There was a very bad accident last night at Wrestlemania 24, in which 45 people were hit by pyrotechnics following the Undertaker vs. Edge match.
They're saying that a line connected to a fireworks launcher broke and the pyrotechnics began exploding among the fans in one section of the Citrus Bowl Arena, instead of at the end of the line. And people got burned by the lines that broke and collapsed into them from the ceiling.
It looks like most of the injuries were minor, but one has to wonder when the lawsuits will start coming in to WWE Headquarters.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Democratic Candidate Mike Gravel Re-Launches His Presidential Campaign as a Libertarian
Mike Gravel, who was running for the Democratic nomination for the Presidency, has decided to leave the Democratic Party and run as a Libertarian.
That may be what he should have done in the first place. He couldn't get any traction against Democratic heavyweights Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama; he captured less than 1% of the Democratic primary delegates so far.
He endorsed a Green Party candidate three weeks ago as a Democrat; now he's running as a Libertarian himself. Is he withdrawing his endorsement of the Green Party candidate too?
This move, while very interesting, will probably not have the same type of results for Gravel that it had for Joe Lieberman when Senator Lieberman got drummed out by the far left anti-war movement in his party during his re-election bid for the Senate. Lieberman switched to being an independent and handily beat both major party candidates.
I certainly won't vote for Gravel as he's too far to the left for my taste. But it will be interesting to see if he's the candidate that disenchanted Democrats flock to (if they don't go to McCain) if their preferred choice (Clinton or Obama) loses the Democratic nomination. I will be watching this with great interest.
That may be what he should have done in the first place. He couldn't get any traction against Democratic heavyweights Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama; he captured less than 1% of the Democratic primary delegates so far.
He endorsed a Green Party candidate three weeks ago as a Democrat; now he's running as a Libertarian himself. Is he withdrawing his endorsement of the Green Party candidate too?
This move, while very interesting, will probably not have the same type of results for Gravel that it had for Joe Lieberman when Senator Lieberman got drummed out by the far left anti-war movement in his party during his re-election bid for the Senate. Lieberman switched to being an independent and handily beat both major party candidates.
I certainly won't vote for Gravel as he's too far to the left for my taste. But it will be interesting to see if he's the candidate that disenchanted Democrats flock to (if they don't go to McCain) if their preferred choice (Clinton or Obama) loses the Democratic nomination. I will be watching this with great interest.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Another Iraq War Movie Bites the Dust: Hollywood Doesn't Seem to be Learning
"Stop-Loss" is the most recent Iraq War-related movie to go in the toilet, making about $4.5 million in it's opening weekend.
The movie had a budget of $25 million, so it looks like Paramount will be eating it, unless the overseas market saves it.
This movie was said to be better than the other Iraq War movies that flopped, as described in this blog before. Hollywood either isn't learning anything, or it's simply taking a while for this slate of Iraq War movies to go through the pipeline.
No one wants to see a movie that is a grim reminder of how terrible the war is, and the price that we as a nation have paid for that war, in terms of national treasure. If people want to see the war, they just turn on the news and get all the horror that they can stomach. Why would people want to pay to see it?
Disgusting.
The movie had a budget of $25 million, so it looks like Paramount will be eating it, unless the overseas market saves it.
This movie was said to be better than the other Iraq War movies that flopped, as described in this blog before. Hollywood either isn't learning anything, or it's simply taking a while for this slate of Iraq War movies to go through the pipeline.
No one wants to see a movie that is a grim reminder of how terrible the war is, and the price that we as a nation have paid for that war, in terms of national treasure. If people want to see the war, they just turn on the news and get all the horror that they can stomach. Why would people want to pay to see it?
Disgusting.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tibetan Monks Strike at Chinese Propaganda Machine During Media Visit to Tibetan Capitol: Can We Ignore Their Courage?
Tibet's monks embarrassed China yet again by staging a demonstration in front of foreign journalists who were brought in by Chinese occupation authorities to show off the fact that Tibet was calm after a week of riots. The monks proved that theory wrong big-time.
That the Tibetans chose to break cover with a Chinese crackdown in progress is amazing. The talking heads and conventional wisdom was that the Chinese military had crushed the rebellion and Tibet's people were under Chinese control again. Everyone was wrong, wrong, wrong.
Are our political leaders going to allow such reckless courage to be ignored?
These people thought it was important enough to get the word of their revolt out that they placed their lives in mortal peril, demonstrating in the presence of the reporters and armed Chinese occupation forces who were probably pointing their guns at the demonstrators. They've probably all disappeared and are either in prison, or dead. That's how the Chinese government deals with their political opponents inside Tibet, Hong Kong, and within China itself.
It's too late to move the Olympics, so all that the world can do is decide whether their leaders will boycott the Opening Ceremonies. Politicians over here are pressuring President Bush to reconsider his intention to go to Beijing. And I hope he does. By attending the opening, it's sending a signal to those inside occupied Tibet and free Tibetans around the world that the United States isn't willing to stand up for them.
And we're talking about a political boycott, not an athletic one.
That the Tibetans chose to break cover with a Chinese crackdown in progress is amazing. The talking heads and conventional wisdom was that the Chinese military had crushed the rebellion and Tibet's people were under Chinese control again. Everyone was wrong, wrong, wrong.
Are our political leaders going to allow such reckless courage to be ignored?
These people thought it was important enough to get the word of their revolt out that they placed their lives in mortal peril, demonstrating in the presence of the reporters and armed Chinese occupation forces who were probably pointing their guns at the demonstrators. They've probably all disappeared and are either in prison, or dead. That's how the Chinese government deals with their political opponents inside Tibet, Hong Kong, and within China itself.
It's too late to move the Olympics, so all that the world can do is decide whether their leaders will boycott the Opening Ceremonies. Politicians over here are pressuring President Bush to reconsider his intention to go to Beijing. And I hope he does. By attending the opening, it's sending a signal to those inside occupied Tibet and free Tibetans around the world that the United States isn't willing to stand up for them.
And we're talking about a political boycott, not an athletic one.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Two Border Agents Not on Presidential Pardon List: They Should Have Been
Two border security agents who shot a Mexican drug smuggler who was attempting a felony escape remain behind bars as President Bush pardoned fifteen convicted criminals and commuted the sentence of another drug fiend.
