Waukesha County Executive Dan Vrakas has put together a proposal to shrink the incredibly fat Waukesha County Board from 35 part-time members to, well, LESS than 35.
It could be 25, or it could be 19.
Predictably, the socialist-inclined members screeched:
"He's just throwing numbers out there," said Supervisor Kenneth Herro of Oconomowoc, who has supported downsizing in the past but said he is leery of Vrakas' proposal.
"If we're really trying to make government more efficient, let's talk about things that will do that," Herro said. "Shrinking the County Board will not do that."
Supervisor Sandra Wolff of Brookfield said she worries that rural areas, in particular, will be left underrepresented with a smaller board.
"I know 35, to a lot of people, is a large number," she said. "But I think all of our communities are well-represented. It works fine."
On Friday, [Jim] Dwyer, of Menomonee Falls, questioned why shrinking the County Board has become one of the first policy initiatives of the new county executive.
The chairman said that scheduling debate on the proposal was not his top priority.
Yah, hey. "Under-represented."
Compared with Waukesha County's population of 370,000, Byers noted, Los Angeles County's estimated 10 million residents are governed by a five-member County Board.
Vrakas' proposal includes calculations showing that downsizing from 35 to 19 members would increase each supervisor's district from the current level of 11,000 residents to about 19,000 residents.
The Waukesha County Board has always had a number of members who are semi-retired kaffeeklatchers--busybodies--who have no particular effect on governance, except for minor agenda items which were parochial in the extreme. Whether we like it or not, the State and Federal Gummints have marginalized County Boards with overriding laws and regulations.
Vrakas, supported by Harenda, is correct. Cut the size.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
How To Do Iran?
The American Spectator blogsite tells us the rumor:
...strategic bombers with gravity bunker buster bombs can sufficiently damage Iran's nuclear weapons fuel cycle facilities in one night to end the program.
Argues that it is not necessary to destroy all the facilities, just key nodes.
When asked about the day after, source is matter of fact that the Iranians will respond in some of seventeen ways, including closing the Hormuz Strait, and that any one of the seventeen ways will be enough to paralyze world wide energy markets.
I asked if the one night of bombing will begin several years of nightmares.
Source counters that the oil shock will be severe but not indefinite: that Western economies will recover; that Iran's economy will not recover and surrender will follow eventually.
Generally, rumors like this get leaked to provoke response. We'll watch the response to see what actually MIGHT happen should we put a few extra-large gopher holes into the Iranian landscaping.
...strategic bombers with gravity bunker buster bombs can sufficiently damage Iran's nuclear weapons fuel cycle facilities in one night to end the program.
Argues that it is not necessary to destroy all the facilities, just key nodes.
When asked about the day after, source is matter of fact that the Iranians will respond in some of seventeen ways, including closing the Hormuz Strait, and that any one of the seventeen ways will be enough to paralyze world wide energy markets.
I asked if the one night of bombing will begin several years of nightmares.
Source counters that the oil shock will be severe but not indefinite: that Western economies will recover; that Iran's economy will not recover and surrender will follow eventually.
Generally, rumors like this get leaked to provoke response. We'll watch the response to see what actually MIGHT happen should we put a few extra-large gopher holes into the Iranian landscaping.
BagMan Runs Out the Back Door
Our corrupt and ...ah...lying Governor is protected by armed guards.
So what's his concern about meeting a few residents of the State?
Doyle met with about 15 people involved in voucher schools at Holy Redeemer Christian Academy on the north side of Milwaukee. Cory Nettles, a Doyle political ally, put together the invitation list for the session, which included representatives of some of the larger voucher schools.
But leaders of some of the most prominent schools, which represent more than 20% of the 15,000 students using vouchers to attend private schools, were left literally standing outside in the cold when they showed up and were not allowed to join the meeting. Doyle left the school by a side entrance rather than come face to face with them.
Perhaps BagManJim did not want to be seen IN the Schoolhouse Door (the front one, that is.)
Elsewhere in the report, 'some' of the Choice people apparently stated that Doyle 'had moved toward compromise.' None were directly quoted and no one mentioned what constitutes 'a compromise.'
So what's his concern about meeting a few residents of the State?
Doyle met with about 15 people involved in voucher schools at Holy Redeemer Christian Academy on the north side of Milwaukee. Cory Nettles, a Doyle political ally, put together the invitation list for the session, which included representatives of some of the larger voucher schools.
But leaders of some of the most prominent schools, which represent more than 20% of the 15,000 students using vouchers to attend private schools, were left literally standing outside in the cold when they showed up and were not allowed to join the meeting. Doyle left the school by a side entrance rather than come face to face with them.
Perhaps BagManJim did not want to be seen IN the Schoolhouse Door (the front one, that is.)
Elsewhere in the report, 'some' of the Choice people apparently stated that Doyle 'had moved toward compromise.' None were directly quoted and no one mentioned what constitutes 'a compromise.'
DNR: You're Power-Mad
The DNR, fresh from home-invasion "investigation" techniques, now resorts to bribery:
John Stroik says he just wanted to feed the wild turkeys on his land and spend time with his six children, watching from a nearby stand as the birds pecked at cracked corn tumbling from a gravity feeder he made from PVC pipe, painted camouflage and attached to a tree.
"We sometimes get upwards of 20 at a time," Stroik said. "I built a little seat that my daughter can sit on, and so when I'm on my knees, our heads are at the same level."
But now the Cedarburg police sergeant and hunting safety instructor is in Sheboygan County Circuit Court on a citation for illegally feeding wildlife. Stroik says he's the victim of an elaborate Thanksgiving weekend stakeout, for which a Department of Natural Resources warden promised beer to whoever could catch him in the act of baiting wildlife, according to an internal DNR memo.
