So the verdict of the Moussaouï trial is in and it will be life in jail instead of the death penalty. After the protracted and often contentious proceedings what can we conclude ?

Beyond the morality of the debate on the death penalty itself, there is a lot to be said for this trial and the way it was conducted. Due process was fairly applied and arrived at a verdict in the way the judicial system is supposed to. A potential terrorist and fanatic islamist will be put behind bars for life (a clear message to any others who might harbor the idea that this is a good career path). And the USA finally once again shows what it stands for: a moral beacon of light in stark opposition to the “dark ages” mentality of the Islamist movements.

It’s a true shame that in the immediate aftermath of 9/11 this clear moral superiority was sacrificed in the name of expediency resulting in the judicial horror at Guantanamo Bay. As is pointed out in this excellent editorial in the New York Times, the loss of moral superiority was pointless and the result of the Moussaouï trial only serves to further highlight this fact.

Two hookers, back from their holidays, are walking the street again.
– What did you ask Santa this year ?
– Fifty bucks, the same I charge everyone else of course.

I don’t know what to say… I am beyond disappointed. So I’ll just change the subject and repeat a joke I heard this morning on French radio :

” A man is someone who one day came out of woman and spends all his life trying to get back into one. ”

I know, it’s pathetic… But anything is better then listening to the news.

Bumper stickers often capture the spirit of the moment and express opinions about the driver’s take on things. They can be cruel, venomous, hilarious, ironic, cynical… They’re our modern equivalent to the Roman’s lapidar phrase. I came across one I particularly enjoyed yesterday :

Bush : like a rock, only dumber.

Which neatly captures all the issues surrounding this presidential election 😉

In Jerusalem, a journalist heard about an old Jew who had been going to the Western Wall to pray, twice a day, every day, for a long, long time. So she went to check it out.

She goes to the Western Wall and there he is! She watches him pray and after about 45 minutes, when he turns to leave, she approaches him for an interview.

“I’m Rebecca Smith from CNN. Sir, how long have you been coming to the Western Wall and praying?”

“For about 50 years.”

“50 years! That’s amazing! What do you pray for?”

“I pray for peace between the Jews and the Arabs. I pray for all the hatred to stop and I pray for our children to grow up in safety and friendship.”

“How do you feel after doing this for 50 years?”

“Like I’m talking to a fuckin’ wall.”