"North Korea is believed to have several nuclear warheads that could be mounted on a missile" (FNC). However, it is not yet known if North Korea possesses the technology and knowledge required to mount the five to eight warheads on the missiles.
Although I said I thought Iran was more stable than North Korea in terms of using nuclear warheads against another country, I'm not sure if it counts if Iran is aiding North Korea. "Missile experts from Iran are in North Korea to help Pyongyang prepare for its rocket launch" (FNC). "Japan's Sankei Shimbun newspaper declared [Sunday] a 15-strong delegation from Tehran has been in the country advising the North Koreans since the beginning of March.
Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud "claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly assault on a Pakistani police academy and said the group was planning a terrorist attack on the U.S. capital" (FNC). Via phone, Mehsud told AP, "'Soon we will launch an attack on Washington that will amaze everyone in the world" (FNC). Mehsud also is undeterred by the $5 million bounty on his head. In fact, he wishes "'to die and embrace martyrdom'" (FNC).
It's a good thing we're not at war anymore. Otherwise, we'd probably have reason to worry about this!
31 March 2009
Miracle in Massachussetts
Forty-five-year-old Robert Lemire, father of two, "was talking on his cell phone Sunday evening outside a pizza shop in Lawrence, about 25 miles north of Boston, when he saw [a] toddler dangling from a window across the street. He "bolted across a busy street, where he met 23-year-old Alex Day, who had been inside the home at a Bible study meeting. Together, they caught the 18-month-old before she hit the ground" (MSNBC). The two men are now being hailed as heroes by police.
Can you imagine what would have happened if Lemire wasn't talking on his phone at the time, or if he hadn't looked up? And what if Day would have just continued with his Bible study? God is good.
Positive stories will now be listed under the label "Happy News" until I can think of something less ridiculous. However, if you follow me on Twitter, I typically label positive stories as either "happy news" or with smiley faces.
Can you imagine what would have happened if Lemire wasn't talking on his phone at the time, or if he hadn't looked up? And what if Day would have just continued with his Bible study? God is good.
Positive stories will now be listed under the label "Happy News" until I can think of something less ridiculous. However, if you follow me on Twitter, I typically label positive stories as either "happy news" or with smiley faces.
30 March 2009
Overseas Contingency Plan
If the "War on Terror" has been replaced with "Overseas Contingency Plan," does that mean that we are no longer at war?
I walked into my dorm this evening to find Glenn Beck on the tv. I didn't turn it on. My roommate did.
"The U.S. deployed two missile-interceptor ships from South Korea" (FNC) today. "The ships are equipped with Aegis radar, a system that enables the vessels to locate, track and shoot down missles." However, "Washington's defense chief said the U.S. won't try to shoot it down."
I walked into my dorm this evening to find Glenn Beck on the tv. I didn't turn it on. My roommate did.
"The U.S. deployed two missile-interceptor ships from South Korea" (FNC) today. "The ships are equipped with Aegis radar, a system that enables the vessels to locate, track and shoot down missles." However, "Washington's defense chief said the U.S. won't try to shoot it down."
27 March 2009
Richardson's Death Saves Girl
Last night my roommate and I watched "V for Vendetta." In one scene, amidst the chaos the terrorist/freedom fighter V has caused, Chancellor Sutler angrily declares, "What we need right now is a clear message to the people of this country. This message must be read in every newspaper, heard on every radio, seen on every television. I want this country to realize that we stand on the edge of oblivion. I want everyone to remember why they need us!" Immediately thereafter, the media is filled with stories of anarchy and chaos from across the globe.
My roommate and I looked at each other and agreed that "V for Vendetta" is entirely too close to reality for our liking. It seems that every time I check the news, there are more depressing stories than positive ones. I can count on two hands the number of devastating plane crash stories I've heard in the year 2009 alone.
In light of all of the depressing news, I've decided to post about happy stories, too.
I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, even if the reason is not immediately apparent to us. Natasha Richardon's untimely death on March 18 created quite a stir -- and it's a good thing it did. Seven-year-old Morgan McCracken of Ohio "was hit in the head with a baseball during a game with her dad and brother in the family backyard" (MSN). Morgan's parents iced her head and afterwards, she seemed perfectly fine. However, "Morgan's mom and dad . . . learned of Natasha Richardson's accident . . . and wondered if their daughter was truly OK following the baseball accident. . . . That night, Morgan began complaining of a headache, so the family ventured out to the emergency room. Morgan was in such bad shape by the time they got there that she had to be transferred to a children's hospital by helicopter, where she was immediately taken into surgery. . . . The McCrackens learned there that Morgan had the same injury that Natasha Richardson had died of" (MSN). Her parents were told by their doctor that, if they "'hadn't brought [Morgan] in Thursday night, she never would have woken up'" (MSN). Morgan is reportedly doing fine and recovering from her surgery.
