Well, I’m up here in the beautiful Montana country! These last two days have been really exciting! I flew in around midnight on Tuesday. Yesterday, I went wakeboarding on Swan Lake. Although the water was cold, the weather was terrific (around the low 80′s), and the lake was as smooth as glass! Today, I hiked up Mount Aneas–there was about 8 of us who went. Only five of us; Greg, Leanna, Tom, Leanna’s precocious little sister, Elyse, and I made it to the top! Elyse and I had a running snowball fight (yes, there was still snow in June in the mountains) and by the time I made it to the top, I had been pelted with countless snowballs. It had to of been one of the most scenic hikes I’ve ever taken. Plus, it was the first time I’ve had been to the top of a mountain without a ski-lift to take me there! When we were almost to the peak, we saw a family of mountain goats–kids and all! Hopefully, I’ll post those pictures when I get a hold of them, and tomorrow is the rehearsal dinner (and more wakeboarding!!).

I’m headed to Montana!!! In five hours, I’m going to get on a plane to “Big Sky Country!” My friend, Greg (who I’ve harangued countless times on my website), is getting married! Of course, I’ll be doing more than attending rehearsal dinners and hitting on bridesmaids! Hopefully, I’ll be getting out into the wild country and take in the scenery and fresh Montana air. If I can get internet access (do they have it up there? Ha!), I’ll post an update!

For my reading enjoyment, I’ve purchased the fifth Harry Potter book! I’m halfway through it, and it’s a great, magical tale! I didn’t reserve a copy like everyone else–I just walked into Target and got a copy for $18. I’ll also be bring my usual tech mags and toys to keep me amused!

I also want to tell my buds about the MFA LAN Party at the SLSC this July 19th! It’s an all day event on that Saturday (for reservations call 314-289-4424. Click here for technical info)

Oh, BTW, no WMD have been found–Impeach Bush!

Impeach Bush!!
Seriously, this man has ruined our international reputation! How dare he send us to war with forged and incomplete intelligence! He murdered the husbands and wives of American soldiers in addition to thousands of Iraqis–murder is unjustified death at the hands of another, and by the standards set by bush himself during the State of the Union Address, this war was unjustified!!!!! It’s been over 6 weeks since we’ve taken Baghdad, and no weapons of mass destruction: nothing close to what he spelled out in his Address. Don’t you think that if our intelligence was so certain of Iraq’s imminent threat, that we would have found them by now! It’s just sad. It was an impeachable deception (and if any moron says this is on par with Clinton’s “impeachable offense”–you had better get your priorities straight: assignation vs. mass murder. It’s not even close)

On the lighter side, I’ve re-connected with my college days and have been watching old re-runs of “Beavis and Butthead!” My god how refreshing it is to regress back to more innocent times.

Update: The picture gallery not only includes APO pictures, but vacation pics from Paris, Ocean City, Colorado, and St. Petersburg.

At the insistence of many, many people (mainly from Montana), I’ve updated my website! I know it’s long overdue, but I’ve been a busy man! I’ve gotten rid of the “cartoon” picture of me, and I’ve put some more pics in the picture gallery. More will come tomorrow!

Oh, on a positive note, my former roommate and best friend from high school, Ryan, got married this past weekend! What an awesome time! The rehearsal dinner was at this swank dining room at Niemen Marcus, and the reception was at the “Junior League.” The appetizers were fantastic–bacon wrapped jumbo shrimp being my favorite among the many choices. A jazz band played during dinner! How classy is that?! Well, Theresa and Ryan did it right, and if I know those two, this was the only time! Right now, they’re honeymooning somewhere in the South Pacific!

I also hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!