On another occasion, while DNR was setting up its sting (or whatever,):
Clutter wrote in his report that Stroik's wife met the two wardens at the house and told them her husband was "hunting out back." Clutter also wrote it appeared that Stroik's wife radioed her husband that the wardens were coming to meet him, and shortly after, they saw Clutter "walking quickly from the woodlot towards the house."
Stroik said he has never hunted on the property, and no baiting was involved.
If Stroik were "hunting out back," how come there's no mention of a weapon as he "walks quickly from the woodlot towards the house"?
While good wildlife management practices are in place for a reason, it seems to me that attracting turkeys for viewing by children should not be reason for $185.00 fines.
And home-invasions because someone had the unmitigated gall to ride a friggin' SNOWMOBILE down a road for 6 blocks?? Where's Senator Feingold (D-AlQuaeda) on this one?
John Stroik says he just wanted to feed the wild turkeys on his land and spend time with his six children, watching from a nearby stand as the birds pecked at cracked corn tumbling from a gravity feeder he made from PVC pipe, painted camouflage and attached to a tree.
"We sometimes get upwards of 20 at a time," Stroik said. "I built a little seat that my daughter can sit on, and so when I'm on my knees, our heads are at the same level."
But now the Cedarburg police sergeant and hunting safety instructor is in Sheboygan County Circuit Court on a citation for illegally feeding wildlife. Stroik says he's the victim of an elaborate Thanksgiving weekend stakeout, for which a Department of Natural Resources warden promised beer to whoever could catch him in the act of baiting wildlife, according to an internal DNR memo.
On another occasion, while DNR was setting up its sting (or whatever,):
Clutter wrote in his report that Stroik's wife met the two wardens at the house and told them her husband was "hunting out back." Clutter also wrote it appeared that Stroik's wife radioed her husband that the wardens were coming to meet him, and shortly after, they saw Clutter "walking quickly from the woodlot towards the house."
Stroik said he has never hunted on the property, and no baiting was involved.
If Stroik were "hunting out back," how come there's no mention of a weapon as he "walks quickly from the woodlot towards the house"?
While good wildlife management practices are in place for a reason, it seems to me that attracting turkeys for viewing by children should not be reason for $185.00 fines.
And home-invasions because someone had the unmitigated gall to ride a friggin' SNOWMOBILE down a road for 6 blocks?? Where's Senator Feingold (D-AlQuaeda) on this one?
Move Out of State--THEN Apply to UW
Here we go:
Acting in a committee, regents also voted to cut non-resident tuition starting this fall by $2,300 at UW-Milwaukee and $2,000 at every other campus except for UW-Madison.
The tuition cuts, which the full board must approve today and again in June, are designed to reverse the declining enrollment of students from out of state. University chancellors have said that they view those students as a major source of revenue, because their tuition, even with the proposed cuts, is higher than residents' tuition.
The chancellors said Thursday that with more out-of-state students, they would be able to afford to expand resident enrollment, diversify their campuses and help boost the state's economy.
Others have said they are worried that bringing in more students from out of state would mean less space on campus for Wisconsin residents. They view it as unacceptable to cut non-resident tuition when resident students are being hit with increases.
Responding to the argument that Wisconsin students would benefit from growing enrollment of non-residents, Rep. Robin Kreibich (R-Eau Claire) said, "Try telling that to the Wisconsin students who got a rejection letter from a UW campus."
Freda Harris, UW System associate vice president for budget and planning, said the number of non-resident undergraduates in the system had dropped by 900 since 2000, resulting in a loss of $13 million in yearly revenue.
The reason, she said, was that those students have been priced out of the system.
Since 2000, non-resident tuition has increased from $12,642 to $18,246 at UWM and from $10,122 to $14,323, on average, at the other campuses except for UW-Madison.
Harris and the chancellors added that increasing non-resident enrollment would do more than boost revenue.
"It would diversify our campus," UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago said.
Harris said the universities would have to attract 240 new students from outside Wisconsin to make up for tuition cuts.
Perhaps Freda Harris is unaware that since 2000, the nation's economy has taken a hit, and that a LOT of potential UW students have been "priced out of the system." In other words, the UW system is suffering from a decrease in sales resulting from a recession. This would not come as a surprise to anyone living in the real world.
It would be very interesting to know how Ms. Harris concludes that the UW's new "price-point" will attract 240 out-of-state students.
By the way--what happens if the plan fails to attract out-staters?
Acting in a committee, regents also voted to cut non-resident tuition starting this fall by $2,300 at UW-Milwaukee and $2,000 at every other campus except for UW-Madison.
The tuition cuts, which the full board must approve today and again in June, are designed to reverse the declining enrollment of students from out of state. University chancellors have said that they view those students as a major source of revenue, because their tuition, even with the proposed cuts, is higher than residents' tuition.
The chancellors said Thursday that with more out-of-state students, they would be able to afford to expand resident enrollment, diversify their campuses and help boost the state's economy.
Others have said they are worried that bringing in more students from out of state would mean less space on campus for Wisconsin residents. They view it as unacceptable to cut non-resident tuition when resident students are being hit with increases.
Responding to the argument that Wisconsin students would benefit from growing enrollment of non-residents, Rep. Robin Kreibich (R-Eau Claire) said, "Try telling that to the Wisconsin students who got a rejection letter from a UW campus."
Freda Harris, UW System associate vice president for budget and planning, said the number of non-resident undergraduates in the system had dropped by 900 since 2000, resulting in a loss of $13 million in yearly revenue.
The reason, she said, was that those students have been priced out of the system.
Since 2000, non-resident tuition has increased from $12,642 to $18,246 at UWM and from $10,122 to $14,323, on average, at the other campuses except for UW-Madison.
Harris and the chancellors added that increasing non-resident enrollment would do more than boost revenue.
"It would diversify our campus," UWM Chancellor Carlos Santiago said.
Harris said the universities would have to attract 240 new students from outside Wisconsin to make up for tuition cuts.
