What makes a bad excuse a bad excuse

This week, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice testified in Congress and was pressed by Congressman Robert Wexler on the flaw intelligence regarding Iraq WMD. You can see the video here . Her excuse, as was given many time before by those defending the Iraqi War, that many of the other foreign intelligent agencies also came up with the same conclusion. Somehow, I don't understand why people would buy that excuse. Obviously Congressman Wexler did and not question her on that point.

Why that excuse is bad? Maybe it is true that other foreign intelligence have the same conclusion, but you can't deny the fact that no other country went to war over their "conclusion". But we did and we wasted trillion of dollars and sacrificed thousands of brave American life. That clearly showed a big different in interpretation. And in fact, most of other same countries were against the invasion of Iraq. There is a big gap between a "belief" and "acting" on that belief.

That argument maybe too hard to understand, so let me take it in another way. Let's say many of your neighbors believe that the man lives down the street abuses his wife and kids. Yes, all of you saw something suspicious and swear that he mus be guilty. One day, you decide to knock down his door, beat him up, and rescue his wife and kids. But the problem is there is no abuse. Do you really believe that you can tell the police that you action is justifiable because your other neighbors believe the same. So you shouldn't be charged with assault. Do you think that excuse would fly?

Now, the other foreign intelligent agencies have the same "conclusion" is a bad excuse. But I don't blame them for using that because they got away with it. It is important for those who are against the war to call them on it. I wish Congressman Wexler did.

The Best Reporter on TV

David Shuster, MSNBC reporter that was suspended for saying, "Doesn't it seem sort of like Chelsea's being pimped out, in some weird sort of way?" when he was talking about the Clinton campaign having Chelsea, the daughter calling delegates. I must say Mr. Shuster didn't use the best choice of word here and he has since apologized to the Clintons.

But I also must say too is David Shuster is one of the best, if not, the best reporter out there today. I enjoyed watch his wonderful reporting on Hardball that is no match on television today. I am sure some people are glad that he is out because he is so good.

But, on the other hand, Mr. Shuster, take a page from Hollywood. Being a "bad boy" at time, isn't all a bad thing. It puts you right up there in notoriety and attention of everybody. I truly believe it will further your career because you are a great reporter. Take all your hits now. You will come back stronger and better than ever. If not MSNBC, it will be somebody else. Go David. Hang in there! It will be alright!

My Wasted Vote

Tomorrow is primary day in California, one of the most important primary election in my recent memory. Finally, Californians' vote do make a different for a change. I was so ready that I elected to go with a "permanent absentee" ballot because I don't trust those touchscreen machines. So, after the Florida primary, I voted for Senator Edward. Then, the next day, he withdrew from the race. What? He withdrew!

Why Edward? Because I think he has the best chance of beating anyone the Republican would throw at him. Clinton and Obama are both great candidates but came with baggage. I want the man with the best chance of winning the White House. But my vote was casted and too late to change. What a pity? I am not sure those "permanent absentee" ballots are the cool after-all.

Now, I feel guilty. Maybe I should donate to Obama to make up for my wasted vote :)

My First Blog

Today is the day after Super Bowl XLII. Super Bowl Sundays are such memorable days that they are great anniversary days. Although I couldn't started my first blog yesterday (reason to be explained at later blog), the day-after is as close as we you can get.

Talk about the Super Bowl, which is always topic. Obviously, I would have to congratulation the New York Giants for their stunning victory. I wasn't really pulling for neither teams. On one hand, it would be great to see a perfect season, but I like to pull for the underdog also. At the end, in my opinion, the Patriots did not play well enough to deserve a Super Bowl victory or a perfect season for that matter. They got what they deserved.

The Giants didn't play too well either. Manning was good for 2 drives. That is it and a MVP. Are you kidding? IMHO, the MVP or MVPs should go to the Giants defensive lines. Those guys pressured Brady all day that took a 18-0 team completely out-of-rhythm. That was MVP performance.

To me, Super Bowl XLII Most Valuable Players are: Strahan, Umenyiora, Pierce, and the rest of the defensive team. Congratulations to the Giants.

Now, with that, my blogging career has started :)