Not that this would be a surprise to anyone.
Weigel nails it:
In “Not Eye to Eye: Wholly Different Angles on the World,” a front-page “Outlook” piece on March 30, Winters claimed that, during his forthcoming visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI will “show how much his worldview differs from President Bush’s when he denounces the continuing U.S. occupation of Iraq before the U.N. General Assembly — a denunciation that’s expected to be especially harsh after the recent martyrdom of a Chaldean Catholic archbishop killed by insurgents in Mosul.” In that one sentence, Winters managed to commit several of the capital sins of Vaticanology: He confused the views of low-ranking bureaucrats with the thinking of senior Vatican officials, the pope’s own thinking, and the official position of the Holy See; he assumed that the pope comes into international forums like the U.N. as a policy proponent rather than as a voice of moral reason; and, perhaps worst of all, he somehow imagined the Benedict XVI would cheapen the sacrifice of the slain Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho by using the Chaldean prelate’s death as a way to score a political point.
It is prudent to listen to what the Pope actually says, rather than to what the WaPo TELLS you he will say.
HT: The Hatted One
Monday, March 31, 2008
Obamamamama: Babies are "Punishment"
When he's not reading a Teleprompter, Obamamamama says what he really thinks.
...it was not unusual to see a woman stand near the end of Barack Obama’s town hall meeting in Johnstown, Penn., and offer a hurried, passionate plea for him to “stop these abortions.”
…The exchange appeared to be prompted by Obama’s earlier comments that he does not favor abstinence-only education, but rather comprehensive sexual education that includes information on abstinence and birth control.
“Look, I got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old,” he said. “I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. I don’t want them punished with an STD at age 16, so it doesn’t make sense to not give them information.”
Easily the most grotesque remark made by this character yet.
HT: Malkin
...it was not unusual to see a woman stand near the end of Barack Obama’s town hall meeting in Johnstown, Penn., and offer a hurried, passionate plea for him to “stop these abortions.”
…The exchange appeared to be prompted by Obama’s earlier comments that he does not favor abstinence-only education, but rather comprehensive sexual education that includes information on abstinence and birth control.
“Look, I got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old,” he said. “I am going to teach them first about values and morals, but if they make a mistake, I don’t want them punished with a baby. I don’t want them punished with an STD at age 16, so it doesn’t make sense to not give them information.”
Easily the most grotesque remark made by this character yet.
HT: Malkin
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Hegarty: City Discriminated Against Her
Channel 4 has the story:
Melanie Stout has learned that former Chief Nannette Hegerty has filed a gender discrimination claim against the city.
Hegerty was Milwaukee's first female police chief. Her lawyer says Hegerty is asking the state's Equal Rights Division to look at her case to see if the city owes her money.
When Nan Hegerty left office late last year, she was making $132,000 a year.
When Milwaukee hired Edward Flynn as police chief the city specifically raised his salary to $143,000. But that's not the only reason Hegerty is claiming gender discrimination.
Her lawyer, John Fuchs, also suggests she was initially making less money than her predecessor Art Jones.
If she wins Fuchs says the city owes Hegerty less than 20 grand. But the bigger issue for Hegerty is her pension. A higher salary would give her more retirement money.
City Attorney Grant Langley says the city has yet to respond to Hegerty's claim but is working on a response right now. Hegerty filed the claim about two weeks ago.
Melanie Stout has learned that former Chief Nannette Hegerty has filed a gender discrimination claim against the city.
Hegerty was Milwaukee's first female police chief. Her lawyer says Hegerty is asking the state's Equal Rights Division to look at her case to see if the city owes her money.
When Nan Hegerty left office late last year, she was making $132,000 a year.
When Milwaukee hired Edward Flynn as police chief the city specifically raised his salary to $143,000. But that's not the only reason Hegerty is claiming gender discrimination.
Her lawyer, John Fuchs, also suggests she was initially making less money than her predecessor Art Jones.
If she wins Fuchs says the city owes Hegerty less than 20 grand. But the bigger issue for Hegerty is her pension. A higher salary would give her more retirement money.
City Attorney Grant Langley says the city has yet to respond to Hegerty's claim but is working on a response right now. Hegerty filed the claim about two weeks ago.
In other words, Nancy wasn't very sharp.
She took the Chief job for less than Artie was making. Whose "fault" is that?
Then the City had to cough up a few more shekels to hire the most qualified applicant following Nancy.
Whose "fault" is that?
To repeat: Nancy wasn't very sharp.
Friday, March 28, 2008
ANOTHER Complaint Filed on Butler
Seems like Loophole Louie is a complaint-magnet.
Today Wisconsin Family Action filed a formal request for investigation with the Wisconsin
Judicial Commission charging that Justice Louis Butler has misled Wisconsin citizens and impaired his ability to render fair and impartial decisions in cases affecting so-called “gay rights” and marriage.
The request documents that Justice Butler, after having said he would not take money from parties to cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, did just that. Justice Butler took money from two board members of the pro-homosexual, pro-same-sex marriage organization Fair Wisconsin (formerly Action Wisconsin) while the high court is considering a case involving the group. Additionally, the request shows his interaction with prohomosexual organizations and their efforts on his behalf.
“Right now we are tracking several cases related to our pro-family, pro-traditional marriage position. Two of those cases are already before the Supreme Court. The other, a direct challenge to the constitutionality of the marriage amendment, will likely land there. We are very concerned about Justice Butler’s ability to rule on these cases—and any others of a similar nature—in a fair and impartial way. We believe his actions warrant a formal complaint,” concluded Appling.
I'll let Jay do the research as to whether they are Friebert, Finerty cases...
Today Wisconsin Family Action filed a formal request for investigation with the Wisconsin
Judicial Commission charging that Justice Louis Butler has misled Wisconsin citizens and impaired his ability to render fair and impartial decisions in cases affecting so-called “gay rights” and marriage.
The request documents that Justice Butler, after having said he would not take money from parties to cases before the Wisconsin Supreme Court, did just that. Justice Butler took money from two board members of the pro-homosexual, pro-same-sex marriage organization Fair Wisconsin (formerly Action Wisconsin) while the high court is considering a case involving the group. Additionally, the request shows his interaction with prohomosexual organizations and their efforts on his behalf.
“Right now we are tracking several cases related to our pro-family, pro-traditional marriage position. Two of those cases are already before the Supreme Court. The other, a direct challenge to the constitutionality of the marriage amendment, will likely land there. We are very concerned about Justice Butler’s ability to rule on these cases—and any others of a similar nature—in a fair and impartial way. We believe his actions warrant a formal complaint,” concluded Appling.
I'll let Jay do the research as to whether they are Friebert, Finerty cases...
Butler: 60% Pro-Criminal, Three Times More than Conservatives
There's a lot of foofoodust that the ButlerBoyzzz are blowing around the internet (and the airwaves.) But after quite a bit of work, Ms. McBride comes up with the goods, and even made a graph!!
Jessica explains at length her methodology. It was reviewed by Esenberg, a genuine lawyer, and found to be sound.
N.B.: There are sometimes very good reasons to rule in favor of a criminal. But if one is a "conservative," you can look to the Wilcox/Roggensack numbers to get an idea of how many times that should be done.
Thanks for the work, Jess!!
Hungry?
Don't eat, anyway.
The Preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers rose 2.0% in March from February.
That's 24%/year, folks!
It's going to get worse:
Prices paid by farmers for the means of production rose 1.7% from February and is now 11% higher than a year ago.
How'dya like that ethanol NOW, sucker?
Source: Dismal Scientist newsletter
The Preliminary All Farm Products Index of Prices Received by Farmers rose 2.0% in March from February.
That's 24%/year, folks!
It's going to get worse:
Prices paid by farmers for the means of production rose 1.7% from February and is now 11% higher than a year ago.
How'dya like that ethanol NOW, sucker?
Source: Dismal Scientist newsletter
Exegesis
Here's an interesting historico-critical method observation:
Little known Biblical Fact: If killing the First Born didn't work, God would have made the Egyptians break into small groups and share.
HT: Orthometer
Little known Biblical Fact: If killing the First Born didn't work, God would have made the Egyptians break into small groups and share.
HT: Orthometer
Challenging "Democracy"
G K Chesterton was not afraid to call out the zeitgeist.
CRUELTY to animals is cruelty and a vile thing; but cruelty to a man is not cruelty; it is treason. Tyranny over a man is not tyranny: it is rebellion, for man is royal.
Now, the practical weakness of the vast mass of modern pity for the poor and the oppressed is precisely that it is merely pity; the pity is pitiful, but not respectful.
Men feel that the cruelty to the poor is a kind of cruelty to animals. They never feel that it is injustice to equals; nay, it is treachery to comrades. This dark, scientific pity, this brutal pity, has an elemental sincerity of its own, but it is entirely useless for all ends of social reform.
Democracy swept Europe with the sabre when it was founded upon the Rights of Man. It has done literally nothing at all since it has been founded only upon the wrongs of man. Or, more strictly speaking, its recent failure has been due to its not admitting the existence of any rights or wrongs, or indeed of any humanity.
Evolution (the sinister enemy of revolution) does not especially deny the existence of God: what it does deny is the existence of man. And all the despair about the poor, and the cold and repugnant pity for them, has been largely due to the vague sense that they have literally relapsed into the state of the lower animals.
So much for the economic Libertarians and their Modern Project friends, the practical atheists.
HT: VeniSancte
CRUELTY to animals is cruelty and a vile thing; but cruelty to a man is not cruelty; it is treason. Tyranny over a man is not tyranny: it is rebellion, for man is royal.
Now, the practical weakness of the vast mass of modern pity for the poor and the oppressed is precisely that it is merely pity; the pity is pitiful, but not respectful.
Men feel that the cruelty to the poor is a kind of cruelty to animals. They never feel that it is injustice to equals; nay, it is treachery to comrades. This dark, scientific pity, this brutal pity, has an elemental sincerity of its own, but it is entirely useless for all ends of social reform.
Democracy swept Europe with the sabre when it was founded upon the Rights of Man. It has done literally nothing at all since it has been founded only upon the wrongs of man. Or, more strictly speaking, its recent failure has been due to its not admitting the existence of any rights or wrongs, or indeed of any humanity.
Evolution (the sinister enemy of revolution) does not especially deny the existence of God: what it does deny is the existence of man. And all the despair about the poor, and the cold and repugnant pity for them, has been largely due to the vague sense that they have literally relapsed into the state of the lower animals.
So much for the economic Libertarians and their Modern Project friends, the practical atheists.
HT: VeniSancte
Let's Make Her an Honorary Citizen of the USA!
Forwarded to me by email. Sadly, Snopes tells us that this is a fable.
BUT--it's an enjoyable fable, so I'll leave it up. Enjoy, but don't believe.
Gun-toting granny Ava Estelle, 81, was so ticked-off when two thugs raped her 18-year-old granddaughter that she tracked the unsuspecting ex-cons down and shot off their testicles.
The old lady spent a week hunting those men down and, when she found them, she took revenge on them in her own special way, saidMelbourne police investigator Evan Delp.
Then she took a taxi to the nearest police station, laid the gun on the sergeant's desk and told him as calm as could be:'Those bastards will never rape anybody again, by God.'
Cops say convicted rapist and robberDavis Furth , 33, lost both his penis and his testicles
when outraged Ava opened fire with a 9-mm pistol in the hotel room where he and former prison cell mate Stanley Thomas, 29, were holed up.
The wrinkled avenger also blew Thomas' testicles to kingdom come, but doctors managed to save his mangled penis, police said.
'The one guy, Thomas, didn't lose his manhood, 'but the doctor I talked to said he won't be using it the way he used to,' Detective Delp told reporters. 'Both men are still in pretty bad shape,
'but I think they're just happy to be alive after what they've been through.'
The Rambo Granny swung into action August 21 after her granddaughter Debbie was carjacked and raped in broad daylight by two knife-wielding creeps in a section of town bordering on skid row.
'When I saw the look on my Debbie's face that night in the hospital, 'I decided I was going to go out and get those bastards myself ''cause I figured the Law would go easy on them,' recalled the retired library worker. 'And I wasn't scared of them, either because I've got me a gun and I've been shootin' all my life. 'And I wasn't dumb enough to turn it in when the law changed about owning one.'
So, using a police artist's sketch of the suspects and Debbie's description of the sickos, tough-as-nails Ava spent seven days prowling the wino-infested neighborhood where the crime took place
till she spotted the ill-fated rapists entering their flophouse hotel.
'I knew it was them the minute I saw 'em, but I shot a picture of 'em anyway 'and took it back to Debbie and she said sure as hell, it was them,' the oldster recalled. 'So I went back to that hotel and found their room and knocked on the door, 'and the minute the big one opened the door, I shot 'em right square between the legs, 'right where it would really hurt 'em most, you know.
'Then I went in and shot the other one 'as he backed up pleading to me to spare him.
'Then I went down to the police station and turned myself in.'
Now, baffled lawmen are trying to figure out exactly how to deal with the vigilante granny.
'What she did was wrong, and she broke the law, but it is difficult to throw an 81-year-old woman in prison,' Det. Delp said, 'especially when 3 million people in the city want to nominate her for Mayor.'
Damn good shot, too!
BUT--it's an enjoyable fable, so I'll leave it up. Enjoy, but don't believe.
Gun-toting granny Ava Estelle, 81, was so ticked-off when two thugs raped her 18-year-old granddaughter that she tracked the unsuspecting ex-cons down and shot off their testicles.
The old lady spent a week hunting those men down and, when she found them, she took revenge on them in her own special way, saidMelbourne police investigator Evan Delp.
Then she took a taxi to the nearest police station, laid the gun on the sergeant's desk and told him as calm as could be:'Those bastards will never rape anybody again, by God.'
Cops say convicted rapist and robberDavis Furth , 33, lost both his penis and his testicles
when outraged Ava opened fire with a 9-mm pistol in the hotel room where he and former prison cell mate Stanley Thomas, 29, were holed up.
The wrinkled avenger also blew Thomas' testicles to kingdom come, but doctors managed to save his mangled penis, police said.
'The one guy, Thomas, didn't lose his manhood, 'but the doctor I talked to said he won't be using it the way he used to,' Detective Delp told reporters. 'Both men are still in pretty bad shape,
'but I think they're just happy to be alive after what they've been through.'
The Rambo Granny swung into action August 21 after her granddaughter Debbie was carjacked and raped in broad daylight by two knife-wielding creeps in a section of town bordering on skid row.
'When I saw the look on my Debbie's face that night in the hospital, 'I decided I was going to go out and get those bastards myself ''cause I figured the Law would go easy on them,' recalled the retired library worker. 'And I wasn't scared of them, either because I've got me a gun and I've been shootin' all my life. 'And I wasn't dumb enough to turn it in when the law changed about owning one.'
So, using a police artist's sketch of the suspects and Debbie's description of the sickos, tough-as-nails Ava spent seven days prowling the wino-infested neighborhood where the crime took place
till she spotted the ill-fated rapists entering their flophouse hotel.
'I knew it was them the minute I saw 'em, but I shot a picture of 'em anyway 'and took it back to Debbie and she said sure as hell, it was them,' the oldster recalled. 'So I went back to that hotel and found their room and knocked on the door, 'and the minute the big one opened the door, I shot 'em right square between the legs, 'right where it would really hurt 'em most, you know.
'Then I went in and shot the other one 'as he backed up pleading to me to spare him.
'Then I went down to the police station and turned myself in.'
Now, baffled lawmen are trying to figure out exactly how to deal with the vigilante granny.
'What she did was wrong, and she broke the law, but it is difficult to throw an 81-year-old woman in prison,' Det. Delp said, 'especially when 3 million people in the city want to nominate her for Mayor.'
Damn good shot, too!
WI Gov't Accountability Board: Speech Cops?
To quote the race-track guy, "Aaaaaand They're Offffff!!!"
...the state Government Accountability Board voted Wednesday to consider regulating the thinly veiled campaign spots known as issue ads.
"I think it 's no longer the candidates who are controlling their elections, " Thomas Cane, a former state chief appeals judge and vice chairman of the accountability board, said in an interview after the board voted to review state rules on issue ads.
Cane said the board likely will seek to rewrite those rules, although he said board members need to study how such changes would square with state and federal laws and court rulings.
As Chris Schneider observed, it's entirely likely that the Board does not HAVE such authority--which is why they will spend some time "squaring" things, ahemahummabltzfrk....
The GAB is required to investigate violations of laws it administers and may prosecute, by its legal counsel or a special prosecutor, alleged civil violations of those laws. Alternatively, it may refer prosecution of alleged civil violations to the appropriate district attorney (which is the same prosecutor authorized to prosecute criminal violations). (Quoting the Legislative Council's description of Board authority per State Law.)
Chris acutely points out that the Board cannot make up NEW laws...
But the Board is considering an idea which I think has some merit:
Requiring disclosure of all individuals, corporations and groups that fund issue ads
Were I the King, I would not only implement that rule, but I would also require that 'corporations and groups' which fund issue ads post, on the 'net, a list of its officers and directors, with contact information.
Sunshine is an excellent disinfectant.
...the state Government Accountability Board voted Wednesday to consider regulating the thinly veiled campaign spots known as issue ads.
"I think it 's no longer the candidates who are controlling their elections, " Thomas Cane, a former state chief appeals judge and vice chairman of the accountability board, said in an interview after the board voted to review state rules on issue ads.
Cane said the board likely will seek to rewrite those rules, although he said board members need to study how such changes would square with state and federal laws and court rulings.
As Chris Schneider observed, it's entirely likely that the Board does not HAVE such authority--which is why they will spend some time "squaring" things, ahemahummabltzfrk....
The GAB is required to investigate violations of laws it administers and may prosecute, by its legal counsel or a special prosecutor, alleged civil violations of those laws. Alternatively, it may refer prosecution of alleged civil violations to the appropriate district attorney (which is the same prosecutor authorized to prosecute criminal violations). (Quoting the Legislative Council's description of Board authority per State Law.)
Chris acutely points out that the Board cannot make up NEW laws...
But the Board is considering an idea which I think has some merit:
Requiring disclosure of all individuals, corporations and groups that fund issue ads
Were I the King, I would not only implement that rule, but I would also require that 'corporations and groups' which fund issue ads post, on the 'net, a list of its officers and directors, with contact information.
Sunshine is an excellent disinfectant.
Banks "Forced to Make" Subprime Loans? Or Is This a Joke?
One of the first excuses for the sub-prime implosion was that, due to Congressional interference, banks were "forced" to write crappy loans.
Yah.
Now it turns out that some Banks were....well.....here's the memo, written by a Chase loan staffer, as reported in the Portland Oregonian, describing how to game Chase's loan-scoring system:
3 handy steps" for getting a questionable loan approved by JPM Chase's automatic system:
1. Lump all of an applicant's compensation as the applicant's base income, rather than breaking out commissions, bonuses and tips.
2. Do not disclose use of gifts for down payments.
3. If all else fails, simply inflate the applicant's income. "Inch it up $500 to see if you can get the findings you want. Do the same for assets.
Yah.
Now it turns out that some Banks were....well.....here's the memo, written by a Chase loan staffer, as reported in the Portland Oregonian, describing how to game Chase's loan-scoring system:
3 handy steps" for getting a questionable loan approved by JPM Chase's automatic system:
1. Lump all of an applicant's compensation as the applicant's base income, rather than breaking out commissions, bonuses and tips.
2. Do not disclose use of gifts for down payments.
3. If all else fails, simply inflate the applicant's income. "Inch it up $500 to see if you can get the findings you want. Do the same for assets.
My, my. The Oregonian article goes on:
Chase, the nation's second-largest bank, originates mortgage loans itself but also operates a wholesale arm that underwrites and funds loans brought to them by a network of mortgage brokers. The "Cheats & Tricks" memo was instructing those brokers how to get difficult loans approved by Zippy [the nickname of the automated system.]
"Never fear," the memo states. "Zippy can be adjusted (just ever so slightly.)"
The Chase memo deals specifically with so-called stated-income asset loans, one of the most dangerous of the mortgage industry's innovations of recent years. Known as "liar loans" in some circles because lenders made little effort to verify information in the borrowers' loan application, they have defaulted in large number since the housing bust began in 2007. . .
Note that there is speculation that the "memo" published by the Oregonian may have been the work of an in-house Chase jokester. It's also possible, of course, that the "memo" describes actions that were taken by some loan officers/brokers, and memorialized by the "memo."
Chase, of course, says that the "memo" does not represent official policy. Doh.
Here's the stuff that actually counts:
"During the boom, it was common for lenders and brokers to get paid more for risky subprime loans than for 30-year fixed-rate loans because the higher-interest loans fetched a higher price on Wall Street.
Like your Momma always said: "Follow the MONEY."
HT: BigPicture
Paul Bucher's Gleisner Ads
Mr. Bucher has cut two ads for Bill Gleisner, the second of which mentions "conservative values" such as "the right to own guns."
Paul, be serious.
Anyone who followed the CCW legislative action knows that Bucher did NOT want CCW passed.
So Paul very carefully worded that script. He may well believe that the 2nd Amendment (and Wisconsin's 26th) allow possession of arms.
But don't for one minute think that Paul believes they allow "bearing" those arms.
Paul, be serious.
Anyone who followed the CCW legislative action knows that Bucher did NOT want CCW passed.
So Paul very carefully worded that script. He may well believe that the 2nd Amendment (and Wisconsin's 26th) allow possession of arms.
But don't for one minute think that Paul believes they allow "bearing" those arms.
Version 3 on Wright from Obamamamama
He's desperate, folks. While the MSM and the Collegiate Crowd swooned over his "religion" speech, the polls of actual VOTERS in Pennsylvania swooned, too.
So he's on Version 3:
White House hopeful Barack Obama suggests he would have left his Chicago church had his longtime pastor, whose fiery anti-American comments about U.S. foreign policy and race relations threatened Obama's campaign, not stepped down.
"Had the reverend not retired, and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws, then I wouldn't have felt comfortable staying at the church," Obama said Thursday during a taping of the ABC talk show, "The View." The interview will be broadcast Friday.
Which is to say that after 20 years of not hearing anything offensive, (version 1) some of the statements of Rev. Wright MAY, indeed, have been offensive (version 2) and when all is said and done, I probably woulda/coulda/shoulda left (version 3)--but fortunately for all of us, Rev Wright has retired and will take occupancy of his $1.05 MILLION estate in Tinley Park soon, so.......
HT: RedStates
So he's on Version 3:
White House hopeful Barack Obama suggests he would have left his Chicago church had his longtime pastor, whose fiery anti-American comments about U.S. foreign policy and race relations threatened Obama's campaign, not stepped down.
"Had the reverend not retired, and had he not acknowledged that what he had said had deeply offended people and were inappropriate and mischaracterized what I believe is the greatness of this country, for all its flaws, then I wouldn't have felt comfortable staying at the church," Obama said Thursday during a taping of the ABC talk show, "The View." The interview will be broadcast Friday.
Which is to say that after 20 years of not hearing anything offensive, (version 1) some of the statements of Rev. Wright MAY, indeed, have been offensive (version 2) and when all is said and done, I probably woulda/coulda/shoulda left (version 3)--but fortunately for all of us, Rev Wright has retired and will take occupancy of his $1.05 MILLION estate in Tinley Park soon, so.......
HT: RedStates
Spitzer's Indiscretion--and Spies
From CounterTerrorism Blog:
So - we have 1) an organization (ECV) that is undeniably international in character, with little about it that at least has been revealed publicly beyond a few names, a number of which are acknowledged to be false names; 2) a Client (Number 9) who by his own admission carried out illegal activities - making him vulnerable to blackmail by ECV; and 3) a client who likely has been privy to a great deal of sensitive and possibly classified information on Terrorism and US and allied CounterTerrorism.
Overall, this is strongly suggestive of the architecture of an espionage organization and a recipe for disaster. It is also an organizational profile that is a classic one in espionage circles, with historical examples being rife. CTB readers can be certain that, even though reporting on the investigation has declined somewhat in the public arena, the scramble behind the scenes to produce voluminous “Damage Assessments” is ongoing and consuming hundreds, if not thousands, of personnel hours at taxpayer expense.
Before concluding, there is an important reason to raise the questions herein. More than a few commentators on this subject have amply demonstrated their abject ignorance by raising the issue of “consensual” sex and “victimless” crime before the investigation has been completed. Even aside from the lasting effects of Governor Spitzer’s debacle on his wife and two daughters, the issue of the possibility of ECV being a front for an espionage organization headquartered who-knows-where points to the absurdity of the commentators’ claims.
Finally, we know of Client 9 and the near-term results of his exposure, but what of other clients - governors, state-level staffers, federal officials and staffers, law enforcement officials, and on and on?
Interesting possibilities. The blog mentions the NYPD's Counter-Terrorism unit, which is so extensive that it has members posted in London, and is headed by an ex-CIA deputy director.
Could have been disastrous pillow chat, no?
So - we have 1) an organization (ECV) that is undeniably international in character, with little about it that at least has been revealed publicly beyond a few names, a number of which are acknowledged to be false names; 2) a Client (Number 9) who by his own admission carried out illegal activities - making him vulnerable to blackmail by ECV; and 3) a client who likely has been privy to a great deal of sensitive and possibly classified information on Terrorism and US and allied CounterTerrorism.
Overall, this is strongly suggestive of the architecture of an espionage organization and a recipe for disaster. It is also an organizational profile that is a classic one in espionage circles, with historical examples being rife. CTB readers can be certain that, even though reporting on the investigation has declined somewhat in the public arena, the scramble behind the scenes to produce voluminous “Damage Assessments” is ongoing and consuming hundreds, if not thousands, of personnel hours at taxpayer expense.
Before concluding, there is an important reason to raise the questions herein. More than a few commentators on this subject have amply demonstrated their abject ignorance by raising the issue of “consensual” sex and “victimless” crime before the investigation has been completed. Even aside from the lasting effects of Governor Spitzer’s debacle on his wife and two daughters, the issue of the possibility of ECV being a front for an espionage organization headquartered who-knows-where points to the absurdity of the commentators’ claims.
Finally, we know of Client 9 and the near-term results of his exposure, but what of other clients - governors, state-level staffers, federal officials and staffers, law enforcement officials, and on and on?
Interesting possibilities. The blog mentions the NYPD's Counter-Terrorism unit, which is so extensive that it has members posted in London, and is headed by an ex-CIA deputy director.
Could have been disastrous pillow chat, no?
"Moral Problem," Indeed
The Superintendent of Education for Wisconsin states that MPS' troubles are a 'moral problem.'
Milwaukee Public Schools' efforts to shed its status as a "district identified for improvement" are locally controlled but closely watched by officials in Madison...
..."This is a moral issue, this is a social justice issue and it's an economic imperative," state schools Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said Wednesday. "This is a pivotal time where we can answer this clarion call to action."
MPS, the state's largest district, has failed to meet "adequate yearly progress" goals, established under the No Child Left Behind law, in state reading and math tests since 2004
MPS is the only district in the state that has the improvement label, which is related to the concentration of poverty here, Burmaster said.
"We have to recognize how poverty affects the daily lives of children in MPS," she said.
Some might suggest that the real "moral problem" here has to do with illegitimacy. It is a fact that children who are illegitimate are usually in trouble from their birth. This from Education Week:
U.S. Census Bureau data show that in 1993, 27 percent of all children lived with a single parent--and, for the first time, those children were almost as likely to live with an unmarried parent as with a divorced parent.
Although birthrates have risen more for older unmarried women in recent years than for teenagers, the policy debate has focused largely on younger, more disadvantaged mothers.
These young women still account for the largest number of unwed births, and their children are the most vulnerable to dropping out of school, going on welfare, and perpetuating the cycle of unwed births and poverty.
Children caught in that cycle may not be "ready to start school in a modern technological society, and more likely to experience real disadvantages," said Kristin Moore, the executive director of Child Trends, a Washington-based firm that tracks data on children.
Cato's take:
The non-economic consequences of the increase in out of wedlock births are equally stark. There is strong evidence that the absence of a father increases the probability that a child will use drugs and engage in criminal activity. Nearly 70 percent of juveniles in state reform institutions come from fatherless homes.
MPS was criticized for its byzantine structural problems:
[Laura] New said the district has "a fractured, almost non-existent infrastructure and a patchwork curriculum."
...which, it is claimed, makes it difficult for parental involvement.
Milwaukee Public Schools' efforts to shed its status as a "district identified for improvement" are locally controlled but closely watched by officials in Madison...
..."This is a moral issue, this is a social justice issue and it's an economic imperative," state schools Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster said Wednesday. "This is a pivotal time where we can answer this clarion call to action."
MPS, the state's largest district, has failed to meet "adequate yearly progress" goals, established under the No Child Left Behind law, in state reading and math tests since 2004
MPS is the only district in the state that has the improvement label, which is related to the concentration of poverty here, Burmaster said.
"We have to recognize how poverty affects the daily lives of children in MPS," she said.
Some might suggest that the real "moral problem" here has to do with illegitimacy. It is a fact that children who are illegitimate are usually in trouble from their birth. This from Education Week:
U.S. Census Bureau data show that in 1993, 27 percent of all children lived with a single parent--and, for the first time, those children were almost as likely to live with an unmarried parent as with a divorced parent.
Although birthrates have risen more for older unmarried women in recent years than for teenagers, the policy debate has focused largely on younger, more disadvantaged mothers.
These young women still account for the largest number of unwed births, and their children are the most vulnerable to dropping out of school, going on welfare, and perpetuating the cycle of unwed births and poverty.
Children caught in that cycle may not be "ready to start school in a modern technological society, and more likely to experience real disadvantages," said Kristin Moore, the executive director of Child Trends, a Washington-based firm that tracks data on children.
Cato's take:
The non-economic consequences of the increase in out of wedlock births are equally stark. There is strong evidence that the absence of a father increases the probability that a child will use drugs and engage in criminal activity. Nearly 70 percent of juveniles in state reform institutions come from fatherless homes.
MPS was criticized for its byzantine structural problems:
[Laura] New said the district has "a fractured, almost non-existent infrastructure and a patchwork curriculum."
...which, it is claimed, makes it difficult for parental involvement.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Why Catholics Bailed
Fascinating series of opinions here.
The one which I favor:
...Carlin paints a picture of an American Catholic Church that, after two centuries of manning the "Tridentine ramparts" against its Protestant foes in what had traditionally been a hostile land, by the 1960s finally considered itself in a strong-enough position -- both as a religion and as full participant in the national culture -- to drop some of its defenses and engage its old enemy on genial terms. But when it did so, it was wholly unprepared to discover that its enemy was no longer Protestantism but secularism,which had already hollowed out the doctrines and practices of mainline Protestant churches, and was now being invited to infect Catholicism -- through contact with modernistic Scripture scholarship, mischievous moral theology, corrupted social sciences, horizontal liturgism, and the generalized rebellion against tradition and authority that marked the era. Thus did liberal Christianity -- which Carlin characterizes as low-doctrine, anti-miraculous, morally malleable, and geocentric in its aims -- enter the Church through the front door and go on to leave its mark on Catholic life and practice.
How does this bear on the question of why Catholics leave the Church? Because liberal Christianity, being essentially a working compromise with secularism, cannot sustain itself. This is observable both as a historical phenomenon (each time Christianity has engaged in compromise with secularism, it has emerged less distinctively Christian than it was before) and also in reflection upon human nature. For religions retain believers, and especially those most fervent and active believers, when their doctrines and practices are distinct, complex, and engaging -- and lose believers when they're not.
Put into concrete terms: A Catholicism that sets before its believers a broad and strict test of moral and doctrinal adherence will keep its members. A Catholicism that is reduced (and often it is so, ironically, in order not to scare folks away) to "being a good person" will lose them. Because -- and this is the nub of it -- one can be a good person without going to church.
On this point, the mainline Protestants have been somewhat more advanced than we. But now the Catholic children of the children of the 1960s, unburdened by conviction or even mere nostalgia or guilty habit, are figuring it out in droves.
