Since 9/11 ANYTHING that smacks of defense against terrorism - no matter how bizarre - is on the table for funding (Including a couple wars, not necessarily related to terrorism, but deemed necessary by politicians who need to justify their existence, and do so by 'nation building').
But look at the MILLIONS of dollars spent on equipment that now sits in warehouses and does nothing to protect America and Americans, but pads the pockets of big defense and homeland security contractors. Ka-ching!!! But then again, what DO we DO in modern America that ISN'T a license for defense and homeland security contractors to steal??? Ka-ching!! Ka-ching!!!
Is there the SLIGHTEST possibility that money would have been better spent educating kids to not be so xenophobic, or to speak foreign languages, or even just to acquire a more considerate, broader world view? Someday the history books will read that the decline and fall of the American Republic was due to our own stupidity. Consider the airport puffer, and $10M wasted and tell me we're not reflexively stupid... Go ahead... Please tell me...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122005599.html?wprss=rss_metro
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
TWO SETS OF RULES - THE RIGHT REASON
There are ALWAYS two sets of rules. Those who make the rules understand one set and those who follow them another. Human nature...
But government always seems to bastardize human nature and milk the worst from it.
So... let me get this straight...
The President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces replaces the general in charge of the war effort when that general disagrees with him, or is out-spoken about his critique of the President's decisions, YET the Chiefs of the Army and Marine Corps get to openly disagree with the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, AND a Pentagon research and analysis about who should get to serve in the military, and nothing happens to them???
They are fortunate that I'm not President. They would be SO booted, so fast that their ribbons would spin.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/ap_on_re_us/us_gays_in_military
And former poster boy for reasonable, rational Republicans, John McCain has gone off the deep end with his hate-mongering and name calling when he called Admiral Mullen's credentials and experience into question.
Yes, there are two sets of rules.
We need to do the right thing, here. We need to open the military to openly gay and lesbian service men and women.
We need to do it, not because it's politically expedient.
We need to do it, not because the Pentagon review said that it would work.
We need to do it, not because the President promised he would.
We need to do it, not because service members are or are not willing to serve beside a particular individual (that has NEVER been an option for service members and NEVER should be).
We need to do it, not because we are requiring - by law - that service members lie to their government and military leaders.
We need to do it because those gays and lesbians who want to serve are human beings and failing to let them serve their country in the military limits their rights and demeans the values of the United States of America. It's none of that other stuff, it's just because it's the right (honest, decent, free) thing to do.
But government always seems to bastardize human nature and milk the worst from it.
So... let me get this straight...
The President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces replaces the general in charge of the war effort when that general disagrees with him, or is out-spoken about his critique of the President's decisions, YET the Chiefs of the Army and Marine Corps get to openly disagree with the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, AND a Pentagon research and analysis about who should get to serve in the military, and nothing happens to them???
They are fortunate that I'm not President. They would be SO booted, so fast that their ribbons would spin.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101203/ap_on_re_us/us_gays_in_military
And former poster boy for reasonable, rational Republicans, John McCain has gone off the deep end with his hate-mongering and name calling when he called Admiral Mullen's credentials and experience into question.
Yes, there are two sets of rules.
We need to do the right thing, here. We need to open the military to openly gay and lesbian service men and women.
We need to do it, not because it's politically expedient.
We need to do it, not because the Pentagon review said that it would work.
We need to do it, not because the President promised he would.
We need to do it, not because service members are or are not willing to serve beside a particular individual (that has NEVER been an option for service members and NEVER should be).
We need to do it, not because we are requiring - by law - that service members lie to their government and military leaders.
We need to do it because those gays and lesbians who want to serve are human beings and failing to let them serve their country in the military limits their rights and demeans the values of the United States of America. It's none of that other stuff, it's just because it's the right (honest, decent, free) thing to do.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
IS ISLAM A RELIGION?
Is Islam a religion? Of course it is...
