As many had suspected, looting has begun in New Orleans in the wake of hurricane Katrina. Check out this article, paying special attention to the last sentence. The pinhead observer states that the looting is OK because these people "have been oppressed all their lives". How in the world could he discern that these people were "oppressed"? Last I checked, all New Orleans citizens have access to free public education, they are free to hold a job, free to vote, etc. But this dimwits concludes that the fact that these people are thiefs is somebody elses fault. I think we can rest assured he's not a store owner on Canal street.
Looting Story
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Back from World Youth Day
I just came back from 10 days in Europe visiting Rome and Koln, Germany for World Youth day. Now back to blogging.......
USANow has long covered the institutionalized discrimination built into the US government's contracting and procurement procedures. Today, Michelle Malkin takes the issue head on, and wonders why it's OK to profile by race when the government is handing out million dollar contracts, but it's not OK to profile by race when the government is chasing terrorists.
After considering federal minority set asides, minority scholarships, and college entrance standards which punish applicants for being white, it seems to me that the only "disadvantaged" group in the country is comprised of white males.
USANow has long covered the institutionalized discrimination built into the US government's contracting and procurement procedures. Today, Michelle Malkin takes the issue head on, and wonders why it's OK to profile by race when the government is handing out million dollar contracts, but it's not OK to profile by race when the government is chasing terrorists.
After considering federal minority set asides, minority scholarships, and college entrance standards which punish applicants for being white, it seems to me that the only "disadvantaged" group in the country is comprised of white males.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Black "Leadership" Fails Constituents
Take a few moments to read this story about a recent recent civil rights rally. Black politicians and entertainers labeled Bush and the entire administration "criminals", they claim the last two elections were "stolen", and black members of Bush's administration were labeled "tyrants". These aren't two-bit hack politicians we're talking about, these comments came from the likes of Jesse Jackson, Charlie Rangel, Harry Bellafonte, as well as Judge Greg Mathis. Mathis demonstrated his keen intellect when he stated of the 2000 election "I call it a crime because indeed that is exactly what it was". Wow, such impressive reasoning. Following his logic, I could state that Mathis is an ignorant, race baiting fool. I could say that because that is exactly what he is.
Why do these men continue to destroy inter-racial bridges? Why do these men continue to set up black America against white America? Why do these men continue to imply our economy is a zero-sum game, where the white man is out to steal the black man's share of the pie?
The sooner this generation of black leadership fades from our political scene, the better.
Why do these men continue to destroy inter-racial bridges? Why do these men continue to set up black America against white America? Why do these men continue to imply our economy is a zero-sum game, where the white man is out to steal the black man's share of the pie?
The sooner this generation of black leadership fades from our political scene, the better.
More Good Economic News
The US Department of Labor recently announced the addition of 207,000 new jobs in the month of July. Year to date, more than 1.3 million jobs have been created.
To put these figures in perspective, check out this graph and table of historical jobs growth from the Department of Labor. Clearly, recent job growth does not match the boom years of '96 through '99. But in light of recent offshoring trends, the emergence of China as a global manufacturing force, and continued struggles in the telecommunications sector, domestic employment growth is outstanding.
To put these figures in perspective, check out this graph and table of historical jobs growth from the Department of Labor. Clearly, recent job growth does not match the boom years of '96 through '99. But in light of recent offshoring trends, the emergence of China as a global manufacturing force, and continued struggles in the telecommunications sector, domestic employment growth is outstanding.
Friday, July 29, 2005
Still Not Sold on the US Economy?
The United States GDP grew 3.4% during the second quarter of this year. This is the 13th quarter in a row that US GDP growth exceeded 3%. How far back do you have to go to find such a streak? Surely we saw such economic expansion during the Clinton years, right? Wrong.
The last time we experienced 13 consecutive quarters in excess of 3% growth was the first quarter of 1983 through the first quarter of 1986, during the Reagan years. The stock market might not show it, but there's no denying the strong performance of the US economy over the past 3 years.
The last time we experienced 13 consecutive quarters in excess of 3% growth was the first quarter of 1983 through the first quarter of 1986, during the Reagan years. The stock market might not show it, but there's no denying the strong performance of the US economy over the past 3 years.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Gay Pride?
