George Felos:Gloating for Michael

I am listening to George Felos' press conference. The bastard counsellor is basicly gloating and putting a nice face on it. I wonder if he will take questions.
What a ghoul!

Another Upturned Stone

Everytime another stone gets turned over in the saga of Michael Schiavo's quest to put his wife to death the slime seems to get thicker. I will admit for a long time I thought that Terri was a victim of a series of unfortunate events that even Lemony Snicket could not have conceived. There might not have been a conspiracy here, but after reading "Web of Lies and other matters" it looks like there were so many conflicts of interests at play that the relationships between the principals were almost incestuous. Particulatly damning is the research done in Title of Liberty and Myopic Zeal

Because I Needed Something Light

:: how jedi are you? ::

Check this out and find your inner jedi.

Perhaps it Wasn't in Vain

As I read this story on the Blogs for Terri website I could not help but think that maybe some people are starting to get it. While a story like this is a victory, we still have a long way to go in the fight to keep this from ever happening again.

She's Gone...To a Better PLace

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood.
Died He for me who caused his pain.
For me, who Him to death persued.
Amazing love how can it be
That Thou, my God should die for me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lie
Fast bound in sin and nature's night
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray.
I woke the dungeon flamed with light.
My chains fell off, my soul was free
I rose, went forth and followed thee.
-Charles Wesley

"Terri went home to God at 9:05 am, March 31, 2005. Fr. Frank Pavone was with Terri's siblings at her bedside just a few minutes before she died and was able to give her Last Rites." Was at the top of the page linked in the title. Fr. Pavone has been a great voice throughout this when the judiciary washed its hands. When politicians tried to use her plight to leverage support for pet legislation (thank you, Harry Reid).
Yes she has gone to a better place, the judicially imposed affliction that ravaged her is no more and she is with the Lord restored and in Glory.
May God be with her family who fought to save her and give them comfort.

I'm Still not a Member of His Fan Club, but...

The Reverend Jesse Jackson managed to pull off something that, while it might not save Terri, could keep something like this from ever happening again. Read about it in the linked story.
I have always regarded Jackson as an opportunist and a political grandstander. But this time he is owed a debt of gratitude for his efforts regardless of his motivation. While I would have liked to have liked to have seen them about a week ago, he did help immensely

History Skimmers

There are people who study history, people who read history then there are people who just skim the first page and call themselves "a student of history". You've seen them, they are the ones who treat The Passover plot and The DaVinci Codes as if they are factual accounts when they are nothing more than flights of facny with no actuall historical substance. This brings us to TCS: Tech Central Station - The Israel-Nazi Slander in Historical Context.
This is an excellant artical exposing the sloppy thought processes that pass for "fact" and "legitimate historical process" in most discussions regarding the Israel Palestinian conflict. The absence of any significant FACTUAL parallels between Nazi Germany and present day Israel do not deter some people who force Holocaust parallels where none exist.
Rory Miller did a great job on this piece.

The Renewed Promise of Resurrection

Soar we now where Christ has led...
Following our Exalted Head...
Made like Him, ike Him we rise...
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies...
-Charles Wesley

As I prepare to go to church here on Easter morning, as always the thoughts of Holy or Passion Week force me to look at various things, and look at them hard. And look athem balanced over against the grace of God as shown in the passion, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ.
It is a fact that, with the exception of Jesus, one hundred percent of us who are born will die physically. The only question is a matter of time and circumstance. I have followed the case of Terri Schiavo over the past couple of years. There are very disturbing aspects of this case. The conduct of her husband has been cruel with regards to Terry and her family. The conduct of Judge Greer has been particularly appalling because of the precedent it sets with regards to the disabled of our country.
As we look at this we are hard pressed to find any good that can come of it. That is because we look at it with our natural understanding. There is some good that can come from this so that Terri will not have died in vain. Legislators can revisit some of the so-called "right to die" laws (which are now euthanasia laws because of this precedent)and close the loopholes that allowed this to happen. I know that this is wishful thinking but it could happen. This was not about a bunch of religious fanatics trying to enforce their will (though some will never be convinced otherwise). This is something that should not have happened and the fight is ultimately to keep it from happening again.
What of Michael? He will enjoy the pleasures of his sin...for a season. But God is not mocked. he will receive the wages of his sin in due course. If things remain unaltered. We must remember that as heinous as Michael's sins are in this case, they are not unforgivable for God. Whatever his spiritual condition now, he can still be reconciled to God through the Blood of Him whose resurrection we as Christians celebtate today. There are some who will read that and say to me, "How dare you!" That will come from the same anger and frustration I have felt over these last few months. But if you search your heart and the Scriptures you know this to be true.
What is left for us to do for Terri? We continue to pray for her. That her passing be as peaceful as possible under the circumstances. One of my seminary professors said that there five ways God heals. Instantaneously, gradualy, through medicine, by giving us the grace to live with the affliction, and through resurrection. The last available only to those in a state of grace. Tragic and disturbing as this has turned out there is cause for those of us in Christ to celebrate! Because we know that as she draws her last breath here, at that moment she will awaken in a new home her infirmities gone and in a glorified body! Like the old Black gospel song goes, "On that great gettin'-up good morning, we shall rise! We shall rise!" So shall it be with Terri, so shall it be with those who are in him.
Come, Lord Jusus!