This article about a Tennessee judge who refused to halt construction of a mosque, tells about the lawyer for the plaintiffs arguing that Islam is not a religion... the rationale for that position is that they (Muslims) have a political agenda.
Have you seen Christians (right and left wing) today? Christianity is a freakin' political party.
Of course Islam is a religion. There are devout practitioners, there are lax practitioners, and there are those who practice it strictly for their own vested purposes. Sounds very, very much like Christianity today.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101117/ap_on_re_us/us_tennessee_mosque
Could American be more xenophobic, or have a more short-sighted and self-absorbed world view?
This article about a Tennessee judge who refused to halt construction of a mosque, tells about the lawyer for the plaintiffs arguing that Islam is not a religion... the rationale for that position is that they (Muslims) have a political agenda.
Have you seen Christians (right and left wing) today? Christianity is a freakin' political party.
Of course Islam is a religion. There are devout practitioners, there are lax practitioners, and there are those who practice it strictly for their own vested purposes. Sounds very, very much like Christianity today.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101117/ap_on_re_us/us_tennessee_mosque
Could American be more xenophobic, or have a more short-sighted and self-absorbed world view?
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Bank of America Inept? ( A personal rant)
Boy I've been a Bank of America customer for just about a month and find their customer service horrible... The following is a note that I sent using their website communications.
---------------------------------------------
Several weeks ago, I opened a Bank of America checking account with a USAirways dividend miles debit card. At the time, the representative who opened the account said I didn't need to provide my USAirways Dividend account number, and that they would locate it by name and social security number. Now, there is no mention of my debit card or mileage on my USAirways Dividend miles account, or on my Bank of America on-line account info. THE ONLY REASON I switched from my existing bank, with all my accounts and my direct deposit was to take advantage of the USAirways miles on my debit card. Now, I've not received the reinstatement miles I should have gotten, I've not received the 1,000 bonus sign-up miles I should have received and I've spent thousands of dollars that have not added any miles.
I want someone to find out why my mileage isn't showing up, make sure that I get credited for my reinstated miles, my bonus sign-up miles and the amount I've spent on my Bank of America debit card since the account was opened, or I will close the account and recommend the same for all of my colleagues where I teach college and all of my professional associates, friends and family. I have already called Bank of America twice, have spoken with the representative at the local branch who opened the account, and still this matter remains unresolved. Please advise me who will be following up on this concern. This is a very, very poor beginning to my relationship with a new bank and your customer service has been very lax and unconcerned.
The account was opened at the Kettering Branch 10600 Campus Way South, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
I look forward to a quick response and resolution.
Thank you,
George W. Rizor, Jr.
---------------------------------------------
Several weeks ago, I opened a Bank of America checking account with a USAirways dividend miles debit card. At the time, the representative who opened the account said I didn't need to provide my USAirways Dividend account number, and that they would locate it by name and social security number. Now, there is no mention of my debit card or mileage on my USAirways Dividend miles account, or on my Bank of America on-line account info. THE ONLY REASON I switched from my existing bank, with all my accounts and my direct deposit was to take advantage of the USAirways miles on my debit card. Now, I've not received the reinstatement miles I should have gotten, I've not received the 1,000 bonus sign-up miles I should have received and I've spent thousands of dollars that have not added any miles.
I want someone to find out why my mileage isn't showing up, make sure that I get credited for my reinstated miles, my bonus sign-up miles and the amount I've spent on my Bank of America debit card since the account was opened, or I will close the account and recommend the same for all of my colleagues where I teach college and all of my professional associates, friends and family. I have already called Bank of America twice, have spoken with the representative at the local branch who opened the account, and still this matter remains unresolved. Please advise me who will be following up on this concern. This is a very, very poor beginning to my relationship with a new bank and your customer service has been very lax and unconcerned.
The account was opened at the Kettering Branch 10600 Campus Way South, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774
I look forward to a quick response and resolution.
Thank you,
George W. Rizor, Jr.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
THREE THINGS YOUR CHURCH PASTOR WON’T TELL YOU
1. The content of the Bible was voted on, and of the eligible voters, there were fewer voting for it than not voting for it.
