Unsettling

Primarily for the people of Florida, Hurricane Ivan projections are not looking good. Frances has just given the area a beating, and now they are in the line of fire for yet another storm. (Meredith has some interesting notes from the tropical storm/depression's arrival in Atlanta).

I have been tracking Ivan because we are supposed to be headed down to the Big Easy at the end of next week, for some play and then work in that order. Complications to travel plans or a potential loss of a couple hundred dollars (darn Hotwire for being so irresistable!) both seem like such small, petty worries in comparison to what these people are facing.

I have old family friends in Florida, primarily Orlando and Stuart, that could really use a break at the moment. Pray for everyone involved that it takes the least damaging course and heads out to sea...or if it does make landfall they are given the strength to weather the storm. No pun intended really.

Righteous Outrage

I don't think I can put together a post that captures how sick I am about the Beslan slaughter of 300-plus innocent women and children. Just watching the BBC interviews with victims about the terrorists stringing up bombs laced with nuts and bolts, aimed for maximum damage to the women and children when set off. Just watching the footage of half-naked, bloodied children running out of that building, guzzling water as if they had not seen it for days. Just watching the parents with horrible, gut-wrenching sobs when they could not find their children on the list of the injured.

Early speculation is that approximately 10 attackers were Arabs, and that Al Qaeda may have been involved. It seems to have their finger prints all over it -- large-scale savage horror. I know that horrible things happen in this world every day, from the AIDS crisis in Africa to genocide in the Sudan, and that we cannot stop them all immediately. But needless, senseless slaugher of innocents to advance your political causes? We must convey that this is not acceptable. How can we even look at this situation and not think that these people must be stopped, both on our soil and around the world? What comes to mind watching the horrible BBC footage that I have seen on every network the past twenty-four hours? Edmund Burke's famous saying that "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing".

My thoughts and prayers are with all those in Beslan this week. Michelle Malkin has up a summary of the latest developments, and links to a blog summarizing how you can help -- donating to a relief fund or send condolences to the Russian Embassy in DC. I'm thinking about sending along a card to show my sympathy and support for the victims. Consider doing the same if you're so moved.

Don't Blame the Twins?

Via Bob Novak's column...apparently even Karl Rove is afraid of powerful women, as he could not trump the female who allowed the Bush twins' introduction for Laura Bush's Tuesday night. The "influence and bad judgment" of Andrea Ball, Laura Bush's Chief of Staff, were said to be behind the script's approval. Details available in Bob Novak's column.

Nerves

My sister is out in Los Angeles this weekend. It seems harmless enough, but this story about a weird security scare at LAX is enough to make me a bit anxious about her return trip.

Liberty's Century

Bush did well. That's about all I have to say about the speech. The first half of his speech was a little too laundry list, a little too "let's create government programs to solve every problem this country has" for my taste. I'm practically libertarian these days though. I do not find compassionate conservatism appealing. I find compassion appealing, but moreso when it's exercised more efficiently by churches, individuals, and private organizations. Perhaps this is a story for another day though -- the fact that I do not look to the government as my parent, look to them to solve all that's right with the world. We are an intelligent and creative people, and I believe private enterprise and philanthropy can solve problems in a more effective manner. First and foremost, I want to see my government ensure the safety and security of the American people.

Last night, Zell -- Good heavens he seemed angry. Righteously so perhaps, but I've just never witnessed such a speech. This must have been a long time coming, as I have seen Zell Miller speak before and never seen him like this. I read online somewhere that the speech had been vetted and toned down several times. Can you imagine what the first draft must have sounded like? That's not to say that I didn't agree with the bulk of what he was saying, but I thought he took a few lines about disrespecting the soldiers too far. I still like Zell though, even if he's an angry old man -- that is courage to stand up for what you believe in and give this address against the party you've represented your whole life though. Great detailing of all the defense appropriations/advancements Kerry has not supported.

Cheney -- I thought he was incredibly muted last night and throughout the convention. His speech was good, solid, and brought out many of the items the GOP perceives as issues with Kerry's voting record, primarily cutting defense and increasing taxes. I liked his jokes and thought the speech could have used a few more of them as the delivery seemed somewhat slow. He is a much better speaker than this, or at least he was the one time I saw him in person.

Pataki -- I only saw about half of this speech. I'm not a big fan of his overall version of Republicanism, but I daresay it was a good second half. I got goosebumps during some of the 9/11 rhetoric.

