Category: Do the Right Thing

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“Snow” Day Again

Late start today. Not that the whole county shut down, but since my Wonder Woman had a “snow” day, I’ve kept things close in and we’ve worked on a little advance Spring Cleaning. I’ve been in storage areas of my office that haven’t seen the light of day for years. Two whole drawersfull of stuff I simply dumped in a box for later sorting (and yes, I will do that!) and labeled, “Junk from 2 drawers”–*heh*

Once whole LARGE file cabinet drawerfull of ancient floppies. Need to sort through them all, archive (and enter into database that’s stored in the same place!) all the data I should/want to keep and burn to multiple CDRs or a couple of (duplicate) DVDs for archiving, then format or toss (or even archive, sorted and labeled) the floppies in a more easily accessible fashion.

To give you an idea: I have 3.5″ and 5.25″ floppies going back through all the DOSes to about DOS 3, back further to TRSDOS floppies–and even some Mac software/archives.

That stuff really needed sorting out!

(My paper files were mostly sorted some weeks ago.)

Then, there’s the “surface” storage… shelves and such like. Most of the old music, language, history, etc., books have already been boxed (and labeled and etc.), but there’re still five very, very full shelves of books n such that need sorting out.

Then, of course, I need to clean and sort out the bookshelves in the living room for refiling with previously boxed books…

This Spring cleaning thing is pretty heavy stuff (book boxes, get it? :-))!

Oh, well, at least I had some “deck beer” to lighten the load. (“Deck beer”–over-sugared some beer for bottle conditioning. Temnps outside have been mostly below freezing for a while… so, placed a bunch of bottles of this beer outside for conditioning after only 3 days. It’s all turned out very, very good. Whatta save!)

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Hobson’s Choice

“A Hobson’s choice is a free choice in which only one option is offered, and one may refuse to take that option. The choice is therefore between taking the option or not taking it. The phrase is said to originate from Thomas Hobson (1544–1630), a livery stable owner at Cambridge, England who, in order to rotate the use of his horses, offered customers the choice of either taking the horse in the stall nearest the door—or taking none at all. It is analagous to the expression ‘my way or the highway’.”1

Well, the presidential field is narrowed even further, it seems. Now, we have a choice between candidates who want to drive the country off a cliff to its doom at 120mph and candidates who want to drive the country off a cliff at a sedate 75mph…

Not really much of a choice.

Makes the case for striving to see congresscritters, state and local pols elected who give a damn about more than just their own personal power and their “Surrender, America!” ideologies. (And if you think for one minute Juan McCain’s “surrender America’s sovereignty at the borders” position isn’t fundamentally the same as the other candidates’ “Surrender America” positions then you are sadly deluded.)

Look closely at candidates for Congress, for state and local offices. Vote “Hell no!” against those whose positions fail to defend the U.S., your State or locality against the evils of alien invasion and… invasive government. Vote for people with the [intestinal fortitude] to tell “Surrender America!” judges, executives and bureaucrats to take a quick ride on the express train to hell.

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“Mugger” Pledges: Will Give Money Back

…just not all of it and not exactly to the people it was taken from.

Yep, the Congress is promising an approximately $150B bill to return a portion of what it has ripped from productive citizens’ pockets, just not necessarily to those it took the money from (the aforesaid productive citizens), of course.

So, if the train stays on the track, expect perhaps as much as $600 per person in “beer money” to be distributed in a purely socialist fashion sometime this summer.

*pfui*

Big stinking deal. We’d be better off were that amount of “mugged” funds spent in a WPA-like investment in energy infrastructure: nuclear plants (MIT has placed the plans for a modular pebble bed reactor in the public domain–set up an assembly line and tell the Saudis and Chavezes of the world to go suck a sour lemon); new, more efficient, oil refineries; biomass to oil or methanol plants, etc.; conversion of railroads to electicity (with enough PBRs, that’d be a real step toward energy independence).

