Patterson Tries To Put An End To The Madness of The State Senate

People always talk down about Governor Patterson. Personally I feel that he is receiving a lot of blame he doesn't deserve. Sure, he hasn't done a lot to right home about since taking over, but I don't believe he has done a lot wrong either. I see Governor Patterson as a victim of circumstance. He came to the job to be a Leiutenant Governor and nothing more. When Governor Spitzer resigned, David Patterson was forced into the job. He could have declined, however, if that occurred, the President of the Senate would take over. At the time, the President was a Republican. Thus, the Democratic Party forced Patterson to take the job. Will he run for reelection? Maybe, maybe not.

This is a man who should have been an inspiration to people. A man who was legally blind able to rise through the political ladder. Instead, he is commonly joked about in our state. He should, however be recognized for the move he made earlier this week.

I meant to write about my dislike for what has been happening in Albany since it started 16 days ago. Drum Corps and other things have kept me from that and for that I apologize. I think what is happening in Albany is incredibly embarrassing for our state. Sure the Republicans started it, but both sides deserve blame in this situation. We are seeing men we elected, not too mention our taxes pay, acting like children. In fact, I take that back. With the way they are arguing, bickering, locking eachother out, and turning the lights off on eachother, I can honestly say that I have seen better behaved Kindergarten classes.

Rather we like it or not, the only people losing from this are you and I. We, the citizens of New York state are being screwed by these childish senators. While these children fight, there are important bills that will effect you and I sitting on the table of the senate. Bills that effect our children's education, who we can marry, and how much we pay in taxes.

There are other officials who could step in on the situation. Take, for example, our assemblyman Gary Finch. He has been in the service of the state for years. Instead of working for us, however, he is writing letters to CBS trying to get Letterman thrown off the air. Then he tries to say he was "doing it for his constituents" without even asking them their thoughts. Guess what? Your constituents don't care about a late night talk show host! They care about seeing their wants looked into by their elected officials.

Enter Governor David Patterson. A few days ago, David Patterson passed legislation forcing the state senate to meet extra days now that the regular sesson is over. The children are finally being punished. Perhaps it will help. As of today's news it did nothing. There was still fighting and lights being turned off on eachother. On the otherhand, at elast both sides are meeting together. Perhaps soon we will see them figure out a way to represent us. Until then, we wait, and we read of the idiotic exploits of our state government. I know this will not clear Governor Patterson completely of his blame. At the same time, people should applaud him for trying to get some handle on the situation.

D-Day Memorial on Brink of Financial Ruin

Back in 2001, a National D-Day Memorial was dedicated in Bedford, Virginia.  The location was chosen after Bedford lost the most men in the D-Day landings.  Now, eight years after the dedication and on the eve of the sixty-fifth anniversary of Operation Overlord, the memorial sits close to bankruptcy.  

A recent AP report details some of the many problems for the memorial.  The donations have dried up in the rough economy and its best supporters, World War Two vets, are passing away in great numbers.  That coupled with a drop off in visitors due to the great distance between the location of the memorial and major cities is leading to the memorial's troubles.  According to the president of the memorial group, the only hope may be for the location to be taken over by the park service or a college.

Although I have never been, the design of the memorial sounds amazing.  Sculptures of soldiers in a reflecting pool are shown struggling up the beach while fountain jets in the pool go off at random representing enemy fire.  

It bothers me to think that such a wonderful monument can fall on such hard times.  The group in control of the memorial is currently courting the possibility of a partnership with the World War Two Memorial in Washington or Liberty University.  On Tuesday night at the premiere of a documentary about Bedford and its men at D-Day, congressmen attending were reminded of the troubles of the memorial.  Democratic Representative Tom Perriello of Virginia is planning to introduce a piece of legislation to transfer the memorial to the National Park Service.

I can only hope that this legislation works.  It would be a shame as well as disrespectful to the memories of those lost to see such a wonderful memorial close.  

The Troubles With a Possible E-Mail Tax

For years now, there have been hoax e-mails making the rounds cliaming that the US Postal Service would start taxing our e-mails.  As presaid, however, these were little more than hoaxes.  Now, however, there is talk of the creation in our government of an actual e-mail tax that could be levied within the next decade.

