When Saddam was captured, Bush's approval ratings went up. Beyond some empty psychological need for closure, that favor was groundless. There is little evidence that Saddam was the mastermind behind the attacks on American soldiers. Indeed, American troops in Iraq continue to be killed every day.
I've really been wrestling with the war because Saddam was a horrible leader who deserved what he got. But the reconstruction has been a botched affair from the beginning.
Remember that $87 billion reconstruction plan for Iraq? The administration would like you to forget that its original estimate back in April was only $1.7 billion. That was the number given by the director of USAID (the federal agency principally in charge of foreign assistance) in an interview with Ted Koppel. USAID recently removed that transcript from its website.
Yet Paul Wolfowitz and others in the Bush administration can't acknowledge the mistake. They doggedly repeat that regime change needed to happen without addressing the fact that they were hugely wrong about the difficulties of reconstruction.
Friday, December 26, 2003
Monday, December 22, 2003
Warheads Roasting on an Open Fire
Probably the most interesting piece of literature put out by a federal agency was released today by the Washington Post.
This little Christmas ditty was written by the singing group at the the State Department's Bureau of Arms Control and International Security.
Sung to the tune of "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" is the State Department's own, "Coping With a Nuclear Iran."
Note: Natanz is the site Iran is building to process highly enriched uranium (HEU) for bombs or low-enriched uranium for nuclear energy. DPRK is the lunatic Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
In Natanz, they're enriching,
As their story keeps switching,
Each day something new,
Like lost HEU,
Coping with a nuclear Iran.
Do they need centrifuges?
Do they think we're just stooges?
They're going the way
Of DPRK,
Coping with a nuclear Iran.
Let's go to the IAEA chairman,
If it seems the board might let us down,
Are they in compliance? He'll say, 'No, Man!
But no one wants to say that in this town!'
We convinced some friendly nations
To report the violations,
But that didn't fly
With ElBaradei,
Coping with a nuclear Iran.
This little Christmas ditty was written by the singing group at the the State Department's Bureau of Arms Control and International Security.
Sung to the tune of "Walking in a Winter Wonderland" is the State Department's own, "Coping With a Nuclear Iran."
Note: Natanz is the site Iran is building to process highly enriched uranium (HEU) for bombs or low-enriched uranium for nuclear energy. DPRK is the lunatic Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea).
In Natanz, they're enriching,
As their story keeps switching,
Each day something new,
Like lost HEU,
Coping with a nuclear Iran.
Do they need centrifuges?
Do they think we're just stooges?
They're going the way
Of DPRK,
Coping with a nuclear Iran.
Let's go to the IAEA chairman,
If it seems the board might let us down,
Are they in compliance? He'll say, 'No, Man!
But no one wants to say that in this town!'
We convinced some friendly nations
To report the violations,
But that didn't fly
With ElBaradei,
Coping with a nuclear Iran.
Sunday, December 21, 2003
Redemption the Congressional Way
$225,000 to fix a pool in Sparks, Nevada. That's one Congressman's idea of setting this country right for fiscal year 2004. Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-NV) stuck on the item in the Omnibus Spending Bill because he's felt guilty ever since he clogged the pool up with tadpoles when he was ten.
Perhaps Rep. Gibbons has forgotten that most children in Iraq don't even have running water.
The most revolting part of the appropriations process is how individual congressmen dole out funding to frivolous pet projects. Instead of asking federal agencies or local governments to award grant money in a competitive process, Congress bypasses that process and gives money out to grant seekers who have the most effective lobbyist or someone else to curry a Congressman's favor. If the Senate approves the bill in January, total spending on these little critters will total about $23 billion.
Perhaps Rep. Gibbons has forgotten that most children in Iraq don't even have running water.
The most revolting part of the appropriations process is how individual congressmen dole out funding to frivolous pet projects. Instead of asking federal agencies or local governments to award grant money in a competitive process, Congress bypasses that process and gives money out to grant seekers who have the most effective lobbyist or someone else to curry a Congressman's favor. If the Senate approves the bill in January, total spending on these little critters will total about $23 billion.
Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Kidneys, 50% off!
This Christmas season, buy the gift that keeps giving: an organ.
Unfortunately you can't. Almost every country in the world prohibits the sale of transplant organs.
Early this month, police in South Africa and Brazil arrested people who ran voluntary organ markets where mostly poor individuals sold their kidneys for around $10,000. No small pittance. Even the police noted that the poor could "probably buy a house or a small business with that money."
This just doesn't make sense. In the United States, there are around 83,000 people who are in need of kidney transplants. Yet while women can sell their eggs and men can sell their sperm, we will not permit the creation of an incentive for potential organ suppliers. If a procedure involves a serious inconvenience and entails some health risks, all the more reason we should pay people for the trouble.
Unfortunately you can't. Almost every country in the world prohibits the sale of transplant organs.
Early this month, police in South Africa and Brazil arrested people who ran voluntary organ markets where mostly poor individuals sold their kidneys for around $10,000. No small pittance. Even the police noted that the poor could "probably buy a house or a small business with that money."
