All posts by Lucas O'Connor

California, San Diego

Open Thread

5 Comments

It’s bizarro night.  Lucas gets a vacation (see everybody Monday). Bush is concerned about greenhouse gases.  Clinton and Carter join Bush Sr. and hundreds of others to honor Billy Graham.  Apparently it’s Russia who needs to drop the Cold War mentality.  One of 13 rare white rhinos died today at San Diego’s Wild Animal Park, and so did the first panda born in captivity to be released in the wild.  Conversely, we have a new species of limbless lizard in India and it turns out that upright walking may have begun in trees.  So on that note, we’re going to space.  Moonbabies – War on Sound

“But I tried to tell you last night
The planet’s grown
Turned to stone
See you on the safe side?”

p.s., if you’re trying to place it, the guy sounds like Peter Gabriel.  Even more so on other songs.

Prisons, San Diego

Open Thread

2 Comments

And we’re back with a hip hop revival.

In your news roundup, San Diego women’s prison Las Colinas will close by order of a grand jury which found the overcrowding to have reached “barely humane” levels, whatever that means. 

Pre-trial hearings began today for Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani, the commanding officer of the Marines involved in the Haditha killings.  On the menu: violation of an order and dereliction of duty.  Contrary to what I’m sure many on the Right wish was popular opinion, nobody wins in this.

And finally, our good friend Ruben Navarrette has a perplexing analysis of low-skill jobs and immigration.  He spends the first half of his op-ed establishing that Americans don’t want low wage jobs, and that they indeed look down on such jobs.  Then he dives right into the notion that maybe low-skilled workers would be better off if they got more skills.  Huh? Didn’t you just tell us that the problem was that America’s home-grown workforce was overskilled?  So your conclusion is, people need more skills?  He falls into the classic trap of “they’re stealing our jobs” blowhards while seemingly trying to refute it.  Nobody actually knows of large numbers of people who can’t get jobs because of immigrants, they just hear tell of them.  Yet they must be real, and I guess they need to call Lincoln Tech.

15 years after their last sighting, X-Clan is putting weak MCs on notice.  Now dance to the rhythm of the evolved drum.  X-Clan – Weapon X.
“You can be a strange fruit and be straight innocent.”

Uncategorized

California Remembers Its Sons and Daughters

(Rest in Peace – promoted by Lucas O’Connor)

California has lost 358 of its children in this war and occupation.  Every corner of the state has felt the loss, and we all pray for the safe return of all those still serving.  Of those fallen, the world is less for their loss, and will be made greater in their honor.

