My motto has been for quite a while: We are the people our parents warned us about. Or I guess more specifically me. Has a nice ring to it.
What is interesting about it (and me) is that as soon as I left home, at 18 to defend our nation against the Communist menace (more specifically the North Vietnamese, after about 6 weeks in service). I was always the one who sought out the drugs, alcohol and loose women. It certainly helped that I looked as though I were about 15. Who'd a thought this nice young boy would be that way?
Once I got to college, I still looked way under age. I was 22 (and 29 in law school) and being carded, while my friends who were only 18 were given a pass. Very helpful especially when your goal is to get as wasted as possible. One who looked as innocent as I did was able to get away with a lot of stuff that someone who looked older and more world weary couldn't. It worked for many years.
What also helped is that apparently my constitution craved booze and drugs. So I ended up kind of like Dorian Grey, but without the painting.
I suppose it catches up after a while, but life catches up with everybody after a while. So you might as well trade on what you got while you've got it.
That's it nothing deep at all really.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Jump through the hoops, boy.
Well, they got him to do it. Of course most of what Wright said was right. That doesn't matter here in this country we don't aspire to build the City on a Hill we actually live in it right now. Anybody who says otherwise and tries to accurately describe what we are doing right now is of course ostracized and anyone who may agree with him is also ostracized.
Of course if you are a right wing asshole like Hagee or Graham you tell the individual how evil they are, but you never ever speak truth to power. You wear your $2,000.00 suit and drive your $50,000.00 car and live in your $2,000,000.00 house and tell the wealthy and powerful men how great they are and the little people how they are where they are because of their own short comings. You can even point out that god is chastising us, like he did in New Orleans and through the medium of Bin Laden. However, if you blame it on liberals, homosexuals and feminists you are golden.
Say, in passing: Where does that eye of the needle thing fit in do you suppose? Is it possible that it is all a big con? Goodness gracious sakes alive. What kind of un-American are you to think that.
Of course if you are a right wing asshole like Hagee or Graham you tell the individual how evil they are, but you never ever speak truth to power. You wear your $2,000.00 suit and drive your $50,000.00 car and live in your $2,000,000.00 house and tell the wealthy and powerful men how great they are and the little people how they are where they are because of their own short comings. You can even point out that god is chastising us, like he did in New Orleans and through the medium of Bin Laden. However, if you blame it on liberals, homosexuals and feminists you are golden.
Say, in passing: Where does that eye of the needle thing fit in do you suppose? Is it possible that it is all a big con? Goodness gracious sakes alive. What kind of un-American are you to think that.
Who I support
Well, I'm sure that my two readers out there have been wondering who I support for president. Well, the answer is........... let me explain. I have such an great ego that I naturally assume that my choice will sway the election -- unfortunately away --- from the candidate I choose. The candidate will lose and I will be depressed.
On the other hand, if I simply claim that I support the one I really don't support, the Gods (every single one of them) will know that I lie and then the one I say I support will win. Which of course means that the one I really support will lose and I will be depressed.
See.
On the other hand, if I simply claim that I support the one I really don't support, the Gods (every single one of them) will know that I lie and then the one I say I support will win. Which of course means that the one I really support will lose and I will be depressed.
See.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Want to be a writer?
Wow. The number of people who want to write and to be published (no I mean really published) is amazing. Went to a Writer's Workshop in a small town near here on Saturday. There were probably about fifty or sixty people there. There were several published speakers with six workshops in a six hour day.
Several folks from the writer's group here went. At any rate all the folks there were from towns of fewer than 25,000 people.
At least two of the published writers who spoke were explicitly "inspirational" writers, but their talks touched very little on the explicitly religious aspect of their writing,but rather on how to write an interesting book (novel/novella) in their case. Had I not looked at their work I would not have known what their bent was based on their talks.
Some times I get overwhelmed by how narrowly we are portrayed by the media. According to them we are all REAL AMERICANS those of us who are mathematically inclined are 100% REAL AMERICANS. We watch t.v. (NASCAR & Wrestling), but we don't write, read books, or have a progressive thought in our silly little heads.
I will say this that most people at the conference were generally more into traditional literature in the sense of novels which had a realistic story line. On the other hand the poetry workshops rand the gamut from traditional poetry to quite modern poetry.
How do you suppose we all got here?
Several folks from the writer's group here went. At any rate all the folks there were from towns of fewer than 25,000 people.
