This Blog is Moving

We have moved to http://everyman.mu.nu Thanks to Jim and PixyMisa I am now a member of the MuNu community of blogs. My new blog address is http://everyman.mu.nu As of today, I will no longer be using the Blogspot address.

State Rights or Accepted Medical Purpose?

Last week the Supreme Court heard arguments in Gonzalez v. State of Oregon regarding the state's law which permits assisted suicide. Many believe that this will be the first true test of Chief Justice Roberts's ability to interpret the Constitution. Some are arguing that if the Supreme Court overruled the state's law then they would be undermining the Tenth Amendment which states:

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

They argue that since this issue isn't directly covered under the Constitution, then the matter should be left up to the states. In Oregon voters decided that it would be acceptable medical practice to allow physicians, under very strict circumstances, to assist terminally ill patients by prescribing them medication to end their life. Those who stand firmly on this position state that the Supreme Court would be trumping their power over the state of Oregon. Those who argue against the use of this practice state that it's not a states' rights issue at all. Rather Oregon is in violation of the Federal Controlled Substances Act which controls the dispersal of dangerous drugs. The act ensures that drugs prescribed by doctors are used for "accepted medical purposes" and that assisting an individual in their own death does not constitute an accepted medical purpose since the role of the doctor is to be a healer. So is this a states' rights issue or an issue of accepted medical purpose? I think that in order to find the answer to this question we must first look at the purpose of government. The purpose of government is to protect the life, liberty, property, and pursuit of happiness of each American citizen. In this respect there are two contradicting issues: life and the pursuit of happiness. Government should protect the life of its citizens but what happens when the pursuit of happiness results in the end of life for a citizen? It is a paradox when looked at in this regard. I believe that ultimately this comes down to an issue of ethical practice. The role of the physician is to treat individuals and their illnesses in order to heal. The Hippocratic Oath clearly states:

"To consider dear to me as my parents him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and if necessary to share my goods with him; to look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art if they so desire without fee or written promise; to impart to my sons and the sons of the master who taught me and the disciples who have enrolled themselves and have agreed to the rules of the profession, but to these alone the precepts and the instruction. I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgement and never do harm to anyone. To please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death. Nor will I give a woman a pessary to procure abortion. But I will preserve the purity of my life and my art. I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art. In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves. All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal. If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot."

The doctor that does not subscribe to this oath should not be allowed to practice medicine. The state should not be able to enact a law which would allow a doctor to legally violate the oath to protect those they are entrusted to care for.

More on Miers from Around the Blogosphere

Well, the sentiment coming from the GOP and other Miers supporters is to "trust the President." It seems to me, that in a case where an individual is nominated to the highest court in the land, the words "trust the President" shouldn't even be a consideration. I mean, seriously, is this the best they can offer? Shouldn't an individual nominated to this position have some kind of extensive background in judicial decisions? Shouldn't that individual's accomplishments speak for themselves? Why is this "trust the President" rhetoric even being tossed around? This is not to demonize Ms. Miers in any way. I'm sure that she is a great attorney and probably an even greater person. The fact is, despite all of this, she simply isn't qualified. This is being echoed throughout the blogosphere and in the conservative media: John Hawkins points out the results of a poll he took of conservative bloggers on her nomination. Of those polled, 49% said that Bush made a bad or terrible decision in nominating her. Sydney Carton over at Aggressive Conservative points out several links regarding the lack of support for her nomination. He also points out that she may even be a liberal Polipundit has also changed his tune. Captain Ed has also raised important questions about the nomination. Of course Michelle Malkin has been very critical of the nomination as has Ann Coulter. Donald Lambro reported today in the Washington Tmes that all seems well among the rank and file in the GOP. He even mentions my home state:

In Alabama, a state that gave Mr. Bush 62.5 percent of its vote last year, Republican Chairman Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh said, "People respect [Mr. Bush?s] choice. A lot of people would like to know more about her, but the president has had the most personal contact with her, knows her thoughts, abilities and beliefs, and we trust him to make the right decision. Overwhelmingly, that's what I hear people saying."

