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Wednesday, December 21, 2005
INTELLIGENT DESIGN THEORY AJUDGED DUMB Common sense has finally overtaken the nonsensical attempts at merging science with mysticism. U.S. District Judge John Jones ruled yesterday that the Bush endorsed theory of "Intelligent Design" is nothing more than a religion-based concept, and has neither scientific value, nor a place in a public school's curriculum. It's about time that this ridiculous, never-ending attempt by the Right Wing, radical religious loonies to inject their brand of religious belief into the nation's public schools is dealt a deathblow. I know the fight isn't over yet. These ass-backward, self-appointed moralists will continue to waste public resources by reintroducing their agenda wherever possible. However, with a precedent such as this, at the Federal level, there's little chance that these relics of the 11th century will prevail. Here's the complete story by ABC News.  Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Tuesday, December 13, 2005
TODAY THE WORLD IS SLIGHTLY BETTER Murderer Tooki Williams is dead. Despite reams of bullshit in his defense, his well-deserved execution went off as scheduled minutes ago, and we should all rejoice. In order for the world to progress peaceably it is necessary to mete out appropriate justice. Those among us who consider themselves to be "religious," should be happy that "an eye for an eye," as their vaunted bible states is the way to go, has been practiced by eradicating this vicious creature. The amount of damage and suffering caused by Williams gang followers is incalculable. It's said that we would be better off if he was alive because his "good works" have deterred many kids from gang violence. Well, since his books have been published there have been more than 10,000 gang related killings, so I don't buy into it. It is said that the death penalty is not a deterrent to crime. Listen up, it's not intended to be a deterrent, it's intended to be a punishment for heinous crimes. Murderers kill without regard for one's political or social leanings, or religious affiliation, or the lack of one. Murderer's care not about a person's age, gender, race, or any other factor, murderer's kill for whatever reason they feel advances their agenda and without concern for anyone but themselves. Therefore they are everyone's enemy and should receive the same fate as their victims. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, December 07, 2005
WILL SWARZENNEGGER DROP THE HAMMER ON WILLIAMS? Stanley Tookie Williams founded the criminal infested L.A. street gang known as "The Crips," an acronym for "Community Revolution In Progress." Williams was found guilty of murdering 4 people in 1979 and is on death row awaiting execution on December 13th. While incarcerated, Williams has spoken out against gang violence, and written books decrying basically all the violent activities he and his gang-banger buddies previously espoused. In addition, while incarcerated, Williams has continued to practice his violent ways, by assaulting prison guards. Because of Williams' supposed rehabilitation, a few people, such as Bianca Jagger, whose claim to fame is being divorced from Mick Jagger, and 2nd rate actor, Mike Farrell, have called for clemency. California Governor, Arnold Swarzennegger, will soon conduct a private clemency hearing to determine the murderer's fate. Williams, who has had about 24 years worth of appeals, has been unable to prove his claimed innocence, and has enjoyed that many more years of living than his victims. I personally take umbrage just at the sight of this monster. Have you seen him recently? This son-of-a-bitch, who is 51-years-old, is he picture of health. He has an upper body befitting a 24-year-old NFL lineman and has obviously flourished at the expense of California taxpayers. He even has access to hair dye to further enhance his public image. At a time when so many Americans are without medical insurance, and a trip to the dentist can result in a second mortgage on your house, this miscreant has been pampered to the extent that he now enjoys celebrity status. The nonsense that he has, and will continue to do good works by dissuading others from gang related violence is not reason enough to grant him a reprieve from paying for his crimes. Granting him a reprieve is a slap in the face to the justice system and the victims of violent crime. All this will accomplish is serve as proof to other criminals, or would be criminals, that you can commit an atrocious act and basically get away with it. Williams, who is seen by some as being repentant, should now act like a man and take his well-deserved punishment. If he really wants to set an example he should quietly submit to the ultimate act of repentance. Those Liberals who are trying to keep this guy alive should spend their time helping true victims of society rather than those who make victims of society Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Monday, November 28, 2005