Cross posted at Lanternwaste

When I was...

While this takes a liberty or two with the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, it is something that some should consider.

Then He will turn to those on His left and say, "A curse upon you!
When I was sick, but still conscious, you withheld food and water and even basic medicine.
When you were called on it you claimed it was what I wanted and that I would be euphoric as it happened.
As I lay in my death bed you were outside mocking my plight and those who were fighting on my behalf."
And they shall say to Him, "But, Master, when did we do all of those things?
And he shall say, "If you did it to the least of these, you did it to me"

I'm Not Sure Which is Worse

As the events have unfolded surrounding Terri Schiavo's death sentence being carried out, I have reached the conclusion that I am not sure which is worse. What is actually happening, or the absolute giddiness being exhibited by some on the left.
Are they really that shallow that "W losing this one" is more important than their humanity? It was the fine people on the left that created the dehumanizing lable, "vegetard". Then again I keep forgetting these are the people they believe to be unworthy of life and should be aborted and/or euthanized. It is the same mentality that allowed the imfamous "Special Olympics" poster to be created in the first place.
This case sets a dangerous precedent with a lone judge being allowed to impose a death sentence the most heinous rapist/murderer cannot reciefe because of its cruelty. And before somebody tries to tell me how peaceful and euphoric such a death this is, tell that to the people who are suffering in the various famines around the world and starving to death.
Then again, anybody getting giddy over this case is currently in too much of a state of euphoria to see their inconsistancy.

So Much for the Tolerant People of Compassion

The left loves to beat us over the head with the now laughable notion that they are the people of compassion. That they are the sensitive ones. If you beileve that I have some oceanfront property in Nebraska I would like to sell you.
The fact is that the leftists are some of the most hate-filled people you will find. If you don't believe me take a look atSaving Terri Schiavo: Presenting Incontrovertible Proof that Every Life Has Worth, President Bush Announces "66 Uses for Persistent Vegetards" - WHITEHOUSE.ORG then show me the compassion that just oozes from it.
Thanks to The Dawn Patrol for bringing this to our attention.
I have long seen the "people of compassion" as the biggest bunch of phonies and things like this and this event reported by "And Rightly So" underline my point!

Some will defend this tripe. My response to them is, "Thank you for further proving my point." The fact is that these caring, compassionate people are so filled with hate, they will happily mock a dying woman for a few cheap laughs.

The Price of not Speaking Up

The price of not speaking up can be a very high one. Unfortunately, when weighed against the possible price of speaking up it becomes easier to talk one's self out of saying anything. This especially true in cases like the Terri Schiavo case.
In And Rightly So! � Michael Schiavo is a liar, Raven tells of a staff member of the hospice where Terri is being put to death. Sadly, the staff witnessed Michael's cruelties and saw his conduct, but they said nothing. The problem lies in their knowing that if they were to repeat any of that they most likely would never be able to work in that field again. A sad reality. Even this late, this staff member is taking a great risk to his/her professional future. It was still an act of courage on this person's part. Having said that,as far as I am concerned, those who remain silent are accomplices in this matter.
I have no doubt, based on what I have read here, that Michael had the Schindlers barred from visiting so he could taunt Terri one last time.
I am so tired of this man being protrayed as some misunderstood "angel of mercy". He is nothing of the kind. He is a shameless opportunistic bigamist.