All that could be funded out of congresscritters favorite pork, without raising a dime of taxes. HEck, use ONLY pork and we could probably start paying down the national debt, too…

With the $100+/barrel oil now being held over our heads dealt with, other steps to really help the economy in substantive ways”

1. Abolish the IRS/16th Amendment in favor of the FairTax
2. Institute a 10% across-the-board import duty on ALL imports, no exceptions.

Those two things alone would make American products much, much more competitive in the international markets and start rebuilding America’s manufacturing capabilities, providing even more jobs, over and above the “jobs” (government funded jobs are parasitic on the economy–OK, a few offer some symbiotic benefits) that building new energy infrastructure would provide.

And it’s jobs, not government handbacks (or handouts, for those who didn’t pay in) that would be the real economic stimulus we need.

Of course, expecting something sensible from Congress is like expecting fairy dust to make pigs fly. First, you have to find the fairy dust (No, you can’t get any from homosexual activists. They don’t even pollinate). Then you have to catch the pig. Then you have to get clearance from the FAA to conduct fairy dust-flying pig experiments, an environmental impact assessment from the EPA, an OSHA evaluation of risks to the flight crew, etc., and an ASPCA/PETA signoff on the plan…

Come to think of it, that sounds a lot easier and more likely to happen than Congress growing some brains and then finding the balls to actually do the right thing.

BTW, I blame Rosemary for getting my crank turning on this topic. 🙂 She talked about the Fed cut, its possible effect on the housing market, and pressure on congresscritters to bail out irresponsible home “buyers” (who really, for the most part, just went into more debt than they could afford to “buy” a house they hadn’t earned and couldn’t afford to maintain).

Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, The Virtuous Republic, Shadowscope, Leaning Straight Up, Big Dog’s Weblog, Cao’s Blog, A Newt One- The Truth Surge, Diary of the Mad Pigeon, Woman Honor Thyself, The World According to Carl, Pirate’s Cove, Blue Star Chronicles, The Pink Flamingo, Wolf Pangloss, Gulf Coast Hurricane Tracker, CORSARI D’ITALIA, and Dumb Ox Daily News, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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Bright Line Test

There is one clear bright line that even idiots could use–if they could think to do so or suppress their basic sloth–to clearly choose candidates in races for all elective offices who would serve not only present interests but the interests of generations yet to come, and it’s found in a post I wrote a year ago…

Folks, the only difference of opinion that bears on elections of late is this: do you or do you not favor scrapping America in order to make it over into a fledgling third world country, as France, et al are attempting to do in Europe? Each and every one of the potential candidates [running for office as Dhims, and most who are running as Repubs *sigh*] are in favor of policies that would Frenchify America even further. It is still possible that the Republican’ts may come up with a candidate who is willing to at least drag his feet in approaching the ultimate goal of pulling America down to the level of Mexico or Saudi Arabia or Iran or even *shudder* France.

Remember: modern liberalism’s ultimate goal is to destroy the America the Founders left us (debate on this topic welcome, but be forewarned: I come armed with facts and I’m willing to use them. :-)). Modern “conservatism” (so-called) is simply modern liberalism lite, along the vein that R.L. Dabney observed of 19th century conservatism:

“Conservatism’s history has been that it demurs to each aggression of the progressive party, and aims to save its credit by a respectable amount of growling, but always acquiesces at last in the innovation. What was the resisted novelty of yesterday is today one of the accepted principles of conservatism; it is now conservative only in affecting to resist the next innovation, which will tomorrow be forced upon its timidity and will be succeeded by some third revolution, to be denounced and then adopted in its turn. American conservatism is merely the shadow that follows Radicalism as it moves forward to perdition. It remains behind it, but never retards it, and always advances near its leader. This pretended salt hath utterly lost its savor: wherewith shall it be salted? Its impotency is not hard to explain. It is worthless because it is the conservatism of expediency only, and not of sturdy principle. It tends to risk nothing serious for the sake of truth.”

