THE HOUSE OF BUSH IS UNRAVELING!

As I peruse the newspapers this bright, springtime Sunday morning, it is quite apparent that President Bush, his administration, his plans for a better world, his plans for a better America are all kind of unraveling.

If his gamble on Iraq would have only paid off, everything would be different for him, the country and the world. But was his gamble a fool’s gamble? The men that convinced him that this is a “slam dunk” plan that cannot fail are all deserting him and the plan. Where is that arrogant, cocky Rumsfeld – not so cocky anymore?

To sell the plan to the nation and the world, Bush and his cohorts had to, for lack of a better term, lie. They played the ole’ “the means justify the end” card. Now that the “end” is not even in sight and things are going from bad to worse, the “means” are starting to look pretty bad.

The American people, who bought all that Bush threw at them are starting to sober up. They see that they have been duped. Duped into believing that the invasion of Iraq was necessary, that it was part of the war on terror, and that it had something to do with 9/11 – all lies.

As Iraq sinks deeper into civil war all our troops can do is sit back and watch. Hundreds of Iraqis are killed every day. No one is safe. No one is in charge. There is no law or order. Crazy Saddam just laughs and asks, are you better off now?

Afghanistan, the country where al-Qaeda and Bin-laden launched their 9/11 attack on the United States, still hides the terrorists, still allows them to operate and train new recruits for the war on America. The Taliban there is actually growing stronger, organizing to once again take over the country.

Iran is working to build an atom bomb. They need one to protect themselves against the new American Crusaders. Who can blame them?

Have we lost our way? Have we lost what made us great, what made us respected, admired, envied and feared? No, I think we have strayed a little and we need to get our house in order and get back on the American road we are all familiar with.

I think President Bush hurt this country more than anyone can imagine. He invaded a country under false pretenses; he lied to us and the world and his lies, our lies, are now exposed. This is not the American way. We defend ourselves, we defend the defenseless but we do not invade a sovereign nation as part of a grand plan to change the world order. That is something Hitler did.

In the first Gulf War we came to the defense of Kuwait which was brutally attacked by Iraq. We had every right to invade Iraq and topple the man that invaded Kuwait – but we didn’t. I know that the first President Bush regrets that, especially now that he sees what a mess his son is in.

A pre-emptive military strike option is a valid option in today’s world. Rogue countries need to fear that option. That option acts like a deterrent. Defenders of the Iraq invasion point to Libya and how we scared it into behaving. I agree that the Iraq invasion did have that affect but I am not sure it was worth losing all those American soldiers to just scare some people. It could have been done a different way.

President Bush’s actions also increased our vulnerability to harm by allowing, no helping, the terrorists of the world unite and grow stronger. Iraq now is the home of terrorism. This is where they train and get more deadly with each passing day. They now have more recruits, including suicide bombers, than they know what to do with. In the past, Iraq was al-Qaeda free. We could have isolated and destroyed al-Qaeda when they were in Afghanistan. But we did not and we will pay for that.

President Bush hurt this country as far as his overseas adventures are concerned but he also hurt this country internally. He divided us. In the end we may unite again but in opposition to him and his un-American ways.

He divided us by bringing religion into government, something our Founding Fathers warned us against and something this country has dealt with throughout its history with success; why mess with success? Does he have a grand plan to change the country into a Christian nation because his God told him to?

He divided us by taking HIS religious values and trying to make them ours. His values are on full display as his lies and deceits are revealed one after another.

He divided us by taking the law into his own hands. He justified breaking the law because of unusual circumstances, state of war, etc. but we are a republic which means a nation governed by the rule of law. I agree that desperate times sometimes call for desperate measures but the way our laws were disregarded borders on the arrogant and the dictatorial; it could have been done in a better way.

President Bush’s approval ratings are now down below 30% which means most of the country is no longer buying his spin or outright lies. But I do not blame the man. I think he was mislead or he aloud himself to be misled. He probably meant well.

President Bush’s Republican cohorts are running as fast and as far away from him as possible; deserting a sinking ship because now it is everybody for himself.

Will the nation now flock to the Democrats; maybe but not necessarily. The Democrats are not united and have no plan but some will say they at least ain’t no Republicans.

Hilary Clinton does not have a chance but McCain does and he is the uniter this country needs; he is an American first and foremost and then a Republican. I hope he is up to the task because it will be quite a task.


Janusz

MY HEALTHCARE PLAN IN ACTION?

I have talked about how to fix our health care dilemma many times before. My suggestions appeared to fall on death ears or they were just not understood. I feel that in this state of Michigan, with a large auto industry and even larger unions, everybody was waiting for the federal government to create a universal coverage health plan where the taxpayers would pay for everybody, even those that did not pay taxes. In this way, the auto companies would save billions and billions of dollars and turn them into profits while the taxpayer would have just another tax to pay.

Now Massachusetts (see below), passed a healthcare bill that will create UNIVERSAL COVERAGE without the federal government creating another huge, inefficient bureaucracy. Please remember the systems in Canada, UK and elsewhere (socialized medicine) do not work!

