Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Biblical Weather
What new disasters does this portend? Does the snow and freezing rain mean that Al Gore sneeked into town to talk about Global Warming?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The People's Urban Transit Zystem, it's the PUTZ:
Also Known As, The Electric Sewer
Interesting episode on the subway, genuine full bore ranting racist lunatic, he screamed from 14th to 59th on the BMT. No cops showed.
Conductor said he called and was unhappy we were not met. My concern was that some amateur would do something and it would get physical. It got close but fortunately no cigar.
(On Facebook Judith Weiss reasonably replied "Video?")
Thought about it but given that I was sitting where I could respond if needed it seemed best to focus on not provoking a reaction. If it went that next step I would have wanted the evidence. One older Spanish guy as he exited at 49th punched the wall above the guy. Then just before the person of interest departed at Lex a very whitebread in his 20s kid babbled to the guy about Obama. Inside I groaned at the cliches coming to life and wondered where the cameras were as life imitated art. The ranter yelled that he had met Obama and left. People applauded like the kid was a hero and I was unhappy because if it had gone another way then I would have had to act and people including me could have got hurt. Icing on the cake, I chatted up the girl next to me about safety and cell phones and what I know about Obama. It wasn't a movie, she wasn't single.
The subject was a black male approximately late 40s to early 50s, lean, moderate complexion, about 5' 10" and 160 lbs, clean shaven except for a trimmed mustache and neatly dressed with a white short sleeve sports shirt, and an undershirt beneath that, and a yellow windbreaker, tan trousers. Perhaps describing him as a slightly taller and better looking but not as dark version of Spike Lee without the glasses would give the picture. Physically we were a close enough match that if I was a ranting insane black man he could have been me. He cursed explicitly saying "Suck my d*ck" and F*ck you all" at everyone. He included all white and asian people and black women as hate objects but he mentioned that Indians were OK because they had worn collars. No idea if he meant South Asians or Native Americans by that. He stated clearly "I don't give a sh*t" and "I have nothing to lose"and that he was "not some homeless bum" because he "had so many jobs that he was" something that I did not quite get, perhaps he said that he was an encyclopedia. He deliberately sat with his knees spread as wide apart as possible, if needed I know where I would have punched first, and his arms up with elbows out to the side so that no one could sit beside him. He was carrying a large envelope.
Given his behavior and the possibility that he was either under the influence of a drug like PCP or simply capable of rage he could have proven dangerous. Then again if properly dealt with by trained professionals such people sometimes deflate quickly. My hope was that a cop would have shown up and gotten him off the train and processed him through the database for warrants or a protection order. Frankly I think that his just getting up and leaving was a piece of luck but that I felt bad about watching him go to probably confront others without me or anyone else reliable around. It would certainly hurt if I read a report that someone got hurt later and he was involved.
Conductor said he called and was unhappy we were not met. My concern was that some amateur would do something and it would get physical. It got close but fortunately no cigar.
(On Facebook Judith Weiss reasonably replied "Video?")
Thought about it but given that I was sitting where I could respond if needed it seemed best to focus on not provoking a reaction. If it went that next step I would have wanted the evidence. One older Spanish guy as he exited at 49th punched the wall above the guy. Then just before the person of interest departed at Lex a very whitebread in his 20s kid babbled to the guy about Obama. Inside I groaned at the cliches coming to life and wondered where the cameras were as life imitated art. The ranter yelled that he had met Obama and left. People applauded like the kid was a hero and I was unhappy because if it had gone another way then I would have had to act and people including me could have got hurt. Icing on the cake, I chatted up the girl next to me about safety and cell phones and what I know about Obama. It wasn't a movie, she wasn't single.
The subject was a black male approximately late 40s to early 50s, lean, moderate complexion, about 5' 10" and 160 lbs, clean shaven except for a trimmed mustache and neatly dressed with a white short sleeve sports shirt, and an undershirt beneath that, and a yellow windbreaker, tan trousers. Perhaps describing him as a slightly taller and better looking but not as dark version of Spike Lee without the glasses would give the picture. Physically we were a close enough match that if I was a ranting insane black man he could have been me. He cursed explicitly saying "Suck my d*ck" and F*ck you all" at everyone. He included all white and asian people and black women as hate objects but he mentioned that Indians were OK because they had worn collars. No idea if he meant South Asians or Native Americans by that. He stated clearly "I don't give a sh*t" and "I have nothing to lose"and that he was "not some homeless bum" because he "had so many jobs that he was" something that I did not quite get, perhaps he said that he was an encyclopedia. He deliberately sat with his knees spread as wide apart as possible, if needed I know where I would have punched first, and his arms up with elbows out to the side so that no one could sit beside him. He was carrying a large envelope.
