News – Alert Friday

Well, the world has largely stayed the same. One thing I wonder is when we should expect the better things that were to come of the Iraq war. After Iraq is stable? After the domino effect of the rest of the Middle East caving to democracy? When Sharon has a common sense implant?

Your guess is as good as mine.

With a new terror alert in Saudi Arabia and numerous others in other countries, one has to wonder at the anti-terror impact of the Iraq war. Normally I wouldn’t mention something like that, but seeing as how it was one of the many day to day excuses for the war, I just have to mention it. As I am sure I mentioned months before, I believe any terror attacks would come when least expected. They were expected during the Iraq War, so they didn’t come. Now, when we Americans tend to think ourselves safe again, its time for them to start hitting places. And doing so where American security is at its weakest. Overseas. Added, some Britons are stranded after a terror alert lead to the cessation of UK flights to Africa.

Bush’s tax plan has been passed through the senate, at a reduced weight of 350 billion. The most questionable portion, the repeal of taxation on dividends, has been made a temporary thing. This year dividend taxation will be lowered by 50%. Then to 100% in 2004 to 2006. The dividend tax repeal would expire in 2007. Even so, it only squeaked by with a two vote lead.

The Iraq Resolution the US and UK submitted to the UN has been revised, but remains one that gives the US broad powers to generally control Iraq exclusively until its stable, with token cosmetic alterations. Meanwhile Paul Bremer is looking to step up the number of military police in Iraq by 6,000 bodies. More security is good, but I think that it would be a better idea to train, equip and pay Iraqis to police their own country. It increases security while avoiding some of the problems with even more Americans in the country. Meanwhile(again) Rummy quibbles on the definition of Anarchy, while outlining plans to pack more American’s into Iraq to provide security.

There are plans to increase the number of visa applicants interviewed significantly. Business, tourism and educational groups are worried that it will slow down an already sluggish visa process.

Iran is denying allegations that it has chemical weapons now. You know, I’m starting to get a little weary of the US government pointing at all of the problem nations and playing the WMD card over and over and over and over and over and over again without bringing any proof to the table. How many times can you cry wolf before people start to ignore the yammering?

The present brings memories of the past to Bob Herbert. Read his thoughts on the shooting of looters here.

The Guardian has done something admirable. They’ve created an Iraq memorial. One for the stories of all who died in the Iraq war, not just Iraqi civilians and soldiers, but US and British soldiers as well. They’re asking for stories that anyone might have. So if anyone out there has a story, the contact info is at the above link. You know what’s sad? You’ll never see a major US news agency do something like this. It’s sad how they ignore so many sides of the story. There is no fair and balanced to be found there.

Meanwhile factional violence in Afghanistan has resulted in five deaths.

France is declaring some recent media allegations as unacceptable lies. One such thing mentioned in the story is an allegation that France issued passports to fleeing Iraqi officials wanted by the US. If I find some more solid info on this and what is being denied, I’ll post it up.

Today’s Papers covers the Senate’s approval of the 350 billion tax cut, FBI and CIA agents in Saudi Arabia to seek terrorists and Bremer’s first actions in his new position.

On the good news front, Singapore is only a few days away from a clean bill of health from the WHO on SARS.

This Slate article looks at the difficulty in providing universal healthcare. It’s not an easy thing, it seems. What is it with Bush and small business? Is small business really the place to be putting aid to create jobs, considering it’s general fluidity? A good question.

Explainer goes into depth on how Tuna populations can be diminishing while you can still get a can of Starkist for a buck.

Case Proven: War doesn’t stop terrorism. Now lets see some real protection for our peoples. Enough of the noisemaking and chest thumping.

Funny Pics

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The Chase: Updated for the Modern Age

Laughing Kitten