Anyway, my idea was to mandate health coverage, just like auto insurance but offering many plans that would be affordable. This, in theory, would eliminate the uninsured that drain the system and cause others to be overcharged for medical care just to pay for the uninsured and there are a LOT of uninsured who need LOTS of medical care.

My plan envisioned the elderly being covered by MEDICARE. The poor being covered by MEDICAID and workers covered by their employers who would get generous tax breaks for providing health care coverage for their employees. Who does that leave?

Well, it leaves workers that do not have health insurance provided by their employers, students and others that I cannot think of at this time. In my plan, they would be offered very affordable insurance based on their ability to pay and their age (young, healthy people would pay the least). In that way the cost of providing health care to the uninsured would not impact our costs which now are artificially high to cover the uninsured costs.

Governor Mitt Romney and the people of Massachusetts have enacted a similar plan based on the same principle of eliminating the uninsured. I don’t mean executing them but providing them with health insurance.

They would penalize employers of 10 or more that do not provide health insurance by making them pay into a fund that would provide low cost insurance to the uninsured. They would also penalize people who can afford insurance but do not buy any. These people would be assessed a special tax that would also go into the uninsured pool. People buying their own insurance could do so with pre-tax dollars; another incentive.

In my plan, I would jail people without insurance or write them a ticket, just like people without auto insurance but I suppose the Massachusetts plan is more doable.

Anyway, I am going out on a limb here because a state will actually try the plan I have been screaming about for so long. Now the proof will be in the pudding. Let us see if I will be forced to eat my own words.

GO MASSACHUSETTS!!!

Janusz

HEALTH CARE SOLUTIONS!

Thursday, April 06, 2006


To:     The Detroit Free Press
Re:     “Mass. Legislators OK health care bill”, April 5.

The idea of controlling health costs by making health insurance mandatory but affordable has been proposed many times but Michigan ignored it. I suppose the auto companies were waiting for the federal government (read taxpayers) to pick up the tab.

Now Massachusetts, in a bi-partisan effort, passed a universal coverage law without a federal government takeover, “Mass. Legislators OK health care bill”, April 5.

Massachusetts had the gumption to quit whining and actually do something about rising health care costs. Let’s see if Michigan can do likewise.


Janusz M Szyszko

THE FRENCH ARE OUT OF HAND!

Can you believe that the little French twits are actually rioting over the fact that if they are under 26 they can be fired for no reason (read my blog below)?

These morons are actually burning, looting, etc. I am more inclined to believe that the situation is similar to riots here; there is a legitimate spark that starts the protest but then the basic hooligans take over when they see a chance to rob stores under the guise of a protest.

Shoot a couple of them and see how quickly they go home.


Janusz

THE POOR, POOR FRENCH WORKER!

Have you heard about the rioting in France? Do you know what they are rioting about? The people have also called for nationwide strikes to bring France to a standstill. Wow, what can bring on such determination, such passion?

What has got the French worker in a tizzy is a new law that will allow businesses in France to let go (fire) any worker less than 26 years of age without any real reason; maybe just because he or she is not working out.

You see historically, in France you cannot really fire anyone without a huge process. In many cases, businesses keep non-performing workers in their positions than risk the process of getting rid of them. Sounds like our Civil Service.

The reason for this law, according to the French government, is to get businesses to hire more young people. Unemployment in the less than 26 age group is quite large. Businesses do not want to take a chance on the young IF THEY CANNOT GET RID OF THEM if they turn out to be unproductive twits. They usually wait till workers are older and more mature, responsible and all that jazz.

So the French are rioting and striking to preserve their historic right to employment without having to worry about being let go. Remember we are ONLY talking about workers below the age of 26.

DO YOU FEEL SORRY FOR THEM NOW?


Janusz

THE IMMIGRATION QUESTION?

My, my, the immigration question has really heated up lately. The politicians (all of them) are really confused as to what to do. They are divided because their constituency is divided.

Some call for amnesty, others want them outa here. We are talking about 14 million people so it is not just a silly little matter.

Here, in Michigan, most of the landscaping and lawn maintenance work is performed by Mexicans. For that matter, many construction jobs are also performed by Mexicans. Fruit growers in the North could not survive without Mexican labor.

Many of those workers are seasonal, spending the winter in Mexico and coming up here in the spring. Are they legal – I dunno. Should they be – probably?

The 14 million we are talking about are not seasonal; they are here to stay.

Let us look at some facts here. First and foremost, they are illegal so they do not pay taxes. I’m not saying they make a lot of money so would pay a lot in taxes, but 14 million people could account for some sizable tax money.

They do not pay taxes but probably use our services like police, fire, health, etc. They use those services for free or at our expense.

So from just the tax side, it would be beneficial for all of us if they became registered citizens.

So what are the issues that so divide this country.

The business sector says, let them stay. Many businesses rely on Mexican labor. Make them become citizens and that is that.

Others say, they are illegal, make them leave and come in legally – fat chance.

Senators McCain and Kennedy say they should all pay a fine for never paying taxes, learn English and become citizens.

Still others say, give them all amnesty and let them stay legally.

Reality tells us that 14 million people would never be rounded up and deported, not in 100 years.

We all agree that it would be better if they were registered and enrolled in citizen training. To do that, they must be found or they must be made to register. How do we do that?