While I wouldn't consider myself one of the "rank and file" of the GOP, I certainly do consider myself a conservative and an Alabama citizen not happy with this nomination. I think it's safe to say that this could be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The neocons are calling to "trust the President" while the traditional conservatives in the blogosphere and elsewhere are letting it be known that they aren't happy. Simply put: Harriet Miers does not have the qualfications necessary to sit on the highest court in the land. There were (and still are I might add) better, and more qualified, candidates for this position. From Janice Rogers Brown to Michael Luttig, there are a plethora of judges which would fit in the mold of Scalia or Thomas. Miers should withdraw her nomination.

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Well, I finally decided to catch up with the times and add a feed for all you newsfeeder users out there. You can subscribe to my feed via the url below: http://feeds.feedburner.com/EverymanChronicles

What Do You Do For Fun if You're a New Orleans Police Officer?

How about beating up 64 year old men? Two New Orleans police officers were caught on tape beating up a 64 year old man near Bourbon Street. I used to be a military police officer and based on what the article stated the level of force used was much more than necessary in a case like this. I understand that the officers are very stressed working such long hours and in such poor conditions but that is still no excuse to take your anger out on an old drunk man...in my opinion anyway.

Disrupted Terror Plots

Happened to be surfing and noticed that Blogs of War had linked to the fact sheet pointing out the terror plots, three of which were aimed at the United States, which the President noted in his speech last week. They included:

10 Plots 1. The West Coast Airliner Plot: In mid-2002 the U.S. disrupted a plot to attack targets on the West Coast of the United States using hijacked airplanes. The plotters included at least one major operational planner involved in planning the events of 9/11. 2. The East Coast Airliner Plot: In mid-2003 the U.S. and a partner disrupted a plot to attack targets on the East Coast of the United States using hijacked commercial airplanes. 3. The Jose Padilla Plot: In May 2002 the U.S. disrupted a plot that involved blowing up apartment buildings in the United States. One of the plotters, Jose Padilla, also discussed the possibility of using a "dirty bomb" in the U.S. 4. The 2004 UK Urban Targets Plot: In mid-2004 the U.S. and partners disrupted a plot that involved urban targets in the United Kingdom. These plots involved using explosives against a variety of sites. 5. The 2003 Karachi Plot: In the Spring of 2003 the U.S. and a partner disrupted a plot to attack Westerners at several targets in Karachi, Pakistan. 6. The Heathrow Airport Plot: In 2003 the U.S. and several partners disrupted a plot to attack Heathrow Airport using hijacked commercial airliners. The planning for this attack was undertaken by a major 9/11 operational figure. 7. The 2004 UK Plot: In the Spring of 2004 the U.S. and partners, using a combination of law enforcement and intelligence resources, disrupted a plot to conduct large-scale bombings in the UK. 8. The 2002 Arabian Gulf Shipping Plot: In late 2002 and 2003 the U.S. and a partner nation disrupted a plot by al-Qa'ida operatives to attack ships in the Arabian Gulf. 9. The 2002 Straits of Hormuz Plot: In 2002 the U.S. and partners disrupted a plot to attack ships transiting the Straits of Hormuz. 10. The 2003 Tourist Site Plot: In 2003 the U.S. and a partner nation disrupted a plot to attack a tourist site outside the United States. 5 Casings and Infiltrations 1. The U.S. Government & Tourist Sites Tasking: In 2003 and 2004, an individual was tasked by al-Qa'ida to case important U.S. Government and tourist targets within the United States. 2. The Gas Station Tasking: In approximately 2003, an individual was tasked to collect targeting information on U.S. gas stations and their support mechanisms on behalf of a senior al-Qa'ida planner. 3. Iyman Faris & the Brooklyn Bridge: In 2003, and in conjunction with a partner nation, the U.S. government arrested and prosecuted Iyman Faris, who was exploring the destruction of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. Faris ultimately pleaded guilty to providing material support to al-Qa'ida and is now in a federal correctional institution. 4. 2001 Tasking: In 2001, al-Qa'ida sent an individual to facilitate post-September 11 attacks in the U.S. U.S. law enforcement authorities arrested the individual. 5. 2003 Tasking: In 2003, an individual was tasked by an al-Qa'ida leader to conduct reconnaissance on populated areas in the U.S.

