I do not know if anyone caught George W. Bush’s State of the Union Address the other night. I admit that I had better things to do. And honestly, after a couple of minutes of listening to Bush speak (or at least try to speak) I get bored. Unless, he is really making a fool of himself then I just laugh.
I do know that one of topics he spoke on was the war in Iraq. First of all, I never quite understood why we were over there in the first place or for so long. We captured/executed Saddam finally. I think that the biggest reason why this war needs to be over is that the people in Iraq are not the ones who knocked down the Twin Towers.
Bush says he will not end the war in Iraq. Instead, he will do the exact opposite. He is sending more troops to Iraq. Is our President stupid? Well, yes. Instead of focusing on the important issues like the economy, gas prices, unemployment...need I say more? Bush is obsessed with Iraq for some reason. The problem is that he got in too deep and he knows it. He cannot pull out now, what else will he do or talk about his remaining two years in office?
All I know is that the next two years better go by fast because Bush needs to be out of office for our country’s own good.
Despite causing a lot of controversy with their statement, the Dixie Chicks were very right a couple years ago when they said they were ashamed of the President. I am ashamed too. I think that enough is enough.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
It's About Time
Steroid use in Major League Baseball has been an ongoing issue for sometime now. It has always been known that several major league baseball players have used steroids to enhance their performance on the baseball field. Many players have also denied ever using performance-enhancing drugs. However, reports say something different. It never used to be illegal to take steroids until 2002, so players have gone unpunished. That is until recently.
The 2007 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees were announced last week. Mark McGwire was not voted in, and he was not even close to being voted in. McGwire is one of the players that reportedly took performance-enhancing drugs during his career. When he went in front of Congress a couple years ago to discuss steroid use in baseball, he avoided the question about his own use. His response was, “I am not here to talk about the past.” Well, voters made it loud and clear that McGwire does not deserve to be in the Hall of Fame despite his 583 career home runs.
I agree with the voters. McGwire and every other player who took/takes steroids deserve to be punished. And in my opinion, not getting into the Hall of Fame is the worst kind of punishment. Voters are basically telling McGwire that all of his accomplishments do not mean anything if he cheated by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
I believe taking steroids is considered cheating, although many people will probably disagree with me. Let’s say McGwire never took steroids. Would he still have been as successful as a home run hitter? I am not saying he would have been less successful, but we will never know. It is sad to think that many players might have had very different careers if they did not take steroids. Unfortunately, we will never know how talented these players really are.
I also believe that these players set a bad example. They are telling people that it is ok to take steroids in order to be stronger and more successful in a sport.
The voters last week sent out a very loud message. I think it is a great message. Their message also tells me that it is unlikely McGwire will ever be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Disgraced player Barry Bonds does not have much chance either after he retires.
I hope this also can be a lesson to some players that the fans do not and will not forget.
After all these years, it looks like steroid use/cheating has finally caught up to these professional athletes. These players have been getting away with steroid use way too long and now the punishment is coming. All I can say is: It’s about time.
The 2007 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees were announced last week. Mark McGwire was not voted in, and he was not even close to being voted in. McGwire is one of the players that reportedly took performance-enhancing drugs during his career. When he went in front of Congress a couple years ago to discuss steroid use in baseball, he avoided the question about his own use. His response was, “I am not here to talk about the past.” Well, voters made it loud and clear that McGwire does not deserve to be in the Hall of Fame despite his 583 career home runs.
I agree with the voters. McGwire and every other player who took/takes steroids deserve to be punished. And in my opinion, not getting into the Hall of Fame is the worst kind of punishment. Voters are basically telling McGwire that all of his accomplishments do not mean anything if he cheated by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
I believe taking steroids is considered cheating, although many people will probably disagree with me. Let’s say McGwire never took steroids. Would he still have been as successful as a home run hitter? I am not saying he would have been less successful, but we will never know. It is sad to think that many players might have had very different careers if they did not take steroids. Unfortunately, we will never know how talented these players really are.
I also believe that these players set a bad example. They are telling people that it is ok to take steroids in order to be stronger and more successful in a sport.
The voters last week sent out a very loud message. I think it is a great message. Their message also tells me that it is unlikely McGwire will ever be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Disgraced player Barry Bonds does not have much chance either after he retires.
I hope this also can be a lesson to some players that the fans do not and will not forget.
