Monday, October 31, 2005
Philadelphia Union, Helping or Hurting Economy?
The Philadelphia Transit union folks are on strike. This is effecting 920,000 rides per weekday per the article. If a person goes to a destination, then at the end of the day the get home probably using the Transit system again. This number could probably be divided in half. About 460,000 people are advsersley effected by the strike.
Per the AP article, the president of the local union stated the following, justifying the order to strike;
"Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 have not had a raise since December 2003. SEPTA is the fifth-largest transit agency in the country but workers' wages rank 20th, according to TWU president Jeff Brooks."
Is Jeff Brooks suggesting the fifth largest transit agency should be ranked fifth in wages? If the previous was truly the relationship (wage relative to transit membership size), then I as a union member would find out, "Which city has the largest transit authority? They must pay the most!"
Union leaders also rejected a 9 percent pay increase over three years... "They did offer the raise with one hand and then withdrew it with the other hand," Bedard (TWU spokesman) said. "Under their health care proposal, if you or your spouse or kid ended up having to go to the hospital for five days, you'd spend your whole raise."
The union currently pays 0% of their health care premium. They are being asked to pay for 5% under the new contract. The argument by Bedard above appears purely emotional. If MoreThanCorn spends 5 days in the hospital, the amount spent would erase much of his last raise as well. The raise is a "free 5 days in the hospital" from the employer. But if no one goes to the hospital, the union member gets to pocket it. It still sounds like a raise to me. Everyone has to spend something when they go to the hospital...except the poorest of our nation and illegal immigrants.
On the TWU Local 234 website in Philadelphia, one can read; union President, Jeff Brooks had recently been appointed to PA Transportation Funding and Reform Commission. President Brooks is quoted as saying, “The Commission provides an historic opportunity to make a positive impact for the environment, the economy and in the daily lives of the millions of people who depend on public transit to get to work, to attend school, to shop and to worship."
Tomorrow morning, TWU local 234 members will not be at work, or on the picketting line. The rest of the "Commonwealth" will be walking or finding a ride to work.
Per the AP article, the president of the local union stated the following, justifying the order to strike;
"Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 have not had a raise since December 2003. SEPTA is the fifth-largest transit agency in the country but workers' wages rank 20th, according to TWU president Jeff Brooks."
Is Jeff Brooks suggesting the fifth largest transit agency should be ranked fifth in wages? If the previous was truly the relationship (wage relative to transit membership size), then I as a union member would find out, "Which city has the largest transit authority? They must pay the most!"
Union leaders also rejected a 9 percent pay increase over three years... "They did offer the raise with one hand and then withdrew it with the other hand," Bedard (TWU spokesman) said. "Under their health care proposal, if you or your spouse or kid ended up having to go to the hospital for five days, you'd spend your whole raise."
The union currently pays 0% of their health care premium. They are being asked to pay for 5% under the new contract. The argument by Bedard above appears purely emotional. If MoreThanCorn spends 5 days in the hospital, the amount spent would erase much of his last raise as well. The raise is a "free 5 days in the hospital" from the employer. But if no one goes to the hospital, the union member gets to pocket it. It still sounds like a raise to me. Everyone has to spend something when they go to the hospital...except the poorest of our nation and illegal immigrants.
On the TWU Local 234 website in Philadelphia, one can read; union President, Jeff Brooks had recently been appointed to PA Transportation Funding and Reform Commission. President Brooks is quoted as saying, “The Commission provides an historic opportunity to make a positive impact for the environment, the economy and in the daily lives of the millions of people who depend on public transit to get to work, to attend school, to shop and to worship."
Tomorrow morning, TWU local 234 members will not be at work, or on the picketting line. The rest of the "Commonwealth" will be walking or finding a ride to work.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
The Importance of Being News
The announcement the Iraq Consitution passed by more then 3/4 of the Iraqi public who voted, is a landmark by many standards. Over 9 million Iraqis showed up to cast their ballot. Over 3 to 1 in favor of the new Constitution.
First, by any election or voting standards, for 3/4 of the voting public to concur is nothing less then a landslide. It answers unequivocally what the "mainstream" of Iraq wants for themselves. It is safe to venture, for most of these 78% who voted for the new constitution, they are motivated by either or both; a) A free, democratic Iraq or b) Anything other then a Totalitarian Dictatorship.
Second, this could be a point where support for the Iraqi democracy and inseperable issue of the war on terror (being centrally waged in Iraq) could begin to flow in favor, after ebbing out of favor for so long.
First, by any election or voting standards, for 3/4 of the voting public to concur is nothing less then a landslide. It answers unequivocally what the "mainstream" of Iraq wants for themselves. It is safe to venture, for most of these 78% who voted for the new constitution, they are motivated by either or both; a) A free, democratic Iraq or b) Anything other then a Totalitarian Dictatorship.