JOKE OF THE YEAR The biggest embarrassment of the Bush administration, Mike, Brownie (short for brown nose no doubt), Brown, former horse's-ass/head of FEMA, is apparently finally off the Federal payroll. For those of you who were unaware of it, Brownie, although he resigned from Federal service, was retained as an "advisor" to FEMA and continued to draw his salary until a short while ago. The self-proclaimed, "fashion king," apparently feels that since the government saw fit to seek his counsel regarding emergency management, despite his pathetic performance during hurricane Katrina, he might as well offer his services to the general public as a private entrepreneur. The now, seemingly ubiquitous, Brownie, who claims that his parents, who apparently maintain low expectations for their spawn, are very proud of him, is opening his own "emergency preparedness" firm, in idiot friendly Colorado. Believe me folks; I couldn't invent stuff like this just to garner laughs. Apparently the business plan is simple, he'll simply advise his clients of all the things he should have known and done and then refer them to someone who actually has knowledge of these things. I guess Brownie's true talent lies in being able to make something out of absolutely nothing. Here's the story in "Yahoo!news." Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Thursday, November 17, 2005
RUSH LIMBAUGH, WAR PROFITEER Right-Wing Blowhard/OxyContin Addict/War Profiteer, Rush Limbaugh, is teaching our Service Members what Republican charity, i.e. Capitalism, is all about. On Monday, the compassionate war hawk began a program designed to line his pockets, under the guise of supporting the troops. I guess he feels that if they are going to spill their blood, it may as well not go to waste, so he'll capitalize on their sacrifice. Limbaugh's shameless, "Adopt-a-Soldier" program, is quite simple, but, I have to give the doctor shopper his due, brilliant. Listeners can buy a subscription to his website, at the discounted price of $49.95, and donate it to a Service Member, or to their parents, or frankly, to anyone they wish to torture with a gift of his gabby garbage. Why the hell anyone would pay to read his tripe is beyond reason for those who have not been lobotomized. Rumor has it that Limbaugh needs the cash so he can buy his own painkiller factory and hire himself as a tester so the D.E.A won't bother his copious ass anymore. He posted what were supposed to be excerpts of emails from Service Members praising his efforts to fight off the evils of National Public Radio (NPR) and bring them the news they want to hear. I noted that the emails made frequent reference to God, e.g. "Thank God for you, Rush," so his business managers were obviously covering all the bases on this ploy. Limbaugh said that he was demonstrating his generosity by donating his time and offering a discount. Whoa, what time? He was going to produce his crap for his regular regiment of starry-eyed groupies anyway. I don't see any donation here. He also said that he would use his, quote: "Super-secret credit card," to actually buy and donate few subscriptions himself. Now, I'm no financial genius, but if he buys these subscriptions from himself isn't he just transferring his money from one account to another? Jeez, if only I could bullshit like him, I might make some real money for my writing. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, November 02, 2005
RELIGIOUS FANATIC FALWELL LOVES ALITO Well that's reason enough to hope Samuel Alito doesn't become a Supreme Court Justice. Religious looney/quasi-politician Jerry Falwell appeared today on, where else, Fox/GOP TV, to praise fellow Jesus freak, President Bush. The Wrong Reverend Falwell was so visibly thrilled by the thought of another backwards-oriented religious retard being appointed to The Supreme Court that I fear he involuntarily loosed his bowels while on the air. He made a remark that anyone who would oppose such a sterling example of fundamentalist, retrogressive thought as Alito, would also oppose "the Apostle Paul." I should hope so since the Apostle Paul was quite the ass backward, mean spirited, son-of-a-bitch. Alito is staunchly Conservative in a Roman Catholic way. He opposes a woman's right to choose and is on record as saying that a woman should "consult" with her husband if she is considering an abortion. I wonder if this guy is aware that 36% of the women who get pregnant in America are unmarried? Who should they consult, the guy who knocked them up, if indeed they even know? It's not so much his idea that a wife should discuss a potential abortion with her husband that bothers me; it's the premise that a woman has to answer to a man. Falwell shows up on TV to render his opinions on political matters all the time and makes no secret of his endorsement of candidates that fit in with his religious beliefs. Isn't it time for the government to step in and tell him to either put a cork in his mouth regarding politics, or risk having his tax free status yanked? Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Tuesday, October 25, 2005
PRESIDENT HAS HISSY FIT Like a spoiled brat who didn't get his own way for the 50th time in an hour, President Bush is apparently stomping his feet and refusing to eat his broccoli these days, while lashing out at his staff from top to bottom. Apparently the heat in the house is rising rapidly by the problems brought about by the antics of playmates Frist, DeLay, Rove, and Scooter. Don't you just love those lifetime grade school nicknames the WASPY set imparts to each other? Payback is a bitch, as they say, and the same type of brouhaha brought about by the Clinton hummer scandal, on the grounds that he lied under oath, may very well be visited upon the Bush White House quite soon. Meanwhile fellow Texan/staunch Bush supporter/professional bullshit artist, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, was on TV yesterday defending Rove and company. The problem you see is not so much in what they did, but in the apparent Nixonian cover up attempt. Hutchison, who had her first orgasm when the Clinton impeachment came to pass, responded to the similarity of the events by saying, "if there was a lie, it's just a mere technicality." Flip-flop, flip-flop, flip-flop. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Sunday, October 16, 2005