After a month break from putting entries, I must say that not much is new! My apartment rocks! I’ve just finished putting together my kitchen (as in, I haven’t decorated it, but everything is in it’s place and ready to go!). Oh, I’ve also discovered something called “Drop Off Laundry Service.” For one dollar a pound, this place will do all of your laundry!!! I’m talking about wash, dry. fold, iron, and sort socks all for you! It’s a bachelor’s dream!
Oh, I’ve also been golfing several times–I shot a 41 last time! That’s one of my lowest scores, ever!
I’ve also read 4 amazing books last week–all of the Harry Potter books. Yea, yea, they’re technically young adult/childrens literature (so they were super easy to read) but the world that J.K.Rowling created is just so rich and detailed! I would recommend it to anyone, and I can’t wait for the fifth book to come out this summer!

What beautiful weather we’re having!! The other day, I went to my local grocery store to get a sub and a beer. I took my impromptu picnic to the park by my place and enjoyed taking in the scene. I’ve been roller blading around the park and played a round of golf with my Uncle Laird (who was visiting from the East Coast with my Aunt Pat)! It’s almost impossible to stay inside during this weather–don’t fight it!!
My new place is coming around, but I currently don’t have DSL yet–it’s been a trying experience because I’m a DSL addict. My entertainment center is up but my place is still a mess. This week won’t be that busy, and I’ll have plenty of opportunities to do some spring cleaning.

I’m back from Vegas! I barely made it back though–but I had a great time and got little sleep! Craig and I visited most of the casinos/resorts on the strip (we walked the length of the strip!). It’s amazing the buildings and fountains that gambling money built. And I suspect they can build more based on what I failed to win! My favorites were the Bellagio and Luxor. My favorite bars/clubs were the Voodoo at the Rio and BABYS at the Hard Rock.
Since it was Ryan’s bachelor party, it got kinda crazy–but what goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas! It was crazy though! After our…festivities…on Saturday night we went to BABYS and partied with the girls from “The Bachelor.” Even Trista was there! I was introduced to “Heather” and she’s a hottie!

War has started, and it’s a pity. Our president has failed us–even though I know our military won’t.

In other personal news, I’ve been a busy boy. I worked my arse off during the St. Patrick’s celebrations, but made great money. Also, I found and am in the process of moving into a great apartment in Dogtown (I’m a half a block away from the park!!). Even though I won’t be able to update my page from my new place for a while, I can still do it at work–which is just a hop, skip, and a jump away now! Lastly, tomorrow, I’m leaving for Las Vegas! My roommate’s bachelor party will be there, and it’ll be pretty wild! 18 guys are going! CRAZINESS! If I have time (and am sober enough), I’ll give you updates from Vegas!

Update (3/13): A great article written by Robert Scheer about the fallacy that is the Iraq war. If you don’t have a subscription to Salon.com, try out the free trial. You’ll be addicted!

Hey everyone! Have I got something for you! One of my old college roommates wrote me a rebuttal to my posting last night. Todd and I have always been at polar opposites when it comes to politics and economic issues. And he invited me to post his e-mail. Here it is! (He’ll be in bold, my notes will be in regular)

Well, based on your webpage, I see you haven’t given up your liberal ways. You better be careful. McCarthy is going to come after you, and based on your webpage, his case would be a lock. Even the color of the webpage strengthens the case against you.

Yea, I got a call from Ari Fleischer just yesterday!

Now, let’s consider your comments. Do you seriously believe there is no link between terrorism and Iraq. I know Democrats are naive, but I didn’t realize how naive.

And where is the evidence that connects Iraq and al Qaida? Where? Don’t you think that if they found credible evidence, they would be parading it around like a drag queen on a runway!? The question we need to ask is who *actually* supports terrorism–or in the case of attacking a sovereign country, who supports *state sponsored* terrorism. Iran is considered (at least by the CIA) to be the most notorious supporter of terrorism with *verified* links to Palestinian terror groups–are we attacking them? Nope. Pakistan, who is our “ally,” supported the Taliban regime that overtly supported al Qaida. In addition to state sponsored terrorism in Kashmir, where are the remnants of al Qaida hiding? Pakistan. Oh, AND, Pakistan has nuclear weapons! Are they being attacked? Nope. And let me mention Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Syria, and Algeria who may not overtly sponsor terrorism and al Qaida, but their citizens do (the hijackers’ nations are in italics). Are we attacking them? Nope because their governments do not overtly sponsor international terrorism, and that’s been Iraq’s position.