Perhaps Freda Harris is unaware that since 2000, the nation's economy has taken a hit, and that a LOT of potential UW students have been "priced out of the system." In other words, the UW system is suffering from a decrease in sales resulting from a recession. This would not come as a surprise to anyone living in the real world.
It would be very interesting to know how Ms. Harris concludes that the UW's new "price-point" will attract 240 out-of-state students.
By the way--what happens if the plan fails to attract out-staters?
Border Wars
The Mexican border problems continue to escalate while our Administration seems to wander about in circles, talking to themselves:
Likely drug gangsters have threatened the families of county sheriff's deputies in Texas who thwarted two recent smuggling operations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The San Antonio Express-News quotes Hudspeth County Chief Deputy Mike Doyal as saying three men inside a black and red Ford Bronco approached the wife of one of the deputies last Thursday and made a threat before driving across the Rio Grande into Mexico.
...in the last several days, there have been two incursions into the U.S. about 50 miles east of El Paso, Texas, by armed men thought to be Mexican troops. The incident on Jan. 23 involved Mexican military Humvees towing what appeared to be thousands of pounds of marijuana across the Rio Grande. Thirty American agents were part of that standoff, including the sheriff's deputies.
Speaking of last Thursday's threat to a deputy's wife, Doyal said, "They told her that her husband and the other officers needed to stay off the river down there."
On Friday, a Hudspeth deputy in the Fort Hancock area received information a cartel was talking about putting together a "death squad" to target the deputies, Doyal told the Express-News.
After the Jan. 23 incursion, Doyal commented: "Our government has to do something. It's not the immigrants coming over for jobs we're worried about. It's the smugglers, Mexican military and the national threat to our borders that we're worried about."
Chertoff promises some action.
Likely drug gangsters have threatened the families of county sheriff's deputies in Texas who thwarted two recent smuggling operations at the U.S.-Mexico border.
The San Antonio Express-News quotes Hudspeth County Chief Deputy Mike Doyal as saying three men inside a black and red Ford Bronco approached the wife of one of the deputies last Thursday and made a threat before driving across the Rio Grande into Mexico.
...in the last several days, there have been two incursions into the U.S. about 50 miles east of El Paso, Texas, by armed men thought to be Mexican troops. The incident on Jan. 23 involved Mexican military Humvees towing what appeared to be thousands of pounds of marijuana across the Rio Grande. Thirty American agents were part of that standoff, including the sheriff's deputies.
Speaking of last Thursday's threat to a deputy's wife, Doyal said, "They told her that her husband and the other officers needed to stay off the river down there."
On Friday, a Hudspeth deputy in the Fort Hancock area received information a cartel was talking about putting together a "death squad" to target the deputies, Doyal told the Express-News.
After the Jan. 23 incursion, Doyal commented: "Our government has to do something. It's not the immigrants coming over for jobs we're worried about. It's the smugglers, Mexican military and the national threat to our borders that we're worried about."
Chertoff promises some action.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Jessica Goes Airborne
No--not the 101st--
WTMJ-Radio 620 will have Jessica on the air, beginning Monday 2/13th, in the evening timeslot.
Focus: the MSM and its lefty bias (which, of course, does not exist...)
Should be entertaining and enlightening--just like her blog.
Congrats to both parties
WTMJ-Radio 620 will have Jessica on the air, beginning Monday 2/13th, in the evening timeslot.
Focus: the MSM and its lefty bias (which, of course, does not exist...)
Should be entertaining and enlightening--just like her blog.
Congrats to both parties
John Gard and Brother Bob: Heroes
John Gard has stepped up to the plate on the School Choice issue and the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel has not been completely honest (at least in its online edition) about the current situation.
So here, for the first time in a few months, is a bouquet for John Gard.
Sykes just interviewed him. It's clear that Gard has the interests of the Choice students (and the entire Choice program) at heart and has negotiated as best as possible with the underhanded snake/pondscum Governor--the most corrupt Governor in the State's history.
How do we know this?
Because ANOTHER Choice supporter, ALSO interviewed by Sykes, called the pond-scum's spinners LIARS. (It's a fact--but rarely stated so directly.)
That man is Brother Bob--currently the Director of Education for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and the Principal of Messmer High School--not a man given to hyperbole, nor to violating the 8th Commandment.
You can bet that the sleaze machine is gearing up for a fullscale attack on Brother Bob, Messmer, and the Choice supporters in general.
Gard and Brother Bob should counter-offer: make Choice a State-Wide program with no holds barred. Any parent can send their children to ANY K-12 school, crossing city/county lines, if that's what they want. NO "prior qualifications" of residency.
Why not?
So here, for the first time in a few months, is a bouquet for John Gard.
Sykes just interviewed him. It's clear that Gard has the interests of the Choice students (and the entire Choice program) at heart and has negotiated as best as possible with the underhanded snake/pondscum Governor--the most corrupt Governor in the State's history.
How do we know this?
Because ANOTHER Choice supporter, ALSO interviewed by Sykes, called the pond-scum's spinners LIARS. (It's a fact--but rarely stated so directly.)
That man is Brother Bob--currently the Director of Education for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and the Principal of Messmer High School--not a man given to hyperbole, nor to violating the 8th Commandment.
You can bet that the sleaze machine is gearing up for a fullscale attack on Brother Bob, Messmer, and the Choice supporters in general.
Gard and Brother Bob should counter-offer: make Choice a State-Wide program with no holds barred. Any parent can send their children to ANY K-12 school, crossing city/county lines, if that's what they want. NO "prior qualifications" of residency.
Why not?
Tom Reynolds Strikes Again
Senator Reynolds has introduced a new bill:
This bill eliminates the requirement that DHFS make its best effort to place the
person in his or her county of residence. Instead DHFS must designate the county
of placement based on the type of treatment and services the person may need and
the ability of the county, a public agency, or a private agency to provide the treatment
and services and based on the proximity of other persons on supervised release and
of persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections regarding whom a sex
offender notification bulletin has been issued to law enforcement agencies.
