Monday, December 24, 2007
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
LOGIC BEATS GREED
The real answer to climate change is to leave fossil fuels in the ground
All the talk in Bali about cutting carbon means nothing while ever more oil and coal is being extracted and burned
George Monbiot Tuesday December 11, 2007 (the guardian)
Ladies and gentlemen, I have the answer! Incredible as it might seem, I have stumbled across the single technology which will save us from runaway climate change! From the goodness of my heart, I offer it to you for free. No patents, no small print, no hidden clauses. Already this technology, a radical new kind of carbon capture and storage, is causing a stir among scientists. It is cheap, it is efficient and it can be deployed straight away. It is called ... leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
On a filthy day last week, as governments gathered in Bali to prevaricate about climate change, a group of us tried to put this policy into effect. We swarmed into the opencast coal mine being dug at Ffos-y-fran in South Wales and occupied the excavators, shutting down the works for the day. We were motivated by a fact which the wise heads in Bali have somehow missed: if fossil fuels are extracted, they will be used.
Most of the governments of the rich world now exhort their citizens to use less carbon. They encourage us to change our lightbulbs, insulate our lofts, turn our televisions off at the wall. In other words, they have a demand-side policy for tackling climate change. But as far as I can determine, not one of them has a supply-side policy. None seeks to reduce the supply of fossil fuel. So the demand-side policy will fail. Every barrel of oil and tonne of coal that comes to the surface will be burned.
Or perhaps I should say that they do have a supply-side policy: to extract as much as they can. Since 2000, the UK government has given coal firms £220m to help them open new mines or to keep existing mines working. According to the energy white paper, the government intends to "maximise economic recovery ... from remaining coal reserves".
The pit at Ffos-y-fran received planning permission after two ministers in the Westminster government jumped up and down on Rhodri Morgan, the first minister of the Welsh assembly. Stephen Timms at the department of trade and industry listed the benefits of the scheme and demanded that the application "is resolved with the minimum of further delay". His successor, Mike O'Brien, warned of dire consequences if the pit was not granted permission. The coal extracted from Ffos-y-fran alone will produce 29.5m tonnes of carbon dioxide: equivalent, according to the latest figures from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to the sustainable emissions of 55 million people for one year.
Last year British planning authorities considered 12 new applications for opencast coal mines. They approved all but two of them. Two weeks ago, Hazel Blears, the secretary of state in charge of planning, overruled Northumberland county council to grant permission for an opencast mine at Shotton, on the grounds that the scheme - which will produce 9.3m tonnes of CO2 - is "environmentally acceptable".
The British government also has a policy of "maximising the UK's existing oil and gas reserves". To promote new production, it has granted companies a 90% discount on the licence fees they pay for prospecting the continental shelf. It hopes the prospecting companies will open a new frontier in the seas to the west of the Shetland Isles. The government also has two schemes for "forcing unworked blocks back into play". If oil companies don't use their licences to the full, it revokes them and hands them to someone else. In other words, it is prepared to be ruthlessly interventionist when promoting climate change, but not when preventing it: no minister talks of "forcing" companies to reduce their emissions. Ministers hope the industry will extract up to 28bn barrels of oil and gas from the continental shelf.
Last week the government announced a new tax break for companies working in the North Sea. The Treasury minister, Angela Eagle, explained that its purpose is "to make sure we are not leaving any oil in the ground that could be recovered". The government's climate change policy works like this: extract every last drop of fossil fuel then pray to God that no one uses it.
The same wishful thinking is applied worldwide. The International Energy Agency's new outlook report warns that "urgent action is needed" to cut carbon emissions. The action it recommends is investing $22 trillion in new energy infrastructure, most of which will be spent on extracting, transporting and burning fossil fuels.
Aha, you say, but what about carbon capture and storage? When governments use this term, they mean catching and burying the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels. It is feasible, but there are three problems. The first is that fossil fuels are being extracted and burned today, and scarcely any carbon capture schemes yet exist. The second is that the technology works only for power stations and large industrial processes: there is no plausible means of dealing with cars, planes and heating systems. The third, as Alistair Darling, then in charge of energy, admitted in the Commons in May, is that the technologies required for commercial carbon capture "might never become available". (The government is prepared to admit this when making the case, as he was, for nuclear power, but not when making it for coal).
Almost every week I receive an email from someone asking what the heck I am talking about. Don't I realise that peak oil will solve this problem for us? Fossil fuels will run out, we'll go back to living in caves and no one will need to worry about climate change again. These correspondents make the mistake of conflating conventional oil supplies with all fossil fuels. Yes, at some point the production of petroleum will peak then go into decline. I don't know when this will happen, and I urge environmentalists to remember that while we have been proved right about most things we have been consistently wrong about the dates for mineral exhaustion. But before oil peaks, demand is likely to outstrip supply and the price will soar. The result is that the oil firms will have an even greater incentive to extract the stuff.
Already, encouraged by recent prices, the pollutocrats are pouring billions into unconventional oil. Last week BP announced a huge investment in Canadian tar sands. Oil produced from tar sands creates even more carbon emissions than petroleum extraction. There's enough tar and kerogen in North America to cook the planet several times over.
If that runs out, they switch to coal, of which there is hundreds of years' supply. Sasol, the South African company founded during the apartheid period - when supplies of oil were blocked - to turn coal into liquid transport fuel, is conducting feasibility studies for new plants in India, China and the US. Neither geology nor market forces is going to save us from climate change.
When you review the plans for fossil fuel extraction, the horrible truth dawns that every carbon-cutting programme is a con. Without supply-side policies, runaway climate change is inevitable, however hard we try to cut demand. The talks in Bali will be meaningless unless they produce a programme for leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
All the talk in Bali about cutting carbon means nothing while ever more oil and coal is being extracted and burned
George Monbiot Tuesday December 11, 2007 (the guardian)
Ladies and gentlemen, I have the answer! Incredible as it might seem, I have stumbled across the single technology which will save us from runaway climate change! From the goodness of my heart, I offer it to you for free. No patents, no small print, no hidden clauses. Already this technology, a radical new kind of carbon capture and storage, is causing a stir among scientists. It is cheap, it is efficient and it can be deployed straight away. It is called ... leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
On a filthy day last week, as governments gathered in Bali to prevaricate about climate change, a group of us tried to put this policy into effect. We swarmed into the opencast coal mine being dug at Ffos-y-fran in South Wales and occupied the excavators, shutting down the works for the day. We were motivated by a fact which the wise heads in Bali have somehow missed: if fossil fuels are extracted, they will be used.