Border agents Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos were not on President Bush's list; they should have been. They were doing their jobs; the only thing that they are guilty of is "denial of trade" with regards to the smuggler. He was over here selling his 800 pounds of weed and disobeyed a lawful order to halt.
Instead, the government treated the smuggler for his rear-end wound, and offered him complete immunity in exchange for his testimony against the two agents.
This miscarriage of justice continues.
And it should be noted that after these two Border Patrol agents were sent to prison to begin their sentences on January 17, 2007, the drug fiend Aldrete Dávila was subsequently arrested on the border for his continuing drug smuggling operations on November 15, 2007. He faces forty years. That's the charge that should have been filed IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Border agents Jose Alonso Compean and Ignacio Ramos were not on President Bush's list; they should have been. They were doing their jobs; the only thing that they are guilty of is "denial of trade" with regards to the smuggler. He was over here selling his 800 pounds of weed and disobeyed a lawful order to halt.
Instead, the government treated the smuggler for his rear-end wound, and offered him complete immunity in exchange for his testimony against the two agents.
This miscarriage of justice continues.
And it should be noted that after these two Border Patrol agents were sent to prison to begin their sentences on January 17, 2007, the drug fiend Aldrete Dávila was subsequently arrested on the border for his continuing drug smuggling operations on November 15, 2007. He faces forty years. That's the charge that should have been filed IN THE FIRST PLACE!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Lawsuit Filed Against Hulk Hogan's Family: Car Accident Victim's Family Seeks Millions for His Long-Term Care
Hulk Hogan's family is being sued by the family of a man who was severely injured as the result of Nick Hogan's reckless driving.
The lawsuit alleges that the Hogans, and the driver of the other car that was involved in the drag racing accident, were negligent in their actions leading up to the traumatic brain injury to John Graziano. Nick and a friend were drag racing down a Miami street last summer; Graziano was a passenger in the Hogan vehicle. Nick lost control of his car and slammed into a tree, which lead to Graziano's severe injury.
Graziano's care has already exceeded $1 million.
Hulk and Linda Hogan were in the process of getting a divorce, so the Graziano lawsuit was initiated before a divorce did happen and assets could be divided up.
Nick royally screwed up, and the Hogans may lose everything. After news of the accident broke last August, this lawsuit has been anticipated for many months. Some conspiracy theorists were suggesting that Hulk and Linda were getting a divorce to protect some of the family assets, but that's highly unlikely.
Their marriage problems precede the accident; some of their problems were documented on their reality show, Hogan Knows Best.
No clue as to how this will end.
The lawsuit alleges that the Hogans, and the driver of the other car that was involved in the drag racing accident, were negligent in their actions leading up to the traumatic brain injury to John Graziano. Nick and a friend were drag racing down a Miami street last summer; Graziano was a passenger in the Hogan vehicle. Nick lost control of his car and slammed into a tree, which lead to Graziano's severe injury.
Graziano's care has already exceeded $1 million.
Hulk and Linda Hogan were in the process of getting a divorce, so the Graziano lawsuit was initiated before a divorce did happen and assets could be divided up.
Nick royally screwed up, and the Hogans may lose everything. After news of the accident broke last August, this lawsuit has been anticipated for many months. Some conspiracy theorists were suggesting that Hulk and Linda were getting a divorce to protect some of the family assets, but that's highly unlikely.
Their marriage problems precede the accident; some of their problems were documented on their reality show, Hogan Knows Best.
No clue as to how this will end.
Former Professional Wrestler Chase Tatum Found Dead: Accidental Overdose?
Former World Championship Wrestling (WCW) wrestler Chase Tatum was found dead of an accidental drug overdose in his Georgia home. He was 34.
His WCW career lasted about 2 1/2 years; he left WCW with severe back problems before Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment bought WCW. It lead to a painkiller addiction, for which he had been planning to go into rehab for, and major back surgery ten days ago to repair a damaged vertebrae from his WCW experience.
His dad told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Chase was well on his way to getting his life re-established and without the painkillers. He had a role in the 2007 movie "Who's Your Caddy?" and worked as a successful personal trainer before and then after his WCW stint. He had also landed a role in another film which was to begin filming in New York soon.
Autopsy and toxicology test results will hopefully shed more light on how this happened.
His WCW career lasted about 2 1/2 years; he left WCW with severe back problems before Vince McMahon's World Wrestling Entertainment bought WCW. It lead to a painkiller addiction, for which he had been planning to go into rehab for, and major back surgery ten days ago to repair a damaged vertebrae from his WCW experience.
His dad told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Chase was well on his way to getting his life re-established and without the painkillers. He had a role in the 2007 movie "Who's Your Caddy?" and worked as a successful personal trainer before and then after his WCW stint. He had also landed a role in another film which was to begin filming in New York soon.
Autopsy and toxicology test results will hopefully shed more light on how this happened.
Injured F-15C Pilot Sues Boeing: Aging Fighter Broke Up in Mid-Air
A Missouri National Guard pilot from the 110th Squadron, 131st Fighter Wing is suing Boeing over injuries he sustained when his F-15C Eagle broke apart in mid-air and crashed in southern Missouri. He ejected in time but sustained major injuries.
This crash led the Air Force to temporarily ground hundreds of early to mid-model F-15s until the fleet could be inspected for the sort of catastrophic problem which doomed this particular F-15 model C.
This is one of the reasons why the F-22 Raptor is being developed; most of the F-15s have more than double the service life that the fighter was originally built for. The F-15s were designed to operate for 4,000 hours, though they extended that expectation to 8,000 hours. Many of the F-15s (A through D models) are approaching or have gone through that limit. The F-15E will probably be in service through 2025 as they have a much longer service life--17,000 to 18,000 hours.
The F-15C that broke apart had about 5,600 hours on it.
The day will come when the F-15E Strike Eagles are the only F-15s left in the air. We can only hope that the F-22 Raptor will serve the nation and the Air Force as well as the F-15 has.
This crash led the Air Force to temporarily ground hundreds of early to mid-model F-15s until the fleet could be inspected for the sort of catastrophic problem which doomed this particular F-15 model C.
This is one of the reasons why the F-22 Raptor is being developed; most of the F-15s have more than double the service life that the fighter was originally built for. The F-15s were designed to operate for 4,000 hours, though they extended that expectation to 8,000 hours. Many of the F-15s (A through D models) are approaching or have gone through that limit. The F-15E will probably be in service through 2025 as they have a much longer service life--17,000 to 18,000 hours.