My Week 7 NCAA Top 10

Well, as the season has progressed, not much has changed in the top 4. These teams keep piling on the W's and one begins to wonder when some of them will lose. One thing that has plagued me all season is the Big Ten. I just can't seem to nail this conference. I've had Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Minnesota all in the top ten and they're all gone now. The only one remaining is Penn State and in the beginning, they weren't in my top 10 at all. Perhaps it's because the Big Ten has arguably been the best conference this season. Their usual doormats are turning out pretty good games and giving the traditional powerhouses like Ohio State and Michigan fits. Let's see if the Nittany Lions can stay atop the water for another week. 1. USC 5-0 2. Texas 5-0 3. Virginia Tech 6-0 4. Florida State 5-0 5. Georgia 5-0 6. Alabama 5-0 7. Penn State 6-0 8. UCLA 5-0 9. Texas Tech 5-0 10. Miami 4-1 1. USC Same ol' same ol' with the Trojans. Look for next week's matchup with the Irish to be a battle and their first true test of the season. I think it will be close but my money would go on the Trojans. 2. Texas Beating Oklahoma is never easy especially when they're your biggest rival. Mack Brown put a convincing pounding on the Sooners and proved that his team deserves the number 2 spot...for another week at least. 3. Virginia Tech They got off easy this week against Marshall but there is no doubt, the Hokies are the best team in the ACC. Now try telling Florida State fans that. Their only real regular season tests remaining will be Boston College and Miami. 4. Florida State Another team that keeps cruising. The rest of the season looks very favorable until they have to go to the swamp. That will be their stumbling block...oh and the Hokies in the ACC title game. 5. Georgia The Bulldogs went into Knoxville and simply took care of business as usual. We all were holding our breaths awaiting Clausen to pull another rabbit out of his hat as he did against LSU. Instead he pulled out a ticket to the SEC title game...to watch that is. Georgia will probably go into the SEC title game but look for the matchup against Florida to be a big one. 6. Alabama Bama is still holding solid at number 6. They had a bye week which means two weeks to prep an offense without their all-purpose man, Prothro. They'll have a little scrimmage game against Ole Miss next week and then come the Vols. It'll be like Arkansas all over again only the Vols are much better than the Hogs. The Tide will have a battle on their hands. 7. Penn State For once I was right on a Big Ten team and I'm glad it happened to be the Nittany Lions. After squashing the Golden Gophers last week they squeezed out a win against a tough Ohio State squad. This team is for real and we'll probably be seeing them in the top ten here for awhile. 8. UCLA The Bruins have had success early but hadn't really been tested until this week when they managed to beat Cal after a huge fourth quarter comeback. They'll prove to be a tough team to knock off for the Trojans when they meet up in December. 9. Texas Tech I've given this team some flack for such a weak schedule but they did beat Nebraska whom I had as my number 9 last week. So, now they can say they played and beat some real competition. Can they keep up the pace? 10. Miami This was not the team I would have preferred to place in my number 10 spot but Notre Dame didn't play this week and I have a policy of not moving a team up early in the season when they have a bye. Miami pummelled Duke as they should have. They'll run into a brick wall in November when they take on the Hokies. Next week against Temple should be an easy W for the Canes. Dropped Out: Wisconsin, Nebraska, Tennessee Notables: Minnesota, Boston College, Colorado, LSU, Notre Dame My Previous Top 10: Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6

