Well, this story is all over the ‘sphere but I do feel compelled to jump on the bandwagon as well. MSNBC has decent coverage of the story here. What I found most interesting was the CBS response to the panel’s investigation. It’s in PDF, but you can access it here.

Alright, so they hung the blame on Mapes and she does bear the brunt of responsibility and was deservedly fired. Three other senior management folks who failed to provide the oversight that they were paid to provide were relieved of their duties and asked to resign. That is also appropriate.

They gave Rather a pass which is somewhat of a double-standard, especially in light of the lame excuses offered in his defense. The fact that he is stepping down in March means little since he will still be reporting on stories as a senior correspondent. I don’t believe he can be trusted to offer the weather in an unbiased fashion.

Andrew Heyward, CBS News President, also got a pass. I’m more willing to give him the benefit of doubt because it appears he was asking the right questions, and being fed a load of BS from his underlings.

Although the panel found that CBS pursued the story with “myopic zeal” resulting in a story that was “neither fair nor accurate”, they conclude:

The independent investigators former Republican Attorney General Dick Thornburgh and Louis Boccardi, retired president and chief executive officer of The Associated Press said they could find no evidence to conclude the report aired two months before the election was fueled by a political agenda.

Ok, if you say so. How do you define political agenda? If all those involved had the same documented dislike of George Bush as does Dan Rather, isn’t it just a little bit possible that this fact contributed to the “myopic zeal” in which they pursued the story (and more importantly, ignored evidence in their possession that undermined the basic premise of the story)? I remain convinced that it was political bias and/or personal agendas that caused all the breakdowns in standards and practices that allowed this story to air. Just the fact that Mapes was in contact the DNC (who coincidentally began a major ad campaign the day after the report was aired challenging the President’s guard service) seems like pretty good evidence of political bias, but hey, what do I know–I’m just a news consumer (but not from CBS thankfully).

Anyway, Rather deserved to be dismissed for his conduct after the story was aired. Calling critics of his reporting “partisan hacks” (critics who were proven correct) is not political bias, right Dan?

Overall, I will give CBS a B- for its actions in response to the report. Am I being too easy or too harsh?

hat tip to More sense than money, where I lifted the quote.

A wide awake reader sent me this:

I got the company newsletter about five days after I started working at my new job. The front page of it dealt with one of the guys who
works here, his reserve unit was called up,and he’s been serving in
Iraq for the last few months. Just last week he got his first leave
and came home.

The article then continued, listing employees who had a family member
serving in Iraq and Afganistan. From what I remember, we’ve got about
a dozen of those. There’s a pretty good spread too. From the lowest
manual labor job, up through managers and Department heads, there are
folks who’ve got a son, or brother, or husband serving in a war zone.
That’s what made what I saw later the same day all the more amazing.

I’m working on a system, and then I notice the corkboard behind this
chick’s desk. She’d just put up a large poster, using the same color
scheme and logo that the Army uses for their recruiting. The poster
was of a cemetery. Rows and rows of headstones. The caption?

“You can’t be all that you can be if you’re DEAD.”

I walked over, and took a closer look. The message underneath
basically said, “You can serve your country, and get money for college
in ways besides serving in the military.”

Nice. Just nice.

Now notice, this isn’t a poster saying the war in Iraq is wrong.
People can disagree about that. I personally stay up some nights
wondering if those people over there are worth one drop of American
blood. Like I said, people can disagree about policy, that’s America,
Jack.

This was a poster encouraging people not to enlist in the military.
This is also a poster, the subtext of which states, ‘If you serve in
the armed forces, you’re a moron. You’re also probably going to die.”

There are people not three desks from where this…individual…sits
that have loved ones serving over there. She posts a poster of a
giant cemetary which implies this is where a soldier or marine will
most likely end up.

That’s so classy!

Tell me that part about how the left supports our troops but not the war again?

Let me break this down for you, honey. If it wasn’t for that ‘moron’
slinging a rifle and guarding your freedom, if it wasn’t for that hick
planted in that cemetary that your friends photographed, you wouldn’t
have the freedom to ‘be all that you can be’.

Then again, I’ve met you. You didn’t turn out to be much.

Sometimes I think it must really be nice to live in a “reality” where the military serves no purpose. A “reality” where no one would attack you if you could not defend yourself. A “reality” where terrorists did not crash planes into buildings thinking we had grown weak and soft and would not have the will to strike back.

To bad for the rest of us who must live in a world where difficult choices must be made in the interest of security and where freedom is never free. We have our compensations though. Like a dedicated, professional, all volunteer military who is out there protecting us from evil doers who would see us dead or enslaved. We can sleep safe and secure in our beds each night because these brave men and women are on the job. Hell, maybe we can even have dreams of alternate realities, just like the woman described above. Of course, we will wake up free and give a prayer of thanks for the people who sacrafice so much to make that possible.

