I can see it at my little Podunk Community College outpost of educational malaise. No, I don't sit in on other profs classes--there are only two other folks teaching government (AKA political science)on my campus and one is the former chairman of the county Democratic Party, so I know where he is coming from. He's writing a book--on the village cemetary and its residents.
I get it from the students. I see what they've been taught from high school where they didn't like their course in government and usually note that it was taught by the coach. I get it in my online courses where I get an array of students from other colleges and universities, not only in Texas, but around the country. The liberal perspective is pervasive. Government solves all problems, wealth should be equitably distributed, and profit is to be avoided in business because it is unfair.
My job isn't to indoctrinate the mushy little minds into my way of thinking. I really work at staying objective and trying to offer both sides of a rational argument in the hope that inevitably they will draw the correct conclusions regarding the role of government and the political process in America. It is an uphill battle.
Here's a guy with a lot more heft in political science pedagogy than I could ever hope to bring to the table:
Could We Simply Teach It?
He is correct that the proper action would be to offer course material on conservatism to balance the well-established load of leftism which is offered. He is sincerely objective in stating that he disavows any desire for an affirmative action program to hire ideological conservatives to fill the void. He simply says create and teach courses that explore the conservative movement, theory, leadership and thinking in American government. Inevitably that would mean hiring some conservatives, but that would be a subsidiary result and not a program requirement.
Unfortunately he is also wrong. What he suggests is based on a fantasy of an objective intellectualism which could entertain teaching such material without succombing to the left's predilection to discredit, demean and ridicule conservatives and their ideology. It couldn't happen in today's academia.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday Morning Parrrot-Fest
If you've traveled the world and walked the back streets of some of the wild places, you can identify with this:
I didn't catch the last plane out of Saigon--we were winning both times I left!
I didn't catch the last plane out of Saigon--we were winning both times I left!
Friday, June 12, 2009
I Coulda Been Somebody!
This is an opportunity that didn't exist when I was still active duty. I coulda been somebody--a demo pilot!
At least as good as the Thunder Maidens!
At least as good as the Thunder Maidens!
Enumerated Power?
The acronym is YGBSM--freely translated it says, "You've Gotta Be Spoofin' Me". Well, not exactly, but I try to keep it upscale here. You get the picture.
Ever wonder how far government will reach? Try this new "Civil Right" legislation:
Who Does the Research?
They must stay up nights thinking this stuff up!
Ever wonder how far government will reach? Try this new "Civil Right" legislation:
Who Does the Research?
They must stay up nights thinking this stuff up!
False Equivalence
He is arguably one of the most penetrating intellects of our time, sort of a Bill Buckley without that looking-down-the-nose sort of East Coast intellectual snobbery. He's dealt with physical adversity, but his energy and active participation in the national debate renders him essential. Charles Krauthammer must be read.
Read this magnificent observation of the Bamster's ability to identify with those with whom we have previously disagreed:
One Holocaust Equals One Jihab Restriction
The ludicrous concept that he can ingratiate himself with the thugs and terrorists of the world by accepting their "shortcomings" and denigrating America to make our minor problems equivalent is noteworthy.
Michelle was finally proud of her country when they demonstrated that they were so ignorant and greedy that they couldn't see through his inanities and would vote for him. The Bamster, however, is apparently not at all proud of America and has taken extensive steps to travel the world explaining to all and sundry how evil we are.
It makes me long for a patriot to step forward and clearly and eloquently profess the greatness of our nation and our culture. Where's Ronald Reagan when his country needs him?
Read this magnificent observation of the Bamster's ability to identify with those with whom we have previously disagreed:
One Holocaust Equals One Jihab Restriction
The ludicrous concept that he can ingratiate himself with the thugs and terrorists of the world by accepting their "shortcomings" and denigrating America to make our minor problems equivalent is noteworthy.
Michelle was finally proud of her country when they demonstrated that they were so ignorant and greedy that they couldn't see through his inanities and would vote for him. The Bamster, however, is apparently not at all proud of America and has taken extensive steps to travel the world explaining to all and sundry how evil we are.
It makes me long for a patriot to step forward and clearly and eloquently profess the greatness of our nation and our culture. Where's Ronald Reagan when his country needs him?
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Outrage
At first glance at the headline, you might say justice was done. A teenager makes a mistake and shouldn't have to pay with prison...or should he?