Aguanga West, Jeromy D. Lance Corporal 25-Nov-2006
  Alameda Boyles, Aaron Lance Corporal 24-Sep-2004
  Alhambra Griffin Jr., Darrell R. Staff Sergeant 21-Mar-2007
  Alpaugh Moore, Christopher  Staff Sergeant 19-May-2007
  Alpine Perry, Joseph W. Sergeant 02-Oct-2006
  Alta Loma Isshak, Daniel Staff Sergeant 03-Oct-2006
  American Canyon West, Phillip G.  Lance Corporal 19-Nov-2004
  Anaheim Briones Jr., Pablito Pena Seaman 28-Dec-2004
  Anaheim Henry, Raymond L. Private 1st Class 25-Apr-2006
  Anaheim Lee, Samuel S. Private 1st Class 28-Mar-2005
  Antioch Schelle, Daniel R. Staff Sergeant 24-Sep-2005
  Apple Valley Sickels, Kenneth L. Private 1st Class 27-Sep-2004
  Aptos Jones-Huffman, Kylan A. Lieutenant 21-Aug-2003
  Arcadia Colnot, Kyle A. Sergeant 22-Apr-2006
  Arleta Ayon, Eric A. Private 1st Class 09-Apr-2004
  Arroyo Grande Mora, Michael A. Private 1st Class 14-May-2004
  Auburn Mizener, Jesse D. Private 1st Class 07-Jan-2004
  Auburn Waters, David L. Private 14-Oct-2004
  Azusa Harris-Kelly, Leroy Private 1st Class 20-Apr-2004
  Bakersfield Perry, David S. Staff Sergeant 10-Aug-2003
  Bakersfield Villatoro Jr., Ramon A. Private 1st Class 24-Jul-2005
  Bakersfield Farr, Clay P. Specialist 26-Feb-2006
  Bakersfield Baroncini, Jr., Lester Domenico Sergeant 15-Oct-2006
  Bakersfield Garcia Jr., Alberto Private 1st Class 13-Mar-2007
  Baldwin Park Haro Marin Jr., Atanasio Sergeant 03-Jun-2003
  Baldwin Park Salas, Rudy Corporal 20-May-2004
  Baldwin Park Figueroa, Gabriel J. Private 1st Class 03-Apr-2007
  Banning Palmer, Joshua M. 1st Lieutenant 08-Apr-2004
  Barstow Hayes, James F. Sergeant 1st Class 06-Nov-2005
  Bay Point Hodges, Erick J. Lance Corporal 10-Nov-2004
  Bell Gardens Mora, Jose L. Specialist 24-Oct-2003
  Benicia/Vallejo Shumney, Dustin M. 1st Lieutenant 26-Jan-2005
  Big Bear Ciity Landaker, Jared M. 1st Lieutenant 07-Feb-2007
  Bloomington Blanco, Joseph A. Corporal 11-Apr-2006
  Blythe Taylor III, Norman R. Sergeant 17-Oct-2006
  Calexico Silva, Alfredo B. Sergeant 15-Sep-2005
  Calexico Acosta, Steven Private 1st Class 26-Oct-2003
  Caliente Zanutto, Adam O. Corporal 06-Mar-2006
  Campbell Estep, Adam W. Sergeant 29-Apr-2004
  Canyon Country Larsen, Cole W. Private 1st Class 13-Nov-2004
  Carlsbad Watkins, Glenn J. Corporal 05-Apr-2005
  Carson Cagle, Daniel P. Private 1st Class 23-May-2007
  Castro Valley Johnson, Robert S. Staff Sergeant 21-Dec-2004
  Cathedral City Sun, Ming Private 1st Class 09-Jan-2007
  Ceres NavarroArellano, Juana Lance Corporal 08-Apr-2006
  Chico Clark, Arron R. Specialist 05-Dec-2003
  Chino Marencoreyes, Douglas Jose Corporal 18-May-2003
  Chino Simpson, Abraham Lance Corporal 09-Nov-2004
  Chino Nolasco, Marcos O. Specialist 18-May-2004
  Chula Vista Silva, Erik Hernandez Corporal 03-Apr-2003
  Chula Vista Idanan, Michael J. Sergeant 19-Nov-2005
  Chula Vista Bachar, Salem Corporal 13-Apr-2006
  Chula Vista Spivey, Curtis R. Specialist 02-Apr-2007
  Citrus Heights Hines, Keicia M. Sergeant 13-Jan-2004
  Clovis Hubbard, Jared P. Lance Corporal 04-Nov-2004
  Clovis Butterfield, Anthony E. Lance Corporal 29-Jul-2006
  Clovis Packer, Steven M.  Sergeant 17-May-2007
  Concord Zieske, Benjamin T. Private 1st Class 03-May-2006
  Concord Nygardbekowsky, Mick R. Corporal 06-Sep-2004
  Corcoran Orosco, Adrian N. Sergeant 09-Dec-2005
  Corona Young, Ryan C. Sergeant 02-Dec-2003
  Corona Castro, Jonathan Corporal 21-Dec-2004
  Corona Franco, Jason Private 1st Class 31-Oct-2006
  Cottonwood Turner Jr., Thomas B. Sergeant 14-Jul-2006
  Covina Johnson, Stephen P. Corporal 26-Jan-2005
  Covina Creed, Matthew W. Specialist 22-Oct-2006
  Culver City Payton, George J. Lance Corporal 14-Nov-2004
  Cutler Chavez Jr., Javier Private 1st Class 09-Feb-2006
  Cypress Daclan Jr., Edgar P. Specialist 10-Sep-2004
  Delano Orozco, Osbaldo 1st Lieutenant 25-Apr-2003
  Discovery Bay Graves, Joseph A. Specialist 25-Jul-2006
  El Centro Montes, Luis A. Sergeant 07-Sep-2006
  El Dorado Shuder, Brad S. Lance Corporal 12-Apr-2004
