Goalpost Fixing 101

For those of you who happen to drop by here from time to time (I know you're out there, cause I keep hearing the back door to the 'puter slamming in the middle of the night.) You probably have noticed the many fine people who have their home on the net listed on the left hand side of this bit of fluff.

A lady who has always been a most welcome read, and rich source of food for (well reasoned) thought Kim's "real wife", the charming Connie DuToit, has turned her keen mind towards something which has been glaringly apparent (and none the less, ignored). We (across the board, but particularly more so on the "progressive" side of the street) have quite forgotten either how to, or perhaps closer to the truth, what constitutes a proper "debate".

Back in "the olden days" ™ when civics was at least passingly taught in school, the ground rules for (a) debate were rather clear and concise. One debates by presenting some selected thought or idea, usually given as a (declarative) statement. At this point some one or some group will provide factual evidence in backing (or not) said statement. Assuming there is an opposing view(s). persons supporting said view will, in turn, provide a counter point, again backed by factual evidence. This continues on until further evidence to support (and/or disprove) is exhausted, or the body of evidence is so great on one side as to provide a decisive conclusion one way or the other.

Be it a radio or tv "talk show", the travesty currently foisted upon us otherwise known as "Political Debates", or discourse across the interweb, there has been frightfully little honest debating, and far more goal post moving (and the majority of said moving being done by agenda driven useful progressive idiots of all stripes) then should ever have been put up with in a so called civil (and or well educated/informed) society.

However, Connie in her comment section to the above linked post, provides the best answer to "Goalposts on coasters".

"WE have to call them on it. If they move the goal posts after our last point is made, then we have to refuse to answer until they concede they lost the last point. If they don’t, then they aren’t arguing in good faith, and that should be pointed out to the peanut gallery.

Be bold and judicious in the use of “Until you concede that you lost the last point and your data was wrong, I refuse to consider additional issues. Do you concede the last point?” "

And say that until they agree or give up. You can add “...and if you don’t concede that you lost the point or bring new evidence so your point can be reconsidered, then I can only assume that you are arguing in bad faith and are engaging in propaganda.”
Source: Connie Du Toit

In short, turn out the lights, the party's over!!! Well said, madam, well said!

Campain Button or Reset Button ... the choice won't be yours for long

A few years back, Robert H. Bork penned a bit of non-fiction, "Slouching Towards Gomorrah". One of the most interesting thrusts of his book, as bought up in a review by Diane West at Public Interest, in it's entirety here, reads as follows:

In a concise, illuminating critique, Bork explains how the Founding Fathers, in their pretensions to near-infallibility, overlooked the fallibility of human nature. That is, while granting the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to all men, the Founders took for granted their own inherited moral capital - i.e., the Judeo-Christian tradition and classical thought - and made no provision for its perpetuation.

Indeed, we some twelve years after the books release, continue to bear witness to this. Look at the hoops those who are avowed statists/progressives/marxists, go through in order to get (the collective) us to become more accommodating of diversity for diversity's sake, tolerant accepting of all "faiths", the dumbing down/indoctrination of our future generations in the schools/colleges, and finally, (because of the above marginalizing of religions) the bowing to the State as the one supreme entity.

However, it doesn't end here, with the hubris of so called leaders from either side of the political spectrum demanding "We The People" humbly bow down before them, excepting their view of what's best for us. No, both sides (though perhaps arriving at it from different directions) have a much larger vision of what needs to be done. They, quite simply, are planning and perusing nothing less then the "globalization of humankind".

It is not some conspiracy lurking in the dark shadows of some one two kings shy of a full deck. Nor the wishful thinking of an Illuminati fearing anti-mason nutjob. Noted author Jerome R Corsi's May 19, 2006 column for Human Events gives a brief but enlightening synopsis of what has already happened, and what, most likely is to come.

This is nothing really new, President Bush's lack of success with his (supposed) immigration reform and securing of the borders, give credence to Corsi's work. And now there is this. Yes, the GOP candidate for president, Senator McCain, looks to be wanting to change the paint job on the 'ol "Straight Talk Express" to "The North American Union Express."