Apologies to Thomas Nast

My favorite editorial cartoonist of all time, other than Robert Arial, is Thomas Nast. He brought down the Tweed Ring, gave us the most recognized image of Santa Clause.
I have taken liberties with one of his best known cartoons. It originally sported caricatures of Boss Tweed and a few of his cohorts. I have replaced them with (from L to R)Judge Greer, Michael Schiavo, my congressman, John Spratt (he voted against the bill) and George Felos. Once again, my apologies to Mr. Nast. And to Mr. Tweed and his cohorts. Bad as they were, I'm not sure they ever pulled what these men are working to pull off.

Slightly Misleading Headline

House GOP Fails to OK Schiavo Legislation is the headline on Netscape News. Of course that Netscape gets their news from CNN that headline is hardly a surprise. While the article does talk about the upcoming midnight session, the headline leads one to believe the fight is over.
Of course, the fact that they use quotes from Democrat opponents to protray the GOP as evil for trying to prevent a precedent that would make it possible for somebody to make a decision like this for you. someone like, say, a bigamous husband who once stood to make a couple million dollars if she would have died sooner. That this has forced Blue Beard...errr, Michael to spend all he would have made on legal fees is probably the only thing remotely approaching "justice" in this wretched affair.
Maybe that is why the little bigamist sent his common-law wife out to announce the real myth...that Michael "when is that bitch going to die?" Schiavo is distraught.

Down for a Few

I am going to be out of town for the weekend, so whatever I get on here tonight and first thing Friday morning will be it until Sunday night. Take care of yourselves and visit the folks on the blogroll.

Could it be That Judge Vlad Should not Be?

According to this story in The Empire Journal,via Blogs for Terri, Judge Vlad...errrr...George Greer should not even be a judge as he was not even qualified to appear on the ballot. "...by failing to qualify for office in 1998 and 2004 and possibly as early as 1992. According to public records, George Greer not only failed to qualify for office in a timely manner, but he failed to file the proper documentation as well as the proper oath of office." is one of the most damning sentence fragments I have ever read.
The Article goes further to say, By law, by failing to qualify for judicial office in 1998, Greer could not legally appear on the ballot and thus was not legally elected. Without legal title to the office, he lacked not only subject matter jurisdiction but any jurisdiction at all in the Schiavo case and all rulings would be void.
This raises a disturbing question, why did the Schindler's lawyers not, as the article states, raise this issue in their arguments?

Has This Man No Shame?

Michael, is Starvation Really Painless? :: News :: BlogsforTerri recounts Michael Schiavo's audacious claim that Terri will feel no pain. I have read more factual science in comic books. Of course he is also claiming that the withholding of nourishment is not starving said person.
That the softball questioning occured on Nightline with no follow up or rebuttal is hardly surprising. I guess they thought he is being punished enough watching his wife die...oops he won't be watching. He will most likely be at home with his shack-up honey with whom he has two children out of wedlock. I can see how he would be distraught over that.
Raven of "And Rightly So" gives an excellant description of this "humane" death that has been denounced as torture under international law:

By removing nutrition and hydration via the tubes, patients take days to die. They literally dry out. There skin becomes dry and scaly; their lips dry out and then the mouth can no longer open. The person either rolls in the fetal position and stays that way, or they lay out flat. They no longer void and their eyes become sunk in very deep.
I won’t go into anymore details as it is kind of gross, but it isn’t a pretty thing. Usually the docs and nurses do a “terrific” job with pain killers. The dying, supposedly, feel no pain. I don’t think that is ever true. I see them moaning and I have seen little tears rolling out of their dry eyes. The last patient I witnessed being put to death like this took 3 weeks to go. How sweet.
And people wonder why I make the Vlad Tepes allusions to Mssrs. Schiavo, Felos and Greer

3 Cheers for Deborah Lipstadt!

lgf: C-SPAN's Definition of 'Fair and Balanced' tells of an attempt by C-Span to legitimize the Holocaust Denial crowd by havint David Irving appear alongside Deborah Lipstadt on their book programme.
The Washing Post's Richard Cohen responts appropriately,
"For a book on the evils of slavery, would C-SPAN counter with someone who thinks it was a benign institution?"
I especially liked Ms. Lipstadt's response in a personal correspondence with HonestReporting:

I would have been delighted to appear on C-SPAN’s BookTV. It is an important venue and is watched by a book-reading audience. However, there was no way I was going to be forced into debating a man who is the equivalent of a flat-earther. I spent six years in court fighting this man. We defeated him completely. That C-SPAN should now give him an opportunity to resurrect arguments which the court found completely false is appalling.

