concern from people. It is up to the Muslim community to educate the rest of us about their religion if they feel they are being profiled for things that are, in fact, innocent. It seems to me that Muslims have somewhat isolated themselves from the rest of the population. Again, while I can understand it to a degree, from an outsider’s perspective it makes them look worse rather than making them look better.

In any event, people were only protecting themselves in this case and the lawsuit is specious and should be dropped.

“Circuit City to ax 3,400 workers, hire lower-cost replacements” [USAToday]

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. Now get the hell out.

Conservatives Take Heart!

If the resolution passed by the House giving a 2008 date for withdrawal from Iraq is any indication, the Democrats are still a mess. Despite handing out favors like Halloween candy, Nancy Pelosi was barely able to field a simple majority to pass it. It looks like Republicans have a real opportunity to take advantage of Democratic disunity – if only they can get their own act together.

This resolution is an exercise in futility anyway – Bush has already announced he’ll veto it and the Dems lack the votes to override. Hopefully there will be reason on both sides of the aisle and clear-headed compromise will prevail. Hey, it could happen…

Four years...and Counting...

Today is the fourth anniversary of the United States’ involvement in Iraq. Did the administration have the slightest idea we’d still be there in 2007? It’s amazing how inept George Bush et al have been in this conflict.

We’re not safer.

We’re no closer to leaving.

And our options all suck.

Thanks, George. I’m so glad we reelected you…