Read this, and be outraged:
A Pattern That Will Repeat
This guy robs someone with the support of a couple of his thug friends. Then returns to rape the young girl in front of her brother. He was caught the following night doing another strong-arm robbery. His two thug friends are on the hook for their own sexual assaults.
This kid is a sociopath and probation is not the solution. He was cleared by a juvenile court judge to be tried as an adult. He should be sentenced as an adult.
Read this, and be outraged:
A Pattern That Will Repeat
This guy robs someone with the support of a couple of his thug friends. Then returns to rape the young girl in front of her brother. He was caught the following night doing another strong-arm robbery. His two thug friends are on the hook for their own sexual assaults.
This kid is a sociopath and probation is not the solution. He was cleared by a juvenile court judge to be tried as an adult. He should be sentenced as an adult.
Loaves, Fishes and Aspirin
He'd spent the day teaching the multitude. That's what rabbis do in the Jewish tradition, they teach how to live. He had, like many of us when we get on the roll of our own rhetoric, forgotten the time. One of his associates tapped him on the shoulder and reminded him that the crowd had not eaten and they were hungry. He asked his helpers to gather what food there was in the crowd so that they could share with all.
The collection was meager, to say the least. Two loaves and a couple of fishes. He directed that they distribute this and miraculously the baskets for distribution never seemed to run out. The multitude was fed and there were left-overs. It was easy for Him, you see, because he was God and could do stuff like that.
The guy in the fancy house on Pennsylvania Avenue has a similar situation. He's created it with his teaching us how we should live in his world. Unlike his predecessor, he doesn't preach sacrifice from all but rather sacrifice of a select few for the benefit of an unworthy many. It isn't voluntary, and hence meritorious, sacrifice either. It's confiscation of the property of the few. It's his religion.
He proposes distributing health care for all of the people. They are hungry for health care and we must distribute what we have to be shared by all. It is eerily similar to that earlier event.
We simply take what we've got, Medicare and apply the principles to everyone. Medicare works so well (arguably) for those over sixty-five, that it can do the same for all of us. Does it matter that Medicare stumbles onward because everyone who works pays Medicare wages and only a small proportion gets benefits. Lots of payers, few beneficiaries. Lots of loaves and fishes, few diners.
Now, if we have everyone covered, we'll need more loaves and fishes, won't we? We can't provide the same care to five times as many people with only the same input of sustenance. Where do we get the extra chow?
That's the miraculous part!
We are going to "streamline" healthcare. We're going to make it "more efficient." We're going to "manage" it. And that way we will generate the trillion dollars a year it will take to fund it.
If that language translates to anything other than "we are going to cut your access to healthcare drastically" then you aren't paying attention. It means rationing, clinics, limited specialists, low compensation for medical professionals and no surgery/MRI/oncology/dental when we need it.
You simply cannot provide modern medical technology to five times as many people for significantly less money than you are now spending providing ludicrously partial payment for service to the over-65 folks today. Lots more people without an influx of fresh loaves and fishes will not allow for the same level of repast for the whole gathering.
There's only been one man in history that could have pulled off that feat. He was crucified a long time ago. Bamster, you aren't Him.
The collection was meager, to say the least. Two loaves and a couple of fishes. He directed that they distribute this and miraculously the baskets for distribution never seemed to run out. The multitude was fed and there were left-overs. It was easy for Him, you see, because he was God and could do stuff like that.
The guy in the fancy house on Pennsylvania Avenue has a similar situation. He's created it with his teaching us how we should live in his world. Unlike his predecessor, he doesn't preach sacrifice from all but rather sacrifice of a select few for the benefit of an unworthy many. It isn't voluntary, and hence meritorious, sacrifice either. It's confiscation of the property of the few. It's his religion.
He proposes distributing health care for all of the people. They are hungry for health care and we must distribute what we have to be shared by all. It is eerily similar to that earlier event.
We simply take what we've got, Medicare and apply the principles to everyone. Medicare works so well (arguably) for those over sixty-five, that it can do the same for all of us. Does it matter that Medicare stumbles onward because everyone who works pays Medicare wages and only a small proportion gets benefits. Lots of payers, few beneficiaries. Lots of loaves and fishes, few diners.
Now, if we have everyone covered, we'll need more loaves and fishes, won't we? We can't provide the same care to five times as many people with only the same input of sustenance. Where do we get the extra chow?
