Because there are more things I want to post about, but you all probably need a break.
Archives for April 2007
And Now For Something Completely Different
I agree 100% with Dean Barnett at Hugh Hewitt’s:
Judging by the oral arguments today in Wisconsin Right to Life v. Federal Election Commission, it looks like the most offensive element of the campaign finance “reform” abomination known as McCain-Feingold will soon be sleeping with the fishes.
Specifically, the part of the law that “blacks out” advertisements made by anyone other than the campaigns in the final six weeks of the election season was the subject of today’s hearings. Sam Alito is apparently going to be the swing vote, and that’s good news. Good news, that is, if you like the 1st Amendment and free speech, something that some people (like the sponsors of the legislation) obviously aren’t crazy about.
Unfortunately, the part of McCain-Feingold that mandates each campaign commercial end with the candidate droning, “I’m Joe Blow and I approved this message” is merely stupid and not necessarily unconstitutional. Thus, it was not part of the Wisconsin right to Life v. FEC case and we will have to hear this annoying tag-line approximately 3 million times between now and November ‘08. Every time you hear it, I urge you to think this is the kind of nonsense some legislators think is really important.
Everytime you hear the phrase “I am XXXXXX and I approve of this message,” you should say to yourself- “I will not vote for John McCain.”
For a larger write-up on the issue, check this NY Times story.
And Now For Something Completely DifferentPost + Comments (12)
All Your TV Violence Are Belong To US
The next step in the nanny state:
Concerned about an increase in violence on television, the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday urged lawmakers to consider regulations that would restrict violent programs to late evening, when most children would not be watching.
The commission, in a long-awaited report, concluded that the program ratings system and technology intended to help parents block offensive programs — like the V-chip — had failed to protect children from being regularly exposed to violence.
As a result, the commission recommended that Congress move to limit violence on entertainment programs by giving the agency the authority to define such content and restrict it to late evening television.
It also suggested that Congress adopt legislation that would give consumers the option to buy cable channels “à la carte” — individually or in smaller bundles — so that they would be able to reject channels they did not want.
“Clearly, steps should be taken to protect children from excessively violent programming,” said Kevin J. Martin, the agency’s chairman and a longtime proponent of à la carte programming. “Some might say such action is long overdue. Parents need more tools to protect children from excessively violent programming.”
The commission report, which was requested by Congress three years ago, was sharply criticized by civil liberties advocates and by the cable television industry for proposing steps that both said would be too intrusive.
“These F.C.C. recommendations are political pandering,” said Caroline Fredrickson, director of the Washington legislative office of the American Civil Liberties Union. “The government should not replace parents as decision makers in America’s living rooms. There are some things that the government does well. But deciding what is aired and when on television is not one of them.”
I guess that means reports of our impending victory in Iraq will have to be aired after David Letterman. Combined with our national dialogue on race, we sure are making the world a better place. Who knew that restricting all this stuff on television and radio would just make it all go away?
When the News Reads Like a Porn Script
Tell me this new story does not sound like a description of a cheesy porn:
Chinese tourism authorities are seeking investment to build a novel concept attraction — the world’s first “women’s town,” where men get punished for disobedience, an official said Thursday.
Not that I am in the habit of reading porn scripts (side question- do porno’s actually have scripts?).
Why Does David Broder Hate America?
Apparently, if you think the war is lost (and I do- I have thought this baby was over for some time now and we are just refusing to admit it), that is tantamount to being a traitor. Clearly, something needs to be done to the American Public:
Nearly half of those polled believe the situation in Iraq has gotten worse over the past three months, while 37% believe conditions have remained about the same and 12% said the situation improved. A majority of Americans polled (55%) believe victory in Iraq is no longer possible, while 36% are more optimistic and believe victory can be achieved. Nine-percent were unsure.
A majority of individuals surveyed (56%) now side with the Democrats in Congress, who want to set a deadline for troop withdrawal, while 37% agree with President Bush, who does not want to set a deadline.
Maybe there is still time- only 86% think things have gotten worse and stayed the same. If the 12% who think things have gotten better act quick and leave their day jobs at Hughhewitt.com and Redstate.com and Nationalreview.com, there might be time to round up the rest of America and send them to re-education camps where they can be forced to view Michelle Malkin cheerleader videos until they break and agree the war in Iraq is a smashing success.
Remember in past elections, when Republicans would praise the individuality and innovativeness of the American people, telling you that the reason we need fewer regulations and less government is because the American people are smart enough to take care of themselves?
They were right.
This baby is over. Done. Finished. And the average Joe on the street knows it.
Shorter David Broder
Having opinions that differ from me means that you are a worse leader than a proven serial liar and incompetent boob.
*** Update ***
It is worse than even David Broder imagined- Harry Reid is working with the Taliban.
*** Update #2 ****
Ouch.
Scarred For Life
Don’t click on this. Just don’t do it.
I am warning you, it is a mistake.