Being the last day of 2007, I feel I should reflect a bit on the year that was.
I say, "Good riddance, 2007!"
I usually say "good riddance" to the old year, probably because the future, the New Year, holds possibility and promise.
I'm not going to spend time going through all the big events of the past year. (That's what archives are for.)
Charlie Sykes has written a column that sums up 2007, "The Forgettable Year." Read that for an overview of the frivilous and the eventful.
In terms of the news, there are a few stories that define 2007 for me.
Locally, the big one is crime. I think of the innocent children who were killed or wounded, caught in the crossfire of the thugs. I think of the many incidents of horrific violence. I think of gangs and the Bay View crime spree. I think of the violence at Milwaukee public schools, involving students and assisted by their parents or other adults.
Thugs are killing each other. They're killing the victims of their crimes. They're killing bystanders. They're killing Milwaukee.
And the most pleasant surprise of 2007 -- THE PACKERS!
Nationally, the big one is Iraq. Yes, that surge that wasn't going to work, worked. In 2007, things in Iraq turned around and much to the dismay of the Dems, it doesn't appear that Election 2008 is going to be a referendum on Iraq. It seems that Bush might not be on the ballot after all.
I can't begin to predict what 2008 will hold. Of course, like every other year, it will hold its joys and sorrows. There will be events that horrify and that inspire.
We're guaranteed to have a new president. That I can predict.
I don't know why exactly, but I feel like 2008 will be a momentous year, a year of tremendous turbulence and upheaval, kind of a 1968 revisited.
I think that stems from what's certain to be a really ugly election year. And also, there's no end in sight when it comes to the continued moral deterioration of Milwaukee, the country, and the world and the ensuing violence and death. I'm definitely uneasy about 2008.
In less than 24 hours, it will be here.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! (I hope and pray.)
Sunday, December 30, 2007
There's No Place Like Baggage Claim
According to TMJ4, it appears that Tatjana Volder, her son, and her mother are still making the airport baggage claim their home.
A shelter has to be more comfortable than the airport. I don't know why the family is resisting.
I also don't know why this is being tolerated.
Authorities can't force the family into a shelter, but they can keep them from living in the airport.
Perhaps Gov. Jim Doyle could get involved. He wants to help immigrants. Give the Bosnian family in-state tuition at UW-Madison and let them live in a dorm.
Back on Christmas Day Tatjana Voloder and her family were in the airport baggage claim, where they had lived for more than a week. But then they mysteriously disappeared - for days. Until Sunday.
We caught up with Voloder at a Walgreens drug store near the airport. Several viewers called our newsroom saying she was there.
Voloder said she left the airport because of illness. "I'm so sick, my mom's sick too, and my son he's not ok too," she said.
It was Christmas day when we first found the family living in the baggage area at Mitchell International. She said the family had been there for 8 days. They claimed they lost their tickets to Kansas City.
Voloder now says she is not trying to get to Kansas City. "No, I will stay here, because I have a chance for this apartment."
Now the Bosnian family says they are living at a hotel near the airport - although we couldn't confirm that.
But an airport employee said as of Sunday morning the family was still living in the baggage claim area.
If true, that's illegal. The sheriff's department doesn't want them at the airport and has offered to take the family to a shelter.
A shelter has to be more comfortable than the airport. I don't know why the family is resisting.
I also don't know why this is being tolerated.
Authorities can't force the family into a shelter, but they can keep them from living in the airport.
Perhaps Gov. Jim Doyle could get involved. He wants to help immigrants. Give the Bosnian family in-state tuition at UW-Madison and let them live in a dorm.
Four Teens Beat Man with Shovels
Mayor Tom Barrett can't blame this violent crime on a lack of tough gun legislation.
Nope, this has nothing to do with "illegal guns."
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
I'm glad these thugs were caught.
A man is out shoveling snow on Saturday afternoon and four kids attack, brutally beating him.
Did anyone teach these teens that such behavior is not acceptable?
Did their parents teach them "thou shalt not steal"?
Thou shalt not hit people in the head with shovels?
Did their parents try to teach them, but the little thugs didn't listen?
This poor man is out doing the responsible thing, clearing snow.
And what does he get for his work? He gets assaulted by a mob -- punched, kicked, and hit in the head with shovels.
Instead of beating the man with their shovels, the teens should have used them to help people who are too old or ill to remove the snow from their walks.
There are kids who do that, who have morals, who would never do what these four did.
In addition to punishment for attempted robbery and beating the man, the four thugs should be sentenced to shovel snow, blocks and blocks and blocks of snow-covered sidewalks, driveways, and alleys.
Nope, this has nothing to do with "illegal guns."
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Milwaukee police have four teens in custody today suspected of beating a 34-year-old man who was shoveling snow.
The teens -- all boys between the ages of 13 and 16 -- reportedly were wielding shovels when they approached the victim in the 2200 block of N. 55th St. late Saturday afternoon and demanded his wallet. They punched, kicked and hit him in the head with their shovels, police said. The man escaped to a neighbor's house and called 911.
A police officer in the area caught the boys, who later admitted to the crime. Police suspect the teens are responsible for at least one other similar attempted robbery.
I'm glad these thugs were caught.
A man is out shoveling snow on Saturday afternoon and four kids attack, brutally beating him.
Did anyone teach these teens that such behavior is not acceptable?
Did their parents teach them "thou shalt not steal"?
Thou shalt not hit people in the head with shovels?
Did their parents try to teach them, but the little thugs didn't listen?
This poor man is out doing the responsible thing, clearing snow.
And what does he get for his work? He gets assaulted by a mob -- punched, kicked, and hit in the head with shovels.
Instead of beating the man with their shovels, the teens should have used them to help people who are too old or ill to remove the snow from their walks.
There are kids who do that, who have morals, who would never do what these four did.
In addition to punishment for attempted robbery and beating the man, the four thugs should be sentenced to shovel snow, blocks and blocks and blocks of snow-covered sidewalks, driveways, and alleys.
Slashed Tires on Milwaukee's South Side
What could possibly have been the motivation to slash the tires on at least 55 cars on one night?
Did Marvin Pratt's son and Gwen Moore's son think that the vehicles were going to be used to transport Republican voters to the polls?
I don't think so.
I think it's the work of conscienceless jerks.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Right now, a person or group of people are out there knowing that they seriously inconvenienced dozens of people.
As TMJ4 reports, slashed tires means a slash one's wallet. Some of the victims spent between $130 and $300 for the repairs, if they were lucky enough to be able to find the right tires.
It's likely that there are people not involved in the vandalism but know who did slash the tires.
The idiots who did so much damage are probably lost causes. They are uncivilized. They're a scourge on society. They're miscreants.
But what about the people who wouldn't commit the vandalism but are so lacking in conscience that they stay silent?
They're also part of the problem, a big part of the problem.
Who would like to wake up on a Sunday morning and discover that their tires have been slashed?
It's bad enough when you have a flat or some other car problem that's not related to any intentional act by someone to do harm.
This sort of thing is really sick -- the people who did it and the people who know who did it.
It makes Mayor Tom Barrett seem a bit out of touch when he brags about Milwaukee's renaissance, doesn't it?
I doubt that the victims of the vandals' massive attack think of the city that way.
Did Marvin Pratt's son and Gwen Moore's son think that the vehicles were going to be used to transport Republican voters to the polls?
I don't think so.
I think it's the work of conscienceless jerks.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Dozens of residents on Milwaukee's south side awoke this morning to find the tires on their vehicles slashed.
Milwaukee police said they received more than 55 calls from people scattered around the 2800 block of S. 12th and 13th streets to as far east as Tippecanoe Park reporting that at least one tire had been slashed. The first call came in at 8:28 a.m. and police were still receiving calls as of 10:30 a.m.
"There's probably many more," said Capt. Debra Davidoski.
Right now, a person or group of people are out there knowing that they seriously inconvenienced dozens of people.
As TMJ4 reports, slashed tires means a slash one's wallet. Some of the victims spent between $130 and $300 for the repairs, if they were lucky enough to be able to find the right tires.
It's likely that there are people not involved in the vandalism but know who did slash the tires.
The idiots who did so much damage are probably lost causes. They are uncivilized. They're a scourge on society. They're miscreants.
But what about the people who wouldn't commit the vandalism but are so lacking in conscience that they stay silent?
They're also part of the problem, a big part of the problem.
Who would like to wake up on a Sunday morning and discover that their tires have been slashed?
It's bad enough when you have a flat or some other car problem that's not related to any intentional act by someone to do harm.
This sort of thing is really sick -- the people who did it and the people who know who did it.
It makes Mayor Tom Barrett seem a bit out of touch when he brags about Milwaukee's renaissance, doesn't it?
I doubt that the victims of the vandals' massive attack think of the city that way.
David Gregory: Lord of the Dance
I think David Gregory learned his moves from Gene Gene, the Dancing Machine.
Gene dances better. He'd probably be a better journalist, too.
13-3 AMAZING
Packers wide receiver Ruvell Martin celebrates his 32-yard touchdown reception during the third quarter.(Photo/Mark Hoffman)
This was a fun way to end the regular season.
Green Bay -- Packers coach Mike McCarthy had been so incensed with his players' poor performance last week he considered making his starters play a full four quarters in an otherwise inconsequential regular-season finale.
McCarthy cooled off by Sunday, deciding to rest several top players for the playoffs. It turned out he didn't really have to choose between playing it safe and playing to win in Green Bay's 34-13 victory over Detroit.
Green Bay (13-3) will host its first game at 3:30 CT on Saturday, Jan. 12 (full playoff schedule).
The Packers didn't need their starters to beat the lowly Lions, tie a franchise record for victories in a season and rebound from an ugly loss in windy and cold conditions at Chicago.
"I think it punched us right in the mouth, and it was a good wake-up call," McCarthy said of last week's loss to the Bears. "The most important thing about a wake-up call, in my opinion, is how you respond to it."
...Favre even made a rare contribution to the running game, scrambling for 21 yards on the Packers' first possession to set up a 27-yard touchdown run by Grant.
"I've still got a little bit left," Favre joked.
The fun didn't stop there, as Favre threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Koren Robinson - Robinson's first touchdown since serving a 1-year suspension under the NFL's substance abuse policy. Favre celebrated enthusiastically in the end zone with Robinson, whom Favre has publicly supported all season. After the game, Favre called Robinson "a great guy with very good character who's had some problems."
Favre then threw a 4-yard touchdown to Bubba Franks on the Packers' third possession. Desperate for someone to celebrate with, Favre ran into a bewildered official - and immediately slapped him five.