You need know nothing of Dabney’s considerable credentials (or his occasional lapses into Southern apologetics–ed.) to observe the authority of his statement; it is self-evident in “compassionate conservatism” that cedes America’s borders to foreign state-sponsored invasion, etc. (Yeh, how about the Mexican government issuing GPS devices to aid illegal border crossings?)

Consider the wisdom of James L. Burnham once again:

“Liberalism is a philosophy of consolation for Western civilization as it commits suicide.”

Repeat that mantra every time you hear a NON-LIBERAL modern lefty spout modern liberalism’s talking points:

“Liberalism is a philosophy of consolation for Western civilization as it commits suicide.”

Repeat that mantra every time you hear a modern (FAKE) “conservative” say something assinine like, we need illegal aliens to “do the jobs Americans won’t do” (thank you very much for the lying meme, President Bush).

“Liberalism is a philosophy of consolation for Western civilization as it commits suicide.”

Again: the bright line,

Do you or do you not favor scrapping America in order to make it over into a fledgling third world country, as France, et al are attempting to do in Europe?

Strangely, there’s slightly more hope for France, since I wrote those words a year ago. But less hope for the U.S., as the unholy alliance of governors effecting virtual sanctuary states (*cough* Mike Huckabee *cough*) for alien invaders (and cities doing the same for localities), Mass Media Podpeople, congresscritters *spit* and other politicians waving the “Run away! Run away!” flag, and all other kinds of surrenderist anti-westerners duke it out with a remnant of States and localities (and individuals) seeking to preserve what little remains of the Republic the Founders left us–even attempt to restore some little bits of it.

What will be the end of the conflict? I dunno. But more and more, unless folks seriously ask the bright line question over and over concerning every candidate for every elective position, our children and grandchildren can look forward to no longer being a part of a great nation.

Do you or do you not favor scrapping America in order to make it over into a fledgling third world country, as France, et al are attempting to do in Europe?

And if you don’t, what the HECK are you doing about it?

Trackposted to Pirate’s Cove, The Pink Flamingo, Mark My Words, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Big Dog’s Weblog, Nuke Gingrich, Right Truth, and DragonLady’s World, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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A Reminder About the Law of Unintended Consequences

Something We the People ought to remember and (figuratively, unfortunately) tatoo on politicians’ *spit* foreheads (backwards, so those who can read are reminded when they are adoring their reflections in a mirror):

“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men
Gang aft agleigh.”

So, while our political masters are tilting at (politically-manufactured) windmills in their attempts to “solve” problems (more likely, create more problems to “solve”), we need to remember just why Murphy so loves politicians: they are a staple in his arsenal of making things go wrong.

Just a friendly reminder. Oh, and don’t forget: it’s the stupid, illiterate, greedy, lazy electorate that has given us our political masters. Pogo was oh so very right in more ways than he knew:

“We have met the enemy and he is us.”

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2009 Resolution-Per-Day #4

Develop a deeper appreciation for the people of our armed forces. I like to think I appreciate their service, but I doubt my appreciation is as deep or wide as it ought to be. Here, try this for a semi-musical thought-provoker (Thanks, Hugh, for sending this):

While listening to this, I was reminded of the (apocryphal, perhaps) “comment from a centurion” often referred to by Jerry Pournelle:

“We hear that there are tumults and riots in Rome, and that voices are raised concerning the army and the quality of our soldiers. Make haste to reassure us that you love and support us as we love and support you, for if we find that we have left our bones to bleach in these sands in vain, then beware the fury of the legions.”…” (Centurion in a letter home from North Africa, 3rd Century)

Now, I do not fear “the fury of the legions,” but I do fear our society becoming callous to their dedication, their service, their honor, their sacrifices*. A society that ceases to value such service is a society that does not deserve to survive.