The front for such a tax is that doing so would help to kill spam, increase bandwidth and, of course, make a lot of money.  There are several inherrant problems with the creation of such a tax, however.  The main one comes in the theory that the creation of such  tax would help to kill spam e-mails.  What needs to be understood is the mind of the common spammer. 

Many of the people who are the origins of these e-mails are behind proxies to send them.  Worse yet, many are also based off-shore or overseas where such a tax can not reach them.  The worst part, however, is that, through phishing, many spammers are able to use a victims info with software to make the spam appear to com from the victim's computer.  So in the end, when Joe Blow's computer is linked to spam due to his being phished, I am sure that the IRS, noting his computer's record of sending ads for debt consolidation and canadian male enhancement, will give him a fair trial.  

I am sure that there are some brightsides to this.  People would probably rely more on instant messaging and e-mails would become more like texts.  This would allow for the opening of more bandwidth.  At the same time, it seems that this tax, aside from being a bad idea in the first place, is nothing more than an impossible dream for the IRS.  Just another excuse to take more money.  

Cheers,

Nick in Gettysburg 

Sotomayor Deserves a Chance To Reply

Personally, I like the President's choice for Supreme Court Justice.  Sonia Sotomayor has the opportunity to bring a new view to America's High Court.  She would be the first latin member of the Supreme Court of the United States.  She would also bring yet another female voice to the court.

While I would be happy to see this, I must say that I too am a bit bothered by the line from a sppech everyone is talking about.  The truth of the matter is that if a white man had said such a thing, it could be considered at the worst racist and at the least to be in ill taste.  The fact of the matter is that this is another example of the double standars that exist in our society.  I would not go so far to say that what Sotomayor said is entirely racist.  At the same time, I do feel the words were in ill taste.  

My problem is that too many people are piling on to this topic.  I feel that it would be best of Ms. Sotomayor came forward and replied on the topic.  If she cleared up what she meant it might help us to better understand.  In the end, if we look at her record as a Federal judge, we see a clean and shining bill of service.  She is most definately worthy of the position.  What she said shouldn't keep her out of the job.  For now, we will just have to wait and see how she acts as a Judge if she is, in fact, confirmed.

Cheers,

Nick in Gettysburg

The History Channel Not Living Up To Its Name

Some people believe there is a Bigfoot.  Others say that they were abducted by aliens.  Thats all well and good.  Let people believe what they will.  But do shows about this really belong on the History Channel?  When I look at the average programming schedule for the channel as of late, I see shows that are mostly about these topics.  It is a trend I have been noticing over the last few years.

As a kid, I remember when we first got this channel.  It always seemed liek they had a show about World War Two.  As Homer Simpson put it in an episode of the "The Simpsons": "The Luftwaffe is the Washington Generals of the History Channel."  In those days I felt like it was all that was on.  I felt like they needed more.  Now, I would kill for more shows on World War Two.

As time went on and I became a Civil War Buff, the History Channel seemed to cater to me.  Every Tuesday morning, before school, I got to watch two episodes of Civil War Journal.  This was also coupled with great shows on Lincoln and specific battles.  The best part is that some of the men that I watched on these shows are now professors that I have gotten to know while at college in Gettysburg.  

Slowly but surely, however, the History Channel began to change.  Sure, a show about what happened in Roswell in 1949 is okay when it comes up on the anniversary.  However, when "The UFO Files" entered the normal TV lineup, that is when things seemed to begin to go downhill.  Let us look at what is now currently on the History Channel.  

"Life After People"- The premise of the show is interesting.  How would animals, buildings and other systems survive if people mysteriously dissappeared.  The problem is that it is a hypothetical thing that hasn't occured yet.  Shouldn't it be on The Future Channel or something like that.  It isn't history...Hell it hasn't even happened yet!

"Ice Road Truckers"- A reality show.  It is a reality show on the History Channel.  The worst part is that it is, essentially, a knock off of "Deadliest Catch" but not as good.  I respect these guys and that their job is dangerous.  It just does not seem like a show meant for this channel to me.

"Axmen"- Yet another reality show.  Only a few weeks before this one premiered, Discovery Channel aired a show with a similar premise.  I just don't get reality shows on History Channel.