The Cardinals of the Council of Trent in 1546 voted on the contents of the Roman Catholic Bible (which closed the Catholic Canon and because pressure from Martin Luther was partly responsible for the vote, pretty much sealed the contents of the Protestant Bible). That vote, for the book that Christians call divinely inspired and the Word of God, passed with 24 Cardinals voting for it, 15 voting against it, AND 16 ABSTAINING. Yep – that’s right – more of the Cardinals either abstained or voted against than agreed to vote for the Bible contents we recognize today.
2. Most Protestant religious services are so similar that denominational differences don’t make a difference.
Most pastors won’t admit, but there is frequently more difference WITHIN the various churches of a denomination than there are ACROSS denominations. If you stumbled into most Protestant churches today, it would be impossible to distinguish from the service, which denomination’s church you’d entered. The same with fellowship and social activities… Churches within a single denomination are more likely to be incredibly different due to different geographic location and churches of different denominations are more likely to be incredibly similar to churches in the same geographic area. Major theological differences between denominations are more likely to be manifested at the highest adjudicatory levels and not so much in the actual houses of worship.
In fact, since Vatican II in the early 1960’s, the Roman Catholic church services have become more and more ecumenical and many devout Catholics have even complained about the similarity to traditional Protestant services.
3. Church attendance is segregated.
The old adage (thank you, Dr. King) is that, in America, the most segregated hour of the week is Sunday morning.
A 2008 “CNN Living” article, by John Blake said:
Only about 5 percent of the nation's churches are racially integrated, and half of them are in the process of becoming all-black or all-white, says Curtiss Paul DeYoung, co-author of "United by Faith," a book that examines interracial churches in the United States.
DeYoung's numbers are backed by other scholars who've done similar research. They say integrated churches are rare because attending one is like tiptoeing through a racial minefield. Just like in society, racial tensions in the church can erupt over everything from sharing power to interracial dating.
Any good psychologist will tell you that the old adage, ‘Familiarty Breeds Contempt’ is wrong. We like to be with those who dress like us, behave like us, and think like us. It’s easier to give in to social convention than to be as radically inclusive as most religions would prescribe.
The Cardinals of the Council of Trent in 1546 voted on the contents of the Roman Catholic Bible (which closed the Catholic Canon and because pressure from Martin Luther was partly responsible for the vote, pretty much sealed the contents of the Protestant Bible). That vote, for the book that Christians call divinely inspired and the Word of God, passed with 24 Cardinals voting for it, 15 voting against it, AND 16 ABSTAINING. Yep – that’s right – more of the Cardinals either abstained or voted against than agreed to vote for the Bible contents we recognize today.
2. Most Protestant religious services are so similar that denominational differences don’t make a difference.
Most pastors won’t admit, but there is frequently more difference WITHIN the various churches of a denomination than there are ACROSS denominations. If you stumbled into most Protestant churches today, it would be impossible to distinguish from the service, which denomination’s church you’d entered. The same with fellowship and social activities… Churches within a single denomination are more likely to be incredibly different due to different geographic location and churches of different denominations are more likely to be incredibly similar to churches in the same geographic area. Major theological differences between denominations are more likely to be manifested at the highest adjudicatory levels and not so much in the actual houses of worship.
In fact, since Vatican II in the early 1960’s, the Roman Catholic church services have become more and more ecumenical and many devout Catholics have even complained about the similarity to traditional Protestant services.
3. Church attendance is segregated.
The old adage (thank you, Dr. King) is that, in America, the most segregated hour of the week is Sunday morning.
A 2008 “CNN Living” article, by John Blake said:
Only about 5 percent of the nation's churches are racially integrated, and half of them are in the process of becoming all-black or all-white, says Curtiss Paul DeYoung, co-author of "United by Faith," a book that examines interracial churches in the United States.