The F-15C that broke apart had about 5,600 hours on it.
The day will come when the F-15E Strike Eagles are the only F-15s left in the air. We can only hope that the F-22 Raptor will serve the nation and the Air Force as well as the F-15 has.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Dr. Death Running for Congress Under Banner of 9th Amendment: There Goes the Neighborhood
"Dr. Death" Jack Kevorkian announced his candidacy for a seat in Congress as an independent.
I couldn't be more opposed to a candidacy than this one. I hope the voters of the 9th Congressional District of Michigan keep this man out of Congress. He's a one-issue candidate whose only claim to fame is killing 130 people. And the only reason he got out of prison is that he was supposedly dying.
I think he should stay on the public speaking circuit instead of getting onto the taxpayer payroll.
Congress is enough of a circus without Dr. Death adding his two cents.
I couldn't be more opposed to a candidacy than this one. I hope the voters of the 9th Congressional District of Michigan keep this man out of Congress. He's a one-issue candidate whose only claim to fame is killing 130 people. And the only reason he got out of prison is that he was supposedly dying.
I think he should stay on the public speaking circuit instead of getting onto the taxpayer payroll.
Congress is enough of a circus without Dr. Death adding his two cents.
Detroit's Mayor to Be Charged in Text Messaging Scandal: GOOD
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff will face felony charges for their roles in a whistleblower cover-up, which cost the city of Detroit over $9 million. Both will face "multiple counts of perjury, obstruction of justice, misconduct in office and conspiracy" according to the Detroit Free Press, which broke the story two months ago.
It is believed that Kilpatrick settled the matter after one of the attorneys representing one of the whistleblowers let it be known to the mayor's attorney that he had the romantic text messages, after both the mayor and chief of staff said that they were not having an affair while on the stand and while under oath.
Before someone says "Oh, it's all about sex again," it most definitely is NOT all about sex. This is about a mayor who lied under oath, got caught, and used city financial resources to pay for the cover-up.
And he's also used the race card, dropping the n-word during his State of the City address within the last couple of weeks, to throw critics off the trail. I do believe him when he says that some communications directed at him and his family from his constituents and others contained racist comments and labels, but a good politician knows how to turn that to his advantage. Mayor Kilpatrick's attempt to do so backfired.
While I am sympathetic to his defense of his family, I quote a statement that he made to the Associated Press on July 9th of 2007. On the occasion of the NAACP staging of a mock burial of the n-word, he said:
I think it's time to swear in the deputy mayor as the new Mayor of the City of Detroit. The mayor's office has been paralyzed for two months over this situation, which no one but Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff are solely and completely responsible for.
Politicians and celebrities need to be held to the same standard that EVERYONE else is. This announcement is a step in the right direction.
It is believed that Kilpatrick settled the matter after one of the attorneys representing one of the whistleblowers let it be known to the mayor's attorney that he had the romantic text messages, after both the mayor and chief of staff said that they were not having an affair while on the stand and while under oath.
Before someone says "Oh, it's all about sex again," it most definitely is NOT all about sex. This is about a mayor who lied under oath, got caught, and used city financial resources to pay for the cover-up.
And he's also used the race card, dropping the n-word during his State of the City address within the last couple of weeks, to throw critics off the trail. I do believe him when he says that some communications directed at him and his family from his constituents and others contained racist comments and labels, but a good politician knows how to turn that to his advantage. Mayor Kilpatrick's attempt to do so backfired.
While I am sympathetic to his defense of his family, I quote a statement that he made to the Associated Press on July 9th of 2007. On the occasion of the NAACP staging of a mock burial of the n-word, he said:
He continued: "Die N-word, and we don't want to see you 'round here no more."
Really? I hate to say "I told you so!", but I TOLD YOU SO! I refer you to my post of 7/10/07 on this very topic. The n-word will NEVER die if people like Kwame Kilpatrick keep it alive and in circulation.I think it's time to swear in the deputy mayor as the new Mayor of the City of Detroit. The mayor's office has been paralyzed for two months over this situation, which no one but Kwame Kilpatrick and his chief of staff are solely and completely responsible for.
Politicians and celebrities need to be held to the same standard that EVERYONE else is. This announcement is a step in the right direction.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
France Buries the Last of It's World War I Veterans
France just buried the last of it's soldiers from World War I with a full state funeral and full honors for all 8.4 million Frenchmen who fought in the war.
The French military and French Foreign Legion honored Lazare Ponticelli, 110, as France's last soldier who fought to stop the Imperial German advance into French territory at the start of the war. He joined the Foreign Legion as an Italian immigrant at age 16 and survived the war.
He would attend the yearly Armistice Day observations at Kremlin Bicetre, which is a suburb of Paris, and did so for nearly 90 years.
France lost 1.3 million soldiers during the four years that the war raged; French President Sarkozy lead tributes honoring that entire generation as part of the state funeral for Ponticelli, as he had wanted.
France did their World War I vets proud this day. I hope our own government is making similar plans to honor our World War I veterans when our last known soldier of World War I passes away.
The French military and French Foreign Legion honored Lazare Ponticelli, 110, as France's last soldier who fought to stop the Imperial German advance into French territory at the start of the war. He joined the Foreign Legion as an Italian immigrant at age 16 and survived the war.
He would attend the yearly Armistice Day observations at Kremlin Bicetre, which is a suburb of Paris, and did so for nearly 90 years.
France lost 1.3 million soldiers during the four years that the war raged; French President Sarkozy lead tributes honoring that entire generation as part of the state funeral for Ponticelli, as he had wanted.
France did their World War I vets proud this day. I hope our own government is making similar plans to honor our World War I veterans when our last known soldier of World War I passes away.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Obama's Former Pastor Sounds as Bad as the White Supremacists Who Held a Rally in Lansing Last Year: More Hate Speech to Ignore
Barack Obama's former minister has gained quite a bit of prominence in the last year or so with his racial tirades. I must say that this prominence is not healthy and is actually quite destructive to the cause of civil rights.
I'm not going to say the minister's name in this entry, but his speech sounded like a speech that is typical for someone wearing a white hood and white robes. But this was no Ku Klux Klown delivering a vile speech on white supremacy; it was a minister putting on the mantle of politics over the Good News of Jesus Christ. And the results were hate-filled speeches that saw him damning God as well as America. It was disturbing.
