Here we go. This one is "for the children," allegedly to catch the 'child porn' types.
The U.S. Department of Justice is quietly shopping around the explosive idea of requiring Internet service providers to retain records of their customers' online activities.
Data retention rules could permit police to obtain records of e-mail chatter, Web browsing or chat-room activity months after Internet providers ordinarily would have deleted the logs--that is, if logs were ever kept in the first place. No U.S. law currently mandates that such logs be kept.
In theory, at least, data retention could permit successful criminal and terrorism prosecutions that otherwise would have failed because of insufficient evidence. But privacy worries and questions about the practicality of assembling massive databases of customer behavior have caused a similar proposal to stall in Europe and could engender stiff opposition domestically.
(snip)
McClure said that while the Justice Department representatives argued that Internet service providers should cooperate voluntarily, they also raised the "possibility that we should create by law a standard period of data retention." McClure added that "my sense was that this is something that they've been working on for a long time."
This represents an abrupt shift in the Justice Department's long-held position that data retention is unnecessary and imposes an unacceptable burden on Internet providers. In 2001, the Bush administration expressed "serious reservations about broad mandatory data retention regimes." (http://news.com.com/Your+ISP+as+Net+watchdog/2100-1028_3-5748649.html?tag=nefd.lede)
And a hat tip to Random 10 and MyCatharsis, bloggers.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Education Is The Answer (Really??)
One of the interesting newsletters NOT cited by the MSM (and also NOT cited by the National Ass'n of Manufacturers, or the Globaloney Crowd) is from ZaZona (www.zazona.com) out of Arizona.
The newsletter deals principally with immigration work permits flagrantly abused by Fortune 100-type companies to import (inter alia) "highly trained/skilled" professionals.
Inevitably, the Fortune 100 flaks tell us that the US simply does not produce enough Engineers, Mathematicians, (you name it, whatever) and thus, these firms are forced to go to the Far Corners of the Earth (and Galaxy) to recruit the talent necessary, yada, yada, yada. You know the line: it's repeated enough so that it became The Truth, per the prediction of Herr Goebbels.
It's also a crock.
ZaZona was kind enough to send the general outline (and several particulars) of Honeywell/Arizona's new Engineeering Cost-Reduction plan. ZaZona has made it clear that NONE of this information was verified by Honeywell management (duhhh!) but that it came from "reliable sources" (presumably internal Honeywell folks.)
"Honeywell executives have decided that revenue spent for engineering must go below 15% of their total expenditures. In order to cut costs they will "globalize" their engineering departments.
This globalization process will focus on cutting the cost of labor by using the following methods: * Replacing current Honeywell workers with L-1 visa holders. These L-1 visa holders will come mostly from Russia, Czech Republic, and India.
* Whenever possible all positions in engineering and its support functions will be outsourced to overseas locations.
* All new IT jobs will be required to be outsourced offshore.
* No external hiring will be allowed, and transfers of employees within Honeywell will be discouraged until the job terminations are complete.
* Open job positions will be "backfilled with globalized engineers at a lower cost." Managers that refuse to go along with this process will be replaced with more cooperative ones.
* American subcontractors are currently being eliminated and replaced with foreign companies.
The following factoids pertain specifically about Honeywell's Component Engineering in their Commercial Electronic Systems (CES) on Deer Valley Road in Phoenix, Arizona and Aerospace (AES). Similar tactics will be used at other Honeywell locations.
>> Honeywell CEO, Dave Cote, has ordered Roman Jamragowiecz, VP of Engineering, to globalize 25% of AES engineering. It is generally understood that Roman will lose his job if he doesn't meet this goal.
>> Honeywell understands that workers will be extremely angry when they see their jobs being filled by foreign workers. There is a fear that some employees may go postal when they are forced to train their replacements. On June 9th at the Deer Valley and Bell Road plant, managers were given training on workplace violence. Managers were counseled that they had to report all threats or "going postal" type comments. Extra security will be hired during the mass terminations.
>> Whenever possible work will be "co-sourced" to Indian companies such as Wipro, Keane, (sic) Caritor.
>> No Indians are to lose their jobs during the job cuts in the U.S.
>> Engineering layoffs will begin on July 1st and will be far more than 17% across the board cuts that were announced to the press. The undercount occurs because Honeywell isn't eliminating their globalized labor force - ONLY U.S. JOBS ARE AFFECTED, BUT ALL HONEYWELL WORKERS ARE COUNTED!
>> The 17% reduction is actually an undercount because each department must count its globalized staff in their headcount - the 17% number does not apply to the globalized staff, only U.S. staff! As an example: If a department is composed of a total of 100 persons, with 60 in the United States and 40 in Bangalore, the total number of job losses in the U.S. is 17, not the 10 that would be calculated by the U.S. headcount (100*.17 = 17). None of workers in Bangalore will lose their jobs so the 17 will come out of the 60 U.S. employees. American contractors have already been eliminated so only the employees left standing will be counted for the job cuts. Without counting the contractors this department in this example will axe 28% of its employees - almost twice as much as Honeywell admits through their press releases.
>> Layoffs will continue until engineering is less than 15% of the budget.
>> Honeywell at Deer Valley will be replacing American workers with Indian and Czechs. The foreign workers will be marched into the buildings on July 28th and 29th at the rate of 250-300 per day.
>> All U.S. citizens or Green card holders that quit will not be counted in the layoff statistics even though many of them will be forced to retire. There will also be an additional 2000 layoffs in aerospace that will not be counted in the total job loss statistics that will be released to the press.
>> Honeywell doesn't seem very concerned with diversity. They have already terminated employment of several African American women senior engineers. The Indians L-1s being brought in are 99% male and almost all of them are very young.
>> All employees that question the hiring of Indian L-1s are subject to bad performance reviews, and of course any black mark on their records could be used as a reason for dismissal.
>> There are approximately 31 Component Engineers in CES. The number will come down and will be backfilled with globalized engineers at a lower cost.
>> The Redmond, Washington location is considered short-handed. Despite the need for more engineers at Redmond, no engineers from other locations will be allowed to relocate to Redmond even if they are facing job termination.