Todd M. Aglialoro
Hardly the only worthwhile reading in the series, by the way.
The one which I favor:
...Carlin paints a picture of an American Catholic Church that, after two centuries of manning the "Tridentine ramparts" against its Protestant foes in what had traditionally been a hostile land, by the 1960s finally considered itself in a strong-enough position -- both as a religion and as full participant in the national culture -- to drop some of its defenses and engage its old enemy on genial terms. But when it did so, it was wholly unprepared to discover that its enemy was no longer Protestantism but secularism,which had already hollowed out the doctrines and practices of mainline Protestant churches, and was now being invited to infect Catholicism -- through contact with modernistic Scripture scholarship, mischievous moral theology, corrupted social sciences, horizontal liturgism, and the generalized rebellion against tradition and authority that marked the era. Thus did liberal Christianity -- which Carlin characterizes as low-doctrine, anti-miraculous, morally malleable, and geocentric in its aims -- enter the Church through the front door and go on to leave its mark on Catholic life and practice.
How does this bear on the question of why Catholics leave the Church? Because liberal Christianity, being essentially a working compromise with secularism, cannot sustain itself. This is observable both as a historical phenomenon (each time Christianity has engaged in compromise with secularism, it has emerged less distinctively Christian than it was before) and also in reflection upon human nature. For religions retain believers, and especially those most fervent and active believers, when their doctrines and practices are distinct, complex, and engaging -- and lose believers when they're not.
Put into concrete terms: A Catholicism that sets before its believers a broad and strict test of moral and doctrinal adherence will keep its members. A Catholicism that is reduced (and often it is so, ironically, in order not to scare folks away) to "being a good person" will lose them. Because -- and this is the nub of it -- one can be a good person without going to church.
On this point, the mainline Protestants have been somewhat more advanced than we. But now the Catholic children of the children of the 1960s, unburdened by conviction or even mere nostalgia or guilty habit, are figuring it out in droves.
Todd M. Aglialoro
Hardly the only worthwhile reading in the series, by the way.
One Bright Bulb in Congress
S I Trenches reports:
Titled the "Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act," the bill seeks to repeal the nationwide phase-out of conventional light bulbs, the kind that have been used for more than a century -- pretty much since the invention of the incandescent light bulb.
Introduced by Rep. Bachmann of Minnesota, whose wires are obviously correctly polarized.
Titled the "Light Bulb Freedom of Choice Act," the bill seeks to repeal the nationwide phase-out of conventional light bulbs, the kind that have been used for more than a century -- pretty much since the invention of the incandescent light bulb.
Introduced by Rep. Bachmann of Minnesota, whose wires are obviously correctly polarized.
My Picture
Yes, Emily, that's me. (See Emily's mournful wailing here/combox)
For most occasions, I do not wear the beard, the armor, the tunic and helmet.
And I've subbed a very nice H&K for the axe.
HT: RegularGuy
Ever Hear of the Barrett Report?
Sure you have, if you read this blog.
Go here.
Whassabigdeal?
My Statcounter tells me that there have been three hits on that particular post in the last couple of days, all coming from Northern Virginia.
The Barrett Report (should it be unearthed) would be very useful for a certain Democratic Presidential campaign.
Hmmmmmm.......
Go here.
Whassabigdeal?
My Statcounter tells me that there have been three hits on that particular post in the last couple of days, all coming from Northern Virginia.
The Barrett Report (should it be unearthed) would be very useful for a certain Democratic Presidential campaign.
Hmmmmmm.......
Esenberg, the Prophet
NOTE: Esenberg is a graduate of HARVARD LAW, (the Kennedy place) NOT that other East Coast school (Buckley's place.)
(With that noted, and with certain kissing motions having been made, we will now resume normal bloglodyte-ism.)
WEAC notes that 94% of Wisconsin school districts are cutting back on expenditures. No surprise: the spigots are turned tighter, and taxpayers' complaints are being taken seriously.
Here's the payoff line:
"This isn’t a partisan issue and we’re going to continue working with legislators," WEAC Vice President Guy Costello said. "This is hitting all of our schools directly."
That's code for "If we don't get our way we will sue the living s&^% out of you."
Precisely what Esenberg mentioned in his white paper.
(With that noted, and with certain kissing motions having been made, we will now resume normal bloglodyte-ism.)
WEAC notes that 94% of Wisconsin school districts are cutting back on expenditures. No surprise: the spigots are turned tighter, and taxpayers' complaints are being taken seriously.
Here's the payoff line:
"This isn’t a partisan issue and we’re going to continue working with legislators," WEAC Vice President Guy Costello said. "This is hitting all of our schools directly."
That's code for "If we don't get our way we will sue the living s&^% out of you."
Precisely what Esenberg mentioned in his white paper.
Think TV Anchors Are Stupid?
Diane Sawyer, noted military strategist, establishes a new mark for "utterly clueless."
Jonathan Karl reported from Baghdad:
...This is the fourth day in a row of attacks inside the Green Zone and as you mentioned this one appears to have landed actually inside the US Embassy compound. Life has been especially nerve-wracking inside the Green Zone. Yesterday alone there were 16 rocket and mortar attacks that landed inside the Green Zone, and in each case the US military suspects these were special groups, militia groups associated with Moktada al-Sadr....
So Ms. Sawyer responds:
Alright, I want to come back to that in a second, but how much of a surprise is it that they can actually get inside the embassy? How fortified is that?
Mmmmmmm....ok, Diane.
I have a friend who knows from artillery. He'd be glad to show you how all that stuff happens, Diane. OR, Diane, you could watch a 3-point basket being made during the NCAA tournament.
HT: Newsbusters
Jonathan Karl reported from Baghdad:
...This is the fourth day in a row of attacks inside the Green Zone and as you mentioned this one appears to have landed actually inside the US Embassy compound. Life has been especially nerve-wracking inside the Green Zone. Yesterday alone there were 16 rocket and mortar attacks that landed inside the Green Zone, and in each case the US military suspects these were special groups, militia groups associated with Moktada al-Sadr....
So Ms. Sawyer responds:
Alright, I want to come back to that in a second, but how much of a surprise is it that they can actually get inside the embassy? How fortified is that?
Mmmmmmm....ok, Diane.
I have a friend who knows from artillery. He'd be glad to show you how all that stuff happens, Diane. OR, Diane, you could watch a 3-point basket being made during the NCAA tournament.
HT: Newsbusters
Geske's Right: Trust IS the Issue
Bewailing the special interest money (WEAC and AFT) running ads, retired SCOWI Justice Janine Geske says:
"Our court system and their decisions are only as good as the trust that people have in them,"
Yup.
And when it's clear that SCOWI's "leadership" has decided to be a super-Legislature, then "trust" is broken, Janine.
SCOWI's utterly ridiculous "Mommy, May I" reading of concealed-carry laws is only the beginning of a sorry record of confusing, contradictory, and downright asinine decisions foisted on the citizens and businesses of this State.
Geske, however, confuses the beginning and the end:
"And if that trust is so destroyed by what's going on in these ads, then I think we have to look at another alternative (to electing judges)."
Sorry, Janine. The advertisements do not destroy "trust."
Screechin'Shirley destroyed "trust," along with Loophole Louie and others sitting on the Court.
The ads simply point out the obvious.
"Our court system and their decisions are only as good as the trust that people have in them,"
Yup.
And when it's clear that SCOWI's "leadership" has decided to be a super-Legislature, then "trust" is broken, Janine.
SCOWI's utterly ridiculous "Mommy, May I" reading of concealed-carry laws is only the beginning of a sorry record of confusing, contradictory, and downright asinine decisions foisted on the citizens and businesses of this State.
Geske, however, confuses the beginning and the end:
"And if that trust is so destroyed by what's going on in these ads, then I think we have to look at another alternative (to electing judges)."
Sorry, Janine. The advertisements do not destroy "trust."
Screechin'Shirley destroyed "trust," along with Loophole Louie and others sitting on the Court.
The ads simply point out the obvious.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Complaint: Butler Recieved Illegal Gifts
Hmmmn.
Seems that the law offices of Finerty, Friebert, and St. John (a corporation) were also the offices of Louis Butler's campaign. That's easy to understand; FFStJ is the Democrat Party in law practice and has been for years; they're well-organized, they have outstanding legal secretaries who are meticulous, they keep records well, etc., etc.
So if you're going to have someone maintain documents, track ins/outs of donations and payments, why not friendly professionals? Especially if they do all that stuff for free?
Bob Dohnal will tell you "why not": Wis. Stat. 11.38(1), which forbids, absolutely, and without reserve, ANY corporate contributions to ANY candidate for office in the State of Wisconsin.
To make matters more interesting, it seems that Louis Butler did not recuse himself when hearing cases brought to SCOWI by Finerty, Friebert & St.John--nor did he mention that they were maintaining his campaign HQ (and so forth) without recompense. Dohnal suggests that SCR 66.02 and 66.03 of the Wisconsin Judicial Code of Ethics address that. Negatively.
S'pose the local press will bother with this?
Like they did when Tom Reynolds split his electric bill with his campaign?
Or should Dohnal ask Gretchen Schuldt to write the story and send it to JS HQ?
Seems that the law offices of Finerty, Friebert, and St. John (a corporation) were also the offices of Louis Butler's campaign. That's easy to understand; FFStJ is the Democrat Party in law practice and has been for years; they're well-organized, they have outstanding legal secretaries who are meticulous, they keep records well, etc., etc.
So if you're going to have someone maintain documents, track ins/outs of donations and payments, why not friendly professionals? Especially if they do all that stuff for free?
Bob Dohnal will tell you "why not": Wis. Stat. 11.38(1), which forbids, absolutely, and without reserve, ANY corporate contributions to ANY candidate for office in the State of Wisconsin.
To make matters more interesting, it seems that Louis Butler did not recuse himself when hearing cases brought to SCOWI by Finerty, Friebert & St.John--nor did he mention that they were maintaining his campaign HQ (and so forth) without recompense. Dohnal suggests that SCR 66.02 and 66.03 of the Wisconsin Judicial Code of Ethics address that. Negatively.
S'pose the local press will bother with this?
Like they did when Tom Reynolds split his electric bill with his campaign?
Or should Dohnal ask Gretchen Schuldt to write the story and send it to JS HQ?
Dems "Fix" Budget, Still $368 Million Short
Ripley would be having a field day.
No Runny did the math; here's the payoff line:
Expected budget shortfall after “Senate” action: -$368.3 million
It's in red for the obvious reason.
I think the Dems will give up the KRM ($200MM expense) and pretend to reduce State spending by another $125MM in an effort to lure a few flies into the web.
Let's see how many stupid (R) flies are in the Assembly.
No Runny did the math; here's the payoff line:
Expected budget shortfall after “Senate” action: -$368.3 million
It's in red for the obvious reason.
I think the Dems will give up the KRM ($200MM expense) and pretend to reduce State spending by another $125MM in an effort to lure a few flies into the web.
Let's see how many stupid (R) flies are in the Assembly.
Loophole Louie Yard Sign!
Yup. There is one--and it's quite classy, too. About 9'x6', blue on white.
Where?
In front of the offices of Dunphy & Cannon.
That would be the Personal Injury lawyers.
You know, the Aggrievement Bar types who, ah, .....benefit....from certain kinds of legal re-interpretations, like med-malpractice awards.
Figures.
Where?
In front of the offices of Dunphy & Cannon.
That would be the Personal Injury lawyers.
You know, the Aggrievement Bar types who, ah, .....benefit....from certain kinds of legal re-interpretations, like med-malpractice awards.
Figures.
"Noble Simplicity" in Liturgy
That phrase, "noble simplicity" is the English translation of a term used in the VatII's Document on the Liturgy.
You would be shocked....SHOCKED...to learn that "simplicity" is simply (heh) a terrible translation of the Latin word 'simplicitate,' right?
More:
..."noble simplicity" is neither a Protestant nor a minimalist concept. That view stems from the misundersatnding that stem from the translation of the adjective "simplicitate". What it does not mean is "simple" in the sense used in English that conveys a sparseness, devoid of ornamentation (think "shaker furniture"). What it means is rather "singleness" in the sense of a unity.
So "Ritus nobili simplicitate fulgeant" really means something like "The rite should radiate a noble (rich) unity of form". Taken with the rest of the Constitution, and read within the hermeneutic of continuity, that means that the cultural vehicles should not clash but should exist harmoniously and contribute beauty: language (which the Fathers saw as being largely in Latin), music (the tradition of Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony), vestments and architecture all coming together to enhance the educational and pastoral nature of the liturgy (that is the title under which the Council used the expression).
It is not ugly, formless architecture, cheap and shapeless vestments, crass music and translations devoid of linguistic beauty, which fail to convey the imagery and concepts of the original. It is really more of a Guido than a Piero.
And if you really know 'inside-Vatican baseball,' you get the last sentence.
Of course, the mangled translation will persist, like PCB's in the Fox River.
HT: Fr. Harrison
You would be shocked....SHOCKED...to learn that "simplicity" is simply (heh) a terrible translation of the Latin word 'simplicitate,' right?
More:
..."noble simplicity" is neither a Protestant nor a minimalist concept. That view stems from the misundersatnding that stem from the translation of the adjective "simplicitate". What it does not mean is "simple" in the sense used in English that conveys a sparseness, devoid of ornamentation (think "shaker furniture"). What it means is rather "singleness" in the sense of a unity.
So "Ritus nobili simplicitate fulgeant" really means something like "The rite should radiate a noble (rich) unity of form". Taken with the rest of the Constitution, and read within the hermeneutic of continuity, that means that the cultural vehicles should not clash but should exist harmoniously and contribute beauty: language (which the Fathers saw as being largely in Latin), music (the tradition of Gregorian Chant and Sacred Polyphony), vestments and architecture all coming together to enhance the educational and pastoral nature of the liturgy (that is the title under which the Council used the expression).
It is not ugly, formless architecture, cheap and shapeless vestments, crass music and translations devoid of linguistic beauty, which fail to convey the imagery and concepts of the original. It is really more of a Guido than a Piero.
And if you really know 'inside-Vatican baseball,' you get the last sentence.
Of course, the mangled translation will persist, like PCB's in the Fox River.
HT: Fr. Harrison
Commonality Quiz
So, you conoisseurs d'academe "Catholic" in Wisconsin, what do all these have in common?
Saint Norbert College, Marquette University, Edgewood College, Cardinal Stritch University, Alverno College
See here for the answer.
Saint Norbert College, Marquette University, Edgewood College, Cardinal Stritch University, Alverno College
See here for the answer.
An Alternative to Nader
Heh.
On April 15, Dr. Alan Keyes will be announcing that he is severing all ties with the Republican Party and joining the Constitution Party.
So says Regular Guy, anyway.
On April 15, Dr. Alan Keyes will be announcing that he is severing all ties with the Republican Party and joining the Constitution Party.
So says Regular Guy, anyway.
The Error of GWB's Goal--Repeatable by the Next President?
There will be endless discussions of the reasons "why" the war against Terror.
But "instilling [secularist] Western values" should not be one of them--as Weigel notes in passing as part of this interview.
Lopez: Who, among Muslims, should be held up as to encourage those who want to fight jihadism?
Weigel: The kind of Muslims who will be our most effective allies in the war against jihadism are those Muslims who want to make an Islamic case for tolerance, civility, and pluralism. The temptation to think that the answer to the problem of jihadism is the conversion of 1.2 billion Muslims to Western liberal secularism ought to be stoutly resisted as the ivy-league fantasy it is. The question is whether, and how, Islam can effect what Christian theology would call a “development of doctrine” on issues like religious freedom and the separation of religious and political authority in a just state. A lot of 21st-century history is riding on the answer to that question.
K-Lo then asks a really good question, even though she clumsily attempted to politicize a question which is far, far above politics. Weigel was kind enough not to call her utterly stupid:
Lopez: Do we deserve to win if we wind up electing Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama president?
Weigel: Whether we deserve to win or not, we’re much less likely to win with a president who manifestly does not understand the nature of the enemy or the multifront struggle in which we are necessarily engaged. A return to the Nineties — to foreign-policy-as-therapy — is not going to see us, or the Magdi Allams of this world, through to a future safe for the exercise of religious freedom.
But of course, Ms. K-Lo, (you twit!!!)--does John McCain understand the nature of the enemy or the multifront struggle?
Better: does John McCain actually understand the religious question(s) here?
But "instilling [secularist] Western values" should not be one of them--as Weigel notes in passing as part of this interview.
Lopez: Who, among Muslims, should be held up as to encourage those who want to fight jihadism?
Weigel: The kind of Muslims who will be our most effective allies in the war against jihadism are those Muslims who want to make an Islamic case for tolerance, civility, and pluralism. The temptation to think that the answer to the problem of jihadism is the conversion of 1.2 billion Muslims to Western liberal secularism ought to be stoutly resisted as the ivy-league fantasy it is. The question is whether, and how, Islam can effect what Christian theology would call a “development of doctrine” on issues like religious freedom and the separation of religious and political authority in a just state. A lot of 21st-century history is riding on the answer to that question.
K-Lo then asks a really good question, even though she clumsily attempted to politicize a question which is far, far above politics. Weigel was kind enough not to call her utterly stupid:
Lopez: Do we deserve to win if we wind up electing Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama president?
Weigel: Whether we deserve to win or not, we’re much less likely to win with a president who manifestly does not understand the nature of the enemy or the multifront struggle in which we are necessarily engaged. A return to the Nineties — to foreign-policy-as-therapy — is not going to see us, or the Magdi Allams of this world, through to a future safe for the exercise of religious freedom.
But of course, Ms. K-Lo, (you twit!!!)--does John McCain understand the nature of the enemy or the multifront struggle?
Better: does John McCain actually understand the religious question(s) here?
Faith and Science: Joined Since the Middle Ages
Illegitimi non carborundum est could well have been the motto of Pierre Duhem.
...Duhem, ostracized by his own peers, never did teach in Paris. He spent the last 22 years of his life as a professor of theoretical physics at a provincial school, the University of Bordeaux. His magnum opus is his Le Système du monde: les doctrines cosmolologiques de Platon à Copernicus (The Structure of the World: Teachings on Cosmology from Plato to Copernicus).
The first five volumes — each more than 500 pages in length — were published in consecutive years, from 1913-1917. Although another five volumes were ready for publication when Duhem died in 1916, they were not published until four decades later (1954-59).
The reason for the long delay in publishing the last five volumes of this masterpiece, which is without parallel in its field, was due to the strong opposition by influential academics who did not want to consider the demonstrable fact that modern science cannot be divorced from its religious foundations.
In the intervening years between the publication of the first and second group of five volumes, many studies of medieval science were conducted — by Anneliese Maier, Marshall Clagett, E. Grant, Alistair Crombie and others. These studies served to extend and confirm Duhem’s work and add credibility to his central thesis concerning the continuity between Medieval and modern science.
As a result of Duhem’s pioneering research and the contribution by other historians of science, the value of studying medieval science is now well established and can no longer be dismissed by honest scholars.
Templeton Prize winner, Stanley Jaki, who holds doctorates in both physics as well as theology, has this to say about Duhem’s work: “What Duhem unearthed among other things from long-buried manuscripts was that supernatural revelation played a crucial liberating role in putting scientific speculation on the right track. … It is in this terrifying prospect for secular humanism, for which science is the redeemer of mankind, that lies the explanation of that grim and secretive censorship which has worked against Duhem.”
Peter Hodgson, who is university lecturer in nuclear physics at Oxford University, has this to say about Duhem’s scholarly accomplishment: “The work of Duhem is of great relevance today, for it shows clearly the Christian roots of modern science, thus decisively refuting the alleged incompatibility of science and Christianity still propagated by the secularist establishment. Science is an integral part of Christian culture, a lesson to be learned even within the Christian Church.”
Duhem’s study and documentation of the Christian origin of modern science has been deliberately neglected because it is unwelcome both to the disciples of the French Enlightenment and those of the Reformation. For different reasons, they would like to paint the Middle Ages as dark as possible.
Duhem’s work is all the more prodigious when one realizes that he had no research assistant at his disposal or dictaphones or even ball-point pens. Furthermore, he often had to use his left hand to hold firm his trembling right hand.
When he passed away at age 54, he had left to posterity 40 books, 400 articles, and 120 large-size notebooks, each 200 pages long, containing excerpts from medieval manuscripts.
Demonstrating once again that the best tool of the Modern Establishment is the denial of historical fact--or the deliberate distortion thereof--in hopes that nobody will ever figure out the game.
HRC's "sniper visit" is merely a pimple on that large elephant's rear end, but it's the same thing.
HT: CustosFidei
...Duhem, ostracized by his own peers, never did teach in Paris. He spent the last 22 years of his life as a professor of theoretical physics at a provincial school, the University of Bordeaux. His magnum opus is his Le Système du monde: les doctrines cosmolologiques de Platon à Copernicus (The Structure of the World: Teachings on Cosmology from Plato to Copernicus).
The first five volumes — each more than 500 pages in length — were published in consecutive years, from 1913-1917. Although another five volumes were ready for publication when Duhem died in 1916, they were not published until four decades later (1954-59).
The reason for the long delay in publishing the last five volumes of this masterpiece, which is without parallel in its field, was due to the strong opposition by influential academics who did not want to consider the demonstrable fact that modern science cannot be divorced from its religious foundations.
In the intervening years between the publication of the first and second group of five volumes, many studies of medieval science were conducted — by Anneliese Maier, Marshall Clagett, E. Grant, Alistair Crombie and others. These studies served to extend and confirm Duhem’s work and add credibility to his central thesis concerning the continuity between Medieval and modern science.
As a result of Duhem’s pioneering research and the contribution by other historians of science, the value of studying medieval science is now well established and can no longer be dismissed by honest scholars.
Templeton Prize winner, Stanley Jaki, who holds doctorates in both physics as well as theology, has this to say about Duhem’s work: “What Duhem unearthed among other things from long-buried manuscripts was that supernatural revelation played a crucial liberating role in putting scientific speculation on the right track. … It is in this terrifying prospect for secular humanism, for which science is the redeemer of mankind, that lies the explanation of that grim and secretive censorship which has worked against Duhem.”
Peter Hodgson, who is university lecturer in nuclear physics at Oxford University, has this to say about Duhem’s scholarly accomplishment: “The work of Duhem is of great relevance today, for it shows clearly the Christian roots of modern science, thus decisively refuting the alleged incompatibility of science and Christianity still propagated by the secularist establishment. Science is an integral part of Christian culture, a lesson to be learned even within the Christian Church.”
Duhem’s study and documentation of the Christian origin of modern science has been deliberately neglected because it is unwelcome both to the disciples of the French Enlightenment and those of the Reformation. For different reasons, they would like to paint the Middle Ages as dark as possible.
Duhem’s work is all the more prodigious when one realizes that he had no research assistant at his disposal or dictaphones or even ball-point pens. Furthermore, he often had to use his left hand to hold firm his trembling right hand.
When he passed away at age 54, he had left to posterity 40 books, 400 articles, and 120 large-size notebooks, each 200 pages long, containing excerpts from medieval manuscripts.
Demonstrating once again that the best tool of the Modern Establishment is the denial of historical fact--or the deliberate distortion thereof--in hopes that nobody will ever figure out the game.
HRC's "sniper visit" is merely a pimple on that large elephant's rear end, but it's the same thing.
HT: CustosFidei
"Educational Equal OUTCOME" Demanded by WI Constitution?
Esenberg sees the potential for a lot of trouble coming from SCOWI decisions soon.
One example will be in the matter of school support from the State. He cites a curious phrase from the majority in Vincent:
The uniformity required by the constitution, he emphasized, requires “a standard that will equalize outcomes, not merely inputs.”
"Equal OUTCOME"???? Are these people serious?
Might such a demand cost money? Yah--about a 32% increase in State funding, according to an estimate cited by Esenberg.
One example will be in the matter of school support from the State. He cites a curious phrase from the majority in Vincent:
The uniformity required by the constitution, he emphasized, requires “a standard that will equalize outcomes, not merely inputs.”
"Equal OUTCOME"???? Are these people serious?
Might such a demand cost money? Yah--about a 32% increase in State funding, according to an estimate cited by Esenberg.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Preaching 400: Abp Sheen
Maybe someday someone will actually use this guy's work in the "Homiletics" course at the Seminary.
Over many years, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen always ended his traditional Good Friday preaching... with the following stirring and timeless reflection:
"For whenever there is silence round about me---by day or night---I am startled by a cry!
"It came down from the cross the first-time I heard it.
"And I went out and searched....... and I found a man in the throes of crucifixion!
"And I said: 'I will take you down.'
"And he said: 'I cannot be taken down until every man and woman and child come together to take me down.'
"But I said: 'What can I do ? ....I cannot bear your cry'!!
"And he said: 'Go into the world and tell everyone that you meet---There is a man on the cross!!'"
HT: A Shepherd
Over many years, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen always ended his traditional Good Friday preaching... with the following stirring and timeless reflection:
"For whenever there is silence round about me---by day or night---I am startled by a cry!
"It came down from the cross the first-time I heard it.
"And I went out and searched....... and I found a man in the throes of crucifixion!
"And I said: 'I will take you down.'
"And he said: 'I cannot be taken down until every man and woman and child come together to take me down.'
"But I said: 'What can I do ? ....I cannot bear your cry'!!
"And he said: 'Go into the world and tell everyone that you meet---There is a man on the cross!!'"
HT: A Shepherd
Contrast in Pastors
The statements of Rev. Wright have been noticed--and so were the statements of Rev. Hagee. Hagee was accused of making some mighty nasty remarks about Catholicism.
Here's what HE has to say about that.
"...Many in the media have mistakenly accepted characterizations of my statements which simply are not true. I never called the Catholic Church the "anti-Christ" a "false cult system" “the apostate church” or the “great whore” of Revelations. This is a serious misinterpretation of my words. When I use these terms, I am referring to those Christians who ignore the Gospels and embrace the false doctrines of Jew-hatred and anti-Semitism.Throughout my career I have been a strong critic of Christian anti-Semitism. I have consistently criticized all Christians – Protestant and Catholic alike – for the sin of anti-Semitism.
"...I have repeatedly praised the “righteous works” of Catholics such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict in rejecting anti-Semitism and taking historic steps to reconcile with the Jewish people. I have always had great love for Catholic people and great respect for the Catholic Church and hope this statement sets the record straight."
No such disavowal from Rev. Wright. In fact, there's another contrast: McCain, who was endorsed by Hagee, strongly condemned "anti-Catholic" remarks (even if they were not made by Hagee.)
In contrast, Obabmamamamamamama 'splained how Rev. Wright was, more or less, correct, except for possibly the times when Obamamamamamma didn't hear what the Rev may or may not have stated--and then launched into a "typical white folks" deflection-mode.
HT: Gerald
Here's what HE has to say about that.
"...Many in the media have mistakenly accepted characterizations of my statements which simply are not true. I never called the Catholic Church the "anti-Christ" a "false cult system" “the apostate church” or the “great whore” of Revelations. This is a serious misinterpretation of my words. When I use these terms, I am referring to those Christians who ignore the Gospels and embrace the false doctrines of Jew-hatred and anti-Semitism.Throughout my career I have been a strong critic of Christian anti-Semitism. I have consistently criticized all Christians – Protestant and Catholic alike – for the sin of anti-Semitism.
"...I have repeatedly praised the “righteous works” of Catholics such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict in rejecting anti-Semitism and taking historic steps to reconcile with the Jewish people. I have always had great love for Catholic people and great respect for the Catholic Church and hope this statement sets the record straight."
No such disavowal from Rev. Wright. In fact, there's another contrast: McCain, who was endorsed by Hagee, strongly condemned "anti-Catholic" remarks (even if they were not made by Hagee.)
In contrast, Obabmamamamamamama 'splained how Rev. Wright was, more or less, correct, except for possibly the times when Obamamamamamma didn't hear what the Rev may or may not have stated--and then launched into a "typical white folks" deflection-mode.
HT: Gerald
Distinction of Interest re Sex
Kind of a slow day, so I put "sex" in the title. It'll get attention until you actually read the post....
Ed Peters, Canonist, makes an observation about the sloppy writing (and thinking, or lack thereof) in the typical news reports.
The sad case of Zimbabwe Archbishop Pius Ncube, who was the only credible opponent of Thug-in-Chief Robert Mugabe, is the occasion to try to remind people that Canon 277 of the Johanno-Pauline Code establishes two related but distinct obligations for clerics in the Western Church, namely, celibacy and continence. As an archbishop, Ncube was bound both to refrain marriage (celibacy) and to refrain from sexual relations with anyone (continence). Ncube has admitted to having sex with a woman (a married woman, as it happens); therefore he has admitted to violating the law of continence; he has not attempted marriage with this woman, and therefore he has not violated his promise of celibacy.
Nevertheless, every single press report I have seen on this case alleges that Ncube violated his promise of celibacy! Not one of them claims he violated the law of continence. This is the opposite of what they should be saying.
Got that? Good. Resume flogging Loophole Louie.
Ed Peters, Canonist, makes an observation about the sloppy writing (and thinking, or lack thereof) in the typical news reports.
The sad case of Zimbabwe Archbishop Pius Ncube, who was the only credible opponent of Thug-in-Chief Robert Mugabe, is the occasion to try to remind people that Canon 277 of the Johanno-Pauline Code establishes two related but distinct obligations for clerics in the Western Church, namely, celibacy and continence. As an archbishop, Ncube was bound both to refrain marriage (celibacy) and to refrain from sexual relations with anyone (continence). Ncube has admitted to having sex with a woman (a married woman, as it happens); therefore he has admitted to violating the law of continence; he has not attempted marriage with this woman, and therefore he has not violated his promise of celibacy.
Nevertheless, every single press report I have seen on this case alleges that Ncube violated his promise of celibacy! Not one of them claims he violated the law of continence. This is the opposite of what they should be saying.
Got that? Good. Resume flogging Loophole Louie.
Monday, March 24, 2008
B-16's Holy Saturday Sermon: Look East!!
Fr. Z printed all of it.
Here's the part which Klaus Gamber could have written:
In the early Church there was a custom whereby the Bishop or the priest, after the homily, would cry out to the faithful: "Conversi ad Dominum" – turn now towards the Lord. This meant in the first place that they would turn towards the East, towards the rising sun, the sign of Christ returning, whom we go to meet when we celebrate the Eucharist. Where this was not possible, for some reason, they would at least turn towards [the liturgical East] the image of Christ in the apse, or towards the Cross, so as to orient themselves inwardly towards the Lord.
Fundamentally, this involved an interior event; conversion, the turning of our soul towards Jesus Christ and thus towards the living God, towards the true light. Linked with this, then, was the other exclamation that still today, before the Eucharistic Prayer, is addressed to the community of the faithful: "Sursum corda" – "Lift up your hearts", high above the tangled web of our concerns, desires, anxieties and thoughtlessness – "Lift up your hearts, your inner selves!"
For you LitWonkTwitterers--how, exactly, can you remain wedded to the "versus populum" foolishness perpetrated by "Bugsy" Bugnini?
---outside of simply choosing to ignore the substance of the symbol?
Here's the part which Klaus Gamber could have written:
In the early Church there was a custom whereby the Bishop or the priest, after the homily, would cry out to the faithful: "Conversi ad Dominum" – turn now towards the Lord. This meant in the first place that they would turn towards the East, towards the rising sun, the sign of Christ returning, whom we go to meet when we celebrate the Eucharist. Where this was not possible, for some reason, they would at least turn towards [the liturgical East] the image of Christ in the apse, or towards the Cross, so as to orient themselves inwardly towards the Lord.
Fundamentally, this involved an interior event; conversion, the turning of our soul towards Jesus Christ and thus towards the living God, towards the true light. Linked with this, then, was the other exclamation that still today, before the Eucharistic Prayer, is addressed to the community of the faithful: "Sursum corda" – "Lift up your hearts", high above the tangled web of our concerns, desires, anxieties and thoughtlessness – "Lift up your hearts, your inner selves!"
