Mon, 30 October 2006 You know, I recorded this show last Wednesday, but I wasn't ready with any new bumps in between my segments. I found a great new song from the Podsafe Music Network called 'Waterboardin' by Tom Smith. I cut the song up into smaller parts, and then I was gonna add those bumps into my podcast, but with Audacity ... it is very tough to do, and is very time consuming. Ultimately, I just added a new Into and added an Outro. So, I am looking for new tools to do recording for my podcasts on the PC. Certainly, I also have Garageband 3 on my 12inch Mac Notebook. Of course, all the time that I was working on editing my podcast, that was in-between working on the freelance stuff, scouts, house-work, and going down to the cape. So, I finally got this podcast uploaded yesterday. So, let me once again re-assure everyone that I am fine, the dogs and cat are fine, the roomie is fine, and everything is fine in genral. On the day of this posting, it is Mondy, October 30th. Last week at this time was Monday, October 23rd, and on this day I went to the Fenway Community Health Center in Boston. My HIV test is Negative, my Liver Function Test is great, and I am now successfully in this HIV/AIDS Vaccine Study and I got my first shot. So, to get to the meat of the issue, I did cover the following news stories in this podcast:
This shows Intro and Outro was: "Waterboardin'" by Tom Smith Comments[1] |
Wed, 18 October 2006 Ok, at long last, the letter I got from my friend Bobby is finally posted! It is rather long email, and touched on a lot of issues. I very much appreciate the fact that Bobby took time out of his very busy schedule to do this. I wanted to do some research and debunk, some, if not all of the issues, but unfortunately, life got in the way and I never posted the email. Then 'Tom from Tennessee' my first midwest correspondent suggested that I post the email as is, and then let everyone help in debating the points. Now, Bobby is a friend of mine and has been so for a very long time. As he says, he's a moderate conservative, and discussing politics with him is always fun. We always can learn from each other, and we both can admit when we're wrong ... and yes, sometimes I am wrong! A myself and my listeners, and Bobby, debate some of these issues, please be kind and respectful of everyone. This is not about proving Bobby wrong, and myself correct. As myself, and Bobby agree, we want to both seek to establish the truth. As Arnie Briggs, our old Boy Scout Camp Director used to say: "If the Truth is in your way, you're on the wrong road!" And now the email: ================================Great show today! Lots of great topics. I share your deep concern with the current situation in the Middle East. It is a terrible calamity that is difficult to come to grips with. This requires deep thought. Glad you're spending some time on this. I also agree that the truth is the center. Noble is its pursuit. Here are some of my thoughts: As you know I'm not a straight down the line Republican. I find that I'm more a JFK democrat. Conservative in global affairs/financial affairs and liberal in social items. I came to this revolution after the stem cell research debate. As you know, I'm deeply emotionally invested into medical research and failure to pursue the valid research is unconscionable. Hamas is the legally elected government of the Palestine territories but Israel did not seek direct retribution on the Palestinian people when Hamas was elected. To the contrary, they attempted to work with the new government to establish a peace and continued there withdrawals from the Palestinian lands. Hey Bobby,I have to respectfully disagree with you. Israel HATES Hamas and understandably so. After years of terrorism from Hamas, the Israeli goverment has had enough. Finally, after the death of Yassir Arafat, Israel finally thought they would be dealing with a completely new democractically elected government from the Palestinians. Much to their chagrin, Hamas was elected to be the new form of government for Palestine ... and now Israel finally has to talk to them?????????????? I think that was galling for Israel. The problem occurred when Hamas was unwilling to control its military/terrorist wing. So as Israel is making very difficult political moves to evacuate the West Bank and the Gaza Strip they are being attacked by the more radical branches of Hamas. You indicated that the Hamas officials would not control the radical wing, and that is true. But they must do it. It you can not let them off the hook. To be a sovereign state you have to control your own borders. It would be like the US allowing our crazy militia groups to cross into Canada and kill Canadians. It is the requirement of an independent state. I agree, the diplomatic branch of Hamas has to get their radical divisions under control. I absolutely agree! But if they can't, then Hamas will be a failed government, and the area will settle back into chaos again. I think the situation is kind analogous to the IRA vs. Britain. Unless the radical branches of Hamas make some concessions and make some attempt to stop the violence ... then I think Israel the right to treat them like a mad dog ... and put them down. If all radical Hamas can understand is violence, then violence they shall get ... unfortunately. As far as the incarceration of women and children in Israel is a very difficult thing for us to get our arms around culturally. I need to do more research on this but I raise the general topic of citizen combatants. Unfortunately in the Middle East, particularly in Hamas these are often women and children. They are regularly the suicide bombers. So assuming that Israel is holding them on valid grounds I would suggest we