To be honest, I would love to see it all back to normal.  There was one day near the beginning of this month that it seemed to return to normal.  The shows all followed a maritime history theme.  It was nice.  A show about the ships of the Revolution.  Another about Civil War navies.  The next on the Titanic.  Not a single reality show.  Why can't it be like this more often? 

Cheers,

Nick in Gettysburg

"Heroic Measures" opens at the Cayuga Museum

This past Friday, the Cayuga Museum of History and Art opened its new exhibit "Heroic Measures: Fire Fighting in Cayuga County".  In my nine years of work at the museum, I have to say that this is one of the best designed exhibits we have ever had.  If you get a chance to go, I urge you to see the exhibit.  

The exhibit itself details the history of the one professional and multiple volunteer fire fighting units in our county.  At the same time, it also features a study of the evolution of the equipment of the firefighters from their helmets to the vehicles they drive.  This includes a focus on firetrucks from the hand-drawn and horse-drawn eras through the early motorized period.  

The upstairs floor of the museum is where the exhibit really becomes interactive.  One room recreates the conditions of what it would be like in a burning room.  It also includes information on how you and your family can create an escape plan in case you should ever experience a fire.  A second room is designed with our younger visitors in mind.  It includes a full scale photo of one of Auburn's fire trucks that has 3-D pipes and guages.  The room also recreates the feel of the fire house.  It has jackets and helmets for the kids to try on and get their photos taken in.  It also includes a fire hydrant and hoses so the kids can learn how firefighters connect the hose from hydrant to the truck.  

In closing, as we get ready for Memorial Day, it is important to remember not only our brave soldiers but also the men and women of the fire and police forces of the world.  What better way than to examine their history.  So feel free to visit the museum and see our new exhibit, not to mention maybe say "hi".

Cheers,

Nick in Gettysburg

AHS Auditorium In Dire Need Of Repair

The following is a letter I have written to The Citizen regarding the deplorable state of the Auditorium at Auburn High School.  I urge anyone else who ffels this way to write their own letters or contact the school board with complaints:

            I love Auburn High School.  I am an alumni of the class of 2008.  I do not, however, love our school district.  For two years the talk was of turf fields.  Meanwhile, other parts of the schools that needed repair began to fall apart.  Areas of our children’s schools in dire need of repair were passed over.  Case in point, the auditorium in Auburn High School.

            We have all been there.  Maybe for a concert by one of AHS’s wonderful music programs.  Perhaps for an awards ceremony honoring those about to graduate.  Or maybe, as in my case, you were there for a dance recital.  If anyone was at Donna’s Dance Center’s recital on May 22, you will know what I am talking about.  The easiest thing to note would be the lights going off halfway through a routine.  It is important to note, however, that the girls never stopped dancing and kept going.  For that, they deserve great commendation.  Working backstage at the recital, I was able to note many problems with the auditorium.  In 39 years of service, this auditorium seems to have had little to no renovations.

            The first problem to address is the lights.  Upstairs on the main light board is a series of breakers.  One breaker is missing the harness that holds it in place.  In theory, it is supposed to cut the lights if they are overheating.  With the harness gone, however, it cuts the lights as soon as it reaches the normal temperature.  So, in order for it to work, a person must stand with their hand on the breaker to keep it from going off, or in the case of the quick repair of the school, place a wedge on it.  Problem is, it keeps the lights from shutting off in case of overheating.  This is a fire hazard!

            Then there is the condition of the stage.  The stage itself was repainted about 6 years ago and is in dire need of a repainting.  Looking at it from the audience, one sees a black stage.  Looking at it from the stage, one sees chipped black paint and exposed gashes of wood.  Some holes are deep and could trip up person. 

            Lastly are the wonderful curtains.  These curtains, it seems at least, have not been replaced and are the originals from 39 years ago.  They show their age all too well.  The black background curtain is torn in many places and held together with safety pins.  The black teaser curtain is torn and in some places, literally, hanging by a thread.  The red fire curtain has a bad tendency of jumping its tracks.  All of the curtains have at least one safety pin holding together a rip in it.