For you LitWonkTwitterers--how, exactly, can you remain wedded to the "versus populum" foolishness perpetrated by "Bugsy" Bugnini?
---outside of simply choosing to ignore the substance of the symbol?
Fed Tax Revenues Southbound
This is a graph of Federal WITHHOLDING tax revenues--those derived from wages and salaries (not capgains, interest/dividends, rents.)
The decline in y/y growth began 4Q07.
Sure would be useful if the State of Wisconsin would have an on-line source for its revenue numbers, eh? At this point, only Dawn Sales-Clerk knows (?!?!?) what the Hell is going on.
Maybe.
HT: The Big Picture
Catholics Attacked During Mass in Chicago
The nutburgers came out in force.
Six Iraq war protesters disrupted an Easter Mass on Sunday, shouting and squirting fake blood on themselves and parishioners in a packed auditorium.
Three men and three women startled the crowd during Cardinal Francis George's homily, yelling "Even the Pope calls for peace" as they were removed from the Mass by security guards and ushers.
The protesters were all charged with felony criminal damage to property and two counts of simple battery for squirting the blood around the auditorium and onto worshipers' clothes, authorities said. Chicago police identified the six arrested as Donte D. Smith, 18; Ephran Ramirez Jr., 22; Ryane Ziemba, 25; Mercedes Phinaih, 18; Regan Maher, 25; and Angela Haban, 20.
The group, which calls itself Catholic Schoolgirls Against the War, said in a statement after the arrests that they targeted the Holy Name Cathedral on Easter to reach a large audience, including Chicago's most prominent Catholic citizens and the press, which usually covers the services.
Kevin Clark of International Solidarity Movement told the Chicago Tribune that he attended the Mass to serve as a witness for the protesters.
"If Cardinal George is a man of peace and is walking the walk and talking the talk, he should have confronted George Bush and demanded an immediate end to the war," Clark said.
Not a real good way to make a point, children.
HT: Clay Cramer
Six Iraq war protesters disrupted an Easter Mass on Sunday, shouting and squirting fake blood on themselves and parishioners in a packed auditorium.
Three men and three women startled the crowd during Cardinal Francis George's homily, yelling "Even the Pope calls for peace" as they were removed from the Mass by security guards and ushers.
The protesters were all charged with felony criminal damage to property and two counts of simple battery for squirting the blood around the auditorium and onto worshipers' clothes, authorities said. Chicago police identified the six arrested as Donte D. Smith, 18; Ephran Ramirez Jr., 22; Ryane Ziemba, 25; Mercedes Phinaih, 18; Regan Maher, 25; and Angela Haban, 20.
The group, which calls itself Catholic Schoolgirls Against the War, said in a statement after the arrests that they targeted the Holy Name Cathedral on Easter to reach a large audience, including Chicago's most prominent Catholic citizens and the press, which usually covers the services.
Kevin Clark of International Solidarity Movement told the Chicago Tribune that he attended the Mass to serve as a witness for the protesters.
"If Cardinal George is a man of peace and is walking the walk and talking the talk, he should have confronted George Bush and demanded an immediate end to the war," Clark said.
Not a real good way to make a point, children.
HT: Clay Cramer
Butler: It's Only Tax Money...Let's Be Frivolous!!
Think that your tax dollars are well-spent?
Think again.
Louis (Loophole) Butler, currently a Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, had no problem with getting himself a free frivolous trip to Washington DC on the taxpayer dime.
What makes this particularly loathsome is that he was defending "Frivolous" filings that he ginned up for a client (what the Hell, it was taxpayer money paying the freight.)
[CLARIFICATION: Loophole Louie argued that the US Constitution (Anders) required public defenders (like Loophole Louie) to argue frivolous cases without stating that they were frivolous EVEN IF THE PD KNOWS they are, whereas SCOWI rules mandated that a PD state the fact that the case is frivolous, along with a 'splanation as to why it's frivolous. In effect, he was arguing against the SCOWI rules. As you might imagine, SCOTUS found him to be begging the question--but it was a nice trip to DC, anyway.]
It so happens that 'frivolous' filings are a big no-no. They are a waste of time for the Courts, a waste of time and money for the other side's legal people (in this case, the State of Wisconsin's prosecutors) and are sometimes a cause of penalties to the lawyer who brings the 'frivolous' action. Look at how Scalia used the term "conscientious" in this exchange:
Justice Scalia: What we’ve got is case where the paying client, if he’s got a conscientious lawyer, would say to him you’re going to waste your money. I’m telling you that in advance. It’s not worth the five thousand dollars to file this. Of course if you want to throw your money away, I’ll file your papers for you. What you’re saying is the poor defendant is entitled to have the state waste the same amount of money.
Butler: That’s correct.
Sure, Louie. I think Scalia nailed it with the "conscientious lawyer" remark. Read between the lines, Louie.
HT: Owen.
Think again.
Louis (Loophole) Butler, currently a Justice on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, had no problem with getting himself a free frivolous trip to Washington DC on the taxpayer dime.
What makes this particularly loathsome is that he was defending "Frivolous" filings that he ginned up for a client (what the Hell, it was taxpayer money paying the freight.)
[CLARIFICATION: Loophole Louie argued that the US Constitution (Anders) required public defenders (like Loophole Louie) to argue frivolous cases without stating that they were frivolous EVEN IF THE PD KNOWS they are, whereas SCOWI rules mandated that a PD state the fact that the case is frivolous, along with a 'splanation as to why it's frivolous. In effect, he was arguing against the SCOWI rules. As you might imagine, SCOTUS found him to be begging the question--but it was a nice trip to DC, anyway.]
It so happens that 'frivolous' filings are a big no-no. They are a waste of time for the Courts, a waste of time and money for the other side's legal people (in this case, the State of Wisconsin's prosecutors) and are sometimes a cause of penalties to the lawyer who brings the 'frivolous' action. Look at how Scalia used the term "conscientious" in this exchange:
Justice Scalia: What we’ve got is case where the paying client, if he’s got a conscientious lawyer, would say to him you’re going to waste your money. I’m telling you that in advance. It’s not worth the five thousand dollars to file this. Of course if you want to throw your money away, I’ll file your papers for you. What you’re saying is the poor defendant is entitled to have the state waste the same amount of money.
Butler: That’s correct.
Sure, Louie. I think Scalia nailed it with the "conscientious lawyer" remark. Read between the lines, Louie.
HT: Owen.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter!
If you're going to sing in the vulgar, sing this one!
Image from Cathedral of the Risen Christ (Lincoln, NE) webpage.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
VERY Healthy Health Insurance
Some health insurance coverage is more equal than others:
In Germantown... Superintendent Victor Rossetti's contract was set to expire at the end of this school year. But the School Board decided to give him early retirement benefits for which he had not qualified.
That happens to include the following:
Health insurance: $36,852
which is:
the full cost of his health insurance premiums for two years.
Eighteen thousand, four hundred twenty-six dollars per YEAR!
In comparison, the family plan provided by a very large local employer (union shop) costs just over $12K/year. The plan has a $1K HSA and stop-loss deductible of $3K/family.
Who the Hell is negotiating the Germantown schools' package?
And why are they still employed as a "negotiator"?
In Germantown... Superintendent Victor Rossetti's contract was set to expire at the end of this school year. But the School Board decided to give him early retirement benefits for which he had not qualified.
That happens to include the following:
Health insurance: $36,852
which is:
the full cost of his health insurance premiums for two years.
Eighteen thousand, four hundred twenty-six dollars per YEAR!
In comparison, the family plan provided by a very large local employer (union shop) costs just over $12K/year. The plan has a $1K HSA and stop-loss deductible of $3K/family.
Who the Hell is negotiating the Germantown schools' package?
And why are they still employed as a "negotiator"?
Sensenbrenner: Right Again
Jim Sensenbrenner says out loud what a lot of folks are thinking.
Sensenbrenner said he did not find President Bush's planned attendance at the Olympics objectionable, he said, "I think the State Department and the president should be more proactive in exposing this egregious human rights violation."
Oh, yeah, there's more:
Sensenbrenner sharply denounced China's conduct and also criticized the U.S. State Department, saying it erred in removing China recently from a list of top 10 human rights violators.
A certain RadioMouth wants Condi Rice to run for President....yah...that's the ticket.
"China ought to get back on the list and get back soon," said Sensenbrenner, who spoke by telephone from India.
"The United States has prided itself on being a leader on questions of human rights," Sensenbrenner said. "This is the most severe human rights violation that has occurred in 2008. And the United States government and State Department should not sit idly by while the Chinese beat up and torture innocent Tibetans."
Once again, the ChiComs demonstrate the virtues of the totalitarian state.
"Healthy Wisconsin," anyone?
And STILL more:
Sensenbrenner is the senior Republican on a 10-member congressional delegation led by Pelosi to the United Kingdom and India - a trip devoted largely to the issue of global warming.
Sensenbrenner said he sought to stress to the government of India that no global agreement on that issue will be effective without the participation of India and China.
"The message I was giving to the Indian government at the highest levels was they had to participate. I can't say it was too well received," he said.
But hey! Regulate more HERE, to make up for it. That way, the US economy will no longer be a threat to the Universe.
Of course, there will be no US economy, either.
Sensenbrenner said he did not find President Bush's planned attendance at the Olympics objectionable, he said, "I think the State Department and the president should be more proactive in exposing this egregious human rights violation."
Oh, yeah, there's more:
Sensenbrenner sharply denounced China's conduct and also criticized the U.S. State Department, saying it erred in removing China recently from a list of top 10 human rights violators.
A certain RadioMouth wants Condi Rice to run for President....yah...that's the ticket.
"China ought to get back on the list and get back soon," said Sensenbrenner, who spoke by telephone from India.
"The United States has prided itself on being a leader on questions of human rights," Sensenbrenner said. "This is the most severe human rights violation that has occurred in 2008. And the United States government and State Department should not sit idly by while the Chinese beat up and torture innocent Tibetans."
Once again, the ChiComs demonstrate the virtues of the totalitarian state.
"Healthy Wisconsin," anyone?
And STILL more:
Sensenbrenner is the senior Republican on a 10-member congressional delegation led by Pelosi to the United Kingdom and India - a trip devoted largely to the issue of global warming.
Sensenbrenner said he sought to stress to the government of India that no global agreement on that issue will be effective without the participation of India and China.
"The message I was giving to the Indian government at the highest levels was they had to participate. I can't say it was too well received," he said.
But hey! Regulate more HERE, to make up for it. That way, the US economy will no longer be a threat to the Universe.
Of course, there will be no US economy, either.
Let's Go For #1!!
Hey--
Second is the first loser.
"First is first. Second is nothing." --Vincent T. Lombardi
"The window for receiving another significant snow storm will probably be open for another month." --Weather Service Meteorologist Bill Borghoff
Only 15 inches to go and you will REALLY have something to tell your grandchildren--if you live through it.
PS: 14.5" here yesterday...
Second is the first loser.
"First is first. Second is nothing." --Vincent T. Lombardi
"The window for receiving another significant snow storm will probably be open for another month." --Weather Service Meteorologist Bill Borghoff
Only 15 inches to go and you will REALLY have something to tell your grandchildren--if you live through it.
PS: 14.5" here yesterday...
Friday, March 21, 2008
Ron Paul? Obama?
Incisive:
Anyway, Larison points out that lots of people (Your Working Boy included) ran from Ron Paul when it came out that he was closely associated with white race nuts, even though nobody believes Paul holds those vicious views. That was considered by the mainstream to be the right and proper thing to do, because even though Paul has given no evidence of having agreed with that garbage, the fact that he wasn't terribly offended by it tells us something worrisome about his character. Yet when presented with Obama guilty of more or less the same offense as Paul -- being too close to people who hold offensive opinions -- we are told to be nuanced in our understanding of these relationships, and not to hold Obama to the same level of accountability.
Yah. We saw the bloggers who denounced Paul, those who quietly snuck away, and the Utterly PC bloglodytes on that Ron Paul thing.
Dreher also frames it this way, as it's practiced by the Utterly Correct People:
"Let's have a dialogue about gender/race/homosexuality/whatever: we'll talk, and you'll listen until you agree with us."
The poison of Babel arises again.
Anyway, Larison points out that lots of people (Your Working Boy included) ran from Ron Paul when it came out that he was closely associated with white race nuts, even though nobody believes Paul holds those vicious views. That was considered by the mainstream to be the right and proper thing to do, because even though Paul has given no evidence of having agreed with that garbage, the fact that he wasn't terribly offended by it tells us something worrisome about his character. Yet when presented with Obama guilty of more or less the same offense as Paul -- being too close to people who hold offensive opinions -- we are told to be nuanced in our understanding of these relationships, and not to hold Obama to the same level of accountability.
Yah. We saw the bloggers who denounced Paul, those who quietly snuck away, and the Utterly PC bloglodytes on that Ron Paul thing.
Dreher also frames it this way, as it's practiced by the Utterly Correct People:
"Let's have a dialogue about gender/race/homosexuality/whatever: we'll talk, and you'll listen until you agree with us."
The poison of Babel arises again.
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James T. Comments
....on Obama.
He's not a fan, in brief. But here's the line which nails it:
I’ll tell you where hope comes from: Forgiveness. There is a Love so wide and deep and high that you can’t help but be overcome by gratitude that transforms individuals and entire communities.
Yah--and it's Good Friday.
Not only correct, but fitting.
He's not a fan, in brief. But here's the line which nails it:
I’ll tell you where hope comes from: Forgiveness. There is a Love so wide and deep and high that you can’t help but be overcome by gratitude that transforms individuals and entire communities.
Yah--and it's Good Friday.
Not only correct, but fitting.
The Subtle Clinton Machine
So Obamamamama's passport records were examined--illicitly--and two people got fired.
Their boss?
The office that handles passports, consular affairs, is indeed run by a woman named Maura Harty, who's a....wait for it -- Clinton administration holdover. Remember, no one has implicated her or any State Department employees -- the two people who were fired were contract workers.
What was so damned interesting in Obamamamama's records?
The greatest interest in Obama's overseas travel has been expressed by Clinton supporters. One area of interest -- and I really don't understand what exactly they were getting at -- is Obama's European travels, or non-travels.
Brought to you via the intrepid Confederate Yankee.
By the way, the Yankee thinks this is a "nothing" story--just curiosity by the (fired) contractors.
Their boss?
The office that handles passports, consular affairs, is indeed run by a woman named Maura Harty, who's a....wait for it -- Clinton administration holdover. Remember, no one has implicated her or any State Department employees -- the two people who were fired were contract workers.
What was so damned interesting in Obamamamama's records?
The greatest interest in Obama's overseas travel has been expressed by Clinton supporters. One area of interest -- and I really don't understand what exactly they were getting at -- is Obama's European travels, or non-travels.
Brought to you via the intrepid Confederate Yankee.
By the way, the Yankee thinks this is a "nothing" story--just curiosity by the (fired) contractors.
Stuff You Learn from McMahon
This guy McMahon runs an absolutely INTERESTING blogspot. It's a 'must-read.'
Today's gem:
During George's childhood, one of the best friends of the Patton family was none-other-than Colonel John S. Mosby, the fabled "Grey Ghost" of J.E.B. Stuart's legendary cavalry. Patton grew up hearing tales of daring raids and stunning cavalry attacks from the Grey Ghost himself. During visits to the Patton Ranch in Southern California, Colonel Mosby would re-enact the Civil War with George; playing himself, he let George play the part of General Lee as they would recount the battles of the war, astride their horses.
These firsthand stories, and horseback re-enactments, directed by one of the greatest Guerilla fighters of all time no doubt had a huge influence on Patton. Both his sense of bravery and duty, and his Guerilla like tactics were no doubt heavily influenced by his early exploits with John S. Mosby.
Recall the Third Army's "lightning march" to relieve Bastogne. It's entirely reasonable to believe that the Confederate Army's 'Gray Ghost' inspired that move--critical to the Allied victory in WWII.
Today's gem:
During George's childhood, one of the best friends of the Patton family was none-other-than Colonel John S. Mosby, the fabled "Grey Ghost" of J.E.B. Stuart's legendary cavalry. Patton grew up hearing tales of daring raids and stunning cavalry attacks from the Grey Ghost himself. During visits to the Patton Ranch in Southern California, Colonel Mosby would re-enact the Civil War with George; playing himself, he let George play the part of General Lee as they would recount the battles of the war, astride their horses.
These firsthand stories, and horseback re-enactments, directed by one of the greatest Guerilla fighters of all time no doubt had a huge influence on Patton. Both his sense of bravery and duty, and his Guerilla like tactics were no doubt heavily influenced by his early exploits with John S. Mosby.
Recall the Third Army's "lightning march" to relieve Bastogne. It's entirely reasonable to believe that the Confederate Army's 'Gray Ghost' inspired that move--critical to the Allied victory in WWII.
State Deficit? Here Are Solutions
Jo Egelhoff has a few which are major.
One of them might put a certain State Leggie's brother in a bind. (Hint: can you spell E-T-H-A-N-O-L subsidy?)
Tough shit.
HT: No Runny Eggs
One of them might put a certain State Leggie's brother in a bind. (Hint: can you spell E-T-H-A-N-O-L subsidy?)
Tough shit.
HT: No Runny Eggs
Labor Costs the Problem? Maybe Not
Wonder why all those manufacturing jobs are leaving the USA?
Charlie points to a study which reveals reality. Although this is called "startling" by the Tax Foundation (which authored the study), I have mentioned more than a few times that tax- and regulatory- costs in the USA (and Wisconsin) have a serious impact on business viability--thus, on job prospects and job-security of 'the common man' in this country.
In other words, it is NOT "cost of labor" alone which makes off-shoring our manufacturing sector desirable.
...most American states tax job providers at a higher rate than any other country in the developed world.
24 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than top-ranked Japan.
32 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than third-ranked Germany.
46 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than fourth-ranked Canada.
All 50 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than fifth-ranked France
The highest total tax rip in the world is found in Iowa (41.6%), followed by PA., MN., and MA.
Wisconsin is 15th in the whole WORLD, with a total rip of 40.1%
Lowest in the US is Wyoming (35%), which does not have a corporate income tax.
The really bad news: regulatory costs (IRS, OSHA, EEOC, ERISA, and State entities such as DNR and DOR, are not addressed by this study. Americans for Tax Reform estimates that total tax/reg costs in the USA amount to 53% of national income.
The propensity to tax and regulate every single transaction or interaction, (major or extremely minor) largely championed by Democrat politicians, is eviscerating the financial viability of the prospective or current employers of the common laboring man, not to mention a lot of his white- and pink-collar colleagues and neighbors. The Republicans are hardly blameless--but the US is on a commercial-homicide course which should be re-examined very carefully.
Charlie points to a study which reveals reality. Although this is called "startling" by the Tax Foundation (which authored the study), I have mentioned more than a few times that tax- and regulatory- costs in the USA (and Wisconsin) have a serious impact on business viability--thus, on job prospects and job-security of 'the common man' in this country.
In other words, it is NOT "cost of labor" alone which makes off-shoring our manufacturing sector desirable.
...most American states tax job providers at a higher rate than any other country in the developed world.
24 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than top-ranked Japan.
32 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than third-ranked Germany.
46 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than fourth-ranked Canada.
All 50 states have a combined corporate tax rate higher than fifth-ranked France
The highest total tax rip in the world is found in Iowa (41.6%), followed by PA., MN., and MA.
Wisconsin is 15th in the whole WORLD, with a total rip of 40.1%
Lowest in the US is Wyoming (35%), which does not have a corporate income tax.
The really bad news: regulatory costs (IRS, OSHA, EEOC, ERISA, and State entities such as DNR and DOR, are not addressed by this study. Americans for Tax Reform estimates that total tax/reg costs in the USA amount to 53% of national income.
The propensity to tax and regulate every single transaction or interaction, (major or extremely minor) largely championed by Democrat politicians, is eviscerating the financial viability of the prospective or current employers of the common laboring man, not to mention a lot of his white- and pink-collar colleagues and neighbors. The Republicans are hardly blameless--but the US is on a commercial-homicide course which should be re-examined very carefully.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Former....Zygotes?
In utero pix. Of course, if they were HUMAN they'd be 'blobs of matter,' to Planned Barrenhood.
On Window-Breaking "Demonstrators"
It speaks for itself that the window-breakers on the East Side did their "protesting" under cover of darkness and ran away to hide.
But the Caveman has a germane wish:
Oh, how I'd love to set free all those "wrongfully detained political prisoners" in Guantanamo Bay, and have them share a condo with all those spoiled brat protesters. I can see it now... the piss stained trousers mixed with the heavy smell of abject fear and panic as the terrorists descend upon these limousine liberals like wolves on a flock of lambs. Kinda like Dawn of the Dead meets Weekend at Bernie's.
I'll buy the popcorn.
But the Caveman has a germane wish:
Oh, how I'd love to set free all those "wrongfully detained political prisoners" in Guantanamo Bay, and have them share a condo with all those spoiled brat protesters. I can see it now... the piss stained trousers mixed with the heavy smell of abject fear and panic as the terrorists descend upon these limousine liberals like wolves on a flock of lambs. Kinda like Dawn of the Dead meets Weekend at Bernie's.
I'll buy the popcorn.
Pastor Wright's Theology
Something that Eugene Kane has not explained (nor can he, I suspect):
Cone is now distinguished professor at New York's Union Theological Seminary
..and Prof. Cone is the theological mentor of Rev. Wright. The core content of "black theology"?
Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community ... Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.
Well, it's an opinion.
And it's no wonder that White Crackers Don't Get It.
HT: Rich Leonardi
Cone is now distinguished professor at New York's Union Theological Seminary
..and Prof. Cone is the theological mentor of Rev. Wright. The core content of "black theology"?
Black theology refuses to accept a God who is not identified totally with the goals of the black community. If God is not for us and against white people, then he is a murderer, and we had better kill him. The task of black theology is to kill Gods who do not belong to the black community ... Black theology will accept only the love of God which participates in the destruction of the white enemy. What we need is the divine love as expressed in Black Power, which is the power of black people to destroy their oppressors here and now by any means at their disposal. Unless God is participating in this holy activity, we must reject his love.
Well, it's an opinion.
And it's no wonder that White Crackers Don't Get It.
HT: Rich Leonardi
Whither McCain
Peg Noonan horsewhips the old stallion a bit.
One line that stood out:
The friend said he thought Mr. McCain is showing a certain "complacency" because he's already got what he wanted. "He's got Bush's people bowing, he's got the conservatives coming back, the establishment bowing. He's satisfied. He's finally got it!" But you have to want the presidency or the people won't give it to you. You have to fight for it. I asked if Mr. McCain really wanted it, really hungered. He shrugged. He didn't know
Reminds one of the knock on Fred!! Thompson, no?
Noonan's thesis is that McCain is a quipper, not a thinker--and that he may well be happy as a pig in mud being a "maverick," whether or not he ever gets elected President.
Everything the friend said pinged off things I've observed of the McCain campaign. I'd add this. One always wonders with Mr. McCain: What exactly does he feel passionately about, what great question? Or rather, what does he stand for, really? For he often shows passion, but he rarely speaks of meaning. The issues that summon his full engagement are issues on which he's been challenged by his party and others. McCain, to McCain, is defined by his maverickness. That's who he is. (It's the theme of his strikingly good memoir, "Worth the Fighting For.") He stands up to power. He faces them down. It's not only a self image, it's a self obsession.
But it has left him seeming passionate only about those issues on which he's been able to act out his maverickness, such as campaign finance and immigration. He's passionate about McCain-Feingold because . . . because people don't understand how right he is, and how wrong they are. He's passionate not about immigration itself but about how he got his head handed to him when he backed comprehensive reform, about which he was right by the way. He's passionate about Iraq because America can't cut and run, as it did in Vietnam, to the subsequent heartbreak of good people, and heroes. But this is not philosophy, it's autobiography.
Noonan also pointed out, indirectly, how McCain's "quip, don't think" persona has gotten him afoul of the Constitution and the vast majority of Americans on campaign finance and immigration (respectively.)
I don't know if I like the idea of a passionate non-thinker playing Commander-in-Chief.
In the most successful political careers there is a purpose, a guiding philosophy. Not an ideology—ideology is something imposed from above, something abstract dreamed up by an intellectual. Philosophy isn't imposed from above, it bubbles up from the ground, from life. And its expression is missing with Mr. McCain. Political staffs inevitably treat philosophy as the last thing, almost an indulgence. But it's the central fact from which all else flows. Staffs turn each day to scheduling, advance, fundraising, returning the billionaire's phone call. They're quick to hold the meeting to agree on the speech on the economy. But they don't, can't, give that speech meaning and depth. Only the candidate can, actually
Suppose that McPain will respond to that challenge? I doubt it. He thinks he's made his case, as Noonan writes in the essay--and that he simply deserves election based on.....whatever.
Even Fred!!, whose desire was questionable, had understanding.
One line that stood out:
The friend said he thought Mr. McCain is showing a certain "complacency" because he's already got what he wanted. "He's got Bush's people bowing, he's got the conservatives coming back, the establishment bowing. He's satisfied. He's finally got it!" But you have to want the presidency or the people won't give it to you. You have to fight for it. I asked if Mr. McCain really wanted it, really hungered. He shrugged. He didn't know
Reminds one of the knock on Fred!! Thompson, no?
Noonan's thesis is that McCain is a quipper, not a thinker--and that he may well be happy as a pig in mud being a "maverick," whether or not he ever gets elected President.
Everything the friend said pinged off things I've observed of the McCain campaign. I'd add this. One always wonders with Mr. McCain: What exactly does he feel passionately about, what great question? Or rather, what does he stand for, really? For he often shows passion, but he rarely speaks of meaning. The issues that summon his full engagement are issues on which he's been challenged by his party and others. McCain, to McCain, is defined by his maverickness. That's who he is. (It's the theme of his strikingly good memoir, "Worth the Fighting For.") He stands up to power. He faces them down. It's not only a self image, it's a self obsession.
But it has left him seeming passionate only about those issues on which he's been able to act out his maverickness, such as campaign finance and immigration. He's passionate about McCain-Feingold because . . . because people don't understand how right he is, and how wrong they are. He's passionate not about immigration itself but about how he got his head handed to him when he backed comprehensive reform, about which he was right by the way. He's passionate about Iraq because America can't cut and run, as it did in Vietnam, to the subsequent heartbreak of good people, and heroes. But this is not philosophy, it's autobiography.
Noonan also pointed out, indirectly, how McCain's "quip, don't think" persona has gotten him afoul of the Constitution and the vast majority of Americans on campaign finance and immigration (respectively.)
I don't know if I like the idea of a passionate non-thinker playing Commander-in-Chief.
In the most successful political careers there is a purpose, a guiding philosophy. Not an ideology—ideology is something imposed from above, something abstract dreamed up by an intellectual. Philosophy isn't imposed from above, it bubbles up from the ground, from life. And its expression is missing with Mr. McCain. Political staffs inevitably treat philosophy as the last thing, almost an indulgence. But it's the central fact from which all else flows. Staffs turn each day to scheduling, advance, fundraising, returning the billionaire's phone call. They're quick to hold the meeting to agree on the speech on the economy. But they don't, can't, give that speech meaning and depth. Only the candidate can, actually
Suppose that McPain will respond to that challenge? I doubt it. He thinks he's made his case, as Noonan writes in the essay--and that he simply deserves election based on.....whatever.
Even Fred!!, whose desire was questionable, had understanding.
Liturgical Law
From Diogenes, commenting on Anglican Bishops' decision to polish shoes (instead of washing feet) on Maundy Thursday:
There seems to be some kind of mysterious spiritual law which dictates that whenever the clergy convince themselves the traditional liturgical symbols are too weak, the novelties they come with as substitutes are bad.
"Bad" hardly conveys the reality. "Frightful" may be more descriptive.
And it's not just "clergy." The LitWonk Crowd, not all of whom are ordained, have equally dreary and hackneyed imaginations. (CF your parish' Liturgy Committee; wall-hangings, anyone? Wretched music? Spandex-covered dancers?)
There seems to be some kind of mysterious spiritual law which dictates that whenever the clergy convince themselves the traditional liturgical symbols are too weak, the novelties they come with as substitutes are bad.
"Bad" hardly conveys the reality. "Frightful" may be more descriptive.
And it's not just "clergy." The LitWonk Crowd, not all of whom are ordained, have equally dreary and hackneyed imaginations. (CF your parish' Liturgy Committee; wall-hangings, anyone? Wretched music? Spandex-covered dancers?)
Stonehenge Made Simple
You won't believe it until you see it.
Mind you, this guy is NOT some sort of Ph.D. MIT-type professor.
HT: Headless. (Be sure to invite the blogosphere when you try it yourself. We'll bring popcorn.)
Mind you, this guy is NOT some sort of Ph.D. MIT-type professor.
HT: Headless. (Be sure to invite the blogosphere when you try it yourself. We'll bring popcorn.)
Elmbrook's Improvements
Sometimes, the RadioMouth is simply wrong.
That's the case with the upcoming Elmbrook school referendum, asking for $62 million to re-work and improve both Elmbrook high schools. This go-around replaces the initial $100++ million request, which was soundly defeated (with cause.)
The current question is a much different one. The Administration found a group of "no"-voters, who gave up an enormous amount of their personal and professional time to review the project from the bottom up--in essence, a "zero-based" budget review for the project.
After a lot of sensible recommendations were made and accepted, the reduced request was put on the ballot. In fact, what's proposed is necessary. The remodel and new construction will not be "frivolous" nor particularly cutting-edge--it will be utilitarian and necessary. I've been in the buildings a lot of times, and frankly, the work should be done.
That's the case with the upcoming Elmbrook school referendum, asking for $62 million to re-work and improve both Elmbrook high schools. This go-around replaces the initial $100++ million request, which was soundly defeated (with cause.)
The current question is a much different one. The Administration found a group of "no"-voters, who gave up an enormous amount of their personal and professional time to review the project from the bottom up--in essence, a "zero-based" budget review for the project.
After a lot of sensible recommendations were made and accepted, the reduced request was put on the ballot. In fact, what's proposed is necessary. The remodel and new construction will not be "frivolous" nor particularly cutting-edge--it will be utilitarian and necessary. I've been in the buildings a lot of times, and frankly, the work should be done.
The Impending Collapse of Planned Parenthood
They may wish they never were in Kansas, Toto.
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri is facing 107 criminal charges, including 23 felony counts of falsifying medical documents related to late-term abortions. The felony charges will be examined at preliminary hearings set for April 7 and 8 in Johnson County District Court in Olathe, Kan.
Kline [the prosecutor] said successful prosecution of Planned Parenthood in this case could have repercussions across the country.
"Planned Parenthood is required for the receipt of federal funds to comply with state laws," Kline said. "It could jeopardize their federal funding."
Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch. Just ask Jim Ott (R-Mequon).
Planned Parenthood of Kansas and Mid-Missouri is facing 107 criminal charges, including 23 felony counts of falsifying medical documents related to late-term abortions. The felony charges will be examined at preliminary hearings set for April 7 and 8 in Johnson County District Court in Olathe, Kan.
Kline [the prosecutor] said successful prosecution of Planned Parenthood in this case could have repercussions across the country.
"Planned Parenthood is required for the receipt of federal funds to comply with state laws," Kline said. "It could jeopardize their federal funding."
Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch. Just ask Jim Ott (R-Mequon).
The Alternative Universe of Gene Kane
Frankly, I rarely read his stuff, but there are times when it's necessary. So...
When Obama spoke on the topic of race and politics in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the expectations were he had to deliver in a grand way in order to defuse growing controversy over the incendiary remarks by Wright, his former pastor in Chicago.
The verdict from most: He knocked it out of the park.