After all these years, it looks like steroid use/cheating has finally caught up to these professional athletes. These players have been getting away with steroid use way too long and now the punishment is coming. All I can say is: It’s about time.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Rosie and Donald Both Need To Shut Up
Yet we have another celebrity feud that everyone is talking about these days. In the past month, comedian and co-host of The View, Rosie O’Donnell, and Donald Trump have been going at it in a war of words. The feud all started when O’Donnell disagreed with Trump’s decision to not say “you’re fired” to Miss USA Tara Conner who apparently has a drug and alcohol problem.
Since then, they have repeatedly attacked one another to the point where it is laughable. Trump and O’Donnell remind me of recess time in elementary school. A couple of immature children who have nothing better to do than insult each other. I think they have a contest on who can hurt each other the most. Or who can act more immature than the other.
Honestly, I think they both need to shut up because I do not care for either one of them. Why don’t they just both get in a boxing ring and go a couple more rounds? That ought to be fun to watch. And let’s face it. They are both right about each other. O’Donnell is a bully who used to be the “Queen of Nice,” but for some reason has turned into the exact opposite. Trump does have a bad combover who has a thing for young women. However, it has gotten to the point where it is obvious that both of them are just doing it for the headlines.
Well, Trump and O’Donnell, you two received the headlines, now please shut up.
Since then, they have repeatedly attacked one another to the point where it is laughable. Trump and O’Donnell remind me of recess time in elementary school. A couple of immature children who have nothing better to do than insult each other. I think they have a contest on who can hurt each other the most. Or who can act more immature than the other.
Honestly, I think they both need to shut up because I do not care for either one of them. Why don’t they just both get in a boxing ring and go a couple more rounds? That ought to be fun to watch. And let’s face it. They are both right about each other. O’Donnell is a bully who used to be the “Queen of Nice,” but for some reason has turned into the exact opposite. Trump does have a bad combover who has a thing for young women. However, it has gotten to the point where it is obvious that both of them are just doing it for the headlines.
Well, Trump and O’Donnell, you two received the headlines, now please shut up.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
American Justice System vs. Iraq Justice System
I am sure everyone has heard by now, former Iraq leader, Saddam Hussein has been executed for the crimes he committed over several decades. Hussein was sentenced to death in November after his conviction, and was executed on December 30. This leads me to the question: Why does it take so long for the American justice system to send a convicted criminal to the death penalty?
When criminals in our system are sentenced to death, by the time their appeals run out, 20 years or more have passed since their conviction. If justice is not going to be served right away, then why give a jury the option of punishing someone by death? The convicted criminals are rotting away in prison like they were given a life sentence anyways.
Look at Scott Peterson. He was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering his pregnant wife Laci. However, Peterson will probably not be put to death in another 20 years after his appeals are exhausted. Another example, Richard Allen Davis, kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Polly Klaas back in 1993. Davis was sentenced to death for the crime, but has yet to be executed. He sits alongside Peterson in San Quentin State Prison. Davis and Peterson both have no remorse for what they have done and deserve the ultimate punishment sooner rather than later.
Why is our justice system so slow? I understand that convicted criminals have the right to appeal their conviction, but justice finally being done several years after the crime is committed is ridiculous. Iraq did not waste time in executing Hussein, which is good. Hussein was a monster whose capture was actually long overdue in my opinion. He should have been captured back in 1991 during the Gulf War.
I think if we are going to take forever to execute someone who has been sentenced to die, then what is the point of the death penalty?
When criminals in our system are sentenced to death, by the time their appeals run out, 20 years or more have passed since their conviction. If justice is not going to be served right away, then why give a jury the option of punishing someone by death? The convicted criminals are rotting away in prison like they were given a life sentence anyways.
Look at Scott Peterson. He was convicted and sentenced to death for murdering his pregnant wife Laci. However, Peterson will probably not be put to death in another 20 years after his appeals are exhausted. Another example, Richard Allen Davis, kidnapped and murdered 12-year-old Polly Klaas back in 1993. Davis was sentenced to death for the crime, but has yet to be executed. He sits alongside Peterson in San Quentin State Prison. Davis and Peterson both have no remorse for what they have done and deserve the ultimate punishment sooner rather than later.
Why is our justice system so slow? I understand that convicted criminals have the right to appeal their conviction, but justice finally being done several years after the crime is committed is ridiculous. Iraq did not waste time in executing Hussein, which is good. Hussein was a monster whose capture was actually long overdue in my opinion. He should have been captured back in 1991 during the Gulf War.