DeYoung's numbers are backed by other scholars who've done similar research. They say integrated churches are rare because attending one is like tiptoeing through a racial minefield. Just like in society, racial tensions in the church can erupt over everything from sharing power to interracial dating.
Any good psychologist will tell you that the old adage, ‘Familiarty Breeds Contempt’ is wrong. We like to be with those who dress like us, behave like us, and think like us. It’s easier to give in to social convention than to be as radically inclusive as most religions would prescribe.
A Thoroughly Embarrassing Person - Konstantin Revvin
What can I say about Konstantin Revvin? He is an embarrassing human being. A person so thoroughly enmeshed in a corrupt mindset that he barely warrants the title human? Too rough? Imagine EVERYONE living by that morality or lack, and you'll see why I don't think it's a harsh enough indictment. Shame on him...
He's at 2:10 in the video.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/business-15749628/students-busted-for-cheating-22954742
He's at 2:10 in the video.
http://news.yahoo.com/video/business-15749628/students-busted-for-cheating-22954742
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The real upshot of the midterms...
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.The privileged remain privileged and the underprivileged remain underprivileged.
The powerful remain powerful and the powerless remain powerless.
The free remain free and the oppressed remain...
Well, you get the idea.
Come quickly, Lord, hasten your day, because we sure as hell can't count on the rational behavior of the American people to deliver us from indecency.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Uh huh... sure.
In a revelation in the book that former President Bush has written, which will be released next week, President Bush says that he considered dropping Dick Cheney as his Vice-President...
But then Cheney chided Bush for using his private number, which Cheney says Bush should have remembered was only for 'really important stuff.' The matter was dropped and never revisited in any way, shape or form.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101102/pl_yblog_upshot/in-new-book-bush-admits-he-considered-replacing-cheney
But then Cheney chided Bush for using his private number, which Cheney says Bush should have remembered was only for 'really important stuff.' The matter was dropped and never revisited in any way, shape or form.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101102/pl_yblog_upshot/in-new-book-bush-admits-he-considered-replacing-cheney
Monday, November 1, 2010
A FALSE DICHOTOMY
During the Bush administration, we heard frequently that if you weren't a supporter of the war in Iraq, then you didn't love your country. Bull. That's a false dichotomy, that you either are for the war or you hate the country. Back the war, or you're un-American. I love my country, but it is my country by accident of birth. I served my country as part of its military during a time of war and I wish my country and its inhabitants well. But the war was a costly and moral mistake and it was wrong.
It was a FALSE dichotomy, that you had to be one, and if not, you were, by default, the other.
Similarly today, there are many - mostly on the right - who are saying that if you don't agree with their thinking, you're divisive. You're tearing the country apart and - surprise - you're not patriotic... you're un-American. Only if you 'go along' are you a true American. Well (see the first paragraph), bull. There are moral rights and wrongs and there are better or worse moral decisions and positions in the current political climate and the coming election.
Voting against Democrats because you're unwilling to give them or the President enough time is wrong. Voting for those who oppress the poor, uphold and foster the rich, and disregard civil rights for anyone is wrong. Voting for those whose knee-jerk response to immigration issues is: "I've got mine, don't let anyone else in." is wrong. Unless and until we begin to admit that there are political and societal issues that are wrong, not just partisan but wrong, we're never going to begin to address the quagmire of very real problems facing out nation.
In general, I'm going to stand by my position and my perceptions and say that Democratic values are more generous, decent, caring, egalitarian and worthy than are Republican values. I find Republican values suspiciously self-serving and class-based.
This is not a blanket condemnation of all Republicans, but the preponderance of issues and evidence related to those issues convinces me that voting Democratic is the more decent and caring American thing to do. And it's not divisive or un-American to point out real differences between the two factions vying for our votes tomorrow.
Please be responsible.
Please vote.
Please give that vote a lot of thought.
It was a FALSE dichotomy, that you had to be one, and if not, you were, by default, the other.