WHITE HOUSE FLOPS AT REALITY TV Talk about being caught "in flagrante di lecto," did you see that nonsensical, staged candid satellite interview of US troops in Iraq by the President a few days ago? The troops responded to the President's questions with glowing, supportive, "everything is all right," answers that were supposed to be spontaneous. The problem though is that the entire event was staged and scripted by what must be the White House third team, now that the super bullshitters are all busy with their lawyers because they're being investigated for one thing or another. Scott McCellan, the soft-spoken White House spokesperson who answers questions by saying nothing, while using 1000 words to do so, clearly lied when he denied that the event was scripted. Some yo-yo released the pre-show tape that contained 45 minutes of some woman prepping and rehearsing the troops. She even instructed them as to how to act, when to pause and what type of emotion to show when delivering the supplied responses. This Administration has degenerated to the point where even Bush's hot line to heaven can't help. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Saturday, October 08, 2005
CONSERVATIVE CHRISTIAN CRONY COURT President Bush's candidate for the Supreme Court, Harriet Miers, is apparently another religious looney chosen by the President under his well-known "loyalty over ability" policy. He is perfecting the art of cronyism as evidenced by previous appointments such as the useless Mike Brown. This woman has never been involved in any form of judicial judgment, as a jurist, but she has participated in many moralistic, religious type judgments of her fellow human beings, namely the condemnation of gays and abortion. That makes her A#1 to the narrow minded conservative Bush who can't seem to get his thought process out of the crotches of Americans. Supreme Court judges are supposed to be chosen based on their ability to be fair and impartial when interpreting the Constitution. Here we have a nominee who is basically a "yes woman," who is sworn to delver verdicts based on Bush's theories regarding morality. This is improper and a violation of the separation of powers in my opinion. Here's an excellent article about the Mier's mistake in the "Miami Herald." Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, September 28, 2005
TOM DELAY INDICTED Woo-Hoo! The bold and brazen, wild-eyed, Republican/Conservative/Christian looney, House majority leader, Texas Tom DeLay, has been indicted. The heavy handed, always smiling, even if an anvil just fell on his foot, DeLay, is facing criminal conspiracy charges concerning fund raising activities. Here's the story, as reported by "The Washington Post." Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Friday, September 23, 2005
WHERE'S ROBERTSON & FALWELL? I'm always glad not to see, and especially hear, the Wrong Reverend Falwell, and particularly the maniacal Robertson. However, these two promulgators of the Christian faith, who jump at every opportunity to appear on TV, have been absent from the airwaves during this time of natural disaster brought about by Hurricane Katrina and now Hurricane Rita. I note that Rosie O'Donnell yesterday contributed 3 million dollars to the relief effort, and she, being a Lesbian, is on both these guy's hate lists. But I haven't heard of so much as a public prayer, which is free, for the Hurricane victims, from either of these guys. What the hell happened to good, old Christian charity? Did these guys misplace their checkbooks? Jeez, one would think that with the tragedy being centered in the deep South, where there are plenty of bible beaters, these guys would at least offer a public prayer service, on air, if they aren't going to pitch a few bucks onto the relief fund collection plate. FEMA announced that it was going to provide mobile homes for the displaced victims and was in need of places on which to put them. The agency specifically asked that churches with land to spare allow some of this housing to be placed on their property. I haven't heard either of these publicity seekers volunteer a few square feet of the back forty for such use, or even encourage the leadership of other Christian organizations to do so. The tax-exempt, Radical Right-Wing, religious looney Robertson is always ready to chime in with his opinions on matters politic, but I'm hearing nothing from him about fundamental Christian teachings such as helping one's neighbors in time of need. Keep in mind that this guy is supposed to be first, a man of the cloth. So far all he's done with his cloth is hide behind it. Bloated, bigoted, big mouth, Falwell has also been conspicuously silent during this time of need. Of course if a report surfaced stating that a Gay was found dead among the rubble of New Orleans, he'd be quick to say that God sent the hurricane to punish him. I guess there's no glamour, or more important, profit, in doing what these guys are supposed to be doing, namely helping people. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, September 07, 2005