This bill imposes a tax on the operation of an adult book store or video store.
The tax is equal to 12 percent of the amount paid to the business for an admissions
fee, a user fee, and the sale of food, beverages, tangible personal property, and
services. The revenue generated from the tax will be distributed as a grant by DHFS
to counties and municipalities for the siting, construction, and maintenance of
transitional release facilities for sexually violent persons who are placed on
supervised release. Only transitional release facilities that are to be located in a
remote area are eligible for a grant for siting or constructing.
It's already being criticized by a playground occupant here.
I have problems with the bill, too--but for far different reasons. Reynolds has managed to pin the tail on the donkey: porn and sex offenses are linked. However, he went on to conflate a brand-new sex offender placement mandate with a new tax policy. In so doing, he's mixing applies and oranges and doesn't really produce a good fruit salad.
IMHO, the best "treatment" program for sex offenders is plain vanilla release, accompanied by plenty of publicity--the only "cost" will be the publicity itself. Should the individual re-offend, let the parents of the children who have been attacked take care of the offender, in any fashion they deem appropriate. The parents will be afforded all the rusty butter knives necessary for their treatment program, as well as appropriate restraining devices with which to encumber the offender. Band-aids will be provided at the option of the local Gummint. Cost of permanent "treatment"--approximately $20.00/offender.
As to porn: Contrary to the wishes of the playground poster, a tax of 1,000% is just fine. That approximates the tax burden on cigarettes, so it's fair. As playground points out, the State will benefit, but there will be a rush to the Internet. SO? We all know that heavy taxation breeds defiance and black-markets. Use the proceeds to reduce the State's current $1.5 billion structural deficit.
This bill eliminates the requirement that DHFS make its best effort to place the
person in his or her county of residence. Instead DHFS must designate the county
of placement based on the type of treatment and services the person may need and
the ability of the county, a public agency, or a private agency to provide the treatment
and services and based on the proximity of other persons on supervised release and
of persons in the custody of the Department of Corrections regarding whom a sex
offender notification bulletin has been issued to law enforcement agencies.
This bill imposes a tax on the operation of an adult book store or video store.
The tax is equal to 12 percent of the amount paid to the business for an admissions
fee, a user fee, and the sale of food, beverages, tangible personal property, and
services. The revenue generated from the tax will be distributed as a grant by DHFS
to counties and municipalities for the siting, construction, and maintenance of
transitional release facilities for sexually violent persons who are placed on
supervised release. Only transitional release facilities that are to be located in a
remote area are eligible for a grant for siting or constructing.
It's already being criticized by a playground occupant here.
I have problems with the bill, too--but for far different reasons. Reynolds has managed to pin the tail on the donkey: porn and sex offenses are linked. However, he went on to conflate a brand-new sex offender placement mandate with a new tax policy. In so doing, he's mixing applies and oranges and doesn't really produce a good fruit salad.
IMHO, the best "treatment" program for sex offenders is plain vanilla release, accompanied by plenty of publicity--the only "cost" will be the publicity itself. Should the individual re-offend, let the parents of the children who have been attacked take care of the offender, in any fashion they deem appropriate. The parents will be afforded all the rusty butter knives necessary for their treatment program, as well as appropriate restraining devices with which to encumber the offender. Band-aids will be provided at the option of the local Gummint. Cost of permanent "treatment"--approximately $20.00/offender.
As to porn: Contrary to the wishes of the playground poster, a tax of 1,000% is just fine. That approximates the tax burden on cigarettes, so it's fair. As playground points out, the State will benefit, but there will be a rush to the Internet. SO? We all know that heavy taxation breeds defiance and black-markets. Use the proceeds to reduce the State's current $1.5 billion structural deficit.
Good Question, Jessica
Jessica McBride posts the following quotation (no link/no attribution):
"...college students from other states might get a break this week from the University of Wisconsin regents. The regents are considering a plan at a meeting on Thursday and Friday to reduce nonresident tuition by more than $2,000 per year at all four-year UW campuses except University of Wisconsin-Madison."
Huh?
So MY children, Wisconsin residents and Wisconsin taxpayers, can drop dead? So MY children's college loans can grow? So MY children's future State taxes can support out-of-state visitors?
Whoever submitted THIS bright idea should be removed to their "Backup Job" for a week and then fired.
"...college students from other states might get a break this week from the University of Wisconsin regents. The regents are considering a plan at a meeting on Thursday and Friday to reduce nonresident tuition by more than $2,000 per year at all four-year UW campuses except University of Wisconsin-Madison."
Huh?
So MY children, Wisconsin residents and Wisconsin taxpayers, can drop dead? So MY children's college loans can grow? So MY children's future State taxes can support out-of-state visitors?
Whoever submitted THIS bright idea should be removed to their "Backup Job" for a week and then fired.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Automated Switchboad Hell
You think YOU have it bad?
Thank you for calling the 25th Infantry Division's automated artillery support request line. Please be assured that we will attempt to assist you with all available resources in the shortest time possible.
For air support, please call the U.S. Air Force at 1-800-BOMBNOW.
For naval gun fire, please call 1-888-SEASICK.
If you are attacking a fixed enemy position, please press 1.
If you are engaged in mobile defense, please press 2.
If you are defending a fixed position, please press 3.
If you are setting up a hasty defense or are about to be overrun, please press 4.
If you wish to cancel a prior fire mission request, please press 5.
Press the star key at any time to return to the main menu.
If you are using a TA-312, remain on the line and one of our customer support counselors will be with you shortly.
Please select the type of fire mission you would like.
If you would like 81 mm or 4.2 inch mortars, please press 1.
If you would like 155 mm howitzers, please press 2.
If you would like advanced munitions, such as fuel-oil explosives or scattering mines, please press 3 to speak with one of our soldier advocates to complete our brief Advanced Firepower Usage Survey.
