Okay, I know I've been saying some things that could be considered politically stupid (to SOME people) but, I just read the following story, and felt the need to post a copy of it here. I came off of CBS2.com's news site.
You say "it could never happen here," huh?
It can and it is.
So, here's the story. Before you pooh-pooh it as some liberal bias of mine, just know that as a certain Vulcan once said, "I do not invent the legend. I merely report it."
Scientists Fight Background Checks Ordered By Bush
(CBS) LOS ANGELES Twenty-eight senior scientists and engineers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory filed a lawsuit Thursday challenging what they call the federal government's invasive background checks into their personal lives, including their sexual orientations.
At issue is a 2004 executive order signed by President Bush requiring federal agencies and facilities to institute an identification badge.
The plaintiffs -- all long-term California Institute of Technology employees -- allege the Bush administration is requiring them to consent to broad written waivers permitting investigators to obtain records from their past employment files.
Investigators will also be allowed to question the employees’ friends and associates about their emotional and financial well-being, as well as their sexual histories, according to Dan Stormer, one of their attorneys.
"They're being required to give up every personal record they have," Stormer said. "It's just a despicable incursion into constitutionally protected rights."
The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction against implementing the background checks.
The JPL scientists and engineers, some of whom worked on the recent space probe sent to Mars, are not employed by the federal government, Stormer said. They have been informed they must comply with the background checks by Sept. 28 or lose their jobs a month later, he said.
Named as defendants in the lawsuit are NASA, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Caltech, which manages JPL for NASA. The Commerce Department contracts with Caltech for various services.
Stormer said in an interview that he is very confident the injunction will be granted, adding the background checks were "part of the Bush administration's assault on the Constitution."
Caltech officials did not immediately comment on the action.
(© 2007 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. )
So, there you have it.
And, as a good journalist, I felt compelled to report it. That's part of what keeps America free, at least in theory. A free press, that brings a healthy skepticism and a powerful magnifying glass onto ALL governments, of all parties.
I am not profiting by this re-post. The story is the property of CBS, they own the copyright. No copyright infringement is intended or inferred on my part.
Just trying to help focus our attention on our "government" in the spirit of a free press.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
The War in Iraq
Most of you who know me know I am generally a leftist, but with Libertarian tendencies. I am against Bush, and feel he and his unjust war are destroying all that used to be great about America. However, that does not mean that I disrespect the troops over there who are doing what they feel is their duty, in an honorable manner. They deserve all the respect we can give them. When you think of the word "COMMITMENT" consider the images and thoughts below. Thanks to my friend Fausto for passing these along. I hope they give you something to think about.
And, my thanks to our troops, for showing honor, and a commitment to duty.
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
If you support your troops, the click "reply to poster" copy all the codes, and repost the bulletin.
If you don't support your troops well, then don't re-post. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever. You don't have to repost. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.
And, my thanks to our troops, for showing honor, and a commitment to duty.
You stay up for 16 hours.
He stays up for days on end.
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
He goes days or weeks without running water.
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.
He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
You complain about how hot it is.
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.
If you support your troops, the click "reply to poster" copy all the codes, and repost the bulletin.
If you don't support your troops well, then don't re-post. You won't die in 7 days, your love life won't be affected, and you won't have the worst day ever. You don't have to repost. It's not like you know the men and women that are dying to preserve your rights.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Cat Herding!
I love cats, and I love crazy commercials with them. This is one of the best I've ever seen.
Super Bowl Classics - Cat Herding
Posted Mar 07, 2005An inside look at the brave men steering felines across the plains.
Political Correctness is running AMOK
Well, what I have here just proves to me that PC has become the new fascism. Below are a series of TV ads that were all banned from the airwaves for one reason or another. Personally, I cannot understand why these ads would be banned, as I find nothing offensive about them.
Banned Toronto Blue Jays Ad
Posted Apr 09, 2007Canada has decided to ban this playful pillow fight spot, deeming it too violent for the airwaves.
Volkwagen: Jumper
Posted Mar 01, 2007Volkswagen caved in to mental health advocacy groups and recently agreed to pull this ad depicting a man about to commit suicide.
Root Collection For SuperBowl Channel - Banned Ads - Airborne: Mickey Rooney's Banned Ad
Posted Feb 03, 2005This Super Bowl ad was rejected due to the showing of Mickey Rooney's geriatric behind.
Root Collection For SuperBowl Channel - Banned Ads - Wynn Las Vegas Super Bowl Ad
Posted Feb 03, 2005Steve Wynn stands on top of his stunning new hotel in Las Vegas.
Dove Pro-Age Ad
Posted Feb 15, 2007See the commercial that could not be shown on tv.
Banned Axe Commercial - Workout
Posted May 21, 2007One minute he's taking a shower, the next this guy's leading an all-lady aerobics class wearing nothing but his birthday suit.
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