I think if we are going to take forever to execute someone who has been sentenced to die, then what is the point of the death penalty?
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
The NBA: Athletes or Animals?
Is it just me or have NBA players been throwing more punches on the court than they are making baskets?
I was watching the news this weekend when once again I saw a basketball brawl. The game was between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. The Knicks were getting blown out of their own building, and I guess you can say that they did not take it very well. When Denver Nugget J.R. Smith went to the basket for an easy lay up, New York Knick Mardy Collins grabbed him by the neck and threw him on the ground. As a normal reaction, Smith was angry. He got up and fought with Collins. Eventually, New York Knick Nate Robinson got in the middle and wrestled with Smith in the front row of the stands. Denver Nugget Carmelo Anthony made the situation worse when he punched Collins in the face, which was uncalled for in my opinion.
You would think these NBA players would have learned from the violent brawl that took place two years ago between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. That fight not only involved several fans, but also gave NBA players the reputation for acting too “gangster.”
Here is a message to some NBA players: If you want to fight for a living, then there is another sport for that. You might have heard of it: wrestling. Basketball is supposed to be fun to watch, and it is sad when certain players feel the need to ruin a sport that so many people love to watch. Plus, and most importantly, there are young people who look up to these players as role models. Lately, sports figures do not deserve to be role models. It disgusts me when high salary players (some are way over paid) feel that they can do whatever they want, and take whatever action they want to take. These players are grown men, yet they have the maturity level of 7-year-olds. I am surprised at what poor losers some of these players and teams are. Grabbing your opponent by the neck and throwing him to the ground just because your team is losing by 20 points is not very good sportsmanship. Be a better person than that.
Nowadays, it seems like players cannot even get along with their own teammates or coach for that matter. Take Allen Iverson for example. He has never been able to get along with teammates and has had problems agreeing with coaches. Recently, he demanded to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers because he was not getting along with his coach. I think Iverson needs to grow up and learn to be less selfish. While the 76ers tried to find a deal with another team who would take Iverson, he sat at home and continued to be paid the big bucks. Iverson is obviously a very talented basketball player, but his attitude and behavior will not win him a championship anytime soon. Iverson was finally traded to the Denver Nuggets. That is all the Nuggets need, another immature player.
Now, not all players are immature. There are decent players left in the NBA. I just wish that there were more decent players.
Luckily, the players involved in the recent brawl were punished. They were suspended for several games without pay. Hopefully, they will learn their lesson. I wish that these stars of the NBA will grow up and play clean basketball. They need to realize that they all have one thing in common. They are doing something that they love to do, and millions of people love to watch. I have been a basketball fan since I was a child. There is nothing like watching an exciting basketball game where both teams are having fun out there on the court. I hope that one day all games can be like that again.
I was watching the news this weekend when once again I saw a basketball brawl. The game was between the Denver Nuggets and the New York Knicks. The Knicks were getting blown out of their own building, and I guess you can say that they did not take it very well. When Denver Nugget J.R. Smith went to the basket for an easy lay up, New York Knick Mardy Collins grabbed him by the neck and threw him on the ground. As a normal reaction, Smith was angry. He got up and fought with Collins. Eventually, New York Knick Nate Robinson got in the middle and wrestled with Smith in the front row of the stands. Denver Nugget Carmelo Anthony made the situation worse when he punched Collins in the face, which was uncalled for in my opinion.
You would think these NBA players would have learned from the violent brawl that took place two years ago between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers. That fight not only involved several fans, but also gave NBA players the reputation for acting too “gangster.”
Here is a message to some NBA players: If you want to fight for a living, then there is another sport for that. You might have heard of it: wrestling. Basketball is supposed to be fun to watch, and it is sad when certain players feel the need to ruin a sport that so many people love to watch. Plus, and most importantly, there are young people who look up to these players as role models. Lately, sports figures do not deserve to be role models. It disgusts me when high salary players (some are way over paid) feel that they can do whatever they want, and take whatever action they want to take. These players are grown men, yet they have the maturity level of 7-year-olds. I am surprised at what poor losers some of these players and teams are. Grabbing your opponent by the neck and throwing him to the ground just because your team is losing by 20 points is not very good sportsmanship. Be a better person than that.