If you would like to request chemical or nuclear weapons, please press 4 and hold the line. The Secretary of Defense will speak with you as soon as possible.
Enter the map coordinates of the target you would like to strike, followed by the pound sign.
If you need to enter map grid designations, please use the star for a "q" and the pound sign for an "i."Please remember to verify your coordinates and that your request may take several minutes to process.
[Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep]
You have entered co-ordinates 32364519.
If this is correct, please press 1.
If this is incorrect, please press 2 and re-enter the coordinates.
Thank you.
Please enter your battalion, company and platoon passcodes, each followed by the pound sign. As soon as we verify your passcodes, we will begin processing your request.
If you have forgotten your passcode, please contact 1-800-IFORGOT for a temporary passcode.
Please enter your passcode now.
[Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-#, beep-beep-beep-beep-#, beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-#]
Thank you.
[Pause]
Your passcodes have been verified and your request will be processed.
We strongly suggest that you and your troops take cover as soon as possible.
Please note:If this is a REAL emergency, hang up and dial 1-800-32MPCompany(WARNG).
Thank you for using the 25th Infantry Division's artillery request support line and have a nice day!
HT: The Lair of the Catholic Caveman
Thank you for calling the 25th Infantry Division's automated artillery support request line. Please be assured that we will attempt to assist you with all available resources in the shortest time possible.
For air support, please call the U.S. Air Force at 1-800-BOMBNOW.
For naval gun fire, please call 1-888-SEASICK.
If you are attacking a fixed enemy position, please press 1.
If you are engaged in mobile defense, please press 2.
If you are defending a fixed position, please press 3.
If you are setting up a hasty defense or are about to be overrun, please press 4.
If you wish to cancel a prior fire mission request, please press 5.
Press the star key at any time to return to the main menu.
If you are using a TA-312, remain on the line and one of our customer support counselors will be with you shortly.
Please select the type of fire mission you would like.
If you would like 81 mm or 4.2 inch mortars, please press 1.
If you would like 155 mm howitzers, please press 2.
If you would like advanced munitions, such as fuel-oil explosives or scattering mines, please press 3 to speak with one of our soldier advocates to complete our brief Advanced Firepower Usage Survey.
If you would like to request chemical or nuclear weapons, please press 4 and hold the line. The Secretary of Defense will speak with you as soon as possible.
Enter the map coordinates of the target you would like to strike, followed by the pound sign.
If you need to enter map grid designations, please use the star for a "q" and the pound sign for an "i."Please remember to verify your coordinates and that your request may take several minutes to process.
[Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep]
You have entered co-ordinates 32364519.
If this is correct, please press 1.
If this is incorrect, please press 2 and re-enter the coordinates.
Thank you.
Please enter your battalion, company and platoon passcodes, each followed by the pound sign. As soon as we verify your passcodes, we will begin processing your request.
If you have forgotten your passcode, please contact 1-800-IFORGOT for a temporary passcode.
Please enter your passcode now.
[Beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-#, beep-beep-beep-beep-#, beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-beep-#]
Thank you.
[Pause]
Your passcodes have been verified and your request will be processed.
We strongly suggest that you and your troops take cover as soon as possible.
Please note:If this is a REAL emergency, hang up and dial 1-800-32MPCompany(WARNG).
Thank you for using the 25th Infantry Division's artillery request support line and have a nice day!
HT: The Lair of the Catholic Caveman
T.A. on Law and Prudence; Hardon on #8
Since Shepherd/Shark wishes to continue the discussion, let's start with Thomas Aquinas. (Quotations from "A Tour of the Summa," Mgr. Paul Glenn, Rockford: Tan Books)
"Law is an ordinance of reason for the common good of persons in a society." (90.2.)
From this it is logical to conclude that Law promotes the common good; conversely, that which does NOT promote the common good is, or should be, illegal. In the Case of the Cartoons, Professor Esenberg would have the principle of Free Speech govern discourse: "I can't see how someone else's religious sensibilities can be the limit of my right of free speech."
The Professor arrogates a good deal of latitude in "his right of free speech," here including the liberty to 'offend someone else's religious sensibilities.'
Aquinas would disagree. In his discussion of the Cardinal Virtues (which must uphold Law, rightly understood), TA tells us that Prudence "is the knowledge of how to act...to conduct one's life rightly." (47.1) Further, that one of the quasi-integral parts of Prudence is "Circumspection....[which] sees what is suitable ...in existing circumstances." (49.8)
That is, a constituent part of Prudence is circumspection--the ability to see what is suitable (to say, or do.)
It is reasonable to conclude that TA would not necessarily emplace "the right of free speech" as over and above the requirements of Prudence (circumspection); rather, the "right of free speech" is subordinate to the Virtues, which support the Law and consequently, the common good.
The Law is partially enshrined in the Old Law--the 10 Commandments.
Thus let us move to John Hardon (SJ,) and examine his essay on the 8th Commandment. (Citations from The Catholic Catechism, John Hardon, SJ, New York: Doubleday)
"The immediate focus of the 8th Commandment is falsehood that does injury to one's neighbor." (P. 408)
While it is true that Mohammed is 'nobody's neighbor' at present, those who follow him are, indeed, neighbors. These individuals are entitled to respect as human beings which must be granted a priori, that is, before they have proven themselves to be either "good" or "bad." Thus it follows that similar a priori respect must be granted to their religious beliefs (under the usual conditions.) But Hardon has more to say:
"When the revelation of another person's fault is necessary or very useful, as in defense of self or others, no injustice is done in revealing it." (P. 409)
The depiction of Mohammed as a "bomb-carrying" man cannot serve "as a defense of self or others" against Mohammed, who is dead. Thus, the depiction may well be Detraction.
