The Laughing Wolf

The Best On Illegal Immigration

Why should I write anything, when there is this outstanding piece? And he doesn't think he's good enough for a Basil interview...

LW

Dear President Bush

In regards the port deal, I must respectfully ask Are You Out Of Your Freaking Mind?!? Just wondering...

LW

Clearly Not A Good Example Of The Sort Of People We Want To Produce

Gregory "Gramps/Pappy" Boyington was a drunk, a braggart, a liar, and more -- all of which are things he owned up to being. He would be the first to admit that he was not a nice person and very honest about his shortcomings. Yet, he also was a damned good combat pilot who served both in the AVG and the Marines in fighting the racist and imperialistic empire of Japan. He is credited with more than 20 victories, was shot down in combat, and survived a brutal 20 months in captivity when torture was much more than a bad hazing. He was beaten and starved as a part of torture and confinement. Depending on who you want to believe, he was shot down in part because he was trying to save another pilot by getting the enemy off his tail. He earned the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his actions in defense of this country and the rights we retain.

Yet, the Student Senate at the University of Washington finds him unworthy of commemoration.

In point of fact, student senator Ashley Miller feels there are already enough memorials to rich white men. Student senator Jill Edwards goes further and feels that she "didn't believe a member of the Marine Corps was an example of the sort of person UW wanted to produce."

Yes, Col. Boyington was a Marine (and half Souix, that's Native American to you twits). Here are two tales of yet another Marine. You will find a lot more stories about Marines and others here. There are a lot more out there too. My father was a Marine, and as much as he disliked high command, he thought the world of his fellow Marines. This was a man who could have avoided service, would have been happy to do so as a matter of fact, but instead went in and served in the Pacific. Because of him, Col. Boyington, and a host of others who gave their lives the Japanese advance was stopped, then rolled up. These are men who left behind wives, children, and significant others to go defend the United States and give ignorant, bigoted wastes of protoplasm and air the ability to show their asses in public.

For those callow girls and any who don't believe the empire of Japan was the things I said above, search "Rape of Nanking" "Japanese Medical Experiments (on prisoners)" for starters. There is a lot more on them. You might also search "Joseph Mengele" and "Death Camps" as well. Oh, you might also want to go search out the UN and other reports on what was done by the Taliban and by Saddam too. You see, all that stuff isn't just in the past by old enemies, it is also part and parcel of the current enemies of freedom.

You see, if you fail history, it is more than just a course -- it can be your life and the lives of those you love, and all that you hold dear.

No, the Student Senate at the University of Washington is not the sort of people we want to produce. We need to produce a hell of a lot more Marines, even deeply flawed ones like Col. Boyington, for despite their flaws they are truly the best. A lot better than a bunch of spoiled bigots playing at being pretend grownups, and able to do so because of better people than they.

Feh.

LW
Who has a very non-PC suggestion for Miller and Edwards involving their notes, oragami, many points, and sideways...

I Will Stand For Freedom

Since the lace panty brigade lacks the necessary equipment and fortitude, allow me to stand as an American should.

I join the blogburst and form the Technorati links "jyllands-posten mohammed" and "muhammad cartoon.". I stand for civilization, for values, and most of all for Freedom. "I will not run, it is my place to stand." Though it cost me my job, my home, my life, it will still be but a small price to pay, for as those before me did I pledge my life, my fortune, and my sacred honor to the cause of freedom and individual liberty and determination.

LW

Foggy Bottom Breakdown...

Well, not so much a breakdown as just business as usual from the lace panty brigade, which long ago left behind such outdated plebeian concepts as individual liberty, rights, and responsibility for the more rarefied heights of progressive thought. The State Department pretty much stopped speaking for the American people, their erstwhile masters, several decades ago and oft goes its own way against the administration. Today's Chamberlain is merely the latest such thing. By their reckoning, it is better to try to score some cheap points with the enemies of civilization than to honor the Constitution and the freedoms enumerated therein in which they no longer belive.

Harsh? Yes, but not nearly harsh enough. This is not just lame. It is nothing less than taking side with our enemies and the enemies of civilization It has given aid and comfort to those enemies, and it has back stabbed our allies and the friends of freedom everywhere.

