Been reading the kerfuffle about Obama mistaking Auschwitz for Buchenwald and his great uncle for his uncle in a speech.
Several thoughts:
First, I had several aunts and uncles who were really my great aunts and uncles. That's what I called them and that's what they answered to. That sort of language was normal in the middle of America that I grew up in. Those folks were my grandparents brothers and sisters, but often they were as close as or closer than some of my real uncles and aunts.
Second, calling Buchenwald Auschwitz seems to be not a very big deal. Anyone who has had to speak publicly has made minor mistakes like that, It happens to trial attorneys frequently, you correct and move on. The jurors or judge will simply correct in their head realizing that you truly "miss-spoke." I mean lets face it the [great]uncle was really there.
Third though, is the bazaar insistence of various Republicans and right wingers who continue to attack the entire speach. Going so far as to try to prove that the guy wasn't even in the war in Europe, then when they get slapped down (by a WWII vet who was there) they keep gong on to try to justify their bullshit.
I guess it worked in 2004 and 2000, but those were not the kind of campaigns that this one seems able to be. The fact that in both those elections they were able to attack people who really did serve in Vietnam as well cowards and get away with it with enough people to get real cowards elected continues to amaze me. However, this time the response was immediate by Obama and effective. In fact, that has been what has been happening right through the election up to this point. They should have figured out that things have changed and their vile lies are not being accepted quite as easily.
As a trial attorney I know that sometimes one does not get the answer one wants from a question. Sometimes it's an important question. What you do at that point is (unless you have some way of proving the witness was lying) simply go on to the next question and pretend that the answer you got wasn't all that important after all. You don't keep digging.
That is just what these guys have continued to do in this case and in so doing they look a little sillier and anything else that they throw out there is going to be a little less likely to stick (hopefully).
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Trolls and the GI Bill
Well I was reduced to spluttering after repeated responses to a troll on Hullabaloo concerning Webb's GI Bill.
The incredibly bland response by the troll continued to be that really people in the military got paid for their time, so they really don't need all that largess from the poor government. He also went off (or maybe it was someone else) on whether volunteers should get the money as opposed to draftees, and whether or not you should get benefits if you were not in combat.
He was called a libertarian by several of the posters. I'm not sure that he isn't just a jerk.
Now that I've calmed down somewhat I wonder what kind of game he was really playing. It was clear that he was never going to serve in the military so everything he argued was simply thought games. He clearly didn't have enough of a felling of empathy for anyone outside his close circle.
All though I am not particularly found of Kipling one is reminded of his "Tommy."
As far as the current bill? McCain and Bush are amazing (as are apparently 41 other senators). In the middle of two wars (let us not forget Afghanistan) they are against giving benefits to the people who are actually fighting those wars. What is even more shocking is that they have been getting away with it. Their reasoning is that people won't be forced to stay in the military if they are provided benefits that more or less equal those given to soldiers during the Vietnam era. The phrase indentured servitude comes to mind.
From what I can see the bill doesn't provide all the original bill provided for WWII vets. That is amazing when you think about it. The original GI Bill benefited the entire country in ways that went way beyond the benefits given to the service men directly. Teachers, builders, people who worked in factories and the people who owned the factories were all benefited by the money spent by the returning vets. How little we want to give now. How short sighted we are now.
Of course the other possibility is that McCain/Bush know exactly what they are doing and they are simply lying to the rubes who follow them. In order to maintain an aggressive empire we have to maintain a large military it is better to pay them less and to force them to stay in. It appears cheaper to those who now rule us. The rulers of today do not have the foresight that those of yesteryear did.
If the bill falls just one or two votes short of the super majority in the senate, do you think that Reid will force a real filibuster? Oh come on let's get real shall we. Say when did the definition of liberal include "give up?"
The incredibly bland response by the troll continued to be that really people in the military got paid for their time, so they really don't need all that largess from the poor government. He also went off (or maybe it was someone else) on whether volunteers should get the money as opposed to draftees, and whether or not you should get benefits if you were not in combat.
He was called a libertarian by several of the posters. I'm not sure that he isn't just a jerk.
Now that I've calmed down somewhat I wonder what kind of game he was really playing. It was clear that he was never going to serve in the military so everything he argued was simply thought games. He clearly didn't have enough of a felling of empathy for anyone outside his close circle.
All though I am not particularly found of Kipling one is reminded of his "Tommy."
As far as the current bill? McCain and Bush are amazing (as are apparently 41 other senators). In the middle of two wars (let us not forget Afghanistan) they are against giving benefits to the people who are actually fighting those wars. What is even more shocking is that they have been getting away with it. Their reasoning is that people won't be forced to stay in the military if they are provided benefits that more or less equal those given to soldiers during the Vietnam era. The phrase indentured servitude comes to mind.
From what I can see the bill doesn't provide all the original bill provided for WWII vets. That is amazing when you think about it. The original GI Bill benefited the entire country in ways that went way beyond the benefits given to the service men directly. Teachers, builders, people who worked in factories and the people who owned the factories were all benefited by the money spent by the returning vets. How little we want to give now. How short sighted we are now.
