News – Dean Speaks for Himself

North America

Dean continues to take fire from republicans, refusing to back down in the face of them. You know, I don’t consider myself a democrat, though I’m sure some would and I do hold some views in line with them. But if I were, I wouldn’t let Dean speak for me. Most who read my regularly should know I tend to favor and promote a more moderate line of speech and I have disdain for tossing around insults, even though I still fall into that trap occasionally. While Dean might have some valid points to make, he’s been going about them in the wrong way. His comments stir too much controversy, which anyone who has watched politics for more than a few years, should know blunts one’s message in the hail of pointless argument over issues such as semantics. While fire is good, it’s best used in a judicious manner. Not tossed about haphazardly, as I believe Dean tends to do. Besides which, I consider it a person’s job to speak for themselves and folly to let anyone else do it for them.

The US government plans to start flying some 34,000 illegal Mexicans back home this summer. This is part of a 14 million dollar plan to stem the tide into the country. It does seem a bit wasteful. Wouldn’t it be cheaper to bus them back?

The US is seeing it up to sell weapons to Haiti, to arm their under equipped police force, as violence threatens elections planned to replace former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

A group of Cubans attempting their third foray to the US in two years, using a vintage 49 Mercury converted to be amphibious, were intercepted by the Coast Guard. The ingenuity of people under duress is a powerful thing.

Some Marine recruiters are in trouble for incidents of sexual misconduct and providing booze at the recruiting office. In other recruiting news, the Army has missed it’s fourth monthly recruiting goal in a row.

The FBI has a ways to go in preparing itself technically to combat terrorism.

Middle East

Israel’s Supreme Court declares Sharon’s withdrawal plan constitutional, clearing the last legal block to it going forward.

Jack Straw tells Palestinians that creation of their state is in their hands, regardless of the Israelis. True enough, but the sentiment of the Israelis has a great impact on Palestinians, which can improve or reduce chances that things will work out well.

There are charges that a group of American security guards in Iraq were beaten, stripped and threatened with a snarling dog by US marines when they were detained after an alleged shooting incident outside Falluja last month.

Australia

The U.S., British, Japanese, South Korean and Italian embassies in Canberra were shut down after each received a suspicious package with white powder

Asia

With resistance from China and half hearted US support, Japan may have to forego being a permanent member of the UN.

Europe

Abdelghani Mzoudi will be expelled from Germany despite being acquitted of complicity in the Sept. 11 attacks. Despite the decision, a Hamburg interior ministry spokesman said the city would press ahead with the expulsion of Mzoudi on the grounds of “support for a terrorist group.” He was given two weeks to leave the country or be deported to Morocco.

An arms cache is found in the Israeli embassy in London.

General

Bloggers look at trouble in Bolivia, mock US customs for letting a Canadian with a bloody chainsaw across the border and the like.

Explainer notes the radioactivity of cat litter.

Today’s Papers has a beach fight in Malibu, the government going easy on the tobacco industry, top Iraqi officials saying they’re fine with Shiite and Kurdish militias staying independently active and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Mark Fiore: Pain Man

Good news: Alert crew stops smoldering coal train according to regulations. Bad news: Coal train stopped over creosoted bridge (w/pics)

Altoids is holding a contest for the most original tin-mod. What have you done with your tins? Difficulty: No trash cans

The definitive list of synchronicities that you’ll witness when you play Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album while watching “The Wizard of Oz”

Red Sox star takes batting practice in underwear, unaware of women’s tour group in ballpark

Man cuts down trees in neighboring yard to improve his view. His defense: “When their dog goes poo in my yard, I don’t complain”

Christian zoo patron had no problem with elephant statue at Tulsa Zoo for 10 years until he found out it’s a Hindu god. Hilarity ensues

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this pint-sized dragon charge

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this alternative lifestyle fish sign. Difficulty: No roe

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this art looker