My roommate and I looked at each other and agreed that "V for Vendetta" is entirely too close to reality for our liking. It seems that every time I check the news, there are more depressing stories than positive ones. I can count on two hands the number of devastating plane crash stories I've heard in the year 2009 alone.
In light of all of the depressing news, I've decided to post about happy stories, too.
I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, even if the reason is not immediately apparent to us. Natasha Richardon's untimely death on March 18 created quite a stir -- and it's a good thing it did. Seven-year-old Morgan McCracken of Ohio "was hit in the head with a baseball during a game with her dad and brother in the family backyard" (MSN). Morgan's parents iced her head and afterwards, she seemed perfectly fine. However, "Morgan's mom and dad . . . learned of Natasha Richardson's accident . . . and wondered if their daughter was truly OK following the baseball accident. . . . That night, Morgan began complaining of a headache, so the family ventured out to the emergency room. Morgan was in such bad shape by the time they got there that she had to be transferred to a children's hospital by helicopter, where she was immediately taken into surgery. . . . The McCrackens learned there that Morgan had the same injury that Natasha Richardson had died of" (MSN). Her parents were told by their doctor that, if they "'hadn't brought [Morgan] in Thursday night, she never would have woken up'" (MSN). Morgan is reportedly doing fine and recovering from her surgery.
GIVE & North Korea
I've been searching for a summer job. I've looked into American Eagle and other such stores, but I wanted something a bit different. And then my aunt told me about AmeriCorps, which would not only pay me about $3,000 for the summer, but would also add $1,250 for school. Just what is AmeriCorps?
Americorps, under a "major national service bill" (FNC) that was passed yesterday, has been tripled "despite concerns from some conservatives that it could allow politically charged groups to benefit from extra funding" (FNC). AmeriCorps will grow from 75,000 positions to 250,000, and "is expected to cost $6 billion over five years" (FNC). "The package, called the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or GIVE Act, encourages a broad range of Americans to give back to their communities. It would create five groups to help poor people, improve education, encourage energy efficiency, strengthen access to health care and assist veterans" (FNC). According to Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson, "This is a bad deal for taxpayers, and there will be no way to enforce any prohibitions on the use of the funds once the money is in the coffers of the political organizations" (FNC). And although the act "prohibits participants from lobbying or organizing protests or engaging in other political activity . . . ALG argued that government money could still end up funding those activities" (FNC). Participants are prohibited from political activism? There once was a time when political activism was viewed as a good thing.
Japan has approved the deployment of an interceptor force in response to any debris that may fall on Japanese territory following North Korea's communications satellite launch on April 4-8. "North Korea has warned that it will retaliate against any country attempting to intercept the satellite" (FNC). "Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura called for calm and promised to inform the public as soon as North Korea launches the rocket, adding it's unlikely to fall on Japan's territory" (FNC). If North Korea pursues the launch, it would constitute a "breach of a U.N. Security Council resolution barring the country from any ballistic activity" (FNC). Japan also has currently imposed sanctions on North Korea, which will expire April 13.
Although I've never done any research on North Korea, I've done research on the Iran and it's nuclear program/goals. And quite frankly, I feel that North Korea poses more of a threat than Iran does.
Americorps, under a "major national service bill" (FNC) that was passed yesterday, has been tripled "despite concerns from some conservatives that it could allow politically charged groups to benefit from extra funding" (FNC). AmeriCorps will grow from 75,000 positions to 250,000, and "is expected to cost $6 billion over five years" (FNC). "The package, called the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, or GIVE Act, encourages a broad range of Americans to give back to their communities. It would create five groups to help poor people, improve education, encourage energy efficiency, strengthen access to health care and assist veterans" (FNC). According to Americans for Limited Government President Bill Wilson, "This is a bad deal for taxpayers, and there will be no way to enforce any prohibitions on the use of the funds once the money is in the coffers of the political organizations" (FNC). And although the act "prohibits participants from lobbying or organizing protests or engaging in other political activity . . . ALG argued that government money could still end up funding those activities" (FNC). Participants are prohibited from political activism? There once was a time when political activism was viewed as a good thing.