Why is the gay lifestyle being shoved in our faces as just an alternative lifestyle? And why are people mystified about the spread of HIV within the gay community?
Minority Politicians Say: "Give us the Money!"
Last week the Houston Chronicle published an editorial from Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia, U.S. Representative Al Green, and the Reverand Bill Lawson. The message? We suspect Houston Metro won't give a fair share of contracts to minority owned businesses, so they better get their act together and make sure they dole out enough dollars our way.
The editorial stated: "We are concerned that recent actions by Metro signal a retreat from allowing minority businesses equality of opportunity....it is imperative that everyone, especially those that have traditionally been excluded from economic benefits, be included."
The authors fail to provide any description of these "recent actions". Apparently in today's political correct environment, all it takes is for a black or Hispanic to state "we suspect you guys want to discriminate against us, so you better funnel money our way", and Wham!, your opinion is published in the nation's 8th biggest newspaper.
The editorial simply states that minorities are "traditionally excluded" from opportunities, ignoring the fact that billions of dollars flow to minority owned businesses every year, simply because they are....minority owned. Perhaps the authors haven't heard of minority business set-asides. Perhaps they've missed the fact that a federal agency exists called the Minority Business Development Agency, whose sole purpose is to ensure dollars flow to minority owned businesses. There can be no denying that in today's world, minorities have a great advantage with respect to education and federal contracting, yet the authors have the nerve to state that minorities are excluded.
More importantly, have these activists ever heard of free markets? Do they honestly believe they need to preemptively cry victim in Houston's newspapers, and help their consituents win contracts just because of the color of their skin? We don't need a scolding from minority politicians to perpetuate institutionalized racism, we need to develop competitive businesses that earn public and private sector dollars based on performance, not pigment.
If these facts aren't concerning enough, consider the following:
Metro is designed to serve the inner city (presumably minority) populace with low cost transportation. So Metro's entire charter is geared towards serving minorities.
The proportion of black employees with Metro far exceeds the proportion of blacks in Metro's jurisdiction, so Metro is in fact going overboard to serve the minority community.
Metro recently announced that one of the new light rail lines will serve the Houston Gallery area. Even though the Gallery is a major resident and tourist destination, this has angered minority politicians because this rail line doesn't do enough to serve the minority community. Apparently, Metro must serve minorities at the exclusion of whites in order for these politicians to be happy.
Of course, maybe I have this all wrong. Hispanics are now the majority race in Houston Metro's market. Perhaps Sylvia Garcia is really concerned about Metro money flowing to black and white owned businesses. And if you believe that...
The editorial stated: "We are concerned that recent actions by Metro signal a retreat from allowing minority businesses equality of opportunity....it is imperative that everyone, especially those that have traditionally been excluded from economic benefits, be included."
The authors fail to provide any description of these "recent actions". Apparently in today's political correct environment, all it takes is for a black or Hispanic to state "we suspect you guys want to discriminate against us, so you better funnel money our way", and Wham!, your opinion is published in the nation's 8th biggest newspaper.
The editorial simply states that minorities are "traditionally excluded" from opportunities, ignoring the fact that billions of dollars flow to minority owned businesses every year, simply because they are....minority owned. Perhaps the authors haven't heard of minority business set-asides. Perhaps they've missed the fact that a federal agency exists called the Minority Business Development Agency, whose sole purpose is to ensure dollars flow to minority owned businesses. There can be no denying that in today's world, minorities have a great advantage with respect to education and federal contracting, yet the authors have the nerve to state that minorities are excluded.
More importantly, have these activists ever heard of free markets? Do they honestly believe they need to preemptively cry victim in Houston's newspapers, and help their consituents win contracts just because of the color of their skin? We don't need a scolding from minority politicians to perpetuate institutionalized racism, we need to develop competitive businesses that earn public and private sector dollars based on performance, not pigment.
If these facts aren't concerning enough, consider the following:
Of course, maybe I have this all wrong. Hispanics are now the majority race in Houston Metro's market. Perhaps Sylvia Garcia is really concerned about Metro money flowing to black and white owned businesses. And if you believe that...