TIME TO END THE BULLSHIT Hurricane Katrina has shown us just what's important to the leadership of the USA. The President has made his carefully orchestrated photo ops in the stricken areas and while visiting with the victims he heaped kudos on his appointees for supposedly doing their jobs. This is interesting since the two top dogs in all this, FEMA Director, Michael Brown, and the head of Homeland Security, Michael Jerkoff, oh, that's Chertoff, are about as useful as screen doors on submarines. These two useless appointees did jack shit to ameliorate the potential damage that the storm might wreak and the conditions the victims were forced to endure afterwards. As an example Chertoff was quoted as saying that he was unaware of the conditions in the Superdome because there wasn't a TV set in his office. That's outrageous and probably a lie. Do you mean to tell me that the United States, with satellites capable of reading the fine print on a pack of cigarettes, relies on TV news for intelligence? Do you know what these two clowns did before assuming their respective positions? They're friggin' lawyers! This makes about as much sense as appointing a bricklayer as Surgeon General. If someone applies for a job, any job, the first thing a prospective employer wants to know is what the applicant's education and background is. Not so with political appointees, and that's a disgrace. It would have made more sense to appoint a Boy or Girl Scout Pack Leader to these positions because they at least are versed in basic survival skills. What did we get to head up the agencies that are sworn protect the security of the nation and it's citizens? We got a pair of prevaricating bullshit artists, lawyers, for crissake, which only adds to the insult. Isn't it time that Presidential appointees possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of their jobs, the same as like trash collectors e.g.? Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, August 24, 2005
RELIGIOUS LOONEY ADVOCATES MURDER Pat Robertson, the Minister/Businessman/Bullshit Artist, and poster child, for the Republican/Conservative/Christian far right, has called for the assassination of Hugo Chavez, the President of Venezuela. Now, before we go any further, let me state that Chavez' demise would not cause me to lose any sleep, much less utter any "Hail Marys" on his behalf. But, Robertson, who professes to be a man of God, one who is so well connected to the Almighty, that he claims he has cured several people of brain cancer, merely by touching them, is acting more like a black ops guy than a Christian Shepard. Oh, by the way, the people he claims to have cured did not know they had brain tumors until Robertson discovered them by using his God given gift of X-Ray vision, shades of Superman. This guy wields a lot of power among his believers, who apparently possess a collective IQ of minus 240, and they vote. Remember too that he is a "Prayer Partner," or "Bible Buddy," of President Bush. Isn't it time we start to categorize his ilk as the worthless charlatans that they are, and demand that our politicians stop bowing down before them, and allowing them to influence their decisions? Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Monday, August 08, 2005
DUMB ASS FBI This takes the cake. Here we are in the midst of supposed increased efforts by the Federal Government to protect us from terrorism and we have an illegal alien working for the Immigration and Naturalization service, who was helping other illegals enter the country. The controversial Patriot Act is in place, 90 year-old women in wheelchairs, clutching oxygen bottles, are practically strip-searched at airports, and the FBI no longer runs background checks on applicants for jobs as Border Patrol Agents. Jesus Christ, the dress wearing J. Edgar Hoover must be turning over in his grave! I'm not exactly one of his fans but this wouldn't have happened on his watch. It seems that the whole thing comes down to the FBI having turned the screening of INS applicants over to the Office Of Personnel Management, which to my knowledge has no law-enforcement operatives or experience. A simple check of this guy's phony Social Security number would have revealed him as an illegal but apparently that wasn't done. Maybe the President, congress, the FBI, and the rest of the people charged with our well being should stop worrying about gay marriage, prayer in public schools, medical marijuana, and take note of the real dangers in our country. Here's the story as reported in "SFGate.com." Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Thursday, August 04, 2005
RIDICULOUS AMERICAN LAWS Martha Stewart has had her house arrest sentence extended. She must wear her "prison jewelry," the electronic ankle bracelet for an additional 3 weeks for a parole violation. So what did she do to merit the additional punishment, sneak out to buy confectioner's sugar, or a bolt of cotton fabric? I know I'll sleep easier for another 3 weeks knowing that this dangerous criminal is secure behind her homemade draperies and shades. After all this is a criminal who in a moment of anger is likely to throw a misshaped pancake at her kitchen trash can causing her pet cat or dog to ingest an unauthorized treat should the failed food miss its mark. Brutal sex offenders, particularly in the State of Florida, however, will be given break after break by asinine judges, who are guided by asinine laws, enacted by asinine legislators. These monsters will walk the streets freely, without electronic tracking devices, protected by conscienceless defense attorneys who proclaim that they are only following the law. It's time for the laws to be changed, across the entire country. Mandatory minimum sentencing, without parole, should be initiated. I say 20 years for a first offense, more, depending on the exact nature and violence of the crime, and life, without parole, for a second offense. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Friday, July 29, 2005
