Per my old friend, Ben Hart, one of the founders of the Dartmouth Review, and author of Poisoned Ivy (often described as God and Man at Yale for the Eighties), we learn that a group has been created called "Crash the Tea Party!"
Its stated goal is "to dismantle and demolish the Tea Party movement by any non-violent means necessary."
They claim to be "A nationwide network of Democrats, Republicans, and Independents who are all sick and tired of that loose affiliation of racists, homophobes, and morons; who constitute the fake grass-roots movement which calls itself 'The Tea Party.'" Interestingly, no one has honestly identified themselves with the group, as far as I can tell. Certainly, no identifiably Republican has been so associated with the group.
Nevertheless, to this stated end, the group promises to "act on behalf of the Tea Party in ways which exaggerate their least appealing qualities (misspelled protest signs, wild claims in TV interviews, etc.) to further distance them from mainstream America and damage the public's opinion of them."
No word on whether "Crash the Tea Party!" will likewise use an appalling lack of ability to use appropriate punctuation (i.e., "misspelled protest signs; wild claims in TV interviews; etc.";"that loose affiliation of racists, homophobes, and morons who constitute....") or the English language (i.e., "that loose affiliation of racists, homophobes, and morons [which] constitutes....") to the same end.
For those who need a translation, a more honest statement would be "We are a bunch of far Lefties who, fearful of the power and influence of the Tea Party, will be attempting to infiltrate it and act as agents provacateur to convey our own false and libelous caricature of members of the group." More information to this end appears here.
Pathetic.
One wonders how quick Virginia's moonbatosphere will be to attack this effort at provocation?
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Democrats And Double Standards
As noted previously here, Democrats have made much of what may well have merely been simple vandalism at Congressman Tom Perriello's brother's Charlottesville home.
Today, word comes of a threat serious enough that Federal charges have been filed. A threat against a Socialist ... er, Democrat voting for BarryCare?
No. It was against Republican Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA), prominent opponent of BarryCare.
Curiously, while in high dudgeon over what may be simple vandalism with no apparent connection to the TEA Party movement, Virginia's moonbatosphere has thus far remained silent about this actual threat of politically-motivated violence.
To his credit, Doug Mataconis --- who parroted the far Left line on the Perriello story --- has reported with equal prominence the real threat against Cantor.
H/T to Drudge.
Today, word comes of a threat serious enough that Federal charges have been filed. A threat against a Socialist ... er, Democrat voting for BarryCare?
No. It was against Republican Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA), prominent opponent of BarryCare.
Curiously, while in high dudgeon over what may be simple vandalism with no apparent connection to the TEA Party movement, Virginia's moonbatosphere has thus far remained silent about this actual threat of politically-motivated violence.
To his credit, Doug Mataconis --- who parroted the far Left line on the Perriello story --- has reported with equal prominence the real threat against Cantor.
H/T to Drudge.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
This Must Be A Mistake
The far Left has been trashing the TEA Party and accusing that it is responsible for vandalism at the home of Virginia's 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello's brother, because Danville TEA Party activist Nigel Coleman published the address on his Facebook page.
These are, of course, along with accusations that the movement is racist to its very core.
Certainly, this post must be a mistake. For those not interested in going through the advertisements to get to the substance of the video, it shows a decidedly African-American Mr. Coleman apologizing for his post. Which, by the way, still has not been demonstrated to have anything more to do with the vandalism at the less-infamous Mr. Perriello's home.
Of course, why should the far Left let facts get in the way of a good smear?
These are, of course, along with accusations that the movement is racist to its very core.
Certainly, this post must be a mistake. For those not interested in going through the advertisements to get to the substance of the video, it shows a decidedly African-American Mr. Coleman apologizing for his post. Which, by the way, still has not been demonstrated to have anything more to do with the vandalism at the less-infamous Mr. Perriello's home.
Of course, why should the far Left let facts get in the way of a good smear?
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Contrived Outrage
The lengths to which those on the far Left --- and others --- will go to demonize their political opponents is simply amazing. And no hypocrisy is too glaring to give them pause.
Witness a few weeks ago, when the estimable Ben Tribbett AKA "Not Larry Sabato" decided to attack Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for answering a hypothetical question about how to mount a challenge to President Barry's legitimacy, based upon the dubious theory that he is not a "natural-born citizen" of these United States.
I said in comments on various moonbat blogs who picked it up that it was clearly the type of hypothetical question that lawyers answer all the time, and both the Jaded JD and AG Cuccinelli addressed the "issue" with that explanation.
And no one plays the victim card better than the moonbat far Left. Witness those currently in high dudgeon because some TEA Party activists over the weekend purportedly called civil rights hero and Georgia Democrat Congressman John Lewis a "nigger" (I refuse to use the preferred politically-correct euphemism for this ugly word, and as I am not directing it at anyone or any group, it is not offensive), and Massachusetts Congressman and former owner of a bawdy house specializing in male prostitutes Barney Frank a "fag."
Now, never mind that notwithstanding the presence of many media cameras and tape recorders, and doubtless the presence of dozens of personal recording devices, no one has managed to produce an actual recording of the offending and derisive attacks. That lack of any real evidence hasn't stopped Virginia's moonbats from attacking TEA Partiers here, and here, and ... well, you get the point. Even Doug Mataconis claims that it happened, because, after all, far-Left TPM (Talking Points Memo) said so.
Sure; if it happened, it is wrong, and allows enemies of the movement to smear it. But given the race-hustlers' and Lavender Lobby's penchant for simply making things up to advance the myths of victimhood, it's hardly wise to take those running with this at their word. Particularly given the utter absence of real evidence (i.e., not the claims of the alleged targets of the epithets) that it actually happened.
It is, of course, part of the far-Left meme that opposition to BarryCare is "racist." It's all over the far Left sites.
Today, the smear shifted to ascribing actual acts of violence to those associated with the TEA Party movement (full disclosure: I've never attended a TEA Party rally or any other event, though I'm certainly on their mailing list; but then again, I'm also on homosexual Delegate Adam Ebbin's e-mail list, and have no idea how I got on that one, either) or, at least, holding TEA Party activists responsible for possible acts of violence because they ... well, used one of the tactics of the far Left.
In this case, it seems that someone with TEA Party ties published the address of a Perriello in Charlottesville, but not Congressman Tom Perriello. Turns out, it was his brother who --- we are repeatedly informed --- has "four young children." And today, it is reported, his gas line was cut. And the far Left wants to smear the entire TEA Party movement with it.
I'm just wandering what standard (I know: juxtaposing far Left and "standard," ha ha) is motivating them? After all, the Supreme Court will, on 28 April, hear argument in Doe v. Reed, No. 09-559, in which the Court will consider efforts by the radical homosexual lobby to secure the names and address of citizens who signed a ballot proposition to defend traditional marriage. Their avowed purpose in doing so was to place the names and addresses of R-71 petition signers on the Internet to encourage “uncomfortable conversations.”
Similar tactics were used by partisans for the Lavender Lobby in response to the victory for Proposition 8 in California. During and after the campaign, Proposition 8 opponents publicized on the Internet the names, employers, and contact information of Proposition 8 campaign contributors from public filings harass and intimidate them. See, e.g., www.eightmaps.com;
www.californiansagainsthate.com. Death threats were made; families and businesses were threatened.
And yet ... those in high dudgeon over the actions of a few, isolated TEA Party activists (whom some would say are merely exercising their right to petition government for a redress of grievances) have said utterly nothing about the actual actions and threatened actions of the Lavender Lobby against those who defend the standards of all major religions and five thousand years of civilized society regarding marriage.
Oh, and all of these activities and facts pre-date the public revelation of Congressman Perriello's brother's home address.
No one endorses violence in this regard. But it is curious indeed that the far Left has become so exercised over this event, but those same commenters have remained silent in the face of violence and intimidation perpetrated by their political allies.
Double standards: if the far Left didn't have them, they'd have no standard at all.
Witness a few weeks ago, when the estimable Ben Tribbett AKA "Not Larry Sabato" decided to attack Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli for answering a hypothetical question about how to mount a challenge to President Barry's legitimacy, based upon the dubious theory that he is not a "natural-born citizen" of these United States.
I said in comments on various moonbat blogs who picked it up that it was clearly the type of hypothetical question that lawyers answer all the time, and both the Jaded JD and AG Cuccinelli addressed the "issue" with that explanation.
And no one plays the victim card better than the moonbat far Left. Witness those currently in high dudgeon because some TEA Party activists over the weekend purportedly called civil rights hero and Georgia Democrat Congressman John Lewis a "nigger" (I refuse to use the preferred politically-correct euphemism for this ugly word, and as I am not directing it at anyone or any group, it is not offensive), and Massachusetts Congressman and former owner of a bawdy house specializing in male prostitutes Barney Frank a "fag."
Now, never mind that notwithstanding the presence of many media cameras and tape recorders, and doubtless the presence of dozens of personal recording devices, no one has managed to produce an actual recording of the offending and derisive attacks. That lack of any real evidence hasn't stopped Virginia's moonbats from attacking TEA Partiers here, and here, and ... well, you get the point. Even Doug Mataconis claims that it happened, because, after all, far-Left TPM (Talking Points Memo) said so.
Sure; if it happened, it is wrong, and allows enemies of the movement to smear it. But given the race-hustlers' and Lavender Lobby's penchant for simply making things up to advance the myths of victimhood, it's hardly wise to take those running with this at their word. Particularly given the utter absence of real evidence (i.e., not the claims of the alleged targets of the epithets) that it actually happened.
It is, of course, part of the far-Left meme that opposition to BarryCare is "racist." It's all over the far Left sites.
Today, the smear shifted to ascribing actual acts of violence to those associated with the TEA Party movement (full disclosure: I've never attended a TEA Party rally or any other event, though I'm certainly on their mailing list; but then again, I'm also on homosexual Delegate Adam Ebbin's e-mail list, and have no idea how I got on that one, either) or, at least, holding TEA Party activists responsible for possible acts of violence because they ... well, used one of the tactics of the far Left.
In this case, it seems that someone with TEA Party ties published the address of a Perriello in Charlottesville, but not Congressman Tom Perriello. Turns out, it was his brother who --- we are repeatedly informed --- has "four young children." And today, it is reported, his gas line was cut. And the far Left wants to smear the entire TEA Party movement with it.
I'm just wandering what standard (I know: juxtaposing far Left and "standard," ha ha) is motivating them? After all, the Supreme Court will, on 28 April, hear argument in Doe v. Reed, No. 09-559, in which the Court will consider efforts by the radical homosexual lobby to secure the names and address of citizens who signed a ballot proposition to defend traditional marriage. Their avowed purpose in doing so was to place the names and addresses of R-71 petition signers on the Internet to encourage “uncomfortable conversations.”
Similar tactics were used by partisans for the Lavender Lobby in response to the victory for Proposition 8 in California. During and after the campaign, Proposition 8 opponents publicized on the Internet the names, employers, and contact information of Proposition 8 campaign contributors from public filings harass and intimidate them. See, e.g., www.eightmaps.com;
www.californiansagainsthate.com. Death threats were made; families and businesses were threatened.
And yet ... those in high dudgeon over the actions of a few, isolated TEA Party activists (whom some would say are merely exercising their right to petition government for a redress of grievances) have said utterly nothing about the actual actions and threatened actions of the Lavender Lobby against those who defend the standards of all major religions and five thousand years of civilized society regarding marriage.
Oh, and all of these activities and facts pre-date the public revelation of Congressman Perriello's brother's home address.
No one endorses violence in this regard. But it is curious indeed that the far Left has become so exercised over this event, but those same commenters have remained silent in the face of violence and intimidation perpetrated by their political allies.