Given his behavior and the possibility that he was either under the influence of a drug like PCP or simply capable of rage he could have proven dangerous. Then again if properly dealt with by trained professionals such people sometimes deflate quickly. My hope was that a cop would have shown up and gotten him off the train and processed him through the database for warrants or a protection order. Frankly I think that his just getting up and leaving was a piece of luck but that I felt bad about watching him go to probably confront others without me or anyone else reliable around. It would certainly hurt if I read a report that someone got hurt later and he was involved.
Cubana Café
Either because the Enchilada was so good or due to my being so hungry that I couldn't wait but about a third of this vanished before I stopped to take a photo.
For this the green Habanero sauce seemed right. Enough of that and you think that you could walk into a Japanese reactor and laugh. Maybe in a Japanese restaurant wasabi has the same effect.
YouTube - Argument to Beethoven's 5th
YouTube - Argument to Beethoven's 5th
This may be the most brilliant bit of theater that I have ever seen.
H/T rhhardin
This may be the most brilliant bit of theater that I have ever seen.
H/T rhhardin
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Comment on Andrew Stiles - The Corner -
National Review Online:
McConnell, McCain: Next CR Must Include Long-Term Defense Funding
McConnell, McCain: Next CR Must Include Long-Term Defense Funding - By Andrew Stiles - The Corner - National Review Online
We need to hard wire in a 'Law of Fours' setting budget boundaries.
Defense, other than combat - 4% GDP
Federal non-Defense spending - 4% GDP
State and local spending - 4% GDP
Federal Deficit retirement - 4% GDP
Set in stone that Medicare/Medicaid will be computed under 2008 standards but that allocations will decline by, wait I bet you guessed it, 4% from the preceding fiscal year. It took over 40 years for the monster to eat us and it will take 40 years to get out.
We need to hard wire in a 'Law of Fours' setting budget boundaries.
Defense, other than combat - 4% GDP
Federal non-Defense spending - 4% GDP
State and local spending - 4% GDP
Federal Deficit retirement - 4% GDP
Set in stone that Medicare/Medicaid will be computed under 2008 standards but that allocations will decline by, wait I bet you guessed it, 4% from the preceding fiscal year. It took over 40 years for the monster to eat us and it will take 40 years to get out.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Rewards Tuesday
Times are so bad that I went out and got work. We shall see how this turns out but as of now I shall write of other things.
Like any Hunter after the kill I wanted to reward myself with a feast, so I repaired to 32nd Street for Korean food. You start out with miso soup and a plethora of kimchee. The mushrooms were something new and a good idea.
Then comes the bulgogi beef bento box. The iceberg lettuce with french dressing always seems bizzare but the cool sweetness does balance the spicy meat and side dishes.
Altogether it is plenty of good food for for ten bucks plus tax and tip.
From there I went up to the Met to admire great works of man and nature.
But really I do not think that I am old enough to make a fool of myself over a girl that young, at least not until some country makes me Prime Minister.
Finally I stopped by Hebrew Union College down at Broadway and 4th Street to see presentation by Netally Schlosser, a charming Israeli artist on work she is doing with the immigrant community, often illegal, in her country. While I am clearly for secure borders and the rule of law it does strike me that there are benefits to treating people humanely until they are removed. Also the art struck me as a good thing in itself. There is no doubt however that Evelyn Waugh in his day would have made a scathingly witty description of it.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Rally At the Manhattan JCC
There was a small but enthusiastic rally outside of the Manhattan Jewish Community Center at Amsterdam Ave and 76th Street. The JCC in its zeal to be progressive and inclusive has lent material support to groups that are promoting the movement for Boycott Disinvestment and Sanctions against Israel. This use of the facility for that purpose has been advanced by members of the Board of Directors including Ms Carol Zabar. This is a great pity as there are few places even in New York where you can get really good blintzes. Somewhat bizarrely the protesters point out that in San Francisco of all Left Wing bastions the local JCC came up with a Code of Conduct that prevented such a problem.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Comment on Althouse:
"Democrat staff engineered mob’s unlawful invasion of Wisconsin Capitol Building."