  El Monte Casanova, Jose Private 1st Class 13-Oct-2003
  El Segundo Kenyon, Rex C. Chief Warrant Officer 3 16-Jan-2006
  Elk Grove Johnson, Ty J. Corporal 04-Apr-2006
  Escondido Gannon II, Richard J. Captain 17-Apr-2004
  Escondido Beckstrand, James L. Specialist 29-Apr-2004
  Escondido Suarez del Solar, Jesus Alberto Lance Corporal 27-Mar-2003
  Eureka LaMont, Andrew David Captain 19-May-2003
  Exeter Unger, Daniel Paul Private 1st Class 25-May-2004
  Fair Oaks Acosta, Genaro Specialist 11-Nov-2003
  Fallbrook Pena-Romero, Jorge Luis Staff Sergeant 16-Jul-2005
  Fallbrook Sonoda Jr., Mike T. Sergeant 22-Sep-2005
  Folsom Barnhill, Michael S. 1st Sergeant 28-May-2005
  Folsom Thrasher, Robert B. Sergeant 11-Feb-2007
  Fontana Tamayo, Fernando S. Lance Corporal 21-Dec-2006
  Foothill Ranch Pollard, Justin W. Specialist 30-Dec-2003
  Foster City Dang, Andrew S. Lance Corporal 22-Mar-2004
  Freedom Hendrix, Jason R. Staff Sergeant 16-Feb-2005
  Fremont Layfield, Travis J. Lance Corporal 06-Apr-2004
  Fremont Willey, Cheyenne C. Sergeant 23-Dec-2005
  Fresno Rangel, Jose C. Staff Sergeant 23-Jan-2005
  Fresno Baro, Jeremiah A. Corporal 04-Nov-2004
  Fresno Reali, Regina C. Sergeant 23-Dec-2005
  Fresno Rojas, Michael M. Corporal 18-Apr-2007
  Garden Grove Monsoor, Michael A. Petty Officer 2nd Class 29-Sep-2006
  Gilroy Ailes, Jeramy A. Lance Corporal 15-Nov-2004
  Glendale Ravago IV, Rel A. Specialist 23-Nov-2003
  Glendora Elias, Elias Specialist 23-Dec-2006
  Glendora Howey, Blake H. Lance Corporal 18-Feb-2007
  Grass Valley Lucente, John A. “JT” Lance Corporal 16-Nov-2005
  Hanford Pulido, Victor H. Toledo  Corporal 23-May-2007
  Hawthorne Mayhan, Ryan L. Lance Corporal 21-Dec-2006
  Hayward Balsley, Michael Private 1st Class 25-Jan-2007
  Heber Manzano, Pablo Private 1st Class 25-Aug-2003
  Hemet Chappell, Jason K. Specialist 24-Jan-2004
  Hemet Estrella, Michael A. Corporal 14-Jun-2006
  Hemet Stanton Jr., Kenny F. Private 1st Class 13-Oct-2006
  Hemet Sare, Charles O. Hospital Corpsman 23-Oct-2006
  Hemet Yoakum, Keith  Chief Warrant Officer 02-Feb-2007
  Hesperia Hernandez, Armando Sergeant 01-Aug-2004
  Huntington Beach Glimpse, Marcus S. Lance Corporal 12-Apr-2006
  Huntington Beach James, William C. Corporal 09-Nov-2004
  Huntington Park Romero, Ramon Private 1st Class 22-Aug-2005
  Huntington Park Contreras, Andres J. Sergeant 15-Jul-2006
  Huntington Park Tejeda, Luis E. Corporal 30-Sep-2006
  Imperial Cherry, Marcus M. Lance Corporal 06-Apr-2004
  Indio Gonzalez, Jesus Angel Corporal 12-Apr-2003
  Ione Ornsby-Adkins, Jay-D H. Private 1st Class 28-Apr-2007
  Irvine Horn, Sean Private 1st Class 19-Jun-2004
  Irvine Soltes Jr., Charles R. Major 13-Oct-2004
  Irvine Taylor, Keith Edward Lieutenant Commander 29-Jan-2005
  Irvine Probst, Michael S. Lance Corporal 14-Feb-2006
  Irvine Daily, Mark J. 2nd Lieutenant 15-Jan-2007
  La Crescenta Steinbacher, Nicholas P. Specialist 10-Dec-2006
  La Habra Lopez Lopez, Hugo R. Lance Corporal 27-Jan-2006
  La Mesa Adams, Thomas Mullen Lieutenant 22-Mar-2003
  La Puente Corniel, Marcelino Ronald Sergeant 31-Dec-2005
  La Puente LaBouff, Douglas A. Major 07-Jan-2006
  La Puente Gonzalez, Mario D. Lance Corporal 14-Nov-2006
  La Puente Morales, Jason M. Private 1st Class 18-Apr-2007
  Lake Elsinore Parker, Daniel R. Private 1st Class 12-Aug-2003
  Lake Hughes Stewart, Ian W. Corporal 12-Dec-2004
  Lancaster Walker, Allan K. Staff Sergeant 06-Apr-2004
  Lancaster Clark, Ryan. J. Corporal 29-Jun-2006
  Lancaster Leon, Christopher D.  Corporal 20-Jun-2006
  Lancaster Freeman Jr., Walter Private 1st Class 04-Apr-2007
  Lathrop Vega, Michael W. 1st Lieutenant 20-Mar-2004
  Le Grand Granados, Cesar A. Corporal 15-Sep-2006
  Lemoore Bow, Jeremy D. Lance Corporal 30-Oct-2004
  Livingston Lau, Karina S. Private 1st Class 02-Nov-2003
  Lodi Hagy Jr., Guy Stanley Staff Sergeant 13-Sep-2004
  Lomita Diaz Varela, Sergio R. Specialist 24-Nov-2004
  Lompoc Argel, Derek Captain 30-May-2005
  Long Beach Torres, George D. Private 1st Class 11-Apr-2004
