Bush: "You may not feel it, your constituents may not be overwhelming you with letters demanding a fix now, but the crisis is now."
Translation: "Social Security has WMD's! Aieeeee! Attack! Attack!"
[Via: NYT]
Friday, December 17, 2004
WINNERS AND LOSERS
The winners and losers in the Kerik debacle.
Winners:
Ray Kelly. Having dissed Kerik, in both word and deed since succeeding him in 2002, he is unquestionably the happiest man in America.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg. During the 2001 mayoral campaign, he promised voters Kelly would try to persuade Kerik to remain as commissioner. He's breathing a sigh of relief that Kelly never did.
Judith Regan. Like the canary in the coal mine, she has been singing about Kerik since 2002.
Losers:
The NYPD's top brass. Kelly's vindication means even more micromanaging.
The two-star Manhattan chief who in 2001 sent homicide detectives to question civilians in their homes after midnight after Regan claimed her cell phone was stolen. That third star may now be hard to come by.
The loopy New York Post editorialist who after Kerik withdrew wrote these lines: 'Bernie Kerik's decision to step down as Homeland Security-designate ... speaks to the qualities which commended him to President Bush in the first place: Kerik is a stand-up guy. ... '
Rudy Giuliani. The biggest loser of all. It's not merely his lack of judgment in promoting Kerik first as police commissioner, then to the White House. It's his and Kerik's image as heroes of 9/11. Mention that date, and critical thinking ceased. No longer.
Winners:
Ray Kelly. Having dissed Kerik, in both word and deed since succeeding him in 2002, he is unquestionably the happiest man in America.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg. During the 2001 mayoral campaign, he promised voters Kelly would try to persuade Kerik to remain as commissioner. He's breathing a sigh of relief that Kelly never did.
Judith Regan. Like the canary in the coal mine, she has been singing about Kerik since 2002.
Losers:
The NYPD's top brass. Kelly's vindication means even more micromanaging.
The two-star Manhattan chief who in 2001 sent homicide detectives to question civilians in their homes after midnight after Regan claimed her cell phone was stolen. That third star may now be hard to come by.
The loopy New York Post editorialist who after Kerik withdrew wrote these lines: 'Bernie Kerik's decision to step down as Homeland Security-designate ... speaks to the qualities which commended him to President Bush in the first place: Kerik is a stand-up guy. ... '
Rudy Giuliani. The biggest loser of all. It's not merely his lack of judgment in promoting Kerik first as police commissioner, then to the White House. It's his and Kerik's image as heroes of 9/11. Mention that date, and critical thinking ceased. No longer.
YEHUPY: SOFT ON IDOLATRY
"Who kvetches about 'christians being our mortal enemies for two thousand years' anymore? Sheesh! That's so...Jackie Mason!"
So it's forgive and forget, "Rabbi?" So... no more "sfoch chamoscha" at the end of your seder? No more "l'malshinim" in your Amidah? No reason to keep bishul akum, and pas akum because we're all friends now? Wow, that's awfully liberal of you.
Too liberal for me, in fact.
UPDATE: Yehupy says I am condescending. I don't think he knows what the word means. I am not condescending to him. I'm insulting him.
So it's forgive and forget, "Rabbi?" So... no more "sfoch chamoscha" at the end of your seder? No more "l'malshinim" in your Amidah? No reason to keep bishul akum, and pas akum because we're all friends now? Wow, that's awfully liberal of you.
Too liberal for me, in fact.
UPDATE: Yehupy says I am condescending. I don't think he knows what the word means. I am not condescending to him. I'm insulting him.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
DOVBEAR VS YEHUPPY: ROUND II
In which I drop the Torah-true persona, along with my gloves.
Dear Yehupy:
I don't really want to go another round on this "Rabbi," but you leave me no choice.
You claim that you want to emphasize the "influence that media has on us." If so, I'm stumped. The raysha (first part) of the quote you insist we discuss is about video games and rap music. The sayfa (last part) is about state sponsored Christian celebrataions. Where does the influence of the media figure in? Let me make a few guesses:
Is it your point that video games and music "influence" us? Wow, that's deep. Thanks for bringing that to our attention via a quote from an evangelical's website.
