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You're Doing a Heck of a Job, Janet
Commented Dec 30, 2009 at 03:20:30 in Politics
“Right. In a mortal world, we have only people to rely on.
It would have been nice if the TSA had a formal director who might have built up a more effective team. Apparently, it is more important to keep the checkers subordinate than risk demands for career betterment or provide formal leadership.
Blaming Republicans is too easy, but they have chosen to obstruct the administration in every way while the more candid among them express the hope the administration must fail, America be damned. Janet Napolitano may have her deficiencies. We don't know. She has not been allowed to fully do her job.”
It would have been nice if the TSA had a formal director who might have built up a more effective team. Apparently, it is more important to keep the checkers subordinate than risk demands for career betterment or provide formal leadership.
Blaming Republicans is too easy, but they have chosen to obstruct the administration in every way while the more candid among them express the hope the administration must fail, America be damned. Janet Napolitano may have her deficiencies. We don't know. She has not been allowed to fully do her job.”
You're Doing a Heck of a Job, Janet
Commented Dec 30, 2009 at 03:08:23 in Politics
“In point of fact, nobody was so seriously injured as the bomber himself. The system through little credit of its own did simply "work."
What we expect, I really don't know. Should our planes take off as they did in Iraq, spiraling up or down to avoid stinger attacks? Must we abandon commercial aviation?
Perhaps, this is the case.
Islam is simply the most wide spread and popular of the world's religions. It includes not only herdsmen but university doctors and nuclear scientists. We can only discriminate against them to our own peril.
It is all very well to say we need more police and inspectors until these are a quarter of the world's population so each need worry only about 3 people each. The United States cannot supply such numbers by itself alone and will always be subject to the good will of others. The better idea is to co opt everybody and bring them into a self policing system.
I have no idea how this is to be done but "respect" is a start.”
What we expect, I really don't know. Should our planes take off as they did in Iraq, spiraling up or down to avoid stinger attacks? Must we abandon commercial aviation?
Perhaps, this is the case.
Islam is simply the most wide spread and popular of the world's religions. It includes not only herdsmen but university doctors and nuclear scientists. We can only discriminate against them to our own peril.
It is all very well to say we need more police and inspectors until these are a quarter of the world's population so each need worry only about 3 people each. The United States cannot supply such numbers by itself alone and will always be subject to the good will of others. The better idea is to co opt everybody and bring them into a self policing system.
I have no idea how this is to be done but "respect" is a start.”
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 29, 2009 at 04:27:01 in Home
“I truly agree with you, and I think it is tragic when bad things happen to good people. I did want to say, the Empire was not so great and Europe of the dark ages was a little like the later Rome.
Vast regions of the Empire became depopulated while taxes remained the same. As their crops were taxed away, the rural people were reduced to coming into the cities to beg for food. Cities were said to have suffered because they were assigned to collect the taxes across their area. Then with a return of order and some prosperity after the barbarian influx, cities were said to benefit because they secured a right to collect the taxes across their area.
History is just a branch of literature and not necessarily scientific in any way. I like it just the same.”
Vast regions of the Empire became depopulated while taxes remained the same. As their crops were taxed away, the rural people were reduced to coming into the cities to beg for food. Cities were said to have suffered because they were assigned to collect the taxes across their area. Then with a return of order and some prosperity after the barbarian influx, cities were said to benefit because they secured a right to collect the taxes across their area.
History is just a branch of literature and not necessarily scientific in any way. I like it just the same.”
THINKB4USPEAK replied on Dec 29, 2009 at 21:01:38
“Well, it isn't called "his story" for no reason... the winners write it.”
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 29, 2009 at 03:53:40 in Home
“People exaggerate the influence of religion on civil affairs. The relative ignorance of the church was the ignorance of the times. The elders being elderly in fact tend to be a generation behind and being sincere would uphold their youthful ideals. This is often more noble than the popular fervor. The Popes, for example, opposed witch hunts as these first appeared in the 16th century, then imposed witch hunts after the people grew disgusted with them.
Of course, the early Christian church burned the libraries of Alexandria and closed the public libraries of Rome for being centers of pagan learning. St Paul brags of a burning of books amounting to a considerable value. Octavian Augustus, who promoted the cult of Apollo in Rome, sent the poet Ovid into a lifetime exile.