Of course the other possibility is that McCain/Bush know exactly what they are doing and they are simply lying to the rubes who follow them. In order to maintain an aggressive empire we have to maintain a large military it is better to pay them less and to force them to stay in. It appears cheaper to those who now rule us. The rulers of today do not have the foresight that those of yesteryear did.
If the bill falls just one or two votes short of the super majority in the senate, do you think that Reid will force a real filibuster? Oh come on let's get real shall we. Say when did the definition of liberal include "give up?"
Monday, May 19, 2008
Lieberman
There have been two posts now in moderately well connected blogs about how it will be necessary to keep Lieberman as part of the rulers of the Senate even if the Democrats win the Senate come November.
The attitude of those two posts just blows me away. Here is a guy who is supporting the other party's nominee for president. Here is a guy who manages to make his votes look good, but who in reality, in the procedural votes that set up the final votes will vote against the interest of progressives. Then when the final vote comes around will vote in a way that makes him look progressive.
Well, we need Lieberman we're told because he gives us a majority now. Hell, what has the Democratic party in the Senate done with that majority? Absolutely nothin'. We need his vote in the next Senate because it might give us a 60 vote majority and then we can force closure. Crap. Make the Republicans really filibuster, not just vote once and then cave as we've been doing for the last two years.
Now once I've said that I have to realize who the Democrats are in the Senate and realize two things: First, they probably don't really want to make any real changes; Second, Lieberman gives them cover so they can whine that they really can't accomplish anything because they don't have 100% of the votes.
Crap my head hurts.
The attitude of those two posts just blows me away. Here is a guy who is supporting the other party's nominee for president. Here is a guy who manages to make his votes look good, but who in reality, in the procedural votes that set up the final votes will vote against the interest of progressives. Then when the final vote comes around will vote in a way that makes him look progressive.
Well, we need Lieberman we're told because he gives us a majority now. Hell, what has the Democratic party in the Senate done with that majority? Absolutely nothin'. We need his vote in the next Senate because it might give us a 60 vote majority and then we can force closure. Crap. Make the Republicans really filibuster, not just vote once and then cave as we've been doing for the last two years.
Now once I've said that I have to realize who the Democrats are in the Senate and realize two things: First, they probably don't really want to make any real changes; Second, Lieberman gives them cover so they can whine that they really can't accomplish anything because they don't have 100% of the votes.
Crap my head hurts.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Death and Sex
Well. I came into the office today and was told that one of my former clients' had killed himself. Probably by accident. An overdose. He'd done that several times before (overdosed I mean), so it shouldn't have been a real surprise.
I'm currently representing the widow in a custody matter maid even more difficult because of the special needs of one of the kids. So I know or rather knew this guy fairly well. I got the news and then called the widow. Said all the right things, felt nothing at all. Brother this is a strange job. If you are even remotely inclined to be cynical this job will bring out the worst in you. Too bad. So sad.
The second thing that happened was a little weirder. No death involved. This adult was charged with providing obscene pictures to a juvenile. A seventeen year old girl. If he really did it, it's a crime punishable with up to six months in jail.
What makes it so weird is that if he had screwed her instead ---- wait for it ---- that's not a crime. Of course, I would guess that he couldn't have any mirrors up.
I'm currently representing the widow in a custody matter maid even more difficult because of the special needs of one of the kids. So I know or rather knew this guy fairly well. I got the news and then called the widow. Said all the right things, felt nothing at all. Brother this is a strange job. If you are even remotely inclined to be cynical this job will bring out the worst in you. Too bad. So sad.
The second thing that happened was a little weirder. No death involved. This adult was charged with providing obscene pictures to a juvenile. A seventeen year old girl. If he really did it, it's a crime punishable with up to six months in jail.
What makes it so weird is that if he had screwed her instead ---- wait for it ---- that's not a crime. Of course, I would guess that he couldn't have any mirrors up.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
Hey happy Mother's Day all you Mothers. We took my fiancees Mom out to lunch and it was very good and pleasant.
My Mom is in Florida and we had already sent her some stuff, but I wanted to call her today. Well, that is a little difficult sometimes because she is nearly completely deaf. Hearing aids don't help and she won't get implants. Well any way I phoned her and she said hello and that she was looking forward to picking me up at the airport tonight. (That would be my brother and his wife,) Oh well, I guess I'll just phone tomorrow and talk to him and let him know who called this morning.
My Mom is in Florida and we had already sent her some stuff, but I wanted to call her today. Well, that is a little difficult sometimes because she is nearly completely deaf. Hearing aids don't help and she won't get implants. Well any way I phoned her and she said hello and that she was looking forward to picking me up at the airport tonight. (That would be my brother and his wife,) Oh well, I guess I'll just phone tomorrow and talk to him and let him know who called this morning.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
I'm Back
Ok, I realize that no one really cares that I was gone, but this is good practice.
