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Ricochet, say it ain't so.

Months back I thought I was quite clever to have gotten broadband via Ricochet. A few neighbors have satellite for broadband, which has severe latency since packets have to travel well into space and back to earth before they hit the Internet.

Well Ricochet now appears to be done for. No service. No one picking up phones. Rumors that all staff have been fired.

It was a great service. I consistently got 350K downloads and uploads - better than most ADSL lines. And it was all wireless. Seems 6,000 customers paying 50 bucks a month was not enough to keep things going. Such is business.

Now to confront the prospect of sticking one of those ugly satellite dishes on the roof, or suffer the indignity of dial up.


Adam Sullivan, 12:25 | 0 comments

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Dead on

Upon the recommendation of Andrew Apostolou, I read this op-ed in the NY Post by Ralph Peters.

An extract -

Meanwhile, Saddam's remaining supporters, augmented by foreign terrorists willing to cooperate against a mutual enemy, have moved on from their failed confrontations with our troops to implement a three-track strategy to sidestep our military superiority.

First, our enemies hope to shift the field of decision from Iraq to America. By staging media-genic bombings that draw TV cameras away from dull success stories, the terrorists seek to create a mood of defeat - not along the Tigris, but on the Potomac.

Credit where it's due - our enemies have studied recent history and our system of government. They're convinced that attacking the will of American politicians can achieve victories impossible on the battlefield. And they are determined to shape the outcome of next year's presidential election to their advantage.

Second, by avoiding direct combat confrontations, while shifting to fleeting missile and mortar attacks, the terrorists continue to garner press coverage on the cheap. "Three explosions were heard last night in Baghdad" sounds worrisome over the airwaves, even if those explosions did no damage. Our enemies understand that practical achievements are subordinate to psychological effects.

The terrorists also struggle to stage attacks outside of the Sunni Triangle to create the impression that disorder is nationwide - and the cooperative media focus on the single dramatic event, not on the comprehensive evidence contradicting its importance.

The terrorists push a potent drug, and journalists are the addicts. Those who control no cannon win by commanding the cameras.

Third, the attack on the Italians was part of an ongoing effort to peel off members of the coalition whom the terrorists view as less committed to standing their geopolitical ground. This strategy - of which we shall see more - has already paid off hugely for our enemies by driving out the United Nations and a range of fickle aid organizations.

Each of these offensive lines converge on one clear goal: To convince American politicians and voters that Iraq isn't worth the cost and bother. Saddam's remaining supporters believe they can outlast us, that we lack the patience and grit to defeat them, no matter our wealth and power.

It's essential to prove them wrong.

Worthwhile reading.
Adam Sullivan, 12:33 | 0 comments

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Someone who should Blog

After reading Michael Totten's excellent post on Ted Rall, I started to write a post on treason.

On topics that get me heated I tend to look at how they are being digested on the Yahoo message boards. There one can generally find messy street fighting - fluid and impulsive argument. One sees a lot of crap, but one sees a few gems.

Here is an exchange that says so much and I thought I'd re-post. It starts with a fascist sympathizer's missive:

What Ted either doesn't have the imagination or the courage to argue is that the Iraqi rebels are not only true friends to the Iraqi people but are true friends to the US and its people. Because of the cowardice of American political figures, and the hopeless corruption of the American political system, it seems that only they are standing in the path of an American administration determined to create a self-defeating empire.

I'm an agnostic but I believe there is much wisdom in religious teachings, and I recall a Biblical passage, to paraphrase, "what does it benefit a man to gain the whole world but to lose his soul." That appears to be what is happening as the Neocons, in following their Project for a New American Century, push us further and further along the dangerous and un-American path of empire.

By traveling down that path, we are defying our own identity, losing our self-respect as well as the respect of others, and even endangering ourselves by creating more enmity, which will lead to a further abandonment of our identity as we further curtail our liberties at home.

Blindly following those in power is not the American way, but so many here have lost sight of what America stands for and has always stood for. It would truly be ironic if they finally learned that lesson from Iraqi rebels.

See how supporting the enemy is the patriotic duty of all Americans? I don't either.

Neither did this guy who uses the handle "givemereasonorgivemedeath". He should get a blog, IMO.

Agnosticism is intellectual cowardice, and your post is typical of someone without backbone.

There is absolutely NOTHING, NOTHING in the comments made by any member of the Administration that would suggest they want an empire of any kind. That is an absolute lie on your part, or stupidity if you think that we have an empire simply because our troops are still in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting our enemies.

Your logic is about as good as the logic that says you are going to a whorehouse every time you walk down the street the whorehouse is on. Maybe there is a barber's shop, a gas station, a church, a grocery store, and your best friend's apartment on that same street. But if we use your logic, then anytime you use that street I'll just accuse you of going to a whorehouse.

