Tuesday, January 31, 2006

The Big tunnel!

The tunnel discovered was HUGE! Who knows exactly what was trafficked through there - but the drug cache found was really something! As far as the marijuana is concerned, well this just demonstrates what making it illegal does. I don't know about the harder drugs, but pot shouldn't be helping to pad the pockets of Mexican drug cartels and building tunnels for smuggling. Just like I think they need better employer enforcement regarding hiring of illegal aliens, I also believe they need better drug treatment and education. The common theme here is lowering the demand for both of these things!

My other concern here is that this tunnel could have been used for human trafficking. We already know that Americans go down to Tijuana and other border cities to exploit underage prostitutes. Some try and "buy" these children and bring them to the U.S.. This has to stop!!!! In this case, of course we shouldn't punish the children, but rather those who try to exploit them! You could argue whether or not drugs are a crime with a victim, but definitely these children are victims. It's a sick commentary on our modern society and Western civilization in general. A good charity to give to or work for is one of those who are down there working to help the children!

Monday, January 30, 2006

Kudos to Jerry Fallwell!

Have I gone nuts? All this criticism of right wing preachers and now I want to praise one? Yes! Absolutely!

This doesn't mean that I agree with him on much, just that he scored some points with me in last night's sermon! The subject was divine intervention and trying to predict what is on God's mind. He does not condone it and believes that it is not proper Christian thinking, or "Godly" behavior. He talked about Jobe and how he lost everything but his faith. Some bad things happening to a good person! The other thing Rev Fallwell talked about was how they lost 400 churches in New Orleans and so if it were a divine punishment it also took the good people with it.

I don't listen to these guys that much, but when channel surfing I occasionally stop for a moment. I usually get upset and change the channel. This time I was pleasantly surprised! I promise to be fair to everyone and when someone on the "other" side does something commendable, I will mention them.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Coulter Jokes About Poisoning Justice Stevens

I suppose Ann doesn't think the court has shifted enough to the right!!!??? I'd like to put some rat poison in HER cappuccino (just kidding)! That pompous little twit!

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Foreign Leaders Shocked at Hamas Win

Not me! You see, give folks democracy and they may not always come up with the leaders you want to see them have. This will certainly set back the Mideast peace process back quite a bit!

We have to accept the legitamacy of their government; we do NOT have to accept "business as usual" with Hamas. I'm sure Israel will take a hardline stance when it comes to acts of terror. They have taken a measured approach when it comes to negotiations and will most certainly continue their actions based on Hamas' course.

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Goings on next door?

You wouldn't know it from looking at CNN's website, but there was a big election in Canada yesterday. They have a new Prime Minister from the Conservative party, Stephen Harper.

I will disregard claims by the Liberals up there that he is a clone of U.S. right-wing extremists. Hopefully he will clean up some of the corruption and make the government more efficient. If I understand correctly, the Conservatives don't have a majority of seats in Parliament, so there will be a governing coalition. But they did win a majority over the Libs.

I can just hear the babbeling coming from Fox News' Bill O'Reilly about this great "Conservative" revolution in Canada. Not exactly! They aren't going to give up universal healthcare and it would be a long battle to undo same-sex marriage. Further, it is unlikely they will send many more troops abroad for U.S. - led wars. It's a long stretch to think Harper will be a clone of U.S. conservatives - particularly the Religio-Cons and the Neo-Cons.

What they are likely to do is work with us to strengthen border security. That is a good thing! Hopefully, they will clean up corruption and lower taxes a bit. What they should leave in place is Canada's good record of several balanced budgets. They don't need to follow the record of fiscal-irresponsibility in the United States.

Monday, January 23, 2006

Israel cuts Robertson from Galilee tourist park: Followup

I, of course, am tickled pink! I hope their decision is final. I'm not going to count on it, however! He might go to them on "bended knee" and kiss some butt to get back on the project.

