Asia Times Online :: Asian News, Business and Economy.: BOOK REVIEW
This time the crocodile won't wait
Londonistan by Melanie Phillips
Reviewed by Spengler
In retrospect, it seems oafish of Neville Chamberlain, Britain's prime minister in 1938, to have betrayed Czechoslovakia to Nazi rule in return for the empty promise of peace. Yet an overwhelming English majority looked with horror on the prospect of confrontation with Germany and a new world war, until Adolf Hitler forced England's hand by invading Poland. 'The appeaser hopes the crocodile will eat him last,' said Winston Churchill. Today's crocodiles may not be so patient.
Opposing voices in 1938 rang lonely and shrill, and just as shrill today sounds Daily Mail columnist Melanie Phillips in her portrayal of an emasculated Britain ashamed of its own national identity and anxious to appease the 'clerical fascism' of the jihadis. That will change, perhaps even before the print is quite dry on her new book. She warns that the West faces a religious war with Islam. I concur, and recommend Londonistan as indispensable background.
Britain, Phillips warns, is reaping what it has sown. A large minority of British Muslims are disaffected at best and seditious at worst. Phillips cites a 2004 Home Office survey finding that 26% of British Muslims felt no loyalty to Britain, 13% supported terrorism, and about 1% (up to 20,000 individuals) were 'actively engaged' in terrorism or support for terrorism.
Another poll found that 32% of British Muslims agreed that 'Western society is decadent and immoral and that Muslims should seek to bring it to an end'. In the event of a violent collision between the West and Iran, for example, civil conflict might arise in Britain on a scale resembling t"
Monday, May 22, 2006
The American Thinker
The American Thinker: "On Sunday's This Week program, ABC's George Stephanopoulos interviewed John Edwards, the Democrat's nominee for vice-president in 2004. During the program, the one-term Senator from North Carolina, made a publicity-provoking comment (video here) about the man who vanquished him and his erstwhile running mate John Kerry during the tumultuous campaign.
"George W. Bush is the worst president of our lifetime," he said. Edwards went on to say that Bush is worse that the Watergate-tainted, Richard Nixon.
This, from a guy who, when debating Vice-president Dick Cheney, brought up the fact that Cheney's daughter is gay. His intent was to put his opponent in an embarrassing situation while simultaneously making points with conservative voters on the volatile issue. You can't get much lower on the evolutionary scale than using the family of your opponent to score points. Perhaps that's why Mary Cheney, Vice President Cheney's lesbian daughter, labeled Edwards a "complete and total slime" in her recent book, Now It's My Turn: A Daughter's Chronicle of Political Life.
Edwards became one of America's super-wealthy trial lawyers by winning record jury verdicts and settlements that involved personal injury litigation. While running for his senate seat, and later for president and vice-president, he repeatedly told campaign audiences that he fought on behalf of the common man against the large insurance companies.
But those with knowledge of Edwards' legal career in North Carolina tell a different story. They say he always helped the little guy as long as he got the lawyer's share of the judgments -- typically a third or even forty percent. Legal expert Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of the book, The Rule of Lawyers, said Edwards' success in court . . .
"George W. Bush is the worst president of our lifetime," he said. Edwards went on to say that Bush is worse that the Watergate-tainted, Richard Nixon.
This, from a guy who, when debating Vice-president Dick Cheney, brought up the fact that Cheney's daughter is gay. His intent was to put his opponent in an embarrassing situation while simultaneously making points with conservative voters on the volatile issue. You can't get much lower on the evolutionary scale than using the family of your opponent to score points. Perhaps that's why Mary Cheney, Vice President Cheney's lesbian daughter, labeled Edwards a "complete and total slime" in her recent book, Now It's My Turn: A Daughter's Chronicle of Political Life.
Edwards became one of America's super-wealthy trial lawyers by winning record jury verdicts and settlements that involved personal injury litigation. While running for his senate seat, and later for president and vice-president, he repeatedly told campaign audiences that he fought on behalf of the common man against the large insurance companies.
But those with knowledge of Edwards' legal career in North Carolina tell a different story. They say he always helped the little guy as long as he got the lawyer's share of the judgments -- typically a third or even forty percent. Legal expert Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and author of the book, The Rule of Lawyers, said Edwards' success in court . . .
Elton John says photographers "should all be shot"
Elton John says photographers "should all be shot"
Then, as photographers called out during his address, he added: "If you saw 'Transamerica' ... I'm talking ... you fuckwit, fucking photographers you should be shot, you should be all shot. Thank you."