  Long Beach Marcus Jr., Lyndon A. Private 1st Class 03-May-2004
  Long Beach Davis Jr., Anthony J. Sergeant 23-Apr-2005
  Long Beach Collins, Randy D. Sergeant 1st Class 24-May-2005
  Long Beach Castellano, Stephen A. Private 1st Class 28-Jan-2005
  Long Beach Guerra, Ernesto R. Private 29-Jul-2005
  Long Beach Martinez Salazar, Roberto L. Specialist 04-Feb-2006
  Long Beach Toomalatai, David T. Private 1st Class 27-Jan-2007
  Long Beach Sunsin-Pineda, Astor A.  Specialist 02-May-2007
  Los Altos Hills Sigua, William M. Sergeant 31-Jan-2007
  Los Angeles Pineda, Carlos Corporal 24-Jun-2005
  Los Angeles Whitley, Dion M. Lance Corporal 15-Jun-2005
  Los Angeles Monzon Jr., Milton M. Sergeant 24-Jul-2005
  Los Angeles Garcia-Arana, Juan de Dios Staff Sergeant 30-Apr-2005
  Los Angeles Menyweather, Eddie E. Staff Sergeant 23-Nov-2003
  Los Angeles Gonzalez, Benjamin R. Lance Corporal 29-May-2004
  Los Angeles Penamedina, Abraham D. Staff Sergeant 27-Apr-2004
  Los Angeles Marshall, John Winston Sergeant 1st Class 08-Apr-2003
  Los Angeles Martinez-Flores, Francisco Abraham Private 1st Class 27-Mar-2003
  Los Angeles Gonzalez, Jorge Alonso Corporal 23-Mar-2003
  Los Angeles Lu, Victor R. Lance Corporal 13-Nov-2004
  Los Angeles Martinezluis, Trinidad R. Sergeant 28-Nov-2004
  Los Angeles Figueroa, Luis A. Lance Corporal 18-Nov-2004
  Los Angeles Razani, Omead H. Specialist 27-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Lopez, Edgar E. Sergeant 28-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Villanueva, Joselito O. Sergeant 1st Class 27-Sep-2004
  Los Angeles Sandoval-Flores, Felipe D. Lance Corporal 02-Apr-2006
  Los Angeles Guerrero, Salvador Lance Corporal 09-Jun-2006
  Los Angeles Abad, Roberto Corporal 06-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Perez, Geoffrey Private 1st Class 15-Aug-2004
  Los Angeles Muy, Veashna Lance Corporal 23-Jun-2005
  Los Angeles Carrillo, Alejandro Sergeant 30-Jan-2007
  Los Angeles Young, Christopher D. Specialist 02-Mar-2007
  Los Angeles area Nason, Christopher G. Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) 23-Nov-2003
  Los Angeles/Rosemead Arrelano Pandura, Carlos Corporal 20-Jan-2006
  Manteca Palmer II, Charles O. Corporal 05-May-2007
  Merced Pickard, Joshua D. Corporal 19-Dec-2006
  Mission Viejo Tran, Quoc Binh Sergeant 07-Nov-2004
  Mission Viejo Crocker, Ricardo A. Major 26-May-2005
  Mission Viejo Santee, Daniel J. Lance Corporal 14-Apr-2007
  Modesto Sanchez, Oscar Private 1st Class 29-Dec-2004
  Modesto Anderson, Michael D. Corporal 14-Dec-2004
  Modesto Long, Bunny Lance Corporal 10-Mar-2006
  Modesto Simons, Aaron William Lance Corporal 24-Apr-2006
  Modesto Gage, Joseph A. Staff Sergeant 02-Nov-2006
  Monrovia Mercado, Raul Lance Corporal 07-Jan-2006
  Moreno Valley Richardson, William D. Corporal 03-Apr-2005
  Moreno Valley Tetrault, Jason Lance Corporal 09-Jul-2003
  Mountain View Ballard, Kenneth Michael 1st Lieutenant 30-May-2004
  Napa Bosselmann, Kirk J. Corporal 27-Nov-2004
  National City Burdick, Richard A. Staff Sergeant 10-Dec-2003
  Newhall Sellen Jr., Dennis L. Specialist 11-Feb-2007
  Norwalk Rodriguez, Jose F. Gonzalez Private 1st Class 12-May-2003
  Novato Fuhrmann II, Ray M. Specialist 18-Aug-2005
  Oceanside Tainsh, Patrick S. Sergeant 11-Feb-2004
  Oceanside Neubauer, Paul C. Sergeant 23-Sep-2005
  Oceanside Herrera, David L. Sergeant 28-Jan-2006
  Oceanside Soukenka, Richard A. Sergeant 27-Feb-2007
  Ontario Perez, Jose R. Corporal 18-Oct-2006
  Ontario Salcido, Rudy A. Sergeant 1st Class 09-Nov-2006
  Orange Bertolino, Stephen A. Staff Sergeant 29-Nov-2003
  Orange Wine, Trevor A. Specialist 01-May-2004
  Orange Garibay, Jose Angel Corporal 23-Mar-2003
  Orange City Chao, Cornell C.  Chief Warrant Officer 28-Jan-2007
  Oxnard Luna, Kevin M. Private 1st Class 27-Jan-2005
  Oxnard Ortega, Elijah M. Private 26-Sep-2005
  Oxnard Espiritu, Allan M. Petty Officer 2nd Class 01-Nov-2005
  Pacoima Ramirez, Angel De Jesus Lucio Sergeant 11-Nov-2006
