More Ground Zero Health Concerns

Health experts say they fear that another wave of Ground Zero workers suffering catastrophic illnesses like cancer may be in the making as a result of long term exposure to toxins released following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

The concerns are outlined in a report in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The report lends credence to ongoing legal claims about illnesses and deaths that have occurred to those working in "the pit." Sadly, it means that the casualty count from the attacks may grow even higher.

Wal-Mart Can't Take A Joke

Wal-Mart has fired a cashier working in its Almont, Michigan store , because, according to the former employee, he placed a joke on his My Space account suggesting that the average IQ of Americans would increase if a bomb were dropped on the discount retailer's stores.

Wal-Mart confirmed that David Noordewier no longer works at the store but commented no further.

Noordewier told the Flint Journal that it was a joke, not a threat.

UN Probes Lebanese Assassination

The United Nations has voted to investigate the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri.

It is widely believed that Syria was behind the attack on al-Hariri. Something Damascus denies.

Hopefully the U.N. regains credibility by conducting a through and conclusive tribunal that leaves no doubt about the perpetrators and their backers.

While they're on the subject of Lebanon, perhaps the United Nations can get Hezbollah to release the Israeli soldiers they abducted.

Reporters Threatened

Three reporters working in Pakistan were threatened, having each received an envelope containing a bullet.

Press groups in Pakistan quickly condemned the threats, believed to be from a group associated with that nation's president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Two of the journalists were named on a list of enemies the organization recently issued.

Attacks on and intimidation of journalists around the world are far too common. Four journalists working in Iraq have been killed in the past five days. And Venezuela President Hugo Chavez recently closed down a TV station that had been criticizing him.

TB Patient Was On No Fly List

The TB patient who defied medical advice and flew to Europe to be married and for his honeymoon of course raised concerns about the possibility he might spread the disease to others he came into contact with. But he also showed, once again, how vulnerable the United States is to terrorist attacks.

He was not a terrorist. But he was put on the same list that contains the names of suspected terrorists.

Yet he managed to fly. And re-enter the United States by car from Canada.

If he was able to circumvent a system designed to keep terrorists out, what's preventing the terrorists from getting in?

Alice B. Toklas Brownies Served At Middle School

The dateline for this story is Santa Cruz.

The caper? A middle school student brought a tin of marijuana-laced brownies to school and served them to classmates and a teacher.

When the teacher got high, she called 911.

The treatment? The medics gave the kids and the teachers munchies to eat. I'm NOT kidding.

The evidence? The cops say it was all consumed. They don't say by whom.

Kid brings pot brownies on a class field trip! Video

Thompson Explores White House Run

No more filling in for Paul Harvey on ABC Radio.

No more taping of Law and Order.

Actor and former U.S. Sen. Fred Thompson is exploring a run for the White House.

The Republican would potentially draw from Rudy Guiliani's base. Guiliani believes he is better suited to win states like New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut, which once were red but have become blue.

UN Criticizes Israeli Gaza Attacks

A United Nations human rights envoy has criticized Israel for what he terms its "disproportionate" and "extrajudicial" military response to rocket attacks from the Gaza.

John Dugard also criticizes the Palestinians for their continuing barrage of Kassam rockets targeting Israel.

Israel says it uses its much more sophisticated weaponry to try to target the source of those attacks. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Dan Gillerman says the civilian casualties suffered by the Palestinians are the result of Hamas firing those rockets from population bases.

One wonders the U.N. reaction if Israel should elect to, as Dugard suggests, respond proportionately. Maybe Israel should fire the exact numbers of Kassam rockets at the Gaza as Hamas is firing at Israel.

Of course, since Kassam rockets are less sophisticated, the chances are they will miss their intended military targets and just take out civilians. But the response would, then, no longer be "disproportionate" would it?

Chavez Shuts Down Opposition TV Station

It's interesting how Venezuela President Hugo Chavez feels comfortable coming to the United States and lecturing this nation about its foreign policy.

When he does, he enjoys coverage by the news media here.

No one from the U.S. government tries to muzzle those news outlets that carry Chavez's words.

But the same freedom of raising voices of opposition is obviously not granted in Chavez's Venezuela.

Chavez has shut down an opposition television station. Resulting in opposing rallies in the streets of Caracas, and confrontational skirmishes between the two sides.

If the U.S. government approached dissent the same way he does, Chavez would never have received the public airing he did during his last visit here.

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day in the United States.

It's a day for picnics, bar-b-ques, beaches. And remembering.

