This Proves it is a Bad Idea

MiamiHerald says former White House Occupant Jimmy Carter thinks turning port security over to an UAE-owned company is a good idea. If for no other reason, President Bush should scrap the idea. Carter's brilliance at security was exemplified for 444 days in 1979 and 1980.
Mr. President, run don't walk from this deal.

I Used to Like Her

I used to like reading Debbie Schlussel. However, after a couple of adolescent caps-locked responses to comments I made on her blog, and other instances of childish e-mails to other bloggers I can only say, "enough". If you are going to rant about a request for sources and threaten to sue over insutling remarks contained in an angry rant, then you need to be in another line of work, take a break or maybe just take a few deep breaths and count to ten. For gosh sakes, stop biting hands that are on the same side!

One More Reason to have a Raspberry Danish

Iranian Bakeries Rename Danish Pastries according to fox news. As you remember, Iranian President Hassan binSober declared a few weeks ago that Danish would now be called "Mohammedan Pastries" At least the confectioners' uniion came up with a more poetic (if longer and clumsier)name: "Roses of the Prophet Mohammed"
Excuse me while I go find a bakery.

Throw Mohammed from the Train

Beth over at MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy is shooting for a record for most posts on a single thread. This is kind of fun in a somewhat sadistic politically incorrect kind of way. Sort of.

Great to Read while Eating a Raspberry Danish

The Usual Suspects by Michael Graham: Last Laugh about Islam is a great read. Since the link supplied only leads to the current installment of "The Usual Suspects" and will consequently change when the new one is out I will show it in its entirety here:

The Last Laugh About Islam

I offer the following recent news items, in no particular order: The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is demanding an apology from a Los Angeles talk-show host for making fun of Muslims. In reference to the oft-repeated spectacle of Muslim pilgrims stampeding each other to death during Hajj (a pillar of Islam involving a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia), KFI's Bill Handel suggested the annual Hajj should feature a "Hajj in the Sky" traffic copter.

This is a joke. It is not allowed.

On Jan. 30, Muslim gunmen stormed an office of the European Union in Gaza, in protest of a series of editorial cartoons in a Danish newspaper. The comics featured 12 artistic visions of Muhammad, including one where the prophet's turban is a bomb with a lit fuse, and another showing Muhammad in heaven telling newly arrived suicide bombers, "Stop! We have run out of virgins!" In addition to the armed assault on the European Union, Saudi Arabia recalled its Danish ambassador, Syria demanded the cartoonists be punished and Danish products were pulled from store shelves across the Middle East.

These cartoons are jokes. They are not allowed.

Just days before the gunmen were kicking in doors over cartoons, the Palestinians voted 60 percent for Hamas, a group previously identified by both the United States and the European Union as a terrorist organization responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians, including some Americans. Hamas won this election over the Fatah Party, whose armed wing ‹ the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades ‹ is responsible for hundreds of civilian deaths, including Americans. On 9/11, Palestinians watching 3,000 Americans die live on satellite TV were so overjoyed they danced in the streets and handed out candy to children.

Last year, American taxpayers gave more than $400 million to the Palestinians.

That is not a joke. It's a foreign policy.

When CAIR sent out a news release attacking KFI's Bill Handel over his "Hajj in the Sky" joke, they also complained that Handel referred to Islam as a "strange religion." And they didn't like his suggestion that Muslims had a problem with anti-Semitism.

Now, where'd he ever get that crazy idea …

"Strange religion" seems pretty mild to me. If masked Methodists were hijacking newsrooms over the latest installment of Doonesbury, I'd consider that a bit odd. If cracking jokes about Christian Scientists led their members to threaten public safety, I'd view that as somewhat out of the ordinary.

If Scientologists started getting all freaky about þ well, that's a bad example.

My point is, when you're talking about the only religion in the world currently linked to suicide bombings, honor killings, the stoning of homosexuals and a return to the electoral ideology of the Nazi Party, it's hard to avoid mildly judgmental terms like "strange," "disconcerting," and, "Holy crap, what the hell are these whack jobs thinking?"