This just doesn't make sense. In the United States, there are around 83,000 people who are in need of kidney transplants. Yet while women can sell their eggs and men can sell their sperm, we will not permit the creation of an incentive for potential organ suppliers. If a procedure involves a serious inconvenience and entails some health risks, all the more reason we should pay people for the trouble.
Keep Your Eye on the Prize
Financing: France and Germany Join U.S. in Effort to Reduce Iraq’s Debt
Despite the US snub to exclude France and Germany from reconstruction bids, both EU countries have agreed to excuse a substantial portion of Iraqi debt. Thankfully, France and Germany have Iraq's welfare in mind and not political vendettas as the Bush administration does.
On another note, an NYT op-ed from a terrorist expert at the RAND corporation notes that, "In the end, Qaeda's real interest in Iraq has been to exploit the occupation as a propaganda and recruitment tool for the global jihadist cause." With great footage of American soliders firing at Iraqi civilians and destroying homes, Al-Qaeda won't have to do much to get others riled up. The US certainly cannot leave Iraq in its current condition of political and social instability but Bush isn't helping by banning bids from Europe's top economies.
Despite the US snub to exclude France and Germany from reconstruction bids, both EU countries have agreed to excuse a substantial portion of Iraqi debt. Thankfully, France and Germany have Iraq's welfare in mind and not political vendettas as the Bush administration does.
On another note, an NYT op-ed from a terrorist expert at the RAND corporation notes that, "In the end, Qaeda's real interest in Iraq has been to exploit the occupation as a propaganda and recruitment tool for the global jihadist cause." With great footage of American soliders firing at Iraqi civilians and destroying homes, Al-Qaeda won't have to do much to get others riled up. The US certainly cannot leave Iraq in its current condition of political and social instability but Bush isn't helping by banning bids from Europe's top economies.
Tuesday, December 16, 2003
Dildolicious
If I ever became a legislator, my first priority would be get rid of the stupid laws that came from our more paternalistic past. I don't care if they're not enforced anymore. 1) They make it more confusing for your average joe to know what the law is if he has to look up court history. 2) Simply having the laws on the books gives an opportunity for wacko bored enforcement officers to harass people.
Case in point: Texas' criminal law on selling vibrators. Police in Cleburne, Texas arrested a Texas woman for the horrible offense of the intent to promote the use of "obscene articles."
Here's an excerpt from a court opinion on this statute:
CURTISS BROWN, Justice, concurring.
Here we go raising the price of dildos again. Since this appears to be the law in Texas I must concur.
Regalado v. State, 872 S.W.2d 7 (1994).
Via The Volokh Conspiracy and Instapundit.
Case in point: Texas' criminal law on selling vibrators. Police in Cleburne, Texas arrested a Texas woman for the horrible offense of the intent to promote the use of "obscene articles."
Here's an excerpt from a court opinion on this statute:
CURTISS BROWN, Justice, concurring.
Here we go raising the price of dildos again. Since this appears to be the law in Texas I must concur.
Regalado v. State, 872 S.W.2d 7 (1994).
Via The Volokh Conspiracy and Instapundit.
Washout
My law school has a shuttle to take you to Union Station, a long 5-minute walk away. I always thought it was ridiculous.
Perhaps not.
Washington DC has the 5th highest violent crime rate in the country (Detroit was first).
In theory, DC has home rule but any of the city's legislation can be rejected by Congress. This past summer Congress vetoed DC's commuter tax which would have given the city at least $500 million in revenue. About 70% of DC's workforce is from the suburbs. Congress can even pass laws for the city, for example the school voucher bill that the Senate will vote on in January. How is the federal government going to increase national security when it can't even help get rid of the average mugger?
On another note: New York was the nation's safest big city.
Perhaps not.
Washington DC has the 5th highest violent crime rate in the country (Detroit was first).
In theory, DC has home rule but any of the city's legislation can be rejected by Congress. This past summer Congress vetoed DC's commuter tax which would have given the city at least $500 million in revenue. About 70% of DC's workforce is from the suburbs. Congress can even pass laws for the city, for example the school voucher bill that the Senate will vote on in January. How is the federal government going to increase national security when it can't even help get rid of the average mugger?
On another note: New York was the nation's safest big city.
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Get That Man a TV
Give the homeless a posh pad and they'll want a job.
At least that's what the Doe Fund thinks.
The non-profit fund responsible for the "Ready, Willing and Able" work program for homeless men will be running the new 400-bed shelter in Brooklyn. The shelter will cost the city about $8 million dollars a year to run, or about $20,000 per bed. But with the Doe Fund buying 36-inch flat screen TVs, I would seriously question its ability to spend the money wisely.
At least that's what the Doe Fund thinks.
The non-profit fund responsible for the "Ready, Willing and Able" work program for homeless men will be running the new 400-bed shelter in Brooklyn. The shelter will cost the city about $8 million dollars a year to run, or about $20,000 per bed. But with the Doe Fund buying 36-inch flat screen TVs, I would seriously question its ability to spend the money wisely.
Friday, December 05, 2003
Hard Up for Endorsements?
Part of the reason why I want a third party is to have more provocative debates about policy. The other reason is because most presidential campaigns are downright boring. At least with local mayoral campaigns, for example Baltimore's in 2001, you get the ex-felon, the councilman with twenty unpaid traffic tickets...etc.