And that’s my reality.

UPDATE: Found this quote over at FlightPundit. Thought it fit nicely here:

“the West won the world not by the superiority of its ideas or values or religion but rather by its superiority in applying organized violence. Westerners often forget this fact, non-Westerners never do.”

Samuel P. Huntington

Sorry for the lack of posts. I have just not been able to get anything accomplished today. I have worked a little on my new photo gallery page, check it out. Lots more to do, but I am having trouble taking the photos from my desktop, to CD, to here on my laptop (I am using it today because of other problems with the desktop). Both of the D drives are doing weird things. So, all I am feeling is frustrated.

Ever had one of those days when you would have been better off just staying in bed?

Ann Althouse has had an interesting discussion on whether the intelligence of a potential partner (compared to your own) is an important factor in a successful relationship. She has come down pretty much on the side of equality of intelligence. Read about it here. Ann doesn’t do comments, and email responses are limited to 300 characters. Being the verbose individual that I am, I was unable to respond within those parameters. So, my overlong email is now this post:

Well, if equality = compatibility I agree. It seems to me all this talk about preferring smarter/less smart mates is irrelevant if there is not basic compatibility present. And I think compatibility goes way beyond equality in intelligence.

Personally, I am attracted to successful women but I am not sure success is a reliable indicator of intelligence. More important is the presence of some shared interests and the ability to talk about topics and issues at a level where both partners can potentially enlighten or be enlightened. I appreciate learning something new from my wife and I like to think she has learned some things from me over the years. (Unfortunately, I was unable to make her see the errors in her logic for supporting Kerry, but that is a moot issue now thankfully).

We are probably saying close to the same thing Ann. But as I see it, intelligence and equality are really just part of the overall universe of compatibility.

I will be spending the day in the Norfolk area. Carol’s brother is in the USAF and was recently transferred from Nellis AFB (near Las Vegas) to Langley AFB. So, they invited us down to see their new home and have a little visit. It’s about a two and a half hour drive normally, but it is raining in Virginia today, so we’ll see.

Anyway, I won’t have any blogging time until later tonight. And yes, I have been forced to moderate my comments, so don’t panic if your comment does not appear right away. I do not edit any reader comment, just have to winnow out the spam.

Thanks to the folks who have suggested the spam blocking plug-ins. As soon as I have the chance to check it out, I will definitely go that route.

Until later.

Carol’s brother sent this to her. I offer it as a public service. Don’t shoot the messenger ladies……

Finally, the guys’ side of the story.

We always hear “the rules” from the female side.
Now here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules!
Please note… these are all numbered “1” ON PURPOSE!

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You’re a big girl. If it’s up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don’t hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It’s like the full moon or the changing of the tides. Let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one:
Subtle hints do not work!
Strong hints do not work!
Obvious hints do not work!
Just say it!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it.
That’s what we do. Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days.

1. If you won’t dress like the Victoria’s Secret girls, don’t expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you’re fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways and one of the ways makes you sad or angry, we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done. Not both. If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus did not need directions and neither do we.

1. ALL men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings. Peach, for example, is a fruit, not a color. Pumpkin is also a fruit. We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say “nothing,” we will act like nothing’s wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1. If you ask a question you don’t want an answer to, expect an answer you don’t want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine…Really.

1. Don’t ask us what we’re thinking about unless you are
prepared to discuss such topics as baseball, the shotgun formation, or monster trucks.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round is a shape.

1. Thank you for reading this. Yes, I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight; but did you know men really don’t mind that? It’s like camping.

Pass this to as many men as you can – to give them a laugh.

Pass this to as many women as you can – to give them a bigger laugh!!

I am having a couple of upgrades added to my blog by the good folks at http://elegantwebscapes.com/

And of course Lisa is responsible for my design and is the most gracious of hosts (she is NOT responsible for the content however, so don’t blame her!).

But that is not what this post is about. I mentioned to her in a recent email that one of the first posts I had read on her blog had affected me deeply. She appeared somewhat surprised to hear that. I decided to tell the back-story here.

It was a year ago this month that I encountered Just a Girl in the World for the first time. Lisa had submitted a new design for Kate at Electric Venom, a blog I read regularly (you can find her and Lisa on my blogroll). Anyway, Kate invited her readers to take a looksee over at Lisa’s, so off I went. And there I found her telling of the story of Ann and George.

It is a beautifully written piece, and it is also very sad. I would have been moved regardless, but the story affected me so deeply because it reminded me of the struggle my dear friend Linda was going through in her battle with cancer. A few days after reading this post I got the call I had been dreading for months…. Linda was no longer responding to any treatment and was being moved to a hospice in Phoenix where she would be made as comfortable as possible for whatever time she had left.

