Points to Ponder:
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. [St. Francis of Assisi]
Friday, May 15, 2020
Briefly...
Watching #NeverTrump folks respond to the complete obliteration of the Russian collusion narrative in the past week by completely ignoring it and moving onto other gripes without pause, reflection, or apology reminds me a lot of what conspiracy theorist douches do when one of their pet hypotheses are demolished. It is a thoroughly disingenuous and unethical way to behave and undermines to no small degree their veracity in general.
Watching #NeverTrump folks respond to the complete obliteration of the Russian collusion narrative in the past week by completely ignoring it and moving onto other gripes without pause, reflection, or apology reminds me a lot of what conspiracy theorist douches do when one of their pet hypotheses are demolished. It is a thoroughly disingenuous and unethical way to behave and undermines to no small degree their veracity in general.
Two Special Elections On Tuesday Could Hint At Another Blue Wave In 2020
With the caveats of 538 being among the most accurate political prognosticators out there and special elections being a tough animal to master for many reasons, the purpose of this post is to point out that even the good political predictors out there have their misses and here are two from 538 on CA-25 and WI-7.
With the caveats of 538 being among the most accurate political prognosticators out there and special elections being a tough animal to master for many reasons, the purpose of this post is to point out that even the good political predictors out there have their misses and here are two from 538 on CA-25 and WI-7.
Thursday, May 14, 2020
"One From the Vault" Dept. on "States' Rights"...
This note was first published in social media on August 26, 2011...
Gotta love pics like these, makes everyone think that the Civil war was all about Slavery.
Of course it was not all about slavery but the latter was a significant part of the equation. All you need to do to realize this is look at the platform of the Democratic Party in the 1856 and 1860 elections to see the dominance of the slavery theme in that party's view of things.
Since the South separated like sniveling brats after the 1860 election when they did not win, lets look at the platform from 1860 to see what it was that they actually ran on:
The first part of the platform is basically the Jeffersonian model discredited both in the early Republic as well as by example in how things were generally governed prior to that point in time. The second half of the platform contains these references to slavery:
But nah, those who talk about slavery being a major factor{3} in what brought about the Civil War, they are the "ignorant ones."
Bottom line: the South had some good arguments to make on some issues but they chose an absolutely heinous and evil idea around which to pitch the center pole of their ideological tent. Furthermore, they proved after 1865 that all this talk about respecting the Constitution and respecting the Courts was a bunch of horse shit. Cases in point: the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments which southern states tried to flout at every turn in various ways once Reconstruction was over for nearly a century.
Im really sick of people thinking that The Stars and Bars stand for Slavery and Oppression when in fact its quite the Opposite to the Union considering the Union is all for Centralized Big Gov. Interference.
And I am really sick and tired of "Lost Cause" sorts who make excuses for both the evil of slavery that they propagated prior to the war and the state of third class citizenry they sought to impose on an entire race of people. Thanks to the later segregation numbnuts, the states rights cause was stunted for over half a century while we saw a lot of federal overreach. It is after all kind of hard for a philosophy to be given credence by average people when that exact same philosophy was used to justify retaining slavery prior to 1865 and then regularly used to flout three duly ratified Constitutional amendments and the rights of American citizens after that point for nearly a century.
Notes:
{1} Which he and Madison agitated against back in 1798.
{2} Based on arguments that more than twenty years before that had convinced most of the Founders as well as President Washington. (And which President Madison later on would come to recognize himself.)
{3} Arguably the most significant factor.
This note was first published in social media on August 26, 2011...
Gotta love pics like these, makes everyone think that the Civil war was all about Slavery.
Of course it was not all about slavery but the latter was a significant part of the equation. All you need to do to realize this is look at the platform of the Democratic Party in the 1856 and 1860 elections to see the dominance of the slavery theme in that party's view of things.
Since the South separated like sniveling brats after the 1860 election when they did not win, lets look at the platform from 1860 to see what it was that they actually ran on:
Resolved, That we, the Democracy of the Union in Convention assembled, hereby declare our affirmance of the resolutions unanimously adopted and declared as a platform of principles by the Democratic Convention at Cincinnati, in the year 1856, believing that Democratic principles are unchangeable in their nature, when applied to the same subject matters; and we recommend, as the only further resolutions, the following:Since the 1860 platform was mostly that of the 1856 convention with a few addendums, lets look at how many times slavery popped up in the 1856 platform now shall we?