Second, this could be a point where support for the Iraqi democracy and inseperable issue of the war on terror (being centrally waged in Iraq) could begin to flow in favor, after ebbing out of favor for so long.
Per a FoxNews article posted 10/25, the perennial supporters for both Iraq democracy and the war on terror, the US, UK and Italy have voiced their approval and support. Australia was not quoted.
"It's a landmark day in the history of Iraq," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
"We congratulate the Iraqi people. ... The political process is continuing to move forward in Iraq, and it is an encouraging sign to see more and more people participating in the process."
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Iraqis "have shown again their determination to defy the terrorists and take part in the democratic process."
Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini also welcomed the results, saying Italy would keep supporting the political process in the country.
Third, Afghanistan was the first country to choose democracy in a new "era" of democracies. Iraq is the second. The opposition to the Iraq war was overwhelming if strictly nation governments are counted. Counting rearward in time of wars past, all successful wars in which the US was central in the war effort, garnered strong support of US citizenry and of world nations. Vietnam was the only problem war. As US support waned, we pulled out.
The pessimism and, at best, lukewarm opinions (opposition) toward the war by countries such as Russia, Spain, France and Germany, may soon have little or no justification because of continued success in the new Iraq. After 8 million Iraqi ballets were cast for the intial Parliamentary elections and now a (9+ million) 78% voter approval of the constituion, it is apparent the citizens of Iraq are more determined to gain their own democracy then the insurgents are at impeding it.
Fourth, As the US started with the toppling of the brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein, and continued taking the war on terror to the middle east, the US and allies are making progress. It is apparent Al Queda and the "insurgents" no this as well. Bombs and body counts are focused on Iraqi citizenry more now then US soldiers. It may be 30 or 40 Iraqi citizens killed by the terrorists for every US soldier taken. The strategy of the terrorists have appeared to change. Their desperation is apparent.
Fifth, As the president may have encouraged in his second inagural address.; With the democratizing of both Afghanistan, Iraq this is encouraging a movement in the entire middle east for the young members of Muslim countries to call for more freedom. On the horizon we see a new democratic Palestine, possibly Syria and Iran, Eastern European.
The battle is still on for support for the war on terror and the spread of democracy. The biggest enemy may be hear at home, the American Media. Why? Because whomever shapes the support of the US public, has the wild card and maybe the most power.
CNN's top story on 10/25 was about the death of the 2000th soldier. No where to be found was a link for the voting outcome of the Iraqi referendum. This is why the 2000th soldier has died. For a cause. James Kinlow of Georgia.
There is little or no mention of the referendum passing in any of these articles;
10/25/2005
WashingtonPost.com, (2000th)
ABCNews.com a top story (2000th).
While Al Jazeera.com has articles which are eerily similar to articles read recently on CNN, MSNBC, ABC and CBS.
10/26/2005
ABC News.com story; (2001st)
USA Today; (2000th)
10/27/2005
NewsDay article; (2000th)
Village Voice; (2000th)
A list is also being kept of the articles which appear to be supportive Iraq democracy and War on Terror. The list is one. The author, may not be a suprise.
Michelle Malkin (2000th).
Thursday, October 13, 2005
"Zawahiri's Lament", from Wall Street Journal online
Opinion Journal posted an article today in Review & Outlook, "Zawahiri's Lament". Be sure to click to read Zawahiri's letter (possibly from Pakistan) to Zarquawai (in Iraq).
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Free Health Care
Finish what you are eating and have seat prior to reading this article. Subject; Russian and North Korean health care. Found the article care of HeyDudeWhoa who truly finds the most interesting articles.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Oil For Food - Another Arrest
Per the Foxnews article posted today, a French citizen, formerly Under Secretary General has been arrested by French Police in connection with possible Oil For Food issues.
George Washington Univ Student to Serve, Again
HeyDudeWhoa posted an article found about a student trying to graduate from college, however he has already served 2 tours in Iraq, maybe starting his 3rd. It appears the student has no qualms about going again. He is ready to serve because he believes in the cause.
Very inspiring story. Well written article by the GW Newspaper. The George Washington Hatchett. If this article is a representation of the paper, the writing and editting staff are some professional young folks. The GW Hatchett spares us the banality of large newspapers.
Very inspiring story. Well written article by the GW Newspaper. The George Washington Hatchett. If this article is a representation of the paper, the writing and editting staff are some professional young folks. The GW Hatchett spares us the banality of large newspapers.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Washington Post Op-Ed, Definately "Opinion"
Bill Bennett is quoted by many articles and pundit’s recently as saying, “You could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down.” This comment appears to be vial and immoral when read. However, it is the opinion of MoreThanCorn Bill Bennett has had his name tarnished by a few who have “selectively quoted” him. This one sentence by Former Education Secretary Bennett was preceded and followed by other dialogue between him and a caller. It may be important to read what was said, the entire dialogue, before making a judgement on Bill Bennett.
