The lexicon of Man's foolishness:

Madrid
Oslo
Taba
Hebron
Wye River
Camp David 2000
Beirut Summit
The Road Map

and now, Annapolis.

9 ideas, 9 meetings.

So far, 8 Israeli capitulations, 0 Arab-kept agreements.

Mah nishtana ha-lyla ha-zeh (why is this night different from any other)?

Annapolis is perhaps the most foolish of them all. For one thing, the only thing left to offer the Arabs is Jerusalem, and aside from the fact that this will in no way appease them, Olmert will lose his government over it.

Secondly, by inviting the Syrian delegation, President Bush is already making a mockery of whatever it is he hopes to accomplish. Truly, he must understand that Syria=Iran, Gaza=Iran and Hezbollah=Iran.

I can not imagine any single person left on this planet who believes that this "peace summit" will end without more Jewish deaths and more pressure put on the only real democracy in the region. I still believe that the Iraq war is not about "oil". But I am certain that this "peace summit" is all about oil.

The President told us that he believes in a two-state solution. Fine.

He told us that it is up to the Arab people to make it a viable possibility. Fine.

They answered him by electing the number one terror organization in the region, Hamas. That, Mr. Bush, was your answer.

Why then, are you so gung-ho to force Israel to do more?

Seriously, do you really mean that you want another intolerant Arab nation to be created? Do you really want another mass-murdering, Sharia-led government? Do you really believe it won't turn into another Iranian province?

For what purpose are you keeping up with this lunacy, if not for oil? If you meant what you said, then YOU, more than any other, should be bringing the hammer down on the Arab people who hate you, wish your destruction and belittle your beliefs.

I read today that a teacher in Sudan was handed down a punishment of 40 lashes because her school children named their teddy bear "Mohammad."

Is that who we want as peace partners, Mr. President?

Happy Thanksgiving!



"As G-d is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!" Brilliant!

From the incredible Debbie Schlussel:

Condi's Redlining & Restrictive Covenant: U.S. Says "No Jews Allowed to Live Here"

You'd think that Condi Clueless a/k/a Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice would be sensitive to redlining and restrictive covenants. You'd think that someone who is familiar with old school policies in some neighborhoods and businesses of "No Blacks Allowed" would be against "No Jews Allowed."

But you would be wrong.

Today, if there were signs up--or even secret policies--of neighborhoods not allowing Jews or Blacks to live in a certain neighborhood or to build a new home there, the Justice Department would be on their rear ends like Rosie O'Donnell on a slice of pizza.

But, in Israel, well . . . the U.S. has a different policy. And Clueless Condi is the chief architect and enforcer of the Nazi-like Judenrein policy.

No Jews Allowed. No Jews Allowed. Just what part of No Jews Allowed didn't you understand?

That's the policy Clueless Condi is shouting at Israel, these days. You'd think a woman of color would be sensitive to--no, outraged by--bigoted real estate policies.

But you would be wrong.

In fact, she's the chief perpetrator. She's demanding it and pressuring Ehud Olmert to stop allowing Jews to build and own homes in the so-called "West Bank" (but no corresponding requirement of Arabs and Muslims to stop building and buying homes in Israel), in advance of the dumb Bush last attempt at a Nobel Peace Prize a/k/a The Annapolis Conference, next week.

Meanwhile, in exchange for the pleasure of acquiescing to the Condi-demanded bigoted housing policy, Israel gets the privilege of . . . releasing 441 murderous terrorists into the general population?! GUH-Reat deal. It's the kind of deal they gave Jews in the concentration camps, wherein they could turn in their fellow Jew to his/her death in exchange for a piece of bread.

Yup, the next time you hear Condi Rice talk about how she's "risen above racism," don't believe her hype. She's not only not "risen above" it.

She's perpetrating it. That it's in a different parcel of land makes no difference.

I suppose this is supposed to be an improvement from the signs that were once posted, "No Jews or Dogs Allowed."

The dogs have elevated their status. The Jews, not so much.

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Tip of the cap: Atlas Shrugs

I can’t believe the mid-way point of the NFL season has arrived already. Since I was little, I’ve always enjoyed this time because the days were getting shorter, the weather was getting colder and the football was getting more meaningful. Well, this year is certainly no exception, although to tell the truth, the weather here in Chicago has been pretty mild for this time of year.