Althouse: "Democrat staff engineered mob’s unlawful invasion of Wisconsin Capitol Building."
In principle I do not believe in creating more laws or changing the US Constitution like it was some municipal code or the Charter of the Year in France. Still some improvement may be due.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment:
Section 1. No person may vote for on office that controls their income and no legislator may disburse the incomes of those nor executive pay the incomes of those that elect them.
All payments for labor or service over $500 shall be reported to the federal government noting if it represents monies drawn from any public treasury. All persons shall report their incomes annually, noting what portion shall be drawn from either the federal purse or that of any states or foreign government.
No person who derives the majority of their income from the federal treasury, excepting enlisted members of the armed forces and officers called to extended active duty in time of war, shall vote in any election for Congress. No person who derives the majority of their income from any state or states of the union shall vote in any election for Governor or their state legislature or any subsidiary unit or municipal office.
No person who derives the majority of their income from any foreign government or who is not a citizen shall vote in any election in these United States. However permission may be granted for persons to vote for representatives to advisory or administrative bodies that have no power to levy taxes or bind the government to a contract without legislative confirmation.
Section 2. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Then just repeal the XVIIth Amendment and we could get back to business.
In principle I do not believe in creating more laws or changing the US Constitution like it was some municipal code or the Charter of the Year in France. Still some improvement may be due.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment:
Section 1. No person may vote for on office that controls their income and no legislator may disburse the incomes of those nor executive pay the incomes of those that elect them.
All payments for labor or service over $500 shall be reported to the federal government noting if it represents monies drawn from any public treasury. All persons shall report their incomes annually, noting what portion shall be drawn from either the federal purse or that of any states or foreign government.
No person who derives the majority of their income from the federal treasury, excepting enlisted members of the armed forces and officers called to extended active duty in time of war, shall vote in any election for Congress. No person who derives the majority of their income from any state or states of the union shall vote in any election for Governor or their state legislature or any subsidiary unit or municipal office.
No person who derives the majority of their income from any foreign government or who is not a citizen shall vote in any election in these United States. However permission may be granted for persons to vote for representatives to advisory or administrative bodies that have no power to levy taxes or bind the government to a contract without legislative confirmation.
Section 2. Congress shall have the power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Then just repeal the XVIIth Amendment and we could get back to business.
Comment on Althouse:
Chaos at the Wisconsin Capitol tonight.
Althouse: Chaos at the Wisconsin Capitol tonight.
The lawful authority in Wisconsin is in a very difficult position with few tools available. Between the media coloring perceptions and the White House controlling federal assets the duly elected government is not garaunteed to survive.
The breach of discipline by the State Police is most serious. They are no longer a lawful police authority. They are now a partisan force with guns. That makes this an Insurrection.
Does the Governor still command the loyalty of the Wisconsin National Guard? Can he mobilize a Company of the Guard and have them clear the Capitol? If need be can he call on the Republican Governors of neighboring Michigan and Iowa for assistance?
Given the current occupant of the White House an appeal for help under the US Constitution Art. IV, Sect. 4, cl. 2 is unlikely to work. It is more likely that if the Governor did activate the Guard that Obama would federalize them and then make a speech about Little Rock and the school house door.
If all else fails the Governor could call out the unorganized Militia, that is almost all males, citizens or lawful permanent residents, between 17 and 45, or veterans up to age 64. The term militia has already been demonized in the popular imagination by its association with fringe groups during the 1990s. Most people probably believe that the Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh was an act of militia violence.
The lawful authority in Wisconsin is in a very difficult position with few tools available. Between the media coloring perceptions and the White House controlling federal assets the duly elected government is not garaunteed to survive.
The breach of discipline by the State Police is most serious. They are no longer a lawful police authority. They are now a partisan force with guns. That makes this an Insurrection.
Does the Governor still command the loyalty of the Wisconsin National Guard? Can he mobilize a Company of the Guard and have them clear the Capitol? If need be can he call on the Republican Governors of neighboring Michigan and Iowa for assistance?
Given the current occupant of the White House an appeal for help under the US Constitution Art. IV, Sect. 4, cl. 2 is unlikely to work. It is more likely that if the Governor did activate the Guard that Obama would federalize them and then make a speech about Little Rock and the school house door.