In fact, he sounded a lot like the National Socialist Movement people who held a rally on the steps of the state capitol in Lansing. There were ranting as much about blacks and Jews as much as this minister was about rich white people. Black supremacy is just as unacceptable as white supremacy is.
And I'm real reluctant to tell a man of the cloth how to do his job, but the videos of him railing on people who have different skin color than his own rather than spreading the Gospels of Jesus Christ was a huge turn-off.
Obama's got some work to do, thanks to this minister throwing race bombs around.
This is among the ugliest primaries I've ever seen and I hope we don't see this level of ugliness in the general election when the GOP and the Democrats really start going at it.
I'm not going to say the minister's name in this entry, but his speech sounded like a speech that is typical for someone wearing a white hood and white robes. But this was no Ku Klux Klown delivering a vile speech on white supremacy; it was a minister putting on the mantle of politics over the Good News of Jesus Christ. And the results were hate-filled speeches that saw him damning God as well as America. It was disturbing.
In fact, he sounded a lot like the National Socialist Movement people who held a rally on the steps of the state capitol in Lansing. There were ranting as much about blacks and Jews as much as this minister was about rich white people. Black supremacy is just as unacceptable as white supremacy is.
And I'm real reluctant to tell a man of the cloth how to do his job, but the videos of him railing on people who have different skin color than his own rather than spreading the Gospels of Jesus Christ was a huge turn-off.
Obama's got some work to do, thanks to this minister throwing race bombs around.
This is among the ugliest primaries I've ever seen and I hope we don't see this level of ugliness in the general election when the GOP and the Democrats really start going at it.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
WWE Drug Enforcement and Treatment Programs Upgraded: Heat From Congress Improves WWE Record
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has taken some remarkable steps forward in the effort to discourage it's professional wrestlers from using drugs and alcohol; it's about time, and we have pressure from Congress to thank for the improvements.
In recent weeks, WWE sent the following letter out to all of it's former employees:
Over the last ten years, an inordinate number of wrestlers have passed away. Some of those deaths may in part have been caused by drugs and alcohol.
Some, such as the late Eddie Guerrero and Road Warrior Hawk, had already gone through rehab and had walked away from drugs. Both died young; Eddie at 38, Hawk at 46, and years after they had stopped taking drugs and turned their lives around. Hawk found Christ for the first time in his life in the last four years of his life.
In addition to the free drug/alcohol rehab, the WWE has stepped up it's Wellness Program--the details of which were sent to Congress at their request. WWE has suspended several of it's main event talents due to failed drug tests. Some are now on their 2nd strike with one to go before having their contracts terminated by WWE.
I think that if it weren't for Congress taking an interest, however limited, this small turnaround in WWE policy might not have come or would have been delayed for years, as it already has been. I hope many former WWE wrestlers are considering this offer to get help if they're in trouble.
Drugs eventually strip away a person's sense of wellness and control, and all that is left is addiction, pain, conflict, and in some cases (more so in professional wrestling), death.
This is a minor victory in the overall battle against substance abuse in sports, but a victory nonetheless.
In recent weeks, WWE sent the following letter out to all of it's former employees:
Over the last ten years, an inordinate number of wrestlers have passed away. Some of those deaths may in part have been caused by drugs and alcohol.
In an effort to prevent such tragedies in the future, the WWE is willing to pay for drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation at a certified treatment chosen by WWE for any performer with a prior WWE booking contract who may need this service. The WWE will pay for this service in full.
There is no cost to you or your family. Help will be provided regardless of the circumstances of your departure from the WWF or the amount of time you performed for the WWE.
If you do not have a drug and/or alcohol problem, but know you know a former WWE performer who does, we are asking you to try to help them by encouraging them to take advantage of this opportunity.
Liz (last name deleted) has been appointed as a representative in this matter. Liz has been with the company for over 24 years and has been directly involved with the majority of WWE performers who have received treatment for substance abuse. She understands emotions that individuals and family members go through in this process. Any conversation you have with Liz will remain confidential and will not be released to the public.
In many instances, an individual in need of help is in denial and will not want rehabilitation. There are professional intervention companies that will help persuade that person that they need treatment. Liz will be able to facilitate such interventions, should they be necessary. An intervention and treatment will be at the cost of WWE exclusively.
This service is being provided for performers with a prior WWE booking contract only. No family or friends. Please reach out to Liz if you think you might have a drug or alcohol problem or if you know someone who does. We all need to do anything we can to help prevent another tragedy.
Sincerely,
Vincent K. McMahon
Chairman, World Wrestling Entertainment
Some, such as the late Eddie Guerrero and Road Warrior Hawk, had already gone through rehab and had walked away from drugs. Both died young; Eddie at 38, Hawk at 46, and years after they had stopped taking drugs and turned their lives around. Hawk found Christ for the first time in his life in the last four years of his life.
In addition to the free drug/alcohol rehab, the WWE has stepped up it's Wellness Program--the details of which were sent to Congress at their request. WWE has suspended several of it's main event talents due to failed drug tests. Some are now on their 2nd strike with one to go before having their contracts terminated by WWE.
I think that if it weren't for Congress taking an interest, however limited, this small turnaround in WWE policy might not have come or would have been delayed for years, as it already has been. I hope many former WWE wrestlers are considering this offer to get help if they're in trouble.
Drugs eventually strip away a person's sense of wellness and control, and all that is left is addiction, pain, conflict, and in some cases (more so in professional wrestling), death.
This is a minor victory in the overall battle against substance abuse in sports, but a victory nonetheless.
Prediction: Taiwan Will Declare Independence From China During Beijing Olympic Games
I'm going to make a prediction here, because in a way it makes sense:
Taiwan will declare independence from the People's Republic of China just before the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing this August.
Just about every nation on earth will have Olympians at the Summer Olympics; and in the spirit of the games, 192 nations (every member state at the U.N.) have agreed unanimously to an Olympic truce through the United Nations. This truce is to be observed "individually and collectively." The Chinese Embassy to Jamaica even posted news of the truce on their web site.
But China has also said in the past that if Taiwan were to declare independence that it would attack Taiwan immediately and passed a law in 2005 that made war a mandatory requirement.