Monday, July 18, 2005
Forget Math & Science, How do I Become a Martyr?
I previously discussed the Islamic indoctrination received by the 7/7 London terrorists. In spite of half-wit media hacks who are putting a laser-like focus on the fact that the murderers were born in Britain, it is clear that Islamic indoctrination is what led them to murder.
In Pakistan today, there are waiting lists for the most extreme "schools", which have long abandoned mathematics and science in favor of a 24X7 Islamic brain washing curriculum. Education includes audio tapes by radical Imams, memorization of all 74,000+ words of the Koran, and weapons training. For more insight into what is being taught in Pakistani schools, read this from UK's Times Online.
As the article points out, less than 2% of Pakistan's GDP is directed towards education. Perhaps Pervez Musharraf should wake up to the fact that families need legitimate alternatives to these brain washing camps.
In Pakistan today, there are waiting lists for the most extreme "schools", which have long abandoned mathematics and science in favor of a 24X7 Islamic brain washing curriculum. Education includes audio tapes by radical Imams, memorization of all 74,000+ words of the Koran, and weapons training. For more insight into what is being taught in Pakistani schools, read this from UK's Times Online.
As the article points out, less than 2% of Pakistan's GDP is directed towards education. Perhaps Pervez Musharraf should wake up to the fact that families need legitimate alternatives to these brain washing camps.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
What a Coincidence!
Here is an excerpt about Habib Hussain, one of the London terrorists, from the Daily Mail: "According to one neighbour, Hussain "went off the rails" as a young teenager but became a reformed character when he "suddenly became devoutly religious" two years ago."
Here is some background about Shehzad Tanweer, one of the London terrorists, also from the Daily Mail. According to Shehzad's uncle, Bashir Ahmed, his nephew went to Pakistan for two months earlier this year to study religion.
What a coincidence, two of the London murderers recently became more devout in their religion. What religion could possibly lead devout adherents to commit mass murder? Truly one of the world's great mysteries....
Here is some background about Shehzad Tanweer, one of the London terrorists, also from the Daily Mail. According to Shehzad's uncle, Bashir Ahmed, his nephew went to Pakistan for two months earlier this year to study religion.
What a coincidence, two of the London murderers recently became more devout in their religion. What religion could possibly lead devout adherents to commit mass murder? Truly one of the world's great mysteries....
Say What? America Can't Win this War?
It's always interesting to read the results of CNN polls to gauge just how left of center the casual CNN reader sits. During the 2004 election cycle, CNN polls consistently showed John Kerry with a substantial lead over George Bush. When various political topics are presented, the results always portray a left-of-center bias. Consequently, every CNN poll must be viewed with this understanding, and with a recognition that poll results are best viewed with a liberal lens.
But even with the benefit of this knowledge, today's poll results are shocking, disappointing, and frightening all in one. The poll asks the simple question: "Can the war on terrorism be won?" Amazingly, only 43% believe that this war can be won. I always knew that the left of center crowd was soft on crime, weak on defense, and slow to take up arms in defense of our country. They would prefer to verbally attack America than physically protect America. But today we learn that they are a defeatist bunch as well. Consider this: Would any previous American generation state that a war is "unwinnable"? Would any previous American generation, be they Democrat or Republican, state that America is unable to defeat an enemy? I can only imagine the contempt that Patton and Eisenhower would have for the spineless CNN voters who admitted defeat in the midst of this war.
May God help us all. If the average CNN reader (nearly 20,000 voters so far) sincerely believes that this war cannot be won, than we as a nation will be fighting the war with one hand tied behind our back. Liberals and Conservatives must unite in this cause, for the future of our nation is at stake.
To see the latest, check it out here..
But even with the benefit of this knowledge, today's poll results are shocking, disappointing, and frightening all in one. The poll asks the simple question: "Can the war on terrorism be won?" Amazingly, only 43% believe that this war can be won. I always knew that the left of center crowd was soft on crime, weak on defense, and slow to take up arms in defense of our country. They would prefer to verbally attack America than physically protect America. But today we learn that they are a defeatist bunch as well. Consider this: Would any previous American generation state that a war is "unwinnable"? Would any previous American generation, be they Democrat or Republican, state that America is unable to defeat an enemy? I can only imagine the contempt that Patton and Eisenhower would have for the spineless CNN voters who admitted defeat in the midst of this war.