  Palmdale Allen, John E. Sergeant 17-Mar-2007
  Paradise Walberg, Steven J. Private 1st Class 15-Apr-2007
  Pasadena Escobar, Sergio H. Lance Corporal 08-Oct-2005
  Pasadena Rosema, Adam J. Specialist 14-Mar-2007
  Pico Rivera Mora Jr., Arthur A. Sergeant 19-Oct-2005
  Placentia Harrell, William M. Staff Sergeant 08-Apr-2004
  Placentia Bridges, Michael P. Private 02-Nov-2006
  Placentia Kim, Jang H. Private 1st Class 13-Nov-2006
  Pomona Baez, Cesar O. Petty Officer 2nd Class 15-Jun-2005
  Pomona Guy, Shaker T. Sergeant 29-Oct-2005
  Pomona Gudino, Sergio Specialist 25-Dec-2005
  Porterville Mitchell, Michael W. Sergeant 04-Apr-2004
  Ramona Ojeda, Ramon C. Specialist 01-May-2004
  Rancho Cucamonga Paine, Mark C. Captain 15-Oct-2006
  Rancho Cucamonga Carter, Lawrance J. Sergeant 29-Dec-2006
  Redding LaWare, Casey M. Private 1st Class 09-Apr-2005
  Redding Gifford, Micah S. Specialist 07-Dec-2006
  Redlands Widner, Vernon R. Corporal 17-Nov-2005
  Redlands Gunterman, Hannah L. Private 1st Class 04-Sep-2006
  Redlands Farrar Jr., William A. Private 1st Class 11-May-2007
  Redondo Beach Brock, Sean Lee Captain 02-Feb-2005
  Reedley Lusk II, Joe Fenton Captain 21-Jan-2005
  Rialto Molina Bautista, Jorge A. Staff Sergeant 23-May-2004
  Rialto Santos, Luis D. Specialist 08-Jun-2006
  Ridgecrest Jenkins, Troy David Sergeant 24-Apr-2003
  Riverside Bryant, Todd J. 2nd Lieutenant 31-Oct-2003
  Riverside Tyson, Andre D. 1st Lieutenant 22-Jun-2004
  Riverside Hunt, Justin T. Lance Corporal 06-Jul-2004
  Riverside Cutter, Brian K. Private 1st Class 13-May-2004
  Riverside Morrow, Jason W. Corporal 27-Jun-2006
  Riverside Klasno, Rhys W. Specialist 13-May-2007
  Roseville Silva, Sean A. Private 09-Oct-2003
  Sacramento Stevens, Joseph W. Staff Sergeant 24-Jan-2005
  Sacramento Duplantier II, Arnold Sergeant 22-Jun-2005
  Sacramento Lawson, Issac S. Specialist 05-Jun-2006
  Sacramento Brown, Timothy W. Lance Corporal 14-Nov-2006
  San Bernardino Grilley, Sean R. Corporal 16-Oct-2003
  San Bernardino Alvarez, Nicanor Corporal 21-Aug-2004
  San Bernardino Watkins, Timothy D. Specialist 15-Oct-2005
  San Bruno Zawaydeh, Angelo A. Private 1st Class 15-Mar-2006
  San Clemente Miersandoval, Eliu A. Sergeant 31-Jan-2004
  San Diego Peralta, Rafael Sergeant 15-Nov-2004
  San Diego Ragimov, Mourad Lance Corporal 26-Jan-2005
  San Diego Ramirez, Eric U. Specialist 12-Feb-2004
  San Diego Velasquez, Paul A. Staff Sergeant 02-Nov-2003
  San Diego Jimenez, Oscar 1st Lieutenant 11-Apr-2004
  San Diego Jones, Devon Demilo Private 04-Apr-2003
  San Diego Rosacker, Randal Kent Corporal 23-Mar-2003
  San Diego Holley, Matthew J. Specialist 15-Nov-2005
  San Diego Doria, Richwell A. Staff Sergeant 07-Nov-2006
  San Diego Wilson, Jamie D. Staff Sergeant 22-Jan-2007
  San Diego Madore Jr., Ronnie G. Specialist 14-Feb-2007
  San Diego Kowalczyk, Stephen M. Specialist 14-Mar-2007
  San Francisco Rose, Christopher D. Corporal 29-Jun-2006
  San Francisco Moore, Keith J. Private 1st Class 14-Oct-2006
  San Francisco De Leon, Mario K. Sergeant 16-Apr-2007
  San Jose Mihalakis, Michael G. Specialist 26-Dec-2003
  San Jose Roodhouse, Edwin William Specialist 05-Dec-2004
  San Jose Menusa, Joseph Gunnery Sergeant 27-Mar-2003
  San Juan Capistrano Gardner, Derek L. Lance Corporal 06-Sep-2004
  San Luis Obispo Seigart, Carl Leonard Sergeant 14-Feb-2007
  San Marcos Moore, Jason William Lance Corporal 19-May-2003
  San Marino Blecksmith, James P. “JP” 2nd Lieutenant 11-Nov-2004
  San Ramon Crowley, Kyle D. Lance Corporal 06-Apr-2004
  Santa Ana Reynosasuarez, Rafael Lance Corporal 29-May-2004
  Santa Ana Ceniceros, Manuel A. Lance Corporal 26-Jun-2004
  Santa Ana Mendoza, Antonio Corporal 03-Jun-2005
  Santa Clarita Flores-Mejia, Jose Ricardo Private 1st Class 16-Nov-2004
  Santa Cruz Perez, Andres H. Corporal 14-Nov-2004
  Santa Cruz Jacobs, Morgen N. Specialist 07-Oct-2004
  Santa Fe Springs Nakamura, Paul T. Specialist 19-Jun-2003
  Santa Maria Rimes, Garrywesley Tan Corporal 01-Apr-2005
  Santa Maria Heredia, Joseph J. Corporal 20-Nov-2004