Most of the governments of the rich world now exhort their citizens to use less carbon. They encourage us to change our lightbulbs, insulate our lofts, turn our televisions off at the wall. In other words, they have a demand-side policy for tackling climate change. But as far as I can determine, not one of them has a supply-side policy. None seeks to reduce the supply of fossil fuel. So the demand-side policy will fail. Every barrel of oil and tonne of coal that comes to the surface will be burned.
Or perhaps I should say that they do have a supply-side policy: to extract as much as they can. Since 2000, the UK government has given coal firms £220m to help them open new mines or to keep existing mines working. According to the energy white paper, the government intends to "maximise economic recovery ... from remaining coal reserves".
The pit at Ffos-y-fran received planning permission after two ministers in the Westminster government jumped up and down on Rhodri Morgan, the first minister of the Welsh assembly. Stephen Timms at the department of trade and industry listed the benefits of the scheme and demanded that the application "is resolved with the minimum of further delay". His successor, Mike O'Brien, warned of dire consequences if the pit was not granted permission. The coal extracted from Ffos-y-fran alone will produce 29.5m tonnes of carbon dioxide: equivalent, according to the latest figures from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to the sustainable emissions of 55 million people for one year.
Last year British planning authorities considered 12 new applications for opencast coal mines. They approved all but two of them. Two weeks ago, Hazel Blears, the secretary of state in charge of planning, overruled Northumberland county council to grant permission for an opencast mine at Shotton, on the grounds that the scheme - which will produce 9.3m tonnes of CO2 - is "environmentally acceptable".
The British government also has a policy of "maximising the UK's existing oil and gas reserves". To promote new production, it has granted companies a 90% discount on the licence fees they pay for prospecting the continental shelf. It hopes the prospecting companies will open a new frontier in the seas to the west of the Shetland Isles. The government also has two schemes for "forcing unworked blocks back into play". If oil companies don't use their licences to the full, it revokes them and hands them to someone else. In other words, it is prepared to be ruthlessly interventionist when promoting climate change, but not when preventing it: no minister talks of "forcing" companies to reduce their emissions. Ministers hope the industry will extract up to 28bn barrels of oil and gas from the continental shelf.
Last week the government announced a new tax break for companies working in the North Sea. The Treasury minister, Angela Eagle, explained that its purpose is "to make sure we are not leaving any oil in the ground that could be recovered". The government's climate change policy works like this: extract every last drop of fossil fuel then pray to God that no one uses it.
The same wishful thinking is applied worldwide. The International Energy Agency's new outlook report warns that "urgent action is needed" to cut carbon emissions. The action it recommends is investing $22 trillion in new energy infrastructure, most of which will be spent on extracting, transporting and burning fossil fuels.
Aha, you say, but what about carbon capture and storage? When governments use this term, they mean catching and burying the carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels. It is feasible, but there are three problems. The first is that fossil fuels are being extracted and burned today, and scarcely any carbon capture schemes yet exist. The second is that the technology works only for power stations and large industrial processes: there is no plausible means of dealing with cars, planes and heating systems. The third, as Alistair Darling, then in charge of energy, admitted in the Commons in May, is that the technologies required for commercial carbon capture "might never become available". (The government is prepared to admit this when making the case, as he was, for nuclear power, but not when making it for coal).
Almost every week I receive an email from someone asking what the heck I am talking about. Don't I realise that peak oil will solve this problem for us? Fossil fuels will run out, we'll go back to living in caves and no one will need to worry about climate change again. These correspondents make the mistake of conflating conventional oil supplies with all fossil fuels. Yes, at some point the production of petroleum will peak then go into decline. I don't know when this will happen, and I urge environmentalists to remember that while we have been proved right about most things we have been consistently wrong about the dates for mineral exhaustion. But before oil peaks, demand is likely to outstrip supply and the price will soar. The result is that the oil firms will have an even greater incentive to extract the stuff.
Already, encouraged by recent prices, the pollutocrats are pouring billions into unconventional oil. Last week BP announced a huge investment in Canadian tar sands. Oil produced from tar sands creates even more carbon emissions than petroleum extraction. There's enough tar and kerogen in North America to cook the planet several times over.
If that runs out, they switch to coal, of which there is hundreds of years' supply. Sasol, the South African company founded during the apartheid period - when supplies of oil were blocked - to turn coal into liquid transport fuel, is conducting feasibility studies for new plants in India, China and the US. Neither geology nor market forces is going to save us from climate change.
When you review the plans for fossil fuel extraction, the horrible truth dawns that every carbon-cutting programme is a con. Without supply-side policies, runaway climate change is inevitable, however hard we try to cut demand. The talks in Bali will be meaningless unless they produce a programme for leaving fossil fuels in the ground.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
HABIB TESTIMONY
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,22838446-949,00.html
Shocking details of torture in Pakistan. I am posting the full article because you can expect a clamp down very soon.
"Before I take the step of closing the court I would need to have a proper basis for doing so," the judge said."
This story needs to get exposure in the USA.
FORMER Guantanamo Bay detainee Mamdouh Habib says he was injected with drugs in front of an Australian official while being interrogated in Pakistan.
Mr Habib was visibly distressed while giving evidence today at a second-stage defamation hearing in the NSW Supreme Court, weeping and at one point asking for a break as he spoke of his alleged torture.
Justice David McClellan is hearing evidence on defences and damages in Mr Habib's defamation case against Nationwide News.
Nationwide News is owned by the parent company of the publisher of News.com.au
A jury earlier found that an opinion piece by columnist Piers Akerman defamed Mr Habib by implying he falsely made claims about torture.
Mr Habib told the court today he had been beaten with sticks, kicked and suspended by his wrists from the ceiling for hours at a time, and had been given electric shocks that were so severe he fainted.
He had been deprived of sleep and blankets and served food that was so bad "you can't even smell it".
Egyptian-born Mr Habib said he had been drugged during his imprisonment in Pakistan and Egypt, sometimes daily.
"I feel like a crazy, I would say stuff like a mental person," he said.
"I lost all my memory, I don't know where I am, I don't know who I am."
Mr Habib said he had been given a needle containing drugs before his second interview in Islamabad in October 2001.
"Before and in the middle (of the interview)," he told the court.
A man who had introduced himself as Alastair Adams, an Australian official, had been present while this occurred, Mr Habib said.