China has no more claim on Taiwan than it does on Tibet. But the Chinese are also bound to observe their own truce since they're hosting the games. Last week's riots in Tibet and the Chinese heavy-handiness in dealing with the situation were a major embarrassment to Beijing and highlighted the fact that they are still a violent police state, in spite of their claims to be a happy worker's paradise.
Taiwan is having important presidential and referendum elections on March 22nd. It's asking citizens if they should apply for membership in the United Nations as the Republic of Taiwan, and not the Republic of China. Both of the major presidential candidates have stressed the need for closer relationships with Beijing, but both have also said that Taiwan can govern itself without China's help.
There could be a lot of trouble going on by the time the Olympics roll around in August.
Taiwan will declare independence from the People's Republic of China just before the start of the Olympic Games in Beijing this August.
Just about every nation on earth will have Olympians at the Summer Olympics; and in the spirit of the games, 192 nations (every member state at the U.N.) have agreed unanimously to an Olympic truce through the United Nations. This truce is to be observed "individually and collectively." The Chinese Embassy to Jamaica even posted news of the truce on their web site.
But China has also said in the past that if Taiwan were to declare independence that it would attack Taiwan immediately and passed a law in 2005 that made war a mandatory requirement.
China has no more claim on Taiwan than it does on Tibet. But the Chinese are also bound to observe their own truce since they're hosting the games. Last week's riots in Tibet and the Chinese heavy-handiness in dealing with the situation were a major embarrassment to Beijing and highlighted the fact that they are still a violent police state, in spite of their claims to be a happy worker's paradise.
Taiwan is having important presidential and referendum elections on March 22nd. It's asking citizens if they should apply for membership in the United Nations as the Republic of Taiwan, and not the Republic of China. Both of the major presidential candidates have stressed the need for closer relationships with Beijing, but both have also said that Taiwan can govern itself without China's help.
There could be a lot of trouble going on by the time the Olympics roll around in August.
China Needs to End Their Illegal 58-Year Occupation of Tibet and Leave Them Alone
The illegal Chinese occupation of Tibet entered a new phase last week as demonstrators in the Tibetan capitol of Lhasa clashed with Chinese occupation forces. The anniversary of the 1959 riots were being observed, and the demonstrations turned violent. The Chinese opened fire and killed up to a hundred people.It's not known if the protesters setting Chinese shops, cars and interests on fire caused the troops to open fire, or if the shootings happened first and then the protesters started rioting. In any case, it doesn't really matter. Tibet remains under Chinese occupation. Tibetans across the border in actual Chinese territory have been demonstrating in three Chinese provinces against the Chinese aggression.
The Chinese living in Tibetan territory have established a two-tiered apartheid system, which makes Tibetans second-class citizens in their own land; is it any wonder that the demonstrators targeted Chinese-owned businesses only?
The International Olympic Committee is busy telling the international community not to respond to China's continued heavy-handed tactics in controlling Tibet, and that boycotts of the Beijing Olympic Games will only hurt athletes. Yeah, right.
So we're supposed to ignore the people that China's been shooting at for a week, in favor of the athletes? I think most of the athletes would be sick to their stomachs if they learned that the murders committed against Tibet's people is to be ignored so that they could compete for blood medals.
It should be noted that over a hundred Olympic athletes from around the world have joined "Team Darfur" to raise awareness of the huge crisis in Darfur, Sudan, and the slaughter that has taken place there. China is one of Team Darfur's targets as the Chinese government (and Sudan's largest oil customer) has been reluctant to put pressure on the Sudanese government to stop the killing there. So I cannot imagine the athletes turning their backs on the people of Tibet.
Communism is an abhorrent system of government that is incompatible with a religious culture, such as the one that has been suppressed for far too long in Tibet. They should pull their army out of Tibet and LEAVE TIBET ALONE. They were doing fine without the Chinese before the Chinese Red Army (aka the People's Liberation Army) invaded.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Obama Plan for Splitting Michigan Primary Delegates is Ridiculous: He Removed His Name from the Michigan Ballot
Barack Obama's proposal for splitting the Michigan primary delegates equally between himself and Hillary Clinton is ridiculous.
He pulled his name off the Michigan ballot; he wasn't even a candidate in the Michigan election. If they choose to go down a path like this, then they should give 55% of the delegates to Clinton and the rest go in as unpledged delegates, who can vote for whomever they want when the DNC seats them at the Democratic National Convention.
That's the only way that this system would work. But Obama can't pull his name off the ballot and then try to claim half of Michigan's delegates. That's sheer madness!
He pulled his name off the Michigan ballot; he wasn't even a candidate in the Michigan election. If they choose to go down a path like this, then they should give 55% of the delegates to Clinton and the rest go in as unpledged delegates, who can vote for whomever they want when the DNC seats them at the Democratic National Convention.
That's the only way that this system would work. But Obama can't pull his name off the ballot and then try to claim half of Michigan's delegates. That's sheer madness!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Air Force Retires F-117 Stealth Fighter: Next Generation Fighters Will Incorporate Stealth Characteristics
The United States Air Force retired the F-117A stealth fighter from active service today in a private retirement ceremony.The F-117A saw service in Panama, the first Persian Gulf War, during the NATO air war against Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and the Iraq War.
Only one was lost in combat during it's twenty-five years of service, which speaks of it's technological advantage over modern radar and infrared detection systems. Another (in the same operation over Yugoslavia) suffered major damage but was able to return to base, where it is said that it never flew again. Serbian gunners spotted the F-117s visually and opened fire.
Parts of the crashed F-117A were put on display in a museum in Belgrade.
After the shoot-down, it was reported in the media that the Serbians invited the Russians to inspect the wreckage of the crashed fighter; it's unknown what the Russians were able to get from the wreck. Normally when a valuable asset like an advanced fighter is lost and in danger of being captured by enemy forces, the crash site is bombed.
But due to the presence of civilians and reporters, NATO and the U.S. Air Force declined to destroy the crashed F-117.
The next generation F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II have the stealth characteristics of the F-117, but can go like a couple of bats out of hell, flying twice as fast as the F-117A.
But unlike other fighters that are sent to an Air Force bone yard, broken up and retired permanently, all of the F-117s are being mothballed, which means that their wings will be removed and the fighters will be put into storage, should they ever need to be rushed back into service.
The last of the F-117s is due to land at their storage place on or about the 22nd of April.