At least two of the published writers who spoke were explicitly "inspirational" writers, but their talks touched very little on the explicitly religious aspect of their writing,but rather on how to write an interesting book (novel/novella) in their case. Had I not looked at their work I would not have known what their bent was based on their talks.
Some times I get overwhelmed by how narrowly we are portrayed by the media. According to them we are all REAL AMERICANS those of us who are mathematically inclined are 100% REAL AMERICANS. We watch t.v. (NASCAR & Wrestling), but we don't write, read books, or have a progressive thought in our silly little heads.
I will say this that most people at the conference were generally more into traditional literature in the sense of novels which had a realistic story line. On the other hand the poetry workshops rand the gamut from traditional poetry to quite modern poetry.
How do you suppose we all got here?
Friday, April 25, 2008
Sex
There that should have gotten your attention. But alas its just more political stuff. It seems that the right wing is on the march again. How they can decide that it is necessary to force PXs to stop selling Playboy and Penthouse to our heroic hero adults is beyond me.
Although, I guess it is really the same kind of thing that has always been going on. Think USO and ice cream. We can send the boys out to be killed, but we must protect their morals. I guess being shot with a hard on cause you looked at that centerfold, will get you directly to hell. On the other hand you've got a better chance of getting into heaven if you are not tempted by that illicit sex stuff, in any form.
I was at U-Tapao from August of 67 to August of 68. On the Gulf of Siam where the flying fishes play and the B-52s came up like thunder. At any rate I spent all my spare time and money on hookers and booze and Thai stick. I do not think that I was very unusual. Of course, I didn't spend much if any money on porn or even quasi-porn since I could didn't need it given that there were, I was told, about 5000 whore houses and 10 times that many hookers within 30 kilometers of the base (we were located close to Satihip [sp?] the main sea port for supplies for all of Southeast Asia, excepting Vietnam -- lots of sailors). Well it kept me busy and out of the pool halls.
Of course maybe that's why we lost.
Just saying.
Although, I guess it is really the same kind of thing that has always been going on. Think USO and ice cream. We can send the boys out to be killed, but we must protect their morals. I guess being shot with a hard on cause you looked at that centerfold, will get you directly to hell. On the other hand you've got a better chance of getting into heaven if you are not tempted by that illicit sex stuff, in any form.
I was at U-Tapao from August of 67 to August of 68. On the Gulf of Siam where the flying fishes play and the B-52s came up like thunder. At any rate I spent all my spare time and money on hookers and booze and Thai stick. I do not think that I was very unusual. Of course, I didn't spend much if any money on porn or even quasi-porn since I could didn't need it given that there were, I was told, about 5000 whore houses and 10 times that many hookers within 30 kilometers of the base (we were located close to Satihip [sp?] the main sea port for supplies for all of Southeast Asia, excepting Vietnam -- lots of sailors). Well it kept me busy and out of the pool halls.
Of course maybe that's why we lost.
Just saying.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Torture again
You know I doubt if anybody much sees this, but still my country has approved torture at the highest levels. My country has done this recently and my country still does it.
Therefore, if I don't do anything and everything I can to bring this to the attention of the world and to stop it I am guilty of adding and abetting. I am an accessory. That makes me (at least in my state and under the common law) as guilty as those who actually commit the war crimes.
Most Americans and I am fucked.
Therefore, if I don't do anything and everything I can to bring this to the attention of the world and to stop it I am guilty of adding and abetting. I am an accessory. That makes me (at least in my state and under the common law) as guilty as those who actually commit the war crimes.
Most Americans and I am fucked.
ok its really nothing
Got a call this morning from "Jeff." Jeff is our fish guy.
Let me explain. My very very very good friend with whom I live decided that we needed to have fish.
No I don't know why, but we need them to augment the 8 cats and the 1 dog we have today. However, one of the cats has a serious problem concerning the fish. That is she is sure that she can figure a way into the fish tank. We have put a screen over the top and the fish are smart enough not to come to the top of the water when the cats are around. One actually managed to get her front legs deep into the tank all the way to her shoulders, but she wasn't able to complete the sale.
At any rate, Jeff called and his car was disabled at Red Lobster. Why was he at Red Lobster, you may ask? At first I thought he might be dropping off failures. Then it was suggested that it was merely negative reinforcement. But then I realized that Red Lobster has a big tank in their waiting room (something I would never have seen, since I always wait in the bar).
At any rate we now have 5 fish. Well at least fish don't have to be baptised.
Let me explain. My very very very good friend with whom I live decided that we needed to have fish.