Other Australians, as well as Americans, were present at a number of other interrogations and interviews, he said.
Mr Habib said that in Egypt, he was shocked with Taser guns and a powered machine with voltage controls.
His fingers were all broken and the nails torn away, he said.
Mr Habib was unable to go on, closing his eyes and turning away from the court when asked what his torturers did with dogs.
"They tied up my hands behind my back and they put shackles on my feet, and I have to be naked," he said.
"My face was on the floor because the dog (was) on the top of me, they do sexual things."
Mr Habib's lawyers argue that he was "shackled, drugged and tortured" during some of his interrogations, making their content inadmissible as evidence.
Nationwide News barrister Alec Leopold tendered documents in support of his case, including letters from Mr Habib to former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Copies of Mr Habib's passport and travel records were also tendered, along with transcripts of various interviews with Mr Habib conducted by ASIO and federal police officers.
The tendered material has not yet been released to the media, pending consent by federal intelligence agencies.
Mr Leopold said a number of officers, codenamed Officer 1, 2 and 3, would be called as witnesses on Friday, and he flagged the possible need for their evidence to be heard in closed court.
Justice McClellan said he was reluctant to do so.
"Before I take the step of closing the court I would need to have a proper basis for doing so," the judge said.
Mr Habib's evidence continues.
Shocking details of torture in Pakistan. I am posting the full article because you can expect a clamp down very soon.
"Before I take the step of closing the court I would need to have a proper basis for doing so," the judge said."
This story needs to get exposure in the USA.
FORMER Guantanamo Bay detainee Mamdouh Habib says he was injected with drugs in front of an Australian official while being interrogated in Pakistan.
Mr Habib was visibly distressed while giving evidence today at a second-stage defamation hearing in the NSW Supreme Court, weeping and at one point asking for a break as he spoke of his alleged torture.
Justice David McClellan is hearing evidence on defences and damages in Mr Habib's defamation case against Nationwide News.
Nationwide News is owned by the parent company of the publisher of News.com.au
A jury earlier found that an opinion piece by columnist Piers Akerman defamed Mr Habib by implying he falsely made claims about torture.
Mr Habib told the court today he had been beaten with sticks, kicked and suspended by his wrists from the ceiling for hours at a time, and had been given electric shocks that were so severe he fainted.
He had been deprived of sleep and blankets and served food that was so bad "you can't even smell it".
Egyptian-born Mr Habib said he had been drugged during his imprisonment in Pakistan and Egypt, sometimes daily.
"I feel like a crazy, I would say stuff like a mental person," he said.
"I lost all my memory, I don't know where I am, I don't know who I am."
Mr Habib said he had been given a needle containing drugs before his second interview in Islamabad in October 2001.
"Before and in the middle (of the interview)," he told the court.
A man who had introduced himself as Alastair Adams, an Australian official, had been present while this occurred, Mr Habib said.
Other Australians, as well as Americans, were present at a number of other interrogations and interviews, he said.
Mr Habib said that in Egypt, he was shocked with Taser guns and a powered machine with voltage controls.
His fingers were all broken and the nails torn away, he said.
Mr Habib was unable to go on, closing his eyes and turning away from the court when asked what his torturers did with dogs.
"They tied up my hands behind my back and they put shackles on my feet, and I have to be naked," he said.
"My face was on the floor because the dog (was) on the top of me, they do sexual things."
Mr Habib's lawyers argue that he was "shackled, drugged and tortured" during some of his interrogations, making their content inadmissible as evidence.
Nationwide News barrister Alec Leopold tendered documents in support of his case, including letters from Mr Habib to former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Copies of Mr Habib's passport and travel records were also tendered, along with transcripts of various interviews with Mr Habib conducted by ASIO and federal police officers.
The tendered material has not yet been released to the media, pending consent by federal intelligence agencies.
Mr Leopold said a number of officers, codenamed Officer 1, 2 and 3, would be called as witnesses on Friday, and he flagged the possible need for their evidence to be heard in closed court.
Justice McClellan said he was reluctant to do so.
"Before I take the step of closing the court I would need to have a proper basis for doing so," the judge said.
Mr Habib's evidence continues.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
HOWARDS END
For millions of ordinary people, Howard’s humiliation at losing his own seat was just deserts for a man widely recognised as guilty of monstrous crimes. These include not only the war crimes relating to his participation in the US-led attacks on Iraq and Afghanistan, but also those arising out of his brutal immigration and refugee policies, including the 2001 sinking of the “SIEV X” asylum seeker boat, which resulted in the deaths of 353 men, women and children.
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2007/nov2007/vote-n26_prn.shtml
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2007/nov2007/vote-n26_prn.shtml
Friday, November 23, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
BALANCE
Once upon a time in the kingdom of Heaven , God went missing for six days.
Eventually, Michael the archangel found him on the seventh day resting.
He enquired of God, " where have you been? "
God pointed downwards through the clouds. "Look Michael, look what I've made," said God.
Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, " what is it ? "
"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.
God explained, pointing down to different parts of the earth, "For example, Nth America will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Sth America is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot and Russia will be a cold spot."
"Over there I've placed a continent of white people and here I've placed a continent of black people." God continued pointing to different countries.
"This one will be extremely hot and arid and this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The archangel, impressed by Gods work, then pointed to another area land and asked,"what's that ?"
"Ah", said God. "That's Western Australia, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful people, impressive towns; it is the home of the worlds finest artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, explorers and sportsman. The people from Western Australia are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found travelling the world.
They'll be extremely sociable, hard working and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as speakers of truth."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance God, you said there will be BALANCE!"
God replied very wisely, " Wait till you see the wankers I'm putting on the East Coast"
Eventually, Michael the archangel found him on the seventh day resting.
He enquired of God, " where have you been? "
God pointed downwards through the clouds. "Look Michael, look what I've made," said God.
Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, " what is it ? "
"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."
"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.
God explained, pointing down to different parts of the earth, "For example, Nth America will be a place of great opportunity and wealth while Sth America is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot and Russia will be a cold spot."
"Over there I've placed a continent of white people and here I've placed a continent of black people." God continued pointing to different countries.
"This one will be extremely hot and arid and this one will be very cold and covered in ice."
The archangel, impressed by Gods work, then pointed to another area land and asked,"what's that ?"
"Ah", said God. "That's Western Australia, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful people, impressive towns; it is the home of the worlds finest artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, explorers and sportsman. The people from Western Australia are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they're going to be found travelling the world.
