Sunday, January 20, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Stimulus Package?
Kudlow says Bush may have made the best of a bad situation, but the proper response was do nothing.
I’m a Lumberjack and I’m OK
Mark Steyn on his native Canada's economy...
At Imprimis:
My colleague at National Review, John O’Sullivan, once observed that post-war Canadian history is summed up by the old Monty Python song that goes, “I’m a Lumberjack and I’m OK.” If you recall that song, it begins as a robust paean to the manly virtues of a rugged life in the north woods. But it ends with the lumberjack having gradually morphed into a kind of transvestite pickup who likes to wear high heels and dress in women’s clothing while hanging around in bars. Of course, John O’Sullivan isn’t saying that Canadian men are literally cross-dressers—certainly no more than 35-40 percent of us — but rather that a once manly nation has undergone a remarkable psychological makeover. If you go back to 1945, the Royal Canadian Navy had the world’s third largest surface fleet, the Royal Canadian Air Force was one of the world’s most effective air forces, and Canadian troops got the toughest beach on D-Day. But in the space of two generations, a bunch of tough hombres were transformed into a thoroughly feminized culture that prioritizes all the secondary impulses of society—welfare entitlements from cradle to grave—over all the primary ones. And in that, Canada is obviously not alone. If the O’Sullivan thesis is flawed, it’s only because the lumberjack song could stand as the post-war history of almost the entire developed world.
At Imprimis:
My colleague at National Review, John O’Sullivan, once observed that post-war Canadian history is summed up by the old Monty Python song that goes, “I’m a Lumberjack and I’m OK.” If you recall that song, it begins as a robust paean to the manly virtues of a rugged life in the north woods. But it ends with the lumberjack having gradually morphed into a kind of transvestite pickup who likes to wear high heels and dress in women’s clothing while hanging around in bars. Of course, John O’Sullivan isn’t saying that Canadian men are literally cross-dressers—certainly no more than 35-40 percent of us — but rather that a once manly nation has undergone a remarkable psychological makeover. If you go back to 1945, the Royal Canadian Navy had the world’s third largest surface fleet, the Royal Canadian Air Force was one of the world’s most effective air forces, and Canadian troops got the toughest beach on D-Day. But in the space of two generations, a bunch of tough hombres were transformed into a thoroughly feminized culture that prioritizes all the secondary impulses of society—welfare entitlements from cradle to grave—over all the primary ones. And in that, Canada is obviously not alone. If the O’Sullivan thesis is flawed, it’s only because the lumberjack song could stand as the post-war history of almost the entire developed world.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hill v. Barry
David Brooks is a must-read today. Except his conclusion is wrong. This infighting will drive the WDM (White Dim Male) straight into Fred!'s open arms. Sweet!!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Founding Brothers
I've been listening to the unabridged version of Founding Brothers my last couple of trips to Athens, Coppell. Well worth the read especially for the relationships between Burr and Hamilton, Jefferson and Adams, George and everybody, and Madison and Jefferson.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Character
From Michael Medved:
Shimon Peres, Nobel Peace Prize winner... [on Bush, in spite of this foolhardy mission on Israel/Palestine]:
“And also may I say that I have the highest respect for you, Mr. President, and the highest regard, because speaking as a politician, you introduced character in politics It’s a great contribution to politics – character, courage, vision.”
Shimon Peres, Nobel Peace Prize winner... [on Bush, in spite of this foolhardy mission on Israel/Palestine]:
“And also may I say that I have the highest respect for you, Mr. President, and the highest regard, because speaking as a politician, you introduced character in politics It’s a great contribution to politics – character, courage, vision.”
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Voter ID
Forget the Supreme's decision on the ID. I think only those who’ve read (or listened to) The Looming Tower should be allowed to vote.
Ok, maybe that's a little harsh, but they are trying to kill us.
Ok, maybe that's a little harsh, but they are trying to kill us.
Bonnie and Clyde
On the less happy side of the Texas ledger: Clyde Chestnut Barrow and Bonnie Elizabeth Parker.
From the FBI website:
Barrow, for example, was suspected of murdering two police officers at Joplin, Missouri, and kidnaping [sic] a man and a woman in rural Louisiana. He released them near Waldo, Texas. Numerous sightings followed, linking this pair with bank robberies and automobile thefts. Clyde allegedly murdered a man at Hillsboro, Texas; committed robberies at Lufkin and Dallas, Texas; murdered one sheriff and wounded another at Stringtown, Oklahoma; kidnaped [sic] a deputy at Carlsbad, New Mexico; stole an automobile at Victoria, Texas; attempted to murder a deputy at Wharton, Texas; committed murder and robbery at Abilene and Sherman, Texas; committed murder at Dallas, Texas; abducted a sheriff and the chief of police at Wellington, Texas; and committed murder at Joplin and Columbia, Missouri.
...
On April 1, 1934, Bonnie and Clyde encountered two young highway patrolmen near Grapevine, Texas. Before the officers could draw their guns, they were shot. On April 6, 1934, a constable at Miami, Oklahoma, fell mortally wounded by Bonnie and Clyde, who also abducted a police chief, whom they wounded.
…
Before dawn on May 23, 1934, a posse composed of police officers from Louisiana and Texas, including Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, concealed themselves in bushes along the highway near Sailes, Louisiana. In the early daylight, Bonnie and Clyde appeared in an automobile and when they attempted to drive away, the officers opened fire. Bonnie and Clyde were killed instantly.
Ms. Parker is buried in Dallas in a cemetery very near the home in which I was raised. It was great fun to visit her grave as a kid. The childish legend was that if one circled her grave saying her name a number of times guaranteed her haunting of you. It didn't work.
From the FBI website:
Barrow, for example, was suspected of murdering two police officers at Joplin, Missouri, and kidnaping [sic] a man and a woman in rural Louisiana. He released them near Waldo, Texas. Numerous sightings followed, linking this pair with bank robberies and automobile thefts. Clyde allegedly murdered a man at Hillsboro, Texas; committed robberies at Lufkin and Dallas, Texas; murdered one sheriff and wounded another at Stringtown, Oklahoma; kidnaped [sic] a deputy at Carlsbad, New Mexico; stole an automobile at Victoria, Texas; attempted to murder a deputy at Wharton, Texas; committed murder and robbery at Abilene and Sherman, Texas; committed murder at Dallas, Texas; abducted a sheriff and the chief of police at Wellington, Texas; and committed murder at Joplin and Columbia, Missouri.
...
On April 1, 1934, Bonnie and Clyde encountered two young highway patrolmen near Grapevine, Texas. Before the officers could draw their guns, they were shot. On April 6, 1934, a constable at Miami, Oklahoma, fell mortally wounded by Bonnie and Clyde, who also abducted a police chief, whom they wounded.
…
Before dawn on May 23, 1934, a posse composed of police officers from Louisiana and Texas, including Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, concealed themselves in bushes along the highway near Sailes, Louisiana. In the early daylight, Bonnie and Clyde appeared in an automobile and when they attempted to drive away, the officers opened fire. Bonnie and Clyde were killed instantly.
Ms. Parker is buried in Dallas in a cemetery very near the home in which I was raised. It was great fun to visit her grave as a kid. The childish legend was that if one circled her grave saying her name a number of times guaranteed her haunting of you. It didn't work.
Texans who’ve made the biggest impact on the nation
For good or ill.
I’ll start with two WWII heroes. In these cases, the impact could be said to be on the planet. One, most know is from Texas is Admiral Nimitz. The second, most associated with Kansas, was actually born in Denison, Texas—Eisenhower.
I’ll start with two WWII heroes. In these cases, the impact could be said to be on the planet. One, most know is from Texas is Admiral Nimitz. The second, most associated with Kansas, was actually born in Denison, Texas—Eisenhower.
Bruce Thornton has nice words for Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism
at Victor Davis Hanson's Private Papers:
Goldberg, a syndicated columnist and editor at the National Review, modestly calls himself a journalist. But he has in fact written a well-documented, fast-paced history of modern politics and political philosophy. Along the way, he sweeps away self-serving liberal and progressive myths, and recovers the true roots of progressive/liberal politics — in the deification of the state as the instrument of utopian aspirations, the same dynamic of 20th century fascism.
I look forward to getting my copy.
Goldberg, a syndicated columnist and editor at the National Review, modestly calls himself a journalist. But he has in fact written a well-documented, fast-paced history of modern politics and political philosophy. Along the way, he sweeps away self-serving liberal and progressive myths, and recovers the true roots of progressive/liberal politics — in the deification of the state as the instrument of utopian aspirations, the same dynamic of 20th century fascism.
I look forward to getting my copy.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
My Dad
Mom found this note to her on the fridge this weekend that my Dad had written sometime before his death. (The fridge is covered with stuff from the grandkids so I know it was easy to miss.) In the hand of a second grader indicating his poor condition. As his speech deteriorated he communicated with notes and at the very end he could only point at letters to spell out his thoughts.
Almost five months after his death she finds it. I'm glad my brother was there with her and I'm sorry I was not. I know it caused a lot of tears but was certainly not taken down. A friend has recommended, and I've agreed, this baby is being printed and framed. I'm going to give to her this weekend.
Liberal Fascism
I've ordered my copy of Jonah Goldberg's Liberal Fascism but have not yet received it. I only know what I know of it from various reviews I've read such as Rich Lowry's or Vox Day's. Having said that, I know already that I owe Jonah a thank you.
I've wondered since college how such centrally regulated economies and such heavily controlled lives under men the likes of Peron and Mussolini could be associated with the American right but have been too lazy to do the work.
I've wondered since college how such centrally regulated economies and such heavily controlled lives under men the likes of Peron and Mussolini could be associated with the American right but have been too lazy to do the work.
Re: The President, the Pope and the Prime Minister
O'Sullivan seems to think the fury over Grenada may have been a bit overblown at least on a purely political basis (I'm sure that she had to personally furious):
After Reagan had given her a full briefing on the military and political progress of the intervention, they ended on the old "Ron" and "Margaret" terms with Margaret asking Ron to pass on her best wishes to Nancy and Ron encouraging Margaret to "eat 'em alive" down at the House of Commons. (p. 224)
...
Public debate in Britain following the immediate crisis hashed over these and other points. This proved slightly embarrassing for the prime minister, however, because almost all her usual supporters on foreign policy issue took Reagan's side. In the House of Lords debate on Grenada, for instance, liberals such as Max Beloff, Noel Annan, and Hugh Thomas as well as more conventional Tories were both baffled and alarmed by Britain's apparent willingness to allow Grenadians to fall into the Cuban-Soviet orbit. The Daily Telegraph and the Times were hostile to Thatcher's refusal to endorse American action. And one of her strongest intellectual supporters, Paul Johnson, confessed that he was astounded at her inability to see that Grenada was an issue as morally clear and compelling as slavery. (p. 225)
After Reagan had given her a full briefing on the military and political progress of the intervention, they ended on the old "Ron" and "Margaret" terms with Margaret asking Ron to pass on her best wishes to Nancy and Ron encouraging Margaret to "eat 'em alive" down at the House of Commons. (p. 224)
...
