The White House is playing down a report by the investigative arm of the US congress which contradicts key Bush administration claims of progress in Iraq.
"The forthcoming GAO report offers a clear assessment that a new direction in Iraq must begin immediately, before more American lives are lost and more taxpayer dollars wasted," said Harry Reid, the Senate Democratic leader.
please read the link!
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/E23DAB81-6087-476D-A3F2-C92032B6991A.htm
Friday, August 31, 2007
OH WHAT A WEB WE WEAVE
No doubt, some of you would have recently seen and/or heard about United States Senator Larry Craigs' infamous indiscretion in an airport bathroom/toilet. Larry Craig had a foot tapping time in a bathroom stall and ended up being arrested by an undercover cop in the stall next to him, charged and plead guilty to misdemeanour disorderly conduct and paid more than $US500 ($602) in fines and fees, and had a 10-day jail sentence stayed.More reading on this subject can be viewed here, here and here. Also audio of Larry Craigs' interview by police can be heard here.
'Mairead-' of Paltalk fame has kindly allowed me to reproduce here a piece of prose she wrote about Senator Larry Craig. More precisely it is an open letter to Larry Craig. What follows is what 'Mairead-' wrote in full:
"Dear Senator Craig (Big R from Idaho),
At your press conference following the revelation of your arrest at the Minneapolis airport's men's room, you said, "Thank you all very much for coming out today." You're welcome. Your turn.
You said, "I did nothing wrong." I happen to agree with you that playing footsie should not be a prosecutable offense, despite the fact that it might offend those people who make a habit of crawling around on the floors of airport bathrooms looking under stalls. (You know, like cops.) Wearing bad shoes, maybe, but not footsie. (Note to myself: ask your fashion consultants about the proper foot wear for "tapping in the boys room.")
Bummer that conservative Republican legislators keep making laws that keep gay guys closeted in fear and shame because the laws persecute gay guys......you know, Republican legislators like you. And closeted gay guys........well......like you. You clearly didn't think this through. (Can spiders get caught in their own webs?)
You said, "I am not gay. I never have been gay." Well, that statement pretty much puts you outside the company of experts on the issue!
To be fair, on the other side of the issue, I would like to know what the cop in this case says when his kids ask what he does for a living: "Well son, daddy goes to public bathrooms, drops his drawers, sits on a toilet, and plays footsie with strangers in the next stall, then arrests them when they play footsie back." What kid wouldn't be proud!
And you know, Senator, I do not want to see your career in the US Senate end. What I would like to see is you learning from this ludicrous situation how to be a more compassionate and rational legislator who stands up for his people (all of them) and works for social justice against the Puritan ninnies who run your party right now. That's what I'd like to see come out of this.
Heck, you and your change of heart can come out at the same time! I mean, we still love Barney Frank and George Michael! Who knows? You might like actually
representing gay issues openly. As Carol Channing said when asked to what she ascribed her longevity as a performer (still performing in her 80's) She said, "Oh, get the gay boys to love you. They will pay to come see you if they wheel you out on stage in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank!"On the other hand, a caution. Donna Summer was on the brink of superstardom in the 70's when she did that interview saying gay men were sinning against god. Ever hear from Donna Summer lately?"
Somehow, I don't think Senator Larry Craig is going to live this down in a hurry. Thank you for your literary contribution 'Mairead-'.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
PARANOID NATION
THE United States has 90 guns for every 100 citizens, making it the most heavily armed society in the world, a report released today said.
Monday, August 27, 2007
GIMME A DOGS EYE WITH DEAD HORSE
Sample questions for Australian citizenship exams in the federal
government's draft Becoming An Australian Citizen workbook:
1. In what year did Federation take place?
2. Which day of the year is Australia Day?
3. Who was the first Prime Minister of Australia?
4. What is the first line of Australia's national anthem?
5. What is the floral emblem of Australia?
6. What is the population of Australia?
7. In what city is the Parliament House of the Commonwealth Parliament
located?