HT: LGF

Boycotting the Boycott

the Evangelical Outpost has a great post on the issue of boycotting. I think that it has been overdone. My son boycotts Wal-Mart for various reasons: labor relations, use of underpaid labor by vendors. Me, I avoid shopping there because I don't like having to walk sideways on an aisle that has no other shoppers on it.
The fact is that boycotts have become so overused it's hard to know where I'm supposed to not shop or what I'm not supposed to buy from one week to the next. My favorite was the time the United Methodist Church's Board of Church and Society urged Methodists not to smoke a particular brand of cigarettes because they don't use union labor. Nothing wrong with that on the surface, until you realize that the use of tobacco is discouraged in the church's Social Principals.
Now, EO contends that boycotting is a non-Christian act because it is an act of force. Non-violent force to be sure, but force nonetheless. I am not willing to go quite that far. I do believe that more judicious use of boycotting should be considered. As it is now we have way too many calls to boycott to the point that the boycotts have become a joke. You have the AFA calling for boycotts for just about any perceived transgression that the act has, quite frankly, become meaningless.

Crystal Clear Closer Look at the Loving & Murderous Michael Schiavo

Crystal Clear: Crystal Clear Closer Look at the Loving & Murderous Michael Schiavo is a very cogent look at Michael Schiavo's conduct leading up to this whole wreched affair. I am tired of reading from people who seem to be trying to canonize this man as a misunderstood angel of mercy. I do not believe he is for one second.
His history is one of an abusive opportunist. I agree with Crystal that we should avoid nedlessly villifying him. Problem is he has made it difficult not to villify him.
As dispicable as I find the man, even more loathsome is the conduct of of Judge Vlad...errr...George Greer.

Three Cheers for Scalia (And Michael Graham)

Michael Graham [home] writes this on him home page:

TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 2005

WHY I LOVE SCALIA: In a 35-minute speech Monday, Scalia said unelected judges have no place deciding issues such as abortion and the death penalty. The court's 5-4 ruling March 1 to outlaw the juvenile death penalty based on "evolving notions of decency" was simply a mask for the personal policy preferences of the five-member majority, he said.

"If you think aficionados of a living Constitution want to bring you flexibility, think again," Scalia told an audience at the Woodrow Wilson Center, a Washington think tank. "You think the death penalty is a good idea? Persuade your fellow citizens to adopt it. You want a right to abortion? Persuade your fellow citizens and enact it. That's flexibility. Why in the world would you have it interpreted by nine lawyers?"

'Nuff said."
Amen Michael

The Assault on Terri Schiavo Continues

The Assault on Terri Schiavo Continues is an incredible piece that echos my thoughts. What more can I say

Outrageous Comparison?

Some were a bit upset at some of my Celebrity Endorsments. Of particular concern was the one to Vlad Tepes AKA: Dracula. Upon further reflection that comparison should have bestowed upon Hizzoner, Judge George Greer for ordering this atrocity. Let us face it, if we tried to starve a dog to death we would be put UNDER the prison (apparently the animal cruelty people carry more weight with lawmakers than the disabled).
But you may well ask, why the comparison to Vlad? As we all know that Vlad's preferred means of execution was impalement.

"Vlad usually had a horse attached to each of the victim’s legs and a sharpened stake was gradually forced into the body. The end of the stake was usually oiled and care was taken that the stake not be too sharp, else the victim might die too rapidly from shock.[emphasis mine] Normally the stake was inserted into the body through the buttocks and was often forced through the body until it emerged from the mouth."

Death by starvation is also slow, torturous, painful and cruel. Especially when you consider that nothing will be given to Terri Schiavo for pain because of Mikey's order of no medication (remember, he would not allow her to be treated for an infection that almost killed her. I am not sure but I think that was what prompted the infamous, "When is that bitch going to die?" comment). So when Terri's body starts to feed on itself, she will feel it.

Dawn Eden has a a couple of regular commenters who seem to think that Michael and Judge Vlad are some kind of misunderstood angels of mercy. Given Michael's smarmy defense (all he did was take the anti-euthanasia argument and force it into his context)of his actions, I would say nothing is further from the truth!Vlad would have been proud.

