April 2003

Steve Neal Slobbers over Howard Dean

But that is okay, so do I. More over at the Dean Call to Action Blog.

Remember the Dean Meet-up is May 7th. I’ll announce the location here as well (though you should go to the Meet-up site if interested), but currently the Missouri for Dean e-mail discussion list is having an inane discussion over where the event should take place. Other details will be posted to the Missouri for Dean site.

While I haven’t made up my mind who I’m supporting in 2004 yet, Dean is up top right now.

Passed without comment

March 19th:


"I plan to be blogging around the clock during the war," he said, "though I do agree that, in some ways, blogs are more important in the run-up to war. From now on, it’s tanks and missiles. But the blogs will be right behind."

April 14th:

SPRING BREAK: I’m taking a breather this week. After round-the-clock blogging since the new year, it’s time for a break. Thanks for being there each day and night. Have a great week. See you next Monday, bright and early.

Kennedy on Courts

Dahlia Lithwick reports on Kennedy’s comments regarding the crisis in the judiciary.

The ultimate problem is that no one has an electoral incentive to break the logjam. A compromise needs to be worked out that focuses on moderates getting appointed in a reasonable proportion. Such a compromise benefits no one politically and is unlikely to occur this administration.

Kennedy makes an excellent point that the current system focuses far too much energy on potential judges views. While a broad philosophy is reasonable to ask about, the current system is prying far too detailed of information out of people who need to be free to change their mind.

Can the NY Times Spare Tom Friedman for a While

The rest of the poodle—press corps needs to learn how to deal with Rumsfeld (via Liberal Oasis):

From Face The Nation:

TOM FRIEDMAN: You know the French Foreign Minister today said that the time is not right for the United States to put pressure on Syria, by accusing it of aiding Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Do these guys piss you off?

RUMSFELD: The French?

FRIEDMAN: Yeah.

RUMSFELD: Oh goodness. I think I’ll leave diplomacy to Secretary Powell.

FRIEDMAN: Why start now?

Shock and Awe:Jesse Jackson Misses A Chance in Front of a Camera

Those who remember his trip to Belgrade can’t help but laugh now how that led to Rod Blagojevich being looked at as a lightweight. Rod couldn’t even elbow Jackson out of the way for one good photo-op. Now Rod is Governor apparently learning his lesson from that experience.

Jackson planned to go to Iraq to make a plea on behalf of the POWs. But recent events have overtaken him and much to the chagrin of everyone, the good Reverend does not appear to have a chance to grandstand this war.

I suppose an effective selling point for the Bush administration to get his support for an invasion of Syria could be unlimited access to their television airwaves once we have control.

The Pursuit Of Happiness isn’t Good Enough for Bush and Crew

Steve Chapman has been writing some of the better work against the war. While I disagree with him, he has clear principles and makes a strong case. Of course, if we continue the path towards Syria, I’ll soon be on the same side as Chapman. On Sunday, he address the fundamental problem that accompanies routine military intervention. Americans will no longer be able to pursue happiness because they will have the burden of reconstructing a significant portion of the world.

As someone who grew up opposing US action in Latin America, my general impulse has been to first target our support of oppressive regimes. Before pointing the fingers at others, point the finger where our dollars do the damage. After we stop doing that, we can move on to others, though I would argue war is seldom the answer.

Iraq was justified primarily for the reason that Saddam and his regime were a threat to US interests. The case was strengthened by his gross violations of human rights. But human rights are not a reason alone to invade a country, especially when our hands are not clean. Let’s move on to pursuing happiness and not hindering the pursuit of happiness in other countries.

Sorry For the Slow Blogging

But the Blagojevich budget speech put me to sleep for days. Perhaps his ability to speak so long is what makes him think he can be President–after Bill Clinton’s torturous explications during State of the Unions.

Of course, even Clinton couldn’t go so long that public radio had to cut the signal when they ran out of satellite time…