That's the miraculous part!
We are going to "streamline" healthcare. We're going to make it "more efficient." We're going to "manage" it. And that way we will generate the trillion dollars a year it will take to fund it.
If that language translates to anything other than "we are going to cut your access to healthcare drastically" then you aren't paying attention. It means rationing, clinics, limited specialists, low compensation for medical professionals and no surgery/MRI/oncology/dental when we need it.
You simply cannot provide modern medical technology to five times as many people for significantly less money than you are now spending providing ludicrously partial payment for service to the over-65 folks today. Lots more people without an influx of fresh loaves and fishes will not allow for the same level of repast for the whole gathering.
There's only been one man in history that could have pulled off that feat. He was crucified a long time ago. Bamster, you aren't Him.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
An Illustration of the Situation
The convolution of language used by the administration on the relationship between the government intervention and jobs is magnificent.
I have long contended that government cannot "create" a job. That is something that free enterprise business does. They "create" a product or a service that causes a demand and in response the entrepreneur hires people to fill a need that did not previously exist. Government cannot do that. I'm joined in this belief by no less than Milton Friedman who said, "government creates jobs by hiring people to dig holes we don't need and then hiring more to fill them up."
To promise to "create or save" jobs is the truly artful construction. That involves adding in the intangible of somehow intervening to preclude a job being lost. How can anyone measure if a job not lost was somehow saved? And if it were saved, how can they be certain it was related to any action of the government?
But, if you want to know how this is working out, here's a creative little viddie to help you get a picture of the situation:
Only in the socialist mind can the growth of government, the proliferation of welfare dependency and the increasing mis-management of businesses possibly lead to reversal of the unemployment spiral. The quickest way to "create or save" jobs? It's easy! Simply cease government action. Adjourn Congress and unplug the phones to the Federal bureaucracy.
Ain't gonna happen.
I have long contended that government cannot "create" a job. That is something that free enterprise business does. They "create" a product or a service that causes a demand and in response the entrepreneur hires people to fill a need that did not previously exist. Government cannot do that. I'm joined in this belief by no less than Milton Friedman who said, "government creates jobs by hiring people to dig holes we don't need and then hiring more to fill them up."
To promise to "create or save" jobs is the truly artful construction. That involves adding in the intangible of somehow intervening to preclude a job being lost. How can anyone measure if a job not lost was somehow saved? And if it were saved, how can they be certain it was related to any action of the government?
But, if you want to know how this is working out, here's a creative little viddie to help you get a picture of the situation:
Only in the socialist mind can the growth of government, the proliferation of welfare dependency and the increasing mis-management of businesses possibly lead to reversal of the unemployment spiral. The quickest way to "create or save" jobs? It's easy! Simply cease government action. Adjourn Congress and unplug the phones to the Federal bureaucracy.
Ain't gonna happen.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Inevitable Outcome
The American people have a tendency to clamor for someone (meaning government) to "do something" to save them from any level of unpleasantness, let alone an inconvenience. It has been bred into them since Dr. Spock counseled not to give an unruly child a swat to the behind but rather to cajole them with praise and a cookie to modify their behavior. The strategy is good, but not always effective.
So, when the Bamster took office, we had seen an incessant media hype of a recession deepening, despite the fact that technically the definition of a recession--two consecutive quarters of negative growth--had not been met. The slavering masses demanded he "do something" and he was prepared, nay, even eager to do it. He seized power with enthusiasim and given the keys to the printing press began distributing largesse in previously inconceivable amounts.
Even when financial institutions didn't want or need the funds, they were strong-armed into taking them, thus rendering them subject to government regulation and oversight--a euphemism for control, management and dictatorial unrelated to sound business practices. When the US auto-makers didn't promise to make a million econo-boxes powered by rice wine and solar panels, he nationalized them and doled out their assets to his favorite union.
When the government controls large segments of the market, they can exercise their leverage of prices, labor costs, raw materials access and restrictive taxation on competition to hamper the private business competitors. Where does it all lead?
The Harsh Realities of the Eventual
That analysis tracks exactly with what I've been thinking. There is not much time left for American entrepreneurism and capitalism to whimper and the days of flourishing are over. We will never see another Carnegie or Penrose or Rockefeller. There will be no more Microsofts or Googles or Amazons. There will be Government Motors and the North Iowa Corn Growers National Combine and the Federal Fuel Dispensing System.
