Kill the Blog

So, I'm considering killing this blog.

Like every other blogger at one point or another, I'm questioning whether or not it is worthwhile for me or for others.

I think I created this blog because I love a good debate...but most who have come here probably agree with me. Well, at least those who were actually looking for something along the lines of this blog--there are plenty who came here through some amazingly random searches.

I'm guessing that is why comments are few and far between even though I know people are visiting and some are even returning. While I appreciate that some are interested in reading how I phrase my thoughts, that doesn't fulfill my original goal and others with similar opinions have more time to research and polish their prose.

I don't believe this blog is making a unique contribution. I have no connections to "highly placed sources"...or rather I have one or two but I wouldn't exploit them and they wouldn't let me. If I feel the need to comment on world events, I could always visit some of my favorite political blogs or post on the news section of the military spouse support board I read.

If I stop this blog, I can concentrate on my other blog, An Army Wife's Life, and well...work, life, things like that. I'd really like to get the military blog up to date and start posting more daily experiences as an officer's wife.

Any thoughts???

Like Sausages, Indeed...

I can't stand watching the hearings re-runs anymore. It is all just an excuse for Senators (on both sides of the aisle) to talk. I think I'm better off not watching.

Okay, I'm Being Good and Watching the Roberts Hearings (For Now)

Kennedy is up...boy is he fun...

Is he asking a question or making a speech?

Roberts is waiting so patiently and Kennedy seems not at all interested in his answer.

This whole intent/effects test thing is interesting...not something with which I was really acquainted.

Kennedy is just not letting him answer.

Roberts is being quite frank with Kennedy and Kennedy just does not want to hear it.

The way I'm understanding all of this is that certain sections of the Voting Rights Act, which was renewed during the Reagan administration, say that it is the intent that determines discrimination and other sections (referring to areas that have previous gross examples of discrimination) require only that the effect is discriminatory.

Roberts is saying that, over two decades ago, he supported his bosses' position that the Act should be renewed but the "effects" test should not be extended to other sections of the Act.

Kennedy did.

Kennedy is still pissed. Roberts seems to accept that he and Kennedy disagree.

Am I understanding this correctly?

Roberts Hearings or...

So, should I watch the Roberts Hearings on C-Span, Queer Eye, check out more Foamy the Squirrel, or read the Onion?

I need something to distract me.

My kitty is not feeling well after getting her booster shots today. The vet said she is probably just fine but I'm still nervous.

So, I turned on the Roberts Hearings. So far it looks like a bunch of giggling schoolgirls. Nothing surprising or aggressive...if it continues to be dull I guess it will be Queer Eye time.

The ACLU and Dress Codes: Are Thongs Protected Speech?

Custom-made fit for school: Dress codes, student uniforms back in style

...critics dispute the benefits and argue dress codes and school uniforms restrict students' free speech.

Justin Taylor, a 10th-grader at Alabama's Fayette County High School, which doesn't have a strict dress code, says any move toward uniforms would take choices out of his hands.

"I wouldn't like it. I just wouldn't like wearing the same things over and over again every day," Justin says. "I would rather wear what I wanted."

Boo, hoo...and I'd rather be independently wealthy.

"I would rather wear what I wanted" hardly rises to the level of protected speech.

In 2004, Timothy Gies, a senior at Bay City Central High School in Michigan, was suspended several times for wearing shirts and sweat shirts with anarchy symbols, peace signs, upside-down American flags and an anti-war quote from Albert Einstein.

Alright, this is political speech and therefore protected...unless it significantly disrupts the educational mission. The upside-down flag may very well be inflamatory and disruptive in that community. On the other hand, suspending someone for an Einstein quote was probably a mistake.

This all depends on the dress code, though. If the code says, "plain white shirts, plain blue sweaters, no slogans, quotes, or political symbols" then he broke the dress code. I can't tell from this or other articles...anyone know?

The mission of the district and the standards of the community trump the allegedly symbolic speech of the clothing.

As far as I know, education has long been a community issue--and the community is well within its rights to enforce its own community standards in schools, as long as they do so consistently and without discrimination against race, religion, or specific forms of speech.

Of course, that doesn't stop the ACLU from butting in...

