Possible Monkeypox Found In Greater Cincinnati
Please do not jump to conclusions. The odds that these are really cases of Monkeypox are on the surface very unlikely. I hope tonight's local news doesn't make this into a panic inducing ratings bonanza. I know, I know, they will. There is not a local TV news produces who would not give their firstborn in exchange for the number one rated news team. I can just picture the teaser...."Monkeypox in Cincinnati? Are You Going to Die? Find out tonight at 11."

President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat
Above is a link to President Bush's speech from right here in Cincinnati. The link is from the White House, so I doubt anyone will doubt the source. This quote is one that gets my goat:

Some ask how urgent this danger is to America and the world. The danger is already significant, and it only grows worse with time. If we know Saddam Hussein has dangerous weapons today -- and we do -- does it make any sense for the world to wait to confront him as he grows even stronger and develops even more dangerous weapons?

The bold emphasis was added. First, I will not play semantics and say "dangerous weapons" does not necessarily mean WMD. The paragraph in the speech directly before this ends on a quote with the words "weapons of mass destruction." To me, that is what he meant. In the speech over all it is clear he was trying to communicate that Iraq possessed WMD, not that they just had a WMD program. If that is the case, then the questions are rather obvious:

1. If the Bush Administration knew Saddam Hussein had WMD, then how did they know it, yet not know where to find them after the war?


2. If the reader has answered #1 above with something to the effect of "they were destroyed by Saddam" or "they are still hidden" or "they were moved to Syria," then I agree those are possible, but so is the fact that they could had been destroyed before the war.


3. If Bush knew these weapons existed, ready to be used, then why is that not a bigger priority for the administration?


4. If those weapons existed then they could be in the hands of people trying to sell them. Was that not something the war was trying to prevent?


5. If you assume the intelligence on WMD was either weak or faulty or selectively filtered, then why would Bush make such a speech? My answer here is where the lie/exaggeration comes into to play as a means to manipulate public and even Congressional opinion.

The jury is still out on the WMD issue, but my concern is that people are being led into believing that the ends justify the means. Winning without honor is just losing by another name. If anyone can read the whole speech and not believe Bush did not state Iraq possessed WMD, then I will eat my hat. In lieu of not wearing a hat, I will eat my least favorite dinner for a week. Will this issue continue to gain attention? I shall continue to watch, but I do not expect truth to see much light in Bush's America.

The strategically ambiguous George W. Bush
It depends on what the meaning of "is" is, or rather in this case on the meaning of "weapons" of mass destructions vs. "weapons programs." This clear distinction is the basis of Bush's exaggeration/lie about evidence of WMD in Iraq. I hate to once again bring out a cliché, but if Bill Clinton had done this, the right-wingers would be calling him a murder of around 200 US military service members. Bush gets a pass from his flock. The media is starting to come around on this point, but will they keep up the pressure? This is more than enough for any President to be pushed out of office, but that is in terms of a non-media saturated culture. This is enough for him to lose next year. Will the media allow it to be used by the Democrats? I wonder how the beast will handle it. I have hope, but having been a sap on WMD before makes me übercynical on the media having balls.

Chris Anderson comments on Light Rail in Cincinnati. Well, it is really commuter rail using existing track. The idea is interesting, but Chris raises one big issue: the location of the track lacks population within ½ mile. Chris states that this is an important factor in establishing ridership. If people can't walk to the train stops, they are less likely to use it, and ½ mile is the conventional wisdom limit.

Run Jerry Run!
This is just sad. I wonder if the people behind Forest Gump know they have stolen a line from the movie? Quit Jerry Quit? Is that better?

IF YOU WANT the typical fundamentalist's screed on art questioning religion, then Bronson's your man. I myself am tired of responding to his drivel. Does Peter have a deal with the Corpus Christi producers? He raises a stink and they sell more tickets. Hell, I hope they made such a deal. The more people that see this, the more likely it is quality plays will be performed here. What I really have to wonder about Bronson: has he even seen the play? If not, then why is he trusting the propaganda of others? Come on Peter, buy a ticket for yourself and see what all of the fuss is about. My guess is that he might even enjoy himself. He will feel guilty about it, but hey, he can always become a Catholic and then feel guilty all the time.