Speaking of popular economic theories, Keynes says they are often 25 years behind the state of the art because political leaders picked them up in their youth perhaps a quarter of a century before. It's hard to always know what's right. I have tried and now, at last, I know nothing.”
Of course, the early Christian church burned the libraries of Alexandria and closed the public libraries of Rome for being centers of pagan learning. St Paul brags of a burning of books amounting to a considerable value. Octavian Augustus, who promoted the cult of Apollo in Rome, sent the poet Ovid into a lifetime exile.
Speaking of popular economic theories, Keynes says they are often 25 years behind the state of the art because political leaders picked them up in their youth perhaps a quarter of a century before. It's hard to always know what's right. I have tried and now, at last, I know nothing.”
RealTimeHistory replied on Dec 30, 2009 at 03:46:31
“"People exaggerate the influence of religion on civil affairs."
Nonsense! Throughout history, religious fanaticism, including that of the religious leadership, has caused more wars, death, destruction, and the spread of intolerance, pestilence, and injustice than any other causes combined! Religion has always controlled civil affairs, either directly, or through intimidation of the secular leaders .”
Nonsense! Throughout history, religious fanaticism, including that of the religious leadership, has caused more wars, death, destruction, and the spread of intolerance, pestilence, and injustice than any other causes combined! Religion has always controlled civil affairs, either directly, or through intimidation of the secular leaders .”
snoopjohnny replied on Dec 29, 2009 at 12:49:11
“"People exaggerate the influence of religion on civil affairs."
Bush certainly did. Unfortunately, he had the power (and support) to let his exaggerated beliefs influence the policies of a nation.”
Bush certainly did. Unfortunately, he had the power (and support) to let his exaggerated beliefs influence the policies of a nation.”
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 29, 2009 at 03:36:40 in Home
“Twenty years ago was 1989. Bush I was in the White House and the Savings and Loan debacle was peaking. It had be glossed over in '88 so as not to affect the election.
Presidential son Neil moved into the White House to avoid being harassed by Federal Marshalls for his part in the Silverado collapse.
Son John Evans got a sweetheart deal from the adjudicators who forgave him $2m of a $4m debt.
Son George had an investigation to his insider dealing squashed though the final report did say he was not exonerated.
Bush I pardoned members of the previous administration who might have testified whether he was in fact "in the loop" as that White House pursued an illegal foreign policy.
President Obama is clearly a terrible tyrant, a socialist, even a Nazi for wanting paid health care for more Americans, but you should not invite a comparison to a Republican if you want to make him look bad.”
Presidential son Neil moved into the White House to avoid being harassed by Federal Marshalls for his part in the Silverado collapse.
Son John Evans got a sweetheart deal from the adjudicators who forgave him $2m of a $4m debt.
Son George had an investigation to his insider dealing squashed though the final report did say he was not exonerated.
Bush I pardoned members of the previous administration who might have testified whether he was in fact "in the loop" as that White House pursued an illegal foreign policy.
President Obama is clearly a terrible tyrant, a socialist, even a Nazi for wanting paid health care for more Americans, but you should not invite a comparison to a Republican if you want to make him look bad.”
RealTimeHistory replied on Dec 30, 2009 at 04:49:15
“The majority of Americans have mandated that they WANT single-payer health care, at least before the lobbyists and their spin machines began their campaigns against it. Your comment betrays your lack of understanding of those terms. To refresh your memory:
Tyrant: An absolute ruler who governs without restrictions, who exercises power in a harsh, cruel and oppressive manner.
Socialism: various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production, distribution of goods, and the absence of private ownership.
Nazism: The ideology and practice of the Nazis, especially the policy of racist nationalism, national expansion, and state control of the economy.
Obama is definitely NOT an absolute ruler. He has deferred to the Congress in writing the Health Care Reform. His whole style of consensus building belies that absurd claim.
He has never nationalized the means of production: The government is only paying private industry for the goods and services that they offer.
A temporary partial ownership role is only protecting the interests of the taxpayers, whose money is being used to prevent a major disaster: The deal is for the government to sell that interest back as soon as a recovery is made BY THE COMPANIES. Bush & company just gave the money away, with no strings attached!