However, the argument can be made that this depiction is a metaphor for those who are followers of Mohammed. It is certainly true (thus, licit) of some of those followers. It is not true, however, of all of them. Thus, the 'metaphoric' depiction may also be Detraction. Mutatis mutandis, all other depictions which are imprudent, or lacking circumspection, are likely violations of Law (properly understood) notwithstanding the protection of Free Speech which must be subordinate to the Common Good.
Further, Hardon tells us: "The process of promoting public opinion, by what is called propaganda, is justified when it serves the truth, when its objectives and methods accord with the dignity of man, and when it promotes causes that are in the public interest. These...are principles [which must be] adhered to..." (P. 417 #2)
It is not the case that the editorials in question "accord with the dignity of man," whether the immediate target (Mohammed) nor the metaphorical target(s), Mohammedans. Thus, the propaganda fails the test and is likely Detraction (if not calumny.)
Esenberg's colleague asks whether Marxist criticisms of religion did not have a salutary result. Perhaps they did. However, the cases are not comparable, as Esenberg will admit. Marx and his followers were not in the least interested in the truth, nor the greater good. Rather, they were calumniators.
It is possible, thus, that an evil deed MAY result in good effects. But as some Jesuits still believe, "the end does not justify the means."
Calumny is not "protected free speech." Further, "free speech" (rightly understood,) is informed by the virtue of Prudence, demonstrated by circumspection in such speech, and must, therefore, be subordinate to the Common Good, which is the purpose of the Law.
"Law is an ordinance of reason for the common good of persons in a society." (90.2.)
From this it is logical to conclude that Law promotes the common good; conversely, that which does NOT promote the common good is, or should be, illegal. In the Case of the Cartoons, Professor Esenberg would have the principle of Free Speech govern discourse: "I can't see how someone else's religious sensibilities can be the limit of my right of free speech."
The Professor arrogates a good deal of latitude in "his right of free speech," here including the liberty to 'offend someone else's religious sensibilities.'
Aquinas would disagree. In his discussion of the Cardinal Virtues (which must uphold Law, rightly understood), TA tells us that Prudence "is the knowledge of how to act...to conduct one's life rightly." (47.1) Further, that one of the quasi-integral parts of Prudence is "Circumspection....[which] sees what is suitable ...in existing circumstances." (49.8)
That is, a constituent part of Prudence is circumspection--the ability to see what is suitable (to say, or do.)
It is reasonable to conclude that TA would not necessarily emplace "the right of free speech" as over and above the requirements of Prudence (circumspection); rather, the "right of free speech" is subordinate to the Virtues, which support the Law and consequently, the common good.
The Law is partially enshrined in the Old Law--the 10 Commandments.
Thus let us move to John Hardon (SJ,) and examine his essay on the 8th Commandment. (Citations from The Catholic Catechism, John Hardon, SJ, New York: Doubleday)
"The immediate focus of the 8th Commandment is falsehood that does injury to one's neighbor." (P. 408)
While it is true that Mohammed is 'nobody's neighbor' at present, those who follow him are, indeed, neighbors. These individuals are entitled to respect as human beings which must be granted a priori, that is, before they have proven themselves to be either "good" or "bad." Thus it follows that similar a priori respect must be granted to their religious beliefs (under the usual conditions.) But Hardon has more to say:
"When the revelation of another person's fault is necessary or very useful, as in defense of self or others, no injustice is done in revealing it." (P. 409)
The depiction of Mohammed as a "bomb-carrying" man cannot serve "as a defense of self or others" against Mohammed, who is dead. Thus, the depiction may well be Detraction.
However, the argument can be made that this depiction is a metaphor for those who are followers of Mohammed. It is certainly true (thus, licit) of some of those followers. It is not true, however, of all of them. Thus, the 'metaphoric' depiction may also be Detraction. Mutatis mutandis, all other depictions which are imprudent, or lacking circumspection, are likely violations of Law (properly understood) notwithstanding the protection of Free Speech which must be subordinate to the Common Good.
Further, Hardon tells us: "The process of promoting public opinion, by what is called propaganda, is justified when it serves the truth, when its objectives and methods accord with the dignity of man, and when it promotes causes that are in the public interest. These...are principles [which must be] adhered to..." (P. 417 #2)
It is not the case that the editorials in question "accord with the dignity of man," whether the immediate target (Mohammed) nor the metaphorical target(s), Mohammedans. Thus, the propaganda fails the test and is likely Detraction (if not calumny.)
Esenberg's colleague asks whether Marxist criticisms of religion did not have a salutary result. Perhaps they did. However, the cases are not comparable, as Esenberg will admit. Marx and his followers were not in the least interested in the truth, nor the greater good. Rather, they were calumniators.
It is possible, thus, that an evil deed MAY result in good effects. But as some Jesuits still believe, "the end does not justify the means."
Calumny is not "protected free speech." Further, "free speech" (rightly understood,) is informed by the virtue of Prudence, demonstrated by circumspection in such speech, and must, therefore, be subordinate to the Common Good, which is the purpose of the Law.
Conservative? Republican?
Yah.
Here's the form for the Piggies on Capitol Hill:
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related AgenciesRepublican Request Format for FY'07
→ The due date for member requests is April 5, 2005.
→ Please submit both your Senator’s state specific projects ($1 million for Smith Hospital, etc.) and line item programs contained in the budget ($5 billion for LIHEAP, etc.).
→ Submit all requests in letter form. In addition submit the Senator’s state specific project priority list, as well as line item program priorities, electronically. (Note the distinction between projects and programs.) If it is a programmatic request please insert PROGRAM-- (in all caps with the dashes) before the name of the grantee or program. Guidelines for the letter and electronic formats are below.
→ Please be realistic regarding your project priority list. You should not have 50 project priorities. Remember, these lists will be held confidential by the committee. [Ed -- ah, transparency.]
→ If your Senator is requesting language, please include the language in a separate word file or e-mail.
→ Disks with a copy of the electronic database will be made available in SD-184. With the disk will be a packet of project guidelines on what can and cannot be funded
Most likely Don Young (R-Pig Prize) already has several hundred million requested for Federal projects which will increase the value of his property, or that of the Murkowskis.
