Monday, April 30, 2007

And yet... MORE corruption


Once again, the current White House Administration representatives have proven that they will go to any lengths to pursue their own political interests. In this case, Vice President Dick Cheney has been linked to making false claims that Saddam Hussein had been attempting to obtain Uranium from Niger while we (The United States) went on a hunt for weapons of mass destruction, which, if you remember was our reasoning for going to war with Iraq.

Now, i don't doubt that Saddam Hussein either himself, or through ties with other terrorists groups, etc had possession of WMD, but it definitely doesn't strike a good chord to hear that lots of the evidence leading to the actual assault on Iraq is being proven to be false, or now, evidence that really draws no absolute conclusions.

I'm glad that Hussein is no longer in power. I'm glad that Iraqi's now have the opportunity to make a better life for themselves (even if they don't take advantage of it). I'm glad that there's one less known terrorist out there in the world. I'm not glad however, that our own elected government officials feel the need to take advantage of the people's trust in order to carry on with their own political agenda.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Who knew?!?

With 4/20 come and gone, one week ago today, I thought that I would comment on this article made poular from Cannibis Culture's website via Digg

US: Pot Shrinks Tumors; Government Knew In '74

To sum things up:

"Lewis lung adenocarcinoma growth was retarded by the oral administration of tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) and cannabinol ( CBN )" -- two types of cannabinoids

Now.. all I've got to say is, according to U.S. Statistics, courtesy of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), more than 33,000 alcohol related deaths occurred in 2003 alone. Keep in mind that this website is governed by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention.) They keep stats on everything regarding the health of Americans... Keep on searching and what will you find on Marijuana? Well, ill tell you... You'll find lots of information based upon assumption, but no real statistics, or research.

Why am i posting this? Well, I'll tell you why... It boggles my mind that alcohol, a substance that is explicitly responsible for over 33,000 deaths in one year is perfectly legal, yet Marijuana, which apparently doesnt have enough of an impact on the American population to be included on the NCHS' Websiteis classified as a controlled supstance and who's posession is considered a felony. Now, for something that is supposed to be so bad for you (im not saying its good for you), and recieves such negative press and is stuck with such a negative stigma, you'd think there would be more information available rather than "Marijuana is bad."

Theres just something wrong about that if you ask me. Now, not only that, Marijuana has actually been proven to lessen the effects of Cancer, controlling cell growth. Its even used by many of the terminally ill and cancer patients medically, to control pain and induce appetite. Whats alcohol good for? Well, in my experience as a college student, its good for getting drunk and belligerent, especially after midterms, finals, and well... class.

The bottom line: Make Alcohol a controlled substance, or remove the restrictions on Marijuana and tax it just like we tax tobacco .

Here's the beginning of a documentary on medical marijuana (~9mins):

Synopsis:
This documentary draws on the best minds of the era to both describe the problem and remedies available. Experts give their opinions. It contains an interview with a fighting district attorney, doctors who give recommendations, and advocates for legalization including organizations like NORML, which has fought hard through the years towards understanding of the healing properties this herb can have.

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Go figure.


Looks like President Bush's attitude is rubbing off on his cabinet members. Condoleeza Rice, will apparently refuse to reappear in court after being summoned by subpoena by Congress.

You can read about it here: Rice Says She'll Respond to Subpoena with Letter

Now, granted she's sick of answering the same questions over, and over again, what type of example is she setting by choosing this course of action? Furthermore, who does she think she is believing she can just so easily dismiss an order to appear in court, from Congress nonetheless? I'm pretty sure if I was summoned and responded with a letter, I'd end up in a world of shit.

Its because of incidents like these, especially when they get out into the world media that the egos of these politicians get fed. One person does it and the next thinks its OK. It just so happens that in this case, the influence comes from teh President himself. If its ok for him to play the role of a stubborn fool, it must be ok for everyone else. After all, he is up at the top, so that just leaves the floor open to everyone.

Apparently, Rice even goes fo far as to contradict herself, knowingly no doubt by saying, "So, I think we have to observe and uphold the constitutional principle, but I also observe and uphold the obligation of Congress to conduct its oversight role, I respect that. But I think I have more than answered these questions, and answered them directly to Congressman Waxman."

Looks like we got another politician on the loose, and i dont think it will be the last.

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

I Couldn't Agree More


Here's one for the home team - as reported by on CNN:

Democrats say they're set for Iraq funding showdown

Finally --
not only have they rallied up the nerve to voice against President Bush
but now, Democrats are ready to to push the envelope and take action against his will.