Before I got on the plane to spend a few days with Linda at the end of her life, I printed a copy of Lisa’s post to carry with me. In an odd way, I found courage and strength from the story of Ann and George. Their love, their grace, their dignity. I wanted to be there for Linda and this story inspired me to rise above my own selfish sense of loss and allowed me to be a comforting friend and caregiver. We laughed and cried and remembered the special times we had shared, and I will always treasure those last moments together. Linda was the bravest person I have ever known. She never lost her faith or her humanity and despite crushing blows that would have destroyed lesser beings (her daughter committed suicide several months earlier), Linda fought on until her body finally failed. But her spirit never did.

Anyway, I mentioned in an earlier post that I had found several emails from Linda as I closed out my archives at work. And she has been especially on my mind as the anniversary of her death approaches. I also found a link to Lisa’s post titled “George”
in my old email. While I was in Phoenix I shared it with Linda’s sister and she agreed it sounded so much like Linda and Rick, and she was also moved by the power of love the story conveyed. You will be too, so go have a read.

So Lisa, a belated thank-you. You must be one hell of a caregiver, touching the lives of people you have never met through your compassionate words.

As a postscript, I got wrapped up in the events of my own life and struggles after Linda’s death and was an infrequent visitor to many of the blogs I had once followed. When I found out I was moving to Korea, I made the decision to get my own blog to share my experiences with family and friends back home. And yes, to share my views on politics and world events. I spent a week on blogspot and was not at all satisfied with the result. I started making some inquiries, and then I remembered Lisa. She had me set up and running in no time, and I am one very satisfied customer. Funny how the world works out sometimes, isn’t it?

Help Chief Wiggles “fill the plane”. Lots of help is still needed for Tsunami victims. And this is a way to ensure that the aid you contribute gets to the people in need (instead of Kofi’s son’s pocket, for example). If you want to know more about operation “fill the plane” you can find it here.

Well, they sent out a notice at work yesterday announcing my imminent departure. I have been getting some very nice emails from people I have worked with over these past four years. It is always gratifying to know that your work has been respected and appreciated. This particular email to my boss from a manager in our Philadelphia Regional Office was really touching:

I feel ambivalent. I’ll miss John’s wisdom and his commitment to his Customers. The C in customer is capitalized because that’s the attitude he exhibited to me, one of his Customers. He practiced a Standard of Excellence in dealing with his Customers. On the other hand, so few times in our lives do we really listen to our hearts and do what we truly believe that we are called to do, despite hardships, known and unknown. Stepping out there on faith is empowering and humbling.

My prayer is that may he know and have God’s Grace and may he be at Peace.

If appropriate pls feel free to share w/ him.

Thank you for the kind words Wendella. And thank you for understanding why I believe this is important. It has been a privilege to work with dedicated managers like you.

Dinner tonight with friends from Baltimore. Ate at a Moroccan restaurant in DC, very traditional…community plates, no forks, belly dancing. Nice evening. I was gifted a great travel guide to Korea and a very nice journal. Cindy and Eric were excited for me and they are planning to come visit in 2006.

Anyway, the goodbyes are starting in earnest. This is the hard part I suppose.

It’s late and I have an early day tomorrow. Goodnight.

Visited the Korean consulate today. They wouldn’t do the A-3 visa without the DoD ID, but they are giving me an A-2, which is good for 90 days. I should have my official passport and the correct visa by the time that my A-2 visa expires.

So, it looks my fears of playing the role of Tom Hanks in “The Terminal” are alleviated.

Now it is just counting down the days.

Sorry, but until I can get this disgusting comment spam under control, I have to use comment moderation. I will not edit or delete reader comments, but it may cause a few hours delay before they appear.

Thanks for understanding.

UPDATE: No, I changed my mind. I might have found a different short term fix. Comments are subject to moderation without notice if that fix does not hold….

I apologize. I got spammed with some pretty disgusting porn sites in my comments. I have deleted them and will seek ways to block future attacks.

Sorry if anyone was offended.

Apparently my last name makes “cream cry”. I could be worse I suppose. Check your name here.

hat tip: Ann Althouse.

Powerline has an interesting report concerning the Tsunami relief efforts. Read it here.

Here’s the money quote, from a Dutch diplomat:

The US military has arrived and is clearly establishing its presence everywhere in Banda Aceh. They completely have taken over the military hospital, which was a mess until yesterday but is now completely up and running. They brought big stocks of medicines, materials for the operation room, teams of doctors, water and food. Most of the patients who were lying in the hospital untreated for a week have undergone medical treatment by the US teams by this afternoon. US military have unloaded lots of heavy vehicles and organize the logistics with Indonesian military near the airport. A big camp is being set up at a major square in the town. Huge generators are ready to provide electricity. US helicopters fly to places which haven’t been reached for the whole week and drop food. The impression it makes on the people is also highly positive; finally something happens in the city of Banda Aceh and finally it seems some people are in control and are doing something. No talking but action. European countries are until now invisible on the ground. IOM staff (note: this is a USAID-funded organization) is very busy briefing the incoming Americans and Australians about the situation.

