[update: from Allah: “Rumsfeld heckled … by wacko conspiracy theorist Ray McGovern”; meanwhile, Rick Moran notes that Rumsfeld lied while on the spot yesterday, something Rick finds ironic, insofar as he believes Rumsfeld was lying about telling the truth (as he believed it back in 2003). Rick goes on to suggest that the troop levels in Iraq are another mistake Rumsfeld should admit to—but on that account we disagree: the
December 30, 2005
2006 Predictions
RedState has gathered together several sets of predictions for 2006. Three words, friends: Fear the crickets.
December 30, 2005
“Emanations and penumbras: a quasi-objective correlative” (from the protein wisdom conceptual series)
Her: “So, would you like to maybe come inside for some coffee or a glass of wine or something?” Him: “Well, only if what you really mean is that we’ll be bumpin’ uglies inside a half hour. Otherwise, I’d just as soon try to make it home in time for SportsCenter.”
December 29, 2005
“The First Amendment does not demand a wall of separation between church and state.”
This seems fairly significant. Apologies to those of you already familiar with the particulars of the decision. From the First Amendment Center, “6th Circuit upholds Ky. Ten Commandments display”: A federal appeals court ruled today that a Kentucky courthouse can keep its display of the Ten Commandments because other historic documents also are included. The ruling by a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds a
December 29, 2005
Another moment of unabashed pragmatism
Sure, I could write a post on Bahraini feminists, or the destructive sense of entitlement we’ve instilled in our moronic kids—but then, I could head to Best Buy and burn the cash I have left on my gift card, instead. And be honest now. What would you do? **** (h/t Allah) **** update: spent way too much on noir DVDs. If any of you were planning on hitting my tip
December 29, 2005
Profiles in (dis)courage
From ABC News: Security screeners at 40 major airports across the country will be trained next year to use casual conversation to flush out possible terrorists. The Transportation Security Administration will first teach screeners what suspicious behaviors to look for in travelers. These can include nervousness, wearing a big coat in the summer or reluctance to make eye contact with law enforcement. Then, the screener will quiz passengers on their
December 29, 2005
The Politics of Intel, redux
Much has been made of the Rasmussen poll on NSA surveillance I cited yesterday — from the timing of the poll (which, because polling was done over the holidays, would tend to hurt Republicans) to the absence of the word “warrantless,” which formulation would’ve advanced the New York Times and attendant media’s framing of issue moreso than the NSA / Bush framing (on which more to follow). Reaction on many
December 29, 2005
The Politics of Intel
For those who haven’t yet seen it, here are the first set of the Rasmussen poll results regarding the NSA domestic “spying” story: Sixty-four percent (64%) of Americans believe the National Security Agency (NSA) should be allowed to intercept telephone conversations between terrorism suspects in other countries and people living in the United States. A Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 23% disagree. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of Americans say they
December 28, 2005
It’s a libertarian!
Congrats to Steve and Melissa Green on the birth of their son, Preston Davis. Wonderful times ahead—though the first few months will feel a bit like SEAL training. Which is why you’ll want to make sure John McCain knows that your sleep deprivation is by choice. Otherwise, Preston could be brought up on torture charges before he turns two months.
December 28, 2005
Ted Kennedy visits a DC McDonald’s drive-thru
Kennedy: “Yes, I’d like two Big Macs, large fries, and a large Diet Pepsi.” Drive-thru employee: “Super-sized, right?” Kennedy: “Of course.” Kennedy: “…Wait, how did you –? Kennedy: “– Okay, LET ME SEE YOUR FISA WARRANT, DRIVE-THRU GUY. NOW!”