            I bring these to the attention of the school board and the public for one reason.  I write because the state of the auditorium led to a blackout in the middle of two numbers that the girls in it had worked hard on since September.  This auditorium is in a sad state of repair.  It needs work done.  I ask that people bring this up at Board of Education meetings and write more letters.  AHS Auditorium has the opportunity to be beautiful, it just needs a push.        

www.boycottliberalsim.com, What a joke!

So there was a blog today (which shall remain unnamed) that posted an entry touting the goodness of this website.  Being one that likes to know mine enemy, I decided to visit the site.  Rather you agree with it or not, I think you should see it.  You'll get a laugh no matter what side you are on from it.  I myself was laughing at the sheer lunacy of the site and what it preaches.  

It begins with a section of "Products from the LEFT" as they call it that we should boycott.  I found it laughable that they boycotted EVERY film that came out last Friday.  That is a hell of a way to restart the economy.  Don't let anyone go to the movies.  Yep, thats going to help.  Most of the things on the list are pretty predictable.  Things like MSNBC and Air America.  Others, however are not so understandable.  For example, Prairie Home Companion and NBC Sunday Night Football.  Out-Freaking-standing.

They also give periodicals to boycott.  Oddly enough, they list news networks, PBS, BBC and NPR as periodicals.  They are technically TV and Radio groups but hey, whos counting?  And then there are the organizations.  These include groups like the ACLU (because who needs civil liberties?), Amnesty International (because in case another holocaust occurs, they can fend for themselves), and Code Pink (A women's group that also works for breast cancer research.  They also ask for a boycott of the AFL-CIO.  Problem is, by being against them, you are inderectly against those that are under the AFL-CIO.  Thus, they are indirectly against the firefighters and police officers that put their lives on the line day in and day out.  Good job!

Anyone else find it funny that the "Liberal Hall of Shame" on the site is huge while the "Conservative Hall of Fame" is miniscule.  The worst part is that half of the people on the hall of fame make no sense.  Take, for example, General Phil Kearny.  He is listed on it merely for the fact that he died in battle.  Interestingly enough, Kearny was one of the Democratic Generals Lincoln commisioned.  Or what about General Joshua L. Chamberlain.  He is listed because he was a war hero and a member of the Republican Party.  Lincoln is also listed.  The problem is that the beliefs of the Republican Party of 1863 and those of 2009 have many differences behind them.  They are placed in the Hall of Fame only because they are passed on and can't defend themselves.  Other members of the Hall of Fame who are dead and can't express dissatisfaction if they felt it include Mother Theresa and Harriet Tubman.  It seems to me that the inclusion of Tubman may be a way of reaching out to the African American group.

Even the list of people to support seem to include people who would look down on how the Conservative party is currently run.  People like William F. Buckley and Jack Kemp.  I was especially disturbed by the fact that in the section of essays and pieces that "define" conservatism, they included The Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's Letter to Mrs. Bixby.  Neither of these pieces have anything to do with conservatism.  In fact, in both of these pieces Lincoln attempted to stay away from politics in writing them.   Seems to me that this site is flawed beyond compare.  While I don't agree with it, I would like to thank the creators of this site for giving me an hour of laughter.  I salute you!

Cheers!

Nick in Gettysburg  

 

  

Post-Preakness Wrap Up

Okay, so for those of you who took my advice for the place horse, my apologies.  Pioneerofthenile didn't quite come in where we thought he would.  For those of you that took my advice and played the trifecta using Mine That Bird as an exotic bet, please send me my ten percent cut in a self stamped envelope.  Musket Man continues to prove his mettle by hitting the board for his 9th career race in a row.  This is a horse who is great to bet for at least a show.  He has hit the board in some regard in every start.  

I am now looking forward very much to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks.  The ending of the Preakness was one of the most exciting in years.  There were several what-if scenarios that could have changed how the race ended.  If Mine That Bird hadn't been caught amid pack at the start of his charge, there is a strong possibility that he could have won.  Remember, the Belmont is a longer race and he was coming on strong at the wire on Rachel Alexandra.  Imagine what will happen in three weeks in Elmont, New York.  I am looking forward to seeing Rachel Alexandra, the super filly, and Mine That Bird, the unlikely hero, dueling eachother on their way to the line.  Traditionally, most people lose interest in the Belmont if there won't be a Triple Crown Winner.  This year will be different.  