If you are wondering why more US students don't study Engineering and Computer Sciences, this little item may help you understand.
Note, too, that all this is done to achieve "Cost Reduction," but NOT "headcount" reduction. There will be just as many engineers at Honeywell. They just won't speak fluent English.
The newsletter deals principally with immigration work permits flagrantly abused by Fortune 100-type companies to import (inter alia) "highly trained/skilled" professionals.
Inevitably, the Fortune 100 flaks tell us that the US simply does not produce enough Engineers, Mathematicians, (you name it, whatever) and thus, these firms are forced to go to the Far Corners of the Earth (and Galaxy) to recruit the talent necessary, yada, yada, yada. You know the line: it's repeated enough so that it became The Truth, per the prediction of Herr Goebbels.
It's also a crock.
ZaZona was kind enough to send the general outline (and several particulars) of Honeywell/Arizona's new Engineeering Cost-Reduction plan. ZaZona has made it clear that NONE of this information was verified by Honeywell management (duhhh!) but that it came from "reliable sources" (presumably internal Honeywell folks.)
"Honeywell executives have decided that revenue spent for engineering must go below 15% of their total expenditures. In order to cut costs they will "globalize" their engineering departments.
This globalization process will focus on cutting the cost of labor by using the following methods: * Replacing current Honeywell workers with L-1 visa holders. These L-1 visa holders will come mostly from Russia, Czech Republic, and India.
* Whenever possible all positions in engineering and its support functions will be outsourced to overseas locations.
* All new IT jobs will be required to be outsourced offshore.
* No external hiring will be allowed, and transfers of employees within Honeywell will be discouraged until the job terminations are complete.
* Open job positions will be "backfilled with globalized engineers at a lower cost." Managers that refuse to go along with this process will be replaced with more cooperative ones.
* American subcontractors are currently being eliminated and replaced with foreign companies.
The following factoids pertain specifically about Honeywell's Component Engineering in their Commercial Electronic Systems (CES) on Deer Valley Road in Phoenix, Arizona and Aerospace (AES). Similar tactics will be used at other Honeywell locations.
>> Honeywell CEO, Dave Cote, has ordered Roman Jamragowiecz, VP of Engineering, to globalize 25% of AES engineering. It is generally understood that Roman will lose his job if he doesn't meet this goal.
>> Honeywell understands that workers will be extremely angry when they see their jobs being filled by foreign workers. There is a fear that some employees may go postal when they are forced to train their replacements. On June 9th at the Deer Valley and Bell Road plant, managers were given training on workplace violence. Managers were counseled that they had to report all threats or "going postal" type comments. Extra security will be hired during the mass terminations.
>> Whenever possible work will be "co-sourced" to Indian companies such as Wipro, Keane, (sic) Caritor.
>> No Indians are to lose their jobs during the job cuts in the U.S.
>> Engineering layoffs will begin on July 1st and will be far more than 17% across the board cuts that were announced to the press. The undercount occurs because Honeywell isn't eliminating their globalized labor force - ONLY U.S. JOBS ARE AFFECTED, BUT ALL HONEYWELL WORKERS ARE COUNTED!
>> The 17% reduction is actually an undercount because each department must count its globalized staff in their headcount - the 17% number does not apply to the globalized staff, only U.S. staff! As an example: If a department is composed of a total of 100 persons, with 60 in the United States and 40 in Bangalore, the total number of job losses in the U.S. is 17, not the 10 that would be calculated by the U.S. headcount (100*.17 = 17). None of workers in Bangalore will lose their jobs so the 17 will come out of the 60 U.S. employees. American contractors have already been eliminated so only the employees left standing will be counted for the job cuts. Without counting the contractors this department in this example will axe 28% of its employees - almost twice as much as Honeywell admits through their press releases.
>> Layoffs will continue until engineering is less than 15% of the budget.
>> Honeywell at Deer Valley will be replacing American workers with Indian and Czechs. The foreign workers will be marched into the buildings on July 28th and 29th at the rate of 250-300 per day.
>> All U.S. citizens or Green card holders that quit will not be counted in the layoff statistics even though many of them will be forced to retire. There will also be an additional 2000 layoffs in aerospace that will not be counted in the total job loss statistics that will be released to the press.
>> Honeywell doesn't seem very concerned with diversity. They have already terminated employment of several African American women senior engineers. The Indians L-1s being brought in are 99% male and almost all of them are very young.
>> All employees that question the hiring of Indian L-1s are subject to bad performance reviews, and of course any black mark on their records could be used as a reason for dismissal.
>> There are approximately 31 Component Engineers in CES. The number will come down and will be backfilled with globalized engineers at a lower cost.
>> The Redmond, Washington location is considered short-handed. Despite the need for more engineers at Redmond, no engineers from other locations will be allowed to relocate to Redmond even if they are facing job termination.
If you are wondering why more US students don't study Engineering and Computer Sciences, this little item may help you understand.
Note, too, that all this is done to achieve "Cost Reduction," but NOT "headcount" reduction. There will be just as many engineers at Honeywell. They just won't speak fluent English.
Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Members
John Sweeney of the AFL-CIO has seen "downsizing." But in his case, it means that unions are leaving the AFL-CIO. Most recent was the departure of the SEIU. More significant was the departure of the Carpenters' Union.
In reading the press reports over the departures, it seemed that both groups were unhappy with Sweeney's fixation with raising and spending money to support candidates for political office. The ex-affiliate Unions would prefer to concentrate on increasing membership.
Then again, maybe there's more to the story. Maybe Sweeney's ideology is simply too radioactive for the rank-and-file Carpenters and waitresses:
"The AFL-CIO Executive Committee's March 3 resolution, which labor officials unanimously adopted, opposes federal and state constitutional amendments to define marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman.
"The resolution reiterates the AFL-CIO's "longstanding support for the full inclusion and equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the workplace and society."
The Executive Committee says a federal Marriage Protection Amendment and its state counterparts "threaten the rights of working people by creating an environment across the nation that is hostile to the rights of domestic partners, regardless of their sexual orientation."