The Department of State is a cesspit, which various administrations have tried to clean up with little success. Given that they have today shown a moral and ethical cowardice in complete abrogation of their oaths to the Constitution, it is clear that something more than past efforts at reform of a bankrupt institution are needed. For any government agency to publicly proclaim that the rights and responsibilities of the Constitution, most especially the Freedoms of Speech and of the Press, are no longer valid or appropriate is open call for said agency to be abolished and something new built in its place. Something that does not mistakenly believe that it is superior to those whom it is tasked to serve and represent. It is not enough to sack those responsible for this outrage, a full and complete housecleaning is needed.

LW

No Question About It

Nope, there is no question as to the patriotism of Joel Stein. He has none, just as he appears to be deficient in brains, intellect, integrity, and everything else of worth. Thanks to Uncle J for taking him on, so I don't have to. He needen't fear for his safety, not even a four-year-old female would dain to dirty their hands on something so vile (and far less a man than she).

LW

Murtha And Cunningham

No links, I am on vacation and lazy. While I respect the fact that both served, I have no respect for either person this day. At best, both are fools. My take is that both are tools who have betrayed the trust of their band of brothers many times over. One does it for politics and power, the other for money. Ultimately, there is no difference as both have placed the volunteers in our military in harms way -- in point of fact, willfully endangered them by their actions. Both deserve contempt and censure for their acts and to be shunned by all who are Men, be they male or female.

LW

Ethanol vs Petroleum -- the true costs?

This blog is now being hijacked by the English Werewolf for a brief rant.

The English Werewolf has long been an advocate for alternate sources of energy, though for most of the time I've failed to put my money where my snout is. (In my defense, for part of the time I was an underpaid flunky for the State of Alabama, and for much of the rest I've been dumping my revenues into my business, which MAY provide some spendable income by the time I reach my '80's...)

However, ever since one brave (some would say idiotic, I'm sure) gas station owner in Nashville converted one pump station to E85 fuel, I've headed there as often as possible to blend about 20% ethanol into the tanks of both cars I drive. This even though neither of them is considered a "flexible fuel vehicle," which is a vehicle designed and constructed to run on any blend of gasoline and ethanol, up to 85% ethanol. Since most cars and trucks built for the US market since the 1980's have been designed to run on what used to be called "gasohol" -- a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline -- my gut feeling was that a somewhat greater proportion of ethanol would not be likely to cause any damage to the engine, or reduce its life expectancy significantly. And both my 148k+ mile Astromofuzzyvan and the '03 Volvo sedan run just fine with the blend.

In fact, the Astro runs MUCH cleaner on the blend than it does on gasoline alone. In years past, the beastie has just barely passed the unburned hydrocarbons emissions test; in fact, two or three times it took adjustments and a second test for it to pass. This year (after I replaced the cheap airfilter with a "high-performance" K&N filter, and after a year + of running the 20% ethanol blend), the van showed hydrocarbon emissions of only 30% of maximum. On the first test.

This ALONE justifies my using this blend of fuel. Not to mention the option of dropping one grade of gasoline -- from midgrade to regular -- since ethanol is a 105+ octane fuel, and so boosts the octane rating of the gasoline it's blended with. Fuel economy and performance remain comparable to straight gasoline.

But on to the main point for my hijacking of the Laughing One's blog.

I hear, and read, everywhere that ethanol will never "make it" as a significant fuel source for the US because its production "requires" huge subsidies from the government, and because of this the "true cost" of ethanol is not borne by the driver. Arguments are also made that ethanol uses more energy in production than it provides when it is burned.

Argument two first -- Typical production methods, such as those used in the production of drinkable ethanols, DO use a considerable amount of energy; usually provided from fossil sources or electricity (which may itself be fossil-fuel generated). The further distillation required to produce a burnable fuel DOES result in a negative energy balance for ethanol.