Preakness Predictions

With only a few hours before post time for the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes, I have decided to post some predictions for the race today.  This years Preakness has all the makings of a historical race in the world of the sport of kings.  

Mine That Bird is coming off a 50/1 victory shocker at the 135th Kentucky Derby two weeks ago.  However, with the news of Calvin Borell moving to the filly Rachel Alexandra came controversy.  The owners of Mine That Bird went around the stables Sunday trying to get other horses to enter in order to block the filly and keep his jockey.  This move was shunned by many in the racing world and sportsmanship eventually won out.  

Today sees Borell going aboard the filly who is an early morning line favorite.  Mine That Bird, seeking the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, goes to the gate with jockey Mike Smith making his first mount.  He opened on the morning line at 8/1.  Rachel Alexandra is a great example of the filly that is trying to beat 85 years of history.  She comes off of a 20 and 1/4 length victory over the field in the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago.  She opens on the morning line at 8/5.  

So the question is, where does that place me as the handicapper.  In my opinion, I am buying into all the hype of the filly.  I like the looks of Rachel Alexandra.  This is a horse that destroyed the Oaks field and still had power left in her.  Coming in on five straight wins, she seems to have the best shot of being the first filly in 85 years to win the stakes.  

The second best horse of the race, who may have a shot at the upset is Pioneerofthenile who came in second at the Derby.  This horse hit the top of the stretch in the lead, that is until the flash that was Mine That Bird came by.  Pioneerofthenile showed his mettle, however, and dug in to protect a second place finish.  This horse is a good pick to place with the possibility of a win.

The show horse in this race seems to be  the show horse from the Derby.  Musket Man (a great name by the way) had a rough Derby losing his footing a tthe start and being bumped a few times throughout the race.  In the stretch, however, he came on gamely and was good for a third place.  Look for him to do it again.  

Mine That Bird, 8/1 on the morning line, is a great value.  This is one of the few times the Derby winner has come off as an underdog in the Stakes.  Look to him for any of your exotic multibets in this years Preakness.

So to review, here is my pick for the Derby.

Win: Rachel Alexandra 13

Place: Pioneerofthenile 9

Show: Musket Man 3

Cheers and Good Luck!

Nick in Gettysburg

Drum Corps International Presents The Countdown '09

So last night I went to the theaters at the Carousel Mall in order to watch the 2009 DCI countdown show.  It serves as a kind of prelude to the live cinemacast of the DCI quarterfinals that can be seen on August 6th at the same theaters.  So just what is the countdown you ask?  Last month, Drum Corps International's website at DCI.org, asked for the fans to vote for their favorite shows for the past 5 years.  The top twelve were then revelaed to be voted on again.  Then, the top six were premiered in theaters around the U.S. last evening.  Now from today through the 20th, the fans can log on and vote for their favorite of the top six with the winner being announced that evening.  It is, essentially, a chance for the fan to be the judge.  So let's look at the top 6.

Bluecoats 2007 "Criminal"

The inclusion of this show kind of amazed me.  Personally I preferred their 2008 program, "The Knockout".  This program is well written and has a great storyline featuring a heist story with a twist ending.  It is also a great example of the signature Bluecoats hornline.  At the sametime, however, I feel as though the show was somewhat lacking.  Part of it might have been that the show peaked in score a week too early.  Sixth best show in my opinion.

Blue Devils 2006 "The Godfather, Part Blue"

This is one of the shows that first caused me to fall in love with DCI.  The signature drum and hornlines of the Blue Devils coupled with some of the greatest drill ever written.  The cross moving into the dgger piercing the heart is a moment that gives goosebumps to many hardcore fans of drum corps.  Factor that in with the use of voice ("Sleep with the fishes") and guard flags with fish and horse heads and you have one of the most visually appealing shows ever written.  This was, in my mind, the third best show on the night.

Santa Clara Vanguard 2004 "Attraction: The Music of Scheherazade"

Although not my favorite SCV show, I do love he music used.  This was one of my favorite pieces to play in my high school orchestra.  To see SCV bring it to life is something beautiful.  The guard is what makes this show so wonderful.  They truly embody what Rimsky-Korsakov envisioned when he wrote the music.  However, I feel it was only the fifth best show of the evening.

