BBC NEWS | France responds to hostage crisis

"After a meeting on Sunday with French Muslim leaders, Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said: 'French people of all origins and all religions are united in support of our compatriots Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot. Together, we ask for their release.'
The head of the French Council for the Muslim Faith, which serves as a link between the French government and the country's five million Muslims, has condemned the kidnappings as an odious act of blackmail.
...
Dalil Boubakeur told reporters: 'The Muslim community must set itself apart from these schemes, which are reprehensible in the eyes of Islam.'
Lhaj Thami Breze, head of the Union of French Islamic Organisations, which has urged schoolgirls to defy the ban, said the headscarf issue was strictly a French affair.
'We cannot accept any outside interference,' he said. "

The muslim community in France is truly outraged by this hostage/blackmail incident. It's once thing to have a local disagreement about "conspicuous religion" in the French schools and quite another thing to have your compatriots kidnaped and threatened.

Moreever, these guys aren't just two consulting yahoos: they're two very well respected reporters on middle-eastern affairs. These are the kind of guys who bug Israel a lot because they give impartial information to Europeans. Kind of like the BBC, these guys are trouble-makers to those who wish to marginalize Arabs. So to have a radical Arab faction acting like this is like having George Bush threatening Tony Blair: it's doing bad stuff to your best friend.

Finally, the muslim community in France is scared about this because of what the French call "amalgame", which is when you make a global point from a single incident and confuse everything together. An incident like this will create a backlash effect against the muslim community. I'm glad to see that they are united against this act.

ABCNEWS.com | Florida Voting Under Microscope Again

"Voter advocates promise to scrutinize election results to see if tallies match exit polls, threatening to sue over suspicious results. Computer programmers say touchscreens, which as many as 50 million Americans are eligible to use in the November election, are vulnerable to software glitches, hackers, power outages and other problems.

'I'm very worried that if the election is very, very close, the outcome will not be believed by a lot of people,' said Avi Rubin, professor of computer science and technical director of the Information Security Institute of Johns Hopkins University."

Sounds a lot like the 2000 election.

csmonitor.com | NYC streets swell with protesters

"Unlike the situation at the Democratic convention in Boston, where the protests were small and the police arrested only six people, the New York protests are expected to be large and filled with handcuffs."

Press bias is once again shown. Whereas the Democratic Convention was billed beforehand as being so expensive, all question of expense is lost on the Republican Convention, even though it will probably be much more expensive than the Democratic Convention.

Krugman: America's Failing Health

"The fact is that the mainly private U.S. health care system spends far more than the mainly public health care systems of other advanced countries, but gets worse results. In 2001, we spent $4,887 on health care per capita, compared with $2,792 in Canada and $2,561 in France. Yet the U.S. does worse than either country by any measure of health care success you care to name - life expectancy, infant mortality, whatever.

In the US you pay more (dollars) for less (quantity and quality health care).

Here in France, when one of my kids gets an earache or catches the stomach flu, or my wife or I catch the flu, we call up a service, SOS Medecins (SOS Doctors), that is freely available to anyone. They send over a doctor to my house, usually within an hour, although when there is a stomach flu epidemic going around we may wait a couple of hours. We've even had doctors over at the house within 15 minutes. My wife used this service one time on Christmas eve and had a doctor in little over an hour -- a doctor who had to drive 20 minutes to get to us out in the country.

Imagine how much you pay for this service! Must be expensive! Sure, it's more expensive than a visit to a doctor's office, I'll grant you that. For a visit during the week and during the day, I pay 30 euros (about US$36). For a visit during the weekend or at night, I may have to pay as much as 45 euros (US$54). And, by the way, almost all of that is refunded to me through state-sponsored social security and work-related mutual insurance. (And, by the way, the mutual insurance deals don't exclude anyone or any condition -- they have to accept all employees and all prior conditions.)