8. Who is the Queen's representative in Australia?
9. How are Members of Parliament chosen?
10. Who do Members of Parliament represent?
11. After a federal election, who forms the new government?
12. What are the colours on the Australian flag?
13. Who is the head of the Australian Government?
14. What are the three levels of government in Australia?
15. In what year did the European settlement of Australia start?
16. Serving on a jury if required is a responsibility of Australian
citizenship: true or false?
17. In Australia, everyone is free to practice the religion of their
choice, or practice no religion: true of false?
18. To be elected to the Commonwealth Parliament you must be an
Australian citizen: true or false?
19. As an Australian citizen, I have the right to register my baby
born overseas as an Australian citizen: true or false?
20. Australian citizens aged 18 years or over are required to enrol on
the electoral register: true or false?
Too ridiculous for words!
Your Reprieve
I've posted a lot of drivel, new and old, over the last few days. I'm taking a break, for however long, so the period of mercy begins now.
Ooh
Aah
Ooh
Aah
Lawsuits: Does this amendment give too much protection*
The threat of lawsuits for reportage of suspicious activities of course can only have a negative affect on the public's effort at diligence:
H.R.1401
Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)
SEC. 137. IMMUNITY FOR REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES AND MITIGATING TERRORIST THREATS RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SECURITY.
(a) Immunity for Reporting Suspicious Behavior- Any person who makes or causes to be made a voluntary disclosure of any suspicious transaction, activity or occurrence indicating that an individual may be engaging or preparing to engage in a matter described in subsection
(b) to any employee or agent of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Justice, any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer, any transportation security officer, or to any employee or agent of a transportation system shall be immune from civil liability to any person under any law or regulation of the United States, any constitution, law, or regulation of any State or political subdivision of any State, for such disclosure.
(b) Covered Disclosures- The matter referred to in subsection (a) is a possible violation or attempted violation of law or regulation relating--
(1) to a threat to transportation systems or passenger safety or security; or
(2) to an act of terrorism, as defined in section 3077 of title 18, United States Code, that involves or is directed against transportation systems or passengers.
(c) Immunity for Mitigation of Threats- Any person, including an owner, operator or employee of a transportation system, who takes reasonable action to mitigate a suspicious matter described in subsection (b) shall be immune from civil liability to any person under any law or regulation of the United States, any constitution, law, or regulation of any State or political subdivision of any State, for such action.
(d) Limitation on Application- Subsection (a) shall not apply to a statement or disclosure by a person that, at the time it is made, is known by the person to be false.
(e) Attorney Fees and Costs- If a person is named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit for making voluntary disclosures of any suspicious transaction or taking actions to mitigate a suspicious matter described in subsection (b), and the person is found to be immune from civil liability under this section, the person shall be entitled to recover from the plaintiff all reasonable costs and attorney's fees as allowed by the court.
(f) Retroactive Application- This section shall apply to activities and claims occurring on or after November 20, 2006.
But, even acknowledging the limitation mentioned in part (d), the above amendment goes too far. The threat of lawsuits is an unfortunate negative consequence for any reporting of suspicious activity of the kind covered in the amendment. It's not always fairly pursued, but the right of persons to seek redress, whether against government persons or others, should not be legally impeded solely on the basis of preventing a hypothetical risk.
Somethings which are confusing about part (d) (or however lawyers would refer to it) is how such a determination would be established, and when. Part (e) indicates, at least to me, such determinations can be made before the fact of a lawsuit's resolution. I would think, while judges have some power to dismiss cases, the issue of determining if the defendents knowingly reported falsely is something to be dertimined best by the juries of their trials, assuming any such case has the merit to reach the stage of jury deliberation.
While it can be said the amendment serves the greater public good, in the name of national security, the right of recourse through civil courts should not be limited to a single standard, as is apparently stated in part (e). The amendment is too broad, with too narrow of an exception.
*Originally created on March 30, 2007. I'm not completely confidant I read the amendment correctly, so apologies from me for any misunderstandings in my commentary on it.
H.R.1401
Rail and Public Transportation Security Act of 2007 (Engrossed as Agreed to or Passed by House)
SEC. 137. IMMUNITY FOR REPORTING SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES AND MITIGATING TERRORIST THREATS RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION SECURITY.
