Good Parenting

I read a great post today on The Young Liberals blog - as a mom, and as a stepmom of a draft-age young man, this really got my attention.

Read here.

"Name That Cartoon" Contest Winner - Crabletta!

I've decided to go with 'Capitol Punishment', and since Crabby suggested 'Political Capital', that makes her the winner, being the closest and all. Thanks to all who participated. Since she turned down the Amana Radar-Range, she will receive the Undying Gratitude - at least you don't have to pay sales tax on it!

Do I Feel Lucky?

'Go, Pat, Go' Redux

I'm taking the lazy way out and reposting my earlier Pat Robertson stuff from last May...it's still relevant, and bears remembering in light of the most recent 'Pat'-astrophe!

(I just love me some Pat Robertson. He's always good for a hoot. He never lets you down in the crazy-ass department. If only he'd take another run at the Presidency.)


The streets are paved with gold in Heaven, but it seems that televangelist Pat Robertson is trying to get a head start here on Earth.

While bitterly decrying "the tyranny of an oligarchy", he was busily laying up treasures in cahoots with one of the most despotic and savage tyrants in the world - Charles Taylor, former 'President' of Liberia. Now in exile in Nigeria, Taylor has been indicted by the Special Court of Sierra Leone on 17 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in contributing to the death, rape, abduction, and mutilation of thousands of civilians during Sierra Leone’s civil war from 1991 to 2002.

Bad guy? Not according to Pat. In fact, according to Demopedia

Robertson and Taylor are good friends, so much so that in 1998 Robertson negotiated a business partnership with the Taylor regime giving him the rights to gold mining interests in Liberia in exchange for a 10% kick back to the Taylor government. To move on this opportunity Robertson created a for-profit company -- Freedom Gold -- in which he was listed as President as well as Chairman of Board; Robertson being the Board's only member. The company was chartered within the tax evading borders of the Cayman Islands.

Robertson also defended Taylor in his time of need. The strongest critic of the President (When it came to Charles Taylor stepping down) is televangelist Pat Roberston, who has been lecturing his national television audience regularly about how wrong headed it would be for the US to intervene in Liberia. Indeed, Robertson has been critical of US policy toward Liberia for several years. "We're undermining a Christian, Baptist president to bring in Muslim rebels to take over the country," Robertson told his 700 Club audience recently. "And how dare the president of the United States say to the duly elected president of another country, 'You've got to step down."

Strong words for the President, huh, Pat?

But, interestingly enough, there seemed to be a bit of a sticky wicket, legally, according to a 2001 article in The Perspective, a Liberian newsmagazine, which stated that

Under Liberian law, specifically Chapter V: Article 34 section (f) of the Liberian constitution states "The Legislature shall have the power: to approve treaties, conventions and such international agreements negotiated or signed on behalf of the Republic."

The Liberian Legislature refused to ratify the Freedom Gold agreement signed by President Taylor and Pat Robertson. So on Oct. 30,2000, a second contract, which is virtually identical to the first, except for one significant passage, was drawn up. Section 2 of the document was modified, according to GQ and Liberian legal experts familiar with the deal, to read that the contract will go in effect "when approved by the president of Republic of Liberia." Gone is the language that reads that the contract is to become valid only "in accordance with the constitution and laws of the Republic."

Clearly Mr. Robertson, a graduate of Yale Law School who was represented by Gerald Padmore, a Liberian-born Harvard Law School graduate, must know that his agreement with Taylor is unconstitutional.

Amazing. Just amazing. So last Sunday we find Pat holding forth with George Stephanopoulos on "This Week" (here's the transcript, thanks to the Randi Rhodes Show) and opining (in all seriousness) that the worst problem facing the nation is the "out-of-control judiciary". When Stephanopoulos asks him, "How can you say that these judges are a more serious threat than Islamic terrorists who slammed into the World Trade Center?", he answers (I kid you not):

"It depends on how you look at culture. If you look over the course of a hundred years, I think the gradual erosion of the consensus that's held our country together is probably more serious than a few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings. I think we're going to control al Qaeda. I think we're going to get Osama bin Laden. We won in Afghanistan. We won in Iraq, and we can contain that. But if there's an erosion at home, you know, Thomas Jefferson warned about a tyranny of an oligarchy and if we surrender our democracy to the tyranny of an oligarchy, we've made a terrible mistake."

A few bearded terrorists who fly into buildings. No big deal.

I can understand why it's no big deal to Pat. It's obvious that he's not squeamish about a li'l bit o' terrorism where his financial interests are concerned. After all, another interesting but little-discussed factoid about his "Christian buddy" Charles Taylor is that the Washington Post reported that Taylor received at least $1 million for providing safe harbor to agents of Osama bin Laden in the weeks following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. According to the American Atheist Newsletter in 2003,

The operatives were there to supervise "a $20 million diamond-buying spree that effectively cornered the market on the region's precious stones." Indeed, diamonds are part of a culture where deals are struck on a handshake and often leave no trace or records, including electronic "footprints" that are monitored by international police and intelligence services. Diamonds are more convenient to use than gold or other precious metals. They can be easily transported, re-cut, and serve as the ultimate black market currency.

