Congress Is Clearly The Last Refuge Of The Courageous

We brought you word of the Armenian Genocide and the campaign to get it recognized a few times on this blog, so it only makes sense that I bring you word of the inevitable conclusion that comes when you seek out the truth.

They're shelving the bill. Because you know, it's not a good time (just like it has been the past 30 years!).

It's always great to see the United States stand up to a country that is totally dependent on the US to advance its standing in the international arena, like its pending membership into the EU (we're totally cool with overlooking the fact that it illegally occupies an actual EU state, because we're awesome like that). So we'll kowtow to the state that has been building up forces on the Iraq border for months now, threatening to invade the one stable region in Iraq.



Good to see how the truth wins out in politics. I'll be glad to tell my kids about this.

So You Find Yourself Visiting L.A. (Part II)

More Tales From Broseph U

One would think that there would be a lot to talk about when you're in LA. And that certainly is true. But you're going to get more USC stories. Because that's how I roll, bitch.


1. My mere presence confuses and frightens the female of the species: Of course, this fact is not something that was previously unknown to me. All my life, I have had to deal with this condition (though, strangely enough, small children love me). But the reactions usually aren't as egregious as one instance that occurred a couple of days ago, where one lady decided that since Joe and I were heading in one direction at the crosswalk, that SHIT I HAVE TO GO THE OTHER WAY OR THOSE DUDES WILL RAPE ME. At least I got rid of my beard, which has decreased the thoughts in women 43% that I would rape them. So I have that going for me.


2. The panhandlers are unusually aggressive around here: Joe apparently hasn't learned the art of ignoring the panhandler, and has instead attempted dialogue with them once they inquire about the availability of change on his person. When Joe informs the decrepit vagrant that he is unable to provide the necessary monetary compensation that would be used to exchange for a hot dog, said vagrant turns combative and abusive. And then chase after the two of us. Joe needs to enroll in Hobo Manners 101 next term.

3. I was apparently misinformed about the intellectual capacity of the average USC student: Before, I had felt that though the population of USC was made up entirely of Brosephs and their potential (willing) date-rape victims, but I was willing to give them the benefit of the doubt when it came to their academic capacities. After all, I came from a school where The Popped Collar was not just a fashion choice, but a Way Of Life. But that changed once I saw the Trojan student in action--on Trojan Vision.



It's one thing for students to prove themselves retarded when they do a stupid game show. That's understandable. But when you have a show that is supposed to analyze current events, and it is staffed by mouth-breathers, you've got a problem. And that was the case for "Platforums" (brilliantly retarded title by the way), which presented a totally incompetent take on the controversy behind the Armenian Genocide, run by a moderator who had clearly not read the cue cards ahead of time. You had the token representative from the Turkish Student Group, who would parrot talking points lifted from any hyper-nationalistic source. It wouldn't be so bad if it seemed she had a grasp of the issues instead of merely memorizing specific phrases. To be fair, the Armenian student representative did not fare much better. Then you had Broseph With Tie who was content to ask such pointed observations as "What?" and "Dude, that was a long time ago". However, all spite should be held for the fourth member of the panel, which all too willingly took the position of Ignorant Jerkass American. She was clearly concerned that all this talk of genocide from eighty years ago was taking time away from her figuring out how to bed that second-string linebacker.



In other words, it was a proud moment for this degree-granting institution. What proceeded was a 15 minute trainwreck of a discussion, in which all the principals proved that they had little-to-no understanding of the subject, beyond a cursory look at a few CNN.com headlines. Fuck, they could have just taken a minute to read this retarded site right here and they would have been better informed.

And now if you excuse me, I have more hobos to avoid.

ASEVoIS: Turkey Is Not As Appealing As Its Namesake, The Bird

Or: The Truth Is A Crime


In a seemingly meaningless gesture, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed a resolution marking the 1915 slaughter of Armenians by the Turks as an act of genocide. Of course, that's only meaningless if you don't have an appreciation of history, like ninety percent of Americans. However, to the groups involved it is an incredibly significant act. Armenians have fought for the recognition of this tragedy for years, only to see the Turks raise a ruckus and attempt to thwart every attempt.

And boy, do the Turks have a tough time handling the news.

