Freedom for All!

Cheers to the brave men and women of Iraq, who shrugged away the bombs and threats, and went to cast their God-given right to freedom. Did you look at the voter turnouts? It was indeed exhilarating!! And people said Iraqis weren't ready for democracy, and we shouldn't try to "impose" it on them. Well, looks like they seem pretty ready to me!

You have to be delighted, whether or not you supported the war. I myself have wafted on the issue, but am leaning towards the idea that this may be worth it after all. It is still too early to tell. But I do get upset with Kerry and the other partisan Democrats who spent Sunday focusing on "well, when are our troops coming home" and "what's the next step" rather than stepping back and appreciating the true watershed moment this truly is!!

Another Bhopal ...

I was shocked to read this tale of flagrant environmental pollution, including the accounts of people suffering burns by contacting the local river due to the hydrochloric acid, and women reaching puberty at 15! Clearly, environmental conciousness has a long way to go in much of the world ...

Stossel Kicks Butt!

John Stossel had an ABC special called 'John Stossel Takes on Myths, Lies and Nasty Behavior' and true to form, truly kicked butt! Whether it was pointing out that gas was cheap in inflation-adjusted historical terms, or going after the government for cell phone taxes, pork and urban sprawl, or berating people for being noisy, he really packed a punch. Although missing the wonderful Stosselian style, the summary of the program can be found here.

Colin Vs Condi

On this day when Condi Rice battled senators on both sides for confirmation, I can help but feeling sad that a fine Secretary of State like Colin Powell is being replaced by a lame duck rubber stamp. I mean, Powell was known to ask tough questions, challenge those within the administration and was vital in influencing administration decisions during the 1991 Gulf War. (If you are not familiar with the goings-on during this war, visit PBS' Frontline Page for fascinating insights from this time) Condi, on the other hand, has done little in her role as National Security Advisor to impress us, besides a devotion to the President is touching. Alas, what a pity the administration is being filled with more and more yes-men and women.

Do the Math, You Leftie Nutjobs!

This story only highlights how economically ignorant some of these stupid left-wing nutjobs who dominate academic campuses are. They are upset that Harvard University pays its money managers so handsomely, never mind that these managers have produced phenomenal results for Harvard's endowment, growing it by as much as 20% per year. Well sirs, I disagree with your objection. A good money manager is worth his weight in gold.

It's one thing to argue if returns after fees and costs were adequate, but to simply whine about pay independent of performance is NUTS!! Universities are tight on cash, and if a manager can help produce above average returns for below average risk, pay him ... heck, throw in a kiss as well!!

Quote of the Day: Cummings

"It is unbelievable that the administration used limited taxpayer dollars to self-promote No Child Left Behind, while underfunding money for our schools, books, technology and after-school programs"
- Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland), in response to news that the Education Department paid a conservative commentator to sell the public, and especially the black community, on the NCLB proposals.

Paying for News

I am so outraged by this story that the Education Department actually paid a prominent black commentator to support the No Child Left Behind Act. Has this what it has come down to - taxpayer dollars being used for partisan advertising? Worse yet, has this what our "journalism" has come down to - commentators who speak not with their hearts but based on the swelling their pocketbooks will receive. SHAME! If the Bush administration has a shred of decency, it should apologize for the gaffe, and seek to recover the illegal payments.

In the Bedroom

I watched the movie 'In the Bedroom' last night. Don't let the name fool you - this isn't a soft porn movie or the like ... it's actually a wonderful movie, which earned 5 Academy Award nominations. I won't let you in on the story (I liked watching it cold) but I will say it was very interesting. However, be warned: this isn't one of those big studio productions, and lacks the "momentum" that those movies do. The focus is not just on a story, but adequately (and may I add brilliantly) conveying the emotions of the characters. I give it two thumbs up!!