Taylor's wealth and political power stem from his ties to the Revolution United Front (RUF) of neighboring Sierra Leon. The RUF controls extensive diamond mining operations which ship the stones to Liberia where they often sold for hard currency at discount to willing buyers, including al Qaeda agents. For providing safe harbor and anonymity, Taylor receives a commission on each transaction.

But it's OK, cause he's a "fellow Baptist".

I get it.

How Patriotic Are You?

Do You Love America Or What?

The Department of Homeland Security today issued a directive that the Administration claims will aid in making a distinction between 'Patriots' and 'Terrorists and their Sympathizers'. An addendum to the Patriot Act, it's known as the Patriot Suit Act, and it states that

"All Patriotic Americans will wear the 'Patriot Suit' to distinguish them from 'Non-Patriots', meaning 'Terrorists and their Sympathizers'. This will eliminate the need for airport screenings, racial profiling, and other heretofore-ineffective and expensive methods of securing our Homeland, and simplify and streamline the identification of subversive elements in our society."

Starting September 11, 2005, in honor of the Twin Tower attacks, all Patriotic Americans will be required to wear the Patriot Suit to identify themselves as Red-Blooded All-American Patriots. The suits will be issued (for a nominal fee) to all Americans following a complete FBI background check, a cavity search and the swearing of a Loyalty Oath. There are 2 suits, one for men and one for women, and smaller versions of both for boys and girls. (Note: Men may only wear the Man Suit, and women may only wear the Woman Suit. Any deviation from this will result in the loss of your suit, and subsequent identification as a Non-Patriot.)

The Administration is confident that the Patriot Suit Act is the answer to our Homeland Security needs, and suggests that you sign up for yours today, while supplies still last. Don't be labeled a 'Non-Patriot'!

(thanks to Agi T. Prop at Agitprop, via the incredibly Patriotic Helen Wheels at Just Ain't Right for the photo!)

Also, it goes without saying that all items and accessories belonging to the Patriot Suit must be worn at all times. Woe betide you if you are caught out without your Patriot Suit Butt-Pack...

If You Can't Beat 'Em, Join 'Em...

This priceless gem comes by way of mud at MudHoler. Are you as tired as I am of being an America-Hating Traitor? 'Flip-flopping' wearing you out? Isn't it time to finally see the light and get in line for all those All-American goodies we've been missing out on?

I'm ready.

Back From Camp Casey West - Sherman Oaks, CA

I just got back from our local 'Candles For Casey' vigil, and it was fantastic. We stood on the four corners of Ventura and Van Nuys with candles and signs. The spirit there was overwhelming - people bringing pizza to share, signs to share, hope and heart to share. Horns were constantly honking as people who drove by showed their support. Jim Ward, the 'voice guy extraordinaire' from the Stephanie Miller Show (a never-miss for me!) was there. I took a lot of pictures - come and visit the slide show...

Extra Crispy Bucket O' Bad

(hat tip to Stephanie Miller for the title)

My Son, the International Terrorist

Our trip to Florida, while fabulous, was not without its harrowing moments. Unbeknownst to us, we were harboring an international terrorist in our midst - our 8-year-old son James. As we attempted to check in like we normally do, at the kiosk, we were told that we could not use the kiosk, but must go to the ticket counter. At the counter, we were asked for our IDs over and over, then the attendant would get on the phone, then go into a back room for five minutes, at which time she would check our IDs again and then disappear once more. This went on several times. Then she asked who 'James' was. I told her it was my 8-year-old son. After several more phone calls and disappearances, she reluctantly allowed us to get tickets and proceed toward the plane.

Look at that face. Doesn't it strike fear into your heart?

I thought so.

Let Them Eat Yellowcake

Too bad Casey doesn't have that option...

New Hampshire Gazette

Great little paper. Check it out - there's a cool section on Chickenhawks.

Cindy Sheehan's Sacrifice

So far I have not commented on Cindy Sheehan, as there has been so much excellent coverage, and I don't know what I can add to the discussion that hasn't already been said better.

But I can't help but be disgusted by the right-wing's smear campaign against her, accusing her of being "in bed with the radical left" as if she were some kind of puppet mouthpiece.

I remember a real 'puppet mouthpiece'. Her name was Paula Jones. Carefully orchestrated and handled by the people responsible for the American Spectator "Troopergate" debacle, which was subsequently found to be a complete fabrication. But by the time it was debunked for the partisan nonsense that it was, it didn't matter anymore. The Big Red Machine was going full-throttle, and little ol' Paula Jones (and her handler Susan Carpenter-McMillan) got her 15 minutes in the limelight and some plastic surgery (apparently de rigueur for axe-grinding right wing puppets à la Linda Tripp) and our democracy as we knew it began to crumble.

