Open thread

A federal judge told the DOJ and NSA that they can’t stop a domestic spying lawsuit.  Hey, another smart judge who’s more interested in justice than politics.  “U.S. District Judge Anna Diggs Taylor also criticized the Justice Department for failing to respond to the legal challenge…”  Apparently the government felt no response was necessary if the case would be thrown out under the “state secrets privilege” — which is what the judge temporarily denied, although she will hear the government’s case in that regard after the summary judgment hearing.

The Iraqi Prime Minister lashed out at US troops for the mounting civilian casualties, especially in light of recent discoveries regarding intentional assaults on civilian targets — incidents that can only be described as massacres.  What the hell has gone wrong with our country, with our ideals?

It looks like yet another example of un-Intelligent Design occurring as we watch.  An African fish shows signs of forming two separate species.  Researchers have identified significant evidence that indicates “[t]he fish appear to be on the verge of forming two separate species.”  This would be the first documented example of the evolutionary process called sympatric speciation.  I wonder how the IDiots will spin this very clear example of evolution in action.

Friday Ark #89, as always, has all sorts of cool animal news and is updated through Sunday.

All I can say is “Wow!”  Meet Chance, a 13-year-old wildlife ambassador who has been working with animals and promoting conservation since he was but a wee tot (he was helping with rescue and rehabilitation when he was five!).  This kid is impressive and well spoken.  To get a good idea about him, just read his 6th-grade English paper that explains it all.  This kid is awesome.  I just wish more adults could see what this child already clearly understands, not to mention have the level of conviction he has to take a stand at such an early age.  Again, “Wow!”

Jon does it again.  Why do you think the DHS cut anti-terrorism funds for both New York and Washington, DC by 40%?  The explanation was that those cities had few or no national monuments or places of interest.  You know, like the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, New York Stock Exchange, Times Square, and places like that, stuff we’d want to protect and that likely represents excellent “places of interest” for the enemy.  Well, Jon explains that this is a perfect example of Homeland Security thinking outside the box.  Hysterical!

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