If all else fails the Governor could call out the unorganized Militia, that is almost all males, citizens or lawful permanent residents, between 17 and 45, or veterans up to age 64. The term militia has already been demonized in the popular imagination by its association with fringe groups during the 1990s. Most people probably believe that the Oklahoma City bombing by Timothy McVeigh was an act of militia violence.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Commenting Banned by al-Reuters:
Gaddafi says fighting terrorism,
raps lack of help | Reuters
Gaddafi says fighting terrorism, raps lack of help | Reuters
The following was rejected at al-Reuters, where my account is now banned from commenting.
The answer to Quakadaffy is that one reason not to be a totally selfish narcissistic whackjob is that by doing so you generate noise and might provide cover for the more dangerous threats that are out there. One reason to want the Charlie Sheen of Libya out is that he should have created conditions that reduce the appeal of totalitarian religious cults like al-Qaeda. If they are showing up after 31 years of rule by the Great Leader of silk robes and gold braid and his all girl security team then who is to blame?
The following was rejected at al-Reuters, where my account is now banned from commenting.
The answer to Quakadaffy is that one reason not to be a totally selfish narcissistic whackjob is that by doing so you generate noise and might provide cover for the more dangerous threats that are out there. One reason to want the Charlie Sheen of Libya out is that he should have created conditions that reduce the appeal of totalitarian religious cults like al-Qaeda. If they are showing up after 31 years of rule by the Great Leader of silk robes and gold braid and his all girl security team then who is to blame?
Thursday, March 03, 2011
The Alumni Survey
I just completed an alumni survey from The University of Chicago. Of course these are really just fundraising devices but I decided to tell them what I thought since they had asked. After the expected sequence of radio button Yes-No choices such as “Are you working in the field you studied?” and “Is your support important to the University?”, answers No since I am not working at all and Yes which is hard luck for them they ended with this;
6. Please let us know if you have any suggestions about how we can serve you better.
So I told them as follows:
The University has seriously damaged its image over the last few years by allowing its name to be used for political purposes. The engagement of members of the faculty in the greater world can be a good thing. Their rights to speak and advocate are not in question. The University as an institution should have been more careful. There is reason to believe, certainly reason for the public to feel, that the Trustees, especially Ms Pritzker, used their position to advance a political agenda. This is especially true when it comes to Barack and Michelle Obama and their unusual positions at the University.
This does not mean that the school is expected to operate in a bubble, to become an Ivory Tower. There is a long tradition of the school engaging in the life of the surrounding communities. The Levy brothers were the most practical of men. The never endorsed a politician in their official capacity. The use of the school's name to advocate for dubious and untested theories, such as Global Warming, is also a departure from the standards of the past. Again this is not a criticism of the role of the school in encouraging individual research, only of prejudging the results and advocating political consequences using the school's institutional authority.
The value of the diploma and of the alumni relationship to the graduates is proportional to the perceived objectivity of it as an institution. Once that respectability is lost it is very hard to retrieve. You can serve me and other alumni better by stressing to the senior officers of the University that they must restore the aura of independence from the corrupt politics of Chicago that the University once had.
6. Please let us know if you have any suggestions about how we can serve you better.
So I told them as follows:
The University has seriously damaged its image over the last few years by allowing its name to be used for political purposes. The engagement of members of the faculty in the greater world can be a good thing. Their rights to speak and advocate are not in question. The University as an institution should have been more careful. There is reason to believe, certainly reason for the public to feel, that the Trustees, especially Ms Pritzker, used their position to advance a political agenda. This is especially true when it comes to Barack and Michelle Obama and their unusual positions at the University.
This does not mean that the school is expected to operate in a bubble, to become an Ivory Tower. There is a long tradition of the school engaging in the life of the surrounding communities. The Levy brothers were the most practical of men. The never endorsed a politician in their official capacity. The use of the school's name to advocate for dubious and untested theories, such as Global Warming, is also a departure from the standards of the past. Again this is not a criticism of the role of the school in encouraging individual research, only of prejudging the results and advocating political consequences using the school's institutional authority.
The value of the diploma and of the alumni relationship to the graduates is proportional to the perceived objectivity of it as an institution. Once that respectability is lost it is very hard to retrieve. You can serve me and other alumni better by stressing to the senior officers of the University that they must restore the aura of independence from the corrupt politics of Chicago that the University once had.