Compare and contrast that to the situation in the US. When over for vacation last July, my son had a bad cough that wouldn't go away. We had a hard time finding a doctor that would take him since the family doctor was on vacation himself and other pediatricians weren't "taking new patients". My folks talked to a neighbor who has a pediatrician friend and we managed to get an appointment -- perhaps because I mentioned to the receptionist that the doctor was a friend of a neighbor, although I can't be sure.

One thing that stuck in my mind was the receptionist's repeated question -- "Do you have insurance?" I answered that we were from France, insured in France, probably over-insured while on vacation, but that at any rate we were planning on paying cash for the visit. The reaction to my response was another query of "Do you have insurance?" to which I simply responded "yes". That seemed to do the trick.

I still don't know under what circumstances that this question has an impact. Is this a screening question in order to avoid patients who potentially cannot pay? Do this somehow change the level of care that the person may receive? I am very uneasy with this question -- an uneasiness that is largely echoed by my French compatriots when I relate this scene to them. In France, like in much of Europe, affordable health-care is a right that even the most right-wing politicians would never dare question.

Arriving at the office, the receptionist had me fill out the fairly lengthy and detailled forms, much of it relevant to health insurance. After filling out the forms, the receptionist asked me to come over, showing signs of discretion, and whispered to me that she wanted me to be sure that I understood that the cost of the visit could amount to as much as US$190. I had expected something between US$60 and US$100, so this was about twice the amount that I expected, but I didn't really have any other choice and anyway I figured that I could afford it.

There was a pretty long line of other kids waiting so we waited a bit, maybe an hour and a half before being admitted to the patient's room where the nurse took vital signs and noted symptoms. We saw the doctor, talked about common acquaintances, had a nice chat. My son saw the doctor who prescribed some medication to treat his cough and then, very kindly, provided the medication to us from sample stock, something which saved us the cost of the pharmaceutics.

In the end the bill was around US$130 and the pharmaceutics was gratis. I have the feeling that the overall price could have been much more.

As it stands, I'm given to understand that it is very likely that another person in my situation in the US may very well have had to give the doctor's visit a pass because of cost or availability.

My conclusion: Americans are not getting the best health deal on the planet, even if the AMA would have them believe that. Americans need to learn about universal health care. Americans should demand more.

PS: Even the Brits come to France for their healthcare.

USATODAY.com - Ranks of poverty, uninsured rose in 2003

"The number of Americans living in poverty increased by 1.3 million last year, while the ranks of the uninsured swelled by 1.4 million, the Census Bureau reported Thursday.
...
Approximately 35.8 million people lived below the poverty line in 2003, or about 12.5% of the population, according to the bureau. That was up from 34.5 million, or 12.1% in 2002.
...
The rise was more dramatic for children. There were 12.9 million living in poverty last year, or 17.6% of the under-18 population. That was an increase of about 800,000 from 2002, when 16.7% of all children were in poverty. "

This is very bad news and precisely the charge of Kerry's campaign's "two Americas".

The Victoria Advocate | Vote count machines are certified in secrecy

"Although up to 50 million Americans are expected to vote on touchscreen machines on Nov. 2, federal regulators have virtually no oversight over testing of the technology. The certification process, in part because the voting machine companies pay for it, is described as obsolete by those charged with overseeing it. "

...

"Also in question is their viability, given the lack of paper records, if recounts are needed in what's shaping up to be a tightly contested presidential race. Paper records of each vote were considered a vital component of the electronic machines used in last week's referendum in Venezuela on whether to recall President Hugo Chavez."

The upshot of this article from my hometown (Victoria, Texas) newspaper is that the electronic voting machines in the US aren't as reliable as those in Venezuela. And yet the Bubba Bush administration cried "fraud" at the unsuccessful recall. If you thought that things were bad in Florida in 2000 and 2002, just wait until you see the 2004 model!

A Case Study in Election Fraud Coverage by Major Media

On the recent Venezuelan Recall election, widely validated at 58% for Chavez by human rights groups and the ubiquitous Jimmy Carter, we have this comment in the Voice of America:

The United States is withholding judgment on the contested results of the recall referendum for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. The State Department says allegations of fraud by Chavez opponents should be fully investigated.

