Hunt for Bin Laden / Finding a Turd in a Dung Heap

Yahoo! News - U.S. Hunt for Bin Laden Gathers Steam: "By KATHERINE PFLEGER SHRADER, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - The United States is rounding up and questioning the relatives of fugitive al-Qaida leaders to generate information on the possible whereabouts of Osama bin Laden (news - web sites) and his top deputies. This tactic helped lead to Saddam Hussein (news - web sites)'s capture..."

Good chance we will get this guy by year's end. The President knows it will boost him in the polls, but will it really be possible to find a needle in a haystack ? Or should I say a turd in a pile of dung ? - zzb

Let the Games Begin...

Kerry Labels Bush a 'Contradiction' (washingtonpost.com): "YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Feb. 24 -- Lampooned by President Bush on Monday as a waffling politician, Democratic front-runner John F. Kerry fired back Tuesday, accusing President Bush of being a 'walking contradiction' who routinely says one thing and does another. " -- Dan Balz and Paul Farhi

The gloves are coming off... We are off to the races. The sad fact is many voters are loosing confidence in their leaders in general. Many young democrats, especially those that were supporting Dean, are saying they will not even vote. This is about the time that the "wedge" issues begin to surface. I think the big gorilla is the magnitude of off shore job outsourcing !!

Jordanian Prince Seeking Throne in Iraq ?

Jordanian Prince Seeking Kingdom in Iraq? "Last week, Hassan told Al-Arabiya satellite channel that he plans a visit to Baghdad 'soon' to try to mediate political disputes among factions in the country. He did not say whom he would meet. The aide, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hassan is waiting to be invited... " - Jamal Halaby / AP

Now this makes the most sense yet. This would be the best of both worlds if it indeed it is even plausible. The question is... What do the Iraqi's want ? -- zzb

Nader in La La Land

VOANews.com:

Ralph Nader says he is running for president this year because he believes both major political parties have become dominated by corporate interests who care little about the concerns of average Americans... - Jim Malone / VOA News

My prediction is that this, not so well thought out Nader bid for the White House, will not have legs. Without the umbrella of the Green Party he will not be represented on all of the state ballots ! His principles, may be sound and noble, but his thought process leaves a bit to be desired. His personal agenda, hidden or not, obviously seems to be to shift the Democratic discussion and focus further to the left. Much to the delight of the GOP ! - zzb

Nader to Announce Decision on 2004 Bid

Nader to Announce Decision on 2004 Bid: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ralph Nader will announce Sunday whether he will make another run for the White House, but all signs indicate the consumer advocate plans to jump into the race as an independent." - AP

Republicans need to get out in droves and vote for Nader in the primaries in those states that allow mixed party voting ! This could be manna from heaven for Mr. Bush who is being hurt again with speed bumps in the Iraqi Sovereignty timetable.

Running as an Independent may be more difficult than having the endorsement of the Green Party -- but there is a very good chance that if Mr. Nader leverages the web properly a number of frustrated Deaniacs will vote for him as a protest vote against the Democratic National Committee machine. A vote against the "me too" establishment DNC / Beltway politics is what many of the Dean supporters found so intriguing about supporting Mr. Dean. They felt revolutionary. Ralph Nader addresses many of those same needs. - zzb

Iraqi Elections ??

Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage

This situation in Iraq is unraveling fast for the President. The GOP's worst fears may come to fruition... It had been predicted that the most difficult part of this "war" would be to construct the "peace". This is proving to be very much the case. An Islamic Fascist government would be a disaster for the US administration. The time is NOT right for an election of any kind this year. To try and do otherwise would make a mockery out of democracy.

Unless the internal differences between political groups can be worked out, these elections should be postponed. U.S. election year politics cannot be allowed to create a disaster that may never be unraveled once Iraq is declared as a sovereign nation.

Backlash on Gay Marriage is Just Beginning...

