Piracy is running rampant in the off the coast of Somalia. Warships from NATO, Russia, India and the United States patrol the waters. Despite the naval presence, the Somali pirates continue to take ships and crew hostage. And no end is in sight.
Remember after Sept. 11, 2001 when President George W. Bush stated that he would fight terrorist at all corners of the world? Remember when he said they would face American justice?
My question becomes why isn't the United States and other countries fighting the terrorists that are now coming out to sea? The world is basically sitting back and allowing the pirates to operate freely on the shipping lanes. Very few attacks have been repelled. French commandos raided on ship and freed the hostages. An Indian ship sank a pirate "mothership." What's the point of putting all that money, firepower and navies into the region if nothing is going to been done to fight the pirates.
The lack of action does nothing be embolden the pirates. All it takes in one ship and ransom pay off and they are set for life. The risks seem to be worth it because it appears that hardly any action is taken against the pirates.
That the world's governments can sit back and allow these wanton acts occur is completely unacceptable. There is no coordination between the navies. There is no concerted effort being made by anyone to repel pirate attacks. The navies aren't being proactive in combating piracy.
The world community needs to come together and create an action plan. Something that coordinates the navies and looks to repel the attacks. This isn't just one country's problem. It's a world wide problem. Lives, money and commerce are threatened. The pirates don't care what flag a ship flies or who is on board. If they can attack and hold a ship for ransom they will.
NATO has already gone on record as saying they won't enforce a blockade. For once, I think this would be an appropriate time for the United States to act unilaterally. Blockade the coast of Somalia. No ships in or out. Unless it's humanitarian aid don't let the ships in. No ship should be allowed out. Warn them once to turn around and then blow them out of the water. Besides blasting ships out of the water, the United States could start blasting suspected pirate strongholds. I even propose blowing up the new expensive houses that the pirates are building for themselves. Anything that will make life more difficult on them. Take the fight to them.
Right now a Saudi oil tanker sits still in pirate hands. It is holding an estimated $100 million in crude oil. I don't care who you are, that is not chump change. Eventually someone is going to get angry enough and take action. Why not make it a coordinated effort among several countries. If they can't end it at least make it extremely risky and expensive to venture out to open sea.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Rosie O'fat Coming to NBC
Somebody just sneak up behind me and put one through the back of my skull. I'm sitting here reading articles online while watching Sunday night football on NBC. Much to my horror I see a commercial for Rosie Live. Who the hell was the genius who came up with this idea? Screw him. Who was the freaking NBC executive that green lighted the idea? They should both be shot.
Rosie is nothing but a loud mouth, talentless piece of garbage who you down if you don't agree with her. She accuses Tom Selleck of being an NRA spokesman. He said he only did an ad. She doesn't let him explain his stance. It is possible to be part of an organization and not agree with it completely. Just like there are conservatives in the Democratic Party and liberals in the GOP, the NRA has people on both sides of the aisle in gun control. O'fat doesn't let him explain this and keeeps interrupting him. It's obvious Selleck gets frustrated with her.
She took a lot of heat after people pointed out that how could she be against Selleck and his gun stance when she herself did ads for KMart. Sensing that she couldn't have it both ways she parted ways with KMart.
Anyway, I digress. She's just talentless and the only ones defend her are the lemmings that follow her every word. Kinda like Harpo's legions.
So please O'fat. Just go away and be a lesbian and raise your kids.
Rosie is nothing but a loud mouth, talentless piece of garbage who you down if you don't agree with her. She accuses Tom Selleck of being an NRA spokesman. He said he only did an ad. She doesn't let him explain his stance. It is possible to be part of an organization and not agree with it completely. Just like there are conservatives in the Democratic Party and liberals in the GOP, the NRA has people on both sides of the aisle in gun control. O'fat doesn't let him explain this and keeeps interrupting him. It's obvious Selleck gets frustrated with her.
She took a lot of heat after people pointed out that how could she be against Selleck and his gun stance when she herself did ads for KMart. Sensing that she couldn't have it both ways she parted ways with KMart.