"ACLU opposes dress codes -- we believe students have a right of free expression, a part of which is expressing their individuality through the clothes that they wear," Steinberg says. "And parents can control the clothes their children wear, but it should not be a matter that the state dictates."

So, would a thong be protected speech?

If the federal governement or even the state government tried to impose a dress code, I'd say they were overstepping their bounds...for a community, that's fine by me and, I believe, the Constitution.

Thoughts???

Good News - Iraq: Economic Progress

Economic Hopes Soar in Ninawa Province

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is working hard to assist Ninawa Province in becoming a major commercial center in northern Iraq.

I actually have mixed feelings about this one. Because the area is not yet quite ready, they are using a Turkish company and Turkish workers. Ideally, even the construction would be bringing jobs and money to the area. However, the airport should bring in more investment which will hopefully eventually mean an improvement in the local eonomy.

Foamy the Squirrel Speaks the Truth About Hurrican Katrina

I love this because:

A) It says everything I would like to say.

and...

B) I've always been a big fan of squirrels.

Foamy the Squirrel

Do not click if there are small children or co-workers/bosses around.

Have fun!

I NEED a cartoon alter ego.

New York Times Katrina Coverage: Abandoning Any Semblance of Objectivity?

Here's the Headline:

Breakdowns Marked Path From Hurricane to Anarchy

Here's the summary on the digital "front page":

An initial examination of Katrina's aftermath demonstrates the extent to which the federal government failed to face domestic threats as a unified, seamless force.

Wow. That is a very serious accusation directed solely at the federal government. They must have solid proof, right?

State and federal officials had spent two years working on a disaster plan to prepare for a massive storm, but it was incomplete and had failed to deal with two issues that proved most critical: transporting evacuees and imposing law and order.

Wow. I wonder whose responsibility those two issues should be?

The Louisiana National Guard, already stretched by the deployment of more than 3,000 troops to Iraq, was hampered when its New Orleans barracks flooded.

The NG had plenty of troops on hand. If they had been used effectively by the Governor, they could have provided more immediate relief.

Partly because of the shortage of troops, violence raged inside the New Orleans convention center, which interviews show was even worse than previously described. Police SWAT team members found themselves plunging into the darkness, guided by the muzzle flashes of thugs' handguns, said Capt. Jeffrey Winn.

So, is law enforcement the job of the federal government or these guys:

"In 20 years as a cop, doing mostly tactical work, I have never seen anything like it," said Captain Winn. Three of his officers quit, he said, and another simply disappeared.

They just quit. States all over the country lent their police, who proudly arrived to help keep order. These guys cut and ran in their own neighborhoods. Some quit, some disappeared, and some even looted.

Those who did their job and stayed are getting free vacations so that others can do their jobs...and New Orleans wants MORE federal money???

As the city become paralyzed both by water and by lawlessness, so did the response by government. The fractured division of responsibility - Governor Blanco controlled state agencies and the National Guard, Mayor Nagin directed city workers and Mr. Brown, the head of FEMA, served as the point man for the federal government - meant no one person was in charge.

Americans watching on television saw the often-haggard governor, the voluble mayor and the usually upbeat FEMA chief appear at competing daily news briefings and interviews.
The power-sharing arrangement was by design, and as the days wore on, it would prove disastrous. Under the Bush administration, FEMA redefined its role, offering assistance but remaining subordinate to state and local governments. "Our typical role is to work with the state in support of local and state agencies," said David Passey, a FEMA spokesman.

With Hurricane Katrina, that meant the agency most experienced in dealing with disasters and with access to the greatest resources followed, rather than led.

Obviously these authors never heard of a little thing called the Constitution. Oh, wait...they have...they just don't care:

As New Orleans descended into near-anarchy, the White House considered sending active-duty troops to impose order. The Pentagon was not eager to have combat troops take on a domestic lawkeeping role. "The way it's arranged under our Constitution," Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld noted at a news briefing last week, "state and local officials are the first responders."

Pentagon, White House and Justice officials debated for two days whether the president should seize control of the relief mission from Governor Blanco. But they worried about the political fallout of stepping on the state's authority, according to the officials involved in the discussions. They ultimately rejected the idea and instead decided to try to speed the arrival of National Guard forces, including many trained as military police.