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44853
Do I hear the Teamsters snickering?
In reading the press reports over the departures, it seemed that both groups were unhappy with Sweeney's fixation with raising and spending money to support candidates for political office. The ex-affiliate Unions would prefer to concentrate on increasing membership.
Then again, maybe there's more to the story. Maybe Sweeney's ideology is simply too radioactive for the rank-and-file Carpenters and waitresses:
"The AFL-CIO Executive Committee's March 3 resolution, which labor officials unanimously adopted, opposes federal and state constitutional amendments to define marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman.
"The resolution reiterates the AFL-CIO's "longstanding support for the full inclusion and equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the workplace and society."
The Executive Committee says a federal Marriage Protection Amendment and its state counterparts "threaten the rights of working people by creating an environment across the nation that is hostile to the rights of domestic partners, regardless of their sexual orientation."
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44853
Do I hear the Teamsters snickering?
Friday, June 17, 2005
Big Brother: Milwaukee Child Welfare Dept
The parents of two students at a private Christian school in Milwaukee, Wis., have sued government officials after a social worker allegedly body searched and interrogated the children without permission.
Seeking declaratory and injunctive relief as well as monetary damages, the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy and attorney Michael D. Dean filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of the parents Wednesday, citing multiple violations of constitutional rights, according to a statement from the lawyers.
The suit alleges social worker Dana Gresbach illegally entered the private school, Good Hope Christian Academy, by wrongly informing the principal that the law required she be allowed access to the children and ordering the principal not to contact the parents.
The attorneys point out, however, that in a recent federal lawsuit against the same government agency, the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that it is "patently unconstitutional" for government officials to seize a child on private school premises without a warrant or an emergency. (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44825)
We shall see.
Seeking declaratory and injunctive relief as well as monetary damages, the American Family Association Center for Law & Policy and attorney Michael D. Dean filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of the parents Wednesday, citing multiple violations of constitutional rights, according to a statement from the lawyers.
The suit alleges social worker Dana Gresbach illegally entered the private school, Good Hope Christian Academy, by wrongly informing the principal that the law required she be allowed access to the children and ordering the principal not to contact the parents.
The attorneys point out, however, that in a recent federal lawsuit against the same government agency, the Bureau of Milwaukee Child Welfare, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals held that it is "patently unconstitutional" for government officials to seize a child on private school premises without a warrant or an emergency. (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44825)
We shall see.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Lying With Numbers (Doyle's Game)
OK, which is it?
Or do you prefer to believe DOT?
"Doyle's spokeswoman, Melanie Fonder, said Monday that
the study was evidence the proposal unfairly targets bastions of Democratic
voters. Among black males between ages 18 and 24, 78% lacked a driver's license,
the largest percentage of any demographic in the study. Other groups in which a
majority lacked a driver's license were black males of any age (55% lack a
license); Hispanic women of any age (59%); and black women, Hispanic men and
Hispanic women between ages 18 and 24 (all between 57% and 66%). "Those groups
typically have strong Democratic turnout," Fonder said, "and that's who the
Republicans have targeted with that proposal." By contrast, only 17% of white
men and white women of voting age in Wisconsin lack a driver's license."
Or do you prefer to believe DOT?
State law requires that courts use random lists provided by DOT to find jurors. According to DOT, about 98 percent of Wisconsin's adult population have driver's licenses or a picture identification card issued by DOT.
(Hat Tip to RichocheT of FreeRepublic)
Marquette High in the Wilderness
Earlier (see the archives) I had opined that Marquette High School has wandered from the course of Catholicism. I had reached that conclusion by a simple expedient; I made it a point to inquire about the high-school's Masses, and was reliably informed that they deviated from the norms laid out in the Instructio Generalis--the 'roadmap' of how to celebrate Mass.
It is becoming a Truism that if the priest does not (or WILL not) celebrate the Mass according to the norms of the Church, that one will find all sorts of OTHER problems in the [parish] or, in this case, the High School. My earlier blog entry referred to the current controversy--some students wish to have a "Gay Pride" homeroom.
So I was not real surprised to read the following:
It is becoming a Truism that if the priest does not (or WILL not) celebrate the Mass according to the norms of the Church, that one will find all sorts of OTHER problems in the [parish] or, in this case, the High School. My earlier blog entry referred to the current controversy--some students wish to have a "Gay Pride" homeroom.
So I was not real surprised to read the following:
[Daniel] DeVougas [a Protestant and recent graduate] said he does not take communion or participate in other rites of the Catholic Church. But he has given readings from the Bible during liturgies and participated in annual Catholic retreats. Muslim students also have read from the Qur'an at Marquette High liturgies. ... (http://my.execpc.com/~fedsoc/2005/06/big-c-or-little-c-catholic.html)
Frankly, I don't care under what pretext the Jesuits hold that 'reading from the [Koran]' is licit during Mass. It ain't. Period. No way, no how.
(Hat Tip to Terry of the Federalists)
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
What Would Miss Manners Say?
From the Washington Post (6/14) we learn:
Sexual assault on school buses is one of the fastest-growing categories of
school violence. Not only is the frequency of attacks on the
rise, but the perpetrators are getting younger.
Inanity With a Master's Degree
Found in a local Parish bulletin:
I Is For Me Or We?…
About ten years ago, I recall having a number of rather heated discussions
with people in Catholic music ministry regarding the use of the pronoun, “I” in
liturgical music. Every workshop that I attended sneered at the use of this
pronoun for it did not correctly reflect the nature of our liturgy, which is
communal prayer. “But,” I argued, “how can one enter into communal worship if
there is no personal relationship with the Lord?”
This was really a very good question, and I continue to ask it, however, my
context is different. My experience has shown me that I need to heed the call of
St. Paul to “pray without ceasing”, and this prayer is both private and communal
in nature. We are also encouraged into our “prayer closets” and to seek time
away with the Lord, just as Jesus often did. These are ongoing acts of prayer
and worship that can be as natural to the rhythm ofour day as breathing, thus,
prayer without ceasing.
