Technology For Technology's Sake

This year for my birthday I did something very unusual for me: I asked for technology toys.

Don't get me wrong, I live and breathe technology, both at work and at home. But I usually won't jump on the bandwagon of a new technology solution unless the need is clear.

This time I decided my old Windows 2000 system (with TV tuner card) should be updated with Windows XP Media Center Edition and some hardware upgrades. The new system is coming along, but so far I would say I've gained nothing but more work.

My old system was really fine. There was no need for the upgrade except the fact that I started feeling uncomfortable being so behind the times with my main computer's operating system. So instead of keeping up with politics or entering daily blog entries here, I look for software I need to install and tweak a system that was previously more responsive than what I am now building...

..And people wonder why I hate Microsoft..

The Keystone Kops Return

Let's review the events of the last few days. Last week, Democrats in the Senate stage an attention-grabbing maneuver to focus on the leak and misuse of classified information that has gone unexamined by the legislative branch. The Republicans find themselves outmaneuvered, and react by ranting about the stunt but end up being forced to move the investigation of the Valerie Plame leak forward.

Next, the Washington Post and other media outlets start running stories about the CIA's network of clandestine prisons. Republican leaders Frist and Hastert, outraged at the leak of classified information that found its way into the Washington Post story, announce an investigation into the new leak. Democrats unexpectedly endorse this new investigation on the condition that the leak and use of classified information leading up to the Iraq War be likewise investigated thoroughly. (apparently the myopic Republicans failed to notice they haven't investigated these previous alleged misuses of classified information.)

Then, Sen. Trent Lott announces that the information that appeared in the Washington Post story matches the information discussed in a Republican strategy with the Vice President verbatim. Therefore, he surmises that the leak originated with one or more Republican senators.

These Republicans are either the new and improved Keystone Kops, or they knew my birthday is this week. This is hilarious!

Alas, since this fits the pattern of Frist showing himself to be a world-class dolt, I suspect they aren't actually entertaining me for my birthday. Oh, well. I'll take it. Nobody else hired any clowns for my party.

A Vision For Our Next President...

Whoever our next president may be (for I have no faith in this one), to unite this country the rampant CORRUPTION in our government and system of governance MUST BE EXPELLED.

Please, Mr. (or Ms.) Future President, consider the following strategy:

Go to Patrick Fitzgerald and tell him, "I don't care what your politics are. I don't want to know. What I do know is you have the skills the country needs now.

"I want you to serve as my Attorney General. Your task will be to drive corruption from our government and our political process to the best of your ability. This will entail both prosecuting and drafting of new laws to be submitted to Congress to close the loopholes and end the cycle of corruption as much as possible.

"Corruption is a virus on the government. People often forget that it is not always against the law, as people who would abuse power find new, insidious ways to circumvent laws. We must adapt to corruption as it adapts itself.

"You have my full support. Let the cards fall where they may. Your country needs you. Please accept this assignment on behalf of your nation."

This country needs a a crusader. Fitzgerald is the perfect choice for the job. May we be blessed with a leader soon who will commission him for this most important task.

Hooray For Harry "Stands With Fist" Reid!

Sorry, I'm running a bit behind at the moment, but I'll offer this tidbit..

YAAY for the newly pesky Democrats, led by Harry Reid!

Rule 21! POW! Take THAT, you corrupt Republicans!

.. and just taste the frustration and logjam you will bring on the upper house of Congress should you ramrod Alito down everyone's throat. No nukes, or put up your dukes.

Scalito, huh?

Am I to beleive that Bush could only find ONE woman he thought was qualified to sit on our highest court? I hope Bush gets called on this aspect of his nomination choice.

I am just getting going today,running a little late, so I'll just leave it at that for now. This guy is a name I've heard, but since I haven't studied his record, I'll have to reserve any additional comments.

Condi For President!? HA!

Some of my Republican friends were moaning today about the state of their monolitic machine they call a party. They decided the cure for their ills would be to have Condolezza Rice as their presidential nominee next go-around.

This is certainly not new. However, I decided to weigh in here about my thoughts on this scenario...

As regards the next election, Condi is like a playboy centerfold: She's very desirable on paper to many people; she would probably be a disaster in real life; and she's totally unattainable. (She's also like a playboy centerfold in that I have no interest in her. :-) The only women close to Bush who are less likely to run for president are his daughters, who look on politics as a pursuit slightly below driving garbage trucks.

And that's FOR the record.

This Is A REAL Scandal, America

For all of the nonsense that people complain about regarding the Clinton Administraion and all the things tehy didn't like, and all the "scandals" during his two terms, NOTHING comes even close to what we now see unfolding before us from this Bush Administration.

This indictment alleges outrageous, disgusting, immoral corruption that is deeply harmful to our nation.

How refreshing it is to see justice instead of frivolity.