(a) Immunity for Reporting Suspicious Behavior- Any person who makes or causes to be made a voluntary disclosure of any suspicious transaction, activity or occurrence indicating that an individual may be engaging or preparing to engage in a matter described in subsection
(b) to any employee or agent of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Justice, any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer, any transportation security officer, or to any employee or agent of a transportation system shall be immune from civil liability to any person under any law or regulation of the United States, any constitution, law, or regulation of any State or political subdivision of any State, for such disclosure.
(b) Covered Disclosures- The matter referred to in subsection (a) is a possible violation or attempted violation of law or regulation relating--
(1) to a threat to transportation systems or passenger safety or security; or
(2) to an act of terrorism, as defined in section 3077 of title 18, United States Code, that involves or is directed against transportation systems or passengers.
(c) Immunity for Mitigation of Threats- Any person, including an owner, operator or employee of a transportation system, who takes reasonable action to mitigate a suspicious matter described in subsection (b) shall be immune from civil liability to any person under any law or regulation of the United States, any constitution, law, or regulation of any State or political subdivision of any State, for such action.
(d) Limitation on Application- Subsection (a) shall not apply to a statement or disclosure by a person that, at the time it is made, is known by the person to be false.
(e) Attorney Fees and Costs- If a person is named as a defendant in a civil lawsuit for making voluntary disclosures of any suspicious transaction or taking actions to mitigate a suspicious matter described in subsection (b), and the person is found to be immune from civil liability under this section, the person shall be entitled to recover from the plaintiff all reasonable costs and attorney's fees as allowed by the court.
(f) Retroactive Application- This section shall apply to activities and claims occurring on or after November 20, 2006.
But, even acknowledging the limitation mentioned in part (d), the above amendment goes too far. The threat of lawsuits is an unfortunate negative consequence for any reporting of suspicious activity of the kind covered in the amendment. It's not always fairly pursued, but the right of persons to seek redress, whether against government persons or others, should not be legally impeded solely on the basis of preventing a hypothetical risk.
Somethings which are confusing about part (d) (or however lawyers would refer to it) is how such a determination would be established, and when. Part (e) indicates, at least to me, such determinations can be made before the fact of a lawsuit's resolution. I would think, while judges have some power to dismiss cases, the issue of determining if the defendents knowingly reported falsely is something to be dertimined best by the juries of their trials, assuming any such case has the merit to reach the stage of jury deliberation.
While it can be said the amendment serves the greater public good, in the name of national security, the right of recourse through civil courts should not be limited to a single standard, as is apparently stated in part (e). The amendment is too broad, with too narrow of an exception.
*Originally created on March 30, 2007. I'm not completely confidant I read the amendment correctly, so apologies from me for any misunderstandings in my commentary on it.
On Conspiracy Theorists
I know, like the axiom which states absence of proof is not proof of absence, it's not always easy to refute their arguments when compared to that argument pertaining to God, and it's not really my goal to, nor do I assume they're wrong in their main assertions, but my experience with speaking with them on occasion leaves me with the sense that reasonable doubt is not given much consideration.
Their arguments seem to most often be based in their cynicism and a dubious or terrible level of moral credibility on the part or those they allege to be criminal, usually a government. The conspiracy theorist, taking some fact, usually, and his doubts about the entity he names as the conspirator, argues said entities guilt, sometimes impressively, but he takes it a step further with his theorizing, not simply asking like a dissenter, not demanding answers (as they understandably do), but alleging, which is to me a questionable tactic; is it right to take some facts and understanding beyond the condemnation of behavior to the point of alleging motive and convicting for it, as if any of us are valid courts of law? Even if valid in the end, do the conspiracy theorist's beliefs come from objective reasoning and a search for the truth, or is there an agenda that cannot be applauded by a fair minded person?