change or perspective on that. Maybe you can shoot me some links on that. Bobby, to be honest I have to do more research on this as well. The interesting thing about Hezbollah is that they where started as a resistance force to Israeli occupancy. But there activities have not stopped when the occupation ended. Why? What is the organizational goal? After Israel left Lebanon what was the point of continuing? Also, you have to include the fact that not only have they regularly kidnapped soldiers, which can't go on forever, but they have also been lobbing unguided missiles over the border. Israel had gone into Lebanon before, and will again, and again, and again. Some of my sources (yes, I will have to get the links) suggest that Israel is trying to get access to the Latani river as a source of water since Israel and their settlements seem to be using up water at a rapid pace and need to find new supplies. So, it seems to make sense that Hezbollah wouldn't go away since Israel is still on the border and has threatened to go back into Lebanon. As far as the unguided missles over the border ... yes, that is a war-crime no doubt. Hezbollah should stick with military targets and stay away from civilians ... I would say the same for Israel! Lebanon committed in a UN resolution to disarm Hezbollah. This is difficult as Hezbollah holds some seats in the parliament and are often better armed then the Lebanese army. But they have done little, potentially nothing, to achieve this. Now armed parts of Hezbollah are all over the country. Hezbollah also blends in with the regular citizens. This effectively makes them shields. Hezbollah does not care if innocent people die. Bobby: I agree! If Hezbollah holds seats in Parliament, and has better armed militia, then what is Lebanon to do. I don't think Lebanon soldiers could disarm Hezbollah. Maybe Lebanon would go into a civil way trying to get rid of Hezbollah. In any event, it seems the country of Lebanon is being held hostage by Hezbollah ... then again many of the Lebanese seem to like Hezbollah while some detest their presences. I think it would take a large majority of the Lebanese to decide they want Hezbollah, arm the Lebanese soldiers and then remove Hezbollah. Unfortunately, Hezbollah soldiers don't wear uniforms and DO blend in with the population a you said, so routing them out would be problematic. The Airport/Bridges where destroyed in a clear military objective to cutoff supply routes from Syria and Iran. There is no other conceivable way that they are getting armed with the missiles that they have recently used. Bobby: It is true, that Israel dropped leaflets warning civilians leave an area before it was bombed. It is unsure if Hezbollah kept people from leaving or not. It is a fact, that when civilians did try to leave that many of these cars were shot at or bombed. It is also a fact that the bridges and roads were wiped out leaving civilians WITHOUT anyway to get out after they were warned to. It also made it impossible for humanitarian aid to get to people who needed them. This was also reported by the UN, which is supposed to be an impartial observer. I agree with the premise that kidnap of soldiers has occurred before but this can not occur forever. How long do you play that game before you have to take out the force that is doing it to you? What would we do if Mexican Militia where grabbing people off the border of California claiming we stole California (we kind of did) from Mexicans? Bobby: Do you honestly think Israels reaction of bombing deep into Lebanon was an appropriate, measured, response to these kidnappings? I don't, and most of the World would agree with me. Yes, Hezbollah kidnapped soldiers ... but Israel has also gone over the border and kidnapped members of Hezbollah as well. The interesting thing was that the initial response was condemned by the moderate Arab States. There specifically written statements where clear that they would not stick up for an organization like Hezbollah. The problem now is when to stop. Bobby: Yeah, I agree. What war crimes have been proved here? By this standard we where guilty of war crimes in the Baltic's. For example, if you take out a bridge to stop the flow of armaments is not a war crime. If you do it to isolate and torture the population it is. If you hit a building that you reasonably assume to have combatants in it is not a war crime. If you intentionally bomb a civilian only building it is a war crime. It is unclear if Israel has committed any war crimes. It is very clear that Hezbollah's use of rockets has. Bobby: I can now say it is months after the hostilities have ended ... somewhat. We know that Hezbollah bombing civilian areas is a war-crime. The UN and the World have also reported on what it is Israel did, and there are war crimes. Almost the entire infrastructure of that nation was wiped out .. including electrical stations ... a war-crime. If any civilian area, without Hezbollah present, were cut-off and isolated from humanitarian aid, that is a war-crime. It is a KNOWN fact that cluster-bombs, ILLEGAL against International Law, were dropped by the HUNDREDS ALL OVER Lebabon ... in civilian areas were Hezbollah may not have been. Israel may have violated UN resolutions. But they are often are weak and we often only hold one side to account. For example, Israel violates a UN resolution entering Lebanon but Lebanon violates the same resolution by not controlling Hezbollah. Bobby: Agreed! Both parties are guilty! Both should be held to account! What does this have to do with Iraq? Who are these mercenaries you speak of? Iraq is a different deal. You know my feelings on it. Hmmmmm, don't even remember where I was going with this point. And I can't remember your