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Comment on Byron York, Washington Examiner:
Wisconsin ethics board: Dems can use campaign funds to pay for life on lam
Wisconsin ethics board: Dems can use campaign funds to pay for life on lam | Byron York | Beltway Confidential | Washington Examiner
Good article,
This decision is as jug-headed as Teapot Dome, where as Robert Heinlein pointed out, Oilman Doheny was found innocent of giving the bribe that Secretary Fall was convicted of receiving. Can the Wisconsin Legislature pass a law that no salaries or other public monies may be spent by or delivered to any member of the Legislature or their staff if said legislator is absent from the state while the legislature is in session, unless prior authorization is obtained from the Ethics Committee? Some provision should be made for a legislator having to depart in an emergency and get impounded funds released after the fact but departing without prior clearance should be grounds to stop the money and begin removal procedures on the grounds of abandonment.
Good article,
This decision is as jug-headed as Teapot Dome, where as Robert Heinlein pointed out, Oilman Doheny was found innocent of giving the bribe that Secretary Fall was convicted of receiving. Can the Wisconsin Legislature pass a law that no salaries or other public monies may be spent by or delivered to any member of the Legislature or their staff if said legislator is absent from the state while the legislature is in session, unless prior authorization is obtained from the Ethics Committee? Some provision should be made for a legislator having to depart in an emergency and get impounded funds released after the fact but departing without prior clearance should be grounds to stop the money and begin removal procedures on the grounds of abandonment.
Coment on The Gateway Pundit:
Wisconsin GOP Senator Glenn Grothman Speaks Out After Capitol Mobbing (Video)
Wisconsin GOP Senator Glenn Grothman Speaks Out After Capitol Mobbing (Video) | The Gateway Pundit
If he had called the crowd out as a bunch of thugs it would have given the media ammunition to use against him. What I wish is that Jim Hoft had asked about the conduct of the Capitol Police. This is very serious. If the sworn police force are not acting to protect the Republican members of the Legislature then this really is an Insurrection and the Governor needs to call out the Guard.
If there was a demonstration in DC and any Congressman or Senator, no matter how unpopular, was caught in a crowd they would be taken into the nearest safe place. The US Secret Service protect the President without regard to politics. Turning Mr Grothman away from the "Press Entrance" was worse than unprofessional.
If he had called the crowd out as a bunch of thugs it would have given the media ammunition to use against him. What I wish is that Jim Hoft had asked about the conduct of the Capitol Police. This is very serious. If the sworn police force are not acting to protect the Republican members of the Legislature then this really is an Insurrection and the Governor needs to call out the Guard.
If there was a demonstration in DC and any Congressman or Senator, no matter how unpopular, was caught in a crowd they would be taken into the nearest safe place. The US Secret Service protect the President without regard to politics. Turning Mr Grothman away from the "Press Entrance" was worse than unprofessional.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Comment on Victor Davis Hanson,
The Corner - National Review Online:
Federal Nullification Is a Bad Idea
Federal Nullification Is a Bad Idea - By Victor Davis Hanson - The Corner - National Review Online
Nullification is politically toxic because it is associated with secessionism and pre Civil War slavery. Fairness or even exactitude in legal theory have little to do with that.
Before the Civil War Nullification was wrong because it was unnecessary. The Constitution already had an adequate built in safeguard to prevent Congress from riding roughshod over state interests. Senators were appointed by the States and could act as their Ambassadors to DC. If over a third of the States agreed to block something, and their ability to influence the Senators they appointed was an internal problem for State politicians, then they could block Federal action. That was true even if it was action that was supported by the majority of the American people. Senatorial Nullification failed to prevent Secession and the Civil War because the Southern States could not get free citizens in the North to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act and they could not stop their slaves from running away.
During the Progressive Era the XVIIth Amendment was enacted establishing direct elections for US Senators. That destroyed the role of the Senate as a brake on the Federal government and agent of the States. The States were reduced from sovereign entities that provided a check on the Federal power to mere administrative cogs in a centralized apparatus.
We should repeal the XVII Amendment. Doing so we are told will return us to the bad old days of corrupt machines controlling the Senate and give power to the unsavory and corrupt incompetents who populate most State Houses. That is true. The current system has not eliminated the corruption and cronyism, if anything it has allowed machine based electoral fraud to penetrate more directly into Congress.