Do you think it's ironic that secularists prefer GTA to "Merry Christmas?" Is that the profound thought you wanted to share? How stupid. Secularists don't demand that every home have a copy of GTA on the computer and a gangsta rap CD on the stero. You have nothing to fear from the secularists. They are making no demands upon you. These things you disdain are popular, not because of a "secularist" agenda. They are popular because people like them. If you disagree, thank god for America. No one is forcing you to bring it into your house.
Were you arguing that secularists believe these things are harmless? That's a strawman, your friend the preacher invented. Take me for example: I'm a liberal. I don't think GTA and gangsta rap are harmless. I don’t allow them in my home. But I also don't think it is any of my business if you disagree. GTA isn't for me, but if you like it that's your affair, and your choice, not mine.
I also am not afraid that "Merry Christmas" is going to make me into a self-rightuous hypcrite like Pat Robertson. That's another strawman, invented by your pal the preacher. Rather, I object to "Merry Christmas" because it reminds me that we are in golus, and that Christians for 2000 years has been our mortal enemy. Forgive me, but the thought of Jesus in the manger does not warm my heart and I don't think it's appropriate for the government to do anything to advance the cause of religion, especially a foolish and idolatrous faith such as Christianity. In short, I object to Christianity, not because it is "moral" and not because it is "illiberal" Rather, I object to Christianity because it is false.
Like many theocons (I hope that word doesn't confuse you. I know once before the word "neocon" gave you some trouble.) you seem to be a bit of a busybody. You don't trust freedom. It bothers you the people have choices. You want the government to be in charge and to make illegal, all the nasty games and songs you dislike. You appear to welcome government interference in our lives, especially when it is supporting religion. In fact, you're so enamored with the idea, it doesn't seem to matter to you which religion the government is sponsoring. Jesus in the manger? Merry Christmas? If it's religion, that's swell, even if it's a religion of lies, and only a frenchified liberal would oppose that.
And though it does pain me slightly that you don't think that I am an indeed a Torah True Jew, I've decided that the opinions of a "Rabbi" who takes mussar from evangelicals doesn't mean much to me.
With not even an iota of respect for you, I am
DovBear
Dear Yehupy:
I don't really want to go another round on this "Rabbi," but you leave me no choice.
You claim that you want to emphasize the "influence that media has on us." If so, I'm stumped. The raysha (first part) of the quote you insist we discuss is about video games and rap music. The sayfa (last part) is about state sponsored Christian celebrataions. Where does the influence of the media figure in? Let me make a few guesses:
Is it your point that video games and music "influence" us? Wow, that's deep. Thanks for bringing that to our attention via a quote from an evangelical's website.
Do you think it's ironic that secularists prefer GTA to "Merry Christmas?" Is that the profound thought you wanted to share? How stupid. Secularists don't demand that every home have a copy of GTA on the computer and a gangsta rap CD on the stero. You have nothing to fear from the secularists. They are making no demands upon you. These things you disdain are popular, not because of a "secularist" agenda. They are popular because people like them. If you disagree, thank god for America. No one is forcing you to bring it into your house.
Were you arguing that secularists believe these things are harmless? That's a strawman, your friend the preacher invented. Take me for example: I'm a liberal. I don't think GTA and gangsta rap are harmless. I don’t allow them in my home. But I also don't think it is any of my business if you disagree. GTA isn't for me, but if you like it that's your affair, and your choice, not mine.
I also am not afraid that "Merry Christmas" is going to make me into a self-rightuous hypcrite like Pat Robertson. That's another strawman, invented by your pal the preacher. Rather, I object to "Merry Christmas" because it reminds me that we are in golus, and that Christians for 2000 years has been our mortal enemy. Forgive me, but the thought of Jesus in the manger does not warm my heart and I don't think it's appropriate for the government to do anything to advance the cause of religion, especially a foolish and idolatrous faith such as Christianity. In short, I object to Christianity, not because it is "moral" and not because it is "illiberal" Rather, I object to Christianity because it is false.
Like many theocons (I hope that word doesn't confuse you. I know once before the word "neocon" gave you some trouble.) you seem to be a bit of a busybody. You don't trust freedom. It bothers you the people have choices. You want the government to be in charge and to make illegal, all the nasty games and songs you dislike. You appear to welcome government interference in our lives, especially when it is supporting religion. In fact, you're so enamored with the idea, it doesn't seem to matter to you which religion the government is sponsoring. Jesus in the manger? Merry Christmas? If it's religion, that's swell, even if it's a religion of lies, and only a frenchified liberal would oppose that.