May God help us all. If the average CNN reader (nearly 20,000 voters so far) sincerely believes that this war cannot be won, than we as a nation will be fighting the war with one hand tied behind our back. Liberals and Conservatives must unite in this cause, for the future of our nation is at stake.
To see the latest, check it out here..
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Random Thoughts
- "When [Prime Minister] Tony Blair talked about Islam and then Islamist terrorists, who is he talking about?" asked Ahmed Salim, 26. "Osama bin Laden is not representative of Islam. . . . The way [Blair] spoke, it was ridiculous."
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Which Islamic Group Did It?
This morning, 30+ civilians in London were murdered on their way to work, the result of four separate bombings. Who could have done such a thing? In a big surprise, it turns out that some Islamic Jihadist Murderous Lunatic group is claiming responsibility.
In future terrorist attacks of innocent civilians, the question will not be "Who did this?". The question will be, "Which lunatic Islamic group did this?".
If blood thirsty Muslims continue their jihad against civilization, it would seem the G8 leaders should clamp down hard. Our enemy has no borders, no national flag, but they have a common religion. We certainly cannot conduct a witch hunt for every Muslim in the free world, but we can restrict their ability to gather, and we can stop all immigration of Muslims into the civilized world. Here are some suggestions:
Once these measures were taken, one would hope that the long-overdue call for peaceful Muslims to rise up against their terrorist brethren would be heard. The Islamic war vs. civilization will never end until jihadists are scorned, arrested, or perhaps even killed by fellow Muslims.
In future terrorist attacks of innocent civilians, the question will not be "Who did this?". The question will be, "Which lunatic Islamic group did this?".
If blood thirsty Muslims continue their jihad against civilization, it would seem the G8 leaders should clamp down hard. Our enemy has no borders, no national flag, but they have a common religion. We certainly cannot conduct a witch hunt for every Muslim in the free world, but we can restrict their ability to gather, and we can stop all immigration of Muslims into the civilized world. Here are some suggestions:
- Seize all property of every Islamic mosque and "charity"
- Freeze all financial assets of every Islamic entity
- Remove the tax exemption status of all Islamic organizations
- Deny visas to all Muslims. This might be difficult in practice, but perhaps some sort of personal testimony denying the authenticity of Islam could be required. The question then becomes whether or not would-be murderers would deny their faith to get the chance to kill civilians.
Once these measures were taken, one would hope that the long-overdue call for peaceful Muslims to rise up against their terrorist brethren would be heard. The Islamic war vs. civilization will never end until jihadists are scorned, arrested, or perhaps even killed by fellow Muslims.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
More Reasons to Buy American
Check out the latest 3 year quality ratings from JD Power. Automobiles were divided into 19 categories, and the highest quality model in each category was identified. Of note, General Motors vehicles came in at the top spot in 8 of the 19 categories, far more than any other manufacturer. Ford garnered 4 of the top spots.
All Japanese manufacturers combined for only 6 of the top vehicles. Still think Japanese quality exceeds that of the United States?
Story here.
All Japanese manufacturers combined for only 6 of the top vehicles. Still think Japanese quality exceeds that of the United States?
Story here.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Where do Suicide Bombers Come From?
A few years ago, when radical jihadists began blowing themselves up on Israeli buses, I thought the trend would be short lived. After all, who hates others so much that they're willing to die, just to kill others? How many murderous fanatics can there be who place such a small value on their own life?
Unfortunately, it seems the Muslim world has a bountiful supply of suicidal, homicidal maniacs. In a story published out of Scotland today, it seems that one of the recent hellbound murderers came from France, by way of Great Brittain! Here is the story.