Then, as photographers called out during his address, he added: "If you saw 'Transamerica' ... I'm talking ... you fuckwit, fucking photographers you should be shot, you should be all shot. Thank you."
Chicks bash Bush--again | Chicago Tribune
Chicks bash Bush--again:
The Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines apologized for disrespecting President Bush during a London concert in 2003. But now, she's taking it back.
'I don't feel that way anymore,' she told Time magazine for its issue hitting newsstands Monday. 'I don't feel he is owed any respect whatsoever.'
As war in Iraq loomed, Maines told the London audience 'we're ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas.'
Bandmate Emily Robinson said, 'It wasn't that I didn't agree with her 100 percent; it was just, `Oh, this is going to stir something up.''
For band member Martie Maguire, the controversy was a blessing in disguise.
'I'd rather have a small following of really cool people who get it . . . than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith.'
The Dixie Chicks' Natalie Maines apologized for disrespecting President Bush during a London concert in 2003. But now, she's taking it back.
'I don't feel that way anymore,' she told Time magazine for its issue hitting newsstands Monday. 'I don't feel he is owed any respect whatsoever.'
As war in Iraq loomed, Maines told the London audience 'we're ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas.'
Bandmate Emily Robinson said, 'It wasn't that I didn't agree with her 100 percent; it was just, `Oh, this is going to stir something up.''
For band member Martie Maguire, the controversy was a blessing in disguise.
'I'd rather have a small following of really cool people who get it . . . than people that have us in their five-disc changer with Reba McEntire and Toby Keith.'
FTC sees no illegal gas price manipulation�|�Reuters.com
FTC sees no illegal gas price manipulation��Reuters.com: "An investigation by U.S. antitrust authorities found no evidence that oil companies illegally manipulated gasoline prices or constrained oil refining operations, the Federal Trade Commission said on Monday."
I think I've done the same....
Threads2: "A man returning to his home in T�nsberg late Saturday night got a nasty surprise when he found a snarling badger under his bed who didn't appreciated being awakened. The badger (called a grevling in Norwegian) was fully grown and in no mood for a late-night party. /break/ The rudely awakened animal ran around the room and ultimately overturned the bed, prompting the police to beat a retreat. "
Yes, we're going bananas�-�Commentary�-�The Washington Times, America's Newspaper
Yes, we're going bananas�-�Commentary�-�The Washington Times, America's Newspaper: "From last Friday's edition of The Washington Times: 'The Senate voted yesterday to allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal employment.'
Well, I think that's the kind of moderate compromise 'comprehensive immigration reform' package all Americans can support, don't you? Some mean-spirited extremist House Republicans had proposed illegal aliens should receive 75 percent of the benefits to which they're illegally entitled for having broken the law. "
Well, I think that's the kind of moderate compromise 'comprehensive immigration reform' package all Americans can support, don't you? Some mean-spirited extremist House Republicans had proposed illegal aliens should receive 75 percent of the benefits to which they're illegally entitled for having broken the law. "
Case could redefine the value of Fido to family
Case could redefine the value of Fido to family: "OREGON CITY -- An Estacada family will ask a jury this week to award $1.625 million for the loss of its dog, Grizz, in a case that could help redefine the way courts view the bond between people and their pets.
The 14-year-old cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever mix had to be euthanized after he was run over in 2004 by Raymond E. Weaver, a neighbor. Weaver was convicted last year of animal abuse, and now Mark Greenup and his family are suing Weaver in a case that is attracting interest from U.S. legal experts and a French documentary crew. "
The 14-year-old cocker spaniel and Labrador retriever mix had to be euthanized after he was run over in 2004 by Raymond E. Weaver, a neighbor. Weaver was convicted last year of animal abuse, and now Mark Greenup and his family are suing Weaver in a case that is attracting interest from U.S. legal experts and a French documentary crew. "
World Council of Churches slams Israel
Jerusalem Post World Council of Churches slams Israel: "Israel bears the burden of responsibility for the present crisis in the Middle East, the World Council of Churches has announced, following a meeting of its Executive Committee in Geneva from May 16-19.
The Christian Left's leading ecumenical organization stated Israel's actions towards the Palestinians 'cannot be justified morally, legally or even politically.' "
The Christian Left's leading ecumenical organization stated Israel's actions towards the Palestinians 'cannot be justified morally, legally or even politically.' "
Why not shot at the stake?
Attorney Gen.: Reporters Can Be Prosecuted: "Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Sunday he believes journalists can be prosecuted for publishing classified information, citing an obligation to national security. "
This should be news?