But you are correct in saying that is not necessarily a reason for going to war. The reason to go to war is to disarm Iraq. And if you truly believe that Iraq does not have weapons of mass destruction, then once again I am amazed at your naivety.

Once again…where are they? Let me get hypothetical on you. Let’s say he *does* have WMD, then he’s had 11 years to use them…why hasn’t he? Maybe because of something called “containment” and the assured mass destruction of his country? We’ve actually been attacking him the last 11 years by patrolling the no-fly zone…yet he still showed restraint. Oh, and don’t forget the first round of inspectors who *actually* dismantled his nuclear program (and last week’s report by the inspectors supports the assertion that it hasn’t been restarted) and destroyed most of his chem/bio weapons. He didn’t attack the US during that period…why hasn’t he yet? Hmmm…

Now, let me take this opportunity to give you a history lesson. I know you are a history major, but obviously you skipped some parts. After World War One, Germany was completely disarmed, and signed agreements saying they were to remain disarmed. However, they did not stick to those agreements, and began building one of the most powerful armies this world has ever seen. Unfortunately, as Germany built this army, no one had the guts to lead a coalition against them, and force them to adhere to their agreements. As a result, the world was plunged into World War II.

If you knew your history, you would have cited the Treaty of Versailles and the League of Nations. But, I’ll forgive your oversight. But let me break it down for you. Articles 231-235, which forced reparations upon Germany for losing WWI (basically they were forced to pay for the costs of both sides), caused tremendous amounts of inflation because Germany printed tons of money to pay its reparations. Being an economics major, you should understand the consequences of this–mass unemployment, needing a wheel barrow of money to pay for a loaf of bread–that created the environment for which Hitler could rise to power with his notions of conquest, power, and racial purity (this is soooo simplified). As per disarmament, Germany’s destruction of arms (which it actually did during the ’20s) was *suppose* to precede international disarmament (as per the League of Nations Covenant)–but no other nation disarmed. In 1935, Germany officially repudiated the Treaty of Versailles, and began to re-arm. “Well, gosh, we got this big ol’ army–hey Rommel, Goebbels–let’s take it out for a spin!” The building of the German Army wasn’t the cause of WWII, but a delusional leader who took advantage of a humiliated people and promised racial purity, world domination, and prosperity.
Now, the question is, why didn’t we stop him/them when Germany re-armed? Well…aside from international disregard for the League of Nations Covenant (*cough* Bush-U.N. Charter *cough*), France was having massive internal problems, Britain didn’t have the manpower to launch a massive amphibious attack, and oh, we had a little Depression and a small army. So we could not *logistically* stop Hitler. …I’ll fast forward it after you do…

Fast forward sixty years and the world finds themselves in a similar situation. We are dealing with a nation that agreed to disarm, but is clearly not living up to those agreements. So do we again make the same mistake and use the “wait and see” approach. Think about that Casey. I mean really think about that. Don’t just brush it off as Republican bias, because truly, this should not even be a Republican vs. Democrat issue. It’s about doing the right thing. And the fact is, World War II could have been avoided, but nobody had the guts.

Similar situation? I really don’t think so. A) You have a contradiction–if WE attacked Germany first…wouldn’t we’ve been the ones to start WWII? Or would it have been renamed World War One and a Half? You totally contradict yourself. B) Iraq does not have the means for world domination–they don’t have the army (which is a shadow of what it was) nor do they have the intellectual capital that the Germans possessed. If you need a historical precedent, our war with Iraq is akin to the Spanish-American War. C) Actually, “agreed” to disarm is rather generous…they were rightly “forced” to. And in fact, the inspections were containing Saddam until the CIA used the inspections as means to spy on Iraq. Yes, this isn’t a Democrat v. Republican issue. Both have screwed up. At present, it’s Chicken Hawks vs. the Rest of the World. It’s about doing the democratic *and* constitutional thing. PLUS, it’s a matter of weighing the risk of Saddam’s “immanent threat” (very little) versus the number of civilians killed by our weapons, destabilizing the region, increased impetus for terrorism, and finally, American casualties. In my mind, the minds of some Reps. and Dems., and the rest of the world, the risk is too great for war. That’s what I’m thinking about.