Yahoo! News - Bush 'Troubled' by San Francisco's Gay Marriages

The tact being taken in San Francisco is going to backfire on the more radical gays that are driving this. As you can read from this article, all the "in your face" attitude on the coast is doing is stoking the backlash fires. You can expect this to begin to grow as an issue in the President's efforts to resonate with the Republican base. Kerry will flip flop as he has done on the rest of the issues and ensure that he is as teflon on this subject as the former resident of the white house was on most of his issues. None of these documents are worth the paper they are printed on. Talk about a polarizing issue.

There will be a major disconnect between what people will say in public on this issue, especially the media that is really avoiding it, and how they will vote once the curtain is drawn behind them in the voting booth. The media is afraid to have a real open debate on this subject and so far has only given press to the media event underway on the coast. I sense the gloves coming off soon as the more conservative elements of the GOP will demand some action by it's leader. Do the majority of Americans agree with this degree of social change ? They are for the most part tolerant of "unions" and what folks do in private, but will have an issue with "marriage" as a "Right" and an institutionalization of gay lifestyle. It is way too close to conflicting with deeply seated religious values within the fabric of social structure in mainstream America and it's view of family.

Same-sex marriage has become a hot-button issue in this presidential election year, with opponents saying it would destroy the institution of marriage. Bush's stance could help him energize his conservative base before the November vote. -- Excerpt from Reuter's article

"I'm troubled by what I've seen," Bush told reporters in his first public comments on the flood of City Hall weddings that have made San Francisco "Ground Zero" for the gay marriage movement. -- Reuters

Back On Earth

Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage: "Edwards Pushes for Second in Wisconsin
Tue February 17, 2004 05:29 PM ET
Cited By Jim Loney
MADISON, Wis. (Reuters) - Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards raced through last-minute appeals to voters on Tuesday in Wisconsin, where a second-place finish would bolster his claim as the only legitimate challenger to front-runner John Kerry. "...

Getting our feet planted back on earth... My hunch is that Howard Dean will try to indirectly support John Edwards rather than outright supporting John Kerry. The rational ? Supporting Kerry would be the "mainstream beltway politics" thing to do. It will only happen as a last resort running up to the convention. I guess I am anticipating that Howard Dean, with such a large stake in his anti beltway position, could not live with himself if he knuckled under to DNC pressures this late in the game. It would make him appear as a hypocrite to all his followers. I think that force is pretty strong inside him. In the end it may be moot, but nonetheless it may make for some interesting speculations and who knows ? Since the mainstream press is looking for a NEW story to spin, this might be the one. Then look out. Public opinion will change again. Especially if Edwards does reasonably well tonight. Then you can fill in the blanks for yourself.

Just a hunch. - zzb

Intergalactic Sobriety

By Zardoz Z. Bachman

A new galaxy that may have helped awaken the universe | csmonitor.com -- from Christian Science Monitor

Just to keep our worldly events in perspective, consider for a moment that as you read this, humanity, the self proclaimed "intelligent" life form on this planet, has been uncovering incredible, sobering and humbling knowledge of our universe at a magnitude and pace never before achieved in the history of man! This is of course ironically being accomplished, quietly, while our world media is pre-occupied with Janet Jackson, her nutty brother Michael, and all of the antics of the US and Global political process - not to mention world hunger, terrorism, A-Rod, Nascar, and who is doing what, to whom, and where on any particular reality show on any particular evening !


Witness THE most distant galaxy in the universe CURRENTLY known to man uncovered this past week.

Yanks and Rangers Complete Rodriguez Deal, Officials Say

Yanks and Rangers Complete Rodriguez Deal, Officials Say

Well this makes it all but official. That will happen tommorow at a press conference in Yankee Stadium. Get ready for one hell of an interesting baseball season. Especially between NY and Boston. Yankees still need pitching.... hmm...

Sunday will not be a Day of Rest for Brian Cashman

By Zardoz Z. Bachman

It is now being reported in various sources that the Yankees should consumate the deal sometime on Sunday.

"Sources close to the talks have told ESPN's Peter Gammons that the deal is close to being completed and could be done as soon as Sunday morning. However, ESPN's Jayson Stark reports that it's not a done deal quite yet. The official said "issues remain" that still could stand in the way of the deal being completed... " -- espn.com

A Big Yankee Kiss for Valentine's Day ?