One proposed law would punish heavily, employers of illegals. To work legally in this country one needs to have proof of citizenship or a Green Card. If really enforced, it could do the job.

Am I suggesting a NATIONAL ID CARD? Wow, that’s so like Big Brother it is downright scary but hey, got a better idea?

Our borders are a joke, read sieve. Should they be tightened – absolutely! Build a wall? Maybe or come up with a better idea.

Once no more are coming in illegally make the illegals already here legal by registering them.

Sounds simple – let us see what happens in the coming weeks.


Janusz

CHRISTIAN PEACE ACTIVISTS IN IRAQ?

Recently, several CHRISTIAN PEACE ACTIVISTS in Iraq were rescued by British soldiers. These so called activists were being held hostage by presumably some “insurgent” group. One of the activists in the group was executed some time ago.

What I want to know is who in the hell are these activists and what the hell are they doing in Iraq.

My wife says that they just want to help the Iraqis and help the peace process. I say fuck that; they are just Christians trying to convert some Muslims.

Insane? – Yes, but there are certain Christian sects that view proselytizing as a requirement of their faith and a means of getting to heaven and they view Iraq as a fertile converting place.

I am sorry, but we have a war in Iraq and if soldiers have to risk their lives to rescue some stupid ass Christians that do not know any better than to stay home, then I think we have a problem here.

The Muslims already see this war as a CRUSADER INVASION. Remember the Crusades? These were expeditions by Christian armies to save the Holy Land. History now tells us that these were marauding Europeans that wanted to claim some land for themselves. They justified slaughtering thousands of Muslim dogs because the Pope told them it was OK.

Are you starting to see the connection?

So when these Christian Activists start flooding into the war zone to help themselves to some heathens, the Muslims see crusaders – and why not!

President Bush could issue an order prohibiting travel to Iraq for people that do not have a valid reason but he won’t. He actually likes the idea of converting the heathens to Christianity – maybe that was his intent from the beginning.


Janusz

DEATH FOR SWITCHING RELIGIONS!

In news from Afghanistan comes a case of a man that has converted to Christianity and now, unfortunately, must be put to death because that is the law.

The overlooked facts of the story involve an Afghanistan that has lived in Germany for many years and now is involved in some kind of custody case. The fact that he has become a Christian many years ago was incidental to the case but obviously has become THE case.

The U.S. approved the Afghanistan constitution and didn’t see the clause that requires the death penalty when a citizen rejects Islam?

The clerics in Afghanistan said “Rejecting Islam is insulting God…we will not allow God to be humiliated…”

Now I am not picking on the Muslims, this applies to all religious people that are too full of themselves, but who in the hell are you to protect your God from humiliation. If he is really God, shouldn’t He get pissed off at being humiliated?

Why doesn’t he throw some lightening bolts at this infidel? Why doesn’t He do something – anything! Because He can’t – he is just an invention of someone’s mind and the clerics know that. They can only keep their power by putting to death anyone that challenges their invention and they have been doing this for centuries.

If Afghanistan wants to call itself a Democracy, they cannot govern themselves by Muslin Law (Sharia). They need to write another constitution or admit that they are a theocracy and that is that (like Iran).

President Bush will have to realize that democracy is not for everyone and will not work everywhere. That is too bad but alas true.

Janusz

A MOVIE FOR OUR TIMES - V

I just saw the movie “V for Vendetta” and I have to highly recommend it! The movie made by the Wachowski brothers and starring Natalie Portman is well written, well acted and well filmed – it was brilliant!

I must warn you that it is a thriller with a big political statement; a statement that is very relative to the times we live in – perfect timing.

The action takes place in Great Britain in the near future where a leader, in a response to terrorism, takes away the population’s civil liberties. An individual in a Guy Fawkes mask tries to save the country from this evil dictator.

Guy Fawkes is a British subject that tried to blow up Parliament in 1605. That fact has been celebrated in England ever since (November 5th) by shooting off fireworks and burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes (traitor) in a large bonfire.

I am not going to give away the whole story but it sure resembles our own predicament. The message is strong and deep and oh so relevant.

I will discuss the movie more when more people have seen it – GO SEE IT!

WWII VS INVASION OF IRAQ?

Sunday, March 12, 2006


To: The Detroit News
Re: “What happened to unity in times of war?”, March 10.



Barrett Kalellis’s piece “What happened to unity in times of war?” March 10, shows that President Bush’s spin on the invasion of Iraq has worked on some Americans.

World War II veterans in my family were incensed that Mr. Kalellis dared to compare their war to the current military debacle. They gave their lives to protect this country, a country that was savagely attacked. The invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, terrorism or Al Qaeda, it was a plan hatched by a neoconservative group to change the world order – some members of that group are now publicly stating they were wrong. Mr. Kalellis owes WWII vets an apology.


Janusz M Szyszko

ANTI-GAY BIBLE THUMPERS

Sunday, March 12, 2006


To:     The Detroit Free Press
Re:     “Dear anti-gay Bible literalist: Turn the page on your outrage”, March 12.