It's a future of Ladas and Mao suits along with gray stone monolithic People's Apartment buildings down the street from the Government Store.
So, when the Bamster took office, we had seen an incessant media hype of a recession deepening, despite the fact that technically the definition of a recession--two consecutive quarters of negative growth--had not been met. The slavering masses demanded he "do something" and he was prepared, nay, even eager to do it. He seized power with enthusiasim and given the keys to the printing press began distributing largesse in previously inconceivable amounts.
Even when financial institutions didn't want or need the funds, they were strong-armed into taking them, thus rendering them subject to government regulation and oversight--a euphemism for control, management and dictatorial unrelated to sound business practices. When the US auto-makers didn't promise to make a million econo-boxes powered by rice wine and solar panels, he nationalized them and doled out their assets to his favorite union.
When the government controls large segments of the market, they can exercise their leverage of prices, labor costs, raw materials access and restrictive taxation on competition to hamper the private business competitors. Where does it all lead?
The Harsh Realities of the Eventual
That analysis tracks exactly with what I've been thinking. There is not much time left for American entrepreneurism and capitalism to whimper and the days of flourishing are over. We will never see another Carnegie or Penrose or Rockefeller. There will be no more Microsofts or Googles or Amazons. There will be Government Motors and the North Iowa Corn Growers National Combine and the Federal Fuel Dispensing System.
It's a future of Ladas and Mao suits along with gray stone monolithic People's Apartment buildings down the street from the Government Store.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Road Trip Weekend
Took a little road trip this last weekend and got it reinforced. Sure, everything west of Dallas sticks, bites or stings you, but it sure is beautiful in the process. Things are green this time of year and the wild flowers that Lady Bird Johnson had strewn along our highways are in full and glorious bloom. Stop for gas or a cold drink and the folks are friendly and courteous. It takes two minutes to get through a doorway because both parties are standing back to allow the other person to pass through. That doesn't happen in New Yawk or Hell-Aye or Shy Caw Gah.
I wasn't born here, but I'm sure glad I came back. I've got three pairs of boots now and two "Sunday" hats. I drink Shiner rather than Sam Adams most of the time and I'm trying to blend in. Still won't get a pick-up though!
I wasn't born here, but I'm sure glad I came back. I've got three pairs of boots now and two "Sunday" hats. I drink Shiner rather than Sam Adams most of the time and I'm trying to blend in. Still won't get a pick-up though!
Restoring Dialogue
Remember the campaign? There was that hope and change atmosphere in which they promised to abandon the strong words, uncompromising attitude and militaristic stance of the reviled Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld triumvirate. We were going to see a return to diplomacy. An openness to discussion any time, any place with the dictators, despots and nut-jobs of the world. There would be no pre-conditions, just a warm embrace and a willingness to compromise. Then all would be right with the world and everyone would love us again.
Now this:
Here's What Kim Thinks About Asian Detente
The response to Hillary Clinton's naive statement that putting a couple of American journalists on trial was a good thing is to throw the book at the two naive young women. My bet is that they will be home within 18 months, but only after a lot of American groveling, a huge ransom payment and an undermining of security for Japan and South Korea.
First it was increased nuclear production and blatant disregard for the six-power negotiations on energy production in Korea. Then it was a nuclear test blast simultaneous with an intense demonstration of the state of Korea's delivery vehicle capability. Now it is this diplomatic bitch slapping for the Bamster.
May I suggest we immediately implement a plan to reopen a new and improved embassy in Teheran and staff it with a couple of hundred top level hostages...oops, I mean diplomats for the convenience of Ahmedinajahd?
Someone had better cowboy up pretty soon or this is going to get nasty.
Now this:
Here's What Kim Thinks About Asian Detente
The response to Hillary Clinton's naive statement that putting a couple of American journalists on trial was a good thing is to throw the book at the two naive young women. My bet is that they will be home within 18 months, but only after a lot of American groveling, a huge ransom payment and an undermining of security for Japan and South Korea.
First it was increased nuclear production and blatant disregard for the six-power negotiations on energy production in Korea. Then it was a nuclear test blast simultaneous with an intense demonstration of the state of Korea's delivery vehicle capability. Now it is this diplomatic bitch slapping for the Bamster.