TGIF-Interesting Links and Open Trackbacks

I'm introducing something new to the blog. TGIF-Interesting Links and Open Trackbacks will be posted every Friday. I'll just point out some articles I've found and will allow open trackbacks. No, I don't have inline trackbacks being a Blogger user, but you're still welcome to use the trackback system that I do have to link to your blog about anything you find interesting. Remember to keep it clean. Progress on the war on terror- Because the MSM won't cover it if it's not covered in blood. Gay men will be allowed in the priesthood- (rolleyes) Oh, brother! Unemployment rises in September- No need to panic just yet though. 13 Page letter found outlining al Qaeda's plans for Iraq- Sounds like some possible inner turmoil? Senate approves $50B more for Iraq- The bill would raise military members' pay (which I'm all in favor of) but also calls for provisions against torture of detainees. Thomas Sowell has interesting analysis on the Miers nomination- A weak congress? Hmmm... Captain Ed notes hypocrisy in Republicans over Miers nomination- And he's 100% right. We can't expect to slam Dems for bringing up religious views on Roberts when all we've heard from the White House is evangelical Christian. Craziest item of the week: Man receives Nobel Prize IG Noble for developing artificial dog testicles- I'm speechless If you haven't already, I highly recommend checking out this week's Carnival of Satire, Carnival of the Vanities, and the Carnival of Liberty. Don't forget to leave those trackbacks. If you are a blogger user like me, then you will have to use the Wizbang standalone trackback pinger to send your trackbacks. Remember to leave a link to this post in the post you trackback. Update: Apparently Haloscan is having some problems today so I apologize if you've tried to leave a trackback that hasn't gone through.

Thoughts on Bush's Speech at N.E.D.

Yesterday, the President gave his most firm speech yet regarding the war on terror and the conflict in Iraq. If you're like me, and were forced to slave away for the almighty dollar, then chances are you missed the speech. You can read the transcript of the speech and see the video here. While the Democrats and those on the left stated that they didn't want to hear "stay the course" that is essentially what they received from the Commander-in-Chief. Democrats continue to demonstrate just how out of touch they are with reality by demanding timetables and deadlines for the conflict in Iraq. Has the administration set certain timetables and goals? Of course, they'd be foolish not to do so in the span of two years. Should we tell every American and thus every citizen of the free world our exact strategy and when we plan on completing said strategy? Obviously the answer is a resounding no. To do so would compromise our OPSEC. For you lefties, who were too busy burning your flags and hating your country to have served in the military, OPSEC means operational security. To release every deadline and every goal would be releasing the information to the enemy and would compromise our success in this operation and ultimately the success of Iraq's growth as a free nation. Aside from OPSEC its just plain good common sense that should tell these liberals that we can't publicize our timetable in Iraq. That would probably explain why they don't understand as common sense in the Democratic party and on the left has become more and more uncommon. The brunt of Bush's speech focused on the fact that we are dealing with a radical extremist movement with the ultimate goal of enslaving the Middle East in a tyrannical and oppressive empire. We cannot allow that to happen because it affects our domestic tranquility. Once again, the President brought up September 11th synonymously with the war in Iraq, which is always sure to get the left's blood boiling since "Saddam had nothing to do with 9/11." Yeah right. If you believe that then I have some oceanfront property in North Dakota you may be interested in. There seems to be a large divide among the American people on this issue. Regardless of whether we were justified in our attack on Iraq or not, the fact is, we have attacked and we have successfully removed an oppressive extremist regime. We cannot leave the Iraqi people, untrained, to defend themselves from the extremists that would attempt to take charge of the nation and create a center terrorist state. We are quick to point fingers in this country and not so quick to take action to correct past failings. In Iraq we have very clear goals: train the people of Iraq so that they may defend themselves and help them form their own government based on the foundations of freedom and liberty. We can argue about the reasons for going into Iraq and how they weren't justified when the job is finished. Right now, however, there is an important job to do and our men and women in uniform are risking their lives to do it day in and day out. Risking their lives to ensure that we will have a free America in the future. As the President said: We will not tire, or rest, until the war on terror is won. Check out Basil's Articles of Interest

OkCupid Politics Test Results

Well, I took the OkCupid Politics Test and here are my results:

You are a Social Conservative (38% permissive) and an... Economic Conservative (65% permissive) You are best described as a: Republican Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid.com