No I don't know why, but we need them to augment the 8 cats and the 1 dog we have today. However, one of the cats has a serious problem concerning the fish. That is she is sure that she can figure a way into the fish tank. We have put a screen over the top and the fish are smart enough not to come to the top of the water when the cats are around. One actually managed to get her front legs deep into the tank all the way to her shoulders, but she wasn't able to complete the sale.
At any rate, Jeff called and his car was disabled at Red Lobster. Why was he at Red Lobster, you may ask? At first I thought he might be dropping off failures. Then it was suggested that it was merely negative reinforcement. But then I realized that Red Lobster has a big tank in their waiting room (something I would never have seen, since I always wait in the bar).
At any rate we now have 5 fish. Well at least fish don't have to be baptised.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cases
Ok. I am representing this kid who his being charged on three different complaints. Two for not going to school and one for getting into trouble when he was at school.
My defense is that the kid had the interests of the school system at heart because he knew that he would only get into trouble in school, so he stayed out to save the school grief. Sound reasonable?
It gets better. The kid's biological parents allowed the kid's paternal grandmother to adopt the kid several years ago. The grandmother/mother died about eight years ago. No one since that time has had legal custody of the kid. Now the kid has been living with his aunt/sister out of state, but got into trouble and was sent back to live with his mother/nothing where he has been living since. The grandmother/mother's Social Security has been going with the kid, but did not follow him back to here when he came. So the aunt/sister has been collecting it since that time and not sending it back with the kid. Mother/nothing has done nothing. Except now the kid's father/brother want to take him back out of state with him.
I spent two hours trying to get somebody to do something for the kid and no one would take him. I must say that Children's Services is as close to a perfect bureaucracy as one can imagine. They always take the kids they should leave and always leave the kids they should take.
My defense is that the kid had the interests of the school system at heart because he knew that he would only get into trouble in school, so he stayed out to save the school grief. Sound reasonable?
It gets better. The kid's biological parents allowed the kid's paternal grandmother to adopt the kid several years ago. The grandmother/mother died about eight years ago. No one since that time has had legal custody of the kid. Now the kid has been living with his aunt/sister out of state, but got into trouble and was sent back to live with his mother/nothing where he has been living since. The grandmother/mother's Social Security has been going with the kid, but did not follow him back to here when he came. So the aunt/sister has been collecting it since that time and not sending it back with the kid. Mother/nothing has done nothing. Except now the kid's father/brother want to take him back out of state with him.
I spent two hours trying to get somebody to do something for the kid and no one would take him. I must say that Children's Services is as close to a perfect bureaucracy as one can imagine. They always take the kids they should leave and always leave the kids they should take.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Get yer racist and sexist slurs here
I've wondered what it was about the different way Clinton and Obama are attacked in the media and online. I think I now understand.
Explicit racism is just no longer accepted in this country. At least not out side the klan and klan lite folks. Therefore, when Obama is attacked it is necessary to use code words and phrases. Oh, you can still attack him racially, but it has to be done in an acceptable way that doesn't use the (gasp) "n" word.
Sexism is I think alive and well (racism is too, but it has to be covered up a little -- not too much cause we do want the knuckle dragging mouth breathers to get it). Sexism can be engaged in without the apparent need to use code words. You can call a 50 year old woman a girl, but you really can't call a 50 year old African American mad a boy. If you do you are forced to kind of sort of apologize for it. The same I think for the harsher "c" word (although really used in comments and locker room discussions) and "n" word. You get away with cunt much more ofter than you will be allowed to get away with nigger.
Of course, all that doesn't mean that there isn't enough hate to go around.
Explicit racism is just no longer accepted in this country. At least not out side the klan and klan lite folks. Therefore, when Obama is attacked it is necessary to use code words and phrases. Oh, you can still attack him racially, but it has to be done in an acceptable way that doesn't use the (gasp) "n" word.
Sexism is I think alive and well (racism is too, but it has to be covered up a little -- not too much cause we do want the knuckle dragging mouth breathers to get it). Sexism can be engaged in without the apparent need to use code words. You can call a 50 year old woman a girl, but you really can't call a 50 year old African American mad a boy. If you do you are forced to kind of sort of apologize for it. The same I think for the harsher "c" word (although really used in comments and locker room discussions) and "n" word. You get away with cunt much more ofter than you will be allowed to get away with nigger.
Of course, all that doesn't mean that there isn't enough hate to go around.
