News – Respect Freedom of Speech

Israel/Palestine

More on the child diplomat who vandalized art in the Swedish museum. Apparently he did make one request that the art be removed, but when he was denied, he took matters into his own hands. You want to see what I can respect? Look to this bit from Sweden’s minister of culture: She’s a lot less forthright when I ask if she personally likes the work. “I can only say that I have full respect for people that react strongly [against] this work of art, but at the same time we have to clearly defend our constitution.”

She may not like the art, but it’s free speech and that she supports. I give her opinions my full respect. Just like it behooves those who believe in freedom(to steal a phrase type from the opposition) to support free speech, even when said speech feels offensive. Especially when it comes to art, which is a subjective medium more often than not.

Israeli prosecutors are considering charging Ariel Sharon in relation to the charges already filed on a businessman friend of his on allegations of bribery. Sharon says he will not resign because of this.

Iraq

A series of attacks in the area dubbed the ‘Sunni Triangle’ have resulted in the deaths of nine. Two Iraqi policemen, five civilians and two US soldiers.

Jeremy Botter writes a blog from the frontlines. He’s a medic with Apache Troop of the 1-10 Cavalry and you can see what he writes here.

The sending of troops to Iraq has left turmoil in Japan’s government. Some believe that even sending non-combat troops violates Japan’ constitution.

Afghanistan

Afghan officials are checking reports of civilian casualties despite denials by the US that only five armed men were killed in a recent air strike. If there were no civilian casualties, the US should have no reasons to stop them from looking into it. And if they’re worried about falsehoods, they can send along their own little team. Yeah?

Korea

Siegfried Hecker, former head of Los Alamos National Laboratory, says that he doubts North Korea has nukes and the technology to mount them. But that their weapons programs are of concern. He and some others paid a visit to the country’s nuclear complex at Yongbyon a few weeks ago.

US

A hearty look at the evasions and half truths in part of Bush’s State of the Union Address. Lagely deals with homeland security and action overseas. Also, here’s something that could well be more noxious than Bush’s speech. Might have to se about getting myself a copy.

Mohammed Warsame has been indicted for giving material aid to alQueda. No details are given on how he did so and I find it a little disquieting that I don’t recall hearing about him even being taken into custody or tried. It upsets me that I don’t have a basis for knowing if this man was tried and convicted fairly or not. Especially in this time where my trust in government is at an all time low.

Ohio has passed a ban on all benefits for the unmarried. An obvious move to deny homosexual couplings any semblance of union, despite that some companies provide such benefits to the partners of their employees. It has been said, on the flip side, that the ban only effects state government workers.

RIAA targets another 532 persons for lawsuits in it’s continued attack on music traders. Due to a recent ruling against them, they’re all filed as John Doe suits without knowing the names of who they’re targeting.

After Microsoft’s overreaction in responding to Mike Rowe, a Canadian youth, and his site named MikeRoweSoft.com, another Mike as come on to the scene. Mike Morris has been using mikerosoft.ca for two years for his non-commercial website. But he seems more apt to compromise, which could make their latest PR nightmare short lived.

An unlikely coupling. Wesley Clark and Michael Moore.

A look at why The Globe seems to have it in for Kerry. Seems like it isn’t all his fault.

General

A new study shatters the stenotype of the ‘net geek. They eschew TV and socialize with their friends.

Today’s Papers has the Pentagon’s top weapon tested noting that the national missile defense system will go online without sufficient tests if it goes up in September as planned. There is an unnamed source saying Baker has gotten Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the U.A.E to forgive some portion fo Iraq’s debt. And more, of course.

Amusements

Massachusetts’ former public safety secretary spends 17k in anti-terror funds for a 60 inch Plasma screen television for his office. Likely why he’s a former official.

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop this collection of uber-Star Trek geeks from Finland.

Mark Fiore: State of the Union Updater 3.0

Newgrounds: Blimpage One, Blimpage Two, Blimpage Three