With their bill seconds away from being voted on in the house, there is a very real possibility that Troops in Iraq will be coming home very, very soon, even despite threats from the President to put his foot down against it with a veto. I couldn't be happier.

"For the first time, the president will have to be accountable for this war in Iraq," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-California, said Tuesday. "And he does not want to face that reality."

Score one for the Democratic process! Americans, prepare yourselves, because there is a real chance that your voice is actually being heard. You may not have to worry about mediocre leaders, making mediocre decisions for much longer.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Virginia Tech


The Virginia Tech shooting is something that i have deliberately tried to avoid writing about since it happened last week. First, i felt that i didn't want to draw any unneeded attention to the issue because I felt it was indeed a sensitive one. Secondly, I feel that the news and media have , in some ways have gone too far as to what they have been reporting. In fact, at times, it seemed that they would report any and all details, no matter now foolish, about the infamous Seung-Hui Cho [gunman]. Thirdly, i believe that if anything, the attention should be focused on the victims and their families in their time of need - especially in taking the time to celebrate the lives of those lost, and to embrace those survivors who were involved. However, once i saw this headline on CNN's website: "Legal Loophole gives mentally ill access to guns," I felt like I couldn't avoid it.

According to the article, "Under federal law, anyone who has been judged to be a danger to himself or others because of mental illness, as Cho was, should be prohibited from buying a gun."

So what happened?

"A deadly information gap"

"...his mental status never went in the system."

Now, i pose the question again... how did this happen? Well, if you ask me, despite the obvious answer outlined in the article, it comes down to a complete and utterly unacceptable oversight on the part of the legislators who drafted the Virginia law. It's because of situations like these that those laws are put into place to begin with right? Those gun laws are implemented as a safeguard - to protect the innocent against the potentially mentally ill who might decide to go out and purchase a gun. But what are they good for if the state law is not in compliance with federal law?

It looks like the State of Virginia has some housekeeping to do... Now, i don't mean to put the blame on anybody in particular, but its just so sad that something like this has to happen in order for the lawmakers to catch these mistakes and discrepancies between federal and state laws... What can we do? What do the lawmakers want us to do?

Hell, maybe if we paid them more money they would have gotten it right. Right?

Monday, April 23, 2007

Treason in the White House?


Treason being the key word that Digg.com uses to reference RawStory.com's article about 'Systematic' Security Breaches in the Bush White House

It doesn't come off to me a a surprise that something like this would happen while good ol' George W. was in office.

With everything that's been happening lately it's actually almost expected. But really, does his administration really believe that because they're sitting in the White House, that its OK for them to rewrite all of the rules? Rules are there for a reason aren't they?

To sum up my sentiments on this:

Its one thing to be graced with the privilege of being Commander in Chief of the United States and the leader of The Free World, but its another thing to take the power that some with those positions and to abuse them.


What else are you trying to hide Mr. President?

Friday, April 20, 2007

For all you out there


“I Don’t Care What the Judge Said!” Marijuana user found Not Guilty



Here's the bottom line for this article:

Why should marijuana, of all things be made an illegal substance, when adults, in the United States, can purchase and drink Alcohol at the age of 21 and purchase and smoke cigarettes, infamous for taking millions of lives at the age of 18 (barely out of high school)?

This really doesn't make sense to me. I can personally go to the store, purchase a carton of cancer sticks and a few 40's of Mickey's, Old English, or Schlitz Malt Liquor, get trashed in the privacy of my own home, maybe even get away with driving back to the store for more, but i cant smoke a joint.

I'll tell you what - I'd rather smoke marijuana than a cigarette any day of the week. With that said, ive have prior engagements to attend to.

Enjoy this random video:

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

McCain: ‘I Know What’s Best For The Security Of This Nation’

This article, linked by Digg.com gives commentary on an interview that senator McCain gave with GQ Magazine.



In his interview, McCain, 2008 Presidential Candidate cites that he, "[Knows] what’s best for the security of this nation" and that "...Americans don’t pay close attention" in regards to the war in Iraq, despite admitting that he has full understanding that the people of the United States no longer support the war and want forces to pull out as soon as possible.

Now, to give him some credit, he doesn't necessarily mean to say that the American people are idiots, but merely that they are misinformed, and expressing more frustration than anything else. However, I still believe that he is too bold to say that "he knows whats right for the American people" and that, "[they ]aren't paying attention" In fact, i think with all of the bad publicity that current President, George W. Bush is receiving, it's really silly for Sen. McCain to be taking this stance; especially since its obvious that Bush's rating has declined dramatically.