13-3
Packers 34
Lions 13
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Scott Walker and Archbishop Timothy Dolan
Last week, I stumbled upon Living Our Faith, a half-hour TV show hosted by Bob Dolan featuring his brother, Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy Dolan.
I really enjoy the show. The format includes a guest, a feature segment, answers from the Archbishop to viewer e-mail, and the Archbishop's closing reflection.
There's a heavy dose of humor which makes the program entertaining as well as informative and inspirational.
For example, this week's episode started off with Bob Dolan and the Archbishop having a little conversation.
Bob commented that Midnight Mass at St. John's was beautiful.
The Archbishop replied, "I'm glad you were there. The snoring didn't come through the microphone I hope during the homily."
The topic for this week's segment was the New Year and resolutions.
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker was the guest.
Watch here.
Sticking with the idea of resolutions, Walker talked about goals for Milwaukee County in 2008.
He touched on the drop out rate in schools, teen pregnancy, and some of the horrific violent crime the county has seen, but he said there is a "tale of two cities out there." Although he acknowledged that there's a need to face those challenges head on, there is a lot of opportunity and reason for hope in the new year.
Walker noted the good things going on in the county. He spoke of the surge in new construction and the airport's record traffic as a barometer for business.
He said you can't just talk about despair. The Archbishop agreed that we need to accentuate the positive.
Walker made a Biblical reference, citing Paul's letter to the Romans and how he talked about suffering. Walker said that through the moments of suffering, along with character and perseverance, there's hope.
As an example of a positive accomplishment, Walker mentioned that the county and the city worked together to break ground for a new housing project for people with mental illness, providing housing as well as support and compassion for those suffering.
Saying that great minds think alike, the Archbishop noted that Pope Benedict XVI's new Encyclical will be on Hope. Archbishop Dolan stressed the importance of hope in people's lives.
He concluded, "Good homily, Scott. Not bad. You want to run for Archbishop?"
In closing, Bob said to Walker, "I guess I shouldn't ask you about a resolution for 2010. Should I? No, no... one that you may have two years from now."
Walker replied, "As my father always says, 'One day at a time.' In this case, one year at a time."
Though some may charge that Walker's appearance was political, the emphasis was really on the Church and the community working together to improve people's lives and provide hope for positive changes in 2008.
During the e-mail segment, one question was about the saints and praying to one's patron saint.
Archbishop Dolan told a story from when he was in second grade. The nun asked him which saint he was named after. The Archbishop replied, "St. Timothy." The nun asked which St. Timothy. He didn't know.
So, the Archbishop went home and asked his mother.
She told him, "You're named after your grandpa, and he's no saint."
I think that's what's so engaging about the program. The Archbishop connects so well with people. He makes faith accessible because he's accessible. He's a wonderful role model for how to live one's beliefs.
I highly recommend the program, and not just for Catholics.
Archbishop Dolan isn't just a Catholic leader. He also plays a role as a community leader. Southeastern Wisconsin is blessed to have him.
Living Our Faith is a broad identity-building, awareness effort that serves as a large umbrella for other diocesan initiatives. Planning began in 2005 and focused on three key areas:1. Inspiring Catholics to recognize the power and effect of Jesus and His Church on their lives;
2. Encouraging more active participation in the life of the Church, especially the sacraments and Sunday Mass, as well as the parish community; and
3. Creating a sense of connectedness throughout the diocese and among our parishes.
Over the last five years, there has been a great deal of attention paid to a very negative aspect of the Catholic Church. Despite this, there are wonderful, meaningful things that happen each and every day within the Catholic community of southeastern Wisconsin. Living Our Faith allows Catholics to turn their focus to the positive and emphasize the joy of being Catholic.
I really enjoy the show. The format includes a guest, a feature segment, answers from the Archbishop to viewer e-mail, and the Archbishop's closing reflection.
There's a heavy dose of humor which makes the program entertaining as well as informative and inspirational.
For example, this week's episode started off with Bob Dolan and the Archbishop having a little conversation.
Bob commented that Midnight Mass at St. John's was beautiful.
The Archbishop replied, "I'm glad you were there. The snoring didn't come through the microphone I hope during the homily."
The topic for this week's segment was the New Year and resolutions.
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker was the guest.
Watch here.
Sticking with the idea of resolutions, Walker talked about goals for Milwaukee County in 2008.
He touched on the drop out rate in schools, teen pregnancy, and some of the horrific violent crime the county has seen, but he said there is a "tale of two cities out there." Although he acknowledged that there's a need to face those challenges head on, there is a lot of opportunity and reason for hope in the new year.
Walker noted the good things going on in the county. He spoke of the surge in new construction and the airport's record traffic as a barometer for business.
He said you can't just talk about despair. The Archbishop agreed that we need to accentuate the positive.
Walker made a Biblical reference, citing Paul's letter to the Romans and how he talked about suffering. Walker said that through the moments of suffering, along with character and perseverance, there's hope.
As an example of a positive accomplishment, Walker mentioned that the county and the city worked together to break ground for a new housing project for people with mental illness, providing housing as well as support and compassion for those suffering.
Saying that great minds think alike, the Archbishop noted that Pope Benedict XVI's new Encyclical will be on Hope. Archbishop Dolan stressed the importance of hope in people's lives.
He concluded, "Good homily, Scott. Not bad. You want to run for Archbishop?"
In closing, Bob said to Walker, "I guess I shouldn't ask you about a resolution for 2010. Should I? No, no... one that you may have two years from now."
Walker replied, "As my father always says, 'One day at a time.' In this case, one year at a time."
Though some may charge that Walker's appearance was political, the emphasis was really on the Church and the community working together to improve people's lives and provide hope for positive changes in 2008.
During the e-mail segment, one question was about the saints and praying to one's patron saint.
Archbishop Dolan told a story from when he was in second grade. The nun asked him which saint he was named after. The Archbishop replied, "St. Timothy." The nun asked which St. Timothy. He didn't know.
So, the Archbishop went home and asked his mother.
She told him, "You're named after your grandpa, and he's no saint."
I think that's what's so engaging about the program. The Archbishop connects so well with people. He makes faith accessible because he's accessible. He's a wonderful role model for how to live one's beliefs.
I highly recommend the program, and not just for Catholics.
Archbishop Dolan isn't just a Catholic leader. He also plays a role as a community leader. Southeastern Wisconsin is blessed to have him.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Marco Lara
Marco Lara is the baby who doctors say should never have been born.
Doctors recommended abortion.
Marco's parents rejected that advice.
From the Daily Mail:
While he was still in the womb, scans showed he was unlikely to survive, and would be severely disabled if he did.
His parents Julie Crampin, 36, and Antony Lara rejected advice to have the pregnancy terminated, and Marco was born with a range of serious conditions, including water on the brain, a hole in the heart and pyloric stenosis – a narrowing of the outlet of the stomach.
But the couple from Gloucester are delighted with their son and say he is making good progress.
Mr Lara, a 40-year-old hairdresser, said: "There was never a moment when we were in any doubt that we wanted him, even if he only lived for a day.
"Just to have had him alive for a few hours would have been better than not giving him the chance of life."
Marco's problems were revealed when his mother had a scan at 20 weeks.
Mr Lara said: "He was diagnosed as severely disabled. The chances of having him were minimal.
"We were told he could either be seriously disabled or die at birth, so we had big decisions to make.
"We were given the option of a termination, but we both became determined to have him."
The couple managed to find hope in daily updates from doctors which, although still desperate, showed Marco to be a fighter.
They were delighted when their faith was rewarded and their son was born, although they have twice been forced to cancel their wedding because of his medical needs.
Now Marco is developing well after three operations, two to relieve pressure on his brain.
Mr Lara said last night he is hopeful his son will live a full life without any serious disabilities – but it is too early yet for doctors to give them an accurate prediction.
"Considering we were told he would die within hours of birth that is a pretty good prognosis," he added.
"His co-ordination, eye movements and speech are all good. He's very smiley and alert. There is no reason to think he is going to have any particular disabilities but we really won't know more till he is about two.
"We live every day as it comes, not thinking about the fact that his life might be curtailed or that he will be disabled.
"At the moment, everything is looking good – so much better than we dared to hope when the doctors advised us to terminate the pregnancy.
"Naturally, Julie and I have our ups and downs with him and we've had some tears as well as laughs but neither of us have for a moment regretted the decision to have him.
"He may be a lot of work, but he is worth it.
"We didn't at any stage even consider having a termination despite the medical advice.
"We both knew we wanted our baby no matter what and we have not regretted the decision at any stage. We both agreed we would rather have him, no matter what, than not at all."
While there's life, there's hope.
Marco is proving that.
I wonder what the doctors who were advocating that Marco be aborted think now.
Do they feel guilty for pushing to have Marco killed?
God bless Marco and his loving parents.
Wal-Mart Caught "Regifting"
Sometimes that perfect Christmas gift isn't quite perfect.
Wal-Mart sold a returned MP3 player, in violation of its own policy to ship returned electronics back to the manufacturer rather than return it to their shelves for resale.
It's a safe bet to assume that the pervert responsible for loading the MP3 player with such graphic content intended to shock a new owner.
There's no question that Wal-Mart screwed up royally. This incident shows why its policy of returning electronics to the manufacturer is a good one. The buck stops with Wal-Mart.
But I can't over the sicko who bought an MP3 player, packed it with porn, and returned it. The person knew what he or she was doing.
Not funny.
Wal-Mart sold a returned MP3 player, in violation of its own policy to ship returned electronics back to the manufacturer rather than return it to their shelves for resale.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- The family of a 10-year-old girl who received an MP3 video player for Christmas was shocked when it found the player was loaded with explicit songs and pornographic movie clips.
The daughter of Cookeville's Daryl Hill was thrilled to find that Santa had left an MP3 player under the tree, until she turned it on.
"Within 10 minutes, my daughter was crying," said Hill.
There were video clips of XXX rated sex scenes, and the pornography was so graphic that Channel 4 could not broadcast it.
"I wish I could take the thoughts and images out of her head," said Hill.
The Hills had bought three MP3 players for their children that came from a Wal-Mart store in Sparta, Tenn. It turns out one of the MP3 players had been returned to the store from a previous owner who loaded sex clips, graphic war scenes and lyrics about using drugs.
The Hills want to know why Wal-Mart would sell used merchandise as new in the first place, which is in violation of its own policies.
"If they want to be a major retailer, they need to act like it," said Hill.
...A Wal-Mart spokesperson e-mailed Channel 4 confirming that stores are not supposed to return opened packages to the sales floor. They said they are working to get to the bottom of the problem.
The Hills said they have declined Wal-Mart's offer to replace the MP3 player. They've already bought their daughter a new one and are hanging onto the controversial one until they talk to a lawyer.