But when we gather on the weekend, our Sabbath, that is the time for the
prayer of the community. We are called together to hear the stories of our God’s
love for us; we are challenged to reach out in the name of Jesus; we are fed and
nourished in the Eucharist; and we are sent forth to love and serve the Lord. It
makes sense in that context, to sing “psalms and hymns and inspired songs”(St.
Paul again!) that reflect the Body of Christ.
This is where things get a bit messy from the language viewpoint. If we
were gathering 2000 years ago, the use of the word“I” in our music would simply
reflect the entire community. This is the manner in which it is used in psalmody
and in music of the African American community.
In both these instances, the pronoun, “I” is communal and speaks the soul
of the community. We, however,live in a society that is very much driven by the
philosophy of the individual over the community. Contemporary songs that use
this pronoun outside of the reference to scripture or ethnic music tend to speak
to the “prayer closet” experience, or the “you and I, Jesus” understanding of
relationship. This is not bad or wrong, but it does not do much justice to the
understanding of the liturgical act as communal. Thus, you may find that we use
relatively little music that has “I” language, unless it is scriptural, when we
gather for our liturgical celebrations
The author of this piece, a woman "Director of Liturgy" was awarded an M.A. in Liturgy by the Milwaukee Seminary this past Spring. Evidently she was not graded on composition, nor on grammar..
Beyond that, the author evinces a shocking ignorance of the Psalms. The 'use of the [pronoun] "I" in psalmody of 2000 years ago' meant EXACTLY what it does now. It's first person, singular. So testified Rabbi David Fohrman, anyway, after I emailed him to determine if he was aware of any justification for this "Liturgy Director"'s assertion. Her similar remark about "the African-American community" is suspect, as well.
Beyond all of that, the argument she encountered with principled and thinking Church musicians had nothing at all to do with the "I/We" strawman she uses. In fact, the controversy over using such text has to do with a few ditties ('hymns' would accord them a dignity which is undeserved) that directly quote God. "I Am the Bread of Life" comes to mind immediately. This is a direct quotation of Christ--it is CERTAINLY not appropriate for the congregation to assume the 'voice of Christ' while singing 'psalms, hymns, and inspired songs.'
Please--go back to your closet. Examine and understand history. And continue to avoid "I" until the accurate translation of the Latin Credo becomes required in the United States.
I Is For Me Or We?…
About ten years ago, I recall having a number of rather heated discussions
with people in Catholic music ministry regarding the use of the pronoun, “I” in
liturgical music. Every workshop that I attended sneered at the use of this
pronoun for it did not correctly reflect the nature of our liturgy, which is
communal prayer. “But,” I argued, “how can one enter into communal worship if
there is no personal relationship with the Lord?”
This was really a very good question, and I continue to ask it, however, my
context is different. My experience has shown me that I need to heed the call of
St. Paul to “pray without ceasing”, and this prayer is both private and communal
in nature. We are also encouraged into our “prayer closets” and to seek time
away with the Lord, just as Jesus often did. These are ongoing acts of prayer
and worship that can be as natural to the rhythm ofour day as breathing, thus,
prayer without ceasing.
But when we gather on the weekend, our Sabbath, that is the time for the
prayer of the community. We are called together to hear the stories of our God’s
love for us; we are challenged to reach out in the name of Jesus; we are fed and
nourished in the Eucharist; and we are sent forth to love and serve the Lord. It
makes sense in that context, to sing “psalms and hymns and inspired songs”(St.
Paul again!) that reflect the Body of Christ.
This is where things get a bit messy from the language viewpoint. If we
were gathering 2000 years ago, the use of the word“I” in our music would simply
reflect the entire community. This is the manner in which it is used in psalmody
and in music of the African American community.
In both these instances, the pronoun, “I” is communal and speaks the soul
of the community. We, however,live in a society that is very much driven by the
philosophy of the individual over the community. Contemporary songs that use
this pronoun outside of the reference to scripture or ethnic music tend to speak
to the “prayer closet” experience, or the “you and I, Jesus” understanding of
relationship. This is not bad or wrong, but it does not do much justice to the
understanding of the liturgical act as communal. Thus, you may find that we use
relatively little music that has “I” language, unless it is scriptural, when we
gather for our liturgical celebrations
The author of this piece, a woman "Director of Liturgy" was awarded an M.A. in Liturgy by the Milwaukee Seminary this past Spring. Evidently she was not graded on composition, nor on grammar..
Beyond that, the author evinces a shocking ignorance of the Psalms. The 'use of the [pronoun] "I" in psalmody of 2000 years ago' meant EXACTLY what it does now. It's first person, singular. So testified Rabbi David Fohrman, anyway, after I emailed him to determine if he was aware of any justification for this "Liturgy Director"'s assertion. Her similar remark about "the African-American community" is suspect, as well.
Beyond all of that, the argument she encountered with principled and thinking Church musicians had nothing at all to do with the "I/We" strawman she uses. In fact, the controversy over using such text has to do with a few ditties ('hymns' would accord them a dignity which is undeserved) that directly quote God. "I Am the Bread of Life" comes to mind immediately. This is a direct quotation of Christ--it is CERTAINLY not appropriate for the congregation to assume the 'voice of Christ' while singing 'psalms, hymns, and inspired songs.'
Please--go back to your closet. Examine and understand history. And continue to avoid "I" until the accurate translation of the Latin Credo becomes required in the United States.
Sen. Grassley v. the Hospitals
The American Spectator reports that Senator Chuck Grassley (R, Iowa) has "requested" a good deal of information from non-profit hospitals around the country, which came as a complete surprise to the hospitals, which had been negotiating with Grassley's committee.
Perhaps it's only a co-incidence (yeah, right...) that Senator Lott's brother-in-law, Dickie Scruggs, has begun a national campaign of class-action lawsuits against non-profit hospitals. At least some of the information "requested" by Grassley will be useful to Scruggs.
Of course, should Scruggs & Co. (locally, Techmeier) WIN their lawsuit(s), the non-profits will not only have paid their own attorneys to defend the suits--they will also pay Dickie Scruggs a bunch of money, too.