If you ask me, McCain is acting the part of a stubborn fool, trying to convince the American people that he can make positive changes with an approach similar, if not identical to George W's - which is anything but "tried-and-true"

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

And he has a better plan?


Well, i tried to find something on BBC, DIGG, Yahoo news... but looks like im going to stick with good ol' CNN once again.

Bush: Emphatic no to timeline to withdraw troops

Now, if you think my blog is biased.... well you're right. HAH! So, Bush is trying to say that the Democrats are planning to hand a "victory" to our enemies in the War. But really, beyond getting rid of Hussein, has his plan done very much more? Lately seems like we've jsut been running around in circles, and wasting valuable lives. Like i've said before, i support the troops that we have out there right now, but theres no reason in keeping them there longer than they need to be.

GO DEMS!!! (sorry Ivan - haha) I'm so happy that you guys have been stepping it up and shown that you're not affraid to stand up [to the President] in all arenas.

Stick it to the man.

Monday, April 16, 2007

White House: Millions of e-mails may be missing



Does this quote from CNN's article about the ongoing controversy involving the firing of U.S Attorney's do anything but reveal utter and complete guilt on behalf of the white house and their political adgenda? I think not:

"The biggest problem here is really that here is a White House that is deliberately violating an existing statute that requires them to preserve all records,"

The issue at hand is that the firing of the U.S. Attorneys seems to have been politically motivated and this finding just confirms that. How do you "accidentally" lose 5,000,000 emails? Look at how many zeros follow that 5 people. Theres 6, in case you didnt notice.

This is unacceptable, i mean, the U.S government, the people that work in the White House and elsewhere, are supposed to be in charge of everything that the people of the United States stand for. They're supposed to be the best of the best, afterall, who wants some mediocre Jo Schmoe helping to make decisions that affect millions upon millions of people? Not me.

Somebbody obvioulsy has something to hide, and if thats not the case (which i doubt), this is just one too many of ZERO mistakes that should be taking place so high up in the ranks.

I just cant wait to see the next headline. "Sources report that Presidential Military Aide accidentally misplaced Nuclear Football... along with Biscuit..."

Of course, this report would come out AFTER the Pentagon gets nuked, and Al Qaida claims to be the responsible party. Or even better, seing as how there are a bunch of morons in charge anyway, they manage to pass it off as a "mistake" on G

Friday, April 13, 2007

Finally, Something good


So, today, I opened up CNN's Website and found this: Schwarzenegger pumps up green movement

Now, this is a bit of a change for me... im making one of few positive posts on this blog... but rest assured, it will turn into an angry blog just like the rest.

Im glad to see that someone in the celebrity AND political spotlight as is Schwarzenegger is making good use of his stardom for the greater good.

**SWITCH!!!**

With all of the idiots :::cough::: BUSH :::cough trying to convince the world that global warming is not a pressing matter we can use all of the support and positive influence that we can get. Afterall, if we continue to declare ignorance, despite the obvious evidence of worldwide environmental changes occuring before our own eyes, people like me and you might as well kiss our grandchildren goodbye as soon as they're born and send Bush a thank you letter (yeah, soak in the sarcasm).

Thursday, April 12, 2007

What the ...


Thats what i said when i saw this headline on DIGG's website about the arrest of a 6 year-old girl. Read this: Get The Kiddie-Cuffs, or Police State Pedagogy.

My favorite partof the article was when they began to describe the reasons for the arrest:

“The student became violent,” Mercurio told Herbert. “She was yelling, screaming – just being uncontrollable. Defiant.”

Guess what people.. SHE'S 6!! Thats what 6 year-olds do! They throw the occasional tantrum, yell, scream, and sometimes they even kick (my cousins do, at least).

What has the world come to? Did the arresting officer really need such a boost to his or her own ego that he had to book a child? I mean sure, children need to be taught to behave appropriately, but back in my day, i was 1) Told to chill out 2) Sent to the office 3) My mom/dad was called and then 4) I pissed my pants becuase i knew i was going to get it when i got home.

And look how i turned out... haha.

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Not only average at best, but lazy too!


Official: White House looking for 'war czar' - CNN

Well folks, it looks like even his staff has begun to realize that Bush can't do his job let alone wipe his own ___. (you fill in the blank this time)

"White House aides, with U.S. President George W. Bush's blessing, are actively trying to hire a new point person to help pilot the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan"

Of course Bush has given them his blessing! As if he would actually do his job to begin with... Working FOR the people... But i suppose im even more upset at the fact that they feel that there is a need to create this position in the first place. We shouldnt even be there any longer to begin with. Lets not get into whether the war was worth it to begin with, im going to support our troops for putting their lives on the line, but i definetly dont feel that they have much more need to be there any longer. Bring them home, give them back to their families, and dont break any more families apart.