Also, unlike most of the previous years over the past decade, my Dallas Cowboys are looking like the team to beat in the NFC, although I do believe that whoever wins the conference will just be road kill for either New England or Indianapolis.

In this light, I present to you my Dallas Cowboys mid-year report card:

Quarterbacks: A

Tony Romo has been nothing short of remarkable. If he has similar numbers in the second half of the season, he will obliterate almost every single-season team passing record. Even in the last second victory in Buffalo, it was Romo’s cool head and strong arm that brought them back from the brink of disaster. Backup Brad Johnson knows his place and has been a very positive support for the young QB.

Running Backs: B+

Although Julius Jones remains the starter, the bulk of the touches by the RB’s has gone to Marion Barber III. Barber has been the catalyst for waking up the team early in games where they have generally started off slow. With an incredible nose for the end zone, he has become one of the most feared short-yardage runners in the league. Jones works well in the tandem and together, they have rushed for over 900 yards.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B+

While the injury to Terry Glenn hurts, the performances of Terrell Owens and Jason Witten have more than made up for. T.O. seems to have overcome the injury to his hand that caused his increased number of drops from the year before, and Witten has solidified his role and Romo’s go to guy. Number 2 receiver Patrick Crayton is better suited at the number 3 role, but has come through in a number of clutch situations. Sam Hurd and Miles Austin have seen limited action. Backup tight end Anthony Fasano has made a few plays and the number 3 tight end, Tony Curtis has caught 2 passes, both for touchdowns.

Offensive Line: A-

Perhaps the most improved area over last year, the o-line has been consistent and at times, overwhelming. By adding Leonard “Bigg” Davis, they increased their size and quickness and have become one of the leagues best lines. The biggest knock on the them is the frequency of holding and false-start penalties called against them. At least once, maybe twice a game, Either Flozell Adams, Kyle Kosier of Andre Gurode are called for an infraction that kills a drive.

Defensive Line: C

Before the injury to Jason Ferguson, the front three were still not among the elite. Even though Jay Ratliff has played well in his place, the expected emergence of Chris Canty and Marcus Spears has still not developed. However, in the last two games, they have made some important plays. Adding Tank Johnson to this mix will help a great deal. Jason Hatcher has proven he can be an important cog as well.

Linebackers: B+

Not even the great Adrian Peterson was able to gain a hundred yards on this crew. Demarcus Ware is a beast that requires constant double-teaming, allowing a good pass rush from Greg Ellis, and at times, rookie Anthony Spencer. Bradie James is the heart of the defense and is a playmaker at times. However, he can get overmatched in the passing game. Akin Ayodele is an above-average linebacker. The verdict is still out on 2nd-year linebacker Bobby Carpenter. Kevin Burnett is a big hitter who has made some plays in reserve.

Defensive Backs: B-

When all four starters are healthy and in the lineup together, this unit can be a formidable one. However, Terrence Newman and Anthony Henry have both missed significant playing time, which has led to big plays being made against them. Jacques Reeves has played better than expected, but he isn’t a shut-down corner. The addition of Ken Hamlin has allowed Roy Williams to move back to his natural free-safety position and cause more havoc in the running game. However, he sometimes goes for the big hit only to miss the tackle.

Special Teams: B

If not for allowing 2 kickoff returns for touchdowns against St. Louis and Buffalo, this unit would grade out as an “A”. Nick Folk has been a solid, clutch kicker, although it would be nice if he got a little more yardage on his kickoffs. Mat McBriar continues to be among the top 2-3 punters in the league and has tremendous hang-time on his punts. The Cowboys have been giving rookie wide receiver Isaiah Stanback the opportunity to bring some life to the return game, replacing the consistent, but unremarkable Tyson Thompson. Patrick Crayton, and sometimes Terrence Newman, handle the punt returns.

Coaching: A

What criticism can you give when your team is 7-1 at the med-season point. Granted, Wade Phillips inherited most of the roster from Bill Parcells, but the team looks looser and more focused than in pervious seasons. Defensively, signs are already pointing to improvement and offensively, there may not be a more remarkable coach than Jason Garrett.

Overall: A

The Cowboys caught some breaks this season due to some starting QB’s missing games against them. However, these were still games that in previous years would not have been victories. The offense is on pace to break the single-season record for points and have the ability to score at will against anybody. While clearly out-matched against New England, they have been dominant otherwise. I predict that this team will do no worse than 12-4 and will appear in Super Bowl XLII. As far as winning it? Well, what is it they say about “any given Sunday”? However, I still stand by my pre-season prediction of New England winning it all.

