McConnell Says Time Needed to Review New Sotomayor Material (Roll Call)
I hope he is successful in getting as much time as needed to review all the pertinent data but something tells me that a place like DC where they vote on bills they have not read{1} is not inclined to want to have all the information before they come to an equitable decision on this matter.
Note:
{1} This is one reason why your host has for quite some time been a supporter of the DownsizeDC proposed legislation known as the Read the Bills Act and views the fact that such a piece of legislation is so badly needed is an indicator of no small significance of how bad things really are corruption-wise in Washington DC.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Mariners Do Not Need Bevy of All-Stars to Show Improvement
Jerry Brewer wrote this article the day following the Seattle Mariners completion of a 5-4 road trip against the three best teams in baseball. I concur sufficiently enough with his observations to post it here as generally{1} encompassing how I view both the Mariners as a team this year and the progress they have so far made as well as my views of Manager Don Wakamatsu{1}, General Manager Jack Zduriencik{2}, and the team's heart in general this year in light of what Jerry Brewer outlines above.
Notes:
{1} I must admit I am surprised and very pleasantly so that the Seattle Mariners are off to such a splendid start. Principles I have long said this team needs to embrace to work best with the kinds of talent they have are being realized -hats off to the new general manager Jack Zduriencik for the hiring of Don Wakamatsu as the new coach. I look forward to the M's actually being a competitive team this year for the first time since the departure of "Sweet" Lou Piniella. [Excerpt from Rerum Novarum (circa April 23, 2009)]
{2} See the material in footnote one as well as this link:
Miscellaneous Musings on Thread of Interest (circa December 26, 2008)
Jerry Brewer wrote this article the day following the Seattle Mariners completion of a 5-4 road trip against the three best teams in baseball. I concur sufficiently enough with his observations to post it here as generally{1} encompassing how I view both the Mariners as a team this year and the progress they have so far made as well as my views of Manager Don Wakamatsu{1}, General Manager Jack Zduriencik{2}, and the team's heart in general this year in light of what Jerry Brewer outlines above.
Notes:
{1} I must admit I am surprised and very pleasantly so that the Seattle Mariners are off to such a splendid start. Principles I have long said this team needs to embrace to work best with the kinds of talent they have are being realized -hats off to the new general manager Jack Zduriencik for the hiring of Don Wakamatsu as the new coach. I look forward to the M's actually being a competitive team this year for the first time since the departure of "Sweet" Lou Piniella. [Excerpt from Rerum Novarum (circa April 23, 2009)]
{2} See the material in footnote one as well as this link:
Miscellaneous Musings on Thread of Interest (circa December 26, 2008)
Steele to Palin: Come on In, the Water's Nice (Wall Street Journal)
At least you are showing that you understand the windfall fund raising potential of a unshackled Sarah Palin for the GOP Chairman Steele.
At least you are showing that you understand the windfall fund raising potential of a unshackled Sarah Palin for the GOP Chairman Steele.
Has Barack been taking lessons from Berlusconi? - World News, Frontpage - Herald.ie
You be the judge folks:
Of COURSE President Obama did not ogle that girl. He also did not bow to the Saudi king, flip flop on closing military tribunals, or promise (i) to have all troops out of Iraq by May 20, 2010, (ii) an open and transparent government, or (iii) unemployment topping out at 8% and "shovel-ready jobs" if the "stimulus" was to be passed. All of that was Bush's fault!!!
Incidentally, French President Nicolas Sarkozy{1} appears quite amused by the spectacle. My guess is Michelle Obama will not be so amused but I digress.
Note:
{1} Married to the very easy on the eyes Carla Bruni.
You be the judge folks:
Of COURSE President Obama did not ogle that girl. He also did not bow to the Saudi king, flip flop on closing military tribunals, or promise (i) to have all troops out of Iraq by May 20, 2010, (ii) an open and transparent government, or (iii) unemployment topping out at 8% and "shovel-ready jobs" if the "stimulus" was to be passed. All of that was Bush's fault!!!
Incidentally, French President Nicolas Sarkozy{1} appears quite amused by the spectacle. My guess is Michelle Obama will not be so amused but I digress.
Note:
{1} Married to the very easy on the eyes Carla Bruni.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
TIME's Interview With Sarah Palin
I do believe that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin acquitted herself much better in the above interview than she did in her original press conference of July 3, 2009 announcing her intention to resign the governorship. The above article gives more details on her recent and unexpected decision.
I will have to in light of this development re-examine a bit the issue of Sarah Palin's prospects for 2012. Earlier in the year I wrote an expository musing on these matters{1} but that was done presuming that Sarah Palin would if not run for re-election in 2010 at least serve out her term. This recent development will thus require on a few points a fresh examination of probabilities; ergo, let this posting make public my intention to do that at some point in the coming months.
Note:
{1} On Political "Front Runners" Historically, Sarah Palin's Prospects in 2012, Etc. (circa April 3, 2009)
I do believe that Alaska Governor Sarah Palin acquitted herself much better in the above interview than she did in her original press conference of July 3, 2009 announcing her intention to resign the governorship. The above article gives more details on her recent and unexpected decision.
I will have to in light of this development re-examine a bit the issue of Sarah Palin's prospects for 2012. Earlier in the year I wrote an expository musing on these matters{1} but that was done presuming that Sarah Palin would if not run for re-election in 2010 at least serve out her term. This recent development will thus require on a few points a fresh examination of probabilities; ergo, let this posting make public my intention to do that at some point in the coming months.
