Showdowns in the news...

AOIFE WHITEAP, (AP )BRUSSELS, Belgium:

"The European Union insisted Friday that governments and the private sector must share the responsibility of overseeing the Internet, setting the stage for a showdown with the United States on the future of Internet governance." SHOWDOWN is the key word here.

Al Gore did not invent the Internet. The EU didn't invent the Internet, and the U N didn't either; yet all three have insisted that they have credit and some control of the Internet. Why is it that those who did not do the research, spend the money, or take the chances DEMAND their rights to take credit and have control. There has even been a call for the United(read un) Nations to TAKE OVER controll.

The UNITED STATES created the Internet! It started as a Pentagon project and its early development was paid for by taxpayers in the UNITED STATES of AMERICA. The U.S. Commerce Department retains veto power, and that is where it belongs.

There was no SHOWDOWN with the Senate confirmation of Chief Justice John Roberts. No "nuclear option" was needed, just an honest, dignified, up or down vote. Each Senator stood to cast their vote, which was a nice touch.

Judith Miller is OUTED. The big SHOWDOWN with the NYT journalist and the White House turns out to be a Big Show. "Is it in their interests to turn Miller into a martyr?" Dan Froomklin, Washington Post columnist asks us. My answer has always been YES. Big Show - No Go.

President Bush will have a SHOWDOWN this week in three areas, according to Steve Holland, Reuters(search) . He will focus on" hurricane recovery, Iraq and energy." We could add that another Supreme Court nominee may be announced.