Since Bush is probably sick of getting his fair share of C's ill cut him a break and we'll switch it up to a P/NP. This plan clearly gets a NO PASS. HEH!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Bush proves once again, that he's ignorant


Here's the article, once again provided by CNN: Senate Passes Stem-Cell Funding Bill

If you're too lazy to read the whole thing (like most of my friends) CNN has been gracious enough recently to bullet point the main points of the article (usually 4-5) to summarize everything for you. Now, if you're too lazy to click on the link to begin with, well then, you just suck.

Now, if you ask me, everybody is entitled to the right to life - a healthy, lengthy life, and if science provides a way to achieve that, then whats the problem? Afterall, taxpayers are paying for the research anyways... and if not them, somebody is, and eventually the masses will pay for the technological advances anyway.

I just dont understand how, when there is so much support from the people, in support of stem-cell research Bush, who is supposed to be the leader of a "Democracy" can step up to say "NO!" Doesn't the opinion of the masses matter? Who's to say that Bush has the right to shut something down that has to much potential to change and save so many lives. Seems like Bush, again, just like in Iraq, wants people to just DIE.

From a scientists point of view... if we've got the technology, and are willing to do the research, why not? You're not killing anybody (dont even go there you extremests out there), and by saying no, you're doign nothing more than denying humanity the right to life.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Only in America

DNA exonerates man who spent 25 years in prison


Thats what the headline reads as Jerry Miller, now 48, is released from prison after serving 25 years for rape, robbery, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated battery. Whats the kicker? Miller says he was at home watching T.V.

Only in America, where we have some of the most advanced technology would we wait 25 years after the fact to actually do DNA testing to prove someones innocents. Now, i know, "he could have done it, right?" But he didn't. So much for innocent until proven guilty. Seriously, in The United States, it really doesn't seem that way at all.

This man spent the last 25 years of his life in prison for a series of crimes that he did not commit. Not only that, but despite the fact that a simple DNA test had him exonerated, he is still going to have to live it down for teh rest of his life. Now, thats not to mention that he's lost the 'best years of his life.' Being 48, he would have been 23 years-old at the time of his conviction, the beginning of his prime. He will never get those years back, and will have to live that down during his mid-life crisis.

This makes a mockery of the U.S. legal system in my book.

Introduction


Well, here it is. My blog. Its been a looooong time since Ive had one of these, so i guess we'll see how it turns out. Truth be told, to all those readers out there, this blog has been created as an ongoing assignment for my Poli Sci 129 class, "Blogs, Politics, and the Media."

Now, lets start off with the basics:

Name: (43795537)
Age: 22
Hometown: Riverside, CA
School: University of California; Irvine
Major: Biological Sciences
Year: Graduating Senior (YES, Finally!!!)

As you can tell, just like most open forums, this blog is going to be themed to address things involving the United States that piss me off. This is just fine for me, because im an angry bastard to begin with. Now, dont get me wrong, I love being an American... but... could we have grouped together any more stupid people?

Example... Check out this article from CNN's website about the Walter Reed Medical Center.


This is a prime example of the bullshit that happens in the states that jsut pisses me off. Good people get sucked into the Armed Forces, get sold on benefits like the G.I. bill and whatnot, in exchange for putting their lives on the line and how do these noble men and women get repaid? With absolute shit.

Now, im not going to lie... im probably the most misinformed person that i know, but i hope taht im right some of the time when i go off and rant. From my understanding, as a member of the Armed Forces, you pretty much have all of your health expenses covered by the government, you have the G.I. bill to support yourself, and lots of other "cool perks" like the $1 down payment on your house/car etc. to make your live easier in exchange for serving your country. Pretty sweet deal right? "... ... ... ... NOT" From what ive been hearing form my buddies that serve in teh Marines, thats not the case. And this article confirms at least part of it.

The U.S. spends unfathomable amounts of money on new military technology (weapons) so that they can blow shit up, and hang people (or get their own people to do it) but they cant, and seems like they won't take care of their injured soldiers.

Check out what "Jack," the former Army Secretary said, "The American ethic is that America always takes care of its wounded...We must make certain that America continues that ethic."

...Get with it "Jack," open your eyes, this clearly is not the case... The U.S. government, especially George (Mr. Average ["C" Student] President) wouldn't think twice about spending BILLIONS of dollars on waging war overseas, but has to go to his advisors to determine how much money needs to be cut from the budget as wounded soldiers are just coming home.

Pentagon + George W. Bush = Stupid + Selfish