Double standards: if the far Left didn't have them, they'd have no standard at all.
And They Wonder Why...
... I call them "Sean Connaughton's Cult of Personality"?
Putting the name and face of an obscure state Secretary of Transportation on your masthead?
Pathetic.
In fact, though I support Keith Fimian for the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District, it's really an overstatement to put him there, too. It's at best premature.
And why isn't Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli there?
Putting the name and face of an obscure state Secretary of Transportation on your masthead?
Pathetic.
In fact, though I support Keith Fimian for the Republican nomination for the 11th Congressional District, it's really an overstatement to put him there, too. It's at best premature.
And why isn't Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli there?
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
None Of The Above
Two hundred thirty-five years ago today, Patrick Henry famously culminated a speech at St. John's Church in Richmond with a phrase which resounds even now:
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace! Peace!" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!Today, President Barry signed a bill mandating socialized medicine, and answered "None of the above."
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Isn't This Treason?
Article I, section 7 of the Constitution is quite clear:
Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have been asked by a woman, after the close of the Constitutional Convention, "What kind of government have you given us, sir?" Franklin replied, "A republic, if you can keep it."
Apparently, we cannot. I weep for the future.
Every Bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a Law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his Objections to that House in which it shall have originated, who shall enter the Objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it. If after such Reconsideration two thirds of that House shall agree to pass the Bill, it shall be sent, together with the Objections, to the other House, by which it shall likewise be reconsidered, and if approved by two thirds of that House, it shall become a Law. But in all such Cases the Votes of both Houses shall be determined by Yeas and Nays, and the Names of the Persons voting for and against the Bill shall be entered on the Journal of each House respectively. If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten Days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the Same shall be a Law, in like Manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its Return, in which Case it shall not be a Law.Today, 222 members of the House of Representatives, all Democrats, violated this elementary requirement for lawmaking in the United States.
Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have been asked by a woman, after the close of the Constitutional Convention, "What kind of government have you given us, sir?" Franklin replied, "A republic, if you can keep it."
Apparently, we cannot. I weep for the future.
Are There Any Honest Democrats Left?
Given the possibility of the Slaughter House rule proposed to "deem" the Senate version of the Federal socialized medicine bill --- I refuse to call it "health care reform," because it is no such thing --- without an actual vote in the House, the title question has to arise. Indeed, if House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signs and sends to the President a bill upon which the House has never voted, it is reasonable to ask whether she has committed an act of treason.
But to the first question, there may happily be an affirmative answer, and this guy seems to be a likely candidate.
That he is the only possible candidate of whom I currently am aware, and who seems to have any interest in defending the constitutional process for considering and passing bills, speaks ill of the modern Democrat Party.
But to the first question, there may happily be an affirmative answer, and this guy seems to be a likely candidate.
That he is the only possible candidate of whom I currently am aware, and who seems to have any interest in defending the constitutional process for considering and passing bills, speaks ill of the modern Democrat Party.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
A Crime
That this list includes Lindsay Lohan, but does not include the legendary Maureen O'Hara, is a crime.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Asshats Attack AG (Alas, Absent Alliteration)
Having a serious, disciplined, principled constitutionalist as Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia has apparently driven the moonbats positively ... well, batty. Even normally serious people like Ben Tribbett. And nihilists like Doug Mataconis, who really should know better, but apparently doesn't.
Witness the recent controversy, in places like Politico, Huffington Post, Politics Daily and the Talking Points Memo, over Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's rather pedestrian answer to a hypothetical posed to him during the campaign.
As I said when I first read this, AG Cuccinelli's comments had all the earmarks of a response to a hypothetical question in an oral argument. Late this afternoon, AG Cucinnelli confirmed it.
It would be quite refreshing if the moonbatosphere would grow up. Then again, they would have to change their basic character, or lack thereof.
Witness the recent controversy, in places like Politico, Huffington Post, Politics Daily and the Talking Points Memo, over Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli's rather pedestrian answer to a hypothetical posed to him during the campaign.
As I said when I first read this, AG Cuccinelli's comments had all the earmarks of a response to a hypothetical question in an oral argument. Late this afternoon, AG Cucinnelli confirmed it.
It would be quite refreshing if the moonbatosphere would grow up. Then again, they would have to change their basic character, or lack thereof.
President Barry: Comedian
Via Drudge, a funny from the New York Times, about President Barry's response to Republican warnings that passing BarryCare/socialized medicine will lead to a Democrat bloodbath in the fall:
Yet like the stopped clock (that's right twice a day), President Barry manages to get this one right. Democrats shouldn't be taking advice about electoral wisdom from Republicans. I'll be the first to confess: we don't have their best interests at heart.
It would be so much better if certain spineless Republicans out there would recognize that the obverse is equally true.
It is the sure and certain knowledge that those spineless Republicans are out there that President Barry doesn't discourage the efforts of Democrat/Liberal commentators who offer such "advice."
Mr. Obama laughed about it afterward. “I generally wouldn’t take advice about what’s good for Democrats” from Mr. McConnell, he told an audience in Pennsylvania.Now, that's hilarious. Democrats lecture Republicans virtually non-stop about what's good for the GOP, yet when the tables are turned, President Barry laughs it off.
Yet like the stopped clock (that's right twice a day), President Barry manages to get this one right. Democrats shouldn't be taking advice about electoral wisdom from Republicans. I'll be the first to confess: we don't have their best interests at heart.
It would be so much better if certain spineless Republicans out there would recognize that the obverse is equally true.
It is the sure and certain knowledge that those spineless Republicans are out there that President Barry doesn't discourage the efforts of Democrat/Liberal commentators who offer such "advice."
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Is This Satire?
Well. I opened my Washington Post today, and came across this beauty in today's Outlook section: "Fox News: unfair, unbalanced, unchecked," by former New York Times Executive Editor Howell Raines. Interestingly, the online version of the article has a different title: "Why don't honest journalists take on Roger Ailes and Fox News?"
I guess my first reaction to an ideologue like Raines was "Well, on the issue of 'unfair, unbalance, unchecked,' Howell Raines certainly knows from whence he speaks." And when I saw the online title, I had to ask whether Raines even knows any honest journalists (certainly he didn't hire many), or would recognize one if he tripped over him.
But the funniest parts of the article were Raines protestations about his perceptions of bias in Fox News reporting.
For instance, Raines proceeds from the assertion of Fox News' "endless repetition of its uber-lie: 'The American people do not want health-care reform.'" Note that it's in quotation marks. Followed by "Fox repeats this as gospel." Not that Raines bothers to cite the date, or time, or anchor who uttered such an uber-lie. No. He just asserts that it's endlessly repeated. But doesn't bother to tell us of even one occasion when it's been uttered. Or by whom.
And never mind that it's rather silly. Even Republicans concede that some reform is in order. Just not the scheme for socialized medicine advocated by President Barry, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-People's Republic of San Francisco), and Senate Majority Leader "Dingy" Harry Reid (D-Nevada). Just not the "Holy Grail" of government-controlled health care inherent in every far-Left scheme to control of our lives.
But then there's the endless sanctimony that one would expect of someone associated with the New York Times:
1) the condemnation of "the world of Foxian reality, whose actors are brought on camera to illustrate a preconceived universe as rigid as that of medieval morality";
2) the caricature that "when Fox does trot out a house liberal as a punching bag, the result is a parody of reasoned news formats," as though the New York Times, with its well-documented history of Liberal bias, holds a monopoly on "reasoned news formats," apparently defined by Raines as one in which the only Conservative views which are acceptable in polite company are those that concede the far-Left premise, and merely want to slow down the inexorable march of history to the Socialist Utopia;
3) the implication that Fox News does not present "information free of partisan poppycock," or --- incredibly arrogantly --- that Raines has ever been responsible for providing such information;
4) the notion that "Fox legitimize[s] a style of journalism that is dishonest in its intellectual process, untrustworthy in its conclusions and biased in its gestalt," again, as though the New York Times represents "a style of journalism that is []honest in its intellectual process, []trustworthy in its conclusions and [un]biased in its gestalt"; and
5) the accusation --- more indicative of the psychological condition of "projection" more than anything else --- that Roger Ailes and Fox News are "responsib[le] for creating a news department whose raison d'etre is to dictate the outcome of our nation's political discourse," as though Raines' New York Times were utterly innocent of the same offense.
Perhaps most outrageously, however, is Raines' accusation that:
But it's not as though Raines relies wholly upon his own opinion. Instead, he offers evidence published in --- you guessed it! --- the New York Times:
I guess my first reaction to an ideologue like Raines was "Well, on the issue of 'unfair, unbalance, unchecked,' Howell Raines certainly knows from whence he speaks." And when I saw the online title, I had to ask whether Raines even knows any honest journalists (certainly he didn't hire many), or would recognize one if he tripped over him.
But the funniest parts of the article were Raines protestations about his perceptions of bias in Fox News reporting.
For instance, Raines proceeds from the assertion of Fox News' "endless repetition of its uber-lie: 'The American people do not want health-care reform.'" Note that it's in quotation marks. Followed by "Fox repeats this as gospel." Not that Raines bothers to cite the date, or time, or anchor who uttered such an uber-lie. No. He just asserts that it's endlessly repeated. But doesn't bother to tell us of even one occasion when it's been uttered. Or by whom.
And never mind that it's rather silly. Even Republicans concede that some reform is in order. Just not the scheme for socialized medicine advocated by President Barry, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-People's Republic of San Francisco), and Senate Majority Leader "Dingy" Harry Reid (D-Nevada). Just not the "Holy Grail" of government-controlled health care inherent in every far-Left scheme to control of our lives.
But then there's the endless sanctimony that one would expect of someone associated with the New York Times:
1) the condemnation of "the world of Foxian reality, whose actors are brought on camera to illustrate a preconceived universe as rigid as that of medieval morality";
2) the caricature that "when Fox does trot out a house liberal as a punching bag, the result is a parody of reasoned news formats," as though the New York Times, with its well-documented history of Liberal bias, holds a monopoly on "reasoned news formats," apparently defined by Raines as one in which the only Conservative views which are acceptable in polite company are those that concede the far-Left premise, and merely want to slow down the inexorable march of history to the Socialist Utopia;
3) the implication that Fox News does not present "information free of partisan poppycock," or --- incredibly arrogantly --- that Raines has ever been responsible for providing such information;
4) the notion that "Fox legitimize[s] a style of journalism that is dishonest in its intellectual process, untrustworthy in its conclusions and biased in its gestalt," again, as though the New York Times represents "a style of journalism that is []honest in its intellectual process, []trustworthy in its conclusions and [un]biased in its gestalt"; and
5) the accusation --- more indicative of the psychological condition of "projection" more than anything else --- that Roger Ailes and Fox News are "responsib[le] for creating a news department whose raison d'etre is to dictate the outcome of our nation's political discourse," as though Raines' New York Times were utterly innocent of the same offense.
Perhaps most outrageously, however, is Raines' accusation that:
For the first time since the yellow journalism of a century a,go, the United States has a major news organization devoted to the promotion of one political party.Who does Howell Raines think he's kidding? Does anyone out there believe that Raines' New York Times has been, for decades, "a major news organization devoted to the promotion of one political party," specifically, the Democrat Party? Or that Fox News is even alone? Well, perhaps has a promoter of the GOP, if promoter is it, then it might be alone. But certainly not as "a major news organization devoted to the promotion of one political party," a capacity in which many of our "major news organization[s]" have enthusiastically served for years. Only they have done so in service to the "right" (to Raines) political party: the Democrat Party.