Bye bye Batwing.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
DNC and Howard Dean Need to Take Responsibility for Their Actions: They're the Ones at Fault, Not Michigan & Florida Voters
Howard Dean and the Democratic National Committee don't want to pay to clean up their mess in Michigan and Florida. And a lot of Democrats are getting angrier and angrier. I don't think I've ever seen this level of discontent in the state Democratic party before.
Just wait until the Democratic National Convention takes place the week of the 24th of August and there's no resolution to Dean & Company's huge mess in Michigan. There will likely be charter buses full of disenfranchised Michigan voters heading out to Denver to protest all of this.
Michigan's government had better not knuckle under on this issue and offer to pay one penny for any kind of "re-do." This is the DNC's mess to clean up. The first Michigan legislator who offers a bill to pay for a "re-do" will be in BIG trouble the next time an election comes around. Unless they're targeted for recall, which seems to be happening a lot these days.
I wrote a series of articles back in the fall against moving the primary to the 15th of January because of what had already happened to Florida. But the Michigan legislature and governor went ahead with their plan, knowing full well that our fate would likely match Florida's. That was the decision that was made, and that's what we have to live with now. And in light of the DNC's mean-spirited actions since then, it was the right decision and right fight to make.
The Republicans docked half of Michigan's delegation to the Republican National Convention as well as every state that had an election before Super Tuesday (February 5th). I wasn't too happy with that decision. If I was to choose to vote in the Republican primary (Michigan's primary is open, meaning that people can choose which primary to vote in), my vote's worth half as much as someone who voted after February 5th? Bull HONKY!
The DNC ripped the guts out of Michigan's primary by stripping Michigan of all it's delegates. In addition, many of the Democrats (including Obama) pulled their names off the ballot and said that they would not be campaigning in Michigan. That's excessive punishment for protesting a corrupt and outdated system that favors four states over all others. They sure as hell didn't have a problem fundraising here, which I strongly disagreed with.
I also believe that this decision violates the equal protection clause which the Supreme Court quoted in 2000, when they stopped the ballot recounts in Florida's mess of a Presidential election between Bush and Gore. All ballots have to be treated (and counted) equally. Anything less amounts to a banana republic, which the Democrats seem hell-bent on making happen.
As far as Michigan Democrats go, I do not count myself among their number. But in this situation, I am on their side; no voter should be disenfranchised. And in this case, ALL Michigan and Florida voters were targeted and their votes were thrown straight into the garbage can. That isn't right; the system needs to change and Dean needs to be FIRED!
And if Obama's the nominee after the Democrats have their National Convention, he needs to come to Michigan and Florida and explain his actions in supporting the disenfranchisement of millions of voters. Party rules my afterburner!!
Just wait until the Democratic National Convention takes place the week of the 24th of August and there's no resolution to Dean & Company's huge mess in Michigan. There will likely be charter buses full of disenfranchised Michigan voters heading out to Denver to protest all of this.
Michigan's government had better not knuckle under on this issue and offer to pay one penny for any kind of "re-do." This is the DNC's mess to clean up. The first Michigan legislator who offers a bill to pay for a "re-do" will be in BIG trouble the next time an election comes around. Unless they're targeted for recall, which seems to be happening a lot these days.
I wrote a series of articles back in the fall against moving the primary to the 15th of January because of what had already happened to Florida. But the Michigan legislature and governor went ahead with their plan, knowing full well that our fate would likely match Florida's. That was the decision that was made, and that's what we have to live with now. And in light of the DNC's mean-spirited actions since then, it was the right decision and right fight to make.
The Republicans docked half of Michigan's delegation to the Republican National Convention as well as every state that had an election before Super Tuesday (February 5th). I wasn't too happy with that decision. If I was to choose to vote in the Republican primary (Michigan's primary is open, meaning that people can choose which primary to vote in), my vote's worth half as much as someone who voted after February 5th? Bull HONKY!
The DNC ripped the guts out of Michigan's primary by stripping Michigan of all it's delegates. In addition, many of the Democrats (including Obama) pulled their names off the ballot and said that they would not be campaigning in Michigan. That's excessive punishment for protesting a corrupt and outdated system that favors four states over all others. They sure as hell didn't have a problem fundraising here, which I strongly disagreed with.
I also believe that this decision violates the equal protection clause which the Supreme Court quoted in 2000, when they stopped the ballot recounts in Florida's mess of a Presidential election between Bush and Gore. All ballots have to be treated (and counted) equally. Anything less amounts to a banana republic, which the Democrats seem hell-bent on making happen.
As far as Michigan Democrats go, I do not count myself among their number. But in this situation, I am on their side; no voter should be disenfranchised. And in this case, ALL Michigan and Florida voters were targeted and their votes were thrown straight into the garbage can. That isn't right; the system needs to change and Dean needs to be FIRED!
And if Obama's the nominee after the Democrats have their National Convention, he needs to come to Michigan and Florida and explain his actions in supporting the disenfranchisement of millions of voters. Party rules my afterburner!!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Video Purporting to Show U.S. Marines Throwing a Puppy Off a Cliff Is a Fake: Even Yiping Heard As Dog Was Going Over Cliff Was Someone Faking It
The incredibly disturbing video currently making it's way around the world of U.S. Marines throwing a puppy over a cliff is a fake.
If you choose to watch this video, listen to the dog as he gets thrown over the cliff. The last two yipes sound like someone coughing. I can make sounds like that too. If this was a real dog, he was obviously already dead. He wasn't moving around from being handled by the scruff of his neck; the dog looked very stiff. And he didn't struggle at all.
This joke is an example of incredibly bad humor that brings disgrace to the U.S. uniform--if the two men in the video are even U.S. military soldiers. They should have buried this dead dog, as any decent human being would have.
I warn you now, that this link is disturbing, whether it was fake or not.
Shame on these people!
If you choose to watch this video, listen to the dog as he gets thrown over the cliff. The last two yipes sound like someone coughing. I can make sounds like that too. If this was a real dog, he was obviously already dead. He wasn't moving around from being handled by the scruff of his neck; the dog looked very stiff. And he didn't struggle at all.
This joke is an example of incredibly bad humor that brings disgrace to the U.S. uniform--if the two men in the video are even U.S. military soldiers. They should have buried this dead dog, as any decent human being would have.
