Monday, May 25, 2009

CBS’s Schieffer Admits Cheney ‘Winning’ Security Debate
By Kyle Drennen May 22, 2009 - 12:19

While discussing Thursday’s opposing national security speeches by President Obama and former Vice President Cheney, on Friday’s CBS Early Show, Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer acknowledged: "...the fact that the President of the United States had to make this speech, the fact that Congress had turned him down in giving him the money to close Guantanamo, I have to say that on points, I give it to -- to the Vice President on this...Right now I think the Vice President has made his case. And at this point I'd have to say he's winning."
Meanwhile, co-host Harry Smih at least admitted a draw: "I think it behooves everybody who cares a whit about this issue at all, that they go on Youtube, or go online, and read the transcripts of every single word that was uttered. Because both speeches were breathtaking, I think, in their scope, in their pointedness."
While both Smith and Schieffer recognized Cheney’s success at countering Obama on issues like closing Guantanamo Bay, near the end of the segment Schieffer still declared: "I think most people think that Guantanamo is an open sore. That it in many ways it's a recruiting tool for these terrorists." At the same, he acknowledged the newfound difficulty in closing the facility: "But, getting it closed, what do you do with these people? Because, I mean, let's face it, there's some bad dudes down there. And no congressman wants those people brought back in to his home district, even to be put into prison. The President has got to come up with a detailed plan on how he plans to do this."

Sunday, May 17, 2009

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/16/AR2009051602390_pf.html

"The usually crammed infield at the Preakness Stakes, which earned thatnickname because of drunken fighting and other forms of debauchery,was far from full as post time neared. Gone were the topless women,and the teens who raced and stumbled across the tops of portabletoilets, pelted with beer cans as they went.
To restore civility to what had become little more than an all-dayparty, officials at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore bannedspectators this year from bringing their own beverages, includingbeer, onto the infield. The move contributed to a 30 percent drop inattendance, and it drew plenty of complaints.
"I'm here, but I'm not happy," said Chad Jones, 35, a mortgage brokerfrom Baltimore. He was among a smattering of fans on an infield thatordinarily draws 60,000."

Thursday, May 07, 2009

In a major fuck up, the Delaware Department of Transportation released these “Comments You Should Never Make to a Coworker,” highlighting offensive things to say to gays, Blacks, Whites, Asians, Indians, Spanish people and old folks

Delaware Department of Transportation: Diversity Spotlight

HIGHLIGHTS:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Co-workers* I don’t consider you gay.This is insensitive.* Have you thought about getting help?You are stereotyping, telling the person there’s something wrong that should be fixed.* Never call a co-worker “fag” or “homo.”This is derogatory, rude, and totally insensitive.* I didn’t need to hear that.If you aren’t interested in the person’s personal life, simply say “Thank you.”
African American Coworkers [sic]* The “N” wordYou may have heard comedians or African Americans use the word “nigger” casually. [ED: How come it's okay to say nigger in the commentary, but not in the example?] It is never, ever acceptable to use this word in any context. You are asking for trouble: leave this alone.* You peopleLet’s just say you are asking for trouble when you make this reference. The focus should be on the individual, not the race or culture.* Should we order fried chicken or watermelon for you?This is stereotyping and shows ignorance.
Asian Co-workers* You must be the new IT person.All Asians are not IT professionals.* Can you recommend a good Chinese restaurant?All Asians are not Chinese. Take some time to study a world map. The world is made up of continents with many countries, regions, cultures, and sub-cultures. Remember the news reports about a vice-presidential candidate who thought Africa was a country.
Older Co-workers* You know Wal Mart is hiring.This is not funny. An older employee has experience you could benefit from.
White Co-workers* I don’t trust white people; they are all racists.This is stereotyping and totally insensitive. Get to know the person or discuss why the actions may have offended you. Don’t generalize.
Co-workers with Disabilities* You don’t look disabled. Why do you have a handicapped sticker?The person may have a non-visible disability.* Never refer to a co-worker as “retard.”This is an insult to people with mental disabilities.
Hispanic/Latino Co-workers* You know we should send all of you back across the border.Don’t assume because people look differently or speak differently that they are not natural-born Americans. Where did your ancestors come from?* It is never acceptable to refer to a Hispanic/Latino co-worker as “spic,” “wet back,” or “hot footer.”This is derogatory.

On Francisco Franco

On Francisco Franco written by  Charles Few Americans know much about Francisco Franco, leader of the winning side in the Spanish C...