What's "it"? By the insta-poll results, showing a large drop in Obamamamama's numbers in PA., the "it" may well be his candidacy.
...I repeated my belief that many white Americans simply don't understand the oral tradition of the black church or the longstanding tradition of some black preachers of calling out white America for racial injustice. Admittedly, Wright used much harsher language than most are accustomed to from their religious figures
It's a 'black thang,' and yah, well, mumblemumblemumble, maybe saying goddamn America was stupid and not really helpful now that all those whiteyhonkeys have seen it.
If folks are honest, they will acknowledge at the very least that Obama showed why he won Wisconsin and that he delivered on the potential many have seen in his candidacy to look at America in a new and exciting way.
"....look at America in a NEW way?" You mean strictly through the lens of race, like Jim Crow?
From his refusal to throw Wright under the bus to his revelation about hurtful comments from his maternal grandmother, it was a tour-de-force performance by Obama that had less to do with politics than it did with humanity.
Yah, Gene. He traded his grandma for his race-baiting pastor. That's "humane," alright.
When Obama spoke on the topic of race and politics in Philadelphia on Tuesday, the expectations were he had to deliver in a grand way in order to defuse growing controversy over the incendiary remarks by Wright, his former pastor in Chicago.
The verdict from most: He knocked it out of the park.
What's "it"? By the insta-poll results, showing a large drop in Obamamamama's numbers in PA., the "it" may well be his candidacy.
...I repeated my belief that many white Americans simply don't understand the oral tradition of the black church or the longstanding tradition of some black preachers of calling out white America for racial injustice. Admittedly, Wright used much harsher language than most are accustomed to from their religious figures
It's a 'black thang,' and yah, well, mumblemumblemumble, maybe saying goddamn America was stupid and not really helpful now that all those whiteyhonkeys have seen it.
If folks are honest, they will acknowledge at the very least that Obama showed why he won Wisconsin and that he delivered on the potential many have seen in his candidacy to look at America in a new and exciting way.
"....look at America in a NEW way?" You mean strictly through the lens of race, like Jim Crow?
From his refusal to throw Wright under the bus to his revelation about hurtful comments from his maternal grandmother, it was a tour-de-force performance by Obama that had less to do with politics than it did with humanity.
Yah, Gene. He traded his grandma for his race-baiting pastor. That's "humane," alright.
The Fed and the Great Depression
There is a large group of folks who believe that the Depression was caused by Smoot-Hawley, the tariffs which were emplaced to assist US businesses.
Of course, the Smoot-Hawley tariff was not 'the cause' of the Depression--at least by the numbers.
According to the U.S. Statistical Abstract, the effective tariff rate was 13.5% in 1929 and 19.8% in 1933. From 1821 through 1900 the United States averaged 29.7% effective tariff rates and peaked in 1830 at 57.3%, dwarfing the Smoot-Hawley rate
(If anything, the above tells us that higher tariffs are better for the US than the low tariffs of Smoot-Hawley.)
Actually, the Depression was stoked by the Fed--according to Milton Friedman.
The [1929] recession was an ordinary business cycle. We had repeated recessions over hundreds of years, but what converted [this one] into a major depression was bad monetary policy.
The Federal Reserve System had been established to prevent what actually happened. It was set up to avoid a situation in which you would have to close down banks, in which you would have a banking crisis. And yet, under the Federal Reserve System, you had the worst banking crisis in the history of the United States. There's no other example I can think of, of a government measure which produced so clearly the opposite of the results that were intended.
And what happened is that [the Federal Reserve] followed policies which led to a decline in the quantity of money by a third. For every $100 in paper money, in deposits, in cash, in currency, in existence in 1929, by the time you got to 1933 there was only about $65, $66 left. And that extraordinary collapse in the banking system, with about a third of the banks failing from beginning to end, with millions of people having their savings essentially washed out, that decline was utterly unnecessary
Umnnnh......that's why Friedman was called a "monetarist" theoretician in economics. It may be the case that Smoot-Hawley tariffs (which were reciprocated by Canada and Europe) lent to the malaise, and it may not. It SHOULD be hard to argue that the historically-low S-H rates were the "cause" of the Depression, but people make that argument without shame on a regular basis.
The question is "how much cash is right"--clearly, Bernanke is willing to monetize in the current situation.
No doubt we'll learn something this time around, too.
Of course, the Smoot-Hawley tariff was not 'the cause' of the Depression--at least by the numbers.
According to the U.S. Statistical Abstract, the effective tariff rate was 13.5% in 1929 and 19.8% in 1933. From 1821 through 1900 the United States averaged 29.7% effective tariff rates and peaked in 1830 at 57.3%, dwarfing the Smoot-Hawley rate
(If anything, the above tells us that higher tariffs are better for the US than the low tariffs of Smoot-Hawley.)
Actually, the Depression was stoked by the Fed--according to Milton Friedman.
The [1929] recession was an ordinary business cycle. We had repeated recessions over hundreds of years, but what converted [this one] into a major depression was bad monetary policy.
The Federal Reserve System had been established to prevent what actually happened. It was set up to avoid a situation in which you would have to close down banks, in which you would have a banking crisis. And yet, under the Federal Reserve System, you had the worst banking crisis in the history of the United States. There's no other example I can think of, of a government measure which produced so clearly the opposite of the results that were intended.
And what happened is that [the Federal Reserve] followed policies which led to a decline in the quantity of money by a third. For every $100 in paper money, in deposits, in cash, in currency, in existence in 1929, by the time you got to 1933 there was only about $65, $66 left. And that extraordinary collapse in the banking system, with about a third of the banks failing from beginning to end, with millions of people having their savings essentially washed out, that decline was utterly unnecessary
Umnnnh......that's why Friedman was called a "monetarist" theoretician in economics. It may be the case that Smoot-Hawley tariffs (which were reciprocated by Canada and Europe) lent to the malaise, and it may not. It SHOULD be hard to argue that the historically-low S-H rates were the "cause" of the Depression, but people make that argument without shame on a regular basis.
The question is "how much cash is right"--clearly, Bernanke is willing to monetize in the current situation.
No doubt we'll learn something this time around, too.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
California Schoolin'
The strict constructionists in California read the law, and decided that home-schooling was illegal--not unlike the decision about 'virtual schooling' in Wisconsin. This according to Jos. Knippenberg on the First Things blogsite.
...According to the appellate panel, California law contemplates home education only by fully credentialed tutors, with only a few minor exceptions, generally provided for and supervised by public-school systems. There is, the judges held, no legal provision for private-school ISPs or private-school affidavits. Parents who failed to conform to the law by enrolling their children full-time in public or private schools, or hiring a credentialed tutor, “may be subject to a criminal complaint against them, found guilty of an infraction, and subject to imposition of fine.”
No wonder people were incredulous and outraged. Unfortunately for them, the court stands on pretty firm legal ground, following precedents and offering a “strict construction” of California law.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel (barring legislative remedy, which seems to be entirely possible.)
...the most relevant precedent is Wisconsin v. Yoder, a 1972 case dealing with the claim of Old Order Amish that their children should be exempted from compulsory attendance in school after completing the eighth grade
...but even Yoder is not entirely reassuring for the California situation--the "religious" claims of the Old Order Amish are far, far stronger than those of many homeschoolers.
...According to the appellate panel, California law contemplates home education only by fully credentialed tutors, with only a few minor exceptions, generally provided for and supervised by public-school systems. There is, the judges held, no legal provision for private-school ISPs or private-school affidavits. Parents who failed to conform to the law by enrolling their children full-time in public or private schools, or hiring a credentialed tutor, “may be subject to a criminal complaint against them, found guilty of an infraction, and subject to imposition of fine.”
No wonder people were incredulous and outraged. Unfortunately for them, the court stands on pretty firm legal ground, following precedents and offering a “strict construction” of California law.
There is some light at the end of the tunnel (barring legislative remedy, which seems to be entirely possible.)
...the most relevant precedent is Wisconsin v. Yoder, a 1972 case dealing with the claim of Old Order Amish that their children should be exempted from compulsory attendance in school after completing the eighth grade
...but even Yoder is not entirely reassuring for the California situation--the "religious" claims of the Old Order Amish are far, far stronger than those of many homeschoolers.
Stuff Cops Shouldn't Do
Now and then, the cops have a bad day.
Two stories from this AM's paper...
1) The County Mountie who gets nailed for DUI says "You know how many cops I have stopped and let go? Hundreds," he said. "If I saw a car smashed up against the wall and it was a cop, I would let it go, man. You did not have to do this to me."
Maybe he meant "dozens" instead of "hundreds." Same difference. He's just managed to destroy credibility for a lot of badge-wearing folks--and no amount of spinning, waffling, or BS'ing from CopShop HQ types will erase those words.
2) The "shot in the back" lawsuit.
U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller refused the city's request to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit brought by the family of Justin Fields, who was shot in the back by officer Craig Nawotka as he drove away from officers.
Stadtmueller also questioned Nawotka's version that Fields, 21, was trying to run him over. Fields was shot in the back as he was driving slowly away from Nawotka and other officers. The judge said there is evidence that neither Nawotka nor anyone else was in danger from Fields.
Well, what the Hell, Your Honor...that BS worked for the UW-M rent-a-cop who shot a Jeep driver in the back a few years back. WhassamattaYOU??
Obviously, Mr. Fields had a serious attitude problem and was fleeing the police. But the "spray and pray" shooting lessons administered by the Milwaukee Police Department have a serious flaw.
I defy you to find a D.A. anyplace in this country who would apply the "justified" label to a case in which a citizen killed someone, attitude or not, by shooting him in the back.
Two stories from this AM's paper...
1) The County Mountie who gets nailed for DUI says "You know how many cops I have stopped and let go? Hundreds," he said. "If I saw a car smashed up against the wall and it was a cop, I would let it go, man. You did not have to do this to me."
Maybe he meant "dozens" instead of "hundreds." Same difference. He's just managed to destroy credibility for a lot of badge-wearing folks--and no amount of spinning, waffling, or BS'ing from CopShop HQ types will erase those words.
2) The "shot in the back" lawsuit.
U.S. District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller refused the city's request to dismiss a civil rights lawsuit brought by the family of Justin Fields, who was shot in the back by officer Craig Nawotka as he drove away from officers.
Stadtmueller also questioned Nawotka's version that Fields, 21, was trying to run him over. Fields was shot in the back as he was driving slowly away from Nawotka and other officers. The judge said there is evidence that neither Nawotka nor anyone else was in danger from Fields.
Well, what the Hell, Your Honor...that BS worked for the UW-M rent-a-cop who shot a Jeep driver in the back a few years back. WhassamattaYOU??
Obviously, Mr. Fields had a serious attitude problem and was fleeing the police. But the "spray and pray" shooting lessons administered by the Milwaukee Police Department have a serious flaw.
I defy you to find a D.A. anyplace in this country who would apply the "justified" label to a case in which a citizen killed someone, attitude or not, by shooting him in the back.
The Cost of Iraq
Don't get me wrong. I give the benefit of the doubt to GWB's decision to take out Saddam and put in place something better. To my mind, it was a close call, but I'll defer to the President.
Having said that, there were a few embarrassingly STUPID remarks made by many who supported this adventure wholeheartedly. Rest assured, you won't hear them during the President's speech this morning.
“The United States is committed to helping Iraq recover from the conflict, but Iraq will not require sustained aid.” –OMB Director Mitch Daniels, quote in the Washington Post on April 21, 2003.
“Well, the Office of Management and Budget, has come up come up with a number that’s something under $50 billion for the cost. How much of that would be the U.S. burden, and how much would be other countries, is an open question. –Donald Rumsfeld, January 19, 2003.
Now that we're at $500++Bn spent, looks like Rummy was off by a tad, no? He wasn't the only one:
“We’re dealing with a country that can really finance its own reconstruction, and relatively soon.” –Paul Wolfowitz, March 27, 2003
“I expect we will get a lot of mitigation [from other countries re: the cost of rebuilding Iraq], but it will be easier after the fact than before the fact. –Paul Wolfowitz, March 27, 2003.
“There are other differences that suggest that peacekeeping requirements in Iraq might be much lower than historical experience in the Balkans suggests.” –Wolfowitz, February 27, 2003
HT: The Agitator
Agitator also makes the point that an occupation force may be very long-lived in Iraq, using Germany and Korea as examples.
I think that is short-sighted and irrelevant. So long as terrorism is centered in and sponsored by Arab states, a US military presence close by is prudent, if expensive. And (for the economically illiterate) it is also in our national interest to protect the world's largest known reserves of petroleum, which happen to be sitting under a very unstable shiekhdom called Saudi Arabia.
Having said that, there were a few embarrassingly STUPID remarks made by many who supported this adventure wholeheartedly. Rest assured, you won't hear them during the President's speech this morning.
“The United States is committed to helping Iraq recover from the conflict, but Iraq will not require sustained aid.” –OMB Director Mitch Daniels, quote in the Washington Post on April 21, 2003.
“Well, the Office of Management and Budget, has come up come up with a number that’s something under $50 billion for the cost. How much of that would be the U.S. burden, and how much would be other countries, is an open question. –Donald Rumsfeld, January 19, 2003.
Now that we're at $500++Bn spent, looks like Rummy was off by a tad, no? He wasn't the only one:
“We’re dealing with a country that can really finance its own reconstruction, and relatively soon.” –Paul Wolfowitz, March 27, 2003
“I expect we will get a lot of mitigation [from other countries re: the cost of rebuilding Iraq], but it will be easier after the fact than before the fact. –Paul Wolfowitz, March 27, 2003.
“There are other differences that suggest that peacekeeping requirements in Iraq might be much lower than historical experience in the Balkans suggests.” –Wolfowitz, February 27, 2003
HT: The Agitator
Agitator also makes the point that an occupation force may be very long-lived in Iraq, using Germany and Korea as examples.
I think that is short-sighted and irrelevant. So long as terrorism is centered in and sponsored by Arab states, a US military presence close by is prudent, if expensive. And (for the economically illiterate) it is also in our national interest to protect the world's largest known reserves of petroleum, which happen to be sitting under a very unstable shiekhdom called Saudi Arabia.
Is Rev. Wright a One-Off? Michelle In Charge
From the Confederate Yankee:
I belong to a deliberately diverse church with a substantial African-American congregation and an African-American senior pastor that spends a considerable portion of her time in the pulpit. We are without a doubt a church with a lot of "dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear," and we even occasionally have folks overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit fall out in the pews...
...And yet, somehow, we've kept from attacking other races or our country in the process.
Is it true that other predominately African-American congregations applaud when their pastor exhorts them to sing out "God damn America," or is it more likely that most African-American churches focus on honoring the words of Jesus Christ as written in the Bible, and leave the responsibility of damnation to God?
Do other predominately African America churches profess a values system seemingly based more upon the color of their skin than the content of Jesus' character?
Is it a commonly held belief in predominately African-American congregations nationwide that the CIA created the AIDS virus to target minority communities, and that we deserved the terror attacks of September 11, 2001?
Or is it more likely that such illness is isolated to congregations that are pustules of anger, ignorance and intolerance?
I choose to believe that regardless of race, all Christian congregations focus primarily on the Word of God and helping their communities, not blaming others for their misfortunes, real or imagined. Likewise, I choose to believe that congregations of every color focus on thanking God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us, not damning this imperfect nation for the sin of being less than divine here on earth.
Barack Obama would excuse his pastor and his congregation and his own failure to stand up to their bile and bigotry with a defense of "everybody else does it, too."
But that defense—at least I hope—isn't true.
Barack Obama seems content to tar all African-American churches with a wide brush in order to defend the failings of his own church, his pastor, and his own character.
As an individual Christian and a member of the body of Christ, I can forgive him.
As a voter, I don't see why anyone should.
Personally, I think that the Rev Wright's screeds comport very closely with Michelle Obama's weltanschuung--and I think Obamamamama is told where he's going to church by Michelle.
I belong to a deliberately diverse church with a substantial African-American congregation and an African-American senior pastor that spends a considerable portion of her time in the pulpit. We are without a doubt a church with a lot of "dancing, clapping, screaming and shouting that may seem jarring to the untrained ear," and we even occasionally have folks overwhelmed by the Holy Spirit fall out in the pews...
...And yet, somehow, we've kept from attacking other races or our country in the process.
Is it true that other predominately African-American congregations applaud when their pastor exhorts them to sing out "God damn America," or is it more likely that most African-American churches focus on honoring the words of Jesus Christ as written in the Bible, and leave the responsibility of damnation to God?
Do other predominately African America churches profess a values system seemingly based more upon the color of their skin than the content of Jesus' character?
Is it a commonly held belief in predominately African-American congregations nationwide that the CIA created the AIDS virus to target minority communities, and that we deserved the terror attacks of September 11, 2001?
Or is it more likely that such illness is isolated to congregations that are pustules of anger, ignorance and intolerance?
I choose to believe that regardless of race, all Christian congregations focus primarily on the Word of God and helping their communities, not blaming others for their misfortunes, real or imagined. Likewise, I choose to believe that congregations of every color focus on thanking God for the blessings he has bestowed upon us, not damning this imperfect nation for the sin of being less than divine here on earth.
Barack Obama would excuse his pastor and his congregation and his own failure to stand up to their bile and bigotry with a defense of "everybody else does it, too."
But that defense—at least I hope—isn't true.
Barack Obama seems content to tar all African-American churches with a wide brush in order to defend the failings of his own church, his pastor, and his own character.
As an individual Christian and a member of the body of Christ, I can forgive him.
As a voter, I don't see why anyone should.
Personally, I think that the Rev Wright's screeds comport very closely with Michelle Obama's weltanschuung--and I think Obamamamama is told where he's going to church by Michelle.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Try This Before IVF
Sort of like the difference between FETAL-embryo stemcell research and ADULT stemcell research, we also find that there is a natural (and very successful) fertility treatment.
NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology or NPT) is a dramatically successful, but not well known or practiced method of diagnosing and treating gynecological diseases and infertility in women. It is a morally acceptable and very cost effective method of restoring fertility, using a fertility-care based medical approach, rather than a fertility-control approach.
This new reproductive science works cooperatively with the natural fertility [menstrual] cycle. It has been developed as a series of medical applications based on a standardized assessment of the biomarkers of the fertility [menstrual] cycle, known as the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. It can be used to evaluate and treat infertility, miscarriage, irregular cycles, ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression and many other women's health conditions.
When used to treat infertility alone, NaProTechnology has a success rate of 76% in assisting couples to achieve pregnancy - remarkably superior to the 10-15% success rate of in vitro fertilization, and without the enormous financial cost and adverse emotional and other psychological effects of in vitro fertilization.
No, you won't hear much about this in the MSM, or from the local OB/GYN community...
NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology or NPT) is a dramatically successful, but not well known or practiced method of diagnosing and treating gynecological diseases and infertility in women. It is a morally acceptable and very cost effective method of restoring fertility, using a fertility-care based medical approach, rather than a fertility-control approach.
This new reproductive science works cooperatively with the natural fertility [menstrual] cycle. It has been developed as a series of medical applications based on a standardized assessment of the biomarkers of the fertility [menstrual] cycle, known as the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. It can be used to evaluate and treat infertility, miscarriage, irregular cycles, ovarian cysts, premenstrual syndrome, postpartum depression and many other women's health conditions.
When used to treat infertility alone, NaProTechnology has a success rate of 76% in assisting couples to achieve pregnancy - remarkably superior to the 10-15% success rate of in vitro fertilization, and without the enormous financial cost and adverse emotional and other psychological effects of in vitro fertilization.
No, you won't hear much about this in the MSM, or from the local OB/GYN community...
Doyle: Gimme Money or Keep the Potholes
Good old DarthDoyle.
Gov. Jim Doyle Thursday warned that drivers may pay the price for legislative inaction on the state's looming budget deficit.
Doyle said uncertainty over state revenues is forcing many local governments to delay bids on road repair projects -- including pothole repairs.
"They don't know how much money they're going to be getting," Doyle told reporters during a Capitol press conference Thursday afternoon. "The snow is melting and people are anxious to get going with those repairs."
But if lawmakers fail to act soon, "you're going to see a lot of unhappy motorists out there."
Let's sell the Governor's Mansion and use the proceeds to fund pothole repairs.
Screw you, Doyle.
HT: Kevin Fischer
Gov. Jim Doyle Thursday warned that drivers may pay the price for legislative inaction on the state's looming budget deficit.
Doyle said uncertainty over state revenues is forcing many local governments to delay bids on road repair projects -- including pothole repairs.
"They don't know how much money they're going to be getting," Doyle told reporters during a Capitol press conference Thursday afternoon. "The snow is melting and people are anxious to get going with those repairs."
But if lawmakers fail to act soon, "you're going to see a lot of unhappy motorists out there."
Let's sell the Governor's Mansion and use the proceeds to fund pothole repairs.
Screw you, Doyle.
HT: Kevin Fischer
The Line for the Heller Case
Courtesy Clay Cramer, the line of folks waiting to get into SCOTUS to hear the Heller case this morning. According to Clay, he could only find one individual who opposed the 2nd Circuit's ruling.
Monday, March 17, 2008
The Haircut
Got this from a relative who lives in Illinois--that location will be more germane when you get to the end of the item.
The Haircut
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, " cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill,the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doingcommunity service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot acceptmoney from you. I'm doing community service this week." The professor is very happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful'.
Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference betweenthe citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.
The Haircut
One day a florist goes to a barber for a haircut. After the cut he asks about his bill and the barber replies, " cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber goes to open his shop the next morning there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.
Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill,the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doingcommunity service this week." The cop is happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber goes to open up there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.
Later that day, a college professor comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replies, "I cannot acceptmoney from you. I'm doing community service this week." The professor is very happy and leaves the shop. The next morning when the barber opens his shop, there is a 'thank you' card and a dozen different books, such as 'How to Improve Your Business' and 'Becoming More Successful'.
Then, a Congressman comes in for a haircut, and when he goes to pay his bill the barber again replies, "I cannot accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week." The Congressman is very happy and leaves the shop.
The next morning when the barber goes to open up, there are a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut.
And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference betweenthe citizens of our country and the members of our Congress.
The Error of ID
From an essay at First Things:
Adherents of the so-called intelligent design ideology commit a grave theological error. They claim that scientific theories that ascribe a great role to chance and random events in the evolutionary processes should be replaced, or supplemented, by theories acknowledging the thread of intelligent design in the universe. Such views are theologically erroneous. They implicitly revive the old Manichean error postulating the existence of two forces acting against each other: God and an inert matter; in this case, chance and intelligent design. There is no opposition here. Within the all-comprising Mind of God, what we call chance and random events is well composed into the symphony of creation.
I suspect that that is the reason that the Vatican has been less-than-enthused over ID.
Adherents of the so-called intelligent design ideology commit a grave theological error. They claim that scientific theories that ascribe a great role to chance and random events in the evolutionary processes should be replaced, or supplemented, by theories acknowledging the thread of intelligent design in the universe. Such views are theologically erroneous. They implicitly revive the old Manichean error postulating the existence of two forces acting against each other: God and an inert matter; in this case, chance and intelligent design. There is no opposition here. Within the all-comprising Mind of God, what we call chance and random events is well composed into the symphony of creation.
I suspect that that is the reason that the Vatican has been less-than-enthused over ID.
Too Big to Fail? Bear, Stearns and Hospital Taxes
The Bear Stearns controversy gives rise to another question.
...the fact that this firm was "so big it could not be allowed to fail" starkly reveals the fundamental bias in the current economic and political system toward massiveness and centralization. Note well: such largeness is constantly invoked against those who would commend smaller and more local forms of economy and banking as BETTER because, unlike economies of smaller scale, such large scale (national, international, global) enterprises ensure that no ONE local failure will result in deprivation. That is, in small economies, when a crop fails or a bank folds, the whole community is potentially shattered. A large scale economy theoretically spreads risk so that the consequences of small failures are minimized, much like a punch to a Sumo wrestler is absorbed by his gigantic girth.
The fact that the failure of Bear Stearns was not permitted to occur because it would have potentially caused the collapse of the entire American and even international financial system suggests that this argument on behalf of bigness has always been false and beside the point.
Further, the entire sordid subprime (and increasingly prime) fiasco has shown how this system has been designed to ensure that everyone is able to avoid responsibility - unlike a more local economy, in which responsibility toward one's community, friends, and neighbors is felt with some force. One could easily argue that a Government could just as easily intervene and ensure against the worst effects of a local failure just as it has done in the current instance of defending against the failure of the global system.
We should now put aside the riposte by defenders of economies of massive scale that such an economy defends against failure by spreading risk; if anything, the consequences of our current systemic failure are likely to be far more costly and pervasive, even as we have undermined our moral resources that would otherwise need to accompany this challenging moment.
So happens that "too big to fail" is the over-arching philosophy behind Aurora's hunger for tax increases, folks.
...the fact that this firm was "so big it could not be allowed to fail" starkly reveals the fundamental bias in the current economic and political system toward massiveness and centralization. Note well: such largeness is constantly invoked against those who would commend smaller and more local forms of economy and banking as BETTER because, unlike economies of smaller scale, such large scale (national, international, global) enterprises ensure that no ONE local failure will result in deprivation. That is, in small economies, when a crop fails or a bank folds, the whole community is potentially shattered. A large scale economy theoretically spreads risk so that the consequences of small failures are minimized, much like a punch to a Sumo wrestler is absorbed by his gigantic girth.
The fact that the failure of Bear Stearns was not permitted to occur because it would have potentially caused the collapse of the entire American and even international financial system suggests that this argument on behalf of bigness has always been false and beside the point.
Further, the entire sordid subprime (and increasingly prime) fiasco has shown how this system has been designed to ensure that everyone is able to avoid responsibility - unlike a more local economy, in which responsibility toward one's community, friends, and neighbors is felt with some force. One could easily argue that a Government could just as easily intervene and ensure against the worst effects of a local failure just as it has done in the current instance of defending against the failure of the global system.
We should now put aside the riposte by defenders of economies of massive scale that such an economy defends against failure by spreading risk; if anything, the consequences of our current systemic failure are likely to be far more costly and pervasive, even as we have undermined our moral resources that would otherwise need to accompany this challenging moment.
So happens that "too big to fail" is the over-arching philosophy behind Aurora's hunger for tax increases, folks.
Reconquista! Ho!!
Making the rounds is this video, wherein the Mexican consul in San Diego (!!!) California, says what's on his mind.
Dem Legislator Shows Wisconsin Catholic Conference the Right Path
This is almost from Ripley's "Believe It or Not" ...
Senate Democrats proposed a bill that would force all licensed Wisconsin pharmacists, regardless of their medical and moral judgment, to dispense the morning-after pill and other FDA-approved abortifacient contraceptive drugs. The legislation also redefines the statutory definition of abortion to exclude all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and devices.
A hearing was held in the Senate Health Committee this week, and Senate Democrats didn’t count on amendments from one of their own members, Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), amendments that dramatically altered the bill.
In complete disbelief and horror, Democrat Senators John Erpenbach and Lena Taylor tore into Vinehout at the hearing, badgering her over and over. To her credit, Vinehout stood her ground and principles. Vinehout voted with the three Republicans on the committee.
Naturally, Planned Parenthood's Liars went into full spittle-flecked attack mode.
Ms. Vinehout has obviously read and digested the latest medical information about "Plan B," the 'contraceptive' in question. All she did was 1) insert a "conscience clause" in the bill, and 2) make certain that abortifacients like "Plan B" are defined correctly in Wisconsin law.
These actions demonstrate far more courage than that shown by Abp. Timothy Dolan, who literally abandoned MD's, nurses, and hospitals to the tender mercies of Planned Barrenhood's "rights" lawyers in a companion-piece proposal, AB377.
Kudos to Ms. Vinehout!!
HT: Kevin Fischer
Senate Democrats proposed a bill that would force all licensed Wisconsin pharmacists, regardless of their medical and moral judgment, to dispense the morning-after pill and other FDA-approved abortifacient contraceptive drugs. The legislation also redefines the statutory definition of abortion to exclude all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and devices.
A hearing was held in the Senate Health Committee this week, and Senate Democrats didn’t count on amendments from one of their own members, Senator Kathleen Vinehout (D-Alma), amendments that dramatically altered the bill.
In complete disbelief and horror, Democrat Senators John Erpenbach and Lena Taylor tore into Vinehout at the hearing, badgering her over and over. To her credit, Vinehout stood her ground and principles. Vinehout voted with the three Republicans on the committee.
Naturally, Planned Parenthood's Liars went into full spittle-flecked attack mode.
Ms. Vinehout has obviously read and digested the latest medical information about "Plan B," the 'contraceptive' in question. All she did was 1) insert a "conscience clause" in the bill, and 2) make certain that abortifacients like "Plan B" are defined correctly in Wisconsin law.
These actions demonstrate far more courage than that shown by Abp. Timothy Dolan, who literally abandoned MD's, nurses, and hospitals to the tender mercies of Planned Barrenhood's "rights" lawyers in a companion-piece proposal, AB377.
Kudos to Ms. Vinehout!!
HT: Kevin Fischer
BATFE: Out of Control?
Here's an interesting case from just up the road in Berlin, WI.
...Olofson had been instructing a man in the use of guns, and the student asked to borrow a rifle for some shooting practice.
"Mr. Olofson was nice enough to accommodate him," Savage said. So the student, Robert Kiernicki, went to a range and fired about 120 rounds. "He went to put in another magazine and the rifle shot three times, then jammed," Savage said.
A couple of police officers who also were at the ranged immediately approached him and started asking questions about the "automatic" fire, and he told them it was a borrowed weapon.
"Mr. Olofson, being a responsible person, went down to the police station and said, 'I'm in the National Guard. I know what a machine gun looks like. That's not it,'" Savage said.
But instead of having the issues resolve, Savage said, it got worse.
He reported that because of the malfunction, the rifle was seized and sent to the Firearm Technology Branch, the testing arm of the federal agency.
"The examined and test fired the rifle; then declared it to be 'just a rifle,'" Savage said. "You would think it would all be resolved at this point, this was merely the beginning."
The local BATFE bunch asked for a "re-test" of the weapon, and the lab obliged.
"FTB has no standardized testing procedures, in fact it has no written procedures at all for testing firearms," Savage said. "They had no standard to stick to, and gleefully tried again. The results this time...'a machinegun.' ATF with a self-admitted 50 percent error rate pursued an indictment and Mr. Olofson was charged with 'Unlawful transfer of a machinegun.'. Not possession, not even Robert Kiernicki was charged with possession (who actually possessed the rifle), though the ATF paid Mr. Kiernicki 'an undisclosed amount of money' to testify against Mr. Olofson at trial," Savage said.
Curiouser and curiouser.
And then during the trial, the prosecution told the judge it would not provide some information defense lawyers felt would clear their client, Savage continued. That included the fact that the rifle's manufacturer, Olympic Arms, had been issued a recall notice for that very model in 1986 over an issue of guns inadvertently slipping into full automatic mode, if certain parts were worn or if certain ammunition was used
There's a lot missing from the narrative--like, for example, why BATFE decided that they were going to go the "rules are rules" route here instead of using common sense and reaching an agreement short of criminal conviction.
For that matter, why the US Attorney, Biskupic, chose to pursue the case when it should have been clear to him that such pursuit would be subject to close examination (to say the least.)
There's also room to question whether Olofson followed up on the recall notice to inspect and replace (if necessary) the worn or dirty parts--or why his student used ammo which had a track record of failing--or why the student did not clean the weapon after popping more than 800 rounds through it at the range.
At the same time, SOME weight must be given to "intent." It would seem that Olofson did not INTEND to create or keep a full-auto weapon--nor did his student INTEND to make the weapon go full-auto.
Hmmmmm.
HT: Kevin Fischer
...Olofson had been instructing a man in the use of guns, and the student asked to borrow a rifle for some shooting practice.