Remembering those members of the armed forces who paid the extreme sacrifice. So that we may enjoy our freedoms.

These are difficult times. We are engaged in an unpopular war in Iraq. Yet these brave men and women are putting their lives on the line, because, they recognize it as their duty.

Fortunately, most Americans who oppose the war don't let that translate into condemnation for the troops.

It's rare that those fighting men and women get voice in the debate. But singer Shawn Hlookoff's song, "Soldier" speaks for them.

On this Memorial Day, I urge you to take a few minutes to listen to Hlookoff's words. And share them with friends and family.

U.S. Sends Aid To Fight Terrorists In Palestinian Refugee Camp

The United States is sending military aid to the Lebanese government to help the military root out terrorists operating out of a Palestinian refugee camp in northern Lebanon.

Fighting between the military and the members of the Fatah al-Islam terrorists, linked to al Qaeda, has, thus far, claimed 75 lives.

Getting Sick In The Sky

Recently a friend of mine flew to Israel. Before leaving he felt fine. By the time he got there he was sick.

By the time he was ready to return to the United States he was well again. But he suffered a relapse during the long flight home.

"The airplane," a mutual friend muttered when he related the story.

"The airplane," he repeated.

Now there's evidence to support that conclusion.

Flight crews, who, obviously, are potentially the most susceptible to in-flight illnesses, have been secretly taking samples of what passengers are coming into contact with on planes. They submitted their swabs to scientists. Testing has proven the commonly held belief out. Airplanes are breeding grounds for toxins.

One of the epidemiologists who participated in the covert exercise says a proper study should now be conducted. He's right. The health of passengers and flight crews are at stake.

Suspected Terrorist Applied To Be A Cop

New, startling and disturbing information is emerging about one of the so-called "Fort Dix Six" ... the six men charged in a plot to shoot soldiers at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

It's reported that suspect Serdar Tatar attempted to join the Philadelphia Police Department. He may have also attempted to join the Oakland, California police.

This is lending to speculation among some in the law enforcement community that an emerging tactic of terrorists is to join the police to gain inside information about security around potential targets.

It also would cloud the distinctions between the good guys and the bad guys.

Fortunately, Tartar did not qualify for the Philadelphia job. He is not a U.S. citizen, nor had he lived in Philadelphia long enough to apply.

New Jersey State Police Union Boss Suspended

New Jersey State Police union boss David Jones has been suspended for five days for giving out the personal information of New Jersey 101.5 radio talk show host Craig Carton.

Jones released Carton' personal information at a ranting news conference on the steps of the statehouse. After Carton criticized plans by some state troopers to tie up traffic and give tickets for going just one mile over the speed limit in response to criticism of the State Police for an accident that nearly killed Gov. Jon Corzine.

Corzine was not wearing his seat belt as required by state law. And his state trooper driver was speeding on the Garden State Parkway when the accident occurred.

Jones also pledged during the news conference that troopers would target Carton, co-host Ray Rossi, and other employees of the radio station. His comments prompted station officials to move Carton and Rossi and their families to safe houses and pull them off the air for a day for their own safety.

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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilgh/442910000/

New York Attributes Death To Ground Zero Dust

For the first time, the New York City medical examiner has ruled a death caused by exposures to toxins released during the 9/11 attacks.

Medical Examiner Charles Hills has ruled that Felicia Dunn-Jones, a 42-year-old U.S. Education Department attorney who worked at the World Trade Center, died because of toxic dust in the air. Dr. Hirsch had previously declined to link Dunn-Jones' death to the toxins. But changed the ruling after appeals by her family and after two members of congress, Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Vito Fossella (R-NY), asked that her name be added to the official list of World Trade Center victims.

The families of many of those who have died from illnesses contracted subsequent to the attacks have been unsuccessfully claiming that their loved ones are among those who succumbed to the exposure. Unions representing police officers and firefighters who combed the grounds in rescue and recovery efforts have made similar claims.

In a letter to the Jones family attorney, Dr. Hirsch says "it is likely, with certainty beyond a reasonable doubt, that exposure to WTC dust was harmful ... and that exposure to World Trade Center Dust on 9/11/01 was contributory to her death."

Hirsch says Dunn-Jones' death, which was originally classified as natural, is now being ruled a homicide.

Maloney is calling on Hirsch to review the cases of others who died after being exposed to Ground Zero toxins.

Fossella says he hopes the federal government will now "monitor and treat all those who are sick or injured as a result of 9/11."

Dunn-Jones was trapped in the dust cloud caused by the collapse of the first World Trade Center tower. She died four months later of sarcoidosis, a rare and debilitating condition that attacks the lungs and other vital organs.