Note:
{1} On Political "Front Runners" Historically, Sarah Palin's Prospects in 2012, Etc. (circa April 3, 2009)
Monday, July 06, 2009
Moving the Stimulus Goalposts
The thread above covers one key reason why I insist so often and emphatically that words and concepts be defined as to how they are used. There is also in the above example a key reason why people should avoid being rash in their predictions.
The thread above covers one key reason why I insist so often and emphatically that words and concepts be defined as to how they are used. There is also in the above example a key reason why people should avoid being rash in their predictions.
Last week, I was perusing the archives of this weblog some material I published on January 23, 2007 pertaining to the Founding Fathers. The idea was to use that material -which was a series of brief biographical sketches on the Founding Fathers- and simply republish them in the other medium where I planned to use them. The problem was, as is my wont I reread the material and having read detailed biographies of several of the people profiled in that posting,{1} I found myself thinking what was there was not adequate. Considering that I was in the vicinity of July 4th, it seemed fitting to add some material so I started adding material to one biography then another until I finally realized that justice would require me to either use the material as I originally cobbled it together or to flesh out each biography in the interest of not shortchanging any of the figures so portrayed therein.
At the time the original material was published, I was merely interested in throwing together brief sketches which by their very nature would be incomplete as a kind of preface to a variety of Founding Father themed postings that I would write between that point and February of 2009 -though I did not think in January of 2007 that it would take as long to get to everything as it did. But having realized in revisiting those sketches that the entire posting itself required additional material to be a more complete representation of each biography, I wrote roughly 50-60% more total material for the posting including adding eleven new footnotes.
I was thinking of reposting the material as a new posting to Rerum Novarum but then realized it would make more sense to replace the original material with the expanded threads and simply note in the posting itself what I did -a process made much easier by my recent posting touching on the principles I utilize when these sorts of rare revisions to past archive postings are undertaken.
Anyway, that posting was replaced in the pertinent parts by the product published in another medium yesterday and I recommend those who are interested in knowing something of history to give it a read or (if they read the original sketches) a re-read:
Biographical Sketches of Some of the Founding Fathers
Without question I am far more pleased now with how that thread reads than I was when perusing the original material the other day.
Notes:
{1} Particularly Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Gouverneur Morris of the ones profiled in that series.
{2} Or even that I would write as much in that vein as I eventually did.
At the time the original material was published, I was merely interested in throwing together brief sketches which by their very nature would be incomplete as a kind of preface to a variety of Founding Father themed postings that I would write between that point and February of 2009 -though I did not think in January of 2007 that it would take as long to get to everything as it did. But having realized in revisiting those sketches that the entire posting itself required additional material to be a more complete representation of each biography, I wrote roughly 50-60% more total material for the posting including adding eleven new footnotes.
I was thinking of reposting the material as a new posting to Rerum Novarum but then realized it would make more sense to replace the original material with the expanded threads and simply note in the posting itself what I did -a process made much easier by my recent posting touching on the principles I utilize when these sorts of rare revisions to past archive postings are undertaken.
Anyway, that posting was replaced in the pertinent parts by the product published in another medium yesterday and I recommend those who are interested in knowing something of history to give it a read or (if they read the original sketches) a re-read:
Biographical Sketches of Some of the Founding Fathers
Without question I am far more pleased now with how that thread reads than I was when perusing the original material the other day.
Notes:
{1} Particularly Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Gouverneur Morris of the ones profiled in that series.
{2} Or even that I would write as much in that vein as I eventually did.
Mariners Branyan the Best Bargain in Baseball
Let us see, Mariner General Manager Jack Zduriencik picked him up in the offseason for 1.4 million and he is (i) hitting .293{1}, (ii) has 20 home runs{2}, and has 45 RBI's so far this season. Those are All-Star numbers and the only reason Branyan will not be going is because he plays first base which is a stat-stacked position. But for the money, I do not believe you will find a better deal in baseball; ergo, I concur with the opinion expressed in the article above.
Note:
{1} The article says .303 but it was posted on July 1st and Branyan has played in games since then; ergo my different figures than the article has which were taken from the paper this morning.
{2} See footnote one.
Let us see, Mariner General Manager Jack Zduriencik picked him up in the offseason for 1.4 million and he is (i) hitting .293{1}, (ii) has 20 home runs{2}, and has 45 RBI's so far this season. Those are All-Star numbers and the only reason Branyan will not be going is because he plays first base which is a stat-stacked position. But for the money, I do not believe you will find a better deal in baseball; ergo, I concur with the opinion expressed in the article above.
Note:
{1} The article says .303 but it was posted on July 1st and Branyan has played in games since then; ergo my different figures than the article has which were taken from the paper this morning.
{2} See footnote one.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The King's growing command (and demand)
Felix Hernandez is on the verge of being the most dominant right handed pitcher in the American League and he is only 23. He is finally realizing just how good his stuff is after four years of hit and miss{1} on his part and he has been one of the few bright spots on the Seattle Mariners during his tenure there. The Mariners had better not even think of trading King Felix, not now, not any time before 2011, and not after 2011{2} either.
Notes:
{1} Mostly hit but plenty of miss at times too.
{2} He is right now scheduled to become a free agent after the 2011 season.
Felix Hernandez is on the verge of being the most dominant right handed pitcher in the American League and he is only 23. He is finally realizing just how good his stuff is after four years of hit and miss{1} on his part and he has been one of the few bright spots on the Seattle Mariners during his tenure there. The Mariners had better not even think of trading King Felix, not now, not any time before 2011, and not after 2011{2} either.
