The New Editor looks at the numbers and wonders if today's liberals are trying to make Democrats look foolish on Social Security.

My Answer?


Well, duh... It's all part of that new image they're shooting for.

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Howard Dean, who garnered 100% of Republican support to become the head of the DNC, has been in office less than a week and as we expected, he is already stepping hip deep in liberal stupidity.

Dean called for New York's Republican chairman Stephen Minarik to apologize or step down for remarks linking Democrats to radical leftist lawyer Lynn Stewart, who was just convicted of aiding terrorists.

Minarik said Monday that:

"the Democrats simply have refused to learn the lessons of the past two election cycles, and now they can be accurately called the party of Barbara Boxer, Lynne Stewart and Howard Dean."

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I guess Scott Ritter has finally found the place where he belongs.

The fomer Marine, U.N. Weapons inspector and Time "Person of the Week" must have found the climate there a bit more accepting of his tastes, both political, and personal.

Of course, what probably attracted Ritter as much as the America-hating politics was the swingin' singles scene...



Right?

Update: No, Ritter has not been called as a witness in the Michael Jackson trial... Why do you ask?

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It has been alledged that if the liberal side of the blogosphere could learn to gather information from outside of their closed community, that they might indeed become a force. Unfortunately, they have a tendency towards groupthink.

This of course leads to the parroting of ideas not throughly vetted, and so the hivemind runs a risk of propogating a story that may or not be true, based upon fervent belief instead of facts.

The Brit Hume quote of FDR is a wonderful case in point.

Brit Hume, of Fox News quoted part of FDR's January 17, 1935 speech to Congress proposing Social Security. Here is the relevant paragraph of the Hume article:

In a written statement to Congress in 1935, Roosevelt said that any Social Security plans should include, "Voluntary contributory annuities, by which individual initiative can increase the annual amounts received in old age," adding that government funding, "ought to ultimately be supplanted by self-supporting annuity plans."

"Voluntary contributory annuities, by which individual initiative can increase the annual amounts received in old age," adding that government funding, "ought to ultimately be supplanted by self-supporting annuity plans."

"Third, voluntary contributory annuities by which individual initiative can increase the annual amounts received in old age. It is proposed that the Federal Government assume one-half of the cost of the old-age pension plan, which ought ultimately to be supplanted by self-supporting annuity plans."

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And we wonder why the much vaunted UN Weapon Inspectors didn't find the WMDs that every major intelligence agency in the world says were in Iraq:

"UN inspectors in Iraq spent their working hours drinking vodka while ignoring a shadowy nocturnal fleet believed to be smuggling goods for Saddam Hussein, a former senior inspector told the US Senate yesterday.

"In a move that provoked fury from officials of the Swiss firm Cotecna, an Australian former inspector detailed a picture of incompetence, indifference and drunkeness among the men acting as the frontline for UN sanctions."

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An Italian Communist anti-war journalist, Giuliana Sgrena, starred in a "Mujahideen Without Borders" video released to the Associated Press today, calling (in French, appropriately enough) for the "end of the occupation of Iraq."

A vigorous anti-war protestor, Sgrena's video was shown just hours before Italy's Senate started voting on extending the nation's 3,000-member military mission in Iraq until June.

I'm a tiny bit skeptical.

A mention in the MSNBC version of the story made it sound like she was not only starring in the video, but directing it:

At one point, her eyes watering as she struggled to recite her message, she waved the camera to stop. [my emphasis]

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 01:27 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I love blogs and blogging. I think you do, too, or you wouldn't be reading this.

Blogging is still in its relative infancy, but is maturing quickly, with thousands of new bloggers starting up every day. A lot more people will be getting into it in the months and years ahead. Unfortunately, growing pains won't be easy on any of us, and so I'm asking you to help me out on a bit of a blogging community project.

After I read of the incident where a 13-year old was verbally savaged over not following good netiquette, I thought it was a good idea to try to compile some blogging-specific netiquette to hopefully cut down on incidents like this. I intend to compile and display what I can here:

http://blognetiquette.blogspot.com/

What I ask of you is to let me know what you consider good form and bad form alike when blogging. From inappropriate trackback to comment spam, to attribution issues and blog promotion, or other thing I may have missed, I'd like to get your input.