As for promoting a policy of racist nationalism, national expansion, and state control of the economy, you are practicing pure demagoguery in using emotionally charged words as scare tactics with no basis in truth.”
Tyrant: An absolute ruler who governs without restrictions, who exercises power in a harsh, cruel and oppressive manner.
Socialism: various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production, distribution of goods, and the absence of private ownership.
Nazism: The ideology and practice of the Nazis, especially the policy of racist nationalism, national expansion, and state control of the economy.
Obama is definitely NOT an absolute ruler. He has deferred to the Congress in writing the Health Care Reform. His whole style of consensus building belies that absurd claim.
He has never nationalized the means of production: The government is only paying private industry for the goods and services that they offer.
A temporary partial ownership role is only protecting the interests of the taxpayers, whose money is being used to prevent a major disaster: The deal is for the government to sell that interest back as soon as a recovery is made BY THE COMPANIES. Bush & company just gave the money away, with no strings attached!
As for promoting a policy of racist nationalism, national expansion, and state control of the economy, you are practicing pure demagoguery in using emotionally charged words as scare tactics with no basis in truth.”
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 28, 2009 at 22:38:16 in Home
“The actual fall of Rome seems related to a weather or climate crisis around the world in the 5th century. Crops failed, and people migrated. In North America the woodland tribes society crashed, and China was threatened by invasions that it pushed back and redirected into eastern Europe. It was a challenge that a stagnant Rome did not meet well.”
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 28, 2009 at 22:29:12 in Home
“The decline of Rome began with the assassination of Caesar and the establishment of the Principate. The civil wars didn't help. The Senate was not absolutely powerful but Caesar worked mainly through the Popular Assembly to push through his major reforms. The rot had to do with people who gathered the wealth of the state to themselves, maintained private armies, and replaced the villages and little farms of Italy with their Latifunda populated by slaves. The marble glories could not replace a healthy middle class or endure forever without it.
Differentiation is a basic principle of evolution and it happens in human societies; that is, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This isn't good for either.”
Differentiation is a basic principle of evolution and it happens in human societies; that is, the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. This isn't good for either.”
snoopjohnny replied on Dec 29, 2009 at 00:32:52
“Good post....an
THINKB4USPEAK replied on Dec 28, 2009 at 22:55:12
“I'm beginning to admire your grasp of history there, Bill.The factors of which I speak refer to the weakening of the empire so the visigoths may mount a successful invasion.D
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 28, 2009 at 22:10:24 in Home
“It's wrong to blame Ronald Reagan for his administration. He was always a front man, and at his first National Security meeting, he asked, what do you want me to do? Yet, what Bush was was merely a logical culmination of what Reagan began.
Reagan pandered to business and let subordinates run amok. Nicaragua was a specific example of America condoning torture and murder under Reagan. The School of the Americas was so involved that it actually came in for public criticism -- a surprising turn for a security institution.
Tip ONeil did make some desultory objections to the rape and murder of American nuns doing charitable work in El Salvador but, basically, Reagan's offenses were bipartisan and got a wink and a nod from the American electorate. Bush was a boy scout, a veritable naif, who merely brought the Reagan team back. Cheney is but a blustering ... hard core Republican.”
Reagan pandered to business and let subordinates run amok. Nicaragua was a specific example of America condoning torture and murder under Reagan. The School of the Americas was so involved that it actually came in for public criticism -- a surprising turn for a security institution.
Tip ONeil did make some desultory objections to the rape and murder of American nuns doing charitable work in El Salvador but, basically, Reagan's offenses were bipartisan and got a wink and a nod from the American electorate. Bush was a boy scout, a veritable naif, who merely brought the Reagan team back. Cheney is but a blustering ... hard core Republican.”
2009: The Things I Want to Forget
Commented Dec 28, 2009 at 21:52:33 in Home
“How are we to regard Sarah Palin, Michele Bachman, Glenn Beck, and Sean Hannity knowing they are silly fools at the same time they are heroes to millions of Americans? What should we think of people closer to our own prejudices who want everything right now and are even offended to think the trip starts with a single step so they turn on their allies and seem to want Bush back.