Notes:
{1} Mostly hit but plenty of miss at times too.
{2} He is right now scheduled to become a free agent after the 2011 season.
Points to Ponder:
A fairly large sector of public opinion considers the Catholic Church, despite her former contributions to culture, very narrow-minded in this domain. It thinks she is dominated by attitudes of fear and apologetic reflexes of defense, and that she is on the outskirts of the cultural growth of modern times. The memory of anti-modernistic reactions in the areas of philosophy, history, and the sciences constitutes a wound that has not healed, a source of distrust.
Don't we have a tendency to want to circumscribe the domain of culture too narrowly, and to recogniuze its legitimate autonomy only reluctantly. Don't we practice a kind of dogmatic imperialism that leads us to make quick and empty judgments on all research findings as though faith gave us competence in every field? Don't we identify the theological affirmations of a given age with Christian truth as though theology consisted in lazily and unquestioningly repeating theses established once and for all? Haven't we minimized the pastoral value of human intelligence, that is, the concern for sanctity in intellectual activity?
Don't we still have a morbid fear of rationalism and the critical spirit without recognizing what is good in them?" [Auxiliary Bishop Elchinger of Strasbourg: Floor Intervention at The Second Vatican Council (circa November 5, 1964)]
A fairly large sector of public opinion considers the Catholic Church, despite her former contributions to culture, very narrow-minded in this domain. It thinks she is dominated by attitudes of fear and apologetic reflexes of defense, and that she is on the outskirts of the cultural growth of modern times. The memory of anti-modernistic reactions in the areas of philosophy, history, and the sciences constitutes a wound that has not healed, a source of distrust.
Don't we have a tendency to want to circumscribe the domain of culture too narrowly, and to recogniuze its legitimate autonomy only reluctantly. Don't we practice a kind of dogmatic imperialism that leads us to make quick and empty judgments on all research findings as though faith gave us competence in every field? Don't we identify the theological affirmations of a given age with Christian truth as though theology consisted in lazily and unquestioningly repeating theses established once and for all? Haven't we minimized the pastoral value of human intelligence, that is, the concern for sanctity in intellectual activity?
Don't we still have a morbid fear of rationalism and the critical spirit without recognizing what is good in them?" [Auxiliary Bishop Elchinger of Strasbourg: Floor Intervention at The Second Vatican Council (circa November 5, 1964)]
Monday, June 29, 2009
Revisiting the Subject of Indefinite Detainment:
Since there are going to be those who are angered at President Barack Obama for backpedaling on the issue of indefinite detainment, it seems appropriate for me to defend this practice much the way I did when it was practiced under President George Bush. So with that in mind and accounting for the principle that what is right or wrong is determined by objective standards and not by subjective whims{1}, I will in a footnote to this posting{2} reiterate my position on this matter despite not liking the particular president under whom this practice will now be carried out.
Notes:
{1} On the Difference Between Objective Manifestation and Subjective Intention (circa February 27, 2007)
{2} On the Indefinite Detainment Complaint (circa April 17. 2007)
Since there are going to be those who are angered at President Barack Obama for backpedaling on the issue of indefinite detainment, it seems appropriate for me to defend this practice much the way I did when it was practiced under President George Bush. So with that in mind and accounting for the principle that what is right or wrong is determined by objective standards and not by subjective whims{1}, I will in a footnote to this posting{2} reiterate my position on this matter despite not liking the particular president under whom this practice will now be carried out.
Notes:
{1} On the Difference Between Objective Manifestation and Subjective Intention (circa February 27, 2007)
{2} On the Indefinite Detainment Complaint (circa April 17. 2007)
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Acquainted with the Night:
(A Poem By Robert Frost)
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,
But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
A luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.
(A Poem By Robert Frost)
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain -- and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,
But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
A luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.
Congresspeople to Thank and To Shame:
[Prefatory Note: This was written and published in another medium yesterday. -ISM]
First of all, the easy part is to thank your Republican congresspeople with only few exceptions (I will get to the exceptions shortly). So if the Republicans are not listed below, then call and thank them for taking a stand on this proposed "cap and trade" which even if the "global warming hypothesis was valid{1} nonetheless is highly imprudent to propose when the economy is struggling to right itself. It does not take a brain surgeon to realize that with a struggling economy the solution is not to raise taxes and regulations (the latter of which are a hidden tax increase) but instead to leave things alone or perhaps lighten the burden a little. But lest this appear to be a "thank Republicans and shame Democrats" thread, it is not that simple folks.
