Europeans Just Say The Darnest Things
That should be a new Bill Cosby show on CBS. But, seriously, I am tired of Europeans whining endlessly about the Bush steel tariff. Yeah, it is bad economics and probably bad politics (although I have heard good arguments for why the steel tariff probably helped him get fast track). But, the Europeans shouldn't be ones to talk. First of all, the tariff pretty much only applies to Japan, Europe, and China. It exempts all third-world nations (which account for 8% of our steel imports) as well as NAFTA nations (Mexico and Canada). I feel little sympathy for Japan, Europe, and China given that they are the most protectionist regimes in the world. When America (or Bush) is consistent on Free-Market principles, Europe calls us too dogmatic and doctrinaire. When we are inconsistent and do some non-free-market stuff, they complain that we hamper free trade. When the EU decides that it likes free trade, stops blocking mergers of US companies on anti-trust grounds (see Boeing and McDonell Douglas merger), stops imposing tariffs on American goods, and allows the US to sell agricultural products in Europe then we'll talk about the US being the enemy to free enterprise.

No I am not dead....
... but close to it. My trip to Philadelphia and illness have kept me from blogging. But, now I am doing slightly better and ready to re-enter the blogosphere.

Responding to Adder
In response to my post on the YFP blog, Bloggadder is taking my remarks to be more extreme than they actually were. I do not believe I ever said that it is inappropriate to criticize Israel if they screw up. However, it seems to me that they have acknowledged that they have screwed up and are well on their way to finding out who was responsible and punnishing them (ie: the fact they are launching an investigation into the matter). The point is that what they did shouldn't be called genocide. It's a military error, and Israel has acknowledged it as such. They should be told to be more careful in the future, something that Israel has promised to do. And now, the matter should be put to rest.

Keep Hope Alive
Unbelievable. Apparently, an initiative that would repeal the state income tax in Massachusets is gaining steam, polling at 37%. Thanks to Insta-Punit for pointing this out. Now, if we can only replace that witch Jane Swift by libertarian Carla Howell...

You know slavery reparations are insane...
...when even the French shrug at the idea. A NYT article on this weekend's march on Washington quotes a French tourist who was passing by as saying: "All along history, there have been ugly things happening. But we have to keep moving."

Running Down a Dream
Latest Numbers from Moscow on the Chesapeake. Looks like Rep. Robert Ehrlich (R-MD) is pulling very close to the heavy favorite, Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend in the gubernatorial race in Maryland. Could it be true? Could a Republican have control of the Governor's Mansion for the first time since Spiro Agnew? Let's pray.

... You've got to lick it
A very cool, award-winning site made by a friend with a massive stamp collection.

Welcome
Hello all. This is my blog-tribution to the digital age. Enjoy.