HT: RedState and Betsy's Page
Here's the form for the Piggies on Capitol Hill:
Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related AgenciesRepublican Request Format for FY'07
→ The due date for member requests is April 5, 2005.
→ Please submit both your Senator’s state specific projects ($1 million for Smith Hospital, etc.) and line item programs contained in the budget ($5 billion for LIHEAP, etc.).
→ Submit all requests in letter form. In addition submit the Senator’s state specific project priority list, as well as line item program priorities, electronically. (Note the distinction between projects and programs.) If it is a programmatic request please insert PROGRAM-- (in all caps with the dashes) before the name of the grantee or program. Guidelines for the letter and electronic formats are below.
→ Please be realistic regarding your project priority list. You should not have 50 project priorities. Remember, these lists will be held confidential by the committee. [Ed -- ah, transparency.]
→ If your Senator is requesting language, please include the language in a separate word file or e-mail.
→ Disks with a copy of the electronic database will be made available in SD-184. With the disk will be a packet of project guidelines on what can and cannot be funded
Most likely Don Young (R-Pig Prize) already has several hundred million requested for Federal projects which will increase the value of his property, or that of the Murkowskis.
HT: RedState and Betsy's Page
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
The Paid Shill
As Sykes points out, Ed Garvey is convinced that Xoff is a paid shill for BagManJimbo.
DUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHH, Ed. When did THIS come to you?
Easily the slowest guy in Madison.
Check out the source for Xoff's latest attempt at whitewashing the corrupt.
Note the careful, analytical articles. The detailed, no-holds-barred research. The precise language.
DUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHH, Ed. When did THIS come to you?
Easily the slowest guy in Madison.
Check out the source for Xoff's latest attempt at whitewashing the corrupt.
Note the careful, analytical articles. The detailed, no-holds-barred research. The precise language.
Feingold (D-AlQaeda): Embarassing to Wisconsin
Yeah, yesterday during lunch I watched some of the hearing; just so happened that our very own pompous, arrogant, snot-nosed Senatorial embarassment was grandstanding for his DU constituency (some of whom may be over the age of 12...)
Ankle-Biters saw the same stuff:
Russ Feingold has likely done something no one thought possible - make both hard-core Dems and hard-core Republicans happy. He is prattling on about how Bush is a "pre-1776 mindset" (parroting a line he used in his Daily Kos diary entry of Feb. 2, 2006,) and calling Bush and Gonzales liars. This of course will have the Kos Kids and DU'ers standing on their feet and pumping their fists.
Meanwhile, Republicans such as myself are thrilled that Feingold is showing the American people, yet again, that they have not learned the lessons of 9/11, and are more concerned with a Bill of Rights for Terrorists than they are with the safety of Americans. Thanks Russ. The idot was badgering Gonzales about lying. Gonzales said you were asking me about a hypothetical. Feingold says well "you knew I wasn't asking it as a hypothetical" and said he was "mincing words". Yeah, because we all know that "hypothetical" really doesn't mean that, and that when Gonzales answered the President wasn't violating the law, Feingold could read his mind.
Feingold was in high dudgeon, (as much as possible for an irrelevant twit) and clearly thought that he could simply erase the earlier actual record (the Gonzales confirmation hearings) by simply repeating his lying assertion enough times.
How bad was it? It was so bad that neither Channel 4 nor Channel 6 ran any footage of Feinie's Follies.
Ankle-Biters saw the same stuff:
Russ Feingold has likely done something no one thought possible - make both hard-core Dems and hard-core Republicans happy. He is prattling on about how Bush is a "pre-1776 mindset" (parroting a line he used in his Daily Kos diary entry of Feb. 2, 2006,) and calling Bush and Gonzales liars. This of course will have the Kos Kids and DU'ers standing on their feet and pumping their fists.
Meanwhile, Republicans such as myself are thrilled that Feingold is showing the American people, yet again, that they have not learned the lessons of 9/11, and are more concerned with a Bill of Rights for Terrorists than they are with the safety of Americans. Thanks Russ. The idot was badgering Gonzales about lying. Gonzales said you were asking me about a hypothetical. Feingold says well "you knew I wasn't asking it as a hypothetical" and said he was "mincing words". Yeah, because we all know that "hypothetical" really doesn't mean that, and that when Gonzales answered the President wasn't violating the law, Feingold could read his mind.
Feingold was in high dudgeon, (as much as possible for an irrelevant twit) and clearly thought that he could simply erase the earlier actual record (the Gonzales confirmation hearings) by simply repeating his lying assertion enough times.
How bad was it? It was so bad that neither Channel 4 nor Channel 6 ran any footage of Feinie's Follies.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Rome on Cartoons
There is a perspective which should be considered:
In response to several requests on the Holy See's position vis-Ã -vis recent offensive representations of the religious sentiments of individuals and entire communities, the Vatican press office can state:
1. The right to freedom of thought and expression, sanctioned by the Declaration of the Rights of Man, cannot imply the right to offend the religious sentiment of believers. This principle applies obviously for any religion.
2. In addition, coexistence calls for a climate of mutual respect to favor peace among men and nations. Moreover, these forms of exasperated criticism or derision of others manifest a lack of human sensitivity and may constitute in some cases an inadmissible provocation. A reading of history shows that wounds that exist in the life of peoples are not cured this way.
3. However, it must be said immediately that the offenses caused by an individual or an organ of the press cannot be imputed to the public institutions of the corresponding country, whose authorities might and should intervene eventually according to the principles of national legislation. Therefore, violent actions of protest are equally deplorable. Reaction in the face of offense cannot fail the true spirit of all religion. Real or verbal intolerance, no matter where it comes from, as action or reaction, is always a serious threat to peace.
Briefly: to the cartoonists, "Grow UP! for crying out loud." To the rioting Muslims, "Your actions are deplorable."