Continue reading “2009 Resolution-Per-Day #4”

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Stop. Look. Listen. To Fred

h.t. Leaning Straight Up

One thing that struck me was what Fred said about the possible efficacy of his candidacy in… salvaging the Democratic party:

You know, when I’m asked which of the current group of Democratic candidates I prefer to run against, I always say it really doesn’t matter…These days all those candidates, all the Democratic leaders, are one and the same. They’re all NEA-MoveOn.org-ACLU-Michael Moore Democrats. They’ve allowed these radicals to take control of their party and dictate their course.

So this election is important not just to enact our conservative principles. This election is important to salvage a once-great political party from the grip of extremism and shake it back to its senses. It’s time to give not just Republicans but independents, and, yes, good Democrats a chance to call a halt to the leftward lurch of the once-proud party of working people.

So in seeking the nomination of my own party, I want to say something a little unusual. I am asking my fellow Republicans to vote for me not only for what I have to say to them, but for what I have to say to the members of the other party—the millions of Democrats who haven’t left the Democratic party so much as their party’s national leadership has left them.

As I’ve said before, only one man is running as a truly presidential candidate. The others all seem to be running for sophomore class clown.

Trackposted to Outside the Beltway, Is It Just Me?, Blog @ MoreWhat.com, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Adam’s Blog, Right Truth, The World According to Carl, Shadowscope, Cao’s Blog, Right Voices, and Pursuing Holiness, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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T-13; 2.1: Thirteen Reasons to Jump on the Fredwagon

I generally hold my nose and keep my hand firmly on my wallet whenever I smell a politician. The field for the presidency is narrowing, but it’s still chock full of enough pork manure to gag a maggot. *sigh* Still, of all the candidates, one has at least made clear he understands the Constitution… and has committed himself to stemming the tide of political effluvia that has been steadily eroding the Constitution for lo these many years. Yep. Fred. So, 13 reasons to support Fred Thompson:

1. He’s not an android, dreaming of electric sheep. (My apologies to the shade of Phillip K. Dick for alluding to his work in the same sentence as Romney. Bah.)

2. Nor is he a wolf in sheeps’ clothing (although Rudy would look better in a rug than he does dressing up as a “conservative”).

3. He’s not certifiably loony (and besides, who can trust a guy who won’t even reveal his last name. Paul? Paul who? *heh*).

4. He’s not a greasy Southern Baptist preacherboy who–if his record and his mouth are any indications–believes his opinions have God’s stamp of approval… just because, well, he’s a greasy Southern Baptist preacherboy, so naturally God is on his side (Huck, go fish in a different hole, boy). Huck for dogcatcher? Free-ranging strays (given his record on illegal immigrants in Arkansas).

5. Fred has his priorities straight: “The first responsibility of government is to protect the American people, the homeland, and our way of life.”

6. Education:

At a time when America is behind other developed countries in education excellence, the federal role in education is too intrusive and too bureaucratic, and has become part of the problem. State and local governments are closest to the parents, the kids, and the schools, and best situated to implement changes and innovations that best educate children. I am committed to:

Giving parents more choices in education and schools less bureaucracy.
Reviewing federal programs for cost-effectiveness, reducing federal mandates, returning education money to the states, and empowering parents by promoting voucher programs, charter schools, and other innovations that enhance education excellence through competition and choice.
Encouraging students and teachers to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math—fields that are crucial to our security, competitiveness, and prosperity.
Promoting transparency to assess performance, promote accountability, and share innovations in education at all levels.

7. Understands the Constitutional role of the judiciary: “Appointing strict constructionist judges who will interpret the law, not impose their views on us by legislating from the bench.”

8. Second Amendment: “I strongly support the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms. Gun control is touted as a major crime-control measure. But some of the places with the strictest gun-control laws also have high violent-crime rates. Disarming law-abiding citizens does not prevent crime.” [Emphasis added]

9. On “Nannystate-ism”–“We must allow individuals to lead their lives with minimal government interference…”

10. And expanding on that, “Government must be strong enough to protect us, competent enough to provide basic government services, but limited by the delineated powers in the Constitution.”