Public debate in Britain following the immediate crisis hashed over these and other points. This proved slightly embarrassing for the prime minister, however, because almost all her usual supporters on foreign policy issue took Reagan's side. In the House of Lords debate on Grenada, for instance, liberals such as Max Beloff, Noel Annan, and Hugh Thomas as well as more conventional Tories were both baffled and alarmed by Britain's apparent willingness to allow Grenadians to fall into the Cuban-Soviet orbit. The Daily Telegraph and the Times were hostile to Thatcher's refusal to endorse American action. And one of her strongest intellectual supporters, Paul Johnson, confessed that he was astounded at her inability to see that Grenada was an issue as morally clear and compelling as slavery. (p. 225)
Sen. McCain
Why not just remind us that you were calling for a surge long before Bush agreed and stop slamming Rumsfeld? You can tout your "cred" all you want but why the unnecessary ugliness toward a man who has devoted so much of his life to service? Kinda like you. Yes, it may have taken Bush a LONG time to find his Grant (hopefully) but even if this isn't a new kind of war, the generals always say, "All your plans are great until the fighting starts." We knew that going in.
(I know I've slammed McCain, but I'm a pundit wannabe, not a candidate for the Republican nomination.)
(I know I've slammed McCain, but I'm a pundit wannabe, not a candidate for the Republican nomination.)
Friday, January 04, 2008
We've got a $1,000,000,000,000 war to prosecute...
so why are our congressfolk calling Clemens and Pettitte to testify? Oh yeah, micromanagement is good "for the children."
Did I count my zeros properly?
From YahooNews:
WASHINGTON - Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte were asked Friday to testify before a congressional committee on Jan. 16, along with their former trainer, Brian McNamee.
Also invited to appear before the House Oversight Committee were former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, whose allegations were a central part of last month's Mitchell report on doping in baseball. Former All-Star second baseman Chuck Knoblauch also was asked to speak to the panel.
Did I count my zeros properly?
From YahooNews:
WASHINGTON - Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte were asked Friday to testify before a congressional committee on Jan. 16, along with their former trainer, Brian McNamee.
Also invited to appear before the House Oversight Committee were former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, whose allegations were a central part of last month's Mitchell report on doping in baseball. Former All-Star second baseman Chuck Knoblauch also was asked to speak to the panel.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Fox/Murdoch not fair to women...
Tonight's coverage: Every guy reporter/opinion guy is old and wrinkled. Every woman reporter/opinion woman is, er, uh, hot.
Governed by a Mormon
Al Moler on whether he could vote for a Mormon, quoting Martin Luther no less on tonight’s Hugh Hewitt show, “I’d rather be ruled by a competent Turk than an incompetent Christian.” In fairness, Moler also said he has concerns about such an election popularizing what he sees as a religion not compatible with orthodox Christianity. But, elections are about choices.
Chuck Colson agrees:
And the same rule applies in politics: What we need are people who will do the best job.
Martin Luther understood this: He said he would rather be ruled by a competent Turk than an incompetent Christian. The Bible teaches objective principles about the proper tasks of government: to promote justice, restrain sin. And sometimes non-Christians are better trained in how to carry out those tasks than are Christians.
Chuck Colson agrees:
And the same rule applies in politics: What we need are people who will do the best job.
Martin Luther understood this: He said he would rather be ruled by a competent Turk than an incompetent Christian. The Bible teaches objective principles about the proper tasks of government: to promote justice, restrain sin. And sometimes non-Christians are better trained in how to carry out those tasks than are Christians.
Olasky on Sam Adams...Christian (Failed) Brewmaster
From Townhall:
And yet, Adams in his political writings emphasized not Isaiah but the understanding that "security of right and property is the great end of government." He argued that "the religion and public liberty of a people are so intimately connected, that their interests are interwoven and cannot exist separately." He worked hard to convince Christians and anti-tax libertarians that they were fighting the same battle.
As Olasky argues, if Huck could dump the Edwardsian populism and nanny state c--p, he could do much better but since he won't, he must lose. If he goes on to win, I won't have been a supporter but I'll be in the tavern.
And yet, Adams in his political writings emphasized not Isaiah but the understanding that "security of right and property is the great end of government." He argued that "the religion and public liberty of a people are so intimately connected, that their interests are interwoven and cannot exist separately." He worked hard to convince Christians and anti-tax libertarians that they were fighting the same battle.
As Olasky argues, if Huck could dump the Edwardsian populism and nanny state c--p, he could do much better but since he won't, he must lose. If he goes on to win, I won't have been a supporter but I'll be in the tavern.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Giuliani may be tanking but I still think he's my first pick...
because they want to kill us. From the current City Journal:
There have been no fewer than 14 attempted domestic terrorist attacks and nine international plots against American citizens and interests since 9/11, according to reports in the public record. There have been plots to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge and airplanes crossing the Atlantic. Terrorists have conspired to murder American soldiers at Fort Dix and planned to ignite the fuel lines beneath John F. Kennedy International Airport. Not a single post-9/11 plot on U.S. soil has succeeded to date. That is no accident; it is a measure of our increased vigilance as a nation.
…
The next administration’s approach to homeland security should be based on three core principles: prevention, preparedness, and resilience.
There have been no fewer than 14 attempted domestic terrorist attacks and nine international plots against American citizens and interests since 9/11, according to reports in the public record. There have been plots to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge and airplanes crossing the Atlantic. Terrorists have conspired to murder American soldiers at Fort Dix and planned to ignite the fuel lines beneath John F. Kennedy International Airport. Not a single post-9/11 plot on U.S. soil has succeeded to date. That is no accident; it is a measure of our increased vigilance as a nation.
…
The next administration’s approach to homeland security should be based on three core principles: prevention, preparedness, and resilience.
Monday, December 31, 2007
Re: The DMN "Texan of the Year"
I, too, have mixed thoughts about this. A couple of big helps for me were two short books that had their origins at the Manhattan Institutes's City Journal magazine. The first was Mexifornia-a State of Becoming (2003, 150 pp) by Victor Davis Hanson and the second was The Immigration Solution-a Better Plan than Today's (2007, 183 pp) by Hanson, Heather Mac Donald and Steven Malanga.
The gist: got to stop/greatly reduce the illegal traffic and enable/gently force those here illegally to assimilate or return home the way our previous waves of immigrants did. I never knew that during the depression something like half of the earlier immigrants went home because, in great part, due to the depression. Those that stayed were skilled and contributing. Then, after a while, figure out a way to increase the numbers of legal immigrants. While I'm not opposed to certain numbers of unskilled workers, isn't it in our better interest (oh, I'm so selfish) to admit those with skills that can contribute first?
The hard part is the great reduction of illegal traffic. But figures I've seen this year show something like a 20% decrease over 2006 due in part to the slumping housing market. To me this indicates that employer enforcement is critical. If the market can inform those who would be illegal not to bother to come, enforcement can, too.
As for my mixed feelings, I share what I am sure is your concern for these honest folks who want to provide for their families but cannot do so living under a grossly corrupt oligarchy in Mexico. The oligarchs export the natural would-be revolutionaries for a free market economy as evidenced by the comic book published to ease their illegal entry into the U.S. And, let's be clear and honest, that is who we are talking about--Mexicans and Central Americans.
One of my earliest best friends was a Mexican national named Fernando, not an illegal but I only mention him anecdotally lest a reader other than LJ or Michael think me a bigot. I don't know how else to prove my non-racist bona fides but know LJ and Michael would vouch for me. Also, one of the first persons other than family to come to my mother's house after my father died was Ruben, the guy who cuts my mom's lawn. I don't know his legal status but he does not speak English...he brought his young daughter to translate his condolences. He also quickly arranged to cut the lawn and clean up the yard in preparation of receiving visitors around the funeral. I'll be forever grateful for that. When I moved back to Texas from Denver, he sent a team to help me unload my belongings into storage. I'm grateful for that, too. (I gave him a couple of recliners.)
But when one considers that in 1970-Hispanics were 12% of California's population and 16% of its new prison admits and by 1998 they were 30% of the CA population and 42% of new admits (Immigration Solution, p. 102), the cost is staggering.
I'll only cite gangs like Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS 13). Nothing else needs saying.
This doesn't even begin to factor in the costs associated with the "welfare state" and the illegal immigrant population. That is a key difference between the current immigrant and those of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Those previous waves had to sink, swim or rely on relatives or benefactors until they could succeed. Today, they can sink and rely on the American taxpayer to survive (or even thrive when compared to conditions at home).
Hispanic family values are also not what the Republicans would have you believe. Out of wedlock children are highest among Hispanics. In 2003, the number of children born to 1000 unmarried women was:
African-American 66
Asian 22
Hispanic 92
White 18
In 2005, the percentage of all births outside marriage:
African-American 68%
Asian 16%
Hispanic 48%
White 25%
While all those rates are disturbing, only the Hispanic population will triple in the next few decades (Immigration Solution, p. 118). Are we not now beyond the argument that it does not matter if a child has both parents? Nobody made the argument better than Patrick Moynihan in the 60s.
I want these folks to want to become Americans. That is why those images of the "demonstrations" in 2006 were so disturbing. Those along with many ideas of La Raza and similar groups. We bought California for about $15,000,000.00 about two weeks after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill (word had not yet reached Washington or Mexico City, else Mexico would have insisted on much more). A bad deal for Mexico? Sure, but a hell of a lot better than the sellers of Manhattan got.
I'm all over the place but I believe if we could have a five to ten year hiatus (I haven't really thought about how long it would take), we could go a long way toward assimilating those here and get them well on the way to becoming Americans. Then, reopen the gates. We need immigrants; we need people.
Update: The Corner follows the LJ post lead.
The gist: got to stop/greatly reduce the illegal traffic and enable/gently force those here illegally to assimilate or return home the way our previous waves of immigrants did. I never knew that during the depression something like half of the earlier immigrants went home because, in great part, due to the depression. Those that stayed were skilled and contributing. Then, after a while, figure out a way to increase the numbers of legal immigrants. While I'm not opposed to certain numbers of unskilled workers, isn't it in our better interest (oh, I'm so selfish) to admit those with skills that can contribute first?
The hard part is the great reduction of illegal traffic. But figures I've seen this year show something like a 20% decrease over 2006 due in part to the slumping housing market. To me this indicates that employer enforcement is critical. If the market can inform those who would be illegal not to bother to come, enforcement can, too.
As for my mixed feelings, I share what I am sure is your concern for these honest folks who want to provide for their families but cannot do so living under a grossly corrupt oligarchy in Mexico. The oligarchs export the natural would-be revolutionaries for a free market economy as evidenced by the comic book published to ease their illegal entry into the U.S. And, let's be clear and honest, that is who we are talking about--Mexicans and Central Americans.
One of my earliest best friends was a Mexican national named Fernando, not an illegal but I only mention him anecdotally lest a reader other than LJ or Michael think me a bigot. I don't know how else to prove my non-racist bona fides but know LJ and Michael would vouch for me. Also, one of the first persons other than family to come to my mother's house after my father died was Ruben, the guy who cuts my mom's lawn. I don't know his legal status but he does not speak English...he brought his young daughter to translate his condolences. He also quickly arranged to cut the lawn and clean up the yard in preparation of receiving visitors around the funeral. I'll be forever grateful for that. When I moved back to Texas from Denver, he sent a team to help me unload my belongings into storage. I'm grateful for that, too. (I gave him a couple of recliners.)