McCain proposed a new organization, the League of Democracies, to "harness the vast influence of more than 100 democratic nations around the world to advance our values and defend our shared interests."

"Our great power does not mean we can do whatever we want whenever we want, nor should we assume we have all the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed," the presumptive Republican nominee told the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. "We need to listen - we need to listen - to the views and respect the collective will of our democratic allies."
Source: Foon Rhee - The Boston Globe March 27, 2008

Why stop at the new borders of the Unión Norteamericana ... err ... I mean, North American Union? When we can, according to John McCain, (Are we going for the "third time is a charm" thing here?) form yet another League of Nations... ahhh ... United Nations ... damn ... "League of Democracies" ... yeah, that's the ticket!! After all we are the little kids on the block age-wise. All those Euro-pee-ans are soooo much more sophisticated and cultured then we is and all. It might be best if we just get rid of that pesky constitution once and for all. Lets get on board this one world thing. We can still have our own "nation" (note those were finger quotes around nation). But on the oft chance we happen to elect a leader that gets a bit too uppity, why the "real leaders" will be able to slap em down.

And make no mistake, tho they may be fools, these are not idiots. It will be done using the tried and true tools the libs (and their masters, the communists) have used for years . Incramentalism. First comes the various "U's" (European. Asian. North American), eventually to be followed by one big (not so) happy Union, Federation, Republic ... whatever is decided on at the time.

You believe in the constitution as written? Forgettaboutit! It will have been gutted (if not out rightly removed in toto). You believe in God? Not a problem, just don't expect any of the moral framework we hold to be based on what has been observed of the human condition over the past couple thousand years to be of worth... and as long as YOU don't force your moral guidelines on us, then you can keep your religion ... but we will be watching.

Guns????? You MUST be kidding!!!

Education??? The best and brightest will get a shot ... the rest of you ... eat your alloted caloric intake, drink your happy juice, and be quick about it! Your shift starts in 15 minutes.

America? "I remember gramps talking about that ONCE ... just before he went to "the home".

As for the here and now. We don't have the options the founding fathers (and a generation or so afterward) had. There is no place else to head off to ... to start over. We have only two choices.

Drink the kool-ade, while mentally and physically masturbating our freedoms away, and of course enjoy the ride.

Or

Hit the reset button.

I am ready for the button. What say you??

New Beginnings

Spring. When we are witness to natures annual rebirth. The cycle of life is shown to continue as evidenced by new buds of grass and flower, along with new young of animals large and small. It is also, if you are adherent to any of the Christian faiths, a time of spiritual rebirth as well.

Easter signifies, not only an ending (of sorts), a ransom paid to insure mans passage into a heavenly afterlife, but a new beginning as well. The law of the old testament has been superseded by that of the new.

It is considered a time of spiritual renewal/beginnings as well. This being exemplified by the recent activities of his holiness Pope Benedict XVI, baptizing into the faith Magdi Allam, deputy director of Italy's largest newspaper,who just happens to have been Muslim. It will be interesting to see what repercussions will result from this newest planting in the garden of the faithful. That both converted and converter have displayed admirable amounts of courage in so public an act, speaks highly of both.

And not being totally without reflection, I got to thinking about what caused me to come back to the Christian faith. Though past failings, prevent me from returning “completely” to the faith of my birth, accepting there is a God, and as it follows, a son who was ransomed for us all, is not . Fact is, there were many questions I had, most beginning with “WHY”, which turned me from my faith. But some things kept calling me back. I believe in there being a reason for everything and only with the passage of time, have I begun to accept, that though this is true, I am not entitled to know what these reasons are. As is so often said to the “under 21 crowd” living under this roof, “I need to stay in my own pay-grade”.

However, once in awhile, I am privileged in gaining some bit of understanding. Something which after hearing and or reading, makes too much sense not to be of value. So in keeping with this (if somewhat belated) Easter theme, I ask you to read this. (And note, even though both the late Dr. Scott and his wife grace the top of the page, the transcript itself is in his own words, and is what he spoke about on numerous occasions during his telecasts.)