But this year, Kucinich has very kindly filled in the kooky candidate spot.
Please witness for the first time ever, an endorsement for the next president of 2004 by Grandfather Twilight and the "creatures of the forest."
Via Joanne McNeill.
But this year, Kucinich has very kindly filled in the kooky candidate spot.
Please witness for the first time ever, an endorsement for the next president of 2004 by Grandfather Twilight and the "creatures of the forest."
Via Joanne McNeill.
Steel This Album...
No more.
Bush has actually ended steel tariffs.
Wow.
Although before we give him too much credit, Europe had threatened sanctions against citrus products if Bush didn't budge. And a certain key election state would have been very unhappy about that.
Steel tariffs were an abominable dole out to the American steel industry by all of us, who were denied the option to buy cheaper foreign steel because of US-imposed tariffs.
Via Lawrence Lessig's blog.
Bush has actually ended steel tariffs.
Wow.
Although before we give him too much credit, Europe had threatened sanctions against citrus products if Bush didn't budge. And a certain key election state would have been very unhappy about that.
Steel tariffs were an abominable dole out to the American steel industry by all of us, who were denied the option to buy cheaper foreign steel because of US-imposed tariffs.
Via Lawrence Lessig's blog.
Wednesday, December 03, 2003
Did He Say the M-word?
An Oklamhoma congressman wants to punish the DC Metro for allowing an ad that read, "Enjoy Better Sex. Legalize and Tax Marijuana." Rep. Ernest Isotook Jr. (R-OK) would like to knock off about $92,000 from Metro funding next year for Metro's promotion of "illegal activity."
Hmm, I didn't know legalization or taxation was illegal.
Snide comments aside, Metro, a government entity, cannot censor or reject a message simply because it's controversial. In this case, Metro didn't charge anything for the ad because of its policy of providing free space to nonprofit groups for public service announcements. Perhaps that policy should be changed. But if Isotook gets his way, Metro's removal of the ad could cost thousands of dollars in litigation once the ACLU rightfully charges Metro with a violation of the First Amendment. No taxpayer should have to subsidize the frivolous sensitivities of a congressman or anyone for that matter. While the government doesn't need to give space away, it absolutely cannot prohibit free speech --even if it's to promote better sex.
Hmm, I didn't know legalization or taxation was illegal.
Snide comments aside, Metro, a government entity, cannot censor or reject a message simply because it's controversial. In this case, Metro didn't charge anything for the ad because of its policy of providing free space to nonprofit groups for public service announcements. Perhaps that policy should be changed. But if Isotook gets his way, Metro's removal of the ad could cost thousands of dollars in litigation once the ACLU rightfully charges Metro with a violation of the First Amendment. No taxpayer should have to subsidize the frivolous sensitivities of a congressman or anyone for that matter. While the government doesn't need to give space away, it absolutely cannot prohibit free speech --even if it's to promote better sex.
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
"No Way to Make Friends"
Criticism of Bush's ineptitude in foreign diplomacy often gets brushed aside as just a stylistic difference or sometimes even flipped around as a good thing: that his bumbling is the sign of a genuine guy. But there's really more to Bush's ignorance of foreign issues than just a slip of "the nation of Africa."
Newsweek editor, Fareed Zakaria, compares Bush's appearances abroad to Chinese president Hu Jintao's. In Australia, the two made back to back visits. Between the leader of a totalitarian communist country and the leader of a country that stands for freedom and capitalism, who got the standing ovation from the Australian Parliament? Not us.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Thailand, Hu was similarly loved and Bush hated. Zakaria quotes one Malaysian writer, who explains it best: "Bush came to an economic group [APEC] and talked obsessively about terror. He sees all of us through that one prism. Yes, we worry about terror, but frankly that's not the sum of our lives. We have many other problems...We're trying to address health, social and environmental problems. Hu talked about all this; he talked about our agenda, not just his agenda."
If Bush is so obsessed with making the US look strong, he certainly doesn't accomplish that goal with confronting each country as a possible terrorist haven. In fact, the US looks paranoid. The true sign of a nation's strength is its ability to concern itself with more than just survival.
Newsweek editor, Fareed Zakaria, compares Bush's appearances abroad to Chinese president Hu Jintao's. In Australia, the two made back to back visits. Between the leader of a totalitarian communist country and the leader of a country that stands for freedom and capitalism, who got the standing ovation from the Australian Parliament? Not us.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Thailand, Hu was similarly loved and Bush hated. Zakaria quotes one Malaysian writer, who explains it best: "Bush came to an economic group [APEC] and talked obsessively about terror. He sees all of us through that one prism. Yes, we worry about terror, but frankly that's not the sum of our lives. We have many other problems...We're trying to address health, social and environmental problems. Hu talked about all this; he talked about our agenda, not just his agenda."
If Bush is so obsessed with making the US look strong, he certainly doesn't accomplish that goal with confronting each country as a possible terrorist haven. In fact, the US looks paranoid. The true sign of a nation's strength is its ability to concern itself with more than just survival.
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