And though it does pain me slightly that you don't think that I am an indeed a Torah True Jew, I've decided that the opinions of a "Rabbi" who takes mussar from evangelicals doesn't mean much to me.
With not even an iota of respect for you, I am
DovBear
A JOKE
How many members of the Bush administration does it take to change a light bulb?
None. There's nothing wrong with that light bulb. It has served us honorably. That lightbulb is a patriot. It is resolute. When you say it's burned out, you're giving encouragement to the forces of darkness. Once we install a light bulb, we never, ever change it. Anyway, real men don't need artificial light.
None. There's nothing wrong with that light bulb. It has served us honorably. That lightbulb is a patriot. It is resolute. When you say it's burned out, you're giving encouragement to the forces of darkness. Once we install a light bulb, we never, ever change it. Anyway, real men don't need artificial light.
HOW TO GOVERN FROM THE CLINK
At first, we thought this Slate article on governing from jail referred to Tom DeLay (admit it: so did you) but in fact it's about that other great leader who might soon have to run things from jail: Marwan Barghouti.
Apparently, it isn't unprecedented to win an election while in the clink, or to actually carry out governmental duties while incarcerated. Slate's found lots of examples.
Apparently, it isn't unprecedented to win an election while in the clink, or to actually carry out governmental duties while incarcerated. Slate's found lots of examples.
TWO INVITATIONS
Intelligent readers are invited to agree or disagree with the views spouted here and here.
~
Intelligent and unintelligent readers alike are invited to comment on the new approach exhibited there and there. Is DovBear, Torah True Jew, a character you would like to see again? Or should I just go back to link dumping?
~
Intelligent and unintelligent readers alike are invited to comment on the new approach exhibited there and there. Is DovBear, Torah True Jew, a character you would like to see again? Or should I just go back to link dumping?
YEHUPY MISSED THE POINT (AGAIN)
Dear Rabbi Yehupy:
Like you, I am appaled that the French-sympathizing liberals are permitted to listen to gangster rap and to play devient video games such as Grand Theft Auto. I also share your opinion that we Jews have much to learn from evangelical websites. However, in this one, isolated case both you and the devoutly evangelical website you put forward as a religious authority are missing the point.
No one in the government is forcing you to play video games or rap music. If you think GTA is bad for your kids, shut it off. Or hide it. Or - and hold on to your hat for this "wild" suggestion - don't buy it.
I, however, don't have that option when nativity scenes and Christmas scenes are out on public property. If it's on the public square, I can't hide from it, and I can't keep my kids from seeing it. In every sence, the government is forcing me to recognize it. Moreover, my tax dollars help to pay for the public square. Should I be asked to finance the display of Christian symbols? Of course not.
As I've argued before, Jews are best protected when the government is nuetral on matters of religion. For 2000 years Christians and Christian governments have been our enemy. American Christians have done nothing to suggest that they are different. When the government (or the ACLU) marganalizes them and their religion, we are better off.
With Torah, Navi and Ketuvim Blessings,
Dov Bear
Torah True Jew
Like you, I am appaled that the French-sympathizing liberals are permitted to listen to gangster rap and to play devient video games such as Grand Theft Auto. I also share your opinion that we Jews have much to learn from evangelical websites. However, in this one, isolated case both you and the devoutly evangelical website you put forward as a religious authority are missing the point.
No one in the government is forcing you to play video games or rap music. If you think GTA is bad for your kids, shut it off. Or hide it. Or - and hold on to your hat for this "wild" suggestion - don't buy it.
I, however, don't have that option when nativity scenes and Christmas scenes are out on public property. If it's on the public square, I can't hide from it, and I can't keep my kids from seeing it. In every sence, the government is forcing me to recognize it. Moreover, my tax dollars help to pay for the public square. Should I be asked to finance the display of Christian symbols? Of course not.
As I've argued before, Jews are best protected when the government is nuetral on matters of religion. For 2000 years Christians and Christian governments have been our enemy. American Christians have done nothing to suggest that they are different. When the government (or the ACLU) marganalizes them and their religion, we are better off.
With Torah, Navi and Ketuvim Blessings,
Dov Bear
Torah True Jew
WAS THERE REALLY A KERIK NANNY?