But it's not as though Raines relies wholly upon his own opinion. Instead, he offers evidence published in --- you guessed it! --- the New York Times:
This year, Freud, a public relations executive in London and Murdoch's son-in-law, condemned Ailes in an interview with the New York Times, saying he was "ashamed and sickened by Roger Ailes's horrendous and sustained disregard" of proper journalistic standards. Meanwhile, Gabriel Sherman, writing in New York magazine, suggests that Freud and other Murdoch relatives think Ailes has outlived his usefulness -- despite the fact that Fox, with its $700 million annual profit, finances News Corp.'s ability to keep its troubled newspapers and their skeleton staffs on life support. I know some observers of journalistic economics who believe that such insider comments mean Rupert already has Roger on the skids.Raines is certainly entitled to his opinion. But his charges have the overwhelming stench of one complaining of getting caught at his own game. For what Raines practiced for years as an executive with the New York Times, well, Raines is guilty of his own charge: he "dare not call it journalism."
Friday, March 12, 2010
Is This Cause For Taking Up Arms?
Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., famously commented that "Taxes are the price we pay for civilization."
Without questioning the wisdom of that statement, or lack thereof, Holmes was never confronted with the specter of states delaying tax refunds (i.e., overpayments of taxes owed) because they don't have enough money.
Let's make sure we get this right: when refunds are due, they are of overpayments, monies wrongfully exacted from taxpayers, usually through inflated payroll deductions. And, of course, I am aware of no taxing authority which goes through the courtesy of paying interest on overcharges (though woe be unto to you if you substantially underpay your taxes; the Federal government can impose substantial penalties for doing so).
So the states listed in the article are keeping money wrongfully exacted, without compensation.
One has to wonder what the appropriate response of The People should be to such an outrage. Should taxpayers reduce deductions from their wages to engage in self-help?
In this day of assaults on our Liberty in the cause of statism, one has to wonder whether the Founders didn't have the right answer.
The question "When do reasonable men take up arms?" is one that should always be contemplated by a free People. Or a People that wants to remain free.
Without questioning the wisdom of that statement, or lack thereof, Holmes was never confronted with the specter of states delaying tax refunds (i.e., overpayments of taxes owed) because they don't have enough money.
Let's make sure we get this right: when refunds are due, they are of overpayments, monies wrongfully exacted from taxpayers, usually through inflated payroll deductions. And, of course, I am aware of no taxing authority which goes through the courtesy of paying interest on overcharges (though woe be unto to you if you substantially underpay your taxes; the Federal government can impose substantial penalties for doing so).
So the states listed in the article are keeping money wrongfully exacted, without compensation.
One has to wonder what the appropriate response of The People should be to such an outrage. Should taxpayers reduce deductions from their wages to engage in self-help?
In this day of assaults on our Liberty in the cause of statism, one has to wonder whether the Founders didn't have the right answer.
The question "When do reasonable men take up arms?" is one that should always be contemplated by a free People. Or a People that wants to remain free.
Merlin Olsen, RIP
Merlin Olsen was, put simply, a good guy. And, in his first profession, truly one of the greats.
In his 15-year NFL career (five times longer than the average), he never missed a game. He was part of the legendary "Fearsome Foursome" which included other future Hall-of-Famers Deacon Jones and Rosie Greer. It is a measure of his greatness that he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his very first year of eligibility, after selection to the Pro Bowl fourteen consecutive times, a record matched (by Bruce Matthews), but not exceeded more than three decades after his retirement.
However, many people of a certain age probably know him better for the wholesome characters he played on Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy. In those series, he played gentle giants, and notwithstanding his credentials as a defensive lineman, and one had more than an inkling that he was typecast in those roles. He is, after all, survived by a wife of 47 years, three children, and five grandchildren.
And in a profession where most stories on players are about their bad behavior, Olsen was an exception to the stereotype. While playing, he earned a master's degree in economics. He was a summa cum laude graduate of Utah State University, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. No intellectual slouch, was Olsen.
My favorite memories of Olsen, though, are from his fifteen-year career as a sportscaster, as one-half of my favorite broadcasting team, along with Dick Enberg. I simply enjoyed his cerebral comments on the game, and have many vivid memories of watching games with my grandfather. Though my grandfather preferred Pat Summerall.
Merlin Olsen. RIP.
In his 15-year NFL career (five times longer than the average), he never missed a game. He was part of the legendary "Fearsome Foursome" which included other future Hall-of-Famers Deacon Jones and Rosie Greer. It is a measure of his greatness that he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his very first year of eligibility, after selection to the Pro Bowl fourteen consecutive times, a record matched (by Bruce Matthews), but not exceeded more than three decades after his retirement.
However, many people of a certain age probably know him better for the wholesome characters he played on Little House on the Prairie and Father Murphy. In those series, he played gentle giants, and notwithstanding his credentials as a defensive lineman, and one had more than an inkling that he was typecast in those roles. He is, after all, survived by a wife of 47 years, three children, and five grandchildren.
And in a profession where most stories on players are about their bad behavior, Olsen was an exception to the stereotype. While playing, he earned a master's degree in economics. He was a summa cum laude graduate of Utah State University, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. No intellectual slouch, was Olsen.
My favorite memories of Olsen, though, are from his fifteen-year career as a sportscaster, as one-half of my favorite broadcasting team, along with Dick Enberg. I simply enjoyed his cerebral comments on the game, and have many vivid memories of watching games with my grandfather. Though my grandfather preferred Pat Summerall.
Merlin Olsen. RIP.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hoping They're All Right
Whatever you think of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), here's hoping the injuries to his wife and daughter are not serious, and that they have a speedy recovery.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Is She On Drugs?
Lindsay.
Anybody in particular come to mind?
Well, apparently the incredibly narcissistic Lindsay Lohan thinks so, and she thinks it's her. She's suing E-Trade, whose trademark talking baby ads included one --- premiering during the Super Bowl --- in which one of the babies refers to "that milkaholic Lindsay." She thinks that everybody naturally thinks of her when they hear her rather common first name, and that she's therefore entitled to a $100 million payday. I guess the movie paydays are somewhat less frequent these days.
Sorry, but that's not who I thought of when I heard the ad. Indeed, except when I'm watching the far-inferior remake of The Parent Trap with my boys, or Tina Fey's hilarious Mean Girls, it's very difficult to think of Ms. Lohan at all.
Except, of course, as an example of narcissistic excess.
Anybody in particular come to mind?
Well, apparently the incredibly narcissistic Lindsay Lohan thinks so, and she thinks it's her. She's suing E-Trade, whose trademark talking baby ads included one --- premiering during the Super Bowl --- in which one of the babies refers to "that milkaholic Lindsay." She thinks that everybody naturally thinks of her when they hear her rather common first name, and that she's therefore entitled to a $100 million payday. I guess the movie paydays are somewhat less frequent these days.
Sorry, but that's not who I thought of when I heard the ad. Indeed, except when I'm watching the far-inferior remake of The Parent Trap with my boys, or Tina Fey's hilarious Mean Girls, it's very difficult to think of Ms. Lohan at all.
Except, of course, as an example of narcissistic excess.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
An Honor Shared By Hampden-Sydney
A pretty exciting night for the alma mater: Jeff Bridges has been recognized as last year's Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in Crazy Heart, a movie directed by Scott Cooper '92, in his first turn as a director of a motion picture.
Congrats to Scott for his role.
Congrats to Scott for his role.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
What Does This Prove?
Apparently, a new CNN poll shows that 56% of the American people believe that government is a threat to individual rights.
Some are expressing shock.
However, all that this proves is that perhaps 56% of the Americans polled have actually read and understood the Declaration of Independence.
Another failure of government education.
Some are expressing shock.
However, all that this proves is that perhaps 56% of the Americans polled have actually read and understood the Declaration of Independence.
Another failure of government education.
Monday, February 22, 2010
He Must Be Doing Something Right
It's been reported that my good friend Delegate Bob Marshall (R-13th) said that "disabled children are God’s punishment to women who have aborted their first pregnancy." Well that's not a direct quotation, but that was the gist of it.
Now, never mind that Marshall already has apologized for the impression that what he called his "poorly chosen words" may have left. And never mind the fact that he is one of the Assembly’s most outspoken advocates on behalf of expanded treatment and support for children with autism and other disabilities. His approach to autism legislation has even antagonized members of his own GOP caucus.
Virginia's moonbatosphere is abuzz with feigned outrage. Even the occasionally-sensible Waldo Jaquith is attacking.
However, Bob Holsworth --- while acknowleding that "It’s a made for national attention story" --- credits Marshall for quickly retracting his remarks.
Don't bet that the moonbat far Left will accept --- some won't even acknowledge --- Marshall's apology.
However, I've known and respected Bob Marshall for long enough to know that he's smart enough to ignore those attacking him now. After all, they're not really ticked off about this comment. The only "apology" that they want from Marshall is an apology for being a Conservative and a Republican.
I hope they hold their collective breath for that.
And after all, it's not like Delegate Marshall said that his daughters shouldn't be punished for premarital or promiscuous sex with a baby, or anything like that. We all know that those on the far Left would never forgive or forget a politician who made such an outrageous statement.
Now, never mind that Marshall already has apologized for the impression that what he called his "poorly chosen words" may have left. And never mind the fact that he is one of the Assembly’s most outspoken advocates on behalf of expanded treatment and support for children with autism and other disabilities. His approach to autism legislation has even antagonized members of his own GOP caucus.
Virginia's moonbatosphere is abuzz with feigned outrage. Even the occasionally-sensible Waldo Jaquith is attacking.
However, Bob Holsworth --- while acknowleding that "It’s a made for national attention story" --- credits Marshall for quickly retracting his remarks.
Don't bet that the moonbat far Left will accept --- some won't even acknowledge --- Marshall's apology.
However, I've known and respected Bob Marshall for long enough to know that he's smart enough to ignore those attacking him now. After all, they're not really ticked off about this comment. The only "apology" that they want from Marshall is an apology for being a Conservative and a Republican.
I hope they hold their collective breath for that.
And after all, it's not like Delegate Marshall said that his daughters shouldn't be punished for premarital or promiscuous sex with a baby, or anything like that. We all know that those on the far Left would never forgive or forget a politician who made such an outrageous statement.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
And The Award Goes To ....
F. U. ... er, F.T. Rea, who becomes the first moonbat in the Virginia blogosphere to try to gain political advantage out of the pilot who rammed his plane into a Texas office building today. Well, at least the first one on Waldo's Political Blogroll.
Apparently, F.U. ... er, F.T. didn't bother to read Joe Stack's suicide note, in which he expresses views much more in line with the moonbat Left than with what F.U. ... er, F.T. calls "the anti-tax, anti-government right-wing fringe."
And some people call lawyers "ambulance chasers." Lawyers have nothing on the political ambulance chasers on the far Left.
Apparently, F.U. ... er, F.T. didn't bother to read Joe Stack's suicide note, in which he expresses views much more in line with the moonbat Left than with what F.U. ... er, F.T. calls "the anti-tax, anti-government right-wing fringe."
And some people call lawyers "ambulance chasers." Lawyers have nothing on the political ambulance chasers on the far Left.
A Question
How long before the moonbats (Keith Olbermann; Rachel Maddow; et al.) blame Conservatives and/or Tea Party activists for this?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Random Observation
Without any other comment, and from what I've seen, she's got NOTHING to be ashamed of.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
RIP, Captain Phil
Having litigated ten or so cases in Alaska over the better part of a decade and a half, I've made a lot of friends in "the Great Land," and have quite an interest in goings-on there. You'll even find a link to the Anchorage Daily News to the right on this blog.
So it's unsurprising that I found myself hooked on the Discovery Channel's wonderful show, The Deadliest Catch, and the drama of crab fishing on the Bering Sea.