I saw this recently at the List Universe, and I got a big kick out of it. For some reason, I always felt a kinship with this guy (maybe it's the fur!).

I've had little time (and less energy) to effectively blog recently. I am still feeling constantly run-down, but I continue to get up each day, go to work and spend time with my kids as much as before. I just get a little more tired than I used to. I see my nephrologist again on Monday, and assuming that my numbers are the same, will continue to see her monthly. Hopefully, as they get a better handle on my kidneys and my arthritis (ankylosis spondylitis/rheumatoid arthritis ), I'll feel better and be more energetic.

In this light, instead of just boring you with my health issues, which are a never-ending story on it's own, I'm posting a fabulous article written by John Zmirack, editor of All American Colleges and Choosing the Right College, that I found quite interesting.

Enjoy!

Even the Left Admits that Classroom Politics are a Problem

The New York Times recently ran an Op-Ed warning that the pervasive and invasive leftist politics of many professors, and the heavy-handed policies of politically correct administrators, pose a threat to the quality, integrity, and academic independence of colleges across the country. The interesting thing about this piece is that it was by one of the most important theorists of the academic Left, Stanley Fish—formerly of Duke University, a school where he himself was a leader in implementing such policies, once upon a time. While Fish has not renounced his own premises, he has lately emerged as a voice of moderate concern about the extent to which pre-fab political answers have replaced academic questioning as the mode of discourse on campus, especially in the humanities. It’s not for us to question his motives—to wonder, for instance, whether he fears that the backlash against leftist academia will take the form of funding cuts by legislators or boycotts by alumni donors. Or perhaps he simply worries that his disciples have gone too far, and turned his skeptical inquiries into a whole new set of dogmas. Whatever the reasons, Fish recognizes that there is indeed a problem. That’s why he devotes precious column inches in one of the most prominent media spots on earth, the Times editorial page, to discussing a documentary made by a 20-something film-maker, Evan Coyne Maloney, entitled Indoctrinate U.

In that film, Maloney makes like a slimmed-down, sober and sane Michael Moore, prowling the hallways of humanities departments at major universities, investigating charges by centrist and conservative students of classroom politics and blatant bias. As Fish sums up the film, it portrays mainstream universities in America as “places of indoctrination where a left-leaning faculty teaches every subject, including chemistry and horticulture, through the prism of race, class and gender; where minorities and women are taught that they are victims of oppression; where admissions policies are racially gerrymandered; where identity-based programs reproduce the patterns of segregation that the left supposedly abhors; where students and faculty who speak against the prevailing orthodoxy are ostracized, disciplined and subjected to sensitivity training; where conservative speakers like Ward Connerly are shouted down; where radical speakers like Ward Churchill are welcomed; where speech codes mandate speech that offends no one; where the faculty preaches diversity but is itself starkly homogeneous with respect to political affiliation; where professors regularly use the classroom as a platform for their political views; where students parrot back the views they know their instructors to hold; where course reading lists are heavy on radical texts and light on texts celebrating the Western tradition; where the American flag is held in suspicion; where military recruiting personnel are either treated rudely or barred from campus; where the default assumption is that anything the United States and Israel do is evil.”

In Choosing the Right College, our team of campus journalists reports on over 130 major colleges across the country, citing the departments and programs which offer academic excellence and solid core curricula—and regretfully detailing those that don’t.

Now, Fish pooh-poohs or minimizes many items on this damning bill of particulars—but shows obvious alarm that Maloney was able to turn up so many abuses as to provide a richly alarming film that conservatives will be showing on campus for the next decade or so. Fish admits that he knows of “professors who use the classroom as a stage for their political views. Maloney speculates that perhaps one out of seven perform in this way. I would put the number much lower, perhaps one out of twenty-five. But one out of 10,000 would be one too many.

“Academics often bridle at the picture of their activities presented by Maloney and other conservative critics, and accuse them of grossly caricaturing and exaggerating what goes on in the classroom. Maybe so, but so long as there are those who confuse advocacy with teaching, and so long as faculty colleagues and university administrators look the other way, the academy invites the criticism it receives in this documentary. In 1915, the American Association of University Professors warned that if we didn’t clean up our own shop, external constituencies, with motives more political than educational, would step in and do it for us. Now they’re doing it in the movies and it’s our own fault.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.