Hee hee.

"Every day, more than 1,000 people - 380,000 in 2003 - are caught watching television without a license. "

Doesn't it seem a bit disingenuous, in the face of recent disclosures by drug companies that their FDA-approved products are actually not so safe, to claim that drug importation is unfeasable because drugs from Canada aren't regulated by the FDA? Personally, I think I'm more inclined to trust Canada's regulatory agencies than our own. (Washingtonpost.com, NYTimes.com)

Compassionate conservatism in action.

There is finally an organized, vocal group of people, former military lawyers, actively opposing Gonzalez's nomination as Attorney General. Their opposition, not surprisingly, is based on his apparent acceptance of torture in interrogation proceedings, and his dismissal of international law. This is important and good.

Unfortunately, they are already murmuring about their lack of power and possible willingness to just let it go in the face of such seemingly strong support of Gonzalez. According to the NY Times:

Mr. Hutson said talks with other retired senior military officials had not yet
produced a decision on how to oppose the selection, though testifying at the
hearings was a possibility. He said that while several opposed the nomination,
some were unsure if opposition would be "worth the effort" because of little
expectation the nomination could be derailed.

The point of a confirmation hearing is to get all the evidence, all the information, in order to make an informed decision about an appointment. If everyone has already made up his mind before hand, what's the point of even having them in the first place? Evidence should be presented, if it exists, and opinions should be given. Then, let the cards fall where they may. But to say that opposition isn't even "worth the effort"? Lame.

Can anyone explain to me what this is supposed to mean?

In introducing Leavitt in the Roosevelt Room of the White House yesterday, Bush
made no mention of the Kerik debacle, which was unusual for an administration
known for its discipline...

(Baker and Connolly in the Washington Post)

I've been awfully silent lately; that's because I've actually had work to do at work, and hence, not so much time for pontificating needlessly on the internet. Ahh well. I'll be back someday soon. Being useful at work probably won't last long. Sigh.

And just for kicks, here's my sweet and touching essay on the holiday season: "Merry Christmas, I Fucked Your Snowman."

This is not a good time to be a woman. Despite the fact a majority of people in this country still support abortion rights, the Senate seemingly does not.

And in the ridiculous legislation file today: The Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act. Which would require women who want abortions after the 20 week mark to be informed that the fetus can feel pain, and be offered pain relievers. For the fetus. I'm not kidding.

Dark days, getting darker.

Wow. It's stuff like this that makes me want to stop paying taxes, Thoreau style. I never cease to be shocked by how ignorant people can be, but what's frightening is that our government is paying stupid people to ensure that high school students end up equally stupid. Sweet.