Objective Journalism, CNN Style

Required Reading: Debra Burlingame

One of the most powerful editorials I've ever read, from a 9/11 family member. Here's the final paragraphs:

We now have the ability to put remote control cameras on the surface of Mars.Why should we allow enemies to annihilate us simply because we lack the clarity or resolve to strike a reasonable balance between a healthy skepticism of government power and the need to take proactive measures to protect ourselves from such threats? The mantra of civil-liberties hard-liners is to "question authority"--even when it is coming to our rescue--then blame that same authority when, hamstrung by civil liberties laws, it fails to save us. The old laws that would prevent FBI agents from stopping the next al-Mihdhar and al-Hazmi were built on the bedrock of a 35-year history of dark, defeating mistrust. More Americans should not die because the peace-at-any-cost fringe and antigovernment paranoids still fighting the ghost of Nixon hate George Bush more than they fear al Qaeda. Ask the American people what they want. They will say that they want the commander in chief to use all reasonable means to catch the people who are trying to rain terror on our cities. Those who cite the soaring principle of individual liberty do not appear to appreciate that our enemies are not seeking to destroy individuals, but whole populations.

Three weeks before 9/11, an FBI agent with the bin Laden case squad in New York learned that al-Mihdhar and al-Hazmi were in this country. He pleaded with the national security gatekeepers in Washington to launch a nationwide manhunt and was summarily told to stand down. When the FISA Court of Review tore down the wall in 2002, it included in its ruling the agent's Aug. 29, 2001, email to FBI headquarters: "Whatever has happened to this--someday someone will die--and wall or not--the public will not understand why we were not more effective and throwing every resource we had at certain problems. Let's hope the National Security Law Unit will stand behind their decisions then, especially since the biggest threat to us now, [bin Laden], is getting the most 'protection.'"

The public has listened to years of stinging revelations detailing how the government tied its own hands in stopping the devastating attacks of September 11. It is an irresponsible violation of the public trust for members of Congress to weaken the Patriot Act or jeopardize the NSA terrorist surveillance program because of the same illusory theories that cost us so dearly before, or worse, for rank partisan advantage. If they do, and our country sustains yet another catastrophic attack that these antiterrorism tools could have prevented, the phrase "connect the dots" will resonate again--but this time it will refer to the trail of innocent American blood which leads directly to the Senate floor.

A powerful peice, from a steady voice in the midst of all the hysteria.

Dennis Prager on Hamas, the Palestinians, and the Left

Prager speaks clearly to the election of terrorists by Palestinians:

So the Palestinian vote reveals the falsity of the worldwide Left's view of the Palestinians as committed to peace. It likewise reveals the falsity of the Left's belief that Palestinian terror is supported by a small minority of the Palestinian population.
That is one reason why the Bush doctrine -- we need to spread democracy everywhere possible, including, or even especially, in the Arab world -- is so valid. You cannot deal with any problem in life -- from the most personal to the most macro -- by engaging in wishful thinking and denying reality. Thanks to this election, the mask has been removed. When given the opportunity to express themselves, most Arabs and many Muslims elsewhere support terror and seek the annihilation of Israel. That is why the Hamas victory is such a defeat for the world's Left -- university professors, news media, socialist parties, the European Union, the United Nations, "peace" activists, editorial writers, and all other apologists for the Palestinians.

An excellent piece, sure to make my friends on the Left cringe. Think about what he says before you comment. Let the emotion pass, and think. Then comment if you'd like.

Flight 93: Another Movie

Good review of the A&E version of Flight 93, premiering tonight. We need to remember what those passengers did, and what our soldiers are still doing to fight Islamo-Fascism.

Winning

How is it that the Left has come to a place where good news from Iraq is bad news for them? Sad. Very Sad. (HT to Instapundit for the link.)

Commiserating With a Friend

A great friend of Liberty Just in Case lost a huge contract yesterday. Craig, we're grieving right along with you. Don't hesitate to let Matt or I know if we can do anything for you. As always, you will be in our prayers.

Go For Throttle Up: Twenty Years Ago

Shuttle flights became "routine" in the 80's, and school kids stopped watching. But, with the first teacher in space planning to do lessons from Earth orbit, the televisions were rolled in to the classrooms across the country. And we all saw it, live and in color.

This was the beginning of the end for NASA, though even now that huge bureaucracy hasn't realized it even now. Manned space travel will become routine again, but only when private enterprise is given free reign to do the exploring. The money now going to keep the technology of the '70's going should be reinvested to the 21st century private space enterprises cropping up all over the country. This would be the most fitting memorial to the brave men and women of Challenger.