Carolina Crown 2007 "Triple Crown"

Horse Racing and Drum Corps.  This show was, plain and simple, a match made in heaven for me.  The guard is what really made this show so amazing.  The guards costumes coupled with their movements, and the movements of the whole corps for that matter, showed the grace of horses in a pasture.  It was a crowd favorite wherever the show went.  The best part is the ending with the race of the horses around the track ending in the photo finish that completes the show.  This is one of my top two shows of the evening.

Cavaliers 2004 "007"

What is great about this show is that the 2004 Cavaliers had one fo the best latin drumlines ever.  They prove their mettle throughout this show.  Taking the music of James Bond including the main theme and "Live and Let Die", the Cavis succeed in bringing out the soul of James Bond.  At the same time however, while winning almost all captions in semi-finals, they only won GE at finals.  The last nights show does show some flaws.  Due to this, I placed the show in fourth of the six shown.

Phantom Regiment 2008 "Sparticus"

Drum major getting stabbed and killed with a spear: Check.  Guard members getting beat up on by drumliners (finally): Check.  A guard girl being thrown on the ground and having her head rebound off of the turf: Yep.  2008 DCI Champion: Absolutely.  This show had it all.  It told a great story and featured PR's amazing Hornline.  Good to see Drum Major Will Pitts back from the dead to do interviews on the show last night as well.  This show was also one of my top two shows of the evening.

So who won?  On my scoresheet, with a score of 96...Phantom Regiment!!!  That leaves Carolina Crown the winners with a score of 97.  A win of only one point.  Of course, this is only my opinion.  For those of you out there who want a chance to be the judge, go to DCI.org and click on the Countdown link and vote for your favortie show.  This was a perfect warm-up for the DCI '09 season which will be opening up in June with a tour stop coming to a town near you.

Cheers,

Nick in Gettysburg

Ann Coulter should brush up on her history.

Okay, so I logged on today and, for fun, checked to see what was up in the blogosphere.  The Off the Kufs blog posted an article today by Ann Coulter in which she tries to sugar coat water boarding by masking it as being not as bad as what happened to our POW's in Japan during World War Two.  While I will admit that what happened to them was horrible, using their suffering to cover up other human suffering seems a slap in the face to our World War Two vets.  The following, while long, is a rebuttal comment I wrote to Off the Kufs in regards to the article.  I post it here just in case it mysteriously disappears as some of my comments are wont to do.  So without further ado, here it is:

                The problem with Coulter is that, while she uses some historical truths, she uses them to cover up other things.  This article can best be compared to a mother shaking her keys in front of a crying child in order to distract them.  Coulter delves into the terrible acts perpetrated by the Japanese.

                 I will not deny that these acts were committed.  One of my grandfather’s best friends had his fingernails pulled out while in a Japanese POW camp.  And as his friend put it: “I got off easy”.  Couple this with her writing about the “Gitmo-Gut”, and you get an article in which Coulter is covering up the fact that water-boarding is, in fact, a form of torture.  The worst part of the article is that she is trying to say water-boarding is okay simply because it is not as bad as what the Japanese did to our soldiers in World War Two.   This is a simple example of human psychology.  You naturally care more about what is being done to a fellow countrymen.  Thus, you are outraged by what happened to the GI’s during World War Two.  I admit that even I am bothered by what our men captured during World War Two were put through.  However, when something is done to you or your countrymen and those responsible are punished, one becomes desensitized.  Thus, to her, water-boarding isn’t so bad. 

                I especially like how she then goes on to mention other methods of interrogation (though she refers to them as methods of torture) but fails to talk of what they exactly are.  The “attention grasp” is listed in the CIA handbook as "(G)rasping the individual with both hands, one hand on each side of the collar opening, in a controlled and quick motion. In the same motion as the grasp, the individual is drawn toward the interrogator."  Or what of walling in which a person is shoved against a flexible wall that makes a loud noise upon being hit.  Although designed to be “safe”, it is also designed to instill fear.  As to “the caterpillar”, this, to the average human being, seems almost adorable.  A live caterpillar is placed in your cell.  However, if you place it in the cell with one who has never seen one before or is brought up to fear things from the earth, it can be a somewhat terrifying experience.  She mentions these methods as a way of veiling the fact that we use water-boarding, which is far and away a worse form of interrogation up there with more medieval forms of torture. 