Unfortunately, it seems the Muslim world has a bountiful supply of suicidal, homicidal maniacs. In a story published out of Scotland today, it seems that one of the recent hellbound murderers came from France, by way of Great Brittain! Here is the story.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
How to Love Your Country, by MoveOn.Org
Check out this latest publication from MoveOn.org, titled "50 Ways to Love Your Country". I'm not really inclined to support MoveOn.org, so I won't be purchasing this book. Besides, we could all probably guess 5 or 10 of MoveOn's top 50, couldn't we? Here's my take on what made MoveOn's list of how to "love your country":
These are only 8 agenda items I suspect are in this great new publication from MoveOn.org. I can only imagine the other 42 items on their list.
- Tax the wealthy out of existence.
- Provide government funded abortions for everyone, and ensure parents of minors are never informed of their children's efforts to seek abortion.
- Shut down America's military industrial machine and rely on the U.N. to protect our borders.
- Cap profits on all US corporations. Any profits in excess of the cap to be redirected towards international debt relief.
- Mandate racial and gender based hiring quotas for all businesses.
- Melt down all US coin currency, and re-issue coins without "In God we Trust".
- Remove tax exempt status from Christian organizations. Use new revenue to compensate prisoners "tortured" at Gitmo.
- Roll out a one time tax on white men of 25% of net worth. Proceeds to be used for reparations, minority scholarships, and federal meals on wheels programs for immigrants crossing our boarders illegally.
These are only 8 agenda items I suspect are in this great new publication from MoveOn.org. I can only imagine the other 42 items on their list.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Gitmo "Too Tough" on Would-be Murderers
Check out this story from CNN about the treatment of a prisoner at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. It seems that the US military is accused by Congressmen (Hagel and Feinstein) of using excessive force in their attempts to gain information from detainee Mohammed al-Qahtani.
The horrors included making Mr. al-Qahtani urinate in his pants, late night interrogation sessions, and awakening him with dripping water if he fell asleep. In fact, the staff at Gitmo went so far as to awaken Mr. al-Qahtani with Christina Aguilera music. Oh, the horror! No wonder the Muslim world hates Americans!
By the way, it is widely believe that Mohammed al-Qahtani was to be the fifth hijacker on Flight 93 which crashed in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. According to the Pentagon, al-Qahtani told interrogators that he "had been sent to the U.S. by Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the lead architect of the 9/11 attack; that he had met Osama bin Laden on several occasions; that he had received terrorist training at two al Qaeda camps; that he had been in contact with many senior al Qaeda leaders."
So putting all the pieces together, let's summarize: The United States has an admitted terrorist in custody, a man who has been dedicating his life to learning how to murder Americans, and attempted to enter the United States to participate in the September 11 attacks. In order to gather information from this man, we've humiliated him and made him listen to Christina Aguilera. Am I the only one who thinks that our interrogation techniques do not even approach "excessive"?
The horrors included making Mr. al-Qahtani urinate in his pants, late night interrogation sessions, and awakening him with dripping water if he fell asleep. In fact, the staff at Gitmo went so far as to awaken Mr. al-Qahtani with Christina Aguilera music. Oh, the horror! No wonder the Muslim world hates Americans!
By the way, it is widely believe that Mohammed al-Qahtani was to be the fifth hijacker on Flight 93 which crashed in Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001. According to the Pentagon, al-Qahtani told interrogators that he "had been sent to the U.S. by Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, the lead architect of the 9/11 attack; that he had met Osama bin Laden on several occasions; that he had received terrorist training at two al Qaeda camps; that he had been in contact with many senior al Qaeda leaders."
So putting all the pieces together, let's summarize: The United States has an admitted terrorist in custody, a man who has been dedicating his life to learning how to murder Americans, and attempted to enter the United States to participate in the September 11 attacks. In order to gather information from this man, we've humiliated him and made him listen to Christina Aguilera. Am I the only one who thinks that our interrogation techniques do not even approach "excessive"?
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Jihadists in America
Check out this story from WorldNet Daily about the Islamic Thinkers Society (ITS). The blood-thirsty members of ITS recently produced a video of would-be assassins stomping on the American flag, and calling on all Muslims to join the fight against all other religions in order to achieve Islamic world dominance. If the video were shot in Tehran, this wouldn't be news. But the ITS operates out of New York City, where the video was shot.