They'll be extremely sociable, hard working and high achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as speakers of truth."
Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, "What about balance God, you said there will be BALANCE!"
God replied very wisely, " Wait till you see the wankers I'm putting on the East Coast"
Saturday, October 27, 2007
RUMSFELD RUNS AWAY
RUMSFELD FLEES FRANCE FEARING ARREST
"Rumsfeld must be feeling how Saddam Hussein felt when US forces were hunting him down," activist Tanguy Richard said. "He may never end up being hanged like his old friend, but he must learn that in the civilized world, war crime doesn't pay."
http://wor.ldne.ws/node/8596
Those who order the commission of war crimes, as defined by the Geneva and Hague Conventions in regards to conduct of war, 'shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for life or any term of years, or both, and if death results to the victim, shall also be subject to the penalty of death'
This may explain why the US Government is trying to block all torture lawsuits, because under US law, those who authorized the torture, which has resulted in deaths, are looking at the death penalty themselves.
US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 118, § 2441
"Rumsfeld must be feeling how Saddam Hussein felt when US forces were hunting him down," activist Tanguy Richard said. "He may never end up being hanged like his old friend, but he must learn that in the civilized world, war crime doesn't pay."
http://wor.ldne.ws/node/8596
Those who order the commission of war crimes, as defined by the Geneva and Hague Conventions in regards to conduct of war, 'shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for life or any term of years, or both, and if death results to the victim, shall also be subject to the penalty of death'
This may explain why the US Government is trying to block all torture lawsuits, because under US law, those who authorized the torture, which has resulted in deaths, are looking at the death penalty themselves.
US Code, Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 118, § 2441
UNACCEPTABLE COSTS
AUSTRALIAN troops, who feared many civilian casualties in an Afghan operation, refused to take part in the Dutch-led assault on advancing Taliban militia.
Almost 70 civilians died when Dutch forces fought a 500-strong Taliban assault in the Chora Valley
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22661193-23109,00.html
The army's Lieutenant-General Peter Leahy has reiterated Australia's commitment to avoiding civilian deaths wherever possible.
"Nothing undermines the credibility of our efforts more than the unintended killing of civilians," he said
Almost 70 civilians died when Dutch forces fought a 500-strong Taliban assault in the Chora Valley
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22661193-23109,00.html
The army's Lieutenant-General Peter Leahy has reiterated Australia's commitment to avoiding civilian deaths wherever possible.
"Nothing undermines the credibility of our efforts more than the unintended killing of civilians," he said
GENUINE HERO
"The nation today has lost a genuine hero. The army has lost a gallant and respected soldier."
Australias crack SAS regiment is based here in Perth, Western Australia. Sergeant Matthew Locke will be sadly missed.
A true hero, he was slain after exposing himself to enemy fire in a desperate effort to call for support, he was shot twice and still managed to make the call for help, probably saving his entire patrol. Sgt Locke died from his injuries shortly after.
The sooner Aussie troops are home the better.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Our Beloved Possilfossil
Possil, was loved by many and will be missed. He was a wonderful father of eight and was father, friend, brother to so many more in paltalk. My heart is heavy with sorrow that some think of his death as a way to play games and use it as a way to retaliate some imagined defloration of their precious nick on pal. Shame to you I say.
Most paltalkains are decent and caring people, no matter our different views on issues, to you all I want to thank you.
Possil, I know you are now with your lovely wife and look down upon the rest of us with well wishes for us all. Possil, I can't never put into words how much our chats meant to me or how much they helped me through some of my hardest times. Possil, thanks you so much for the time you shared with me.
and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little—but not too long,
and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that was once shared.
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must take,
and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the master’s plan,
a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
go to the friends we know.
Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me,
but let me go.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
ETHICS OF ALJAZEERA
Code of Ethics
Being a globally oriented media service, Al Jazeera has adopted the following code of ethics in pursuance of the vision and mission it has set for itself:
1. Adhere to the journalistic values of honesty, courage, fairness, balance, independence, credibility and diversity, giving no priority to commercial or political considerations over professional ones.
2. Endeavour to get to the truth and declare it in our dispatches, programmes and news bulletins unequivocally in a manner which leaves no doubt about its validity and accuracy.
3. Treat our audiences with due respect and address every issue or story with due attention to present a clear, factual and accurate picture while giving full consideration to the feelings of victims of crime, war, persecution and disaster, their relatives and our viewers, and to individual privacy and public decorum.
4. Welcome fair and honest media competition without allowing it to affect adversely our standards of performance so that getting a "scoop" will not become an end in itself.
5. Present diverse points of view and opinions without bias or partiality.
6. Recognise diversity in human societies with all their races, cultures and beliefs and their values and intrinsic individualities in order to present unbiased and faithful reflection of them.
7. Acknowledge a mistake when it occurs, promptly correct it and ensure it does not recur.
8. Observe transparency in dealing with news and news sources while adhering to internationally established practices concerning the rights of these sources.
9. Distinguish between news material, opinion and analysis to avoid the pitfalls of speculation and propaganda.
10. Stand by colleagues in the profession and offer them support when required, particularly in light of the acts of aggression and harassment to which journalists are subjected at times. Cooperate with Arab and international journalistic unions and associations to defend freedom of the press.
Being a globally oriented media service, Al Jazeera has adopted the following code of ethics in pursuance of the vision and mission it has set for itself:
1. Adhere to the journalistic values of honesty, courage, fairness, balance, independence, credibility and diversity, giving no priority to commercial or political considerations over professional ones.
2. Endeavour to get to the truth and declare it in our dispatches, programmes and news bulletins unequivocally in a manner which leaves no doubt about its validity and accuracy.
3. Treat our audiences with due respect and address every issue or story with due attention to present a clear, factual and accurate picture while giving full consideration to the feelings of victims of crime, war, persecution and disaster, their relatives and our viewers, and to individual privacy and public decorum.
4. Welcome fair and honest media competition without allowing it to affect adversely our standards of performance so that getting a "scoop" will not become an end in itself.
5. Present diverse points of view and opinions without bias or partiality.
6. Recognise diversity in human societies with all their races, cultures and beliefs and their values and intrinsic individualities in order to present unbiased and faithful reflection of them.
7. Acknowledge a mistake when it occurs, promptly correct it and ensure it does not recur.
8. Observe transparency in dealing with news and news sources while adhering to internationally established practices concerning the rights of these sources.
