Systemic Bias

UN Security Council fails to condem Israel for an attack on a UN Observer post in Lebanon

If there was ever an indication of a systemic bias in the USA’s actions, this is it. From the article,

The Security Council has adopted a statement saying it “is deeply shocked an distressed by the firing by the Israeli Defence Forces on a United Nations Observer post in southern Lebanon on 25 July, 2006.”

But it stops short of condemning the bombing.

Diplomats say the US refused to agree to any statement which criticised Israel

The UN is taking a right royal battering politically, not to mention the peacekeepers killed because Israel wants to fight their own version of a holy war. The US government stands idly by as the slaughter of civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastucture – a war crime – is openly perpetrated by Israel. It seems the US wants to play “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” refusing to criticise Israel despite a clear, blatant “accident”.

It’s not alright.

The Lessons of History

Sometimes, we forget history all too readily -

The power of the executive to cast a man into prison without formulating any charge known to the law, and particularly to deny him the judgment of his peers, is in the highest degree odious, and the foundation of all totalitarian government whether Nazi or Communist.

–Winston Churchill

Pertinent. (from)

Howard v. Costello

Very interesting to see how Costello is taking the all-out denial from Howard that there was ever a “deal” to hand over leadership; Costello should perhaps be reminded of “core” and “non-core” promises when it comes to Mr Howard =)