At any rate I was busy writing the fifth chapter of a novel my writing group is writing. Unfortunately, I neglected to read the fourth chapter carefully enough, so I'm going to have to go back and fix the beginning. Don't worry you will all (both of you) be given a copy of the chapter both before and after the corrections.
I've been reading the various blogs concerning the battles between Clinton and Obama. The battles are more vicious than those between the democrats and republicans. But then you know the most vicious fights seem to take place between those who are really not very far apart ideologically.
Kind of like the later Roman republic. Moving towards our Caesars. Leaving the generally population behind. The great mass of people more than willing to lay themselves down for the glorious leader, whoever that may be.
Damn I'm kind of glad I'm old.
At any rate I was busy writing the fifth chapter of a novel my writing group is writing. Unfortunately, I neglected to read the fourth chapter carefully enough, so I'm going to have to go back and fix the beginning. Don't worry you will all (both of you) be given a copy of the chapter both before and after the corrections.
I've been reading the various blogs concerning the battles between Clinton and Obama. The battles are more vicious than those between the democrats and republicans. But then you know the most vicious fights seem to take place between those who are really not very far apart ideologically.
Kind of like the later Roman republic. Moving towards our Caesars. Leaving the generally population behind. The great mass of people more than willing to lay themselves down for the glorious leader, whoever that may be.
Damn I'm kind of glad I'm old.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Four Dead in Ohio
Ok, I had forgotten that this was the 38th anniversary of Kent State until I saw this.
My God, what happened to us then?
That was it for me. I had been in Thailand and seen the poverty and class system we were over there to protect. All the GIs I spoke with in Thailand who had been in Vietnam told me it was much worse in Vietnam. It had started me thinking for myself. Something one should never do if one wants to continue to support our perpetual neo-colonial wars.
What is it about so many who think that if our leaders want to take us into any war any where then we've just got to support it no matter what? What does the average person think they or their friends, family or children get from it?
We clearly aren't there to spread democracy. We aren't there to spread our religion[s]. We don't even get any economic benefits from it. Oh, those who rule get the economic benefits, but the rest of us get $4.00 gas.
Bush is at the lowest popular level ever, but McCain who policies are simply more Bush, is close to becoming the next president.
My God, what happened to us then?
That was it for me. I had been in Thailand and seen the poverty and class system we were over there to protect. All the GIs I spoke with in Thailand who had been in Vietnam told me it was much worse in Vietnam. It had started me thinking for myself. Something one should never do if one wants to continue to support our perpetual neo-colonial wars.
What is it about so many who think that if our leaders want to take us into any war any where then we've just got to support it no matter what? What does the average person think they or their friends, family or children get from it?
We clearly aren't there to spread democracy. We aren't there to spread our religion[s]. We don't even get any economic benefits from it. Oh, those who rule get the economic benefits, but the rest of us get $4.00 gas.
Bush is at the lowest popular level ever, but McCain who policies are simply more Bush, is close to becoming the next president.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
What we don't hear
Well I guess it really was a great day after all. At least for people connected with Harry Bridges old union.
You know, I wonder why no one any where is writing about this? Why do you think folks?
You know, I wonder why no one any where is writing about this? Why do you think folks?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
What A Greeeeeeeeaaaaaaat Day This Is
Well guess what today is? It is not only the National Day of Prayer (Xions only) of course with Ollie North leading. But wait, there's more: It is also national cod piece day
But we all know what all of us dirty hippies will be celebrating here today don't we. That's right: Workers of the World unite and throw off your chains (or at least goof off for a while). Yes, you've got it right it is May Day comrades. International Workers Day. And that is what we will be celebrating here with all the other dirty hippies (ok both of them).
Let's not forget that Chicago gave us this day. Of course at first it seemed just another police riot in that toddling town (they seem to do those quite well). But after only a little over a hundred years the workers in this country are being forced back to just about where they were then, so let's celebrate as if its the 19th century. (Forty hour work week? Who needs it?)
Oh Yeah. Vanity Fair. I am shocked! Shocked and appalled I tell you. Do you suppose that means that they can't sell Vanity Fair at the PXs any more?
But we all know what all of us dirty hippies will be celebrating here today don't we. That's right: Workers of the World unite and throw off your chains (or at least goof off for a while). Yes, you've got it right it is May Day comrades. International Workers Day. And that is what we will be celebrating here with all the other dirty hippies (ok both of them).
Let's not forget that Chicago gave us this day. Of course at first it seemed just another police riot in that toddling town (they seem to do those quite well). But after only a little over a hundred years the workers in this country are being forced back to just about where they were then, so let's celebrate as if its the 19th century. (Forty hour work week? Who needs it?)
Oh Yeah. Vanity Fair. I am shocked! Shocked and appalled I tell you. Do you suppose that means that they can't sell Vanity Fair at the PXs any more?
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
My deep thought
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.
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.
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 ............
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)