Sadly, word has arrived today that one of the more compelling characters on the show, Captain Phil Harris, has died. Anyone who watches the show knows of his serious health issues in the past. He's clearly a passionate man: passionate for his profession; passionate for his family; passionate for raising well his sons. His story was one of the many which makes The Deadliest Catch some of the most compelling drama on television.
More so, because it's true.
I strongly suspect that his stardom allowed him to touch many more lives than he ever thought he would.
RIP, Captain Phil.
So it's unsurprising that I found myself hooked on the Discovery Channel's wonderful show, The Deadliest Catch, and the drama of crab fishing on the Bering Sea.
Sadly, word has arrived today that one of the more compelling characters on the show, Captain Phil Harris, has died. Anyone who watches the show knows of his serious health issues in the past. He's clearly a passionate man: passionate for his profession; passionate for his family; passionate for raising well his sons. His story was one of the many which makes The Deadliest Catch some of the most compelling drama on television.
More so, because it's true.
I strongly suspect that his stardom allowed him to touch many more lives than he ever thought he would.
RIP, Captain Phil.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Snowpocalypse At The Youngs
We bought our house in late April 1994.
The driveway looked a lot better in April than it did in January of 1996, when we got over a foot-and-a-half of snow. Mrs. Young was three months pregnant with Jimmy, and couldn't shovel.
I purchased our snowblower the next November, and was quite glad to have it over the last three months.
As were my neighbors.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
In The WaPo?!?!?!
Today's WaPo has perhaps the most insightful article I've ever seen in the journal, one which speaks to the arrogance and condescension of the moonbat Left, peppered with unarguable examples. The core of it --- which reveals that far-Left attitudes are truly a product of Marxist analysis --- is this:
In this view, we should pay attention to conservative voters' underlying problems but disregard the policy demands they voice; these are illusory, devoid of reason or evidence. This form of liberal condescension implies that conservative masses are in the grip of false consciousness. When they express their views at town hall meetings or "tea party" gatherings, it might be politically prudent for liberals to hear them out, but there is no reason to actually listen.Just goes to prove: even a blind squirrel sometimes finds an acorn. Gerard Alexander is the author. Truly worth a read.
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Precisely!
Much has been written about Tim Tebow's participation in ad-buy during the Super Bowl by a pro-life group. Xrlq over at Damnum Absque Injuria gets it exactly right. The kicker is this:
if pregnant women are really such helpless, delicate flowers that one single, solitary ad urging them to choose Option A over Option B will compromise their ability to choose on their own, the obvious remedy would be for the pro-choicers to cough up a few mill of their own and run a competing ad urging women to abort. With the “choose life” ad focusingon one Heisman winner who clearly should not have been aborted (though this fact was anything but clear to doctors at the time), perhaps the “choose death” ad could focus on a somewhat less worthy Heisman winner, O.J. Simpson, or perhaps a more recent Heisman wannabe like Michael Vick.Xrlq: exposing the fraud of pro-"choice." For of course, if you believe that there should be a "choice," then you have to presuppose that there are occasions where the "choice" should be exercised.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
The Irony Must Be Lost
This is just too funny!
It appears that Jeff Wolinski AKA "Loudmouthed Inciter" ... er, "Loudoun Insider" is all upset because the new Chairman of the Loudoun County School Board has abolished roll call votes.
Now, Wolinski is correct on the principle: anyone who can't bear the consequences of association with his public actions is craven.
I wonder if he's considered irony of blogging under a pseudonym ... and squashing any efforts on his own cite to identify him (Jeff Wolinski, that is) with his pseudonym.
It appears that Jeff Wolinski AKA "Loudmouthed Inciter" ... er, "Loudoun Insider" is all upset because the new Chairman of the Loudoun County School Board has abolished roll call votes.
Now, Wolinski is correct on the principle: anyone who can't bear the consequences of association with his public actions is craven.
I wonder if he's considered irony of blogging under a pseudonym ... and squashing any efforts on his own cite to identify him (Jeff Wolinski, that is) with his pseudonym.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Well, He's Half Right
Apparently, President Barry has told ABC's Diane Sawyer than he'd "rather be a really good one-term President."
Well, he's half right.
Well, he's half right.
JoAnn Chase NOT Running For 10th District Chairman
Apropos of comments made elsewhere, it was quite apparent at tonight's Prince William County GOP Committee meeting that JoAnn Chase will NOT be throwing her hat in the ring for 10th Congressional District Republican Chairman. She was enthusiastically supporting and working for Howie Lind.
It was quite nice renewing our acquaintance with JoAnn, who fifteen years ago was an enthusiastic member and supporter of the Prince William County Young Republicans.
It was quite nice renewing our acquaintance with JoAnn, who fifteen years ago was an enthusiastic member and supporter of the Prince William County Young Republicans.
Good Riddance To Bad Garbage
If this is accurate, the Virginia GOP just got stronger.
Jeff Wolinski AKA "Loudmouthed Inciter" AKA "Loudoun Insider" is reporting that Jim Rich is not running for reelection as Republican Chairman for the 10th Congressional District.
Most Republican grassroots activists know Rich as the individual who was willing to prevaricate in order to remove State Republican Chairman Pat McSweeney in 1994, at the behest of newly-elected Governor George Allen. Apparently, the rap on McSweeney at the time was that he didn't do enough to throw the nomination to Allen, and may even have supported Earle Williams, who --- as older readers may recall --- ran as the "moderate" alternative to Allen.
Those who don't know about this --- I was at the State Central Committee meeting where the "charges" were preferred --- may simply know Rich as the individual who works very hard to perpetuate his own power by phantom calls for conventions and unreasonably (i.e., before the call even is published) early filing deadlines for District Chairman.
Rich apparently says he's not running out of "family concerns."
Jeff Wolinski AKA "Loudmouthed Inciter" AKA "Loudoun Insider" is reporting that Jim Rich is not running for reelection as Republican Chairman for the 10th Congressional District.
Most Republican grassroots activists know Rich as the individual who was willing to prevaricate in order to remove State Republican Chairman Pat McSweeney in 1994, at the behest of newly-elected Governor George Allen. Apparently, the rap on McSweeney at the time was that he didn't do enough to throw the nomination to Allen, and may even have supported Earle Williams, who --- as older readers may recall --- ran as the "moderate" alternative to Allen.
Those who don't know about this --- I was at the State Central Committee meeting where the "charges" were preferred --- may simply know Rich as the individual who works very hard to perpetuate his own power by phantom calls for conventions and unreasonably (i.e., before the call even is published) early filing deadlines for District Chairman.
Rich apparently says he's not running out of "family concerns."
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
BREAKING!
Rumor has it that Keith Olbermann, MSNBC's leading south end of a northbound horse, has suffered a stroke in the wake of the Massachusetts election returns.
The First Break In The Wall
In light of Senator-elect Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts, Senator Jim Webb AKA Senator Thinskin (D-WaPo) has declared that the Senate should suspend all votes until Brown is sworn in.
Apparently, the first Democrat to see the handwriting on the wall.
Apparently, the first Democrat to see the handwriting on the wall.
SOCIALIZED MEDICINE IS DEAD!
AP is projecting Scott Brown as the new junior Senator from the People's Republic of Massachusetts!
BarryCare is dead!
BarryCare is dead!
Monday, January 18, 2010
What Will The Media's Response Be?
Just a little over three years ago, Ben Tribbett managed to interject himself effectively in the Virginia Senate race between George Allen and Jim Webb AKA Senator Thinskin (D-WaPo) by breaking the story about the former's use of the work "macaca" with regard to a functionary of the latter's campaign in following him around with a video camera. The Washington Post followed up with literally scores of stories questioning Senator Allen's "racism" in response, and it's probable that this constant drumbeat of criticism provided Senator Thinskin's margin of victory (fewer than 10,000 votes statewide).
Now, functionaries for Massachusetts Attorney General Martha (AKA "Marsha") Coakley have visited violence upon campaign functionaries who were merely filming a Coakley event.
While it's a little late for an effective drumbeat, one cannot help but wonder what the so-called "mainstream" media's response will be to this?
Now, functionaries for Massachusetts Attorney General Martha (AKA "Marsha") Coakley have visited violence upon campaign functionaries who were merely filming a Coakley event.
While it's a little late for an effective drumbeat, one cannot help but wonder what the so-called "mainstream" media's response will be to this?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Maybe George Allen Should Have Tried This
It seems that a Weekly Standard reporter was roughed up by a Democrat operative while trying to ask Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley a question about health care last night.
Maybe if George Allen had called the Democrat operative who broke the "macaca" story a "stalker" --- as Coakley has --- he might have beaten Senator Thinskin (D-WaPo).
Maybe if George Allen had called the Democrat operative who broke the "macaca" story a "stalker" --- as Coakley has --- he might have beaten Senator Thinskin (D-WaPo).
Friday, January 08, 2010
New Portrait Of Virginia's Senators
Apparently, Senators Marky Mark (left) and ThinSkin Gump (right), both D-WaPo, have released a new joint portrait, reproduced here.
H/T to Virginia Virtucon. I wish I'd thought of it. I really do.
Unmitigated Arrogance
I love good television shows, and the USA Network--- owned by Universal Studios, the same company that owns NBC --- has an abundance of them.
It's a real pity that network executives insist upon using their entertainment as a vehicle for their ideological agenda. First, it was a "green" agenda, not talked about much lately in light of the fraud scandal out of the University of East Anglia. Lately, it's been more about "I'm a character," with various stars from various shows, mentioning one unique characteristic regarding themselves. One even says (surprise!) "I'm a Democrat."
Still waiting to hear one of them identify him or herself as a Republican.
Obviously, it's their right, but some of their commentary is so absurd as to induce nausea. Former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw has a vehicle, something about life along US Route 50 (which runs from Annapolis, Maryland, to Sacramento, California). What is most interesting is how it's pitched: stories about America "at its most historic time."
"Most historic time"!?!?! Who do they think they're kidding? More historic than the Revolution? Unless they believe or hope that we are in the midst of a socialist revolution --- might be some merit to this --- probably not. More historic than the Civil War? World War II? Man's --- an American's --- first landing on the Moon?
Of course, it is just ideological claptrap. However, it at least has the virtue of revealing the absurdity of its proponents.
It's a real pity that network executives insist upon using their entertainment as a vehicle for their ideological agenda. First, it was a "green" agenda, not talked about much lately in light of the fraud scandal out of the University of East Anglia. Lately, it's been more about "I'm a character," with various stars from various shows, mentioning one unique characteristic regarding themselves. One even says (surprise!) "I'm a Democrat."
Still waiting to hear one of them identify him or herself as a Republican.
Obviously, it's their right, but some of their commentary is so absurd as to induce nausea. Former NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Brokaw has a vehicle, something about life along US Route 50 (which runs from Annapolis, Maryland, to Sacramento, California). What is most interesting is how it's pitched: stories about America "at its most historic time."
"Most historic time"!?!?! Who do they think they're kidding? More historic than the Revolution? Unless they believe or hope that we are in the midst of a socialist revolution --- might be some merit to this --- probably not. More historic than the Civil War? World War II? Man's --- an American's --- first landing on the Moon?
Of course, it is just ideological claptrap. However, it at least has the virtue of revealing the absurdity of its proponents.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Why Is This News?
I can think of a few reasons why a story about a Boy Scout returning a found purse containing nearly $2000 is news, and none of them speaks well of society or of the beliefs which inform the so-called "main stream" media.
Suffice it to say that Boy Scouts do this every day, and it's hardly news when a Scout is trustworthy, or helpful, or kind.
It's entirely sad that this is news at all.
Suffice it to say that Boy Scouts do this every day, and it's hardly news when a Scout is trustworthy, or helpful, or kind.