Paul McHale, the assistant secretary of defense for homeland security, explained that decision in an interview this week. "Could we have physically moved combat forces into an American city, without the governor's consent, for purposes of using those forces - untrained at that point in law enforcement - for law enforcement duties? Yes."

But, he asked, "Would you have wanted that on your conscience?"

I can just see the headlines now--Dictator Bush Invades American City.

There are others who have done a much better job researching what was and was not done. I just wanted to note that the New York Times is unabashedly publishing editorials under the guise of "news." I strongly suggest everyone check out:

Right Wing Nut House: Katrina Response Timeline

Red Cross was blocked from delivering supplies

Balloon Juice: Calm Down and Let's Get this Right

September 11, 2001

My husband was on his way to work in downtown Manhattan on the Day the Earth Stood Still.

You can check out that link to see what we did that day.

Our little family was very lucky--a close family friend of DH's worked for Cantor Fitagerald and was late for the first time that day to vote in the Democratic Primaries.

Other friends had similarly eerie luck.

Many others were not so lucky and perished that day.

We must never forget them.

Red Crescent to be Memorial for Terrorist Victims

Someone sent me this story about the Memorial for Flight 93 and I looked at the picture and my jaw dropped.

I understand that the red crescent is not in and of itself a violent symbol...but considering that the hijackers were killing in the name of Islam, this seems a bit insensitive.

The wierd thing is I couldn't find any mention of controversy in the article.

Real Clear Politics is not as silent on the subject.

Rockers, Benefit Concerts, and the Hurricane

So now we're having an aid concert.

I get that concerts and other events can raise awareness while raising money. There are somethings plaguing society that do not get enough attention.

I think we are all aware of the Hurricane and the people it has displaced and the lives it has ruined.

Why not just donate the money? Or fill up one of your mansions with some of these families? Or just go to a shelter and read to some children or hold an infant while its mother gets a few hours rest?

I guess that doesn't make for big publicity, though.

You know when they should have a benefit concert? Next year.

Let's have a concert when everyone else in LA has forgotten about the hurricane but children still have nightmares, families are still struggling to make ends meet, some communities are still trying to rebuild, and others are stretching their already limited resources to welcome these additional residents.

That's when awareness will need to be raised--when this round of donations and support dries up.

Good News: Iraq: Troops Donate Supplies to Iraqi School Children

Donations Kick Off School Days for Iraqi Kids

"We never saw anything like this under the old regime," said Nadhera Abbood Mohammed, a sports teacher at the school.

"Under Saddam, they had many meetings about getting supplies but were told by the government that they would have to get it themselves."

'nuff said.

Katrina: Racism?

I thought this was a great link. The title is "tongue in cheek" because it actually shows how everyone ignored race to help others during the Hurricane.

I'm not saying there isn't racism today because there is...but I do think that in addition to exposing failures we have to draw attention to successes and hold up positive ideals to the public. Both are necessary to combat problems.

American Racism: The Slideshow

Sharing the Burden

So, I've read some left of center bloggers and pundits saying, "Why doesn't Bush sign up his twins for Iraq if the war is so important and so just?"

I also just spotted an article from the Washington Post on the topic.

Obviously, on its face that is ridiculous--you don't sign your adult children up for military service, they sign-up themselves.

Barbara Bush is volunteering in the Cape Town Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (in South Africa) and Jenna is currently teaching public school in Washington, D.C. ... I think those are certainly valid contributions. By the way, good for the White House for not exploiting these marvelous choices.

Why any one politician's children aren't in the military really isn't the issue, anyway.

While children often share the values (or lack thereof) of their parents, those values may not manifest themselves in the way the parent wishes. Besides, not everyone is suited for today's military. I would make a terrible soldier, personally.

What is the problem is that the burden of serving and protecting the country is not even close to evenly shared among the classes in our nation.

Of course, one could point to all the educated elites with that accusation, including the liberal professional class.

Even more directly, the drop in prestige in military service could be traced to the radical left's hatred of the military during and immediately following the Vietnam War.