The proper roles of the Federal and State governments is to keep watchful eyes on each other, spotting and prosecuting corruption as they find it. I am confident that if they stood jealous and independent of each other each would spot many flaws in the other. The proper domestic role of the Federal government should be investigating and prosecuting state legislators. The proper role of the States in the central government is to have their agents the Senators investigating and blocking abuse by the central authority.
Nullification is politically toxic because it is associated with secessionism and pre Civil War slavery. Fairness or even exactitude in legal theory have little to do with that.
Before the Civil War Nullification was wrong because it was unnecessary. The Constitution already had an adequate built in safeguard to prevent Congress from riding roughshod over state interests. Senators were appointed by the States and could act as their Ambassadors to DC. If over a third of the States agreed to block something, and their ability to influence the Senators they appointed was an internal problem for State politicians, then they could block Federal action. That was true even if it was action that was supported by the majority of the American people. Senatorial Nullification failed to prevent Secession and the Civil War because the Southern States could not get free citizens in the North to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act and they could not stop their slaves from running away.
During the Progressive Era the XVIIth Amendment was enacted establishing direct elections for US Senators. That destroyed the role of the Senate as a brake on the Federal government and agent of the States. The States were reduced from sovereign entities that provided a check on the Federal power to mere administrative cogs in a centralized apparatus.
We should repeal the XVII Amendment. Doing so we are told will return us to the bad old days of corrupt machines controlling the Senate and give power to the unsavory and corrupt incompetents who populate most State Houses. That is true. The current system has not eliminated the corruption and cronyism, if anything it has allowed machine based electoral fraud to penetrate more directly into Congress.
The proper roles of the Federal and State governments is to keep watchful eyes on each other, spotting and prosecuting corruption as they find it. I am confident that if they stood jealous and independent of each other each would spot many flaws in the other. The proper domestic role of the Federal government should be investigating and prosecuting state legislators. The proper role of the States in the central government is to have their agents the Senators investigating and blocking abuse by the central authority.
The Rat Cornered
Found at Theo Spark
It's an Israeli Commando Mouse.
Like the Mossad Shark and the Zionist Bird it will infiltrate and strike fear in the hearts of Islamists everywhere.
Bwaaahaahaa
On Thomas Sowell, National Review Online:
Voices of Moderation
Voices of Moderation - Thomas Sowell - National Review Online
Moderation is important. Just listen to Butch explain the importance of fighting according to the Rules. Moderation can be useful, if it means demonstrating both decisiveness and judgment.
A moderate Leader displays an inner calm that inspires confidence and comes from convictions that are not threatened by a willingness to examine new evidence. A true moderate deals with issues as they arrive and plans ahead as time and resources permit. It is moderate to prioritize and not sacrifice essential assets in a slavish devotion to narrow goals. It is not moderate to allow your opponent to define the terms of a debate. That unfortunately is what the Democrats mean by Moderation. They want to restrict what the Republicans can talk about. Most political activity by the Left displays techniques learned in High School and never outgrown. All their complicated arguments can usually be reduced to just two words, "Shut up."
Moderation is important. Just listen to Butch explain the importance of fighting according to the Rules. Moderation can be useful, if it means demonstrating both decisiveness and judgment.
A moderate Leader displays an inner calm that inspires confidence and comes from convictions that are not threatened by a willingness to examine new evidence. A true moderate deals with issues as they arrive and plans ahead as time and resources permit. It is moderate to prioritize and not sacrifice essential assets in a slavish devotion to narrow goals. It is not moderate to allow your opponent to define the terms of a debate. That unfortunately is what the Democrats mean by Moderation. They want to restrict what the Republicans can talk about. Most political activity by the Left displays techniques learned in High School and never outgrown. All their complicated arguments can usually be reduced to just two words, "Shut up."
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Comment on CDR Salamander, USNI Blog:
Air & Space Museum, or National Aquarium?
Air & Space Museum, or National Aquarium? | USNI Blog
(Cross posted at CDR Salamander: "Don't Know Much About History")
My concern is that under the present government the Europeanization of America will proceed to the point where we may end up with a museum and no Navy. Just as Left wing groups ensconced themselves in San Francisco's Presidio in a display of triumphalism reminiscent of the transformation of Hagia Sofia into a mosque or the Dahlem Ethnographic Musuem is based on the Nazi's intent to collect mementos of peoples they eliminated, there are people who want to see the military remembered as a quaint harmless historical relic.