I'll be accepting comments for several weeks, and just ask that as you run across something that you think needs to be mentioned, to please drop me a line at confederateyankee-at-hotmail.com.

I hope to take the site live in the first week of March, and hope it could be a resource that we could all use to help new bloggers get started.

Thank you very much for your time, and any input you can provide.

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Ra^therGate refuses to die (hat tip: RatherBiased).

The three CBS staffers asked to resign after the airing of the fake Bush Air National Guard story have refused to go. What's more, they have retained counsel and may sue CBS News, alleging that upper management and the investigators did not run a real investigation, but one designed from the outset to protect the CBS News corporate brass, not to ferret out the truth.

Because of this, Josh Howard, the executive producer of "60 Minutes Wednesday" during the Ra^therGate episode, is threatening CBS News with a wrongful termination lawsuit that would require testimony under oath and could subpoena internal documents and email that may not have not appeared as evidence in the official 224-page Thornburgh Report (PDF). The two other CBS News Executives asked to resign, Mary Murphy and Betsy West, have also refused to step down and seem willing to fight CBS brass for what they consider the truth.

CBS News claims that Howard's accusations have "no basis in fact." That seems to be a common complaint around CBS News these days.

So what do we have here?

The last time I heard of such infighting at a news organization was when Howell Raines was forced out at the New York Times over the Jayson Blair scandal. If Howard, Murphy and West are playing it straight, then it seems entirely plausible that Leslie Moonves and Andrew Heyward might be far more interested in protecting their own positions than preserving what remains of the tattered credibility of CBS News.

CBS News cannot handle another scandal.

The brand is severely hobbled at ths point, and if Howard, Murphy, and West can establish any sort of merit with a public already distrustful of CBS, and get the easily ascribed "covering our own asses" defense tarred to Heyward and Moonves, then its effectively "Game Over" for CBS News, regardless of what a judge or jury later determine.

Their effectiveness as executives most likely will be fatally compromised, regardless of any eventual vindication in a court of law. What's more, if Howard does pursue his case and presents evidence damning the structure of the investigation, it could potentially also turn on the two "independent" investigators, former Attorney General Richard Thornburgh and former Associated Press head Louis Boccardi.

Many already have their doubts about the so-called "Thornburgh Report," and if it appears that the report was compromised by design, Thornburgh and Boccardi could end up with their reputations in hot water along with the CBS News brass.

This one is a long way from over, but I don't see how Heyward or Moonves can have much of a future remaining at CBS News.

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Thanks to Instapundit, we see that Democrats.com is running a story, "Did George W. Bush Have Sex with That Man, James Guckert?"

Guckert is the real name of a former Talon News reporter who called himself Jeff Gannon, and who was "outed" by ever-tolerant liberals as the owner of several gay-themed web sites. Liberal "news" sites such as Democrat.com, RawStory.com, and Americablog.org have gone on to say that Gannon didn't only own a couple of gay-themed web sites, but that he was also an escort, or something worse.

According to the author of this piece (of what, I'll let you decide), Bob Fertik, gays are apparently sashaying out of the woodwork in Bush's White House. He claims White House spokesman Scott McClellan is gay, that Bush is gay, that Bush's former Yale classmate was gay, that GOP Ken Mehlman is gay... did he leave anyone out?

He uses the word "gay" in each instance like a pointed finger of accusation, with an implied "but there's nothing wrong with that" hanging in the air like a stale fart. Apparently, in Fertik's world "Gay" is the new shorthand for "Republican."

The lefty blogosphere, constantly touting itself as inclusive and accepting of minorities such as gay men, is not only outing Gannon/Guckert, but humiliating him in any way possible, and taking great delight in it.

Is this how the left displays tolerance and acceptance of gays? Posters on the Democratic Underground delighted in bashing Guckert. When Guckert announced he was no longer talking to the press, a liberal poster to the Democratic Underground message boards gleefully asked, "I wonder if he'll 'talk' for $200?" Another said, "Don't slander him by implying he was a cheap prostitute. He was a very expensive one." So much for the myth of a gay-friendly left.

