Friday, May 13, 2005
This can't be good...
Muslim protests are spreading in demonstration against reported desecration of the Qu'ran by Guatanamo Bay interrogators. This can't be good. So far, most of the protests have been peaceful, but 8 were killed in Afghanistan.
No, this can't be good at all. This is the sort of spark that could ignite some serious backlash from a Muslim world that is already angry about Bush's Crusade.
Which will, in turn, makes things even harder for American Muslims like me. I'm lucky enough that the FBI hasn't interrogated me yet over the comments I've made on this site. I'm sure they are watching (remember, just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!).
No, this just can't be good at all.
You know, I actually remember a time, oh, maybe 3 years and 8 months ago, give or take, when being a Muslim in America didn't seem to be such a big deal. Now, you say the wrong thing and people think you're a "terrorist!"
But I have to say my piece (or is it peace?). This is the only way to clear my conscience for what's being done with my tax dollars.
One of my friends is thinking about moving to New Zealand because he's just as disgusted with contemporary American politics as I am (and he isn't even Muslim!). By the way, New Zealand was listed in The Bush Survival Bible as one of 7 countries to move to (the others being Costa Rica, Canada, France, Spain, Iceland, and Pitcairn Island!).
Unfortunately, as I just found out from an ex-patriate in Spain, you may still have to pay U.S. taxes even if you emigrate (depending on your income). So it's really hard to get away from paying for these wars no matter what you do.
I suppose not paying your taxes is another option. You do risk going to jail, however. Which may not be such a bad thing, depending on your circumstances. Some great people have done serious jail-time. Gandhi and Mandela come to mind. But some of us have kids to feed. It's hard to feed your kids from jail. (And let me just say, before I get into too much trouble, that I am not recommending that anyone break the law. Breaking the law is a BAD thing. BAD BAD BAD! Whew.)
By the way, I'm always eager to hear from my loyal readers (or anyone else, for that matter). Just click below the post where it says "comments."
No, this can't be good at all. This is the sort of spark that could ignite some serious backlash from a Muslim world that is already angry about Bush's Crusade.
Which will, in turn, makes things even harder for American Muslims like me. I'm lucky enough that the FBI hasn't interrogated me yet over the comments I've made on this site. I'm sure they are watching (remember, just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get you!).
No, this just can't be good at all.
You know, I actually remember a time, oh, maybe 3 years and 8 months ago, give or take, when being a Muslim in America didn't seem to be such a big deal. Now, you say the wrong thing and people think you're a "terrorist!"
But I have to say my piece (or is it peace?). This is the only way to clear my conscience for what's being done with my tax dollars.
One of my friends is thinking about moving to New Zealand because he's just as disgusted with contemporary American politics as I am (and he isn't even Muslim!). By the way, New Zealand was listed in The Bush Survival Bible as one of 7 countries to move to (the others being Costa Rica, Canada, France, Spain, Iceland, and Pitcairn Island!).
Unfortunately, as I just found out from an ex-patriate in Spain, you may still have to pay U.S. taxes even if you emigrate (depending on your income). So it's really hard to get away from paying for these wars no matter what you do.
I suppose not paying your taxes is another option. You do risk going to jail, however. Which may not be such a bad thing, depending on your circumstances. Some great people have done serious jail-time. Gandhi and Mandela come to mind. But some of us have kids to feed. It's hard to feed your kids from jail. (And let me just say, before I get into too much trouble, that I am not recommending that anyone break the law. Breaking the law is a BAD thing. BAD BAD BAD! Whew.)
By the way, I'm always eager to hear from my loyal readers (or anyone else, for that matter). Just click below the post where it says "comments."
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Politics as Usual
Another $82 billion approved for further bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan with unanimous senate approval!
I should rename this Blog to "Observations from the Politically Naive ," because only someone like me would actually find this news surprising or even mildly shocking. To oppose an active war is certain political suicide, or so I'm told. Better to kill other people than have one's own political career in jeopardy, the reasoning must go.
Still, I would have expected more out of our more progressive senators. Dick Durbin, how could you? And Barbara Boxer?! I thought she had more "balls" than that.
I guess no one wants to look like they aren't supporting our troops. I bet they'd feel plenty supported if we flew them back home to be with their families.
And someone please explain to me why the bill includes $592 million for a secure diplomatic compound in Baghdad. I mean seriously, half a billion dollars for a fucking embassy? Is this some sort of joke? Doesn't anybody question these things?
The worst part is, I'm paying for it...and so are you!
I should rename this Blog to "Observations from the Politically Naive ," because only someone like me would actually find this news surprising or even mildly shocking. To oppose an active war is certain political suicide, or so I'm told. Better to kill other people than have one's own political career in jeopardy, the reasoning must go.
Still, I would have expected more out of our more progressive senators. Dick Durbin, how could you? And Barbara Boxer?! I thought she had more "balls" than that.
I guess no one wants to look like they aren't supporting our troops. I bet they'd feel plenty supported if we flew them back home to be with their families.
And someone please explain to me why the bill includes $592 million for a secure diplomatic compound in Baghdad. I mean seriously, half a billion dollars for a fucking embassy? Is this some sort of joke? Doesn't anybody question these things?
The worst part is, I'm paying for it...and so are you!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Just Say "No" to Bolton
This is so typical of our administration...nominate someone to be ambassador to the UN who has repeatedly ridiculed the United Nations and alienated U.S. allies. He helped formulate the administration's go-it-alone policy that has isolated us from our allies and tarnished our image abroad.
We need a diplomat in this position, not the kind of hard-liner who supports unilateral action in disregard to world opinion.
Write your Senators! Tell them you oppose the Bolton nomination and they should too.
We need a diplomat in this position, not the kind of hard-liner who supports unilateral action in disregard to world opinion.
Write your Senators! Tell them you oppose the Bolton nomination and they should too.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
hmmmm...
Ok, I've got this great money-making scheme:
First, bomb the shit out of some weak country.
Then, appropriate that country's assets to pay you to rebuild what you've just destroyed. Also pay yourself with your own country's taxpayers' money.
Then offer this now-desperate country a big loan.
Then, open and control new markets in this country, so that they have to take the money you loan them and give it right back to you to buy the things they need from you.
Brilliant!
First, bomb the shit out of some weak country.
Then, appropriate that country's assets to pay you to rebuild what you've just destroyed. Also pay yourself with your own country's taxpayers' money.
Then offer this now-desperate country a big loan.
Then, open and control new markets in this country, so that they have to take the money you loan them and give it right back to you to buy the things they need from you.
Brilliant!
Naomi Klein on the war in Iraq