The piece by Leonard Pitts, Jr., “Dear anti-gay Bible literalist: Turn the page on your outrage”, March 12 sent a much needed message to those Christians that justify their homophobia through the Bible.

I would also like to point out that recent scientific studies of women that gave birth to multiple homosexual sons have discovered specific gene formations that differ from those of mothers that have heterosexual sons. These studies add more proof to the belief that homosexuals are born that way and not simply choose the gay life. If that is the case, then homosexuals are natural creations of God just like heterosexuals and deserve to be treated as such.


Janusz M Szyszko

THE CANTON TRUSTEE SAGA

Wednesday, March 08, 2006


This is a story about a local matter. The location is Canton Township in the state of Michigan. The township is run by a supervisor and a board of trustees. This is about one of the trustees.

He came to my attention a few years ago when he ran for a seat on the Board of Trustees. I noticed, because the campaign literature he sent to Canton homes had him dressed in a Marine uniform and using patriotism and his sacrifice for our freedoms shtick to get votes. I really hate that type of pandering and I voted for someone else but Canton voters bought into it and he got a seat on the board.

His name was in the paper constantly. He opposed about everything the Board suggested. It appeared he was a contrarian and a populist, again pandering to the people of Canton as someone who will stick up for the common man. His objections and antics became more bizarre as time went on and he was looked on as a basic pain in the ass that wasted people’s time more than doing anything constructive.

The one time I saw him at a Board meeting, he came in at the very end, made a commotion entering the room and then the meeting ended.

A few people tried to criticize his antics in the local paper but were attacked by what appeared to be his fan club or his gang of like minded individuals.

The final straw for me came when he announced he is re-enlisting in the Marines because someone has to protect and defend our country. The local paper carried his story big time and a local editor wrote a lengthy column questioning his support for the Iraq war but praising his dedication to our country; willing to put his life on the line to defend our freedoms when fewer and fewer are willing to do that anymore.

He was re-enlisting but he would not vacate his Board of Trustee seat; he wanted that waiting for him when he got back.

I saw his actions as a continuation of his use of patriotism and his uniform to gain publicity for future political campaigns and I said just that in a letter to the editor.

Predictably, his harpies came out in force lambasting me with every imaginable charge. I also received an email, anonymous of course, from some inbred moron who used the vilest language to malign me and my family as well as issue a threat. The writer had a problem with my ethnicity and my service in the Air Force as well as perceived leftward leanings. He called me an “eastern European hippy (sic)”. Since my hips are rather narrow, I think he meant hippie.

This type of polarization is quite the norm in this country as exemplified by my previous post of attacking the Colorado teacher that dared to suggest that Bush sounds a lot like Hitler did.

It reminds me of the Hans Christian Anderson tale of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” where two scoundrels convinced the emperor that the invisible clothes they would sell him could help him see who was pure of heart and spirit because only the pure of heart could see the clothes, people who could not see the clothes are just evil. In the story, everyone did not want to appear un-pure of heart or evil and praised the non-existent clothes. Finally an innocent child cried out that the emperor was naked.

My letter to the editor basically exposed what was quite obvious to some people; the Trustee was using the flag, his uniform and the war on Iraq to further his political goals – he had no clothes!

There were specific accusations that the Trustee defenders made against me that need answers.

One letter writer accused me of supporting Al Qaeda by my views. I don’t know if people practice selective ignorance or are blinded by the truth when it does not validate their views but HISTORICAL FACTS are now in and the invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with Al Qaeda or terrorism or the 9/11 attacks. The sad and sick irony is that the invasion of Iraq gave Al Qaeda a new home, many new members and renewed energy to harm Americans and anyone else they want. All these years Saddam Hussein kept Al Qaeda bottled up in Afghanistan by not allowing them access to Iraq. BUSH ACTUALLY HELPED AL QAEDA AND PLACED AMERICANS IN MORE DANGER THAN EVER BEFORE BY INVADING IRAQ AND DEPOSING SADDAM – thank you very much Mr. President.

Another writer basically called me a coward for enlisting in the Air Force instead of going to the Marines and the front lines. I don’t know if these people remember the 60s or the Vietnam War but many 18-19 year olds, like me, were being drafted and placed in the Army or Marines.

Some gave this some thought and quickly enlisted in the Air Force even though it meant serving an extra two (2) years in the service of our country. The reasons are simple, they wanted to learn a skill they could use after their military service, wanted the opportunity to attend school and did not want to be mere cannon fodder. They provided essential services to the war machine during Vietnam.

President Bush and Vice President Chaney had other priorities and did not give ANY TIME TO THE SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY DURING THE VIETNAM WAR. Please don’t bring up Bush’s National Guard duty; that is really a joke.

So these defenders of Bush and Chaney look aside at their lack of ANY military time but give me grief about my four (4) years in the United States Air Force – go figure.

Another letter writer made a point of stating that the Canton Trustee is going to Iraq to defend our freedoms. The War on Iraq was an invasion on our part; we were not defending diddly shit. Our freedoms are not at stake in Iraq. The only things at steak in Iraq are innocent American and Iraqi lives so please do not feed me that sack of shit.

Another accusation was that I may have a political agenda and that is why I am pointing out that the emperor has no clothes – no way.