It's entirely sad that this is news at all.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
This May Be The Point ...
at which reasonable men take up arms.
Yesterday, the imperial Federal government --- specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency --- declared that CO2 is a pollutant that it is entitled to regulate.
But every human being and animal emits CO2, when it exhales. The question then becomes, what aspect of our lives does the Imperial Federal Government lack the power to regulate? Your right own a pet (which emits CO2)? Your right to exercise and breath harder? Your right to engage in a little heavy breathing with your wife or girlfriend? Your right to sire or give birth to another little carbon-producer?
We now live in a totalitarian state.
Yesterday, the imperial Federal government --- specifically, the Environmental Protection Agency --- declared that CO2 is a pollutant that it is entitled to regulate.
But every human being and animal emits CO2, when it exhales. The question then becomes, what aspect of our lives does the Imperial Federal Government lack the power to regulate? Your right own a pet (which emits CO2)? Your right to exercise and breath harder? Your right to engage in a little heavy breathing with your wife or girlfriend? Your right to sire or give birth to another little carbon-producer?
We now live in a totalitarian state.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
School Board Member Julie Lucas Resigns
Just got a note from the News & Messenger (former known as The Pot. News) that long-time Prince William County School Board member Julie Lucas has resigned her post, effective 31 December.
That is a pity. Notwithstanding my opposition to her ambitions two years ago, she was an apparently good and effective School Board member.
Of course, I wish her the best as she leaves PWC to care for an ailing father.
UPDATE: Sadly, some in her "brain trust" --- I almost called them "sycophantic," but that would presume that their support for her was motivated by her qualifications rather than their irrational hatred of her opponent --- are still deluding themselves and trying to con the rest of us.
That is a pity. Notwithstanding my opposition to her ambitions two years ago, she was an apparently good and effective School Board member.
Of course, I wish her the best as she leaves PWC to care for an ailing father.
UPDATE: Sadly, some in her "brain trust" --- I almost called them "sycophantic," but that would presume that their support for her was motivated by her qualifications rather than their irrational hatred of her opponent --- are still deluding themselves and trying to con the rest of us.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The Schizoid Chris Matthews
Sometimes, Chris Matthews can be utterly brilliant. I vividly remember, from either 2000 or 2004, an interview he did with Ralph Nader. In it, he utterly nailed Nader for his radicalism, asking him if he would try to repeal the Taft-Hartley Act of 1947, long on the wish list of union bosses. Nader enthusiastically endorsed the proposition, to the cheers of the audience.
Matthews was aghast. He then explained that such an action would mean that employees could be forced to be formal union members, and that state Right to Work laws would become ineffective.
Suddenly, the cheers turned to boos.
Other times, and more lately, he reminds me of a line from the movie Taps, where the actor playing the father of Timothy Hutton's character confronts his son, and informs him that the retired general who leads the school is "living proof that horse's asses outnumber horses."
This little vignette --- in which Matthews calls the United States Military Academy at West Point "the enemy camp" --- demonstrates that Matthews likewise constitutes such evidence:
On the other hand, for the likes of Matthews and President Barry, perhaps "the enemy camp" is an apt description for any location inhabited with a high percentage of those charged with defending the Constitution of the United States.
Matthews was aghast. He then explained that such an action would mean that employees could be forced to be formal union members, and that state Right to Work laws would become ineffective.
Suddenly, the cheers turned to boos.
Other times, and more lately, he reminds me of a line from the movie Taps, where the actor playing the father of Timothy Hutton's character confronts his son, and informs him that the retired general who leads the school is "living proof that horse's asses outnumber horses."
This little vignette --- in which Matthews calls the United States Military Academy at West Point "the enemy camp" --- demonstrates that Matthews likewise constitutes such evidence:
On the other hand, for the likes of Matthews and President Barry, perhaps "the enemy camp" is an apt description for any location inhabited with a high percentage of those charged with defending the Constitution of the United States.
Monday, November 30, 2009
White House Still Believes In Man-Caused Climate Change
At least, according to spokesman Robert Gibbs.
In related news, President Barry will be staying up late to welcome Santa Claus to the White House.
H/T to Drudge.
In related news, President Barry will be staying up late to welcome Santa Claus to the White House.
H/T to Drudge.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Good Year In Division III Football
Well, how about that!
Not only did Hampden-Sydney College complete a perfect season to capture the Old Dominion Athletic Conference crown, with a 34-27 victory over arch-rival Randolph-Macon College, but my mother's alma mater, Susquehanna University, also made the playoffs!
Next week, Hampden-Sydney hosts its first playoff game since 1977, when the Tigers meet the Blue Jays of Johns Hopkins University. The two teams last met in the 2007 opener, at Hampden-Sydney, when the Blue Jays prevailed in a nail-biter by a score of 17-16 on a blocked field goal on the final play of the game. That year marked H-SC's last appearance in the playoffs, when they lost in the first round at Wesley College.
Noon. Saturday. Death Valley. The Youngs will be there to cheer on the Tigers!
Not only did Hampden-Sydney College complete a perfect season to capture the Old Dominion Athletic Conference crown, with a 34-27 victory over arch-rival Randolph-Macon College, but my mother's alma mater, Susquehanna University, also made the playoffs!
Next week, Hampden-Sydney hosts its first playoff game since 1977, when the Tigers meet the Blue Jays of Johns Hopkins University. The two teams last met in the 2007 opener, at Hampden-Sydney, when the Blue Jays prevailed in a nail-biter by a score of 17-16 on a blocked field goal on the final play of the game. That year marked H-SC's last appearance in the playoffs, when they lost in the first round at Wesley College.
Noon. Saturday. Death Valley. The Youngs will be there to cheer on the Tigers!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Unbelievable
In the wake of a rare demonstration of congressional common sense, it seems that the neo-Marxists at ACORN are suing, alleging that Congress' discretionary determination to cut off unconstitutional funding is, itself, unconstitutional.
Give 'em credit for chutzpah: only in the era of Obama could a group unconstitutionally funded by Congress have the gall to bring a suit demanding continuation of that funding.
I'm not sure what's more shocking: that they believe they have a chance of winning, or that they might find a Federal judge who buys into such a loony theory.
Give 'em credit for chutzpah: only in the era of Obama could a group unconstitutionally funded by Congress have the gall to bring a suit demanding continuation of that funding.
I'm not sure what's more shocking: that they believe they have a chance of winning, or that they might find a Federal judge who buys into such a loony theory.
An Overdue Honor
As a lifelong Steelers fan, it's a pleasure to see that "Mean" Joe Greene, Hall-of-Fame lineman from the glory days of the Pittsburgh Steelers, will be honored for his role in a 1980 Coca Cola commercial before Sunday's game in Pittsburgh. Fierce on the field, it captures the humanity of a great sportsman, as well as his relationship with those who admire him, especially his youngest fans. In an era where so many sports figures are less than admirable, it's a reminder of some of what's (and who's) best in sports.
The ad was certainly memorable: when I took the family to the Coke museum in Atlanta a few years ago, we sat in a little theatre for quite some time just so my sons could see it. The comments are particularly good.
See it for yourself:
The ad was certainly memorable: when I took the family to the Coke museum in Atlanta a few years ago, we sat in a little theatre for quite some time just so my sons could see it. The comments are particularly good.
See it for yourself:
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
REPOST: A New Democrat Mantra
A couple of days ago, I posted this:
I'm old enough to remember when Conservatives criticized the Democrat Party as "the party of abortion, acid, and amnesty."I've reposted to include the newest link, to "surrender." Apparently the Afghan "war of necessity," according to President Barry, is now not quite so necessary.
Well, it's a new century, and the "three A's" have yielded to the "three S's":
Surrender; Sodomy; and Sycophancy.
There's Democrat "progress" for you!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Profiles In Perfidy
Imagine, if you will, an hagiographic front-page Washington Post article on a Democrat who, when attacked by the mainstream of his party, which supports a Marxist in the race for public office, drops out of the race and endorses a Republican.
Yeah. My imagination isn't that good, either. More likely, such an individual would be vilified as a traitor.
Nevertheless, today's WaPo has a below-the-fold, front-page article (continued to page A16) celebrating Dede Scozzafava, a so-called "moderate" who dropped out of the race for Congress in New York's 23d District, and endorsed a Democrat.
Let the far-Left lionization being!
Of course, only a fool would call a big-spending, abortion-supporting, ACORN-endorsed, union-label candidate a "moderate."
Yeah. My imagination isn't that good, either. More likely, such an individual would be vilified as a traitor.
Nevertheless, today's WaPo has a below-the-fold, front-page article (continued to page A16) celebrating Dede Scozzafava, a so-called "moderate" who dropped out of the race for Congress in New York's 23d District, and endorsed a Democrat.
Let the far-Left lionization being!
Of course, only a fool would call a big-spending, abortion-supporting, ACORN-endorsed, union-label candidate a "moderate."
Monday, November 09, 2009
A New Democrat Mantra
I'm old enough to remember when Conservatives criticized the Democrat Party as "the party of abortion, acid, and amnesty."
Well, it's a new century, and the "three A's" have yielded to the "three S's":
Surrender; Sodomy; and Sycophancy.
There's Democrat "progress" for you!
Well, it's a new century, and the "three A's" have yielded to the "three S's":
Surrender; Sodomy; and Sycophancy.
There's Democrat "progress" for you!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Finally! An Accomplishment
It's no secret that I hold President Barry in contempt. After all, he's a man of no apparent accomplishment who was able to con a majority of voters into casting ballots for him with pretty words and vague promises.
Of course, now we know --- by deeds --- he's a committed Socialist.
Well, finally, he has an accomplishment he can call his own: one in ten Americans out of work.
Doug Mataconis has a wonderful graph demonstrating the folly of his economic policies here.
Of course, now we know --- by deeds --- he's a committed Socialist.
Well, finally, he has an accomplishment he can call his own: one in ten Americans out of work.
Doug Mataconis has a wonderful graph demonstrating the folly of his economic policies here.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Who "Cares"
It seems that Liberals have succeeded in getting Whole Foods to cease carrying live lobsters in its stores, out of some concerns for "cruelty" to the oceanic equivalent of cockroaches.
Chris Plante observed on WMAL this morning that it demonstrates that Liberals are more concerned about crustaceans at Whole Foods than they ever were about crushed Asians in Tiananmen Square.
Heh.
Chris Plante observed on WMAL this morning that it demonstrates that Liberals are more concerned about crustaceans at Whole Foods than they ever were about crushed Asians in Tiananmen Square.
Heh.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Silliest Ad Of The Campaign Season
And the award goes to ... Steve Shannon, Democrat nominee for Attorney General, for a television ad I've already seen at least twice on tonight (no link available; Shannon may have been too embarrassed to put it up on his website).
Republican Ken Cuccinelli has a "personal political agenda"?!?! Oh, foresooth! Say it ain't so!
Then identify one politician who doesn't have a "personal political agenda."
The ad goes on to criticize Cuccinelli because he won't enforce laws with which he disagrees.
Really? You mean, like the "gun-show loophole" that Shannon goes on to criticize? For those who haven't figured it out, that's apparently a law with which Shannon disagrees. And, oh, by the way, a law which protects individual rights.
Shannon doesn't know what the AG office does --- he's been running a campaign to suggest that his experience as a low-level prosecutor has anything to do with the job --- and now he can't even be consistent in his own ads.
Shannon should not only not be elected Attorney General. He should be sent back to law school, or perhaps college, to take a few courses in basic logic.
Republican Ken Cuccinelli has a "personal political agenda"?!?! Oh, foresooth! Say it ain't so!
Then identify one politician who doesn't have a "personal political agenda."
The ad goes on to criticize Cuccinelli because he won't enforce laws with which he disagrees.