It seems that anyone who takes a position that George Bush finds unpalatable is smeared right into the ground - the "Karl Rove Strategy". And it doesn't have to be a Democrat or a liberal, either; John McCain got served a big ol' helping when he was running against Bush in the primaries. Max Cleland, John Kerry, Valerie Plame, Joe Wilson, Michael Schiavo, Scott Ritter, Richard Clarke, Paul O'Neill, Hans Blix - the list goes on and on. Cross His Majesty the Baby, and you will be the target of the Smearmeisters. And the worst of it is, many of these people are genuine, if not heroes, at least patriots who have put their lives and limbs on the line for our country. These are all people who have sacrificed in one way or another. And the people who level these smears are, almost to a man or woman (or both as in Ann "The Man" Coulter), chicken-hawks who have not sacrificed what their targets have.

Cindy Sheehan has made the hardest sacrifice I can imagine. As a mom, I know I would much rather lose my own life than one of my children's lives. Easy. No question about it. And to lose your beloved child for someone else's personal agenda and lies would be unbearable.

Have you noticed that, as a nation, we have not been asked up-front to sacrifice the way our parents and grandparents were during World War II? No rationing, no volunteering at the Red Cross. No gas cards, no sugar rations, no oleo instead of butter, no nylon stocking shortage. Even in the world of fashion, hemlines were shorter to save material. Victory Gardens, War Ration Books, War Bonds, scrap metal drives, auto companies diverted to make airplanes and other war materiel.

This has not happened because, deep down, everyone knows that this is not a cause worth fighting for. If we were truly on the side of the right (the correct, that is), as a nation we would be banding together and doing whatever we could to help the war effort. As much as the Bush Administration has been honking and grunting about how we need to be there, they know that there is really no defense of their position, just spin and propaganda.

To answer Cindy Sheehan would be to admit the truth - that her son died for reasons of greed and power, not righteousness. So instead, they fall back on their tried-and-true tactics - smears, threats and diversions.

I guess you could call it an honor to be attacked by the Bush Administration - you're certainly in good company. God bless Cindy Sheehan for the courage to take her pain and use it for the good of others. In this way, her sacrifice and her son's sacrifice will mean something more than another notch on the Cowboy Coward of Crawford's gun-belt.

Go to Crawford Peace House to support Cindy, and Marie from The Right Left Story, kicking ass as usual, has set up a list of resources and affiliated sites and blogs here.

Great Joke at Crabletta's

This is one of the best jokes I've heard in some time. Thanks to Crabletta at The Curmudgeonly Crab for this one!

Science Is Kool! And Noodly!

In the interest of giving our youngsters all the information available to choose from, and not just one 'theory', I urge you to check out this site for an important school of thought.I guarantee you will agree with me that our schoolchildren need to learn about this intriguing view of our origins. Why not expose kids to all ideas, instead of just one narrow view?

'Name That Cartoon' Contest

As an Unpaid Punditry Corps cartoonist, I have been asked to come up with a name for my comic, like "The Far Side" or "Nancy". I thought "the Far Side" would do just fine, especially since no one else was using it anymore, but apparently that's not going to fly.

So I thought I would ask you all, as the hilarious Hootervillians that you are, to help me out here and suggest a good name for my comic. The winner will get an Amana Radar-Range and my undying gratitude. Well, my undying gratitude, anyway...

Fire at will!

Just In Case You Were Wondering

My Contest Entry

Here's my entry in The First Annual Katherine Harris Colorized Photo Contest, hosted by The Tattered Coat.

I'm going for subtle elegance.

Pretty Is As Pretty Does

Tanned, Rested and Ready!

Whoo! Back from Tampa and Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, where the weather actually held up for most of the time we were there. We all had a fantastic time lolling by the beach at my sister's lovely beachfront condo. Fortunately, there was a pool there as well, because Red Tide struck the Gulf Coast, resulting in a cavalcade of dead puffer fish and horseshoe crabs decorating the shoreline. My best friend from high school Janet rented a place a block (or 217 dead fish) away from us, so we had a great time hanging out, as our little daughters are almost the same age (5 and 6) and big pals as well. I also got her started on blogging; we've started a blog for the two of us, Old Shoes, and I'm expecting that once she gets her feet wet, she'll start her own. She's a great writer with a unique perspective, and I can't wait to see what she'll come up with.

I went through computer withdrawal - my sister's place did not have a phone line (everyone uses cell phones) and there was not an internet café anywhere in the vicinity, so I just went cold turkey - no news, no e-mail, no blogs. Plus, I misplaced my digital camera, so no vacation pix, except cell-phone ones, which aren't the best. I will have a lot of catching-up to do before I can post about anything topical!

Another highlight of my trip was having lunch with Cookie Christine of It's Recess-Time Somewhere, one of my favorite blogs. It was great to meet up with one of our fellow bloggers, and we had a nice lunch at a fun Mexican place. I ordered the 'Soft Naked Guy' (I think that's what it was called). Cookie updated me on the Robert Novak hissy fit. I really enjoyed meeting her.

Well, that's about it for now. Thanks for all the good wishes - they all came true!

Vacation Time!

My family and I will be headed out to Florida to visit my folks in Tampa for a week - see everyone on the 9th!