News { In the News and Tinfoil Hats

Top Story: The British raided and arrested 21 suspects tied to a plot to mix and detonate liquid explosives carried on to trans-atlantic flights in beverage containers and personal electronics. While this is a serious threat, it is too early for me to have an informed opinion as to what happened because all we have is some sketchy information and what I've heard has been soured because the DHS and the Administration are already starting to beat the FUD drum (some have said the 'Al-Qaeda' word) to whip up fear and concerns instead of telling us the facts in a calm an non-sensational way. MSP was like a police state this morning with increased visible and heavily armed police patrolling. All carry on luggage is banned for the time being in Britain and no beverages, makeup, toothpaste, but carry ons are still allowed on domestic flights. On flights to Britain, electronic devices are not allowed in carry on.

If this was a serious threat I thank the British authorities for disarming a potentially deadly situation.

And now for some coincidences (tinfoil hat time):

Coincidence #1 - the Oliver Stone film "World Trade Center" opens today. Time to pick at that wound. People going to see this movie should remember what happens (though I question the timing of its release) and should also think long and hard about what we've become as a people since 9/11.

Coincidence #2 - the fallout of the Lieberman unseat in the Conneticut primary is being decreed as a 'referendum on the war and on the President', Republicans are not trending well and have a chance to loose many of their seats. The only card they have to play is National security and the Fear card.

Other News: The NRA is circulating and lobbying in many states for a new "Shoot-First" bill which strengthens victim's response rights, so much so it allows for shooting people in defense of property and not of self and no longer has the clause calling for retreat if possible instead of armed response. The first instance of this bill was in Florida, it is this law that the others are being modelled after. What disturbs me is that South Dakota has this legislature and North Dakota and Minnesota are being targetted by the NRA and other firearm advocacy groups for similar legislation. My take is this is a continuation of the 'Conceal and Carry' law that was not popular in MN but was passed anyway. I question how arming society makes us safer or more peaceful.