These members of the "religion of peace" are quite outspoken about their hatred for America, and acknowledge that they do not recognize any American authority including the president, congress, etc. These "thinkers" equate mixed-gender prayer with eternal damnation. They live in the United States, and use the freedoms granted by our Constitution to advocate the overthrow of our government.
My question: Why aren't these scumbag anarchists locked up somewhere? If they do not recognize any American authority, then they should not be granted the rights contained in our Constitution. Secondly, why do liberal political organizations, such as the ACLU and the Democratic National Convention, persistently work towards weakening the Patriot Act? The fact is that we have enemies living on our soil. The fact is that these murderous vermin are devoting their lives towards toppling America as we know it, and killing Americans in the process. Isn't now the time to strengthen the Patriot Act? Isn't now the time to give our intelligence and law enforcement agencies the ammunition they need to lock these scumbags up for life? I'll gladly make a small sacrifice of my personal freedoms if that is what it takes to defeat the jihadists living on our soil.
These members of the "religion of peace" are quite outspoken about their hatred for America, and acknowledge that they do not recognize any American authority including the president, congress, etc. These "thinkers" equate mixed-gender prayer with eternal damnation. They live in the United States, and use the freedoms granted by our Constitution to advocate the overthrow of our government.
My question: Why aren't these scumbag anarchists locked up somewhere? If they do not recognize any American authority, then they should not be granted the rights contained in our Constitution. Secondly, why do liberal political organizations, such as the ACLU and the Democratic National Convention, persistently work towards weakening the Patriot Act? The fact is that we have enemies living on our soil. The fact is that these murderous vermin are devoting their lives towards toppling America as we know it, and killing Americans in the process. Isn't now the time to strengthen the Patriot Act? Isn't now the time to give our intelligence and law enforcement agencies the ammunition they need to lock these scumbags up for life? I'll gladly make a small sacrifice of my personal freedoms if that is what it takes to defeat the jihadists living on our soil.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Why is this Not a Surprise?
John Kerry finally released his academic record from Yale University, and the record shows that is academic performance is very similar to that of President Bush.
Of course, the Kerry campaign made every effort to portray their man as the intellectual compared to the bumbling Bush. The DNC relied on innuendo and media reporting to build up Kerry's intellectual image. After all - aren't all neoliberal proponents of infanticide far superior to right wing Christian neocons? But once again, another supposed pillar of the Kerry candidacy has been revealed to be a facade. For those of you keeping score at home, that's a 2.0.
Of course, the Kerry campaign made every effort to portray their man as the intellectual compared to the bumbling Bush. The DNC relied on innuendo and media reporting to build up Kerry's intellectual image. After all - aren't all neoliberal proponents of infanticide far superior to right wing Christian neocons? But once again, another supposed pillar of the Kerry candidacy has been revealed to be a facade. For those of you keeping score at home, that's a 2.0.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Once Again, Amnesty International Playing Politics
I wrote an article last May in USANow about Amnesty International's annual report. I chronicled the background of Secretary General Irene Khan, who is the first woman and the first Muslim to head up Amnesty International. She has been quoted as comparing modern day Muslim aggression to the Crusades, but at the same time stated that there is no need for a War on Terror. Under Khan's direction, Amnesty International was harsh in their judgement of the USA last year, and this year is no different.
States the report: "When the most powerful country in the world thumbs its nose at the rule of law and human rights, it grants a licence to others to commit abuse with impunity." Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay are again cited as examples of human rights abuses. Granted, abuses took place at Abu Ghraib, but has there been any evidence that those abuses exemplify US policy? And other than faulty reporting from Newsweek, have there been reports of abuses at Guantanamo Bay?
During the past year, the world has witnessed be-headings and car bombings in Iraq perpetrated by Islamic militants, child molestation by UN officials in the Congo, and ongoing genocide in the Sudan (perpetrated by Islamic militants). If Islamic militants in Iraq and Sudan followed the US human rights example (as suggested by Kahn), millions of civilians would still be alive today (it is estimated that 2 million people in southern Sudan have been murdered at the hands of Muslims from northern Sudan). Yet Ms. Khan states that it is the example of the United States which causes others to commit abuses! How am I not surprised? Because we had a couple of rogue guards force prisoners to get naked, Ms. Khan excuses Islamic militants of torture and murder. Do you think she's perhaps just a little biased by her religion?