The US State Department has since acknowledged that it recognizes the results, but tried to make a cause for fraud since the Bush Administration was backing the recall and has constantly the Chavez opposition, even to the point of officially recognizing a short-lived coup d'état. Clearly, the US is not supporting democracy in Venezuela.

Now back to the states, where the 2000 presidential election has all the trappings of real fraud, especially in Florida. And Krugman says that we should expect more of it this time around:

"Everyone knows it -- but not many politicians or mainstream journalists are willing to talk about it -- for fear of sounding conspiracy-minded --- there is a substantial chance that the result of the 2004 presidential election will be suspect."

Two weights, two measures as they say in France, and this is an important part of Bubba Logic.

Bubba Bush's Perpetual War on Terror

Today's happenings on the campaign trail and elsewhere are reminders of how much the Bubba administration counts on the public to not pay close attention.

First, look at Bush's announcement that he is better placed than Kerry:

Bush said in an interview yesterday on Cable News Network's ``Larry King Live'' program. ``The question is: Who can best lead the country in a time of war? And I think it's me, because I understand the stakes.''

Yeah, Bush understands the stakes all right. His family and his entourage have gained the most from Bush's war escalation. In this case, the stakes are not those of the nation but those of an elite few.

And how do we get into all these WOT messes? It takes a Bubba to do things like call a major assault on the most holy Shi'ite city: Najaf.

More than 2,500 people marched down a major highway in Bahrain today in an angry but peaceful demonstration against more than a week of fighting in the holy Iraqi city of Najaf, many shouting, "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!"

Demonstrations also took place in Lebanon and Iran, where almost every major city held protests. A crowd in the capital, Tehran, set afire American flags and an effigy of U.S. President George W. Bush.

...

"This is a very dangerous situation. God knows what will happen if America attacks this holy shrine," said Sheik Ali Salman, head of the Shiite-backed Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society.

"We hope this matter is resolved peacefully. But if not, the U.S. can be sure they will have a lot more opposition than they could ever imagine," he said.

So Bubba Bush creates a whole new generation of terrorist candidates with his stupid dog tricks. Still, W won't complain since he'll be laughing all the way to the bank on this one. More War, More Money. Lao Tzo knew that in 3000 BC.

In the meantime, Bubba W has done some serious thinking about Homeland Security and has chosen the new CIA successor. Now this guy seems to have reached Peter Principle epiphany:

Moore embarrasses new CIA chief

President Bush said Mr Goss was the "right man" for the job
US Congressman Porter Goss, nominated to be the new director of the CIA, may be talking himself out of the job, according to film-maker Michael Moore.
Moore, who directed the film Fahrenheit 9/11, has released an interview with Mr Goss in which he says he lacks the qualifications for the top spy post.

"I couldn't get a job with CIA today. I am not qualified," Mr Goss told Moore's production company in March.

But what we'll see most in the US media about the campaign is the stupid rants, including this one by Bubba Cheney:

"Senator Kerry has said that if he were in charge he would fight a 'more sensitive' war on terror," Mr Cheney told a Republican audience in the key state of Ohio, to loud laughter.

That is the ultimate Bubba ploy: call someone a "sissy" because he makes good sense. W and Dick don't want to be sensitive, they just wanna kill lots of people and make lots of money. None of that sensitive stuff for these Bubbas.

WAR IS PEACE. IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH. FREEDOM IS SLAVERY. I LOVE GEORGE W BUSH!

Reuters | Heat Waves to Worsen Across America, Europe

According to an NCAR study:

"The average Paris heat wave lasting eight to 13 days, they predict, will last 11 to 17 days. In Chicago, heat waves will last on average a day longer, from eight days to nine days, and there will be two a year by 2080 instead of about one.