Celebrity Endorsements

While it's great that folks of the stature of Mel Gibson are weighing in on behalf of Terri Schiavo, I only wish things like that would win the day for her. Still if I were in the Schindler's position I would welcome any support, monetary or moral of that kind.
It kind of makes me wonder what celebrity endorsements Michael Schiavo might be receiving.
[warning to the satiricaly impaired: what follows is satire and if it seems harsh it is deliberately so]

Dennis Rader
Jack Kavorkian
Charles Manson
ENDORSEMENTS FROM BEYOND
Idi Amin
Yassar Arafat
Jack the Ripper
Vlad Tepes

The Annoy Christopher Hanson Campaign Update

This thing has grown legs thanks to Charles Hill of Dustbury who has opened a homepage devoted to the project. Check it out and join the fun.

If I Were theKing of the Fore-e-e-e-essst....

Raven has a great pic of Dan Rather's last broadcast from the anchor chair.And Rightly So! � Coward

Campaign to Annoy Christopher Hanson

University of Maryland's own Christopher Hanson had an op-ed piece in the Baltimore Sun comparing bloggers to the late Hunter S. Thompson. On balance, I agree with him on a great deal. Some of us are guilty on occasion of rushing in without checking, or making a reasonable attempt to check facts. I know I'm guilty of it on occasion when it is a subject I am passionate about. He goes after a few bloggers individually (being a "Large Mammal" in the Truth Laid Bear Ecosystem[#1132 to be exact] I was unlikely to catch his attention) but on one he goes too far. He chose to go after my buddy, Dawn Eden.
"Case in point: "The Dawn Patrol," Manhattanite Dawn Eden's preening report on Dawn Eden, iconoclastic neoconservative "petite powerhouse," illustrated with Dawn Eden glamour photos."

"...preening..."? "...glamour photos."? Mr. Hanson, have you even visited, let alone read Dawn's blog.
ChezJoel has started what I hope will catch on, a blogger's campaign to annoy Christopher Hanson. As always willing to do my part, I am offering this. Just remember, I play rugby; I don't do "glamour". Then again this is posed and self-serving so it barely qualifies.

I am on the second row, second in from the right , the shaven head with no visible facial hair. That is assuming you can get past our shirtless scrum half kneeling on the front row.

You Had to Know This was Coming

Sterile Thunder: In Defense of Terrorism? tells of one Jason Gatliff.
Mr. Gatliffe has written a thesis for his degree candidacy at Bowling Green State. The thesis he will be defending is, "In Defense of Terrorism: When is it Permissible to Target Children?". The text seemingly does not get anybetter than the title.
"Mr. Gatliff proceeded from the absurd proposition that terrorism, per se, is wholly consistent with Just War Theory - an assertion which, one must admit, is revealed by even the most cursory of examinations to be utterly ridiculous" according to Luke Lindley of Stanford University.
Mr Lindly goes on to astutely observe:
if any activity whose defining characteristic is deliberate, disproportionate, and indiscriminate slaughter may be considered compatible with such a fundamentally Judeo-Christian ethical paradigm - Mr. Gatliff neatly sidestepped the issue of whether or not terrorism meets the criteria of just warfare in its declaration and initiation. In other words, Gatliff posited that: A) since there exists no meaningful distinction between terrorists and "traditional" military personnel; and B) since the state of a just war per se has been assumed (that is to say, the extant conflict was just in its declaration); the perceptive philosopher ought to instead turn his attention to what specific activities within this circumscribed martial state may be considered ethically acceptable."

"Gatliff argued that this criterion is not concerned in the least with 'objective standards of right and wrong.' It is instead concerned with a determination of what Gatliff termed 'moral necessity.' " since, as Lindly points out, that Gatliff has no problem with redefining, "moral necessity" can mean almost anything. having not read the document completely, I can only guess that it means exactly that.

HT: LGF

Hooray for Strange Bedfellows!

La Shawn Barber's latest post has the link for the Online Colation's petition drive. I first read of the unifying force between bloggers on the left and the right on LaShawn's blog.La Shawn Barber's Corner � Bloggers United Against the FEC - Online Coalition is the needed follow up to that post. THIS IS TOO IMPORTANT, FOLKS!

I Like This Girl

Becki Snow has a great blog. My only regret is she doesn't have comment or track back available. She understands the thanatocracy we are facing. "Thanatocracy", "Culture of Death"; no matter how you slice it we are living under the rule of death and how far it encroaches depends on how we fight it. It has claimed many, some cases high profile, many others slip under the radar.
Forbid it, Lord that this should continue!

What Can I Say?

