To Hell With Polar Bears

If there is such a thing as polar bear hell, Alaska is probably more closely resembling it every day, as the polar ice cap, which provides refuge for the bears, is quickly melting. Despite a U.S. Geological Survey study that predicts Alaskan polar bears could be wiped out by 2050 and other studies that predict the ice cap could be gone by 2030, Republican politicians from Alaska dispute the findings, drawing on their extensive backgrounds in various sciences. I love it when Republican politicians with no scientific training shout down credible research based solely on their own disgusting self-interests.

Speaking of such politicians...Senator Ted Stevens, the same one who is under investigation for corruption due to his dealings with oil servicing companies, weighed in with his expert analysis, saying that listing the polar bears as endangered "would establish a dangerous precedent based on mathematical models instead of biological observations." Last time I checked there were numerous "biological observations" that issued the same warnings. The only explanation for their positions is corruption. They have a vested interest in decrying global warming. Why else would they fight so ardently against something 99% of scientists have agreed is a serious, looming problem? But lets say that thousands of experts are wrong. What is the harm in taking the threat seriously until it is debunked by 99% and not 1%? What's the worst thing that could happen? You breath a little fresher air?

NIU and Gun Control

The killings at NIU renew the debate over gun control once again. Proponents of having a gun for every occasion and situation argue that these incidents would be lessened if more people, including teachers and students, carried fire arms. They say that law-abiding citizens need to be able to protect themselves from the criminals. But what happens when law-abiding citizens with a small arsenal snap? The man who carried out the NIU killings was a model citizen by all accounts, an intelligent guy who legally purchased all four guns. Compare this to the Virginia Tech murderer, who was clearly disturbed, had exhibited very anti-social behavior, but had never committed a crime and who also purchased his guns legally.

Cases such as these illustrate precisely why we need stricter gun control, yet staunch supporters of gun rights merely cry out for more guns and less control. When you care more about your right to own a gun than the fact that less restricted gun ownership is a proven problem, then it makes so little sense that it can only be explained by the disgusting, ignorant, and selfish desire to possess a gun. It's an absurdly blind devotion to an outdated constitutional law. There is no disputing the fact that countries with strict gun laws have far fewer gun-related crimes, especially homicides.

I love guns and firepower as much as anyone else. But I have enough sense and awareness of the greater good to know that I don't need an assault rifle or eight different kinds of guns. No one needs an M-16, AR-15, or AK47. There is absolutely no debating that point. If you want debate the need to protect your home and your family or the right to hunt, fine. Last time I checked any one gun was just as lethal as any other, which means you need maybe one hand gun (protection) and one rifle/shot gun (hunting). If someone breaks into your home, you will not strap on your ammo vest, sling a shotgun over your shoulder, and hunt the intruder down with two Glocks like an action hero. The threat of black market guns is a serious one, but some of the worst shootings in this country's history have been done by previously law-abiding citizens who purchased their guns legally and whose predispositions to such violence may have been caught with stricter gun laws.

Baseball and The Republican Party

Prior to today I had never stopped to think about the involvement of partisan politics in the steroids scandal rocking baseball. That was naive I suppose. The associated press issued an article today saying the lawyer for McNamee, Clemens' former trainer, predicts Bush will pardon Clemens if he is criminally charged, because "some Republicans treated his client harshly because of the pitcher’s friendship with the Bush family." According to the AP article, "Many Democrats were skeptical of Clemens’ denials he used performance-enhancing drugs and Republicans questioned the character of McNamee." There is something seriously wrong with this party. Clemens clearly used steroids. Just look at the guy now versus his rookie year. But noooo, we gotta circle the wagons cause he probably went on a bike ride with this limp dick, ignorant rube of a president. Justice and reason be damned.

Potomac Primaries

With Obama sweeping Maryland, DC, and Virginia, Clinton's prospects are looking dimmer. Ohio and Texas are now must-win states. The race may very well come down to the super delegates, whose loyalties are much disputed. Many Obama supporters talk of shady back room dealings that will throw it Clinton's way, but just as convincing are the arguments discussing the widespread distrust or resentment among the delegates against the Clintons for various infractions during Bill's presidency. But thank God McCain pulled it out over Huckabee in Virginia. I hope that's the final slap in the face Huck needs to call it quits.

McCain's the Nom

Romney dropped out today after spending more than $40 million of his own money. HA! And of course the news outlets are there to analyze what went wrong. Hmmm. I wonder what could have helped his campaign. Oh, maybe not shifting all of his positions to pander to various groups, especially social conservatives. As part of his concession speech, Romney had this to say...

"If I fight on in my campaign, all the way to the convention, I would forestall the launch of a national campaign and make it more likely that Senator Clinton or Obama would win. And in this time of war, I simply cannot let my campaign, be a part of aiding a surrender to terror".

I thought I heard something about Democrat plans to invite Bin Laden to stay a night in the Lincoln bedroom. Romney gave us a parting reminder of why he failed. I hate this talking point. It's such an ignorant play on people's emotions.

I feel better and better about my party as each one of these nuts drops off. The only one left is Huckabee, who happens to be the biggest. However, what worries me now is that McCain will pick up one of the previous contenders as a running mate, none of whom would be good for this country. In a bid to boost his conservative credentials and re-energize the evangelicals he may pick up a Hunter, Huckabee, Romney-like candidate. But I think he's smart enough to know that that is not where America is and that that would be the quickest way to end his candidacy. I'm just surprised Romney threw it in before Huck. But then again, Huck has God on his side spurring him to victory. What a loon.