The first part of the platform is basically the Jeffersonian model discredited both in the early Republic as well as by example in how things were generally governed prior to that point in time. The second half of the platform contains these references to slavery:
Resolved, That we reiterate with renewed energy of purpose the well-considered declarations of former conventions upon the sectional issue of domestic slavery, and concerning the reserved rights of the states—I am sure the slaves were happy about the arrangement. Moving on...
1. That Congress has no power under the constitution to interfere with or control the domestic institutions of the several states, and that all such states are the sole and proper judges of everything appertaining to their own affairs not prohibited by the constitution; that all efforts of the Abolitionists or others, made to induce Congress to interfere with questions of slavery, or to take incipient steps in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences, and that all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to diminish the happiness of the people and endanger the stability and permanency of the Union, and ought not to be countenanced by any friend of our political institutions.
2. That the foregoing proposition covers and was intended to embrace the whole subject of slavery agitation in Congress, and therefore the Democratic party of the Union, standing on this national platform, will abide by and adhere to a faithful execution of the acts known as the compromise measures, settled by the Congress of 1850—"the act for reclaiming fugitives from service or labor" included; which act, being designed to carry out an express provision of the constitution, can not, with fidelity thereto, be repealed, or so changed as to destroy or impair its efficiency.So first Congress has no authority on the matter and now they claim they will follow the compromise measure from 1850 set forth by that same Congress. To paraphrase the milk campaign: Got hypocrisy?
3. That the Democratic party will resist all attempts at renewing in Congress, or out of it, the agitation of the slavery question, under whatever shape or color the attempt may be made.Gee, there is sure a lot of talk about slavery for a party and a group of the country that did not fight to protect slavery is it not? And we are not done yet though...
4. That the Democratic party will faithfully abide by and uphold the principles laid down in the Kentucky and Virginia resolutions of 1792 and 1798, and in the report of Mr. Madison to the Virginia legislature in 1799; that it adopts these principles as constituting one of the main foundations of its political creed, and is resolved to carry them out in their obvious meaning and import.Translation: The Democratic Party embraced sedition. Even Madison eventually wised up and recognized how utterly illogical and stupid his involvement in that enterprise was. Jefferson never did except when he was president he expected an even greater fealty to his government than the Washington and Adams administrations{1} demanded of them. Again, got hypocrisy?
And that we may more distinctly meet the issue on which a sectional party, subsisting exclusively on slavery agitation, now relies to test the fidelity of the people, north and south, to the constitution and the Union—For the sake of economy, from that point on in the platform there were three additional numbered resolves, all of which specifically mentioned slavery or involved slavery and one of the final two resolutions which also dealt with slavery. Geez, more on slavery. But nah, it had nothing whatsoever to do with the Civil War and only "ignorant people" would claim otherwise right xxx? ;) There is more, let us look at the 1860 platform which as I said reaffirmed everything from the 1856 platform with a few more addendums:
2. Inasmuch as difference of opinion exists in the Democratic party as to the nature and extent of the powers of a Territorial Legislature, and as to the powers and duties of Congress, under the Constitution of the United States, over the institution of slavery within the Territories,But in the first part of the 1856 platform, they rejected a central bank which the very same Supreme Court they were now claiming to reverence had declared over forty years previously was constitutional.{2} So they laud the court on Dred Scott but explicitly reject it in areas where the Court had already settled constitutional questions decades ago. Again, got hypocrisy?
Resolved, That the Democratic party will abide by the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States upon these questions of Constitutional Law.
Resolved, That the enactments of the State Legislatures to defeat the faithful execution of the Fugitive Slave Law, are hostile in character, subversive of the Constitution, and revolutionary in their effect.Yeah, we do'nut want them blacks gettin' all edjucated and free.
But nah, those who talk about slavery being a major factor{3} in what brought about the Civil War, they are the "ignorant ones."
Bottom line: the South had some good arguments to make on some issues but they chose an absolutely heinous and evil idea around which to pitch the center pole of their ideological tent. Furthermore, they proved after 1865 that all this talk about respecting the Constitution and respecting the Courts was a bunch of horse shit. Cases in point: the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments which southern states tried to flout at every turn in various ways once Reconstruction was over for nearly a century.
And I am really sick and tired of "Lost Cause" sorts who make excuses for both the evil of slavery that they propagated prior to the war and the state of third class citizenry they sought to impose on an entire race of people. Thanks to the later segregation numbnuts, the states rights cause was stunted for over half a century while we saw a lot of federal overreach. It is after all kind of hard for a philosophy to be given credence by average people when that exact same philosophy was used to justify retaining slavery prior to 1865 and then regularly used to flout three duly ratified Constitutional amendments and the rights of American citizens after that point for nearly a century.