Why is this no surprise
Well, I guess somebody had to do the work, but is it really a surprise? I must admit that I only skimmed the article. The information was nothing that I didn't expect. Do you think that it will be more than on news cycle and then sluffed off.
I mean really isn't it more important to attack Obama's patriotism? Or to slander Clinton with sexist slurs?
UPDATE: No coverage what a surprise. It is something I have seen and read before. I once watched a reporter who was there for the invasion of East Timur complaining about the lack of coverage. Another reporter said something to the effect that you can't really complain, because there was some coverage, and anyway people didn't care and that is why there wasn't more. The other guy, a seasoned correspondent simply pointed out that if the media wanted to cover it they covered it (whatever it might be) in depth and for days and days.
That is both true, and the way the media in this country covers themselves. Things are always covered, somewhere, one time. Then those articles can be later pointed out to prove that American Media really do cover the important stories. Of course, the NYT piece about the military isn't being followed up on by anyone. I am will to bet that there will be less follow up coverage than the coverage of Obama's pastor, o lapel pin. Hell, there was less coverage of the fact that the president admitted approving torture then there has been of that damned lapel pin.
I mean really isn't it more important to attack Obama's patriotism? Or to slander Clinton with sexist slurs?
UPDATE: No coverage what a surprise. It is something I have seen and read before. I once watched a reporter who was there for the invasion of East Timur complaining about the lack of coverage. Another reporter said something to the effect that you can't really complain, because there was some coverage, and anyway people didn't care and that is why there wasn't more. The other guy, a seasoned correspondent simply pointed out that if the media wanted to cover it they covered it (whatever it might be) in depth and for days and days.
That is both true, and the way the media in this country covers themselves. Things are always covered, somewhere, one time. Then those articles can be later pointed out to prove that American Media really do cover the important stories. Of course, the NYT piece about the military isn't being followed up on by anyone. I am will to bet that there will be less follow up coverage than the coverage of Obama's pastor, o lapel pin. Hell, there was less coverage of the fact that the president admitted approving torture then there has been of that damned lapel pin.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Death
Well the Supremes have decided that the three drug cocktail is ok and not really cruel and unusual. Of course no one can come back and let us know for sure, but some of the things I've read seem to indicate that it appears to be unnecessarily painful (if you insist that capital punishment is ok).
What I can't understand is why can't we just use an over dose of heroin, if we gotta do it. It is certainly not painful.
By the way I am not one of those who thinks that we should treat the condemned the same way the victim was treated. I would hope that we are better as a society than that. Of course given our current rulers I guess I should figure that we really aren't any better than the worst of the mass murderers.
What I can't understand is why can't we just use an over dose of heroin, if we gotta do it. It is certainly not painful.
By the way I am not one of those who thinks that we should treat the condemned the same way the victim was treated. I would hope that we are better as a society than that. Of course given our current rulers I guess I should figure that we really aren't any better than the worst of the mass murderers.
Reid & Lieberman
Good God (I may have to start believing since I use that opening so much. How far up his ass is Reid's head if this is what he is planning on doing for Lieberman after the next election.
This is one example of why the Democratic party is so little respected by the average Democrat. If they won't kick out a guy who supports the other party's presidential candidate who will they kick out? What do they believe in except in being good buddys with their old buddy at the club. Hell, the Republicans believe in more than that.
This is one example of why the Democratic party is so little respected by the average Democrat. If they won't kick out a guy who supports the other party's presidential candidate who will they kick out? What do they believe in except in being good buddys with their old buddy at the club. Hell, the Republicans believe in more than that.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
McCain & Obama & Pravda in America
Well aren't we reporter types just sooo wonderful. Good God do these people have no shame. Does it not matter that our president admits casually that he approved torture in the White House? Does it not matter that he destroyed our economy and ruined out military? Does it not matter that the Republican nominee completely supports all the president has done (including the torture)? I see bitterness and its close neighbor anger everywhere I look here in my rural area. Do these reporters not see that?
I really didn't want to believe it, but they do work from a script mostly written by the most conservative Republicans. Not only that, but they are not even shy about being completely up front about being in the bag for the Republicans.
I really didn't want to believe it, but they do work from a script mostly written by the most conservative Republicans. Not only that, but they are not even shy about being completely up front about being in the bag for the Republicans.
Gas
I'm watching the gas prices go up around here again. It is interesting that this is happening in an election year. In 2006 the prices started going down when the election got heated and then kept going down until after the election at which point they went back up.