Similarly today, there are many - mostly on the right - who are saying that if you don't agree with their thinking, you're divisive. You're tearing the country apart and - surprise - you're not patriotic... you're un-American. Only if you 'go along' are you a true American. Well (see the first paragraph), bull. There are moral rights and wrongs and there are better or worse moral decisions and positions in the current political climate and the coming election.
Voting against Democrats because you're unwilling to give them or the President enough time is wrong. Voting for those who oppress the poor, uphold and foster the rich, and disregard civil rights for anyone is wrong. Voting for those whose knee-jerk response to immigration issues is: "I've got mine, don't let anyone else in." is wrong. Unless and until we begin to admit that there are political and societal issues that are wrong, not just partisan but wrong, we're never going to begin to address the quagmire of very real problems facing out nation.
In general, I'm going to stand by my position and my perceptions and say that Democratic values are more generous, decent, caring, egalitarian and worthy than are Republican values. I find Republican values suspiciously self-serving and class-based.
This is not a blanket condemnation of all Republicans, but the preponderance of issues and evidence related to those issues convinces me that voting Democratic is the more decent and caring American thing to do. And it's not divisive or un-American to point out real differences between the two factions vying for our votes tomorrow.
Please be responsible.
Please vote.
Please give that vote a lot of thought.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
VOTE WISELY; PART 2
I fear for where our country might go, when we forget where we've been.
THESE PEOPLE WILL VOTE - please don't let them carry the election.
http://act.presente.org/cms/thanks/gotv_video?action_id=2343499&akid=238.110920.jGAl0Y&rd=1&taf=1
THESE PEOPLE WILL VOTE - please don't let them carry the election.
http://act.presente.org/cms/thanks/gotv_video?action_id=2343499&akid=238.110920.jGAl0Y&rd=1&taf=1
Thursday, October 21, 2010
VOTE WISELY
[taken verbatim from one of the listservs to which I belong]:
-----------------------------------------
While walking down the street one day a Corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.
They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven.."
So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell..
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.
"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil smiles at him and says,
"Yesterday we were campaigning, Today, you voted.."
Vote wisely
-----------------------------------------
While walking down the street one day a Corrupt Senator was tragically hit by a car and died.
His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the Senator.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.
The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They played a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.
Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.
They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go.
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...
The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven.."
So, 24 hours passed with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."
The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell..
Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.
The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.
"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?"
The devil smiles at him and says,
"Yesterday we were campaigning, Today, you voted.."
Vote wisely
Friday, October 15, 2010
CATCH-22
Joseph Heller couldn't write this stuff... Catch-22's wildest and most vividly lunatic moments aren't any more insane than our government and our society's homophobia and public wrestling with discrimination and bias.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101015/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_gays_in_military
Congress passes Don't Ask, Don't Tell. It survives a Republican administration. We elect a President who promises to end it. The court issues an injunction ending it. That President's administration files a motion to stay the injunction and reinstate DADT. Then the Pentagon says it's going to comply with the injunction and end DADT, but issues a memo telling gays not to share their sexual orientation, because who knows what will happen if the injunction is halted.
So, it's essentially the end of DADT, but back into the closet.
Joseph Heller couldn't write this stuff...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101015/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_gays_in_military
Congress passes Don't Ask, Don't Tell. It survives a Republican administration. We elect a President who promises to end it. The court issues an injunction ending it. That President's administration files a motion to stay the injunction and reinstate DADT. Then the Pentagon says it's going to comply with the injunction and end DADT, but issues a memo telling gays not to share their sexual orientation, because who knows what will happen if the injunction is halted.
So, it's essentially the end of DADT, but back into the closet.
Joseph Heller couldn't write this stuff...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Behind the back of the Constitution...
I can't get over Gates and Obama saying that the decision to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is a decision that should be made by the Congress, only after the Pentagon has weighed in. Has either of these fellows ever taken a Political Science or an American Government class???
THE VERY EXISTENCE OF THE SUPREME COURT IS TO DETERMINE THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF LAWS.