Nowadays, it seems like players cannot even get along with their own teammates or coach for that matter. Take Allen Iverson for example. He has never been able to get along with teammates and has had problems agreeing with coaches. Recently, he demanded to be traded from the Philadelphia 76ers because he was not getting along with his coach. I think Iverson needs to grow up and learn to be less selfish. While the 76ers tried to find a deal with another team who would take Iverson, he sat at home and continued to be paid the big bucks. Iverson is obviously a very talented basketball player, but his attitude and behavior will not win him a championship anytime soon. Iverson was finally traded to the Denver Nuggets. That is all the Nuggets need, another immature player.
Now, not all players are immature. There are decent players left in the NBA. I just wish that there were more decent players.
Luckily, the players involved in the recent brawl were punished. They were suspended for several games without pay. Hopefully, they will learn their lesson. I wish that these stars of the NBA will grow up and play clean basketball. They need to realize that they all have one thing in common. They are doing something that they love to do, and millions of people love to watch. I have been a basketball fan since I was a child. There is nothing like watching an exciting basketball game where both teams are having fun out there on the court. I hope that one day all games can be like that again.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Hillary For President
With the Presidential election just two years away, and the war in Iraq still dragging on, the 2008 race is sure to be an interesting one. Several candidates have already been mentioned as possible runners in 2008. One person that has been mentioned as a possibility, and definitely has my vote, is New York Senator and former First Lady, Hillary Clinton.
I know that many people will probably disagree with my choice, but I think that Clinton would make a good President of the United States. I have always voted Democrat, and I think that a Democratic candidate has a good chance of winning in 2008. In the recent election in November, the Democrats took over the House and took control of the Senate. Considering what a mess President George W. Bush has made in the past six years, it is time for the Democrats to also take back the White House. It is sad what Bush has done to the economy since he has been in office, and how many more enemies we have made since he became elected. Unfortunately, every other country hates the United States because of Bush. The only thing Bush has accomplished since he has been in office is making his place in history as one of the worst Presidents we have ever had.
I have heard of a few possible candidates mentioned for 2008. John Kerry is one name mentioned, and it is safe to say that he has ruined any chances of running again after making insulting remarks about the troops in Iraq. Al Gore has been mentioned as well, but probably will not run if Clinton does. If Gore does run I think that Clinton would be a great running mate just like Gore was to her husband Bill. Hey, that is at least one step closer for Clinton to get into the White House. Gore has a decent chance of winning. He won in 2000. But that is a whole other blog post.
I think that Clinton is a very strong and smart woman, and will be able to tackle the tough issues. Not to mention, her husband Bill and 42nd President of the United States will be back in the White House to help her out. Bill as First Man? That does not seem too far-fetched now. Despite his scandals, Bill Clinton was a great President who gave us a strong economy, the lowest unemployment rate ever, and he cut the federal deficit. He cleaned up the mess Bush Sr. made. Maybe another Clinton will clean up the mess Bush Jr. has made.
The big question is, though, will Hillary Clinton decide to run? She does not give a definite answer when asked. Whether people agree with me or not, the first woman President may be sooner than later.
I know that many people will probably disagree with my choice, but I think that Clinton would make a good President of the United States. I have always voted Democrat, and I think that a Democratic candidate has a good chance of winning in 2008. In the recent election in November, the Democrats took over the House and took control of the Senate. Considering what a mess President George W. Bush has made in the past six years, it is time for the Democrats to also take back the White House. It is sad what Bush has done to the economy since he has been in office, and how many more enemies we have made since he became elected. Unfortunately, every other country hates the United States because of Bush. The only thing Bush has accomplished since he has been in office is making his place in history as one of the worst Presidents we have ever had.
I have heard of a few possible candidates mentioned for 2008. John Kerry is one name mentioned, and it is safe to say that he has ruined any chances of running again after making insulting remarks about the troops in Iraq. Al Gore has been mentioned as well, but probably will not run if Clinton does. If Gore does run I think that Clinton would be a great running mate just like Gore was to her husband Bill. Hey, that is at least one step closer for Clinton to get into the White House. Gore has a decent chance of winning. He won in 2000. But that is a whole other blog post.
I think that Clinton is a very strong and smart woman, and will be able to tackle the tough issues. Not to mention, her husband Bill and 42nd President of the United States will be back in the White House to help her out. Bill as First Man? That does not seem too far-fetched now. Despite his scandals, Bill Clinton was a great President who gave us a strong economy, the lowest unemployment rate ever, and he cut the federal deficit. He cleaned up the mess Bush Sr. made. Maybe another Clinton will clean up the mess Bush Jr. has made.