I may not have agreed with everything Dr. Scott ever said. But this has the ring of truth. Its logic is sound. Even if you don't believe for what ever reason, perhaps if nothing else it will get you thinking. And if perchance, a seed planted, takes root and sprouts ... isn't this the time of year for that after all?

Am I Blue

As noted in a recent post at Dustbury, James Lileks has a home, once again, on the print side of things at the Minneapolis Star Tribune. Being the curious sort I am, took a look over there to see what was on his mind for his re-entry into “ye olde byline mode”, and was pleasantly surprised.

The column itself was framed around the remnants of Blue Laws. Those bits of codified custom, which at one time prohibited the sale of darn near everything on Sunday. It was, at least according to no less an authority then GOD, that we were to “keep the sabbath holy”. We were to give that day and (all) our energies and efforts over to Him which created us, in giving thanks and praise, and NOT by increasing our paycheck or helping some corporate entity to increase their's.

But that, in and of itself, was not the picture James was painting that day. Or at least not the complete owner of his canvas. He went on to opine about a quieter, gentler time. One of visiting grandparents, of shared simple joys. Hu boy, did he bring back memories.

I have to agree with him. Sunday in our neck of the woods, was not as effected by blue laws (the Chicago metro area, and it's sophisticated ways, beating back much of the Illinois blue laws, well before I was able to recall such things). To be sure, depending on where you lived, some bars would be closed, and (even to this day) automobile salesmen were not to be found. Still, you could go to Sears, or (pre-Sears) K-Mart. But for the most part, shopping was done on Saturday. Sunday was for finishing yard work (if needed), and for going to grandmas.

The day almost always started with the obligatory Sunday Mass. The family was always trying to make the 10:30, but most often that had left the station by time we were ready, and we would inevitably end up at the 12:00. Then it was a quick trip home to change out of our Sunday best, and into more comfortable attire. And off to grandmas we went.

If the weather was warm (read that as anything above freezing, with no major rain going on), the kids were sent outside. If inclement, we would find ourselves in the basement, watching the old black and white tv, or playing old 78's on the old record player. Meanwhile, our parents, grandparents, and assorted aunts and uncles would be upstairs. And they could be found talking about the local dirt, any current family drama, or whatever it was adults talked about. This would be augmented with the sounds of the Cubs (back when WGN carried ALL the games) the Bears, golf, or bowling, depending what was in season or on the air at the time. Of course it was all “in living color” as the grandparents had 25 inches of television goodness. As we grew a bit older, we would be allowed to watch (in silence) Though seen and not heard wasn't something done 100% of the time, adult conversations were just that, adult. Grandma would always spend some time with us, and we could always ask questions when there was a break in conversation. We were not ignored, but we did know our place, and our pecking order.

And much like Lileks, when “The Wonderful World of Color” blazed across the set, we knew it was nearing time to head back home. Though I seem to recall the end of Bonanza was usually when coats and kids were gathered up, good byes tossed about like grandma's Hersey kisses, and we drove the two lane highways back to our little bit of suburban heaven.

That, my friends, was Sunday. A day of prayer. A gathering of family. Rest and relaxation, good food, hugs. For the most part, no worries, no pressures (at least none which couldn't wait until tomorrow). A day in which to recharge.

And yes, I miss that. In this “every day is like every other day” world, one (even if they worked the day 9-5 shift) often has very little time to recharge. We are always on the go. Trying to make ends meet, with the ends pulling further apart despite all our best efforts. Sunday, just doesn't seem to be the same.