People are always saying “Support the troops” and any criticism of the war is somehow “Not supporting the troops”. We have an all volunteer military so all the troops in Iraq are there because they signed up; it is their JOB. We support them by paying our taxes which in turn pays their salaries so WE ALL SUPPORT THE TROOPS so what the hell do people mean by “support our troops”?

Do the troops care if we support the war on Iraq? That is a different story. You may ask the troops IF THEY SUPPORT THE WAR ON IRAQ. Many reports say they do not and now we know that most Americans do not support it either.

I remember talking to my friend that has a teenage son and how he asked him about the war on Iraq. He stated that if the U.S. was attacked, he would be in the front of the line to join the military and defend our country. If the draft was reinstated right now and he was drafted to fight in the war on Iraq; he would go to Canada. You see, the war on Iraq has nothing to do with defending our country, it is Bush’s folly trying to democratize all Arab countries and probably Christianize them also – it is total bullshit and not worth one American life or Iraqi for that matter.

This whole Trustee episode does not put our country or citizens in a good light. Some appear no different then the Taliban morons or the cartoon protestors. The fact that they are fooled by a demagogue like this Canton Trustee is sad and I guess if he can use this power to his advantage then shame on us all.

Janusz

BUSH VS HITLER?

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

This morning’s news had an article about a teacher in Aurora, Colorado (family in Michigan) that compared President Bush to Adolph Hitler in his geography class. He actually said that Bush’s State of the Union speech was eerily similar to Hitler’s speeches; “Sounds a lot like what Hitler used to say…conquer the world and make people live the way we want them to live…”

A student in his class recorded the lecture; his conservative father sent it to a conservative radio program. The internet somehow got a hold of it too and then all hell broke loose along with threatening phone calls and emails to the teacher, student and related families. This is kind of similar to the Muslim reaction to political cartoons featuring the Prophet Mohammad.

I am not going to argue if the teacher’s remarks were appropriate for a geography class; it probably was not subject related. The teacher said he wanted to stimulate his students to think – again, in geography class? I can see why some parents would be upset but I was not in his class so I cannot really judge how appropriate his remarks were.

In general, most Americans do not know what Hitler ever said - period. They see old films with Hitler banging on a table and screaming. The impression is of a madman telling Germans to kill all non-Germans. But the German race is not stupid, in fact they are very smart so for Hitler to convince them to go to war he had to use some really good persuasive techniques.

He obviously convinced them that Germany was surrounded by enemies bent on destroying them and the only way for Germany to survive was to conquer those other nations and install German law and order and since Germans are the “Master Race” they are ordained by God to be rulers over lesser human beings.

WWII began when Hitler told his people that the Poles attacked Germany. Hitler had amassed a huge army and air force; the Poles still had horse cavalry and he tried to sell the fact that Poland attacked Germany. Well it worked.

President Bush convinced a nation that Saddam Hussein and Iraq were a danger to the United States. They had Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) which they were going to use on us. He also convinced us that Iraq and Hussein was somehow tied to Bin Laden and the Al Qaeda. We now know all this was false and a war of invasion was based of false pretenses.

Bush and Chaney’s neoconservative plan to change the world order (documented in the Wall Street Journal) included the democratization of Muslim nations so they could behave like us. I can see how the teacher could compare Bush to Hitler based on historic data – it is not a stretch.

American conservatives, just like the Muslims and their cartoons, reacted with blind emotion – how can you compare Bush to that evil monster Hitler who killed millions of people. Yes it is irreverent but very interesting.

Janusz

FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

Recently I wrote about free speech and the Muhammad cartoons published in Denmark. I mentioned that Muslims must realize that the West believes fervently in the principal of free speech and they need to learn that fact and accept it if they want to move forward out of their culture of ignorance and superstition; they need to be allowed to see the light of progress.

Then, Austria arrest and jails the British historian DAVID IRVING for denying that the HOLOCOUST is a historical reality. It appears there is a law in Austria that says people that deny the holocaust can be jailed – they waited till Irving arrived in Austria and they arrested, tried and jailed him.

I may disagree with Irving. I may think he is a nut case. I may think he is totally wrong about history BUT I have to respect his right to state his views!

This makes the whole West look bad and is totally unacceptable. I hope the governments of the West tell Austria to get a brain.


Janusz

IRAQI CIVIL WAR?

Some time ago, I expressed my views about the problems in Iraq and why Bush would have problems accomplishing his goal of democratizing Iraq and then the whole Middle East.

I mentioned that civil war was inevitable and lo and behold Iraq is on the brink of one.

Al Qaeda is very smart and knows how to get a civil war started in Iraq. Just a few days ago they blew up the holiest site of the Shiite Muslims who took their revenge by killing every Sunni they could find – Bingo! If the Kurds are smart they will just wait till both sides annihilate each other and then just take over the whole country.

You do understand that the United States is getting blamed for everything. The whole Arab world is blaming us; aren’t we in charge of security. How could we have let this happen? We cannot win here and that is what I was trying to say.

Look at Northern Ireland – those bozos are still killing each other and both sides are Christian; in Iraq, both sides are Muslim.

Bush is trying to change what took centuries to make – good luck!