If the subordinate courts are required to never, ever find a law unconstitutional, then we have no need for the Supreme Court. The very existence of the Judicial Branch has been negated and subsumed by the Executive and the Legislature. Now - while the Executive and the Legislature are busy pandering to the great unwashed masses, I'm glad the Judicial has my back and - at least nominally - is paying attention to Constitutional rights.
Latest Yahoo News Article Here...
THE VERY EXISTENCE OF THE SUPREME COURT IS TO DETERMINE THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF LAWS.
If the subordinate courts are required to never, ever find a law unconstitutional, then we have no need for the Supreme Court. The very existence of the Judicial Branch has been negated and subsumed by the Executive and the Legislature. Now - while the Executive and the Legislature are busy pandering to the great unwashed masses, I'm glad the Judicial has my back and - at least nominally - is paying attention to Constitutional rights.
Latest Yahoo News Article Here...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Paladino is a murderer
Harsh words? Yes.
But this isn't like every time you swear a kitten dies... or some more bizarre, obscene joke version making the rounds...
This is a Tea Party backed, candidate for the Governorship of the state of New York who's saying things that are cruel enough and bigoted enough to cause young gay people to kill themselves. And unless and until this right wing, conservative evil is called out and held accountable, kids will die. Our culture is doing that, and we need to stop it. If - in order to stop it - I have to point out the hatred and villainy of Paladino's remarks, so be it.
Even an apology at this point in time wouldn't help, because too many people in America are just as closed minded, mean, and bigoted as he. But an apology couldn't hurt.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/10/national/main6945678.shtml
But this isn't like every time you swear a kitten dies... or some more bizarre, obscene joke version making the rounds...
This is a Tea Party backed, candidate for the Governorship of the state of New York who's saying things that are cruel enough and bigoted enough to cause young gay people to kill themselves. And unless and until this right wing, conservative evil is called out and held accountable, kids will die. Our culture is doing that, and we need to stop it. If - in order to stop it - I have to point out the hatred and villainy of Paladino's remarks, so be it.
Even an apology at this point in time wouldn't help, because too many people in America are just as closed minded, mean, and bigoted as he. But an apology couldn't hurt.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/10/10/national/main6945678.shtml
The Least of Their Problems; Wake up, America
A Colorado middle school has banned the wearing of crosses and rosaries.
They originally sent home a letter with students saying that the wearing of crosses and rosaries were offensive to those of some particular faith traditions.
THEN, they said that cross and rosary wearing had been adopted as gang symbols and they were being banned for that reason.
All I have to say is: if barring crosses and rosaries is your idea of a significant step in combating the evils of gang behavior, heaven help your student body. Gang violence, bullying and presence will not be deterred by something so simplistic. Wake up, America.
http://www.gazette.com/articles/school-105857-springs-cross.html
They originally sent home a letter with students saying that the wearing of crosses and rosaries were offensive to those of some particular faith traditions.
THEN, they said that cross and rosary wearing had been adopted as gang symbols and they were being banned for that reason.
All I have to say is: if barring crosses and rosaries is your idea of a significant step in combating the evils of gang behavior, heaven help your student body. Gang violence, bullying and presence will not be deterred by something so simplistic. Wake up, America.
http://www.gazette.com/articles/school-105857-springs-cross.html
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Yes, there's a double standard
While we decry the perception in our country that all Muslims, even the moderates, are out to eradicate those of other religions and nationalities, our ally, Israel, has passed a 'loyalty bill' that requires that persons seeking citizenship declare loyalty to a "Jewish and democratic" state. How can we continue to support such one-sided nationalistic behavior perpetrated IN THE NAME OF RELIGION? Can you imagine the outcry (absolutely valid) if the US were to add to it's nationalization process for immigrants a loyalty oath to a "Christian and democratic" nation. Now I know there are some (way too many) who'd like that, but doesn't a common sense separation of religion and government (even in countries that don't have our First Amendment) obligate a pretense of not requiring religious allegiance to a sovereign nation? Isn't that kind of militaristic religious fervor and warmongering the very thing that many Americans are using to demonize Muslim nations? Shame on Israel for their narrow-minded, self-serving religious action, wrapped in governmental clothing. With the insisted upon continued movement of folks to the West Bank and the thinly veiled religious loyalty test, I've got to wonder if Israel is a) serious about peace, b) willing to compromise and c) mature enough to take a place in the world's family of nations without demanding that the world revolve around Israel...
