News – Israeli Bank Job

Israel/Palestine

Armed Israeli military raids on banks in Ramallah have lead to the seizing of millions that are claimed to be destined for terrorist hands. The stated purpose of the raids are to “impair the funneling of funds that oil the wheels of terror against Israel.” Ok. But have they considered what this will do the Palestine’s economy? Or what there is of it. I heard about this this morning on the radio as I was getting up. Some US official was being asked about it and phrased condemning it in the lightest of terms possible. Thus Israel is allowed to get away with its own brute force actions of questionable effectiveness. Again.

Two Palestinians were killed in protests against Israel’s wall Thursday. First stones start to fly, then bullets. No good for anyone. Also, two Palestinian gunmen killed an Israeli soldier and were subsequently shot by other Israeli solders.

Iraq

Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has agreed that elections should bne delayed in Iraq. However, he wants a promise that they will be held by the end of 2004.

A deputy police chief is killed in Mosul. gunmen opened fire on his car as he was driving in to work.

Hunting for Saddam’s Shredding Machine. Did it really exist or was it a fabrication?

Afghanistan

Rummy says Osama will be found someday. He just doesn’t know when. Apparently, he doesn’t take to heart the assurances of the guys who keep saying ‘any day now’.

Cuba

For trying to strangle his regime, we sell Castro a lot of agricultural products.

US

Greenspan has suggested a plan to raise the retirement age with regard to Social Security and offer less generous adjustments to future payments as a means to combat rising deficits. Perhaps the government shouldn’t have gotten used to using Social Security as a fall back f und for their overspending? Bush say there won’t be any cuts for those about to move into the program, but we’ll see.

Setting the record straight on past defense related talk. Kerry isn’t the only one who was looking to trim the military budget in the past. That and other tidbits that set context to the debate on defense.

The US Supreme Court upheld a ban on government scholarships going toward students who seek degrees in theology. Which I agree with. The government shouldn’t be funding the teaching of a religion. Especially not for someone who intends to go on to be a priest. You’re free to exercise your religion, but not on the government’s dime.

No one really thinks that Bush will get an amendment through against gay marriage. But it will likely boost him in some areas. Many conservatives will be happy at the very least. Now is preemption extends to domestic affairs.

Bush and others are seeking to squash rumors that Cheney could be cut off. I still think he’s a liability, so do keep him on Bush.

A man climbed the White House fence yesterday. He was unarmed and, apparently, claimed he was a victim of terrorism and needed help from Bush. Personally, I’m curious about that.

Looking at Naomi Wolf’s jab against Yale. Are her claims of Yale’s current day climate on sexual harassment valid as they were twenty years ago?

Getting weary of the presidential race? Take a look at the Aug 31 Senate primary for some interesting characters.

General

How about a voluntary surcharge of five bucks a month through a file sharer’s ISP for free reign to share away? RIAA doesn’t seem to like the idea.

Mel’s movie continues to be the central focus of many debates. Sites are being set up to promote it and it even has a spoof, making a point of the movie’s graphic violence. Many of the con reviews seem to make a point of that and ask the simple question of why? The movie is so controversial because it is so narrow in focus and over the top in imagery, I’d suppose.

The AIDS pill? Such a thing is being tested, but it raises serious questions. Asking about the birth control pill, while serious, is not so serious and dangerous as trusting that someone has taken their AIDS pill.

Since when has passion meant suffering? Since forever and Explainer can tell you why.

Today’s papers have Richard Pearle stepping down from Defense Policy Board to avoid being a political football, Edwards stumbling on Haiti, A State Dept spokesman on the Israeli bank raid: “We’d prefer to see Israeli coordination with the Palestinian financial authorities.” and other such tidbits.

Amusements

Liquid Generation: Suck My News: #89 Jessica Simpson Divorced?

Huston police officer caught selling drugs while in uniform.

A masked man in black knocks on doors in the middle of the night, then waves a Barbie doll at whoever answers.

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop a vanity plate that nobody understands

Mark Fiore: All New Nader 2004