One thing Bush may do that has never happened before; he may unite all the Muslims in their holy goal of once and for all, destroying the great Satan – USA. Here, Bin Laden would be the victor and probably elected god.


Janusz

DEATH PENALTY AND DISCOMFORT

Recently, an execution of a man who brutally raped, stabbed and strangled a young woman 20 years ago, was postponed because the governor of California wanted to make sure that the man being put to death for a heinous crime, does not suffer any pain or discomfort while being put to death by lethal injection.

The governor asked a doctor (Anesthesiologist) to monitor the administration of a sedative to the criminal and to attest that the sedative worked (no pain) before the lethal cocktail was injected. The doctor in the execution chamber refused citing professional conflict (Oath to save lives, etc……).

I agree with the doctor’s decision but I have trouble with the whole concept of sparing the criminal any discomfort or pain; if you are putting him to death (the ultimate discomfort) why should you worry about a little pain.

The eighth (8th) Amendment to our Constitution, based on the English Bill of Rights (1689), prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment”. OK, I can see that but the interpretation of cruel and unusual has me baffled.

First, let me say that I have always agreed with the death penalty for deserving crimes. My views have been somewhat tempered by the fact that many men on death row were shown to be innocent by DNA technology. I have also been convinced that federal, state, county, etc. prosecutors do not give a shit if someone is guilty or innocent. Cases have shown where prosecutors as well as police officials have lied and framed innocent people JUST TO GET A CONVICTION AND CLOSE THE CASE. The more cases closed, the sooner they can run for governor.

The reality of our legal system should sober everyone up as to the reality of the death penalty – we should be ABSOLUTELY, 100% SURE OF A PERSON’S GUILT. I do not know if we are at that point yet.

There are cases where the state is 100% sure of a person’s guild. The California case is just such a case.

I feel that trying to prevent ANY DISCOMFORT before killing someone has entered the absurd state. Shooting someone in the back of the head would spare the person any and all discomfort – death would be instantaneous – why don’t we do that?.

I guess my problem here is not the method of execution but the caring for the welfare of the crime perpetrator. he obviously did not care about the discomfort of his victim or the discomfort (forever) of the victim’s family. Why in the hell should he be afforded such consideration? Let me know.

Janusz

SHIPPING PORTS' SECURITY & ARABS

This is probably quite a shock to some people but I actually agree with BUSH on allowing an UNITED ARAB EMIRATES’ company manage a number of U.S. shipping ports – GASP! The ports in question are currently managed by a BRITISH company. The British company, Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, London is being bought by Dubai Ports World, U.A.E.

I will admit, the Bush administration really screwed this issue up and that is why it is SUCH A BIG DEAL to everyone – both parties. Bush did not know about this, it was approved by his department heads without letting Congress or anyone else know about this – as is their usual modus operandi. They really needed to SELL /EXPLAIN this beforehand since it is such a sensitive security issue. It may be too late for them to pull this off and even Bush’s threatened veto may be overridden – he has NEVER used a veto.

United Arab Emirates is a country my company has dealt with in the past. It is small, Arab and has always supported the U.S. They also invest a lot in this country. They would assume “management” of the port facilities. The security of the ports is handled by American agencies like the Port Authority, Coast Guard, Customs Department, local police authorities, etc. The workers are also American since the Longshoreman’s Union controls the labor part (for better or worst). The management could have some UAE workers but the president of the company is British.

Anyway, the big brouhaha is about national security. Everybody that is opposed to the deal see the management company sneaking in nuclear or biological weapons – this is bullshit.

Number one, they are not in charge of port security. They are not in charge of inspecting cargo – we are and we are doing a rotten job of it. Any jackass could sneak anything they want into this country because we HAVE NO REAL PORT SECURITY.

In my mind, Dubai Ports World would do a better job at managing these ports because now it has something to prove to Americans.

Scrapping this already approved “business” deal would send a bad message – Americans think all Arabs are bad and we are really paranoid (stupid).

I can understand the concern and I hope cooler minds will prevail once they have heard the facts and are convinced this has NOTHING TO DO WITH NATIONAL SECURITY but…………………

If this becomes a POLITICAL ISSUE and Democrats see a chance to attack Bush and Republicans see a chance to distance themselves’ from Bush to improve their chances at the next elections, then logic and reason will take a back seat and political reasoning will take over. If this happens I feel the United States will be worst of for it and we really could use some positive happenings.

The Bush administration could have handled this differently (even though they followed established law and protocol). Maybe new laws will be enacted setting requirements for the prior involvement of Congress or something (even though that may not be wise) but in this age of insecurity and Arab phobia, it would probably be helpful.

Janusz

LOCATION OF ABORTION CLINICS

Tuesday, February 21, 2006


To:     The Detroit News
Re:     “Stop racial profiling of abortion clinics”, Feb. 21


In answer to James Teela’s article “Stop racial profiling of abortion clinics”, Feb. 21, a majority of abortion clinics are located in areas populated by African-Americans because that is where the demand is. It is as simple as that.