It's a safe bet to assume that the pervert responsible for loading the MP3 player with such graphic content intended to shock a new owner.
There's no question that Wal-Mart screwed up royally. This incident shows why its policy of returning electronics to the manufacturer is a good one. The buck stops with Wal-Mart.
But I can't over the sicko who bought an MP3 player, packed it with porn, and returned it. The person knew what he or she was doing.
Not funny.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
CHRISTMAS ISN'T OVER YET
I've heard commercials blaring, "The holidays are over."
On December 26, I saw Christmas trees tossed out as trash.
No more Christmas songs on radio music stations. No more Christmas bumper music on talk radio.
The Nativity scene has been removed from Green Bay's court house, as originally planned.
Quick! Rip the Christmas cards off the shelves! The Valentines are coming!
In the secular realm, the one that is measured by half-price sales, and gift receipts to make returns and exchanges easier, I guess Christmas is over.
I wonder if those Thanksgiving to Christmas Day celebrators stop to think about the TWELVE days of Christmas.
All those gifts, including the golden rings, the swans A-swimming, the drummers drumming, aren't presented on December 25. The celebration continues.
According to the stores, Christmas is past; but the season is far from over.
John Feister writes a nice explanation of the holiday season and how to celebrate it.
He writes:
While it's too late to observe Advent if you missed it this year, it's not too late to continue to celebrate Christmas and then the Epiphany and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Store shelves may still have a few remnants of Christmas left, at deep discount prices, but Valentine's Day merchandise is ready and waiting to be brought out if it's not already on display.
Cupid and the Three Kings shouldn't overlap.
Don't rush to pack away the season. Celebrate!
Remember, it's still Christmas!
On December 26, I saw Christmas trees tossed out as trash.
No more Christmas songs on radio music stations. No more Christmas bumper music on talk radio.
The Nativity scene has been removed from Green Bay's court house, as originally planned.
Quick! Rip the Christmas cards off the shelves! The Valentines are coming!
In the secular realm, the one that is measured by half-price sales, and gift receipts to make returns and exchanges easier, I guess Christmas is over.
I wonder if those Thanksgiving to Christmas Day celebrators stop to think about the TWELVE days of Christmas.
All those gifts, including the golden rings, the swans A-swimming, the drummers drumming, aren't presented on December 25. The celebration continues.
According to the stores, Christmas is past; but the season is far from over.
John Feister writes a nice explanation of the holiday season and how to celebrate it.
He writes:
Our culture tends to skip Advent and start celebrating Christmas after Thanksgiving—if we’re lucky to make it that far! Then it’s all packed up and stored away by New Year’s. This year, consider returning to the ancient practice of seeing the whole Christmas “cycle”—the period that embraces both the Advent and Christmas seasons—as one unit of joyous celebration. Preparation comes first, then comes celebration extending a few weeks after Christmas Day.
The focal point of the Christmas cycle is obvious: God becoming one of us in Jesus, the Incarnation. All three phases of the cycle—Advent, Christmas and Epiphany—hinge on and celebrate that point. These celebrations help us to name the ways our lives are caught up in the “big story” of Christ. And these feasts tie our lives to Christians throughout history. The tradition of the Church, the living gospel, is the real-life experience of Christians like you and like me, and those who have gone before us.
During Advent, which begins in 2007 on December 2, we emphasize the joy that some would compare to the months before a child is born: excitement, wonder, joy, expectation, even exhilaration at the life that is in our midst right now, yet also a hope and longing, and a carefulness to get things into order.
During the Christmas season we celebrate the wonder of the Incarnation. How wondrously we are made that the Word of God would become one of us! God shows us how to live fully: by pouring out our lives for others. That is what the days of Christmas are all about.
Epiphany and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord celebrate Christ becoming manifest—that is, present—to all peoples. On Epiphany we focus on the three Wise Men symbolizing the many races for whom Christ was born. The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of his public ministry. God’s “Christmas gift” of the Incarnation is a gift for everyone!
While it's too late to observe Advent if you missed it this year, it's not too late to continue to celebrate Christmas and then the Epiphany and the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Store shelves may still have a few remnants of Christmas left, at deep discount prices, but Valentine's Day merchandise is ready and waiting to be brought out if it's not already on display.
Cupid and the Three Kings shouldn't overlap.
Don't rush to pack away the season. Celebrate!
Remember, it's still Christmas!
Dems Exploit Bhutto's Death
Everybody knows It's a Wonderful Life. George Bailey, one man, learned how significant he was in the lives of so many people. The lives he touched were dramatically altered because he was there.
Now think of Benazir Bhutto. Think of how many lives she touched. Think of the millions and millions of lives that changed because of her assassination on Thursday.
From the Chicago Tribune:
The significance of Bhutto's death is enormous.
Of course, the loss of this leader is a tragedy. She had the potential to make such a difference in nurturing democracy in the Muslim world.
But the murder of this accomplished, heroic woman matters far beyond that region.
It matters to us.
Read President Bush's statement, extending condolences regarding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, and condemning violence.
Pakistan is a powder keg. It's a nuclear disaster waiting to happen; but politics can't wait.
Russ Feingold issued a statement:
In spite of this relatively uncontroversial statement, Brian Maloney notes that Feingold took the low road in other comments he made yesterday.
He writes:
Maloney points out that Feingold's official statement doesn't include the criticism he spewed on a lib talk show.
Feingold is such an embarrassment. How crass and opportunistic to seize on Bhutto's death to score political points! In other words, it's typical Feingold.
I guess Wisconsinites can be thankful for Chris Dodd.
Maloney says:
These Dems have no shame.
In addition to Feingold and Dodd putting their disgusting spin on Bhutto's assassination, we have her death being exploited by the presidential wannabes. (Yes, I know Dodd is technically a candidate but no sane person can consider him to even be a dark horse.)
The Dem candidates were falling all over themselves to use Bhutto's death to their advantage.
It's sickening that Clinton and Obama are viewing Bhutto's death through the prism of U.S. presidential politics instead of as a crisis in terms of hope for stability in Pakistan and the region.
The Republican candidates engaged in some posturing of their own.
While I think it's completely legitimate for the candidates to address Bhutto's assassination, I don't like her death being exploited as part of America's presidential political games.
Now think of Benazir Bhutto. Think of how many lives she touched. Think of the millions and millions of lives that changed because of her assassination on Thursday.
From the Chicago Tribune:
Rioting and protests spread across Pakistan on Thursday night after the assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, the charismatic yet divisive former prime minister considered by Western leaders and her many supporters to have been the best hope for bringing stability and full democracy back to Pakistan.
Her death plunged the troubled country into even deeper turmoil, raising questions about the possible postponement of parliamentary elections set for Jan. 8 and the future of embattled President Pervez Musharraf, a U.S. ally in the war on terror who already is deeply unpopular among Pakistanis.
Immediately after Bhutto was killed in the army garrison town of Rawalpindi—shot as she waved from her vehicle just before a suicide blast killed at least 20 people at a campaign rally—supporters began blaming Musharraf for her death and screaming slogans against him.
The death of Bhutto, a regal, dominating figure who had studied at Harvard, won fame as the first female leader of a Muslim nation and came from a family long associated with power and tragedy, also was a potentially huge setback for U.S. policy in a country the Bush administration depends on in its global war on terror.
Bhutto, 54, who twice served as prime minister, had returned from exile in October, largely with the backing of U.S. officials, who promoted a power-sharing deal between her and Musharraf. They believed her anti-militant stance and popularity would bolster stability in the world's only known nuclear-armed Islamic nation.
The significance of Bhutto's death is enormous.
Of course, the loss of this leader is a tragedy. She had the potential to make such a difference in nurturing democracy in the Muslim world.
But the murder of this accomplished, heroic woman matters far beyond that region.
It matters to us.
Read President Bush's statement, extending condolences regarding the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, and condemning violence.
Pakistan is a powder keg. It's a nuclear disaster waiting to happen; but politics can't wait.
Russ Feingold issued a statement:
“The assassination of Benazir Bhutto is terrible news for those who support a stabilized democracy in Pakistan, both in that country and around the world. Bhutto was a brave leader who was beloved by millions in Pakistan. The questions surrounding her assassination should have direct bearing on both the future of democracy in Pakistan and the relationship we will have with a country that is so critical in the fight against global terrorism.”
In spite of this relatively uncontroversial statement, Brian Maloney notes that Feingold took the low road in other comments he made yesterday.
He writes:
Descending instantly into political partisanship at a particularly sensitive moment, US Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) used today's savage attack on Pakistan's Benazir Bhutto to blame President Bush and Iraq.
Given the emotional state of affairs in East Asia after an ambush that killed both a revered leader and dozens of others, isn't this a particularly reckless approach? By providing verbal ammunition for our enemies abroad, isn't Feingold pouring gasoline on an already- raging wildfire overseas?
In an interview on today's Ed Schultz Show, Feingold wasted no time taking the low road, folding his unfortunate words into what otherwise sounds like a calm and reasoned reaction.
It's one heck of a sneaky debate trick, especially how Feingold uses "in recent years" to refer to Bush, while cloaking the point slightly around the 2008 presidential race. But a close listen makes it clear he's going after Bush and Iraq.
After this many years as a senator, these kinds of rhetorical tricks are old hat to someone like Feingold.
From today's show:FEINGOLD: The focus on Iraq has been a real disservice to focusing on this part of the world where a great, frankly somebody who had great leadership and following, has been killed.
Maloney points out that Feingold's official statement doesn't include the criticism he spewed on a lib talk show.
Feingold is such an embarrassment. How crass and opportunistic to seize on Bhutto's death to score political points! In other words, it's typical Feingold.
I guess Wisconsinites can be thankful for Chris Dodd.
Maloney says:
Making the earlier words of fellow Democrat Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) sound tame by comparison, Chris Dodd took a spin on the Unhinged Expressway this afternoon, laying blame for Benazir Bhutto's death squarely on the shoulders of President Bush.
During an interview with libtalker Ed Schultz that occurred two hours after Feingold's, Dodd didn't use the slightest bit of discretion in his uber- partisan attack on Bush:DODD: It reflects once again the misdirection in my view of the (Bush) Administration on focusing on Iraq and Iran. I've been saying for months that Pakistan and Afghanistan deserve more attention.
It's still the epicenter of international terrorism, of where Osama bin Laden is, here. And yet the administration continues to focus its efforts, its resources, its time and effort on Iraq and Iran.
These Dems have no shame.
In addition to Feingold and Dodd putting their disgusting spin on Bhutto's assassination, we have her death being exploited by the presidential wannabes. (Yes, I know Dodd is technically a candidate but no sane person can consider him to even be a dark horse.)