Really? You mean, like the "gun-show loophole" that Shannon goes on to criticize? For those who haven't figured it out, that's apparently a law with which Shannon disagrees. And, oh, by the way, a law which protects individual rights.
Shannon doesn't know what the AG office does --- he's been running a campaign to suggest that his experience as a low-level prosecutor has anything to do with the job --- and now he can't even be consistent in his own ads.
Shannon should not only not be elected Attorney General. He should be sent back to law school, or perhaps college, to take a few courses in basic logic.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Hampden-Sydney Now Master Of Its Own Destiny...
... for the 2009 ODAC football championship.
Well, almost. Current standings have the Tigers standing alone at the top of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, with only a single conference game to play. With Randolph-Macon College's 20-13 loss today to 1-6 Guilford (the Tigers were idle), R-MC has two conference games remaining, with the first at 6-2 Bridgewater next week. H-SC also has two games remaining, with a non-conference game against Salisbury next week.
H-SC and R-MC meet in Ashland for The Game on 14 November
This could play out a number of ways. If the Yellowjackets lose next week, it's game over, and The Game only matters for bragging rights. Even if R-MC were to beat the Tigers, H-SC will have only a single conference loss, and having already beaten Bridgewater in Week 5 of the season 19-0, will win any tie-breaker --- even if Bridgewater prevails over Catholic in the final week of its season --- over anyone within reach of the ODAC championship.
On the other hand, if 5-3 R-MC prevails over 6-2 Bridgewater, the The Game will, for all intents and purposes, be the ODAC championship game.
Sooo, I find myself rooting for Bridgewater next week, and bwana and I will be of one mind.
Well, almost. Current standings have the Tigers standing alone at the top of the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, with only a single conference game to play. With Randolph-Macon College's 20-13 loss today to 1-6 Guilford (the Tigers were idle), R-MC has two conference games remaining, with the first at 6-2 Bridgewater next week. H-SC also has two games remaining, with a non-conference game against Salisbury next week.
H-SC and R-MC meet in Ashland for The Game on 14 November
This could play out a number of ways. If the Yellowjackets lose next week, it's game over, and The Game only matters for bragging rights. Even if R-MC were to beat the Tigers, H-SC will have only a single conference loss, and having already beaten Bridgewater in Week 5 of the season 19-0, will win any tie-breaker --- even if Bridgewater prevails over Catholic in the final week of its season --- over anyone within reach of the ODAC championship.
On the other hand, if 5-3 R-MC prevails over 6-2 Bridgewater, the The Game will, for all intents and purposes, be the ODAC championship game.
Sooo, I find myself rooting for Bridgewater next week, and bwana and I will be of one mind.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
A Notable Day
Sadly, I sit here on the edge of Los Angeles, satisfying professional responsibilities, on the anniversary of my marriage to the lovely and gracious Mrs. Young, which occurred twenty years ago this afternoon at a tiny little Lutheran church in College Park, Georgia.
It is a measure of her quality as a spouse and helpmate that she has not expressed a great deal of upset over this turn of events, while also noting that she still misses me (with every shot so far?) when I go out of town.
In any case, while I rarely note or comment upon personal milestones here, I exercise a point of personal privilege to say "Happy Anniversary, dearest, and thanks for twenty great years, two beautiful sons, and boundless love and understanding!"
Now, let the snarky comments spring forth!
It is a measure of her quality as a spouse and helpmate that she has not expressed a great deal of upset over this turn of events, while also noting that she still misses me (with every shot so far?) when I go out of town.
In any case, while I rarely note or comment upon personal milestones here, I exercise a point of personal privilege to say "Happy Anniversary, dearest, and thanks for twenty great years, two beautiful sons, and boundless love and understanding!"
Now, let the snarky comments spring forth!
Welcome to BarryCare!
Well, it's nearly November, and already we're enjoying a preview of the joys of life under government-run health care, which will, if passed, be known as ObamaCare. Giving due regard for the current occupant of the Oval Office, it should be known as BarryCare.
Witness the current swine flu (H1N1) outbreak. Now, never mind that every day of every year, an average of 10,000 people get it, and nearly 100 die of it ... oh, wait a minute, that's the regular seasonal flu.
In any case, the swine flu has been much in the news lately, and it's not really necessary to relate the basic facts here.
What we do know is that the government saw this coming months ago (report dated 29 April 2009), announced a major program of vaccination, and yet, fully into the flu season --- particularly in those Petri dishes known as the government schools --- vaccine supplies are severely limited, and apparently not available at all to first-line health providers like family doctors. I'm in Los Angeles, and listen with fascination to radio reports advising people who are not in government-identified "high-risk groups" --- mainly people between 25 and 64 without compromised immune systems --- to stay away from clinics dispensing the vaccine.
The reason for the shortages? Well, there are plenty offered, but it clearly was known two months ago that the flu season would arrive before the vaccine. Even today, five days after President Barry declared a "national emergency" over the flu, the vaccine is mainly unavailable.
It even appears, over the last two weeks, that the Young boys have contracted it (both are doing fine, thanks, though Patrick was required to don a mask before entering the doctor's office), without ever having had a chance to obtain a vaccination!
Which raises the question: Given that the Federal government has well and thoroughly screwed this up this rather mild (at least, in a fairly healthy population), WHY are we still considering a virtual government takeover of our health care system?!?!
The answer is, of course, obvious to anyone who understands the far Lefties currently in charge of our government: the effort is not about improving American health care; it is about enabling government control over the health care system.
If these people were serious about getting more people covered, they would discard coverage mandates (requiring, for instance, people past their child-bearing years to buy plans covering pregnancy), allow insurance companies to charge higher premiums to those previously uninsured (thus creating incentives for coverage in the young and healthy), remove barriers to interstate purchase of insurance, and --- perhaps most importantly --- discard government-run health care altogether (except for the military) and simply turn over to citizens, including the elderly, money to purchase their own insurance.
Don't hold your breath. This most recent example of government incompetence to the contrary notwithstanding.
Witness the current swine flu (H1N1) outbreak. Now, never mind that every day of every year, an average of 10,000 people get it, and nearly 100 die of it ... oh, wait a minute, that's the regular seasonal flu.
In any case, the swine flu has been much in the news lately, and it's not really necessary to relate the basic facts here.
What we do know is that the government saw this coming months ago (report dated 29 April 2009), announced a major program of vaccination, and yet, fully into the flu season --- particularly in those Petri dishes known as the government schools --- vaccine supplies are severely limited, and apparently not available at all to first-line health providers like family doctors. I'm in Los Angeles, and listen with fascination to radio reports advising people who are not in government-identified "high-risk groups" --- mainly people between 25 and 64 without compromised immune systems --- to stay away from clinics dispensing the vaccine.
Note: Currently, the demand for H1N1 vaccine is outweighing local and national supply. That’s why some Public Health vaccine clinics may reach capacity earlier than expected and need to close earlier than the posted hours. If you are not in an H1N1 Priority Group, please wait to get vaccinated until vaccine supplies increase. More H1N1 vaccine will be available in the next several days and weeks at some chain pharmacies, private health care providers, and community clinics.So sayeth the LA County Department of Public Health.
The reason for the shortages? Well, there are plenty offered, but it clearly was known two months ago that the flu season would arrive before the vaccine. Even today, five days after President Barry declared a "national emergency" over the flu, the vaccine is mainly unavailable.
It even appears, over the last two weeks, that the Young boys have contracted it (both are doing fine, thanks, though Patrick was required to don a mask before entering the doctor's office), without ever having had a chance to obtain a vaccination!
Which raises the question: Given that the Federal government has well and thoroughly screwed this up this rather mild (at least, in a fairly healthy population), WHY are we still considering a virtual government takeover of our health care system?!?!
The answer is, of course, obvious to anyone who understands the far Lefties currently in charge of our government: the effort is not about improving American health care; it is about enabling government control over the health care system.
If these people were serious about getting more people covered, they would discard coverage mandates (requiring, for instance, people past their child-bearing years to buy plans covering pregnancy), allow insurance companies to charge higher premiums to those previously uninsured (thus creating incentives for coverage in the young and healthy), remove barriers to interstate purchase of insurance, and --- perhaps most importantly --- discard government-run health care altogether (except for the military) and simply turn over to citizens, including the elderly, money to purchase their own insurance.
Don't hold your breath. This most recent example of government incompetence to the contrary notwithstanding.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Hampden-Sydney Looks Unbeatable for ODAC Championship...
and a playoff bid.
It does my heart good to note the success of the alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College, in football this season. With eight victories, and no losses, the team finally broke into the d3football.com Top 25 this week (No. 25). It has appeared in the American Football Coaches' Association Top 25 poll for the last two weeks, currently standing at No. 20.
The team has shown a lot of character in achieving these milestone. In Week 2, a game attended by the Youngs, the Tigers were down by two touchdowns at half-time, against Gettysburg (I found myself rooting against the Lutherans), but rallied to win by a field goal in overtime (with an amazing two field goal blocks by a single special teams player). This week, the Tigers were down by a touchdown at half-time against Catholic at Homecoming (Head Coach Marty Favret's alma mater --- '84 --- his twenty-fifth reunion year), but won the game by 21-7.
Rival Randolph-Macon, however, is 5-2, and 3-0 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), whose winner receives an automatic bid to the Division III playoffs. R-MC's season is conference-heavy, with three conference games in the last three weeks of the season: Guilford; Bridgewater; and Hampden-Sydney, in The Game, the oldest rivalry in the South in college football, on 14 November. H-SC, however, has a bye week, and plays no more conference games, with only a game against non-conference Salisbury on 7 November.
If R-MC prevails over Guilford and Bridgewater, or even loses a game, it shapes up to be a conference title game when the Tigers meet the Yellowjackets on 14 November.
For Division III devotees and alums, it shapes up to be a great November weekend to be in Ashland.
Which is something this proud Tiger alum never thought he'd say.
It does my heart good to note the success of the alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College, in football this season. With eight victories, and no losses, the team finally broke into the d3football.com Top 25 this week (No. 25). It has appeared in the American Football Coaches' Association Top 25 poll for the last two weeks, currently standing at No. 20.
The team has shown a lot of character in achieving these milestone. In Week 2, a game attended by the Youngs, the Tigers were down by two touchdowns at half-time, against Gettysburg (I found myself rooting against the Lutherans), but rallied to win by a field goal in overtime (with an amazing two field goal blocks by a single special teams player). This week, the Tigers were down by a touchdown at half-time against Catholic at Homecoming (Head Coach Marty Favret's alma mater --- '84 --- his twenty-fifth reunion year), but won the game by 21-7.
Rival Randolph-Macon, however, is 5-2, and 3-0 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), whose winner receives an automatic bid to the Division III playoffs. R-MC's season is conference-heavy, with three conference games in the last three weeks of the season: Guilford; Bridgewater; and Hampden-Sydney, in The Game, the oldest rivalry in the South in college football, on 14 November. H-SC, however, has a bye week, and plays no more conference games, with only a game against non-conference Salisbury on 7 November.
If R-MC prevails over Guilford and Bridgewater, or even loses a game, it shapes up to be a conference title game when the Tigers meet the Yellowjackets on 14 November.
For Division III devotees and alums, it shapes up to be a great November weekend to be in Ashland.
Which is something this proud Tiger alum never thought he'd say.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Imagine The Hue And Cry...
if this had happened at a co-educational institution? Or at an institution which was not historically Black? Say Wabash College? Or the finest remaining all-male institution, Hampden-Sydney College?
Of course, the Morehouse College administration is exactly right. They are to be applauded.