Notes:
{1} Which he and Madison agitated against back in 1798.
{2} Based on arguments that more than twenty years before that had convinced most of the Founders as well as President Washington. (And which President Madison later on would come to recognize himself.)
{3} Arguably the most significant factor.
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
It looks like President Obama ordered up phony RussiaGate scandal
So Obama's Administration was "scandal free" they said? Yeah and Jenna Jameson is a virgin!
So Obama's Administration was "scandal free" they said? Yeah and Jenna Jameson is a virgin!
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Strip club owner sues NY Governor over shutdown
Presumably by the Law Office of Glenn Quagmire. (Giggity!)
Presumably by the Law Office of Glenn Quagmire. (Giggity!)
Monday, May 11, 2020
Saturday, May 09, 2020
Briefly...
It seems to me a lot of folks are making the mask wearing thing more complicated than it needs to be. Basically, you need not wear it at home, in your yard, or in your car except when pulling up to a drive in. You also need not wear it when in public when you are not around people or when you are but you can keep a respectable distance away. But going into a store or walking in a crowd is a different situation and the common courtesy of masking there would be appropriate. That need not mean full on mask at all times though.
If I am in public and likely to run into people inside of say ten feet, I keep my black mask on my chin and only pull it over the nose when in close proximity to other folks. Otherwise, the mask is in my pocket.
Seriously folks, this really is not that hard!
It seems to me a lot of folks are making the mask wearing thing more complicated than it needs to be. Basically, you need not wear it at home, in your yard, or in your car except when pulling up to a drive in. You also need not wear it when in public when you are not around people or when you are but you can keep a respectable distance away. But going into a store or walking in a crowd is a different situation and the common courtesy of masking there would be appropriate. That need not mean full on mask at all times though.
If I am in public and likely to run into people inside of say ten feet, I keep my black mask on my chin and only pull it over the nose when in close proximity to other folks. Otherwise, the mask is in my pocket.
Seriously folks, this really is not that hard!
Friday, May 08, 2020
More in Brief on Third Parties in General and the American Solidarity Party in Particular:
The following was posted over two months ago to one of the social media platforms and is a continuation of sorts to the overall subject of third parties in American politics. Without further ado...
That is the problem with other parties: unless its a Perot type situation where someone can come into the race with a visible and undeniable chunk of support, it is a fools errand. (And I say this as someone who voted for Perot the first time he ran.) But then I suppose if kids can believe in the fantasy of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, there are some adults that can believe in certain economics fantasies as long as said fantasies unlike communism remain in the realm of make believe and do not hurt other people. (It would not be the first time adults believed in fantasies and I am sure it will not be the last.)
However, I have been known to throw a bone to local third party candidates and declared independents from time to time. (I used to vote for folks like Mike the Mover back in Washington State in years past as well as a smattering of Libertarian, Reform Party, and various proclaimed Independent candidates.) So if there is an ASP local candidate in Westchester County in the Yonkers/Mount Vernon vicinity, I could seem myself voting for them in spite of the distributist nonsense. I could even forgive Carroll of that foolishness if that was the only glaring problem he had as I do like principles such as solidarity and subsidiarity. But the thought that Carroll once supported communist lover Bernie Sanders as recently as four years ago (and not as an idealistic misguided young man but instead as an older fellow) as well as that he buys into that "kids in cages" political propaganda? Sorry, that's three strikes. [Circa 3/7/20]
The following was posted over two months ago to one of the social media platforms and is a continuation of sorts to the overall subject of third parties in American politics. Without further ado...
That is the problem with other parties: unless its a Perot type situation where someone can come into the race with a visible and undeniable chunk of support, it is a fools errand. (And I say this as someone who voted for Perot the first time he ran.) But then I suppose if kids can believe in the fantasy of Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy, there are some adults that can believe in certain economics fantasies as long as said fantasies unlike communism remain in the realm of make believe and do not hurt other people. (It would not be the first time adults believed in fantasies and I am sure it will not be the last.)
However, I have been known to throw a bone to local third party candidates and declared independents from time to time. (I used to vote for folks like Mike the Mover back in Washington State in years past as well as a smattering of Libertarian, Reform Party, and various proclaimed Independent candidates.) So if there is an ASP local candidate in Westchester County in the Yonkers/Mount Vernon vicinity, I could seem myself voting for them in spite of the distributist nonsense. I could even forgive Carroll of that foolishness if that was the only glaring problem he had as I do like principles such as solidarity and subsidiarity. But the thought that Carroll once supported communist lover Bernie Sanders as recently as four years ago (and not as an idealistic misguided young man but instead as an older fellow) as well as that he buys into that "kids in cages" political propaganda? Sorry, that's three strikes. [Circa 3/7/20]
Monday, May 04, 2020
My father in law Frank Barone passed away yesterday morning. If those who read these words would say a prayer for him and his family, it would be appreciated.