The Dem candidates were falling all over themselves to use Bhutto's death to their advantage.
DES MOINES, Dec. 27 -- News of Benazir Bhutto's assassination came just hours before Sen. Barack Obama delivered what his campaign had billed as the "closing argument" in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination Thursday, forcing his campaign to scramble to incorporate the Pakistani opposition leader into his message of change.
For his chief rival, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.), Bhutto's death helped underscore the line she has been driving home for months -- about who is best suited to lead the nation at a time of international peril. In her comments Thursday, Clinton described Bhutto in terms Obama (D-Ill.) could not: as a fellow mother, a pioneering woman following in a man's footsteps, and a longtime peer on the world stage.
The differing reactions of Clinton and Obama to the assassination crystallized the debate between the two just a week before Iowans will decide the first contest in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination.
While aides said Clinton was anxious not to appear to be politicizing Bhutto's death, they nonetheless saw it as a potential turning point in the race with Obama and former senator John Edwards (D-N.C.).
"I have known Benazir Bhutto for more than 12 years; she's someone whom I was honored to visit as first lady when she was prime minister," Clinton said at a campaign event in a firehouse in western Iowa. "Certainly on a personal level, for those of us who knew her, who were impressed by her commitment, her dedication, her willingness to pick up the mantle of her father, who was also assassinated, it is a terrible, terrible tragedy," she said.
Three hours after news of Bhutto's slaying broke, Obama delivered a withering rebuke of Clinton's experience, depicting her lengthy political resume as a hindrance to solving big problems, including crises abroad. In an especially charged moment, senior Obama adviser David Axelrod would later tie the killing to the Iraq war -- and Clinton's vote to approve it, which he argued diverted U.S resources from fighting terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, both al-Qaeda hotbeds.
"You can't at once argue that you're the master of a broken system in Washington and offer yourself as the person to change it," Obama said. "You can't fall in line behind the conventional thinking on issues as profound as war and offer yourself as the leader who is best prepared to chart a new and better course for America."
His remarks came as part of the unveiling of a new stump speech meant to reinforce his change agenda to Iowa voters before the Jan. 3 caucuses. But at every stop Thursday, he started with a few words about the Bhutto assassination. "She was a respected and resilient advocate for the democratic aspirations of the Pakistani people," Obama said. "We join with them in mourning her loss, and stand with them in their quest for democracy and against the terrorists who threaten the common security of the world."
..."I've been saying for some time that we've got a very big problem" in Pakistan, Obama said. "We were distracted from focusing on them."
It's sickening that Clinton and Obama are viewing Bhutto's death through the prism of U.S. presidential politics instead of as a crisis in terms of hope for stability in Pakistan and the region.
The Republican candidates engaged in some posturing of their own.
While I think it's completely legitimate for the candidates to address Bhutto's assassination, I don't like her death being exploited as part of America's presidential political games.
I Want an Apology from Huckabee
I thought Mike Huckabee was supposed to be the Republican version of Slick Willie.
I thought he was supposed to be so smooth and able to BS his way through anything.
That was not the case today when he reacted to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
From CBS News via NRO:
"Sincere concern"--- Yes.
"Apologies"--- NO! HELL NO!
Apologies?
Why should we "apologize" for al Qaeda?
I'd like Huckabee to elaborate on why he believes the U.S. should apologize for Bhutto's assassination.
People complain about Rudy Giuliani being a liberal.
At least when it comes to this act of terror, Huckabee reveals himself to be a dyed-in-the-wool lib.
The more I get to know about Huckabee, the more I dislike him.
I thought he was supposed to be so smooth and able to BS his way through anything.
That was not the case today when he reacted to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto.
From CBS News via NRO:
With about 150 supporters crowded around a podium set up on the tarmac of Orlando Executive airport (and about 20 Ron Paul supporters waving signs outside) Mike Huckabee strode out to the strains of “Right Now” by Van Halen and immediately addressed the Bhutto situation, expressing “our sincere concern and apologies for what has happened in Pakistan.”
"Sincere concern"--- Yes.
"Apologies"--- NO! HELL NO!
Apologies?
Why should we "apologize" for al Qaeda?
I'd like Huckabee to elaborate on why he believes the U.S. should apologize for Bhutto's assassination.
People complain about Rudy Giuliani being a liberal.
At least when it comes to this act of terror, Huckabee reveals himself to be a dyed-in-the-wool lib.
The more I get to know about Huckabee, the more I dislike him.
God Bless America and Benazir Bhutto
I saw early reports that Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto had been injured in an attack.
Even knowing that, when I later learned that she had been assassinated, I still felt a sense of shock.
There had been other attempts on her life, but now it's accomplished.
The unrest in Pakistan has enormous ramifications for the U.S.
(What would a President Hillary Clinton do, or a President Obama do? What about a President Huckabee? I know what President Ron Paul would do. He'd abolish the IRS.)
Bhutto's death and the chaos in Pakistan really brings home for me that, for all its flaws, the American system of government and its peaceful transfer of power is a model for the world.
Yes, we've had political assassinations in our history. We aren't immune to that sort of violence.
Still, I'm reminded that all systems of government aren't created equal. I'm so thankful to be an American.
______________________
U.S. Checking al Qaeda Claim of Killing Bhutto
Even knowing that, when I later learned that she had been assassinated, I still felt a sense of shock.
There had been other attempts on her life, but now it's accomplished.
RAWALPINDI, Pakistan -- Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday by an attacker who shot her after a campaign rally and then blew himself up. Her death stoked new chaos across the nuclear-armed nation, an important U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.
At least 20 others were also killed in the attack on the rally for Jan. 8 parliamentary elections where the 54-year-old former prime minister had just spoken.
Her supporters erupted in anger and grief after her killing, attacking police and burning tires and election campaign posters in several cities. At the hospital where she died, some smashed glass and wailed, chanting slogans against President Pervez Musharraf. One person was killed in the violent aftermath of the assassination.
Musharraf blamed Islamic extremists for Bhutto's death and said he would redouble his efforts to fight them.
"This is the work of those terrorists with whom we are engaged in war," he said in a nationally televised speech. "I have been saying that the nation faces the greatest threats from these terrorists. ... We will not rest until we eliminate these terrorists and root them out."
In the U.S., a tense looking President Bush strongly condemned the attack "by murderous extremists who are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy."
Musharraf convened an emergency meeting with his senior staff, where they were expected to discuss whether to postpone the elections, an official at the Interior Ministry said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.
Nawaz Sharif, another former prime minister and opposition leader, said his party would boycott the elections.
The attacker struck just minutes after Bhutto addressed thousands of supporters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, 8 miles south of Islamabad. She was shot in the neck and chest by the attacker, who then blew himself up, said Rehman Malik, Bhutto's security adviser.
Sardar Qamar Hayyat, a leader from Bhutto's party, said he was standing about 10 yard away from her vehicle at the time of the attack.
"She was inside the vehicle and was coming out from the gate after addressing the rally when some of the youths started chanting slogans in her favor. Then I saw a smiling Bhutto emerging from the vehicle's roof and responding to their slogans," he said.
"Then I saw a thin, young man jumping toward her vehicle from the back and opening fire. Moments later, I saw her speeding vehicle going away," he added.
The unrest in Pakistan has enormous ramifications for the U.S.
(What would a President Hillary Clinton do, or a President Obama do? What about a President Huckabee? I know what President Ron Paul would do. He'd abolish the IRS.)
Bhutto's death and the chaos in Pakistan really brings home for me that, for all its flaws, the American system of government and its peaceful transfer of power is a model for the world.
Yes, we've had political assassinations in our history. We aren't immune to that sort of violence.
Still, I'm reminded that all systems of government aren't created equal. I'm so thankful to be an American.
"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done."
--Ronald Reagan, October 27, 1964 (from "The Speech")
______________________
U.S. Checking al Qaeda Claim of Killing Bhutto
Copycats in Manitowoc?
The thing about wild animals is that THEY'RE WILD.
On Christmas Day, Carlos Sousa Jr., a 17-year-old boy visiting the San Francisco Zoo was mauled to death by a tiger on the loose.
Mayor Gavin Newsom's administration is calling on the zoo "to make immediate changes to ensure that the gruesome attack is not repeated."
What really happened here?
Did the tiger jump the barriers, or did the tiger have help getting out?
A few minutes ago, during a news conference at the hospital, an official said, "The most dangerous predator in the city of San Francisco is man, not a tiger."
This investigation is just beginning.
I'm not passing judgment until it's clear whether or not humans were responsible for letting the tiger run loose.
However, I can pass judgment on the case at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Manitowoc.
It's interesting that Mayor Crawford noted, "People who think they are releasing these animals as a service to the animals are just wrong."
Crawford seems to be suggesting that this may have been a case of animal rights fanaticism run amok.
It's possible that animal rights nutjobs would use all the attention the San Francisco case is getting to bring attention to their cause.
Zoos are bad.
So far, it doesn't sound like the San Francisco tiger escape was an act of terrorism by an animal rights group.
And thankfully, the cougars in Manitowoc didn't harm any humans, nor was it necessary to harm the cougars.
In any case, only idiots would cut fencing to let wild animals escape a zoo and pose a threat to the public.
I don't think of that as an act of vandalism.
Defacing the cougars' habitat with grafitti is the work of vandals.
This had the potential to be deadly.
______________________
Zoo director says tiger wall was low
On Christmas Day, Carlos Sousa Jr., a 17-year-old boy visiting the San Francisco Zoo was mauled to death by a tiger on the loose.
Mayor Gavin Newsom's administration is calling on the zoo "to make immediate changes to ensure that the gruesome attack is not repeated."
"Live animal attacks won't be tolerated in San Francisco, and the mayor expects immediate improvements in protocols and facilities so that tragedies such as this never happen again," Newsom's spokesman Nathan Ballard said. "It's simply unacceptable."
...Many in City Hall expressed outrage at the attack, with some members of the Board of Supervisors calling for a special hearing and saying the city could be forced to pay millions as a result of lawsuits, and others questioning whether it's time to reconsider the agreement between the city and the nonprofit group that manages the zoo.
San Francisco Zoo director Manuel Mollinedo said zoo officials will install surveillance cameras at all areas where tigers and lions live, as well as a new metal barrier that would prevent the cats from jumping over a 14-foot-high wall in the zoo's grotto, as the 350-pound Siberian tiger Tatiana is believed to have done Tuesday evening.
"Maybe this is something that should have been done years ago, but as far anybody can remember this has never happened before," Mollinedo said.
What really happened here?
Did the tiger jump the barriers, or did the tiger have help getting out?
A few minutes ago, during a news conference at the hospital, an official said, "The most dangerous predator in the city of San Francisco is man, not a tiger."