feelings on this. I probably did four months ago ... but I can't now. Iran and Syria are supporting a terrorist organization. This is their proxy war against Israel at the expense of the Lebanese. Bobby: Does anyone in the world have proof that Syria and Iran are supporting Hezbollah? Do you mean the United States has proof? Do you really want to believe you're own government after all the other lying fiascos? The last government on the planet that I would believe anything from is my own!!!!! Funny, some would say that this is the United States war against Iran and Syria by proxy of Israel. Maybe Israel was testing some experimental weapons for us? Maybe Israel (and the United States) was testing the reaction of Syria and Iran? Of course, that is pure speculation on my part. Israel clearly does not do our bidding all the time. Look at the bombing on the day that Rice shows up to setup peace talks. They align with us often but not always. Bobby: Agreed! I think the United States and Israel use each other for our own politcal ends. Israel certainly pushed us (I mean encouraged us) to go into Iraq. But I think if the Israeli's had their way ... they would want us to take out Iran first ... then Iraq. What is the US Petrol Dollar Standard? I can't seem to find anything on that. I'm curious as resources are resources. Gold, Silver, Oil, Corn, etc are all worth something. That something can be represented as dollars, Euro, Yen, or any other tradable commodity. So it confuses me what the issue is here. Lack of information on my part I guess. Every government in the world buys oil with the U.S. Dollar! When any country needs oil, they need to have a large amount of U.S. dollars in supply so they can buy oil. That helps prop up our U.S. dollar. The real reason we went into Iraq was not for the oil ... but to make sure that Iraqi oil is STILL only sold with the U.S. dollar. Saddam Hussein was going to start selling oil against the Euro ... Hugo Chavez wants to do the same with venezuelan oil. By the way, when the price of oil goes up because of Middle-East wars ... that increases the price of oil which means every country needs more U.S. Dollars. Our U.S. dollar has not been based on the gold standard since 1971 because of Richard M. Nixon. Our U.S. dollar is now based on Fiat currency ... listen to KarmaBanque Radio for more information on that. World War definition discussion is a matter of semantics. No real meaning. Pick a definition and run with it. Determining a definition does not bring us to a definitive result such as nuclear war or failure of civilization as a whole. It is a Simple matter of humans trying to label events. Bobby: I tried to objectively look-up the definition and I think the definition I used has merit. A war of equal or larger size than World War II, involving more than 2 nations, and on more than 1 continent.
I would refer to those "Some Christians" as radical Christians. Radical Christians are a very, very, very, very small group and paying them much attention is not in my mind a worth while commitment of time. Bobby: I would say "Radical Christians" are those who follow Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, James Dobson, Tony Perkins, etc. And just look at all those mega-churches. These are the "christians" that scare the Hell outta-me. The end of days is a part of Christianity but it is an odd thing. Much of the concept comes from Revelations which historically is questionable. It was written much later than the rest of the New Testament and some historians make a case that it was really a book about certain powerful Roman Officials. Here is the real deal in my mind. Christ indicated that there would be a second coming. The interesting thing is examining how the Jews envisioned the first coming of Christ. They assumed that he would come as a conquering King and rule as David did. David being the most prominent earthly Jewish King in history. So, they where way off. But they based it on the Old Testament. To assume that we understand what the second coming of Christ based on our earthly understanding of scripture I think puts us as risk for the same situation. Bobby: I agree with you whole-heartedly. You're intellectual assesment is factual. But ... the problem is the "evangelicals" who take the Bible at face value. Like they literally believe the world was created in seven days. Of course, these "christians" waiting for the "End Times" is fine, so long as it doesn't both me or anyone else for that matter. They can keep waiting for the end and Judgement to come. What I find sooooo disgusting is that the end times for them also means pain and suffering in the world for many people who don't deserve it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again ... those "evangelicals" who look forward to the end times are the least worthy of Salvation. What is the end all solution for Israel? It is a tough situation but I risk sounding like I'm singing directly from the Republican song sheet when I say "If Israel was to put all its guns down they would be pushed into the ocean, if Hezbollah and Hamas disarmed they would have their sovereign states and peace." For some people in the Middle East, peace is not the goal. Bobby: I agree with you, it is a tough situation. There will always be some minority fringe group that wants Israel's demise. But as I said earlier. This situation is analogous to the IRA and Britain. Britain eventually ... after decades, had to site down with the IRA and hash out a peace deal. It took a long time, and I am sure there were some in the IRA who wanted to fight on ... but the more diplomatic faction of the IRA shut them down accordingly. Likewise, Israel will have to come to the table at some point. As YOU said, if the diplomatic section of Hamas can't control the radical version, the the diplomatic section might as well quit now, and let Israel deal with them with a heavy-hand. The diplomatic sectionof Hamas may have to cut out the radical section violently on their own if there is to be any succes .... and I don't see it happening any time soon. But Israel is not blameless in all this ... they are occupiers of the Gaza Strip and West Bank, and they are responsible for providing a LOT to the Palestinians. There is no doubt that Israel is treating the Palestinians like shit, and they have every right to be pissed at Israel ... just as the IRA had every right to be pissed at Britain for their slights. Robert Sullivan Category: general -- posted at: 10:39 PM Comments[0] |