Given her political and religious background, as well as her history writing these annual reports, I suggest she go ahead and write the next 20 years worth of reports today. She could start every report like this: "The USA is guilty of human rights abuses. The ten-fold murderous response by the Muslim community is justified because of the United States' example."
States the report: "When the most powerful country in the world thumbs its nose at the rule of law and human rights, it grants a licence to others to commit abuse with impunity." Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay are again cited as examples of human rights abuses. Granted, abuses took place at Abu Ghraib, but has there been any evidence that those abuses exemplify US policy? And other than faulty reporting from Newsweek, have there been reports of abuses at Guantanamo Bay?
During the past year, the world has witnessed be-headings and car bombings in Iraq perpetrated by Islamic militants, child molestation by UN officials in the Congo, and ongoing genocide in the Sudan (perpetrated by Islamic militants). If Islamic militants in Iraq and Sudan followed the US human rights example (as suggested by Kahn), millions of civilians would still be alive today (it is estimated that 2 million people in southern Sudan have been murdered at the hands of Muslims from northern Sudan). Yet Ms. Khan states that it is the example of the United States which causes others to commit abuses! How am I not surprised? Because we had a couple of rogue guards force prisoners to get naked, Ms. Khan excuses Islamic militants of torture and murder. Do you think she's perhaps just a little biased by her religion?
Given her political and religious background, as well as her history writing these annual reports, I suggest she go ahead and write the next 20 years worth of reports today. She could start every report like this: "The USA is guilty of human rights abuses. The ten-fold murderous response by the Muslim community is justified because of the United States' example."
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
HISD and Abe Saavedra Success Story
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) made news last year in their efforts to find a new Superintendant. The search became a racial issue when the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) stated the new Super "must be Hispanic". After creating a short list of candidates who were being pushed out of their current jobs, HISD select Abe Saavedra, who himself left Corpus Christi amid a wave of controversy.
I was critical of LULAC's insistence on an Hispanic superintendant. Their logic, ironically enough, was that HISD is a majority Hispanic so the leadership must be Hispanic. Funny how they don't see things this way when Hispanics are the minority). I was also critical of HISD's approach to the hiring, as it was done in a manner that basically ensured Saavedra would get the job.
Fast forward to this year, and it's worth reporting on a major HISD success story. Last fall, Saavedra, along with 500 other volunteers, personally visited dropouts of 8 HISD high schools in what Saavedra calls a "dropout walk". The dropouts were not only asked to come back, but they were asked how the district could help them get back in school. In one instance, as reported by the Houston Chronicle today, the district helped a young mother find a job and arrange health care for her children. She was one of 291 kids who returned to high school as a result of HISD's personal appeal. This weekend, she is graduating from Furr High School along with 47 other students who had previously dropped out.
Congratulations to Saavedra and to HISD for a job very well done. The program will be expanded next year to include dropouts from 16 HISD high schools.
I was critical of LULAC's insistence on an Hispanic superintendant. Their logic, ironically enough, was that HISD is a majority Hispanic so the leadership must be Hispanic. Funny how they don't see things this way when Hispanics are the minority). I was also critical of HISD's approach to the hiring, as it was done in a manner that basically ensured Saavedra would get the job.
Fast forward to this year, and it's worth reporting on a major HISD success story. Last fall, Saavedra, along with 500 other volunteers, personally visited dropouts of 8 HISD high schools in what Saavedra calls a "dropout walk". The dropouts were not only asked to come back, but they were asked how the district could help them get back in school. In one instance, as reported by the Houston Chronicle today, the district helped a young mother find a job and arrange health care for her children. She was one of 291 kids who returned to high school as a result of HISD's personal appeal. This weekend, she is graduating from Furr High School along with 47 other students who had previously dropped out.
Congratulations to Saavedra and to HISD for a job very well done. The program will be expanded next year to include dropouts from 16 HISD high schools.
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