But when one considers that in 1970-Hispanics were 12% of California's population and 16% of its new prison admits and by 1998 they were 30% of the CA population and 42% of new admits (Immigration Solution, p. 102), the cost is staggering.
I'll only cite gangs like Mara Salvatrucha 13 (MS 13). Nothing else needs saying.
This doesn't even begin to factor in the costs associated with the "welfare state" and the illegal immigrant population. That is a key difference between the current immigrant and those of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Those previous waves had to sink, swim or rely on relatives or benefactors until they could succeed. Today, they can sink and rely on the American taxpayer to survive (or even thrive when compared to conditions at home).
Hispanic family values are also not what the Republicans would have you believe. Out of wedlock children are highest among Hispanics. In 2003, the number of children born to 1000 unmarried women was:
African-American 66
Asian 22
Hispanic 92
White 18
In 2005, the percentage of all births outside marriage:
African-American 68%
Asian 16%
Hispanic 48%
White 25%
While all those rates are disturbing, only the Hispanic population will triple in the next few decades (Immigration Solution, p. 118). Are we not now beyond the argument that it does not matter if a child has both parents? Nobody made the argument better than Patrick Moynihan in the 60s.
I want these folks to want to become Americans. That is why those images of the "demonstrations" in 2006 were so disturbing. Those along with many ideas of La Raza and similar groups. We bought California for about $15,000,000.00 about two weeks after gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill (word had not yet reached Washington or Mexico City, else Mexico would have insisted on much more). A bad deal for Mexico? Sure, but a hell of a lot better than the sellers of Manhattan got.
I'm all over the place but I believe if we could have a five to ten year hiatus (I haven't really thought about how long it would take), we could go a long way toward assimilating those here and get them well on the way to becoming Americans. Then, reopen the gates. We need immigrants; we need people.
Update: The Corner follows the LJ post lead.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
The DMN "Texan of the Year"
They make an interesting choice - the illegal immigrant. I have to be honest and say I have been going back and forth lately on this issue. With all the work going on to our house as a result of the water event (and yes, they are STILL working on it), I have had almost daily contact with illegal immigrants. They are very nice, very hard working, very funny, do a great job. One understands the political strategy to "humanize them". One understands their motivation to be here. I just wish there was an easier, faster way for them to be here legally.
The Blizzard of '07
C and I have finally arrived back to DFW after surviving the hell that is travelling in a winter in the North. When we arrived in Milwaukee last Thurs, they had several (in some places 8 or so inches of snow on the ground). The first few days were EXTREMELY foggy then on Sat night, Sunday - the 1st storm hit. Not heavy snow, but with 35-55 mph winds, it was pretty nasty. I used the "b" word in the early afternoon and was laughed at by C - a few hours later, a couple of folks who lived there said it was "blizzard-like" outside, as did a weather guy on local TV. After that, it was just clear and cold until Fri, the day we were supposed to fly out.
As the snow began (big, wet heavy flakes), we were loading up the rental car and I had the heater/defroster going and I somehow locked the keys inside with the engine running. Couldn't get any towing services on the phone so had to call the local police. They showed up in about 20 minutes and while it took them a while, they finally got it unlocked. We made it to the airport and it was really coming down. They kept closing the airport to plow it, then reopen, the close, etc. Our flight was coming from DFW and was 15 minutes from Milwaukee when the airport closed again. Plane was diverted somewhere (we never heard where) and our flight, among many others, was cancelled. 2 and 1/2 hours later, we finally got our luggage. One would think that the Milwaukee airport would go through this several times a year, but it was utter chaos. No on knew where bags were going, which flights bags were for, etc. Ours were in a cart outside "under a snowbank").
We got out yesterday afternoon (flight delayed over an hour for unknown reasons since it wasn't snowing and the airport was open). We finally got home around 6 - surviving the 2nd snowiest Dec in Milwaukee history.
On a side note, as we were sitting at the airport Fri and it's snowing like crazy, snow plows with blinking light is all you can see outside, chaos all around, I was flashing back to the classic movie "Airport". I kept expecting to see Deano or that old lady who sneaks aboard flights at any minute.
As the snow began (big, wet heavy flakes), we were loading up the rental car and I had the heater/defroster going and I somehow locked the keys inside with the engine running. Couldn't get any towing services on the phone so had to call the local police. They showed up in about 20 minutes and while it took them a while, they finally got it unlocked. We made it to the airport and it was really coming down. They kept closing the airport to plow it, then reopen, the close, etc. Our flight was coming from DFW and was 15 minutes from Milwaukee when the airport closed again. Plane was diverted somewhere (we never heard where) and our flight, among many others, was cancelled. 2 and 1/2 hours later, we finally got our luggage. One would think that the Milwaukee airport would go through this several times a year, but it was utter chaos. No on knew where bags were going, which flights bags were for, etc. Ours were in a cart outside "under a snowbank").
We got out yesterday afternoon (flight delayed over an hour for unknown reasons since it wasn't snowing and the airport was open). We finally got home around 6 - surviving the 2nd snowiest Dec in Milwaukee history.
On a side note, as we were sitting at the airport Fri and it's snowing like crazy, snow plows with blinking light is all you can see outside, chaos all around, I was flashing back to the classic movie "Airport". I kept expecting to see Deano or that old lady who sneaks aboard flights at any minute.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Going for my concealed carry permit...
in the next couple of weeks. Going with a guy from the office. If I'm qualified on a pistol, I'm also qualified on a revolver. Has to be a .32 to be qualified for the bigger calibers (hope my Colt .32 will qualify). I know I sound like some of kind of nut but just want to be grandfathered if the legislation changes.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Huckabee
The real reason to not support the man "whose name sounds like a family restaurant chain" is the fact that almost every lefty in my firm says that they could live with a Huckabeean Presidency. Either they are sincere (as I know some are) or insincere.
If sincere, then obviously his policies are bad. If not, then they don't think him electable.
If sincere, then obviously his policies are bad. If not, then they don't think him electable.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The President, the Pope and the Prime Minister
Paul Johnson at Imprimus/Hillsdale on the three:
It is worth noting that one of the greatest victories of the 20th century, the defeat of the Soviet Union in the Cold War at the end of the 1980s, was achieved by three eminently civilian heroes: Pope John Paul II, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. The popes always wear white, the symbol of peace. Mr. Reagan, quite capable of acting heroic roles on screen, never succumbed to the temptation of wearing uniform in office. Margaret Thatcher was a war leader as well as a great leader in peace. She showed considerable courage during the Falklands War, a hazardous business for Britain with its limited military resources, but she never once stepped outside her strictly civilian role, even sartorially—though, as I often noted, she could snap her handbag with a military ring.
What a great writer/orator. Wish I coulda heard this speech.
It is worth noting that one of the greatest victories of the 20th century, the defeat of the Soviet Union in the Cold War at the end of the 1980s, was achieved by three eminently civilian heroes: Pope John Paul II, Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher. The popes always wear white, the symbol of peace. Mr. Reagan, quite capable of acting heroic roles on screen, never succumbed to the temptation of wearing uniform in office. Margaret Thatcher was a war leader as well as a great leader in peace. She showed considerable courage during the Falklands War, a hazardous business for Britain with its limited military resources, but she never once stepped outside her strictly civilian role, even sartorially—though, as I often noted, she could snap her handbag with a military ring.
What a great writer/orator. Wish I coulda heard this speech.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
I'm just 47...
So how come I pinch a nerve or hurt my left shoulder (excruciating, btw, I have to turn at the waist to look around) brushing my teeth WITH MY RIGHT HAND.
Clinton the First Woman to run for President?
Pundits keep referring to HRC as the first woman candidate for president as Dick Morris did today in his column at JWR.
Isn’t that a bit of a slap at Carol Mosely Braun?
Isn’t that a bit of a slap at Carol Mosely Braun?
Friday, December 14, 2007
UT Law Tuition..egads!
From next week's Texas Lawyer:
Lawrence Sager, UT law school's dean, says the proposal that the school will present to the regents in early 2008 calls for a $4,000 increase in resident and nonresident tuition for each of the next two years. If approved by regents, the proposed increase would boost UT law school's resident tuition and fees to $24,632 for the 2008-2009 academic year and to $28,632 for the following year, according to information provided by the law school. The proposal would boost tuition and fees for nonresidents to $39,130 next year and to $43,130 in 2009-2010.
Update: I understand that my undergrad school at UT, now the McCombs School of Bidness, is even more expensive. If these tuitions had been in place in the early 80s, I'd be a plumber now and probably happier.
Lawrence Sager, UT law school's dean, says the proposal that the school will present to the regents in early 2008 calls for a $4,000 increase in resident and nonresident tuition for each of the next two years. If approved by regents, the proposed increase would boost UT law school's resident tuition and fees to $24,632 for the 2008-2009 academic year and to $28,632 for the following year, according to information provided by the law school. The proposal would boost tuition and fees for nonresidents to $39,130 next year and to $43,130 in 2009-2010.
Update: I understand that my undergrad school at UT, now the McCombs School of Bidness, is even more expensive. If these tuitions had been in place in the early 80s, I'd be a plumber now and probably happier.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Grudgingly, I link this
Peter Robinson's interview with Victor Davis Hanson is too good (and somewhat encouraging) not to link. Hopefully they will combine the five roughly five minutes each interviews for one listen.
Pope a global warming-denier
From the Daily Mail:
The German-born Pontiff said that while some concerns may be valid it was vital that the international community based its policies on science rather than the dogma of the environmentalist movement.
The German-born Pontiff said that while some concerns may be valid it was vital that the international community based its policies on science rather than the dogma of the environmentalist movement.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Re: LJ in SA....
Nope, in DFW. Wish I were though. This 80 (Saturday), 50 (Sunday), 39 (Monday), 65 (this morning) temp rollercoaster is driving me crazy.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Fine...
NRO starts putting the Hoover Institution Videos (HIV) up on its site. HVI obviously doesn't need SSJ any longer. I'm losing the link.
Could be time for that next electronics purchase...
CompUSA closing. I don't know how they made it this long. From USA Today:
CompUSA operates 103 stores, which plan to run store-closing sales during the holidays.
CompUSA operates 103 stores, which plan to run store-closing sales during the holidays.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Friday, December 07, 2007
W's sub-prime bailout plan disaster
Four points from City Journal’s Nicole Gelinas in the NY Post:
[1] It's a mass-scale payment from city and state taxpayers to banks and big investors - institutions that should have known they risked a huge loss from lending on such an unsustainable basis.
[2] By encouraging people to stay in homes they can't afford, the plan keeps the housing market artificially high. When a bank forecloses on a home, conversely, someone else can buy it at a much cheaper price.
[3] The Bush plan encourages foolish local-level borrowing. City and state have limited funds; they should raise bonds only for crucial capital projects, like building and fixing roads, bridges, tunnels, schools and subway systems. Any money the government raises to bail out a homeowner who made a bad decision is money taken directly from fixing a pothole-scarred road or an aging bridge.
[4] Encouraging city and state governments to guarantee new mortgages for precarious borrowers puts the credit ratings of those governments at grave risk.