Suppose hospital rates will rise to accomodate the additional costs??
Perhaps it's only a co-incidence (yeah, right...) that Senator Lott's brother-in-law, Dickie Scruggs, has begun a national campaign of class-action lawsuits against non-profit hospitals. At least some of the information "requested" by Grassley will be useful to Scruggs.
Of course, should Scruggs & Co. (locally, Techmeier) WIN their lawsuit(s), the non-profits will not only have paid their own attorneys to defend the suits--they will also pay Dickie Scruggs a bunch of money, too.
Suppose hospital rates will rise to accomodate the additional costs??
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
What's Wrong with This Picture?
From the JSOnline of 6/14:
"According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Blundell was convicted in 1987 in Milwaukee County on a charge of second-degree sexual assault of an adult. In 1997, he registered with the state's sex offender registry.
"...Blundell's sexual assault conviction does not appear under his name on the criminal courts database, but it does show up under his name on the state's online sex offender log."
What am I missing? The guy has a sex assault conviction--but it does not show up on CCAP?
HELLO!!?!?!!
"According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Blundell was convicted in 1987 in Milwaukee County on a charge of second-degree sexual assault of an adult. In 1997, he registered with the state's sex offender registry.
"...Blundell's sexual assault conviction does not appear under his name on the criminal courts database, but it does show up under his name on the state's online sex offender log."
What am I missing? The guy has a sex assault conviction--but it does not show up on CCAP?
HELLO!!?!?!!
Monday, June 13, 2005
Dead-On--And Not Even On-Topic
Here's an interesting quotation:
Clinton's preoccupation with how historians would regard him was, ironically, part of the self-obsession that kept him from attempting great acts. Political leadership requires taking risks and decisive actions, which, in turn, requires a commitment to convictions and principles that trump short-term considerations and make the risks worthwhile. Because Clinton's presidency was about him, he couldn't transcend the day-to-day, or put himself or his presidency on the line for any larger purpose. Because, in short, he was self-involved enough to talk constantly about his legacy, he was never capable of forging a positive one. (Rich Lowry's Legacy: Paying The Price For The Clinton Years:) via Tom McMahon's blog.
Anyone familiar with Cdl Ratzinger's works on the liturgy recalls his succint and devastating attacks on "horizontal liturgy."
Think Rich Lowry reads Ratzinger??
Clinton's preoccupation with how historians would regard him was, ironically, part of the self-obsession that kept him from attempting great acts. Political leadership requires taking risks and decisive actions, which, in turn, requires a commitment to convictions and principles that trump short-term considerations and make the risks worthwhile. Because Clinton's presidency was about him, he couldn't transcend the day-to-day, or put himself or his presidency on the line for any larger purpose. Because, in short, he was self-involved enough to talk constantly about his legacy, he was never capable of forging a positive one. (Rich Lowry's Legacy: Paying The Price For The Clinton Years:) via Tom McMahon's blog.
Anyone familiar with Cdl Ratzinger's works on the liturgy recalls his succint and devastating attacks on "horizontal liturgy."
Think Rich Lowry reads Ratzinger??
More Clinton-Whitewashing
Joe Farah points out that the Fine Report, indicting the FBI for "missing" opportunities to apprehend the 9/11 criminals before they worked their plot, is not quite complete. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=44742
Recall that one of Clinton's appointees, Ms. Jamie Gorelick, was a high-level member of the Attorney General's staff, and had written a memo re-inforcing a firewall between the CIA and the FBI, thus preventing an information exchange which could have been helpful.
Fine, the author of the report released last week to some fanfare, is also a Clinton appointee (held over) and none other than Jamie Gorelick was a member of the Commission overseeing the production of the Fine Report.
At some point in time the Billary Administration will be recognized as the single most useful Administration in the history of America--useful, that is, to every single foreign enemy of this country. Leading that parade of vermin is Red China, which (thanks to inexplicably moronic decisions of Clinton's DofEnergy was able to penetrate Los Alamos.)
But assorted terrorists and other lowlife scumbags were accorded similar privileges by the Clintons.
Perhaps the most curious element of the story is the continuing slavish, toe-licking (skirt-kissing?) cooperation of the MSM.
Recall that one of Clinton's appointees, Ms. Jamie Gorelick, was a high-level member of the Attorney General's staff, and had written a memo re-inforcing a firewall between the CIA and the FBI, thus preventing an information exchange which could have been helpful.
Fine, the author of the report released last week to some fanfare, is also a Clinton appointee (held over) and none other than Jamie Gorelick was a member of the Commission overseeing the production of the Fine Report.
At some point in time the Billary Administration will be recognized as the single most useful Administration in the history of America--useful, that is, to every single foreign enemy of this country. Leading that parade of vermin is Red China, which (thanks to inexplicably moronic decisions of Clinton's DofEnergy was able to penetrate Los Alamos.)
But assorted terrorists and other lowlife scumbags were accorded similar privileges by the Clintons.
Perhaps the most curious element of the story is the continuing slavish, toe-licking (skirt-kissing?) cooperation of the MSM.
Patriot Games, Round II
David Keene, Bob Barr, Larry Craig--all well-known conservatives--have joined to promote legislation (submitted by Craig) to amend certain Patriot Act proposals made by the Senate Intelligence Committee.
Specifically, the modifications would be to: 1) shorten the notification timeline for subjects of "sneak-and-peek" searches; 2) continue judicial approval of "administrative" decisions to sneak/peek; and 3) modify certain provisions of the "roving wiretap" proposal.
Note that the Senate Intel Committee's proposals are NEW--not part of the original PATRIOT Act.
Keene, the head of the ACU, observed that it is a [bad] habit of Governments to infringe on personal rights during time of war...one recalls with distaste Abraham Lincoln's and FDR's egregious violations of the Constitution as examples.
Thinking conservatives must always recall that rights conceded to the Government during unusual times are often conceded forever. This means that the next Administration and its political appointees will enjoy the same powers as does the current Administration.