William Raspberry, Op-Ed Columnist for the Washington Post, wrote an article published today; A Better Cure Than Abortion Mr. Raspberry has earned the respect of MoreThanCorn with his past writing. As of the above article, Mr. Raspberry’s respect has taken a misstep and fell into libel with the article being published. He has not done his research on Bill Bennett’s statement. Without Mr. Bennett being readily available to retort, this could loosely be considered slanderous.
Will Raspberry should look no further then fellow Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist, Richard Cohen and the article he wrote on Oct 4, 05, This Is the Free-Speech Party? An important point Mr Cohen makes in paragraph 5 & 6;
[Bill Bennett] “Responding to a caller who argued that if abortion were outlawed the Social Security trust fund would benefit -- more people, more contributions, was the apparent (idiotic) reasoning -- Bennett said, sure, he understood what the fellow was saying. It was similar to the theory that the low crime rate of recent years was the consequence of high abortion rates: the fewer African American males born, the fewer crimes committed. (Young black males commit a disproportionate share of crime.) This theory has been around for some time. Bennett was not referring to anything new.
But he did add something very important: If implemented, the idea would be "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do."
MoreThanCorn summation; If those on the William Raspberry and Nancy Pelosi bandwagon would slow their rhetorical comments long enough to listen to the entire recording, they would both see the benefits of such constructive (and philosophical) arguments. Raspberry, Pelosi and others could focus their energies on debate on how to fix the true crime of Fatherless Black Children.
A footnote to William Raspberry and the Washington Post; your article is well written and enjoyable to read. Your ability to write and provoke thought is now tradition. Those who write well, provoke thought and have the medium for publishing their views also have a moral obligation to be objective and fair.
William Raspberry, Op-Ed Columnist for the Washington Post, wrote an article published today; A Better Cure Than Abortion Mr. Raspberry has earned the respect of MoreThanCorn with his past writing. As of the above article, Mr. Raspberry’s respect has taken a misstep and fell into libel with the article being published. He has not done his research on Bill Bennett’s statement. Without Mr. Bennett being readily available to retort, this could loosely be considered slanderous.
Will Raspberry should look no further then fellow Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist, Richard Cohen and the article he wrote on Oct 4, 05, This Is the Free-Speech Party? An important point Mr Cohen makes in paragraph 5 & 6;
[Bill Bennett] “Responding to a caller who argued that if abortion were outlawed the Social Security trust fund would benefit -- more people, more contributions, was the apparent (idiotic) reasoning -- Bennett said, sure, he understood what the fellow was saying. It was similar to the theory that the low crime rate of recent years was the consequence of high abortion rates: the fewer African American males born, the fewer crimes committed. (Young black males commit a disproportionate share of crime.) This theory has been around for some time. Bennett was not referring to anything new.
But he did add something very important: If implemented, the idea would be "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do."
MoreThanCorn summation; If those on the William Raspberry and Nancy Pelosi bandwagon would slow their rhetorical comments long enough to listen to the entire recording, they would both see the benefits of such constructive (and philosophical) arguments. Raspberry, Pelosi and others could focus their energies on debate on how to fix the true crime of Fatherless Black Children.
A footnote to William Raspberry and the Washington Post; your article is well written and enjoyable to read. Your ability to write and provoke thought is now tradition. Those who write well, provoke thought and have the medium for publishing their views also have a moral obligation to be objective and fair.
Friday, October 07, 2005
T-Shirt Lady
HeyDudeWhoa has an Oct 7 post worth reading on the subject of the Washington lady wearing her expletive intensive t-shirt on the airline; http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/10/06/D8D2NNROD.html.
Not only is she wearing a t-shirt with offensive language... justifying the wearing of the shirt by stating family are in Iraq fighting... but two of the key facts here are; 1) she is 32 years old and 2) a lumber salesman per the article.
Paint the picture of who this person may be; young, but old enough to be a professional. Is it safe to conclude since her husband was sitting with her on the flight, he condones his wife's behavior and fashion sense? For there 15 minutes of fame, I think they failed. My first impressions of these two people, also a failure.
Be sure to read the bottom of the article;
"McInnis said Southwest rules allow the airline to deny boarding to any passenger whose clothing is "lewd, obscene or patently offensive."
But Allen Lichtenstein, lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union in Las Vegas, said it "might be problematic" that the airline "changed rules in the middle of a flight.""
Mr Lichtenstein is suggesting the airline changed the rules in mid-flight. Apparently the ACLU would not have a problem with the airline, if upon realizing the lewd t-shirt made it past boarding, the stewards(ess'es) could have thrown a parachute on Lori Heasley and asked to her to get off the plane.