"Mr. Olofson was nice enough to accommodate him," Savage said. So the student, Robert Kiernicki, went to a range and fired about 120 rounds. "He went to put in another magazine and the rifle shot three times, then jammed," Savage said.
A couple of police officers who also were at the ranged immediately approached him and started asking questions about the "automatic" fire, and he told them it was a borrowed weapon.
"Mr. Olofson, being a responsible person, went down to the police station and said, 'I'm in the National Guard. I know what a machine gun looks like. That's not it,'" Savage said.
But instead of having the issues resolve, Savage said, it got worse.
He reported that because of the malfunction, the rifle was seized and sent to the Firearm Technology Branch, the testing arm of the federal agency.
"The examined and test fired the rifle; then declared it to be 'just a rifle,'" Savage said. "You would think it would all be resolved at this point, this was merely the beginning."
The local BATFE bunch asked for a "re-test" of the weapon, and the lab obliged.
"FTB has no standardized testing procedures, in fact it has no written procedures at all for testing firearms," Savage said. "They had no standard to stick to, and gleefully tried again. The results this time...'a machinegun.' ATF with a self-admitted 50 percent error rate pursued an indictment and Mr. Olofson was charged with 'Unlawful transfer of a machinegun.'. Not possession, not even Robert Kiernicki was charged with possession (who actually possessed the rifle), though the ATF paid Mr. Kiernicki 'an undisclosed amount of money' to testify against Mr. Olofson at trial," Savage said.
Curiouser and curiouser.
And then during the trial, the prosecution told the judge it would not provide some information defense lawyers felt would clear their client, Savage continued. That included the fact that the rifle's manufacturer, Olympic Arms, had been issued a recall notice for that very model in 1986 over an issue of guns inadvertently slipping into full automatic mode, if certain parts were worn or if certain ammunition was used
There's a lot missing from the narrative--like, for example, why BATFE decided that they were going to go the "rules are rules" route here instead of using common sense and reaching an agreement short of criminal conviction.
For that matter, why the US Attorney, Biskupic, chose to pursue the case when it should have been clear to him that such pursuit would be subject to close examination (to say the least.)
There's also room to question whether Olofson followed up on the recall notice to inspect and replace (if necessary) the worn or dirty parts--or why his student used ammo which had a track record of failing--or why the student did not clean the weapon after popping more than 800 rounds through it at the range.
At the same time, SOME weight must be given to "intent." It would seem that Olofson did not INTEND to create or keep a full-auto weapon--nor did his student INTEND to make the weapon go full-auto.
Hmmmmm.
HT: Kevin Fischer
Whitewater's Nut Jobs Are on the P.D. Payroll
The Pundit finds an interesting quote:
"I think it is someone we want to keep an eye on...," Whitewater Police Detective Tina Winger wrote in an e-mail to Coan. "Seems like an anti-government radical to me."
Tina, the analyst, refers to a blogger who doesn't like the Whitewater Cop Shop Chief.
But disliking the local Cop Shop chieftan is not the same as being "...an anti-government radical..", Tina.
If disliking the local Cop Shop Chief qualifies for that soubriquet, Tina, you should have spent a little time investigating Mark Belling when Little Artie Jones was Chief in Milwaukee...
"I think it is someone we want to keep an eye on...," Whitewater Police Detective Tina Winger wrote in an e-mail to Coan. "Seems like an anti-government radical to me."
Tina, the analyst, refers to a blogger who doesn't like the Whitewater Cop Shop Chief.
But disliking the local Cop Shop chieftan is not the same as being "...an anti-government radical..", Tina.
If disliking the local Cop Shop Chief qualifies for that soubriquet, Tina, you should have spent a little time investigating Mark Belling when Little Artie Jones was Chief in Milwaukee...
Economic Theory vs. Facts; Free Trade and Sick Taxes
A RedState commenter has a serious case of confusion.
He cites an article from Greg Mankiw:
"Economists are, overwhelmingly, free traders. A 2006 poll of Ph.D. members of the American Economic Association found that 87.5 percent agreed that "the U.S. should eliminate remaining tariffs and other barriers to trade.
"The benefits from an open world trading system are standard fare in introductory economics courses. In my freshman course at Harvard, we start studying the topic in the second week, and we return to issues of globalization throughout the year. The basic lessons can be traced back to Adam Smith of the 18th century and David Ricardo of the 19th century: Trade between two countries creates winners and losers, but it leaves both nations with greater overall prosperity."
The RedState essayist, a Harvard grad, then states:
These are all facts. They are facts that smart people, intimately familiar with the details surrounding trade policy take as givens--much as they take the revolution of the Earth around the Sun as a given.
In reality, the internal citation of Smith and Ricardo happens to be a citation of theories, not fact.
And in reality, the mercantilists and protectionists are operating freely in PRChina, India, and Europe--not the USA.
So, in reality, the only country which is reducing labor's standard of living is the USA.
Let's not even get into the question of "whether economists are credible." If you want to see apposite economic commentary, merely go to MBG Information Services (a fact-based website) or to the remarks of Paul Kasriel, an economist who works for the Northern Trust.
Wanna see how that relates to the Hospital Tax? Simple.
The "Free Trade" crowd confuses theory with fact. They also confuse "what's good for industry" with "what's good for the United States."
You can see that in micro, if you wish: WMC/MMAC's endorsement of new taxes is "good for industry." But not good for Wisconsin.
Nice to have you with us, Owen!!
He cites an article from Greg Mankiw:
"Economists are, overwhelmingly, free traders. A 2006 poll of Ph.D. members of the American Economic Association found that 87.5 percent agreed that "the U.S. should eliminate remaining tariffs and other barriers to trade.
"The benefits from an open world trading system are standard fare in introductory economics courses. In my freshman course at Harvard, we start studying the topic in the second week, and we return to issues of globalization throughout the year. The basic lessons can be traced back to Adam Smith of the 18th century and David Ricardo of the 19th century: Trade between two countries creates winners and losers, but it leaves both nations with greater overall prosperity."
The RedState essayist, a Harvard grad, then states:
These are all facts. They are facts that smart people, intimately familiar with the details surrounding trade policy take as givens--much as they take the revolution of the Earth around the Sun as a given.
In reality, the internal citation of Smith and Ricardo happens to be a citation of theories, not fact.
And in reality, the mercantilists and protectionists are operating freely in PRChina, India, and Europe--not the USA.
So, in reality, the only country which is reducing labor's standard of living is the USA.
Let's not even get into the question of "whether economists are credible." If you want to see apposite economic commentary, merely go to MBG Information Services (a fact-based website) or to the remarks of Paul Kasriel, an economist who works for the Northern Trust.
Wanna see how that relates to the Hospital Tax? Simple.
The "Free Trade" crowd confuses theory with fact. They also confuse "what's good for industry" with "what's good for the United States."
You can see that in micro, if you wish: WMC/MMAC's endorsement of new taxes is "good for industry." But not good for Wisconsin.
Nice to have you with us, Owen!!
FBI Lies and Deceptions
If you like civil liberties, you will NOT like this.
FBI headquarters officials sought to cover their informal and possibly illegal acquisition of phone records on thousands of Americans from 2003 to 2005 by issuing 11 improper, retroactive "blanket" administrative subpoenas in 2006 to three phone companies that are under contract to the FBI, according to an audit released Thursday.
Top officials at the FBI's counter-terrorism division signed the blanket subpoenas "retroactively to justify the FBI's acquisition of data through the exigent letters or or other informal requests," the Justice Department's Inspector General Glenn Fine found.
The revelations come in a follow-up report to Fine's 2007 finding that the FBI abused a key Patriot Act power, known as a National Security Letter. That first reports showed that FBI agents were routinely sloppy in using the self-issued subpoenas and issued hundreds that claimed fake emergencies.
Further,
In his 2007 report on the FBI's use of that Patriot Act power during 2003 to 2005, Fine disclosed that officials at the counter-terrorism division had issued more than 700 emergency requests for data to telephone companies -- so-called exigent letters -- most with false promises that a court order was in the works and would be delivered after the fact. Those letters prompted a further investigation of those letters, including a reported criminal probe of counter-terrorism officials, and Thursday's report says an in depth report on that office is forthcoming.
These guys, whoever they are, should be deported, after their trial and jail terms.
HT: Grim
FBI headquarters officials sought to cover their informal and possibly illegal acquisition of phone records on thousands of Americans from 2003 to 2005 by issuing 11 improper, retroactive "blanket" administrative subpoenas in 2006 to three phone companies that are under contract to the FBI, according to an audit released Thursday.
Top officials at the FBI's counter-terrorism division signed the blanket subpoenas "retroactively to justify the FBI's acquisition of data through the exigent letters or or other informal requests," the Justice Department's Inspector General Glenn Fine found.
The revelations come in a follow-up report to Fine's 2007 finding that the FBI abused a key Patriot Act power, known as a National Security Letter. That first reports showed that FBI agents were routinely sloppy in using the self-issued subpoenas and issued hundreds that claimed fake emergencies.
Further,
In his 2007 report on the FBI's use of that Patriot Act power during 2003 to 2005, Fine disclosed that officials at the counter-terrorism division had issued more than 700 emergency requests for data to telephone companies -- so-called exigent letters -- most with false promises that a court order was in the works and would be delivered after the fact. Those letters prompted a further investigation of those letters, including a reported criminal probe of counter-terrorism officials, and Thursday's report says an in depth report on that office is forthcoming.
These guys, whoever they are, should be deported, after their trial and jail terms.
HT: Grim
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Bear, Stearns: SOLD!!! for $2/Share: "Free Trade"?
Yah, it was once $159.+/share.
And the Fed is throwing a helluvalotta money into the deal, too. See below--this is NOT "Free Trade," folks...
Bear Stearns shares close Friday at $30 a share. At their peak, the shares traded at $159.36.
The stock opened at $53./share on Friday. From $53. to $2. in two days.
The Fed will provide special financing to JPMorgan Chase for the deal, JPMorgan Chase said. The central bank has agreed to fund up to $30 billion of Bear Stearns' less liquid assets. Risky bets on securities tied to subprime mortgages — loans given to customers with poor credit history — crippled Bear Stearns, the nations' fifth-largest investment bank.
At almost the same time as the deal for control of Bear Stearns was announced, the Federal Reserve said it approved a cut in its lending rate to banks to 3.25 percent from 3.50 percent and created another lending facility for big investment banks.
S'pose that the Fed will require Bear Stearns' officers to return last year's bonus, if it was awarded? What about last year's salaries?
More: is it "free trade" when the Fed throws $30 billion or so into a deal to make it good? Was it "free trade" when the Fed inoculated Bank of America against losses on the Countryside portfolio?
And the Fed is throwing a helluvalotta money into the deal, too. See below--this is NOT "Free Trade," folks...
Bear Stearns shares close Friday at $30 a share. At their peak, the shares traded at $159.36.
The stock opened at $53./share on Friday. From $53. to $2. in two days.
The Fed will provide special financing to JPMorgan Chase for the deal, JPMorgan Chase said. The central bank has agreed to fund up to $30 billion of Bear Stearns' less liquid assets. Risky bets on securities tied to subprime mortgages — loans given to customers with poor credit history — crippled Bear Stearns, the nations' fifth-largest investment bank.
At almost the same time as the deal for control of Bear Stearns was announced, the Federal Reserve said it approved a cut in its lending rate to banks to 3.25 percent from 3.50 percent and created another lending facility for big investment banks.
S'pose that the Fed will require Bear Stearns' officers to return last year's bonus, if it was awarded? What about last year's salaries?
More: is it "free trade" when the Fed throws $30 billion or so into a deal to make it good? Was it "free trade" when the Fed inoculated Bank of America against losses on the Countryside portfolio?
Bach St John Passion: "It Is Finished"
Following up on a Wiggy stroke of genius, here's the Alto solo Es Ist Vollbracht (It Is Finished) from the JSB St John Passion, preceded by the same text from the Narrator and Christ.
Or, you can hear the cold, gray, skies of Good Friday here, in the opening chorus of the St John Passion.
Or, you can hear the cold, gray, skies of Good Friday here, in the opening chorus of the St John Passion.
The REAL Inflation Picture
Bill Clinton, "Friend of the Downtrodden," made a significant change in CPI (inflation) statistics when he was Bubba-in-Chief.
The reason?
To reduce future Social Security liability. Social Security payments escalate in lockstep with official CPI numbers, and reducing CPI means reducing SS payments.
Voila!! Less deficits!!!
But as the chart above shows, the consequences of his canoodling (of CPI, not Monica) are still with us--and are still presenting a Pollyanna-view.
THIS has even more consequences: primarily, the Fed's down-mashing of the Fed Funds rate--which makes the USD even more worthless in global markets--which makes the cost of petroleum go UP (just like gold, copper, steel, and food commodities.)
We acknowledge that GWB has been perfectly content with the CPI fairy tale, too--as is Congress, which can either take a "What?!?!" position--or a "We'll Fix It?!?!" position.
Frankly, a Congressional "fix" is almost more scary than the actual inflation rate.
HT: The Big Picture
Maher Chops Up McAuliffe
I tell you, a bucket of popcorn is demanded by this.
Maher slices and dices the Hildebeeste's big guy here--and then the feed cuts out.
Amazing how timing works sometimes....no?
HT: Folkie
Maher slices and dices the Hildebeeste's big guy here--and then the feed cuts out.
Amazing how timing works sometimes....no?
HT: Folkie
Bear, Stearns to Vanish
I don't know if this is the first "major" casualty of the subprime bond market, but Bear, Stearns is about to disappear from the scene.
On Friday Bear Stearns , the fifth largest U.S. investment bank, said a cash crunch forced it to turn to the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan for emergency funds, intensifying fears of a widening global credit crisis and driving its shares down as much as 50 percent. It also stepped up efforts to find a buyer.
On the same day S&P lowered its long-term counterparty credit rating on Bear to "BBB" from "A," and it placed long-and short term ratings on credit watch with negative implications.
Because of that S&P downgrade, bankers have now come to the conclusion that a deal must be done by Monday morning because no one on the street will trade or lend to Bear Stearns, which is rated a notch above junk bond levels.
Bear, Stearns was a major underwriter of State of Wisconsin bonds when Tommy (Stick-It-To-'Em) Thompson was Governor.
Just a reminder: Bear Stearns is NOT a commercial Bank. They do not accept deposits for your household checking and savings accounts. The FDIC is not involved here. (This reminder is written for the benefit of RadioMouths who don't know the difference...)
On Friday Bear Stearns , the fifth largest U.S. investment bank, said a cash crunch forced it to turn to the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan for emergency funds, intensifying fears of a widening global credit crisis and driving its shares down as much as 50 percent. It also stepped up efforts to find a buyer.
On the same day S&P lowered its long-term counterparty credit rating on Bear to "BBB" from "A," and it placed long-and short term ratings on credit watch with negative implications.
Because of that S&P downgrade, bankers have now come to the conclusion that a deal must be done by Monday morning because no one on the street will trade or lend to Bear Stearns, which is rated a notch above junk bond levels.
Bear, Stearns was a major underwriter of State of Wisconsin bonds when Tommy (Stick-It-To-'Em) Thompson was Governor.
Just a reminder: Bear Stearns is NOT a commercial Bank. They do not accept deposits for your household checking and savings accounts. The FDIC is not involved here. (This reminder is written for the benefit of RadioMouths who don't know the difference...)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Abp. Burke's Warning Shot
The Archbishop of St. Louis excommunicated three women--two of whom live in his Diocese--for their attempted "ordination" and other Canonical crimes.
He made the notification public, too, to prevent scandal.
The Archbishop of St. Louis provides an excellent example!
Excellent commentary available here from Ed Peters, a Canon lawyer.
He made the notification public, too, to prevent scandal.
The Archbishop of St. Louis provides an excellent example!
Excellent commentary available here from Ed Peters, a Canon lawyer.
G K Chesterton on Materialists
For the Hawkings crowd:
THE Christian admits that the universe is manifold and even miscellaneous, just as a sane man knows that he is complex. Nay, the really sane man knows that he has a touch of the madman. But the Materialist's world is quite simple and solid, just as the madman is quite sure he is sane. The Materialist is sure that history has been simply and solely a chain of causation, just as the interesting person before mentioned is quite sure that he is simply and solely a chicken. Materialists and madmen never have doubts.
THE Christian admits that the universe is manifold and even miscellaneous, just as a sane man knows that he is complex. Nay, the really sane man knows that he has a touch of the madman. But the Materialist's world is quite simple and solid, just as the madman is quite sure he is sane. The Materialist is sure that history has been simply and solely a chain of causation, just as the interesting person before mentioned is quite sure that he is simply and solely a chicken. Materialists and madmen never have doubts.
Hey!! Jimbo!! Doyle!!! Need Federal Money??
Yah, he moans and groans a lot about a deficit (which he created, of course.)
Then he says "Pass" on Federal money.
Today, Representative Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee), Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), the chair of the Assembly Homeland Security and Preparedness Committee, Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford), the chair of the Assembly Judiciary and Ethics Committee, and others sent a letter to Governor Doyle urging him to apply for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant and implement security measures called for in the federal REAL ID Act as soon as possible.
DHS created the $80 million grant program to help states implement REAL ID. The deadline for applying with DHS for the grant was March 7th, 2008. According to DHS, as of the deadline, Wisconsin had not yet applied for the available grant money. The deadline has since been extended to April 4th, 2008.
You dumbass, Doyle.
Source: Assembly Newsletter
Then he says "Pass" on Federal money.
Today, Representative Rich Zipperer (R-Pewaukee), Representative Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan), the chair of the Assembly Homeland Security and Preparedness Committee, Representative Scott Suder (R-Abbotsford), the chair of the Assembly Judiciary and Ethics Committee, and others sent a letter to Governor Doyle urging him to apply for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant and implement security measures called for in the federal REAL ID Act as soon as possible.
DHS created the $80 million grant program to help states implement REAL ID. The deadline for applying with DHS for the grant was March 7th, 2008. According to DHS, as of the deadline, Wisconsin had not yet applied for the available grant money. The deadline has since been extended to April 4th, 2008.
You dumbass, Doyle.
Source: Assembly Newsletter
Upset? Here's the Bad News
Are the Liberals causing you to have upset stomach? Ulcers? Queasy feelings in the tummy?
Best get over it--now.
...the price of Pepto-Bismol might soon skyrocket. The culprit: soaring bismuth prices. Perhaps Proctor & Gamble will try to hold the line on the price of its popular stomach-soothing elixir. But the commodity markets are simply not cooperating.
The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is "bismuth subsalicylate," or C7H5BiO4. Your editor has no idea what's happening to the price of the "subsalicylate" portion of this magical chemical compound, but the price of bismuth is climbing sharply.
"Bismuth market participants are concerned about rapidly rising prices," the Metals Bulletin reported yesterday. "The minor metal traded at $14.25-15.25 per lb in warehouse Rotterdam on Wednesday, up from $13.50-14.50 per lb previously, having gained 45 percent since the end of January."
Not exactly the price-curve of gold over the last few months--but then, you don't drink gold to soothe your tummy.
Source: The Rude Awakening newsletter.
Best get over it--now.
...the price of Pepto-Bismol might soon skyrocket. The culprit: soaring bismuth prices. Perhaps Proctor & Gamble will try to hold the line on the price of its popular stomach-soothing elixir. But the commodity markets are simply not cooperating.
The active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol is "bismuth subsalicylate," or C7H5BiO4. Your editor has no idea what's happening to the price of the "subsalicylate" portion of this magical chemical compound, but the price of bismuth is climbing sharply.
"Bismuth market participants are concerned about rapidly rising prices," the Metals Bulletin reported yesterday. "The minor metal traded at $14.25-15.25 per lb in warehouse Rotterdam on Wednesday, up from $13.50-14.50 per lb previously, having gained 45 percent since the end of January."
Not exactly the price-curve of gold over the last few months--but then, you don't drink gold to soothe your tummy.
Source: The Rude Awakening newsletter.
The Next Crusade: Mandatory Ignition Interlocks
The Agitator unpacks MADD propaganda (MADD's madness):
...There are several things wrong with the [MADD] chart, most notably that they measure “success” by percentage of traffic fatalities that involved alcohol. This is problematic for several reasons. The first is of course the usual complaint about the overly broad definition of “alcohol-related.” But it’s also the wrong way to measure progress. There will always be a group of hardcore alcoholics on the road who are impervious to PR campaigns, roadblock checkpoints, and the like. As technology makes cars safer, then, the total number of traffic fatalities is going to continue to decline. But that core group of alcoholics will still be out there, meaning the percentage of total traffic fatalities caused by drunk driving is likely to increase. A better measure would be to look at the number of deaths caused by drunk drivers for every million miles driven.
The other mistake with the chart is that MADD is measuring progress by whether a state went up or down in the percentage of highway fatalities related to alcohol in the previous year. So if a state has shown 20 years of progress, then blipped up a bit (as many have, I’d argue in part because they’ve adopted some of MADD’s counterproductive policy recommendations), MADD says they need all sorts of newer, tougher laws.
And the law they want? Mandatory ignition interlocks.
For each and every state, MADD looks very carefully at the numbers, then concludes that–surprise!–the number demand that state must adopt the organization’s latest public policy crusade–mandatory ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders.
Agitator finds a number of States with exceptionally good DUI/killer ratios--and each one MUST have a "mandatory interlock law."
In fact, just about every state “needs an interlock law,” no matter what the number say. Which would be fine, except that MADD pretends to have arrived at the recommendation for an interlock law only after carefully studying the numbers.
You heard it here second.
...There are several things wrong with the [MADD] chart, most notably that they measure “success” by percentage of traffic fatalities that involved alcohol. This is problematic for several reasons. The first is of course the usual complaint about the overly broad definition of “alcohol-related.” But it’s also the wrong way to measure progress. There will always be a group of hardcore alcoholics on the road who are impervious to PR campaigns, roadblock checkpoints, and the like. As technology makes cars safer, then, the total number of traffic fatalities is going to continue to decline. But that core group of alcoholics will still be out there, meaning the percentage of total traffic fatalities caused by drunk driving is likely to increase. A better measure would be to look at the number of deaths caused by drunk drivers for every million miles driven.
The other mistake with the chart is that MADD is measuring progress by whether a state went up or down in the percentage of highway fatalities related to alcohol in the previous year. So if a state has shown 20 years of progress, then blipped up a bit (as many have, I’d argue in part because they’ve adopted some of MADD’s counterproductive policy recommendations), MADD says they need all sorts of newer, tougher laws.
And the law they want? Mandatory ignition interlocks.
For each and every state, MADD looks very carefully at the numbers, then concludes that–surprise!–the number demand that state must adopt the organization’s latest public policy crusade–mandatory ignition interlock devices for first-time offenders.
Agitator finds a number of States with exceptionally good DUI/killer ratios--and each one MUST have a "mandatory interlock law."
In fact, just about every state “needs an interlock law,” no matter what the number say. Which would be fine, except that MADD pretends to have arrived at the recommendation for an interlock law only after carefully studying the numbers.
You heard it here second.
New Sins? Nope.
Some folks don't really get it--especially members of the MSM.
First off, there are no "new sins." There may be new ways to commit OLD sins; and there may be different social or global ramifications today than there were in (say) A.D. 1523 or B.C. 634. But as any priest will tell you, hearing Confessions is kinda boring--the list rarely varies.
Anyhoo, some buncha BritIdiot MSM folks snatched a headline or two by stating that "the Vatican" had issued a new list of "deadly sins."
And true to form, 'the lie was halfway around the world before the truth got its boots on.'
A very thorough 'splanation of what goes on in Rome is linked here. Part of his essay:
The list of new “deadly sins” came from none of these sources. In fact, it was compiled by a journalist, Nicola Gori, who was interviewing a bishop, Gianfranco Girotti, for the quasi-official Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. In the interview, published March 9, the journalist teased out from Bishop Girotti his ideas on how to apply Catholic morality to contemporary questions, such as economics and the environment. Bishop Girotti has some competence to address these issues; as regent of the tribunal of the Apostolic Penitentiary, he is in charge of offering guidance to priests around the world when they hear Catholics’ confessions. But the good bishop has no (and would claim no) authority to update the moral theology of the Church and re-orient it toward social issues, instead of one’s personal moral life. That’s just how the media spun it. It’s as if a prominent rabbi in Israel, in an interview, spoke about a serious moral issue, and the secular media presented it as “Jews Add 11th Commandment.”
Got it? Good. What you read about was APPLICATION of moral norms--not NEW moral norms.
That said, it makes perfect sense for churchmen such as Bishop Girotti to address contemporary problems. As an old and wise institution, the Church is obliged to warn modern men that our consumption of natural resources and impact on ecology has implications for the Common Good.
As a matter of fact, the "common good" also includes questions such as homosexual "marriage"--another proposition unheard-of until about 1990 or so. It also includes IUD-caused abortions, or estrogen-caused abortions, also propositions new to the late 20th century.
There is nothing new under the sun. That is all.
First off, there are no "new sins." There may be new ways to commit OLD sins; and there may be different social or global ramifications today than there were in (say) A.D. 1523 or B.C. 634. But as any priest will tell you, hearing Confessions is kinda boring--the list rarely varies.
Anyhoo, some buncha BritIdiot MSM folks snatched a headline or two by stating that "the Vatican" had issued a new list of "deadly sins."
And true to form, 'the lie was halfway around the world before the truth got its boots on.'
A very thorough 'splanation of what goes on in Rome is linked here. Part of his essay:
The list of new “deadly sins” came from none of these sources. In fact, it was compiled by a journalist, Nicola Gori, who was interviewing a bishop, Gianfranco Girotti, for the quasi-official Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano. In the interview, published March 9, the journalist teased out from Bishop Girotti his ideas on how to apply Catholic morality to contemporary questions, such as economics and the environment. Bishop Girotti has some competence to address these issues; as regent of the tribunal of the Apostolic Penitentiary, he is in charge of offering guidance to priests around the world when they hear Catholics’ confessions. But the good bishop has no (and would claim no) authority to update the moral theology of the Church and re-orient it toward social issues, instead of one’s personal moral life. That’s just how the media spun it. It’s as if a prominent rabbi in Israel, in an interview, spoke about a serious moral issue, and the secular media presented it as “Jews Add 11th Commandment.”
Got it? Good. What you read about was APPLICATION of moral norms--not NEW moral norms.
That said, it makes perfect sense for churchmen such as Bishop Girotti to address contemporary problems. As an old and wise institution, the Church is obliged to warn modern men that our consumption of natural resources and impact on ecology has implications for the Common Good.
As a matter of fact, the "common good" also includes questions such as homosexual "marriage"--another proposition unheard-of until about 1990 or so. It also includes IUD-caused abortions, or estrogen-caused abortions, also propositions new to the late 20th century.
There is nothing new under the sun. That is all.
Bear, Stearns in Trouble
Hmmmmm.
The NY Federal Reserve Bank, and JP Morgan (JPM) have agreed to provide secured funding to Bear and an initial period of up to 28 days. JPM is working with Bear to secure permanent financing or other alternatives for them
Stuff happens.
NOTE WELL: Bear, Stearns is NOT a commercial bank. They do not take deposits (like the USBank does.) They are an Investment Bank, underwriting stocks and bonds, and trading in stocks and bonds.
Don't let a certain RadioMouth mislead you about what Bear, Stearns IS.
The NY Federal Reserve Bank, and JP Morgan (JPM) have agreed to provide secured funding to Bear and an initial period of up to 28 days. JPM is working with Bear to secure permanent financing or other alternatives for them
Stuff happens.
NOTE WELL: Bear, Stearns is NOT a commercial bank. They do not take deposits (like the USBank does.) They are an Investment Bank, underwriting stocks and bonds, and trading in stocks and bonds.
Don't let a certain RadioMouth mislead you about what Bear, Stearns IS.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Catholic Archbishop Murdered in Iraq: Bush's Fault?
Sometimes, people say silly things.
A Chaldean Catholic bishop said the United States must be held accountable for the death of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul, Iraq.
Bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim of the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, based in Southfield, Mich., said that particularly the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush is responsible for the terrorism and killing of Christians in Iraq. He said the administration is ignoring the problem.
Well, actually, Your Excellency, no.
Only the KILLERS are responsible (at fault) for the execution of the Archbishop, unless you have a passing strange understanding of sin.
As it turns out, perhaps the Bishop doesn't actually mean what he said, exactly.
"No one is defending us," he said March 13, the day the archbishop's body was recovered after kidnappers said where they had buried him. "They are killing Christians because they are Christians."
"We know that before the invasion of the Americans in Iraq, (terrorism) was no such a thing," Bishop Ibrahim said. "Christians and Muslims were living together, exactly like brothers and sisters, and that's it. But since the invasion, everything changes."
"Somebody has to be responsible," the bishop said. "Since the Americans are occupying Iraq, they have the responsibility of the security of every Iraqi, and in the first place minorities. I am not saying the Christians only -- but they are doing nothing for them."
As we've mentioned before, the Catholics in Palestine are also "undefended"--by the US and by Israel; and they are leaving as fast as possible. Separating murderous Muslims (or Palestinians) from their Catholic targets is difficult, but someone OUGHT to be paying attention.
Bush & Co. are not "at fault" for this murder. But we can hope that our forces in Iraq are now better-attuned to the possibilities over there.
A Chaldean Catholic bishop said the United States must be held accountable for the death of Chaldean Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul, Iraq.
Bishop Ibrahim N. Ibrahim of the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle, based in Southfield, Mich., said that particularly the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush is responsible for the terrorism and killing of Christians in Iraq. He said the administration is ignoring the problem.
Well, actually, Your Excellency, no.
Only the KILLERS are responsible (at fault) for the execution of the Archbishop, unless you have a passing strange understanding of sin.
As it turns out, perhaps the Bishop doesn't actually mean what he said, exactly.
"No one is defending us," he said March 13, the day the archbishop's body was recovered after kidnappers said where they had buried him. "They are killing Christians because they are Christians."
"We know that before the invasion of the Americans in Iraq, (terrorism) was no such a thing," Bishop Ibrahim said. "Christians and Muslims were living together, exactly like brothers and sisters, and that's it. But since the invasion, everything changes."
"Somebody has to be responsible," the bishop said. "Since the Americans are occupying Iraq, they have the responsibility of the security of every Iraqi, and in the first place minorities. I am not saying the Christians only -- but they are doing nothing for them."
As we've mentioned before, the Catholics in Palestine are also "undefended"--by the US and by Israel; and they are leaving as fast as possible. Separating murderous Muslims (or Palestinians) from their Catholic targets is difficult, but someone OUGHT to be paying attention.
Bush & Co. are not "at fault" for this murder. But we can hope that our forces in Iraq are now better-attuned to the possibilities over there.
Judicial Tommyrot
Reminding us that there IS a bad way to be a judge, we have the following quote:
"...deciding the 'truly difficult' cases requires resort to 'one's deepest values, one's core concerns, one's broader perspectives on how the world works, and the depth and breadth of one's empathy.' In short, 'the critical ingredient is supplied by what is in the judge's heart.' No clearer prescription for lawless judicial activism is possible."
That's from an editorial in the Weekly Standard. The author was quoting Obamamamamamama on SCOTUS nominations.
But it applies, perforce, in Wisconsin's upcoming election as well.
HT: Phil Blosser
"...deciding the 'truly difficult' cases requires resort to 'one's deepest values, one's core concerns, one's broader perspectives on how the world works, and the depth and breadth of one's empathy.' In short, 'the critical ingredient is supplied by what is in the judge's heart.' No clearer prescription for lawless judicial activism is possible."
That's from an editorial in the Weekly Standard. The author was quoting Obamamamamamama on SCOTUS nominations.
But it applies, perforce, in Wisconsin's upcoming election as well.
HT: Phil Blosser
Twenty Years of "Sex Ed"
Yah--it's been at least 20 years.