Israel Attacks Gaza Businesses

In a new tactic designed to impede Palestinian terrorists from funding Kassam rocket attacks against Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces carried out aerial attacks against what they describe as offices of money changers and Gaza Strip businesses that have been laundering money.

According to the IDF, the money came from funds in Iran, Syria and Lebanon and were used to finance Hamas terrorist activities.

According to the Israeli government, the amount of money transferred to terror organizations in the Gaza has been staggering. To the tune of millions of dollars monthly.

The IDF says some 200 Kassam rockets have targeted Israel in the past week. One woman has been killed and dozens others have been injured.

Paltalk Teams With 1010 WINS To Bring Fleet Week To The World

Paltalk today teamed with 1010 WINS, the number one radio station in the nation, to bring Fleet Week NYC to the world.

Four webcams were strategically located along New York harbor and the Hudson River so visitors to 1010 WINS.com and Paltalk had opportunity to see the parade of ships. The ships are here for a week of activities involving Navy sailors, Marines and U.S. Coastguardsmen and women.

The 1010 WINS audio stream was played into the Paltalk virtual auditorium. WINS reporter Al Jones was live from on board the USS Wasp. Other reporters were located at Fort Hamilton and other piers along the Hudson River.

The WINS webcams were located at Pier 88, Chelsea Piers and Fort Hamilton. My webcam was located at the rear of the World Financial Center with a clear view of ships as they sailed past the Statue Of Liberty.

The crews saluted Ground Zero as they past my location.

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Photo by PA3 Gina Ruoti, United States Coast Guard, Public Relations Detachment-New York

Anne Frank Memorial Vandalized

The Anne Frank memorial in Boise, Idaho has been vandalized. Again.


A reward has been issued to try to catch the vandals.


My father, who is 86-years-old and whose memory remains sharp, says the level of anti-Semitism today even surpases that in the years leading up to the Holocaust and World War II. His observations should motivate all of us to redouble our efforts to promote tolerance around the world.

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Holocaust painting, "Never Again, Never Forget" by Michelle Vineberg

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We talk about stories like this and more daily at 5 PM New York time on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com

Gillerman Defends Israeli Attacks

Israeli U.N. Ambassador Dan Gillerman today defended his nation's retaliatory attacks in the Gaza.

Gillerman questions why media attention seems focused on Israel's response, as opposed to the Palestinian provocation. The almost constant shelling of Israeli towns with Kassam rockets.

Gillerman, in a speech to The Israel Project at New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, says his nation is "trying to target specifically" those who build and launch the Kassam rockets against Israel.

"The people who are getting killed," he said, "are the people who are trying to kill us."

While acknowledging that civilians are often among the casualties of the Israeli retaliatory strikes, Gillerman says this is the result of the Palestinians firing rockets from homes in Gaza.

"If you go to sleep with a missile," he asserted, "don't be surprised if you don't wake up in the morning."

Fatah al-Islam, Lebanese Army, Clash

Nearly 100 people have been killed in battles between Fatah al-Islam and the Lebanese army in Tripoli.

Fatah al-Islam, with ties to al-Qaeda, is also believed linked to the Syrian government. The Lebanese government believes the terrorists are trying to destabilize Lebanon in advance of an international tribunal that was established to try suspects in the assassination two years ago of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Syria, which was believed behind the assassination, opposes the U.N. tribunal.

Casualties were reported inside a Palestinian refugee camp. The Lebanese troops are not supposed to enter the camps under a 38-year-old agreement.

Among those killed or captured were people the Lebanese government says were plotting large scale attacks in Lebanon and in Germany.

While there is some press attention to this conflict, it, thus far, lacks the intensity and worldwide scrutiny that is automatic when Israel is one of the combatants.

A Loss Of Journalistic Integrity

Journalistic integrity took a massive hit with the recent vote by a British reporter's association.

The National Union of Journalists in the UK voted to boycott Israel for its actions in the Gaza and in Lebanon.

For years the Israelis have been complaining about unfair treatment from the news media. This vote lends credence to that claim.

On a more positive note, reporters from the BBC pushed back on the issue, signing a petition to disassociate themselves from the NUJ vote.

No one expects reporters to not have personal opinions about the stories they cover. But one would hope there would at least be a semblance of an attempt to strive for some objectivity.

One would hope that British journalists, as well as their colleagues from around the world, would report about the positions of all the parties in the Middle East with a critical eye. Singling out one party for criticism, to the point of calling a boycott, is tantamount to placing a warning on any story these journalists report. A warning to not expect that objectivity and balance are represented in the stories.

