Politics
LisaNova does George Bush
This Article is Downright Frightening
Uhm, the title says it all. The following link is for an article describing secretive executive orders and laws Bush has signed very recently. It gives the executive branch expansive powers and tramples on our constitutional rights. Do we live in a police state?
Congratulations to the Dems
So it seems almost certain now that in addition to winning a majority in the House and turning over several governorships, the Democrats have also won a majority in the Senate. More specifically, there are 49 Democrats and 2 independents who’ve said they’d vote with Democrats.
American Election Hacker Testifies
Check out this video and come up with your own conclusions. American computer programmer Clinton Eugene Curtis is seen in this video testifying under oath in front of the U.S. House Judiciary Members in Ohio. Note this guy made sworn testimony in 2004 (after allegations of voter fraud in the 2004 presidential elections in Ohio) and he’s also passed a polygraph test. He testifies on how the software he developed for Congressman Tom Feeney can rig an election 51/49 to a specific side. I demand a recount. This issue continues to be ignored and swept under the rug - there aren’t enough protections in place for our voting system.
See the video:
911 Loose Change
This is a documentary using real video footage, actual documents, and interviews to analyze each event of 911 and show links between those events and the U.S. documents. You really have to watch this. The documentary makes a very convincing argument that all the “attacks” of 911 weren’t really what it seemed like. In fact, it argues that 911 was orchestrated by the government as a pretext for its currrent foreign policy and much increased executive power. It has very chilling implications.
Net Neutrality
Net Neutrality is a very important concept for anyone using the Internet or web-based services like VoIP phone service. Net Neutrality basically refers to the principle of letting users have equal access to any website or web service they want. Right now, companies like Verizon and AT&T, which own significant portions of the Internet network infrastructure, have been heavily lobbying Congress not to put Net Neutrality into law.
The Patriot Act Should Not Be Renewed
Man, I’m glad some politicians in the Senate have some balls and are doing the right thing without partisanship. The Patriot Act should not be renewed in its current form. Most people don’t even realize the kind of power the Patriot Act gives government agencies. Sure, they need some expanded abilities in order to gather intelligence and fight terrorism, but you should not give them such broad powers without some kind of oversight. Freedom in exchange for security? No, I don’t think so.
The Situation in New Orleans
First and foremost, everyone should do what they can to help:
I keep reading article after article about how the situation in New Orleans is degenerating and how the lawlessness is rampant i.e. people shooting at hospital evacuations. Seriously, what the heck is wrong with these people? There needs to be a serious crackdown on crime in the city - hopefully the increased troop deployments will help (better late than never).
Waiting for Fall Break
I am so tired. I had one prelim today and I have two tomorrow. I didn’t do so well on the 2 prelims I’ve already had. But it was like my way of “testing the waters” with the professors. Now I can adapt to their testing styles and hopefully do much better later on.
Fall Break starts this Saturday. A few buddies and I are going to Niagara Falls and Toronto; it’ll be my first time in Canada. Just us guys, no girlfriends are coming. Actually it’ll be my first time in a foreign country that isn’t Taiwan. And Canada isn’t even really a foreign country. The last time I was at Niagara Falls was when I was 5 yrs. old and I don’t remember a thing. It should be a good trip. Can’t wait.
P.S. Kerry won that debate. He was clear and confident, while Bush got noticeably uncomfortable and defensive. He also kept repeating the same things over and over and not really addressing the issue at hand. Many times he would be at a lost for words - those long pauses and uhhhhm’s were hilarious.
Remember to vote.