Makes sense to me.
In response to several requests on the Holy See's position vis-Ã -vis recent offensive representations of the religious sentiments of individuals and entire communities, the Vatican press office can state:
1. The right to freedom of thought and expression, sanctioned by the Declaration of the Rights of Man, cannot imply the right to offend the religious sentiment of believers. This principle applies obviously for any religion.
2. In addition, coexistence calls for a climate of mutual respect to favor peace among men and nations. Moreover, these forms of exasperated criticism or derision of others manifest a lack of human sensitivity and may constitute in some cases an inadmissible provocation. A reading of history shows that wounds that exist in the life of peoples are not cured this way.
3. However, it must be said immediately that the offenses caused by an individual or an organ of the press cannot be imputed to the public institutions of the corresponding country, whose authorities might and should intervene eventually according to the principles of national legislation. Therefore, violent actions of protest are equally deplorable. Reaction in the face of offense cannot fail the true spirit of all religion. Real or verbal intolerance, no matter where it comes from, as action or reaction, is always a serious threat to peace.
Briefly: to the cartoonists, "Grow UP! for crying out loud." To the rioting Muslims, "Your actions are deplorable."
Makes sense to me.
Interesting Speculation
The Anchoress gives us the Nuclear Winter scenario of 2008's Presidential:
While you’re reading it, you can remember back to this story about Hillary and McCain meeting up with Bill in Iceland. Somewhere in my hard drive I have a piece from Aftenposten about McCain and Hillary taking a tour of Iceland ‘way back in 2000. They’re pretty chummy in a “why don’t you run as a third party candidate in ‘08 and be my Ross Perot, and I’ll make you SecGen” sort of way.
How that plays with the Dems in fracture and disarray is a whole ‘nother story, but clearly these three stooges bear watching.
How can one improve on her characterization?
While you’re reading it, you can remember back to this story about Hillary and McCain meeting up with Bill in Iceland. Somewhere in my hard drive I have a piece from Aftenposten about McCain and Hillary taking a tour of Iceland ‘way back in 2000. They’re pretty chummy in a “why don’t you run as a third party candidate in ‘08 and be my Ross Perot, and I’ll make you SecGen” sort of way.
How that plays with the Dems in fracture and disarray is a whole ‘nother story, but clearly these three stooges bear watching.
How can one improve on her characterization?
He Who Has Ears To Hear....
The Pope is not a patsy:
The general system for the appointment of bishops in the past 40 years has included some negotiations between the local episcopal conference and the local nuncio -- who then sends a list of three names to the Pope, through the Congregation for Bishops.The Italian press reports today some very interesting news. In his recent audience with the Pope, Cardinal Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires (and, according to some reports, runner-up in the last conclave) mentioned the fact that two of the most prominent recent episcopal nominations in Argentina, the Archbishops of Rosario and Resistencia, were men whose names had not been included in the lists sent by the nuncio. It is not completely clear if he complained to the pope about the practice, but it seems so, since the report mentions the "concern of the Argentinian episcopate"It is excellent news that the Pope has chosen to eventually choose names from outside the usual "progressive" careerists handpicked by the local nuncios and conferences of bishops.
In an update, RORATE COELI confirms the brouhaha continues, but the Pope stands firm.
VIVA LA PAPA!!
The general system for the appointment of bishops in the past 40 years has included some negotiations between the local episcopal conference and the local nuncio -- who then sends a list of three names to the Pope, through the Congregation for Bishops.The Italian press reports today some very interesting news. In his recent audience with the Pope, Cardinal Bergoglio, archbishop of Buenos Aires (and, according to some reports, runner-up in the last conclave) mentioned the fact that two of the most prominent recent episcopal nominations in Argentina, the Archbishops of Rosario and Resistencia, were men whose names had not been included in the lists sent by the nuncio. It is not completely clear if he complained to the pope about the practice, but it seems so, since the report mentions the "concern of the Argentinian episcopate"It is excellent news that the Pope has chosen to eventually choose names from outside the usual "progressive" careerists handpicked by the local nuncios and conferences of bishops.
In an update, RORATE COELI confirms the brouhaha continues, but the Pope stands firm.
VIVA LA PAPA!!
More Friends of Corn-A-Hole
If you think that the Corn-A-Hole fight is over, think again.
Look for the Bank lobbyists to jump into the fray--on the side of Corn-A-Hole. There's a lot of borrowed money out there, building ethanol plants...
Look for the Bank lobbyists to jump into the fray--on the side of Corn-A-Hole. There's a lot of borrowed money out there, building ethanol plants...
Green's Endorsers--Should CONSERVATIVES Be Happy?
Hmmm. I smell RINO offal:
Green’s campaign has also gotten a boost from influential Republican leaders in Wisconsin supporting him, including Michael Grebe, a National Republican Committee member and CEO of the Bradley Foundation.
Green backers also include some top aides and advisers to former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, including James R. Klauser, a Wisconsin Energies vice president who served as Thompson’s top state and campaign aide; and Janesville lawyer George Steil Sr., a member of Thompson’s kitchen cabinet.
Green also counts fellow Republican Rep. Paul Ryan and former GOP Rep. Scott Klug as supporters, said Mark Graul, Green’s campaign manager.
HT: GOP3
Green’s campaign has also gotten a boost from influential Republican leaders in Wisconsin supporting him, including Michael Grebe, a National Republican Committee member and CEO of the Bradley Foundation.
Green backers also include some top aides and advisers to former Gov. Tommy G. Thompson, including James R. Klauser, a Wisconsin Energies vice president who served as Thompson’s top state and campaign aide; and Janesville lawyer George Steil Sr., a member of Thompson’s kitchen cabinet.
Green also counts fellow Republican Rep. Paul Ryan and former GOP Rep. Scott Klug as supporters, said Mark Graul, Green’s campaign manager.
HT: GOP3
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