Anyway, I digress. She's just talentless and the only ones defend her are the lemmings that follow her every word. Kinda like Harpo's legions.
So please O'fat. Just go away and be a lesbian and raise your kids.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Featured Artist and Book Reviews
This place isn't just for political or current events. It's my place for writing whatever comes to mind. Today I've got a featured artist.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
I've been watching Ken Burn's series on the jazz and Martin Scorsese's series on blues. Watching the series have turned me on to some incredible artists. They are not lost to time obviously. I think they are vastly under appreciated. I'm pretty sure artists and students of music are very familiar with most the names mentioned in the documentaries. I wasn't until I watched them and it exposed me to a list of artists that I look forward to acquiring the music of and listening to.
One such artist is Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Like many blues and jazz artist, Tharpe learned and started performing in gospel music. When she was still young, she'd play gospel at church and blues and jazz at home. Eventually she started to record music and give live performances. She was able to meld gospel, jazz and blues into her own style and showmanship. Some in the gospel world were appalled by her ventures into the secular. Regardless, many performers have sited Tharpe as an influence including Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.
Just watch her performances and it's easy to see the influence she's had on musicians of all types through the years.
"Up Above My Head" is my personal favorite:
Two other great ones:
Book Reviews
I've just finished reading two books off my Amazon reading list.
The first is Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich. It is the story of a group of MIT students who are trained to count cards and beat casinos in the game of blackjack. The students are trained and then a group of investors stake them to seed money. They then embark as teams in casinos working their trade. They take on different disguises, names and alternate lives in order to keep casinos from stopping. Card counting isn't illegal but casinos can ban clients if they discover they are doing it and then threaten them with arrest for trespass if they are caught again.
Overall the book is a fast and easy read. The book details how the lead character was recruited, his training and then the adventures once he started counting cards. The book describes some hairy situations they got into and their escapes. Overall, I enjoyed the book but the whole time I was reading I felt something was lacking. I'm not sure what. It was mostly based on fact. I don't think anything was embellished. Some how I came away feeling like I was left hanging even though the book ends with a conclusion. I do recommend the book though. It's especially a good read for a flight or travel.
The second book I just read was Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The book is a telling of the story of Paul Atriedes in the few years after he defeated the Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino and wrested control of the Dune universe. It also delves into Paul's life growing up on Caladan as son of Duke Leto Atriedes.
Paul is a troubled soul. He is gifted with prescience and he can see both the destruction of the human race and the path he can take to save humanity. He knows to save humanity he must turn into a tyrant and it goes against all that his father taught him. As he consolidates his new empire, Paul also deals with the conspiracies and court intrigues against him.
As with the other post-Frank Herbert Dune books, I enjoyed Paul of Dune. Herbert and Anderson capture vividly the new tasks facing Paul Atriedes. They also weave the story that tells of the conspiracies against Paul. They richly describe some of the battles Paul's fanatical Fremen jihadists run off to fight in Paul's name. They also pry more into Paul's mind and reveal the burden he feels as Emperor of the Known Universe. He knows people love him. He also knows people hate him. The authors do a good job of putting many stories and elements in a tale the bridges the gap in Frank Herbert's original Dune. They enrich an already wonderful universe that Herbert created.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
I've been watching Ken Burn's series on the jazz and Martin Scorsese's series on blues. Watching the series have turned me on to some incredible artists. They are not lost to time obviously. I think they are vastly under appreciated. I'm pretty sure artists and students of music are very familiar with most the names mentioned in the documentaries. I wasn't until I watched them and it exposed me to a list of artists that I look forward to acquiring the music of and listening to.
One such artist is Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Like many blues and jazz artist, Tharpe learned and started performing in gospel music. When she was still young, she'd play gospel at church and blues and jazz at home. Eventually she started to record music and give live performances. She was able to meld gospel, jazz and blues into her own style and showmanship. Some in the gospel world were appalled by her ventures into the secular. Regardless, many performers have sited Tharpe as an influence including Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard.