'All about sex' for the little darlings in publick screwels. And they learned something:
At least one in four teenage American girls has a sexually transmitted disease, suggests a first-of-its-kind federal study
Makes sense. Sex ed usually begins in 6th grade, when the chilluns are 12 or so--thus, by age 17, they've had a few years to think about it.
Since GWB, however, there have been a few "abstinence-only" programs. So, of course, those programs come under attack from the 'free sex' crowd:
Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said the study shows that "the national policy of promoting abstinence-only programs is a $1.5 billion failure, and teenage girls are paying the real price."
Not mentioned by Ms. Richards is the rather large income Planned Barrenhood derives from its 'free-sex' "Sex-Ed" programs, the dispensation of The Pill, and the abortion-revenues....for good reason, no?
Or, as CWN puts it:
OK, let's unpack that statement. Planned Parenthood and its allies have drawn tens of billions from the federal treasury, and told millions of American youngsters to use condoms and have fun. Despite their best efforts, a few federal dollars have trickled through to programs that suggest abstinence from sexual activity. And so, Cecile Richards tells us, the blame should fall on those few programs that promote abstinence from sex, because....
And, by the way, "...Barrenhood" is not a misnomer. Chlamydia has exactly that result.
'All about sex' for the little darlings in publick screwels. And they learned something:
At least one in four teenage American girls has a sexually transmitted disease, suggests a first-of-its-kind federal study
Makes sense. Sex ed usually begins in 6th grade, when the chilluns are 12 or so--thus, by age 17, they've had a few years to think about it.
Since GWB, however, there have been a few "abstinence-only" programs. So, of course, those programs come under attack from the 'free sex' crowd:
Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, said the study shows that "the national policy of promoting abstinence-only programs is a $1.5 billion failure, and teenage girls are paying the real price."
Not mentioned by Ms. Richards is the rather large income Planned Barrenhood derives from its 'free-sex' "Sex-Ed" programs, the dispensation of The Pill, and the abortion-revenues....for good reason, no?
Or, as CWN puts it:
OK, let's unpack that statement. Planned Parenthood and its allies have drawn tens of billions from the federal treasury, and told millions of American youngsters to use condoms and have fun. Despite their best efforts, a few federal dollars have trickled through to programs that suggest abstinence from sexual activity. And so, Cecile Richards tells us, the blame should fall on those few programs that promote abstinence from sex, because....
And, by the way, "...Barrenhood" is not a misnomer. Chlamydia has exactly that result.
NEVER Happens in Milwaukee, Right?
ACORN, again.
Philadelphia elections officials are accusing the nonprofit advocacy group “Acorn” of filing fraudulent voter registrations in advance of the April 22nd Pennsylvania primary.
Acorn, which advocates on behalf of low-income residents in the city, has mounted a voter registration drive in the past few months. But city election commissioners are complaining that many of the submitted registrations appear to be faulty, and they have forwarded the matter to the district attorney’s office for further investigation.
Remember that ACORN's budget is enhanced at the point of a gun: Federal tax dollars are awarded to that den of vipers.
HT: Malkin
Philadelphia elections officials are accusing the nonprofit advocacy group “Acorn” of filing fraudulent voter registrations in advance of the April 22nd Pennsylvania primary.
Acorn, which advocates on behalf of low-income residents in the city, has mounted a voter registration drive in the past few months. But city election commissioners are complaining that many of the submitted registrations appear to be faulty, and they have forwarded the matter to the district attorney’s office for further investigation.
Remember that ACORN's budget is enhanced at the point of a gun: Federal tax dollars are awarded to that den of vipers.
HT: Malkin
Schizophrenia in the White House
And you think YOUR business is a bit disorganized?
In preparation for oral arguments Tuesday on the extent of gun rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court has before it a brief signed by Vice President Cheney opposing the Bush administration's stance. Even more remarkably, Cheney is faithfully reflecting the views of President Bush.
The government position filed with the Supreme Court by U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement stunned gun advocates by opposing the breadth of an appellate court's affirmation of individual ownership rights. The Justice Department, not the vice president, is out of order. But if Bush agrees with Cheney, why did the president not simply order Clement to revise his brief? The answers: disorganization and weakness in the eighth year of his presidency
Clement, who filed the Solicitor General's amicus is from the Milwaukee area. Evidently he doesn't keep up with the murder-news here in town--or he might have actually filed a brief which upholds the Second Amendment.
HT: John Lott
In preparation for oral arguments Tuesday on the extent of gun rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court has before it a brief signed by Vice President Cheney opposing the Bush administration's stance. Even more remarkably, Cheney is faithfully reflecting the views of President Bush.
The government position filed with the Supreme Court by U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement stunned gun advocates by opposing the breadth of an appellate court's affirmation of individual ownership rights. The Justice Department, not the vice president, is out of order. But if Bush agrees with Cheney, why did the president not simply order Clement to revise his brief? The answers: disorganization and weakness in the eighth year of his presidency
Clement, who filed the Solicitor General's amicus is from the Milwaukee area. Evidently he doesn't keep up with the murder-news here in town--or he might have actually filed a brief which upholds the Second Amendment.
HT: John Lott
"Open Records"
There's a newspaper in town which spends a good deal of time and money screeching about "open records" and "transparency" and "right to know."
You get only 1 guess which newspaper that might be.
Here's a hint: it's the same newspaper which will NOT divulge the identity (ies?) of the folks who ran an ad in the paper advocating spending a boatload of money on Elmbrook high schools.
The Journal Sentinel advertising department maintains the confidentiality of its clients and any client information.
What's the big deal? It was probably an illegal advertisement.
Elmbrook School District officials notified the Waukesha County district attorney Wednesday that whoever paid for an advocacy advertisement regarding the April 1 referendum did not register as required under law.
We'll see how 'confidential' that information is when the DA issues a subpoena.
You get only 1 guess which newspaper that might be.
Here's a hint: it's the same newspaper which will NOT divulge the identity (ies?) of the folks who ran an ad in the paper advocating spending a boatload of money on Elmbrook high schools.
The Journal Sentinel advertising department maintains the confidentiality of its clients and any client information.
What's the big deal? It was probably an illegal advertisement.
Elmbrook School District officials notified the Waukesha County district attorney Wednesday that whoever paid for an advocacy advertisement regarding the April 1 referendum did not register as required under law.
We'll see how 'confidential' that information is when the DA issues a subpoena.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
McCain Just Gets Worse
Man o man o man. While the Democrats agonize over which card is the winning one (Female? Black?), the Republicans have only one card, and it looks like a low-value one. Here's a snippet from an article which re-inforces what Esenberg already hinted:
In one Republican presidential debate, McCain expressed admiration for his fellow Arizonana Sandra Day O'Connor. Asked whether he would appoint a justice like her, he averred, "I'm not going to second-guess Ronald Reagan." While conservatives have gleefully denounced O'Connor for over a decade, McCain couldn't even make the easy concession that he was sometimes disappointed with her rulings.
McCains' inability to distinguish between Sandra Day O'Connor and the strict constructionists he vows to appoint is no surprise. Much as activists on the Right agitate about judges, there is no reason to suspect McCain shares their concern. Constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein notes, "He has never spoken out or paid serious attention to the issue and never served on the Judiciary Committee. That makes you nervous. Someone who doesn't see the importance of the judiciary doesn't understand the system." Looking over McCain's legislative record, Fein sees reason to doubt that he will appoint strict constructionists: "McCain is not someone who thinks seriously about philosophy of government...He's incapable of thinking that deeply about separation of powers."
For the record, O'Connor was a card-carrying member of Planned Parenthood and Ron Reagan was double-crossed by his domestic adviser(s) regarding her "qualifications" to be a Justice.
But it gets worse:
While McCain is pro-life on the issue of abortion, he differs with the Catholic belief that embryonic stem cell research is immoral. The Catholic Church teaches that embryonic stem cell research is immoral because it involves the killing of embryos.
Austin Ruse from Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) raised the issue with the Arizona senator by asking him whether he had considered changing his position on embryonic stem cell research given the dramatic scientific advances of the last two months.
McCain responded to Ruse’s question by saying that while he is “very encouraged” by the advances, he has yet to see “sufficient scientific evidence” to change his support for the practice. He added that he will continue to examine the issue and receive briefs on any progress being made.
With all due regard for Sen. Brownback, there is simply no way to paint this pig's ear to make it a silk purse. Just fuggedaboutit. McCain's perfectly satisfied with being "independent" and, as is obvious, ignorant, too.
Or, as McCain's campaign put it today in a memo:
"This campaign is about John McCain: his vision, leadership, experience, courage, service to his country and ability to lead as commander in chief from day one."
Got that? It's ME! Screw all the rest of you!!
In one Republican presidential debate, McCain expressed admiration for his fellow Arizonana Sandra Day O'Connor. Asked whether he would appoint a justice like her, he averred, "I'm not going to second-guess Ronald Reagan." While conservatives have gleefully denounced O'Connor for over a decade, McCain couldn't even make the easy concession that he was sometimes disappointed with her rulings.
McCains' inability to distinguish between Sandra Day O'Connor and the strict constructionists he vows to appoint is no surprise. Much as activists on the Right agitate about judges, there is no reason to suspect McCain shares their concern. Constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein notes, "He has never spoken out or paid serious attention to the issue and never served on the Judiciary Committee. That makes you nervous. Someone who doesn't see the importance of the judiciary doesn't understand the system." Looking over McCain's legislative record, Fein sees reason to doubt that he will appoint strict constructionists: "McCain is not someone who thinks seriously about philosophy of government...He's incapable of thinking that deeply about separation of powers."
For the record, O'Connor was a card-carrying member of Planned Parenthood and Ron Reagan was double-crossed by his domestic adviser(s) regarding her "qualifications" to be a Justice.
But it gets worse:
While McCain is pro-life on the issue of abortion, he differs with the Catholic belief that embryonic stem cell research is immoral. The Catholic Church teaches that embryonic stem cell research is immoral because it involves the killing of embryos.
Austin Ruse from Catholic Family and Human Rights Institute (C-FAM) raised the issue with the Arizona senator by asking him whether he had considered changing his position on embryonic stem cell research given the dramatic scientific advances of the last two months.
McCain responded to Ruse’s question by saying that while he is “very encouraged” by the advances, he has yet to see “sufficient scientific evidence” to change his support for the practice. He added that he will continue to examine the issue and receive briefs on any progress being made.
With all due regard for Sen. Brownback, there is simply no way to paint this pig's ear to make it a silk purse. Just fuggedaboutit. McCain's perfectly satisfied with being "independent" and, as is obvious, ignorant, too.
Or, as McCain's campaign put it today in a memo:
"This campaign is about John McCain: his vision, leadership, experience, courage, service to his country and ability to lead as commander in chief from day one."
Got that? It's ME! Screw all the rest of you!!
The Plague Redux
Steve Mosher:
...The populations of no fewer than thirteen European countries, including Russia, Poland, and Hungary, have already begun to crash. The total fertility rate for Europe, including the former Soviet republics, currently averages an anemic 1.4 children per woman, and no increase is in sight. As a result, the current population of 728 million will plunge to only 557 million by the year 2050, a drop similar in magnitude to that occurring during the Black Death. At that point, Europe will be losing three to four million people a year. Three out of four Europeans will have disappeared by the end of the twenty-first century, when the population will number only 207 million. By then the population decline will be irreversible, with the surviving Europeans averaging more than sixty years of age.
The plunge has already begun in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Russia’s population is already decreasing by three-quarters of a million people each year; Ukraine’s, by a quarter million. Russia’s population is slated to decrease from 143 million in 2005 to 112 million in 2050.
Not an American problem? Oh, yes it is--unless the US doesn't really care about export sales of goods to Europe (other than coffins, I suppose.) Business will adjust, of course, assuming they can find people to work.
This population implosion, by reducing the amount of human capital available, will have a dramatic impact on every aspect of life. As Peter Drucker has noted, “The dominant factor for business in the next two decades—absent war, pestilence, or collision with a comet—is not going to be economics or technology. It will be demographics.”
Lack of chilluns certainly made a difference to Israel:
One consequence of losing the contest of the cradle is that by 2005 Jews had become a minority in Greater Israel. It is perhaps no coincidence that Israel pulled out of Gaza that same year. Uprooting a few thousand Israeli settlers may have seemed a small price to pay for ridding itself of 1.3 million unassimilated Palestinians. Both sides understand that it is not just modern weapons systems that will determine the ultimate fate of Israel, but differential birth rates as well.
And although they will not give away land-holdings to others, the Japanese will eventually give up their islands--because there will be nobody there to keep them.
With a total fertility rate of only 1.25, Japan is on the brink of a major demographic meltdown. Its population of 127 million has stopped growing and—if the birthrate continues at this low level—will soon begin to shrink at an alarming pace. A population bust, like an explosion, proceeds in geometric progression.
Perhaps "the whimper" will be the end.
...The populations of no fewer than thirteen European countries, including Russia, Poland, and Hungary, have already begun to crash. The total fertility rate for Europe, including the former Soviet republics, currently averages an anemic 1.4 children per woman, and no increase is in sight. As a result, the current population of 728 million will plunge to only 557 million by the year 2050, a drop similar in magnitude to that occurring during the Black Death. At that point, Europe will be losing three to four million people a year. Three out of four Europeans will have disappeared by the end of the twenty-first century, when the population will number only 207 million. By then the population decline will be irreversible, with the surviving Europeans averaging more than sixty years of age.
The plunge has already begun in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. Russia’s population is already decreasing by three-quarters of a million people each year; Ukraine’s, by a quarter million. Russia’s population is slated to decrease from 143 million in 2005 to 112 million in 2050.
Not an American problem? Oh, yes it is--unless the US doesn't really care about export sales of goods to Europe (other than coffins, I suppose.) Business will adjust, of course, assuming they can find people to work.
This population implosion, by reducing the amount of human capital available, will have a dramatic impact on every aspect of life. As Peter Drucker has noted, “The dominant factor for business in the next two decades—absent war, pestilence, or collision with a comet—is not going to be economics or technology. It will be demographics.”
Lack of chilluns certainly made a difference to Israel:
One consequence of losing the contest of the cradle is that by 2005 Jews had become a minority in Greater Israel. It is perhaps no coincidence that Israel pulled out of Gaza that same year. Uprooting a few thousand Israeli settlers may have seemed a small price to pay for ridding itself of 1.3 million unassimilated Palestinians. Both sides understand that it is not just modern weapons systems that will determine the ultimate fate of Israel, but differential birth rates as well.
And although they will not give away land-holdings to others, the Japanese will eventually give up their islands--because there will be nobody there to keep them.
With a total fertility rate of only 1.25, Japan is on the brink of a major demographic meltdown. Its population of 127 million has stopped growing and—if the birthrate continues at this low level—will soon begin to shrink at an alarming pace. A population bust, like an explosion, proceeds in geometric progression.
Perhaps "the whimper" will be the end.
Obama and FARC....Huh?
The laptop of the (room-temperature) FARC-commie-Chavez bootlicker Reyes had a lot of interesting material, including the following:
In a Feb. 28 letter, FARC chieftain Raul Reyes cheerily reported to his inner circle that he met "two gringos" who assured him "the new president of their country will be Obama and that they are interested in your compatriots. Obama will not support 'Plan Colombia' nor will he sign the TLC (Free Trade Agreement)."
As Investor's Business Daily asks: WHO said THAT?
And why hasn't Obama been asked about it?
Other questions:
1. Is it true Obama would cut off Plan Colombia military aid to our ally, which would serve the terrorist group FARC's interests?
...3. Does Obama know or care that one of his staffers or supporters is claiming to disclose his positions in secret meetings with FARC terrorists outside government channels?
Indeed.
HT: JYB
In a Feb. 28 letter, FARC chieftain Raul Reyes cheerily reported to his inner circle that he met "two gringos" who assured him "the new president of their country will be Obama and that they are interested in your compatriots. Obama will not support 'Plan Colombia' nor will he sign the TLC (Free Trade Agreement)."
As Investor's Business Daily asks: WHO said THAT?
And why hasn't Obama been asked about it?
Other questions:
1. Is it true Obama would cut off Plan Colombia military aid to our ally, which would serve the terrorist group FARC's interests?
...3. Does Obama know or care that one of his staffers or supporters is claiming to disclose his positions in secret meetings with FARC terrorists outside government channels?
Indeed.
HT: JYB
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Thomas Jefferson--the Original Intelligent Design Guy
Here's just a short snip from an excellent essay on Jefferson, the Baconian Deist, quoting Jefferson:
I hold (without appeal to revelation) that when we take a view of the Universe, in its parts general or particular, it is impossible for the human mind not to perceive and feel a conviction of design, consummate skill, and indefinite power in every atom of its composition. The movements of the heavenly bodies, so exactly held in their course by the balance of centrifugal and centripedal forces, the structure of our earth itself, with its distribution of lands, waters and atmosphere, animal and vegetable bodies, examined in all their minutest particles, insects mere atoms of life, yet as perfectly organised as man or mammoth, the mineral substances, their generation and uses, it is impossible, I say, for the human mind not to believe that there is, in all this, design, cause and effect, up to an ultimate cause, a fabricator of all things from matter and motion, their preserver and regulator while permitted to exist in their present forms, and their regenerator into new and other forms
Looks an awful lot like the argument from Intelligent Design, no?
I hold (without appeal to revelation) that when we take a view of the Universe, in its parts general or particular, it is impossible for the human mind not to perceive and feel a conviction of design, consummate skill, and indefinite power in every atom of its composition. The movements of the heavenly bodies, so exactly held in their course by the balance of centrifugal and centripedal forces, the structure of our earth itself, with its distribution of lands, waters and atmosphere, animal and vegetable bodies, examined in all their minutest particles, insects mere atoms of life, yet as perfectly organised as man or mammoth, the mineral substances, their generation and uses, it is impossible, I say, for the human mind not to believe that there is, in all this, design, cause and effect, up to an ultimate cause, a fabricator of all things from matter and motion, their preserver and regulator while permitted to exist in their present forms, and their regenerator into new and other forms
Looks an awful lot like the argument from Intelligent Design, no?
Father Hollywood
Liturgical inanity resulting from "active" instead of "actual" participation, essayed by Fr. Jay S. Newman of South Carolina:
Because of the mistaken idea that the whole congregation had to be “in motion” during the liturgy to be truly participating, the priest was gradually changed in the popular imagination from the celebrant of the Sacred Mysteries of salvation into the coordinator of the liturgical ministries of others. And this false understanding of the ministerial priesthood produced the ever-expanding role of the “priest presider,” whose primary task was to make the congregation feel welcome and constantly engage them with eye contact and the embrace of his warm personality. Once these falsehoods were accepted, then the service of the priest in the liturgy became grotesquely misshapen, and instead of a humble steward of the mysteries whose only task was to draw back the veil between God and man and then hide himself in the folds, the priest became a ring-master or entertainer whose task was thought of as making the congregation feel good about itself. But, whatever that is, it is not Christian worship
HT: Domine, da mihi
Because of the mistaken idea that the whole congregation had to be “in motion” during the liturgy to be truly participating, the priest was gradually changed in the popular imagination from the celebrant of the Sacred Mysteries of salvation into the coordinator of the liturgical ministries of others. And this false understanding of the ministerial priesthood produced the ever-expanding role of the “priest presider,” whose primary task was to make the congregation feel welcome and constantly engage them with eye contact and the embrace of his warm personality. Once these falsehoods were accepted, then the service of the priest in the liturgy became grotesquely misshapen, and instead of a humble steward of the mysteries whose only task was to draw back the veil between God and man and then hide himself in the folds, the priest became a ring-master or entertainer whose task was thought of as making the congregation feel good about itself. But, whatever that is, it is not Christian worship
HT: Domine, da mihi
On Whoring Around
Rush related a most incisive observation on "why men pay for it," quoting a well-known Hollywood star who is a frequent patron of ladies-of-the-evening.
"I don't pay for sex. I pay them to go away."
This is perhaps the best summation ever formulated on the whole question.
"I don't pay for sex. I pay them to go away."
This is perhaps the best summation ever formulated on the whole question.
The Marquette Tribune: No Speech Here!!
From a newsletter:
Demonstrating that college student newspapers are not always the bastion of free speech they pride themselves on, three newspapers have rejected an educational ad placed by Pro-Life Wisconsin.
Those three newspapers are the Marquette University Tribune, the UW-La Crosse Racquet and the UW-Stout Stoutonia.
Here's the "objectionable" material:
The ads show a college-aged female and male, along with the words, “Emergency contraception is a powerful, high dose of steroids that tricks a woman’s body into thinking it is pregnant. These steroids can cause chemical abortions and deadly blood clots.”
The ads further encourage students to “Make smart choices the night before… that way you won’t have any emergencies to deal with the morning after!”
One would think that Marquette University would encourage that sort of truth-telling.
Demonstrating that college student newspapers are not always the bastion of free speech they pride themselves on, three newspapers have rejected an educational ad placed by Pro-Life Wisconsin.
Those three newspapers are the Marquette University Tribune, the UW-La Crosse Racquet and the UW-Stout Stoutonia.
Here's the "objectionable" material:
The ads show a college-aged female and male, along with the words, “Emergency contraception is a powerful, high dose of steroids that tricks a woman’s body into thinking it is pregnant. These steroids can cause chemical abortions and deadly blood clots.”
The ads further encourage students to “Make smart choices the night before… that way you won’t have any emergencies to deal with the morning after!”
One would think that Marquette University would encourage that sort of truth-telling.
Daylight Savings Time: NOT a Farmers' Idea
Heh.
The history on DST reveals something a bit more....ah....greed-inspired.
...when the first DST law was making its way through Congress, farmers actually lobbied against it. Dairy farmers were especially upset because their cows refused to accept humanity's tinkering with the hands of time. The obstinate cud-chewers wanted to be milked every twelve hours, and had absolutely no interest in resetting their biological clocks—even if the local creameries suddenly wanted their milk an hour earlier.
As Michael Downing points out in his new book, Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time, urban businessmen were a major force behind the adoption of DST in the United States. They thought daylight would encourage workers to go shopping on their way home.
It's already clear that "energy savings" do not materialize, nor does anyone really give a rat's patoot about "later sunsets."
Fact of the matter: it's a minor, but very visible reminder that, given enough time and money, our Gummint WILL find a way to screw with your day.
HT: What's Wrong With the World
The history on DST reveals something a bit more....ah....greed-inspired.
...when the first DST law was making its way through Congress, farmers actually lobbied against it. Dairy farmers were especially upset because their cows refused to accept humanity's tinkering with the hands of time. The obstinate cud-chewers wanted to be milked every twelve hours, and had absolutely no interest in resetting their biological clocks—even if the local creameries suddenly wanted their milk an hour earlier.
As Michael Downing points out in his new book, Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time, urban businessmen were a major force behind the adoption of DST in the United States. They thought daylight would encourage workers to go shopping on their way home.
It's already clear that "energy savings" do not materialize, nor does anyone really give a rat's patoot about "later sunsets."
Fact of the matter: it's a minor, but very visible reminder that, given enough time and money, our Gummint WILL find a way to screw with your day.
HT: What's Wrong With the World
Fraud, Lawyer-Style
Nothing like enhancing the fee-revenue a bit.
A retired epidemiologist from the Centers for Disease Control testified there were no more than 28,000 medically plausible cases of asbestosis in the U.S. male population between 1989 and 2001. [W.R.] Grace was hit with more than 200,000 claims over that period.
In another instance, a doctor presented a study involving 807 X-rays from Grace claimants. Doctors hired by the plaintiffs lawyers had found evidence of asbestosis in about 80% of those X-rays. In a double-blind study in which doctors didn't know the purpose of the work, they found evidence in only 7% of X-rays. . . .
The kind of professionalism which gives PI Lawyers their reputation.
HT: John Lott
A retired epidemiologist from the Centers for Disease Control testified there were no more than 28,000 medically plausible cases of asbestosis in the U.S. male population between 1989 and 2001. [W.R.] Grace was hit with more than 200,000 claims over that period.
In another instance, a doctor presented a study involving 807 X-rays from Grace claimants. Doctors hired by the plaintiffs lawyers had found evidence of asbestosis in about 80% of those X-rays. In a double-blind study in which doctors didn't know the purpose of the work, they found evidence in only 7% of X-rays. . . .
The kind of professionalism which gives PI Lawyers their reputation.
HT: John Lott
Owen Runs the Numbers
He put his boots on this morning, and compared Doylie statements on hospital-tax revenue guesses from his original budget proposal with his brand-new, wowza, budget-repair statements.
There's a difference, folks.
In this repair bill, Doyle is proposing a 0.7% tax on hospitals (instead of the 1%). If a 1% tax would have raised $418 million, then a 0.7% tax should raise about $292.6 million. But Doyle is saying that the tax will now attract $700 million in additional federal revenue instead of the $568 million or $450 million he projected before. With the new proposal, he expects $125 million to be left over for the general fund, so he must be planning on spending $867.6 million more with the hospitals - up from the $700 million he proposed before. If compared to his previous hospital tax proposal, this one would generate less revenue, but attract more federal revenue, and would pay more to hospitals. That doesn’t make sense at all.
Is he just making up numbers?
The short answer: why not? He "made up numbers" for revenue projections for the original budget and the Leggies (wink-wink-wink) agreed with the fantasy, so why not make up a few more numbers?
Worse, DarthDoyle is simply hoping and praying that the Feds will actually come up with the aid-package he projects. Fed numbers change (ask the DA's.) This could change, too.
But there's something even the intrepid Owen missed. Look carefully at this language:
Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan will lead efforts to reduce funding from executive branch agency appropriations by $330.4 million over the biennium.
The $330 million has not yet been "reduced." In fact, we have no friggin' idea WHAT amount has been "reduced" so far, nor any language that says ANYTHING has been "reduced."
It's another (wink-wink-wink) so far.
By the way, it doesn't look better for the future:
The budget that runs through mid-2009 was headed for a $650 million shortfall, but Doyle already has whittled that down by delaying paying off some debt.
How much is irrelevant. The debt must be paid at some point in time--meaning in the next biennial budget, or thereafter. No wonder Miller Brewing and the Bowling Congress are getting the Hell out of Dodge.
That's hardly all. Here's another bright idea:
Fund libraries with $11 million in telephone fees instead of general taxes.
A "Fee" is not a tax, right? But the "fee" will be taken, just like taxes, at the point of a gun, right?
And, of course, the super-duper-evergreen-stealing:
Use $243 million in transportation money to pay for general expenses. Additional borrowing and new federal aid ["which we don't know for sure will be there, but what the Hell, let's tell the damnfools that it WILL"] would be used to cover those transportation expenses.
That makes a cool $1.1 BILLION Doyle has stolen from the highway trust funds since he's been in office.
Folks, Jim Doyle IS the pothole in the roads.
For the record, Kevin posts Doylie's statements on the deficit from earlier this year:
“Gov. Jim Doyle pledged Friday not to raise taxes to cover a threatened state budget shortfall, promising instead to manage the gap by cutting or delaying spending.
"We've got through $3.2 billion without raising taxes," Doyle said, referring to the budget shortfall when he took office in 2003. "So we can get through a tenth of that without doing it."
Just another lying sack of crap in the Governor's Mansion.
There's a difference, folks.
In this repair bill, Doyle is proposing a 0.7% tax on hospitals (instead of the 1%). If a 1% tax would have raised $418 million, then a 0.7% tax should raise about $292.6 million. But Doyle is saying that the tax will now attract $700 million in additional federal revenue instead of the $568 million or $450 million he projected before. With the new proposal, he expects $125 million to be left over for the general fund, so he must be planning on spending $867.6 million more with the hospitals - up from the $700 million he proposed before. If compared to his previous hospital tax proposal, this one would generate less revenue, but attract more federal revenue, and would pay more to hospitals. That doesn’t make sense at all.
Is he just making up numbers?
The short answer: why not? He "made up numbers" for revenue projections for the original budget and the Leggies (wink-wink-wink) agreed with the fantasy, so why not make up a few more numbers?
Worse, DarthDoyle is simply hoping and praying that the Feds will actually come up with the aid-package he projects. Fed numbers change (ask the DA's.) This could change, too.
But there's something even the intrepid Owen missed. Look carefully at this language:
Department of Administration Secretary Michael Morgan will lead efforts to reduce funding from executive branch agency appropriations by $330.4 million over the biennium.
The $330 million has not yet been "reduced." In fact, we have no friggin' idea WHAT amount has been "reduced" so far, nor any language that says ANYTHING has been "reduced."
It's another (wink-wink-wink) so far.
By the way, it doesn't look better for the future:
The budget that runs through mid-2009 was headed for a $650 million shortfall, but Doyle already has whittled that down by delaying paying off some debt.
How much is irrelevant. The debt must be paid at some point in time--meaning in the next biennial budget, or thereafter. No wonder Miller Brewing and the Bowling Congress are getting the Hell out of Dodge.
That's hardly all. Here's another bright idea:
Fund libraries with $11 million in telephone fees instead of general taxes.
A "Fee" is not a tax, right? But the "fee" will be taken, just like taxes, at the point of a gun, right?
And, of course, the super-duper-evergreen-stealing:
Use $243 million in transportation money to pay for general expenses. Additional borrowing and new federal aid ["which we don't know for sure will be there, but what the Hell, let's tell the damnfools that it WILL"] would be used to cover those transportation expenses.
That makes a cool $1.1 BILLION Doyle has stolen from the highway trust funds since he's been in office.
Folks, Jim Doyle IS the pothole in the roads.
For the record, Kevin posts Doylie's statements on the deficit from earlier this year:
“Gov. Jim Doyle pledged Friday not to raise taxes to cover a threatened state budget shortfall, promising instead to manage the gap by cutting or delaying spending.
"We've got through $3.2 billion without raising taxes," Doyle said, referring to the budget shortfall when he took office in 2003. "So we can get through a tenth of that without doing it."
Just another lying sack of crap in the Governor's Mansion.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Vatican: New Sins? Not Likely
If you understand that British religious 'reporting' is pretty close to American tabloid 'reporting,' you'll understand that the breathless (and error-riddled) reports of "New Deadly Sins" are, well, balderdash.
See Zadok for the takedown.
And wait for some actual Vatican news-release if you want to know what's going on.
One wishes that an intelligent and well-informed reporter like Tom Heinen were on this "story."
UPDATE 3/11:
...the Vatican has NOT published a new list of seven deadly sins.
The statement adds: “This is not a new Vatican edict. The story originated from an interview that Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti gave to the L'Osservatore Romano in which he was questioned about new forms of social sins in this age of globalisation.
“Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti is not the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary; he is the regent (official). The Major Penitentiary is Cardinal James Francis Stafford.”
The Monsignor answered questions; he did not propose a new group of "deadly sins."
See Zadok for the takedown.
And wait for some actual Vatican news-release if you want to know what's going on.
One wishes that an intelligent and well-informed reporter like Tom Heinen were on this "story."
UPDATE 3/11:
...the Vatican has NOT published a new list of seven deadly sins.
The statement adds: “This is not a new Vatican edict. The story originated from an interview that Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti gave to the L'Osservatore Romano in which he was questioned about new forms of social sins in this age of globalisation.
“Monsignor Gianfranco Girotti is not the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary; he is the regent (official). The Major Penitentiary is Cardinal James Francis Stafford.”
The Monsignor answered questions; he did not propose a new group of "deadly sins."
Pleads No Contest, Sues City
This takes.....ah.....guts.
Greer, who pleaded no contest to the charges of possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed weapon, as sentenced five and a half years in jail and four years extended supervision on the drugs charge and a nine months concurrent sentence on the weapons charge.
Which means that he did NOT plead "not guilty," right?
Greer, 35, served 18 months in prison on the drug conviction before the appellate court decision released him last summer. The court found that while the officer had a reason to stop and question Greer on June 25, 2004, but didn't have sufficient cause for for an arrest.
Umnnnh. So the cop's learned instincts were absolutely spot-on--but 'learned instincts', even when proven correct, aren't sufficient.