'Shame the Devil': Hal McKinney and the shooting at Junker's Tavern
An ingaging column from Kathy Y. Wilson of City Beat. Kathy gives a thickly rich taste of Hal McKinny the "Northside Vigilante." Kathy paints McKinny as an honest man with a crystal focus against crime in his neighborhood. He comes across a little sad, and very creepy. I want to say he is obsessed, but Kathy's tone is a relaxed one, and she seemed to be a bit impressed. I think she expected him to be the devil, but instead pulled the curtain to find just a man, flawed yet credibly wise. The bulletproof vest would have been to much for me to handle, even more than having guns lying around a house with 6 year old kid. Needing a vest is not the kind of life I would want, and not want to be around. Kathy gets extra credit for courage in that regard.

Two indicted in Clifton 'mini riot'
The Ruby family is made for a TV movie. Being a Cincinnati restaurant magnet does not mean you are free from scandal. First Mrs. Ruby has a run in with the law, now the son. Brandon's case will undoubtedly get a fair share of scrutiny from those who think his family name might get him a slap on the wrist. That scrutiny includes me, but also I suspect includes some individuals in the boycott. Will Mike Allen push for jail time? Brandon was released on his own recognizance, which is an interesting occurrence. I would have guessed that 2 felony charges might warrant some kind of financial bond. Surprises happen, so he could walk free, or get hard time in state prison. You have to ask yourself one question: when does Mike Allen go up for reelection?

Neoliberal at Your Service
Tom Friedman's column today puts forth a good definition of "neoliberalism":

Neoliberals believe in a muscular foreign policy and a credible defense budget, but also a prudent fiscal policy that balances taxes, deficit reduction and government services.

What I find lacking is the stance a neoliberal would take on social issues. Is a neoliberal closer to Bill Clinton and the DLC on social issues? If that is the case, I am not a neoliberal. Otherwise, that definition fits me fairly well. Throw in a very liberal social freedom belief system and I am hooked, otherwise I have to qualify it with yet another subsection. One of to do items is compiling a listing and a chart on micro political ideologies. This little project is not high on my priorities, but I guess I can label Mr. Friedman without much flack.

My latest Polstate.com post is up.

OH: Springer Creates Exploratory Committee
Talk show host Jerry Springer has announced the formation of an exploratory campaign committee for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican George Voinovich of Ohio. Full Post

Yes, it would appear Jerry is going to run. This is great for bloggers, comedians, news junkies, and professional journalists. It may not be good for the Democrats. Jerry has three positives: money, name recognition, and an untapped constituency.

Commandments removed amid protests
Next day's update on this debacle. The Post reports a total of 35 where "arrested," but according to one protestor none of those arrested were put in hand cuffs or put in jail. Prosecutors were alleged to be determining today whether the protestors would be charged with any crimes. I expect no charges to be filed. The county prosecutor would be toast if he tries for reelection after putting local preachers in jail for trying to enact a theocracy. Small town justice at its best, well, worst.

Dear Diary: These blog readers hang on my every thought
A nice piece on local bloggers. If you read this you might find one blog missing. Well, if I had responded to Lance a bit quicker, I might have been mentioned. He caught me while I was on vacation, and I was late in responding. Oh, well. I got the Enquirer mention last week, so I guess I can let Lance spread the wealth around a bit. (cough, cough)

Removal of Commandments Protested in Ohio
Another update on this story. All 4 stone structures were removed and a total of 30 people were temporally taken into custody. At this point no charges have been filed. I have to ask, how can they not file charges? What kind of hick town is this that the preachers can break the law and get away with it? Is this Boston or something?

U.S. Bank Arena Awaits Dixie Chicks
I wonder how the handful of protestors will be covered? I bet they get some face time on local TV news. I am surprised WLW is letting the Dixie Chicks go through town without a PR stunt. Is Darryl Parks on vacation or something? He lives for that kind crap.

Matt Weiler: Color the Times impressed
Matt has comments on the New York Times review of the CAC's new building. Matt also has few observations on the local reaction to some of the art on exhibit.

U.S. Sees Likely Al Qaeda WMD Attack Within 2 Years
Is the boy King crying wolf or wagging the dog?