Their arguments seem to most often be based in their cynicism and a dubious or terrible level of moral credibility on the part or those they allege to be criminal, usually a government. The conspiracy theorist, taking some fact, usually, and his doubts about the entity he names as the conspirator, argues said entities guilt, sometimes impressively, but he takes it a step further with his theorizing, not simply asking like a dissenter, not demanding answers (as they understandably do), but alleging, which is to me a questionable tactic; is it right to take some facts and understanding beyond the condemnation of behavior to the point of alleging motive and convicting for it, as if any of us are valid courts of law? Even if valid in the end, do the conspiracy theorist's beliefs come from objective reasoning and a search for the truth, or is there an agenda that cannot be applauded by a fair minded person?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
TWEEDLE DEE OR TWEEDLE DUM
As Aussies approach an election, we find ourselves in the same boat as Canadians and Americans, where we have right wing Govts taking us to hell in a handbasket! The trouble is that the "left wing" alternatives are rushing to the right to pander to the ignorant masses with a vote.This cannot end well.
AN IMPORTANT NOTE TO AMERICANS!!
The Australian LIBERAL party (John Howards party currently in power) is politically as right wing as you get, same as Bush, sucks up to the Godiots and appeals to the selfishness and fears of the people.
Our alternative, like your Democrat party, is the Australian Labor Party.
led by Kevin Rudd. We are all in trouble!
PALTALK CRASHES
Second day running paltalk servers fell over. It's an unusual pattern. first, the lag increases, then half the room drops out (it appears the names remaining are the older names) We paltalkers, particularly Arwens room, have no backup in case paltalk is compromised fatally. I invite ALL my friends and foes to use RATTTLER as a point of contact in case of a paltalk failure. I value my paltalk friends highly and would hate to lose touch. I expect a bumpy ride on the internet as various Govts attempt to control it (Australian Govt is attempting to censor the net already)
They already have the propaganda machine that Murdoch and the other media magnates have delivered to them. we NEED the internet to get the TRUTH! Did you notice that a lot of the open forums are closing, or BEING CLOSED by various methods?.
Vive la revolution!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Things I have noticed in PalTalk
- Hecklers are rarely smart.
- There's always at least 1 drunk on a day, and people called drunk because they don't talk fast enough.
- Sometimes the best speakers are the most conceited and impatient.
- Unlike Yahoo! and some other places, there aren't a lot of cliche phrases expressed.
- If a room is not supposed to be about the US, it likely will become about the US.
- Some of the people who complain about US focused discussion will continue to complain about the subject, and reprimand themselves for still talking about it.
- The US healthcare system is the most interesting topic ever, apparently.
- Someone inevitably feels it necessary to tell a room how independent he is, just as someone is compelled to tell a room of his cynicism toward politics.
- When Scots are on mic they are difficult for some to understand, though usually not in my case. For some reason, I can make out most of what they say.
- You'd have liver failure within two days if you made 'Zionist' your drinking game word.
AGENT PROVOCATEUR
The Canadian policemen dressed as protestors were there to incite violence and. Plain and simple.
The APEC meeting in Sydney will have similar undercover agitators trying to incite violence.
I guarantee that the new $600,000 water cannon WILL BE USED! and I suspect that after APEC even tougher "anti terrorist" legislation will be pushed through Parliament.
If it smells like bullshit and looks like bullshit, it's probably bullshit. (or is that BUSH SHIT?)
The Canadians held their summit at Montebello, isolated and reasonably secure. Why oh why is APEC being held at Sydney? For maximum disruption and world wide coverage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St1-WTc1kow
The APEC meeting in Sydney will have similar undercover agitators trying to incite violence.
I guarantee that the new $600,000 water cannon WILL BE USED! and I suspect that after APEC even tougher "anti terrorist" legislation will be pushed through Parliament.
If it smells like bullshit and looks like bullshit, it's probably bullshit. (or is that BUSH SHIT?)
The Canadians held their summit at Montebello, isolated and reasonably secure. Why oh why is APEC being held at Sydney? For maximum disruption and world wide coverage.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St1-WTc1kow
SHEDDING LIGHT ON A FEW THINGS!
