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I know that I continually talk about this election being ugly, however at no point am I suggesting that our elections are anywhere near the ugliest in world. Sure, they might be the most expensive, but in following some of the campaign approaches in the Middle East (particularly in Lebanon and PA), our elections seem pristine.

Check out this Hamas propaganda video that I came across today. You don’t need to speak Arabic to get the jist of it, but for those of you who don’t follow politics in the Palestinian Authority (it definitely gets crazy), the rats are Fatah and the Lion is Hamas. FYI: Hamas = funded by Iran.

In no way is this me showing my support for either of these parties, however I think that its extremely interesting and beneficial to study the politics and campaign techniques of those in other countries to bring perspective to what is happening here in the United States. Furthermore, I think it really illustrates the barbaric mentality that some have in the Middle East. I know that Islam is suppose a religion of peace, however I have a hard time seeing that when this is a common production for Hamas.

Personally, I enjoy the civility, yet competitiveness and passion that goes into Israeli elections and as the time draws near, I’ll post much more on how they do things. Of all the countries in the world who have open elections, Israel is by far a case study that more Americans should examine. If you think the US is political, just take a trip to Jerusalem before a big campaign.

It looks like another fine US export is making its way to the shores of Puerto Rico. No, it’s not food, oil, or machinery, but instead is one of the Nation’s oldest pastimes, campaign corruption!

Even though Puerto Rico isn’t a state (it’s an non incorporated territory), it sure seems that their political problems are reflecting those commonly seen here on the mainland.

Here is some of the brief article from CNN.com:

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Puerto Rican Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila and 12 associates face charges related to the financing of three of Acevedo’s campaigns, according to a federal indictment unsealed Thursday.

Acevdeo faces 19 charges, including conspiracy, making false statements and wire fraud.

Acevedo, 48, and legal adviser Inclan Bird are accused of soliciting, accepting and reimbursing illegal “conduit contributions” from Acevedo’s family and staff. Conduit contributions are those made by one person in the name of another.

In addition, “a group of Philadelphia-area businessmen solicited, accepted, and then reimbursed illegal conduit contributions from their own Philadelphia-area family members and staff” on behalf of Acevedo, a Justice Department news release said.

While this alone is juicy news for us politicos, I don’t think that this story will really have wheels until this guy can top hiding money in freezer, like Congressman William Jefferson from Louisiana.

What is juicy, however, is the fact that Acevedo is in fact, an Obama supporter who has raised money for Obama. This presents a unique challenge for Obama, who has been trying hard to capture votes from various groups of Latinos. Does he condemn the Governor? Ignore it? Or talk his way around it?

We’ll see…

I stumbled across this video on YouTube from a speech that Barack Obama gave today in Greesoboro, North Carolina, regarding the economy and how John McCain is no better on the economy or internation issues than George W. Bush.

This is a bit humorous to me, simply because I cant think of one economic plan that Barack Obama has presented that would carry the economy in an even more positive direction.

I guess when both the Democrats have their own political problems their caught up in, they might as well start going after the Republican who hasn’t really had to deal with the same “back and fourth” politics the Democrats have been engaged in.

Hizballah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Monday said that his terrorist army’s targeting of Israeli civilian centers has made it possible for the Jewish state to be “eliminated,” The New York Sun reported. “Can Israel be eliminated?” Nasrallah asked Hizballah supporters during a rally in Beirut. “Yes and a thousand yeses, Israel can be eliminated.” During the summer of 2006, Hizballah fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israeli civilians in fighting ended by U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the terrorist army’s disarmament. The Security Council has since expressed “grave concern” over reports of continued arms smuggling to Hizballah. Click here to learn more about Hizballah’s threatening behavior (source: AIPAC)

Monday Iraq, Wednesday Israel, today England and soon France; all part of the McCain 08′ World Tour, featuring special guests Joe Lieberman and Lindsey Graham.

In all seriousness, I have no doubts that this trip is relevant to their positions on the Senate Armed Services Committee, but at the same time this trip has given McCain a great opportunity to show the world that the Republican Party isn’t just composed of President Bush.

From Senator McCain’s latest stop in London, England, via CNN.com:

LONDON, England (CNN) — President Bush is still firmly in the White House, but Sen. John McCain was busy presenting the new face of Republican America to the world this week.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has been burnishing his worldwide image, first stopping in Iraq, his eighth visit, then Jordan and Israel.

Thursday it was photo-op time — and some discussions — with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street in London. On Friday he heads to France to meet with French President Sarkozy

It’s been the perfect opportunity for the Republican heir-apparent to stack up some credits as international statesman while the Democrats are still squabbling over their nominee.

Officially McCain was touring as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He came out of Downing Street with his co-members Sens. Joe Lieberman and Lindsay Graham.

Of course, when the Republican nominee for the President of the United States is traveling abroad with his friends/Senate colleagues/supporters, it was inevitable that there would be some campaign conversation ignited.

But there was no doubt who was the focus of the trip. And in case the British media hadn’t appreciated the message, Lieberman, who was the vice presidential candidate for the Democrats in 2000, was happy to help with the with public relations.