            As to the Japanese never being brought up on charges of war crimes for water-boarding, it seems to me that Ms. Coulter should be brushing up on her history.  She actually does go on to contradict herself multiple times in this article.  She does indeed tell the truth when she says people were brought up on charges of water-boarding PLUS killing a prisoner.  The fact of the matter, however, is that water-boarding was brought up as a separate charge.  With this knowledge, that means water-boarding ALONE, could be a punishable offense.  The fact is that many Japanese war criminals were brought up on water-boarding PLUS other crimes.  They were, however, separate charges unlike what Ms. Coulter claims.  She then goes on to talk about what the Japanese did to kill our captured troops.  She never once talks about the torture many had to endure.  In addition to water-boarding, there was water torture, having one’s fingernails pulled out, burning or cutting out of the tongue, and many other forms which I would rather never talk about.  As to the Japanese form of Water-Boarding that she describes, that was actually one of many that also included the Water-Boarding our troops have committed at Gitmo. 

            The story brought up by Senator Kennedy is, in fact, quite true.  Once again Ms. Coulter should study some history before her writing.  Yukio Asano was, in fact, charged with a war crime for performing an act similar to our form of water-boarding on a civilian.  He was sentenced to fifteen years for this act plus other acts he committed.  Point is, war crimes can be perpetrated against both civilians and soldiers and be considered as such.  She goes ahead and contradicts herself here as well.  After saying that these were not war crimes, she goes ahead and says “Any mistreatment of a civilian is a war crime”.  My dear that is the first correct thing you have said all day.

            In closing, allow me to cite the case of one Abu Zubaydah who was in Gitmo for a number of years.  Contrary to popular belief, he actually gave cute a bit of information to interrogators soon after his capture.  It was only after being water-boarded more than 200 times that he “began to be tight-lipped”.  Amazing, isn’t it?  That what we do to get info from suspected terrorists only shuts them up.  Sounds like a failure to me.  All I am trying to say is that Ms. Coulter seems to know nothing about water-boarding.  She instead tries to distract her readers from the topic at hand by taking their mind off of it with stories of the Japanese and talks of the “gentler” methods of Gitmo.  At the same time, it seems to me that the right only started using these tactics yesterday.  Sounds to me like a memo has been getting around.  I for one am not impressed.  I will take this with a grain of salt until the day Ms. Coulter gets on a major news outlet, is water-boarded on live television, gets up and say “I’m fine”.  Only then will I believe her.        

My First Blog!!!

Okay, so I have been contemplating this for quite awhile.  My college roommate had a blog.  A friend of mine in school had a blog.  Even a fellow I didn't always agree with had a blog.  After reading blogs on both sides, I decided that I would see what all the fuss is about.  

To begin, I am not sure if I will be writing for this every single day.  As much as I love it, I just don't know how much time I will have.  As to the subject matter, I can promise you that you will see a mix of different subjects.  Anything from Drum Corps to College Life to History to Politics.  The point is that everyday you, the reader, come to this blog, you will hopefully see something new and fresh.  At the same time, this blog is also designed to cater to the reader.  Rather you agree with me or not, feel free to comment on the posts.  I promise you that while I may write rebuttals to posts that disagree with me, I will never delete posts negative to my beliefs unlike some other bloggers out there.  I believe in freedom of speech as well as the internet being an open forum.

I would like to thank some people at this point.  First to my friends at "Politalk" at Auburn High School.  These fellows have allowed me on a few times this year and I remember when some of us were on "Political Party Time" just last year.  Vin Giannone and Tom Ryan, the hosts of the show, are a perfect match for such a show and carry on the show myself, Drew, and Tom created last year.  I also want to thank my parents for teaching me to speak my mind despite what others might say.  Thank you to my friends at college.  Those who agree with me and those who love to debate with me.  You guys are the best.  As to the name of the blog, thanks to the Author of Off the Kufs who gave me this moniker during one of our many spirited debates.  What can I say, people at school saw it and the name stuck.  

In closing, I hope you enjoy what is written here.  If you have any comments, suggestions,or just want to say "hello",  please feel free to reply.  

Cheers,

Nick in Gettysburg