Proving a negative is hard to do, but the Times gives it the old college try. As Josh Marshall puts it: ...after what seems to have been a pretty exhaustive bit of reporting, they didn't come up with any solid evidence that such a woman existed. And they came up with a lot that points in the other direction. The Times seemed to talk to everyone under the sun -- family, friends, neighbors, other nannies in the neighborhood -- and they either knew nothing about a nanny or wouldn't talk."
So now it seems like this whole "nanny" story wasn't just an excuse, but quite probably a lie -- one which Kerik and the White House have been pushing for days.
[Related:NYT: Mystery Woman in Kerik Case:Nanny]
[VIA]
So now it seems like this whole "nanny" story wasn't just an excuse, but quite probably a lie -- one which Kerik and the White House have been pushing for days.
[Related:NYT: Mystery Woman in Kerik Case:Nanny]
[VIA]
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
GLASS HALF EMPTY WATCH
UNFAIR!
"The Supreme Court ruled today that the State may not fund hareidi religious schools that do not uphold the minimum curriculum standards set by the Education Ministry. MK Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism) said in response, "We are ashamed that the Supreme Court of the State of Israel has declared that this is not a Jewish State." - Arutz Sheva
WELL... NOT REALLY
"The High Court of Justice on Wednesday granted the state's request for three more years to implement the 'core' curriculum in ultra-Orthodox high schools." Jerusalem Post Same story, same day.
[Via Reb Yudel]
"The Supreme Court ruled today that the State may not fund hareidi religious schools that do not uphold the minimum curriculum standards set by the Education Ministry. MK Meir Porush (United Torah Judaism) said in response, "We are ashamed that the Supreme Court of the State of Israel has declared that this is not a Jewish State." - Arutz Sheva
WELL... NOT REALLY
"The High Court of Justice on Wednesday granted the state's request for three more years to implement the 'core' curriculum in ultra-Orthodox high schools." Jerusalem Post Same story, same day.
[Via Reb Yudel]
YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE YOU DO IT YOURSELF
Liberals are whining again, and now they are denigrating the creativity of our brave soldiers in Iraq. They need more ammunition. They need more body armor. They need armored Humvees. Whine, whine, moan, moan. Listen up Frenchies: America was built on individual initiative. And unlike the whiners, Prez understands that. So do his generals. That's why they issued the following statement to 60 Minutes:
As long as the Army has a single vehicle without armor, we expect that our soldiers will continue to find ways to increase their level of protection."
WWJD?
Attorney says Bible passage guided woman who severed baby's arms.
Where did this happen? Nope, not Alabama, though that is an excellent guess, and one that suggests you've been paying attention to my ravings. This particular travesty, however, occured in Texas, another bizzarly named, yet masculine and Jesus-adoring, red state.
More details here, including this nugget of joy:
This is not acceptable. If it continues, we must act. If the masculine and jesus-adoring people of Texas refuse to take the bible figurativly, we must ban its study in the lone star state. Or at least smack a warning label on it.
You know, for the sake of the children.
Where did this happen? Nope, not Alabama, though that is an excellent guess, and one that suggests you've been paying attention to my ravings. This particular travesty, however, occured in Texas, another bizzarly named, yet masculine and Jesus-adoring, red state.
More details here, including this nugget of joy:
[Haynes, the lawyer] said his client recently quoted to him a Bible verse in the book of Matthew that he said he believes influenced her actions.We think lawyer-man is correct. The verse does not appear to demand the amputation of a child's arm. However we must remind you that we're Jewish, not Christian, so we will not be offended if you choose to consult with your local snake-handling preacher. However, be warned: Fundamentalist Christianity has the nasty and somewhat dangerous habit of encouraging believers to take the Bible literally.
The verse Schlosser told him was: "If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell."
Haynes said he believes his client might have taken the passage literally.
"I'm not a theologian, but I think the meaning is: If anything gets between you and your faith, get rid of it. It doesn't mean take a meat cleaver and cut something off," he said.
This is not acceptable. If it continues, we must act. If the masculine and jesus-adoring people of Texas refuse to take the bible figurativly, we must ban its study in the lone star state. Or at least smack a warning label on it.
You know, for the sake of the children.
COUNT THE LIES
Bill "no spin zone" O'Reilly spins and spins, as he tries to huff and puff his way out of the "Go Back to Israel" mess. Media Matters catches him in at least three lies, or misrepresentations or exagerations or whatever you want to call them.