Her name is Lori Heasley. And she is proud to be an American.
Not only is she wearing a t-shirt with offensive language... justifying the wearing of the shirt by stating family are in Iraq fighting... but two of the key facts here are; 1) she is 32 years old and 2) a lumber salesman per the article.
Paint the picture of who this person may be; young, but old enough to be a professional. Is it safe to conclude since her husband was sitting with her on the flight, he condones his wife's behavior and fashion sense? For there 15 minutes of fame, I think they failed. My first impressions of these two people, also a failure.
Be sure to read the bottom of the article;
"McInnis said Southwest rules allow the airline to deny boarding to any passenger whose clothing is "lewd, obscene or patently offensive."
But Allen Lichtenstein, lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union in Las Vegas, said it "might be problematic" that the airline "changed rules in the middle of a flight.""
Mr Lichtenstein is suggesting the airline changed the rules in mid-flight. Apparently the ACLU would not have a problem with the airline, if upon realizing the lewd t-shirt made it past boarding, the stewards(ess'es) could have thrown a parachute on Lori Heasley and asked to her to get off the plane.
Her name is Lori Heasley. And she is proud to be an American.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Bill Bennett, Media & Kennedy Attempt to Destroy His Name
MoreThanCorn often listens to Bill Bennett’s “Morning in America”. While this show was not heard in person, I do no how very careful Mr Bennett is when discussing any issue which could flare up. He chooses his words carefully and simply speaks for academic thought.
Read the article;
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170840,00.html
There are quotes from the show. Decide for yourself. It appears to MorethanCorn, this was an honest dialogue with a caller, taken out of context and now is being used by Nanci Pelosi and others to make their civil rights stand, try to be seen as a racial hero, show America their caring and Bill Bennett’s uncaring.
This kind of attacking to make a political statement or to destroy the name of a great American is what is reprehensible. All this attacking will do, is lessen the opportunities for publicly debating tough issues. More people will not want to bring up issues for discourse for they are afraid of how their monologue will be taken. A shame.
Listen to his show yourself. He is on early. Mr Bennett has the MoreThanCorn support.
Read the article;
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170840,00.html
There are quotes from the show. Decide for yourself. It appears to MorethanCorn, this was an honest dialogue with a caller, taken out of context and now is being used by Nanci Pelosi and others to make their civil rights stand, try to be seen as a racial hero, show America their caring and Bill Bennett’s uncaring.
This kind of attacking to make a political statement or to destroy the name of a great American is what is reprehensible. All this attacking will do, is lessen the opportunities for publicly debating tough issues. More people will not want to bring up issues for discourse for they are afraid of how their monologue will be taken. A shame.
Listen to his show yourself. He is on early. Mr Bennett has the MoreThanCorn support.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Gay Support Should Come From Voters
Governor Swarzenegger vetoed today “California’s Gender-Neutral Same-Sex Marriage Bill (AB 849)”. http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/glrts/caab849.html
MoreThanCorn does support many gay causes. What is not acceptable is the use of the courts to move the agenda forward. The California Legislature introduced the bill with the following:
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act."
As MoreThanCorn has written regarding “changing minds”; As the older generations who are less inclusive, are replaced by younger generations, the anti-homosexual crowd will dwindle in numbers. Inclusion is a Christ like quality. As a man of faith it appears to MoreThanCorn there should not necessarily be acceptance of the life style, however acceptance of the person. One can disagree with a life style and still accept the individual.
Marriage is not a “State Institution” it is a religious institution supported by the state. MoreThanCorn, while not versed well in law, has the previous opinion. The Act proposed by
California made a couple points worth arguing against;
(c) In 1948, the California Supreme Court became the first state court in the country to strike down a law prohibiting interracial marriage. It was the only state supreme court to do so before the United States Supreme Court invalidated all those laws in 1967. The California Supreme Court held that "marriage is . . . something more than a civil contract subject to regulation by the state; it is a fundamental right of free men...Legislation infringing such rights must be based upon more than prejudice and must be free from oppressive discrimination to comply with the constitutional requirements of due process and equal protection of the laws" (Perez v. Sharp (1948) 32 Cal.2d 711, 714-15).
It appears to be inappropriate to compare a race based issue with a gay marriage subject. I would be offended if I were a man of color.
It was also troublesome to read the California Legislature decided it necessary to add to the bill, the decisions Canada has made with regard to gay marriage.
(e)…The highest courts in seven Canadian provinces have similarly ruled that marriage laws that discriminate in favor of different-sex couples to the exclusion of same-sex couples violate the rights of same-sex couples and cannot stand.