Greer is suing the City of Milwaukee for $80,000 because the 4th District Court of Appeals tossed out his drug convicition.
Nice.
Greer, who pleaded no contest to the charges of possession of cocaine and carrying a concealed weapon, as sentenced five and a half years in jail and four years extended supervision on the drugs charge and a nine months concurrent sentence on the weapons charge.
Which means that he did NOT plead "not guilty," right?
Greer, 35, served 18 months in prison on the drug conviction before the appellate court decision released him last summer. The court found that while the officer had a reason to stop and question Greer on June 25, 2004, but didn't have sufficient cause for for an arrest.
Umnnnh. So the cop's learned instincts were absolutely spot-on--but 'learned instincts', even when proven correct, aren't sufficient.
Greer is suing the City of Milwaukee for $80,000 because the 4th District Court of Appeals tossed out his drug convicition.
Nice.
UBS Triggers Financial Earthquake
UBS dumped its $24Bn. "Alt-A" portfolio last week--at 70 cents on the dollar.
THAT caused the Carlyle Group's 15%-held mortgage-investment fund to get into trouble.
And that will make mortgage financing even more difficult over the next 12 months or so, pushing home-improvement-related sales down a bit more.
And THAT, along with the associated economic negatives, will make November '08, a big challenge for the Republicans--both in Congress and at the White House level.
The RedState writer names one of the troublemakers: Al Greenspan.
Not that we haven't mentioned him before...
THAT caused the Carlyle Group's 15%-held mortgage-investment fund to get into trouble.
And that will make mortgage financing even more difficult over the next 12 months or so, pushing home-improvement-related sales down a bit more.
And THAT, along with the associated economic negatives, will make November '08, a big challenge for the Republicans--both in Congress and at the White House level.
The RedState writer names one of the troublemakers: Al Greenspan.
Not that we haven't mentioned him before...
"Capper" Sighted in Parade?
GOP3 has the details.
Everyone was respectful and cheering for all the candidates as they walked by, except for one gentleman. This person followed County Executive Scott Walker throughout the parade screaming above the happy cheers and clapping coming from everyone lining the route.
The screamer did not provide identification so we are unable to confirm the identification.
Everyone was respectful and cheering for all the candidates as they walked by, except for one gentleman. This person followed County Executive Scott Walker throughout the parade screaming above the happy cheers and clapping coming from everyone lining the route.
The screamer did not provide identification so we are unable to confirm the identification.
Ben Stein Surprise
No, it's not a recipe for some kind of Hollywood quiz-show food.
...The problem, and it’s a killer, is that over the years we have obligated ourselves as a nation to spend truly staggering sums. These sums are growing rapidly. They consist mostly of entitlements, like Social Security and Medicare; fixed obligations like interest on the national debt, pensions for federal and military employees and various subsidies that have already been enacted; and morally mandatory expenses like those for national security.
All politicians campaign on the promise to cut federal spending by identifying hitherto unfound waste, fraud and corruption. None of them ever do so in a meaningful way. Total federal spending has not once fallen noticeably since 1954, no matter the party or the promises of the incoming chief executive.
Unhhnnn-huh.
That is the first thing you need to know. The next thing is that the Republican Party (my party and yours) has for the last 30 years or so been operating under a demonstrably false and misleading premise: that tax cuts pay for themselves by generating so much economic growth that they replace the sums lost by tax cutting.
This would be a lovely thing if true, and the best of all ideas, the “something for nothing” idea. In fact, tax cuts lower federal revenue and generate federal deficits. It is also true that they do stimulate the economy and after a long period of years, federal tax receipts go back to where they were before the tax cuts.
IOW, the Laffer Curve should have a longer "Y" axis. Longer by a lot.
And Stein then puts it in terms that some people can actually understand:
But basically, they shift the tax burden from us to our progeny and add immense amounts of interest expense to the federal budget. At this point, taxpayers shell out about $1 billion a day just for that item.
Stein assumes that Fed spending will not decrease, no matter what. It's a valid assumption if you're a betting man--the history is on his side.
Read the rest.
...The problem, and it’s a killer, is that over the years we have obligated ourselves as a nation to spend truly staggering sums. These sums are growing rapidly. They consist mostly of entitlements, like Social Security and Medicare; fixed obligations like interest on the national debt, pensions for federal and military employees and various subsidies that have already been enacted; and morally mandatory expenses like those for national security.
All politicians campaign on the promise to cut federal spending by identifying hitherto unfound waste, fraud and corruption. None of them ever do so in a meaningful way. Total federal spending has not once fallen noticeably since 1954, no matter the party or the promises of the incoming chief executive.
Unhhnnn-huh.
That is the first thing you need to know. The next thing is that the Republican Party (my party and yours) has for the last 30 years or so been operating under a demonstrably false and misleading premise: that tax cuts pay for themselves by generating so much economic growth that they replace the sums lost by tax cutting.
This would be a lovely thing if true, and the best of all ideas, the “something for nothing” idea. In fact, tax cuts lower federal revenue and generate federal deficits. It is also true that they do stimulate the economy and after a long period of years, federal tax receipts go back to where they were before the tax cuts.
IOW, the Laffer Curve should have a longer "Y" axis. Longer by a lot.
And Stein then puts it in terms that some people can actually understand:
But basically, they shift the tax burden from us to our progeny and add immense amounts of interest expense to the federal budget. At this point, taxpayers shell out about $1 billion a day just for that item.
Stein assumes that Fed spending will not decrease, no matter what. It's a valid assumption if you're a betting man--the history is on his side.
Read the rest.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Paper or Plastic? Take the Plastic
Doh.
Scientists are attacking the global campaign to ban plastic shopping bags, saying the activists' claim that the modern conveniences are responsible for the deaths of 100,000 animals and one million seabirds is based on a "typo" in a 2002 report and there is no scientific evidence showing the bags pose a direct threat to marine mammals.
Driving the campaign is the claim, found in a 2002 report commissioned by the Australian government, that 100,000 marine mammals and one million seabirds are killed by ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic bags. The figure was derived from a 1987 Canadian study in Newfoundland that found 100,000 marine mammals, including birds, killed by discarded fishing nets.
The authors of the 2002 study misquoted the Canadian study which made no mention of plastic bags.
....of course, you don't HAVE to take plastic. Kill a tree instead, with paper!
Scientists are attacking the global campaign to ban plastic shopping bags, saying the activists' claim that the modern conveniences are responsible for the deaths of 100,000 animals and one million seabirds is based on a "typo" in a 2002 report and there is no scientific evidence showing the bags pose a direct threat to marine mammals.
Driving the campaign is the claim, found in a 2002 report commissioned by the Australian government, that 100,000 marine mammals and one million seabirds are killed by ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic bags. The figure was derived from a 1987 Canadian study in Newfoundland that found 100,000 marine mammals, including birds, killed by discarded fishing nets.
The authors of the 2002 study misquoted the Canadian study which made no mention of plastic bags.
....of course, you don't HAVE to take plastic. Kill a tree instead, with paper!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Doyle: I'll Steal the Money to "Fix" the Budget!!
Predictable.
But Doyle isn't expected to introduce his budget repair bill until early next week — a bill lawmakers say could include a shift of hundreds of millions of dollars from the fund used to build and maintain the state's roads. (Read: spend money on WEAC-approved stuff, like WEAC salaries/bennies.)
Darth wants to "borrow" $300 million from the transportation fund, then float bonds to replace the money. That should be fun to watch, in the worst credit environment since....oh....1930 or so.
There are alternatives:
...Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, is pushing to protect spending on state programs by closing a tax loophole favorable to some corporations and by taxing hospitals to bring in more federal money. (Read: spend money on WEAC-approved stuff, like WEAC salaries/bennies.)
This is laughingly called "management" in Gummint circles.
But Doyle isn't expected to introduce his budget repair bill until early next week — a bill lawmakers say could include a shift of hundreds of millions of dollars from the fund used to build and maintain the state's roads. (Read: spend money on WEAC-approved stuff, like WEAC salaries/bennies.)
Darth wants to "borrow" $300 million from the transportation fund, then float bonds to replace the money. That should be fun to watch, in the worst credit environment since....oh....1930 or so.
There are alternatives:
...Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker, D-Weston, is pushing to protect spending on state programs by closing a tax loophole favorable to some corporations and by taxing hospitals to bring in more federal money. (Read: spend money on WEAC-approved stuff, like WEAC salaries/bennies.)
This is laughingly called "management" in Gummint circles.
Steyn Is a Gas!
Just this graf alone will keep you entertained for hours:
The Democratic primary season seems to have dwindled down into a psycho remake of "Driving Miss Daisy." The fading matriarch Mizz Hill'ry (Jessica Tandy) doesn't want to give up the keys to the Democratic Party vehicle but the dignified black chauffeur Hokey (Morgan Freeman) insists it'll be a much smoother ride with him in the driver's seat. Yet, just as he thinks the old biddy's resigned to a nomination as Best Supporting Actress, the backseat driver plunges her hat pin into his spine, wrests the wheel away and lurches across the median.
You can read the rest here.
HT: PowerLine
The Democratic primary season seems to have dwindled down into a psycho remake of "Driving Miss Daisy." The fading matriarch Mizz Hill'ry (Jessica Tandy) doesn't want to give up the keys to the Democratic Party vehicle but the dignified black chauffeur Hokey (Morgan Freeman) insists it'll be a much smoother ride with him in the driver's seat. Yet, just as he thinks the old biddy's resigned to a nomination as Best Supporting Actress, the backseat driver plunges her hat pin into his spine, wrests the wheel away and lurches across the median.
You can read the rest here.
HT: PowerLine
Common Sense in Wisconsin Taxes? NEVER!!
You'll note that the Assembly passed, 60-35, AB47, a bill which would make Wisconsin income taxes comport with Federal tax treatment of Health Savings Accounts.
The Assembly sent it over to the Democrat-dominated Senate.
Where it will die, like all good ideas (think Voter ID, the Castle Doctrine...)
Oh, well. Another "victory" over tax-filing (and tax-paying) Wisconsin residents.
The Assembly sent it over to the Democrat-dominated Senate.
Where it will die, like all good ideas (think Voter ID, the Castle Doctrine...)
Oh, well. Another "victory" over tax-filing (and tax-paying) Wisconsin residents.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Lena Taylor, Jim Sullivan: Homeowners Be Damned
Lena, the wannabe-County Exec in Milwaukee, is sitting on the "Castle Doctrine" bill.
AB 35 is currently stuck in the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, and Housing.
AB35 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes. It is clearly stated that there is no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family. AB35 also protects individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
And Guess Who is the chair of the Senate Committee which refuses to act?
Senator Lena Taylor (Chair)
Other, predictable, obstructionists:
Senator Jim Sullivan and Senator Kathleen Vinehout.
Obviously, Wauwatosa homeowners don't need protection in their homes, either, eh, Jimmy?
(Source: NRA)
AB 35 is currently stuck in the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, and Housing.
AB35 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes. It is clearly stated that there is no “duty to retreat” from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family. AB35 also protects individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.
And Guess Who is the chair of the Senate Committee which refuses to act?
Senator Lena Taylor (Chair)
Other, predictable, obstructionists:
Senator Jim Sullivan and Senator Kathleen Vinehout.
Obviously, Wauwatosa homeowners don't need protection in their homes, either, eh, Jimmy?
(Source: NRA)
How Significant IS "the Catholic Vote"?
Hmmmmm. A good question.
Earlier, we noted that Catholics (at least in Wisconsin) were historically antipathetic to the Republican Party. At least one good reason is found in the article cited, which tells us that the Eugenecist/Progressive movement in Wisconsin was heavily supported by Republicans--and that one of their centerpiece laws required (required!!!) sterilization of all criminals and the insane.
That little piece of work was vigorously opposed by the Archbishop of Milwaukee.
But the Republicans were also Capitalist/Corporatist, effectively placing them in direct opposition to Labor.
We also observed that there was a massive "field switch" during the late 1960's which eventually led Catholics to the "R" ticket--and here's a little item which is of interest in that regard, written by Mark Stricherz.
Bobby Kennedy was dying. Emergency workers rushed him into the back of a waiting ambulance, accompanied by just two people. One was his wife, Ethel; the other, his de facto campaign chairman, Fred Dutton.
...The only thing they disagreed on -- and the one thing they never talked about -- was the future of Catholics in the Democratic Party. Kennedy wanted to ensure their pride of place in the Democratic coalition; Dutton did not.
In 1968, Dutton gained a reputation as the chief theoretician of the New Politics -- the idea that the Democrats should be based on a coalition of "campus, ghetto, and suburb."
Based on Changing Sources of Power, [a book authored by Dutton] as well as interviews that Dutton granted with me and others, it's fair to conclude that Dutton deserves another reputation: He was the first major Democratic official who sought to loosen Catholics' historic ties with the Democratic Party -- and as a consequence, turned them into Reagan Democrats.
One may quibble that the Reagan Democrats were 1) not exclusively Catholic; and 2) not moved simply by virtue of Dutton's theory...but there's no question that these days, Catholics tend to be more "R" than "D."
Dutton recounted this scene [an imbroglio at the DConvention/'68] often, which crystallized his view of politics and of his place in the political world: The main dividing line in American politics was no longer between poor and rich, or even black and white; it was between young and old.
More telling:
Frederick Gary Dutton was the son of a doctor. During the Depression, the Dutton family had moved to California, and Fred graduated from Cal-Berkeley and Stanford Law School. Having grown up affluent and educated, Dutton was never a Democrat of the blue-collar variety. Formerly the co-editor of the Stanford Law Review, Dutton belonged to the intellectual wing; his idol had been Adlai Stevenson, whose 1956 presidential campaign in southern California he had run.
That's significant: the old-line Democrat bunch was Labor, which (recall the Polish/Irish/German influence) was largely Catholic. But the old-line group was most certainly NOT a bunch of Stanford grads.
Dutton expressed support for the secular aims of activist students:
Most of them also dispute the special emphasis on Christianity, the right of parents, teachers, and public officials to make decisions for others, and the essential decency of the present society
(...and that "secularity" has also proven problematic, no?...)
Dutton set his sights on a grand prize: He wanted to change the Democratic Party's coalition. He no longer supported the New Deal coalition, which had united the party around a working-class agenda. He preferred what he called a Social Change coalition, which would focus on the social, economic, and foreign policy concerns of young baby boomers.
It is interesting to note that neither Clinton nor Obama support a "working-class agenda," --see the NAFTA embarrassments--but of course, outside of P J Buchanan, there is no Republican of note who does, either. More important, the Democrat Party's emancipation from a 'moral' foundation (which was driven by its acceptance of 'secular liberalism') has created a larger group of disaffected: the 'religious Right,' which revolted with the Democrat embrace of free/easy abortion--the linchpin of the 'secularism'--not to mention its dalliance with gay "marriage" and other fringe oddities of that sort.
He believed that, in order to survive, the Democratic Party had to embrace young people and students. As he told author Penn Kimball in 1967, "the coming of age of the World War II baby boomers" would "bring about in the years from 1968 to 1972 the biggest single revolution in U.S. voting."
And Dutton sought to do so with an idea very different from those of Al Smith, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Jack and Bobby Kennedy. They believed that Catholics should be a key constituency in the Democratic coalition. Fred Dutton believed that their spot should be taken by college-educated young people.
So what the Democrats sought, and now have, is the NEA and other public-employee unions, the Professoriate, the MSM, the Secular Liberals, the Aggrievement Bar, (all college-grad types) and a few remnant Unions (UFCW, SEIU), which are significantly populated by recent immigrants. (To some extent the "Secular Liberal" universe encompasses the first five of those groups.)
The "Reagan Republican" group is not particularly excited by McCain, and certainly not by either Democrat possible.
What they decide this Fall, however, will decide the election.
Earlier, we noted that Catholics (at least in Wisconsin) were historically antipathetic to the Republican Party. At least one good reason is found in the article cited, which tells us that the Eugenecist/Progressive movement in Wisconsin was heavily supported by Republicans--and that one of their centerpiece laws required (required!!!) sterilization of all criminals and the insane.
That little piece of work was vigorously opposed by the Archbishop of Milwaukee.
But the Republicans were also Capitalist/Corporatist, effectively placing them in direct opposition to Labor.
We also observed that there was a massive "field switch" during the late 1960's which eventually led Catholics to the "R" ticket--and here's a little item which is of interest in that regard, written by Mark Stricherz.
Bobby Kennedy was dying. Emergency workers rushed him into the back of a waiting ambulance, accompanied by just two people. One was his wife, Ethel; the other, his de facto campaign chairman, Fred Dutton.
...The only thing they disagreed on -- and the one thing they never talked about -- was the future of Catholics in the Democratic Party. Kennedy wanted to ensure their pride of place in the Democratic coalition; Dutton did not.
In 1968, Dutton gained a reputation as the chief theoretician of the New Politics -- the idea that the Democrats should be based on a coalition of "campus, ghetto, and suburb."
Based on Changing Sources of Power, [a book authored by Dutton] as well as interviews that Dutton granted with me and others, it's fair to conclude that Dutton deserves another reputation: He was the first major Democratic official who sought to loosen Catholics' historic ties with the Democratic Party -- and as a consequence, turned them into Reagan Democrats.
One may quibble that the Reagan Democrats were 1) not exclusively Catholic; and 2) not moved simply by virtue of Dutton's theory...but there's no question that these days, Catholics tend to be more "R" than "D."
Dutton recounted this scene [an imbroglio at the DConvention/'68] often, which crystallized his view of politics and of his place in the political world: The main dividing line in American politics was no longer between poor and rich, or even black and white; it was between young and old.
More telling:
Frederick Gary Dutton was the son of a doctor. During the Depression, the Dutton family had moved to California, and Fred graduated from Cal-Berkeley and Stanford Law School. Having grown up affluent and educated, Dutton was never a Democrat of the blue-collar variety. Formerly the co-editor of the Stanford Law Review, Dutton belonged to the intellectual wing; his idol had been Adlai Stevenson, whose 1956 presidential campaign in southern California he had run.
That's significant: the old-line Democrat bunch was Labor, which (recall the Polish/Irish/German influence) was largely Catholic. But the old-line group was most certainly NOT a bunch of Stanford grads.
Dutton expressed support for the secular aims of activist students:
Most of them also dispute the special emphasis on Christianity, the right of parents, teachers, and public officials to make decisions for others, and the essential decency of the present society
(...and that "secularity" has also proven problematic, no?...)
Dutton set his sights on a grand prize: He wanted to change the Democratic Party's coalition. He no longer supported the New Deal coalition, which had united the party around a working-class agenda. He preferred what he called a Social Change coalition, which would focus on the social, economic, and foreign policy concerns of young baby boomers.
It is interesting to note that neither Clinton nor Obama support a "working-class agenda," --see the NAFTA embarrassments--but of course, outside of P J Buchanan, there is no Republican of note who does, either. More important, the Democrat Party's emancipation from a 'moral' foundation (which was driven by its acceptance of 'secular liberalism') has created a larger group of disaffected: the 'religious Right,' which revolted with the Democrat embrace of free/easy abortion--the linchpin of the 'secularism'--not to mention its dalliance with gay "marriage" and other fringe oddities of that sort.
He believed that, in order to survive, the Democratic Party had to embrace young people and students. As he told author Penn Kimball in 1967, "the coming of age of the World War II baby boomers" would "bring about in the years from 1968 to 1972 the biggest single revolution in U.S. voting."
And Dutton sought to do so with an idea very different from those of Al Smith, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Jack and Bobby Kennedy. They believed that Catholics should be a key constituency in the Democratic coalition. Fred Dutton believed that their spot should be taken by college-educated young people.
So what the Democrats sought, and now have, is the NEA and other public-employee unions, the Professoriate, the MSM, the Secular Liberals, the Aggrievement Bar, (all college-grad types) and a few remnant Unions (UFCW, SEIU), which are significantly populated by recent immigrants. (To some extent the "Secular Liberal" universe encompasses the first five of those groups.)
The "Reagan Republican" group is not particularly excited by McCain, and certainly not by either Democrat possible.
What they decide this Fall, however, will decide the election.
Good Friday? Confess Away!!
The indispensable, invaluable Fr. Z. posts the 2002 Instructions:
On this [Good Friday] and the following day, the Church, from a most ancient tradition, does not at all celebrate the sacraments, except for (the sacraments of) Penance and Anointing of the Sick.
We've seen that bulletin announcement that says "...the church does NOT allow confessions on Good Friday or Holy Saturday."
Balderdash.
And while we are debunking 'LiturgyWonk/PinkTutu-Wearer' mythology, here's another one blown to smithereens--applying to all the OTHER days (including Sundays) of the year:
On the other hand, this does not in any way prohibit priests, except the one who is celebrating Mass, from hearing confessions of the faithful who so desire, including during the celebration of Mass.
There are some things which are simply more important than LiturgyWonk dreams.
On this [Good Friday] and the following day, the Church, from a most ancient tradition, does not at all celebrate the sacraments, except for (the sacraments of) Penance and Anointing of the Sick.
We've seen that bulletin announcement that says "...the church does NOT allow confessions on Good Friday or Holy Saturday."
Balderdash.
And while we are debunking 'LiturgyWonk/PinkTutu-Wearer' mythology, here's another one blown to smithereens--applying to all the OTHER days (including Sundays) of the year:
On the other hand, this does not in any way prohibit priests, except the one who is celebrating Mass, from hearing confessions of the faithful who so desire, including during the celebration of Mass.
There are some things which are simply more important than LiturgyWonk dreams.
The Natural Death of (Amoral) Secular Liberalism
Found in First Things today:
Dacey has quibbles with Pope Benedict’s analysis of moral “relativism,” but he admits that “secular liberals find it had to shake the lingering feeling that there is something to the pope’s diagnosis. Something disquieting has been happening to the Western mind over the last half century.” He writes about a philosophy professor who reports that none of his students are Holocaust deniers, but an increasing number are even worse: “They acknowledge the fact, even deplore it, but cannot bring themselves to condemn it morally.” Who are they to say that the Nazis were morally wrong? And so it is also with apartheid, slavery, and ethnic cleansing. For these students, passing moral judgment “is to be a moral ‘absolutist,’ and having been taught that there are no absolutes, they now see any judgment as arbitrary, intolerant, and authoritarian.”
Dacey authored a book, The Secular Conscience: Why Belief Belongs in Public Life.
Fr. Neuhaus, the reviewer, offers this:
These contests are not between people who, on the one side, are trying to impose their morality on others, and people who, on the other side, subscribe to a purely procedural and amoral rationality. Over the years, some of us have been trying to elicit from our opponents the recognition that they, too, are making moral arguments and hoping that their moral vision will prevail. But in the world of secular liberalism, morality is the motive that dare not speak its name.
...and what they got, of course, was relativism: the dogma which proposes that there IS no dogma.
Dacey has quibbles with Pope Benedict’s analysis of moral “relativism,” but he admits that “secular liberals find it had to shake the lingering feeling that there is something to the pope’s diagnosis. Something disquieting has been happening to the Western mind over the last half century.” He writes about a philosophy professor who reports that none of his students are Holocaust deniers, but an increasing number are even worse: “They acknowledge the fact, even deplore it, but cannot bring themselves to condemn it morally.” Who are they to say that the Nazis were morally wrong? And so it is also with apartheid, slavery, and ethnic cleansing. For these students, passing moral judgment “is to be a moral ‘absolutist,’ and having been taught that there are no absolutes, they now see any judgment as arbitrary, intolerant, and authoritarian.”
Dacey authored a book, The Secular Conscience: Why Belief Belongs in Public Life.
Fr. Neuhaus, the reviewer, offers this:
These contests are not between people who, on the one side, are trying to impose their morality on others, and people who, on the other side, subscribe to a purely procedural and amoral rationality. Over the years, some of us have been trying to elicit from our opponents the recognition that they, too, are making moral arguments and hoping that their moral vision will prevail. But in the world of secular liberalism, morality is the motive that dare not speak its name.
...and what they got, of course, was relativism: the dogma which proposes that there IS no dogma.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The "R" Word
If it's not here now, it will be soon.
From the Northern Trust daily log:
Saving as a percent of disposable income was an abysmal 0.4% in 2007 and spending exceeded income in each of the three months ended January 2008 (see chart 5) Entering the new year, households have virtually no savings, they are highly leveraged, their net worth is shrinking, and equity in real estate is at the lowest level on record.
Other than that, things are just fine, so long as you don't eat or purchase gasoline.
From the Northern Trust daily log:
Saving as a percent of disposable income was an abysmal 0.4% in 2007 and spending exceeded income in each of the three months ended January 2008 (see chart 5) Entering the new year, households have virtually no savings, they are highly leveraged, their net worth is shrinking, and equity in real estate is at the lowest level on record.
Other than that, things are just fine, so long as you don't eat or purchase gasoline.
Campus PC Run Amok (Again)
The Warrior's problems with MU's lynch-mob pale in comparison to this (so far...)
Sampson is an avid reader. It’s been his habit to bring books to work with him, so that he can read in the break room when he’s not on the clock. Last year, Sampson was working in IUPUI’s [Indiana U/Purdue U/Indianapolis] Medical Science building.
At the time, Sampson was reading a book he had checked out from the public library. Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan, published in 2004, features a photograph of the University of Notre Dame’s famous golden dome on the cover. Its author is Todd Tucker, the publisher is Loyola Press of Loyola University in Chicago.
The book is about how for two days in May 1924, a group of Notre Dame students got into a street fight with members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Sampson recalls that his AFSCME shop steward told him that reading a book about the Klan was like bringing pornography to work. The shop steward wasn’t interested in hearing what the book was actually about. Another time, a coworker who was sitting across the table from Sampson in the break room commented that she found the Klan offensive. Sampson says he tried to tell her about the book, but she wasn’t interested in talking about it.
Then Sampson received a letter, dated Nov. 25, 2007, from Lillian Charleston, also of IUPUI’s Affirmative Action Office. The letter begins by saying that the AAO has completed its investigation of a coworker’s allegation that Sampson “racially harassed her by repeatedly reading the book Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan by Todd Tucker in the presence of Black employees.” It goes on to say, “You demonstrated disdain and insensitivity to your coworkers who repeatedly requested that you refrain from reading the book which has such an inflammatory and offensive topic in their presence … you used extremely poor judgment by insisting on openly reading the book related to a historically and racially abhorrent subject in the presence of your Black coworkers.” Charleston went on to say that according to “the legal ‘reasonable person standard,’ a majority of adults are aware of and understand how repugnant the KKK is to African-Americans …”
Sampson was ordered to stop reading the book in the immediate presence of his coworkers and, when reading the book, to sit apart from them.
Having just listened to the Sykes interview of Jonah Goldberg, this vignette was meaningful.
Sampson is an avid reader. It’s been his habit to bring books to work with him, so that he can read in the break room when he’s not on the clock. Last year, Sampson was working in IUPUI’s [Indiana U/Purdue U/Indianapolis] Medical Science building.
At the time, Sampson was reading a book he had checked out from the public library. Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan, published in 2004, features a photograph of the University of Notre Dame’s famous golden dome on the cover. Its author is Todd Tucker, the publisher is Loyola Press of Loyola University in Chicago.
The book is about how for two days in May 1924, a group of Notre Dame students got into a street fight with members of the Ku Klux Klan.
Sampson recalls that his AFSCME shop steward told him that reading a book about the Klan was like bringing pornography to work. The shop steward wasn’t interested in hearing what the book was actually about. Another time, a coworker who was sitting across the table from Sampson in the break room commented that she found the Klan offensive. Sampson says he tried to tell her about the book, but she wasn’t interested in talking about it.
Then Sampson received a letter, dated Nov. 25, 2007, from Lillian Charleston, also of IUPUI’s Affirmative Action Office. The letter begins by saying that the AAO has completed its investigation of a coworker’s allegation that Sampson “racially harassed her by repeatedly reading the book Notre Dame vs. the Klan: How the Fighting Irish Defeated the Ku Klux Klan by Todd Tucker in the presence of Black employees.” It goes on to say, “You demonstrated disdain and insensitivity to your coworkers who repeatedly requested that you refrain from reading the book which has such an inflammatory and offensive topic in their presence … you used extremely poor judgment by insisting on openly reading the book related to a historically and racially abhorrent subject in the presence of your Black coworkers.” Charleston went on to say that according to “the legal ‘reasonable person standard,’ a majority of adults are aware of and understand how repugnant the KKK is to African-Americans …”
Sampson was ordered to stop reading the book in the immediate presence of his coworkers and, when reading the book, to sit apart from them.
Having just listened to the Sykes interview of Jonah Goldberg, this vignette was meaningful.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Abp. Dolan Elides an Inconvenient Truth
The Archbishop of Milwaukee re-affirms "neutrality" on AB377--which, by the way, passed and will be signed into law by DarthDoyle in the near future.
When the bishops of Wisconsin met last spring, we discussed what stance we should take on the proposed bill, and unanimously decided that we would neither support nor oppose it. In other words, we adopted a neutral position.
Why? For one, our competent staff at the Wisconsin Catholic Conference advised us that, as a matter of fact, the bill was unnecessary, as it would change nothing that Catholic hospitals were already doing.
In fact, the Catholic hospitals would seem to be the whole point, Abp. Dolan.
Here's where the Archbishop's "competent staff" errs:
As long as there is no evidence of pregnancy, the woman can and should be provided with proper emergency assistance to prevent conception. This is clear church praxis.
Secondly, though, if a baby has been conceived, even by the horror of rape, that baby deserves care and compassion as well.
The weaseling here is highlighted in red.
There is NO pregnancy test which is reliable when administered within 72 hours of coitus. None. So the "reasoning" handed to the Bishops by "competent" staff was, at best, flawed. Worse, this "reasoning" was shown to be erroneous by competent medical authorities (who also happen to be serious Catholics.)
When all is said and done, the Archbishop of Milwaukee simply ignored the Vatican's clear directive (given by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the context of ministry to homosexual persons, but a generality which is applicable here):
Finally, where a matter of the common good is concerned, it is inappropriate for church authorities to endorse or remain neutral toward adverse legislation even if it grants exceptions to church organizations and institutions. The church has the responsibility to promote family life and the public morality of the entire civil society on the basis of fundamental moral values, not simply to protect herself from the application of harmful laws
As the Archbishop admits, such "exceptions" were removed from the final legislation (although they may well be protected under the State Constitution, at the expense of some conscientious Catholic or other Christian.)
Even so, the Bishops should not have accepted "competent" staff opinions which contradict authoritative proclamations from CDF.
Truth is sometimes inconvenient for Catholic hospitals, too--which, apparently, are not going to change whatever they are already doing.
When the bishops of Wisconsin met last spring, we discussed what stance we should take on the proposed bill, and unanimously decided that we would neither support nor oppose it. In other words, we adopted a neutral position.
Why? For one, our competent staff at the Wisconsin Catholic Conference advised us that, as a matter of fact, the bill was unnecessary, as it would change nothing that Catholic hospitals were already doing.
In fact, the Catholic hospitals would seem to be the whole point, Abp. Dolan.
Here's where the Archbishop's "competent staff" errs:
As long as there is no evidence of pregnancy, the woman can and should be provided with proper emergency assistance to prevent conception. This is clear church praxis.
Secondly, though, if a baby has been conceived, even by the horror of rape, that baby deserves care and compassion as well.
The weaseling here is highlighted in red.
There is NO pregnancy test which is reliable when administered within 72 hours of coitus. None. So the "reasoning" handed to the Bishops by "competent" staff was, at best, flawed. Worse, this "reasoning" was shown to be erroneous by competent medical authorities (who also happen to be serious Catholics.)
When all is said and done, the Archbishop of Milwaukee simply ignored the Vatican's clear directive (given by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in the context of ministry to homosexual persons, but a generality which is applicable here):
Finally, where a matter of the common good is concerned, it is inappropriate for church authorities to endorse or remain neutral toward adverse legislation even if it grants exceptions to church organizations and institutions. The church has the responsibility to promote family life and the public morality of the entire civil society on the basis of fundamental moral values, not simply to protect herself from the application of harmful laws
As the Archbishop admits, such "exceptions" were removed from the final legislation (although they may well be protected under the State Constitution, at the expense of some conscientious Catholic or other Christian.)