An Honor Killing In Iraq

We've heard about honor killings before. But now, we have evidence of one that took place in public view in Iraq.

A 17-year-old girl. Stoned and kicked to death. In a public place. With cops looking on. Doing nothing.

The video is graphic. And tells it all.

http://video.aol.com/video/iraq-stoning-death-investigation/1908609

How Fear Nearly Killed A Child

Many people like watching horror movies. Or riding roller coasters and other amusement park rides.

Unless they have a weak heart, it's all in good fun. Fear, one would think, isn't a killer.

But fear, can, kill indeed.

An Indiana boy nearly died because of the government's fear of a disease that's been eradicated.

They stopped inoculating for smallpox years ago, after, in 1979, the World Health Organization declared the disease dead. But then came 9/11 and the war in Iraq.

Now officials conduct table top scenarios. They are "what if" exercises. What if someone snuck a suitcase bomb into New York City? What if someone blew up the Holland Tunnel? What if someone stole some smallpox cultures from a laboratory and used it against the general population or the coalition troops fighting in Iraq?

This fear of smallpox prompted decisions to inoculate health care workers and soon-to-be-deployed military personnel.

A solider from Indiana was one of many to receive this unnecessary vaccine. But then his deployment was delayed. and he was permitted to go home to his family.

Because of a pre-existing condition that both he and his son have, his son became critically ill after coming into close proximity to his father. His kidneys failed. His skin fell from his body.

Fear nearly killed this 2-year-old boy. Fear of something that, yes, could happen. But hasn't.

Worse is the psychological affect of all this fear. I know people who, to this day, still won't go to New York City to enjoy all it has to offer. For fear that there may be another terrorist attack.

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Suggested reading on this topic: False Alarm, The Truth About The Epidemic Of Fear by Dr. Marc K. Siegel http://www.doctorsiegel.com/

Holocaust Denied In British Schools

It should go without saying that the history of the Holocaust should be taught in all schools so that each ensuing generation is sensitized to, and alert for, the worst treatment humans can give one another.

Many Arab nations deny the Holocaust. But there's been a high degree of confidence that that would never happen in the freedom loving countries of the developed world.

Until now.

In England, some teachers are not discussing the Holocaust in class for fear of offending their Muslim students.

Apparently these students are taught at home and in their mosques that the Holocaust didn't occur.

Some teachers are also opting to not teach about the Crusades. Because history's recollection also contradicts Islamic religious teachings.

Being intellectually disingenuous in the educational system is a dangerous propostion. Students need to know the truth about history. Educators who fail to grasp this concept shouldn't be teaching.

We cannot modify the realities of history, or of contemporary life, for fear of offending some segments of the population.

I'd like to say we should be embracing the concept of "the truth shall make you free." But I won't. I wouldn't want to offend anyone's religious sensitivities.

Kassam Rockets Attack Israel

Palestinian Kassam rockets continue to rain over Israel.

This school in the Israeli border town town of Sderot, in southern Israel, sustained serious damage.

Rockets have targeted Sderot and other western Negev communities for days. More than 90 Kassam rockets have landed in and around the town. Several people have been injured.

The daily barrage of rocket attacks continues to escape major notice outside of Israel.

It's a different story inside Israel as it tests the confidence in the current government.

Unfortunately, when patience runs out and the country moves, as it should, to protect itself, the propaganda machines will be running full steam, spewing vitriolic comments about Israel. Comments that will likely get far greater news mention than the current onslaught of rocket attacks.

Alleged Terrorist Training Camp In New York

In an article in the Canada Free Press, Dr. Paul Williams suggests that a Muslim compound in the Catskill Mountains of New York state is really a training camp for terrorists.

While some of the suspicious behaviors he outlines could be nothing more than a group of like minded members of a common religion wanting to practice their faith without outside interference, their alleged ties to a known terrorist organization are troubling.

Troubling, too, is the report that a blogger who posted Williams' allegations claims that he has been subjected to death threats.

Williams maintains that many of the inhabitants of the 70-acre complex outside Hancock, New York are ex-cons - recruited into the Islamic faith while in prison.

If these assertions are correct, one would assume that officials have ample cause to take a closer look at the compound, dubbed Islamberg.

Williams reports that gunfire, presumably from a rifle range, is commonplace. Perhaps, then, some former prisoners who live there are in violation of parole for being in possession of firearms.
Also, others may be in violation for associating with known felons.