I feel sorry for my gay friends having their sexuality batted around by their so-called "tolerant" liberal party. As more liberals pile on to this story, and gays find out what the liberal wing really feels under their sheets, I'll be at the lumber yard.

We're planning on adding rooms at the Log Cabin.

Update: I'm not the only blogger that seems the think the left is showing their homophobia while bashing Gannon/Guckert.


Weapons of Mass Discussion says that "the liberal blogosphere seems to think this is a story, but all it really is doing is exposing their hatred for a constituency they say they support."

Insulted.org adds: "To the Left, it's great if you're gay. Unless, that is, you're a conservative gay man who works in the White House Press Corps. Then, you're fair game for a public outing, followed by reprisals, harassment, and eventual hounding from your job."

Cynical Nation says that: "This kind of behavior is ugly, no matter which side does it (and both sides do!) Nevertheless, it's worrisome to see how exploiting homophobia has become a standard political weapon in the arsenal of the left these days. And I think if you were to ask Dick Cheney's gay daughter, who's a lesbian homosexual, she'd agree."

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Thanks to fellow New York blogger Scott Sala and his blog Slant Point, I think I know which self-important junior member of the old media is next to be engulfed in a blog swarm.

Tulsa World, of Tulsa Oklahoma, has threatened Tulsa blogger Michael Bates of BatesLine with copyright infringement because BatesLine:

"...has reproduced (in whole or in part) articles and/or editorials from the Tulsa World newspaper or has inappropriately linked your website to Tulsa World content.

"The Tulsa World copyrights its entire newspaper and specifically each of the articles and/or editorials at issue. The reproduction of any articles and/or editorials (in whole or in part) on your website or linking your website to Tulsa World content is without the permission of the Tulsa World and constitutes an intentional infringement of the Tulsa World's copyright and other rights to the exclusive use and distribution of the copyrighted materials.

"Therefore, we hereby demand that you immediately remove any Tulsa World material from your website, to include unauthorized links to our website, and cease and desist from any further use or dissemination of our copyrighted content. If you desire to use (in whole or in part) any of the content of our newspaper, you must first obtain written permission before that use. If you fail to comply with his demand, the Tulsa World will take whatever legal action is necessary to assure compliance, Additionally, we will pursue all other legal remedies, including seeking damages that may have resulted as a result of this infringement."

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:25 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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You didn't actually this the Eason Jordan affair was over because he resigned, did you? No, this is just the beginning. Admitting to a act of wrongdoing (or taking steps that look like a confession, as a resignation surely does) does not equate punishment.

If Jordan actually said what he is accused of-namely, that U.S. soldiers purposefully targeted journalists-then his resignation from CNN should be the least of his worries. Mr. Jordan should either provide evidence to support these claims, along with his November claim that U.S. soldiers tortured journalists, or he should face criminal charges. He almost certainly seems a viable candidate for a charge of slander, and possibly for more serious offenses.

The U.S. Sedition Act of 1918 states:

Whoever, when the United States is at war, shall willfully make or convey false reports or false statements with intent to interfere with the operation or success of the military or naval forces of the United States, or to promote the success of its enemies, or shall willfully make or convey false reports, or false statements, . . . or incite insubordination, disloyalty, mutiny, or refusal of duty, in the military or naval forces of the United States, or shall willfully obstruct . . . the recruiting or enlistment service of the United States, or . . . shall willfully utter, print, write, or publish any disloyal, profane, scurrilous, or abusive language about the form of government of the United States, or the Constitution of the United States, or the military or naval forces of the United States . . . or shall willfully display the flag of any foreign enemy, or shall willfully . . . urge, incite, or advocate any curtailment of production . . . or advocate, teach, defend, or suggest the doing of any of the acts or things in this section enumerated and whoever shall by word or act support or favor the cause of any country with which the United States is at war or by word or act oppose the cause of the United States therein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than twenty years, or both....

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The caller on the other end of the phone Saturday afternoon was Ashley, and she wanted to know if I wanted to subscribe to the Record, our local bird-cage liner. No, I said. She asked why, and I told her: it didn't offer anything I was interested in reading.

I still pick it up from time to time on weekends. For finding yard sales and coupon clipping it can't be beat, but as a source of news and commentary, it simply isn't worthwhile.