Money quote:
Money quote:
O'REILLY: I mean -- what I was distressed about here, and I think when you think about it, you'll see that I have a point. I mean, I'm not expecting you to agree with me, but I don't want your organization, or B'nai Brith, or even Foxman's organization, the ADL -- which I think is a militant organization -- I don't want you guys to be used.A backlash against American Jews? If our organizations dare to criticize old Saint Bill? Now that's frightening.
Because I think that, if that happens, there'll be a backlash against Jewish Americans that is unfair and that I'm just gonna have to redouble my efforts to make sure it doesn't happen.
MY SECRET OCCUPATION
Dear Friend,
I am Mrs. SUHA ARAFAT, the wife of YASSER ARAFAT, the Palestinian leader who died recently in Paris. Since his death and even prior to the announcement, I have been thrown into a state of antagonism, confusion, humiliation, frustration and hopelessness... You must have heard of my husband's secret bank... the total sum allegedly is about $6.5 Billion Dollars... As you know, the Moslem community has no regards for woman, hence my desire for a foreign assistance. I have deposited the sum of 21 million dollars with a financial firm abroad whose name is withheld for now until we open communication. I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your bank account for safe keeping... This arrangement will be known to you and I alone and all our correspondence should be strictly on email alone because our government has tapped all my lines. In view of the above, if you are willing to assist for our mutual benefits, we will have to negotiate on your Percentage share of the $21,000,000. Please note that this is a golden opportunity that comes once in life time...
--- Recently received email message.
Frankly, I'm pissed. Someone must have squealed about the similar service I performed for that Nigerian guy. How else could Suha have found out about me?
Look, I know all you ever get is junk e-mail-baldness cures, coupons from Internet casinos, scams from online stockbrokers, but your jealousy is unbecoming. It's not like I advertise for this sort of work. It's all word of mouth, and right now I've got more than I can handle. Do you think it's easy to convince a deposed foreign despot to deposit stolen bullion with an anonymous blogger who seldom even bothers to get dressed anymore and has lost track of his checking account? It's not. It takes salesmanship. It takes panache.
But I guess I'm good at it. These emails keep coming. But please: I don't think I'm special -- any of you would do the same thing.
I am Mrs. SUHA ARAFAT, the wife of YASSER ARAFAT, the Palestinian leader who died recently in Paris. Since his death and even prior to the announcement, I have been thrown into a state of antagonism, confusion, humiliation, frustration and hopelessness... You must have heard of my husband's secret bank... the total sum allegedly is about $6.5 Billion Dollars... As you know, the Moslem community has no regards for woman, hence my desire for a foreign assistance. I have deposited the sum of 21 million dollars with a financial firm abroad whose name is withheld for now until we open communication. I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your bank account for safe keeping... This arrangement will be known to you and I alone and all our correspondence should be strictly on email alone because our government has tapped all my lines. In view of the above, if you are willing to assist for our mutual benefits, we will have to negotiate on your Percentage share of the $21,000,000. Please note that this is a golden opportunity that comes once in life time...
--- Recently received email message.
Frankly, I'm pissed. Someone must have squealed about the similar service I performed for that Nigerian guy. How else could Suha have found out about me?
Look, I know all you ever get is junk e-mail-baldness cures, coupons from Internet casinos, scams from online stockbrokers, but your jealousy is unbecoming. It's not like I advertise for this sort of work. It's all word of mouth, and right now I've got more than I can handle. Do you think it's easy to convince a deposed foreign despot to deposit stolen bullion with an anonymous blogger who seldom even bothers to get dressed anymore and has lost track of his checking account? It's not. It takes salesmanship. It takes panache.
But I guess I'm good at it. These emails keep coming. But please: I don't think I'm special -- any of you would do the same thing.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS, RIGHT?
"Mahmoud Abbas, the interim Palestinian leader, has called for an end to armed attacks against Israeli targets in an attempt to mark out a new strategy for peace in the wake of Yasser Arafat's death."
[Via]
Reactions, please.
[Via]
Reactions, please.
PADDLING PASTOR RELEASED
In these times when activist judges contemptuously flout God's laws, it's refreshing to see that there are still a few courageous, God-fearing judges who are willing to stand up and fight for biblical values. That's what happened last week when the Florida State Second District Court of Appeals freed a pastor who had been unjustly punished for paddling a little girl's behind.
Can I get a Hallelujah, brother?
Can I get a Hallelujah, brother?
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