For there are also 44 Democrats who took a stand against so-called "cap and trade" and whatever their motivations for doing so{2}, you should thank them even if you do not want to.{3} Remember, if something passes the Senate there will be attempts to reconcile the two bills and another vote in both chambers so it is possible to turn some votes between now and then. But if those who took the stand now are not given props for what they did, they could very well be turned on the next vote in the wrong direction and if that happens, it is not a good thing. So I will now list the 44 Democrats to thank:
Bobby Bright (Alabama)
Artur Davis (Alabama)
Parker Griffith (Alabama)
Kirkpatrick (Arizona)
Robert Berry (Arkansas)
Mike Ross (Arkansas)
Jim Costa (California)
Fortney Stark (California)
John Salazar (Colorado)
John Barrow (Georgia)
James Marshall (Georgia)
Walt Minnick, (Idaho)
Bill Foster (Illinois)
Jerry Costello (Illinois)
Joe Donnelly (Indiana)
Brad Ellsworth (Indiana)
Peter Visclosky (Indiana)
Charles Melancon (Louisiana)
Travis Childers (Mississippi)
Gene Taylor (Mississippi)
Michael Arcuri (New York)
Eric Massa (New York)
Larry Kissel (North Carolina)
Mike McIntyre (North Carolina)
Pomoroy (North Dakota)
Boren (Oklahoma)
Dennis Kucinich (Ohio)
Charles Wilson (Ohio)
DeFazio (Oregon)
Jason Altmire (Pennsylvania)
Christopher Carney (Pennsylvania)
Kathy Dahlkemper (Pennsylvania)
Tim Holden (Pennsylvania)
Stephanie Hersteth-Sandlin (South Carolina)
Sandlin (South Dakota)
Lincoln Davis (Tennessee)
John Tanner (Tennessee)
Chet Edwards (Texas)
Solomon Ortiz (Texas)
Ciro Rodriguez (Texas)
Jim Mathison (Utah)
Glen Nye (Virginia)
Alan Mollohan (West Virginia)
Nick Rahall (West Virginia)
Just make sure you preface your thanks on them voting no for every attempted compromise bill that comes along and that you will be watching to see if they change their vote later on. Now for the Hall of Shame folks. In this you can place every Democratic representative not already covered above but also these 8 Republicans:
Mary Bono Mack (California)
Michael Castle (Delaware)
Mark Kirk (Illinois)
Leonard Lance (New Jersey)
Frank LoBiondo (New Jersey)
Christopher Smith (New Jersey)
John McHugh (New York)
Dave Reichert (Washington)
It really bothers me personally that Rep. Dave Reichart -who as sheriff in King County{4} was a long time member of the Green River Task Force and who spent twenty years chasing (and eventually catching) the Green River Killer- would turn around and endorse another killer in the form of this legislation.{5} But the roll call record does not lie so I am forced to have an abiding disrespect for Reichart now that I did not previously have and lament that Jennifer Dunn had to retire and give up her seat for election which Reichart won a few years back.{6}
Oh and for the representatives who did not bother to vote on this bill, we have two Republicans:
Jeff Flake (Arizona)
John Sullivan (Oklahoma)
and a Democrat:
Alcee Hastings (Florida)
I am not sure what to do with them but at the very least they are elected to make tough decisions so it seems to me they should not be allowed to get away with the "I did not vote for Cap and Trade" when they run for re-election since they also did not vote against it.{7} But anyway, these are the people to thank and the people to whose political futures should roll like heads from the guillotine. So kindly do not forget to thank those who deserve it and shame those who deserve it in the House before turning attention to the Senate who if I am reading things right will not be taking up this issue until after the July 4th recess.
Notes:
{1} Lets just say I am more than just a little bit skeptical to put it mildly.
{2} I say this as someone who has to be on the same side of a vote with Dennis Kucinich for the first time possibly ever.
{3} A proper political stand is one on issues and not personalities and that means even those you personally cannot stand if they do the right thing, to retain credibility in criticizing them for what they do wrong, you must commend them for what they do right.
{4} The largest county in Washington State population-wise.
{5} And yes, this proposal if enacted into law will kill the struggling economy.
{6} For those wondering how conservative Jennifer Dunn was, she named her eldest son (who is involved in state political movements himself) "Reagan Dunn."
{7} John Sullivan is legitimately excluded in my mind because I have learned he is in rehab (after a relapse) and could not make it to the vote.
[Prefatory Note: This was written and published in another medium yesterday. -ISM]
First of all, the easy part is to thank your Republican congresspeople with only few exceptions (I will get to the exceptions shortly). So if the Republicans are not listed below, then call and thank them for taking a stand on this proposed "cap and trade" which even if the "global warming hypothesis was valid{1} nonetheless is highly imprudent to propose when the economy is struggling to right itself. It does not take a brain surgeon to realize that with a struggling economy the solution is not to raise taxes and regulations (the latter of which are a hidden tax increase) but instead to leave things alone or perhaps lighten the burden a little. But lest this appear to be a "thank Republicans and shame Democrats" thread, it is not that simple folks.