9. Distinguish between news material, opinion and analysis to avoid the pitfalls of speculation and propaganda.
10. Stand by colleagues in the profession and offer them support when required, particularly in light of the acts of aggression and harassment to which journalists are subjected at times. Cooperate with Arab and international journalistic unions and associations to defend freedom of the press.
Monday, October 22, 2007
COMMUNISTS SPACE BRANCH
China has ambitious plans for manned space missions, including setting up a permanently manned space station and eventually a base on the moon.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/240026BF-3DD9-47F5-AE64-3AE0E8A871CF.htm
While we embroil ourselves in disasterous wars of conquest, China is getting on with it. Stephen Hawking has warned us that humanity should strive to inhabit other worlds, for the survival of humanity and perhaps life itself.
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/240026BF-3DD9-47F5-AE64-3AE0E8A871CF.htm
While we embroil ourselves in disasterous wars of conquest, China is getting on with it. Stephen Hawking has warned us that humanity should strive to inhabit other worlds, for the survival of humanity and perhaps life itself.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
AUSTRALIAS POVERTY SHAME
Despite unprecedented economic growth, largely fuelled by demands forresources by countries like China, there remain some two million Australians who live in poverty. There is also evidence to suggest that a significant portion of this group -nearly 10% of Australians- are being systematically excluded from the benefits of prosperity by government policy driven by big business interests and narrow electoral horizons.
http://www.acoss.org.au/upload/publications/papers/3393__Paper%20151%20Towards%20a%20fairer%20Australia.pdf
It's a dry document to wade through (Australian Council Of Social Security report) but the facts and figures are all there and verified.
A handy resource if you intend to QUESTION the candidates in the Nov.24th election.
http://www.acoss.org.au/upload/publications/papers/3393__Paper%20151%20Towards%20a%20fairer%20Australia.pdf
It's a dry document to wade through (Australian Council Of Social Security report) but the facts and figures are all there and verified.
A handy resource if you intend to QUESTION the candidates in the Nov.24th election.
YEAH RIGHT, OY VEY!
"Our extensive six week investigation found that this was an isolated incident and that the weapons never left the custody of airmen, were never unsecured,''
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22617893-401,00.html
Another complicit press whitewash... When are you going to DEMAND THE TRUTH?
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22617893-401,00.html
Another complicit press whitewash... When are you going to DEMAND THE TRUTH?
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
AUSTRALIAN FIRM IN COALITION OF THE KILLING
AN AUSTRALIAN-RUN security company responsible for shooting dead two innocent Iraqi women on a Baghdad street on Tuesday could be prosecuted by the Iraqi Government as it seeks an end to legal immunity for foreign security firms.
The shooting comes amid rising anger at actions of foreign-owned, heavily armed private security companies, which operate with immunity from prosecution as they provide protection for diplomats and aid groups working in the war-torn country.
Iraqi Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh told The Age from Baghdad yesterday that Iraqi police were investigating the incident involving the Australian-managed security company, Unity Resources Group.
He said the Iraqi Government wanted the legal immunity rule implemented by the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority in 2004 overturned and the company to be held accountable.
"There is anger among the Iraqis about the behaviour of such companies. They are not respecting all the Iraqis here … we are losing human beings," Mr al-Dabbagh said. . "We do understand they are subjected to a high level of stress and they are doing their job to protect diplomats. But this does not entitle them to be immune from questioning and justice. They should be accountable."
It is not known if any Australians were involved directly in the shooting.
Last month, 17 Iraqi civilians were killed in a chaotic shooting carried out by US security firm Blackwater USA. The incident has increased tensions between Iraq and the US, with the Iraqi Government demanding the US Government cut all ties with the firm and ensure the families of those killed receive hefty compensation.
A spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Australia would respond to any Iraqi requests for co-operation in investigating the shooting.
According to reports from Baghdad, two Unity Resources Group guards opened fire on a car in the city centre on Tuesday afternoon, killing the driver, Marou Awanis, 48, and front-seat passenger Geneva Jalal, 30.
Witnesses said masked security guards threw a smoke bomb and fired a warning shot towards the car to warn that it was too close to their convoy. However, it failed to stop in time and and the guards unloaded 19 bullets into the car. The convoy then sped off.
Unity Resources Group was guarding an American non-government organisation, RTI International, which is carrying out work on behalf of the US State Department and the US Aid agency. It is unclear if the guards were actually protecting any clients when the shooting took place.
Australian Securities and Investment Commission documents show the Unity Resources Group was established in New South Wales in 2000 by former SAS commander Gordon Conroy.
However, both the United Resources Group and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday stressed the relevant part of the company responsible for its security guards in Iraq is run out of the United Arab Emirates and registered in Singapore.
The company employs many former Australian military and police personnel and special forces veterans from the US, Britain and New Zealand.
The company has been operating in Iraq since 2004 and last year made headlines when its guards shot and killed a 72-year-old professor from Adelaide who was teaching in Baghdad. The man's vehicle had failed to stop at a checkpoint.
In a statement released yesterday, United Resources Group chief operating officer Michael Priddin said: "We deeply regret this incident … The first information we have is that our security team was approached at speed by a vehicle which failed to stop despite an escalation of warnings including hand signals and a signal flare. Finally shots were fired at the vehicle and it stopped."
Reports last night suggested the Unity Resources Group had contacted the Iraqi Government to apologise and offer compensation to the families of those killed.
I have posted this article in it's entirety because it won't be available for very long on "the age" website. They will try and tough this one out, hoping the gullible public will let it slide.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
SPREADING DEMOCRACY WHERE
If 100,000 people were marching the streets of Baghdad or Riyadh, or if thousands of Catholic priests were lying dead in Vatican City, you can bet there would have been a little bit more action by now.
UPDATED 8 Oct '07: 
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, at the meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, said, “The United States is determined to keep an international focus on the travesty that is taking place.” Keeping an international focus is essential, but should not distract from one of the most powerful supporters of the junta, one that is much closer to home. Rice knows it well: Chevron.
Fueling the military junta that has ruled for decades are Burma’s natural gas reserves, controlled by the Burmese regime in partnership with the U.S. multinational oil giant Chevron, the French oil company Total and a Thai oil firm. Offshore natural gas facilities deliver their extracted gas to Thailand through Burma’s Yadana pipeline. The pipeline was built with slave labor, forced into servitude by the Burmese military
Monday, September 24, 2007
ZM YOU DISAPPOINT ME
Is this what you really want to do zombie? Do you want to silence others' views if they differ from yours? That is not what freedom of speech is all about ZM and you know this. I am ashamed for you ZM that you take such pride in gagging another. ZM do you want to be like Bush and his cronies, limiting speech from those that disagree with your views? ZM I feel as though you are trying to take advantage of JC being on vacation for a while and wow I never expected it from you.
