Thursday, May 25, 2006

www.GarrettHarding.com is operational

It is with great pleasure that I announce that www.GarrettHarding.com is operational. One thing you might find of interest is my reading list detailing the books that I have read for the last 10 years. I look forward to updating and expanding the content of the site. I hope will you find it enjoyable.

The DaVinci Code

Hopefully you have read the book. However, if not, I suggest you first read Dan Brown's book Angels & Demons and then read The DaVinci Code. The depth of research is amazing and both are truly enjoyable thrillers. In fact, I would rank these two books as two of the best pieces of fiction I have ever read.

With regards to the movie and book and the concern expressed by some as to the historical accuracy, I simply say IT'S FICTION! Get over it.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Go Ahead and Review My Phone Records

As reported in the Washington Post, the National Security Agency has been purchasing telephone call records (logs)as part of the war on terrorism.

Does this bother me? No. First, the records were purchased from the telephone companies. They were not acquired via spying. Second, I'm not a terrorist.

Privacy is a serious issue and I believe in protecting that right. However, the terrorist organizations that are targeting the United States are very sophisticated organizations with substantial financial and human resources, and most importantly, an undying motivation to cause us harm.

If review of our call logs will help in this battle, then I support it. I will also admit that I will complain loudly if I get wrongly subjected to federal investigation because of the examination of call records.

It's OK as long as it's the other guy.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

Cambridge MA announces that it is a sanctuary city for illegal immigrates

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. May 7, 2006 (AP) - Associated Press reports that Cambridge Massachusetts welcomes illegal immigrants.

The Cambridge City Council is set to vote Monday to reaffirm its sanctuary status, which instructs police and other agencies not to inquire about a person's immigration status when providing government services. The proposal would establish an immigrant rights and citizenship commission to "ensure the equal status of immigrants in education, employment, health care, housing, political, social and legal spheres.

I strongly believe that all LEGAL residents should have equal status under the law. That said, illegal immigrants are just that, illegal, and therefore are not entitled to any public services. As a resident and tax payer of Massachusetts, I am absolutely against the position the Cambridge City Council is adopting. I have no desire to have my tax dollars going towards services for illegal immigrants.

So what is my solution? I believe strong action must be taken to stop illegal entry. This includes physical walls, additional border guards and any other action necessary to protect our borders. The volume of illegal immigrants that have entered the United States is in the millions and I simply do not believe that other countries would allow that volume of illegal immigrants accross their own borders. I also support an adjustment to our immigration policies to allow more LEGAL immigrants into this country if it is beneficial to the United States. The most difficult part of the solution is how to handle the millions of illegal immigrants that current reside in the U.S. There are no easy solutions. However, all parties need to come to together to resolve this issue.

I support the issuance of a national ID card to today's illegal immigrants. The card would require a very significant anti-forgery design. Individuals that do not possess proper ID and are not in a national registry would be required to appear before government officials who would determine whether or not the person should be deported. The national ID card would be issued to only today's illegal immigrants. Those who enter the country illegally after a specific date will be deported.

Friday, May 05, 2006

Kennedy Entering Rehab

MSNBC Breaking News: AP: Rep. Kennedy to enter rehab for prescription drug addiction.

I hate to be pessimistic, but I have trouble believing it's for prescription drug addiction and not alcohol addiction.

Regardless, I sincerely wish Rep. Patrick Kennedy a successful recovery.

Blogs - The Influence Continues to Grow

I just finished reading Blog! by David Kline and Dan Burstein. Throughout the book one constant message is presented - Blogs have allowed millions to express their views and main stream media is listening and reacting. Of course, if you're reading this then you most likely already konw this fact.

Last night NBC nightly news presented a report on the very subject. We are seeing blogs on the major news outlets and on the "talking head" shows.

Question - Just exactly when am I going to find the time to read all of these blogs and respond appropriately?

Key word - appropriately. You see I try to know a little something about the topic before I post about it. This requires research and research requires time. Anyone can present a knee jerk reaction to a comment or event and there are places and times when this is acceptable. However, how can I comment on things in this warp speed media when I first need to do my homework? Unfortunately, to date this has translated into a limited number of postings. Hopefully quality will win out over quantity.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

I shake my head in amazement

The late night comics and radio talk shows just got a big gift with a bow on it. Today it was reported by Associated Press that Rep. Patrick Kennedy crashed his car near the Capitol early Thursday, and a police official said he appeared intoxicated. Kennedy said he had had no alcohol before the accident.

"I was involved in a traffic accident last night at First and C Street SE near the U.S. Capitol," Kennedy said in a written statement released by his office. "I consumed no alcohol prior to the incident. I will fully cooperate with the Capitol Police in whatever investigation they choose to undertake. A letter written by a Capitol Police officer to Acting Chief Christopher McGaffin said Kennedy appeared to be staggering when he left the vehicle after the crash about 3 a.m. The letter was first reported by Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper.

You just can’t make this stuff up.