Japan has approved the deployment of an interceptor force in response to any debris that may fall on Japanese territory following North Korea's communications satellite launch on April 4-8. "North Korea has warned that it will retaliate against any country attempting to intercept the satellite" (FNC). "Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura called for calm and promised to inform the public as soon as North Korea launches the rocket, adding it's unlikely to fall on Japan's territory" (FNC). If North Korea pursues the launch, it would constitute a "breach of a U.N. Security Council resolution barring the country from any ballistic activity" (FNC). Japan also has currently imposed sanctions on North Korea, which will expire April 13.
Although I've never done any research on North Korea, I've done research on the Iran and it's nuclear program/goals. And quite frankly, I feel that North Korea poses more of a threat than Iran does.
26 March 2009
Mandatory Volunteerism
American Thinker has posted more on HR1388. The text of the bill really is quite terrifying, and it's a shame that few people actually know about it. I was unaware of it until I noticed it on Gateway Pundit. So just imagine how many college students don't spend their evenings reading various political blogs and news sites (quick answer: a lot/those with social lives/those who don't procrastinate). But I bit the bullet and read through it, anyway.
SEC. 1508. AUTHORIZED BENEFITS FOR CORPS MEMBERS.
Section 158 (42 U.S.C. 12618) is amended--
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking 'Clothing' and inserting 'Uniforms'; and
. . . "uniforms?" Will members of the Corps be identified with chevrons and bars and stars?
Parents and legal guardians also have parts to play!
SEC. 1604. RESOLUTION OF DISPLACEMENT COMPLAINTS.
'(f) Parental Involvement-
'(1) IN GENERAL- Programs that receive assistance under the national service laws shall consult with the parents or legal guardians of children in developing and operating programs that include and serve children.
'(2) PARENTAL PERMISSION- Programs that receive assistance under the national service laws shall, consistent with the State law, before transporting minor children, provide the reason for and obtain written permission of the children's parents.'.
"We're dragging your kid off to build a ditch because it serves the community and builds character!" I can already imagine kids turning those When-I-was-your-age-I-walked-a-mile-to-school-in-three-feet-of-snow-during-a-raging-blizzard stories on their parents (or maybe grandparents). "I built a dam before I learned algebra!" Actually, considering the fact that kindergarten has become more like school and less like nap time, the kid would probably learn algebra while he's building the dam.
There is also a "State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer and Paid Service" which will "include . . . recommendations for . . . how to best tap the population of members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults as sources of social capital."
Yes, let's tap the population and use my parents as sources of social capital.
SEC. 1704. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
'(12) bolster the public awareness of and recruitment efforts for the wide range of service opportunities for citizens of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, through a variety of methods, including--
[lists seven types of media]
'(18) where practicable, provide application materials in languages other than English for those with limited English proficiency who wish to participate in a national service program;
I'd suggest we start growing Victory Gardens, but I've recently heard that the government wants to end private gardens and the like because food might be unsafe. Let's hear it for irradiated vegetables!
If people can't fill out an application in English, how are they expected to communicate with their coworkers? I thought this was about community service and serving the nation and forming bonds and bridges and filling gaps. Speaking the same language fills at least one gap.
'(F) how to improve utilization of veterans as resources and volunteers.
Haven't they already served their country? Especially the baby boomers this act mentions rather frequently (especially in the National Senior Service Corps!).
Also, "Not less than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall conduct a nationwide 'Call to Service' campaign, to encourage all people of the United States, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status, to engage in full- or part-time national service, long- or short-term public service in the nonprofit sector or government, or volunteering. In conducting the campaign, the Corporation may collaborate with other Federal agencies and entities, State Commissions, Governors, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, businesses, institutions of higher education, elementary schools, and secondary schools."
A "Call to Service?" That sounds more like a slogan the military would implement.
Also, I don't understand why the Corporation should be able to work with faith-based organizations, since "engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as aprt of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization" is listed under "'SEC. 125. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS."
Thankfully, they're repealing military installation conversion demonstration programs. If they included that, we might as well just enlist. Not only would it be the honorable thing to do, but I'd be serving the helpless. Not people who don't help themselves.