The identity of America is not, and has never been, to roll over and play dead for terrorists, dictators, or anyone else who poses a threat to our nation. That may be your dream for America, but this country was founded by people who were willing to fight, willing to die, and willing to kill to make America an independent and free nation, beholden to none other. THIS is the American identity: liberty over life. Any American who feels a loss of self-respect over the war on terrorism is not an American at all, any American who would rather make Europe happy than fight the war on terrorism is not an American at all, and anyone who fears the enemy so greatly that he/she wants to surrender the war on terrorism is not an American at all.

>>Blindly following those in power is not the American way, but so many here have lost sight of what America stands for and has always stood for. It would truly be ironic if they finally learned that lesson from Iraqi rebels.<<

Obviously you have no idea what America stands for, or I imagine you'd have mentioned it in your post.

The whole thread starts here, for those interested.







Adam Sullivan, 17:43 | 0 comments

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100,000

A creature presenting himself as Al Qaeda's commander in Iraq, Abu Salma Al-Hijazi, has this for you from an interview that was just translated -

In regard to rumors about a large-scale attack against the U.S. during the month of Ramadan, Al-Hijazi said that "a huge and very courageous strike" will take place and that the number of infidels expected to be killed in this attack, according to primary estimates, exceeds 100,000. He added that he "anticipates, but will not swear, that the attack will happen during Ramadan." He further stated that the attack will be carried out in a way that will "amaze the world and turn Al-Qai'da into [an organization that] horrifies the world until the law of Allah is implemented, actually implemented, and not just in words, on His land... You wait and see that the balance of power between Al-Qai'da and its rivals will change, all of a sudden, Allah willing."

Let me emphasize a few words -

horrifies the world until the law of Allah is implemented, actually implemented, and not just in words, on His land

Got that? One must be horrified into faith. Are we clear? Still deluding yourself into the notion that 'free will' has a future in a world that accomodates these people into liking us?

Then there is this

Americans are the main target of the organization, wherever they may be, in order to cause their disintegration and collapse, even if it takes a long time. "We are patient," he added, "our patience will only end with the collapse of America and its agents."

Slog anyone? They intend to wait you out.

"We will not stop until we establish the Islamic Caliphate and until Allah's law is implemented in His land."

Here is a map of said Caliphate that rose in the hundred years after Muhammed's death. Add to that the Qu'uranic vision of the entire world being subject to Islamic law, and you get the real ambition - "His land" consists of all land.

Wake up.


Adam Sullivan, 15:28 | 0 comments

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Wesley Clark - Master of Political Comedy

I am wiping the tears from my eyes - I haven't laughed so hard in some time.

Gen. Wesley Clark is giving comedian Gallagher a run for his money in political comedy. Gallagher ran for Governor as a cheap publicity stunt. His shtick is old (pounding watermellons with sledgehammers), so seeking public office didn't raise his standing among funnymen.

Wesley Clark? Different matter entirely.

Today he tells us he would get Osama Bin Laden by forming a joint US / Saudi Commando team to go take him out.

Bwwwwwwwaaaahhhhaaaahhhhhaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaa.

The idea of the decisive "surgical strike" is the stuff of ridicule in military and political circles. It has been for many years. Weak leaders seek the "surgical strike" as their salvation. After all, it always works in Steven Segal movies. Carter tried it (and failed) in Iran. Clinton tried it by taking out several impressive tents in Afghanistan with tomahawks (that failed too, BTW). Now we will use the able and vaunted "Saudi Commando" as our surgical weapon.

But wait - there's more. Saudi's dressed like Rambo are just the first part of a three part plan!

Second, Clark proposed reassigning some of the intelligence specialists, linguists, and special operations forces now searching Iraq for weapons of mass destruction to the hunt for bin Laden.

Third, he said the United States needs to repair relations with allies and friends.

That deserves a four star bwwwwwwwaaaahhhhaaaahhhhhaaaaaahhhhhaaaaaa!!!!

This clown is the Dem's Colin Powell? Once again I am proven right to have left that party.
Adam Sullivan, 18:58 | 0 comments

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The Flynt / Lynch Exploitathon

So misogynist Larry Flynt, who has made several fortunes exploiting celebrity women who did not want photos of their nude bodies gracing his pages, has decided to not publish nude photos of Jessica Lynch that he recently purchased.

His reason?

"She's very much a pawn for the government."

So is it that he won't exploit her because the US Government might have beat him to it?

Not really. Flynt used the date that Lynch was releasing her new book to announce his largesse, no doubt in an effort to promote his angle that "she's not all apple pie" to the fullest extent without suffering any backlash.

The exploitathon has not ended there, of course. The AP is all over Lynch's book as somehow damning the US military over her rescue -

Lynch's new book points out that, despite the "tension and drama" of the military videotape showing gun-toting U.S. soldiers rushing into an Iraqi hospital to rescue her, the hospital staff never resisted, and even offered the troops a key.

"It disturbed me," Lynch said. "I knew that it wasn't the truth."

Jessica - I'm affraid it was the truth. While your rescue was going on, US soldiers were being led into ambushes by Baathists carrying white flags. The US was also finding Iraqi forces firing from schools and hospitals. The "tension and drama" was real for the simple reason that no one could be taken at his word. Going into a building where the enemy may be waiting for you scares the living shit out of soldiers. Not that such fear kept them from acquiting their duty and rescuing you.