I cannot understand George Greer. His naked favoritism for Mikey Schiave makes no sense, unless my previous conjecture is true. That Greer wants to be remembered for his precedent that clears the way for the involuntary euthanasia of the disabled.
Where can anybody find justice in this story,Abuse, Neglect of Terri Schiavo Can't be Investigated, Judge Says. you cannot for there is none. Not even allowing an investigation because it might expose him for the thanatocrat he is. Well, it is Terri Schiavo that stands to die because of his little tantrum. He wants his precedent to stand. By the time it is overturned on appeal, Terri will be dead. It is my prayer, should this come to pass, he is found to be complicit in the murder of Terri Schiavo.

HT:Michelle Malkin

A First!

I was checking my stats on Site Meter this evening and when looking by referrals I discovered this: Yahoo! Search Results for j rob's house of opinions blog. I am flattered, somebody made a search just for li'l ol me. This would be a good place for a free plug for Site Meter. It is a great service, even the free service allows you one to look at there their traffic is coming from, what the seem to be looking for and even their IP numbers. If you don't have it, get it...It's great!

It is Now 7:45...

...do you know where Dan Rather is?
No, but I know where he isn't.
walks off whistling "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead"

I Didn't Know Whether to Laugh or Throw things

The Dawn Patrol has a story about the "No guilt" line of intimate apparel from Play Safe Intimates. Aside from the upside-down cross in the logo being an indicator of the spiritual position of the creator is her attitude toward her preteen daughters. Children have become the most vulnerable segment of society. The worst part is that those who would exploit them are aided and abetted by parents like this.

""I have no personal attitude toward right or wrong fashion," Martineau said. "I'm just trying to present both sides of the story. There is a lack on the part of the media to present the full story."

As a response, she came up with the idea as a way for teens to be discreet, yet strong in their statements of practicing safe sex."
This is not about "right or wrong fashion". It is about right and wrong period and the idea of a parent encouraging sex by MINOR CHILDREN!
I think Dawn hits the nail on the head when she says, "... the condom in the thong isn't just necessary for "safety." It's necessary because if you don't have a condom ready, you might—gasp!—not have sex. Accidental abstinence! Perish the thought!"

cross-posted at Lanternwaste

A Fitting End, in Light of a Dispicable Beginning

I came accross this serendipity reading a trackback on Michelle Malkin's site.
The Cassandra Page asserts that Rather's career began by smearing a bunch of elementary school kids. This happened on the day president Kennedy was killed. He ran an unconfirmed story from a person with a like-minded agendum on a particular issue. In this case a Methodist (as the United Methodist Church was known in 1963) minister who wanted to portray Dallas as a hot bed of intolerance. So intolerant that they had taught their children to cheer at news of the death of the president. Problem is that with a minimum of legwork, Mr. Rather would have learned that it never happened. Sound familiar?

Maturity vs. Comfort

Fellow Sandlapper (that's "South Carolinian" for the unfamiliar) and former Pelion resident (also in South Carolina...a kind of inside joke), Michael Graham has an excellant essay in this weeks episode of his column, Charleston "The Usual Suspects".
According to Graham, a large segment of the population believes that it has to be protected from anything contrary. I get upset at the mere mention of God, nooooo problem. I go running to court and get an injunction. I read something I disagree, I begin a campaign to have the offending writer fired. It works at Colorado University, unless of course you are Ward Churchill then you seem to be safe.
Just in case the link provided above is one those that changes with the week, here is the column in its entirety:

The Usual Suspects
by Michael Graham

No Pain, No Brain
3/9/05

According to testimony before the U.S. Supreme Court, there are American citizens who live in constant fear of sentences.

Not the “20-to-life with a large, sweaty and overly friendly cellmate” kind, but rather the “noun/verb” type. Specifically, the 10 sentences reportedly brought down from the mount by Moses those many years ago are so intimidating, so disturbing, so fearsome that otherwise healthy adults cannot walk past them in a public park without feeling threatened.

So the Ten Command-ments have to go.

For evangelical Christ-ians, this story is about religious freedom. But for me, this is just another story of life in our wussy nation.

As Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy asked the ACLU attorney in this case, why can’t a citizen offended by the Ten Commandments merely avert his eyes? Too late, came the reply. The damage has already been done.

What damage? Well, if you were harboring graven images or coveting your neighbor’s ox, you wouldn’t be asking that question. I’m prepared to accept the premise that the Ten Commandments actually do, for whatever reason, make some people feel uncomfortable.