Even more disturbing -- Williams reports that this is not an isolated facility. That there are other suspected jihadist training grounds on U.S. soil.

Williams says these are Americans, not people from far away lands, training to harm their fellow citizens. If he's right, it's a sobering thought indeed.

Opie And Anthony Suspended

XM Satellite Radio has suspended Opie and Anthony. Ostensibly not for what guest "Homeless Charlie" said on the show about wanting to rape Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. But for their subsequent comments in which they showed no remorse for the incident.

In a press release, XM says, in part, "Comments made by OPIE AND ANTHONY on yesterday's broadcast put into question whether they appreciate the seriousness of the matter. The management of XM Radio decided to suspend OPIE AND ANTHONY to make clear that our on-air talent must take seriously the responsibility that creative freedom requires of them."

Remember, these were reprehensible comments made, NOT by O&A, but by a guest.

XM certainly has the right to suspend them for 30 days. But judging by the backlash, they may have miscalculated.

As we discussed this breaking news on News Talk Online on Paltalk.com today, scores of O&A fans announced they were canceling their XM subscriptions.

The question was asked during the show, "will O&A be permitted to do their show off XM but on Paltalk during the 30 day suspension period?"

That's up to them. But we at Paltalk would be more than happy if they did.

Meanwhile, their CBS Free Radio show remains on the air during the XM suspension period. And that show will continue to be webcasted on Paltalk.

Were Homeless Charlie's comments appropriate or funny? Not in my book. I don't see any humor in rape.

But obviously O&A attract a vocal and ardent fan base that enjoys this type of entertainment. XM should re-evaluate its decision that alienates their customers who paid for their service, many of them only because they enjoy the Opie and Anthony show.

U.S. Funds Palestinian War

Here's another opportunity to revisit the issue of the wars in the Middle East. The wars involving bombs and bullets. And the war using words as weapons.

The propagandists would have us believe that the United States is funding Israeli aggression against the Palestinians. But again, lost in that argument, is the shipment of funds, and arms, from the United States to the Palestinians.

The shipment of munitions are destined to reach Fatah, which is under the control of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. But, Hamas has been intercepting them for use against Abbas.

Remember, Israel has withdrawn from the Gaza. Israel has also erected a security fence and wall that has massively reduced the number of suicide attacks on its civilian population.

Left to their own devices, and without a common enemy to fight, the Palestinian militias turn on each other. A dirty little fact that escapes the mention of those who propagandize.

FCC To Regulate TV Food Ads

Here we go again.

The FCC is warning that if the ad and TV industry don't self-regulate, it will impose new rules about what food advertising may be broadcasted by television stations.

Apparently the FCC's responsibility includes protecting the nutritional intake of our children. Those Big Mac ads directed at children, the commission argues, promotes obesity.

It's so reassuring that we have the federal government around to make sure that Ronald McDonald doesn't encourage children to bug their parents about visiting the Golden Arches. After all, we all know that parents are incapable of telling their children "no."

Next thing you know someone will try to make Happy Meals illegal.

By the way, the FCC is threatening to impose these restrictions on cable companies as well. Another example of the government trying to control our lives.

Palestinians Killing Each Other

Whenever a Palestinian dies at the hands of the Israeli Defense Forces the anti-Israeli propaganda machine goes into full swing.

Phrases such as "baby killers" "occupiers" "apartheid" and, regrettably, even "Nazis" are tossed at the Israelis.

Yet, the ongoing infighting between Palestinian factions passes without much public notice.

In the latest case of bloodshed, eight members of Mahmoud Abbas' security forces have been killed by members of Fatah in the Gaza.

Perhaps, in the minds of the propagandists, the only notable cases of spilled Palestinian blood is when the wounds were caused by Israeli bullets or bombs. The fact is, Israel has withdrawn from the Gaza, yet the very settlements they abandoned are used as launching pads for rockets that attack Israel.

Knesset member Ephraim Eitam, who was a recent guest on my show, suggests that this is an indicator that the Palestinians do not want, or are incapable of achieving, a two-state solution. The continuing Fatah-Hamas violence, is yet another.

Monitoring Mosques

This is the kind of thing that makes Americans feel uneasy.

But it's an inevitable outgrowth of documented examples of radical Islamists using houses of worship as cover to promote terrorism.

Security officials from the European Union nations have endorsed a plan to monitor activities in mosques in their countries.

Such a proposal in the United States would likely result in cries of religious discrimination. But let's not forget that the first attack on the World Trade Center was hatched by an imam in a New Jersey mosque.