I don't mind funny stuff like the boy in a balloon. Not every moment of our lives is about the destiny of nations and moral absolutes. I even pity his parents who got sat on for what amounts to a harmless practical joke. Once the authorities decided they weren't going to shoot down the balloon, they could have let the thousand reporters run after it instead of blowing a small fortune to do so themselves.”
I don't mind funny stuff like the boy in a balloon. Not every moment of our lives is about the destiny of nations and moral absolutes. I even pity his parents who got sat on for what amounts to a harmless practical joke. Once the authorities decided they weren't going to shoot down the balloon, they could have let the thousand reporters run after it instead of blowing a small fortune to do so themselves.”
JanP replied on Dec 29, 2009 at 10:30:39
“Bill:
How are they silly fools?
Glenn Beck, for instance, only got Van Jones and Dunn to resign by showing their speeches.
Do you want Dunn in an important office when she considers mao - murderer of about 50 million people - one of her favorite phiosophers?”
How are they silly fools?
Glenn Beck, for instance, only got Van Jones and Dunn to resign by showing their speeches.
Do you want Dunn in an important office when she considers mao - murderer of about 50 million people - one of her favorite phiosophers?”
Jeffrey Betsch replied on Dec 29, 2009 at 01:47:02
“Bill, to think that we want Bush back is absurd. what we want back is our nation to stand upon its FOUNDING principles. Bush started us down this road, but remember that Obama and Clinton (hillary) and all the other idiots in Washington HAD to approve and pass through all the moronic legislation he signed first.
Beck is not Hannity thank GOD. They actually disagree a great deal. Where Hannity is all about the damn party, Beck and a few million others are more concerned about the direction and socialization of this country.
I dare you to tell me that this is the exact same country it was even 20 years ago. There is some thing going on in Washington, and it stinks to high heaven.
Jefferson said it best in the Declaration of Independen
It is time for change... Just not he change you were sold on, and not the kind of change I would have ever thought would happen in my life. Just remember, the government is here to serve US not US to serve IT. The government should fear the people, not the people fearing the government.”
Beck is not Hannity thank GOD. They actually disagree a great deal. Where Hannity is all about the damn party, Beck and a few million others are more concerned about the direction and socialization of this country.
I dare you to tell me that this is the exact same country it was even 20 years ago. There is some thing going on in Washington, and it stinks to high heaven.
Jefferson said it best in the Declaration of Independen
It is time for change... Just not he change you were sold on, and not the kind of change I would have ever thought would happen in my life. Just remember, the government is here to serve US not US to serve IT. The government should fear the people, not the people fearing the government.”
60+ House Democrats Say "Any" Health Bill With No Public Option Is "Unacceptable"
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 18:22:10 in Politics
“Notice the conflict in the comments. Petroclus, writing from a practical experience, says doctors have the option of refusing patients. Tbone says doctors are the willows in the wind and about to bend to insurance providers. I say we are in a transition. There are still private practitioners who choose who to serve. These would be those selecting out the rainy day millionaires. There is supposedly a shortage of doctors -- and such is the deliberate design of medical education -- that will leave doctors with choices
However, there are also paramedics, nurses, pharmacists, interns and aides. People who can't afford doctor attended care will ever more enter an unregulated market or treat themselves. Petrocus provides two points: 1) the best care is not available to all as of right now and 2) people use what remains.
Basically, the absurdity of our situation leaves me to think medical care is another of those "bubble" features of our society. Now, the administration is promoting its own kind of reform, and this is just the pressure acting on an increasingly intolerable bubble. When it bursts, the service will suffer a collapse and oscillate through cost swings before finding its FAIR level.”
However, there are also paramedics, nurses, pharmacists, interns and aides. People who can't afford doctor attended care will ever more enter an unregulated market or treat themselves. Petrocus provides two points: 1) the best care is not available to all as of right now and 2) people use what remains.
Basically, the absurdity of our situation leaves me to think medical care is another of those "bubble" features of our society. Now, the administration is promoting its own kind of reform, and this is just the pressure acting on an increasingly intolerable bubble. When it bursts, the service will suffer a collapse and oscillate through cost swings before finding its FAIR level.”
60+ House Democrats Say "Any" Health Bill With No Public Option Is "Unacceptable"
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 04:09:59 in Politics
“Two of the most corrupt nations on the earth are Afghanistan and Iraq. When you need people ready to pal with an occupation, you have to settle for crooks. Third world corruption has a lot to do with first world exploitation. Mexican corruption is born in the USA.