Eternal rest grant unto his soul oh Lord and may thy perpetual light shine upon him...May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Eternal rest grant unto his soul oh Lord and may thy perpetual light shine upon him...May his soul and all the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
For my father in law Frank Barone I pray...
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
[Dylan Thomas (published 1951)]
Sunday, April 26, 2020
Instant reaction: Thoughts on Seattle's draft
To post just a bit from the thread above...click on the link for more...
Seahawks 2020 draft class
R1 — Jordyn Brooks (LB)
R2 — Darrell Taylor (EDGE)
R3 — Damien Lewis (G)
R4 — Colby Parkinson (TE)
R4 — Deejay Dallas (RB)
R5 — Alton Robinson (DE)
R6 — Freddie Swain (WR)
R7 — Stephen Sullivan (TE)
Thoughts on Seattle’s 2020 draft
The Seahawks know they need to be tougher.
They’re no longer the bully in the NFL. They’re not even the bully in the NFC West.
The attitude, intensity and swagger of the LOB era is missing. Their run defense is poor. Their pass rush is poor. They miss tackles. They struggle to defend the perimeter.
They’re trying to fix the problem.
They added a thumping, physical linebacker, a speedy edge rusher who plays with attitude and a violent run blocker with their first three picks. They followed it up with more pass rush help, a big move TE and a fierce running back.
They’re going to keep trying to create the team they want. They crave to be the punishing, physical, take-your-soul team that they used to be.
Smart, tough, reliable.
It makes sense. It’s reasonable. It’s something they’ll need to reclaim if they’re going to get back to the top.
If you take a step back and acknowledge, rightly, that the Seahawks were never going to blow your socks off with this class — you can look at it through a positive lens. It wasn’t realistic to address the large collection of needs they had. They needed to do more in free agency for that to be the case. They’ve added fast, physical tough guys with upside and potential. That’s a good thing.
There are also issues though.
They didn’t draft a defensive tackle to help anchor or provide pass rush. In a reasonable DT class, that’s disappointing.
They drafted two pass rushers but they still require the veteran proven quality of a Jadeveon Clowney or Everson Griffen. It’s an absolute must that they secure one of those two as soon as possible.
They’ve not added a nickel corner. They need one. Ugo Amadi is not a guaranteed solution.
They’ve not added a developmental left tackle or further competition for Brandon Shell.
They’ll need to add at least one more running back to the stable.
There’s so much that still needs to be done.
While there’s nothing this draft class could really do to change this — the Seahawks have not moved the needle this off-season towards winning a Super Bowl. San Francisco added two first round picks then stole Trent Williams from Washington. The Cardinals nabbed DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Simmons.
In comparison, the Seahawks have been strangely quiet. They’ve padded their depth. Their biggest investment so far is on a linebacker — despite the fact Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are taking up $25m in cap space this year.
Russell Wilson keeps Seattle a contender of sorts but his presence shouldn’t be taken for granted. You can’t pretend that this team isn’t dragged along by the quarterback. It is. And there’s been a lack of aggression this off-season. Failing to land the pass rushers in free agency or improve the front seven forced them to prioritise both areas in a draft that was superior at offensive tackle and the skill positions early.
Russell Wilson called for superstars. They haven’t been added.
The roster, currently, is good enough to once again make the playoffs. Taking the next step — being a genuine contender and reaching a Super Bowl — requires more talent. Whether it’s developed or added. There’s still an awful lot of work to do.
The problem is — they no longer have the benefit of draft picks and a heap of cap space to work with. They are somewhat limited — even if they start cutting the likes of Justin Britt to create space.
The next few weeks are vital. They have to find a way, somehow, to add more...
To post just a bit from the thread above...click on the link for more...
Seahawks 2020 draft class
R1 — Jordyn Brooks (LB)
R2 — Darrell Taylor (EDGE)
R3 — Damien Lewis (G)
R4 — Colby Parkinson (TE)
R4 — Deejay Dallas (RB)
R5 — Alton Robinson (DE)
R6 — Freddie Swain (WR)
R7 — Stephen Sullivan (TE)
Thoughts on Seattle’s 2020 draft
The Seahawks know they need to be tougher.