It's worth a call to your Congressman.
Specifically, the modifications would be to: 1) shorten the notification timeline for subjects of "sneak-and-peek" searches; 2) continue judicial approval of "administrative" decisions to sneak/peek; and 3) modify certain provisions of the "roving wiretap" proposal.
Note that the Senate Intel Committee's proposals are NEW--not part of the original PATRIOT Act.
Keene, the head of the ACU, observed that it is a [bad] habit of Governments to infringe on personal rights during time of war...one recalls with distaste Abraham Lincoln's and FDR's egregious violations of the Constitution as examples.
Thinking conservatives must always recall that rights conceded to the Government during unusual times are often conceded forever. This means that the next Administration and its political appointees will enjoy the same powers as does the current Administration.
It's worth a call to your Congressman.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
FINAL Cultural Alert!
Today at 2:30 the Milwaukee Symphony, its Chorus, and the Milwaukee Children's Chorus, three soloists, and a gaggle of extra brass, percussion, and organist(s!!!) will perform the last of the War Requiem concerts.
Trust me--Delfs has this thing figured out VERY well. Last night's show was masterful.
Get there an hour early to hear some insights in the Anello Atrium which may be helpful.
Trust me--Delfs has this thing figured out VERY well. Last night's show was masterful.
Get there an hour early to hear some insights in the Anello Atrium which may be helpful.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
NOT a Retailer's Dream Convention
From today's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel:
Pastoral musicians group to convene June 27 to July 1 in Milwaukee:
Nearly 4,000 people from across the nation are expected to gather in Milwaukee to sing, pray, and network during the 28th annual Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians from June 27 to July 1 at the Midwest Airlines Center. The association's mission statement says it is "primarily composed of musicians, musician-liturgists, clergy, and other leaders of prayer devoted to serving the life and mission of the Church through fostering the art of musical liturgy in Catholic worshipping communities." The convention will be preceded by the National Catholic Children's Choir Festival, the National Catholic Handbell Festival, Music Education Days and Hispanic Ministry Days.
In about 1967, at approximately the zenith of the 'sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll' fetish/subculture, the National Ass'n for Pastoral Musicians succumbed to the Zeitgeist and was taken over by the usual suspects (although some of them continued wearing Roman collars whenever they were attacking the Roman Catholic Church--an affectation continued to this very day by Richard McBrien of Notre Dame.)
In any case, NAPM was quietly and justifiably derided by Catholic musicians still capable of rational thought--by a slight adjustment to the pronunciation of the acronym "NAPM." We referred to it as "NAPALM."
The Nietschze-ian ("transvaluation of all values") hegemony of NAPALM's leadership held sway until approximately 5-6 years ago, when it became painfully obvious that Art had left the NAPALM-infested shores and took refuge someplace else--as it turned out, in a Spanish monestary which made a small fortune by recording and SELLING!!! a CD of (gasp!) Gregorian Chant!!!
Early reports from our sources who have been treated to "Hispanic Ministry" brainwashing "workshops" are extremely pessimistic. It is reliably reported that one of the speakers at the Milwaukee "Hispanic Ministry" conference told the gathering that "....we're always late for [Mass]....don't worry, it's part of our culture to be late..." With that as prelude, one can hardly wait for the NAPM-sponsored HM revelations at the Convention.
The "Music Education Days" portion promises to be interesting. We'll take bets on whether the NAPM speakers mention such concepts as the definition of Musica Sacra and how it should 'glorify God' and 'lift the minds and hearts of the Faithful to God' --that "minds" part has been particularly troublesome for the past, oh, 40 years--or whether there will be a discussion of the iron-quadrangle nexus necessary for worship: 1) sacred space; 2) sacred time; 3) sacred language; and 4) sacred ritual, accompanied by music comporting with the definition above.
There are quite a few educators who firmly believe that such concepts can be grasped by children, especially children between the ages of 12 and 18. By no co-incidence, these are children who have grown out of the Fred Rogers/Sesame Street phase. Unfortunately, NAPM's endorsements and thrust has been oriented towards exactly the Sesame Street musical standards for many, many years. The cynic might conclude that NAPM leadership's grasp of the Art of music is firmest at that level--not beyond.
This should be interesting.
Pastoral musicians group to convene June 27 to July 1 in Milwaukee:
Nearly 4,000 people from across the nation are expected to gather in Milwaukee to sing, pray, and network during the 28th annual Convention of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians from June 27 to July 1 at the Midwest Airlines Center. The association's mission statement says it is "primarily composed of musicians, musician-liturgists, clergy, and other leaders of prayer devoted to serving the life and mission of the Church through fostering the art of musical liturgy in Catholic worshipping communities." The convention will be preceded by the National Catholic Children's Choir Festival, the National Catholic Handbell Festival, Music Education Days and Hispanic Ministry Days.
In about 1967, at approximately the zenith of the 'sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll' fetish/subculture, the National Ass'n for Pastoral Musicians succumbed to the Zeitgeist and was taken over by the usual suspects (although some of them continued wearing Roman collars whenever they were attacking the Roman Catholic Church--an affectation continued to this very day by Richard McBrien of Notre Dame.)
In any case, NAPM was quietly and justifiably derided by Catholic musicians still capable of rational thought--by a slight adjustment to the pronunciation of the acronym "NAPM." We referred to it as "NAPALM."
The Nietschze-ian ("transvaluation of all values") hegemony of NAPALM's leadership held sway until approximately 5-6 years ago, when it became painfully obvious that Art had left the NAPALM-infested shores and took refuge someplace else--as it turned out, in a Spanish monestary which made a small fortune by recording and SELLING!!! a CD of (gasp!) Gregorian Chant!!!
Early reports from our sources who have been treated to "Hispanic Ministry" brainwashing "workshops" are extremely pessimistic. It is reliably reported that one of the speakers at the Milwaukee "Hispanic Ministry" conference told the gathering that "....we're always late for [Mass]....don't worry, it's part of our culture to be late..." With that as prelude, one can hardly wait for the NAPM-sponsored HM revelations at the Convention.