Sorry, but Lynch's publicists seem to be angling their book towards the anti-war set in an effort to maximize sales. Lynch's book will get sales from middle America because it has Lynch's name on it. It will get far more sales when it can be used to build a case against the war.

It is an exploitathon.

Adam Sullivan, 18:24 | 0 comments

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Right to peace????

Arafat says today that Israel has a "right to peace."

No doubt this right exists along with Israel's right to surrender.

Arafat's empty words are eagerly consumed by the media while the rot of terrorism that Arafat has promoted all of his life consumes the flesh of civilization.

Israel has not only the right, but the duty to defend herself.

As does the US.

As does Italy.

The cold, hard steel of western determination visits itself upon the abdomens of Jihadi daily. That the coalition has stepped up the effort today is welcome news. Drive on. No one should be duped by the Arafat side show that the time for peace has come. This is his time to stall. Engage in peace talks, obfuscate, and keep the terror at a low roar so as to influence the American electorate to dump Bush.

It won't work.

The time for peace will come when the terrorists have surrendered. When they have subjected themselves to the dictates of their enemies. When they submit to our will. Unconditionally. Not a moment before.

Until then, we will kill them where we find them.

If Arafat wants peace, he will have to turn himself over to Israeli authorities and confess his complicity in the mass murder of Israeli civilians. He will also have to turn in his friends - the faction leaders, the financiers, the gunmen and the bomb makers.

Until that time, he can suffer in the rubble of his compound with eager but irrelevant gunmen, journalists and aid workers to keep him company.


Adam Sullivan, 14:37 | 0 comments

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CNN Headline Combo

CNN has their "Breaking News" banner up right now saying that a major US operation is underway in Baghdad and that several explosions have been heard throughout the city.

Under that headline is news of Christian Slater's wife's spousal abuse charges.

Perhaps we ought to send Ms. Liza Minelli, Mrs. Slater, and other abusive women (Lionel Ritchie's Ex comes to mind) to Baghdad and give them a shot at kicking a little ass. These women seem to pack a punch and rarely miss their targets. Needless to say, they don't take much shit either.

They also generate sympathetic media coverage.

Should the misogynists of Al-Qaeda and the Baath party suffer a little humiliation in the process, all the better.

Send them in, I say.


Adam Sullivan, 13:45 | 0 comments

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No Longer Muddling Through

John Maudlin has posted this reasoned article on the state of the economy, and why he sees that we may see robust growth through 2004. The stimulus may be artificial, but the medium term effects are largely good.

Adam Sullivan, 16:08 | 0 comments

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Yep

Dan Ackman of Forbes magazine says this about the WTO ruling on our steel tariffs (here is the link, with irritating pop-ups) -

As is typically the case, much of the discussion of the tariff policy has been its political effect. The Bush Administration now must choose whether to respect international laws--laws the U.S. has led the way in advocating, at least as a general rule--or seeking political advantage in steel-industry states such as Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Whatever the political gain from the steel tariffs, which went into effect in March 2002 and were challenged in the WTO court soon after, they have not blanched the woes of U.S. steel manufacturers. In September 2003, U.S. monthly steel production was 6,846 metric tons, 15% less than the 8,088 metric tons it produced in September 2002, according to the International Iron and Steel Institute. Production continued to fall despite the fact that U.S. imports were also down sharply over roughly the same period, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute.

Ackman is kind.

The steel tariffs are not only a valid source for ridicule of the Bush administration, they have hampered economic recovery here. This country has far more people employed who work with steel (auto manufacturing being a glaring example) than who make it. When the cost of steel rises something has to give - profits, prices, or labor. Labor in particular is relevant - the key to sustained prosperity is productivity growth - figuring out how to do more with less.

Productivity gains are hard to produce. They require either more brains or more sweat. Taking hard earned productivity gains from those who have produced them and transferring the benefit to uncompetitive businesses for political favor is an outrageous theft. Folks in Detroit are working harder and for longer hours to keep artificially high steel prices from impacting the price you pay to drive. All to benefit a few communities in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

This is the primary reason that GWB has not earned my endorsement (not that such an endorsement is worth much). If we are preaching economic liberation as fundamental to the modernization of the Middle East (a sermon that I am willing to give), why the hell can't we practice what we preach ?

There are those who are nationalizing the issue, seeing this as a ruling from a pesky international body dominated by EU interests. Sorry - that doesn't fly. This isn't the UN. The rules are clear, and largely dictated by the US. Take macro-economics 101 and see why protectionism hurts everyone. If you aren't a numbers person, then look at how an aggressive and retributive tariff policy made the Great Depression into a, well, Great Depression.

I am all for the WTO ruling. Let the trade flow to the most efficient producer. The US is fully capable of fully employing our labor resources without protectionism - in fact, we will have an easier time doing it without protectionism.


Adam Sullivan, 12:06 | 0 comments