[1] It's a mass-scale payment from city and state taxpayers to banks and big investors - institutions that should have known they risked a huge loss from lending on such an unsustainable basis.
[2] By encouraging people to stay in homes they can't afford, the plan keeps the housing market artificially high. When a bank forecloses on a home, conversely, someone else can buy it at a much cheaper price.
[3] The Bush plan encourages foolish local-level borrowing. City and state have limited funds; they should raise bonds only for crucial capital projects, like building and fixing roads, bridges, tunnels, schools and subway systems. Any money the government raises to bail out a homeowner who made a bad decision is money taken directly from fixing a pothole-scarred road or an aging bridge.
[4] Encouraging city and state governments to guarantee new mortgages for precarious borrowers puts the credit ratings of those governments at grave risk.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Romney speech not in Houston!
The speech was not in Houston as too many of my conservative blogger colleagues seem to be saying. It was in College Station.
Kudlow may think the market likes it....
The Bush rescue plan for the subprime loans, that is, but if I'm going to be true to my own self, then I have to say that Bush should let the market sort it out. Here's Kudlow's sentiment. As always, it's the unintended consequences that worry me.
Colt 45, Colt 32 and Colt 25 bleg
Three of the handguns my dad left me after his passing in August are the Colt .45, .32 and .25. Anyone out there know an online site at which I can purchase additional magazines?
Narnia...Prince Caspian
Watched the trailer at Hot Air. Looks great. I can't really remember the story though. I'll have to reread before May.
In the early bit, there is a shot of the Underground with a sign showing the "Way Out."
I recall my first trip to London. On my first day there I asked directions to some location. The advice was to go "way out." I thought that meant to go a great distance and so missed my turn by about three blocks.
In the early bit, there is a shot of the Underground with a sign showing the "Way Out."
I recall my first trip to London. On my first day there I asked directions to some location. The advice was to go "way out." I thought that meant to go a great distance and so missed my turn by about three blocks.
Skyline High v. Plano
On Saturday in what I believe are the "regionals." My colleague in the office next to mine graduated from Plano High a few years before I graduated from Skyline. I have to find some "Columbia Blue" to wear tomorrow (I don't think I have any scarlet.)
Tony Blair's faith
From the Boston Globe’s and JWR’s Jeff Jacoby on Tony Blair’s mixing of British politics and his Christianity:
It was on Sunday that the Romney campaign announced the forthcoming speech, saying the candidate would discuss how his "own faith would inform his presidency if he were elected." On the same day in Britain, as it happened, the BBC broadcast an interview with former prime minister Tony Blair, who said that his Christian faith had been "hugely important" to him during his 10 years in power — but that he had felt constrained to keep it a secret for fear of being thought a crackpot.
"It's difficult to talk about religious faith in our political system," Blair said. "If you are in the American political system . . . you can talk about religious faith and people say, 'Yes, that's fair enough,' and it is something they respond to quite naturally. You talk about it in our system and, frankly, people do think you're a nutter."
Apparently that was more than Blair was willing to risk. The fear of being thought ridiculous was why his press secretary had snapped, "We don't do G-d," when an American reporter asked the prime minister about his religious views in 2003. It was why Blair's advisers vehemently protested when he wanted to end a televised speech on the eve of the Iraq war with the words "G-d bless you." American presidents routinely invoke G-d's blessing on the nation, but Blair's spinmasters warned him against offending "people who don't want chaplains pushing stuff down their throats." (Blair told his flacks they were "the most unG-dly lot," but bowed to their demand and ended the speech with a limp "thank you.")
I have vague memories of Blair's having a spiritual side but never would have thought he considered it "hugely important."
It was on Sunday that the Romney campaign announced the forthcoming speech, saying the candidate would discuss how his "own faith would inform his presidency if he were elected." On the same day in Britain, as it happened, the BBC broadcast an interview with former prime minister Tony Blair, who said that his Christian faith had been "hugely important" to him during his 10 years in power — but that he had felt constrained to keep it a secret for fear of being thought a crackpot.
"It's difficult to talk about religious faith in our political system," Blair said. "If you are in the American political system . . . you can talk about religious faith and people say, 'Yes, that's fair enough,' and it is something they respond to quite naturally. You talk about it in our system and, frankly, people do think you're a nutter."
Apparently that was more than Blair was willing to risk. The fear of being thought ridiculous was why his press secretary had snapped, "We don't do G-d," when an American reporter asked the prime minister about his religious views in 2003. It was why Blair's advisers vehemently protested when he wanted to end a televised speech on the eve of the Iraq war with the words "G-d bless you." American presidents routinely invoke G-d's blessing on the nation, but Blair's spinmasters warned him against offending "people who don't want chaplains pushing stuff down their throats." (Blair told his flacks they were "the most unG-dly lot," but bowed to their demand and ended the speech with a limp "thank you.")
I have vague memories of Blair's having a spiritual side but never would have thought he considered it "hugely important."
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Saving Grace and Holly Hunter
Rebecca Cusey at NRO on Saving Grace:
Nonetheless, Saving Grace is a gripping show. It works because Holly Hunter infuses Grace with life, because of rich and engaging storylines, and because of strong characters. At the heart of the show, Grace’s choice is one rarely touched by modern storytelling, but one of the greatest dramas of life. A woman clings to her selfish habits and self-destructive crutches even though God wants better for her. Will she submit or will she wrestle with the angel until His patience runs out?
Me, on the same subject here:
I'm interested because faith is so little explored on television. I'm also interested because the hard living is pretty explicitly shown.I hope this will be a serious inquiry and not just salacious television. We'll see.
I missed Monday night's opener but will watch on the internet tonight.
Update: watched the episode...still like it.
Nonetheless, Saving Grace is a gripping show. It works because Holly Hunter infuses Grace with life, because of rich and engaging storylines, and because of strong characters. At the heart of the show, Grace’s choice is one rarely touched by modern storytelling, but one of the greatest dramas of life. A woman clings to her selfish habits and self-destructive crutches even though God wants better for her. Will she submit or will she wrestle with the angel until His patience runs out?
Me, on the same subject here:
I'm interested because faith is so little explored on television. I'm also interested because the hard living is pretty explicitly shown.I hope this will be a serious inquiry and not just salacious television. We'll see.
I missed Monday night's opener but will watch on the internet tonight.
Update: watched the episode...still like it.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Skyline continues...
The game was on the radio here in Austin due to the Round Rock connection. Skyline wins after a sleepy first half. From the DMN on that salty defense:
Skyline's defense allowed only two first downs and made Round Rock punt four times in the second half. Round Rock (8-5) turned the ball over on downs with 58 seconds to play after Skyline held Zack Pate inches short of a first down after a reception.
Skyline's defense allowed only two first downs and made Round Rock punt four times in the second half. Round Rock (8-5) turned the ball over on downs with 58 seconds to play after Skyline held Zack Pate inches short of a first down after a reception.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Harold Ford on middle-class taxes
I knew I liked this guy for a reason (from the Wash. Times). Go Democratic Leadership Council!
I don't like the implied assault on the "rich" or the tax engineering for specific industries but this (Dem.) guy at least acknowledges JFK's position:
• Middle-class flat tax: This is simple and fair: no middle-class family with an income of under $150,000 should ever pay an effective tax rate of more than 10 percent. If what they owe after calculating their taxes is more than 10 percent of their income, they won't have to pay a dime above 10 percent. If they owe less than 10 percent, they pay the lesser amount.
• Permanent capital-gains tax cuts: Long-term capital gains tax rates now are between 5 percent and 15 percent. The rates are progressive: People in or below the 15 percent personal income tax bracket (which applies to married couples making $60,000) get the lower capital-gains rate. We should lower the capital-gains tax even further for people making up to $100,000 a year, provided they hold the asset for up to five years. Thus your tax would be 4 percent if you hold the asset for three years, 3 percent if you hold it for five years. This sliding scale for taxing capital gains will encourage investment and increase savings for a majority of Americans.
• Cut corporate tax rates to 30 percent: America has one of the developed world's highest corporate tax rates. Let's change that by lowering the corporate tax rate from 35 to 30 percent — with an even lower rate for new knowledge-based industries in energy technology, biotechnology and other science-rich sectors. We should follow House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel's lead and cut the corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 30 ½ percent[.]
Tennessee made a big mistake. Heck, I could have voted for this guy.
I don't like the implied assault on the "rich" or the tax engineering for specific industries but this (Dem.) guy at least acknowledges JFK's position:
• Middle-class flat tax: This is simple and fair: no middle-class family with an income of under $150,000 should ever pay an effective tax rate of more than 10 percent. If what they owe after calculating their taxes is more than 10 percent of their income, they won't have to pay a dime above 10 percent. If they owe less than 10 percent, they pay the lesser amount.
• Permanent capital-gains tax cuts: Long-term capital gains tax rates now are between 5 percent and 15 percent. The rates are progressive: People in or below the 15 percent personal income tax bracket (which applies to married couples making $60,000) get the lower capital-gains rate. We should lower the capital-gains tax even further for people making up to $100,000 a year, provided they hold the asset for up to five years. Thus your tax would be 4 percent if you hold the asset for three years, 3 percent if you hold it for five years. This sliding scale for taxing capital gains will encourage investment and increase savings for a majority of Americans.
• Cut corporate tax rates to 30 percent: America has one of the developed world's highest corporate tax rates. Let's change that by lowering the corporate tax rate from 35 to 30 percent — with an even lower rate for new knowledge-based industries in energy technology, biotechnology and other science-rich sectors. We should follow House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel's lead and cut the corporate tax rates from 35 percent to 30 ½ percent[.]
Tennessee made a big mistake. Heck, I could have voted for this guy.
Go Pack Go!!
You have NO idea how badly C and I are rooting for Green Bay to win tonight. We tried to get tickets for the game at the start of the season but had no luck. I don't even want to think about how much they are going for from "ticket brokers". C's brothers were thinking about coming down for the game before the house flooding, but no dice.
On an unrelated note, I have read where Texas A&M and my Hogs are about to sign a multi-year deal to play annually in the new Dallas Cowboy stadium (ala OU-UT). I'm very excited about that. That will be the only way I'll get inside "Jerry World". There was an article in the DMN a couple of weeks ago about what the highest price ticket in the new stadium will be. $340 a pop, plus a PSL (the biggest rip-off in sports) fee of.....$50,000 per seat!!!! The PSL is refunded in either 25 or 30 years, with minimal interest. The article also stated that the Cowboys are expecting every seat in the new stadium to be purchased via season tickets - meaning no individual game seats for sale. That is very hard for me to believe. They have a 65,000 seat stadium now that they can't sell out via season tickets - how do they expect to do that with a 90,000 seat stadium, with higher ticket prices AND higher PSL fees?????
On an unrelated note, I have read where Texas A&M and my Hogs are about to sign a multi-year deal to play annually in the new Dallas Cowboy stadium (ala OU-UT). I'm very excited about that. That will be the only way I'll get inside "Jerry World". There was an article in the DMN a couple of weeks ago about what the highest price ticket in the new stadium will be. $340 a pop, plus a PSL (the biggest rip-off in sports) fee of.....$50,000 per seat!!!! The PSL is refunded in either 25 or 30 years, with minimal interest. The article also stated that the Cowboys are expecting every seat in the new stadium to be purchased via season tickets - meaning no individual game seats for sale. That is very hard for me to believe. They have a 65,000 seat stadium now that they can't sell out via season tickets - how do they expect to do that with a 90,000 seat stadium, with higher ticket prices AND higher PSL fees?????