  Santa Rosa Kynoch, Joshua J. Corporal 01-Oct-2005
  Santa Rosa Viglienzone, Caesar S. Private 1st Class 01-Feb-2006
  Santa Rosa Williams, Jesse L. Staff Sergeant 08-Apr-2007
  Santee Geurin, Cory Ryan Lance Corporal 15-Jul-2003
  Saugus Slocum, Richard Patrick Lance Corporal 24-Oct-2004
  Scotts Valley Spence, Joseph B. Lance Corporal 26-Jan-2005
  Sebastopol Ottolini, Michael C. Staff Sergeant 10-Nov-2004
  Shafter Barraza, Ricardo Staff Sergeant 18-Mar-2006
  Simi Valley Gibson, Christopher A. Corporal 17-Apr-2004
  Simi Valley Venegas, Juan C. Lance Corporal 07-Apr-2005
  Simi Valley Diraimondo, Michael A. Sergeant 08-Jan-2004
  Simi Valley Tessar, Jonathan Sergeant 1st Class 31-Oct-2005
  Smartville Strain, Adam J. Lance Corporal 03-Aug-2005
  Sonoma O’Day, Patrick Terence Lance Corporal 27-Mar-2003
  Sonoma Shea, Timothy M. Corporal 25-Aug-2005
  South Gate Padilla Aleman, Geovani Hospitalman 02-Apr-2006
  South Gate Ayala, Luis G. Specialist 28-Dec-2006
  Spring Valley Cronkrite, Brud J. Sergeant 14-May-2004
  Stockton Taylor, Mark D. Major 20-Mar-2004
  Stockton Emanuel IV, William River Specialist 08-Jul-2004
  Stockton Mariano, Robbie M. Private 05-Jan-2006
  Stockton Evey, Jason M. Staff Sergeant 16-Jul-2006
  Stockton Crutchfield, Michael J. Specialist 23-Dec-2006
  Stockton Fontanilla, Victor M. Private 1st Class 17-May-2007
  Sun Valley Gonzalez-Iraheta, Felix G. Sergeant 03-May-2007
  Sun Valley Stewart, Carla Jane Specialist 28-Jan-2007
  Sunnyvale Lee, Bumrok  Corporal 02-Jun-2004
  Tehachapi Sprayberry III, Marvin R. Sergeant 03-May-2004
  Tehama Kiser, Timothy Craig Sergeant 28-Apr-2005
  Temecula Saxton, Stephen P. Sergeant 03-May-2005
  Temecula Freeman, Brian Scott Captain 20-Jan-2007
  Thousand Oaks Melia, Anthony C. Lance Corporal 27-Jan-2007
  Torrance Wood, Brian M. Sergeant 16-Apr-2004
  Torrance Anzack Jr., Joseph J. Private 1st Class 23-May-2007
  Tracy Bridges, Steven H. Staff Sergeant 08-Dec-2003
  Tracy Martinez, Jesse J. Private 1st Class 14-Jul-2004
  Tracy McCaffrey Sr., Patrick R. Sergeant 22-Jun-2004
  Tracy Nguyen, Tung M.  Sergeant 1st Class 14-Nov-2006
  Tracy/San Joaquin Dewey, Brandon Christopher Lance Corporal 20-Jan-2006
  Trinity Center Brown, Jeffery S. Sergeant 09-Aug-2006
  Turlock Hill II, Raymond D. Captain 29-Oct-2005
  Turlock Brehm, Dale G. Sergeant 18-Mar-2006
  Ukiah Buzzard, Jason J. Sergeant 21-Jun-2006
  Vacaville Sheehan, Casey Specialist 04-Apr-2004
  Vacaville Bonifacio Jr., Jerry L. Staff Sergeant 10-Oct-2005
  Vallejo Mariano, Jude C. Master Sergeant 10-Feb-2004
  Van Nuys Almazan, David J. Sergeant 27-Aug-2006
  Ventura Hill, Christopher K. Specialist 11-Mar-2004
  Ventura Bitz, Michael Edward Sergeant 23-Mar-2003
  Ventura House, John Daniel Petty Officer 3rd Class 26-Jan-2005
  Victorville Wiscowiche, William J. Lance Corporal 30-Mar-2004
  Vista Twyman, Wade Michael Specialist 04-Mar-2005
  Vista Dunlap, Brian E. Sergeant 24-Sep-2005
  Vista Bisson, Jeffrey D. Specialist 20-Jan-2007
  Walnut Creek Coon, James J. Private 1st Class 04-Apr-2007
  Watsonville Gonzalez, Victor A. Lance Corporal 13-Oct-2004
  Weimar Andrews, Harley D. Specialist 11-Sep-2006
  West Covina Kim, Louis G. Specialist 20-Feb-2007
  West Hills Ashcraft, Evan Asa Corporal 24-Jul-2003
  Westminster Rosaleslomeli, Victor A. Staff Sergeant 13-Apr-2004
  Whittier Bolor, Kelly Sergeant 1st Class 15-Nov-2003
  Wildomar Hannon, Fernando B. Private 1st Class 15-Aug-2004
  Wildomar Bouchard, Nathan K. Sergeant 18-Aug-2005
  Willows Vue, Thai Specialist 18-Jun-2004
  Wilton Nurre, Joseph C. Sergeant 21-Aug-2005
  Winchester Webb, Christopher R. Staff Sergeant 07-Mar-2007
  Winnetka Walter, Rowan D. Private 1st Class 22-Feb-2007
  Woodlake Holguin, Manuel J. Specialist 15-Jul-2006
  Woodland Arroyave, Jimmy J. Staff Sergeant 15-Apr-2004
  Yorba Linda/Brea Brattain, Joel K. Private 1st Class 13-Mar-2004
  Yreka Hancock, Michael S. Sergeant 24-Oct-2003
  Yuba City Parkerson III, Harvey Emmett Sergeant 18-Aug-2004