Sure, there are violence and corruption in the third world. It is just something we shouldn't be too smug about.”
Sure, there are violence and corruption in the third world. It is just something we shouldn't be too smug about.”
60+ House Democrats Say "Any" Health Bill With No Public Option Is "Unacceptable"
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 03:59:14 in Politics
“Things change.
We are told Doctors will refuse Medicare and Medicaid if their rates are cut -- right. Doctors will only treat people who have a million dollar rainy day fund. And they will work part time at the burger place after they have burned that money and turned their patients away.
I don't think so. We have so many doctors and so much call on their skills. Pay them less and they will have to work for less. Not as if the doctors were the problem but the principle pertains to every cost item. Pharma, for example, would not like to have to compete in strictly the foreign market with Indian drugs. Even now, different companies suggest they will make accommodations for people who can't afford full price. This is because many seniors are skipping their full dosages.
Push expensive medicine to its utmost limits, and you will find the limits pushing back.”
We are told Doctors will refuse Medicare and Medicaid if their rates are cut -- right. Doctors will only treat people who have a million dollar rainy day fund. And they will work part time at the burger place after they have burned that money and turned their patients away.
I don't think so. We have so many doctors and so much call on their skills. Pay them less and they will have to work for less. Not as if the doctors were the problem but the principle pertains to every cost item. Pharma, for example, would not like to have to compete in strictly the foreign market with Indian drugs. Even now, different companies suggest they will make accommodations for people who can't afford full price. This is because many seniors are skipping their full dosages.
Push expensive medicine to its utmost limits, and you will find the limits pushing back.”
tbone99 replied on Dec 27, 2009 at 11:24:13
“Medicare cuts wll be nothing compared to what doctors will see when insurers take over healthcare with their mandated billions and unprecedented power.Doct
Insurers will have so much leverage they will dictate staffing in hospitals as well as anything else hospitals provide , like worker benefits and patient food and drugs,-all to get the lowest prices they can per patient .
Remember how they would not pay for more than a 24 hour stay for new moms and babies a few years ago.? Expect more of the same.. Hospitals , clinics and doctors that won't do their bidding will be forced to close... rural and poor areas will be denied any healthcare institutio
Insurers will have so much leverage they will dictate staffing in hospitals as well as anything else hospitals provide , like worker benefits and patient food and drugs,-all to get the lowest prices they can per patient .
Remember how they would not pay for more than a 24 hour stay for new moms and babies a few years ago.? Expect more of the same.. Hospitals , clinics and doctors that won't do their bidding will be forced to close... rural and poor areas will be denied any healthcare institutio
Patroclus replied on Dec 27, 2009 at 04:18:07
“Sorry, you are wrong on the docs, at least. My mother was on Medicare and lived in Denver where most docs decided to refuse Medicare patients - that was around 1999. She had to change from doctors she had for many years to doctors of clearly less quality who accepted Medicare payments to have patients. She died about a year after, due, IMHO, to incompetent care. It was a measure of the ethics of her doctors that they could, without batting an eye, turn her out into the medical "streets."”
60+ House Democrats Say "Any" Health Bill With No Public Option Is "Unacceptable"
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 03:50:02 in Politics
“As a general thing, the return on a campaign contribution seems closer to 2000x. Long after McDonalds started paying more than the minimum wage, Republicans continued to fight for a sub minimum wage for younger workers, remembering Ray Kroc's heavy contribution to the Nixon campaign. In Angola, UNITAS transferred its money subsidy to a Republican public relations outfit while keeping the guns. They continued to have Republican support well into the administration of the first Bush and until their leader was assassinated.
TARP is only a recent fiasco in a long history. Actually, the return seems to be getting more lucrative -- trillions in return for millions.”
TARP is only a recent fiasco in a long history. Actually, the return seems to be getting more lucrative -- trillions in return for millions.”
60+ House Democrats Say "Any" Health Bill With No Public Option Is "Unacceptable"
Commented Dec 27, 2009 at 03:35:40 in Politics
“Effective campaign finance reform will either wait on a Supreme Court with a Democratic majority or require a Constitutional amendment.