Just watch her performances and it's easy to see the influence she's had on musicians of all types through the years.
"Up Above My Head" is my personal favorite:
Two other great ones:
Book Reviews
I've just finished reading two books off my Amazon reading list.
The first is Bringing Down the House by Ben Mezrich. It is the story of a group of MIT students who are trained to count cards and beat casinos in the game of blackjack. The students are trained and then a group of investors stake them to seed money. They then embark as teams in casinos working their trade. They take on different disguises, names and alternate lives in order to keep casinos from stopping. Card counting isn't illegal but casinos can ban clients if they discover they are doing it and then threaten them with arrest for trespass if they are caught again.
Overall the book is a fast and easy read. The book details how the lead character was recruited, his training and then the adventures once he started counting cards. The book describes some hairy situations they got into and their escapes. Overall, I enjoyed the book but the whole time I was reading I felt something was lacking. I'm not sure what. It was mostly based on fact. I don't think anything was embellished. Some how I came away feeling like I was left hanging even though the book ends with a conclusion. I do recommend the book though. It's especially a good read for a flight or travel.
The second book I just read was Paul of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. The book is a telling of the story of Paul Atriedes in the few years after he defeated the Padishah Emperor Shaddam Corrino and wrested control of the Dune universe. It also delves into Paul's life growing up on Caladan as son of Duke Leto Atriedes.
Paul is a troubled soul. He is gifted with prescience and he can see both the destruction of the human race and the path he can take to save humanity. He knows to save humanity he must turn into a tyrant and it goes against all that his father taught him. As he consolidates his new empire, Paul also deals with the conspiracies and court intrigues against him.
As with the other post-Frank Herbert Dune books, I enjoyed Paul of Dune. Herbert and Anderson capture vividly the new tasks facing Paul Atriedes. They also weave the story that tells of the conspiracies against Paul. They richly describe some of the battles Paul's fanatical Fremen jihadists run off to fight in Paul's name. They also pry more into Paul's mind and reveal the burden he feels as Emperor of the Known Universe. He knows people love him. He also knows people hate him. The authors do a good job of putting many stories and elements in a tale the bridges the gap in Frank Herbert's original Dune. They enrich an already wonderful universe that Herbert created.
Monday, November 10, 2008
First Online Presidency?
President-elect Barack Obama used technology and the internet as a big part of his campaign. Supports could keep track of the campaign via his website. Obama announced his vice presidential candidate via text messages for those who signed up to his website. Obama greatly outnumbered rival John McCain in myspace.com and Facebook friends. So it comes as no surprise as the Obama presidency may become the first online presidency.
A website has already been created called Change.gov Office of the President-elect. The website contains the obligatory newsroom and blogs. Also it includes a section for Americans to share their stories as well as what they want for the administration to focus on. It asks for input on policies, legislation and expectations for the new president. There is even a section to apply for noncareer government jobs with the administration.
The CNN.com article also states that Obama will have a five day comment period for pending nonemergency legislation. It will be interesting to see how this evolves and how Obama uses the internet and technology to lead the United States for at least the next four years. It will more than likely change the face of how future presidents interact with the American people.
A website has already been created called Change.gov Office of the President-elect. The website contains the obligatory newsroom and blogs. Also it includes a section for Americans to share their stories as well as what they want for the administration to focus on. It asks for input on policies, legislation and expectations for the new president. There is even a section to apply for noncareer government jobs with the administration.
The CNN.com article also states that Obama will have a five day comment period for pending nonemergency legislation. It will be interesting to see how this evolves and how Obama uses the internet and technology to lead the United States for at least the next four years. It will more than likely change the face of how future presidents interact with the American people.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
President-elect Barack Obama
Congratulations to Barack Obama for winning the Presidency of the United States. Obviously it is a historic moment in the history of the nation. I'll be honest, I never thought I'd see a black man as president this soon. I truly believed one would be elected in my lifetime but just not yet. So hats off not only to Obama but to most the American people for voting color blind and voting for the man.