Newer, fuel-grade specific ethanol plants do not require nearly so much energy input per unit of output. Since drinkability of the product is not a consideration, other methods of production are now options -- such as enzyme-assisted distillation, waste sources of process heat (crop debris, sawmill waste, even cow patties), and different materials used in the production line which allow more efficient production without leaving trace elements that would negatively affect the final fuel. Factories producing biodiesel, another alternative fuel, can be built using thermal depolymerisation technologies, which allow low-temperature/high pressure processing to turn waste vegetable oils and meat fats into excellent diesel fuel very efficiently. The best factories today can produce over 2.5 units of ethanol energy for every unit of energy put in.

Both ethanol and biodiesel production have the added benefit of reducing significantly some of the waste stream that now feeds directly into our landfills, while producing byproducts of animal feed (brewer's grain and silage from ethanol production) and fertilizers and base chemicals for other products (biodiesel).

Much, much more online on both fuels. Dig around!

Argument one -- ethanol requires federal subsidies, and can never be more cost-efficient than gasoline. Hogwash! Just in the past months, E85 has sold for up to 70¢ LESS than regular gasoline at my local station. With US production of ethanol for fuel use of some 4 billion gallons, and an annual subsidy for the ethanol fuel industry last year of some $1.7 billion, that's a subsidy of about 43¢ per gallon of ethanol. Even with the federal subsidies, E85 was selling for 27¢ LESS per gallon than gasoline. Of course, this was during the price spike following Katrina and Rita, but it shows that ethanol can be equivalently priced (even when factoring in its lower energy content per gallon).

But is gasoline not without its' own subsidies?

How about the several billion dollars Congress tossed to the (formerly) Seven Sisters in the 2006 budget? This in a year when they're ALL reporting record PROFITS in the tens of billions of dollars? PER QUARTER! This subsidy alone is well over three times what the ethanol industry gets.

And the preferential tax treatment the petroleum industry receives -- another subsidy of many tens of billions of dollars, every year. Depletion allowances, expensing of exploration costs, foreign tax credits, foreign income deferrals, and dozens more -- add up to some $9 to $17 billion in subsidies for gasoline production alone. Each year.

Allocate a portion of the Defense budget to petroleum subsidies, too -- the petroleum industry has a unique relationship with our government, in that it is the ONLY industry we'll protect by declaring war.

Were all the subsidies and benefits the petroleum industry gets to be reflected in the pump price, a gallon of gasoline would be upwards of...

$9.00.

So which is the better deal? Let's not even think about where the dollars are going -- do you prefer to send your money to Venezuela, Saudi, Iran, Russia....or Kansas, South Dakota, Missouri, Oklahoma?

I could go on for quite some time with this, but you can find it all online with some research time. A couple of good links:

http://www.drivingethanol.org/userdocs/Real_Cost_of_Oil_Aug_05.pdf

A good summary article. The drivingethanol.org site is fairly new and still growing. Another good entry point is one from the Department of Energy:

http://www.eere.energy.gov

Lots of info on all kinds of alternative energy sources. Amazing the Bushies and their petrofriends haven't shut it down yet...

Ask around your area, and see if you can find ONE good retailer who will add E85 to his fuel offerings. At the moment, there are only about 500 stations selling the fuel in the entire country, while there are upwards of 6 MILLION cars on the road today that are built to use it, and EVERY car can use a 10-20% blend. Blend it into your tank when you fill up -- if you usually get 15 gallons of gas for a fillup, put 3 to 4 gallons of E85 in first, then top up with gasoline to ensure a good mix of the fuels in your tank. If you use premium, you can drop down to midgrade -- whenever you want to -- and save 10¢+ per gallon. You WILL be driving a cleaner car at the end of the day. Emissions-wise, anyway -- mine are still pretty grungy looking...

EW

And now we return you to your regular ranter...

What Party Are You?

Not sure where she got it, and I think it needs more definitions. For me, if it takes more than a double-tap, then I am doing something very wrong... Yet, for all that, I Like It.

LW

A Must Read For The Day

Comes from Baldilocks, who is on a roll. Some very good questions at the end too, on which we all should think...

LW
who notes from this post that someone who can't do basic reality or fact checking actually tried to play the "chickenhawk" card on her...

By George, I Think He's Got It

It makes a good bit of sense. More than just a thought, Jay, it is a very good one.