Does the California Legislature always look to other countries to justify there own opinions? The United States should have stopped making decisions based on laws from other countries after the late 1700’s. Many of our own laws have grown out of British Common law and there were adoptions of others for sure, however to continue this trend in 2005 would be a step rearward.
Now it appears from the article on Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170835,00.html) the decision will be made by either the voters in California or the California Supreme Court. I hope it is the voters who decide what to do with the future of marriage. Many like to throw around “equal opportunity” and “civil rights.” These phrases help describe what is fair. How fair would it be for the California voters to not have a decision in the definition of marriage? We shall see the side The Civil Liberties Union will take on this case. History shows support for judicial decisions.
MoreThanCorn does support many gay causes. What is not acceptable is the use of the courts to move the agenda forward. The California Legislature introduced the bill with the following:
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act."
As MoreThanCorn has written regarding “changing minds”; As the older generations who are less inclusive, are replaced by younger generations, the anti-homosexual crowd will dwindle in numbers. Inclusion is a Christ like quality. As a man of faith it appears to MoreThanCorn there should not necessarily be acceptance of the life style, however acceptance of the person. One can disagree with a life style and still accept the individual.
Marriage is not a “State Institution” it is a religious institution supported by the state. MoreThanCorn, while not versed well in law, has the previous opinion. The Act proposed by
California made a couple points worth arguing against;
(c) In 1948, the California Supreme Court became the first state court in the country to strike down a law prohibiting interracial marriage. It was the only state supreme court to do so before the United States Supreme Court invalidated all those laws in 1967. The California Supreme Court held that "marriage is . . . something more than a civil contract subject to regulation by the state; it is a fundamental right of free men...Legislation infringing such rights must be based upon more than prejudice and must be free from oppressive discrimination to comply with the constitutional requirements of due process and equal protection of the laws" (Perez v. Sharp (1948) 32 Cal.2d 711, 714-15).
It appears to be inappropriate to compare a race based issue with a gay marriage subject. I would be offended if I were a man of color.
It was also troublesome to read the California Legislature decided it necessary to add to the bill, the decisions Canada has made with regard to gay marriage.
(e)…The highest courts in seven Canadian provinces have similarly ruled that marriage laws that discriminate in favor of different-sex couples to the exclusion of same-sex couples violate the rights of same-sex couples and cannot stand.
Does the California Legislature always look to other countries to justify there own opinions? The United States should have stopped making decisions based on laws from other countries after the late 1700’s. Many of our own laws have grown out of British Common law and there were adoptions of others for sure, however to continue this trend in 2005 would be a step rearward.
Now it appears from the article on Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170835,00.html) the decision will be made by either the voters in California or the California Supreme Court. I hope it is the voters who decide what to do with the future of marriage. Many like to throw around “equal opportunity” and “civil rights.” These phrases help describe what is fair. How fair would it be for the California voters to not have a decision in the definition of marriage? We shall see the side The Civil Liberties Union will take on this case. History shows support for judicial decisions.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Media Overstatement of Katrina Disaster
Matt Drudge links an article from the LA Times today;
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-rumors27sep27,0,5492806,full.story?coll=la-home-headlines
I have been hearing more and more reports about the media and the mistatements of food supplies to body counts. The level of helplessness the media portrayed regarding those at the convention center and neighborhoods surround downtown New Orleans, may have contributed to the panic of millions of Houstonians for Rita.
These inaccuracies in reporting and what appears to be purposefully misleading statements appear to be motivated by a reporter wanting to get the biggest story and monumental footage.
Consider a situation;
Reporter Charlie works for a national affiliate for a national media company. He is sent out to cover the already hyped Katrina hurricane as it approaches the gulf coast. He is just south of the eye of the hurricane and getting pummelled by wind and rain. He issues a couple live reports showing the heavy winds and rain. Picture his wet face being buffetted by the winds and Charlie trying theatrically to both stay upright and hold his hood on his head.
Once the rain subsides he sees the aftermath of the hurricane in his area of the coast. It really is not very damaged. Branches and leaves from trees strewn everywhere. Some broken windows of a house and others have shingles missing (probably leaking water in the atticks). The is a low lying street just off the beach which is flooded up to the middle of car Ford Escort parked, left abandoned on the side of the empty street.
Yes, there is damage, however there is really only pretty standard information to report. Nothing absolutely rivetting or disastrous. Charlie probably feels pressure to get the breaking story and forward it to home base for broadcast. Charlie is faced with two choices. The first is to report everything how it is; some damage to homes, cars, trees, beach front... roads flooded, power out, and the city is empty. With this realistic picture of his assigned area, the storm did not cause a lot of relative damage compared to the hype prior to the storm hitting land. His reporting would be something like "This area faired pretty well. Damage is mainly what would be expected for a hurricane."