The "Music Education Days" portion promises to be interesting. We'll take bets on whether the NAPM speakers mention such concepts as the definition of Musica Sacra and how it should 'glorify God' and 'lift the minds and hearts of the Faithful to God' --that "minds" part has been particularly troublesome for the past, oh, 40 years--or whether there will be a discussion of the iron-quadrangle nexus necessary for worship: 1) sacred space; 2) sacred time; 3) sacred language; and 4) sacred ritual, accompanied by music comporting with the definition above.
There are quite a few educators who firmly believe that such concepts can be grasped by children, especially children between the ages of 12 and 18. By no co-incidence, these are children who have grown out of the Fred Rogers/Sesame Street phase. Unfortunately, NAPM's endorsements and thrust has been oriented towards exactly the Sesame Street musical standards for many, many years. The cynic might conclude that NAPM leadership's grasp of the Art of music is firmest at that level--not beyond.
This should be interesting.
Capitalizing China, Part Two
A bit more insight on the CAFTA/NAFTA/WTO/MFN situation from an ex-Congressional staffer (Republican), now engaged in the fight to save small manufacturing through US Business and Industry Council:
The Pentagon’s annual report on China’s military modernization (largely financed by its trade surplus and the transfer of technology from America and Europe) was supposed to be released in March, but has been delayed as the State Department and other agencies try to water it down. The U.S. Treasury refuses to officially declare that Beijing is manipulating its currency, as that would mandate serious negotiations. The Commerce Department opposes challenging China at the World Trade Organization. On May 27, the U.S. Trade Representative rejected a petition by 12 Senators and 18 House members to launch a formal trade investigation into the impact of Chinese currency practices.
President Bush came into office correctly calling China a “strategic competitor.” But then President Clinton had also come into office concerned about China, but changed his tune under corporate pressure. As former Clinton Commerce official Jeffrey Garten wrote of this transformation [The Big Ten: The Big Emerging Markets, 1997], “I saw no issue which raised more concern and emotion in the business community....not only were business leaders totally united, with no nuanced differences that I could see, but they were passionate in arguing that the United States was heading down a dangerous road in confronting China.”
Their motive was not really what was best for the country, however, but only what was dangerous for their business interests. As Garten noted, “Many of the Fortune 100 had placed large bets on China.” In the real world of geopolitics, betting on China means betting against the United States. Not only have factories and jobs been outsourced to China in recent years, public policy making has also been outsourced to private interests who think they can profit from building Chinese power, without regard for the larger consequences to American security. This is an outrage that should shock every American who trusts that government officials will uphold their oaths, do their jobs, and put their country first. Until the White House regains control and recasts priorities in their proper order, its arguments on trade policy are not going to be credible. One of the main reasons that CAFTA is in legislative trouble is that so many members of Congress are tired of a decade of rosy scenarios about “free trade” and globalization that have turned into a black hole of rising deficits, closing factories, and declining job opportunities.
http://www.americaneconomicalert.org/view_art.asp?Prod_ID=1966
The Pentagon’s annual report on China’s military modernization (largely financed by its trade surplus and the transfer of technology from America and Europe) was supposed to be released in March, but has been delayed as the State Department and other agencies try to water it down. The U.S. Treasury refuses to officially declare that Beijing is manipulating its currency, as that would mandate serious negotiations. The Commerce Department opposes challenging China at the World Trade Organization. On May 27, the U.S. Trade Representative rejected a petition by 12 Senators and 18 House members to launch a formal trade investigation into the impact of Chinese currency practices.
President Bush came into office correctly calling China a “strategic competitor.” But then President Clinton had also come into office concerned about China, but changed his tune under corporate pressure. As former Clinton Commerce official Jeffrey Garten wrote of this transformation [The Big Ten: The Big Emerging Markets, 1997], “I saw no issue which raised more concern and emotion in the business community....not only were business leaders totally united, with no nuanced differences that I could see, but they were passionate in arguing that the United States was heading down a dangerous road in confronting China.”
Their motive was not really what was best for the country, however, but only what was dangerous for their business interests. As Garten noted, “Many of the Fortune 100 had placed large bets on China.” In the real world of geopolitics, betting on China means betting against the United States. Not only have factories and jobs been outsourced to China in recent years, public policy making has also been outsourced to private interests who think they can profit from building Chinese power, without regard for the larger consequences to American security. This is an outrage that should shock every American who trusts that government officials will uphold their oaths, do their jobs, and put their country first. Until the White House regains control and recasts priorities in their proper order, its arguments on trade policy are not going to be credible. One of the main reasons that CAFTA is in legislative trouble is that so many members of Congress are tired of a decade of rosy scenarios about “free trade” and globalization that have turned into a black hole of rising deficits, closing factories, and declining job opportunities.
http://www.americaneconomicalert.org/view_art.asp?Prod_ID=1966
Friday, June 10, 2005
Say "Cheese" and Die, Bug!!
Ah, those Brits--they've got something here:
A FUNGUS similar to cheese mould could become a valuable weapon in the fight against malaria, scientists report today.
British research has revealed that a common fungus can reduce malarial transmission by 98 per cent in the laboratory, by killing the mosquitoes that pass the parasite on.
The findings, from a team at the University of Edinburgh and Imperial College, London, suggest that spraying living quarters with the fungus, which is harmless to humans, could help to prevent infection with a disease that kills up to 2.7 million people a year.
A second study, in Tanzania, has indicated that the fungus is likely to be a practical method of malaria control in the field. (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0%2C%2C2-1647983%2C00.html)
DDT, of course, kills the pests BEFORE they bite. But no amount of scientific evidence shall interfere with the ban on DDT.
A FUNGUS similar to cheese mould could become a valuable weapon in the fight against malaria, scientists report today.
British research has revealed that a common fungus can reduce malarial transmission by 98 per cent in the laboratory, by killing the mosquitoes that pass the parasite on.
The findings, from a team at the University of Edinburgh and Imperial College, London, suggest that spraying living quarters with the fungus, which is harmless to humans, could help to prevent infection with a disease that kills up to 2.7 million people a year.