Now I want everyone here to please let us know, do you feel like it is the right thing to quieten others' views?
ZM shame on you, never again preach for freedoms, for you are as guilty as Bush silencing those that disagree with you.
Now I want everyone here to please let us know, do you feel like it is the right thing to quieten others' views?
ZM shame on you, never again preach for freedoms, for you are as guilty as Bush silencing those that disagree with you.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
SR DUDE NEEDS OUR SUPPORT!!!!
and in its going down,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
When we are weary
and in NEED of STRENGTH,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
When we are lost
and SICK at Heart,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
When we have JOYS
we yearn to SHARE,
WE REMEMBER THEM.
So as long as we live, THEY too shall LIVE
for they are now a part of us as
WE REMEMBER THEM.
Saturday night Sr Dude lost his lovely wife June. Sr Dude is a well loved member of pal and needs all of our support through this difficult time for him. I know nothing we can say will take away his pain, but letting him know our thoughts and wishes are with him maybe can give him some much needed support. You can let Sr Dude know you support him here at The Rattler
ALL OUR LOVE TO SR DUDE (OutSide TheBucket)
SUPPORT SR DUDE (The Social Issues Tattler)
OUR HEARTFELT SYMPATHY SR DUDE ( Social Issues Photo Album)
No matter where or how you want to give your love to Sr Dude, doesn't matter. What does matter is letting him know we all have him in our hearts.
I want to thank all the bloggers for uniting in this time of sorrow.
Isa thank you very much for letting us all know so we can show our love and support to Sr Dude.
Friday, September 21, 2007
NET CENSORSHIP IN AUSTRALIA
Yesterday, out of the blue, Senator Coonan introduced a Bill into the Senate that would give the Australian Federal Police sweeping and unchecked powers to block access to Internet material by decree, based on what the police 'believe' the purpose or effect of the material is.
Parliament may not sit again before the Federal election is called. This Bill is typical of the contempt with which the coalition treats the Internet and the rights of all Australians to be free of ill-conceived government censorship. Should the coalition be returned to power, this Bill is likely to become law. Remember these issues on election day.
http://www.efa.org.au/Publish/PR070920.html
Parliament may not sit again before the Federal election is called. This Bill is typical of the contempt with which the coalition treats the Internet and the rights of all Australians to be free of ill-conceived government censorship. Should the coalition be returned to power, this Bill is likely to become law. Remember these issues on election day.
http://www.efa.org.au/Publish/PR070920.html
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
STING POLICING
AN assistant US attorney from Florida has been arrested for allegedly flying to Michigan to have sex with a five-year-old girl. John D.R. Atchison, 53, was arrested after he participated in internet conversatons with a detective posing as a mother who was interested in letting men have sex with her young daughter.
Catching these rock spiders is a good thing, but the methodology disturbs me.
How coercive and enabling are these entrapment police? How long before 'thought crime' is a reality? How much crime would have actually been committed without the instigation of police?
TEFLON TROOPS
A US Marine Corps officer accused of failing to properly investigate the alleged massacre of 24 Iraqi civilians in the town of Haditha has been cleared of wrongdoing, the military said today.
That would leave only one soldier, Staff Sergeant Frank Wuterich, facing murder charges in connection with the deaths
MORE APEC BULLSHIT
New South Wales police officers who took off their identification badges during APEC protests will escape punishment after a police inquiry found they feared the pins on the badges could be used against them.
BUT!... there were NO pins, just velcro strips.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Well, I do not want to be ruled by pride
So, as appreciative as I am to have had these few weeks here as a team member, I must admit that my style does not suit here; I cannot escape the feeling of needing to mold myself into something I am not. I shall be revoking my membeship and returning to giving occasional comments. My thanks to Facetious Muse for the opportunity.
zombiemaster, et al, gloat away, sir. :)
zombiemaster, et al, gloat away, sir. :)
Friday, September 14, 2007
Petition:zombiemaster should stay
He' s valuable, and special.
I'll sign below.
"I want zombiemaster to stay as a contributor to The Rattler"
Eff25
Please sign.
I'll sign below.
"I want zombiemaster to stay as a contributor to The Rattler"
Eff25
Please sign.
CAN A LEOPARD CHANGE ITS SPOTS?
Here is an extract of a post by zombiemaster dated Sunday, January 07, 2007. I can't help chuckling to myself after reading it:
Who thinks zombiemasters' people skills have improved? lol
"Yes, I am changing my style to become more accessable to the readers. Have I sold out? No, I am trying to work on my people skills and engage in the rules of proper debate.
PEACE TO YOU ALL IN THE YEAR 2007
ZM"
Who thinks zombiemasters' people skills have improved? lol
AN OPEN CALL.........................
First of all, I want to thank all the mindless fuckheads for the funny comments on the last post I wrote. i ask that you all contuine to slam me and mock me until my name is removed as an author. Well, let's just say I will up the antte a bit more to show I mean business.
I AM ASKING ALL SPAMMERS AND HACKERS TO ATTACK THIS BLOG AND RUIN IT! THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, COME ON IN AND TAKE OVER AND LOCK US OUT OF THE BLOG AND DESTROY IT HOWEVER YOU PLEASE! SO SHALL IT BE WRITTEN , SO SHALL IT BE DONE IN THE NAME OF GEORGE W BUSH!
A FUCKING MEN.........
I AM ASKING ALL SPAMMERS AND HACKERS TO ATTACK THIS BLOG AND RUIN IT! THAT'S RIGHT FOLKS, COME ON IN AND TAKE OVER AND LOCK US OUT OF THE BLOG AND DESTROY IT HOWEVER YOU PLEASE! SO SHALL IT BE WRITTEN , SO SHALL IT BE DONE IN THE NAME OF GEORGE W BUSH!
A FUCKING MEN.........
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
ARMS RACE INSANITY
RUSSIA has tested the world's most powerful vacuum bomb, which unleashes a destructive shockwave with the power of a nuclear blast, with the military dubbing it the "father of all bombs".
It is four times more powerful than the US-built massive ordnance air blast bomb — MOAB, also known under its name Mother of All Bombs.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/russia-tests-father-of-bombs/2007/09/12/1189276807323.html
As we rush headlong into a slavery of fear, The military juggernaut rolls on, crushing all humanity in it's path.