Or, the second is he could stand in the street which is flooded, with water up over his knees, show very close up footage of a large branch leaning against a house with part of the roof damaged, a front window blown out and someones dog roaming the streets wet and chilled. His reporting could be something like "Houses damaged, power out for unknown city blocks, trees felled, city streets are flooded and unnavigable." The two descriptions of the same scene are much different. Which of the reports would have been more likely to be aired by his employing affiliate or news company?
When you add pictures of corpses floating in water, a few leuters, and un-verified stories of rapes and robbings, killings and etc... occurring in the New Orleans Superdome, the picture can get very bleak, in hurry to the viewer. This hype could have easily spilled into Rita preparations by those in Texas.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-rumors27sep27,0,5492806,full.story?coll=la-home-headlines
I have been hearing more and more reports about the media and the mistatements of food supplies to body counts. The level of helplessness the media portrayed regarding those at the convention center and neighborhoods surround downtown New Orleans, may have contributed to the panic of millions of Houstonians for Rita.
These inaccuracies in reporting and what appears to be purposefully misleading statements appear to be motivated by a reporter wanting to get the biggest story and monumental footage.
Consider a situation;
Reporter Charlie works for a national affiliate for a national media company. He is sent out to cover the already hyped Katrina hurricane as it approaches the gulf coast. He is just south of the eye of the hurricane and getting pummelled by wind and rain. He issues a couple live reports showing the heavy winds and rain. Picture his wet face being buffetted by the winds and Charlie trying theatrically to both stay upright and hold his hood on his head.
Once the rain subsides he sees the aftermath of the hurricane in his area of the coast. It really is not very damaged. Branches and leaves from trees strewn everywhere. Some broken windows of a house and others have shingles missing (probably leaking water in the atticks). The is a low lying street just off the beach which is flooded up to the middle of car Ford Escort parked, left abandoned on the side of the empty street.
Yes, there is damage, however there is really only pretty standard information to report. Nothing absolutely rivetting or disastrous. Charlie probably feels pressure to get the breaking story and forward it to home base for broadcast. Charlie is faced with two choices. The first is to report everything how it is; some damage to homes, cars, trees, beach front... roads flooded, power out, and the city is empty. With this realistic picture of his assigned area, the storm did not cause a lot of relative damage compared to the hype prior to the storm hitting land. His reporting would be something like "This area faired pretty well. Damage is mainly what would be expected for a hurricane."
Or, the second is he could stand in the street which is flooded, with water up over his knees, show very close up footage of a large branch leaning against a house with part of the roof damaged, a front window blown out and someones dog roaming the streets wet and chilled. His reporting could be something like "Houses damaged, power out for unknown city blocks, trees felled, city streets are flooded and unnavigable." The two descriptions of the same scene are much different. Which of the reports would have been more likely to be aired by his employing affiliate or news company?
When you add pictures of corpses floating in water, a few leuters, and un-verified stories of rapes and robbings, killings and etc... occurring in the New Orleans Superdome, the picture can get very bleak, in hurry to the viewer. This hype could have easily spilled into Rita preparations by those in Texas.
Monday, September 26, 2005
The Poor & Single Mother
William Raspberry writes a brief article on some observations regarding the subject of poor, single moms.
"Poor Women's 'Magical Outlook'"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/26/AR2005092600294.html
"Poor Women's 'Magical Outlook'"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/26/AR2005092600294.html
Friday, September 23, 2005
Hamas and the Self Inflicted Casualty
Hamas is being faced with ramifications of "flaunting" homemade rockets at a rally in Gaza. The mishandling of the rockets has killed and wounded their own. The militant group who survives on the continued recruitment of impressionable Palestinian youth, has killed their own future members.
The most descriptive portion of the article is below. It shows the reader how counter productive the Hamas movement appears to be. Hamas really does not want peace. They only want to push Israel out of the Middle East and kill Jewish people.
Nearly 100 Casualties at Gaza Hamas Rally
Friday, September 23, 2005
Associated Press
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170237,00.html
The rally was held in the Jebaliya refugee camp, one of the last military-style parades before a ban on flaunting weapons in public — agreed to by all militant groups — takes effect Saturday evening.
Witnesses said participants, including children, crowded around the pickup truck just before the explosion. The witnesses said the truck carried two homemade rockets.
One man, who only gave his first name, Hussam, said he helped pull three men out of the pickup, two of them dead and one still alive. The side of the pickup was charred.
The witness said he saw five dead children nearby. Dozens more were wounded. The Hamas military wing, Izzedine al Qassam, is popular with youngsters and when the pickup with the gunmen arrived at the rally, many crowded around the vehicle.
Also read the op-ed piece by Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post regarding a similar topic; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/25/AR2005082501617.html
The most descriptive portion of the article is below. It shows the reader how counter productive the Hamas movement appears to be. Hamas really does not want peace. They only want to push Israel out of the Middle East and kill Jewish people.