Once again, I would like to remind you that many Americans are injured and even killed in falls. The simple solution is to amend the Law of Gravity so that all landings are soft ones. Surely a nation that put men on the moon can amend a little law. What prevents us is the oil companies -- that make money by burning petroleum to keep planes in the air -- and their corrupt friends in Washington.”
Once again, I would like to remind you that many Americans are injured and even killed in falls. The simple solution is to amend the Law of Gravity so that all landings are soft ones. Surely a nation that put men on the moon can amend a little law. What prevents us is the oil companies -- that make money by burning petroleum to keep planes in the air -- and their corrupt friends in Washington.”
Upholding the Constitution
Commented Dec 26, 2009 at 18:59:49 in Politics
“Asking for practical instances to support an argument is reasonable. Nagasaki and Hiroshima were nuked by what is arguably a Christian nation: Legally, of course, we are entirely secular in our covering laws but many who claim to prefer we did everything in Jesus' way also approve of our nuclear policies. So, this is a bit of a straw man even if with a heart of stone.
In plain fact, there is a general migration among labor. Red Adair, celebrated for his ability with oil well fires, would be one American who travels beyond our borders to find the "better life." It is dangerous work and will have taken the life of some in his American crews. I admit I'm not trying very hard, just pointing out. The UN will have conducted real studies.
The facts will fall out this way: Workers who migrate may do so from sound judgement, and one hardly thinks of them as wretched losers in the lottery of life, Those who fit the stereotype may do so from being cheated and oppressed while at work among us -- unhappy models from either side of the argument.”
In plain fact, there is a general migration among labor. Red Adair, celebrated for his ability with oil well fires, would be one American who travels beyond our borders to find the "better life." It is dangerous work and will have taken the life of some in his American crews. I admit I'm not trying very hard, just pointing out. The UN will have conducted real studies.
The facts will fall out this way: Workers who migrate may do so from sound judgement, and one hardly thinks of them as wretched losers in the lottery of life, Those who fit the stereotype may do so from being cheated and oppressed while at work among us -- unhappy models from either side of the argument.”
Upholding the Constitution
Commented Dec 26, 2009 at 18:40:42 in Politics
“If this is the law, as a nation of law we would have no choice.
As a famous liberal jurist once observed, the Constitution was not a suicide pact.
The law serves society, and it works as those within the system make it work. One certainly hopes the law can be observed even as it defends all of our lawful rights. At the last, we can suppose it is a serviceable system since it is the bedrock our nation is founded upon.”
As a famous liberal jurist once observed, the Constitution was not a suicide pact.
The law serves society, and it works as those within the system make it work. One certainly hopes the law can be observed even as it defends all of our lawful rights. At the last, we can suppose it is a serviceable system since it is the bedrock our nation is founded upon.”
Upholding the Constitution
Commented Dec 26, 2009 at 18:29:29 in Politics
“The more precise thing is that our nation WAS rife with founding father corruption though whether it was corruption to speculate in western lands or Continental debt or exploit insider information when none of this was illegal is corrupt might be open to question. Suffice to say, such founding fathers as Washington and Hancock were among the country's richest men -- based in slavery and the trade in slaves among other things. None of this was illegal at the time, and that was one of the things their government assured.
It is wrong to deify the founding fathers though those without any comprehension of history might avoid worse mistakes by doing so. It is worse to cite the founding fathers to close out a reasonable debate with false attributions to those "gods." The worst thing might be to have neither principles nor heroes as the founding fathers were heroic enough and suited to their times.
We can still look for more heroes from that tumultuous time. Daniel Shay, Thomas Paine and Aaron Burr were founding fathers too in their own tragic ways.”
It is wrong to deify the founding fathers though those without any comprehension of history might avoid worse mistakes by doing so. It is worse to cite the founding fathers to close out a reasonable debate with false attributions to those "gods." The worst thing might be to have neither principles nor heroes as the founding fathers were heroic enough and suited to their times.
We can still look for more heroes from that tumultuous time. Daniel Shay, Thomas Paine and Aaron Burr were founding fathers too in their own tragic ways.”
Women on the Verge
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 07:05:28 in Politics
“1) Wikipedia has prudent editing standards. You can write whatever you wish -- just like here. And if you don't qualify, you get lost -- just like here.