Ministers block removal of Commandments
Theocracy in Action! It appears the School officials or School Board and the County Sheriff did not do their duties. These people impeded a public school from doing its business, which was complying with court order. How could this not be something these fascists could be arrested for? Trespassing, disturbing the peace, protesting on public property without a permit are all possible laws they could have been arrested for. Instead politics weighs in on the situation. The school board and sheriff want to get reelected. Nice. I love it when small town bumpkins can scoff at the law with no recompense. Someone should get a contempt of court citation for this.

This action proves conclusively that placing the Biblical 10 commandments on these school's lawns had a religious purpose. This group is forcing everyone to adhere to their religion, and have ignored the law to do it. I am disgusted by this action. I am all for the individual's right to practice any religion in anyway they choose, as long as it does not infringe on other's rights. These religious zealots want to force people to accept their religion's law more powerful than the American Rule of Law.

As expected Bill Cunningham of WLW is acting irresponsibly and is allowing a kook from Adams County on the air claiming there will be a “fight” to keep the commandments on school grounds. Cunningham’s act of ginning up the dolts of Adams country has potentially dire results. The tone of the man was implying to me that he meant a physical fight, not a figurative one. Based on the prior actions by the other zealots earlier today, it can only be concluded this man is willing to attack people who are following the law, by removing the stone commandments. How “Christian” of him to say such. How “American” of him to reject the rule of law, and instead embrace mob rules. If this is any sign of things to come, then future political confrontations in the coming years are headed to more violent outcomes.

UPDATE: WLW is reporting that some arrests may have been made at one location.

UPDATE #2: WLWT updates the story stating that 10 people were arrested. WLWT indicated that only 10 of the reported 400 protesting were arrested because police did not have enough jail space. One of four stone monuments was removed. Protestors claimed they were going to "guard" the remaining three stone structures. I am using the term "protestor" generously in my opinion, but the article used it correctly in an objective manner.

UPDATE #3: WCPO, ONN, the Canton Repository and of course FOX News's story. Can FOX go a day without covering this type of story?

UPDATE #4: The Enquirer's followup.

Man killed in truck in Over- the-Rhine
People who knew him had no idea why he drove 40 into the City. Why would a boiler repairman end up in Cincinnati alone at 12:30 AM? If I were to speculate, I would suppose to buy drugs. I am speculating the police are considering this angle as well. They may have real evidence of such, where I am only guessing. They also may have evidence to infer the man was on a joy ride to the city. Will this man’s death get anyone’s attention? Nope. Number 31 is no more newsworthy than number 30, who ever that was.

Cincinnati in Black, White and Green
Well, if you want a skewed column filled with basically bigoted rhetoric, this is your article. What do you expect from the Nation of Islam? Well, I expect racist and bigoted columns, and this one fits right in with false claims, and bogus suppositions. All from a UC professor. Who would have guessed?

Let people decide on flag desecration
Ok, I guess this person would not have a problem with a constitutional amendment outlawing Christianity. The conflict with the first amendment means little to him, we can just wipe away certain elements of religious freedom. Wait, he is a Christian? Well, if the "people" decided to change the law, then I guess he is SOL. This part took the cake:

"The notion that flag burning is rare is not an issue, and if the Enquirer was to follow this mind-set they need to withdraw editorial opinion (April 9, 2003) that cross burning, which occurs far more infrequently than flag burning, should be illegal. Our laws are based on right and wrong, not frequency of occurrence. "

I wonder if this moron can tell me the last time a flag was burned? I have not heard of it happening anywhere around here, and we all dame well that FOX News would carry it live it happened. What we have seen locally within the last year right here in Southwest Ohio is a cross burning up near Oxford. So no, Mr. Marty Justis, if that is your real name, I don't think you can claim flag burnings happen more than cross burnings. I don't think you can claim that historically most definitively. What I think you should worry about is property rights. If I own a flag, it is my property. Does Mr. Justis want to infringe on my property rights? If that is the case, then I think a few of his fellow conservatives might have a beef with him. It is now against the law to burn a flag you don't own or don't have the permission to burn, and in some places you can only burn things on private property, with permission of the owner. Those obstacles are more than enough to preserves this guy myth of meaning in a his cloth. If he wants to ban something, why not ban the burning of books? Or better yet, ban the burning of the constitution.