The lines get blurred when mosques are not used as places for people to pray, rather as centers to plot terror attacks.

When debating this extreme decision, to monitor mosques, blame not the security officials who are attempting to protect their citizens from attack. Blame those who misuse God's houses of peace, to plan violence.

Paltalk Crusader On CNN

Paltalk's own happytypinggirl, Debbie Wolf, the co-founder of People Against Censorship, was a guest on the Glenn Beck show on CNN Headline News last night. To argue against the attempts to muzzle radio talk show hosts.

Wolf was invited on the Beck show because CBS fired two New York shock jocks who had placed a prank phone call to a Chinese restaurant. There was pressure from Asian American groups to fire JV and Elvis. They had argued that, since Don Imus was fired for racial humor that targeted the mostly black Rutger's women's basketball team, these guys should be fired for poking fun at Chinese.

Beck acknowledged that this is a subject that's near and dear to his heart, since he's been targeted by those who object to his on-air criticism of Muslims.

Wolf lamented how so few talk show hosts are raising their voices to object about the assault on their colleagues. Perhaps they are fearful of a backlash from management if they speak out?

Beck is right when he says that talk show hosts should support their competitors who come under attack, no matter if they agree with them philosophically or not.

Beck asked Wolf if she believes a new McCarthy-like era is approaching. Wolf's answer was a bit shocking. No, she said, the era is here, the witch hunts are on.

Malaria Update

Lance Laifer, one of the organizers of the Fast Against Malaria, reports that nearly $50,000 was raised this year. That money, he says, will be used to purchase 9,563 treated mosquito nets. Typically two people sleep under one net, meaning this year's contribution can help dramatically improve some 20,000 lives.


Laifer says about 500 million people contract malaria annually. Malaria is a life threatening disease. Children and pregnant women die most often, but anyone who contracts it could succumb.

More information about the fight against malaria and the fast can be found at http://www.fastagainstmalaria.com/en/default.aspx

Gothamist Interview

The Gothamist has just posted an interview with yours truly.

I thank Ben Kharakh for giving me the opportunity to expound on my vision for Paltalk.

To read the interview go to http://www.gothamist.com/2007/05/14/gary_baumgarten.php

R Rated Cigarettes

Now it's not just sex and profanity we have to protect our children from. It's the glamorous smoking of cigarettes on the big screen.

The Motion Picture Association of America has issued new guidelines. Films that glamorize smoking will be rated R from now on.

Some anti-smoking advocates say this doesn't go far enough.

Maybe films that glamorize drinking should be rated R.

How about films that glamorize speeding? Or breaking the law?

If we really want to protect our youth, let's make sure that films that glamorize the military or law enforcement be rated R.

Certainly being an astronaut is dangerous work. Apollo 13 was rated PG. What a shameful lack of concern for our nation's youth!

Do you know how dangerous it is for a citizen to get involved and try to thwart a crime he or she sees? Our children should be taught that getting involved can be deadly. Superman (PG), Batman (PG-13) and Spiderman (PG-13) should all, then, be rated R.

The film The Graduate (PG) depicts the relationship of a young man with a grown woman. This can be very emotionally distressful to young people. That film should be rated R.

The hero of Mrs. Doubtfire (PG-13) dresses in drag. In Yentel (PG) Barbra Streisand dresses as a boy. R!

And MPAA, let's not let Disney off the hook. Pirates of the Caribbean (PG) glorifies piracy on the high seas! Think about it. Do we really want to glamorize that kind of behavior for our children?

Maybe the MPAA should just label ALL films R and be done with it.

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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smokegirl_rebekah/380288214/

Opie And Anthony In Trouble Again

New York-based shock jocks Opie and Anthony are in trouble again, this time, not because of what they said, but because what a guest on their XM Satellite Radio show had to say.

The guest, who they "picked up" while walking between studios (they do their first segments of the morning on CBS Free FM, the last segments on XM) calls himself Homeless Charlie. And he made what many feel are disturbing remarks about Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, First Lady Laura Bush and Queen Elizabeth.

The most distasteful comments were directed at Rice, who he said he'd like to rape.

O&A laughed along at the joke.

The trouble began when the audio stream and comments about it were posted on the web. The pressure was brought to bear, and XM issued an apology on behalf of the boys.

Apparently broadcasters are no longer just responsible for what they say. They have to be concerned about what their guests say as well.

Even commentators on Fox, which is known for its support for the administration, criticized the critics calling them "thought police." Fox has got it right.

