Yes, it is a known assumption, but recently, it has reached a new level. First, let's start with the "commuting" (pardoning) of former White House Aide Lewis Libby, otherwise known as "Scooter." Well, Lewis sure "scooted" his way out of this one, didn't he? A few weeks ago, President Bush decided to revoke Lewis sentence of 30 months in prison for the disclosure of a CIA operative, Valerie Plame. That might not seem like a big deal, but if you found out who a CIA operative was and leaked the information, you would not be coming back to the world. Nonetheless, his sentence did include an abysmal 30 months of prison time for a capital offense, and then the President just went "You know, he's a friend, and he shouldn't have to serve time in prison, because clearly the judge and the jury and everyone who decided to charge him with proven evidence, is wrong." That, is definitely possible. *sarcasm*
Second, we have the issue of the firings of the U.S. prosecutors. Harriet Miers is the latest person to be told not to disclose information about the activities after being subpoenaed by a federal grand jury. I find it ridiculous how our government's jurisdiction is now over that of the federal courts, judges, federal lawyers, etc. I swear, Bush is wreaking more and more havoc upon this country than ever before, it just usually goes unseen. Especially since the Scooter Libby decision was washed away with Paris Hilton; thank you, America!
Third: 3897 people (3610 American) deaths in Iraq - FOR NOTHING!
According to the latest report by our wonderful government, Al-Qaida "has rebuilt its operating capability to a level not seen since just before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks" according to the Associated Press.
Now, I'm sure it is more than 4000 dead if you include Afghanistan, but can you believe this!? We have been at war with terrorism for six years and now they have pretty much come to the conclusion that we haven't done anything to damper the influence and power of the world's largest network of terrorist groups. Now, I am, and never was, and advocate of this war, but the only upside to it could have been that we might have stopped some things from happening in the future. Instead, our efforts in the Middle East have done little or nothing, despite more than 3600 of our own being lost and spending more than $442 billion! That means, probably about 3300 families that have been torn apart and they will never be the same. Can you imagine if your family was hit with the death of a son or a cousin? Now multiply that by more than 3300. Those who say that we are winning the war are wrong and those who say that they still support the war are wrong. It is unbelieveable to think that families are being torn apart every day and people who could make a difference are dying every day. Exclude the American soldiers and look at all the Iraqi's, Israeli's, Palestinian's, Sri Lankan's, Colombians, Africans, and scores of other countrymen and women who are dying every day. Pitiful that we can allow this to continue happening.
Fourth: Hippies.
I really get quite angry when I hear about all these groups doing stupid things to spread their messages. For the most part, I agree with them, but I don't endorse some of the things they do in public.
Here's a message: Direct your messages to people in power, especially celebrities. People follow celebrities and people in power more than ordinary citizens. It is a matter of idolatry, that's how you get people on-board with your ideals.
Fifth: The American Industry - What's that?
"Chinese product scares prompt US fears"
"More products are being imported to the US from China than ever before - but a series of scares has left some wondering whether they are safe."
Thank you, BBC. We've all seen it, the increasing dominance of China in our world. If you don't believe me, look at where everything around you was made. I'll tell you what I have around me and where it was made:
iPod nano: China
TI-83 calculator: China
USB drive: China
Optical mouse: China
Batteries inside the mouse: U.S.A.
Kodak Z740 camera: China
Nokia phone: can't tell, but I'm hoping Finland.
Dell 2400: China
GE Phone: China
My keyboard (logitech) : China
Do I really need to go on? It is amazing how nearly everything that we take for granted is made in China. The main reason there are so many problems is because Chinese manufacturing is cheap. Why? Well, due to the fact that China wants to use its industry to gain leverage in the world, they have very poor industry standards, from employee benefits, to quality control standards, and that leads to cheap products - which we all buy.
We really need to have a resurgence of American made products, otherwise we are doomed to a completely symbiotic relationship with China and the rest of the world. My biggest issue is the American auto industry. We all know the brands, Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler, etc., but when you look at their products, they are either don't have as many affordable options as the Japanese, or don't have the standards of luxury opf the Europeans. In a way, we're aiming to be in-between, but we're behind in both aspects. American cars are cheaply made, not very reliable, slow, overpriced, and just generally suck.
If we reduce the intended profit margin that these companies have and raise tariffs on foreign companies, we could make American cars compete with the Japanese. Also, a good refresher of American cars is due. Recently I rode in a Dodge Avenger and it was a piece of crap. It did not have enough power, due to engineering a car too big for a 4 cylinder engine to handle, and a car that was over-designed, in a sense that there are things so unnecessary about it. One thing I have against modern vehicles is that they do nothing to reduce weight. Weight gives you better performance and improved fuel efficiency, with proven technology, and without alternative fuels. I'm a huge fan of alternative fuels, but why few companies choose to embrace lightweight materials and construction is beyond me, it is risk-free, and it benefits the car!
Think about this, if every American car was made lighter, smaller, and led the way with future technologies, we could be at the forefront of automotive innovation for years to come! We don't need a dash that has so much fucking plastic that you jave to search for the base of the windshield and we certainly don't need to waste money developing cars that do not work. That Dodge Avenger costs a little under $20,000 for a base model. Now, why would you pay that money for a car that is an absolute bluster? Save yourself some money, buy a Nissan Versa or a Toyota Yaris, and get more power and fuel efficiency, not to mention the more amenities you'll get in turn.
That's all for now!
No comments:
Post a Comment