Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

Navy Won’t Investigate Kerry Medals

Posted on September 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Boy, the Telegraph sure screwed up its report on this one:

Reuters.com: The U.S. Navy has rejected a legal watchdog group's request to open an investigation into military awards given to Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry during the Vietnam War, saying his medals were properly approved.

“Our examination found that existing documentation regarding the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart medals indicates the awards approval process was properly followed,” the Navy's inspector general, Vice Admiral Ronald Route, said in a memo written to Navy Secretary Gordon England.

“In particular, the senior officers who awarded the medals were properly delegated authority to do so. In addition we found that they correctly followed the procedures in place at the time for approving these awards.”

In rejecting the request for an investigation made by Judicial Watch last month, Route said that “conducting any additional review regarding events that took place over thirty years ago would not be productive.”

That's for sure.

Update: More of the same from AP.

Posted in Politics: US: 2004 Election | 4 Comments

Hot News about Florida Ballot

Posted on September 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled that Nader should be on the ballot. Its decision basically ignores the factual findings by the trial court — findings that I thought were dispositive — on the theory that the statute at issue is vague as to what constitutes a “national party” and in particular failed to give potential candidates the guidance they were entitled to as to their ballot entitlement.

In light of this vagueness, and Florida's strong policy in favor of ballot access, the court said it was unwilling to conclude that the legislative intent was to have candidates like him thrown him off the ballot. This is a plausible argument, but I don't think it imposes the excessive legislative clear statement requirement that the court found. Even if it's not exactly clear where the line is, there are some things that clearly don't qualify as a “national party” and today's Reform Party is I think one them. But what I think doesn't matter, and that's that.

Continue reading →

Posted in Florida | 2 Comments

UM Plans for Pre-Debate Lockdown

Posted on September 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Snippet from Official Email in my inbox:

As a security measure, the University has decided that from Monday, September 27 through Thursday, September 30, all faculty, administration, staff, and students must wear their University ID while on campus.

This is the announcement the University has made, on [URL]:

“All University of Miami faculty members, staff, and students will be required to wear their UM identification ('Cane Card) at all times while on the Coral Gables campus from Monday, September 27, through Thursday, September 30. Faculty, staff, and students without proper identification may be stopped by security personnel and asked to leave campus. Faculty, staff, and students who do not have a 'Cane Card are strongly urged to obtain one now in Allen Hall, Room 111.

“There is no charge for an initial 'Cane Card. If you have lost your 'Cane Card, a replacement costs $15. Lanyards will be distributed at various locations on campus, including University of Miami parking garages, parking lots, the food court, and events attended by UM faculty, staff, and students. In addition, individual University departments and divisions also will distribute lanyards with plastic holders to employees. “

You should also check [another URL] for additional information.

From which I conclude two things. First, the media/blog hoo-ha about how GW hasn't agreed to any debates yet is a waste of time. He's coming. Second, this will be a good week to work at home.

Posted in U.Miami | 8 Comments

FLorida – Taking It From Every Side

Posted on September 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Take a look at this picture in which it looks as though Tropical Storm Jeanne, which was going to miss Florida may instead take a sharp left and attack the state from the one direction we haven't been hit yet.
Jeanne1.gif

It does seem consistent with the idea that Someone is either warning or punishing Florida, doesn't it?

Posted in Florida | 2 Comments

Who’s A Rat?

Posted on September 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Wow, you do find some amazing stuff online. Consider Who's A Rat, which bills itself as the “Largest Online Database of Informants and Agents” and comes complete with pix of “rats of the week”.

I'd be more tempted to think it's a spoof site were it not for this warning to law enforcement agents to avoid the site for fear of having their IP addresses logged.

Posted in Internet | 3 Comments

Bush Campaign, Diabolical Strategy

Posted on September 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Zell Miller wasn't enough, now this.

Posted in Completely Different | 4 Comments