For there are also 44 Democrats who took a stand against so-called "cap and trade" and whatever their motivations for doing so{2}, you should thank them even if you do not want to.{3} Remember, if something passes the Senate there will be attempts to reconcile the two bills and another vote in both chambers so it is possible to turn some votes between now and then. But if those who took the stand now are not given props for what they did, they could very well be turned on the next vote in the wrong direction and if that happens, it is not a good thing. So I will now list the 44 Democrats to thank:
Bobby Bright (Alabama)
Artur Davis (Alabama)
Parker Griffith (Alabama)
Kirkpatrick (Arizona)
Robert Berry (Arkansas)
Mike Ross (Arkansas)
Jim Costa (California)
Fortney Stark (California)
John Salazar (Colorado)
John Barrow (Georgia)
James Marshall (Georgia)
Walt Minnick, (Idaho)
Bill Foster (Illinois)
Jerry Costello (Illinois)
Joe Donnelly (Indiana)
Brad Ellsworth (Indiana)
Peter Visclosky (Indiana)
Charles Melancon (Louisiana)
Travis Childers (Mississippi)
Gene Taylor (Mississippi)
Michael Arcuri (New York)
Eric Massa (New York)
Larry Kissel (North Carolina)
Mike McIntyre (North Carolina)
Pomoroy (North Dakota)
Boren (Oklahoma)
Dennis Kucinich (Ohio)
Charles Wilson (Ohio)
DeFazio (Oregon)
Jason Altmire (Pennsylvania)
Christopher Carney (Pennsylvania)
Kathy Dahlkemper (Pennsylvania)
Tim Holden (Pennsylvania)
Stephanie Hersteth-Sandlin (South Carolina)
Sandlin (South Dakota)
Lincoln Davis (Tennessee)
John Tanner (Tennessee)
Chet Edwards (Texas)
Solomon Ortiz (Texas)
Ciro Rodriguez (Texas)
Jim Mathison (Utah)
Glen Nye (Virginia)
Alan Mollohan (West Virginia)
Nick Rahall (West Virginia)
Just make sure you preface your thanks on them voting no for every attempted compromise bill that comes along and that you will be watching to see if they change their vote later on. Now for the Hall of Shame folks. In this you can place every Democratic representative not already covered above but also these 8 Republicans:
Mary Bono Mack (California)
Michael Castle (Delaware)
Mark Kirk (Illinois)
Leonard Lance (New Jersey)
Frank LoBiondo (New Jersey)
Christopher Smith (New Jersey)
John McHugh (New York)
Dave Reichert (Washington)
It really bothers me personally that Rep. Dave Reichart -who as sheriff in King County{4} was a long time member of the Green River Task Force and who spent twenty years chasing (and eventually catching) the Green River Killer- would turn around and endorse another killer in the form of this legislation.{5} But the roll call record does not lie so I am forced to have an abiding disrespect for Reichart now that I did not previously have and lament that Jennifer Dunn had to retire and give up her seat for election which Reichart won a few years back.{6}
Oh and for the representatives who did not bother to vote on this bill, we have two Republicans:
Jeff Flake (Arizona)
John Sullivan (Oklahoma)
and a Democrat:
Alcee Hastings (Florida)
I am not sure what to do with them but at the very least they are elected to make tough decisions so it seems to me they should not be allowed to get away with the "I did not vote for Cap and Trade" when they run for re-election since they also did not vote against it.{7} But anyway, these are the people to thank and the people to whose political futures should roll like heads from the guillotine. So kindly do not forget to thank those who deserve it and shame those who deserve it in the House before turning attention to the Senate who if I am reading things right will not be taking up this issue until after the July 4th recess.
Notes:
{1} Lets just say I am more than just a little bit skeptical to put it mildly.
{2} I say this as someone who has to be on the same side of a vote with Dennis Kucinich for the first time possibly ever.
{3} A proper political stand is one on issues and not personalities and that means even those you personally cannot stand if they do the right thing, to retain credibility in criticizing them for what they do wrong, you must commend them for what they do right.
{4} The largest county in Washington State population-wise.
{5} And yes, this proposal if enacted into law will kill the struggling economy.
{6} For those wondering how conservative Jennifer Dunn was, she named her eldest son (who is involved in state political movements himself) "Reagan Dunn."
{7} John Sullivan is legitimately excluded in my mind because I have learned he is in rehab (after a relapse) and could not make it to the vote.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Points to Ponder:
The willingness of the scientific community to accept any new idea is usually determined by "source" rather than "substance;" that is, who said it is considered to be far more important than what was actually said. Which attitude, to me, comes very close to outright insanity. [Arthur Jones]
The willingness of the scientific community to accept any new idea is usually determined by "source" rather than "substance;" that is, who said it is considered to be far more important than what was actually said. Which attitude, to me, comes very close to outright insanity. [Arthur Jones]
Cheering for Deficits (L. Brent Bozell III)
Having gone over the hypocrisy on this matter myself in recent months{1}, I am pleased to see others pointing this out also. The bottom line is, the law of non-contradiction is violated on this matter to no small degree by those who cheer for in President Obama what they were critical of in President Bush. For that reason if nothing else, such persons are without any credibility whatsoever.
Note:
{1} Points to Ponder on Presidential Hypocrisy (circa March 4, 2009)
Having gone over the hypocrisy on this matter myself in recent months{1}, I am pleased to see others pointing this out also. The bottom line is, the law of non-contradiction is violated on this matter to no small degree by those who cheer for in President Obama what they were critical of in President Bush. For that reason if nothing else, such persons are without any credibility whatsoever.
Note:
{1} Points to Ponder on Presidential Hypocrisy (circa March 4, 2009)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The "Level of Education Requirement" for Understanding Rerum Novarum According to a "Web Examination":
(Musings of your humble servant at Rerum Novarum)
I originally intended to publish the quiz results I refer to in this posting on November 9, 2007 but it was shelved in favour of finishing and publishing a much more important expository musing which I had been working on bit by bit as I was inclined to. As it happens from time to time, when I take a few moments to peruse the archives and look in the drafts folder, I am reminded of unfinished materials. These are either ones I was not motivated at the time to finish or the circumstances that were involved in prompting me to draft them passed on in my mind to matters of greater contemporary importance.