Janusz M Szyszko

CARTOONS AND SACRED SYMBOLS

Saturday, February 11, 2006


To:     The Detroit News
Re:     “Stop making fun of sacred symbols”, Feb.11



Imam Mohammad Ali Elahi calls the Danish cartoons of Muhammad irresponsible, unethical and unacceptable. I call the violent reaction of some Muslims to those cartoons as uncivilized and also unacceptable.

For too long, so called leaders of Muslim nations have kept their populations mired in poverty and ignorance so as to better control them. The violent over-reactions to mere satiric cartoons shows us that the chasm between our cultures is very wide and will continue to widen unless Muslims, worldwide, are allowed the opportunities available to the rest of us to improve their lot in life.


Janusz M Szyszko

DRUG WAR CANNOT BE WON!

Friday, February 10, 2006


To:     The Detroit Free Press
Re:     “Change hard at coca farms”, Feb. 10



John Walters, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy says his strategy to eradicate drug production in Colombia is working, “Change hard at coca farms”, Feb. 10.

He sites an increase in the U.S. street price of cocaine as evidence that supplies of the drug have contracted and that fact will somehow save lives.

Does he realize that increasing the street price of cocaine will just force addicts to rob more people and houses and in so doing, kill or maim more of the populace, to cover the increase? Does Mr. Walters think that addicts stop using drugs when the price goes up?

Mr. Walters would save lives in the U.S. and the preserve the livelihood of Columbians by just admitting that the war on drugs cannot be won and only by decriminalizing drugs will the public good be served.


Janusz M Szyszko

MUHAMMAD CARTOON REVISITED.

Friday, February 10, 2006


To:     The Detroit News
Re:     Caricature controversy


Having now learned that the Koran does not expressly forbid images of Mohammad and that images of Muhammad are routinely found in the Muslim world, the violent reactions of Muslims to the Danish cartoon of Muhammad are even more ludicrous and reprehensible.

Muslim passions were inflamed by people seeking political gain. The fact that Muslims can be so easily manipulated by unscrupulous, so-called leaders is unfortunate and will be problematic as the cultures interact.


Janusz M Szyszko

IRAN AND THE BOMB!

Iran is a big country. It has a storied history. After being taken over by Ayatollah Khomeini and his clerics and turned into a theocracy the country and its people appeared doomed. We kept hearing about how the people of Iran suffer under such harsh rules and yearn for freedom and Western ways.

Moderate politicians started to make headway against the clerics’ rule and we all thought that the country was on the verge of a renaissance but then the clerics tightened their grip, arresting and killing those that showed any signs of progressive actions or even thought.

The clerics drew up a list of names the people could vote for. All the people on the list obviously supported the rule of the clerics.

The people of Iran supposedly elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, a real religious nut case that has proven, by his words and actions, to be a threat not only to his own people but to the world at large.

Now he wants to build nuclear weapons. He said that he wants nuclear technology for peaceful purposes like energy production even though Iran has enough oil to energize their country basically forever.

No one believes him and now the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency voted to refer the Iran case to the U.N. Security Council because it is now a security issue.

Now there are countries that have atom bombs and make people nervous like North Korea, Pakistan and India and Pakistan was actually caught selling nuclear technology to Iran but the thought of Iran, in the hands of the current nuts, with an atom bomb is very scary. Most countries are scared and voted to do something BUT NOT Cuba, Syria and Venezuela.

I think Iran should be offered a nuclear reactor for energy production if they quit all nuclear testing and ambitions and agree to inspections by the U.N.

But we know they really want an atom bomb to protect themselves from a BUSH attack – who can blame them!

So, we (United Nations) need to take whatever action(s) that will keep Iran from developing a nuclear bomb!

Janusz

PALESTINIANS VOTED FOR HAMAS - WHY?

Sunday, February 05, 2006


To: The Detroit News
Re: “Palestinians failed democracy, not the other way around”, Feb. 5



Although I have no reason to disagree with Nolan Finley, “Palestinians failed democracy, not the other way around”, Feb. 5, I would like to think the Palestinians voted for change, plain and simple.

The Palestinians could have voted for Yasser Arafat’s Fatah Party, the bloated, corrupt party, in power for decades with nothing to show for it or give someone else a chance.

We can always hope that Hamas, now finally in power, will realize that their old terrorist ways have to be abandoned if they really want to help their people. I think many Palestinians voted the way they did with this in mind.


Janusz

CARTOONS OFFENSIVE TO MUSLIMS

Saturday, February 04, 2006

To:     The Detroit Free Press
Re:     “Muslim leaders urge restraint over offensive cartoons”, Feb. 4


It appears that freedom of speech and expression should only go so far for some area Muslims, “Muslim leaders urge restraint over offensive cartoons”, Feb. 4.

In our culture, we may vehemently disagree with someone’s ideas but we will defend his or her right to express them.

I think some Americans need to become more sensitive to what offends others especially people of different cultures. On the other hand, Muslim Americans need to realize that freedom of speech and expression is a right that cannot be constrained to please any one group of people.


Janusz

CARTOON OF MUHAMMAD CAUSES A STIR!

Well, well now. We have ourselves a real brouhaha going on.