Do you suppose that those who control the prices saw that dropping them didn't help elect their people so now they are raising them to threaten us to force us to support their guy? Kind of a carrot and stick sort of thing?
Or am I just being paranoid?
Do you suppose that those who control the prices saw that dropping them didn't help elect their people so now they are raising them to threaten us to force us to support their guy? Kind of a carrot and stick sort of thing?
Or am I just being paranoid?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
More Yoo
Another thought about giving my advice to clients who might want to break the law. Perhaps if I told people who wanted to commit burglary that they should just call it: "Enhanced Entry Techniques" that would do it for them.
More Birthday
Ok, you know its hard to be a curmudgeon when you are happy with life. Even when your getting older by the second.
Yoo and School
Well let's see the dean of Yoo's law school has decided that his tenure should not be revoked. How convenient.
Yoo was not a "decider," he only recommended that our rulers violate all our previously upheld norms of civilization as far as torture was concerned. Much like a lawyer for a mafia family.
Under the ABAs ethical standards, if a client comes to me and tells me that he wants to kidnap and torture that young child from next door, I am required to notify the police immediately. No not just that, if he tells me he wants to kidnap and torture that child molester from next door I am also required to notify the police immediately. I am not permitted to suggest ways and means of accomplishing these future acts which are clearly criminal.
Now if a client came to me and told me he had already committed a crime I could help him devise ways and means of beating the rap at trial. But even then I couldn't suggest that he do something to alter the evidence, like destroy some. Because, that would be a future crime.
No one in the media seems
WAIT OBAMA SAYS PEOPLE ARE BITTER
Yoo was not a "decider," he only recommended that our rulers violate all our previously upheld norms of civilization as far as torture was concerned. Much like a lawyer for a mafia family.
Under the ABAs ethical standards, if a client comes to me and tells me that he wants to kidnap and torture that young child from next door, I am required to notify the police immediately. No not just that, if he tells me he wants to kidnap and torture that child molester from next door I am also required to notify the police immediately. I am not permitted to suggest ways and means of accomplishing these future acts which are clearly criminal.
Now if a client came to me and told me he had already committed a crime I could help him devise ways and means of beating the rap at trial. But even then I couldn't suggest that he do something to alter the evidence, like destroy some. Because, that would be a future crime.
No one in the media seems
WAIT OBAMA SAYS PEOPLE ARE BITTER
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Another God Damn Birthday
Another God Damn Birthday. I am now officially eligible for Social Security. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot paid into it. Oh well.
When I was in college, back in the day, and then when I got out and was working at various jobs to take up my time (back in the 60s & 70s) and earn drug money. I told people that I was retired then and once I got into my profession (whatever that was going to be) I would work until I died.
I just assumed that because of my life style I really wouldn't live all that long. Boy did I screw up. Clearly I should have picked ancestors with weaker constitutions. I think I'm 432 years old in dog years.
When I was in college, back in the day, and then when I got out and was working at various jobs to take up my time (back in the 60s & 70s) and earn drug money. I told people that I was retired then and once I got into my profession (whatever that was going to be) I would work until I died.
I just assumed that because of my life style I really wouldn't live all that long. Boy did I screw up. Clearly I should have picked ancestors with weaker constitutions. I think I'm 432 years old in dog years.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Not tone deaf just deaf
Well I guess I should read the latest news today, oh boy.
This is beyond crazy. The President admits that he approved torture. And apparently only DFH's care.
Watch for the right to charge forward and insist that it was that ticking bomb scenario only (even though the number of completely innocent, though brown, people tortured is massive).
Also, of course, the right merely defines the problem away: "It isn't torture. It is merely strong or harsh interrogation." Even though they have been identified as torture for centuries.
Not only are we fucked, we deserved to be fucked.
This is beyond crazy. The President admits that he approved torture. And apparently only DFH's care.
Watch for the right to charge forward and insist that it was that ticking bomb scenario only (even though the number of completely innocent, though brown, people tortured is massive).
Also, of course, the right merely defines the problem away: "It isn't torture. It is merely strong or harsh interrogation." Even though they have been identified as torture for centuries.
Not only are we fucked, we deserved to be fucked.
Wastland
"They make a desert and call it peace"
Tacitus
Since this round of fighting started I had been wondering if we would push it to the limit. Why were the Romans able to desolate and control whole areas and identifiable groups of people? Other empires did it also. Of course the reason is that they were ruthless enough to kill all the people and to salt the earth if necessary to control their colonial (pre, real, and now neo) empires.