With this being the 2700th posting to Rerum Novarum since its creation, I decided to resurrect this unfinished idea and complete it for posting at this time rather than go with a more customary posting. And as milestones such as this serve as good points of reference for reflection, I decided to expand slightly on what I wrote recently about what I called "writing photographs" in an expository musing from earlier in the month.{1}
As I noted in the aforementioned posting, I found it interesting to take a tour of sorts through some of my earliest essays from the college and high school days. Those writings are among the small percentage of papers I am keeping in the general recycling and shredding project which I am close to completing now.{2} I suppose it is a mixed bag that I rarely throw anything away from the drafts folder{3} and for this reason, there are even in draft form earlier sketches of materials that were later posted in completed form.{4} In the case of this "test" of the "reading level" of Rerum Novarum, I remember thinking at the time it would require some explanation because by posting it without a clarification it might appear to be a case of ego-feeding or potentially misconstrued that way anyway. And of course the text was no longer accessible so I had to tap into the Internet Archive to find working links to post it but in doing so, it gives me an opportunity perhaps to clarify something that I have long considered with this weblog: namely, its educational value to the extent there is one.
I should also note that I am not sure this is an accurate gauge quiz anyway because about the only way it could come off the way it did would be via an analysis of various words I use in composing the material for this weblog. The problem is, I have a larger vocabulary than most people and in order to facilitate that while at the same time keeping things to a reading level that someone of average or slightly below intelligence can comprehend without much need for clarifications, I as is my wont pepper in a few big words here and there. That factor is probably part of what triggered this sort of "high reading ability" weblog grade. But even if my presumption on this matter is incorrect, then perhaps pointing out what I aim for in blogging to the extent I aim at anything when involved in this endeavour will provide yet another piece to the mosaic that is the mind of your weblog host.
Though I have in mind a recapitulation thread to be published on the seventh anniversary of this weblog's founding to show some snapshots both of this weblog's development and my view of this medium as it has grown over time{5}, an encapsulated summary perhaps can be stated as follows:
I view this weblog as one of a variety of conduits{6} for the enunciation of various and sundry topics of interest that circulate in my mind on a regular basis or at a given time.
It is for the most part fortunate that I have accumulated a lot of knowledge on various subjects throughout my lifetime so far{7} but I was also fortunate to have certain circumstances which gave me an advantage over others including those whom I consider to be better people than myself.{8} But lest I tangent off on that subject, here without further ado are the links from the Internet Archive of the presumed "level of education requirement" for reading and understanding this weblog. The test generator can be viewed here:
Blog Test
And here is what the test generator said about this weblog as of early November 2007:
I ask of course that readers who try to read into this with anything less than honourable motivations to consider the clarification outlined in this posting in advance please because I frankly do not buy this assessment for an instant.{9} But enough on this matter for now.
Notes:
{1} On D-Day and "Writing Photographs" (circa June 6, 2009)
{2} I may very well have it completed by tomorrow -indeed after two weeks away from the project I am itching to finish it now whereas previously I was needed to take a break for a while to find the motivation to finish putting the lid on that veritable Pandora's Box of a project.
{3} If Blogger ever puts in place a feature that enables me to check off multiples of archive drafts and delete them all at once then the number of unfinished drafts will be cut down by at least 50% if not more. Out of 540 drafts as of this writing -some as old as January of 2005- about 50-60% of them are variations of pieces I later finished and published and the rest are either (i) to be finished as I am inclined to by virtue of time, circumstances, and motivations to do so or (ii) have been finished for some time and are awaiting a contemporary event or circumstance to justify their being published at that time. (And some of these threads are as old as two or three years.)
{4} Usually I remember if they were finished or not and (if not) I can usually figure it out in a matter of minutes. But the bad habit of being a "clutterbug" applies to more than just papers and files and also to some extent applies to the drafts folder of this humble weblog -though the kind of clutter found there is a lot easier to live with admittedly.
{5} This is an idea that just came to me in a flash when drafting this text -the intention of including that material in this posting itself would make things too overlong and unnecessary tangental to what the purpose of this posting ultimately is.
{6} Since its founding, this weblog was the predominant conduit of sorts for my musings but in the past year (particularly in the past six months), it has taken on more of secondary importance in some respects. This has happened for reasons I did not at the time anticipate but which nonetheless are what they are and for the indefinite future I do not foresee that changing.
{7} This is one benefit of learning to read at an early age and being from at least the second grade being "beyond test ranges" on measuring those capabilities. The hunger for knowledge fortunately has not dimmed as I have gotten older even if the amount of information I can assimilate and rapidly process due to time constraints and other reasons is not what it once was.
{8} To note two posts I can recall from the archives where I touch on one particularly notable example of what I am talking about:
Musings on My Father in Particular and the "Silent Generation" in General (circa August 22, 2002)
And then there are these excepts from a later collection of "miscellaneous musings":
I recall numerous times in my youth where it was said that I had "extraordinary" gifts or talents. No such accolades were ever laid at my fathers feet - quite the contrary actually. I believe that God takes greater joy in the ordinary than in the extraordinary. And that the ordinary is to be prized above the extraordinary because it is tested, it is reliable. And it often does not perceive of its true value... [My father] was by all statistical accounts an "ordinary" man. I assure you, statistics are woefully inadequate to express his true value: proof positive to me that what is classified as "extraordinary" is not of greater value than what is classified as "ordinary". Indeed arguably the "extraordinary" is of markedly lessor value and no one will convince me otherwise. [Excerpt from Rerum Novarum (circa October 19, 2002)]
I have rarely since that time gone into much detail on these subjects.
{9} For reasons I trust I have already enunciated adequately enough for now in this posting.