Do (or did) the blue laws in and of themselves really make a difference? In my mind that is a yes or no kinda thing. The laws in and of themselves ... no they didn't. Ahhhh but the intent and spirit behind them, that's another thing entirely. Being older (the “and wiser” part is still up for debate), I wonder if the intent wasn't as much to control as to prevent human nature from sinking to the lowest point possible before reaching an equilibrium of sorts. The “equilibrium being turning Sunday in to “just another day of the week”, rather then a “day of rest”. After all, God being God, doesn't need one ... He's God, fer cryin out loud. I would like to believe He did that for us, because he, better then anyone, knows our limitations. And, in so doing, sought to make life a bit easier for us. But humans being human, we went and botched it up.

Perhaps in this regard, the old way(s) of doing things were not all that bad after all. And I can live with out going shopping on Sunday. Heaven knows my paycheck doesn't go that far into the week as it is.

When It Comes To Snow, 6-10 Inches Is More Then Enough!

Happy first day of Spring!! Getting the light weight jackets out? The spring and summer clothes ready to jump into as you take your evening walks after a nice dinner? Perhaps even start thinking about heading to the golf course or lake? Perhaps you are just itching to start on this years version of your garden.

Well, if you are unfortunate to live here in the northern part of the Peoples Republic of Illinois. you need to back up a bit there bucky ....

"The National Weather Service forecast offices in Chicago, Davenport, and Milwaukee have issued a Winter Storm Watch for the entire WIFR viewing area beginning Thursday night and lasting through Friday evening. The only county excluded from the Winter Storm Watch at this juncture is Whiteside County.

An area of low pressure is expected to develop and pass about 75-100 miles to our south Thursday night through Friday. Snow will develop as we near the midnight hour Thursday night, and continue, heavily at times, through at least Friday afternoon.

Computer model projections still suggest that more than a half inch of water is expected to fall during this storm, which equates to 5-10 inches of snow. While 10 inches seems a bit on the high side, given the longer days, stronger sunlight, and warmer ground, it's entirely plausible that many areas could stand to pick up as much as 6 inches from this storm, with locally higher amounts in spots."
Source: WIFR

Yep, that's right, MORE *&#@()#*%&&* SNOW!!! Damn it!!! I Want my global warming and I want it now Al Gore you lying asshat you!!!

A New Star in the Heavens

As noted over the news wires, Sir Arthur C. Clarke passed from this life and onto the next great adventure on Wed. (Tuesday our time) It has been noted around the interweb as well. I feel this gentleman says it best. He will be missed.

I started my long love affair with reading around 40 years ago. (It can't have been that long ago, can it??) Shakespeare and Bradbury, turned the spark into a flame. A flame which was fed and nurtured by the likes of Asimov, Heinlein, Tolkien, yes and most definitely, Arthur Clarke.

The big four in my mind where (and probably always will be) Asimov, Bradbury, Clark, and Heinlein. They also were at least partially to blame for my love of all things aviation related ... space related ... and for a youthful optimism in the hope man would (will, damnit!!) one day soon, be able to free himself form this little blue marble. That we will be able to travel easily to other worlds. We will explore, advance our talents to the fullest, and become all that human kind is able to be.

Clarke helped to continue this dream and for that, even though I never met or corresponded with the man, I am forever in his (and the afore mentioned colleagues) in his debt. He was indeed one of the giants of his genre.

Your pen may have finally been silenced, but your written legacy will live on long after. Rest easy, sleep sound, be at peace Sir. You've earned it more then a thousand times over.

An Obamanation

If I were to gamble and suggest who might, in 50 to 100 years from now, be recognized as our generations answer to Kipling (at least as far as verse goes), my choice would be the prolific Russ Vaughn. He never fails to satisfy ... need proof? Happy to provide same. Here is his latest, enjoy!

VP or Not VP, That is the question

I made mention of who would be a good vice presidential running mate for Senator McCain here. However, that man about town, McGehee, feels (and rightly so) we delegates of the GOMLP (that's Get Off My Lawn Party for all you late comers out there *grin*.) should post our preferences at our respective sites, in order to get the conversations going, juices flowing (Ok, in light of former NY Governor Spitzer's "flowing juices" concerns, perhaps that's not such a good thing.), and on the off chance someone is actually reading this bit o' fluff on the interweb, see if we can arrive at some respectable choices for VP.