It is four times more powerful than the US-built massive ordnance air blast bomb — MOAB, also known under its name Mother of All Bombs.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/russia-tests-father-of-bombs/2007/09/12/1189276807323.html
As we rush headlong into a slavery of fear, The military juggernaut rolls on, crushing all humanity in it's path.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
THE MARK OF GREATNESS....
Ok, enough of the 9/11 peace,love and happiness bulshit.......
So, the other esteemed writers on this pile of junk think that I am having another mood swing when I posted on my unhappiness of the addition of that 2nd rate hack of a writer Eff25 (or as he is to be referred to from now on as thatfucker25). In repayment the other writers are now taking shots at the most powerful author on this blog,ME! the joke will be on you guys because i brough the rating and the commenters. As soon as I left, they left too and the blog died. I can see why the nameless had a field day wuith this place, you writers are a joke and have all ripped off my style of writing and also my greatness. However, those who vist here realize that once I left, so did the greatness I brought left also.
Also, from reading the comments I see that Zipdick and ohnonotthatcocksucker are enjoying the cracking jokes at my greatness. Do you know I get a good laugh at your homos when I'm in paltalk under my other 56 names. Nobody talks about this blog in rooms. i can't even get SIP to come up with new jokes about the rattler because this place is played out. Also, could you think of removing my name off the list of hack writers over there? I don't belong with those class of losers or maybe sending Isabella a bar of soap so she dont stink up this place. Wait, she fits right in with the rest of you.
So, the other esteemed writers on this pile of junk think that I am having another mood swing when I posted on my unhappiness of the addition of that 2nd rate hack of a writer Eff25 (or as he is to be referred to from now on as thatfucker25). In repayment the other writers are now taking shots at the most powerful author on this blog,ME! the joke will be on you guys because i brough the rating and the commenters. As soon as I left, they left too and the blog died. I can see why the nameless had a field day wuith this place, you writers are a joke and have all ripped off my style of writing and also my greatness. However, those who vist here realize that once I left, so did the greatness I brought left also.
Also, from reading the comments I see that Zipdick and ohnonotthatcocksucker are enjoying the cracking jokes at my greatness. Do you know I get a good laugh at your homos when I'm in paltalk under my other 56 names. Nobody talks about this blog in rooms. i can't even get SIP to come up with new jokes about the rattler because this place is played out. Also, could you think of removing my name off the list of hack writers over there? I don't belong with those class of losers or maybe sending Isabella a bar of soap so she dont stink up this place. Wait, she fits right in with the rest of you.
SIX YEARS ON
Above all the criticism, We feel for your loss as our own.
Above politics, we mourn with you.
Above all, we are still your friends.
BULLSHIT BAFFLES BRAINS
Presenting the Petraeus report was a farce from the outset. 
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-iraqcolor11sep11,1,4007276.story?coll=la-news-a_section&ctrack=1&cset=true
(see the charts and graphs .pdf files, very interesting use of visuals)
Then the spin was applied.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aJHVt5tvrxBM&refer=home
Petraeus's Credibility Wins Bush Extra Time for Iraq Strategy .........BULLSHIT!
Petraeus's assessment that violence in Iraq has fallen since the U.S. buildup was questioned last week by Congress's investigative arm, the Government Accountability Office.
We covered the GOA report HERE http://ratttler.blogspot.com/2007/08/surge-not-working.html
The amount of spin applied to this story is incredible. This is extraordinary use of disinformation for political expediency. The effrontery is outrageous.
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-na-iraqcolor11sep11,1,4007276.story?coll=la-news-a_section&ctrack=1&cset=true(see the charts and graphs .pdf files, very interesting use of visuals)
Then the spin was applied.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aJHVt5tvrxBM&refer=home
Petraeus's Credibility Wins Bush Extra Time for Iraq Strategy .........BULLSHIT!
Petraeus's assessment that violence in Iraq has fallen since the U.S. buildup was questioned last week by Congress's investigative arm, the Government Accountability Office.
We covered the GOA report HERE http://ratttler.blogspot.com/2007/08/surge-not-working.html
The amount of spin applied to this story is incredible. This is extraordinary use of disinformation for political expediency. The effrontery is outrageous.
Monday, September 10, 2007
MORE BUSH GAFFES
U.S President George W. Bush, renowned for his mispronunciation of words during his speeches, once again made audiences laugh during his address to the business summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) forum in Australia.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
FAT NOSED OSAMA
Mainstream press has made a big deal of comparing the latest Osama tape images with previous images to confirm his identity. What is obvious to me is that the comparison is being made with the previous images of Osama that are doubtful anyway.
The fat nosed, right handed, gold wearing Osama is the image they are comparing with as proof that it is indeed Osama.
When one adds this to the selective quotes and interperetation of those quotes to the mix it feels like another scam.
Al-Qaeda is plotting fresh attacks on the United States aimed at sowing death and destruction on a massive scale, CIA director Michael Hayden warned yesterday
"Our analysts assess with high confidence that al-Qaeda's central leadership is planning high-impact plots against the American homeland," Mr. Hayden told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York
He said the CIA would use "every inch we're given" by the U.S. government to wage the "war on terror" and hunt down militants.
Warning of 'mass casualties' comes as bin Laden tells Americans to end war by 'embracing Islam'
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=f0b3b434-4395-40c7-8206-ae5dd5e789d8&k=2064
I urge you to wade through the entire transcript of "Osama"s speech. If it is Osama, he tells it like it is:
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B4D1DC75-FDEC-4516-8653-2D551838261C.htm
"I also want to bring to your attention that among the greatest reasons for the collapse of the Soviet Union was their being afflicted with their leader [Leonid] Brezhnev, who was dominated by pride and arrogance and refused to recognise the facts on the ground.
"Since the first year of Afghanistan's invasion, reports indicated that the Russians were losing the war. However, he refused to admit this so that it would not be added as a defeat in his personal history - even though refusing to acknowledge defeat not only fails to change the truth for the wise ones, but also exacerbates the problem and increases the losses.
"How similar is your situation today to their situation about two decades ago? The mistakes of Brezhnev are being committed by Bush. When asked about the date of withdrawing his troops from Iraq, he said that the withdrawal will not take place during his term, but during the term of his successor. The significance of these words is not hidden."
I realise I'm having it both ways here, but hey, that's what our propagandists are doing. The collapse of USA isn't necessarily imminent, but we are well on the way. CHANGE DIRECTION! A sharp left turn is needed.