San Diego

Susan Davis, Abandoning the Troops, and the Inevitability of Bush

3 Comments

As noted by me first here and then here last night, I’m very disappointed in Susan Davis’ vote yesterday.  She has a strong record of opposition to this war, which makes this vote all the more frustrating.  I’d be much more willing to work on moving forward if it weren’t for her justification of her vote:

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Susan Davis released the following statement on her vote to continue funding current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan for the coming few months.

“As someone who voted against going to war and supported a timeline for bringing home the troops, there is no doubt in my mind that we must end this war.  The reality is opposing this bill would not end the war.

“Cutting off war funding today will not only impact the troops in the field, many of whom are from San Diego, but will also impact military families at home as President Bush would take funding from other sources to fund his war.

“I look forward to supporting measures that will end the war and will not put our troops at risk.”

I’m sorry Rep. Davis, but I do not accept your premise.  I do not accept the notion that this bill would leave troops undersupplied because 1. they already are, 2. there’s a lot of money in the Defense budget already and 3. this isn’t the last bill you can send to the President.

But most of all, I don’t accept the fundamental defeatism here.  Susan Davis has just said, in so many words, that no matter what Congress does, Bush cannot be stopped.  She has just conceded the complete impotence of Congress.  Well you know what?  Do your job.  The President’s approval rating is reaching all-time lows, 76% of the country thinks the war is at least going “somewhat badly” and Americans keep dying faster and faster in Iraq.  Do your job.

Bush and his policies are not inevitable.  He is not an irresistable force any more than you are an immovable object (and clearly, you aren’t).  If he won’t sign this, then he’s abandoning HIS troops (in addition to being The Decider, he’s also the Commander in Chief, remember?).  If he takes the money from somewhere else, stop him.  If he tries to accuse Democrats of failing the troops, ask why his previous funding requests were too low to provide for the troops.  Ask why he doesn’t want veterans to receive benefits.  Ask why he doesn’t think troops should be fully combat-ready before being deployed.  Ask him how patriotic THAT sounds.  But DON’T GIVE IN.

Don’t presume that you can’t beat him.  The entire country wants you to beat him. They’ll give you every opportunity to beat him.  Every political wind that’s blowing in this country, from Left, Right and Center is desperately trying to run out the clock and escape the debacle of this administration.  We did the best we could in 2006- majorities in the House and Senate and a clear mandate for change.  We want you to get tough.  We want you to be angry.  We want you to be obstructionist.  Why? Because when you cut this President the slightest bit of slack, he takes a mile and flat out kills people with it.  Saying that Bush would just find some other way to beat you is pathetic.

You aren’t in office to throw up your hands and run out the clock.  Your job is to stop the violent deaths of American soldiers.  You say you want to support a measure that “will not put our troops at risk” but lemme go ahead and ask the obvious question: In what world does a fully-funded, open-ended deployment of our troops to occupy a hostile country with substandard equipment, preparation, support, civilian leadership and veteran’s services not “put our troops at risk?”  And if you think that, of ALL PEOPLE, George W. Bush is too skilled a political tactician to be overcome when everyone and their mother wants him stopped, you need a new line of work.