Sec. 198E refers to the National Service Reserve Corps. Sort of like the Reserves and the Marine Corps stuck together with some sort of national service. It sounds almost militant. Or maybe I'm just nitpicking. The National Service Reserve Corps will "prepare and deploy National Service Reserve Corps." For example, members will be deployed on "30-day assignments to assist with local needs related to preparing or recovering from the incident in the affected area," in relation to a "major disaster or emergency."
'(c) Certification of Organizations-
'(1) On a biannual basis, the Corporation shall certify organizations with demonstrated experience in responding to disasters, including through using volunteers, for participation in the program under this section.
'(2) The Corporation shall ensure that every certified organization is--
'(A) prepared to respond to major disasters or emergencies;
'(B) prepared and able to utilize National Service Reserve Members in responding; and
'(C) willing to respond in a timely manner when notified by the Corporation of a disaster or emergency.
I thought that's why we had the Coast Guard and the National Guard. And FEMA!
This act passed through the House of Representatives March 18th and is in the Senate.
SEC. 1508. AUTHORIZED BENEFITS FOR CORPS MEMBERS.
Section 158 (42 U.S.C. 12618) is amended--
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking 'Clothing' and inserting 'Uniforms'; and
. . . "uniforms?" Will members of the Corps be identified with chevrons and bars and stars?
Parents and legal guardians also have parts to play!
SEC. 1604. RESOLUTION OF DISPLACEMENT COMPLAINTS.
'(f) Parental Involvement-
'(1) IN GENERAL- Programs that receive assistance under the national service laws shall consult with the parents or legal guardians of children in developing and operating programs that include and serve children.
'(2) PARENTAL PERMISSION- Programs that receive assistance under the national service laws shall, consistent with the State law, before transporting minor children, provide the reason for and obtain written permission of the children's parents.'.
"We're dragging your kid off to build a ditch because it serves the community and builds character!" I can already imagine kids turning those When-I-was-your-age-I-walked-a-mile-to-school-in-three-feet-of-snow-during-a-raging-blizzard stories on their parents (or maybe grandparents). "I built a dam before I learned algebra!" Actually, considering the fact that kindergarten has become more like school and less like nap time, the kid would probably learn algebra while he's building the dam.
There is also a "State Plan for Baby Boomer and Older Adult Volunteer and Paid Service" which will "include . . . recommendations for . . . how to best tap the population of members of the Baby Boom generation and older adults as sources of social capital."
Yes, let's tap the population and use my parents as sources of social capital.
SEC. 1704. AUTHORITIES AND DUTIES OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
'(12) bolster the public awareness of and recruitment efforts for the wide range of service opportunities for citizens of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, through a variety of methods, including--
[lists seven types of media]
'(18) where practicable, provide application materials in languages other than English for those with limited English proficiency who wish to participate in a national service program;
I'd suggest we start growing Victory Gardens, but I've recently heard that the government wants to end private gardens and the like because food might be unsafe. Let's hear it for irradiated vegetables!
If people can't fill out an application in English, how are they expected to communicate with their coworkers? I thought this was about community service and serving the nation and forming bonds and bridges and filling gaps. Speaking the same language fills at least one gap.
'(F) how to improve utilization of veterans as resources and volunteers.
Haven't they already served their country? Especially the baby boomers this act mentions rather frequently (especially in the National Senior Service Corps!).
Also, "Not less than 180 days after enactment of this Act, the Corporation shall conduct a nationwide 'Call to Service' campaign, to encourage all people of the United States, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status, to engage in full- or part-time national service, long- or short-term public service in the nonprofit sector or government, or volunteering. In conducting the campaign, the Corporation may collaborate with other Federal agencies and entities, State Commissions, Governors, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, businesses, institutions of higher education, elementary schools, and secondary schools."
A "Call to Service?" That sounds more like a slogan the military would implement.
Also, I don't understand why the Corporation should be able to work with faith-based organizations, since "engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as aprt of a program that includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any form of religious proselytization" is listed under "'SEC. 125. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES AND INELIGIBLE ORGANIZATIONS."
Thankfully, they're repealing military installation conversion demonstration programs. If they included that, we might as well just enlist. Not only would it be the honorable thing to do, but I'd be serving the helpless. Not people who don't help themselves.
