News – US Security in US Hands

North America

House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter is going to push for legislation that will see that all security critical infrastructure is US owned and operated. Personally, I’m for this. I don’t mind economic ties and ownership, but when it comes to things that are part of our national security, I’d rather they be in US hands. That way, we only have ourselves to blame if something gets through.

Sen. Russ Feingold plans to put forward a censure of Bush. His legislation won’t go far in the Republican controlled Congress, but it’s an interesting step. Frist chimes in, saying that such a move would make it look like Bush doesn’t have the nation’s full support behind him. Well, it’s true. Bush doesn’t have the nation’s full support behind him and no one thinks otherwise. I don’t support Bush. I haven’t for a long time and won’t. Republican legislators might be able to swallow their pride and smile while Bush goes about doing whatever the hell he wants, no matter the blowback, but I won’t be so spineless and sheep-like.

New York has a new program that teaches kids about cyber security. This is good.. better still, it will go statewide soon.

Republican legislators and politicos walk a thin line between condemning and praising Bush. His time is going to end and after that, Republicans will have to fend for themselves again and reap the rewards or penalties of their actions today.

Now we’re looking for ways to repatriate terrorism suspects, which could lead to the closing of Guantanimo. Understandable, since I’m sure Bush and company are tired of getting dumped on for what they do there. Better to send these folks back to their home countries, with a thin promises of no torture, then look the other way to let these countries do what they want with these suspects.

Middle East

Now Bush and company plan to cut off Fatah if they join the new Hamas led government. I maintain that hard isolation won’t have the best chance of changing Hamas. If you cut them off, they’ll find someone to support them. Even if that someone is Iran or Syria.

The Iraqi judge who oversaw the trial of 148 Shiite men back in 1982 stands by his judgment and says it was legal.

Jalal Talabani warns of potential civil war if Iraq’s government doesn’t form faster. Personally, I see the possibility that even this won’t quell the violence. In part because we don’t really know the specific reason for the violence, from the people who instigate it.

Bush plans a campaign against Iran’s religious leaders. Whether or not it will drum up support from the international community depends on his message, but give his track record I doubt it will work.

Hamas is still failing when it comes to forming a unity government, but it is edging toward a more moderate stance. They aren’t there yet, but it gives me some hope that they’ll slip into a better place. If the US and Israel don’t screw the deal by isolating and poking them constantly.

Recounting mistakes from the start of the Iraq conflict.

Europe

If you hadn’t heard yet, Milosevic died a few days ago. Turns out he took the wrong meds, worsening his already frail condition.

General

The Blogs look at the fractious conservative order, Italian premier Berlusconi in hot water and quick and easy methods for improving one’s intelligence on the BBC.

Today’s Papers has note that Gen. Tommy Franks threatened to fire one of his main commanders after the lower-ranking general had paused in the drive to Baghdad, that Iran has turned down a Russian offer to host its nuclear enrichment, the growing influence of firebrand cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and more in the one page news.

Amusements

Canadian billionaire who runs on-line gambling site has house raided by police who suspected he was holding a poker tournament there

PETA’s “Fish Empathy Project” is angry with author who wore clear plastic boobies filled with live goldfish

James Doohan’s son outbid on wax statue of Scotty

Porn star Mary Carey invited to White House dinner with President Bush as somewhere, Bill Clinton loses his mind

University student claimed to have no idea why professor would have a problem with him showing up for class wearing “a G-string with a fun appendage”

Teenager trapped by 600-pound tombstone he was vandalizing

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Photoshop Bush playing cricket

Fark Photoshop Challenge: Theme: A wizard, a lizard and a blizzard

Fark Photoshop Challenge: If all films were produced by the people that created the movie “Snakes on a Plane”