Dove Hunting in Iowa

The Times Republican reports.

Finally, the General Assembly has enacted legislation, encouraged by the NRA and others, to save us from the vicious mourning dove. Since 1918 it has been illegal to hunt this gentle creature, but no more, it is now needed for target practice. What is next? Cardinals and goldfinches? Governor Branstad has signed the bill into law - call him at 515-281-5211 to voice your displeasure with this new law.

What could be more telling than actually shooting guns at the very symbol of peace?

What's your opinion? Please leave a comment.

The Immaculate Inning

I love baseball. The last time I followed it, though, Maury Wills was stealing bases and Sandy Koufax was striking out batters. But, I think what I love about baseball is its serenity and meditative, almost trance-like pace. I know they've had their moments, but compared to football and hockey, for example, baseball is a peaceful sport.

Wikipedia has the story about The Immaculate Inning.

John McCain vs. Jackson Browne

The Huffington Post reports that John McCain is now claiming Jackson Browne used him by bringing a lawsuit last summer in order to increase sales for his latest release.

John McCain is returning Jackson Browne's August lawsuit complaining about McCain using his song "Running on Empty" during his campaign by claiming Browne is just trying drum up publicity for his own album, reports TMZ.

At the time of Browne's lawsuit, it was revealed that it wasn't the McCain campaign per se, but rather the Ohio Republican Party that wrongly appropriated the song for a TV spot.

The music icon also claims that in doing so, the false perception is created that he is endorsing McCain's candidacy.

It seems to me awfully shabby to disclaim responsibility for this because it was done on the local level, but even pettier to now claim that Jackson Browne did the whole thing for purposes of lucre.

What do you think? Wouldn't it be reasonable to disapprove of your music being used in an ad campaign that you don't support? Isn't it great that we don't have a man like John McCain as the next president?

And, how about that Jackson Browne? That's one talented guy, huh?

Paul McCartney Brings Peace to the Middle East

CNN reports on the upcoming concert of Paul McCartney in Tel Aviv.

After posing for pictures with fans outside the fortress-like church, McCartney was asked to respond to criticism from some Palestinians that his visit to Israel supports its occupation of the West Bank.

He said his visit Wednesday to the West Bank showed he was not playing favorites.

"I'm here to highlight the situation and to say that what we need is peace in this region, a two-state solution," he said, referring to Israel and a Palestinian state.

What occurs to me is, first of all, who could complain about a wish for peace. Did the Palestinians who criticized McCartney not think he was sincere in wishing peace for the reason? Or did they not know he suggests a "two-state solution?" Isn't that the very thing that supports Palestine?

The Insider contains the basic story along with some good pictures of Paul.

What's your opinion?