This investigation is just beginning.
I'm not passing judgment until it's clear whether or not humans were responsible for letting the tiger run loose.
However, I can pass judgment on the case at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Manitowoc.
The two cougars that escaped their habitat at the Lincoln Park Zoo have been captured, according to Mayor Kevin Crawford.
One cougar was tranquilized and returned to its cage shortly after 10 a.m. Another cougar that also escaped was found and captured earlier today.
The zoo’s two cougars had escaped the caged area after vandals cut the chain-linked fence used to keep the cougars secure.
The cougars remained in the parks perimeter, chain-linked fence, Crawford said.
Crawford said the police department will actively search for the vandals who cut the cougar’s fence.
“These animals can’t survive in the wild,” Crawford said. “They are raised for the purpose of education. People who think they are releasing these animals as a service to the animals are just wrong.”
Crawford said the animals are domesticated and expect their food brought to them.
Despite the cougars’ docile demeanor in captivity, they are large cats with killer instincts, Crawford said. The cats had posed a threat to area residents had they escaped the zoo’s perimeter fence.
Crawford said the cougars’ escape was discovered between 7 and 8 a.m. when a zookeeper noticed cougar footprints in the snow. The zookeeper immediately locked the zoo's front gates and called the police department and Joe McLafferty, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department.
It's interesting that Mayor Crawford noted, "People who think they are releasing these animals as a service to the animals are just wrong."
Crawford seems to be suggesting that this may have been a case of animal rights fanaticism run amok.
It's possible that animal rights nutjobs would use all the attention the San Francisco case is getting to bring attention to their cause.
Zoos are bad.
So far, it doesn't sound like the San Francisco tiger escape was an act of terrorism by an animal rights group.
And thankfully, the cougars in Manitowoc didn't harm any humans, nor was it necessary to harm the cougars.
In any case, only idiots would cut fencing to let wild animals escape a zoo and pose a threat to the public.
I don't think of that as an act of vandalism.
Defacing the cougars' habitat with grafitti is the work of vandals.
This had the potential to be deadly.
______________________
Zoo director says tiger wall was low
Biden Plans to Break Through
Joe Biden can't be that detached from reality.
He can't really think that he can pull an upset in Iowa.
Oops! I was wrong. He is that detached.
From Politico:
Is Biden sincere?
Is his ego so massive that he actually believes he can break through?
Is this part of a "Corporal Klinger" act, an attempt at a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Is it caffeine talking?
I don't know.
People do say some weird things at Starbucks.
Look for Biden to slip some of Starbucks' "The Way I See It" sayings into his speeches.
I hope he's learned his lesson when it comes to plagiarism and gives credit where credit is due.
He can't really think that he can pull an upset in Iowa.
Oops! I was wrong. He is that detached.
From Politico:
Joe Biden is talking. “Barack does a room, Hillary does a room, I do the same room and I win,” he says. “I have absolute confidence in that. The question is: Do I get in enough rooms?”
Biden is sitting at a table in a Starbucks, a cup of coffee rapidly growing cold in front of him. We talk for thirty minutes and in that time I manage to fit in exactly two questions. I am not complaining.
Biden is charged up and telling me that if he could trade places with Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton or John Edwards in Iowa right now he would not do it. Would not!
“I am not being a wiseass,” he tells me, nudging my arm for emphasis. “I am not joking. The guy with the most money and the woman with the biggest buzz, beaten by the man with the right message! Who people think is honest!”
Though beating them, in Biden’s view, does not mean actually coming in ahead of them in the tally for delegates on Jan 3, the night of the Iowa caucus. He means he will beat them when it comes to expectations.
He poses a possible outcome for caucus night. He says he is just making the numbers up, but it seems clear he has thought about them.
“Let’s say I end up with 15 percent, Barack is at 20 percent, Edwards is at 22 percent, and Hillary is at 26 percent,” Biden says. “That would be a big victory for me.”
He savors that for a moment. “Barack spends as much as Hillary and has all that organization and all that hype! And he gets beaten by Hillary by six points!” Biden says as if his fictional numbers were not fictional.
...At Starbucks, Biden says: “I tell my contributors - - the few we have - - and I tell my staff, ‘I cannot show you anything until Jan. 3.’ Then you guys (i.e. the media) will cover me and I will finally get to the front page of the New York Times, as reluctant as they are to do that.”
To Biden it is just a matter of getting in front of enough people.
“I am confident in my message and I am confident in breaking through and the only thing I am not confident about is have I been to enough places?” he asks with a shake of his head and then immediately brightens. “But I promise you, I am totally, completely at peace with the way I have done it.”
Is Biden sincere?
Is his ego so massive that he actually believes he can break through?
Is this part of a "Corporal Klinger" act, an attempt at a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Is it caffeine talking?
I don't know.
People do say some weird things at Starbucks.
Look for Biden to slip some of Starbucks' "The Way I See It" sayings into his speeches.
I hope he's learned his lesson when it comes to plagiarism and gives credit where credit is due.
Where is Tatjana Voloder?
First question: Who is Tatjana Voloder?
From TMJ4:
EIGHT DAYS?
They've been allowed to live in the airport for EIGHT DAYS?
No one noticed?
Homeless people, take note. Live in the airport.
Looking to save on rent? Make the airport your home.
Vacationing and don't walk to pay for lodging? Hang out at the baggage claim.
Odd?
Very.
Where is the family now?
Not at the baggage claim.
From TMJ4:
A family of three has apparently been living in the baggage claim at Mitchell Airport for days.
The family claims they lost their tickets to Kansas City, and they decided to stay at the airport because they didn't have the money to buy new tickets.
In a secluded area of Baggage Carousel 1, Tatjana Voloder, her mother, and her teenage son have been eating, sleeping, and waiting.
"Today is eight days," Voloder said.
The family is originally from Bosnia, but they recently lived in Milwaukee and Kansas City. They were trying to get to a relative's place in Kansas City, but they claim they lost their plane tickets.
The family doesn't speak English well, and they claim their relative can't help them get to Kansas City.
EIGHT DAYS?
They've been allowed to live in the airport for EIGHT DAYS?
No one noticed?
Homeless people, take note. Live in the airport.
Looking to save on rent? Make the airport your home.
Vacationing and don't walk to pay for lodging? Hang out at the baggage claim.
...Midwest Airlines says they have no record of the family having a ticket.
Adele Pitt, a baggage worker for Continental Express, noticed the family sitting at the baggage claim for days at a time.
"When I went home at 2 o'clock in the morning, I saw them there. And they were still there when I saw them there at 5," Pitt said.
She gave the family some toiletries and pizza from the food court.
Mitchell Airport officials didn't notice them until Wednesday.
“I don’t even know where to start. I mean, how is it possible that a family can live in an airport for eight days and nobody seems to notice?" asked TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Aaron Diamant.
"Well, of course that's a good question, because people are coming and going waiting for passengers, so people probably wouldn't notice," Barry Bateman said.
Midwest has no record of them ever flying in. The TSA says they're not a security risk, and so far the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department hasn't thrown them out for loitering.
...On Wednesday morning, the family was not at the baggage claim. No one seems to know where they went.
If they come back, though, the Sheriff's Department won't let them stay at the airport anymore. They've made arrangements at a local shelter.
Another unusual twist: After seeing the report on TODAY'S TMJ4, New Berlin police said they are looking to talk to the family. They believe the family may be responsible for some harrassing calls to a New Berlin priest. However, they say the family will not be arrested or face criminal charges.
Odd?
Very.
Where is the family now?
Not at the baggage claim.
Don't Cry for Paris
From the Los Angeles Times:
That's very admirable.
It's an enormous donation and very generous.
Don't think that Paris Hilton and Barron's other 23 grandchildren will be left wanting.
Billions of dollars minus 97% leaves a fortune.
Paris won't be out begging in the streets, at least not for money. Paris won't be stiffed, not by Grandpa Barron anyway.
Hotel magnate Barron Hilton, grandfather of heiress Paris Hilton, has bequeathed 97% of his estimated $2.3-billion net worth to his father's charity foundation, officials said Wednesday.
The contribution to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, to come from the sale of Hilton Hotels Corp. and the pending sale of Harrah's Entertainment Inc. after the money is placed in a trust, is the largest in the foundation's history and will bring its value to about $4.5 billion.
...Barron Hilton, 80, pledged an immediate $1.2-billion donation to the foundation, with an estimated $1.1 billion to follow after his death.
"Working to alleviate human suffering around the globe, regardless of race, religion or geography, is the mandate of the foundation set by my grandfather . . . and now reinforced by my father," Hilton's son Steven M. Hilton, president and chief executive of the organization, said in a prepared statement.
That's very admirable.
It's an enormous donation and very generous.
Don't think that Paris Hilton and Barron's other 23 grandchildren will be left wanting.
Billions of dollars minus 97% leaves a fortune.
Paris won't be out begging in the streets, at least not for money. Paris won't be stiffed, not by Grandpa Barron anyway.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
A-Hunting We Will Go
Look at this.
Mike Huckabee on a pheasant hunt in Iowa. (Keith Bedford/Reuters)
I think that hunting photo-op looks worse than the mysterious, even miraculous, bookcase that appears as a cross in Huckabee's Christmas message.
It's such a dumb, posed, pandering sort of thing to do.
Huckabee reminds me of the desperate John Kerry back in 2004.
I don't think Huckabee needs to do that.
I wonder how many voters are swayed by these lame images.
With just days to go until the Iowa caucuses, it seems positively goofy to be running around with a gun on a pheasant farm.
I think Huckabee looks like a fool, but it's part of what the New York Times calls the "final sprint" before the caucuses and the primaries begin. It's say and do anything time.
So Huckabee is hunting, or at least pretending; and the Dems are locked in a three-way.
What fun!
"It's time to pick a president" tour?
That sounds like the title of a children's book.
The process of running for president is so demeaning.
Obama's upset that Hillary has decided to be the candidate of change. She's infringing on his territory.
Hillary is a liar. She's not experienced and she's not strong. She's not about change. She's about the past. She is the '90s.
I'm waiting for chameleon Hillary to don the blaze orange and go hunting. She'd put on a helmet and take a ride in a tank if she thought it would help her win.
I do admire Fred Thompson for refusing to play those games. The strategy isn't landing him a lot of support, but he's maintaining his dignity.
I mean no disrespect to the people of Iowa or New Hampshire or South Carolina. I just don't think a handful of voters in those states should be treated as if they have the power to choose the nominees. There has to be a better way to pick a president.
Mike Huckabee on a pheasant hunt in Iowa. (Keith Bedford/Reuters)
I think that hunting photo-op looks worse than the mysterious, even miraculous, bookcase that appears as a cross in Huckabee's Christmas message.