2) Eugenics was largely adopted by the right wing as a method to prevent inferior types (like Italians and Irish) from polluting our native bloodlines. Still, as WC Fields so nicely observed, "Anybody who hates children can't be all bad."”
2) Eugenics was largely adopted by the right wing as a method to prevent inferior types (like Italians and Irish) from polluting our native bloodlines. Still, as WC Fields so nicely observed, "Anybody who hates children can't be all bad."”
Women on the Verge
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 06:51:11 in Politics
“What is needed is an inexpensive and freely available abortifacient drug.
While this should ideally be administered under medical supervision, the need of medical supervision would be obvious after the fact but not the same thing as giving an abortion. There are herbs, vitamins and chemicals that function as abortifacients and medically knowledgeable people can probably prepare them outside of the medical profession.
This may seem distasteful, but women not choosing to carry a baby to term have resorted to desperate expedients. There is a vast mythology over this field, but suicidal procedures have been practiced. It was because such abortions were a veritable plague among American women that the Supreme Court decided Roe as it did. Say, we got serious, and published best methods -- the internet must be worth something -- the whole issue of abortions must pass out of the possibility of legal restriction.
Frankly, in view of this, I don't feel the movement in support of choice is about abortions as such, but it is about dignifying the choice to have an abortion. This is not the same thing as picking a pointless fight, but it is close.”
While this should ideally be administered under medical supervision, the need of medical supervision would be obvious after the fact but not the same thing as giving an abortion. There are herbs, vitamins and chemicals that function as abortifacients and medically knowledgeable people can probably prepare them outside of the medical profession.
This may seem distasteful, but women not choosing to carry a baby to term have resorted to desperate expedients. There is a vast mythology over this field, but suicidal procedures have been practiced. It was because such abortions were a veritable plague among American women that the Supreme Court decided Roe as it did. Say, we got serious, and published best methods -- the internet must be worth something -- the whole issue of abortions must pass out of the possibility of legal restriction.
Frankly, in view of this, I don't feel the movement in support of choice is about abortions as such, but it is about dignifying the choice to have an abortion. This is not the same thing as picking a pointless fight, but it is close.”
Rising Autism Numbers -- Leading Federal Official Says "No Question" That Environmental Exposures Are A Factor
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 05:14:43 in Living
“Gluten allergies are not Darwinian, they seem grossly unnatural. Rather than avoiding gluten -- and all those other avoidances -- we must research the problem and find a real cure. Temporarily, avoidance must be the only choice, but this can't go on. We don't want a nation that can be killed off by a fried fish. After all, could Jesus have fed the multitude without breading?
The solution might be in the gut. We know the gut works mostly by the action of symbiotic bacteria which sugars tend to kill. What are its exact workings and what can be done about it?”
The solution might be in the gut. We know the gut works mostly by the action of symbiotic bacteria which sugars tend to kill. What are its exact workings and what can be done about it?”
Rising Autism Numbers -- Leading Federal Official Says "No Question" That Environmental Exposures Are A Factor
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 05:06:13 in Living
“Some argue that there are special classes for somewhat autistic kids and parents exaggerate to get the special treatment for their own. If you make it worth their while, a huge number might respond to this kind of thing.
Vaccinations are one of the most efficient methods of fighting disease. Now, not everybody must be vaccinated for the best effect. It should be enough to break the connection of successive infections. This would be a delicate decision and the justice is not clear.
Isjois has to be right that more "transparency" and more information is a good thing. However, when you offer choices, there tends to be a division more around 50%. People may not understand or they may understand but don't realize the choice is not that good. 50% is not clearly enough.”
Vaccinations are one of the most efficient methods of fighting disease. Now, not everybody must be vaccinated for the best effect. It should be enough to break the connection of successive infections. This would be a delicate decision and the justice is not clear.
Isjois has to be right that more "transparency" and more information is a good thing. However, when you offer choices, there tends to be a division more around 50%. People may not understand or they may understand but don't realize the choice is not that good. 50% is not clearly enough.”
cookie000 replied on Dec 29, 2009 at 11:32:08
“Surely you jest. Parents fighting to put their smart kids into the remedial class? The govt happily spends billions more on equipment and therapists for kids with no problems?”