Please remember, those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Todd

p.s. if you’ve got the guts, place this response on
your website

In my study of history, repeating history isn’t the problem. In fact, I can tell you with 100% certainty that history doesn’t repeat–at least, I’ve never seen a clock go backwards. So, what’s *the* historical dilemma? It’s failing to recognize the uniqueness of the present and ignoring the processes that created the present which result in poor policy decisions. What applied in Germany in the 1930′s does NOT apply to Iraq in the 21st Century. What NEEDS to be examined is the history of the present situation and what discourses have arisen within all facets of global society that affects the world’s gestalt (i.e. psychological perception) of the situation! Sorry, Todd, I didn’t come to my conclusions on a liberal whim–I’ve put a lot of thought into it, and I challenge you to examine the intellectual integrity of our current administration.

I recently read a wonderful essay on our nations obsession with Iraq.  Salon.com ran a wonderful article by Gary Kamiya. Using W.H. Auden’s poem, “September 1, 1939,” he juxtaposes our current situation with Auden’s feelings on war and death. It’s a fantastic  article. His focus is on a fallacy that most people make–the transference of our hatred from the events of 9/11 to Saddam Hussein. Not that Saddam is worthy of hatred, yet…As of now, there has been no proven connection between 9/11 and Saddam (and Saddam’s “links” to al Qaida have not been credibly established), yet our president makes illusions to 9-11 when referring to our war with Iraq? Why? What greater threat is Saddam now as opposed to pre-9/11? The answer is none. Is he taking advantage of a recent poll that found that 44% of Americans thought there was an Iraqi in the group of 9/11 hijackers?
A barometer of our emotional transfer of 9-11 to Saddam (and the effectiveness of Bush’s propaganda machine) is the president’s dynamic rationale for war. It went from “links to al Qaida” to “his nuclear weapons program” (too bad Hans Blix and El Baradei last week said that there isn’t an Iraqi nuclear program) to just “rebuilding Iraq into a democracy!” Wow! I noticed 3 things. 1) Chemical and biological weapons are being downplayed because *gasp* Saddam’s technology in this area comes from the USA. 2) If this was about terrorism, shouldn’t we instead get to the root of terrorism in the Islamic world which is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and poor education? 3) It’s ironic that we want to bring democracy to a country while disregarding a democracy of nations called the U.N. (Ok, it’s more of a confederation). But if a vote does not go our way, does it mean we can arbitrarily disregard our democratic traditions because some dictator can’t get his shit together? The conclusion is that American life is more valuable than Iraqi life. Yet, aren’t all men and women created equally?
I believe what we suffer from is the “sin of egotism.” (I didn’t make that phrase up) It’s why people drive SUV’s (I sit higher–yet block other people’s view. I’ll be safer in a car crash–yet endanger the person I crash into). It’s our inability to see our role in a community–whether on our streets or in the whole world. If we THINK we’re right on Iraq, why does the rest of the world think we’re wrong? How can we arrogantly believe we are defending ourselves if we attack first? Aren’t attack and defense diametrically opposed actions? One has to be attacked in order to defend, and Iraq has yet to attack us. Isn’t this an outgrowth of our egotism–better them than us?
I can tell you right now–the world isn’t jealous and bitter at our “success.” It’s the poor diplomacy of unilateralism which our administration (present and past–empahsis on “present”) has adopted.
What do I think? France has it right this time. We need widened and aggressive arms inspections. The threat of force is already on Iraq’s borders, but we need to have the patience to let this multilateral solution work. We need to take the high road. 9-11 was a wake-up call on Islamic extremists and not a socialist, secular dictator.