A more objective newscast

I was pleasantly surprised by the coverage on NBC of Mahmoud Ahmedinajib, the president of Iran. He was interviewed and given the chance to express himself--which he did most eloquently.

On tonight's newscast the anchor (I've forgotten who it is--they change so frequently these days) read emails disagreeing with the decision to cover the Iranian president in depth and allow him to express his views. But it was noted that a democratic society should allow the airing of different viewpoints. What a refreshing statement for network news.

And on Katie's newscast, Bob Schieffer came on to discuss the folly of Iraq. I could scarcely believe my ears. The mistake has become so obvious that even the mainstream media can no longer ignore it.

Oh, and I enjoyed reading about the comments made by Hugo Chavez at the U.N. I find it interesting, and hopeful, that world leaders--including those whom the U.S. government names as enemies--support and feel pity for the American people while despising our leadership. I don't like anyone to pity me, ever, but it is nice to be understood by the world community even if we are not understood in D.C.

And a Muslim general is temporarily the head of Thailand. Now that's really interesting.

These last five years I've pined for the days of Cronkite and Huntley/Brinkley. Maybe there is hope. Maybe the U.S. can have a free media once again.

"Mai Bin Rai"

The last time Thailand had a military coup, I was living in a remote area not far from Bangkok. When I went into the city I was shocked at the sight of soldiers in the street. That feeling of discomfort disappeared for many years--until the passage of the Patriot Act.

But this isn't about the loss of American freedom. This is about Thailand. That coup of the early '90s began when the prime minister, Chatichai, boarded a plane for an anticipated meeting up north. The plane never took off. Instead, Chatichai was informed of the coup. His response? "Mai bin rai." Which means, basically, "No problem."

In spite of the military presence and the black-out of the news I was impressed with the Thai style of overthrowing governments. It was only this evening that I learned of a violent confrontation during that coup. In Thailand, such things were not talked about.

I have the feeling this coup is different. The prime minister, who is widely disliked, is in New York. The head of the army is a Muslim. And I was surprised when viewing footage of Thailand's king. The last time I saw him on TV--back in 1992--he still looked very good. Now he looks like an old man. I don't know how much longer he will live. And his death will send shockwaves throughout the country.

Thailand is different too. More westernized. Not as easy-going as it once was.

I'm watching the news closely. It will be interesting to see what develops. In spite of some potential problems, though, I don't expect much violence. It's not the Thai way.

Invasion of Privacy

I woke up this morning and said my morning prayer. Then I went to my desk to browse the Internet--my morning routine. But my desk was empty. My laptop was missing.

After further investigation, I found my cell phone, charger, and some money missing also. I was shaken, of course, and asked my son to call the police because I didn't feel I could do it.

The officer spent about three hours at our house. He did the initial investigation while his partner inspected the outside. They found a window screen which had been removed. He questioned family members, trying to put the burglary into a time frame. Then he called on a police photographer and waited with us.

While we waited, we talked. Some of the conversation was political, in an intellectual way. I mentioned that by far the greatest amount of terrorism against Americans is perpetrated daily through murders and other felonies. He agreed, noting that murder rates in the U.S. have far surpassed more sensational figures such as the number of soldiers who have died in Iraq.

I've shared my story with my mother and some friends today. All noted the sense of violation following a break-in. That's probably one reason why I'm still awake. Whoever broke into our house last night already took my most valuable material possessions--I'm a writer and I miss my laptop greatly. Now I just worry about my family.

I wish the war on terror would address the problems we have in our own country--and sometimes in our own homes.

Not yet!

In yesterday's blog I said the White House had persuaded Republicans to go along with plans for draconian legislation, but it seems I was misinformed. There is still hope. And today Colin Powell--he of the ninety-minute detailed presentation on why the U.S. should invade Iraq, later recanted--criticized the White House stance.

I'm very happy to be wrong.

We the people of the United States. . .

The U.S. Constitution has been ill for quite some time. Under constant attack from those who say they are protecting us, it simply cannot bear the strain. I'm afraid the condition may be terminal.

In a grand move of partisan politics, the White House persuaded recalcitrant Republicans to join in the effort to increase laws invading the privacy of the American people. And more. Some of the proposed laws will break down our cherished separation of powers. The president, who twice pledged to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, is behind this move. And Republicans are being told to fall in line. Democrats, who are outnumbered and outgunned, don't have very much say in the process.

Let me get this straight. U.S. troops are needed to establish freedom and democracy in other lands. But the American people are not deemed to be deserving.

Overload

I didn't pay much attention to the news today. It's always the same old thing. First, a story about the terrorist act du jour. Then a commentary by one of the talking heads. Followed by a violent weather story. Sometimes a piece about health--usually obesity. Top it all off with something about a celebrity.

I remember when news broadcasts were only 15 minutes long. The anchor sat at the desk and read the news. No fluff. And we learned more in 15 minutes then than we do in 30 minutes now.

Of course, they also need time for propaganda. The new Katic Couric CBS broadcast takes the prize in that category. I want the news, not a commentary by Rush Limbaugh on the dangers of Islam or an interview in which the Decider sputters his way through the questions. (It's great that a woman is a news anchor. But I know they could have found someone better qualified.)

Will Rogers said, "Don't always believe what you read in the papers." I sure would like to hear his comments about the current state of the media.

Confessions of a Pinko Liberal Islamo-Fascist

I surrender. You got me.

I believe in peace, so I must be a liberal. And only a pinko Communist would care about feeding the poor and actually suggest sharing the wealth. Or at least not hogging it all.

And I must be an Islamo-Fascist too. I mean, I wear a scarf, pray five times a day facing Mecca, and obey my husband. Gasp! And I consider myself to be a member of the worldwide "organization" we call the Muslim Ummah. I look forward to the time when Muslims will again be ruled by a caliph, and I believe in unity among Muslims. Does that qualify me yet?

If not, tell me what I need to do. I wanted to get onto Nixon's enemy list, but I was too young. I think my phone is being bugged, but I'm not sure. How far do I need to go to get some attention around here?

Oh, I know. I practice jihad. When I pray on time, wear my scarf even though it's uncomfortable, or keep myself from yelling at the kids even though they are driving me crazy. All of that is jihad. I'm struggling to do what is right. I don't always succeed--getting up on time for the morning prayer has been a losing battle this summer--but I try. Does that count?

And I even wrote a book about military jihad. All about how it's really uncool to kill civilians, poison wells, or destroy trees. It says so in the Qur'an and hadith.

The truth is, though, that there are so many of us out there who support peace, oppose poverty and corporate greed, and want to clean up the environment. Many of us struggle on a daily basis. And a very large number of us are outraged at what passes for rule of law these days.

So in spite of my efforts I'm afraid I'll just be another face in the crowd.