Yesterday it rained. Although Oregonians are known for our webbed feet, it was an unusually dry summer here in Portland, probably due to that climate change Republicans keep denying. It was thoroughly enjoyable for me, because the temperature at my desk reached only 75°, and the air smelled cool and fresh. I spent the day meditating on the wonders of the Ellipsoid Orb, dozing on and off. I’m current with replies. Tomorrow I have the chores I failed to get done last week.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 3:12 (average 4:29). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Religious Agony:
Short Takes:
From NY Times: Arizona, after almost a decade of sending monitors to classrooms across the state to check on teachers’ articulation, recently made a sharp about-face on the issue. A federal investigation of possible civil rights violations prompted the state to call off its accent police.
It’s about time someone threw a monkey wrench into Arizona Republicans’ hatred for Latinos.
From Reuters: French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s conservative government lost its majority in the Senate to the left on Sunday, officials said, in a historic defeat that deals him a blow just seven months before a presidential election.
For the first time since 1958, the right-dominated upper house swung to a left-wing majority as the body’s membership underwent a major generational change of guard.
I have commiserated with the people of France, Sarkozy weaseled his way into office, borrowing Republican lies. While this won’t stop his right-wing austerity agenda, perhaps it’s a harbinger of things to come in five months.
From The Toronto Star: A human rights group is urging the federal government to bring criminal charges against former U.S. vice-president Dick Cheney, accusing him of playing a role in the torture of detainees during the years of the Bush administration.
Cheney will be in Vancouver on Monday to promote his book In My Time: A Personal and Political Memoir, which outlines his views of the war on terror and other events during the administration of president George W. Bush.
I urge Canada to grant HRW’s request. Just because our government has reneged on following our obligation under the Convention Against Torture, that is no reason Canada should not follow through with this as required by their law. Canada would be doing the world a favor.
Cartoon:
12 Responses to “Open Thread–9/26/2011”
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4:50 Message to Cheney: Call ahead for a weather report and see if the have battery chargers in those prisons up there!
LOL!
Arizona — I’m glad they called off the accent police. The world is a big place with people of many cultures contributing. Arizona would have a tough time here with their practice because many of the students also have accents in addition to some of the teachers.
France — All austerity makes Nicholas a dull boy. The old adage that you have to spend money to make money often rings true. But the spending has to be wise, an investment in the people, in the economy and in the country.
Cheney — Oh I’d love to go downtown tomorrow and make a citizen’s arrest! This bilious piece of flotsam needs to be tried and convicted of violations of the Convention Against Torture. Canada signed 23/08/85 and ratified 22/06/87 so this is ‘on the books’ as a criminal offense. But I couldn’t find out what the potential penalties might be. I hope the government will have the integrity to do the right thing. The only problem, Cheney has deep pockets and connections — what kind of preferential treatment is he going to get? I hope none!
The Cartoon — Good one! Actually, I was thinking that Scary Perry looks like he has gas, and in the terms of the oil/gas industry, he’s having a blow-out. Bachmann looks like she is about to tell Perry he’s disgusting, and Romney looks like he is saying “Rick, you didn’t!”
So am I. Brewer would not have done so, were it not forced.
And not in billionaires.
Did you go?
LMAO!!
3:39
Would someone PLEASE arrest Cheney, GW and Rummy already!
Great pictures of the darling of the RepublicanT candidates!
Good time!
Amen!
Thanks!
If Obama chooses to allow a terrorist go free in America – I guess we can depend on Canada to clean up our sh*t!Thanks Canada – at least it’s a country with a conscience –
I hope they do, but doubt they will.
I think Sarkozy is a douche for wearing uppers in his shoes because his wife is taller than he is – What do you think?
I would LAMO off if Cheney got arrested for world crimes while in Canada.
Great cartoon.
Actually, I once dated a gal who was considerably taller than I. The fringe benefits were most luxurious!
Me too!
Thanks!
4:15 Too slow! I am 84 out of 269 (312).
Better day’s coming!