- cite baseball.com / comments By Zardoz Z. Bachman

Not sure how many of you are sports fans, however there is a rumor in the New York Area that the NY Yankees, Alex Rodriquez and the Rangers are in serious discussions in the countdown to the 2004 season ! It would represent quite a bit of upheaval in their infield, but the third base spot is open since Aaron Boone injured himself in a game of pick up basketball. He damaged his ACL and is probably out for the upcoming season.

The big kiss will more than likely go to the Yankee second baseman, Alfonso Sorriano, who, if the rumors have any degree of credibility, would be given a big kiss good bye in the trade. How real or fabricated this may be is uncertain. Not too many wire services are carrying it without further conformation. In the meantime, the NY fans will have something to digest other than chocolate candies this Valentine's Day.

Oh... and P.S. A big kiss for all of you as well !

- ZZB

DRUDGE REPORT 2004

DRUDGE REPORT 2004: "XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX THU FEB 12, 2004 11:45:28 ET XXXXX

CAMPAIGN DRAMA ROCKS DEMOCRATS: KERRY FIGHTS OFF MEDIA PROBE OF RECENT ALLEGED INFIDELITY, RIVALS PREDICT RUIN

**World Exclusive**
**Must Credit the DRUDGE REPORT**

A frantic behind-the-scenes drama is unfolding around Sen. John Kerry and his quest to lockup the Democratic nomination for president, the DRUDGE REPORT can reveal.

Intrigue surrounds a woman who recently fled the country, reportedly at the prodding of Kerry, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned. " -- Drudge Report


This will be the top story to watch unfold in the coming days. If there is truth and legs to this report, the Kerry Campaign will unravel faster than a tow wire at the stern of a guided torpedo.

It appears to be a very low key story right now in the mainstream media yet yet just the same one can sense the pirana lurking in the shadows. - zzb

Michael Jackson Faces Cash Crisis

Michael Jackson Faces Cash Crisis
I suspect Mr. Jackson should have sold tickets to the party he had at Never Land after his arraignment. He is millions of dollars in debt even though his family denies it. The prognosis for Mr. Jackson's financial future cannot be very promising. Maybe sister Janet will make a loan since we are all fairly certain she will be a major attraction once the recent hoopla dies down over her mammary exposure.

Talk about dysfunctional families...... Dangling babies and nipple jewlery for the public to ponder! Roof dancing on top of SUVs in front of courthouses! What's next ? One can only imagine!

John Kerry - Moths in his Wallet ?

New York Post Online Edition: postopinion: "ONE of the surest ways to get the phones ringing on any Massachusetts talk-radio show is to ask people to call in and tell their John Kerry stories. The phone lines are soon filled, and most of the stories have a common theme: our junior senator pulling rank on one of his constituents, breaking in line, demanding to pay less (or nothing) or ducking out before the bill arrives.
The tales often have one other common thread. Most end with Sen. Kerry inquiring of the lesser mortal: 'Do you know who I am?'
And now he's running for president as a populist. His first wife came from a Philadelphia Main Line family worth $300 million. His second wife is a pickle-and-ketchup heiress.
Kerry lives in a mansion on Beacon Hill on which he has borrowed $6 million to finance his campaign. A fire hydrant that prevented him and his wife from parking their SUV in front of their tony digs was removed by the city of Boston at his behest. " --- excerpt from NY POST by Howie Carr

If you read this entire article you will come away with the sense that JK has had a VERY VERY good life. It seems almost obscene for him to speak like he can relate to the poor and underprivledged in America. This article will give you some insight into Kerry's quality of the "very high life" if you please. And I don't mean Miller time.