I think that we have now shown that we are more than willing to be as ruthless as the Romans in destroying any who stand in the way of our neo-empire. Our rulers wars in the east are being fought to provide us with incredibly expensive oil and our rulers and their friends with riches beyond their dreams of avarice (well ok probably not beyond their dreams). And of course to give the rulers those warm and tender feelings one gets when one crushes and destroys another.
I would guess one of, for me, the really distressing things is that the people of this country seem willing to back those rulers even when backing them is against the people's own interest. Let's face it the price of gas is higher than it has ever been. We are no more and probably less secure than we were in 2000. The economy is going down the shitter and the wealthier get wealthier. But still people seem unable to see.
Temporary success on the ground in Baghdad will strengthen the really crazy war party, but ............
Tacitus
Since this round of fighting started I had been wondering if we would push it to the limit. Why were the Romans able to desolate and control whole areas and identifiable groups of people? Other empires did it also. Of course the reason is that they were ruthless enough to kill all the people and to salt the earth if necessary to control their colonial (pre, real, and now neo) empires.
I think that we have now shown that we are more than willing to be as ruthless as the Romans in destroying any who stand in the way of our neo-empire. Our rulers wars in the east are being fought to provide us with incredibly expensive oil and our rulers and their friends with riches beyond their dreams of avarice (well ok probably not beyond their dreams). And of course to give the rulers those warm and tender feelings one gets when one crushes and destroys another.
I would guess one of, for me, the really distressing things is that the people of this country seem willing to back those rulers even when backing them is against the people's own interest. Let's face it the price of gas is higher than it has ever been. We are no more and probably less secure than we were in 2000. The economy is going down the shitter and the wealthier get wealthier. But still people seem unable to see.
Temporary success on the ground in Baghdad will strengthen the really crazy war party, but ............
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Torture again.
Well it appears that it isn't just a few bad apples.
Good God. I was reading yesterday at different places Our All American Torture program was being justified by several commentators on various web pages.
"You know don't you that it might sometimes be necessary to harshly interrogate some very bad people who might be about to kill numerous innocent 100% Good Patriotic Americans much like Yourself. Also, that harsh interrogation might just cross the line. Although it wouldn't be the fault of the 100% American (much like Yourself) who is doing the torture (I'm sorry interrogation)."
Is it really necessary to say that I reject the basic premise of that scenario. How does the torturer know that the person they have in front of them knows anything about a plot to kill people? How does the torturer know that in fact there is a plot? If there is a plot, how does the torturer know that there is a plot? Why does the torturer know that there is a plot, but knows nothing about where or when or how the plot might come to fruition? And why can he (or lets be non-sexist she) only find this information out through torture?"
Of course, then we look at the real world and see that the vast majority of those tortured by your 100% Real Americans are not in fact guilty of anything except being brown. Of course that information was all available before yesterday. That does not dissuade those who make those arguments. Apparently, facts are irritating things and should not be considered when Real 100% Americans (much like Yourself) are discussing serious matters concerning Your safety.
God I'm glad I live in a country where mere facts do not intrude on discussions of serious policy by serious people, much like Yourself. I of course am completely non-serious and if I may say so myself something of a jerk. Otherwise, I would not be raising these matters.
Good God. I was reading yesterday at different places Our All American Torture program was being justified by several commentators on various web pages.
"You know don't you that it might sometimes be necessary to harshly interrogate some very bad people who might be about to kill numerous innocent 100% Good Patriotic Americans much like Yourself. Also, that harsh interrogation might just cross the line. Although it wouldn't be the fault of the 100% American (much like Yourself) who is doing the torture (I'm sorry interrogation)."
Is it really necessary to say that I reject the basic premise of that scenario. How does the torturer know that the person they have in front of them knows anything about a plot to kill people? How does the torturer know that in fact there is a plot? If there is a plot, how does the torturer know that there is a plot? Why does the torturer know that there is a plot, but knows nothing about where or when or how the plot might come to fruition? And why can he (or lets be non-sexist she) only find this information out through torture?"
Of course, then we look at the real world and see that the vast majority of those tortured by your 100% Real Americans are not in fact guilty of anything except being brown. Of course that information was all available before yesterday. That does not dissuade those who make those arguments. Apparently, facts are irritating things and should not be considered when Real 100% Americans (much like Yourself) are discussing serious matters concerning Your safety.