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Prager interviews The Looming Tower author...
today (11-28). Listen at Townhall. Who knew the Pulitzer Prize winner Lawrence Wright grew up in Dallas?
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Re: NFL v. Cable
Just heard an interesting argument: play the MADD card. Do it for the children. We can't have these men going to bars and watching the game WITH ALCOHOL involved. The NFL is robbing children of their fathers.
NFL Network v. Cable Companies
As one who will have to head out to a Sports Bar Thursday night to watch the Pokes and the Pack, I've got to chime in. The cable companies seem to be doing a much better sales/propaganda job on this dispute but the broadcasts rights are the property of the NFL Network. The owners have the right to maximize their income from their assets.
It is genuinely funny that the cable companies are taking the Edwardsian position of being on the side of the little guy.
Owners are certainly experimenting here (with an ultimate goal of going to all pay-per-view, all the time) and have lucked out that this is the sexiest game of the year. Sad to say but there are two things that men will pay for if the economic models are correct...sports and porn. (If you've never seen the profit margins on PPV porn for the cable companies, they are astounding. I've also read that only internet gambling has become more profitable than internet porn.)
Having come down firmly on the side of the Network, the more interesting question to me is the experiment itself. The owners have such a lucrative deal with the networks...are they taking this a bridge too far? I don't think so. If this proves a disaster, I believe they can come back and the fans will forgive and forget. I also suspect that it won't prove a disaster. I just don't know if moving from an advertiser model to a PPV model can be justified by the numbers. I don't have access to the numbers the owners must be using but I think they (the numbers) must be less than clear if the owners are having to stick in their collective toe rather than dive in head first.
The last thing we need is for the gummint to get involved. I've even heard arguments on the radio that the NFL is a utility and therefore can be regulated. Having said that, what a coup if some legislator could ride in on a white horse and save the electorate from the evil NFL Network.
It is genuinely funny that the cable companies are taking the Edwardsian position of being on the side of the little guy.
Owners are certainly experimenting here (with an ultimate goal of going to all pay-per-view, all the time) and have lucked out that this is the sexiest game of the year. Sad to say but there are two things that men will pay for if the economic models are correct...sports and porn. (If you've never seen the profit margins on PPV porn for the cable companies, they are astounding. I've also read that only internet gambling has become more profitable than internet porn.)
Having come down firmly on the side of the Network, the more interesting question to me is the experiment itself. The owners have such a lucrative deal with the networks...are they taking this a bridge too far? I don't think so. If this proves a disaster, I believe they can come back and the fans will forgive and forget. I also suspect that it won't prove a disaster. I just don't know if moving from an advertiser model to a PPV model can be justified by the numbers. I don't have access to the numbers the owners must be using but I think they (the numbers) must be less than clear if the owners are having to stick in their collective toe rather than dive in head first.
The last thing we need is for the gummint to get involved. I've even heard arguments on the radio that the NFL is a utility and therefore can be regulated. Having said that, what a coup if some legislator could ride in on a white horse and save the electorate from the evil NFL Network.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Skyline Raiders advance
I saw where Skyline crushed Rowlett over the weekend. The DMN shows Skyline playing in Waco Saturday afternoon (1pm) against Round Rock. Good luck Scooter
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Way to go Hogs!
That was one of the of most exciting games I've ever watched (at least at the last when my mediocre Horns revealed their true selves).
Monday, November 19, 2007
Into The Wild
I went to see this today and thought it was fantastic. Reading the book, it was hard for me at times to visualize the isolation and the horror that is starvation. These 2 elements were wonderfully captured. It was filmed in almost all the actual locations that "Alex" passed through, which gives you a great sense of the adventure he was on. The film also includes a who's-who supporting cast that includes a great performance by Hal Holbrook. I was very pleased to read in the credits that the entire McCandless family was involved in the project, especially considering that the parents were not portrayed in the greatest light. And that Chris' sister was one of the narrators.
And Michael, if you have not seen it yet, perhaps this little tidbit might sway you. Other than a credit for "assistant to Mr. Penn", the director's name isn't listed in the credits (unless I missed it somehow and I stayed until the end). So perhaps you can "forget" who the director is.
And Michael, if you have not seen it yet, perhaps this little tidbit might sway you. Other than a credit for "assistant to Mr. Penn", the director's name isn't listed in the credits (unless I missed it somehow and I stayed until the end). So perhaps you can "forget" who the director is.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Re: Skyline
Good news for Scooter...the Raiders win today 28-10. Next up, Rowlett
In a side note, My (and Michael's) high school, Sharpstown, made the play-offs for the first time in I don't know how long. They are now a 4A school, which is hard for me to believe. When we were seniors, I think we had one of the largest enrollments in HISD. News wasn't as good for us this weekend - the Apollos lose 27-21.
In a side note, My (and Michael's) high school, Sharpstown, made the play-offs for the first time in I don't know how long. They are now a 4A school, which is hard for me to believe. When we were seniors, I think we had one of the largest enrollments in HISD. News wasn't as good for us this weekend - the Apollos lose 27-21.
Friday, November 16, 2007
More Raiders
Skyline Fight Song (with help from Wikipedia)
Hit the team across the field.
Show them that we are here.
Set the earth reverberating
With a mighty cheer...Rah! Rah! Rah!
Hit them hard and see how they fall.
Never let that team get the ball.
Hail, hail, the gang's all here.
So stand up for Skyline High
Notable Alums to make me feel unworthy:
Most famous alum: Michael Johnson.
A year behind me: Peri Gilpin.
The embarassing thing is I think we were the Red Raiders but I'm not certain...many moons have passed.
Hit the team across the field.
Show them that we are here.
Set the earth reverberating
With a mighty cheer...Rah! Rah! Rah!
Hit them hard and see how they fall.
Never let that team get the ball.
Hail, hail, the gang's all here.
So stand up for Skyline High
Notable Alums to make me feel unworthy:
Most famous alum: Michael Johnson.
A year behind me: Peri Gilpin.
The embarassing thing is I think we were the Red Raiders but I'm not certain...many moons have passed.
Go Raiders
My 9-1 Skyline Raiders take on Tyler Lee this Saturday in Corsicana. Per the DMN [may be a firewall or registration], their defense leads the way: points allowed, 6.8; rush yards allowed, 77.3; pass yards allowed, 79.9; first downs allowed, 7.6 (that’s amazing); turnovers forced, 2.5; and shutouts, 4.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
French Loung Band
I knew I forgot something in that post....the name is Nouvelle Vague. Linkage to their website here
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Re: French Lounge Act
Well, what's the band's name? (As a fellow audience member of the ISOBOBS, I have a right.)
Re: Cowboys
You have no idea the hell I'm living in. The only time I listen to The Ticket these days is at 8:40am on Mondays - that is when the morning guys do an "interview" with the fake Jerry and the fake Wade. The impressions are scary good and are funny as hell.
Since I don't listen to talk radio anymore, I'm tuning in more and more to the jihadist station. Though I have discovered my new favorite group - a French band that does lounge-version covers of 80's punk and New Wave songs. I have 2 of their cd's - the first one is better (more lounge sounding); the second one has songs I'm more interested in, but they strayed from the lounge sound a bit on it.
Since I don't listen to talk radio anymore, I'm tuning in more and more to the jihadist station. Though I have discovered my new favorite group - a French band that does lounge-version covers of 80's punk and New Wave songs. I have 2 of their cd's - the first one is better (more lounge sounding); the second one has songs I'm more interested in, but they strayed from the lounge sound a bit on it.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Cowboys/Bandwagon/Smiles
I gave up on these guys...meaning permanently (I thought) because of all the Irvin type/thug antics of the Pokes. I'm not sold on Romo but his joy for the game is certainly enticing.
LJ must be in hell.
LJ must be in hell.
Friday, November 09, 2007
2d email from the prosecutor
After I sent her a slightly edited version of my post:
Dear Mr. [Scooter]: I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the case. I really appreciate how much you thoroughly listened to and considered all of the evidence. I noticed you might have had a question about the different jails. I'm still very new to felonies, but as I understand it, there are three different kinds of jail in Texas. First, there is the Travis County jail, which is for misdemeanors. Defendants get 2 for 1 time at this jail. For example, if a Defendant is sentenced to 30 days jail on a DWI, then he would get out in 15 days. Second, is State Jail. State Jail is the lowest level of felonies. In State Jail, Defendants have to serve day for day. Third is prison. Prison is the most serious jail. However, unlike with State Jail, Defendants are usually eligible for parole once they have been in jail for 1/4 of their sentence. The only exception to this is in the most serious cases, which are referred to as"3g offenses." (see 42.12, sec 3g of the Code of Criminal Procedure;examples include murder, capital murder, indecency with a child,aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery) In those cases, Defendants are not eligible for parole until they have served ½ of their time. If you have any more questions, feel free to call or email me. I hope you have a good weekend!
Sincerely,
Dear Mr. [Scooter]: I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the case. I really appreciate how much you thoroughly listened to and considered all of the evidence. I noticed you might have had a question about the different jails. I'm still very new to felonies, but as I understand it, there are three different kinds of jail in Texas. First, there is the Travis County jail, which is for misdemeanors. Defendants get 2 for 1 time at this jail. For example, if a Defendant is sentenced to 30 days jail on a DWI, then he would get out in 15 days. Second, is State Jail. State Jail is the lowest level of felonies. In State Jail, Defendants have to serve day for day. Third is prison. Prison is the most serious jail. However, unlike with State Jail, Defendants are usually eligible for parole once they have been in jail for 1/4 of their sentence. The only exception to this is in the most serious cases, which are referred to as"3g offenses." (see 42.12, sec 3g of the Code of Criminal Procedure;examples include murder, capital murder, indecency with a child,aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated robbery) In those cases, Defendants are not eligible for parole until they have served ½ of their time. If you have any more questions, feel free to call or email me. I hope you have a good weekend!
Sincerely,
Email from the prosecutor
Dear Mr. [Scooter],
I wanted to thank you for your recent jury service in the possession of a controlled substance case in the 427th District Court. The jury trial process is an integral part of the criminal justice system, and it is people like you who help make the system work through jury service. This was my first felony jury trial. Since this was my first felony jury trial, I would appreciate any advice you might have about what I did that worked, what I could have done better, or any questions you were left with at the end of the process. You do not have to respond, but I was writing too see if you had any feedback for me. We are shredding all of your personal and contact information. I will not contact you in the future. However, you are welcome to contact me at any time. Thanks again!
[name and number]
I wanted to thank you for your recent jury service in the possession of a controlled substance case in the 427th District Court. The jury trial process is an integral part of the criminal justice system, and it is people like you who help make the system work through jury service. This was my first felony jury trial. Since this was my first felony jury trial, I would appreciate any advice you might have about what I did that worked, what I could have done better, or any questions you were left with at the end of the process. You do not have to respond, but I was writing too see if you had any feedback for me. We are shredding all of your personal and contact information. I will not contact you in the future. However, you are welcome to contact me at any time. Thanks again!