XM is a subscription service with more than 170 channels. If you don't like O&A then you can switch to another channel and listen to programming more to your liking.

XM hired O&A to be shock jocks. Now they're apologizing because they did what they are being paid to do.

The group People Against Censorship is holding a New York City rally at noon Saturday at Union Square Park to protest the pressures being brought to bear on Opie and Anthony. Those who aren't in New York or otherwise can't make it can watch the demonstration on Paltalk.

The Mind Of A Suicide Bomber

When is a suicide bomber NOT a suicide bomber.

Jerrold Post has interviewed failed suicide bombers in Israeli prisons and believes he knows the answer.

Post, the director of the political psychology program at George Washington University, says the people who perpetrated these heinous crimes do not think themselves suicide bombers. In fact, they bristle at the suggestion. They believe they are warriors, not weak people who commit suicide. So those who do it in the name of Islam feel they are not violating a tenet of their faith, which prohibits suicide.

Post, who came to GW after 21 years with the CIA where he profiled foreign leaders and crisis situations for the White House, says the suicide bombers and their supporters have been indoctrinated since birth in hatred for Israel, Jews and the West. They cannot be convinced of the evilness of their paths through military might. He says there are psychological weapons that can be used to perhaps change their minds. But the task seems, by his very assessment, to be daunting.

Still, he comes with an important message. That we cannot project our values on those who would kill us. Because our values -- and theirs -- simply do not match.

Hezbollah Takes Root In The Americas

NBC News reports that the terrorist organization Hezbollah has established a South American terrorist base from which they plan to attack the United States.

For the uninitiated, Hezbollah is funded and directed by Iran. It operates in southern Lebanon from which it crosses over the border into Israeli territory and grabs Israeli soldiers and lobs rockets at neighborhoods in northern Israel.

The exporting of Hezbollah terrorists from the Middle East to locations in close proximity to the United States is disturbing. It raises the debate about the United States' southern border with Mexico to a new level. No longer should the issue be centered on whether Mexican laborers seeking a better life should be blocked. Rather it should be focused on the more serious concern about how porous borders threaten the nation's security.

Three of the six alleged terrorist plotters who the government says planned to attack Fort Dix are in this country illegally. It will be interesting to see how they entered the United States.

With Hezbollah on our southern doorsteps, one can only wonder if, they too, chose wading across the Rio Grande as their choice for illegally entering the country.

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Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gr33ndata/202992609/

Fasting Against Malaria

Around the world, people will be fasting against malaria tomorrow.

They hope to raise money for treated mosquito netting. A $5 contribution can pay for one net that can cover two children.

You can join the effort by signing up at http://www.fastagainstmalaria.com/en/default.aspx

Lance Laifer, a co-founder of the World Fast Against Malaria says the fast day was chosen to commemorate the birth date of Sir Ronald Ross, the man who in the late 19th century succeeded in demonstrating the life-cycle of the parasites of malaria in mosquitoes. This was a very important step in understanding that mosquitoes are the culprits when it comes to malaria transmission.

Malaria No More CEO John Bridgeland says between one and three million people, 90% of who are children under the age of five, die from Malaria annually even though it is preventable.

Fort Dix Terror Plot

Six foreign born Muslims have been charged with plotting to kill American soldiers at Fort Dix, N.J.

Three of those charged are ethnic Albanians. This is ironic, because Fort Dix was home to hundreds of Albanian refugees during the war in Kosovo.

President Bush has suggested that the war in Iraq means the battlefield with terrorists is there, not on U.S. soil. But this alleged plot would have brought the war with Islamic fanatics here, once again.

The investigation was touched off when a store clerk asked to dub what is described as a "disturbing" video that promoted terrorism notified authorities. This is another reminder that we all must be vigilant and report suspicious activities.

As they say on the New York City subway system, "if you see something, say something."

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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/soldiersmediacenter/

More British Spy In Sky Nonsense

Fresh on the heels of our discussion about the British plan to use spy satellites to track cars that venture into congestion-pricing areas of London in order to charge the owners comes the news that they also want to use the technology to catch speeders!

It's sooooooo good to know that all the money that went into the development of spy satellites is going to good use. Now, if they'd just use them to catch Osama bin Laden!

Brits Plan To Spy On Drivers From The Sky

In another assault on personal privacy, under the guise of ending traffic congestion, the British government is proposing reading the license plates of drivers from spy satellites. And charging drivers who enter designated zones that regularly face traffic grid lock.

While encouraging people to park their cars and use public transportation is an admirable goal, it should not be done at the expense of privacy.