The Senate Health Care Bill: Leave No Special Interest Behind
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 02:41:23 in Politics
“Nader earned our respect and formed a considerable team.
Then, he screwed up and ran as an independent when, as Joe Lieberman has demonstrated, the people of Connecticut like mavericks.
Nader could have been a voice of integrity within the Democratic party. Instead, he does campaigns of "education," and the lesson is "Don't vote for Nader!" You elect Republicans by doing so and wake up with a conservative Supreme Court to make sure you never win.”
Then, he screwed up and ran as an independent when, as Joe Lieberman has demonstrated, the people of Connecticut like mavericks.
Nader could have been a voice of integrity within the Democratic party. Instead, he does campaigns of "education," and the lesson is "Don't vote for Nader!" You elect Republicans by doing so and wake up with a conservative Supreme Court to make sure you never win.”
The Senate Health Care Bill: Leave No Special Interest Behind
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 02:25:26 in Politics
“Term limits mostly appeal to candidates trying to replace an incumbent. They reduce the power and authority of the office that they affect. So, Eisenhower was treated with some disdain by Senate leader LBJ until Eisenhower felt obliged to start vetoing legislation and remind LBJ that Eisenhower was still President. The next double termer was Nixon, and, as we know, he was actually impeached and driven from office.
We'll pass lightly over Reagan except to note that in his second term, the Congress purged the White House and imposed Howard Baker as a powerful chief of staff. Clinton was impeached in his second term but clung to the office. If he could have run for a third term, he would probably be President now.
Even George Bush found it expedient to purge Rumsfeld and Rove from his administration in the second term. Well .. Good riddance, but if Bush had been a wise choice in the first place, such a loss of respect and authority would have been a bad thing.
Already, public office is but the antechamber to a career in business, resumes presented as they gather funds for the primaries and first run. We need career politicians who dare ruffle the feathers of the established interests from time to (rare) time. This is quite aside from the way they may develop real expertise in their fields of interest.”
We'll pass lightly over Reagan except to note that in his second term, the Congress purged the White House and imposed Howard Baker as a powerful chief of staff. Clinton was impeached in his second term but clung to the office. If he could have run for a third term, he would probably be President now.
Even George Bush found it expedient to purge Rumsfeld and Rove from his administration in the second term. Well .. Good riddance, but if Bush had been a wise choice in the first place, such a loss of respect and authority would have been a bad thing.
Already, public office is but the antechamber to a career in business, resumes presented as they gather funds for the primaries and first run. We need career politicians who dare ruffle the feathers of the established interests from time to (rare) time. This is quite aside from the way they may develop real expertise in their fields of interest.”
The Senate Health Care Bill: Leave No Special Interest Behind
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 02:01:12 in Politics
“And, witty. I concede that he is witty as well as polite.”
The Senate Health Care Bill: Leave No Special Interest Behind
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 01:58:41 in Politics
“The Arizona bird dog demonstrates an almost polite version of the opposition this mild reform has provoked. The President's wisdom in pleading for SOMETHING and accepting so much compromise is now established.
The opposition is guilty of projecting its own faults upon the champions of reform. It has lied about "death panels" (also an example of projection) and abortion and offered up repulsive amendments such as the provision that immigrants could not buy into insurance promoted by the Feds. While they mean to leave health care in the kindly hands of for-profit insurance, they argue that reform puts health care into the kindly hands of the insurance companies. They offered a thousand pages of amendments and said the thousand page bill was too long and complex to follow.
Why does anybody give them any credence. It Republicans wanted reform, they controlled Congress and the Executive and still control the courts. They could have had it. The status quo is their work.”
The opposition is guilty of projecting its own faults upon the champions of reform. It has lied about "death panels" (also an example of projection) and abortion and offered up repulsive amendments such as the provision that immigrants could not buy into insurance promoted by the Feds. While they mean to leave health care in the kindly hands of for-profit insurance, they argue that reform puts health care into the kindly hands of the insurance companies. They offered a thousand pages of amendments and said the thousand page bill was too long and complex to follow.
Why does anybody give them any credence. It Republicans wanted reform, they controlled Congress and the Executive and still control the courts. They could have had it. The status quo is their work.”
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