Well, it seems that everyone's true colors are coming out in light of my last post where I voiced my displeasure of the "newest" Rattler writer, Eff25. After re-reading all of his posts I still don't see the vaule that his writing will bring to this blog nor will he ever fill the shoes of the greatest writer on here (that being me). Zipper the dickhead and ohnonotthisidoitagain think they are funny with their backhanded comments about me and my "moods", I will find it funny when SIP does another post about this place and you writers. I will not come to your recuse but I will laugh my ass off at the attacks as they come (and I hope they come hard and fast).
Also I want to suggest a new title for this blog.....THE WASTE OF SPACE. That title is a more accute disscripation of what this has become. Also, I recommend Issabella to take a shower before signing into paltalk because everyone can smell her from here. I pray that she gets arrested for cyberstalking a sweet perosn like attila.
In closing I just want to say that writing on the rattler was not fun, it was pure hell and I leave here a defeated man because I learned that I can't be with "normal" people and write about "normal" things. i am going back into the shadows where i came from and I am never returning to this piece of shit place again as a writer, but i may come back as a commentor.
So, FUCK you all.......
Kenny
Also I want to suggest a new title for this blog.....THE WASTE OF SPACE. That title is a more accute disscripation of what this has become. Also, I recommend Issabella to take a shower before signing into paltalk because everyone can smell her from here. I pray that she gets arrested for cyberstalking a sweet perosn like attila.
In closing I just want to say that writing on the rattler was not fun, it was pure hell and I leave here a defeated man because I learned that I can't be with "normal" people and write about "normal" things. i am going back into the shadows where i came from and I am never returning to this piece of shit place again as a writer, but i may come back as a commentor.
So, FUCK you all.......
Kenny
Friday, August 24, 2007
KID HACKS GOVT $84M PORN FILTER
A MELBOURNE schoolboy has cracked the Federal Government's new $84 million internet porn filter in minutes.
IS AMERICAS' DRUG WAR WORTH IT
 Steve Tucker served a 10-year prison sentence for selling light bulbs.Has America gone stark raving mad!? Federal prosecutors charged Steve Tucker with "conspiracy to manufacture marijuana." All Steve was doing, was running a hydroponics business, selling all the paraphernalia that goes with it. | Federal prosecutors never charged them with buying, selling, growing, transporting, smoking or even possessing marijuana. An 18-month DEA investigation had failed to turn up direct evidence connecting the Tuckers to even a single joint. "There is something rotten in the state of Denmark." read more here ...... |
I'll close my posts today with a translation of a Michelangelo sonnet
Title unknown.
In a frail boat, through stormy seas,
My life in its course has now reached the harbor,
The bar of which all men must cross
To render account of good and evil done.
I now know how weighted in error was the fond fantasy
Which made art for me an idol and a king.
And how mistaken that earthly love which all men seek.
What of those thoughts of love once light and gay
As towards two deaths I move?
One is certain, the other menaces.
No brush, no chisel quietens the soul,
Once turned to the divine love of he who stretches out his arms upon the
cross.
Europe, et al, on America's gun culture
As should be expected, the Virginia Tech massacre has resumed the gun debate. Of course those in Europe, often critical of the US's gun culture, have weighed in, as is their right.
But a right does not guarantee a person uncritical tolerance, and I cannot give it to Europe on one very important, for me at least, issue: We, the US, are not uncivilized, barbaric, nor are we inferior to you because we have a large amount of guns, or so much, as it is seen, gun related crime.I am tired of this simple understanding of what civilized is. The conceit is appalling, and the irony is staggering. Civilized is not something only measured by consequences, it is also defined with respectful consideration of the rights of individuals, of the principles of self reliance, self defense, and trust in the populace of a nation to act well toward itself. If civilized can be defined by results, than near any method can be seen as just, so long as it is presented well enough. The irony is in the greater self reliance on neighbor and government that is consequential to more restrictive gun laws, when such trust in US government is so often seen as American naiveness.
Sadly, many in Europe and elsewhere do not respect the underlying principles of why people own guns, or support others owning them. The issue is not about agreeing with gun ownership, it is about understanding it, and not putting people down with sanctimonious, too often erroneous, assumptions about their culture and why they believe in what they do.I have always tried to make some effort to be fair, but there is only so much I can take. Europe, et al, you have never been, nor shall you ever be, more civilized than me, and my country's gun culture does not prove you right. To believe to the countrary is to prove you arrogant.