I warn you now, that this link is disturbing, whether it was fake or not.
Shame on these people!
Hillary Needs Victory in One Big State and Both Smaller Ones Today: Otherwise We're in for a LONG General Campaign
Ohio, Texas, Vermont and Rhode Island are all doing their primary elections today; McCain has an opportunity to sew up the nomination for the Republicans tonight; but it's the Democratic results that will determine if we have a short general campaign or a LONG one, which no one really wants.
Hillary needs to win in one of the delegate-rich states (Texas or Ohio) and both of the smaller states as well in order to stay in the game.
Republicans in Texas are being encouraged to cross the line and vote for Hillary, not only for the reasons I talked about here, but because Hillary looks to be further to the right, even though she's a liberal. Obama is way way left of her and is a losing proposition.
A close Democratic race until their convention guarantees a short general campaign between McCain and his Democratic rival. A two-month campaign is preferable to an 8 1/2 month long one, as we had in 2004 between Bush and Kerry. That's MY main point, and one that I've been ranting about for some time.
I won't endorse Hillary Clinton under any circumstances, but in the interests of keeping the fall general campaign short, I hope that her results tonight and for the remainder of the primary season ensure that the delegate count remains close, and that the final decision is made at the Democratic convention.
Hillary needs to win in one of the delegate-rich states (Texas or Ohio) and both of the smaller states as well in order to stay in the game.
Republicans in Texas are being encouraged to cross the line and vote for Hillary, not only for the reasons I talked about here, but because Hillary looks to be further to the right, even though she's a liberal. Obama is way way left of her and is a losing proposition.
A close Democratic race until their convention guarantees a short general campaign between McCain and his Democratic rival. A two-month campaign is preferable to an 8 1/2 month long one, as we had in 2004 between Bush and Kerry. That's MY main point, and one that I've been ranting about for some time.
I won't endorse Hillary Clinton under any circumstances, but in the interests of keeping the fall general campaign short, I hope that her results tonight and for the remainder of the primary season ensure that the delegate count remains close, and that the final decision is made at the Democratic convention.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Last Sentence in Financial Times Article on IMF Diverts Attention From Crux of Article: Did the IMF Miss What's Happened in the Last Few Weeks?
The Financial Times web site has an article on it discussing how the International Monetary Fund believes that the Euro and a couple of other currencies are overvalued, the Japanese yen and a couple of others are undervalued, and that the U.S. dollar is somewhere in between.
It goes on to criticize how European governments have little to no input in how the currency is valued against other major world currencies. The Financial Times and the IMF director made their points quite clearly.
Then the final comment of the article in the last sentence of the article came and diverted attention away from the crux of this important monetary issue. Said Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the IMF: "The IMF does not expect an explosion in the price of a barrel (of oil)."
HUH??!
Exqueeze me, but what is he talking about? That's already happened! In the last three weeks, oil prices exploded--going from around $87 a barrel on February 6th up to $103.95 today, breaking the all-time record set during the oil embargo of the 1970s. That's a 17% increase in three weeks.
I think what he meant to say is that he's not expecting a 17% jump overnight, though monetary pressures may cause the price of a barrel of oil to increase more slowly, such as how it has in the last three weeks.
But the way it was worded, it made sound like he was way out of touch.
It goes on to criticize how European governments have little to no input in how the currency is valued against other major world currencies. The Financial Times and the IMF director made their points quite clearly.
Then the final comment of the article in the last sentence of the article came and diverted attention away from the crux of this important monetary issue. Said Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the IMF: "The IMF does not expect an explosion in the price of a barrel (of oil)."
HUH??!
Exqueeze me, but what is he talking about? That's already happened! In the last three weeks, oil prices exploded--going from around $87 a barrel on February 6th up to $103.95 today, breaking the all-time record set during the oil embargo of the 1970s. That's a 17% increase in three weeks.
I think what he meant to say is that he's not expecting a 17% jump overnight, though monetary pressures may cause the price of a barrel of oil to increase more slowly, such as how it has in the last three weeks.
But the way it was worded, it made sound like he was way out of touch.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
South America Unsettled as Three Nations Mobilize Troops and Break Diplomatic Relations: Chavez on the Move
Over the weekend, armed forces of Columbia crossed over the border into Ecuador and killed a Marxist rebel leader who was seeking to overthrow the government of Columbia.
In direct response, both Ecuador and Venezuela rushed troops and military equipment to their border regions and are threatening to attack Columbia if it crosses the border again. Mouth of the South Hugo Chavez got onto his Venezuelan state radio and directed his Minister of Defense to mobilize Venezuela's army and air force. Showoff. Grand-stander.
As I wrote on Feburary 19th: Today the Mouth of the South and the region's most dangerous man is Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who has turned Venezuela into a communist training camp and arms supply depot for insurgents looking to overthrow neighboring governments who do not hold Marxism in the same high regard as Chavez. Too bad he isn't following Castro out the door.
That last sentence rings truer today than it did just two weeks ago. Venezuela's embarked on a massive arms build-up and now he's taking advantage of a problem between Ecuador and Columbia to play with his new guns, subs and arms, which Russia supplied to Venezuela in vast quantities.
Chavez ought to shut up, order his military back to their bases and keep his nose out of other the affairs of other nations. If a war starts now, it'll be because the Mouth starts it.
In direct response, both Ecuador and Venezuela rushed troops and military equipment to their border regions and are threatening to attack Columbia if it crosses the border again. Mouth of the South Hugo Chavez got onto his Venezuelan state radio and directed his Minister of Defense to mobilize Venezuela's army and air force. Showoff. Grand-stander.
As I wrote on Feburary 19th: Today the Mouth of the South and the region's most dangerous man is Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, who has turned Venezuela into a communist training camp and arms supply depot for insurgents looking to overthrow neighboring governments who do not hold Marxism in the same high regard as Chavez. Too bad he isn't following Castro out the door.
That last sentence rings truer today than it did just two weeks ago. Venezuela's embarked on a massive arms build-up and now he's taking advantage of a problem between Ecuador and Columbia to play with his new guns, subs and arms, which Russia supplied to Venezuela in vast quantities.
Chavez ought to shut up, order his military back to their bases and keep his nose out of other the affairs of other nations. If a war starts now, it'll be because the Mouth starts it.
Growing Problem of Copper Tubing and Wiring Being Stolen Begs the Question: Who Are the Thieves Selling This Stuff To?