The big question is, though, will Hillary Clinton decide to run? She does not give a definite answer when asked. Whether people agree with me or not, the first woman President may be sooner than later.
Saturday, December 9, 2006
You Call This News?
A few weeks ago I sent my first email to a news agency: Fox News. Now, I have never really been a huge fan of the network in large part due to Bill O’Reilly and Hannity & Colmes. Their Republican views do not interest me one bit. Recently, though, I felt that the news network crossed the line. I was shocked to learn that they scheduled an on air interview with O.J. Simpson after he wrote a book entitled: If I Did It, Here’s How It Happened. Not only did Simpson get paid for the book and essentially for the murders that took place 12 years ago, but Fox was also re-living the tragedy. The fact that they were willing to allow Simpson T.V. time to talk about the murders, they capitalized on a horrible tragedy. Plus, the victims’ families had to re-live their loss once again. So, I sent Fox News an email saying that they were one of the reasons why I lost faith in good journalism. Fortunately, Fox came to their senses and pulled the plug on the interview. Not because of my email. I am sure that they were flooded with mail written by outraged citizens.
The Simpson saga is just one example of how much the news media needs to improve. If it is not Simpson, the main stories are the latest happenings with Britney (most recently, her lack of undergarments) and the big TomKat wedding. Yeah, that’s the latest trend now, re-naming celebrity couples.
What about the economy or the war on terror? I chuckle when I write this because I am thinking of comedian Chris Rock’s “Never Scared” HBO special when he says that all of the celebrity news that is out there is just a trick by President Bush to get people’s mind off the war. As an example, Rock jokingly says Bush is the one that brought that girl up to Kobe Bryant’s room.
Do not get me wrong. I enjoy watching the entertainment shows like “Access Hollywood” once in awhile (it used to be quite often) but it has gotten to the point where it has become ridiculous. I am reminded of the 1990’s when photographers/reporters were camped in front of the late John F. Kennedy Jr.’s apartment in New York waiting for him to come home from work. His response: “Slow news day?” We as a society are fascinated with icons like him. I am fascinated with celebrities like that and I like to read about their lives. Professor Robert Entman’s 1990 book entitled: Democracy Without Citizens: Media and the Decay of American Politics, discusses this very issue. Entman feels that the public wants entertainment rather than being informed on serious issues. I agree with that notion because entertainment is less boring than politics, which is probably why news programs have an entertainment segment after the sports and weather segments. However, I think that there should be a little less gossip and more discussion on serious issues.
As long as people continue to watch the gossip and ratings go up, then I doubt the media will change anytime soon. After 9/11, the news media did seem to care more about reporting on the serious stories and the war on terror. I just hope that it does not take another tragedy for the media to improve their journalistic integrity.
The Simpson saga is just one example of how much the news media needs to improve. If it is not Simpson, the main stories are the latest happenings with Britney (most recently, her lack of undergarments) and the big TomKat wedding. Yeah, that’s the latest trend now, re-naming celebrity couples.
What about the economy or the war on terror? I chuckle when I write this because I am thinking of comedian Chris Rock’s “Never Scared” HBO special when he says that all of the celebrity news that is out there is just a trick by President Bush to get people’s mind off the war. As an example, Rock jokingly says Bush is the one that brought that girl up to Kobe Bryant’s room.
Do not get me wrong. I enjoy watching the entertainment shows like “Access Hollywood” once in awhile (it used to be quite often) but it has gotten to the point where it has become ridiculous. I am reminded of the 1990’s when photographers/reporters were camped in front of the late John F. Kennedy Jr.’s apartment in New York waiting for him to come home from work. His response: “Slow news day?” We as a society are fascinated with icons like him. I am fascinated with celebrities like that and I like to read about their lives. Professor Robert Entman’s 1990 book entitled: Democracy Without Citizens: Media and the Decay of American Politics, discusses this very issue. Entman feels that the public wants entertainment rather than being informed on serious issues. I agree with that notion because entertainment is less boring than politics, which is probably why news programs have an entertainment segment after the sports and weather segments. However, I think that there should be a little less gossip and more discussion on serious issues.
As long as people continue to watch the gossip and ratings go up, then I doubt the media will change anytime soon. After 9/11, the news media did seem to care more about reporting on the serious stories and the war on terror. I just hope that it does not take another tragedy for the media to improve their journalistic integrity.
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