What we don't need is Evangelicals going over there and stirring up things!!! All they care about is the fulfillment of their view of Biblical prophecy. There is enough tension in the region without adding them in to the mix.

Israel is supposed to find another foreign partner to work with on this project. Let us hope that it is a party who only wants to promote general education about the history in the region and NOT one trying to push forth an agenda!

Painful Elimination.....

Look at this way - wouldn't you rather see the Broncos loose in the AFC Championship game than in the SuperBowl? It's so nice being here in Denver as you don't have to take a razzing about BEING from Denver!!!

I think Pittsburgh is probably the best team this year. Winning in Indianapolis and Denver was no easy feat. They seem to thrive on adversity! I like The Bus! Troy Polamalu is awesome, as well.

It was exciting watching Jake Plummer this season. I think he easily has the talent that Elyway had. There's not much doubt in my mind! The nagging question is; does he have the durability and longevity??? Can they keep a good team built around him? Hang in there, Jake!









Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Interesting ballot Initiatives...

Well, finally we are getting a peek at a couple of statewide initiatives for the election later this year. As expected, put forth by F.O.F. and others, there is the "Anti-Gay Marriage" amendment. Basically this just defines marriage as between a "man and woman". I hear they are trying to keep the wording simple. They seem to think that the State Law defining marriage is not strong enough and they need a constitutional amendment.

Then, there is a "Domestic Partner" initiative put forth by state Democrats. I'm not sure of all the details, but this extends some of the civil rights enjoyed by married couples to same-sex couples who are not related. Health insurance access and hospital visitation top the list, of course.

Could voters approve both measures? If so, they would demonstrate a degree of fairmindedness. I guarantee you, the first measure will pass. The second? That depends on if, and how strongly, Focus on the Family would oppose it. They are a powerful "political" force - hiding under the label of "non-profit". I'm sure the Catholic Church will be a powerful force in the election, as well.

I agree with Jimmy Carter that marriage is a "religious" ceremony and that it would be fair to extend some of the civil rights to others. Everyone has their own idea of what a "marriage" is, and the relationship, itself, defines what the marriage is. Laws and constitutional amendments simply define what benefits and privledges can be assigned to various persons. It is love and commitment which will truly define any relationship!

I can only hope that the various parties promoting their causes will keep this debate civilized!



Monday, January 16, 2006

His comments: They're just as bad!

New Orleans Mayor, Ray Naigen is another loose cannon! I understand the comment about N.O. being a "Chocolate" city, which it is already, but not about God directing the hurricanes. Who was God mad at and why was it done? At least with Pat Robertson you know who he blames God's actions on. Ray is black - so why would he think God has it in for negroes? So silly! Pathetic!

I agree with others who have said: seeing his city destroyed drove the guy crazy! He's had a nervous breakdown! I wonder how the blacks took those comments? I'd hope they'd want to get the guy out of office!!! There were two conventions or evemts that got cancelled after that speech.

And what would Martin Luther King say about these comments? I think they are more along the lines of a Louis Farrakhan! Even HE wouldn't go quite that far!!!

Thursday, January 12, 2006

He said WHAT???????!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, there YOU go again!!! Readers will know how I feel about P.M. Sharon, his unfortunate illness and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip by reading my previous post on this subject. I don't have as much drawing power as the Rev., but if I did, I'd still watch what comments I made about divine intervention and individuals.

Blaming the stroke on the withdrawal from the Gaza is sick!!! I only wish the man a speedy recovery. Like I've said in previous posts, this is the utmost in arrogance to pretend to know why things happen!

I'm sorry for these comments by Pat Robertson to the people of Israel. That said, I think MOST sensible Americans are getting to the point that they feel Robertson is an idiot!

Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Let us hope....

Now I hear talk of an angry exchange between Ted Kennedy and Arlen Spector. Oye!~ I hear good and bad about Sam Alito. How the heck would I know how good of a Judge he is? The American Bar Association gives him it's highest ranking. He is said to be a thoughtful person. Those are encouraging thoughts, yet many seem concerned about his earlier opinions. Who knows? We can only hope.