But a right does not guarantee a person uncritical tolerance, and I cannot give it to Europe on one very important, for me at least, issue: We, the US, are not uncivilized, barbaric, nor are we inferior to you because we have a large amount of guns, or so much, as it is seen, gun related crime.I am tired of this simple understanding of what civilized is. The conceit is appalling, and the irony is staggering. Civilized is not something only measured by consequences, it is also defined with respectful consideration of the rights of individuals, of the principles of self reliance, self defense, and trust in the populace of a nation to act well toward itself. If civilized can be defined by results, than near any method can be seen as just, so long as it is presented well enough. The irony is in the greater self reliance on neighbor and government that is consequential to more restrictive gun laws, when such trust in US government is so often seen as American naiveness.
Sadly, many in Europe and elsewhere do not respect the underlying principles of why people own guns, or support others owning them. The issue is not about agreeing with gun ownership, it is about understanding it, and not putting people down with sanctimonious, too often erroneous, assumptions about their culture and why they believe in what they do.I have always tried to make some effort to be fair, but there is only so much I can take. Europe, et al, you have never been, nor shall you ever be, more civilized than me, and my country's gun culture does not prove you right. To believe to the countrary is to prove you arrogant.
Ancient Eff(25) on PalTalk
Text unaltered from original.
5/13/2004
Recently in the Philosophy and Absurdity chatroom in PalTalk, the notion
that people are good until they are abused, in this case not being listened to,
was brought up by Tiffers101. She also contended that we all have some evil in
us.
It's difficult to characterize someone as evil. It is seemingly unlikely,
but even some one whose level of evil is arbitrarily estimated as 80 % to his
good side's 20 % could commit acts of goodness.
For the sake of the arguments, I will not debate what acts are definable as
evil, nor will I argue over whether or not the label of evil is justified by the
commission of a single act.
Tangible evil, that which can be witnessed, have the effects thereof seen,
supports Tiffer101's notion. When committed after an abuse, there exists an
apparent cause and effect. The strongest argument here is the absence of the
knowledge of nefarious intent before the abuse.
But if we define evil beyond empirical examples, we delve into the notion
of evil intent. Without knowing the intention of the abused man before his said
abuse, we cannot know if the abuse was the cause of his evil or a coincidental
occurrence in advance of the implementation of an intended evil. But this
ignorance on our part also makes it impossible to disprove the notion that the
abuse was the cause of the evil.
Therefore we have the conundrums of defining evil, by intent or action
alone, and the question of whether evil came about regardless of, or because of,
an abuse.
posted by Eff at 3:59:00
PM
I'm a loser not a fighter
Muse did.Ok, who invited eff25 to this blog? Was there a meeting and I wasn't
involved in deciding if he should join or not? I am not pleased at all with this
new author as forseen with the posts he had already made thus far.
.Eff25- let's get one thing straight here...I am the only one on this blog who has the knack for using comedy here, not you or anyone else! Are we clear on that?
The other writers on this site have a choice to make: either he goes or I go! you have 2 days to make up your minds.
ZM
Thanks for your input.
I do like separate lines for sentences.
So I'll keep at it.
I wouldn't dream of it.
I wasn't so much trying to be funny as expressing my loathing about insignificant things.
Down with the Disney Channel.
Well, do as you will, I'm not that competitive.
Anyway, good luck to you and your moods.
ME OR HIM
Ok, who invited eff25 to this blog? Was there a meeting and I wasn't involved in deciding if he should join or not? I am not pleased at all with this new author as forseen with the posts he had already made thus far. .
Eff25- let's get one thing straight here...I am the only one on this blog who has the knack for using comedy here, not you or anyone else! Are we clear on that?
The other writers on this site have a choice to make: either he goes or I go! you have 2 days to make up your minds.
ZM
Eff25- let's get one thing straight here...I am the only one on this blog who has the knack for using comedy here, not you or anyone else! Are we clear on that?
The other writers on this site have a choice to make: either he goes or I go! you have 2 days to make up your minds.
ZM
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