After all, it was those liberal elites that forced ROTC off of the top college campuses in the late 1960s.

My DH and I went to Yale. Students who wished to complete the ROTC program had to drive an hour and a half each way to UCONN, almost completely eliminating their ability to take classes two days a week.

The military is even barred from recruiting on many campuses.

They would have you believe it is a result of discriminatory policies--that is a post-facto rationalization. Yes, that policy should change, but the answer is not complete withdrawal of the nation's educated elite from national defense.

Despite this, a few of our fellow graduates still claimed interest in serving the country after college. Yet, they were reluctant to lose the time and income relative to their peers. That is not an excuse but it is somewhat understandable and needs to be addressed if we want the military to reflect the society.

On Blogs for Bush, Matt argues that there are many ways to show support. This is true. Not everyone is suited or eligible for military service. Still, I do think it is a problem that so few contribute service to the country. Service does more than help others, it helps those who serve as well.

So, what is the solution?

All Americans should give two years of service to their country. They should be allowed to choose the form--AmeriCorps, teaching in disadvantaged areas, or enlisting in the military. Those who wish to complete their service by becoming officers should have to give an additional year to compensate and allow for the extra training. An auxiliary program should also be established for those who wish to share their talents with the military at home but may not have the physical toughness required for combat, thus freeing others for combat.

This will build unity, improve our nation, and ensure that everyone shares the burden. The wealthy will learn about living off of a smaller paycheck (although Daddy and Mommy will no doubt help...but I don't think there is any way around that) and others will perhaps discover a career with a steady paycheck, health care, and self-respect.

Those who are pacifists will have the opportunity to serve in other ways. Those who wish to serve in the military will be able to do so without fear of losing ground to their peers.

Of course, this would be very difficult to establish--political dynamite.

Still, it helps to imagine the world as it should be and then take steps towards that. We are a society that is justifiably and rightly concerned about tyranny...so instead of coercing people we can persuade.

We could begin by rebuilding the prestige around service. Allow ROTC and recruiters back onto the elite campuses.

Currently veterans are given preference for government jobs. Let's establish gradual programs that build upon that and include other forms of service.

Everywhere the government holds any influence, national service should be made a priority.

And gentlemen in England now a-bed

Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,

And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks

That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.

Bush's Efforts to Help Katrina Victims

UPDATE 9/7: Right Wing Nut House has a much better Katrina Response Timeline/. If you have any questions about what was and was not done, this will go a long way towards answering them.

UPDATE: Captain's Quarters has a CNN interview with GHWB and Clinton, both of whom defend President Bush's handling of the Hurricane. And isn't ridiculous that two former presidents have to waste their time doing this because the media wants to blame Bush for everything?

Here is some information about what the federal government has been doing to help Katrina.

It is pretty much verbatim from WhiteHouse.gov and it is surely incomplete. I would spend more time on this but I'd rather be actually helping people.

Still, I thought there needed to be some antidote to the vitriol out there.

Before I launch into things, I would also like to add that Lifelike Pundits notes that some nations are offering their condolences and Junk Yard Blog notes some (albeit few) are even offering aid (although Michelle Malkin is underwhelmed.

Condolences from leaders are free. Just try not to smirk too much or let the cameras see your crossed fingers.

What I would like to see is the outpouring of support from the PEOPLE of these nations...money's nice (and I suppose a little more oil wouldn't hurt, either) but it is the thought that counts.

Where are the vigils, the prayers, and the love?

Anyway, on to my main point...

Below you'll find a summary of the federal efforts to date to help Katrina victims and, below that, you'll find a brief timeline of federal efforts:

Task Force Response
The National Response Plan (NRP) fully mobilizes the resources of the entire federal government to support response and recovery efforts for state and local authorities…Secretary Chertoff has declared the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina an incident of national significance - the first-ever use of this designation.

FEMA Is Moving Resources And Supplies Into The Hardest Hit Areas As Quickly As Possible. To date, (FEMA) has deployed more than 50 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams, more than 25 Urban Search and Rescue task forces, eight swift water rescue teams, and two Incident Support Teams. FEMA is also working to deliver water, ice, meals, medical supplies, generators, tents, and tarps. There are currently more than 1,700 trucks which have been mobilized to move these supplies into position.