Nearly 100 Casualties at Gaza Hamas Rally
Friday, September 23, 2005
Associated Press
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,170237,00.html
The rally was held in the Jebaliya refugee camp, one of the last military-style parades before a ban on flaunting weapons in public — agreed to by all militant groups — takes effect Saturday evening.
Witnesses said participants, including children, crowded around the pickup truck just before the explosion. The witnesses said the truck carried two homemade rockets.
One man, who only gave his first name, Hussam, said he helped pull three men out of the pickup, two of them dead and one still alive. The side of the pickup was charred.
The witness said he saw five dead children nearby. Dozens more were wounded. The Hamas military wing, Izzedine al Qassam, is popular with youngsters and when the pickup with the gunmen arrived at the rally, many crowded around the vehicle.
Also read the op-ed piece by Charles Krauthammer of the Washington Post regarding a similar topic; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/25/AR2005082501617.html
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
UN Corruption; More Found, Roots Growing Deeper
The following article posted by Fox News tells of the latest 2 corruption investigations of the UN at the home office in New York and branch offices/activities around the world.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168591,00.html
The UN has not been forced to account for the billions it receives from nations nor the money it spends. It has no overseeing body. The "world body" is looked upon by many nation's governments as the be all end all.
MoreThanCorn has a changing opinion. Once a supporter of Kofi Annan (through giving the benefit of the doubt), the number of cases showing corruption at the UN is becoming too great to give Annan the same benefit. Skepticism is growing and MoreThanCorn feels Annan's days are numbered. Also many top brass will be exiting the organization voluntarily or forceably.
The US appointed and confirmed John Bolton at the right time. He will be digging his feet in and learning. Bolton will be watching Paul Volker.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168591,00.html
The UN has not been forced to account for the billions it receives from nations nor the money it spends. It has no overseeing body. The "world body" is looked upon by many nation's governments as the be all end all.
MoreThanCorn has a changing opinion. Once a supporter of Kofi Annan (through giving the benefit of the doubt), the number of cases showing corruption at the UN is becoming too great to give Annan the same benefit. Skepticism is growing and MoreThanCorn feels Annan's days are numbered. Also many top brass will be exiting the organization voluntarily or forceably.
The US appointed and confirmed John Bolton at the right time. He will be digging his feet in and learning. Bolton will be watching Paul Volker.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Large Classes or Small Classes?
Below is the link to an article written by Richard Vedder, Professor of Economics, Ohio University;
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168107,00.html
The article asks the question if primary education was more like secondary education (if elementary and high schools were more like universities) would the education system improve?
He compares the numbers of students in high school classes (typically less then 30) with class sizes of Freshman in college (200+). He also makes other comparisons and then gives his opininos. He is supportive yet cautious of changes to the primary education to be more like a university or college.
When comparing class sizes and the benefit to student's learning. It is apparent those who made it to the university level of education were typically the students who a) worked harder b) were "made" for additional learning. It is reasonable to say some high school graduates are not cut out for a university education. This is where the Community Colleges and Vocational schools are playing a large role. The success rate of 200 valedictorians assembled in one classroom learning a great deal at a large lecture hall of 200 students is better then your average class of 30 students in high school where the schools valedictorian is present along with an average spread of 29 other students.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168107,00.html
The article asks the question if primary education was more like secondary education (if elementary and high schools were more like universities) would the education system improve?
He compares the numbers of students in high school classes (typically less then 30) with class sizes of Freshman in college (200+). He also makes other comparisons and then gives his opininos. He is supportive yet cautious of changes to the primary education to be more like a university or college.
When comparing class sizes and the benefit to student's learning. It is apparent those who made it to the university level of education were typically the students who a) worked harder b) were "made" for additional learning. It is reasonable to say some high school graduates are not cut out for a university education. This is where the Community Colleges and Vocational schools are playing a large role. The success rate of 200 valedictorians assembled in one classroom learning a great deal at a large lecture hall of 200 students is better then your average class of 30 students in high school where the schools valedictorian is present along with an average spread of 29 other students.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Katrina's Legacy Begins
CNN posted a concise yet detailed article covering both the words of the President for response to Katrina and what the latest details.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/31/katrina.impact/index.html
Prayers and more Prayers for our Gulf Coast residents.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/31/katrina.impact/index.html
Prayers and more Prayers for our Gulf Coast residents.
Friday, August 26, 2005
RU 486 News Again; The Morning After Abortion
Read the article below (highlighted) regarding the use of the Morning After pill. Then read the MorThanCorn opinion.
Study: 'Morning After' Pill Not Harmful to Fetus
Friday, August 26, 2005
WebMD
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,167163,00.html
Pregnancies that occur despite the use of emergency contraception that contains a progestin do not appear to be associated with any increased risk to mother or child, according to new research.