It appears a Danish newspaper published a cartoon of Muhammad, the founder of Islam and it was not flattering. It seems, according to the Koran that the image of Muhammad cannot be drawn, sculpted, painted, etc…………………….. This rule is for a very good reason, the prophet did not want his image to be venerated or prayed to. Catholics pray to, kiss and slobber over wood, steel, ceramic, etc. images of anybody considered holy by the Church.

History has seen a number of “iconoclastic” periods where certain religions and religious sects tried to end the use of icons (religious images of people) in worship. Some of these periods were quite violent so you see it is or can be a volatile subject, even today. See how bare some Protestant churches are compared to Catholic and Orthodox churches?

So the whole idea of religious icons, pro or con, has been around for many, many years. So what the hell happened this time!

Well it appears that Muslims have interpreted the Koran / Quran as to say that all images of Muhammad are forbidden and anyone making an image is to be put to death or something like that. This, it appears, applies to everyone in the whole wide world and not only to Muslims.

The Quran also says that images of other prophets mentioned in the Book cannot be made. These include Jesus, Abraham, Virgin Mary, etc. It appears that is OK since we have many, many Christian images around and the Muslims don’t seem to mind.

Muslims say that to produce an image of Muhammad is an insult to them and their religion. This does not mean only insulting images like the Danish one but ANY image, no matter how nicely done. Remember Salmund Rushdi and the “Satanic Verses”?

I am all for respecting people’s religions and their religious practices. I think any one creating a religious image to insult certain peoples or their religions, because of a religious or ethnic bias should be criticized and newspapers should know better than to print such trash.

On the other hand, freedom of expression and opinion are fundamental rights in our culture. We may not agree with certain people and their opinions and expressions but we will surely defend their right to their opinions and expressions. The French newspapers that reprinted the offensive cartoon did so only to stress their freedom of expression, inflaming the matter even more.

I remember an art exhibit in New York many years ago that had a crucifix with Christ, sitting in a jar of urine. Now that image had everybody up in arms with total disgust but that so called, work of art is now in text books on art as an expression of one artist’s ideas. No one called for his death or rioted in the streets of New York.

I see this as a clash of cultures. Our Western culture is all about freedom, no matter how disgusting. Muslims of the Middle East have been isolated from our culture and taught that our culture and anything connected with it, is evil – this is unfortunate. I blame their religious leaders, politicians and academics; they keep them ignorant to better control them.

I don’t see an easy solution to this problem. The West will not give up freedom of expression; no way. We can become a little more sensitive to other peoples but that is a maybe. Muslim religious leaders need to open the window and let some light into the darkness of their minds and traditions.

Muhammad was only a prophet; not a God. He was human and made mistakes. Unfortunately he represents Muslims and what easier way to make a political statement about Muslims than a Muhammad cartoon.

Janusz

BUSH'S STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Listening to Bush speak last night I thought that the next morning pundits and normal Americans would characterize his speech as a bunch of lies, total bullshit, clever spin or the words of a great leader.

Those that pay attention to what goes on in the U.S. and the world, realize that President Bush, at this time, has no real options. He knows he has fucked up big time, but what do you want him to do, ask for forgiveness? No, he has to put a very positive spin on his message and make sure Americans believe him and history will bear him out to be a master spinner or master bullshitter (actually it is not him but his buddy Karl Rove that puts words in his mouth).

Just look at state of the union under Bush. He has not stopped terrorism; he can’t even catch a bunch of Arabs hiding in caves. His inability to take care of Al Qaeda means that this nation is in greater danger than it has ever been before. The 9-11 Commission has stated that nothing has changed since 9-11. The cops still cannot communicate with each other or different departments (fire department), our borders are a joke; in other words, Bush has done nothing to improve our safety except waste billions on the Homeland Security Department which has proven to be totally incompetent.

The Katrina mess showed more of Bush’s incompetence to handle our safety and welfare and he had the gall to stand at the podium and praise himself for doing such a good job.

Iraq is just making us look stupid as hell. Our soldiers continue to die every day. Our soldiers continue to be severely maimed every day. Iraqis die by the hundreds every month. The insurgents get stronger every day. The country will break into civil war any day now and HE wants us to stay the course – WHAT FUCKING COURSE!

He wants to attack Iran and Syria but he does not have enough soldiers. I bet he could convince the American public to support attacking those countries though.

He is fighting AIDS by giving billions to “faith based” agencies, read Churches. They will pocket the money, build mansions and buy limos and lecture people to abstain from sex or doing drugs and they will not get AIDS – they will not tell them to wear condoms because that is a form of abortion.

Bush is spending 7 BILLION in Iraq each and every month. He has asked for more. During his speech he told the nation that he has cut wasteful spending (in non security areas) a whole bunch; he stole from the needy to fund his war and enrich his corporate (Halliburton) friends.

History though, may see Bush is a different light. Yes, he is lying but to him the end justifies the means and his end is the salvation of the entire world and what could be better than that! Only history will tell if he has succeeded or not.

Just think about it, what sane person would go to war for no real reason except that it gives him a chance to introduce democracy into the Middle East and maybe change the course of history.

Is he a madman or a mad genius? I think he sees himself as a Christian Prophet on a mission to change the world order by hook or by crook. One think is certain; he is getting his way for better or worse.

Janusz