Is this tape to justify an attack on Iran?
WAKE UP AMERICA! TIME FOR ACTION!
The fat nosed, right handed, gold wearing Osama is the image they are comparing with as proof that it is indeed Osama.
When one adds this to the selective quotes and interperetation of those quotes to the mix it feels like another scam.
Al-Qaeda is plotting fresh attacks on the United States aimed at sowing death and destruction on a massive scale, CIA director Michael Hayden warned yesterday
"Our analysts assess with high confidence that al-Qaeda's central leadership is planning high-impact plots against the American homeland," Mr. Hayden told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York
He said the CIA would use "every inch we're given" by the U.S. government to wage the "war on terror" and hunt down militants.
Warning of 'mass casualties' comes as bin Laden tells Americans to end war by 'embracing Islam'
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=f0b3b434-4395-40c7-8206-ae5dd5e789d8&k=2064
I urge you to wade through the entire transcript of "Osama"s speech. If it is Osama, he tells it like it is:
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/B4D1DC75-FDEC-4516-8653-2D551838261C.htm
"I also want to bring to your attention that among the greatest reasons for the collapse of the Soviet Union was their being afflicted with their leader [Leonid] Brezhnev, who was dominated by pride and arrogance and refused to recognise the facts on the ground.
"Since the first year of Afghanistan's invasion, reports indicated that the Russians were losing the war. However, he refused to admit this so that it would not be added as a defeat in his personal history - even though refusing to acknowledge defeat not only fails to change the truth for the wise ones, but also exacerbates the problem and increases the losses.
"How similar is your situation today to their situation about two decades ago? The mistakes of Brezhnev are being committed by Bush. When asked about the date of withdrawing his troops from Iraq, he said that the withdrawal will not take place during his term, but during the term of his successor. The significance of these words is not hidden."
I realise I'm having it both ways here, but hey, that's what our propagandists are doing. The collapse of USA isn't necessarily imminent, but we are well on the way. CHANGE DIRECTION! A sharp left turn is needed.
Is this tape to justify an attack on Iran?
WAKE UP AMERICA! TIME FOR ACTION!
UPDATE!..................
The parts where Osama refers to current events is stills only.
Friday, September 07, 2007
War is not a game for vengeance and pride
Once again, the tiresome argument that it's somehow our obligation to finish what our soldiers fought hard in no matter the cost, is being bandied about. This time by some group called Freedoms Watch. They play to emotion, putting out the sympathetic image of wounded veterans, reminding us of their sacrifices, and then telling us wars should be continued for the reasons typically given by some on the right; they also appear to be blaming Iraq for 9/11. It's the usual bull. I agree with providing medical care to these soldiers, and I am thankful for their bravery, but we shouldn't fight wars in the name of their sacrifices, that's foolish and deadly.
Correction made: Freedom's Watch is the name of the group, not Freedom Watch.
Correction made: Freedom's Watch is the name of the group, not Freedom Watch.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
My apologies to some here and in PalTalk
I sincerely give empathetic apologies to your apparently crack-headed bases for making false characterizations about me, thus proven by your inabilities at nuance, logic, beyond an infant's, and being unable to not assert a god like knowledge and certainty about everything. Universe forbid you say "I don't know," or use a qualifier. Sorry, too, that your obfuscatory babbles haven't worked.
Oh, and I missed you Zombie. Have you gotten SIP to comment on how I've "ruined" the Rattler yet? I don't really want to be known for that, but, hell, it is kind of nice to see my name in print.
Oh, and I missed you Zombie. Have you gotten SIP to comment on how I've "ruined" the Rattler yet? I don't really want to be known for that, but, hell, it is kind of nice to see my name in print.
JOKE EXPOSES SECURITY FLAWS
This reveals the ludicrous nature of the intense security in place for our DEAR LEADERS. (It's also very Australian in that it "sticks it up" authority)
They eventually stopped just 10m from the InterContinental Hotel where US President George W. Bush is staying but only after Licciardello jumped from a black limousine dressed as al-Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden.
10 metres!!! ..They were only detected when they realised they had gone way further than they expected to be able to, and tried to turn around. What a fucking joke! Their "insecurity" passes declared it was a joke, but NOBODY checked them!
NUKES NO ERROR
A B-52 landing at Barksdale is a non-event. A B-52 landing with nukes. That is something else.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/5/163835/2472?source=cmaile
The missiles transported across USA (see previous post, LOOSE CANNONS) appear to be destined for the middle east. This story is just beginning.
IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Minot Air Force Base officials say an airman from the base has died while on leave in Virginia.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=7064858&nav=S6aK
and here is a more detailed background of the flight.
http://www.thebulletin.org/columns/pavel-podvig/20070913.html
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/9/5/163835/2472?source=cmaile
The missiles transported across USA (see previous post, LOOSE CANNONS) appear to be destined for the middle east. This story is just beginning.
IMPORTANT UPDATE!
Minot Air Force Base officials say an airman from the base has died while on leave in Virginia.
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=7064858&nav=S6aK
and here is a more detailed background of the flight.
http://www.thebulletin.org/columns/pavel-podvig/20070913.html
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Suppose Iran really is a threat, even an imminent one
Then Bush's severe lack of credibility, thanks in no small part to his smug incompetence, has put the world at risk.
I really don't know if Iran is a threat, but I do know that fouling up in Iraq doesn't prove Iran isn't, but it does beg the question, what fools would gladly trust him to deal with Iran?
I really don't know if Iran is a threat, but I do know that fouling up in Iraq doesn't prove Iran isn't, but it does beg the question, what fools would gladly trust him to deal with Iran?
LOOSE CANNON
An Air Force squadron commander has been relieved of his command after five nuclear weapons were mistakenly loaded aboard a B-52 bomber and flown cross-country last week.
Incompetence of the first order. The fact that this was even possible exposes the madness this militarised world allows.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
THE DECIDER PLOTS
THE Pentagon has drawn up plans for massive airstrikes against 1,200 targets in Iran, designed to annihilate the Iranians’ military capability in three days, according to a national security expert.
President George Bush intensified the rhetoric against Iran last week, accusing Tehran of putting the Middle East “under the shadow of a nuclear holocaust”. He warned that the US and its allies would confront Iran “before it is too late”.
Israel, which has warned it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, has made its own preparations for airstrikes and is said to be ready to attack if the Americans back down.
Read the whole sad story.
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