It's such a dumb, posed, pandering sort of thing to do.
Huckabee reminds me of the desperate John Kerry back in 2004.
I don't think Huckabee needs to do that.
I wonder how many voters are swayed by these lame images.
With just days to go until the Iowa caucuses, it seems positively goofy to be running around with a gun on a pheasant farm.
I think Huckabee looks like a fool, but it's part of what the New York Times calls the "final sprint" before the caucuses and the primaries begin. It's say and do anything time.
With a brief holiday break behind them, the presidential campaign resumed in earnest on Wednesday as several of the Democratic and Republican candidates fanned out across this state to begin making their final pitches to voters eight days before the Iowa caucuses open the nominating fight for the White House.
“How was Christmas, good?” said Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, speaking to hundreds of voters gathered in a school gymnasium here. “You know what I got for Christmas? Eight hours sleep. It was outstanding.”
After gently tip-toeing through the Christmas season, Republican and Democratic candidates shelved their uplifting holiday television commercials and returned to the aggressive business of campaigning for the most wide-open presidential nomination in more than a half-century. On Jan. 3, Iowa opens a chaotic, monthlong series of caucuses and primaries, narrowing the field before voters in 21 states cast ballots on Feb. 5.
The fight for the Republican nomination remains so competitive and uncertain that Senator John McCain of Arizona, who had all but sworn off Iowa, returned to the state on Wednesday for a three-day campaign swing. With his poll standings rising in New Hampshire, aides believe a stronger-than-expected finish here could bolster his chances in the Jan. 8 primary in New Hampshire.
As former Gov. Mike Huckabee of Arkansas went pheasant hunting in southern Iowa and former Senator Fred D. Thompson of Tennessee kicked off the second-leg of a bus tour nearby, another leading Republican rival, former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts, spent the day campaigning in New Hampshire, working to bolster his support there before returning to Iowa later this week.
Meanwhile, former Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani of New York City campaigned Wednesday in Florida, which holds its primary on Jan. 29, as he continued to concentrate on winning in that big state to jump-start his presidential drive. Mr. Huckabee is expected to head to Florida on Wednesday evening.
But for most candidates, a presidential campaign that began nearly a year ago is grinding down to a frenetic push in Iowa, particularly on the Democratic side, where Mr. Obama, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York and former Senator John Edwards of North Carolina appear to be locked in a three-way contest.
So Huckabee is hunting, or at least pretending; and the Dems are locked in a three-way.
What fun!
Mrs. Clinton and former President Bill Clinton plan to return to Iowa later on Wednesday, embarking on a tour entitled, “It’s time to pick a president.” The Clintons’ arrival was delayed Wednesday afternoon because of air traffic congestion in New York, according to a statement released by the campaign.
"It's time to pick a president" tour?
That sounds like the title of a children's book.
Flying in from Chicago, Mr. Obama arrived here on Wednesday morning, where about 500 people were waiting in the gymnasium of the Newman Catholic High School in Mason City. His remarks conveyed a fresh moment of urgency in the race, making his most overt appeal to voters who are supporting other candidates.
“By the way, some of you may have decided, you know, ‘I really love Joe Biden or Chris Dodd or somebody else,’ ” Mr. Obama said. “We’re getting close enough that if you’re firm in that decision, we still want to be your second choice.”
For Democrats, the rules of the Iowa caucuses require candidates to receive at least 15 percent support in each of the 1,781 precincts across the state on Jan. 3. If a candidate does not reach that level of viability, they must select a second-choice among the six major Democratic candidates in the race, including Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, or Senator Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut.
Democratic strategists believe an unusually high number of voters remain either undecided or are willing to change their minds in the final days of the race. While positions on particular issues drive the decision for many voters, the themes of change versus experience appear to linger as the most perplexing.
“Everybody now is talking about change,” Mr. Obama said. “If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then we’re doing pretty good, because at the beginning of this campaign we said we’re going to bring about change and do things differently, and now everybody’s talking about change.
“That’s fine,” Mr. Obama said. “But when you make a decision to caucus, you’ve got to ask yourself, who’s been about change their whole lives?”
In a closing television commercial being shown here on Wednesday, Mrs. Clinton looks directly into the camera, saying: “We’ve never needed change more, nor the strength and experience to make it happen.”
The process of running for president is so demeaning.
Obama's upset that Hillary has decided to be the candidate of change. She's infringing on his territory.
Hillary is a liar. She's not experienced and she's not strong. She's not about change. She's about the past. She is the '90s.
I'm waiting for chameleon Hillary to don the blaze orange and go hunting. She'd put on a helmet and take a ride in a tank if she thought it would help her win.
I do admire Fred Thompson for refusing to play those games. The strategy isn't landing him a lot of support, but he's maintaining his dignity.
I mean no disrespect to the people of Iowa or New Hampshire or South Carolina. I just don't think a handful of voters in those states should be treated as if they have the power to choose the nominees. There has to be a better way to pick a president.
I CAN'T STAND IT!
Usually at this point in December, I'm not dreaming of the end of winter.
This year I am.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The ice dams clear. All is well. And it's going to start over again.
I'm so tired of dealing with the snow and ice. I can't stand it!
I'm in the mood for a winter drought.
This year I am.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
A winter storm watch has been issued for Friday as forecasters predict that 5 to 8 inches of snow could fall in southeastern Wisconsin. Hardest hit are likely to be Racine and Kenosha counties.
The snow is expected to start falling Friday morning, possibly during the morning rush, and then not stop until just after sunset, said J.J. Wood, a National Weather Service meteorologist. The snow could be heavy at times.
"It may just start around the morning commute, but it'll probably affect the evening commute even more," Wood said.
Snow is expected to fall throughout most of the state Friday, with only the northern tip near Lake Superior spared. Temperatures are forecast to range from a high of 33 to a low of 23 in southeastern Wisconsin Friday.
The ice dams clear. All is well. And it's going to start over again.
I'm so tired of dealing with the snow and ice. I can't stand it!
I'm in the mood for a winter drought.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
God Bless Us, Every One!
The greatest gifts of Christmas are blessings from God-- PEACE, HOPE, and LOVE.
MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. (Luke 2:1-17)
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Holy Night
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know,
that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered,
will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know,
that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby,
you've kissed the face of God.
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know,
that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding, is the great I AM.
Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all.
Merry Christmas!
Not Pretty
I don't have much to say about the Packer game.
"We did not play very well . . . at all," coach Mike McCarthy said.
Enough said.
12-3
Packers 7
Bears 35
"We did not play very well . . . at all," coach Mike McCarthy said.
Enough said.
12-3
Packers 7
Bears 35
FOX NFL Sunday Celebrates Christmas
The weather outside is frightful.
The wind is howling. It's so cold. Taking wind chill into account, it's about 50 degrees colder than yesterday.
Barring a power outage, it's the perfect day to spend inside, warm and cozy, watching the Packers and the Bears.
I watched the FOX pregame show. I didn't really pay attention, but I did notice the choir that performed before and after commercial breaks. I didn't catch the name of the choir. I wish I did because I'd like to credit them for their lovely performance.
What was striking to me was the choir didn't sing secular pieces. FOX definitely didn't shy away from the true meaning of Christmas.
Did that offend the non-believers in the audience, that they were subjected to music referencing the newborn King while watching NFL pregame coverage?
Will Joseph Minton Amann and Tom Breuer call for their readers to flood FOX Sports "with requests for religious [songs] that are even more asinine than the Christian [ones]"?
Who knows? I guess they have to pick their battles.
GO PACK!
The wind is howling. It's so cold. Taking wind chill into account, it's about 50 degrees colder than yesterday.
Barring a power outage, it's the perfect day to spend inside, warm and cozy, watching the Packers and the Bears.
I watched the FOX pregame show. I didn't really pay attention, but I did notice the choir that performed before and after commercial breaks. I didn't catch the name of the choir. I wish I did because I'd like to credit them for their lovely performance.
What was striking to me was the choir didn't sing secular pieces. FOX definitely didn't shy away from the true meaning of Christmas.
Did that offend the non-believers in the audience, that they were subjected to music referencing the newborn King while watching NFL pregame coverage?
Will Joseph Minton Amann and Tom Breuer call for their readers to flood FOX Sports "with requests for religious [songs] that are even more asinine than the Christian [ones]"?
Who knows? I guess they have to pick their battles.
GO PACK!
GPS and the Baby Jesus Statue
I like this story.
Technology delivers a gift to Christians who want to celebrate the birth of the Savior with Nativity displays.
Yes, it's a sad statement that Nativity scenes are so often vandalized.
But this technological advance may finally allow the statue of the Baby Jesus to sleep in heavenly peace without the threat of being kidnapped.
Technology delivers a gift to Christians who want to celebrate the birth of the Savior with Nativity displays.
BAL HARBOUR, Fla. -- A baby Jesus statue here is getting a Global Positioning System for Christmas. The statue, part of a nativity scene, will be equipped with the device after the previous statue went missing, even though it had been bolted down.
"I don't anticipate this will ever happen again," said Dina Cellini, who oversees the display, "but we may need to rely on technology to save our savior."
The Mary and Joseph statues will also be fitted with GPS devices, she said.
The devices are being bought using residents' contributions and Cellini's own money.
Cellini has also installed a Plexiglas screen in front of the display.
Yes, it's a sad statement that Nativity scenes are so often vandalized.
But this technological advance may finally allow the statue of the Baby Jesus to sleep in heavenly peace without the threat of being kidnapped.
Ron Paul on Meet the Press
As part of the "Meet the Candidates" series on Meet the Press, Tim Russert gave Ron Paul a meager 30 minute segment.
Russert was very meek and mild in the beginning of the interview. He didn't challenge Paul or ask follow-up questions. Russert seemed to be treating Paul like a goofy, old uncle, outwardly showing a bit of respect for him but not even bothering to take his ramblings seriously.
Russert began with Paul's plan to abolish the IRS.
With the tone of an aide working in a mental hospital, Russert pointed out that would be a huge loss of revenue for the U.S. It would take away half the government's income.
Paul said that we wouldn't need it if we had a responsible foreign policy. He suggested that we bring ALL troops home, including those in Germany and Korea.
He said that because of U.S. troops being stationed around the world, "We get into trouble."
On foreign policy issues, Paul is NOT smarter than a fifth grader.
Paul wants to cut off all aid to Israel. That would be another area of savings for the government. Yeah, that's a good idea, abandon the only thriving democracy in Middle East.
Clearly, Paul's plan for the country requires the sort of isolationism that existed before we had air travel and the telephone.