As if we needed yet one more reason to be proud of our men and women in the military….

UPDATE: Just in case anyone thought I was unduly harsh in my criticism of the French, here is their take on the US relief efforts (as expressed in Le Monde)

hat tip: belgravia dispatch

Pretty busy day at work today as I try and finish out some projects before closing the door on my career with the Department of Education.

Yesterday, my new employer advised that I would need to get an “Official Passport” and a special visa. I knew about the visa, but thought my tourist passport would be sufficient. I called the Korean embassy and they said I needed the official passport and DoD ID to get the visa I need. Well, I won’t have the ID until I report for duty in Korea. A nice catch-22. So, today I find out how to apply for the official passport and learn they will also process my visa application. Which pleased me much.

Anyway, I completed the paperwork and took the metro to the office that handles the passports. Of course, security said I needed an escort to go upstairs to the passport office (a Dept. of ED ID just doesn’t have much cache I guess). So, I call upstairs for the escort and am told someone would be right down. After 15 minutes of standing there, I called again. “Someone will be down in a minute” I was advised. 10 minutes later the phone rings at security and the guard says “yeah, he’s down here.” Apparently, the passport office thought I was waiting in the 8th floor lobby. Never figured out why they would think that since you can’t move in that building without an escort or an official DoD ID. Anyway, I am not ragging on the need for security of course, but I was pretty frustrated by the point. Finally, a young female GI appeared to take me upstairs. She was apologetic for the mix-up and I was not about to hassle a soldier, even unarmed. I said this was my first taste of “hurry up and wait” my daughter had told me was a staple of Army life. The soldier just smiled.

So, they take me to this conference room, told me to sign in and said someone would be with me soon. There are two other people in the room, one with her head down on the table trying to nap. It is now a quarter to 12 and the person on the list ahead of me had signed in at 10. Oh no, I figured this is going to be a nightmare. But 5 minutes later a nice woman appeared and took me away to process my paperwork. Only took about 10 minutes and I was out of there.

Took the Metro back to my office and there is a message on my voice mail from the woman who had processed my application. “Didn’t you leave your tourist passport? I need that to submit with your application.” I call her back and said “no, I didn’t leave my passport. I am going to need it if the official passport is not back by my January 22 departure date.” So, we agreed that I would drop my birth certificate off in the morning and she would submit that in lieu of the passport.

So, I am almost back to square one. The Korean embassy website says you can enter the country as a tourist for 30 days without a visa. Provided you have a return ticket. Which, since I am going to be in country for 2 years I don’t have. Anyway, it will work out. I will call the embassy tomorrow and see what can be done in my circumstances.

The other thing I did at work was go through my word documents and archived email to see what needed to be saved. I came across some email from my dear friend Linda, who died last year from breast cancer. Of course, I am saving all those to keep with me, but I did get pretty choked up reading them again.

She was something special, and I am going to find a way to honor her memory once I get my emotions under control.

So that was my day. How about yours?

David Price nails Sean Penn in this post over at espresso roast. Go have a read, you won’t be disappointed…..

A couple of interesting editorials in today’s NY Times. John Miller succinctly demonstrates why France is not even worthy of our contempt.

France is a third-rate has been. And like any spoiled child should be ignored. It was a laugh to hear John Kerry talk about soliciting France’s support in Iraq. What do they have to offer, a broken down aircraft carrier with a few obsolete Mirage fighters? Hell, they have got more than they can handle with their unilateral, non-UN approved, intervention in Ivory Coast. France has nothing left these days but delusions of grandeur.

The other editorial was submitted by a French expat living in New York. He can’t understand why France is considered such a joke to most Americans. I guess my short answer to him would be “um, perhaps because France IS a joke.” A sad joke indeed.

Anyway, I recommend you read both editorials (and it is not often I can recommend anything in the NYT).

Sister Toldjah links to this column from the Nashville Tennessean that tells, as Paul Harvey might say, the rest of the story.

The sad thing is this shouldn’t be NEWS, but if all I read was the Washington Post I might be inclined to think nothing good was happening in Iraq these days. (From Arthur Chernkoff via Roger L. Simon)

We are about to turn the corner folks, and the next milestone will come on January 30.

UPDATE: Nice post on this topic over at Dean’s World. Go and see.

ANOTHER UPDATE: If you are REALLY interested in what’s happening in Iraq you won’t find anything more definitive than this.

Powerline has a new survey up showing where Iraqis stand on the upcoming election. Bottom line is that the so-called insurgents are failing miserably in their effort to dissuade the people of Iraq from exercising their newly won right to vote in free elections. Score one for the good guys.