12/17 Morning Report

There are a few facts to be considered by those who think Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust Conference was a great open forum. For starters, only those who believe the Holocaust is a hoax were invited to attend.
(…still think it was a fair and open debate?...)

The Pakistan Supreme Court once again blocked establishment of Taliban law. It was a watered down version of what the Court knocked down last year.

NWFP Information Minister Asif Iqbal Daudzai, a member of the ruling alliance of religious parties, accused the government of being undemocratic.

Undemocratic? Allowing other groups to have a voice, without the stringent requirements of Sharia law is undemocratic?
(…like most Islamic groups, this one thinks everything is undemocratic or discriminatory if they do not get their way…why do the liberals let them get away with it?...such a contradiction…)

Computerized healthcare records are about to be required for patients in the UK. The greatest concern seems to be the doctor-patient relationship. But, it’s important to remember that privacy concerns are different in Europe than the US. Where we Americans fear government intrusion, and let companies do what they want, it is the reverse in Europe. Interestingly,

A poll of over 1,000 GPs [i.e. General Practicioners] by the Guardian newspaper last month found half would consider refusing to put patient records automatically on to a new national database. Many said they doubted the security of the new system.

Well, there is some encouragement at least. Watch for this movement to grow here in the US.
(…it is part of the Democratic and government agenda…believe it or not…)

On the subject of things that need more scrutiny, Faultline has a good series going on the E-coli situation. There is a lot of wild speculation going on regarding these events. Was it onions or lettuce? Was it human born or another source? And this doesn’t even touch the security issues that can get involved. Follow the links. It’s some very interesting reading.

Democrats are proposing new legislation for increased railroad security. The legislation will include more reporting and inspection requirements. While this would be a great thing—and is necessary—I have one HUGE concern. One thing no one has answered is where the money is coming from.
(…can you say “more taxes”…oh goodie…)

A ”Credit Crunch” is coming, say some experts. With the housing market slowing, the subprime lenders may be in serious trouble. And, with home prices falling, consumers may not be able to afford their homes. It is expected to have a major impact on car markets, and available credit in general.
(…but…credit card debt is good…right?...sure it is…but…yeah…right…)

Lastly, the Ft. Worth Star Telegram reported this sad news:

Pfc. Paul Balint Jr., 22, of Willow Park died Friday in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, after he was injured when his unit came under attack during combat operations.

We at our house remember your cry—the cry of all fallen warriors:

"Tell them of us and say,
For their tomorrow, we gave our today."
(--The Kohima Epitaph--)

We remember what you have given, Pfc Balint. And we say thank you for the tomorrows you have given others. May God give back to your family more than they have sacrificed and lost.

And, now, we dance In Memoriam.