May I suggest we immediately implement a plan to reopen a new and improved embassy in Teheran and staff it with a couple of hundred top level hostages...oops, I mean diplomats for the convenience of Ahmedinajahd?
Someone had better cowboy up pretty soon or this is going to get nasty.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Fighter pilots are better and cooler than you!
I went into considerable detail in "When Thunder Rolled" and "Palace Cobra" to explain exactly what a fighter pilot is, and often what he isn't. Despite my best efforts, some folks never seem to get it, no matter how it is explained to them. The only thing they believe these days is what they find from a reliable online source, like a wiki.
So, for those who still need the details, here is a complete summary of exactly what you are dealing with when you encounter a fighter pilot:
What a Fighter Pilot Is
Study that and learn it, there will be a test later.
Use this to help you identify if someone is truly a fighter pilot or merely a pretender:
And this:
Remember, you heard it all from "Thunder".
So, for those who still need the details, here is a complete summary of exactly what you are dealing with when you encounter a fighter pilot:
What a Fighter Pilot Is
Study that and learn it, there will be a test later.
Use this to help you identify if someone is truly a fighter pilot or merely a pretender:
Fighter pilots are highly skilled and take pride in their ability to consume massive quantities of alcohol, and can speak in complete sentences consisting entirely of swear words.
And this:
Fighter pilots usually are given testosterone-ridden callsigns like "Jockstrap" or "Whiplash." However, those who try to name themselves are invariably given the callsign "Manbitch."
Remember, you heard it all from "Thunder".
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Saturday Morning Sort-of Jazz
"To cook": verb. To take raw ingredients and create a tasty, satisfying, maybe even artistic sustenance for the body and soul. Gerund form, "cooking."
This is how its done:
This is how its done:
Friday, June 05, 2009
Remember
By the time you rise from your bed on Saturday, the 65th anniversary of this moment will have passed in Europe. It is hard to conceive of such courage.
One can only wonder about the current state of the nation.
One can only wonder about the current state of the nation.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
New Kid in Town
You depend on it. The name itself has become a verb. When you've got a question, you Google it and voila, there's all the information you ever wanted and more. Sometimes so much more that you're overwhelmed.
Maybe you use another search engine occasionally, such as Yahoo or the rapidly fading, Ask.com. But I'll bet you still default back to Google for the regular go-to guy. But, did you ever think that there really isn't much pizazz or sparkle to Google? I mean the web page is a big white sheet with a search word entry field. Most folks don't even go there any more, like Yogi Berra's restaurant that got too popular. They simply have a search entry box on their web home page.
Could be we're missing something and Microsoft wants to convince us that we are. They've rolled out Bing about three days ago and in the coming weeks you'll get deluged with the buzz on Bing.
I've got low resistance to new gadgetry online, so after I read an item in the Wall Street Journal (actual paper version!), I had to look. I've been doing a lot of that lately. I did the Facebook thing about three weeks ago and am about to dump it as a waste of time. I cranked up Wolfram|Alpha and as someone who is inveterately non-technical and number-adverse, I found it not much use for my typical searching. I've studiously avoided Twitter, since I can't make a sentence in less than 140 characters.
What's my verdict on Bing? First impression is that I love it! The results pages morph on almost every search. Some will give you viddie clips and images, all results give you an immediate peekaboo when you mouse over to avoid having to go to non-responsive site options. Big hits will give you a pop-up sub-menu of categories for more detailed results. The more I played the more I discovered. Depth of results for my first half-dozen searches was very parallel to what I get from Google.
The default home page for Bing changes the background picture daily and embedded within the photo you'll find hot spots with info about the scene and links to more information such as how to get there. That's an illustration of what you will find on many photos.
There are dedicated areas that help you focus on specifics such as images, videos, travel arrangements or shopping comparisons. Want to book a flight or a hotel? You might start opting for Bing rather than Expedia. Wanna see last night's episode of your favorite program? Try the video area and you might start dodging YouTube.
Mapping is built in as well. Start zooming in on the USA and you can quickly get to the city block that you live on and a choice of map or aerial view. Want some perspective? Go to the birds-eye shot rather than the pure top-down approach.
Will you miss some of the returns that you might have gotten in Google? Maybe, but I didn't see too much drop-out in my brief fling. Read some reviews and you'll quickly get the usual MS-bashing undertone as the big players hedge against favoring Bing over Google or Yahoo. Can't offend the tall dogs when you've got the company that everyone loves to hate in your focus--even if Bing looks very good.