A second study, in Tanzania, has indicated that the fungus is likely to be a practical method of malaria control in the field. (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0%2C%2C2-1647983%2C00.html)
DDT, of course, kills the pests BEFORE they bite. But no amount of scientific evidence shall interfere with the ban on DDT.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Can China Be "Capitalized?"
While the People's Republic of China, by its own design, has become a hotbed of manufacturing, exporting a wide range of goods, it has also been actively building an armory which is impressive--if not for its numerical size, at least for its wide range.
Suzanne Fields is certainly not the first person to write about this phenomenon, but she has clearly distilled some of the discussion here: http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20050608-093559-7151r.htm
Some excerpts:
...We've been lulled into thinking the Chinese brand of "free markets" will move that country toward democracy. Maybe someday, eventually, it will. But free markets must be accompanied by personal freedoms and representative government, and that isn't happening. In fact, there are disturbing signs of a military build-up and deception about it at the highest levels of the Chinese government today. ...
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld went to Singapore...and noted that China's military budget ranks behind only that of the United States and Russia. "Since no nation threatens China, one must wonder," he said. "Why these continuing large and expanding arms purchases?"
This was new from an administration that until now criticized, mildly, China's human-rights violations... But it's the Chinese armory that concerns the defense secretary. "I just look at the significant rollout of ballistic missiles opposite Taiwan, and I have to ask the question: 'If everyone agrees the question of Taiwan is going to be settled in a peaceful way, why this increase in ballistic missiles opposite Taiwan?' " Newly purchased submarines, fighter jets, assault ships and missiles not only pose a threat to Taiwan, but to the United States if we honor our treaty commitments to go to the aid of our old friends there.
Friends, China is paying for these dangerous toys with US dollars.
There are quite a few heated discussions on the Internet regarding trade policies. The ones that I find persuasive are those which link China's willingness to use its vast population as an economic weapon--I repeat, weapon--in tandem with China's willingness to purchase (and/or steal) sophisticated military weapons.
China has never derogated its policy-position naming the United States as its "main enemy."
Finally, someone in Washington is paying attention.
Suzanne Fields is certainly not the first person to write about this phenomenon, but she has clearly distilled some of the discussion here: http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20050608-093559-7151r.htm
Some excerpts:
...We've been lulled into thinking the Chinese brand of "free markets" will move that country toward democracy. Maybe someday, eventually, it will. But free markets must be accompanied by personal freedoms and representative government, and that isn't happening. In fact, there are disturbing signs of a military build-up and deception about it at the highest levels of the Chinese government today. ...
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld went to Singapore...and noted that China's military budget ranks behind only that of the United States and Russia. "Since no nation threatens China, one must wonder," he said. "Why these continuing large and expanding arms purchases?"
This was new from an administration that until now criticized, mildly, China's human-rights violations... But it's the Chinese armory that concerns the defense secretary. "I just look at the significant rollout of ballistic missiles opposite Taiwan, and I have to ask the question: 'If everyone agrees the question of Taiwan is going to be settled in a peaceful way, why this increase in ballistic missiles opposite Taiwan?' " Newly purchased submarines, fighter jets, assault ships and missiles not only pose a threat to Taiwan, but to the United States if we honor our treaty commitments to go to the aid of our old friends there.
Friends, China is paying for these dangerous toys with US dollars.
There are quite a few heated discussions on the Internet regarding trade policies. The ones that I find persuasive are those which link China's willingness to use its vast population as an economic weapon--I repeat, weapon--in tandem with China's willingness to purchase (and/or steal) sophisticated military weapons.
China has never derogated its policy-position naming the United States as its "main enemy."
Finally, someone in Washington is paying attention.
Fun With Statistics
The US Department of Labor has a cute little "Inflation Calculator" which allows entry of a wage (or price) from a historic year; hit the "calculate" button and you have the 2005 inflation-adjusted equivalent. It's available in the upper-left-hand section of this page: http://stats.bls.gov/
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards publishes a historical table of total-compensation for teachers (unweighted statewide) going back to the 1984/5 school year. Convenient, eh?
So take the 1984/5 total average compensation for teachers in 1984/5 and divide it by 2,080 to come up with an hourly wage. Enter the hourly wage in the calculator, and (presto!) hit 'calculate.'
You don't need me to tell you that Wisconsin teachers have done VERY well during the last 20 years. But I will, anyway: the inflation calculator tells us that the current number should be $51,022.
WEAC has managed to surpass that goal, with the current payout at $67,231. That's 31.7% AHEAD of inflation during the 20-year period.
The Wisconsin Association of School Boards publishes a historical table of total-compensation for teachers (unweighted statewide) going back to the 1984/5 school year. Convenient, eh?
So take the 1984/5 total average compensation for teachers in 1984/5 and divide it by 2,080 to come up with an hourly wage. Enter the hourly wage in the calculator, and (presto!) hit 'calculate.'
You don't need me to tell you that Wisconsin teachers have done VERY well during the last 20 years. But I will, anyway: the inflation calculator tells us that the current number should be $51,022.
WEAC has managed to surpass that goal, with the current payout at $67,231. That's 31.7% AHEAD of inflation during the 20-year period.
Insight of the Quarter
Sykes, writing in the Isthmus:
For too many legislators, politics is no longer about principle. Rather, it’s become a naked competition for clout among interests seeking to use the power of government to their advantage.
Were this trek into the Servile State limited only to Madistan, we'd be grateful. But Eisenhower mentioned the "military-industrial complex" a few years ago, and there's good reason to believe that our Wisconsin legis-wonks are merely a shadow of the Washington "Me-First" game-players.
For too many legislators, politics is no longer about principle. Rather, it’s become a naked competition for clout among interests seeking to use the power of government to their advantage.
Were this trek into the Servile State limited only to Madistan, we'd be grateful. But Eisenhower mentioned the "military-industrial complex" a few years ago, and there's good reason to believe that our Wisconsin legis-wonks are merely a shadow of the Washington "Me-First" game-players.
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