(Musings of your humble servant at Rerum Novarum)
I originally intended to publish the quiz results I refer to in this posting on November 9, 2007 but it was shelved in favour of finishing and publishing a much more important expository musing which I had been working on bit by bit as I was inclined to. As it happens from time to time, when I take a few moments to peruse the archives and look in the drafts folder, I am reminded of unfinished materials. These are either ones I was not motivated at the time to finish or the circumstances that were involved in prompting me to draft them passed on in my mind to matters of greater contemporary importance.
With this being the 2700th posting to Rerum Novarum since its creation, I decided to resurrect this unfinished idea and complete it for posting at this time rather than go with a more customary posting. And as milestones such as this serve as good points of reference for reflection, I decided to expand slightly on what I wrote recently about what I called "writing photographs" in an expository musing from earlier in the month.{1}
As I noted in the aforementioned posting, I found it interesting to take a tour of sorts through some of my earliest essays from the college and high school days. Those writings are among the small percentage of papers I am keeping in the general recycling and shredding project which I am close to completing now.{2} I suppose it is a mixed bag that I rarely throw anything away from the drafts folder{3} and for this reason, there are even in draft form earlier sketches of materials that were later posted in completed form.{4} In the case of this "test" of the "reading level" of Rerum Novarum, I remember thinking at the time it would require some explanation because by posting it without a clarification it might appear to be a case of ego-feeding or potentially misconstrued that way anyway. And of course the text was no longer accessible so I had to tap into the Internet Archive to find working links to post it but in doing so, it gives me an opportunity perhaps to clarify something that I have long considered with this weblog: namely, its educational value to the extent there is one.
I should also note that I am not sure this is an accurate gauge quiz anyway because about the only way it could come off the way it did would be via an analysis of various words I use in composing the material for this weblog. The problem is, I have a larger vocabulary than most people and in order to facilitate that while at the same time keeping things to a reading level that someone of average or slightly below intelligence can comprehend without much need for clarifications, I as is my wont pepper in a few big words here and there. That factor is probably part of what triggered this sort of "high reading ability" weblog grade. But even if my presumption on this matter is incorrect, then perhaps pointing out what I aim for in blogging to the extent I aim at anything when involved in this endeavour will provide yet another piece to the mosaic that is the mind of your weblog host.
Though I have in mind a recapitulation thread to be published on the seventh anniversary of this weblog's founding to show some snapshots both of this weblog's development and my view of this medium as it has grown over time{5}, an encapsulated summary perhaps can be stated as follows:
I view this weblog as one of a variety of conduits{6} for the enunciation of various and sundry topics of interest that circulate in my mind on a regular basis or at a given time.
It is for the most part fortunate that I have accumulated a lot of knowledge on various subjects throughout my lifetime so far{7} but I was also fortunate to have certain circumstances which gave me an advantage over others including those whom I consider to be better people than myself.{8} But lest I tangent off on that subject, here without further ado are the links from the Internet Archive of the presumed "level of education requirement" for reading and understanding this weblog. The test generator can be viewed here:
Blog Test
And here is what the test generator said about this weblog as of early November 2007:
I ask of course that readers who try to read into this with anything less than honourable motivations to consider the clarification outlined in this posting in advance please because I frankly do not buy this assessment for an instant.{9} But enough on this matter for now.
Notes:
{1} On D-Day and "Writing Photographs" (circa June 6, 2009)
{2} I may very well have it completed by tomorrow -indeed after two weeks away from the project I am itching to finish it now whereas previously I was needed to take a break for a while to find the motivation to finish putting the lid on that veritable Pandora's Box of a project.
{3} If Blogger ever puts in place a feature that enables me to check off multiples of archive drafts and delete them all at once then the number of unfinished drafts will be cut down by at least 50% if not more. Out of 540 drafts as of this writing -some as old as January of 2005- about 50-60% of them are variations of pieces I later finished and published and the rest are either (i) to be finished as I am inclined to by virtue of time, circumstances, and motivations to do so or (ii) have been finished for some time and are awaiting a contemporary event or circumstance to justify their being published at that time. (And some of these threads are as old as two or three years.)
{4} Usually I remember if they were finished or not and (if not) I can usually figure it out in a matter of minutes. But the bad habit of being a "clutterbug" applies to more than just papers and files and also to some extent applies to the drafts folder of this humble weblog -though the kind of clutter found there is a lot easier to live with admittedly.
{5} This is an idea that just came to me in a flash when drafting this text -the intention of including that material in this posting itself would make things too overlong and unnecessary tangental to what the purpose of this posting ultimately is.
{6} Since its founding, this weblog was the predominant conduit of sorts for my musings but in the past year (particularly in the past six months), it has taken on more of secondary importance in some respects. This has happened for reasons I did not at the time anticipate but which nonetheless are what they are and for the indefinite future I do not foresee that changing.
{7} This is one benefit of learning to read at an early age and being from at least the second grade being "beyond test ranges" on measuring those capabilities. The hunger for knowledge fortunately has not dimmed as I have gotten older even if the amount of information I can assimilate and rapidly process due to time constraints and other reasons is not what it once was.