LW

I Oppose The Miers Nomination

Per the request of N.Z Bear, I hereby state for the record that I oppose the Miers nomination. It is not the lack of Ivy League degree (overrated IMO), or lack of experience as a judge (that might actually be a good thing), but rather an apparent lack of knowledge of the Constitution, what I think may be an inability to separate her beliefs from the facts of the matter, and a strong and dismal inability to present her thoughts in a clear and intelligible manner.

LW

The Modern Slave Trade

Set aside your thoughts and preconceptions for a moment, and go read this well-thought and eloquent post from Catfish. The thinking afterwards may be more than a bit uncomfortable, but then again it should be...

LW

For Once, I Support The UN

Well, mostly. I don't think this goes far enough. Neither the movie or the blog entry. I say nuke-em, and then use their glowing blue corpses as permalights for airports taxi ways. It's about time the UN dealt with them, but quit with the half measures!

LW
not linking to Bill because he quit blogging when I told him I was coming to DC/Baltimore, then started back after I left. Sheesh.

Ignorant, Incompetent, Idiotic

Is this the slogan of the second-term Bush administration? Let's see: we are at war with adherents of an ideology that demands the complete and utter destruction of civilization (not just Western, but Eastern too) and return to a tenth century level of life and technology (for all but the top people it seems); said group has shown a complete willingness to use anything and everything as a weapon of mass destruction; said group is known to have infiltrated and be infiltrating agents into countries including the U.S.; and, to top it all off, we happen to be dealing with the return of the 20-year hurricane cycle.

So what do agents of the current administration do? They provide this nomination for a critical post and the FBI decides to divert critical and limited resources to go after porn.

Words fail me. The ignorance, incompetence, and idiocy being displayed beggars belief, especially when added to the "politics as usual" from both sides of the circus on the Hill. There is not a single one of you who is an anointed one; rather, you are all acting like the annoying ones. It is something that will be remembered come the next election cycle. If you are unwilling to do the job, then maybe the lot of you should go.

LW

The Collective Vs. The Individual

Go read Blackfive's "Stealing Their Honor" He and Vox nail it on the head. Read it and think.

LW

Casey Sheehan

I wish to take exception to some posts I've read around the blogosphere that claim his reputation is being tarnished. Casey Sheehan volunteered to serve in the military, from all accounts thought that serving and fighting for his country and the cause of freedom a worthy thing, and died trying to save his mates.

The rather sad and pathetic spectacle of his mother trying to use him, his service, and his death to in a calculating bid to feed the voracious needs of her own ego can do nothing to tarnish it. No matter how much contempt and disrespect she shows him, his reputation remains unsullied and untouched. No matter how much excrement she attempts to pour forth over him in a greedy need for attention and validation, it will never rise to a measurable level around the base that is the example of his life. That base, and the shining legacy atop it, will forever tower over her and shine as a beacon no matter what is flung at it.

LW

UPDATE: Welcome LGF Readers. Please also read Blackfive's Casey Sheehan - Someone You Should (Have) Know(n).

The Crash, No Burn: The Spin Begins

Well, this morning sees the spin winding up in this article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There is a hint of "that damned internet right-wing lynch mob" along with the obligatory comments by the governor that his running mate was a good but misunderstood person. In short, pretty much a standard old-style political response to a problem.

That doesn't work anymore.

Let's take this by the numbers. Knoll shows up at the funeral, says she arrived too late to pay her respects to the widow and other immediate family members, then hands out business card(s) and makes a comment about how the government does not support the war. Apparently too busy to stay and offer her condolences in person, Knoll finds the time to ham it up for the cameras outside and talk with the media.

Word gets out and a firestorm starts in. Knoll is travelling and unavailable. The governor rises to her defense but also makes the asinine statement that it is not the responsibility of the government to support the war, only to support those that fight it. This is also the same governor who did his best to keep as many absentee military ballots from being counted last election... There are reports that Knoll phoned the family and left a message of some sort on the answering machine. Finally, Knoll's office offers up a letter of apology but Knoll refuses to discuss the matter, answer any questions, nor will she otherwise acknowledge what is going on -- the excuse is in part that she is still travelling and apparently has not mastered the use of telephones, mobile phones, or laptops and the internet. Since she will not meet anyone in person, perhaps she is now hiding in one of Dick Cheney's unused undisclosed locations...