God I'm glad I live in a country where mere facts do not intrude on discussions of serious policy by serious people, much like Yourself. I of course am completely non-serious and if I may say so myself something of a jerk. Otherwise, I would not be raising these matters.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Yoo the Atlantic
Greenwald had some fairly, dare I say nasty comments concerning a Megan McArtle article about the way the media are covering (or rather not covering) the justification for our All American Torture of those we have taken prisoner and who may be guilty (oh I'm sorry, I mean harsh interrogation of obviously guilty rag heads).
McArtle then responds to Greenwald's article. Oh boy. It is hard to know where to start.
The amazing thing about the McArtle's original and her response is that basically people don't want to hear about it. It is boring. And anyway Yoo isn't very important after all. And finally there are many other things that people should also know about, but they don't.
It is amazing that those who want to compare Yoo's memo to other matters do not seem to have the moral sense to be able to understand that a memo written by an officer of the United States Department of Justice which the president uses to make torture an official policy is simply unique. There is nothing to compare it to. Well, perhaps I should say it is unique for this Country. I do believe that the Church in searching out heretics and witches did put the methods to be used in writing.
It is also interesting to see someone seem to forget what happened during the Clinton years when an arcane land deal in Arkansas was front page news for years.
The argument that the media doesn't make (or at least have a very big hand in making) the news important is just BS (a technical legal term) and requires someone to turn a blind eye to the way news is really made and reported today.
If "America Tortures" was run as a led news story and a headline in the papers several days for a week it would become the same kind of major story that Obama's bowling is. There you have it. The fact that we now have undeniable proof that torture is a policy of this administration is simply something that I would think that most people would be really interested in. But no we are arguing whether it should be reported as much as that land deal in Arkansas. I never thought I would live to see that argument.
McArtle then responds to Greenwald's article. Oh boy. It is hard to know where to start.
The amazing thing about the McArtle's original and her response is that basically people don't want to hear about it. It is boring. And anyway Yoo isn't very important after all. And finally there are many other things that people should also know about, but they don't.
It is amazing that those who want to compare Yoo's memo to other matters do not seem to have the moral sense to be able to understand that a memo written by an officer of the United States Department of Justice which the president uses to make torture an official policy is simply unique. There is nothing to compare it to. Well, perhaps I should say it is unique for this Country. I do believe that the Church in searching out heretics and witches did put the methods to be used in writing.
It is also interesting to see someone seem to forget what happened during the Clinton years when an arcane land deal in Arkansas was front page news for years.
The argument that the media doesn't make (or at least have a very big hand in making) the news important is just BS (a technical legal term) and requires someone to turn a blind eye to the way news is really made and reported today.
If "America Tortures" was run as a led news story and a headline in the papers several days for a week it would become the same kind of major story that Obama's bowling is. There you have it. The fact that we now have undeniable proof that torture is a policy of this administration is simply something that I would think that most people would be really interested in. But no we are arguing whether it should be reported as much as that land deal in Arkansas. I never thought I would live to see that argument.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Atheist Man
I am Atheist Man. I shall crush your pathetic deism with a well placed bon mot. Backed up, of course, by rigorous logic made even more brutal by my impeccable delivery.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Repudiate the truth
Once again the right wing throws a fit and a democratic politician repudiates the truth. Those who support Obama tell the truth and the right demands that Obama repudiate them. He does so, so that I'm sure: "Move on to more important things."
Crap those are the important things. Digby was right: the purpose of these right wing "hissy fits" are to limit the discussion and/or to frame the issues so they they control the debate and limit what can be argued.
Crap those are the important things. Digby was right: the purpose of these right wing "hissy fits" are to limit the discussion and/or to frame the issues so they they control the debate and limit what can be argued.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
The Media
Once again Digby hits it at least close to on the head. But she seems to believe that the media is unaware of how deeply they are in the bag.
I now suspect that they have always been aware of what they do. They are part of the ruling class. And they are intent on keeping the DFHs out. What they may not be aware of is that they are allowed to remain a part of that class only as long as they parrot the right line (right being used in all senses). They of course are well rewarded for what they do.
To see how independent the media is, the real ruling class permits a few Jon Stewarts and Keith Olbermans to broadcast. They are but a speed bump on the propaganda highway. So far blogs have come in under the radar, but I do not believe that will continue for long. No one in the ruling class,no matter which branch of the conservative ruling party (republicans or democrats) holds power at the time, want the kind of harsh, fact based criticism the blogs provide.
