Thursday, February 10, 2005
Oh, Great!
According to this article, GM is recalling 2004 and 2005 versions of the Hummer H2 because of faulty brakes. Makes me happy to think that that polluting escapee from a monster truck rally riding close on my tail MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO STOP!
According to this article, GM is recalling 2004 and 2005 versions of the Hummer H2 because of faulty brakes. Makes me happy to think that that polluting escapee from a monster truck rally riding close on my tail MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO STOP!
Sunday, February 06, 2005
Good news from Iraq
Apparently, the successful elections, not to mention the heroism of an Iraqi Policeman who pulled a suicide bomber away from a polling station at the cost of his own life, seems to have shifted public opinion against the insurgency
What's really interesting is the reaction of Iraqis whose relatives were recently arrested by Iraqi policemen. From the article:
"Even though he was taking my son away, he was so nice," an 80-year-old woman who identified herself as Um Younis said about a hooded Iraqi security officer.
"We were surprised because they had very good manners, so polite, and respected everybody," said Anwar Zuhair Khalaf, 38, whose 21-year-old brother was among those arrested. "They asked me, 'Where are the women's rooms?' and when we pointed at their rooms, they did not enter these rooms even though we have a AK-47 in one of these rooms."
That's unheard of, and speaks to an upwelling of civic pride, even to the point where they don't think bad things of people who are arresting members of their own family.
Another thing to note is that Iraqi policemen understand how to interact with other Iraqis. It would never occur to me not to go into rooms occupied by female members of the family, and probably doesn't to American soldiers. Obviously, training the Iraqi army and police force As Soon As Possible is the right tactic.
Should be interesting to see how things look in a year's time.
Apparently, the successful elections, not to mention the heroism of an Iraqi Policeman who pulled a suicide bomber away from a polling station at the cost of his own life, seems to have shifted public opinion against the insurgency
What's really interesting is the reaction of Iraqis whose relatives were recently arrested by Iraqi policemen. From the article:
"Even though he was taking my son away, he was so nice," an 80-year-old woman who identified herself as Um Younis said about a hooded Iraqi security officer.
"We were surprised because they had very good manners, so polite, and respected everybody," said Anwar Zuhair Khalaf, 38, whose 21-year-old brother was among those arrested. "They asked me, 'Where are the women's rooms?' and when we pointed at their rooms, they did not enter these rooms even though we have a AK-47 in one of these rooms."
That's unheard of, and speaks to an upwelling of civic pride, even to the point where they don't think bad things of people who are arresting members of their own family.
Another thing to note is that Iraqi policemen understand how to interact with other Iraqis. It would never occur to me not to go into rooms occupied by female members of the family, and probably doesn't to American soldiers. Obviously, training the Iraqi army and police force As Soon As Possible is the right tactic.
Should be interesting to see how things look in a year's time.
Populist Preamble
I never liked John Edwards. I thought he was a democratic version of Pat Buchanan, aiming to shut American borders in a misguided attempt to help American workers. That's why I take a dim view of his declaration that he wants to end poverty. Though early, people who want to run for president in four years start to do "public things" which involve broad statements, and in Edwards case, starting a "poverty center" in his home state (never too early to make pork barrel promises).
Of course, Edwards idea of ending poverty doesn't include ending poverty for non-Americans. Furthermore, his attempts at ending American poverty are likely to make Americans poorer, as protectionism ALWAYS does.
Edwards seems like a snake oil salesman, which I guess is a trait developed from a career built on liability and class action lawsuits.
I never liked John Edwards. I thought he was a democratic version of Pat Buchanan, aiming to shut American borders in a misguided attempt to help American workers. That's why I take a dim view of his declaration that he wants to end poverty. Though early, people who want to run for president in four years start to do "public things" which involve broad statements, and in Edwards case, starting a "poverty center" in his home state (never too early to make pork barrel promises).
Of course, Edwards idea of ending poverty doesn't include ending poverty for non-Americans. Furthermore, his attempts at ending American poverty are likely to make Americans poorer, as protectionism ALWAYS does.
Edwards seems like a snake oil salesman, which I guess is a trait developed from a career built on liability and class action lawsuits.
Evangelical Environmentalists?
Apparently, evangelicals are coming to the realization that being a good christian doesn't mean one must trash the environment. Of course, they are having to contend with the lunatic fringe convinced that the end of the world is imminent, so there is no need to worry about the health of the environment.
Still, it's interesting that the success of the christian right in American politics is making them break down some of the walls between the polarized party platforms. Environmentalism has traditionally been placed on the "liberal" side of the equation, which is ridiculous and arbitrary, but in America, is like a blast wall beyond which card-carrying conservatives are not allowed to go.
Maybe christian conservatives can be convinced it's a good idea for America to help third world nations through open markets and the Doha round of WTO talks. Poverty is a bad thing, too, and Jesus spent lots of time helping the poor.
Apparently, evangelicals are coming to the realization that being a good christian doesn't mean one must trash the environment. Of course, they are having to contend with the lunatic fringe convinced that the end of the world is imminent, so there is no need to worry about the health of the environment.
Still, it's interesting that the success of the christian right in American politics is making them break down some of the walls between the polarized party platforms. Environmentalism has traditionally been placed on the "liberal" side of the equation, which is ridiculous and arbitrary, but in America, is like a blast wall beyond which card-carrying conservatives are not allowed to go.
Maybe christian conservatives can be convinced it's a good idea for America to help third world nations through open markets and the Doha round of WTO talks. Poverty is a bad thing, too, and Jesus spent lots of time helping the poor.