The fireworks will really begin as the Republicans begin to peel back his voting record and his incredible left wing politics. He is further left than Sen. Ted Kennedy if thats at all possible. But nothing will compare to the field day they are going to have with all the tapes and footage back when he was the head spokesperson for Vietnam Veterans against the War. I can see the pictures of him now parading around with Hanoi Jane and his "hippie look". Lord knows what other stuff will be resurrected. Remember SDS Students for a Democratic Society? Hey... It's fair game. He brought up that timeframe questioning the President's patriotism.... what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Those of us who were around during the 60's have a long memory. We didn't forget.
The hypocrisy and inconsistencies that will come out over the next several months regarding Mr. Kerry will be daunting and probably shocking for the average American that does not have a clue about his record yet. Moderates and Independents... observe carefully.

Electability indeed ! His anti war activism in the 60s alone will be surprising for most Americans to behold. Won't that make for a warm and fuzzy feeling.... !!!

- zzb

GW Makes His Case !

By Zardoz Z. Bachman

Yesterday President Bush spent some quality time with distinguished journalist Tim Russert. I must say that the impression one gets is that the president is very sincere and serious about protecting the American people, first and foremost. He does not appear to feel we should be held hostage by the UN or any other organization when it comes to this top priority.

The real question is... Just how good or bad has been the intelligence he has been receiving, keeping in mind that the case for WMD was made long before the Bush administration by the UN itself ! The intelligence we had about the immediacy of the threat is what is in question. Not the potential.... The potential has always been there, and I for one do not shed any tears that it is a threat no longer.

What concerns me is how is it that not just the US but several nations had intelligence that seemed to support the notion that Iraq was an immediate danger ?

Hindsight is always 20/20. The senate and congress leaders saw the same intelligence reports that the president based his request on to go to congress for approval. Congress saw the same information and then gave the President the approval to invade Iraq. The UN was a detour and nothing more.

I think the President was too much on the defensive. There is a difference between a not having accurate information to base a decision on and a lie.

At least he took action and in fact is still taking action. I have grave concerns about some unconfirmed stories that are being reported in the Middle Eastern press regarding radical elements possibly already having in their possession, from former Ukraine scientists, some form of nuclear WMD. Is this just scare tactics ? With the intelligence quality these days no one knows what to think !

The President is right.... We can't wait to become a victim and see perhaps 100,000 American citizens evaporated in a US city. We have to take this aggressively to the source of the radical behavior. This proliferation needs to be stopped NOW. Any nation that does not work with us on this problem IS part of the problem.

Our credibility may be a bit shattered from the questionable intelligence, but that does NOT change the fact that Iraq was a security threat to the US at some point and that Islamic terroists still see the US and Israel as their main targets to eradicate.

Meet the President

By Zardoz Z. Bachman

The President will be on Tim Russert's Meet the Press this morning. Finally, as John Kerry appears to be emerging as the democratic front runner, GW is beginning to take aim. Regardless of what one thinks about the events leading up to the decision to invade Iraq, if one is truthful with ones self, you know it was the right thing to do given the circumstances. Yes... IS WAS unfinished business. And yes... The world, especially the, US, has also reduced the likelihood of a significant threat from that regime. That regime is no more.

We need to take the offensive with terrorist groups as well as the regimes that support them. Regardless of who they are or what their overt pretenses of the past may have been. Libya may have been a quick learner. The Saudis should also take heed as well. Their hands are not clean as they have turned a blind eye to the rhetoric and fanatical fundamentalism within their own borders. Tolerating schools fermenting hate of America and the west while they call themselves "Friends of the US in their 30 second propaganda spots on American TV."

No -- we should not let up at all. Changing the leadership in this country at this stage would not only send a message to terrorists that they are winning the psychological war, it will give them an even greater incentive to strike again to show the Islamic world of the power of their methodology. It would appear to the fanatics that they have the Great Satan of the west on the run. More fuel for would be terrorists as they will see their strategy as bearing fruit. Americans have no stomach for the long haul is what they will be thinking. They will feel THEY are winning and WE are loosing because we have NO will to defeat them ! I hope my fellow Americans all consider this when they enter the voting booth in November. To think otherwise would be creating a false illusion of security, wishing to return to the days of false prosperity. We had our blinders on during the Clinton administration.