Bush -- For the reasons explained above, I am not a big fan of State of the Union like speeches. However, I thought the first half of the speech did a good job laying out his vision for a second term. Encouraging vocational training/re-training, reforming medical malpractice law, Health Savings Accounts, reforming Social Security, simplifying the tax code, opportunity zones to encourage businesses in areas (states?) struggling economically. Those are all ideas that I believe have promise.

The second half of the speech picked up some momentum. Some may assert that focusing on terrorism dwells on the past, but I wholeheartedly disagree. Just take a quick look at the Russian school hostage situation and you can see that terrorism is very much a thing of the present. It's not going to stop until world leaders unify and take an aggressive stance against it. If we do not, soon it won't just be Chechneya or Israel or Spain or France. It will on our soil again. If not for the actions of George W. Bush's administration these past four years, I am quite confident that it would have already recurred at this point. Whatever issues I may disagree with Bush on, I am impressed by his leadership in the global fight against terrorism. He's a leader, he's doing what needs to be done, he gets it. The Liberty Century has my vote.

Not to mention the fact that I like the guy. He looked comfortable up there this evening, and I feel that both he and Cheney are sincere. Cannot say that I feel that way about the other ticket.

Vodkapundit and Spoons have up far more detailed speech analysis if you want more. Jay Reding is asserting that Bush may have won the election tonight. Perhaps that's because Kerry is throwing his unprecedented Hail Mary midnight address as I type. They must think this went really badly for the Dems, because it reeks of desparation. Lame jokes, class warfare, Michael Moorish charges... yeah, yeah, yeah. Nothing that Bush or Cheney said at this convention was a horrible attack on Kerry or his character. Expressing your dislike by detailing someone's voting record is not a personal attack. It's a discussion of the issues. As for Zell, well keeping him in line really is not the GOP's problem. Not to mention the fact that I don't think they could if they tried.

Apologies for the stream of consciousness nature of this post. Busy, rough week at work but I have enjoyed watching the convention and sharing my thoughts with the blog-visiting public. Thanks for visiting!

Rudy G

One of my favorite lines from Monday night, highlighted in Tuesday's Lileks Bleat and recounted here for your pleasure:

"Neither party has a monopoly on virtue; we don’t have all the right ideas, they don’t have all the wrong ideas, but I do believe there are times in history when our ideas are more necessary, and more important, and critical. And this is one of those times – when we are facing war and danger."

Getting ready to go watch Dickie C's speech now...

Impressions

I was attempting a more substantive post on the Republican National Convention, but work and allergies have kept my brain from full functionality so far this week. Instead of a rambling discourse, here are just a few of my impressions on the major speeches so far.

John McCain -- Missed his speech last night, but I have heard excellent things about it. The text of his speech is both eloquent and powerful. I have my disagreements with the man. I think he is a bit egotistical, and I blame him for this campaign-finance mess and the limitations on free speech that we are now facing. However, I have to admire him for his moral clarity, for his clear support of the president at this time just four years after a blistering primary season. He is a leader, and he is making a strong case for himself as such in 2008.

Rudy Giuliani -- Caught most of his speech last night. I found it intriguing, as the first part of the speech took me back a few years. When Giuliani talks about being in New York those first few days after September 11th, it's like you are there with him. You remember watching it unfold on TV, Rudy on TV shortly after he evacuated a WTC building, watching him duck for cover when a tower fell (as in the HBO documentary Telling Nicholas). Something I read this morning captured it best: Next to Douglas MacArthur, Giuliani is the most visible war hero of the 21st century. For that reason alone, I can handle the bombastic portions of his speech. He lived through it, he led through it. Although he has an abrasive side, he could be a formidable candidate someday. Monday night, I wondered if we may have seen the 2008 GOP ticket speak -- the question remains which one would be the presidential candidate and which one the VP?

Arnold Schwarzenegger -- Arnold's appearance seemed pretty close to flawless. I think he may be a better politician than he is an actor. Rudy/John/Jeb/Whomever must be praying that the proposed 27th amendment to allow foreign-born UC citizens to serve as president will not be passed anytime soon. Or maybe that's just what we Republicans should be hoping for, as there is something very Reganesque about the Governator. I could have lived without the jokes about girlie-men in a formal address, but Schwarzengegger provided one of the best descriptions of what it means to be a Republican that I have heard in a very long time. Perhaps it's his immigrant background, but he also did a wonderful job pointing out all that is good about America...and that's something we rarely hear from our politicians today.

