Random Thoughts on a Monday Afternoon

So John Kerry denied throwing away his medals. He said in an interview on “Good Morning America” that he actually threw away his ribbons. However, he said that he threw away the medals of another soldier at the vet’s request. Well, ABC played a video clip where Kerry clearly states that he did indeed threw away his medals. Charles Gibson asked him which is it, to which Kerry, clearly befuddled, says, "This is a controversy the Republicans are pushing."

While I believe we all need to worry about the future and not dwell too much in what happened 33 years ago, I think it’s important to note that Mr. Kerry is running on his war record. If he’s uncomfortable about questions regarding that record, he shouldn’t call any question of it a “Republican controversy”.

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Y’know. When someone has a really bad experience somewhere, he tends not remember it fondly. Yet that is what Senator Kerry did during a boat tour of the lower Delta marshes in Louisiana. While with Senator Landrieu (D, La.), he remarked, “this reminds me of the river banks in Vietnam”. Now I’m not sure what point the candidate was trying to make, but I assume (or hope) he wasn't having flashbacks of the war. But comparing someone’s state to a war zone? It would be like someone visiting a campground remarking how much it looks like Auschwitz!

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I’m concerned about something should President Bush win in November. If he does win, who would be next in line after him in the Republican Party. For many reasons, Vice President Cheney would not be a viable candidate. His health concerns alone would give the nation pause. Without someone groomed to be Bush's successor, I wonder what will happen in 2008 (at least in the Republican Party).

My biggest fear is that Hillary takes the Dems nomination. Without a powerful opponent, it would be tough running against a Clinton.. I just feel that perhaps once the election is over (maybe a year after), Cheney should step aside (but continue to be a BIG part of the Bush administration) and perhaps tap Rudy Giuliani to replace him. We know that Colin Powell is stepping down after the election, Maybe Condoleeza Rice takes over as Secretary of State and then replaces Cheney in 2007. Wouldn’t that be cool? Condi vs. Hillary? Geri Ferraro, look out!

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Israeli military officials say that they believe Mahmoud Zahar is the new leader of Hamas. I can just see him reading the newspaper and find it out! All of the sudden, everyone gets out of his way. The only one will come near him is mortician. Could you imagine being his driver? “Hey Ahmed, we need to go to the office now!”. “No way, Mahmoud.. Get away way from me! Leave me alone! (as Israeli helicopters approach) Aaaaahhhhhhh!”. I’m guessing someone in the Hamas leadership has decided that Zahar is the Fredo of the organization and want him sleeping with fishes.

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Hosni Mubarak, “President” of Egypt, said this past week that there is “unprecedented hatred” of America due to the war in Iraq. Hatred? Of America? Unprecedented? Who is he kidding? There has never been any “love” for America in the Arab world. Hatred of America has been going on for years. Whether it was in Tehran, Mogadishu, Beirut or Cairo, it’s been alive and well for a long, long time. Mubarak should look at his own government for the spread of this hatred. According to the Middle East Media Research Institute, numerous anti-American commentaries have run in the Egyptian controlled press as well as in state run Universities. For a more detailed rant about this, see Jeff Jacoby’s article in today’s JWR (read it -- here).

Aside from Israel, the United States gives more financial aid to Egypt. Perhaps we should be rethinking who our “friends” really are. With friends like these…

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Here is a link (requires free registration) to a very somber article written in the Jerusalem Post by Susie Weiss. Many of you know her and her husband, Rabbi Stewart Weiss. They unfortunately lost their son, Ari while serving in the Israeli army in the Nahal Brigade.

Thanks to my good friend, Gregg Goldenberg for the info.

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Well, I’ve become a reality TV-aholic. At first it was Average Joe, then Fear Factor, then The Apprentice and now American Idol and Nashville Star. Rumor has it that Jennifer Hudson lost because a number of people from her fan base in the Chicago area lost power due to a tornado and severe thunderstorms. Maybe, but I think it was more likely that most people felt that Jennifer, Fantasia Barrino and LaToya London were safe and decided to vote for John Stevens instead (so he wouldn’t lose too bad). Personally, George Huff is my favorite, but Latoya should win. And of course, I think I could do better then all of them! Hehe.

Nashville Star is also a great show. It airs on the USA Network on Saturday night. The final episode is on this week, where they will choose one of the final 3 contestants. Although it is not as popular as American Idol, it is a better show. For one thing, the performers play their own instruments and perform the entire song (unlike Idol). Also, the way they choose is better (although not for the ratings). Each episode features all but one of the previous contestants. They just know who it is until the end when they are not invited to go on stage.

(Thanks to my Sister for introducing me to Nashville Star)

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Speaking of The Apprentice, I heard an interview the radio with Bill Rancic, the winner of The Apprentice. He’s a very popular guy here in Chicago. He sounds like he’s way over his head, but if he can deal with The Donald, he must be something special. There were a number of people who felt that Trump chose Bill over Kwame because of his race. The same people felt that the vote on Idol was racially slanted. I guess they haven't met Ruben Studdard. Anyway, maybe Bill can convince Trump to get a new hairstyle. Rumor has it (I’m beginning to sound like Michael Sneed) that Trump has offered Troy a full scholarship to college if he decides to get a degree.

I have just one thing to say, “HEY DONALD, PLEASE DO THE SAME FOR MEEEEEE!

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Beware: Homer Nod! I was impressed with the Dallas Cowboys draft this past weekend. Of course I am easily impressed (especially when it’s the Cowboys we’re talking about). I thought trading down for Buffalo’s number one next year was a stroke of genius. I especially like one of the picks they made in the 7th round. A kid named Patrick Clayton. This guy is a true athlete. He was the starting quarterback for a team that was the runner-up in the NAIA and is an outstanding kick returner. He’s projected to be a wide receiver.

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Michael Jackson fired his legal team yesterday. Apparently, the gloved one was not happy with the amount of attention his prior team was paying him. I may be wrong, but the chances that his team is neglecting him are very small indeed. This trial could potentially make or break an attorney’s career, unless he loses.

Hmmm, maybe that’s why they "decided to step down".

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Well that’s all I got. Gotta go get the kids from carpool. With gas prices where they are in Chicago (I paid $1.96 a gallon at the cheap place), I should make them walk. Aw, who am I kidding. I don’t walk anywhere. Why should I make them? Oh yeah…’cause I can!

Have a great day, ya'll.