The key question is: So what?

In Kentucky last week, a high school senior was arrested and (as of this writing) remains in jail for writing in his personal journal, at home, in his own bedroom, a scary story involving zombies overrunning a high school. His grandparents found it and felt “disturbed” by it. So they gave it to the police, who were also “disturbed.” So 18-year-old William Poole sits in jail, having committed the crime of “disturbing” people.

Could it be that Poole was right, that mindless zombies have taken over his small, Kentucky town? Well, the “mindless” part seems to be on point.

I’m no fan of Jada Pinkett Smith, and I have no idea why Harvard University would be honoring her (didn’t they see Matrix: Reloaded?) When she appeared on campus, Smith told the students: “Women, you can have it all — a loving man, devoted husband, loving children, a fabulous career … You can do whatever it is you want.”

I know what you’re thinking. Pretty strong words, right?

Too strong for Harvard, where some students with the Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Supporters Alliance found the comments hurtful. Why? “Some of the content was extremely heteronormative, and made BGLTSA members feel uncomfortable,” a spokesman said.

So much for straight talk at Harvard U.

There are a thousand stories like these from every corner of America. As I write, there are two public schools near my home shut down after school officials discovered a few drops of mercury on the floor. In one case, naughty chemistry students intentionally dumped two ounces of the stuff as a prank. In the other, a kid accidentally broke a thermometer during class. One thermometer.

Today, the entire school is on lockdown.

Not to play the Grandpa Simpson “back in my day” card, but when I was a kid, we used to play with mercury, rolling it around in our hands. Is there such a thing as mercury poisoning? Of course. Should kids be taking baths in the stuff or sprinkling it on their nachos? Of course not.

But the idea that the miniscule amount of risk that comes with a few drops of mercury should stop the entire education system in its tracks is idiotic. Why shut down the school?

“Some parents felt uncomfortable,” said a school spokesperson.

Uncomfortable. Uncomfortable? What lives of utter comfort these people must enjoy to be discomfited so by the minor travails of life. I don’t know about you, but from the time I stump my toe on the way to my morning shower until I finally help my son finish his last, indecipherable homework problem and shove him into bed, my day is a constant diet of the uncomfortable, difficult, and annoying.

I assume you do what I do. You deal with it. You solve your problems, you pay your bills, you shrug off the inevitable inequities and injustices and try to enjoy your life. And when you run into that insufferable jerk with the offensive T-shirt or the loud-mouthed lady at the cash register that you cannot avoid, you take Justice Kennedy’s advice and avert your eyes.

But here in our wussy nation — where the mere presence of a contrary opinion is an unbearable affront — we can no longer tolerate tolerance. Overreaction and utter panic is the order of the day.

People who fight the “oppression” of a courtroom plaque or the “bigotry” of heteronormative discourse often couch their efforts in the language of the profound. In fact, these are the actions of children. Children whine about the minor pains and scrapes of life. Grown-ups understand that discomfort and suffering are an inescapable part of the deal.

It’s way past time to grow up.

CU Dumps Controversial Professor

No, it wasn't Ward Churchill. According to"WorldNetDaily: 'Colorado to dump Christian prof' " the miscreant was canned for using the word, "God" without the word "damned" after it. Phil Mitchell has impeccable credentials, is not an academic fraud nor an artistic plagiarist. He also does not use prostitutes to recruit into his program. I guess he really is a misfit at CU. To be fair, that was CU's football coach responsible for the latter, not Churchill.

HT: The Museum of Leftwing Lunacy

Why the Sgrena Episode Went so Very Wrong.

Hans Bricks has revealed just who the Italian Director of Intelligence is. Perhaps, because of this it is possible that something got lost in the communication. The Italian government was not paying a ransom. They were paying the terrorists a bribe...to keep her

This Keeps Getting Worse

Michelle Malkin: APPLE VS. BLOGGERS, PART II points out, and rightly so in my opinion, that this is a second-second front attack on bloggers. The First Ammendment EXPRESSLY prohibits the abridgement of freedom of the press and freedom of speech. Let's, for the sake of argument, grant that this is not journalism. The freedom of speech clause still applies. Secondly, I am in full agreement that the First Ammendment does not create a special caste of people for whom its protection applies.
Having said that, I am not of the opinion that there is a right of protecting a source. I have never been impressed when it has been asserted in print and broadcast. I am a firm believer in "owning your words". Unless there is a chance that a source will come to harm by being revealed, they should be willing to stand by their words. While I am no fan of Apple, they have every right to protect their property, both physical and intellectual. If they have a security breach they have to aggressively find the source of the leak.
Having said that, the disturbing thing about this case is the precedent of the selective application of the First Ammendment. Uneven enforcement has always created problems. It creats morale problems in the work place, and unrest in the general population. The First Ammendment cannot protect one group and not another. If it fails to protect all in the realm of conscience and communication then it becomes a farce.