It's Bush's call. I don't think he did so bad with Roberts, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. I am fairly certain Alito will be confirmed. I'm not going to loose any sleep over it. There's a lot not more pressing issues at this time. In particular there are issues like healthcare needing Legislative attention.

I think Bush has had enough opportunities to stack the court to his liking. I hope that no more Justices retire in the next three years.



Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Best Film?

Critics Choice awards named Brokeback Mountain Best Film and Ang Lee best director. O.k., it was good and like I said, it had an important message. I can just see the Conservatives cringing! Damned Liberals in Hollywood!

It was an interesting film, no doubt. But what about the beautiful scenery? My God, the Rockies in Alberta are beautiful! Something tells me that if it were not for this beautiful backdrop, the film would be barely mentioned. Also, I'd subtract some points for plausibility. There's that one scene where the two cowboys had been separated and finally got together - they ran together and passionately started making out and ripping each other's shirts off; right below the window where the wife of one of them was watching everything! Not likely! I felt sorry for her as this "situation" was not her fault!

I don't get out and see many films, so I'm glad to have seen this one. I don't think it is really trying to advance an "agenda". It is just telling a story not often told... with a gorgeous backdrop!

Monday, January 09, 2006

Utah theatre cancels showing of BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN

It was a strange movie. Not exactly a love story with a happy ending. One guy gets brutally beaten to death with tire irons! This is not to say that it is not an important movie with something to say. Bowing to pressure from conservatives in Utah, the theater canceled it's showing. In other words, they chickened out and renegged on their agreement to show it.

Meanwhile, somewhere on the range in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado or anyplace out West, a couple of cowboys are bedding down for the night. In the same tent, as well!

Look, the times portrayed in the film - 60's 70's and 80's, it was not exactly kosher to be gay in the boondocks of the West. There was a lot of pressure to be married to a woman and have kids. Any man caught "with" another man was likely to be beaten or killed.

The conservatives would like for homosexuals and homosexuality to just go away! Ang Lee and the writer claim that it is a "force of nature" . Perhaps the conservatives were upset about the two references to hate crimes (both persons were killed - one dragged to death by his penis!). Perhaps they think that this film is "advancing a radical gay agenda" by trying to depict the difficulty of being gay in the boondocks.
Maybe they think that the only place you would find gay (or bisexual) people is in the big city. I'm hear to tell you it exists everywhere. Things are just more open in the cities. That's why a lot of gay people flock to them. Those who happen to be gay (or bisexual) are smart in the rural areas keep it quiet. Or at least tone it down a bit - o.k.?

Thank goodness Colorado has a statewide hate crime law on the books!

Sunday, January 08, 2006

The Rockies are nice, but...


Carhenge, located approximately 3 1/2 miles North of Alliance, Nebraska is AWE INSPIRING!!!! Check out my photos!



Friday, January 06, 2006

One we'll miss!

The prognosis sounded a bit better this morning, however Ariel Sharon is in serious condition.,. I have doubts about him continuing as Israel's Prime Minister. He would be leaving that post at a critical juncture. I have to admit I wasn't always his biggest fan. Since the Gaza withdrawal, however, it looks like he has been moving the country in the right direction.

Look, I want to see the continued survival of Israel!!!! But it is the right thing to do in moving the region towards Palestinian Statehood! It's such a difficult task since the two peoples are intertwined in territory. The Gaza Strip was one area that was relatively easy to separate from Israel. It's a start!

As for PM Sharon, I wish him a full and speedy recovery!

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Still alive and kicking!!!!

I'm still around. Don't worry! Things are looking up. The days are getting brighter and the freakin' (pardonnez mon français!) holidays are over with!!! Much work to be done on the home front, but the floor went down fairly easily.