Like every newspaper, locals suffer an immediacy gap. They cannot compete with the immediacy of television or radio, which can (and often does) report events as they happen. For any major news story they rely on major news organizations. They parrot, but they don't add anything beyond formatting.

What local papers can do is report (obviously) local events. Badly.

The fact of the matter is that local newspapers do not spend top dollar for their stable of reporters, and those that do have talent tend to move on to better opportunities rather quickly. The same goes for the editorial board.

What do most local papers offer?

National news you found out about twelve hours ago on television or radio or the Internet. Classified ads and sales flyers. Local news stories poorly written, and pompous sophomoric editorials. Oh, and sports, which thankfully offers the only local reporting worth reading on a daily basis.

So what do local newspapers have to offer that is not better served by another news medium, better, faster, and cheaper?

I don't know the answer. I don't need to know. But someone in the local news business better figure it out before their advertisers do.

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Why even run this, Matt?

Drudge seems to have his panties in a bunch over Barbara Boxer's briefer-than-briefs.

Drudge Reports:

Supporters of California Sen. Barbara Boxer have launched an underwear line -- with liberal radio network AIR AMERICA hyping the goods!

The next presidential race may be years away, but the race is already tightening up. Introducing: Boxer Classic Thong 2008!

100% Ultra-fine combed ring spun 1x1 baby rib cotton; Size up for a looser fit.

AIR AMERICA's website has been featuring a link to the Boxer merchandise.

[A staffer to Boxer said the senator had "absolutely" nothing to do with the merchandise. "These are not official."]

"This under-goodie is 'outta sight' in low-rise pants... This product is designed to fit juniors," reads the pitch.

Let the campaign begin!

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I just got my copy of Hugh Hewitt's Blog: Understanding the Information Reformation That's Changing Your World. I'm one chapter in so far, and it is a fascinating read.

Hugh, should you ever come by here: "you done good."

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Eason Jordan has resigned. I guess CNN decided to duck after all. I'd still like to see the video from Davos, but I feel pretty comfortable that we know what we would see, at this point.

Sooner or later, the "professional" media is going to realize that there is a new accountability for those would would radically reshape the perception of the world we live in.

I just wonder how many more Dan Rathers and Eason Jordans it will take before that message finally sinks in.


Update: Michelle Malkin has an excellent thread titled Easongate: A Retrospective which has links to many of the power players in this episode.

You're living history in the making, folks, and in real-time.

Ain't it a rush?

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:22 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Creepy. From a very real insurance company web site.

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ROTFLMAO

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It seems that Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has promised a "burning hell" for any invaders, obviously referring to the United States and Israel, the two countries most likely to attack Iran and their suspected nuclear weapons production facilities.

Please, Mr. Khatami, tell me how this burning hell is any different than the nuclear attack your top clerics seem intent on unleashing against Israel if we don't act against you?

It seems to me, based upon the words of Iran's mullahcracy, that taking them out now is the only sensible course of action.

Better a little burning Hell now than a purpetual glow later.

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A Public Service Announcement (sorta) From Confederate Yankee:

Valentine's Day is Monday, and you still haven't ordered her anything. Do you have a death wish?

Get her some flowers, you bum (click the picture).



Normal political blogging returns this afternoon, but I want to make sure my readership survives...

Posted by: Confederate Yankee at 09:48 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Please, tell me again how liberals are patriotic, and don't sympathize with terrorists.

Liberal lawyer Lynn Stewart was just convicted for smuggling messages of violence from terrorists arrested for the 1993 World Trade Center attack, which, for the record, did have terrorist ties to Saddam's Iraq.

As you might expect, many posters on the Democratic Underground think that Stewart was framed, (despite 85,000 audio and video clips of Stewart and her clients) and that the government must have destroyed evidence exonerating her.

DU poster Just Me claims the Steart conviction, " is worse than jailing political dissidents!"

rooboy calls this, "one of the darkest days in the history of the American legal system."

He was apparently unfamiliar with Dred Scott.

Interestingly enough, DUers were even flaming their own over this one, attacking trail lawyers and law students who actually went to the trial who said the outcome was fair and just.

I really must wonder if these people would have voted to convict the terrorists who carried out the 9/11 attacks.

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