12. Federalism

Our Constitution innovatively guarantees our liberties by spreading power among the three branches of the federal government, and between the federal government and the states. In considering any action by the government, we must always ask two questions: is the government better equipped than the private sector to perform the task and, if so, what level of government (federal or state) ought to do it. Washington is not the seat of all wisdom. (More on Federalism)

READ the “Federalism” link above. Fred seems to be the ONLY sane candidate who has the slightest idea that the Constitution actually means something…

13. He’s not Billary Hussein Obama. Heck his “White Papers” on ” Border Security and Immigration” and “Education” alone show Billary Hussein Obama (as well as, sadly, all the Republican’t runners) up as the intellectual, moral and ethical midgets they are.

CLICK the pic below, view Fred’s latest ad and give Fred a hand, OK?

f_t-clear-s.jpg

Noted at the Thursday Thirteen Hub.

Continue reading “T-13; 2.1: Thirteen Reasons to Jump on the Fredwagon”

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We’re All Cretins

…Or, “What Advertisers Think of Us”

Of the many reasons I especially like to avoid television during the Christmas season, one stands head and shoulders above even the crappy “holiday specials” that turn the Christmas season into a hode-podge season of slush: the commercial that as much as says straight out that women are all prostitutes. You know the one. A guy gives his (wife, girlfriend, lover, whatever) a diamond do-hickey and the jingle “sings,”

“Every Kiss Begins with ____”

Yep. That’s right. guys, the commercial states right out front: women sell their favors for jewelry–especially jewelry from the particular company that markets their wares as a means to “get lucky.” IOW, according to that particular jewelry manufacturer (the most direct and honest of the lot advertizing during the Christmas season–others are a bit more subtle, though their message is pretty much the same), women are whores and guys are all just johns.

Now, that’s just plain disgusting. And insulting.

Guys, if “getting lucky” with your gal depends on getting her some jewlery, you’d be better off traveling to Vegas or some other such place where whoring is at least legally recognized and regulated (to some extent, at least) and out in the open. Paying for sex at home is just degrading.

And women, if some guy thinks he can buy your “favors” with a gift, then you’ve got the wrong guy, and it’ll cost you bigtime down the road. Worse still, if you do “sell” your “favors” for gifts, you know what that makes you.

Exactly what the commercial says in so many words.

And the fact that advertizers think (probably rightly) that most folks won’t see this means they think we’re all cretins.

Trackposted to Blog @ MoreWhat.com, Rosemary’s Thoughts, Mark My Words, Allie is Wired, The Pink Flamingo, Leaning Straight Up, Chuck Adkins, Conservative Cat, and Right Voices, thanks to Linkfest Haven Deluxe.

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Mending Walls: Faith, Part 3

While time is a tad tight here at twc central, here’s a reprint (with minor redactions) from June of ’06, and yes, just like the original post, this is a linkfest also (see below the post body).

In part 1 of “Mending Walls: Faith” I very, very briefly discussed the faith (fides) covenant meme so lacking in today’s society. In part 2, I even more briefly outlined how this lack has affected the three realms of legitimate governance in society, civil government, marriage & family and, for Christians at least, the church.

In this last installment, I’ll once again very briefly mention some examples that illustrate how the current culture of faithlessness affects everyday life and how the moribund state of the faith covenant at work, in civil government, marriage & family, and in churches affects everyday life.

Keep in mind: I will NOT explore this topic in depth, although this will still be a tad long as compared to most blogposts. It’d take a full length book for each of these three parts to cover the topic seriously. That being said, and knowing it’ll be a tad longer than the majority of blogposts you may read today, either page on off or CLICk to read more at the link.

Continue reading “Mending Walls: Faith, Part 3”