If you can't use the words "strange" and "religion" in a conversation about Islam's influence on the world, then you can't have an honest conversation about Islam. That doesn't mean the conversation has to be negative. But the potential for negative, critical and harsh comments must exist for the conversation to be worthwhile. How can there be open, meaningful discourse with people who are ready to blow your brains out if Charlie Brown and Lucy misquote the Quran?

Don't Muslims ever kid around? Doesn't anyone in the Islamic world ever crack a joke? I mean, other than the classic, "These two Jews walk into a bar þ AND ARE BLOWN TO SMITHEREENS BY A MARTYR! ALLAH AKBAR! ALLAH AKBAR!"

Comedy is, by its very nature, critical. For there to be a joke, there must be somebody or something to joke about. Big boys and girls understand this. When people crack wise about us, we take our licks and go on.

If, for example, the Billy Graham crusades resulted in a parking lot pileup of crazed, car-crashing Christians year after year, I wouldn't be offended if radio talk hosts made fun of it. I would expect it. Then again, I also would expect the Billy Graham folks to figure out how to prevent another crash before the next crusade.

It's not talk radio's fault that Muslim pilgrims being stampeded to death while throwing stones at a symbol of Satan has become almost an annual event. It's shameful and embarrassing, and the Saudi government and others responsible should be ashamed. Instead, they're outraged that somebody noticed it and snickered.

Iran wants to play host to an international conference to determine the real facts about the Holocaust. Of course I'm going to laugh. What else ‹ take them seriously?

The insurgents in Iraq insist that American soldiers are "forcing" good Muslims to violate their faith and participate in democracy. "The Americans have no right to force us to choose our own leaders! They can't boss us around by making us be our own bosses!" What, you want me to pretend that's an argument?

No, that's a punch line.

It is impossible to look honestly at the current state of Islam in the world and not either laugh or cry. I choose to laugh. What the leaders of the Muslim world choose to do, we'll have to wait and see.

Let us know what you think: Email Suspects@aol.com or news@free-times.com.

And if You thought "Freedom Fries" was a Silly Gesture.

Michelle Malkin among others are reporting the latest rage in Iran, "Mohammedan Pastries", known to the civilized world Danish Pastries. Now I thought the act of referring to french fires as freedom fries was just plain silly, as was the new name for the deep fried taters. This latest act by the circus known as the Iranian government did not, however, provoke the same laughter. All we (by "we" I am referring to a small minority of US citizens) did was (badly) rename a popular side dish, we didn't riot, pillage and go out looking for French people to murder while burning down their embassy.
Of course this could be the real reason behind the idiot teacher in Ipswich, England demanding they stop calling another pastry, "hot cross buns". Soon as I get a whole job I plan on enjoying a surfeit of raspberry danish (what better choice of fruit) and hot cross buns.

I've Put this off as Long as I Can

I recently lost a job that I had held for over seven years, thus far I have been unable to get anything other than part time and we are floundering. The job search and stress caused by it is part of the reason for the sporadic posting I have been doing lately. Soon as this crisis is past the button on the left will disappear unless I decide to start treating blogging as a source of income (lol). But right now,and for the foreseeable future, the "make a donation" button is temporary.

And Why should Today be Any Different?

According to Michelle Malkin and the London Daily Telegraph a leading Islamic cleric is calling for an "international day of anger." My response is, "And that would distinguish it from every other day how?" Let's face it, all we hear, read and see in the news is how some Muslim somewhere is "mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore" then orders some wild-eyed sycophant to go blow himeslf up and take a few Jewish pizza-eaters with him.Alternately go kidnap somebody and saw their heads off.
Many American "journalists" think this is appropriate behavior. I say this due to their willingness to acded to their demands not to show the editorial cartoons because it might upset the Muslims' deeply held spiritual beliefs. Of it never stopped them from running similar items that any reasonable person would deem a smear against conservative Christians. Perhaps because they can be fairly certain the reaction will not be extremely violent and will in some places be applauded. If you think this is a veiled accusation of cowardice on the part of our news media, it is.