'But other areas (e.g. northwest United States, France, Germany and the Balkans) could see increases of heat wave intensity that could have more serious impacts because these areas are not currently as well adapted to heat waves,' the researchers wrote."

Bad news if the model is accurate.

www.smh.com.au | Woodward, Bernstein reflect on Watergate

"On August 9, 1974, Nixon became the first US president to resign from office, ending a dragged out scandal that started with a burglary of the Democratic National Committee offices in the Watergate office and apartment complex in Washington on June 17, 1972. The burglars had intended to place listening devices in the office. "

Tricky Dick resigned for minor shenanigans compared to W's.

France Inter, the most popular non-musical French FM station, led the morning news program on August 9th with just how little coverage this anniversary received in the US press.

Newsday.com | Boatsickness on the Horizon

"A group calling itself Swift Boat Veterans for Truth used the 60-second television ad to accuse Kerry of lying about the circumstances surrounding his first Purple Heart and his Bronze Star. It also charges that he betrayed fellow troops by protesting the war."

Betrayed fellow troops by speaking his mind? By performing a very American act one betrays fellow troops? Truly disgusting.

Oh, and by the way, how is it that being AWOL for National Guard duty is OK for these military men? How is it that grand phrases like "Cakewalk", "Bring 'em on!" and "Mission Accomplished" are not the most heinous betrayals of the troops?

News4Jax.com | Statue Of Liberty: What Does She Represent?

"The people of France gave the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States more than 100 years ago in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution.

On Oct. 28, 1886, President Grover Cleveland accepted the Statue on behalf of the United States and said in part: "We will not forget that Liberty has here made her home; nor shall her chosen altar be neglected."

But Americans seem to have quite happily forgetten that one of its most cherished emblems is a gift from France.

FT.com IMF calls on EU to free up labour markets

"The International Monetary Fund on Tuesday called for decisive leadership from the European Union to help free up labour markets and encourage longer working hours in the eurozone."

There you go, IMF Bubbas. Put your expertise to work in Europe just like you did in ... Argentina!

Boston.com | France gives critical look at its falling influence

"The discussion touches on [France's] loss of influence in the spheres of politics, economics, art, film, diplomacy, and even language."



Another silly article on a nonsensical subject. The new culture shocks will not come from the US -- they will be from Asia.

BBC NEWS | US terror plot intelligence 'old'

"There are claims that new warnings of al-Qaeda attacks on US cities are based on old intelligence.

Security has been tightened around financial institutions in three cities, following the discovery of detailed information about them.

President George W Bush described the US as a 'nation in danger'.

But US newspapers say officials investigating the information believe much of it was compiled by al-Qaeda before the 11 September 2001 attacks."

Just short of saying "politically motivated".

The Washington Dispatch | Michael Moore Exposes the Cowardice of the Right

"O'Reilly: 'It wasn't a lie. I call I bad information, acting on bad information; not a lie.'

To which Moore responded: 'A seven year old can get away with that'..Mom and Dad it was just bad information'..'

And, there it lay ' from the most ardent supporter of Bush's war in Iraq -- the right wing / Republican reason for going to war: bad information.

Remember that -- 907 dead to date because of bad information!

Which led Moore to ask: 'Over 900 of our brave soldiers are dead. What do you say to their parents?'

Having no sensible answer, because no Weapons of Mass Destruction have been found, nor, has it been proved that there was an imminent threat, as Bush had asserted, O'Reilly admitted: 'It was a mistake.'

Remember that -- 907 dead to date because of a mistake!"

Results matter, right W?

The New York Times > National > Texas Tough, in Lipstick, Fishnet and Skates

"'I was instantly smitten,' she said from inside an oversize Winnie the Pooh costume she donned to deliver the play-by-play for the Texas Rollergirls at the Playland Skate Center before 1,100 fans on Sunday night. 'Girls in leather and fishnet stockings beating the hell out of each other - it was a dream come true.'"

Girls in Texas have fairly different dreams from those in the rest of the world!