I was watching the news this morning and saw a story about foreclosed homes being broken into and all the copper wiring and tubing being ripped out of the walls and basement by thieves because of the high price of copper. I've also heard a friend saying that someone dismantled their company's air conditioner and stole all the copper components inside of it, leaving behind a gutted air conditioner. And stories like that are becoming much more common across the country.Who's buying all of this copper from the thieves?
An honest broker? An ignorant one? One who doesn't ask questions because they don't want to lose the sale?
If someone comes in with hundreds of pounds of copper tubing and wiring, doesn't the buyer have an obligation to keep track of who's selling them the copper, when it arrived, in what form the copper was in, any identifying characteristics on the copper itself? If they're not, they should be.
This problem will only get worse. There's no way to retro-actively mark copper tubing already in houses and air conditioners.
Retailers who have copper materials in their inventory can add identifying marks, but based on my limited experience with copper tubing, I think it would be relatively easy to obscure such markings with a blowtorch or a hammer. Copper isn't a super-strong metal.
Now people don't only have to worry about their house being broken into and their valuables stolen; they have to worry about thieves ruining their homes as well as they rip copper out of the walls and basement.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Boeing Loses Bid to Build Next Generation U.S. Air Force Refuelling Tankers: This is a Screwup on Boeing's Part
Boeing has no one to blame but itself for losing a $40 billion U.S. Air Force contract to build a fleet of airborne refueling tankers. The people who were in charge let the Boeing workers down big-time.
Here's why Boeing itself is to blame for this mess:
They had put in a bid to build a fleet of refueling tankers based on the Boeing 767. Their competition was Northrup Grumman, which is an affiliate of the European-based EADS company, which builds the Airbus aircraft. The Europeans proposed a design based on the Airbus A330.
The 767 is smaller than the A330, holds 14,000 gallons less, and has 21% less cargo capacity. Why didn't they field a Boeing 777 or one of the brand-new Boeing 787s against the Airbus?
Bigger is better when it comes to an in-air refueling aircraft.
The other big deal is that production of the Boeing 767 is winding down, in favor of the Boeing 787. If the Pentagon had chosen the 767, it would have driven up maintenance costs, as the Air Force would have had to pay for manufacturing of parts on it's own, rather than have the per-unit price be less if the aircraft and it's replacement parts were still in production, with other companies purchasing the planes and parts too.
I feel bad for all of the American jobs that will be jeopardized by this screw-up. And there's nothing wrong with the 767; it was simply the wrong aircraft to put up against the A330.
The good news is that the Air Force is planning three separate buys of tankers; Boeing lost the first round. They can try again in the second and third rounds.
I hope they get their act together.
Here's why Boeing itself is to blame for this mess:
They had put in a bid to build a fleet of refueling tankers based on the Boeing 767. Their competition was Northrup Grumman, which is an affiliate of the European-based EADS company, which builds the Airbus aircraft. The Europeans proposed a design based on the Airbus A330.
The 767 is smaller than the A330, holds 14,000 gallons less, and has 21% less cargo capacity. Why didn't they field a Boeing 777 or one of the brand-new Boeing 787s against the Airbus?
Bigger is better when it comes to an in-air refueling aircraft.
The other big deal is that production of the Boeing 767 is winding down, in favor of the Boeing 787. If the Pentagon had chosen the 767, it would have driven up maintenance costs, as the Air Force would have had to pay for manufacturing of parts on it's own, rather than have the per-unit price be less if the aircraft and it's replacement parts were still in production, with other companies purchasing the planes and parts too.
I feel bad for all of the American jobs that will be jeopardized by this screw-up. And there's nothing wrong with the 767; it was simply the wrong aircraft to put up against the A330.
The good news is that the Air Force is planning three separate buys of tankers; Boeing lost the first round. They can try again in the second and third rounds.
I hope they get their act together.
Congress and WWE Owner Tangle: McMahon Says 'No' to Appearing Before Congressional Committee Investigating Steroids in Sports
Nebraska Congressman Lee Terry got into a verbal sparring match with World Wrestling Entertainment owner Vince McMahon over his failure to appear with representatives of pro sporting leagues, such as the National Hockey League, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and Major League Baseball.
McMahon said that his attorney was in court at the time of last Wednesday's hearing and was unavailable. That did not go over well with Congressman Terry, who blasted McMahon for flipping off the committee and Congress in general. McMahon called Terry's office, then issued a press statement blasting Terry for his comments.
Subpoenas for WWE officials will probably be next.
I think some on this committee are ready to go after McMahon, who is well known for doing mocking skits on his Raw and Smackdown! shows against people he's debating, such as former Parents Television Council president Brent Bozell. McMahon took some of his most offensive gimmick wrestlers and turned them into a tag-team stable called the "Right to Censor", which was a really insulting (and at the same time funny) parody of the PTC. Right to Censor went after other offensive (and popular) gimmicks in use by other WWE wrestlers.
When WWE was going head-to-head against Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (which WWE eventually bought out) he featured a weakling wrestler called "Billionaire Ted" who was manhandled by McMahon's largest and strongest wrestlers.
This Congress is aggressive enough to issue subpoenas to WWE officials if McMahon starts making fun of this committee in his WWE programming.
McMahon said that his attorney was in court at the time of last Wednesday's hearing and was unavailable. That did not go over well with Congressman Terry, who blasted McMahon for flipping off the committee and Congress in general. McMahon called Terry's office, then issued a press statement blasting Terry for his comments.
Subpoenas for WWE officials will probably be next.
I think some on this committee are ready to go after McMahon, who is well known for doing mocking skits on his Raw and Smackdown! shows against people he's debating, such as former Parents Television Council president Brent Bozell. McMahon took some of his most offensive gimmick wrestlers and turned them into a tag-team stable called the "Right to Censor", which was a really insulting (and at the same time funny) parody of the PTC. Right to Censor went after other offensive (and popular) gimmicks in use by other WWE wrestlers.
When WWE was going head-to-head against Ted Turner's World Championship Wrestling (which WWE eventually bought out) he featured a weakling wrestler called "Billionaire Ted" who was manhandled by McMahon's largest and strongest wrestlers.
This Congress is aggressive enough to issue subpoenas to WWE officials if McMahon starts making fun of this committee in his WWE programming.
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