[name and number]
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Chain of Custody
The evidence bag indicated that it had been handled by several more people than those witnesses actually heard from. The prosecution was really relying on the jury's knowledge about the "chain of custody" laws in my view. On the other hand, the defense made no claims about the chain of custody (at least in the abbreviated proceedings that I witnessed) so maybe the point was moot.
One more thing for Michael about the trial
The obnoxious woman who also got arrested...a Nahlins transplant. Couldn't tell for sure if she was a Katrina/Nagin victim, but she was definitely from the Big Easy.
The Trial
It was a drug possession case.
I was apparently wrong about my previous post. It was .09 grams of crack. I guess I heard 0.9 at one point.
Yesterday, the prosecution rested after three witnesses: arresting officer, one of his backup officers and the chemist who proved the "rock" was crack. The main part of the prosecution's case was the testimony of those three and the arresting officer's squad car videotape...just like one sees on television. I likely would have voted guilty based on the testimony alone but the video made it an easier call.
The officers were polite in the extreme to the defendant...less so to his female passenger who was very obnoxious and was arrested herself (she also had had a warrant issued against her) after giving the officers three fake names...somehow they knew that and kept going back to her for her real name. She had no i.d. Every time she gave a new name she also gave a new birthday...I guess that was a clue. In hindsight, I'm pretty sure the defendant was buying the drugs for her.
The defendant had two warrants out for him for minor matters. The defendant was nothing but polite and cooperative. At one point the backup officers loosened his cuffs for his comfort. Also, rather than impounding the guy's white Lincoln, they turned it over to his stepfather (I think, the relationship was a little fuzzy).
Officer pulls up in an apartment complex known for drug deals and prostitution, occupants and ownership having asked the police for highly visible patrols there, and sees defendant with another man (the stepfather) face to face with cash on the trunk of defendant's car being held down with large, but legal, knife. Officer approaches and stepfather disappears into darkness while defendant heads around to driver's side of car. Officer stops defendant while defendant's feet are still outside of car to question him. Defendant gives his name and license and arresting officer checks for warrants. At this point backup arrives. Once warrants are discovered, defendant is gently put in cuffs and moved to rear of his car in front of the squad car directly in front of the camera.
Defendant’s story: I was just loaning money to my stepfather who lives right over there. Big questions, if that is where stepdad and presumably mom live, why did stepdad disappear and where are they now? Why aren’t they out there now trying to clear this up?
The officer then radioed in to be sure of the warrants. Apparently there is a more thorough list that might indicate the warrants were no longer active. Once confirmed, defendant was searched (when the rock was discovered) and moved into the squad car. (The search was off camera which seemed a little strange to me. Had there been any really serious accusations of planting evidence, this would have been an issue for me. On the other hand, he was going to jail anyway due to the warrants so why would the young backup officer plant a $20.00 rock? On the third hand, maybe young backup wanted to be a hero but how would a $20.00 rock do that?)
When the defendant was move to the car the camera was turned around to face the rear of the squad car to keep an eye on the defendant who mostly slunk to the shadows. The clock on the videotape showed no break so any alleged brutality (see below) would have had to occur later.
Much was made about the backup officers' video by the defense which we never saw. Learned later that the defendant had made numerous charges against the arresting officer and his two backups in connection with brutality charges and planting evidence. The former charge was completely ludicrous and the latter also very unlikely given that the guy was going to jail for the two outstanding warrants anyway. I knew none of this last night as I pondered the prosecution's case.
It was clear as I thought about it that the guy was guilty of possession. I was thinking, "Ok, clearly he's guilty. Based upon what I know right now, I'll vote guilty and really push the jury for the lightest possible sentence.
Today, arrived at court at 9:00, told there would be an hour wait while the lawyers and judge did "legal stuff." About 9:45, we were moved from the jury room to the courtroom for our "safety." Judge said there was something going on elsewhere and they didn't want us in a room with a window. How comforting. They locked the courtroom doors.
I was never actually worried about anything and later learned that there was some kind of disturbance in the only other courtroom on our floor. What I did mind was in utterly inane small talk engaged in by two or three of my fellow jurors. Trying to read while they droned, oh how funny they thought they were, was excruciating.
Back to jury room at 11:15 and released for lunch at 11:30. Home for lunch (I love living close in even if it is a hole).
Back to court at 1:30. Found out later that beyond the security issue they were trying to find the backup officer’s videotape which had been pulled by “Internal Affairs” without the knowledge of the prosecution or the officers. Tape found and the defendant and lawyers and judge watched it. Apparently the tape revealed no brutality and the defendant then got religion and pled to 2 years in the big house. The real big house. He had previously been offered 8-12 months in a system (not county but a bit vague as to what system it was) that would have meant much easier time than in prison.
Talking to the judge and counsel afterwards, I learned that my guilty verdict would have been the correct one and that I would not have been trying to argue for a lenient sentence. He had been convicted five previous times for burglary, selling dope and other assorted crimes. He had served time on three previous occasions.
Negatives: not much in the way of real courtroom time, didn’t get to render a verdict (actually a bit of a relief), time out of the office (ok, a relief, too).
Positive: just the pending jury trial and therefore the possibility that other cases would come before the judge after our trial caused some 20 cases to be pled so 20 trials averted. I recall from my civil litigation days that lazy lawyers get a lot more done when the trial draws near.
As for lawyers being called to serve, I’m 47 and this was my first. I asked counsel about that and the defense lawyer and lead prosecutor both wanted me. Only the junior prosecutor wanted me booted. I don’t think that either side of a criminal trial has much to fear from a civil lawyer, especially a transactional guy instead of a litigator.
I was apparently wrong about my previous post. It was .09 grams of crack. I guess I heard 0.9 at one point.
Yesterday, the prosecution rested after three witnesses: arresting officer, one of his backup officers and the chemist who proved the "rock" was crack. The main part of the prosecution's case was the testimony of those three and the arresting officer's squad car videotape...just like one sees on television. I likely would have voted guilty based on the testimony alone but the video made it an easier call.
The officers were polite in the extreme to the defendant...less so to his female passenger who was very obnoxious and was arrested herself (she also had had a warrant issued against her) after giving the officers three fake names...somehow they knew that and kept going back to her for her real name. She had no i.d. Every time she gave a new name she also gave a new birthday...I guess that was a clue. In hindsight, I'm pretty sure the defendant was buying the drugs for her.
The defendant had two warrants out for him for minor matters. The defendant was nothing but polite and cooperative. At one point the backup officers loosened his cuffs for his comfort. Also, rather than impounding the guy's white Lincoln, they turned it over to his stepfather (I think, the relationship was a little fuzzy).
Officer pulls up in an apartment complex known for drug deals and prostitution, occupants and ownership having asked the police for highly visible patrols there, and sees defendant with another man (the stepfather) face to face with cash on the trunk of defendant's car being held down with large, but legal, knife. Officer approaches and stepfather disappears into darkness while defendant heads around to driver's side of car. Officer stops defendant while defendant's feet are still outside of car to question him. Defendant gives his name and license and arresting officer checks for warrants. At this point backup arrives. Once warrants are discovered, defendant is gently put in cuffs and moved to rear of his car in front of the squad car directly in front of the camera.
Defendant’s story: I was just loaning money to my stepfather who lives right over there. Big questions, if that is where stepdad and presumably mom live, why did stepdad disappear and where are they now? Why aren’t they out there now trying to clear this up?
The officer then radioed in to be sure of the warrants. Apparently there is a more thorough list that might indicate the warrants were no longer active. Once confirmed, defendant was searched (when the rock was discovered) and moved into the squad car. (The search was off camera which seemed a little strange to me. Had there been any really serious accusations of planting evidence, this would have been an issue for me. On the other hand, he was going to jail anyway due to the warrants so why would the young backup officer plant a $20.00 rock? On the third hand, maybe young backup wanted to be a hero but how would a $20.00 rock do that?)
When the defendant was move to the car the camera was turned around to face the rear of the squad car to keep an eye on the defendant who mostly slunk to the shadows. The clock on the videotape showed no break so any alleged brutality (see below) would have had to occur later.
Much was made about the backup officers' video by the defense which we never saw. Learned later that the defendant had made numerous charges against the arresting officer and his two backups in connection with brutality charges and planting evidence. The former charge was completely ludicrous and the latter also very unlikely given that the guy was going to jail for the two outstanding warrants anyway. I knew none of this last night as I pondered the prosecution's case.
It was clear as I thought about it that the guy was guilty of possession. I was thinking, "Ok, clearly he's guilty. Based upon what I know right now, I'll vote guilty and really push the jury for the lightest possible sentence.
Today, arrived at court at 9:00, told there would be an hour wait while the lawyers and judge did "legal stuff." About 9:45, we were moved from the jury room to the courtroom for our "safety." Judge said there was something going on elsewhere and they didn't want us in a room with a window. How comforting. They locked the courtroom doors.
I was never actually worried about anything and later learned that there was some kind of disturbance in the only other courtroom on our floor. What I did mind was in utterly inane small talk engaged in by two or three of my fellow jurors. Trying to read while they droned, oh how funny they thought they were, was excruciating.
Back to jury room at 11:15 and released for lunch at 11:30. Home for lunch (I love living close in even if it is a hole).
Back to court at 1:30. Found out later that beyond the security issue they were trying to find the backup officer’s videotape which had been pulled by “Internal Affairs” without the knowledge of the prosecution or the officers. Tape found and the defendant and lawyers and judge watched it. Apparently the tape revealed no brutality and the defendant then got religion and pled to 2 years in the big house. The real big house. He had previously been offered 8-12 months in a system (not county but a bit vague as to what system it was) that would have meant much easier time than in prison.
Talking to the judge and counsel afterwards, I learned that my guilty verdict would have been the correct one and that I would not have been trying to argue for a lenient sentence. He had been convicted five previous times for burglary, selling dope and other assorted crimes. He had served time on three previous occasions.
Negatives: not much in the way of real courtroom time, didn’t get to render a verdict (actually a bit of a relief), time out of the office (ok, a relief, too).
Positive: just the pending jury trial and therefore the possibility that other cases would come before the judge after our trial caused some 20 cases to be pled so 20 trials averted. I recall from my civil litigation days that lazy lawyers get a lot more done when the trial draws near.
As for lawyers being called to serve, I’m 47 and this was my first. I asked counsel about that and the defense lawyer and lead prosecutor both wanted me. Only the junior prosecutor wanted me booted. I don’t think that either side of a criminal trial has much to fear from a civil lawyer, especially a transactional guy instead of a litigator.
Re:Re: Scooter in the Courtroom
Scooter - can you at least say what the trial is about? And, how did you get on this jury - I thought attorneys don't usually get picked
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Re: Scooter in the courtroom
I can't stand it. I have to say the prosecution made a big mistake in not correcting a mathematical "fudge" by the defense today. .9 grams equal 9/10s grams, not appx. 1/10 grams...that would have been .09/10 grams. The chemist made an error.