Sec. 198E refers to the National Service Reserve Corps. Sort of like the Reserves and the Marine Corps stuck together with some sort of national service. It sounds almost militant. Or maybe I'm just nitpicking. The National Service Reserve Corps will "prepare and deploy National Service Reserve Corps." For example, members will be deployed on "30-day assignments to assist with local needs related to preparing or recovering from the incident in the affected area," in relation to a "major disaster or emergency."
'(c) Certification of Organizations-
'(1) On a biannual basis, the Corporation shall certify organizations with demonstrated experience in responding to disasters, including through using volunteers, for participation in the program under this section.
'(2) The Corporation shall ensure that every certified organization is--
'(A) prepared to respond to major disasters or emergencies;
'(B) prepared and able to utilize National Service Reserve Members in responding; and
'(C) willing to respond in a timely manner when notified by the Corporation of a disaster or emergency.
I thought that's why we had the Coast Guard and the National Guard. And FEMA!
This act passed through the House of Representatives March 18th and is in the Senate.
British Politics
Do British politicians always address one another in this manner? If so, why don't American politicians address one another in this manner? A lot more people would be interested in politics, I'm sure.
Yesterday, I believe, Glenn Beck interviewed Daniel Hannan, who is a Conservative MEP for South East England, as well as a writer and journalist.
Abortion -- America's Hidden Holocaust
I recently received an e-mail regarding the plane crash in Butte earlier this week. Although I normally delete forwarded e-mails, I decided to do a little research into this particular one. It links to an article titled Family of Irving "Bud" Feldkamp, Owner of the Nation's Largest Privately Owned Abortion Chain, Dies in Montana Plane Crash.
The cemetery in which the plane crashed contains a memorial called the "Tomb of the Unborn," and is dedicated "to all babies who have died because of abortion." Feldkamp owns Family Planning Associates, of which there are seventeen in California (which also "perform more abortions in the state than any other abortion provider"). "Although Feldkamp is not an abortionist, he reaps profits of blood money from the tens of thousands of babies that are killed through abortions performed every year at the clinics he owns."
For more information on abortion and pro-life:
ProLife.com
Rock for Life
Yes, I'm biased.
I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then. -Deut. 30:19
You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there -- you saw me before I was born. - Psalms 139:13-15.
The cemetery in which the plane crashed contains a memorial called the "Tomb of the Unborn," and is dedicated "to all babies who have died because of abortion." Feldkamp owns Family Planning Associates, of which there are seventeen in California (which also "perform more abortions in the state than any other abortion provider"). "Although Feldkamp is not an abortionist, he reaps profits of blood money from the tens of thousands of babies that are killed through abortions performed every year at the clinics he owns."
For more information on abortion and pro-life:
ProLife.com
Rock for Life
Yes, I'm biased.
I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then. -Deut. 30:19
You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there -- you saw me before I was born. - Psalms 139:13-15.
The Medal of Honor
"After Army Sgt. Travis Vendela was wounded in Iraq and lost his legs, the community came together to give the soldier and his fiancee, Tiffany Black, a free $30,000 wedding in Loveland" (Military Times).
It makes me happy to know that not only do we still have a strong sense of community, willing to help others, but also that this happened to a very deserving couple, in my opinion. The Vendelas' story will be featured this week on the Discovery Health channel.
Also, this wedding cost less than a year at my college.
"The number of Medal of Honor recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can be counted on one hand. Each of the five acted spontaneously and heroically to save the lives of comrades. Each exemplified the medal's criteria of 'gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one's own life above and beyond the call of duty.' And each was killed in action or died from wounds received in action" (Military Times). It is unfortunate that "it remains to be seen whether anyone will ever again earn a Medal of Honor and survive to accept it. With the exception of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, no other major conflict in modern military history has failed to produce a living recipient of the nation's highest award for valor. And no war has ever produced so few Medal of Honor -- or service cross -- recipients" (Military Times).
I firmly believe that Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who is also mentioned in the article, was deserving of the Medal of Honor. But despite the fact that both the commandant of the Marine Corps and the secretary of the Navy approved Peralta's nomination, the Pentagon rejected it (which, according to Military Times, may be due to "Peralta's onetime status as an illegal immigrant").
Though I do not condone illegal immigration, I feel that that should have no bearing on Peralta's (or any other Medal of Honor nominee) receival of the medal. Regardless of his past, the man sacrificed his life for his fellow Marines and his country. We who have not seen war have no right to judge those who have.
It makes me happy to know that not only do we still have a strong sense of community, willing to help others, but also that this happened to a very deserving couple, in my opinion. The Vendelas' story will be featured this week on the Discovery Health channel.