Obama and the Democrats have been handed control of the White House and Congress for the next two years. Much has changed in the last eight years since the last Democratic administration. When Bill Clinton left office the economy was stronger and the federal government had a surplus. After eight years of George Bush, the economy is in shambles and the deficit is monstrous. The new administration and Congress have a monumental task ahead. They must try to bring the economy back to stability, look for ways to hold back government spending and restore consumer confidence.
Just as important as the economy is the continued prosecution of the War on Terror. First and foremost is cleaning up the mess in Iraq. If nothing else, the Iraqi blunder will stand forever as Bush's legacy. It falls on Obama to prudently pull scale back the military presence and refocus the war in Afghanistan.
Obama and the Democrats ran on a message of change and against the Republicans in office and tied them to President George Bush's administration. The American people listened and voted for change. Now Obama and Congress must deliver. They were handed power unchecked. If they don't succeed and make some kind of visible progress on the economy, the voters most likely won't hesitate for change once again. A new Congress could come in two years from now in Republican hands.
I wish and pray for nothing but the best for the new President. Not only for my good but the good and strength of our wonderful Republic.
One final thought and it's probably not a popular one. In fact I haven't seen it addressed anywhere. Much is made about Obama bringing out the black vote. I applaud everyone who votes. Especially those that don't or wouldn't have voted unless Obama ran.
What I haven't seen discussed is the reasons why many (not all, obviously) blacks voted for Obama. Did they simply vote for Obama just because he was black? Did they look at the issues and stances of both candidates and make a decision? Or was the color of Obama's skin the sole basis for voting for him? I understand the historical reasons of his election but I find it apalling that someone would vote for the man only because he's of one's race. I find it just as offending as someone voting against the man based on his skin color.
Unfortunately no one has the courage to undertake a study on both issues: how many voted for Obama cause he's black and how many voted against him because he's black. I would be very interested in seeing the numbers. I think it would be very telling about our society and how long we still have to go in race relations and understanding.
Obama and the Democrats have been handed control of the White House and Congress for the next two years. Much has changed in the last eight years since the last Democratic administration. When Bill Clinton left office the economy was stronger and the federal government had a surplus. After eight years of George Bush, the economy is in shambles and the deficit is monstrous. The new administration and Congress have a monumental task ahead. They must try to bring the economy back to stability, look for ways to hold back government spending and restore consumer confidence.
Just as important as the economy is the continued prosecution of the War on Terror. First and foremost is cleaning up the mess in Iraq. If nothing else, the Iraqi blunder will stand forever as Bush's legacy. It falls on Obama to prudently pull scale back the military presence and refocus the war in Afghanistan.
Obama and the Democrats ran on a message of change and against the Republicans in office and tied them to President George Bush's administration. The American people listened and voted for change. Now Obama and Congress must deliver. They were handed power unchecked. If they don't succeed and make some kind of visible progress on the economy, the voters most likely won't hesitate for change once again. A new Congress could come in two years from now in Republican hands.
I wish and pray for nothing but the best for the new President. Not only for my good but the good and strength of our wonderful Republic.
One final thought and it's probably not a popular one. In fact I haven't seen it addressed anywhere. Much is made about Obama bringing out the black vote. I applaud everyone who votes. Especially those that don't or wouldn't have voted unless Obama ran.
What I haven't seen discussed is the reasons why many (not all, obviously) blacks voted for Obama. Did they simply vote for Obama just because he was black? Did they look at the issues and stances of both candidates and make a decision? Or was the color of Obama's skin the sole basis for voting for him? I understand the historical reasons of his election but I find it apalling that someone would vote for the man only because he's of one's race. I find it just as offending as someone voting against the man based on his skin color.
Unfortunately no one has the courage to undertake a study on both issues: how many voted for Obama cause he's black and how many voted against him because he's black. I would be very interested in seeing the numbers. I think it would be very telling about our society and how long we still have to go in race relations and understanding.
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