Although the number of women in the study was small, researchers found there was no apparent harm to the mother or developing fetus caused by using the emergency contraception -- known as the "morning after" pill -- in a failed attempt to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse.
Emergency contraception called Plan B consists of two 0.75-milligram doses of a progestin pill (levonorgestrel); each pill is taken 12 hours apart. A 1.5-milligram dose of levonorgestrel may also be taken in combination with an estrogen. The emergency contraception must be taken within three to five days of unprotected sex.
This form of emergency contraception is about 85 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and is believed to work in one of three ways: temporarily blocking eggs from being produced, preventing the formation of hormones within the ovaries that maintain a pregnancy, or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus.
A possible association between prepregnancy exposure to progestins and congenital abnormalities has been debated, they write. These abnormalities tend to arise from long-term use of levonorgestrel rather than short-term, low-dose preparations used in emergency contraception pills, they add.
Is this WebMD's attempt on putting the best possible face on failed attempts at terminating a life? Simply put, the article states 85% of the time, the 'Morning After' pill is successful at doing one of 3 things;
1) block the production of eggs
2) block hormones which maintain the life of the child
3) block the child from rooting into the uterus
If the pill is unsuccessful at one of the above three, then life continues.
With no medical background, it is still apparent to MoreThanCorn the second two options are ending the pregnancy by directly killing the child.
The pill is designed to at best keep a life from starting, at worst for ending a life.
Study: 'Morning After' Pill Not Harmful to Fetus
Friday, August 26, 2005
WebMD
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,167163,00.html
Pregnancies that occur despite the use of emergency contraception that contains a progestin do not appear to be associated with any increased risk to mother or child, according to new research.
Although the number of women in the study was small, researchers found there was no apparent harm to the mother or developing fetus caused by using the emergency contraception -- known as the "morning after" pill -- in a failed attempt to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse.
Emergency contraception called Plan B consists of two 0.75-milligram doses of a progestin pill (levonorgestrel); each pill is taken 12 hours apart. A 1.5-milligram dose of levonorgestrel may also be taken in combination with an estrogen. The emergency contraception must be taken within three to five days of unprotected sex.
This form of emergency contraception is about 85 percent effective at preventing pregnancy and is believed to work in one of three ways: temporarily blocking eggs from being produced, preventing the formation of hormones within the ovaries that maintain a pregnancy, or keeping a fertilized egg from becoming implanted in the uterus.
A possible association between prepregnancy exposure to progestins and congenital abnormalities has been debated, they write. These abnormalities tend to arise from long-term use of levonorgestrel rather than short-term, low-dose preparations used in emergency contraception pills, they add.
Is this WebMD's attempt on putting the best possible face on failed attempts at terminating a life? Simply put, the article states 85% of the time, the 'Morning After' pill is successful at doing one of 3 things;
1) block the production of eggs
2) block hormones which maintain the life of the child
3) block the child from rooting into the uterus
If the pill is unsuccessful at one of the above three, then life continues.
With no medical background, it is still apparent to MoreThanCorn the second two options are ending the pregnancy by directly killing the child.
The pill is designed to at best keep a life from starting, at worst for ending a life.
Friday, August 05, 2005
Prayer and More Prayer for Russian Submariners
A Russian submarine carrying 7 Russian sailors was tangled in a fishing net. The net snared the propellor making it inoperable according the CBS news online. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/05/world/main759853_page2.shtmlThere would typically be 3 days of extra oxygen on board with a typical crew of 3. For unknown reasons there are 7 onboard, dropping the oxygen supply to a day.
According to the reading of multiple articles, the one day clock probably started in early am on Friday, August 8 possibly 5 or 6am. The US Navy and the British are sending rescue vehicles and crew. The Russian Navy is apparently already there towing the vehicle to more shallow water so as to give the rescue attempts a higher chance of success.
In a situation where the oxygen levels are low I would think the crew are rightfully in a bit of a panic. I hope there is someone in communication with them at this time. If the crew could be calmed and asked to lie down or lay in their bunks this would drop the rate of the breathing. A savings of oxygen would be noticeable.
God's speed to the crew members.
According to the reading of multiple articles, the one day clock probably started in early am on Friday, August 8 possibly 5 or 6am. The US Navy and the British are sending rescue vehicles and crew. The Russian Navy is apparently already there towing the vehicle to more shallow water so as to give the rescue attempts a higher chance of success.
In a situation where the oxygen levels are low I would think the crew are rightfully in a bit of a panic. I hope there is someone in communication with them at this time. If the crew could be calmed and asked to lie down or lay in their bunks this would drop the rate of the breathing. A savings of oxygen would be noticeable.
God's speed to the crew members.
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