Even so, the Bishops should not have accepted "competent" staff opinions which contradict authoritative proclamations from CDF.
Truth is sometimes inconvenient for Catholic hospitals, too--which, apparently, are not going to change whatever they are already doing.
"Loving the Little People"--Really?
Powerline:
...after the death of the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone that this famous champion of the little guy, scourge of corporate interests, illegally failed to procure workers' compensation insurance for his campaign's employees. The four employees who perished in the airplane crash along with Wellstone and his wife were therefore uninsured.
(That was settled: the campaign coughed up $400K, and the taxpayers (!!) were smeared for $600K.)
Minnesota Senate candidate Al Franken is a guy who casts himself as being in the Wellstone mold, and he may be, at least in this one respect. It now turns out that Franken owes a $25,000 penalty to the New York State Workers' Compensation Board for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for employees of his namesake corporation (Alan Franken Inc.) from 2002 to 2005.
One is reminded of the old saw "I love humanity--it's PEOPLE I can't stand." In these cases, of course, it morphed: "I love humanity--so long as I don't have to PAY for it."
...after the death of the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone that this famous champion of the little guy, scourge of corporate interests, illegally failed to procure workers' compensation insurance for his campaign's employees. The four employees who perished in the airplane crash along with Wellstone and his wife were therefore uninsured.
(That was settled: the campaign coughed up $400K, and the taxpayers (!!) were smeared for $600K.)
Minnesota Senate candidate Al Franken is a guy who casts himself as being in the Wellstone mold, and he may be, at least in this one respect. It now turns out that Franken owes a $25,000 penalty to the New York State Workers' Compensation Board for failing to carry workers' compensation insurance for employees of his namesake corporation (Alan Franken Inc.) from 2002 to 2005.
One is reminded of the old saw "I love humanity--it's PEOPLE I can't stand." In these cases, of course, it morphed: "I love humanity--so long as I don't have to PAY for it."
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
New MS-Level School of RC Theo Opening
And it's not far from Milwaukee.
St. John Institute of Catholic Thought is opening a new school of theology in Champaign, IL. You are one of the first to hear about it! The school with offer master degrees and certificate programs in theology with classes beginning this fall. The school will provide a robust formation not only in the breadth of Catholic theology but also a solid formation in the Catholic intellectual tradition. While the school will not be limited to any one particular school of thought, it will have an integrating focus around the liturgy and its connection to the trinitarian structure of creation
HT: CosmosLiturgy
St. John Institute of Catholic Thought is opening a new school of theology in Champaign, IL. You are one of the first to hear about it! The school with offer master degrees and certificate programs in theology with classes beginning this fall. The school will provide a robust formation not only in the breadth of Catholic theology but also a solid formation in the Catholic intellectual tradition. While the school will not be limited to any one particular school of thought, it will have an integrating focus around the liturgy and its connection to the trinitarian structure of creation
HT: CosmosLiturgy
Citigroup: The End?
Here's a history of Citicorp--now scratching for cash.
Citigroup shares sank about 5 percent to their lowest level in more than nine years, as stockholders recoiled at forecasts of more losses at the troubled bank and comments from a Middle East investor that Citi must raise more cash to stay in business.
Samir al-Ansari, chief executive of the $13 billion government-owned investment firm Dubai International Capital, said at a private equity conference that it will take more than the combined efforts of the Gulf's wealthiest investors — the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Kuwait Investment Authority and Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal — to save Citigroup.
The reason is that Citi is likely to suffer additional losses due to defaulting credit. Having already written down $18 billion in bad mortgage-related debt in the fourth quarter, Merrill Lynch analysts predicted that Citi will have to write down another $18 billion in the first quarter, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
Citigroup was (back when) the First National City Bank, and invented MasterCard (to compete with Bank of America's Visa Card.) During the 1960's it was run by the legendary Walt Wriston, and was on good terms with a couple of Milwaukee-area banks as a correspondent.
You can expect some interesting things to emanate from Washington if Citi gets desparate.
Citigroup shares sank about 5 percent to their lowest level in more than nine years, as stockholders recoiled at forecasts of more losses at the troubled bank and comments from a Middle East investor that Citi must raise more cash to stay in business.
Samir al-Ansari, chief executive of the $13 billion government-owned investment firm Dubai International Capital, said at a private equity conference that it will take more than the combined efforts of the Gulf's wealthiest investors — the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Kuwait Investment Authority and Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal — to save Citigroup.
The reason is that Citi is likely to suffer additional losses due to defaulting credit. Having already written down $18 billion in bad mortgage-related debt in the fourth quarter, Merrill Lynch analysts predicted that Citi will have to write down another $18 billion in the first quarter, according to Dow Jones Newswires.
Citigroup was (back when) the First National City Bank, and invented MasterCard (to compete with Bank of America's Visa Card.) During the 1960's it was run by the legendary Walt Wriston, and was on good terms with a couple of Milwaukee-area banks as a correspondent.
You can expect some interesting things to emanate from Washington if Citi gets desparate.
What Is Obamamamama Talking About?
Here's the quote:
"If there is an Arab-American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney, it threatens my civil liberties."
Yah, I guess.
To quote Tommy Boy, the Mayor of Milwaukee, "Show me just ONE!"
HT: Stand in the Trenches
"If there is an Arab-American family being rounded up without benefit of an attorney, it threatens my civil liberties."
Yah, I guess.
To quote Tommy Boy, the Mayor of Milwaukee, "Show me just ONE!"
HT: Stand in the Trenches
About Those College and High School Shooters
D'ya suppose that Lord Byron had the answer?
R R Reno's First Things essay of today has a most interesting paragraph on Byron's "Cain," a play.
Doubting God’s justice and goodness, Cain would seem a sure candidate for alliance with Lucifer, the original rebel. But it is not so. In the longest scenes of the play, Byron portrays Lucifer engaging Cain in conversation, first on earth and then in the shadowy realms of hell itself. At every turn, Lucifer encourages Cain’s unbelief and tempts him with the promise of bittersweet happiness: He can achieve immortality by embracing and affirming death as the proper and true end for human beings. “Fall down and worship me, thy Lord,” exhorts Lucifer. In other words, accept human mortality and dissolution into dust as a law of life, and you will be at peace with your circumstances. It is an ancient counsel familiar to Lucretius and other materialist philosophers, and it is very much in the air these days.
One is struck by the 'promise of immortality' in exchange for the 'embrace and affirmation of death'. Certainly, that 'immortality' is granted to the college/high school shooters who then complete the embrace with their own suicides--although their 'immortality' is actually infamy, and will last only so long as the newsprint or electronic archives.
But then, we aren't allowed to discuss Lucifer in connection with all that, are we?
At the climactic scene, Abel has persuaded Cain to offer a sacrifice to God:
Byron is, I think, quite perceptive as he depicts Cain hurtling toward murder. The piety he tolerated in his brother now enrages him. The sacrificial ritual he had so half-heartedly performed now disgusts him. Cain’s hand is being forced by the reality of his brother’s faith, and the decision is clear. “Give way!” he screams as he pushes toward Abel’s altar to destroy it and all the perversions of it represents, “This bloody record shall not stand in the sun to shame creation.” Unbelief will not—and, as Byron suggests, cannot—stand at ease.
Anyone recognize the Colorado high-school shooter's voice? Anyone?
R R Reno's First Things essay of today has a most interesting paragraph on Byron's "Cain," a play.
Doubting God’s justice and goodness, Cain would seem a sure candidate for alliance with Lucifer, the original rebel. But it is not so. In the longest scenes of the play, Byron portrays Lucifer engaging Cain in conversation, first on earth and then in the shadowy realms of hell itself. At every turn, Lucifer encourages Cain’s unbelief and tempts him with the promise of bittersweet happiness: He can achieve immortality by embracing and affirming death as the proper and true end for human beings. “Fall down and worship me, thy Lord,” exhorts Lucifer. In other words, accept human mortality and dissolution into dust as a law of life, and you will be at peace with your circumstances. It is an ancient counsel familiar to Lucretius and other materialist philosophers, and it is very much in the air these days.
One is struck by the 'promise of immortality' in exchange for the 'embrace and affirmation of death'. Certainly, that 'immortality' is granted to the college/high school shooters who then complete the embrace with their own suicides--although their 'immortality' is actually infamy, and will last only so long as the newsprint or electronic archives.
But then, we aren't allowed to discuss Lucifer in connection with all that, are we?
At the climactic scene, Abel has persuaded Cain to offer a sacrifice to God:
Byron is, I think, quite perceptive as he depicts Cain hurtling toward murder. The piety he tolerated in his brother now enrages him. The sacrificial ritual he had so half-heartedly performed now disgusts him. Cain’s hand is being forced by the reality of his brother’s faith, and the decision is clear. “Give way!” he screams as he pushes toward Abel’s altar to destroy it and all the perversions of it represents, “This bloody record shall not stand in the sun to shame creation.” Unbelief will not—and, as Byron suggests, cannot—stand at ease.
Anyone recognize the Colorado high-school shooter's voice? Anyone?
T-Bill Rates--Wow!!!
Relayed by Vox, reported by the foreign press:
Yields on two-year US Treasuries plummeted to 1.63pc on Friday in a flight to safety, foretelling financial winter.
Not that I've kept a daily chart--but I don't recall 1.63% on Bills in the last 30+ years.
Yields on two-year US Treasuries plummeted to 1.63pc on Friday in a flight to safety, foretelling financial winter.
Not that I've kept a daily chart--but I don't recall 1.63% on Bills in the last 30+ years.
Like School Taxes? You'll LOVE This
HT to GOP3 for an excellent 'catch,' (not mentioned in the MSM account of the debate.)
During the debate, both Langley and Colon mentioned that the City Attorney serves as counsel to Milwaukee Public Schools. During the audience Q&A, then, I asked a question like, “Rep. Colon, you’ve mentioned MPS and educational equity several times. Would you aggressively file litigation to pursue broad policy changes?”
Colon responded by pledging to look for a lawsuit on behalf of MPS attacking the current school financing formula. He said we needed to vindicate the constitutional rights of K-12 students in MPS. He talked about how choice schools are shifting and increasing the financial burden on MPS.
Langley responded by saying that his office had evaluated the precedent (presumably Kukor and Vincent) and that he was meeting with MPS officials tomorrow to discuss litigation strategy.
This could be big folks.
He said a mouthful there.
This is all part of a nationwide litigation movement by teachers unions, school administrators, and professors suing for more education spending by state governments. Using state constitutional guarantees (in Wisconsin, the phrase is “as nearly as uniform as practicable”), these lawsuits ask courts to order the state to spend more - we are now generally in the “adequacy” phase of the effort.
And our intrepid GOP3 reporter provides an example of the results of this "litigation movement":
In 2003, the [Arkansas Supreme] Court gave the state until January 1, 2004 to perform a cost study and establish a constitutional funding system. After belated action from the legislature in June 2004 that increased state school aid by $400 million (17 percent), the court closed the case but reopened it a year later, after agreeing with plaintiffs that the 2005-2007 state budget again failed to deliver on promises made in 2004 to adequately fund schools. In the 2007 legislative session that ended this spring, the Arkansas legislature added another $122 million in state aid, on top of $82.5 million added in the 2006 session. For construction and repair of school facilities, which were also deemed inequitable in the court’s earlier rulings, the legislature authorized $120 million in 2005, an additional $50 million in 2006, and, in this year’s session, passed Act 1237, which appropriated $456 million for facilities, on top of another $220 million in facilities funding from other funding sources and other legislation that implemented procedures for state oversight of facilities construction and renovation.
GOP3 also mentions WEAC's endorsement of Loophole Louie, who has mumbled about the issues mentioned here.
Offhand, it's possible that the overall tax rate in Wisconsin could climb to 75% of incomes...
During the debate, both Langley and Colon mentioned that the City Attorney serves as counsel to Milwaukee Public Schools. During the audience Q&A, then, I asked a question like, “Rep. Colon, you’ve mentioned MPS and educational equity several times. Would you aggressively file litigation to pursue broad policy changes?”
Colon responded by pledging to look for a lawsuit on behalf of MPS attacking the current school financing formula. He said we needed to vindicate the constitutional rights of K-12 students in MPS. He talked about how choice schools are shifting and increasing the financial burden on MPS.
Langley responded by saying that his office had evaluated the precedent (presumably Kukor and Vincent) and that he was meeting with MPS officials tomorrow to discuss litigation strategy.
This could be big folks.
He said a mouthful there.
This is all part of a nationwide litigation movement by teachers unions, school administrators, and professors suing for more education spending by state governments. Using state constitutional guarantees (in Wisconsin, the phrase is “as nearly as uniform as practicable”), these lawsuits ask courts to order the state to spend more - we are now generally in the “adequacy” phase of the effort.
And our intrepid GOP3 reporter provides an example of the results of this "litigation movement":
In 2003, the [Arkansas Supreme] Court gave the state until January 1, 2004 to perform a cost study and establish a constitutional funding system. After belated action from the legislature in June 2004 that increased state school aid by $400 million (17 percent), the court closed the case but reopened it a year later, after agreeing with plaintiffs that the 2005-2007 state budget again failed to deliver on promises made in 2004 to adequately fund schools. In the 2007 legislative session that ended this spring, the Arkansas legislature added another $122 million in state aid, on top of $82.5 million added in the 2006 session. For construction and repair of school facilities, which were also deemed inequitable in the court’s earlier rulings, the legislature authorized $120 million in 2005, an additional $50 million in 2006, and, in this year’s session, passed Act 1237, which appropriated $456 million for facilities, on top of another $220 million in facilities funding from other funding sources and other legislation that implemented procedures for state oversight of facilities construction and renovation.
GOP3 also mentions WEAC's endorsement of Loophole Louie, who has mumbled about the issues mentioned here.
Offhand, it's possible that the overall tax rate in Wisconsin could climb to 75% of incomes...
The Era Ends--Thanks, Brett
Brett Favre retires.
A great athlete with a great attitude. We saw, week after week, for years, things that no other NFL QB had ever done, and most likely never will do. Brett is, and was, a 'phenom.' Can't be replicated.
Frankly, I think he's doing the right thing. He's more vulnerable to hits, and most likely has some serious scars here and there which will show over time.
But what a ride WE got.
Thanks, Brett. Stop by now and then for a brew.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout,
But there is no joy in Cheeseland---mighty Brett has 'tired out.
A great athlete with a great attitude. We saw, week after week, for years, things that no other NFL QB had ever done, and most likely never will do. Brett is, and was, a 'phenom.' Can't be replicated.
Frankly, I think he's doing the right thing. He's more vulnerable to hits, and most likely has some serious scars here and there which will show over time.
But what a ride WE got.
Thanks, Brett. Stop by now and then for a brew.
Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light,
And somewhere men are laughing, and little children shout,
But there is no joy in Cheeseland---mighty Brett has 'tired out.
"Morning After" Pill Condemned by Vatican--Again
The Catholic Church's position on the "morning after" pill has never changed, despite some flim-flam statements by the "Catholic" Health Association.
Bishop Elio Sgreccia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, spoke with LifeSiteNews.com Tuesday on the subject of the use of the morning after pill in cases of rape. Catholic hospitals in several dioceses in North America are currently administering the pill (Plan B) to patients who claim to be victims of rape.
According to Bishop Sgreccia, however, the morning after pill may not be administered by Catholic physicians. The only Vatican opinion on the subject, absolutely prohibiting the use of the pill, was released by the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2000. Since then, however, the Catholic Health Association, advisor to many bishops conferences, has suggested that there is no moral impediment to using the pill in cases of rape. Several bishops conferences have followed the advice and permitted administration of the drugs in Catholic hospitals in cases where rape is asserted.
The Catholic Health Association was, umnnnnnhhhh.....overstepping its bounds.
...Bishop Sgreccia affirmed that the position of the Church on the matter has not changed since the 2000 publication of the Pontifical Academy's document. "But the position of the church is the same," he told LifeSiteNews.com. "The morning after pill is dangerous; is an abortifacient when there is a conception and so illicit to prescribe by doctors."
"Thus," added the Bishop, "there is the same position from the beginning of the presentation of this pill. It is not medicine, not a composition for health, so physicians are not obliged to prescribe it. It is forbidden for Catholic doctors to prescribe it and also to be requested by Catholics."
LifeSiteNews.com asked Bishop Sgreccia if there was an exception in cases of rape. The President of the Pontifical Academy for Life replied, "No. It is not able to prevent the rape. But it is able to eliminate the embryo. It is thus the second negative intervention on the woman (the first being the rape itself)."
The key to the decision lies here:
..."if we're dealing with human life and there is some reasonable doubt placed in the equation we should not use (the pill). "If there's reasonable doubt whether or not there is a child then it should not be used."
And just for the Wisconsin Bishops, an example which should make sense:
Baker, quoting a classic example of St. Thomas Aquinas on the matter, explained: "It's the same as that classic case. If you're out hunting and you see something moving in the bush and you don't know if it's the deer or your fellow hunter, then you don't shoot."
After some delay, Abp. Timothy Dolan and Bp. Callahan of Milwaukee sent a letter to the Wisconsin Legislature concerning AB377--a bill which would force ALL hospitals and physicians in the State of Wisconsin to administer the "morning after" pill on demand to victims of rape. He joined Bp. Listecki of LaCrosse and Bp. Morlino of Madison, both of whom had previously warned about the proposal. (Still MIA: Abp Weakland and Bp. Sklba, among others.)
Dolan's letter did not specifically call for a "conscience clause" in the Bill--perhaps because the State Constitution provides for that. However, the Archbishop did mention the Church's position:
Emergency contraception can, at times, amount to abortion, and both reason and our faith tell us that this is never acceptable. About this we must be very clear.
...and he promised support to those physicians who refuse to obey the law:
...with the promise that we will stand strongly beside them in the future should the effects of emergency contraception legislation ever threaten the freedom of conscience which belongs to every human person as foundational to his or her religious liberty
However, a Vatican document clearly states that "neutrality" on this bill is inappropriate:
Finally, where a matter of the common good is concerned, it is inappropriate for church authorities to endorse or remain neutral toward adverse legislation even if it grants exceptions to church organizations and institutions. The church has the responsibility to promote family life and the public morality of the entire civil society on the basis of fundamental moral values, not simply to protect herself from the application of harmful laws
This blogger simply cannot reconcile the Vatican's advice with the "neutrality" expressed by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference in its original (and obviously flawed) letter to the Legislature.
Bishop Elio Sgreccia, President of the Pontifical Academy for Life, spoke with LifeSiteNews.com Tuesday on the subject of the use of the morning after pill in cases of rape. Catholic hospitals in several dioceses in North America are currently administering the pill (Plan B) to patients who claim to be victims of rape.
According to Bishop Sgreccia, however, the morning after pill may not be administered by Catholic physicians. The only Vatican opinion on the subject, absolutely prohibiting the use of the pill, was released by the Pontifical Academy for Life in 2000. Since then, however, the Catholic Health Association, advisor to many bishops conferences, has suggested that there is no moral impediment to using the pill in cases of rape. Several bishops conferences have followed the advice and permitted administration of the drugs in Catholic hospitals in cases where rape is asserted.
The Catholic Health Association was, umnnnnnhhhh.....overstepping its bounds.
...Bishop Sgreccia affirmed that the position of the Church on the matter has not changed since the 2000 publication of the Pontifical Academy's document. "But the position of the church is the same," he told LifeSiteNews.com. "The morning after pill is dangerous; is an abortifacient when there is a conception and so illicit to prescribe by doctors."
"Thus," added the Bishop, "there is the same position from the beginning of the presentation of this pill. It is not medicine, not a composition for health, so physicians are not obliged to prescribe it. It is forbidden for Catholic doctors to prescribe it and also to be requested by Catholics."
LifeSiteNews.com asked Bishop Sgreccia if there was an exception in cases of rape. The President of the Pontifical Academy for Life replied, "No. It is not able to prevent the rape. But it is able to eliminate the embryo. It is thus the second negative intervention on the woman (the first being the rape itself)."
The key to the decision lies here:
..."if we're dealing with human life and there is some reasonable doubt placed in the equation we should not use (the pill). "If there's reasonable doubt whether or not there is a child then it should not be used."
And just for the Wisconsin Bishops, an example which should make sense:
Baker, quoting a classic example of St. Thomas Aquinas on the matter, explained: "It's the same as that classic case. If you're out hunting and you see something moving in the bush and you don't know if it's the deer or your fellow hunter, then you don't shoot."
After some delay, Abp. Timothy Dolan and Bp. Callahan of Milwaukee sent a letter to the Wisconsin Legislature concerning AB377--a bill which would force ALL hospitals and physicians in the State of Wisconsin to administer the "morning after" pill on demand to victims of rape. He joined Bp. Listecki of LaCrosse and Bp. Morlino of Madison, both of whom had previously warned about the proposal. (Still MIA: Abp Weakland and Bp. Sklba, among others.)
Dolan's letter did not specifically call for a "conscience clause" in the Bill--perhaps because the State Constitution provides for that. However, the Archbishop did mention the Church's position:
Emergency contraception can, at times, amount to abortion, and both reason and our faith tell us that this is never acceptable. About this we must be very clear.
...and he promised support to those physicians who refuse to obey the law:
...with the promise that we will stand strongly beside them in the future should the effects of emergency contraception legislation ever threaten the freedom of conscience which belongs to every human person as foundational to his or her religious liberty
However, a Vatican document clearly states that "neutrality" on this bill is inappropriate:
Finally, where a matter of the common good is concerned, it is inappropriate for church authorities to endorse or remain neutral toward adverse legislation even if it grants exceptions to church organizations and institutions. The church has the responsibility to promote family life and the public morality of the entire civil society on the basis of fundamental moral values, not simply to protect herself from the application of harmful laws
This blogger simply cannot reconcile the Vatican's advice with the "neutrality" expressed by the Wisconsin Catholic Conference in its original (and obviously flawed) letter to the Legislature.
Monday, March 03, 2008
The Laments of Bishops
From an essay on 'Why Being Pope (or Bishop) Is NOT Such a Good Deal' (roughly stated) this excerpt, which reminds us to be kinder to Abp. Timothy Dolan.
Being a bishop, or for that matter, pope, is a complete sacrifice of one's private life down to the most embarrassing detail. Some doting cook has made her village's traditional recipe for jalapeno bean fritters in blueberry syrup and stands over the bishop to make sure he gets an extra helping and all the bishop can think is, "Lord, I hope these things don't kick in during the third communion meditation hymn sung by Esperanto folk choir."
Many is the prelate I have seen with a panicked look wondering whether or not there is a bathroom in the sacristy. In the morning, the bishop or pope or whoever, still nauseous from the jalapeño bean fritters and blueberry syrup will have to attend a 7:30 AM meeting about some cleric who has been accused of God knows what, while an angry mob of disgruntled parishioners waits in the outer office to complain about the closing of their parish school which is 3 million dollars in debt and has 38 students.
Yah, well....
Being a bishop, or for that matter, pope, is a complete sacrifice of one's private life down to the most embarrassing detail. Some doting cook has made her village's traditional recipe for jalapeno bean fritters in blueberry syrup and stands over the bishop to make sure he gets an extra helping and all the bishop can think is, "Lord, I hope these things don't kick in during the third communion meditation hymn sung by Esperanto folk choir."
Many is the prelate I have seen with a panicked look wondering whether or not there is a bathroom in the sacristy. In the morning, the bishop or pope or whoever, still nauseous from the jalapeño bean fritters and blueberry syrup will have to attend a 7:30 AM meeting about some cleric who has been accused of God knows what, while an angry mob of disgruntled parishioners waits in the outer office to complain about the closing of their parish school which is 3 million dollars in debt and has 38 students.
Yah, well....
Notre Dame: Just Follow the Money
I'm not a 'Domer,' and don't have a dog in the fight--except that Notre Dame insists on making references to their "Catholic" heritage, or influence, or something.
Wrong.
Actor Martin Sheen, also known for his work as an activist, will be honored by the University of Notre Dame with its Laetare Medal.
The school announced Sunday it will present the actor, who played a U.S. president who graduated from Notre Dame in the TV series "West Wing," with the medal at its May 18 commencement.
Since 1883, the Laetare Medal has been awarded annually to a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity."
As The Jester observes:
Oh great. The man who last year called conservatives "bastards" and a "dangerous bunch of fascists" and spoke at a LGBT fundraiser and is supporter of "gay rights" is being honored.
And, of course, he has the standard Line of Crap on abortion:
I cannot make a choice for a women, particularly a black or brown or poor pregnant woman. I would not make a judgment in the case. As a father and a grandfather, I have had experience with children who don't always come when they are planned, and I have experienced the great joy of God's presence in my children, so I'm inclined to be against abortion of any life. But I am equally against the death penalty or war-- anywhere people are sacrificed for some end justifying a means. I don't think abortion is a good idea. I personally am opposed to abortion, but I will not judge anybody else's right in that regard because I am not a woman and I could never face the actual reality of it.
From The Vagina Monologues to honoring the lukewarm (at best....) Sorry to see it, ChurchLady.
Wrong.
Actor Martin Sheen, also known for his work as an activist, will be honored by the University of Notre Dame with its Laetare Medal.
The school announced Sunday it will present the actor, who played a U.S. president who graduated from Notre Dame in the TV series "West Wing," with the medal at its May 18 commencement.
Since 1883, the Laetare Medal has been awarded annually to a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity."
As The Jester observes:
Oh great. The man who last year called conservatives "bastards" and a "dangerous bunch of fascists" and spoke at a LGBT fundraiser and is supporter of "gay rights" is being honored.
And, of course, he has the standard Line of Crap on abortion:
I cannot make a choice for a women, particularly a black or brown or poor pregnant woman. I would not make a judgment in the case. As a father and a grandfather, I have had experience with children who don't always come when they are planned, and I have experienced the great joy of God's presence in my children, so I'm inclined to be against abortion of any life. But I am equally against the death penalty or war-- anywhere people are sacrificed for some end justifying a means. I don't think abortion is a good idea. I personally am opposed to abortion, but I will not judge anybody else's right in that regard because I am not a woman and I could never face the actual reality of it.
From The Vagina Monologues to honoring the lukewarm (at best....) Sorry to see it, ChurchLady.
Actual Catholic Liturgy Required in Twin Cities!
Co-Adjutor Bp. Nienstedt is getting some traction.
The 9 a.m. English-language prayer service, believed to have begun in 1968, has been shut down by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, which has moved in recent years to bring all of its 219 parishes into conformity.
"They all have to play with the same playbook," says Dennis McGrath, spokesman for the archdiocese. "They've had plenty of warnings to get their act together."The "playbook" is the GIRM -- "General Instructions of the Roman Missal" -- which spells out the rubrics for worship services.
There are a couple more targets in that Archdiocese.
HT: ChristusVincit
The 9 a.m. English-language prayer service, believed to have begun in 1968, has been shut down by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, which has moved in recent years to bring all of its 219 parishes into conformity.
"They all have to play with the same playbook," says Dennis McGrath, spokesman for the archdiocese. "They've had plenty of warnings to get their act together."The "playbook" is the GIRM -- "General Instructions of the Roman Missal" -- which spells out the rubrics for worship services.
There are a couple more targets in that Archdiocese.
HT: ChristusVincit
Just How Dumb Is Luther Olson?
After all, Luther co-sponsored SB380 (before he took his name off for that little conflict-of-interest problem)
The E25 requirement being proposed in the Wisconsin Legislature shows the ignorance of the proponents, as it requires an area 3.5 times the size of Alaska if implemented nationwide and fueled by ethanol. That is approximately 80% of the contiguous United States.
That's how dumb Luther and his pals really are.
Thanks to Headless for the calculations!
The E25 requirement being proposed in the Wisconsin Legislature shows the ignorance of the proponents, as it requires an area 3.5 times the size of Alaska if implemented nationwide and fueled by ethanol. That is approximately 80% of the contiguous United States.
That's how dumb Luther and his pals really are.
Thanks to Headless for the calculations!
Expect Trouble in Colombia
Colombia? What's the big deal?
Well, Bogota, the capital, is only 2500 miles from Dallas. Colombia borders Panama. And Colombia is a US ally in South America; they have done their best to limit the mobility and income of the drug cartels down there.
Further, the 'new Castro', Hugo Chavez, is not happy with Colombia.
From CounterTerrorism blog:
The killing of FARC chief ideologue Raul Reyes will have important implications for the FARC and also for the region.
...Despite its decline, knockout blows against the FARC are not likely. The organization still has thousands of fighters under arms, a steady revenue stream (from narcotics, kidnapping, and other criminal activity), international links to other terrorist groups and criminals, and - in Hugo Chavez - a supporter willing to provide a safe haven across the border as well as rhetorical support. A major FARC revenge attack is well within the realm of possibility.
Chavez has ordered 6,000 troops to the border w/Colombia in response to Colombia's successful attack on Reyes.
This could be interesting--and not "popcorn" time.
Well, Bogota, the capital, is only 2500 miles from Dallas. Colombia borders Panama. And Colombia is a US ally in South America; they have done their best to limit the mobility and income of the drug cartels down there.
Further, the 'new Castro', Hugo Chavez, is not happy with Colombia.
From CounterTerrorism blog:
The killing of FARC chief ideologue Raul Reyes will have important implications for the FARC and also for the region.
...Despite its decline, knockout blows against the FARC are not likely. The organization still has thousands of fighters under arms, a steady revenue stream (from narcotics, kidnapping, and other criminal activity), international links to other terrorist groups and criminals, and - in Hugo Chavez - a supporter willing to provide a safe haven across the border as well as rhetorical support. A major FARC revenge attack is well within the realm of possibility.
Chavez has ordered 6,000 troops to the border w/Colombia in response to Colombia's successful attack on Reyes.
This could be interesting--and not "popcorn" time.
Re-Burial Is the Right Thing to Do
Dennis McBride is correct.
Skeletal remains of about 1,600 people unearthed from paupers' cemeteries on the Milwaukee County Grounds during the early 1990s ... during construction of an addition to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.
An archaeological excavation recovered remains, personal effects and funeral hardware, such as nails and coffin fragments, from 1,649 burial sites.
The Wisconsin Historical Society takes the position that all these remains will forever be kept at UW-M for "study."
Fortunately, Dennis McBride of the Wauwatosa Historical Society is not bereft of common sense:
"It's disappointing to have this decision. I can tell you that from our knowledge of the various proposals, we think this is perhaps technically correct but, shall we say, morally disappointing," McBride said.
"There's nothing wrong with UWM doing research, but we think in this situation, these people never had the opportunity to make an informed, voluntary decision about whether they wanted to remain research subjects for the rest of time."
His take is reasonable. Research is not wrong per se. But respect for the dead, commonly held by all civilizations, demands re-burial.
Skeletal remains of about 1,600 people unearthed from paupers' cemeteries on the Milwaukee County Grounds during the early 1990s ... during construction of an addition to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa.
An archaeological excavation recovered remains, personal effects and funeral hardware, such as nails and coffin fragments, from 1,649 burial sites.
The Wisconsin Historical Society takes the position that all these remains will forever be kept at UW-M for "study."
Fortunately, Dennis McBride of the Wauwatosa Historical Society is not bereft of common sense:
"It's disappointing to have this decision. I can tell you that from our knowledge of the various proposals, we think this is perhaps technically correct but, shall we say, morally disappointing," McBride said.
"There's nothing wrong with UWM doing research, but we think in this situation, these people never had the opportunity to make an informed, voluntary decision about whether they wanted to remain research subjects for the rest of time."
His take is reasonable. Research is not wrong per se. But respect for the dead, commonly held by all civilizations, demands re-burial.