Repeat After Me: Blogs are Not Political Contributions

I read theThe New York Times article regarding the FEC controversy regarding bloggers. I wanted to write my own thoughts on it, but like Michelle Malkin I discovered that Captain Ed echoed mine so well and expressed them better than I could this soon after getting up I will let his post speak on my behalf for the time being.

First Ammendment and the FEC (I Wonder if Either Have Ever Met)

La Shawn Barber's Corner continues the on-going buzz about the FEC's unconstitutional attack on free-speech rights in the blogosphere. It seems the legacy media feels threatened by us "upstarts in bathrobes" For the record, I never blog in a bathrobe. I'm usually in a rugby shirt and either sweats or shorts as I "ruck" into the whoever I am opposing at the time. At issue here is where does the FEC's authority over "electioneering communications" ends and free speech begins. To me the distinction is false given that political speech is what the First Ammendment was meant to protect in the first place.
LaShawn's blog is a good place to start looking at the discussions. as well as Michelle Malkin, Captain's Quarters and Pajama Hadin
We need to be contacting our representatives and senators over this. From what I understand Senators McCain and Feingold are not entertaining comments from non constituants, so keep that mind as you start writing.

At the Risk of Being Shallow

Michelle Malkin has a new pic of herself in the upper left corner of her blog site. Making her look even more stunning that she already appeared (and she was more-than a little attractive in the previous pic.)

The Vatican Obviously Gets It, Revisited

In J The Vatican Obviously Gets It I examine Cardinal Martino's observation, "If Mr. Schiavo legally succeeded in provoking the death of his wife, this would not only be tragic in itself, but it would be a serious step toward legally approving euthanasia in the United States,". I am now looking at the motions being denied by Thanatocrat Judge George Greer.
I am forced to lable him "thanatocrat" because it appears that he is aware of the precedent he is setting and that he and Charlie Crist want to go down in history as the Fathers of Legalized Euthanasia in America.
It is my hope that their pastors begin witholding Communion from them immediately. However, I rather doubt that will happen, inspite of the obvious fact that these men are totally unrepentant and not "at love and charity with" their neighbors. Not to mention no intent to lead a new life following the commandments of God. Now that is from the Invitation from Methodist Communion service.
"You who do truely and earnestly repent of your sins, and are at love and charity with yur neighbors, and intend to lead a new life following the commandments of God and walking henceforth in His Holy ways..."
How many times have we been in church hearing those, or similar, words and not given a second thought. Or worse, how many pastors have said them and knowingly given the sacrament to those who have none of the above. I think the Catholic church (or at least a segment of it) has the right idea: deny the Sacrament to any politician who espouses immoral and/or sinful positions ESPECIALLY if it is done to get votes.

“One Victim is one Victim too Many”...I Wonder if There is a Hidden Meaning there

03010501 Prior Schiavo Abuse Allegations Covered Up By AG Crist quoes Florida AG, Charlie Crist as saying, “One victim is one victim too many”. As I read those words juxtaposed against a chronicle of his alleged actions, or inactions in the Terri Schiavo case a question turns over and over in my mind. WHAT DID HE MEAN BY THAT?
Could he have meant, "One victim is one to many for the state to allow to go without justice."? If so it is a noble sentiment. Too many are victimized and not get justice. It is the AG's job to be an advocate for the people of his/her jurisdiction. To me this means more than saying he didn't want to get any more involved than to say he believed "Terri's Law" was constitutional.
This leads me to the other possibility. The most disturbing, and disgusting one. "One victim is one victim too many for me to have to bother with." He is given allegedly evidence but claims to have never seen it. If Terri's life cannot be spared, this man is at least as culpable as Judge Greer. Tell me, Charlie was it laziness? Case didn't have high enough profile at the time, and now that it does he realizes he's on the wrong side?
Disturbing? More than a little. This man wants to be governor. I hope the people of Florida remember.