There is NOT SUCH THING as a PERFECT WAR.... Not even one in the 21st Century. Let's keep this in perspective during the ritual of the fall political mating dance. Remember this as the ballons fall from the ceilings during the conventions.

- zzb

Hadley Arkes on Marriage & Civil Unions on National Review Online

Hadley Arkes on Marriage & Civil Unions on National Review Online
"..... But the constitution of the state is clear that the laws on marriage belong mainly in the domain of the legislature, and the legislature has the decisive authority to determine the terms on which courts may issue injunctions. Exercising that power in the past, the legislature had diminished the authority of the judges to intervene in labor disputes, and leap in with injunctions to break strikes. By any reckoning, the laws of marriage would be at least as fundamental as the laws on labor and servants. The powers are there to be used. The main question then is whether the legislature of Massachusetts, happily composed as it is of members drawn from both sexes, can summon either the testosterone or the simple nerve to take their responsibility, and to vindicate "the right of a people to govern itself."

-- Hadley Arkes is the Ney Professor of Jurisprudence at Amherst College.



This is a fine STATE of affairs. As sure as the sun rises in the east, this will be an issue that will sink the democrats in the election. I would not be surprised if it does not also put the nail in the coffin with regard to their exposed Senate seats as well. There is no way a MASSACHUSETTS democrat is going to persuade a majority of voters to ignore what is going on in Mass. regarding this issue !! What stand does he take ?? Mr. Kerry is the consummate waffler.... He will be flipping waffles very soon on this one !

Valentine's Day... Don't be a Bleeding Heart !

By Zardoz Z. Bachman

It is getting close to Valentines Day !! Just a reminder ! Don't forget about that someone special in your life or you will come to regret it. I have my eye on a very nice neckless for my special someone. She doesn't know I know about the Movado watch she bought me so I will have to do one better !!! It should be fun !!

Life is wonderful.... despite the ricin and the pain. Zoloft helps !

Cockroaches Suggested As Valentine Gifts

Yahoo! News - Cockroaches Suggested As Valentine Gifts: "Looking for a little something special for your valentine? How about a hissing cockroach? That's the suggestion from the folks at the Ross Park Zoo in Binghamton, N.Y. "

This is an idea that is sure to raise some attention... Maybe this is a gift Howard Dean might give to his campaign workers. It may even keep them pre occupied with something prehistoric yet alive !

Toxic Poison Ricin Found in Senate Office

Yahoo! News - Toxic Poison Ricin Found in Senate Office: "Toxic Poison Ricin Found in Senate Office"

This is not a good omen. This compound is deadly and there is no know antidote. We have to get tough... As far as I am concerned the partiot act does not go far enough ! If you have nothing to hide, you should have no fear. It's as simple as that.

JJ Exposed - Gene Pool in Question

By Zardoz Z. Bachman

Well the NFL executives are getting what they deserved. Where what were they thinking contracting with MTV to provide the half time entertainment ? Watching that cheap display for publicity and shock value under scores the shift in culture and respect for others within this country. Someone should be held accountable... and it should be the CBS executives. An example needs to be made as this phenomenon continues to grow as one performer tries to out do another for shock value.

Janet... you are not very smart. There must be something seriously wrong within your gene pool... that's the only conclusion a reasonable person can come to. Is all of the attention that your brother has been getting bothering you ? Want more of your own little girl ? Didn't get enough from Mom and Dad in your younger years.... ?

I suggest you make an appointment with the shrink your brother will be assigned to when his case is over.... ! In fact it should be a family affair.

Calif. Lawmaker Promotes Feng Shui

Yahoo! News - Calif. Lawmaker Promotes Feng Shui

Any wonder why they call the Golden State the land of fruits and nuts ? Homebuilders are concerned about changes in building codes to accommodate mysticism. This is actually being seriously considered in the state house. Maybe more energy should be devoted in that state to getting their fiscal act together and less worrying about cosmic consciousness... Oh.. The residual effects of lysergic acid dithalamide 30 years later !