Of course, the Morehouse College administration is exactly right. They are to be applauded.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Big Government Values v. Boy Scout Values
As I've probably noted previously, I'm an Eagle Scout. My namesake uncle was our family's first Eagle Scout; my oldest nephew is also an Eagle Scout. My grandfather lived long enough to see three generations of his progeny earn and wear the Eagle Scout badge (and pinned it on two of us). After a couple of decades away from active participation in Scouting, I'm presently the Troop Committee Chairman for my older son's Boy Scout Troop, and Pack Committee Chairman for my younger son's Cub Scout Pack.
So it's with a little more than passing interest that I've followed the stories of six-year-old Zachary Christie, a Delaware Cub Scout, who made the mistake of taking a camping tool to school to eat his school lunch (I am unsure whether it was his combo camping pocketknife, or his "Little Vittles" kit, available at every Scout Store, one of which I look down upon from my office window). Zachary was seen with this item --- he wasn't wielding it as a weapon --- and as a result, was sentenced to 45 days in a reeducation camp ... er, "reform school."
Then there's seventeen-year-old Eagle Scout and high school senior Matthew Whalen, godson of fellow Prince William blogger Riley at Virginia Virtucon. He is such a miscreant that he has already completed Army basic training, hoping to go to West Point. He keeps a sleeping bag, bottle of water, and an MRE in his car, just in case he breaks down. He also keeps a pocket knife in his car. School officials in Matthew's school decided to act upon an anonymous report to shake him down, and he produced the small knife he keeps in his glove box when asked (mistake, Matthew; should've made 'em get a search warrant). Matthew earned himself a five-day suspension, pending a hearing. Told he could submit a letter from the Army or the Boy Scouts saying he had to carry the knife, his Scoutmaster sent in a letter saying it was typical Boy Scout camping equipment. For this temerity, he got another fifteen-day suspension.
Now, when I was a Boy Scout, I carried my Boy Scout pocketknife --- or some other small penknife --- to school in my pocket virtually every day from the time I joined the Boy Scouts in fifth grade, until I graduated in 1982. In fact, one of the small knives that I carried was a beautifully engraved penknife that was a gift from my school choir director, a teacher!!!! I frequently used it, too: many times, to aid teachers in need of my small tool.
The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared." And our government schools that are making war on these Scouts for doing so.
It's little surprise. After all, the prepared have little need for big government. Which is, of course, the point.
So it's with a little more than passing interest that I've followed the stories of six-year-old Zachary Christie, a Delaware Cub Scout, who made the mistake of taking a camping tool to school to eat his school lunch (I am unsure whether it was his combo camping pocketknife, or his "Little Vittles" kit, available at every Scout Store, one of which I look down upon from my office window). Zachary was seen with this item --- he wasn't wielding it as a weapon --- and as a result, was sentenced to 45 days in a reeducation camp ... er, "reform school."
Then there's seventeen-year-old Eagle Scout and high school senior Matthew Whalen, godson of fellow Prince William blogger Riley at Virginia Virtucon. He is such a miscreant that he has already completed Army basic training, hoping to go to West Point. He keeps a sleeping bag, bottle of water, and an MRE in his car, just in case he breaks down. He also keeps a pocket knife in his car. School officials in Matthew's school decided to act upon an anonymous report to shake him down, and he produced the small knife he keeps in his glove box when asked (mistake, Matthew; should've made 'em get a search warrant). Matthew earned himself a five-day suspension, pending a hearing. Told he could submit a letter from the Army or the Boy Scouts saying he had to carry the knife, his Scoutmaster sent in a letter saying it was typical Boy Scout camping equipment. For this temerity, he got another fifteen-day suspension.
Now, when I was a Boy Scout, I carried my Boy Scout pocketknife --- or some other small penknife --- to school in my pocket virtually every day from the time I joined the Boy Scouts in fifth grade, until I graduated in 1982. In fact, one of the small knives that I carried was a beautifully engraved penknife that was a gift from my school choir director, a teacher!!!! I frequently used it, too: many times, to aid teachers in need of my small tool.
The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared." And our government schools that are making war on these Scouts for doing so.
It's little surprise. After all, the prepared have little need for big government. Which is, of course, the point.
Friday, October 09, 2009
My Nobel Application
So the Nobel Committee has awarded President Barry the Nobel Peace Prize, apparently because of his stated goal of a world without nuclear weapons.
With this award, President Barry joins other notable prior recipients as
Aristide Briand (1925; part-originator of the Locarno Pact and Briand-Kellogg Pact," which outlawed war (we all know how that one worked out)); 
Frank B. Kellogg (1928; part-originator of the Briand-Kellogg Pact"), and 
Yasser Arafat (1994; terrorist).
So, the award is certainly consistent with other damn-fool "noble" goals lacking any possibility of success for which the Nobel Committee has previously made the award. Or even not so much.
Apparently, the only thing you need to do is express pretty thoughts and seek unachievable goals. Actually accomplishing something, a la Theodore Roosevelt (1905; arbitrating peace between Japan and Russia), Mother Theresa (1979; cared for the destitute and diseased in India)? No longer necessary. On the other hand, since Al Gore won (2007; the myth of human-caused climate change), it's been readily apparent that all that is required to win a Nobel Peace Prize is to express pathologically-foolish pretty thoughts with utterly no chance of being achieved. Actually having achieved ... well, anything ... in you life? Not necessary. President Barry proves that.
Therefore, I hereby tender my application for a Nobel Peace Prize. I'd like to see a world without rape.
That has about as much chance of being achieved as a world without nuclear weapons.
The Nobel Committee has just rendered itself a bad joke.
UPDATE: Doug Mataconis is similarly befuddled.
UPDATE II: Even terminal Obamoron Lowell is surprised and believes that President Barry owes George W. Bush a thank-you note.
With this award, President Barry joins other notable prior recipients as
Aristide Briand (1925; part-originator of the Locarno Pact and Briand-Kellogg Pact," which outlawed war (we all know how that one worked out)); 
Frank B. Kellogg (1928; part-originator of the Briand-Kellogg Pact"), and 
Yasser Arafat (1994; terrorist).So, the award is certainly consistent with other damn-fool "noble" goals lacking any possibility of success for which the Nobel Committee has previously made the award. Or even not so much.
Apparently, the only thing you need to do is express pretty thoughts and seek unachievable goals. Actually accomplishing something, a la Theodore Roosevelt (1905; arbitrating peace between Japan and Russia), Mother Theresa (1979; cared for the destitute and diseased in India)? No longer necessary. On the other hand, since Al Gore won (2007; the myth of human-caused climate change), it's been readily apparent that all that is required to win a Nobel Peace Prize is to express pathologically-foolish pretty thoughts with utterly no chance of being achieved. Actually having achieved ... well, anything ... in you life? Not necessary. President Barry proves that.
Therefore, I hereby tender my application for a Nobel Peace Prize. I'd like to see a world without rape.
That has about as much chance of being achieved as a world without nuclear weapons.
The Nobel Committee has just rendered itself a bad joke.
UPDATE: Doug Mataconis is similarly befuddled.
UPDATE II: Even terminal Obamoron Lowell is surprised and believes that President Barry owes George W. Bush a thank-you note.
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Who Woulda Thunk It?
Turns out the International Olympic Committee is racist!?!??
At least, by Jimmy Carter's standards.
Actually, this is entirely predictable. Chicago vs. Rio de Janeiro: which would you choose?
At least, by Jimmy Carter's standards.
Actually, this is entirely predictable. Chicago vs. Rio de Janeiro: which would you choose?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Football Doldrums
What a depressing weekend.
Penn State loses to Iowa. Again.
The Steelers lose. Again. To Cincinnati (the Mrs. did a little victory dance around the living room over that one).
The Redskins lose. To Detroit, breaking a 19-game losing streak.
The only bright spot? Hampden-Sydney handled Guilford.
Well, at least one of the teams I care about won.
Penn State loses to Iowa. Again.
The Steelers lose. Again. To Cincinnati (the Mrs. did a little victory dance around the living room over that one).
The Redskins lose. To Detroit, breaking a 19-game losing streak.
The only bright spot? Hampden-Sydney handled Guilford.
Well, at least one of the teams I care about won.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Neo-Con Pioneer Passes
Irving Kristol, former Trotskyite, American columnist, journalist, and writer who was dubbed the "godfather of neoconservativism," founder, editor, and contributor to various magazines, has passed away today in Arlington at age 89. He is widely credited with the observation that a neoconservative is "a liberal who has been mugged by reality."
He was one of the leading public intellectuals of the last half-century. His widow, historian Gertrude Himmelfarb, and son Bill Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, are notable public intellectuals in their own right.
Condolences to his family, and legions of admirers everywhere.
RIP
He was one of the leading public intellectuals of the last half-century. His widow, historian Gertrude Himmelfarb, and son Bill Kristol, editor of The Weekly Standard, are notable public intellectuals in their own right.
Condolences to his family, and legions of admirers everywhere.
RIP
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
There Goes The Neighborhood
As I was driving in this morning, WMAL reported that the United Mine Workers Union had just signed a twelve-year lease to move its International headquarters to Triangle, in Prince William County, about five miles from my house, and that of another Right to Work lawyer.
One wonders whether it will be located on Old Mine Road.
Anyway, there goes the neighborhood.
Perhaps we'll be seeing these on our local roads.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Moonbats For Deeds Enlist Dishonest Attacks Upon AG McDonnell's Legal Ethics
Mike@Blueweeds has favored us with a "scholarly" discussion of Attorney General Robert McDonnell's actions in In re: Multi-Circuit Episcopal Church Property Litigation, Civil Case Nos. CL-2007-0248724 et al., the dispute heard in Fairfax Circuit Court over church property in the wake of the Episcopal Church's decision to endorse sin by, inter alia, allowing practicing homosexuals to become high-ranking clergy.
Now, I don't know if Mike is an attorney. I don't even know if he plays one on TV. But if this is the quality of his legal analysis, he might want to consider a suit to get a refund of his law-school tuition. I'd recommend that he not represent himself.
Mike complains long and loud that:
But it's here that Mike starts to go a little ... well, wacky. His title claims that "AG McDonnell Used Office To Improperly Intervene In Falls Church Property Dispute" (emphasis added). He claims that:
The Fairfax County Circuit Court initially "DEFERRED" (original emphasis) ruling on the Motion to Intervene in the very order to which Mike links, which is dated 26 February 2008. Nowhere does it "admonish" McDonnell or his office.
Now, I have not followed this controversy closely. But when I pointed out to Mike that "there is certainly an argument to be made that the AG has standing to intervene in any action challenging a statute of the Commonwealth of Virginia," he responded with this peurile little response, lacking the courage actually to post it publicly in the thread accompanying his rant:
And in fact, the Court later granted Attorney General McDonnell's Motion to Intervene, noting in a letter opinion of 16 July 2008, that "The Attorney General of Virginia has a unique interest in defending the constitutionality of the statutes of the Commonwealth," and citing the fact that the situation was rather unusual, as challenges to the constitutionality of state statutes are usually considered in Federal courts, where "a state attorney general's specific interest in defending the constitutionality of state statutes is explicitly recognized both in 28 U.S.C. s2403(b) and in U.S. Sup. Ct. R. 24(4)(c)." A link to this document is provided by another commenter; Mike neglects to mention it at all, relying instead upon the arguments made by parties opposing the intervention.
In short, Mike attempts to argue that Attorney General McDonnell engaged in legal misconduct even though the court endorsed McDonnell's effort by granting it!
I don't often discuss legal arguments in this space. But when someone like Mike alleges misconduct, his fatuous and factually false assertions must be identified.
UPDATE: J.C. Wilmore ("The Richmonder") is attempt to raise the drumbeat here, and repeats many of the same misrepresentations as Mike.