FEMA And The Army Corps of Engineers Are Working With Louisiana Officials To Repair The Breaches In The Levees To Stop The Flooding In New Orleans.

The Federal Government Is Working To Help Relocate Those Displaced By The Hurricane. Those in …the Superdome are being moved to the Astrodome in Houston, and FEMA is working to provide tents and shelter. In addition, the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services (HHS) are working with local communities to provide help to those who have been displaced from their homes.

This Morning, Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman Announced That The Strategic Petroleum Reserve Will Be Used To Help Fulfill Demand For Oil.

The Energy Department Is Working To Restore Electricity To Affected Areas.

EPA Has Issued Fuel Waivers To Expedite Relief and Recovery.

The Department Of Defense Is Moving Military Resources Into The Gulf States To Aid In Rescue And Recovery. Eight Navy ships have moved into the area with water, food, medicine, hospital facilities, berthing, and more. DOD has responded to all FEMA requests and is providing logistical help, including helicopters, activation of air stations in strategic areas, and strategic lift support.

The United States Coast Guard Is Conducting Search And Rescue….its efforts will continue until all those at risk are safe.

Health And Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt Has Declared A Public Health Emergency, Which Facilitates Provision Of Medical Services In The Affected Region. HHS has delivered requested medical supplies to Louisiana, including basic first aid materials, blankets and patient clothing, suture kits, sterile gloves, stethoscopes, blood pressure measuring kits, and portable oxygen tanks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to address the risk of disease caused by Hurricane Katrina. HHS has placed 415 Public Health Service Officers on stand-by for deployment to support medical response in the affected states. HHS and CDC are working with local officials to identify hospital facilities, distribute medical supplies, and execute a public health plan to control disease and other risks to public health.


A Timeline

August 26
President Bush declares an emergency exists in the State of Louisiana and orders Federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts in the parishes located in the path of Hurricane Katrina; authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives, protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe

August 27
President Discusses Hurricane Katrina

THE PRESIDENT: This morning I spoke with FEMA Undersecretary Mike Brown and emergency management teams not only at the federal level but at the state level about the -- Hurricane Katrina. I've also spoken to Governor Blanco of Louisiana, Governor Barbour of Mississippi, Governor Bush of Florida, and Governor Riley of Alabama. I want to thank all the folks at the federal level and the state level and the local level who have taken this storm seriously. I appreciate the efforts of the governors to prepare their citizenry for this upcoming storm.

Yesterday, I signed a disaster declaration for the state of Louisiana, and this morning I signed a disaster declaration for the state of Mississippi. These declarations will allow federal agencies to coordinate all disaster relief efforts with state and local officials. We will do everything in our power to help the people in the communities affected by this storm.

Hurricane Katrina is now designated a category five hurricane. We cannot stress enough the danger this hurricane poses to Gulf Coast communities. I urge all citizens to put their own safety and the safety of their families first by moving to safe ground. Please listen carefully to instructions provided by state and local officials.

August 28
National Weather Service issued a bulletin predicting "devastating" damage rivaling the intensity of Hurricane Camille.

Katrina upgraded to Category 5; New Orleans mayor C. Ray Nagin, orders mandatory evacuation; establishes several "refuges of last resort," including Superdome, with 550 National Guard troops; mandatory evacuations were also ordered for other areas in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi


August 29
The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Louisiana and ordered Federal aid to supplement State and local recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Katrina beginning on August 29, 2005, and continuing.

For a period of up to 72 hours, Federal funding is available at 100 percent of the total eligible costs for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance. The period of up to 72 hours at 100 percent excludes debris removal.

August 30
Secretary Of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff Activated The National Response Plan To Ensure That Help Gets To Those Most In Need.

August 31
President Bush convenes a Cabinet-level task force on Hurricane Katrina response and recovery

Cutting short his working vacation, he flies over Gulf States on the way to D.C.

Superdome Update

I guess they didn't do as thorough of a job searching for guns as I had heard.

Still, the idea that a group of people watched a young girl get raped and did nothing--that still disgusts me.