I can only imagine how envious those former rulers of the Soviet Union must be to see our national and local versions of Pravda effortlessly spout the party line. Evan more imagine how envious they must be to see how eagerly the average citizen laps it all up.
I now suspect that they have always been aware of what they do. They are part of the ruling class. And they are intent on keeping the DFHs out. What they may not be aware of is that they are allowed to remain a part of that class only as long as they parrot the right line (right being used in all senses). They of course are well rewarded for what they do.
To see how independent the media is, the real ruling class permits a few Jon Stewarts and Keith Olbermans to broadcast. They are but a speed bump on the propaganda highway. So far blogs have come in under the radar, but I do not believe that will continue for long. No one in the ruling class,no matter which branch of the conservative ruling party (republicans or democrats) holds power at the time, want the kind of harsh, fact based criticism the blogs provide.
I can only imagine how envious those former rulers of the Soviet Union must be to see our national and local versions of Pravda effortlessly spout the party line. Evan more imagine how envious they must be to see how eagerly the average citizen laps it all up.
Friday, April 4, 2008
Unemployment
Well unemployment may be down. Is it possible that we've fired so many people that there aren't that many left to be fired?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The memo and more law stuff
I've just read the NYT article about Yoo's memo. Good god almighty. The fourth amendment doesn't apply because of terrorist attacks. How frightened people have become. Apparently those quaint guys in powdered wigs are just not relevant any more.
"Domestic military operations." What the hell is that? Short of a real invasion or another civil war there should not be any domestic military operations. That was one of the most important concepts in the Constitution (the other being that secular non-religious kind of thing). How to make a country strong enough to protect itself, but not too strong. One of the ways was that the military was not supposed to operate within the country except in very narrow situations.
Why are the people who run this country so frightened? Or are they really, and is this just an excuse? Crap.
"Domestic military operations." What the hell is that? Short of a real invasion or another civil war there should not be any domestic military operations. That was one of the most important concepts in the Constitution (the other being that secular non-religious kind of thing). How to make a country strong enough to protect itself, but not too strong. One of the ways was that the military was not supposed to operate within the country except in very narrow situations.
Why are the people who run this country so frightened? Or are they really, and is this just an excuse? Crap.
Law stuff
I was going to write a longer post about children's services boards, but something else caught my eye. On the other hand now might be a good time to lay out my theory of how children services boards operate. They are perfect. They take the kids when they should leave them, and they leave them when they should take them.
Thank you thank you thank you. I'll be here all week.
Thank you thank you thank you. I'll be here all week.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Bloggers on the Payroll
There is indeed a plan that I can get behind. Some how I suspect that my point of view is not exactly the one that is currently desired by the Pentagon. Ya Think
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Politics and the Election -- again
We were waiting for a client of mine to show up for his trial this morning (he apparently decided that he would rather be else where). Actually, I wouldn't mind that so much, but I just wish that they would consider that if they really do want to run, it doesn't do them much good to run to the next town over. Especially, if they then get drunk at the only local bar and then get into a fight. You'd be amazed at the number of people who do just that.
Well at any rate the prosecutor was going on and on about McCain's "experience" (scare quotes). My response was: "What experience?" His was the length of time he (McCain) has been a senator.
My response was that no matter how long he has been a senator he has been wrong about everything. So that experience only counts in a negative way.
He went on to other things. Kind of a drive by debating tactic. Frustrating, but it can be effective. At least effective enough to send my blood pressure up several points and to leave me spluttering at his back as he left.
Although I would say that one thing that McCain does have experience at is bombing civilians for empire. That might really stand him in good stead at this point in our history.
What a sad point we are in our history. It is possible that McCain may get the office. What in god's name is the problem with the people in this country. I don't much hold with the concept that we get the president we deserve. The people who vote for him may deserve him, I don't.
Well at any rate the prosecutor was going on and on about McCain's "experience" (scare quotes). My response was: "What experience?" His was the length of time he (McCain) has been a senator.
My response was that no matter how long he has been a senator he has been wrong about everything. So that experience only counts in a negative way.
He went on to other things. Kind of a drive by debating tactic. Frustrating, but it can be effective. At least effective enough to send my blood pressure up several points and to leave me spluttering at his back as he left.
Although I would say that one thing that McCain does have experience at is bombing civilians for empire. That might really stand him in good stead at this point in our history.
What a sad point we are in our history. It is possible that McCain may get the office. What in god's name is the problem with the people in this country. I don't much hold with the concept that we get the president we deserve. The people who vote for him may deserve him, I don't.
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