“Sen. McCain is a consistent and steadfast internationalist on matters both diplomatic and economic and environmental,” Lieberman said. “He is also as we say in the U.S. a ’straight talker.’ “

I can’t think of any Committee trips where members have gone out of their way to illustrate the good character and leadership of another member, of course, unless they were seeking a higher office.

Call me naive, but as a frequent flyer there are many things that I have just assumed about airline safety and the procedures of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Among these assumptions is the understanding that when I get on to an airplane, one of the many government regulations that will be a part of my flying experience will be a complementary flight safety check, something I figured to be the governments way of making me less annoyed that I couldn’t take my toothpaste on the plane because it was 1oz over sized and could potentially bring down a 747.

To my surprise, it appears that I, and probably millions of other travelers have been fooled by making these assumptions.

From CNN.com:

WASHINGTON (CNN) — The nation’s air safety watchdog ordered its inspectors Tuesday to confirm that airlines are complying with federal rules after revelations that Southwest Airlines flew dozens of aircraft without certain mandatory inspections.

Federal Aviation Administration inspectors have been given 10 days to ensure that airlines are complying with 10 airworthiness directives — orders to check or correct a known unsafe condition — and to expand the review to include more directives thereafter.

The action comes after CNN, citing detailed congressional documents obtained in an investigation, revealed this month that Southwest Airlines flew at least 117 of its planes in violation of mandatory safety checks.

Ok, mazel tov to the FAA for taking action against Southwest, but isn’t this something that should have been part of their procedure from the beginning?

Furthermore, it seems as if the FAA is surprised by these findings. Do they not realize that some airlines are now outsourcing some of their repairs to China? Do they not realize that many of the airline union’s are continually at the negotiation tables threatening strikes? How could they not assume that there would be discrepencies in these “routine” safety checks.

I have an extremely hard time understanding why this enforcement is just coming to the table. Why did it have to take an investigation from a third party to find some of the biggest loopholes?

What this shows is one of the many weaknesses in relying on the government to get things done and ensure a certain standard. More importantly, this highlights the fact that a non-government entity can be much more effective in finding weaknesses than any agency created by the government.

CNN is displaying a variety comments from readers regarding the ridiculous situation with Geraldine Ferraro and her comments that in my opinion, really weren’t all that bad in comparison to what some of Barack Obama’s supporters have said.

Anyway, here are a few of what I think are the best:

Sylvia Mays of Beaver, West Virginia
Whether you believe in her statement or disapprove, Ferraro has the right to say what she feels. That is why we live in this country. We have freedom of speech. That is why we have a war going on, so that we can give a country their freedom. I think the media have forgotten why they have the right to print what their views or beliefs are. Do you want to have restrictions placed on you? People need to think before they judge. It is a two-way street.

I absolutely agree. It almost seems like the media assumes that we are bored with the stump speeches and need something more titillating. The Elliot Spitzer “situation” is titillating, but the focus on comments from people other than the candidates is just becoming annoying and I’m sure there are some Democrats that will agree with that.

Leann Chan of New Hyde Park, New York
I do not think Ferraro should have to apologize for her statements. She might be wrong but definitely had a point.

Politics is about the free exchange of ideas. How can we live in a free society and engage in politics as encouraged by both of these candidates when you cant say what you want because you fear it might cause you your job or position with the campaign?

Susan Baldwin of San Francisco, California
As a 59-year-old woman who felt such pride when Mondale selected her as a running mate, I am disgusted by what Geraldine Ferraro has become: a shrill, uncompromising, bitter-sounding woman. Should she apologize? Why? It’s gone so far now that not only would it be disingenuous, it would just make this whole unfortunate situation make another news cycle. From what started as a history-making race, with such promising opportunities for change, has become a muckraking spectacle that is playing to audiences around the world. Shame on all the Democrats and the media for letting this happen.

I can’t even begin to imagine what people watching this in other countries are saying. I’m sure they find all of this quite humorous.

Lawrence Hartung of Elysian, Minnesota
I think her comments are appropriate; why shouldn’t she say what’s on her mind and how she feels about it? So what if it offends someone? Apologize for what? Get over it.

Amen.

Mary Murray of North Canton, Ohio
Ferraro is just verbalizing what many others are thinking, although she needs to learn not to say everything on her mind. Barack Obama has gotten very positive media coverage that has helped him amass the votes/delegates that he has received. Were he a 46-year-old white male senator with little experience and no real plans for the future except unspecified “change,” he would have been virtually ignored.

I think we can all think of a few candidates from various races that fit that mold.

Last one:

Christopher Nichols of Palo Alto, California
Geraldine was absolutely right in what she said. Her comments were taken out of context, and they are not racist at all. She is simply stating the facts. If Obama were white, he wouldn’t stand a chance in this election. People recognize him as a “different” candidate, and not just because he’s about his crazy rhetoric of hope and change. It’s because he is different from the usual white male presidential candidates who we’ve seen grace the stage time and time again.