Some have suggested Alaska's Governor, Sarah Palin, would make a great choice and potential future presidential candidate as well. I would come back to the "continental 48", and offer either Duncan Hunter, or former Lt Governor of Maryland, Michael S. Steele, as fine high caliber running mates. Both would represent the more conservative (and increasingly muffled) voice of the Republican party. But more to the point, speak to the views and viewpoints of the majority of Americans (despite what the lame brain ... err main stream media would have you believe) in this country, particularly those in the heartland and the south.

So, what do y'all think?

The President Speaks

President McCain, now into his third month as “Leader of the free world”, gave the following speech as his first televised broadcast (on all major channels) to the nation last night:

... ”Given the current situation of the world today, and the treats posed by those, from both within and without, who seek to extinguish the light of democracy, I have placed the following demands, to be acted on in due haste, on my administration, both houses of Congress, and if need be - the Supreme Court.

1.Effective immediately, funds will be found to take whatever means necessary in securing our borders. This is to include the building of fortified walls and or fences and the use of surveillance equipments such as may be needed in areas where walls or fences would be impracticable. Major increases of manning levels within the border patrol shall be in effect immediately. Until such time as these numbers are reached, funds will be made available to state and local agencies (State Police/County Sheriff/National Guard) to augment their forces to meet our needs. This is to include the use of (deputized)local citizens as needed. A nation is only such if her borders are recognized and respected as the beginning and end of her peoples national identity. And all who seek to cross same, in an illegal manner, for what ever the reason or purpose, violate our customs and rule of law.

2.As the last holder of this office stated, “You are either with us or against us.” regarding our continuing fight with those who seek to end our way of life, our cherished history and customs, I say to any and all through out the world, be you a group or organization who directly acts or an agency of a state acting in the shadows ... you will be eradicated. And let all followers of “the religion of submission”,in other words Islam know,that from now on, any actions in the following of their philosophy which are contrary to the laws, security, and national interests of this country will be met with such force as is necessary to contain or eliminate this as a threat to our nation.

3.I am a man. As such, I have made mistakes in my past. I am also man enough to admit when I have done so. To this end, I am requesting congress set about repealing what has commonly been referred to as “The McCain–Feingold Act ”. It has proved to not be effective in curtailing or eliminating corruption in the political process. Indeed, upon reflection, it has lessened the intent and spirit of the First Amendment. I publicly apologize for having taken part in bringing about this legislation, and hope my active voice in bringing about its demise will serve as a proper penance.

4.To voice objections to a current majorities legislative agenda in the house, senate, or administration, or suggest alternative ways of reaching what is perceived as a common goal, has been a historical cornerstone in our Republic. However, there is a vast difference between the above, and what has been said and done by a handful of individuals in our body politic. To this end, I have begun criminal investigations into the actions of a number of our elected officials, along with some who have held public office in the past. To criticize your government and her policies is one thing, to actively promote the actions of her enemies or agencies is quite another, and if found wanting, these individuals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.

Finally tonight, I have been called a “Maverick”, RINO, crackpot ... the list goes ever on, and rest assured these are the only ones I can mention in a public venue. (waits for audience laughter to die down) I have been playing my cards close to my chest, simply because I felt the only sure way to this position was so to speak, to hide my light under a bushel .

Let it be known and fully understood, that I AM the President of the United States Of America, and much like the oath I took as an officer in the greatest Navy in the world, ”To protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, against all enemies foreign and domestic.” ... is and always will be my top priority, and the greatest honor and privilege any man could ask for.

God Bless you all, and God Bless America.”

I almost fell out of my chair. It was stunning to hear such passion. To see the fire in his eyes. Was he a Churchillian Phoenix rising from the ashes of the Republican party? Was he showing the country and the world the “real John McCain”,the man his son's believed in and admired so?

I went to grab the morning paper, to see what the spin of the (now clearly disenchanted) print media would be, and then turn on the radio to hear what Limbaugh, Levin, or even Hannity might be saying.

