News – Sharon’s True Colors and US Dementia

I’ve never trusted Sharon, ever since I started to get interested in matters abroad. That’s been a recent development, the most acute interest admittedly starting right after 9/11. I guess the event was a valuable shock to my system and opener of eyes. That’s a double edged thing. I see more clearly, but the things I see are not all good and not all conducive to maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Fortunately the particular detachment I have to things helps to keep me sane despite the BS that seems an everyday occurrence in the field of international politics and constant proof of mankind’s inability to get past petty things. But don’t take my word for it, just have a look at some of recent events.

Sharon shows his true colors as, despite promises to Colon Powell, they again restrict Palestinian movement in the Gaza Strip, just shortly after making some conciliatory moves. A blanket ‘security’ statement is given as the reason, with no apparent details. It has become obvious that Israel’s leadership and Washington don’t think alike. The two statements in the article explain it clear. Powell thinks that the results of this Iraq war make Israel safer, so should open them up to being more lenient, while Israeli officials seem to think that it changes the rules, forcing others to comply while they can stand firm.

In the “You BSin me boy?” department, Chabali has some ‘credible’ info that says Saddam is still alive in Iraq. But he can’t tell you how he knows.

In the UN, France is looking for some specific guarantees in the US/UK resolution on Iraq. Which is good. If you don’t give the US clear boundaries, their leaders tend to do all sorts of crazy stuff.

Yet another article on Bush allies set to reap profits off the war on terror. Take what you will from it. Has the term ‘American Empire’ lost it’s taboo nature? Should we be worried if it has?

Overzealous patriots who oppose dissent have tried lots of ways to quell it, largely focused on demonizing protestors and making use of vicious strawman arguments. Unfortunately, some protestors make it too easy, most often the more over the top variety who get the most air time on TV. Meanwhile, we more moderate types are drawn in, guilt by association.

The American Legislative Exchange Council is taking advantage of the times to try and pass the Animal and Ecological Terrorism Act, which more or less criminalizes ‘ virtually all forms of environmental or animal-rights advocacy’. After looking at some samples of text from the legislation, I have to say that this is no exaggeration in my opinion. It’s a clear attempt to destroy any public resistance to future environmental exploitation and damage. This cannot be allowed to pass.

US officials have announced that thousands of items from the Baghdad museum have been recovered. Whoever, independent archeologists say it remains unclear if the items were looted or hidden away by the museum staff.

Today’s Papers hit the Powell trip, Syrian reforms, the Baghdad leader shake up and more. A particularly disquieting part about how violence continues to plague Baghdad, despite US presence and reinstated police patrols as well, a Washington Post link that doesn’t require registration as some of the links often do.

Just to reiterate, things like dirty bombs and the plague aren’t weapons of mass destruction. They’re weapons of terror which are unlikely to do a great deal of damage. Keep calm and you’ll be fine. The only real weapon of mass destruction is the nuke, which is hard for terrorists to field.

Tentative good news out of China. It’s possible their SARS cases could be stabilizing. A good sign, as China has much to lose if they don’t get things under control.

Bush Cites The Last Starfighter As Inspiration for Entering Politics. Ok, not really, but still.. it makes as much sense as any other reason, which is sad. 😉

Funny Pics

Cheaties

Un/Patriotic

Something to Believe In

Samurai Kitties!

Costumed Cats

Have a good day folks. 😉