In the Sunday School class I teach, this morning I posited that God doesn't see national boundaries and individual property lines and probably isn't crazy about the idea of 'ownership.' Not sure when and if Creation is ever going to get that idea, or the whole idea of all of us being children of God.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_israel_palestinians
In the Sunday School class I teach, this morning I posited that God doesn't see national boundaries and individual property lines and probably isn't crazy about the idea of 'ownership.' Not sure when and if Creation is ever going to get that idea, or the whole idea of all of us being children of God.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_israel_palestinians
Friday, October 8, 2010
Laying the blame squarely at the feet of Joe the Plumber
I'm a big fan of editorial cartoonist Ben Sargent. Why does it seem so very much that our choices this election are stupid and mean-spirited versus weak and irrelevant? Surely, surely, surely there must be decent men and women out there who care enough about their country to help lead. Or has politics and our country's morally and mentally bankrupt attitude frightened off every possible candidate with talent and integrity? I blame Joe, the plumber and the Republican mindset of playing to the fears of the great unwashed masses.It is a curious fact that when we get sick, we want an uncommon doctor; if we have a construction job, we want an uncommon engineer; when we get into war, we dreadfully want an uncommon admiral and an uncommon general. Only when we get into politics are we content with the common man. - Herbert Hoover
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wildlife Family Units
I like to think that I'm as tender-hearted and compassionate as the next person. Heck, I like to think I'm more tender-hearted and compassionate than most. But evidently not if you compare me to Washington DC Councilwoman Mary Cheh, who has introduced a bill in DC that would require you to use traps if you have wildlife vermin, like squirrels or raccoons, in your house. If you can't use traps and must kill the intruder, you must use humane means to kill it. And - here's the kicker that I'm not sure I'm on board with (assuming I can find a humane way to kill a marauding wild animal) - if you trap it, you've got to attempt to maintain the animal's family unit. I'm not sure if that means you have to put the animal back where it was when it found its way into your house, or if you have to try to catch all its relatives and relocate them en masse.
In any event, I'm not sure I'm observant or objective enough to assess a wild animal's family unit. At the risk of sounding like a stereotype sort of person: all those squirrels look alike to me.
The Importance of the US Constitution
Much like religion, many of the aspects of American democracy are not real. We only like them, use them, revere them and tolerate them in the abstract. When - in the cliched, cold, hard light of day we have to live by them -- we abandon them. I salute a jurist who is serious about the Constitution, even when not being used as an instrument of convenience.
"The Constitution is the rock upon which our nation rests. We must follow it not only when it is convenient, but when fear and danger beckon in a different direction. To do less would diminish us and undermine the foundation upon which we stand."
JUDGE LEWIS A. KAPLAN OF UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN MANHATTAN, who barred testimony from a crucial witness in the first trial of a former Guantánamo detainee.
"The Constitution is the rock upon which our nation rests. We must follow it not only when it is convenient, but when fear and danger beckon in a different direction. To do less would diminish us and undermine the foundation upon which we stand."
JUDGE LEWIS A. KAPLAN OF UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT IN MANHATTAN, who barred testimony from a crucial witness in the first trial of a former Guantánamo detainee.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
GLBT Teen Suicides
There have been four GLBT teen suicides in the past three weeks. When is our culture going to name names and call out the real causes: internet bullying AND a culture that is so homophobic and cruel towards homosexuals that - for most teens - death would be preferable to acknowledging your real self?
INITIAL ENTRY
I shall continue to be an impossible person so long as those who are now possible remain possible.
- Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin
I will offer my opinions on news, politics and the culture of our times. These are, indeed, interesting times. We'll see where this commentary sideshow leads. You're welcome to follow. I look forward to your comments.
- Mikhail Alexandrovich Bakunin
I will offer my opinions on news, politics and the culture of our times. These are, indeed, interesting times. We'll see where this commentary sideshow leads. You're welcome to follow. I look forward to your comments.
Friday, September 10, 2010
The government it deserves... (A stupid America)
I agree with French Diplomat, Joseph de Maistre, who said that "Every nation has the government it deserves."
Heaven help us.
Yesterday a California judge halted by injunction, the discriminatory and unconstitutional "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy barring gays from serving openly in the military. Yea.
But now the American public reacts. In a Yahoo news article this morning about the judge's injunction, there was a comment that read:
----------
Who do these judges think they are??? Since when is it up to a judge to over rule a governing body, whose sole purpose is to CREATE LAWS. This is getting ridiculous. And for the record I think don't ask don't tell should be repealed, just not by some overzealous judge who doesn't know here place. Something needs to be done about judges making sweeping decisions like this.
----------
Obviously against the judge's decision.
THEN people get to weigh in on the comments in Yahoo by voting a thumbs up or thumbs down.
The result for this particular comment?
2642 Thumbs up and1628 Thumbs down
Obviously the public likes this message and doesn't like the judges ruling.
BUT the very next comment read:
----------Good for Judge Phillips.
Anyone who want's to fight and die for my freedom gets my support.
------------
With a thumbs up of 2380 and a thumbs down of 1903
The majority of commenting public like this comment that says "Good for Judge Phillips."
Why?
Is it the mindless mention of fighting and dying.
Are we knee jerk in that we approve of military and homeland security, even when WE GIVE UP WHAT THEY FIGHT FOR, IN ORDER TO NOMINALLY SUPPORT THE FIGHTERS? Can we please get past the point where we believe that support for our troops ought to be mindlessly equal to support for the Administration, the Pentagon or their policies?
Wrong is wrong and usurping civil rights, whether the person being refused the opportunity to serve is black, female or gay (and we drug our feet when all three wanted to serve) , is wrong. Our willingness to scrap Constitutional in order to protect the Constitution is insane.
Heaven help us.
Yesterday a California judge halted by injunction, the discriminatory and unconstitutional "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy barring gays from serving openly in the military. Yea.
But now the American public reacts. In a Yahoo news article this morning about the judge's injunction, there was a comment that read:
----------
Who do these judges think they are??? Since when is it up to a judge to over rule a governing body, whose sole purpose is to CREATE LAWS. This is getting ridiculous. And for the record I think don't ask don't tell should be repealed, just not by some overzealous judge who doesn't know here place. Something needs to be done about judges making sweeping decisions like this.
----------
Obviously against the judge's decision.
THEN people get to weigh in on the comments in Yahoo by voting a thumbs up or thumbs down.
The result for this particular comment?
2642 Thumbs up and1628 Thumbs down
Obviously the public likes this message and doesn't like the judges ruling.
BUT the very next comment read:
----------Good for Judge Phillips.
Anyone who want's to fight and die for my freedom gets my support.
------------
With a thumbs up of 2380 and a thumbs down of 1903
The majority of commenting public like this comment that says "Good for Judge Phillips."
Why?
Is it the mindless mention of fighting and dying.
Are we knee jerk in that we approve of military and homeland security, even when WE GIVE UP WHAT THEY FIGHT FOR, IN ORDER TO NOMINALLY SUPPORT THE FIGHTERS? Can we please get past the point where we believe that support for our troops ought to be mindlessly equal to support for the Administration, the Pentagon or their policies?
Wrong is wrong and usurping civil rights, whether the person being refused the opportunity to serve is black, female or gay (and we drug our feet when all three wanted to serve) , is wrong. Our willingness to scrap Constitutional in order to protect the Constitution is insane.
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