For one, they decided to recall their ambassador to the US. While potentially unrelated to the vote the day before, the timing of it certainly implies otherwise. And because every diplomatic maneuver needs a counterpoint show of force, the Turks decided to launch attacks on their border with Northern Iraq, as they once again attempt to leverage their relation with the US by threatening an invasion. Because you know what we need? The one peaceful region in Iraq to be invaded by an ally at the same time that we attempt to reform the government. The definition of a true ally.

The resolution has come under some fire, since Turkish-US relations could suffer. The timing is not so great, considering Turkey's important position in the Middle East, goes the argument. Well, tough shit--it's never a good time, because we always consider that region critical. Turkey has proven to be such a loyal ally, that even after a bribe of $6 billion to help with the invasion of Iraq, they countered with an offer of $32 billion. That's awesome.

And as for concern about rising anti-American sentiment in Turkey? Well, take a look at US favorability in Turkey. It's at 9%. That's not a misprint. That's single digits. It is the worst mark recorded. To put it in perspective, the Palestinians have a higher favorability of the US, and we're the number one backer of Israel! That rating is probably even lower than what you would find in Al-Qaeda.

Some may say, "let the historians decide history" (actual quote from a Congressman). Of course, if you ask any independent historian about what occurred, they'd side with the Armenian side of events, and have done so on numerous occasions of the year. Turkey talks a big game about "opening up the discussion" of the genocide, but if you say something contrary to the state position, well you'll get convicted of "insulting Turkishness", even if you're the son of a slain journalist who was killed for the same reason. Then again, this is also the same country that imprisons mayors for speaking in the language of their constituents, and also has honor killings continue to this day. Talk about a free and open society.

Then again, this is the same country that produced the wonderful filth that is Valley Of The Wolves. Yes, a friendship with those Cyprus-splitting jerks is truly a friendship to cherish.



So why is this important at all? Well, for one, when the history of what has been done to your family is consistently denied, like it has for many Armenians, it's heartbreaking. They want their suffering to be acknowledged. Of course, we can always look to the example of what happens when you ignore history.

Dick Gephardt is an Unbelievable Bastard

Be sure to emphasize those "e" sounds when reading that title--he deserves it. That is because Dick is truly a Shining Beacon to Bastardom, an example that will be studied for years to come.


Those who know me might find it odd that as a lifelong Democrat that I would come out against the former House Majority Leader (I guess the time as Majority Leader triumphs over the years as Minority Leader). Yes, I'm talking about THAT Richard Gephardt, the one known for his stands for the working man, etc. I agreed with him on a lot of issues, so why would I be taking this position now?

The reason lies in an article found in the latest edition of The New Republic. It discusses the controversy surrounding the various attempts by Congress to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide, a process that has taken decades. The thrust of this article is to show the impact of lobbyists on this seemingly unimportant issue, at least in terms of the average American's priorities.



The thing that struck me most was the incredible about-face that Gephardt took on the issue. He was a vocal proponent of getting the resolution passed while as a member of Congress, taking the time to co-sign a letter to the Speaker to urge speedy passage of the bill. Less than 10 years later, Gephardt is pushing the exact opposite line, now shilling for the Turks as he distributes pamphlets claiming that we must research the real history.

I believe that this 180 is the absolute most unscrupulous thing I have seen from a Congressman in my lifetime. It's one thing to pull a Billy Tauzin, and go to work for the pharmaceutical industry the second you leave office after heading the Committee that regulates the industry, but it's another thing when we're dealing with Genocide. Of course, to those familiar with the issue, historical research or accuracy never really enters the discussion, as the Turkish claims range from the disingenuous to the shameful to the hysterical (the Armenians were fighting back, they died only in transit that was a normal part of war, Turks were killed as well (though in not nearly as great numbers), bad weather). They talk a big game, but when it comes down to actual exchange of ideas with other historians, the Turks never offer the proof and deny any chance to do otherwise. And it's clear Gephardt's interest isn't in searching for truth--it's in pushing the party line of his new benefactors.



I hope this makes you at least one-tenth as upset as it made me.




On the lighter side of douchiness, here is an article that highlights one of the reason why I am weary of continuing to live in DC. It's amazing when you meet living, breathing stereotypes--and not only that, they revel in that fact. Be sure to check out their defense in the comments.