Bush twins -- Okay girls, I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt as I did tons of stupid things early in my college years. I was somewhat excited to hear what you had to say tonight...then sadly disappointed. Perhaps they aren't women of substance after all, as I heard they helped draft this bit. But didn't anyone watch them practice this intro? Couldn't someone have talked them out of the stand-up comedy routine? They were poised enough, but the giggling and the pop-culture-cute material was terrible. I thought the jokes about Condi, Karen and the hamster were cute...but otherwise I was a bit embarassed for them. I felt there were other things they could have said that would have been far more impressive. Unfortunately, my father's not president.

Laura Bush -- Elegance, eloquence, and grace under pressure. Her critics can say what they like, but I would take her sincerity over Theresa Kerry's bombast any day. I saw a woman trying to tell the nation why she believes in her husband's campaign and his choices, and I was impressed as usual. Warm, caring, and kind to boot. I agree with the early line that this speech probably did connect with the more sensitive female population quite well, while still acknowledging and alluding to the harsh realities of the war on terror.

I've missed a bunch that I hope to touch on later. I must say though that I am somewhat surprised. I didn't expect that much out of this convention, and it's turning into one of the more inspiring, optimistic events that I have witnessed out of the GOP in quite a while. Looking forward to Dick Cheney tomorrow night, as I adore the old guy.

Plugging Garden State

No time for a real post tonight, so just let me put in a plug for one of the best movies I have seen in a while...Garden State. As regular blog readers know, I am a big fan of Scrubs. My favorite parts of the show? Well Donald Faison and I go way back to his Clueless/Felicity days, but Scrubs would not be the entertaining sitcom that it is without Zach Braff. I struggle to think of another actor who could so pull off JD quite so well.

After seeing Garden State this weekend I think Zach Braff may have a serious shot at becoming one of the most highly-esteemed actors/directors of our generation. I'm not sure what I loved about this movie, but it resonated with me. Long story short: drug-deadened twenty-eight year old actor returns home for his mother's funeral leaving the Valium behind and starts to experience life. After this movie, I heart Zach Braff even more. I think he has a real talent. This movie showed that he may have a unique, touching way of commenting on choices and problems faced by our generation. I enjoyed this movie while I was watching it, and yet I was still trying to figure its significance days later. Great soundtrack as well.

(And as for the unspoken question, my hubby knows full well about my fixation on young Mr. Braff. Just as I know full well about his unqualified adoration for Miss Natalie Portman...which explains why we went to see this movie the first chance we had.)

Elaboration on the Swiftboat Controversy

Life's busy at the moment, so tonight I share one of my stronger posts in the past few weeks. Except it's not a post at all, it's my response to the suggestion that by noting the Swiftboat Vets' advertisements I am a misinformed smear merchant and our president is a "sorry excuse for a Christian". (Anonymous commenter's words, not mine). Excuse its stream-of-consciousness nature, but it's where my thoughts took me. I tried to tone down the emotional contingent of my response, hopefully I succeeded for the most part.

First of all, my father served in the National Guard for years. I daresay he spent more time in the military than John Kerry, so let's not even go there.

Secondly, I take offense to the word smear from an anonymous, non-addressable individual. I stand for the open and honest exchange of information and debate of ideas both by the Swiftboat Veterans, Kerry, other bloggers, and myself. This blog is my viewpoint on the world, not the absolute truth. It’s a place for my friends and acquaintances can read what I think. If you don’t like it, write something polite that challenges my ideas and I will respond.

I am against censorship of advertisement, particularly if we are going to let one side make libelous comparisons to Hilter and try to sue advertisements off the air when the other side expresses a dissenting opinion about the media’s candidate of choice. I agree that it is unfortunate that the tone of advertising has gotten so negative. However I'd blame that on the other 87% of 527s out there that have been slamming Bush for months.

The Swiftboat Vets are 250+ decorated military veterans that disagree with the military actions and/or statements of our potential Commander-in-Chief. Expressing these concerns, raising questions about inaccuracies in reports, and replaying Kerry's own words before Congress is their right as Americans. In my opinion, much more of a "smear" campaign has been conducted against these veterans than John F. Kerry.

He has been given a pass when he makes blatantly untrue statements or changes his story. The misinformation is at least partially from his camp -- Christmas in Cambodia or hearing about MLK's assassination while in Vietnam...when in reality he did not arrive until 6 months later? I believe that there may be more truth in the other matters these veterans are bringing to light. That's why I have been discussing the matter here on my blog – to bring to light what may be misinformation.