Scooter in the courtroom
Interesting experience so far. I'll be glad when over so I can talk details.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Wow, Jonah Goldberg sends me spiraling back to the 70s
He referenced Mark Steyn’s New Criterion article on the 20th anniversary of Allan Bloom’s The Closing of the American Mind at the Corner today.
I had the great pleasure of attending a seminar of Francis A. Schaeffer of L'abri in the late 70s wherein he taught about declining culture and post- modernism from a Christian philosophy’s perspective. I think it was the first time I ever heard the term “world-view.” It was a brief course of several days following the outline staked out in his How Should We Then Live. It was, of course, way over my head but I knew I was in the company of greatness…along with 10,000 of my closest friends. Still, seeds were planted and for the first time, I began paying attention to "classical" music.
Indeed, within a year of that seminar, I had the great fortune of hearing the legendary Benny Goodman perform in Fair Park in Dallas. I was seventeen and still remember that before the intermission (where I purchased my first gin and tonic at 17) he performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and after with his big band. I have to admit I was delighted to read this in Steyn's piece:
The argument is that, oh, well, you uptight squares are always objecting to stuff: you thought Sinatra exciting bobbysoxers was dangerous, and the Viennese waltz was the mating dance of a hypersexualized culture. No. Benny Goodman, noted by Bloom, was a huge pop star but he could play the Mozart clarinet concerto.
Some ten years later, Allan Bloom summed up a similar world-view from a secular perspective with Closing. This one I didn’t read for another ten years when I saw the book on a Top 100 list for the 20th Century. A brutal read for a child of the sixties…but that is his whole point. I should probably reread after having become a bit more sophisticated as my reading has become a bit more thoughtful.
This was followed in 1999 by Chuck Colson’s How Now Shall We Live, obviously echoing the themes of Schaeffer. (I have to admit I haven’t read this one yet for fear of being shamed.)
Funny how Jonah's little blurb can send me through such a spiral.
I had the great pleasure of attending a seminar of Francis A. Schaeffer of L'abri in the late 70s wherein he taught about declining culture and post- modernism from a Christian philosophy’s perspective. I think it was the first time I ever heard the term “world-view.” It was a brief course of several days following the outline staked out in his How Should We Then Live. It was, of course, way over my head but I knew I was in the company of greatness…along with 10,000 of my closest friends. Still, seeds were planted and for the first time, I began paying attention to "classical" music.
Indeed, within a year of that seminar, I had the great fortune of hearing the legendary Benny Goodman perform in Fair Park in Dallas. I was seventeen and still remember that before the intermission (where I purchased my first gin and tonic at 17) he performed with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and after with his big band. I have to admit I was delighted to read this in Steyn's piece:
The argument is that, oh, well, you uptight squares are always objecting to stuff: you thought Sinatra exciting bobbysoxers was dangerous, and the Viennese waltz was the mating dance of a hypersexualized culture. No. Benny Goodman, noted by Bloom, was a huge pop star but he could play the Mozart clarinet concerto.
Some ten years later, Allan Bloom summed up a similar world-view from a secular perspective with Closing. This one I didn’t read for another ten years when I saw the book on a Top 100 list for the 20th Century. A brutal read for a child of the sixties…but that is his whole point. I should probably reread after having become a bit more sophisticated as my reading has become a bit more thoughtful.
This was followed in 1999 by Chuck Colson’s How Now Shall We Live, obviously echoing the themes of Schaeffer. (I have to admit I haven’t read this one yet for fear of being shamed.)
Funny how Jonah's little blurb can send me through such a spiral.
Scooter to see inside of courtroom...
for the first time in more than twelve years and for the first time...as a juror. Picked today. Trial starts tomorrow.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Robert D. Kaplan's Hog Pilots, Blue Water Grunts
While not directly addressing the "atrocities" committed there, an Autumn 2005 thought from a former Iraqi mukhtar on Abu Ghraib:
The former mukhtar seemed to like the American lieutenant, as we continued to sit on his machine-made carpets, lean against undressed cinder blocks, and drink tea in his home. But he said no [to a plea to stand by the lieutenant against the insurgents]. "I cannot resume my role as mukhtar. They will kill me. The contractor down the street was threatened if he continued to repair the neighborhood. If you are so serious about security, why," he went on, "did you Americans release prisoners from Abu Ghraib?"
Lt. Turner said that the decision to release prisoners from Abu Ghraib was one made by Iraq's own new government. The former mukhtar wasn't convinced. Because many of the detainees at Abut Ghraib were known to be hardened criminals from the Mosul area, the release had undermined the credibility of American troops here. Abu Ghraib had a different connotation for Iraqis meeting with Americans in Mosul than it had back in the United States. Here the words meant American weakness and lack of resolve, not human rights violations. (p. 249)
One of the really wonderful aspects of Kaplan's book, indeed his main goal, is to give us insights into the type of men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Most of them deal with the men and women of the Hog and Grunt varieties (noncoms or non-commissioned officers and lower). Here though he writes of Army Maj. Larry Smith of Savannah, Illinois:
After community college, Larry enrolled at Rockford College.... In October 1983, after hearing about the suicide bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, as he told me, "I got up and walked out of a class on French literature, went straight to the local recruiter's office, and joined the Army as a buck private. I have nothing against French literature. But at the time, it didn't mean much to me."
Over the next fiver years, while working as a military policeman in Alabama and Germany, he rose to sergeant. Then he enrolled in the ROTC program at Illinois State University in Normal, graduating as a second lieutenant. Tours at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Carson, Colorado, followed in succession, as he rose to the command of a military intelligence company. Next, he decided he wanted to be a foreign area officer for the Indian subcontinent. That led to a year of studying Hindi at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and a year of graduate school in subcontinental Asian studies at the University of Texas at Austin. (p. 212)
The former mukhtar seemed to like the American lieutenant, as we continued to sit on his machine-made carpets, lean against undressed cinder blocks, and drink tea in his home. But he said no [to a plea to stand by the lieutenant against the insurgents]. "I cannot resume my role as mukhtar. They will kill me. The contractor down the street was threatened if he continued to repair the neighborhood. If you are so serious about security, why," he went on, "did you Americans release prisoners from Abu Ghraib?"
Lt. Turner said that the decision to release prisoners from Abu Ghraib was one made by Iraq's own new government. The former mukhtar wasn't convinced. Because many of the detainees at Abut Ghraib were known to be hardened criminals from the Mosul area, the release had undermined the credibility of American troops here. Abu Ghraib had a different connotation for Iraqis meeting with Americans in Mosul than it had back in the United States. Here the words meant American weakness and lack of resolve, not human rights violations. (p. 249)
One of the really wonderful aspects of Kaplan's book, indeed his main goal, is to give us insights into the type of men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Most of them deal with the men and women of the Hog and Grunt varieties (noncoms or non-commissioned officers and lower). Here though he writes of Army Maj. Larry Smith of Savannah, Illinois:
After community college, Larry enrolled at Rockford College.... In October 1983, after hearing about the suicide bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, as he told me, "I got up and walked out of a class on French literature, went straight to the local recruiter's office, and joined the Army as a buck private. I have nothing against French literature. But at the time, it didn't mean much to me."
Over the next fiver years, while working as a military policeman in Alabama and Germany, he rose to sergeant. Then he enrolled in the ROTC program at Illinois State University in Normal, graduating as a second lieutenant. Tours at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Lewis, Washington; Fort Polk, Louisiana; and Fort Carson, Colorado, followed in succession, as he rose to the command of a military intelligence company. Next, he decided he wanted to be a foreign area officer for the Indian subcontinent. That led to a year of studying Hindi at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and a year of graduate school in subcontinental Asian studies at the University of Texas at Austin. (p. 212)
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Buying State of Texas Surplus Property
From the Comptroller’s office:
Surplus property listed on this Web site is available to state agencies, political subdivisions, and assistance organizations, not to the general public. The owning agency determines the price for each item while it is listed here. The first state agency, political subdivision, or assistance organization agreeing to the price is entitled to the property. During the 10 business days that the property is posted on this Web site, a transfer to a state agency has priority over any other transfer under rules adopted by the commission.
Fairly decent inventories of stuff.
Surplus property listed on this Web site is available to state agencies, political subdivisions, and assistance organizations, not to the general public. The owning agency determines the price for each item while it is listed here. The first state agency, political subdivision, or assistance organization agreeing to the price is entitled to the property. During the 10 business days that the property is posted on this Web site, a transfer to a state agency has priority over any other transfer under rules adopted by the commission.
Fairly decent inventories of stuff.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
On the Gripping Hand
Krikorian reader at The Corner slams one of the authors of the GREATEST BOOK OF ALL TIME:
Give him or her a healthy reading habit (even if he never advances beyond Harry Potter, Larry Niven, either of the Kellermans and Tom Clancy) and his four years at McDonalds will result in a far better education than almost all colleges currently deliver.
Give him or her a healthy reading habit (even if he never advances beyond Harry Potter, Larry Niven, either of the Kellermans and Tom Clancy) and his four years at McDonalds will result in a far better education than almost all colleges currently deliver.
Jonah's Conservative Buzz-Kill
From today's JWR:
Committed conservatives, meanwhile, find themselves at a disadvantage: They advocate smaller government for everybody — when Americans generally (including most Republicans) want smaller government for everybody but themselves.
One of our more sane local Ron Paul supporters (Jeff Ward of KLBJ radio, as opposed to Alex Jones) says it like this, "Liberty and equality for all, special privileges for me."
Committed conservatives, meanwhile, find themselves at a disadvantage: They advocate smaller government for everybody — when Americans generally (including most Republicans) want smaller government for everybody but themselves.
One of our more sane local Ron Paul supporters (Jeff Ward of KLBJ radio, as opposed to Alex Jones) says it like this, "Liberty and equality for all, special privileges for me."
Sunday, October 28, 2007
The Looming Tower
Finished it today in my second sitting. Amazing. I never, ever dog ear my books but did for this one, many times.
Bart Whitaker
I still can't believe the attraction. Still seems like every time I check the meter, folks are looking at these posts.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Touching the Real Third Rail
Unintended Consequences
I post this not so much because of the Roe v. Wade content but because it can show what happens when good, principled conservatives sit out elections...in this case the 1986 midterms when the Republicans lost the Senate majority. Reagan campaigned like crazy for the Republican senators but seven seats were lost in 1986. Après ça le deluge.
From today’s column by Jeffrey Lord at the American Spectator (long but a great history lesson for those of us occupied by, er, other things in the mid-80s):
With the release of the papers of Roe's author, Nixon appointee Harry Blackmun, Justice Blackmun himself reveals that Kennedy [Me: Reagan appointee after the Bork disaster and the other Ginsburg...I’d forgotten about him] was poised to agree with a draft opinion of Chief Justice William Rehnquist that would essentially overturn Roe. Under pressure from Blackmun, Kennedy did something that would have been unthinkable for Bork: he switched sides, turning a 5-4 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey from an opinion overturning Roe v. Wade into one that reaffirmed it.
In other words, the loss of seven Senate Republicans, six by the closest of margins, saved Roe v. Wade. More accurately, a relative handful of conservatives in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington, by either taking a pass on the election entirely or actually voting for the liberal, inadvertently rescued the most controversial Court decision of our day.
