Hey, the system is working in Iraq

Well, I hear today that the rule of law is alive and well in Iraq. Alleged war criminal Saddam Hussein had a meeting with a lawyer today, barely a year after he was pulled out of a filthy hole in the ground. That is, on the average, several months sooner than political prisoners could expect to wait for a visit from an attorney while Saddam was in charge of the country.

More good news? Hussein can expect a speedy trial, with interim government officials hoping to get him tried, convicted and executed before scheduled elections in January. "We understand that one of the foundations of western jurisprudence is the right to a speedy trail" said Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, adding "once we get a little practice with rapid prosecution, then we can move on to other fine western principles, like rules of evidence and impartial juries." What about the concept of innocence until guilt is proven? "Hey, take it easy," says Allawi, "we have to crawl before we can walk."

American Deaths In Iraq

The only news I can find on American TV and print media brings me the story every day that, due to a bombing or a suicide raid or something, that some number of Americans were killed in Iraq. Along with that, ever how many Iraqis blew themselves up or died when a terrorist blew them up.

First, it's hard to tell one day from another, except for the number and in what city the terrorist action occurred. Eleven dead? Is that the same report you were talking about yesterday, or is this a different eleven?

For another thing, there is always the implication that it is somehow the fault of the soldiers or their leaders or something. What's wrong with blaming the murders on the murderers?

I think it would be neat if we focused the same public-relations wizardry that sold us on the idea of staying in debt all our lives for stuff we don't need (an ongoing theme in this 'blog, you'll see it again) on promoting freedom from fear in Iraq.We convinced everybody that we put a man on the moon, why can't we convince them that you don't have to kill people just because they don't agree with you?

Oh, wait-- they don't agree with us about that, and we are killing them. I guess we'd have a hard time convincing them, after all...

I'd also like to know how many people were killed by senseless violence in other parts of the world, like Africa, China, and L.A. I just bet that more Americans died in America than in Iraq.

California to burn Scott Peterson

Don't know why this one matters to me, or to anybody. It's hard to feel one way or the other about something that happened so far away, and has been discussed half to death. Hell, they had a TV movie in the can before he was even arrested, and Dean Cain played him. How many guys can say that, huh?

Meantime, one astute juror said that this was not a cause for jubilation. It was a very difficult decision to make, taking his life as punishment for his crime, and no amount of closure will bring Laci and the baby back. He's right, it is a time for sober reflection on the workings of our criminal justice system. Will they televise the execution? C'mon, Court TV would give their left nut for a video feed, I'm sure something could be worked out.

A New Blog

Wow. What a powerful tool. I heard that blogs were used recently by determined little liberal geeks to undermine the reputation of no less personage than the President of the United States, and that by their actions they were able to deliver as much as 0.000245 per cent of the vote to their candidate of choice, former Senator John Kerry. Why, that's nearly 95 votes nationwide. Good job, guys! It's amazing how influential technology is becoming in the 21st century.

I don't think I can hope for such staggering results, so I'll keep my hopes reasonable. It will be nice if I can even get back to post here now and then, much less hope that someone else will drop by and be influenced.

The thought of having any effect on the wide world through these humble words is daunting. Having read some very clever stuff over the last couple of hours, my confidence level is very low.

I guess I'll do my usual, though, and try to keep your expectations as low as I can manage. How'm I doing so far?

While you're waiting for something funny to happen here, you might as well check out my website, www.joeisms.com, known for accuracy of spelling and grammar, with the occasional witty bon mot tossed in. New stuff every month, no cover charge and no minimum drink order.