nerd’s eye view

Friday News Playlist

January 13, 2006 – 12:56 am | by nerd's eye view

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Update: Been doing a little reading on these issues. New links included, if you’re interested.

Over the last few news days, my wits have been dulled considerably by watching the Alito hearings. Ted and Arlen’s dust up and Mrs. Alito’s tears aside, these hearings have made me long for John Roberts’ visible intelligence or Harriet Miers’ comic relief. Slate’s headline? If you can’t beat ‘em, bore ‘em.

I tried, I really did. In case you doubt my efforts let me tell you that I watched the hearings on Faux News, the only channel we have that broadcast them live. But by day three, I couldn’t take it anymore. And it wasn’t Faux News I couldn’t take, though that was pretty bad. It was the sheer dullness of Sam Alito. I have this vision of the other justices in the chamber saying, “God help us, if Kennedy doesn’t find some way to skewer Alito, we’re stuck with him for the next 30 years! I’m retiring the minute he’s confirmed! Don’t you have something you can leak? ANYTHING?”

Soundtrack: Wham, Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

Can I just say, without handing over my lefty credentials, that I don’t think Wal-Mart should be singled out for legislation? If they’ve not met the law, they should be prosecuted. Specific legislation against one company seems, I don’t know, oddly facistic. If the law already exists, then enforce it. If a new law is passed, it should be applied to ALL who violate it, not just Wal-Mart. Am I missing some key piece of informaton here? Because this doesn’t make sense to me.

Update: It bears mentioning that this ruling - which requires “large employers to spend a fixed percentage of their payroll on healthcare for employees” - still doesn’t help folks, like, um, me (contractor for a tiny agency and sometimes self employed) or the uninsured. It’s drive by legislation targeted at one employer that doesn’t address the root of the problem. I don’t shop at Wal-Mart and I’m not taking their side. I’m just saying this is grandstanding without solving the root of the problem.

Soundtrack: Merle Haggard, Workin’ Man Blues

Can someone please explain to me why, when Iran said they were going ahead with their nuclear power aspiriations, the “West” did not say this: Ah ha! You want to build plants! Let us send you experts with materials and educate you in the safest way to build said plants. Hans Blix, pack your suitcase, you’re going to Iran! Then, working with the blessing of the UN and the IAEA, the Iranians build their plants and diplomacy at the SAME time. Hello? I am crazy here or is this method not more effective than, “We’re building.” “No you’re not.” “Yes we are.” “No you’re not.” Lather, rinse, repeat. Yes, yes, I know, we don’t want them to have nukes and that guy in power, yeesh. But if they’re going to build ANYWAY why not become involved in the process? Euro-husband says that the Russians attempted to take this route but were thwarted.

Also, how handy is it for them that US troops are amassed in Iran’s back yard? They won’t even have to go anywhere should armed conflict break out when armed conflict breaks out.

Sidebar: I will allow a discussion about why we made no effort to sell Iran, given their climate, on solar power. Also acceptable for discussion: “You are such a freakin’ hippie, you goddamn pansy ass lefty!” But kindly keep it brief.

Soundtrack: Beatles, Good Day, Sunshine

Update: Der Speigel’s English edition answers some of my questions here.

Indeed, the country’s recent rejection of a Russian plan to provide Iran with already-enriched uranium played a significant role in the decision to refer Iran to the council.

Also: Iran — a signatory to the nonproliferation treaty — may also be reluctant to back away from its nuclear weapons ambitions and fulfill its own treaty obligations, given the lukewarm adherence to article VI of that treaty shown by established nuclear powers such as the United States.

Finally, while admittedly this is slightly stale, can we all agree that Pat Robertson is insane? Hands, please? Ah, it’s unanimous! Thanks, then. Fade out, please….

Soundtrack: Prince, Let’s Go Crazy