SHUTTLE FLEET GROUNDED AGAIN Once again the USA's biggest case of corporate welfare makes front-page news. NASA, USA welfare recipient #1, has grounded the shuttle fleet, again, after noting that a chunk of insulation fell off the shuttle, Discovery's external fuel tank. This is the same thing that caused the Columbia space shuttle's flight to end in tragedy. If someone attempted to register one of these contraptions with any State DMV I'm certain they would be denied due to basic safety violations, and yet, we routinely hurl them into space. I could go on forever about this overt shuttle stupidity and the ridiculousness of our space program in general, but instead, I think I'll ask you a question. What has the space program done for you? If you're hooked on Tang, love your microwave so much that you've given it a name or can't live without Velcro or Teflon; you're in luck. These are the only by-products of the space program that I can think of that have somehow benefited the ordinary citizen, with the possible exception of Tang. There may be others that I'm unaware of but was it necessary to funnel hundreds of billions of dollars through NASA in order for us to benefit from a few minor items? Keep in mind too that these products have reaped billions for the corporations that produce them, so it's not a case of something filtering down to the public compliments of the government. For more exposes of NASA see: "THE CURIOUS CAT ARCHIVES," in my website. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Thursday, June 23, 2005
RELIGIOUS LOONEY TO PROFIT FROM CRIME Jennifer Wilbanks, the wild-eyed wacko better known as the Runaway Bride, has struck a half-million dollar book deal. She appeared on Katie Couric's show, which is on NBC and better known as the No Body Cares Network, to announce the forthcoming tome. The book will be published by Regan Books, a subsidiary of News Corp, which is the parent company of the ultra Conservative Fox News Network. The book will no doubt be promoted furiously by Fox which does likewise for the books written by its newscasters. Sounds like a circle-jerk to me. Regan Books is a pathetic purveyor of pompous poop penned primarily by right wing prigs and, Jennifer Wilbanks, who apparently takes direction from her pastor on all facets of her life, seems to fit into the mold. Now one would think that Conservatives should frown upon this venture since it was facilitated by a crime, but, aha, there's money to be made, so all bets are off. By the way, the official reason given by her for her ridiculous action is that she was afraid that she would not be, "The perfect wife." Oh, and lest we forget, this is the second time she pulled this stunt. She is described as being naive, which roughly translates into, "asshole." I guess her fiance, who describes himself as a "born again virgin," will have to settle for a "perfect asshole" for a wife. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, June 01, 2005
PARENTS DON'T LIKE PARIS Here we go again with another million person march or something or another. In their never ending effort to find someone or something on which to blame poor parenting, the "Parents Television Council," has taken umbrage at the Memorial Day weekend showing of the Car's Jr. TV ad that featured Paris Hilton. These outraged parents are no doubt the same ones who sit around quaffing gallons of beer and booze as they watch their kids gleefully mow down row upon row of digital characters on the family TV via their video consoles. So now they're upset about a gal acting sexy while washing a car and eating a hamburger. Are these the same people who watch "Desperate Housewives," and perhaps engage in the same activity? The PTC has called for a million people to protest the ad, and boycott the burgers. Why a million? Why not 100,00 or 50? I guess a million is a magic number to these numbskulls. Carl's Jr's CEO responded with, "Get a life," to these people, who are now probably wondering just what the hell that means. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Sunday, May 01, 2005
WHAT'S UP DOWN SOUTH? Well, not much, things are so-so, that is, same-old same-old. It's still hot, humid, and of course, oppressive. That's the latest political rhetoric to which I'm referring by the way. The latest non-issue of concern to the small-time Southern politicos is the non-existent "Homosexual Agenda." Of course this is nothing new since Southern politicians of the Conservative type address only 3 venerable issues when seeking office, God, guns, and Gays. As long as the cock fights, and dog fights go on, as long as Evolution isn't taught in the schools, as long as NASCAR runs, and the beer flows, as long as the words God and Jesus are part of most Country & Western music lyrics, even though it's usually just some loser praising God for providing him with a loose, easy woman, everything is OK in the Bible Belt. But Alabama State Representative Gerald Allen is keeping his legs close together due to his huge concerns over books. His recent bill, which died due to a lack of a quorum, called for the banning, in public school libraries, of all literature written by, or referencing gays. Allen, who denies attempting censorship, stated: "I don't look at it as censorship. I look at it as protecting the hearts and souls and minds of our children." Does that mean that he sees himself as a kind of Savior? Here are more details on "CBSNews.com." Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Tuesday, April 12, 2005