Sen Stabenow voted for this bill!
Senate bill protects employers of illegal aliens from penalties: "Among those who will be cleared of past crimes under the Senate's proposed immigration-reform bill would be the businesses that have employed the estimated 10 million illegal aliens eligible for citizenship and that provided the very 'magnet' that drew them here in the first place.
Buried in the more than 600 pages of legislation is a section titled 'Employer Protections,' which states: 'Employers of aliens applying for adjustment of status under this section shall not be subject to civil and criminal tax liability relating directly to the employment of such alien.' "
Geeze. Looks like amnesty, walks likes amnesty, quacks like amnesty.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
A culture of coruption!
Yup! Another democrook, on tape, takin' the bacon.
BREITBART.COM - Filing: Tape Shows Lawmaker Taking Money: "A congressman under investigation for bribery was caught on videotape accepting $100,000 in $100 bills from an FBI informant whose conversations with the lawmaker also were recorded, according to a court document released Sunday. Agents later found the cash hidden in his freezer.
At one audiotaped meeting, Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., chuckles about writing in code to keep secret what the government contends was his corrupt role in getting his children a cut of a communications company's deal for work in Africa. "
BREITBART.COM - Filing: Tape Shows Lawmaker Taking Money: "A congressman under investigation for bribery was caught on videotape accepting $100,000 in $100 bills from an FBI informant whose conversations with the lawmaker also were recorded, according to a court document released Sunday. Agents later found the cash hidden in his freezer.
At one audiotaped meeting, Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., chuckles about writing in code to keep secret what the government contends was his corrupt role in getting his children a cut of a communications company's deal for work in Africa. "
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Duh Vinci Code!
OpinionJournal - Wonder Land: "Here's my theory of 'The Da Vinci Code.' Dan Brown was sitting one night at the monthly meeting of his local secret society, listening to a lecture on the 65th gospel, and he got to thinking: 'I wonder if there's any limit to what people are willing to believe these days about a conspiracy theory. Let's say I wrote a book that said Jesus was married. To Mary Magdalene. Who was pregnant at the Crucifixion. And she is the Holy Grail. Jesus wanted her to run the church as a global sex society called Heiros Gamos, but Peter elbowed her out of the job. Her daughter was the beginning of the Merovingian dynasty of France. Jesus' family is still alive. There were 80 gospels, not four. Leonardo DiCaprio, I mean da Vinci, knew all this. The 'Mona Lisa' is Leonardo's painting of himself in drag. Da Vinci's secret was kept alive by future members of 'the brotherhood,' including Isaac Newton, Claude Debussy and Victor Hugo. The Catholic Church is covering all this up.'
Then Dan Brown said softly, 'Would anyone buy into a plot so preposterous and fantastic?' Then he started writing."
Maybe the Enron guys could use this accounting tactic?
City questions severance for fired manager: "According to city records, Burns' severance package, which the city has not yet paid, totals nearly $73,000 -- about $50,000 of which is unused vacation and sick days.
Mayor Rillastine Wilkins has questioned that $50,000 figure, noting that Burns himself apparently was responsible for keeping the records. "
Friday, May 19, 2006
Slap an environmentalist upside the head!
A-3s in Museums: "NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey
NA-3B
BuNo 138922 FEWSG Bird
(dateline 5/3/04) They originally had 2 Skywarriors. One was being transferred to a museum somewhere in New Jersey by helicopter sky crane which broke loose and dropped the Whale in the woods totaling it out..............this was about 12 years ago. The last Skywarrior they had was scrapped/destroyed because the environmentalists in the area were concerned about pollution off of the old aircraft. So Skywarrior #138922 is no more"
American idiocy!
The Blotter: "Terreri says air marshals are not able to work undercover because check-in and boarding procedures at airports make it impossible for air marshals to maintain their anonymity:"
Say "Adios" to your SS
Illegals granted Social Security: "The Senate voted yesterday to allow illegal aliens to collect Social Security benefits based on past illegal employment -- even if the job was obtained through forged or stolen documents. "
There is a difference....
... between democrats and GOPers.Reid calls language proposal racist: "Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid called a proposal to make English the official language 'racist' on the Senate floor yesterday.
'This amendment is racist. I think it's directed basically to people who speak Spanish,' the Democrat said during the already tense debate over immigration reform. "
The opinionated Senator just happens to be a DEMOCRAT. The article sorta thinks it's not too important. I disagree.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
What would Jesus do?