Now, I don't know if Mike is an attorney. I don't even know if he plays one on TV. But if this is the quality of his legal analysis, he might want to consider a suit to get a refund of his law-school tuition. I'd recommend that he not represent himself.
Mike complains long and loud that:
Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia, Republican Bob McDonnell tried unsuccessfully to intervene in a private church property dispute on behalf of a conservative breakaway congregation involved in litigation over ownership of the historic Falls Church Episcopal.He also asserts that:
Attorney General McDonnell obliged by filing an extraordinary Motion to Intervene the Commonwealth of Virginia on behalf of the Falls Church CANA congregation. One of the issues disputed in the trial was the constitutionality of the so-called Virginia Division Statute (Virginia Code section 57-9).The Motion was vigorously opposed by the sin-endorsing Episcopalians.
But it's here that Mike starts to go a little ... well, wacky. His title claims that "AG McDonnell Used Office To Improperly Intervene In Falls Church Property Dispute" (emphasis added). He claims that:
The trial court did not ... allow McDonnell to intervene the Commonwealth on behalf of the conservative congregation. The court admonished McDonnell for his attempt to take sides with the conservative church congregation rather than to represent the interests of the people of Virginia, and issued an Order denying the McDonnell's Motion to Intervene....The problem? Well, aside from the fanciful notion that defending the majority of a congregation seeking to retain its property is not "represent[ing] the interests of the people of Virginia" against a self-describedly "Christian" church which endorses activities condemned by both Old and New Testaments (a matter of opinion), the claims are false in virtually all of its factual particulars.
The Fairfax County Circuit Court initially "DEFERRED" (original emphasis) ruling on the Motion to Intervene in the very order to which Mike links, which is dated 26 February 2008. Nowhere does it "admonish" McDonnell or his office.
Now, I have not followed this controversy closely. But when I pointed out to Mike that "there is certainly an argument to be made that the AG has standing to intervene in any action challenging a statute of the Commonwealth of Virginia," he responded with this peurile little response, lacking the courage actually to post it publicly in the thread accompanying his rant:
"I discern no admonition to the Attorney General"
What a precious little pastry arguement you make. I linked to the trial docs ... go do your homework. When you're done, come back, so I can start schooling you on legal procedure.
And in fact, the Court later granted Attorney General McDonnell's Motion to Intervene, noting in a letter opinion of 16 July 2008, that "The Attorney General of Virginia has a unique interest in defending the constitutionality of the statutes of the Commonwealth," and citing the fact that the situation was rather unusual, as challenges to the constitutionality of state statutes are usually considered in Federal courts, where "a state attorney general's specific interest in defending the constitutionality of state statutes is explicitly recognized both in 28 U.S.C. s2403(b) and in U.S. Sup. Ct. R. 24(4)(c)." A link to this document is provided by another commenter; Mike neglects to mention it at all, relying instead upon the arguments made by parties opposing the intervention.
In short, Mike attempts to argue that Attorney General McDonnell engaged in legal misconduct even though the court endorsed McDonnell's effort by granting it!
I don't often discuss legal arguments in this space. But when someone like Mike alleges misconduct, his fatuous and factually false assertions must be identified.
UPDATE: J.C. Wilmore ("The Richmonder") is attempt to raise the drumbeat here, and repeats many of the same misrepresentations as Mike.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Iconography And The Cult Of Personality
An excellent discussion on the power of iconography, one which recognizes President Barry's effort to create a cult of personality:
Saturday, September 12, 2009
WaPo Spike Watch: Day Two
Well, it only took two days for the Washington Post to mention Deeds position.
But let's make sure we understand this: the Post "uncovers" a twenty-year-old master's thesis by McDonnell, and it's front-page, above-the-fold, three-day story. A ten-year-old Deeds campaign position which would be characterized as "anti-gay" by virtually every partisan for the radical homosexual agenda is revealed, and the Post limits its coverage (so far, and as far as I can tell) to an internet post.
Is there really anyone who will suggest that the WaPo is anything but an adjunct of the Democrat Party?
But let's make sure we understand this: the Post "uncovers" a twenty-year-old master's thesis by McDonnell, and it's front-page, above-the-fold, three-day story. A ten-year-old Deeds campaign position which would be characterized as "anti-gay" by virtually every partisan for the radical homosexual agenda is revealed, and the Post limits its coverage (so far, and as far as I can tell) to an internet post.
Is there really anyone who will suggest that the WaPo is anything but an adjunct of the Democrat Party?
Thursday, September 10, 2009
WaPo Spike Watch: Day One
Last night, VA Blogger at TC broke the blogosphere story of Creigh Deeds' "homophobic" remarks in a campaign flyer of only ten years' vintage. I wrote about it shortly later. The Weekly Standard had a post about it late yesterday afternoon.
And yet, the Washington Post has nothing about it. It's editors are spiking* the story. Now, I realize that it was a busy news night. After all, it's much more important to reinforce the lies of President Barry. And to trash a GOP congressman for (rudely) telling the truth about it.
So now, a new feature on Skeptical Observor! The WaPo Spike Watch. The WaPo has spent a week trashing Republican former Attorney General Robert McDonnell over a two-decade old master's thesis --- a compilation of academic musings --- which purportedly trashes a few far-Left sacred cows, and the voters have yawned. Now, someone has produced a Deeds' campaign piece which rejects the radical homosexual agenda.
Until the WaPo applies similar standards to Creigh Deeds, its clearly-preferred candidate for Virginia Governor, I'm going to note it here.
Day. By. Day.
___________
*A newspaper term that means a story is killed because an editor doesn't like its politics. Famously written about by former Washington Times editor Arnaud de Borchgrave and Robert Moss in a political thriller about 25-30 years ago.
And yet, the Washington Post has nothing about it. It's editors are spiking* the story. Now, I realize that it was a busy news night. After all, it's much more important to reinforce the lies of President Barry. And to trash a GOP congressman for (rudely) telling the truth about it.
So now, a new feature on Skeptical Observor! The WaPo Spike Watch. The WaPo has spent a week trashing Republican former Attorney General Robert McDonnell over a two-decade old master's thesis --- a compilation of academic musings --- which purportedly trashes a few far-Left sacred cows, and the voters have yawned. Now, someone has produced a Deeds' campaign piece which rejects the radical homosexual agenda.
Until the WaPo applies similar standards to Creigh Deeds, its clearly-preferred candidate for Virginia Governor, I'm going to note it here.
Day. By. Day.
___________
*A newspaper term that means a story is killed because an editor doesn't like its politics. Famously written about by former Washington Times editor Arnaud de Borchgrave and Robert Moss in a political thriller about 25-30 years ago.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Creigh Deeds Is A "Homophobe"!
Yeah, yeah. I know. Nobody who uses the word "homophobe" should be taken too seriously. It is, after all, usually just a term to belittle those who oppose the radical homosexual agenda.
But that's what the far Left would call someone who made a statement such as this.
VA Blogger at TC has the story here.
And he asks the reasonable question: "When should we expect a front-page A1 story from the Washington Post about this?"
If enough Conservatives hold their breath waiting for that, Deeds may just pull it out.
But that's what the far Left would call someone who made a statement such as this.
VA Blogger at TC has the story here.
And he asks the reasonable question: "When should we expect a front-page A1 story from the Washington Post about this?"
If enough Conservatives hold their breath waiting for that, Deeds may just pull it out.
Is This The "Hopey-Changey" For Which You Voted?
So President Barry says that the "time for bickering is over" on health care.
Another sanctimonious boob dismisses serious policy differences by belittling them.
This is "bipartisanship"? This is "reasonable discussion"?
No. This is typical far-Left arrogance.
The problem for President Barry is not that this is "bickering." It is not misrepresenting the contents of his proposals.
President Barry's problem is that the GOP and Conservatives are telling the truth about his proposals.
Another sanctimonious boob dismisses serious policy differences by belittling them.
This is "bipartisanship"? This is "reasonable discussion"?
No. This is typical far-Left arrogance.
The problem for President Barry is not that this is "bickering." It is not misrepresenting the contents of his proposals.
President Barry's problem is that the GOP and Conservatives are telling the truth about his proposals.
Moonbatosphere Moron ... But I Repeat Myself
With today's WaPo attack piece on Bob McDonnell --- surprise! The WaPo is taking the pro-homo side in the culture war --- Virginia's moonbats are engaged in an "Amen!" chorus. Or is it the other way around?
I found one particularly interesting. Now, I suppose there are plenty of reasons to criticize McDonnell on this, but Fred attacks McDonnell's dismissal of the complaints about the blocked re-appointment of a Virginia Beach judge as "irrelevant" to this race, "seeing as how Governors appoint judges!"
Uh, except when the legislature is not in session, and then only temporarily, not in Virginia they don't.
Fred, you're a moron.
I found one particularly interesting. Now, I suppose there are plenty of reasons to criticize McDonnell on this, but Fred attacks McDonnell's dismissal of the complaints about the blocked re-appointment of a Virginia Beach judge as "irrelevant" to this race, "seeing as how Governors appoint judges!"
Uh, except when the legislature is not in session, and then only temporarily, not in Virginia they don't.
Fred, you're a moron.
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Dan Snyder Is Pond-Scum
Give the guy credit, though: in a league in which Al Davis and Jerry Jones are both owners, Dan Snyder still manages to be the most hated owner in the league, and by his team's own fans. It's not that the Redskins have stunk up the place under his ownership, though they have. It's not the revolving door in the Head Coach's office, though there's been that, too. It's not even charging $8 for one beer even though a case of it should cost less than that.
It's things like this, which convince me he works at it.
And that, while I'll attend an occasional game, I will never be a season ticketholder.
It's things like this, which convince me he works at it.
And that, while I'll attend an occasional game, I will never be a season ticketholder.
Does It Have Twice The Nuts?
Pathologically far-Left Ben & Jerry's has a new flavor to celebrate the legalization of homosexual "marriage" in its native Vermont: "Hubby Hubby."
I suppose it rolls off the tongue more easily than "Fraudulent Poseurs."
I suppose it rolls off the tongue more easily than "Fraudulent Poseurs."
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Interesting Description
According to the New York Daily News, the State Department is investigating private guards at the Kabul, Afghanistan, embassy for frat-house activities and other "deviant behavior."
I put the last in quotation marks because, well, that's apparently the phrase the State Department is using.
Interesting phrase. In an Administration which seeks to mainstream homosexuality, endorses single-sex "marriage," and wants to provide Federal civil rights protections for ... well, "deviants," it is indeed breathtaking to contemplate what qualifies as "deviant behavior."
I put the last in quotation marks because, well, that's apparently the phrase the State Department is using.
Interesting phrase. In an Administration which seeks to mainstream homosexuality, endorses single-sex "marriage," and wants to provide Federal civil rights protections for ... well, "deviants," it is indeed breathtaking to contemplate what qualifies as "deviant behavior."
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Catharsis!
Moonbat Cindy Sheehan admits what should have been obvious to everyone, but probably won't be admitted by others on the far Left: that "the 'antiwar movement' wasn't so much antiwar as anti-Bush."
Friday, August 28, 2009
Another Death Penalty Offense?
There are some cases other than premeditated murder for which the death penalty may well be an appropriate penalty.
Those who perpetrated this crime --- the kidnapping, holding, and serial child rape of Jaycee Lee Dugard --- should be eligible for the ultimate penalty. Particularly heinous is the fact that the wife of the alleged rapist was completely complicit in his crimes.
Those who perpetrated this crime --- the kidnapping, holding, and serial child rape of Jaycee Lee Dugard --- should be eligible for the ultimate penalty. Particularly heinous is the fact that the wife of the alleged rapist was completely complicit in his crimes.
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