VATICAN REWARDS INCOMPETENCE & ARROGANCE I've never been a fan of the late Pope John Paul II, because I think his refusal to modernize the Church set it back. For example, his staunch enforcement of the no birth control rule results in overpopulation, among those cultures that can least afford it. I also think that not allowing priests to marry is way out of touch with reality. I'm sorry, but despite the Church's arguments to the contrary, I don't see the sense in priests counseling married couples, or singles, on matters dealing with issues for which they don't have subjective experience. Priests live in protected environments with all their needs provided. They don't have to worry about food, shelter, medical care, clothing, transportation, etc. It's an unrealistic world in which they live. Worse yet is that they live unnatural sex-less lives, or at least they're supposed to. These guys can't possibly understand the day-to-day problems that married couples, and singles face trying to earn a living. Then, to top it off, Catholics are told that sex is out, except for married couples, and, only then only for purpose of the propagation of the faith. That's the Church's take on copulation. But, for those people who want the Church to remain true to its fundamental roots, and there are many, the late Pope's a hero, a saint even. Perhaps as a long time lapsed Catholic I have no right to comment but with Church leaders of all denominations taking an active role in politics I feel that makes them fair game for criticism. But here's my current gripe. About 2 years ago Cardinal Bernard F. Law resigned from his post as Archbishop of Boston, an impressive position, given the large number of Catholics he oversaw. The resignation was the result of the now famous scandal involving his shifting of perverted pedophile priests from one parish to another to keep them one step ahead of the law. Despite this infamous act, which should have been regarded as criminal, he was not however punished. It seems the Cardinal was rewarded for his behavior by being banished to Rome, to the Vatican. Law received what amounts to a plush promotion and has been appointed the Archpriest of The Basilica of St. Mary Major, one of the four most prestigious churches in Rome. It's no secret that he was always a favorite of Pope John Paul II, and has wielded considerable authority in the appointment of new bishops. He serves on more influential Church committees than any other American Cardinal. One would think he would have been quietly retired, given the heinousness of the crimes upon which he seemingly bestowed his blessing. At the very least one would expect that he would have been reassigned to some less than desirable duty station, such as, oh, I don't know, perhaps, Iran. But no, he gets the Vatican, and, in his current position, a lot more prestige and power. He celebrated a special mass, as part of the nine days of mourning masses in honor of the late Pope, something reserved for only the privileged, among the privileged few. He even gets to cast a ballot in the conclave for the election of the next Pope. We'll soon find out how much influence he really has if the next Pope adopts the name, Pope Pervertius I. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Sunday, April 03, 2005
THE SHOW IS OVER Terry Shiavo was finally allowed to peacefully complete her journey to death, after 15 years. Now what are the rabble rousers going to do? Where are all the self appointed experts, moralists, "do-gooders," and the rest of the pains-in-the ass going to go? Talk about a sideshow. P.T. Barnum would have had a spot for them in his freak show. The media would have you believe that there was a Super Bowl size crowd in attendance, when in fact there was about 100-200 sad sacks with nothing better to do than disturb the residents of the hospice. The camera crews are careful not to use a high angle view of the carnival lest viewers realize what a non-event this actually was. Instead they keep the cameras level with the crowds' chest area so it looks as if a sea of people were there. I spotted a weird looking woman brandishing a sign that read: "This is exactly how the holocaust started." Man does she need a history lesson, and a brain activity test. There were activists who think they're doctors, doctors who think they're God, lawyers who think they're God's gift to the world, politicians who are just, well, full of shit, not the least of which are Tom DeLay, and Rick Santorum, the future leader of The American Inquisition. There were preachers and priests in abundance, experts all of them, in every imaginable field, particularly bullshit. Most amusing were the throwback to the 12th century priests parading around in sandals, with a cord cinched around the waists of their hooded robes. Oh give me a break! How normal could a 21st century Friar be anyway? Someone who took umbrage at the fact that Michael Shiavo was with Terry as she died; he said that she didn't want to be with him, she wanted to be with her parents and siblings. Once, just once I'd like one of these news people, or interviewers or whatever they're called, news show hosts I think would be more appropriate, to ask one of these assholes, "How the fuck do you know?" No, that's too much to ask. They'll just continue to gaze at these pointless people with a look of awe. These clowns always act as if they're friggin' mind readers, they think that what they want, everyone would want. Why? Well, because they feel they're the best people on Earth, perfect, and all knowing, just like God. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Friday, March 25, 2005
HOW TO DETERMINE IF SOMEONE IS BRAIN DEAD The medical community can't agree as to Terry Shaivo's true mental state, despite 15 years of observation and tests. The legal community can't agree as to who has what rights regarding the situation. But they agree that they should stay on the clock and debate it in court forever. The right-wing politicians, spurred on by their religious wrong brethren, are certain that Terry will recover at any moment, despite more than a decade of nothing and a partially liquefied brain. Her parents stated that if she's released to their care the first thing they'll do is take her out for breakfast. Better bring a blender and hose. President Bush says it's better to err on the side of life. Well, he knows a lot about erring, so who knows? The Right To Lifers say keep her alive. Don't these people just love attention? Nurses are popping up all over the place claiming that Terry talked to them, that they found needle marks in her arm and discarded syringes and insulin bottles in the trash after a visit by her husband. Why didn't they tell the police and the doctors when these events ocurred? Some people say that her husband is a carrying on an extra marital affair and should be stripped of his rights as her guardian. Why? Yet more lawyers say that Terry never actually had a lawyer and that more lawyers are needed. The news people say, "I don't give a shit who's right as long as people stay tuned in." The Vatican, in an extraordinary display of generosity, took time off from shifting pervert priests around the world to keep them a step ahead of the law, and issued an Encyclical stating that Terry's husband is a fornicator, and Terry should remain in a vegetative state forever, because all life is precious. Note that this bullshit comes hard on the heels of last month's Vatican statement that people shouldn't worry about being sick, advising people not to seek too much medical care, just drop dead. See my February 25th posting for that story. Most of the people commenting on this issue appear and act more brain dead than Terry. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Tuesday, March 08, 2005
BUSH AND POLLS During the recent Presidential election the Bush camp constantly referenced the polls as evidence that the electorate clearly wanted Bush reelected. The President's publicists said, for example: "The President is leading Kerry 51% to 49%, this proves that an overwhelming majority of Americans are in favor of the President's policies!" Currently the President is on a carnival-like tour of the nation hawking his Social Security reform plan. Senators Frisp and Santorum claim that the system is broke and must be fixed while the President insists that nothing will change for those already collecting Social Security benefits and those who soon will. I don't believe it, and I don't think that the plan to take a percentage of one's Social Security taxes and make a gift of it to Wall Street is sound. During recent TV interviews with mostly younger people the majority of them stated, quote: "I'd rather manage my own money." Well, if managing one's own money is as easy these people think it is how come they aren't already rich? Playing the stock market is gambling, plain and simple, and just as with any type of gambling, most people lose. The polls show that the vast majority of Americans are opposed to this proposal and I think the President should acknowledge that and drop the idea. After all, this is supposed to be a government "by the people," and if the people don't want it Bush should abide by the majority. Remember, our elected officials are supposed to get us what we want, not what they want. Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Friday, February 25, 2005
VATICAN SAYS IT'S OK FOR YOU TO BE SICK, BUT NOT THE POPE In yet another example of elitism the Vatican recently issued a statement basically saying that if you get sick, tough shit, suffer, and don't expect medical science to help you. The Vatican says that people are caught up in what it terms a "religion of health." However, the Pope was rushed to the hospital yesterday, and a tracheotomy was installed to ease his suffering. I'll bet he's getting the good drugs too; he's probably high as a kite. But don't you dare ask for any. Is that hypocrisy or what? When I was attending Catholic school, I was taught that neglecting one's health was a mortal sin because life was precious, and to neglect it was against God's will. Now The Vatican says, "fuhgetabouit, unless you're the Pope." Here's the story as reported in "CBS News.com" Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Thursday, February 10, 2005