It's a web-site, not an application. No downloads or special installs required. Simply go to bing.com and take a look. I'll be fiddling with it for a while and may find a new best friend. I'll let you know.
Maybe you use another search engine occasionally, such as Yahoo or the rapidly fading, Ask.com. But I'll bet you still default back to Google for the regular go-to guy. But, did you ever think that there really isn't much pizazz or sparkle to Google? I mean the web page is a big white sheet with a search word entry field. Most folks don't even go there any more, like Yogi Berra's restaurant that got too popular. They simply have a search entry box on their web home page.
Could be we're missing something and Microsoft wants to convince us that we are. They've rolled out Bing about three days ago and in the coming weeks you'll get deluged with the buzz on Bing.
I've got low resistance to new gadgetry online, so after I read an item in the Wall Street Journal (actual paper version!), I had to look. I've been doing a lot of that lately. I did the Facebook thing about three weeks ago and am about to dump it as a waste of time. I cranked up Wolfram|Alpha and as someone who is inveterately non-technical and number-adverse, I found it not much use for my typical searching. I've studiously avoided Twitter, since I can't make a sentence in less than 140 characters.
What's my verdict on Bing? First impression is that I love it! The results pages morph on almost every search. Some will give you viddie clips and images, all results give you an immediate peekaboo when you mouse over to avoid having to go to non-responsive site options. Big hits will give you a pop-up sub-menu of categories for more detailed results. The more I played the more I discovered. Depth of results for my first half-dozen searches was very parallel to what I get from Google.
The default home page for Bing changes the background picture daily and embedded within the photo you'll find hot spots with info about the scene and links to more information such as how to get there. That's an illustration of what you will find on many photos.
There are dedicated areas that help you focus on specifics such as images, videos, travel arrangements or shopping comparisons. Want to book a flight or a hotel? You might start opting for Bing rather than Expedia. Wanna see last night's episode of your favorite program? Try the video area and you might start dodging YouTube.
Mapping is built in as well. Start zooming in on the USA and you can quickly get to the city block that you live on and a choice of map or aerial view. Want some perspective? Go to the birds-eye shot rather than the pure top-down approach.
Will you miss some of the returns that you might have gotten in Google? Maybe, but I didn't see too much drop-out in my brief fling. Read some reviews and you'll quickly get the usual MS-bashing undertone as the big players hedge against favoring Bing over Google or Yahoo. Can't offend the tall dogs when you've got the company that everyone loves to hate in your focus--even if Bing looks very good.
It's a web-site, not an application. No downloads or special installs required. Simply go to bing.com and take a look. I'll be fiddling with it for a while and may find a new best friend. I'll let you know.
No Wonder!
We get the government we deserve, and if you need to ask how good that is then I direct you to this example of Senatorial "due diligence."
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Doing the Double Talk
The Messiah gives an extensive interview to the BBC and in the process offers insight into the convolutions of his masterful mind. Read some of what he said and watch the viddie:
Do as I Don't, Say as I Didn't
Take a moment to consider these pearls:
That's on Iran's nuclear aspirations. So, the end of this year is seven months away. Is that an "artificial" timetable or a "real" one. None of that imitation tinsel for him!
That's on going to Saudi Arabia and not recognizing the egregious humans rights violations of that country. Somehow he fails to note that historically we have never IMPOSED our values, but always been proud to create the environment in which people's aspirations for the universal values of democracy and freedom can be realized.
Yeah, it's simply a "misapprehension" that Islamic jihadis hijacked airplanes and flew them into the Pentagon and WTC. It must have been the lack of dialogue that drove a boat up to the side of the USS Cole and put a truck in the lobby of the US forces barracks at Khobar Towers. Dating back to the Iranian seizure of our embassy in Teheran it was just a failure to communicate.
It is difficult not to laugh when the first half of nearly every sentence is the opposite of the second half and yet he seems to believe he is uttering profoundly statesmanlike statements.
Do as I Don't, Say as I Didn't
Take a moment to consider these pearls:
"Although I don't want to put artificial timetables on that process, we do want to make sure that, by the end of this year, we've actually seen a serious process move forward".