Whatever on thinks about the pro-choice/pro-life arguments, clearly those that sat at home in November, 1986 didn’t intend for this to happen. Dobson and friends had better think and pray long and hard
I post this not so much because of the Roe v. Wade content but because it can show what happens when good, principled conservatives sit out elections...in this case the 1986 midterms when the Republicans lost the Senate majority. Reagan campaigned like crazy for the Republican senators but seven seats were lost in 1986. Après ça le deluge.
From today’s column by Jeffrey Lord at the American Spectator (long but a great history lesson for those of us occupied by, er, other things in the mid-80s):
With the release of the papers of Roe's author, Nixon appointee Harry Blackmun, Justice Blackmun himself reveals that Kennedy [Me: Reagan appointee after the Bork disaster and the other Ginsburg...I’d forgotten about him] was poised to agree with a draft opinion of Chief Justice William Rehnquist that would essentially overturn Roe. Under pressure from Blackmun, Kennedy did something that would have been unthinkable for Bork: he switched sides, turning a 5-4 decision in Planned Parenthood v. Casey from an opinion overturning Roe v. Wade into one that reaffirmed it.
In other words, the loss of seven Senate Republicans, six by the closest of margins, saved Roe v. Wade. More accurately, a relative handful of conservatives in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota and Washington, by either taking a pass on the election entirely or actually voting for the liberal, inadvertently rescued the most controversial Court decision of our day.
Whatever on thinks about the pro-choice/pro-life arguments, clearly those that sat at home in November, 1986 didn’t intend for this to happen. Dobson and friends had better think and pray long and hard
Monday, October 22, 2007
Is it really Islamofascism?
From Christopher Hitchens at Slate:
Does Bin Ladenism or Salafism or whatever we agree to call it have anything in common with fascism?
I think yes. The most obvious points of comparison would be these: Both movements are based on a cult of murderous violence that exalts death and destruction and despises the life of the mind. ("Death to the intellect! Long live death!" as Gen. Francisco Franco's sidekick Gonzalo Queipo de Llano so pithily phrased it.) Both are hostile to modernity (except when it comes to the pursuit of weapons), and both are bitterly nostalgic for past empires and lost glories. Both are obsessed with real and imagined "humiliations" and thirsty for revenge. Both are chronically infected with the toxin of anti-Jewish paranoia (interestingly, also, with its milder cousin, anti-Freemason paranoia). Both are inclined to leader worship and to the exclusive stress on the power of one great book. Both have a strong commitment to sexual repression—especially to the repression of any sexual "deviance"—and to its counterparts the subordination of the female and contempt for the feminine. Both despise art and literature as symptoms of degeneracy and decadence; both burn books and destroy museums and treasures.
Does Bin Ladenism or Salafism or whatever we agree to call it have anything in common with fascism?
I think yes. The most obvious points of comparison would be these: Both movements are based on a cult of murderous violence that exalts death and destruction and despises the life of the mind. ("Death to the intellect! Long live death!" as Gen. Francisco Franco's sidekick Gonzalo Queipo de Llano so pithily phrased it.) Both are hostile to modernity (except when it comes to the pursuit of weapons), and both are bitterly nostalgic for past empires and lost glories. Both are obsessed with real and imagined "humiliations" and thirsty for revenge. Both are chronically infected with the toxin of anti-Jewish paranoia (interestingly, also, with its milder cousin, anti-Freemason paranoia). Both are inclined to leader worship and to the exclusive stress on the power of one great book. Both have a strong commitment to sexual repression—especially to the repression of any sexual "deviance"—and to its counterparts the subordination of the female and contempt for the feminine. Both despise art and literature as symptoms of degeneracy and decadence; both burn books and destroy museums and treasures.
When Markets Fail, Choose Markets
Also from TCS (I love these guys):
The Cure for Market Failure
At the University of Chicago [Me: as much as I hate to go against the Chicago School], economists lean to the right of the economics profession. They are known for saying, in effect, "Markets work well. Use the market."
At MIT and other bastions of mainstream economics, most economists are to the left of center but to the right of the academic community as a whole. These economists are known for saying, in effect, "Markets fail. Use government."
Masonomics [Me: George Mason University school] says, "Markets fail. Use markets."
...
The Cure for Market Failure
At the University of Chicago [Me: as much as I hate to go against the Chicago School], economists lean to the right of the economics profession. They are known for saying, in effect, "Markets work well. Use the market."
At MIT and other bastions of mainstream economics, most economists are to the left of center but to the right of the academic community as a whole. These economists are known for saying, in effect, "Markets fail. Use government."
Masonomics [Me: George Mason University school] says, "Markets fail. Use markets."
...
Masonomics sees market failure as a motivation for entrepreneurship. As an example of market failure, let us use a classic case described by a Nobel Laureate which is that the seller of a used car knows more about the condition of the car than the buyer. Masonomics predicts that entrepreneurs will try to address this problem. In fact, there are a number of entrepreneurial solutions. Buyers can obtain vehicle history reports. Sellers can offer warranties. Firms such as Carmax undertake professional inspections and stake their reputation on the quality of the cars that they sell.
Masonomics worries much more about government failure than market failure. Governments do not face competitive pressure. They are immune from the "creative destruction" of entrepreneurial innovation. In the market, ineffective firms go out of business. In government, ineffective programs develop powerful constituent groups with a stake in their perpetuation.
Business Screws Up; Choose Markets
A biz I love (Amazon) and one of which I’m not too fond (Target) make bad mistakes as set forth in this TCS article:
Consider business practices that alienate customers and clients. Surely no business with a general clientèle, such as Amazon, Home Depot, or Kmart, has this as a goal. Yet it occurs. Why?
The offending employee may be evil, bitter, or malicious, but economists have little to say about individual characteristics. Rather, economists examine the incentives and information facing the person who annoyed or harmed the customer. Here are two examples.
You’ll have to read them but both are egregiously bad errors. The good news? Go to Overstock.com or Wal-Mart and exercise your freedom to choose. Amazon and Target will make corrections out of nothing but self-interest. The Market will take care of errors made by businesses.
But what about when markets fail?
Consider business practices that alienate customers and clients. Surely no business with a general clientèle, such as Amazon, Home Depot, or Kmart, has this as a goal. Yet it occurs. Why?
The offending employee may be evil, bitter, or malicious, but economists have little to say about individual characteristics. Rather, economists examine the incentives and information facing the person who annoyed or harmed the customer. Here are two examples.
You’ll have to read them but both are egregiously bad errors. The good news? Go to Overstock.com or Wal-Mart and exercise your freedom to choose. Amazon and Target will make corrections out of nothing but self-interest. The Market will take care of errors made by businesses.
But what about when markets fail?
Rangel working on Tax Cut?
Why haven't I heard of this? Go Charlie!
From Kudlow:
In recent news, Treasury man [Treasury Secretary Henry] Paulson has in fact taken a strong-dollar step with his proposal to slash corporate tax rates. The former Goldman head honcho is working with House Ways & Means chairman Charlie Rangel to reduce the 35 percent corporate tax rate all the way down to 25 percent. This is a terrific idea. Studies have shown that 70 percent of the benefits of a corporate tax cut would go to the American workforce, boosting jobs and wages.
From Kudlow:
In recent news, Treasury man [Treasury Secretary Henry] Paulson has in fact taken a strong-dollar step with his proposal to slash corporate tax rates. The former Goldman head honcho is working with House Ways & Means chairman Charlie Rangel to reduce the 35 percent corporate tax rate all the way down to 25 percent. This is a terrific idea. Studies have shown that 70 percent of the benefits of a corporate tax cut would go to the American workforce, boosting jobs and wages.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Observations from the Range
Went to the range today, finally getting around to seeing how some of my Dad's old handguns perform.
I should have known they would be perfect. He may have been frugal (I doubt he bought any of his guns new) but he was a perfectionist.
Anything hit beyond 10 yards with the .25 and beyond 15 yards with the .32 was pure luck.
Any living thing ever hit with a .25 is likely going to keep doing what it was doing unless the shot was very lucky.
They are all dangerous but a Colt .45 is very scary.
Lots of young kids there learning from their dads.
Guy next to me was sighting some kind of rifle. I don't know what it was or what he hunts but yikes. I had my 29 db earmuffs on and every time he fired that cannon, I jumped a foot.
I should have known they would be perfect. He may have been frugal (I doubt he bought any of his guns new) but he was a perfectionist.
Anything hit beyond 10 yards with the .25 and beyond 15 yards with the .32 was pure luck.
Any living thing ever hit with a .25 is likely going to keep doing what it was doing unless the shot was very lucky.
They are all dangerous but a Colt .45 is very scary.
Lots of young kids there learning from their dads.
Guy next to me was sighting some kind of rifle. I don't know what it was or what he hunts but yikes. I had my 29 db earmuffs on and every time he fired that cannon, I jumped a foot.
What's happened to Dems?
Hanson on Dems:
By habit I remain a registered Democrat, largely because my parents and grandparents were agrarian populists in outlook. I also try to vote and support (even as our district boundaries keep changing) one Democrat, Jim Costa, our local Democratic congressman, who is cut from the Scoop Jackson mold. Central Valley Democrats used to be considered mainstream center-right people in a way unimaginable now. We forget that a long time ago, Democrats were considered sort of tough, practical minded, a world away from the blueblood golf course crowd, receptacles of conservative values in a way the elite Republicans were not. That’s ancient history now.
I throat clear like that because of the steady insanity shown by the Democratic political class.
…
When we factor in the “Betray-us” ad, the Hollywood antics, and the university embarrassments, whether denying Larry Summers a right to speak at UC Davis or welcoming in Ahmadinejad at Columbia, one is forced to ask, “What happened to liberal thinking and the Democratic Party?” Why do dissent and criticism almost immediately devolve into elemental rage, whether Durbin screaming that our soldiers are Nazis or Moveon.org that their leader is a traitor? Why do deans, media heads, and politicians show such bad taste?
You’ll have to read his answer at his pajamasmedia post (it’s the penultimate section under “Democrats”).
By habit I remain a registered Democrat, largely because my parents and grandparents were agrarian populists in outlook. I also try to vote and support (even as our district boundaries keep changing) one Democrat, Jim Costa, our local Democratic congressman, who is cut from the Scoop Jackson mold. Central Valley Democrats used to be considered mainstream center-right people in a way unimaginable now. We forget that a long time ago, Democrats were considered sort of tough, practical minded, a world away from the blueblood golf course crowd, receptacles of conservative values in a way the elite Republicans were not. That’s ancient history now.
I throat clear like that because of the steady insanity shown by the Democratic political class.
…
When we factor in the “Betray-us” ad, the Hollywood antics, and the university embarrassments, whether denying Larry Summers a right to speak at UC Davis or welcoming in Ahmadinejad at Columbia, one is forced to ask, “What happened to liberal thinking and the Democratic Party?” Why do dissent and criticism almost immediately devolve into elemental rage, whether Durbin screaming that our soldiers are Nazis or Moveon.org that their leader is a traitor? Why do deans, media heads, and politicians show such bad taste?
You’ll have to read his answer at his pajamasmedia post (it’s the penultimate section under “Democrats”).
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