Also, this wedding cost less than a year at my college.
"The number of Medal of Honor recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can be counted on one hand. Each of the five acted spontaneously and heroically to save the lives of comrades. Each exemplified the medal's criteria of 'gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of one's own life above and beyond the call of duty.' And each was killed in action or died from wounds received in action" (Military Times). It is unfortunate that "it remains to be seen whether anyone will ever again earn a Medal of Honor and survive to accept it. With the exception of the 1991 Persian Gulf War, no other major conflict in modern military history has failed to produce a living recipient of the nation's highest award for valor. And no war has ever produced so few Medal of Honor -- or service cross -- recipients" (Military Times).
I firmly believe that Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who is also mentioned in the article, was deserving of the Medal of Honor. But despite the fact that both the commandant of the Marine Corps and the secretary of the Navy approved Peralta's nomination, the Pentagon rejected it (which, according to Military Times, may be due to "Peralta's onetime status as an illegal immigrant").
Though I do not condone illegal immigration, I feel that that should have no bearing on Peralta's (or any other Medal of Honor nominee) receival of the medal. Regardless of his past, the man sacrificed his life for his fellow Marines and his country. We who have not seen war have no right to judge those who have.
Gaza as a Woman
If this highly controversial cartoon, which "a Jewish human rights group has denounced . . . as anti-Semitic, comparing it to Nazi imagery of the 1930s that led up to the Holocaust" (FNC) is permitted on display, then so too should Ahmed Mashhouri's display on Islam be permitted in Norway (I highly suggest you check it out, even if you can't read Norwegian).Since 2003, at least three U.S. soldiers have been killed by electrocution while showering. Using appliances also poses a threat. In response, "the military is racing to inspect more than 90,000 U.S.-run facilities across Iraq" FNC). "About one-third of the inspections so far have turned up major electrical problems . . . but about 65,000 facilities still need to be inspected" (FNC).
Ninety-thousand facilities? Were these constructed haphazardly? Shouldn't the safety of our soldiers come first? This is simply my opinion, but three deaths by electrocution are three too many. Our troops should be worrying about fighting the enemy and getting home safely, not whether or not they'll come out of the shower alive.
The title of this post is a play on the book Egypt as a Woman by Beth Baron.
25 March 2009
Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act
The purpose of HR 1388 (which has been passed) is "to reauthorize and reform the national service laws" (GovTrack). I highly suggest that you read the entire text, which states that "service-learning is a mandatory part of the curriculum in all of the secondary schools served by the local education agency" (GovTrack). Mandatory volunteer work? Since Gateway Pundit has already made the connection between this invigoration of volunteerism and education and the HJ, I'll just direct you there.
That Lasted Long
This afternoon I was walking through a tunnel on campus. Since yesterday, there's been a poster on one of the two bulletin boards in the tunnel (as well as in various halls). The poster features a U.S. soldier in Iraq and advertises a public lecture on the U.S. withdrawal from Iraq. It immediately caught my eye when I first noticed it yesterday. I didn't notice it today.
Someone took it off the bulletin board (using enough care so as to replace the four tacks on the bulletin board) and tossed it on the ground. I must confess I wasn't totally surprised when I saw people obliviously trampling on the face-down poster, but I immediately knew what it was. So I picked it up, dusted it off, and took it back to my dorm with me. I'm debating where I should stick it. At the moment it's on my bed. I might put it on my wall -- but that would require me to take down the McCain/Palin signs.
Also, I'm probably infringing some sort of copyright by taking a photo of a photo on a poster. So I apologize if I am. And if I should be giving someone credit, let me know.
Someone took it off the bulletin board (using enough care so as to replace the four tacks on the bulletin board) and tossed it on the ground. I must confess I wasn't totally surprised when I saw people obliviously trampling on the face-down poster, but I immediately knew what it was. So I picked it up, dusted it off, and took it back to my dorm with me. I'm debating where I should stick it. At the moment it's on my bed. I might put it on my wall -- but that would require me to take down the McCain/Palin signs.
Also, I'm probably infringing some sort of copyright by taking a photo of a photo on a poster. So I apologize if I am. And if I should be giving someone credit, let me know.
24 March 2009
Should The Motto "In God We Trust" Be Removed From U.S. Currency?
MSNBC currently has a poll asking that very question (go vote!). I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
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