Mexicans Say Nothing Will Halt Migrants -- Newsday.com: " 'We'll go under it, we'll go over it, we'll go through the air, the sea or the earth, but they're never going to stop us from crossing,' said Jesus Santana, a Tijuana truck driver who was caught trying to cross and deported. "
Well, at least we don't have to wonder...
Ummm, fresh Faggot......
"It's faggoty-liscous!"
BBC NEWS UK England Family of faggot fans fly the flag: "A West Midlands family is playing a central role in the quest to raise the profile of a forgotten British dish - faggots.
The Doody family from Wolverhampton has been crowned The Faggot Family in a national competition, and to kick off their reign they will launch National Faggot Week. "
Faggot Facts!
Family of faggot fans fly the flag: "Faggot facts:
Faggots were called 'savoury ducks' in the Middle Ages
Faggots were named after the Latin word for bundle
Faggots were originally made with pig's liver and offal
Faggots are now made from pork liver and pork
Fans have published the Good Faggot Guide"
Does this book sell better in some cities than others?
The Good Faggot Guide by Ghislaine Povey / Richard James: "A lighthearted walk down memory lane for all Black Country gastronauts, explaining the origins and history of faggots as well as recipes, photographs, and even a dialect poem extolling the virtues of the delicacy."
Case closed!
Ummm, a perfect blend of coke and plastic bag. 
Suspect apparently died trying to swallow bag of drugs: "A man who died on the way to the East St. Louis Jail apparently choked trying to swallow a plastic bag of drugs, according to autopsy results.
Suspect apparently died trying to swallow bag of drugs: "A man who died on the way to the East St. Louis Jail apparently choked trying to swallow a plastic bag of drugs, according to autopsy results.
Ain't ejakation grate?
Colorado Professor Cited for Misconduct: "One member of the five-person investigative committee recommended that ethnic studies professor Ward Churchill be fired, and four recommended he be suspended, university spokesman Barrie Hartman said"
What does one have to do to get fired at UC?
1st Mesaba, now NWA!
Northwest Airlines warns flight attendants negotiations are over: "Northwest Airlines Corp. is warning flight attendants that they won't get a better deal if they reject the wage-cutting pact they're voting on now.
Flight attendants are voting through June 6 on whether to accept a tentative agreement that would cut their pay 21 percent and require them to work longer hours. "
Get your walkin' shoes out, Muskegon!
Fly-over country, once again....
Main local airline may face strike: "Muskegon County Airport officials are keeping 'fingers crossed' as Mesaba Airlines heads into a possible showdown with its workers today, when a bankruptcy judge could rule on whether the feeder carrier for Northwest Airlines can reject its union contracts.
The unions have warned they'll strike ......
At Muskegon County Airport, Mesaba's Northwest Airlink service carried 67 percent of the passengers that went through the airport in the first quarter of this year. Besides Northwest Airlink's three round-trip flights to Detroit, the only other commercial airline in Muskegon is the commuter service of Midwest Airline to Milwaukee.
The liberal dumbdown continues!
Title IX shouldn't be used as an academic weapon: "But they are conducting a review of math, physics and engineering programs at selected universities to root out supposed bias against women and girls. Their weapon is Title IX, which 'is not just related to sports,' says Stephanie Monroe, assistant secretary of Education for civil rights. 'We're in the process right now of putting together our dockets.' She assures us that these Title IX reviews are just business as usual for her department. "
If the Education Department and National Science Foundation were strictly to impose Title IX compliance standards on academic science, we could see men's participation in math, physics, technology and engineering capped at the level of female interest. That would wreak havoc in fields that drive the economy and where the USA already lags other countries.
And our nation snoozes on....
When "effort" equals failure
Superintendent honored for diversity effort: "Schulze, who is retiring at the end of June after 14 years as superintendent, has seen African-Americans become a majority of the student body at Muskegon and has strived to promote minority employees.
He also has implemented a 'Changing the Odds' initiative to address achievement of students of color.
Schulze said he is 'very honored' and 'very pleased' by the establishment of the fund.
'I think (diversity) remains the main issue that our society has still yet to come to grips with in any significant way,' Schulze said. 'I think we've made steps forward but we've also taken steps backward.
'If there's any important thing I've done, it's certainly in that area (of diversity) ...
Well, his focus on diversity has resulted in an almost exact correlation with declining scores for his "diverse" students over the last 14 years. At least we're not honoring him for his success in educating our children. The emperor has no clothes and no one will stand up and tell the truth.
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