That's on Iran's nuclear aspirations. So, the end of this year is seven months away. Is that an "artificial" timetable or a "real" one. None of that imitation tinsel for him!
"The danger, I think, is when the United States, or any country, thinks that we can simply impose these values on another country with a different history and a different culture,"
That's on going to Saudi Arabia and not recognizing the egregious humans rights violations of that country. Somehow he fails to note that historically we have never IMPOSED our values, but always been proud to create the environment in which people's aspirations for the universal values of democracy and freedom can be realized.
(T)he president said he wanted to "open a dialogue" between the West and the Muslim world to overcome what he said were "misapprehensions" on both sides.
Yeah, it's simply a "misapprehension" that Islamic jihadis hijacked airplanes and flew them into the Pentagon and WTC. It must have been the lack of dialogue that drove a boat up to the side of the USS Cole and put a truck in the lobby of the US forces barracks at Khobar Towers. Dating back to the Iranian seizure of our embassy in Teheran it was just a failure to communicate.
It is difficult not to laugh when the first half of nearly every sentence is the opposite of the second half and yet he seems to believe he is uttering profoundly statesmanlike statements.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Better Left Unsaid
There is a certain sadness about aging. There comes a point where the mental acuity inevitably deteriorates. It doesn't have to be Alzheimer's or dementia, it can be nothing more than unfamiliarity with changing situations or an over-estimation of the relevance of experiences more than fifty years ago to the current situation.
It is even sadder when the individual is someone with the reputation of being an insightful politician and commentor on the political environment who commands a voice in prestigious publications such as the Wall Street Journal.
Read this from George McGovern, former B-24 pilot of WW II, former US Senator and statesman, and former presidential candidate of the Democratic Party:
Advice Not to Take Seriously
The world has changed since Sen. McGovern's brave service and his studious application of the GI Bill educational benefit. There was a huge tax base and after World War II expenditure, there was a vast excess of government funding available as well as a pent-up demand for individuals with advanced degrees. Today there is neither the funding nor the demand for the output of the universities. Jobs don't equate with graduates any more.
After WW II tax rates could be slashed and still provide opportunity for infrastructure and societal development. Today the ratio of worker to drone is shifted in favor of the honey-suckers rather than the pollen-gatherers. There is little to gain in terms of "peace dividend" from a withdrawal of our defense forces from the war against the jihadists and the proportion of federal spending on the military is miniscule in relation to the government hand-out and bail-out programs.
The Senator is correct that the terrorists don't have battleships (we don't either)and tanks or artillery or even uniformed forces. But, he seems blissfully unaware that N. Korea does, as does Iran and Venezuela and who knows who else. Pakistan and India are serious players and all of those listed are either firmly or in the immediate future members of the nuclear club. None of them like us very much.
He further doesn't get the need to block terrorists, even those with lowly box-cutters, from ever again unleashing attacks like 9/11 while at the same time protecting the freedoms of American citizens. It is a difficult path when the weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical and biological agents are small and easily infiltrated. I don't think ACORN is the agency to handle that security question.
Finally, his dream of American pre-eminence in a modern fast rail system seems a longing for the days of Taggart Transcontinental and a wilful disregard for the extant technology of France, Germany, Spain, Japan and a number of other nations who have left us far behind in rapid rail and bullet trains.
He means well, but his decline is sad to observe.
It is even sadder when the individual is someone with the reputation of being an insightful politician and commentor on the political environment who commands a voice in prestigious publications such as the Wall Street Journal.
Read this from George McGovern, former B-24 pilot of WW II, former US Senator and statesman, and former presidential candidate of the Democratic Party:
Advice Not to Take Seriously
The world has changed since Sen. McGovern's brave service and his studious application of the GI Bill educational benefit. There was a huge tax base and after World War II expenditure, there was a vast excess of government funding available as well as a pent-up demand for individuals with advanced degrees. Today there is neither the funding nor the demand for the output of the universities. Jobs don't equate with graduates any more.
After WW II tax rates could be slashed and still provide opportunity for infrastructure and societal development. Today the ratio of worker to drone is shifted in favor of the honey-suckers rather than the pollen-gatherers. There is little to gain in terms of "peace dividend" from a withdrawal of our defense forces from the war against the jihadists and the proportion of federal spending on the military is miniscule in relation to the government hand-out and bail-out programs.