Museums and ceremonial units may be tolerated by the intolerant but only if they are seen as non-threatening. That means the less functional they are the more they may be accepted. Effective communications are seen as very threatening. In NYC on the West Side of Manhattan the Intrepid Air-Sea & Space Museum is opposed by the local Community Board, because it does not meet their agenda.
The Navy is shrinking to be less than a Coast Guard while the world explodes. Right now the South coast of the Mediterranean is on fire from Morocco to Egypt and Americans are trapped in Libya. We knew, or should have known, this was coming for weeks. There is exactly one tin can available in the Med. The nearest CVBG's are off to deal with Somalia. There is nothing, neither a Battle Group nor a Marine afloat force closer than Virginia. The State Department has been tasking Laurel and Hardy to rent a ferry. Our EU Nato allies stare South at the possibility of millions of Islamist refugees heading their way with blind panic.
(Cross posted at CDR Salamander: "Don't Know Much About History")
My concern is that under the present government the Europeanization of America will proceed to the point where we may end up with a museum and no Navy. Just as Left wing groups ensconced themselves in San Francisco's Presidio in a display of triumphalism reminiscent of the transformation of Hagia Sofia into a mosque or the Dahlem Ethnographic Musuem is based on the Nazi's intent to collect mementos of peoples they eliminated, there are people who want to see the military remembered as a quaint harmless historical relic.
Museums and ceremonial units may be tolerated by the intolerant but only if they are seen as non-threatening. That means the less functional they are the more they may be accepted. Effective communications are seen as very threatening. In NYC on the West Side of Manhattan the Intrepid Air-Sea & Space Museum is opposed by the local Community Board, because it does not meet their agenda.
The Navy is shrinking to be less than a Coast Guard while the world explodes. Right now the South coast of the Mediterranean is on fire from Morocco to Egypt and Americans are trapped in Libya. We knew, or should have known, this was coming for weeks. There is exactly one tin can available in the Med. The nearest CVBG's are off to deal with Somalia. There is nothing, neither a Battle Group nor a Marine afloat force closer than Virginia. The State Department has been tasking Laurel and Hardy to rent a ferry. Our EU Nato allies stare South at the possibility of millions of Islamist refugees heading their way with blind panic.
Comments on Doug Heye,
The Corner, National Review Online:
Democrats, Media Keep ‘Birther’ Story Alive
Democrats, Media Keep ‘Birther’ Story Alive - By Doug Heye - The Corner - National Review Online
Abe Froman has this right. If asked I would reply "Are you a journalist or a procurer for Obama?" My guess is that the birther story was created by Axelrod and Clinton's people swallowed it. My question is what are they trying to hide by making all this noise? My guess on that is his college applications and financial aid forms might make interesting reading. Real journalists should keep digging because that is the job. Nixon's people sent Jack Anderson the schedule when they put the trash out on the curb.
-----
gullyborg,
(Who thinks that if Obama is forced out Biden must go too)
My reading is different. Let's explore this for fun.
Ever since the XIIth Amendment the POTUS and VPOTUS are elected on separate ballots, even if they campaign on a ticket. Remember the popular vote is really just an opinion poll and the Electoral College, which I want to see strengthened and not abolished, is what counts.
If Obama was ineligible then his EC ballots are void. In that case the largest number of valid ballots that were opened before the Congress would determine the President. Those ballots would then have had the name of John McCain on them. As I see it the status of Mr Biden is a separate issue. He is indisputably constitutionally qualified for his office and he did receive the largest number of valid votes for that office. So we could get a President McCain and a Vice President Biden.
If was proved that Mr Biden was aware before the election that Mr Obama was ineligible and he participated in a conspiracy then that could be grounds to remove him. Otherwise he could either be allowed to complete his term with some dignity as part of a political compromise or be induced to resign so that a replacement could be named under the terms of the XXVth Amendment.
Curiously the Impeachment of a Vice President would pose an interesting problem. This has never happened but if it did under the Constitution he would apparently preside over his own trial in the Senate.
Perhaps Mr Biden could be induced to recuse himself so that the President protempore could perform that duty. That position is currently held by Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. It may be possible for theatricality to get Strom Thurmond to perform the role with the assistance of a Medium.