Amen, Cass!

Villainous Company: We're Supposed To Be Better Than This is an excellant discussion on civility (or lack thereof)in the blogosphere. Also, it is good to see Cassandra writing again (VC has been back running for a couple of weeks now)

Another one Rode Hard and Put up Wet!

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken another horsey ride and are on their way to Detroit to face the Seattle Seahawks. They have been installed as an early favorite over the 'Hawks.
HERE WE GO STEELERS! HERE WE GO1

I Would Assume you Knew it was a Catholic School when You Enrolled

Scotsman.com News - Education - Islamic group urges Catholic school to move to Muslim faith related a fascinating tale of out and out arrogance.

The Campaign for Muslim Schools said 90 per cent of pupils at St Albert's Primary, in the Pollokshields area of Glasgow, are Muslim, yet children are having to take part in Catholic rituals like saying the Lord's Prayer and attending mass.

If I am not mistaken, when these Muslim children were enrolled, they had a meeting in an office where there was most likely a crucifix on the wall. This should have been their first clue that Islam was not going to be practiced. Actually what this appears to be is a good old-fashioned land grab. On what do I base this? Well, the words of Osama Saeed:

Osama Saeed, co-ordinator of the alliance of Glasgow's main mosques and Muslim organisations, said he could see no reason why the main faith of the school should not change.

He said: "Clearly the parents of that area find a faith school, even if it is of another denomination, preferable to a secular one. But surely it should be possible for them to have one that is relevant to their own faith.

"To move towards this would be a fantastic example of good faith - in more ways than one - on the part of the Church.

Good faith? I don't know how Saeed can say those words with a straight face. This is not only a land grab, but a land grab with an eye toward desecration. Remember, if they are observing sacraments it is on consecrated ground. These Muslims knew what they were doing and if anybody needs to be lectured on "good faith" it is Mr. Saeed et al
HT:Rhymes with Right via My Pet Jawa

ON TO DENVER!

After being written off since losing to the Colts earlier in the season, my boys, the Pittsburgh Steelers avenged that loss and are heading to the AFC championship game against the Broncos. I guess the Steelers get to take another horsey ride to the Super Bowl!

Like We didn't see this coming

Man Convicted of Pope Assassination Attempt Fails to Report to Police contains no surprises. Memhet Ali Agca was paroled Thursday with orders to report to Turkish police. Guess who has yet to see him.
I love the last sentence of the story, "Agca would remain free until an appeals court reviewed the case." Hate to break it to them, but they've seen the last of him. Too many places in that region (Iran, Syria) will gladly give him a hero's welcome, even if he couldn't inflict a fatal wound at point blank range.
That last is probably why See-Dubya at Jawa Report thinks he is in more danger from his employers who had him try to kill John Paul II than from revenge crazed Catholics. He makes a good case for it and may be right. Either way, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

How Long can You Tread Water, Senator

After the shameful conduct of the Senior Senator from Massachusetts, here is my response to his having the gall to give lectures on "personal responsibility".

Mary Jo Kopechne was unavailable for comment.

One of the Undersigned

The Truth Laid Bear: An Appeal from Center-Right Bloggers is a must read.I got it second-hand from Darleen's Place.
The Abramoff scandal is going to tar both parties, but the GOP being the majority will make the black eye a bit darker in the public's eye.
It is time for transparent leadership in the houses of congress. No more having to resort to semantic gymnastics in order to justify yourself. If you even have a passing this-probably-won't-look-good type thought, then it would probably be a good idea to forego that evening in the sky box, or whatever other schmooze you were offered.
Yeah, put my name on this

Regarding Wikipedia

If you wish to argue with me and wish to present contradictory evidence that is perfectly okiefine. Just be warned, citations from wikipedia will be dismissed out of hand. I have zero confidence in any source where anybody can create or alter any entry