They’re no longer the bully in the NFL. They’re not even the bully in the NFC West.
The attitude, intensity and swagger of the LOB era is missing. Their run defense is poor. Their pass rush is poor. They miss tackles. They struggle to defend the perimeter.
They’re trying to fix the problem.
They added a thumping, physical linebacker, a speedy edge rusher who plays with attitude and a violent run blocker with their first three picks. They followed it up with more pass rush help, a big move TE and a fierce running back.
They’re going to keep trying to create the team they want. They crave to be the punishing, physical, take-your-soul team that they used to be.
Smart, tough, reliable.
It makes sense. It’s reasonable. It’s something they’ll need to reclaim if they’re going to get back to the top.
If you take a step back and acknowledge, rightly, that the Seahawks were never going to blow your socks off with this class — you can look at it through a positive lens. It wasn’t realistic to address the large collection of needs they had. They needed to do more in free agency for that to be the case. They’ve added fast, physical tough guys with upside and potential. That’s a good thing.
There are also issues though.
They didn’t draft a defensive tackle to help anchor or provide pass rush. In a reasonable DT class, that’s disappointing.
They drafted two pass rushers but they still require the veteran proven quality of a Jadeveon Clowney or Everson Griffen. It’s an absolute must that they secure one of those two as soon as possible.
They’ve not added a nickel corner. They need one. Ugo Amadi is not a guaranteed solution.
They’ve not added a developmental left tackle or further competition for Brandon Shell.
They’ll need to add at least one more running back to the stable.
There’s so much that still needs to be done.
While there’s nothing this draft class could really do to change this — the Seahawks have not moved the needle this off-season towards winning a Super Bowl. San Francisco added two first round picks then stole Trent Williams from Washington. The Cardinals nabbed DeAndre Hopkins and Isaiah Simmons.
In comparison, the Seahawks have been strangely quiet. They’ve padded their depth. Their biggest investment so far is on a linebacker — despite the fact Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright are taking up $25m in cap space this year.
Russell Wilson keeps Seattle a contender of sorts but his presence shouldn’t be taken for granted. You can’t pretend that this team isn’t dragged along by the quarterback. It is. And there’s been a lack of aggression this off-season. Failing to land the pass rushers in free agency or improve the front seven forced them to prioritise both areas in a draft that was superior at offensive tackle and the skill positions early.
Russell Wilson called for superstars. They haven’t been added.
The roster, currently, is good enough to once again make the playoffs. Taking the next step — being a genuine contender and reaching a Super Bowl — requires more talent. Whether it’s developed or added. There’s still an awful lot of work to do.
The problem is — they no longer have the benefit of draft picks and a heap of cap space to work with. They are somewhat limited — even if they start cutting the likes of Justin Britt to create space.
The next few weeks are vital. They have to find a way, somehow, to add more...
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Friday, April 24, 2020
Points to Ponder:
I ask if anyone is truly learning anything from what we are all going through with this pandemic. Sadly, if the feeds are at all an accurate indicator, the answer is no.
Far too many of you continue to play politics with this pandemic, whether from the #Resistard left or the #Trumpbot right trying to manipulate various and sundry kook conspiracy narratives for some perceived political payoff. FFS, knock it off! There is a time for everything and now is not the time for politics.
The bottom line is, more places will start opening soon because they have to. Deal with it. There will be correspondingly greater restrictions on public gatherings of any sort for some time and social distancing, masks, gloves, etc will be the new norm for an indefinite while. Deal with it. If you flout safety protocols because you have a retarded notion of "muh liburty" that endangers the common good, then you will be made to pay for it. Again: Deal with it.
You are guaranteed to see some things in how we move forward that you do not like. Deal with it. Stop acting like whiny brats and grow up. It is not all about you and never has been. [Circa April 24, 2020]
Far too many of you continue to play politics with this pandemic, whether from the #Resistard left or the #Trumpbot right trying to manipulate various and sundry kook conspiracy narratives for some perceived political payoff. FFS, knock it off! There is a time for everything and now is not the time for politics.
The bottom line is, more places will start opening soon because they have to. Deal with it. There will be correspondingly greater restrictions on public gatherings of any sort for some time and social distancing, masks, gloves, etc will be the new norm for an indefinite while. Deal with it. If you flout safety protocols because you have a retarded notion of "muh liburty" that endangers the common good, then you will be made to pay for it. Again: Deal with it.
You are guaranteed to see some things in how we move forward that you do not like. Deal with it. Stop acting like whiny brats and grow up. It is not all about you and never has been. [Circa April 24, 2020]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)