A note about the photo: This frame captures the moment the O-Ring failed. The first gouts of flame are clearly visible just above the main engine exhaust. Fractions of a second later, it was over, and they were gone.

The NSA Surveillance: Justice Department White Paper

I've been looking for this. It's the 45 page document from the Department of Justice outlining their case for the continuing surveillance. Interesting that the Defeatocrats have changed their tune slightly since this came out.

Religious Discrimination at The University of Wisconsin

Great catch from Chad at 4 The Little Guy. Free speech only exists if you agree with the radical leftist agenda of today's college campuses.

WMD Moved to Syria? We've Heard This Before

We'll see. Another guy trying to sell a book. Sorry, but I've got way too many to read right now as it is....

More on the Canadian Election

HT to Canuckistan Chronicles for this analysis of the changes in Canada. Far deeper than anything I've found in the MSM here in the States. Good stuff!

Leave It To The Palestinians...

...to shoot themselves, and the peace process, in the foot. It has been the history of the Palestinians, whenever peace is close, to do something to stop it. From Munich to Camp David, history is littered with the failure of the Palestinians to grasp peace with Israel.

The latest chapter, with the terrorist organization Hamas winning a majority of seats in the Palestinian parliament may be the last, and worst, bullet the Palestinians can shoot at themselves. Hamas has not changed, or recanted their charter, the Martyr's oath:

"Our struggle against the Jews is very great and very serious...The Movement is but one squadron that should be supported by more and more squadrons from this vast Arab and Islamic world, until the enemy is vanquished and Allah's victory is realised...

That's the beginning. Here's the final paragraph:

Israel, Judaism and Jews challenge Islam and the Muslim people. 'May the cowards never sleep.'"

I'm having some trouble seeing these folks as "partners in peace." It's time we realized that the Palestinians have never wanted peace. They want victory. Hamas has offered to give them that victory, and the Martyr's Oath of Hamas spells out the terms of that victory, the total destruction not just of Israel, but of Judaism. At least Hamas is honest about its goals, at least for now. Their honesty may change as they gain political power. The goals won't. But the honesty may fade as they seek to consolidate their gains before launching their next attack on Israel, and it's ally, The United States.

An Honest Liberal Speaks: Hugh Hewitt

Great interview with the author of Warrior and Wusses including the audio. What a jerk. No other word for it. The ignorance of this columnist is just staggering, and Hugh Hewitt brings out this ignorance without Mr. Stein even realizing he looks like...well...a jerk.

The First "Earthlike" Planet

Well, sort of. Only five times the size of Earth, its the smallest planet detected. Not exactly a vacation spot, but it give us some evidence of other rocky worlds orbiting distant suns. It's only a matter of time until we find one like ours.

NSA Surveillance: It's Legal, It's Moral, and It Will Continue

I've not spent much time on the whole NSA issue. I think it's just one more time bomb that will eventually blow up in the Left's face. But this post from Powerline spells out the program, and the MSM's blatant ignorance. Like Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) the MSM needs to look up from the DNC talking points occasionally.

Joel Stein: An Honest Liberal at Last

Joel Stein admits the illogic of saying you support the troops but don't support what they are doing. It's about time a liberal told the truth. I'm not expecting this truth telling to start a trend on the left however...

How to Become a Liberal in 22 Steps

The list is great, and the huffing and puffing of the comments is almost as funny as the post itself. Very good stuff!

Oh Canada! In a Squeaker.

Wonder Woman and Richard have the details.
Mark Steyn has a great look at the new Prime Minister.
And The Vancouver Sun breaks down the vote by region.
I'll be humming "Oh Canada!" all day. It's much easier to sing than "The Star Spangled Banner, " especially after last night.

A Great Post From Canada

It will be great to have an ally to our north again. Looks like the Liberals are on their way out in Canada. Germany, Canada, the U.S. Just keeps getting better and better.

The Evolution of Math

I don't post stuff I recieve in email very often, but this one is definitely an exception. Thanks to Sue for this one:

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The countergirl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

1.Teaching Math In 1950
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

2.Teaching Math In 1960
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

3.Teaching Math In 1970
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

4.Teaching Math In 1980
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

5.Teaching Math In 1990
A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living?
Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? There are no wrong answers.

6.Teaching Math In 2005
Un hachero vende una carretada de maderapara $100. El costo de la producciones es $80.

Sigh.