CORPORATE IRRESPONSIBILITY Cadillac has a new and completely irresponsible ad campaign playing on TV. In it we are treated to a brief view of their latest offerings being driven haphazardly, recklessly in fact, by the usual, "professional driver on a closed course." These cars are being marketed under their catchy "Cadillacunder5," program that emphasizes the fact that they offer 3 models that are capable of going from zero to 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. The cars, according to the hype, are designed to appeal to buyers of high performance foreign cars. I guess that's supposed to rouse feelings of patriotism in the bowels of BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche buyers. What it rouses in me is anger. The production of unnecessary, over powered cars is unpatriotic during a time of war with oil producing countries upon whom we depend. And, in addition, the fashion in which these things are portrayed gives rise to reckless driving on our overcrowded streets and highways. This will encourage every asshole that thinks he possesses the skill of a NASCAR driver to emulate the stunts. But, what the hell, when was Corporate America ever concerned with anything but their bottom line? Their website features multi-millionaire John Travolta as the carnival hawker for these speedsters and the rest of the site is devoted to their monstrous line of SUVs which are nothing more than Chevy trucks under all the glitz. I did however get a chuckle over the fact that their website took forever to load the various images and videos, even over my broadband connection. Not a very convincing endorsement for something speed oriented.
Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Wednesday, January 26, 2005
CAN WE PLEASE MOVE ON? It seems that nothing ever gets resolved in The United States. Every damn year around January 22, the anniversary of the 1973 ruling, we have to put up with this protest of, and demand for the abolishment, of Roe V Wade. This year was no different and the Pro-Lifers marched in Washington D.C. doing their fear and guilt thing, as do all self-appointed moralists. Catholic Church officials took part of a day off from molesting children and chimed in with an ashes burial ritual in Utah, using the ashes of fetuses. President Bush, using modern technology, phoned in his approval to the protesters, and then quickly hung up lest he miss a call from heaven. He's been praying for help with the problem of how to turn the Social Security fund over to Wall Street to help finance the next round of golden parachutes for felon CEOs. These people claim that there's a new attitude against abortion in the country and that Bush's reelection is proof of that. Really? I thought it was his handling of the war in Iraq that got him rehired? Look, there are a lot of things I don't like, such as noisy motorcycles, but I don't think we should ban motorcycles. People should be allowed to buy, but not use them. Realistically, motorcycles are just fine, except when asshole owners modify them to make noise. The problem is the person, and those persons should have the noise rules enforced against them. As for abortion, if it bothers you, don't get one, but don't try to impose your likes and dislikes, or supposed morals on others. To me, it's no different than having to endure earsplitting motorcycle noise created by someone who thinks its way cool to let everyone know there's another asshole around.
Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Friday, January 14, 2005
INTELLIGENT LIFE SPOTTED IN GEORGIA! U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper has ruled that Cobb County public schools must remove the "warning stickers" its school officials pasted inside science books. The stickers carried the message that "evolution is a theory and not a fact." The Judge has determined that these stickers are unconstitutional. The story can be found: here. Finally, we have the beginning of a separation of church and state in the former penal colony of Georgia. Now one has to wonder if warning stickers will be placed in bibles? Perhaps, "Warning, creationism is a theory, not a fact," or, "Warning, the true origin of this book is undetermined," would be appropriate.
Visit "The Independent Writer" and have a good laugh on Jim Ippolito Sunday, January 02, 2005
BUSH'S BABY BROTHER BRINGS BOTTLES of water to Tsunami victims. What the hell is that all about? Jeb Bush is a Governor, not a Federal politician. Here he is in wherever, handing out bottled water leftover from the Florida hurricane relief effort to people in far away places. Is this the greatest photo-op of all time? The hook is that because of his expertise with water-borne disasters, he is showing empathy for his fellow H2O challenged sufferers. Give me a break! What the hell did, or frankly, could he have done in Florida, other than to hand out water, and say, "shit, this sucks, and, "I feel your pain, the Governor's mansion nearly got hit too!" For what it cost to ship Jeb and Colin Powell over to wherever, the Federal Government could have sent some real help in the form of disaster experts. But Campaign 2008 is obviously underway for the Republicans and already Jeb Bush will be able to say, technically, that he has international experience, even if only as a modern day Gunga Din, sans the danger of gunfire.
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