Another idiotic statement came when Paul said there's a moral equivalency between Islamic radicals who want to take over the world and Americans meddling in the business of other countries.
It's that sort of stuff that really bugs me.
Most of what Paul says I can dismiss as babbling from a harmless extremist eccentric, the old uncle a bit off his rocker. But when he puts terrorists on the same moral plane as our officials and our military men and women, I have a problem.
Russert also noted that Paul wants to abolish the FBI and the CIA and only keep the Defense Department.
Paul definitely wants a bare bones government.
Russert launched many of his questions by referring to things Paul said during his 1988 presidential run as a Libertarian.
Russert slapped up a statement from Paul saying that he would abolish the public schools. Paul said he thought that was a misquote. He said he has no plan to abolish the public schools. It's funny that he wants to get rid of the IRS, the FBI, and the CIA, but he wants to hold on to the failed public school system.
At this point, Russert got a bit more engaged and energized. It was as if the coffee finally kicked in.
He pointed out that Paul voted against aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina, but when it comes to his district, he likes to be Santa Claus. This anti-big government guy consistently puts in dozens of earmarks for his district.
Paul countered, "I've never voted for an earmark in my life."
Russert suggested that he puts earmarks in bills, knowing they will pass. Russert evoked John Kerry's "I voted for it before I voted against it" remark.
Paul claimed it was different. He said the people of his district deserve the funds. "It's like taking a tax credit."
Paul went on to say, "I vote against everything."
hehehe
Russert argued that Paul has no qualms about taking the money when the bills pass.
Paul said, "I don't take it. It's the system."
Good grief.
On term limits, Russert questioned how Paul could run on term limits yet he's been in Congress for 18 years.
Paul said, "But I never ran on voluntary term limits."
HAHAHA
Regarding immigration, in 1988, Paul said, "There shouldn't be any immigration policy at all."
To explain his flip flop, Paul said, "Conditions have changed." He said, "It's an economic issue." Now it's necessary to control immigration.
OK...
In 1988, Paul said, "All drugs should be decriminalized."
He stood by that, saying that the War on Drugs is totally out of control. He said, "I think drugs are horrible... Prescription drugs are worse than hard drugs."
OK, Dr. Paul...
Russert brought up a statement from 2004, when Paul said that he would have voted against the Civil Rights Act because it actually caused racial tensions.
He claims the Civil Rights Act had nothing to do with race relations. It was about private property rights.
OK...
Russert brought up Paul's belief that "Abe Lincoln should never have gone to war." He said there were better ways to get rid of slavery, citing that every other major country in the world got rid of slavery without a civil war.
I hope some fanatical Paulites don't run out and deface the Lincoln memorial.
Some more quotes from Paul that Russert tossed out:
Ron Paul says that Ronald Reagan was a "dramatic failure."
In 1992, he said, "Bush [41] is a bum."
Russert quoted Paul's statement on resigning from the Republican Party before he ran in 1988.
Russert asked, "Why are you running as a Republican?"
Paul said it was because Republicans don't stand for Republican ideals anymore.
OK...
Russert wanted to know, "Will you run as an independent?"
Paul said, "I have no intention of doing that."
Russert wanted to pin him down, saying, "The door's open a little bit."
Paul replied, "Not very much."
Finally, the Huckabee "floating cross" commercial:
On CNN, Paul related Huckabee's campaign commercial to a quote some attribute to Sinclair Lewis, that fascism will come to this country "wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross."
Paul said he was blind-sided during the interview. It was an "instantaneous reflex." He hadn't seen the ad at the time.
Paul tried to make amends with Huckabee, saying the ad doesn't represent fascism. However, Paul insisted that this country has been moving toward fascism in the last 100 years.
"The country's moving in that direction."
OK...
What's stunning to me is that Paul has so many followers.
Listening to the guy talk for 30 minutes, I find that absolutely stunning. STUNNING.
Russert was very meek and mild in the beginning of the interview. He didn't challenge Paul or ask follow-up questions. Russert seemed to be treating Paul like a goofy, old uncle, outwardly showing a bit of respect for him but not even bothering to take his ramblings seriously.
Russert began with Paul's plan to abolish the IRS.
With the tone of an aide working in a mental hospital, Russert pointed out that would be a huge loss of revenue for the U.S. It would take away half the government's income.
Paul said that we wouldn't need it if we had a responsible foreign policy. He suggested that we bring ALL troops home, including those in Germany and Korea.
He said that because of U.S. troops being stationed around the world, "We get into trouble."
On foreign policy issues, Paul is NOT smarter than a fifth grader.
Paul wants to cut off all aid to Israel. That would be another area of savings for the government. Yeah, that's a good idea, abandon the only thriving democracy in Middle East.
Clearly, Paul's plan for the country requires the sort of isolationism that existed before we had air travel and the telephone.
Another idiotic statement came when Paul said there's a moral equivalency between Islamic radicals who want to take over the world and Americans meddling in the business of other countries.
It's that sort of stuff that really bugs me.
Most of what Paul says I can dismiss as babbling from a harmless extremist eccentric, the old uncle a bit off his rocker. But when he puts terrorists on the same moral plane as our officials and our military men and women, I have a problem.
Russert also noted that Paul wants to abolish the FBI and the CIA and only keep the Defense Department.
Paul definitely wants a bare bones government.
Russert launched many of his questions by referring to things Paul said during his 1988 presidential run as a Libertarian.
Russert slapped up a statement from Paul saying that he would abolish the public schools. Paul said he thought that was a misquote. He said he has no plan to abolish the public schools. It's funny that he wants to get rid of the IRS, the FBI, and the CIA, but he wants to hold on to the failed public school system.
At this point, Russert got a bit more engaged and energized. It was as if the coffee finally kicked in.
He pointed out that Paul voted against aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina, but when it comes to his district, he likes to be Santa Claus. This anti-big government guy consistently puts in dozens of earmarks for his district.
Paul countered, "I've never voted for an earmark in my life."
Russert suggested that he puts earmarks in bills, knowing they will pass. Russert evoked John Kerry's "I voted for it before I voted against it" remark.
Paul claimed it was different. He said the people of his district deserve the funds. "It's like taking a tax credit."
Paul went on to say, "I vote against everything."
hehehe
Russert argued that Paul has no qualms about taking the money when the bills pass.
Paul said, "I don't take it. It's the system."
Good grief.
On term limits, Russert questioned how Paul could run on term limits yet he's been in Congress for 18 years.
Paul said, "But I never ran on voluntary term limits."
HAHAHA
Regarding immigration, in 1988, Paul said, "There shouldn't be any immigration policy at all."
To explain his flip flop, Paul said, "Conditions have changed." He said, "It's an economic issue." Now it's necessary to control immigration.
OK...
In 1988, Paul said, "All drugs should be decriminalized."
He stood by that, saying that the War on Drugs is totally out of control. He said, "I think drugs are horrible... Prescription drugs are worse than hard drugs."
OK, Dr. Paul...
Russert brought up a statement from 2004, when Paul said that he would have voted against the Civil Rights Act because it actually caused racial tensions.
He claims the Civil Rights Act had nothing to do with race relations. It was about private property rights.
OK...
Russert brought up Paul's belief that "Abe Lincoln should never have gone to war." He said there were better ways to get rid of slavery, citing that every other major country in the world got rid of slavery without a civil war.
I hope some fanatical Paulites don't run out and deface the Lincoln memorial.
Some more quotes from Paul that Russert tossed out:
Ron Paul says that Ronald Reagan was a "dramatic failure."
In 1992, he said, "Bush [41] is a bum."
Russert quoted Paul's statement on resigning from the Republican Party before he ran in 1988.
Russert asked, "Why are you running as a Republican?"
Paul said it was because Republicans don't stand for Republican ideals anymore.
OK...
Russert wanted to know, "Will you run as an independent?"
Paul said, "I have no intention of doing that."
Russert wanted to pin him down, saying, "The door's open a little bit."
Paul replied, "Not very much."
Finally, the Huckabee "floating cross" commercial:
On CNN, Paul related Huckabee's campaign commercial to a quote some attribute to Sinclair Lewis, that fascism will come to this country "wrapped in a flag, carrying a cross."
Paul said he was blind-sided during the interview. It was an "instantaneous reflex." He hadn't seen the ad at the time.
Paul tried to make amends with Huckabee, saying the ad doesn't represent fascism. However, Paul insisted that this country has been moving toward fascism in the last 100 years.
"The country's moving in that direction."
OK...
What's stunning to me is that Paul has so many followers.
Listening to the guy talk for 30 minutes, I find that absolutely stunning. STUNNING.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Two Pulaski High School Students Shot Near School
Pulaski High School has served as a place of learning in Milwaukee since 1933.
It stands in the shadow of the busy retail area of South 27th Street.
The sprawling Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center is located just west of the school.
The city of Milwaukee Police Department Sixth District station borders Pulaski High School.
Pulaski's nearly 75 year history and what would seem like its secure location in a relatively stable area of the south side doesn't make it immune from trouble. Far from it.
Earlier this year, there was the matter of a student bringing a loaded gun to school and a teacher failing to inform authorities in a timely manner after seeing the student in possession of the gun.
Shortly after that came the embarrassment that on the same day, there was brawl in a classroom, complete chaos.
Video of the fight made it on to YouTube, but it was removed.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
There was more trouble at Pulaski yesterday. Unlike the other incidents I mentioned, this one didn't happen in the school during school hours. However, it did involve two Pulaski students and occurred nearby.
Milwaukee needs to take some dramatic action to stem the gang problem.
Does Mayor Tom Barrett think that he can wash his hands of responsibility for Milwaukee kids shooting other Milwaukee kids on a busy late afternoon now that he has Ed Flynn coming in to save the day?
These girls are lucky they weren't killed.
Shots being fired at 5:00 PM nearby an area crowded with cars filled with shoppers and people going to and from St. Luke's is just horrible.
Barrett loves tossing around the word "renaissance."
He says, "There is really a renaissance going on in Milwaukee."
Someone should tell him there's a gang war going on, too.
Is it any wonder that long-time residents are fleeing the city?
There is a tipping point.
It stands in the shadow of the busy retail area of South 27th Street.
The sprawling Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center is located just west of the school.
The city of Milwaukee Police Department Sixth District station borders Pulaski High School.
Pulaski's nearly 75 year history and what would seem like its secure location in a relatively stable area of the south side doesn't make it immune from trouble. Far from it.
Earlier this year, there was the matter of a student bringing a loaded gun to school and a teacher failing to inform authorities in a timely manner after seeing the student in possession of the gun.
Shortly after that came the embarrassment that on the same day, there was brawl in a classroom, complete chaos.