I don’t doubt Susan Davis’ desire to end the war.  Her record is strong on the issue, and has been from the beginning and I give full credit where it’s due.  But if she, like apparently many other Democrats, is afraid to tangle with Bush, what more is there?  To go way, WAY back to Olbermann’s ESPN days, we’ve got a Congress who’s looked at Bush and decided that you can’t stop him, you can only hope to contain him.

Well I call bullshit on that.  Do your job.  Stop him.

Uncategorized

Open Thread

15 Comments

I’ll keep it short and sweet tonight.  Nice votes from a bunch of California Dems, but tonight I’m more than a little sick over Susan Davis.  And so, as the capitulation goes forth in all its glory, I’m just not in a happy place and, at least tonight, I’m not feeling particularly patriotic.  Brother Ali – Uncle Sam Goddamn.

Imported and tortured the work force
They never healed the wounds or shook the curse off
Now the grown up goliath nation
Holdin open auditions for the part of david, can you feel?

Nothing can save you, you question the rain
You get rushed in and chained up
fists raised but I must be insane
Cause I cant figure a single goddamn way to change it

Health Care, San Diego

Open Thread

8 Comments

Condoleeza Rice visited Camp Pendleton today. Unfortunately, it’s the same day that the body discovered by Iraqi police in the Euphrates River was identified as Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr. of Torrance, CA.

State appeals court today overturned a previous ruling, saying that San Diego County cannot deny medical care to adults who cannot afford it and lack insurance. An expensive decision, and one certain to piss off a lot of people who wish they could be around more poor sick people.

And on the subject of people who miss the point, the ever popular Chris Reed is nonplussed.  Apparently reprimanding John Murtha over threats of personal retribution means Democrats love earmarks.  In a related (fictional, but would you be able to tell?) story, saying that kids should eat less candy is the same as advocating for adolescent anorexia.

Stretching your musical limits tonight, but only because I believe in you. You personally. Battles – Atlas

“The singer is a crook”

San Diego

Open Thread

All sorts of one-off goodies for you tonight, and go ahead and get your hip hop juices flowing cause that’s what’s coming at the end.

The City of San Diego must pay nearly $1 million in legal expenses for athiest who sued over the Mt. Soledad cross.  First Jerry Falwell and now this? Not a good week for the soldiers of the Lord.

San Diego County, in a a stroke of exceptional forethought, will now require all landscaping at new county facilities to be “drought-tolerant” and fire resistant…whatever “drought-tolerant” means (apparently, no plants that want water).  There were still a few cows in the barn, so slamming the door might accomplish something.  Cynicism aside though, at least it’s something.

Most exciting though is Carol Goodhue alerting us that the Union Tribune is now accepting unedited and anonymous comments on the website.  Ms. Goodhue, for her part thinks “it’s loony to allow readers to post these comments anonymously. Considering readers’ interest in interactivity, I also think we’d be crazy not to give this a whirl.”  And with that, we’re off into a brave new world.  What’s the over/under on this turning into a flame war you ask? Depends on how much time I have to comment.

Now, to mark the end of one of hip hop’s all-time greats.  Jurassic Five (1994-2007) – Concrete Schoolyard

“Cause we’re protected by the covenant of words and beats.”

Prisons

Open Thread

12 Comments

A couple of one offs because I’m just not feeling particularly brilliant tonight.

Chris Reed, shockingly, is still stupid.  The only way to react to growing traffic is to build more roads.  Not create new transportation mechanisms.  Not to reconsider growth patterns.  Nope.  Build roads.  He likens this to taking medicine even if a condition is chronic.  I liken it to eating candy after being diagnosed with diabetes.  Hell, it makes you feel good and it’s easier right?

A judge ruled today that California can start shipping inmates out of state again.  Clearly, this will solve the problem.  This is why, when I get an assignment at work that I don’t like, I just stuff it in a drawer.

Ruben Navarrette Jr. still hates basic humanity.

Incredibly, even that is too much effort for some on the radical left who refuse to acknowledge that these people broke the law and need to make restitution, and that step one is acknowledging the wrongdoing. For many Americans, though, this is all they want — some humility and remorse by those who wiped their feet on our laws on their way in the door and then demanded rights once inside.

Presumably, those asshole slaves that kept escaping should have had to apologize for breaking the law before the 13th Amendment as well.

Thousands of Iraqis are being held in detention camps off the record..  Get angry with stop action.  Metric – Succexy.

“Invasion’s so succexy.”

Uncategorized

Open Thread

Wonders never cease.  Jerry Sanders is on the right side twice in a week.  Where Aguirre couldn’t make it happen, Sanders shut down the dangerous and probably illegal Montgomery Field development.  And if you’re wondering, medicine has improved in the past 150 years.  Anyways, the message this weekend is question authority: Jem – They.

“Who made up all the rules? We follow them like fools. Believe them to be true. Don’t care to think them through”