Tue, 17 October 2006  Hey everyone, I am alive and well. The dogs and cat are alive and well. The roomie is alive ... for now. Haven't killed him yet, but I can say at times that I wanted to. He's a nice guy, but we all have our moments. In any event, the free-lance as always, has been keeping me busy, but I did find enough time to do some things around the house that I needed to do, and I even managed to get out some this weekend. The highlight for sure was seeing the Pet Shop Boys last Friday (Oct 13th) in Boston at the Opera House. When I was in Ptown for Labor Day, I bought 3 tickets, one for me, one for my roomie, and one for Antonio who works at the Ranch in Ptown. I have been listening to PSB for decades and grew old with them. I first saw the Pet Shop Boys in concert 4 years ago when I was still with my 'ex' Doug. The show wasn't great back then, but I was still happy to see PSB. This last show was 1000 times better than than four years ago. It was so awesome, and I am still beaming from seeing PSB once more. What a great show! On a more mundane note, I am still doing the free-lance and I think I am going to use the extra cash to get away and maybe take a vacation to San Francisco. That way I can see my friends from the Shockingly Tasty podcast and Corkey Mineola from the Bad Weeds podcast. Like most people, I am keeping up on the news, and keeping an eye on all the races for the mid-term elections. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. I just hope that this is a happy time with a majority win in both house for Democrats. So, in the news items, here is what I dug up:
This shows Intro was: "Touch of Pink" by Sub-Level-03 Comments[2] |
Sat, 7 October 2006 Hello, friends, family, listeners, and others ... yes, I am still alive and doing very well. So, well in fact, that if I was any busier ... I'd have to kill myself. Just Kidding! :-) Once again, freelance software engineering work is kicking my ass, but it is extra cash ... or at least going toward paying off my laptop, and now it is paying off my new PDA, a Dell Axim x51. This freelance, and life in general, is keeping me kinda busy, but at least it keeps me off the streets and outta the bars. By the way, I joined an HIV/AIDS Vaccine Study, and it's a 4.5 year committment. I could be getting the placebo, or I could be getting the real vaccine. I won't know for another 5-6 years. I don't expect anyone to do this. It is a deeply personal decision, and if you have a partner, it is something you should discuss with them. Since I am single, and will be for some time, and since I will be living in the same place for a long time to come ... I figure I would get involved. It's the least I can do to give back to my community ... other than podcasting. To me, the big news isn't Foley, or the elections, but the 'Military Commission Act of 2006.' What's even more disgusting is the asshole democrats who voted for it because of mid-term elections. Hopefully, the United States Supreme Court of the land will strike down this law even though Alberto Gonzalez has threatend judges to NOT question the Presidents Authority. Well ... until this law goes away ... welcome to a 'police state.' In other news, Lawyer Says FCC Ordered Study Destroyed. This document would have shown that consolidation of media companies owned by one corporation would be very BAD for the consumer and American in general. I mean obviously, if the radio, tv, and print media were all owned by the same people, you' get one opinion on the world view. Of course, everyone and the media is discussing this douche-bag. He's not gay, I reject that. He's an Ephebophile which means he likes teenage boys. Yeah .... I am a gay man, and I think a lot of teenage boys are attractive, but at 39 (almost 40), I prefer someone closer to my own age. Thanks to Mark Foley, the Christian right-wing can once again try to link homosexuality in men to Pedophilia. Thanks Mark Foley for fucking life up for the rest of us queers who have always been out, loud, and proud. Of course, the GOP is trying to cover their ass (poorly), blame conspiracy theory, blaming the victim, and not take personal responsibility for their failures. The democrats need to leap on this so much. "If they can't protect our own children, how can they protect us from terrorists!" If this was a democrat, the GOP, and all the Neo-Cons, and the christian-evangelicals would be having an old-time Crucifixion , and condeming all democrats. Now 58 percent think that President Bush and the Administration lied about the Iraq war. 42% are still dumb-fucks, and 57% took 3.5 years to figure that out. The last 1% knew this was bullshit all along. It hasn't beena good week for Republicunts ... maybe, I am just venting, but I hope they do more than lose both Houses this election. I sincerely hope that these Republicunts all burn in the hottest part of Hell. But I'm not bitter ....
This shows Intro was: "Touch of Pink" by Sub-Level-03 Comments[1] |