But I guess I'll never know ... cause right about then was when I woke up.

Will We Have A McCain Mutiny?

Well it seems we have a Republican finalist in place. Arizona Senator, John McCain, locked the nomination by virtue of his walking away with Texas, Ohio, RI, and VT, in yesterdays primaries. As I have written in the past, the man gives me much cause for concern. His willingness to bend our first amendment rights in order to meet his needs/wants/desires, is by itself, reason enough to wonder about his political character. That he would, and has, side with leaders of the progressive movement in this country (otherwise known as the Democratic Party) if for no other apparent reason then to snub his own parties goals or agendas, comes across not as one who is a "maverick", but rather a petulant child who needs to be the center of attention ... and when not getting their way ... proceeds to curl up in a ball and turn blue.

Then there are the two things he has in common with the current holder of the office of Commander-in-Chief. The first, both seek to have our borders open to all able to walk across same. "Illegal Immigrant" is in not in either one's lexicon. That is going to cost us, and not just in dollars and cents. But in real human blood, sweat, and tears.

The second one, is their stance on the War on Terror. (This is kinda amazing to me, in that you would think a secure, non-porous border would be one of the top items on ones list of things to do, in order to effectively fight this foe, at least regarding being able to monitor the coming and goings of those who are of a questionable nature.) Both President Bush, and ostensively, Senator McCain, at the very least are aware of the potential price we pay if we chose to ignore the threat posed by "radical Islam". That neither seem to want to (or are able to) acknowledge Islam in and of itself IS the threat, and the more vocal/radical elements are nothing more then folks moving at a faster pace then the rest of the Muslim crowd, is perhaps a subject for another day. Still, they seem to have at least a basic grasp of the concept. We can't bargain with those who seek to kill us, and are less then honorable in their (history of) bargaining.

This last point is (if there is any politically speaking) McCain's saving grace.

But his successful run to the Oval Office will not be won on this alone. Both Democratic contenders are by all accounts going to give him quite a race, regardless who wins their party's nomination. He will have to do at least a couple of things (barring any major turns in the war). First, he needs to legitimately mend the fences he all but ran through the wood chipper, with conservatives. One way to start the mending would be to bring on board a strong conservative running mate for VP. Duncan Hunter would be my choice. He is a young, strong conservative from a state whose last major political voice (Pelosi, The Governator, and Boxer don't count) was none other then Ronald Regan. It might also be enough to swing that state in his column come the general election. (But my prognostication has been so poor, even I wonder about that ... still...) Then there is former Lt Governor of Maryland, Michael S. Steele, yet another strong conservative voice.

McCain has a long way to go to not only unify the GOP, but in winning the general election. Time will tell if he is honest enough with the conservative Republicans (and conservatives in general), to get them to turn out in large enough numbers come November.

I wonder if he will be honest enough with himself to be the kind of man his son sees him as.

“I think he is less [of a] maverick and more principled. He’s not going to pander and he’s not going to give in because it’s politically intelligent or just because it’s popular to go that way. Granted he is an elected official, and he is the voice of the people, but when it comes down to what he believes is best for the country, he does what he feels is right,” Midshipman Jack McCain, February 13, 2008

I have to admire both his sons. Both are in the millitary, by choice. Based on what I have read, they sound like solid centered individuals, who love their dad and are proud of him. It came across in the linked interview, and it did change my opinion of McCain just a bit. If those closest to him are as positive about him with out being *gushingly so*, then perhaps there is more to the man then what we have seen. And maybe this is what McCain needs to share with the rest of the country. Perhaps it is time to drop the "Maverick" and become instead, the principled senior statesman ready and willing to lead this country. If that means you have to secure the borders to defend against all enemies foreign and domestic, then so be it. If that means you have to repeal the BCRA (because our candidate is man enough to admit mistakes) because the Constitution, specifically the "Bill of Rights", is not to be trifled with. This would go a long way towards mending fences and establishing credibility with conservatives.

We shall see.