{8} To note two posts I can recall from the archives where I touch on one particularly notable example of what I am talking about:
Musings on My Father in Particular and the "Silent Generation" in General (circa August 22, 2002)
And then there are these excepts from a later collection of "miscellaneous musings":
I recall numerous times in my youth where it was said that I had "extraordinary" gifts or talents. No such accolades were ever laid at my fathers feet - quite the contrary actually. I believe that God takes greater joy in the ordinary than in the extraordinary. And that the ordinary is to be prized above the extraordinary because it is tested, it is reliable. And it often does not perceive of its true value... [My father] was by all statistical accounts an "ordinary" man. I assure you, statistics are woefully inadequate to express his true value: proof positive to me that what is classified as "extraordinary" is not of greater value than what is classified as "ordinary". Indeed arguably the "extraordinary" is of markedly lessor value and no one will convince me otherwise. [Excerpt from Rerum Novarum (circa October 19, 2002)]
I have rarely since that time gone into much detail on these subjects.
{9} For reasons I trust I have already enunciated adequately enough for now in this posting.
Friday, June 19, 2009
On the Predictions of "Joestradamus" and Current Geopolitical Realities:
I want to start by reminding those who may have forgotten about this little gem from then-Senator Joe Biden:
"Mark my words," the Democratic vice presidential nominee warned at the second of his two Seattle fundraisers Sunday. "It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy...
Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy." [Joe Biden: Fundraising Speech in Seattle (circa October 19, 2008)]
Keeping those words in mind, I present to you this article for perusal by Andrea Tantaros circa yesterday:
Obama’s Red Phone Is Ringing and It’s Going Straight to Voicemail?
The only thing worse than President Obama's limp-wristed approach to the chaos in Iran is that this may spill over onto how we are going to handle North Korea who currently has a ship heading towards Singapore which is suspected of proliferating missile material.{1} There is also the possibility according to Japanese intelligence that North Korea may fire a missile at Hawaii on or around July 4th.{2}
I would be remiss if I failed to point out that there was a reason why President Bush classified these nations along with Iraq as an "Axis of Evil" back in early 2003. They were (in the case of Iraq) and are (in the case of Iran and North Korea) headed up by egotistical tyrants who not only have no interest in the liberty of their citizens but who govern their nations in ways that would make the Mafia look like Sunday school. The refusal to stand up when they attempt acts of provocation would result in them constantly trying to push the envelope. President Obama needs to stop his campaigning and start taking these things seriously. Unfortunately, he is proving what Alexander Hamilton so presciently noted in The Federalist about the importance of a strong executive for effective governance{3} by failing to provide that strength which is the hallmark of poor government.{4} Hopefully on national security issues and on dealing with Iran and North Korea, that pattern will not continue by President Obama but I would be lying if I said I was optimistic about that happening.
Notes:
{1} U.S. Military Tracking North Korean Ship Suspected of Proliferating Missiles, Nukes (Fox News)
{2} That is assuming of course that this story from the Daily Mail is an accurate one.
{3} Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high-handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice; to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, and of anarchy. [Alexander Hamilton: Excerpt from The Federalist #70 (circa March 18, 1788)]
{4} A feeble Executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government. [Alexander Hamilton: Excerpt from The Federalist #70 (circa March 18, 1788)]
I want to start by reminding those who may have forgotten about this little gem from then-Senator Joe Biden:
"Mark my words," the Democratic vice presidential nominee warned at the second of his two Seattle fundraisers Sunday. "It will not be six months before the world tests Barack Obama like they did John Kennedy...
Remember I said it standing here if you don't remember anything else I said. Watch, we're gonna have an international crisis, a generated crisis, to test the mettle of this guy." [Joe Biden: Fundraising Speech in Seattle (circa October 19, 2008)]
Keeping those words in mind, I present to you this article for perusal by Andrea Tantaros circa yesterday:
Obama’s Red Phone Is Ringing and It’s Going Straight to Voicemail?
The only thing worse than President Obama's limp-wristed approach to the chaos in Iran is that this may spill over onto how we are going to handle North Korea who currently has a ship heading towards Singapore which is suspected of proliferating missile material.{1} There is also the possibility according to Japanese intelligence that North Korea may fire a missile at Hawaii on or around July 4th.{2}
I would be remiss if I failed to point out that there was a reason why President Bush classified these nations along with Iraq as an "Axis of Evil" back in early 2003. They were (in the case of Iraq) and are (in the case of Iran and North Korea) headed up by egotistical tyrants who not only have no interest in the liberty of their citizens but who govern their nations in ways that would make the Mafia look like Sunday school. The refusal to stand up when they attempt acts of provocation would result in them constantly trying to push the envelope. President Obama needs to stop his campaigning and start taking these things seriously. Unfortunately, he is proving what Alexander Hamilton so presciently noted in The Federalist about the importance of a strong executive for effective governance{3} by failing to provide that strength which is the hallmark of poor government.{4} Hopefully on national security issues and on dealing with Iran and North Korea, that pattern will not continue by President Obama but I would be lying if I said I was optimistic about that happening.
Notes:
{1} U.S. Military Tracking North Korean Ship Suspected of Proliferating Missiles, Nukes (Fox News)
{2} That is assuming of course that this story from the Daily Mail is an accurate one.
{3} Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good government. It is essential to the protection of the community against foreign attacks; it is not less essential to the steady administration of the laws; to the protection of property against those irregular and high-handed combinations which sometimes interrupt the ordinary course of justice; to the security of liberty against the enterprises and assaults of ambition, of faction, and of anarchy. [Alexander Hamilton: Excerpt from The Federalist #70 (circa March 18, 1788)]
{4} A feeble Executive implies a feeble execution of the government. A feeble execution is but another phrase for a bad execution; and a government ill executed, whatever it may be in theory, must be, in practice, a bad government. [Alexander Hamilton: Excerpt from The Federalist #70 (circa March 18, 1788)]
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