In all fairness to Obama, Hillary may not have the same appeal if she weren’t a woman. They both need to accept and embrace that they aren’t the average presidential candidates. Hillary graciously accepts being a woman running for office. Whenever someone approaches Obama about it, he accuses them of being a racist. Ferraro speaks the brutal truth and absolutely should NOT apologize for her remarks. There was nothing inflammatory in what she said, and she is not a racist.

I’ll leave it at that.

I just really wish the Dems and the media would move on to something with some substance soon.

It looks like China has been spending a great deal of time, effort, and energy trying to figure out the security vulnerabilities of the computer systems of the United States government, particularly those at the Department of Defense.

From CNN.com:

ZHOUSHAN, China (CNN) — They operate from a bare apartment on a Chinese island. They are intelligent 20-somethings who seem harmless. But they are hard-core hackers who claim to have gained access to the world’s most sensitive sites, including the Pentagon.

In fact, they say they are sometimes paid secretly by the Chinese government — a claim the Beijing government denies.

“No Web site is one hundred percent safe. There are Web sites with high-level security, but there is always a weakness,” says Xiao Chen, the leader of this group.

This of course, is something that isn’t that shocking to anyone who has followed computer security, and the politics behind. Should we be surprised that the Chinese government would deny the fact that they pay hackers to test for vulnerabilities? Absolutely not. I wouldn’t be shocked if the United States has similar programs, with similar objectives.

What is concerning though, is the level of computers that many of these hackers have been able to get to. While it is a big deal when a foreign hacker gets into the computer of the FDA, etc, it’s a catastrophe when word is leaked that foreign computers have been able to penetrate some of the security layers at the DoD.

The apartment has cement floors and almost no furniture. What they do have are three of the latest computers. They are cautious when it comes to naming the Web sites they have hacked.

But eventually Xiao Chen claims two of his colleagues — not the ones with him in the room — have hacked into the Pentagon and downloaded information, although he wouldn’t specify what was gleaned. CNN has no way to confirm if his claim is true.

I think that CNN actually confirmed their claim a few days ago in this article, reporting:

Pentagon officials said a chunk of China’s spending went to cyberwarfare, because 2007 saw several “intrusions” believed to be from the Peoples Liberation Army. In the incidents, unclassified U.S. military computer systems were broken into and information was taken, according to Pentagon officials.

While these intrusions are probably entrances on some of the Pentagon’s lower-security ports, the fact that they have been able to get to even those layers is extremely impressive and should raise may red flags (though, since we’re talking about China, maybe a blue flag?) Remember, computers are connected through a series of networks, so if you can get to one of the less secure systems, I would imagine its not impossible to penetrate deeper into the system.

With word of these threats, one cant help but wonder what steps the Department of Defense is taking to ensure that these hackers cant penetrate these systems even further.

From a spending perspective, it looks like the White House has caught on to the need for more secure computer systems in government, as illustrated in the FY 2009 budget request from the White House:

New details on federal IT spending plans, made available by the Office of Management and Budget today, show that $103 out of every $1,000 requested for IT spending next fiscal year — or about $7.3 billion in total — will be devoted to improving IT security. That is 9.8 percent more than what was slated for fiscal 2008, and 73 percent more than the $4.2 billion budgeted for cybersecurity in fiscal 2004.

Is $7.3 billion enough for securing the United States’ most sensitive files? I doubt it.

Unfortunately, the advantage that hackers have is that they are part of an international network, which is comprised of what are, undoubtedly, some of the greatest technology minds around.

This means that in most situations, for every one step the US government takes, odds are there is a hacker following right behind, finding vulnerabilities.

It’s a complicated problem, and unfortuntately I don’t see there ever being a 100% secure solution for the DoD, taking into account the size of the organization.

This is a great video!

From the ChamberPost on their awesome video showing some of the truest problems with the United Nations: they walk the walk, but don’t talk the talk.:

We used the carbon emissions calculator of atmosfair, a German-based independent non-profit, as well as various budget travel website to find the dollar cost of round-trip flights from New York City to each meeting using best available coach rates on commercial airliners.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKliUqXnpQA

In a move that was expected for some time now, Fidel Castro has now formally issued a letter of resignation to the Cuban people.

Some interesting excerpts from his letter:

For many years I have occupied the honorable position of President. On February 15, 1976 the Socialist Constitution was approved with the free, direct and secret vote of over 95% of the people with the right to cast a vote.

Thus, my first duty was to prepare our people both politically and psychologically for my absence after so many years of struggle. I kept saying that my recovery “was not without risks.”

To my dearest compatriots, who have recently honored me so much by electing me a member of the Parliament where so many agreements should be adopted of utmost importance to the destiny of our Revolution, I am saying that I will neither aspire to nor accept, I repeat, I will neither aspire to nor accept the positions of President of the State Council and Commander in Chief.

Those are just a few highlights, and there is definitely more to the letter worth reading. This is one of those historical things that I think everyone should read in its fullest context and then analyze later.

I hope to get back to this in the next day or two and see what impact this has in Cuba.