Video of the fight made it on to YouTube, but it was removed.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
The videotaped fight did not leave either of the central parties injured, but the 52-second video clip posted on YouTube showed one swinging aggressively at the other and, at one point, slamming him into a radiator. One student made an attempt to break up the fight but others appeared to cheer it on.
...[St. Aubin] said the students involved were ninth-graders.
She said: "It's disturbing to watch. We're very unhappy that the incident happened. It almost becomes a secondary matter that it's posted on a well-viewed Web site. It just should never have happened."
Two students have been disciplined, she said, but she gave no details. Based on what can be seen in the video, "other student activities are under investigation," she said.
"The lack of student supervision is under investigation by the district administration," she added, and she expected MPS officials to involve police in that matter as well.
There was more trouble at Pulaski yesterday. Unlike the other incidents I mentioned, this one didn't happen in the school during school hours. However, it did involve two Pulaski students and occurred nearby.
Two in custody in Friday shooting
Two people are in custody and being questioned in connection with the Friday shooting of two teenage girls on the city's south side, Milwaukee police said today.
Police described the shootings as gang-related and said it stemmed from an argument the previous day.
In custody are an 18-year-old man and 16-year-old boy.
The girls, ages 14 and 15, both students at Pulaski, were shot around 5 p.m. Friday in the 2400 block of S. 19th St.
The younger girl, who suffered a graze wound to the head and a bullet wound to the arm, was treated and released from a local hospital, said Milwaukee Police Capt. Darlene Jenkins.
The 15-year-old, who was struck in the back, remains hospitalized in good condition, Jenkins said.
Milwaukee needs to take some dramatic action to stem the gang problem.
Does Mayor Tom Barrett think that he can wash his hands of responsibility for Milwaukee kids shooting other Milwaukee kids on a busy late afternoon now that he has Ed Flynn coming in to save the day?
These girls are lucky they weren't killed.
Shots being fired at 5:00 PM nearby an area crowded with cars filled with shoppers and people going to and from St. Luke's is just horrible.
Barrett loves tossing around the word "renaissance."
He says, "There is really a renaissance going on in Milwaukee."
Someone should tell him there's a gang war going on, too.
Is it any wonder that long-time residents are fleeing the city?
There is a tipping point.
Merry Christmas from President Bush
President Bush's Radio Address, December 22, 2007
Presidential Message: Christmas 2007
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Christmas is just a few days away. As Americans gather around the tree with family and friends, we remember the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard men and women who will be spending this holiday far away from their homes and loved ones.
America is blessed to have men and women willing to step forward to defend our freedoms and keep us safe from our enemies. We are thankful for their courage and their dedication to duty. We pray for their safety. And we wish them a Merry Christmas, wherever they serve.
America is also blessed to have military families willing to sacrifice for our country. The husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters of those in the military serve our country as well. For many of them, service means packing up their belongings and moving on short notice, or living in a different country for a time, or missing a family member as he or she serves overseas. And this Christmas, many will sit down for dinner thinking of their loved ones half a world away. These families deserve the thanks and the prayers of our whole Nation.
Some military families are helping loved ones recover from injuries sustained in combat. These families are a special source of hope and strength for our wounded warriors. Through their encouragement and devotion, they help heal the body and the spirit, and they remind our wounded warriors that our Nation stands behind them.
Other military families have felt the pain of losing a loved one in battle. This Christmas, we hold them in our hearts. We lift them up in our prayers. And we are inspired by the example that many of these families have set by turning their grief into extraordinary acts of compassion and love.
One such inspiring example is the family of Army Specialist Michael Rodriguez of Knoxville, Tennessee. During his deployment in Iraq, Michael often wrote home to his family about the children he met on patrol. In April, Michael was killed by a suicide bomber. Now his family is honoring his memory by helping to collect school supplies for students at an Iraqi school for girls.
We are also grateful for Kirsten Yuhl-Torres of San Diego, California. In 2006, Kirsten lost her son, Sergeant Joseph Perry, in Iraq. To honor Joseph's memory, she started sending care packages and writing letters of support to other soldiers serving there. Kirsten says, "Joe was our only son, but now we have hundreds."
Our Nation is also inspired by Bob Lehmiller, whose son Sergeant Mike Lehmiller, was killed in 2005 while serving in Afghanistan. To honor his son, Bob created Mike's Guardian Eagle Foundation. The Foundation gives financial assistance to military families who need extra help when their loved ones deploy or if they're wounded or killed on the field of battle.
All these families have already given so much to America, and yet they have found a way to give even more. We thank each of them. And we thank every one of our citizens who supports our troops with letters, and donations, or prayers.
At this time of year, we acknowledge that love and sacrifice can transform our world. The miracle of Christmas reminds us that God's grace is revealed in the humblest places. Two thousand years ago, the fullness of that grace was found in a tiny manger, and the life born that day changed our world forever. As Christmas approaches, Laura and I extend to all Americans our best wishes, and we hope every family is brought closer together during this season of reflection and rejoicing.
Thank you for listening, and Merry Christmas.
Presidential Message: Christmas 2007
"But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High...his kingdom will never end.'"
Luke 1:30-33
During the Christmas season, our thoughts turn to the source of joy and hope born in a humble manger on a holy night more than 2,000 years ago. Each year, Christians everywhere celebrate this single life that changed the world and continues to change hearts today. The simple and inspiring story of the birth of Jesus fills our souls with gratitude for the many blessings in our lives and promises that God's purpose is justice and His plan is peace.
At this special time of year, we give thanks for Christ's message of love and mercy, and we are reminded of our responsibility to serve. America is blessed to have fine citizens who reach out with a compassionate hand to help brothers and sisters in need. We also remember our brave men and women in uniform who have volunteered to defend us in distant lands. Many of those who have answered the call of duty will spend Christmas far from home and separated from family. We honor their sacrifice, ask God to watch over them and their families, and pray for their safe return.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and remember the birth of Jesus Christ. Laura and I pray your Christmas will be blessed with family and fellowship, and we wish you a day of glad tidings. Merry Christmas.
GEORGE W. BUSH
Then One Foggy Saturday before Christmas Eve...
"Weekend weather is a mess"
If you're looking for nasty weather, Wisconsin is the place to be this weekend.
From heavy snow to dense fog to rain to unhealthy air, we've got it all.
Let's start with southeast Wisconsin. The National Weather Service has issued a dense fog advisory until noon. An air quality advisory is also in place until noon.
Now, moving a bit west and central, the National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning from 6 p.m. today until 6 p.m. Sunday for much of central and western Wisconsin.
In the Madison area, a snow and blowing snow advisory is in effect from 6 p.m. today until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Here are some tips for driving in fog:
---Drive with lights on low beam. High beams will only be reflected back off the fog and actually impair visibility even more.
---Reduce your speed -- and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.
---Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open your window a little, to hear better.
---Use wipers and defrosters as necessary for maximum visibility.
---Use the right edge of the road or painted road markings as a guide.
---Be patient. Do not pass lines of traffic.
---Do not stop on a freeway or heavily traveled road. If your car stalls or becomes disabled, turn your vehicle's lights off, and take your foot off of the brake pedal. People tend to follow tail lights when driving in fog. Move away from the vehicle to avoid injury.
Be careful out there!
Friday, December 21, 2007
World-Class Genius Hillary
This is funny.
On the campaign trail, Bill Clinton is doing all he can to convince Americans that Hillary is qualified to be President of the United States.
Bill says:
No.
Hillary is no world-class genius.
I don't think she'd even make it to state.
On the campaign trail, Bill Clinton is doing all he can to convince Americans that Hillary is qualified to be President of the United States.
Bill says:
"The reason she ought to be president, over and above her vision and her plans is that she has proven in every position she has ever had in life, whether it was in elected office or not, that she is a world-class genius in making positive changes in other people's lives."
No.
Hillary is no world-class genius.
I don't think she'd even make it to state.
Global Orgasm for Peace
Are you ready for the 2nd Annual Global Orgasm for Peace?
From GlobalOrgasm.org:
While you're encouraged to do your part for peace, the site warns:
Here's the who, where, when, and why of the Global Orgasm for Peace:
Yeah, look for world peace to break out in less than 24 hours. Have doubts?
Read about The Science:
Interested in participating in the "largest possible instantaneous surge of human biological, mental and spiritual energy"?
Saturday December 22, 12:08 AM is the time for Wisconsinites. Synchronize your clocks.
"All Men and Women, you and everyone you know" can take part is this noble effort.
Check for your time zone here.
What the heck? Give peace a chance.
From GlobalOrgasm.org:
Yes, after its overwhelming succes in 2006 the Global O is back!
This year we are synchronizing at the actual time of the Solstice. This means that Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Palestine and Israel get some choice morning hours. a gift with the intention of peace from Global-O.org
While you're encouraged to do your part for peace, the site warns:
Remember, over-population (6.8 billion people and counting) is a major cause of 'peak everything', so please don't make more babies in the Global-O.
Here's the who, where, when, and why of the Global Orgasm for Peace:
WHO? All Men and Women, you and everyone you know.
WHERE? Everywhere in the world, but especially in countries with weapons of mass destruction and places where violence is used in place of mediation.
WHEN? Solstice Day - December 22, at 06:08 Universal Time (GMT)
WHY? To effect positive change in the energy field of the Earth through input of the largest possible instantaneous surge of human biological, mental and spiritual energy.
Yeah, look for world peace to break out in less than 24 hours. Have doubts?
Read about The Science:
The Global Consciousness Project, located in Princeton, New Jersey, runs a network of Random Event Generators around the world which record changes in their randomness during global events. The results show that human consciousness can be measured to have a global effect on matter and energy during widely-watched events such as the collapse of the World Trade Center towers, large antiwar protests, natural catastrophes, acts of war and mass meditations. Concentrated consciousness has measurable effects.
Our minds influence Matter and Quantum Energy fields, so by concentrating our thoughts during and after The Big O on peace and partnership, the combination of high orgasmic energy combined with mindful intention for peace could reduce global levels of violence, hatred and fear.
The world is full of men with axes to grind and weapons to fire in displays of their superiority over others. It is time to spare the planet from Alpha Male concepts of 'progress', 'growth' and Manifest Destiny, which are endangering all of us. True partnership between the Masculine and Feminine that is within all women and
men may enable our species to survive in relative harmony. The Global Orgasm
for Peace is one attempt to begin that process.
Interested in participating in the "largest possible instantaneous surge of human biological, mental and spiritual energy"?
Saturday December 22, 12:08 AM is the time for Wisconsinites. Synchronize your clocks.
"All Men and Women, you and everyone you know" can take part is this noble effort.
Check for your time zone here.
What the heck? Give peace a chance.
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