Abe Froman has this right. If asked I would reply "Are you a journalist or a procurer for Obama?" My guess is that the birther story was created by Axelrod and Clinton's people swallowed it. My question is what are they trying to hide by making all this noise? My guess on that is his college applications and financial aid forms might make interesting reading. Real journalists should keep digging because that is the job. Nixon's people sent Jack Anderson the schedule when they put the trash out on the curb.
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gullyborg,
(Who thinks that if Obama is forced out Biden must go too)
My reading is different. Let's explore this for fun.
Ever since the XIIth Amendment the POTUS and VPOTUS are elected on separate ballots, even if they campaign on a ticket. Remember the popular vote is really just an opinion poll and the Electoral College, which I want to see strengthened and not abolished, is what counts.
If Obama was ineligible then his EC ballots are void. In that case the largest number of valid ballots that were opened before the Congress would determine the President. Those ballots would then have had the name of John McCain on them. As I see it the status of Mr Biden is a separate issue. He is indisputably constitutionally qualified for his office and he did receive the largest number of valid votes for that office. So we could get a President McCain and a Vice President Biden.
If was proved that Mr Biden was aware before the election that Mr Obama was ineligible and he participated in a conspiracy then that could be grounds to remove him. Otherwise he could either be allowed to complete his term with some dignity as part of a political compromise or be induced to resign so that a replacement could be named under the terms of the XXVth Amendment.
Curiously the Impeachment of a Vice President would pose an interesting problem. This has never happened but if it did under the Constitution he would apparently preside over his own trial in the Senate.
Perhaps Mr Biden could be induced to recuse himself so that the President protempore could perform that duty. That position is currently held by Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. It may be possible for theatricality to get Strom Thurmond to perform the role with the assistance of a Medium.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Comment on Veronique de Rugy,
The Corner - National Review Online:
On Cutting Federal Funding for NPR
On Cutting Federal Funding for NPR - By Veronique de Rugy - The Corner - National Review Online
American Disestablishmentarianism, unchain PBS.
There is some small legitimate government information distribution function. Some safety and legal notifications should be put out to the public and not simply left to Public Affairs contacting private publishers. TV networks all offer a channel for local government and I support that. In NYC you can turn on channel 25-2 and watch fascinating land use committee meetings. The federal role in this should be circumscribed. Elected politicians should advocate for positions but bureaucrats should not. We should draw a line between honest propaganda to support out foreign policy that is the role of Department of State and the freedom of citizens to form opinions. Tavis Smiley and Bill Moyers should be free to raise money and rent air time but they should not get to use the taxpayer's money.
American Disestablishmentarianism, unchain PBS.
There is some small legitimate government information distribution function. Some safety and legal notifications should be put out to the public and not simply left to Public Affairs contacting private publishers. TV networks all offer a channel for local government and I support that. In NYC you can turn on channel 25-2 and watch fascinating land use committee meetings. The federal role in this should be circumscribed. Elected politicians should advocate for positions but bureaucrats should not. We should draw a line between honest propaganda to support out foreign policy that is the role of Department of State and the freedom of citizens to form opinions. Tavis Smiley and Bill Moyers should be free to raise money and rent air time but they should not get to use the taxpayer's money.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Comment on Daniel Hannan, Telegraph Blogs:
The EU was never meant to be a common market
The EU was never meant to be a common market – Telegraph Blogs
My understanding was that the EU was a Common Market because it was so base. It is the market equivalent of a counterfeit coin, made of lead and painted to look like silver. Perhaps if the name was changed to the Vulgar Market. That would have a nice Medieval flavor to go with the bureaucracy. They speak a secret language, a Quango Latin, that must be translated for the mob into a common Vulgate tongue in the digital pulpits. Would Mr Cameron like to get into the spirit by changing the House of Commons to the House of Vulgars?
My understanding was that the EU was a Common Market because it was so base. It is the market equivalent of a counterfeit coin, made of lead and painted to look like silver. Perhaps if the name was changed to the Vulgar Market. That would have a nice Medieval flavor to go with the bureaucracy. They speak a secret language, a Quango Latin, that must be translated for the mob into a common Vulgate tongue in the digital pulpits. Would Mr Cameron like to get into the spirit by changing the House of Commons to the House of Vulgars?
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