The Senator is correct that the terrorists don't have battleships (we don't either)and tanks or artillery or even uniformed forces. But, he seems blissfully unaware that N. Korea does, as does Iran and Venezuela and who knows who else. Pakistan and India are serious players and all of those listed are either firmly or in the immediate future members of the nuclear club. None of them like us very much.
He further doesn't get the need to block terrorists, even those with lowly box-cutters, from ever again unleashing attacks like 9/11 while at the same time protecting the freedoms of American citizens. It is a difficult path when the weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical and biological agents are small and easily infiltrated. I don't think ACORN is the agency to handle that security question.
Finally, his dream of American pre-eminence in a modern fast rail system seems a longing for the days of Taggart Transcontinental and a wilful disregard for the extant technology of France, Germany, Spain, Japan and a number of other nations who have left us far behind in rapid rail and bullet trains.
He means well, but his decline is sad to observe.
Writing Up a Storm
I've got a pretty good idea how long it takes to write a book. Of course, if you've got a huge reputation in books that leads to a huge advance (which is incredibly motivating) followed by a huge publisher effort to streamline the production cycle and then a great marketing campaign to net you the big bucks.
So, as we see ourselves less than five months into this most remarkable of administrations, it is already time for the legacy to be written. Why wait until after he leaves office to evaluate the efficacy of policy, the wisdom of decisions, the professionalism of leadership? Make a buck now while it is still worth something!
Take a minute to read this extensive piece on the soon-to-be-released must-read of the late summer:
The Controversy and Anticipation Builds
I hope you noted the "post date" on that pithy piece. It is just 16 days into the future! Do you smell the strong scent of a publicist pacing out the fanning of fever pitch? Hard to believe the New Republic is in collusion, but what do I know?
Woodward gained fame (notoriety) for his late-night liaisons with "Deep Throat" which led to the unseating of Richard Nixon, the abortive presidency of Gerald Ford and then those halcyon days of leftist leaning that were Jimmy Carter. He's not known to be sympathetic to the conservative side of the aisle, but he is recognized as a powerful voice and an individual with an eye for a story.
Is the Obama White House stiffing him? It wouldn't surprise me after the recount of how he responded to George W. Bush's openness. The Obama folks like to be in total control of the message--even when it is indistinct or in conflict with the actions.
What impresses me the most is the pre-emptive spin established by George Stephanopolous:
That sets up a situation in which the post-mortem spin will allow for discounting the negatives as dupes for Woodward's guile. It's a win-win situation, particularly for Woodward.
So, as we see ourselves less than five months into this most remarkable of administrations, it is already time for the legacy to be written. Why wait until after he leaves office to evaluate the efficacy of policy, the wisdom of decisions, the professionalism of leadership? Make a buck now while it is still worth something!
Take a minute to read this extensive piece on the soon-to-be-released must-read of the late summer:
The Controversy and Anticipation Builds
I hope you noted the "post date" on that pithy piece. It is just 16 days into the future! Do you smell the strong scent of a publicist pacing out the fanning of fever pitch? Hard to believe the New Republic is in collusion, but what do I know?
Woodward gained fame (notoriety) for his late-night liaisons with "Deep Throat" which led to the unseating of Richard Nixon, the abortive presidency of Gerald Ford and then those halcyon days of leftist leaning that were Jimmy Carter. He's not known to be sympathetic to the conservative side of the aisle, but he is recognized as a powerful voice and an individual with an eye for a story.
Is the Obama White House stiffing him? It wouldn't surprise me after the recount of how he responded to George W. Bush's openness. The Obama folks like to be in total control of the message--even when it is indistinct or in conflict with the actions.
What impresses me the most is the pre-emptive spin established by George Stephanopolous:
Stephanopoulos explains Woodward's reporting style: "He flashes a glimpse of what he knows, shaded in a largely negative light, with the hint of more to come, setting up a series of prisoner's dilemmas in which each prospective source faces a choice: Do you cooperate and elaborate in return (you hope) for learning more and earning a better portrayal--for your boss and yourself? Or do you call his bluff by walking away in the hope that your reticence will make the final product less authoritative and therefore less damaging? If no one talks, there is no book. But someone--then everyone--always talks."
That sets up a situation in which the post-mortem spin will allow for discounting the negatives as dupes for Woodward's guile. It's a win-win situation, particularly for Woodward.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)