Fortunately, many of those who would be potentially spied upon agree. Thousands of people have signed electronic petitions in protest.

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Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/access/123116007/

NJ State Troopers Force Radio Talk Show Hosts Off Air

New Jersey 101.5 afternoon talk show hosts Carton and Rossi were pulled from the air today in a move that station owner Millennium Radio says was necessitated by perceived threats from the New Jersey State Police union.

The head of the state Fraternal Order of Police held an emotional press conference at which he gave out the personal information about the duo after they revealed on the air details of a ticket writing blitz state troopers had planned.

The planned crackdown on motorists was detailed in a password protected web site the troopers had established. Apparently a state police officer, appalled by the planned blitz, leaked the web address and password to radio show hosts Craig Carton and Ray Rossi. They then revealed the plan on the air, prompting the news conference by FOP President David Jones. Jones threatened retaliation against the two as well as other station employees and released their personal information at the news conference.

This was all prompted by the debate on the show over the traffic accident which critically injured New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine. Corzine's driver, a state trooper, was speeding at the time of the crash, and Corzine was not wearing a seat belt as required by New Jersey state law.

He has subsequently been released from the hospital and has paid a fine for not wearing his seat belt. He has not resumed his official duties.

He should return to work, immediately, if only to put a stop to this abuse of police power.

The state troopers have no right to decide among themselves to harass drivers in the Garden State.

Further, the release of the personal information of the controversial talk show hosts puts them in danger. Cops are supposed to protect the public, not help expose them to potential harm. The release of the information by FOP President Jones was at best inappropriate, at worst illegal.

His threats of retaliation against radio station employees for Carton and Rossi's criticism of the state police is totally unprofessional.

The scheme to drive police cars three abreast on state highways to slow down traffic and to ticket people driving one mile an hour over the speed limit is juvenile and sullies the reputation of the nation's oldest state police department.

The officers who conspired to harass motorists should be ashamed of themselves. We again have an example of a police department not learning from its mistakes. The New Jersey State Police entered a consent decree with the Justice Department under the then-Gov. Christie Whitman's administration after it was determined that troopers were disproportionately stopping black and Latino drivers.

This is also another despicable attempt to silence controversial broadcasters. In some measure this declared campaign of harassment is worse than, for example, the firing of Don Imus after he called the Rutgers women's basketball team "nappy headed hos." At least in the case of Imus, market pressures were brought to bear. In this case, employees of a government entity, with power of arrest, are attempting to silence critics.

Ironically, Corzine's accident, which touched off this war between the police union and the radio station, took place as he was rushing to attend a meeting between Imus and the Rutgers women's basketball team he maligned on the air.

Governor Corzine, do the right thing and put and end to this official harassment NOW.

Cops Attack Journalists

The LAPD just can't seem to get it right.

The Rodney King incident, (today is the anniversary of that attack), should have been a lesson to all current and future Los Angeles police officers. Excessive force can not be tolerated.

Then came Reginald Denny's beating. You'd think that with news choppers capturing the images they would have known better then. Apparently not. Because a couple days ago, police attacked news crews covering a May Day immigration rally.

Police chief William Bratton has criticzed his own officers. Take him at his word. This is not damage control by the chief. This chief actually means it when he says it. Tuesday's police action is unacceptable. Especially in light of a consent decree in which the LAPD promised to set up a liason with the media to avoid this kind of totally avoidable conflict.

Let's make it clear. The police should not be using force except as necessary, and then, only use necessary force. And journalists should not feel intimidated when covering such events.

If violence should break out during a demonstration, the job of the cops is to quell it and protect those who are lawfully there. Including the journalists whose job it is to record it.

Cops who don't understand that their duty is to protect and serve the public should turn in their badges and find another line of work.

Internet History Made

Paltalk and http://www.dailycomedy.com/ made Internet history this week with the launch of the new monthly comedy show, Late Net With Ray Ellin.

The program emanated, live, from the Comix comedy club in Manhattan. In addition to 300 people in the club audience, there were more than 1,000 in the Paltalk virtual auditorium joining in on the fun.

Ray interacted with several people in the Paltalk audience whose images, along with the virtual auditorium, were projected on a screen for those in the comedy club to see. Their voices were also piped into the club so that Ray could speak with them. Others typed furiously on Paltalk, giving instant feedback on the show.

Some of Ray's comedian guests actually traded barbs with Paltalk audience members.

NY1 was among the news outlets covering the event. Click on this link http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?&aid=69323&search_result=1&stid=101 to read the story. You can also see their TV package on the event on that link.