Perhaps I Can Explain it so even Senator Schumer can Understand

The Political Teen � Schumer: Abortion Is a Constitutional Right Because Free Speech Is (VIDEO) is something you must read because it exposes (for the 548,358th time) the utter stupidity of the senior senator from New York.
Here is how it works, senator. The Bill of Rights spells out certain rights which the founding fathers believed to be "inalienable" (yes I know that is from the Declaration of Independence so you can save your "gotchas" for something else). The very first amendment says:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech,[emphasis added] or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
Now, senator read that carefully. What do you read there?
Very good, you see that the right of free speech is there for all to see. No ifs, ands or buts.
Now, show me where there is an inalienable right to an abortion mentioned.
Not there? Okay, let's go to the next amendment, that other one that you and your don't like, the second. Oops, not there either. Here's the entire constitution let's see what we find here. Not there either.
You see, Senator, the Constitution specificly protects free speech. It is there in the text. What is not there is a right to an abortion. That was interpreted into the Constitution out of whole cloth. The worst part is that you knew that when you asked the question. This shows me two things Senator. 1)There is no level to which you will not stoop for a cheap political ploy, and 2) it shows how little regard you have for the Constitution itself. Of course your career speaks for itself on that note.
More (and most likely better) coverage at:
Michelle Malkin
Human Events Online
Ankle Biting Pundits
Hugh Hewitt
Sister Toldja

2 Real News

This just in from correspondant Gallagher: The president of Mexico announced today that he will be moving to Los Angeles to get closer to his people.

Your Honor, Somebody's Soul IS Corroded...

... and it is your's. It seems Judge Edward Cashman does not believe in punishment because it does not work. He thinks that two months is an appropriate sentence for Mark Hulett and his his molestation (I refuse to use the euphemism, "sexual abuse" in this case) of a girl over a four year period. From the time she was seven until the age of ten, Mark Hulett raped this girl repeatedly...and gets two months! I might could see that IF, and only if it were an isolated incident, but this went on over a four year span!
Yes, I know he also he has to "receive sex offender treatment as rehabilitation" or face life. If it is like most of those type courses all he has to do is show up and behave himself for the duration. Which means that in all likelihood he will be inconvenienced for about eight months total. This compared to the suffering he inflicted over a four year span.
This leads me to the most galling aspect of this story, the judges sanctimoneous lecturing of those in the court. Cashman said, "The one message I want to get through is that anger doesn't solve anything. It just corrodes your soul,". If all is does is lie there and fester and is nursed, that is true. Having said that, what he did was paint the victim and her family as something less than deserving of sympathy. So Judge Cashman no longer believes in punishment. If that is so he is no longer fit to serve on the bench. Apparently, in Judge Cashman's belief that anger accomplishes nothing takes precedence. I would like to remind da judge that was more than just mild annoyance that ended slavery in this country. It was more than being a little miffed that led to civil rights reforms during the Sixties. It took anger to make those steps forward. With a little luck for the people of Vermont, anger will have the positive effect of getting this cretin off the bench.
HT:Michelle Malkin

UPDATED:Cathouse Chat is also covering this

The MSM Stikes Back...In a Sneaky Under-handed Way

In a post onPatterico’s Pontifications written back in spring of LAST YEAR, a person named "Biff" posted the following:

"Patrick Frey? a deputy district attorney? commenting on the LA Times? and people care what you think because….????"
Thing is, he did it just the other day. I guess he thought he was being cute.

Apparently ol' Biff was unaware that that WordPress captures IP addresses and gives them to the site owner. Well guess who owns that IP addy?
Hint: What newspaper is Patterico a very vocal critic of and who owns it? That's riiiiiiiiiiight! The LA Times which is owned by the Tribune Company of Chicago, Illinois. That's right, some hack from Tribune thought he would be cute and post a few dismissive insults around the blog. Kind of a drive-by flip-off. From this point forward, the next time somebody from any Trib-owned paper starts talking about such things as "ethics", "courage" and "journalistic integrity" I will just remember this, chuckle and sing this parody of a jingle used on WGN (another Trib company) during the 80's:

Kids at the Tribune havin' a good time
They're all trollin' Patterico

just a side note, they used actual version that jingle primarily to promote the Bozo the Clown show