Thursday, October 10, 2002

Cincinnati war protest brings thousands of demonstrators
XRAY Cincinnati Magazine, a "Progressive" magazine that "explore(s) local arts, culture and news with a hip, edgy style," places the Bush Speech protestors at over 3,000. Since the writer of this article was most likely a protester, I really have a problem with trusting his number. I will stick with the 1,000 number.

This is a new magazine to me, I am just exploring the website. If I find enough content I will add their link the lot on the left.
Abortion foe may join FDA panel
The saddest thing about this is not that Bush is appeasing his Right-Wing base; it is that George most likely agrees with this "Doctor's" nutty "faith based healing" methods. Why not just pray for a gunshot wound to heal "by the hand of god."

Maureen Dowd wrote on this issue in yesterday's NY Times.
Bush tickets show connections count
I guess Greg Korte was able to twist the Chamber of Commerce's arm to get this list. I am glad I was not the only one asking where this list was. Here is the link to the complete list. This list also answers a question of mine from a prior post. Peter Bronson got an invitation to the speech, not a press pass. He was clearly there as a Bush groupie, not as a journalist, and his column showed that most succinctly.
I think I can agree with Chris Anderson: Patrick Caton is a bigot, a bad cop, and should resign. I will not make him out to be a "racist." I do not think the use of the "N-word" or any "racial slur" is grounds to call someone a racist. If that were the case 75% of the callers to 1230 the Buzz would be racists. Racism is a term that I believe is misused by most people. It has morphed into the label of choice used against anyone who does not agree with policies that most or the most vocal blacks profess.

I also agree with Bill Cunningham's tendency to be an apologist for the police force. His knee-jerk blue shield defense is more automatic than PETA protest at a P&G shareholder's meeting.
Despite Advice, Cincinnati Arts Association To Sue Boycotters
I don't know about the chances for success in their case, but what ever can keep the boycotters busy is fine by me.
Lawsuit: Coroner improperly keeps body parts after autopsies
This just brings to mind the movie The Man with Two Brains starring Steve Martin. Where is Dr. Hfuhruhurr when you need him?
CityBeat: Letters
Never have I seen a more one sided set of letters. So much for diversity.

Wednesday, October 09, 2002

CityBeat: War Cries in Cincinnati
Greg Flannery reports between 2,000 and 3,000 protestors gather outside Union Terminal to voice opposition to Bush's War plans. With Greg’s obvious anti-war bias, I would call these numbers high unless you add in Pro-Bush supporters out there with signs as well. Other press reports place the number around 1,000.
Chris Anderson critiques Kathy Wilson's City Beat column.
Recorded racial slur puts Caton off streets
OK, I wonder if the black community will see this as revenge on Caton for being a disliked by the Chief, like was claimed about Twitty's prosecution. It was claimed then that Twitty was being treated unfairly. Will those who supported Twitty call for every officer who spouts any racial slur to be forced to desk duty? No matter what the race and no matter the word. Blacks can’t use “nigger” and whites can’t use “cracker.” I guess cheese and crackers is not going to be on the menu any longer at the police cafeteria. This guy sounds like a bigoted jerk and may be a bad cop, but that does not mean he is a racist.
BRONSON: Bush's visit
What a sucker Bronson is for a dog and pony show. You stack the audience with GOP supporters and Peter is shocked at level of awe Bush's voter base gives him. If Bush had guts he would go before a hostile crowd. Bush has lived a sheltered life, even before being President. As President not only is he sheltered from physical harm, he is sheltered from all dissent. Bush could never be confronted with an opposing idea, which would not look good. Bush could not handle a heckler or even a sincere direct question. I can understand that Mr. Bronson is a Bush fan, and was in awe of seeing him in person, but his column is like a 14 year old girl’s review of the N'SYNC concert. By the way, did he get a ticket to the speech or a press pass? Also, what excuse can he give for the White House not issuing the guest list?
Grand jury rejects charge against man who was arrested
How does this kid not get indicted for something? Not even contributing to the delinquency of a minor? I doubt we will see the CJC or the BUF out protesting this grand jury's motives or biases.

WCPO's story.

Tuesday, October 08, 2002

Selective who's who invited
"Neither the White House nor the chamber of commerce would release a definitive list of invitees. "
My question is why will the White House nor the Chamber of Commerce not release the list of attendees? Do they not want someone like to be review it and find out that it was a “who's who” of GOP party faithful? There were most likely only a handful of democrats in the building, and not many who did not vote for Bush. This is another example of secrecy by this white house. It is a small and petty one, but that is what makes little sense. This list is not an issue for them not to report. The only reason is that is would make them look bad. That is far more important to the White House, than openness.
Jailed protesters released
"Brian Crum allegedly punched a police horse twice." Why would anyone punch a horse? I am sure this kid will claim it was either "self defense" or that it was not a "punch." I am surprised these were local people, and not out of towners. I would not have thought that locals were ballsy enough to take that kind of a stand, no matter how foolish it may have been.
Two cops admit guilt in abduction
Why has this case not received the attention of protesters more? These two officers should get some jail time. Not much jail time, just a matter of 10 days or so. The "victim" in this case is a criminal himself. His rights were violated, but I personally will not shed a tear for his "trouble."

Monday, October 07, 2002

Jay Leno: Bush was in Cincinnati to declare the Bengal’s football stadium a national disaster area.
Protesters Arrested After Trying To Block Bush Guests From Leaving
Were these professional protestors or locals?

This article reports about 1,000 protestors, while WKRC indicates there were "thousands." If you count the pro-Bush supports there may have been "thousands," but otherwise I doubt it.
Text of Bush's Speech on Iraq
Bush's Speech
In front of Republican homer crowd, Bush gave a rehash of his UN speech. There was nothing substantially new that he stated. This speech just ends up being a political push to get Congress to give him a blank check for war. This speech did not have to be done in Cincinnati, but it did not hurt the city's image, which could use all good PR it can get. Bush instead could have given this speech back at the White House, saving a few bucks. Bush did make a wise choice by calling for a UN resolution. He maintained his cover to allow him to prepare for war, without provoking inflamed international outcry. Bush made a good case for the World to confront Saddam, and take efforts to force him to comply with the UN resolutions. Bush did not make a compelling case as to why military action is the only route. He also still confused the issue with his notion that we cannot wait to take action. Is it waiting for him to take the UN route, will building up forces, while attacking early next year? That is the where the spin and the political propaganda was hollow. He did not change my mind, and anyone who pays attention would understand that nothing new was said tonight. If minds are changed tonight it much be based on ignorance or a follow the leader psychosis.
Kudos to FOX 19 for having a half hour pre-speech news program. They had some technical problems with their outdoors reporter, but other than that it was nice to see them putting out their news over a sitcom rerun. They had little choice. The baseball playoff game will preempt their regular 10 PM news broadcast. They are going to air news on cable instead, but they will still lose their normal audience.