I'm not begrudging the fact that Kerry may have served honorably, perhaps even heroically. 99% of those who went over there did, in my humble opinion, not to mention the men who served at home. I am questioning the fact that Kerry did not do so with self-serving interests in mind, given that he took a video camera over there to re-enact battles after the fact and bolted as soon as he obtained a third Purple Heart. More importantly, I don't think either one of those behaviors is something I consider a leadership quality, something I want to see in the President of the United States. From what I've heard of Kerry's behaviors off the battlefield, this type of manipulation and gaming the system is par for the course.

Finally, just because a person disagrees with the most liberal interpretation of theology, does not make him less of a Christian. Ever hear the idea that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones? Ultimately, we all must make an educated assessment of what we personally believe scripture says, live our lives accordingly, and answer to the big guy for our decisions in the end. Including you.

Edited 8/27: Removed me repeating myself

Assorted

No time to come up with another post of substance this evening, but I'm a guilty little blogger for letting real life get in the way of my posting these last few weeks. So just a few notes...

What I'd really like to write about tonight is the miraculous transformation of Dick Cheney. In less than 24 hours, Chicago talk radio has gone from portraying him as an ogre-like old man that is dragging down the Bush ticket to a remarkably, courageous maverick for publicly discussing his daughter's sexuality and wishing the same-sex marriage issue could be left to the states. That's not to say that I entirely disagree with his comments (as I would like to elaborate in the post I do not have time to write this evening), but I just find it interesting how the mainstream media can turn on a dime when it suits their purposes.

Kinda makes a young female Illinois Republican feel downright inferior. Before heading off to Harvard Law, Urbana native and Miss America 2003 Erika Harold will be a delegate to the GOP convention. I believe I also read in USA Today that she may get to speak on the floor. The FoxNews article notes her political aspirations -- if only she were a few years older and could have run for Senate this year. That would have made for an interesting race!

I knew Kwame was destined for bigger and better projects. Take that Bill!

My sister's going to be at an Oprah taping at 7 am tomorrow. I don't know if she's done any shows since the jury trial, but if there's any juicy inside scoop from that show I'll be sure to pass it aloong.

Josh Claybourn has up a beautiful, touching piece about his final hours with his mother. I can't say much more about it than that, except that it's powerful reading. My prayers are still with you Josh.

That's all for tonight folks -- see you Thursday or Friday.

My Dad's Birthday Present

My dad's birthday is coming up this weekend. I adore my father, and when his birthday comes...whatever he wants, I try to get it for him. It's usually not too unreasonable. An Animal House DVD, Eddie Bauer slippers sheepswool slippers, pretty much any small gadget from Brookstone or Sharper Image, whatever.

Except this year, the first request from his birthday list is darn near impossible to find. He went to the bookstore in my hometown last week and asked for the Swiftboat Vets' book. He was constantly stared down by piles upon piles of Bill Clinton's mug, but he was pretty upset that he couldn't find a copy of the book that's #1 on Amazon and #3 on the NY Times list in any of the local stores.

I live near a larger city that's graced with two large corporate bookstores, so I ventured out shopping Saturday night. No dice after prowling around the front of the bookstore for 5 minutes. I proceeded back to the information counter and asked the clerk about Unfit for Command. Her response? Basically she confirmed Barnes and Noble's official press release today by saying that it's "immensely popular" and "they cannot keep it on the shelves". The 10,000 copies listed in B&N's warehouse Friday morning were gone by Saturday afternoon. She advised me to call every day to see if shipments had arrived. Checked Amazon when I got home -- as of Saturday evening it said it would ship within 5 to 7 weeks. Today it's down to 7 days, but it's enough to make you wonder who owns the publishing house.

I won't dissect the whole Swiftboat issue again, because it would take too long and I'm exhausted, but I believe that trying to sue a 527 add off the air is ridiculous. The opinions expressed by the veterans are just as valid (in my opinion much moreso) as the libelous dreck in the moveon.org ads recently. If Kerry wants the Swiftboat ads pulled, then I'm with the president -- ask all the other 527s to stop their advertising as well. John Kerry made his 4 months of military service a key issue in this campaign, and I think that's why you are seeing the amazing demand for the book and overall interest develop in whether these charges are credible. I'm just amazed that it hasn't hurt him more at this point.

I'm a bit too busy to hunt the book down this week, so Sunday evening I purchased my dad's runner-up birthday request, American Soldier by Tommy Franks. But the whole shopping experience left me a bit hopeful that a few people must be considering the Swiftboat Vets opinions, reading their message and assessing it for themselves.

Lileks on fall fashion

Tuesday's bleat dissects the Marshall Field's Fall Sale advertisement. I daresay I agree with him. There's not much in the stores to tempt me at the moment...and clothes shopping is my major Achilles heel when it comes to fighting the good fight against materialism.