Kosovo Independece

It appears Kosovo took another step towards independence from Serbia with the election of Thaci to Prime Minister. This not to be unexpected given Serbia’s history of abuse and bloodshed towards non-Serbs when Yugoslavia broke apart in part to Serbia’s refusal to step down from the rotating presidency. In many ways it is inevitable the Kosovo would become independent.

Of course Russia is claiming it will veto any UN resolution recognizing Kosovo as a state. This is a laughable and petty position to take, since Kosovo (should they become independent) would be a separate de facto nation regardless. It is also likely to be recognized by the European Union, the United States and much of the rest of the world. This is especially so in the EU given that the EU tried to help the Kosovar and Serbian parties come to an agreement that would keep the two peoples together. An effort that failed when it became obvious that the two could not and would not come to an agreement.

China Watch: Another needless death

Once again, rather than acknowledge their corruption and abuse of their people the Chinese government decides to detain Chinese villagers protesting the beating death of a man who filmed a clash between villagers and authorities over dumping trash near these people homes and livelihood. As usual the Chinese government denied there was a protest what so ever while at the same time arresting people. You’d think the Communist government would realize how discontent their people are given the increasing number of clashes between the citizenry and the corrupt government officials, police, and party members over their actions and policies.

Straight of Hormuz Incident

I find the whole incident getting interesting, especially with Iran’s flip-flop on that yes their ships were there but that the video and audio now being shown in the United States is fraudulent. Everyone knows Iran’s naval assets act more as pirates than a navy in the Straight of Hormuz such as the kidnapping British personnel. Basically it’s a wait and see as to whether Iran will choose to escalate it’s activities or back off as they have in the past.

The timing is curious, given Mr. Bush is now in the Middle East drumming up support on several issues: Palestine, Iraq, anti-terrorism and Iran.

NH Results

Winners: Clinton, McCain.

Me: Laughing at the news networks, analysts, and pundits now making excuses for getting their predictions and assessments being so very, very wrong. Laughing even harder at the campaign managers and representatives trying to spin, spin, spin.

FAA Concern

FAA Worried New Jet Open to Cyberattack  Too bad the FAA didn’t think before issuing their concerns to the public. Boeing already has taken into consideration potential for attempted hacking and what not, something that network specialists know can easily be prevented. It’s not that big of a deal as they make it seem.

A better question is why do people think that they need Internet access on a plane in the first place?

“Happy” Hugo News

Venezuela’s Chavez Offers to Pose Topless  Yes, Happy Hugo, the worlds wackiest wanna-be communist dictator, is wanting to pose topless. No thanks.

Of course, equally amusing is Naomi Campbell’s lame (and misguided praise) of Chavez. What’s with these Hollywood types supporting people who would eliminate the very Hollywood stars supporting them?

More amusing tidbits:

1. “the U.S “empire” is about to fall” I always laugh when the United States is called an empire, since obviously we haven’t had royalty since we punted the British from power some  232 years ago. (Or 225 years if you want to the date independence was recognize.) Besides empire such a quaint notion in today’s age. What makes this especially amusing is Hugo’s desire to build how own “empire” in Latin America. For Latin America’s own “good”, of course. *wink*

2. “Jesus Christ was “the greatest revolutionary in history, for defending the poor against the powerful.” I don’t know, the Muslims might argue that one. Or the Buddhists.

3. “Castro’s dress sense made him the world’s most stylish leader” That left me laughing for quite some time. I kid you not.  Poor Hugo’s envious and born about sixty years too late in history. Nah, he just wants more Cuban cigars from his BFF, Fidel.

Gays Serving in the Military

As noted in Gays Come Out, but Stay in Military a growing number of gays in the military are informing their fellow soldiers and officers of their sexual orientation and not being summarily dismissed from military service. I hope this shows a maturing attitude within the military with regards to homosexual service members and a rejection of the archaic, misguided neo-Puritan element that believe religion inspired doctrine is more important than keeping qualified, well trained, patriotic Americans in the military. Homosexuals have always served in the military whether the services wanted to admit their presence or not. “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” did nothing but make it more difficult for all service members, particularly for those who were accused of being gay or lesbian by fellow service members who were bigoted, jealous of others successes, or through simple personality conflict and grudges.

New Hampshire Primary

Well it looks like McCain has won the Republican primary in NH and it looks like Clinton may actually defeat Obama there as well if results remain consistent.

I’m glad McCain has won, as he is the Republican I respect the most and would like to see as the Republican Party’s Presidential nominee.  I may not agree with him on all things but I can at least respect his positions and as a native Arizonan I am quite familiar with McCain’s political dealings for me home state.

I hope Clinton gets the win in NH as I much prefer her experience and savvy in politics than Obama’s inexperience and exuberance. This is partially because the news media and pundits had written Clinton and McCain off. That and I always like to see the talking heads be proven wrong about the American public, especially when it is obvious that they are trying to dictate what the public thinks instead of simply asking what the public thinks. Like McCain, I can respect Mrs. Clinton’s positions while being in disagreement with her. For now, it is wait and see what the NH voters decide.

A McCain vs. Clinton Presidential campaign would be very interesting as both are moderates within their parties, two sides of the same coin.