The letter is one of the worst efforts I have ever seen in the real world or even in schools. The Paragraph Farmer does a good takedown of it in general. See the whole sorry thing at Michelle Malkin's, and also read her previous takes here and here. See also Blackfive's take.

Allow me to go into some communications 101.

First, you never, ever, ever start any letter with "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" You start press releases with that, not letters. If you are going to release a private letter, you do a formal release and attach the letter to it. If you have to provide background, obfuscate, explain, nuance, or whatever, you do it in the release, not the letter. It is like hand addressing Christmas (or Holiday) cards instead of machine labelling them. Doing a letter like this smacks of desperation, is amateurish, and defeats the purpose of the letter.

Second, you want to write clearly instead of opaque. The writing here is as clear as concrete, and is written so that it says truly nothing. Key phrases have modifiers that make their meaning unclear. Anything other than Keep It Simple Stupid does not work for this type of letter, and the use of jargon and lots and lots of unnecessary phrases indicates weaseling.

Third, you want to write active voice. It is part of writing clearly, but it is also a separate issue. This letter is about as active as a dead parrot.

Fourth, you don't clarify and take them to task, you explain.

I could go on, but that hits the high points, or the low points in this case. On a non-gramatical and substantive basis, the letter has more than a pinch of Turbin Durbin "I'm sorry you revolting peasants were not smart enough to understand and appreciate my clearly presented and finely nuanced thoughts" along with what I take as "it's all about me, don't you get that?" Oh, and a dash of "I'm sorry I got caught" as well.

Stonewalling and meaningless phrases used to work when it was just the Old Media. If you want something that works in today's marketplace, consider the following:

"Dear Mrs. Goodrich,

Please accept my heartfelt apologies for any pain caused by my uninvited appearance at the funeral of your husband, SSgt Joseph Goodrich. To add to your grief and suffering, and to that of your family and friends, was not my intention.

Since the start of the War, I have tried to attend as many funerals of our fallen heroes as possible to show support for those who serve. During those visits, I also give my card to the family, so that they can contact me directly to ask for assistance if there are any problems with state or other benefits. Please know that I am here for you, as I am for all military families, if I can be of assistance.

I sincerely regret my fault in not arriving on time to express my condolences in person, and any misunderstanding and pain caused by my actions. Such was not my intention, and I am very sorry for what has happened.

Know that my heart and prayers are with you, your family, and friends as they are with all the families of those fallen in defense of freedom. In my role as Lt. Governor, I will do all I can to support the troops, and as an American support our President. If there is anything I can do to help make right this situation, or assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

XXXXX"

That is a letter of apology. It is clear, precise, avoids things that the sender frantically wants avoided, and remains sincere. If done right, it gets the job done and stops the storm. What actually came out was a poorly written and considered piece of hackery.

Today, the words are flowing and the spin is on. By their actions may you judge them. My question to the people of Pennsylvania still stands:

Is this someone who you want representing you, and do they and the government of which they are a part represent you and your beliefs?

Just asking, and you do have an election coming up...

LW

Previous coverage here.

UPDATE: Michelle has more. As does Blackfive.

A Crashing That Deserves To Be Burned

What I want to post on the title won't fit and deserves some self-censoring. I saw this story at Blackfive's last night (who got it in an e–mail from the talented Baldilocks) and waited hoping against hope that it might have been mistaken. I mean, after all, the source was from the Old Media. This morning finds no denial, but more coverage including that from Michelle Malkin.

What Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll did does not even rise to the level of loathsome or even to despicable. It was more than a mere outrage. The best that can be said is that it was the selfish act of someone who does not even see the people of the state she professes to serve as subjects, but rather as objects to manipulate and use. It was the act of someone who does not see others as real.

I had a list of questions for the governor and lt. governor, but they really don't matter. Only one question now has any meaning or relevance, and it is for the people of Pennsylvania:

Is this someone who you want representing you, and do they and the government of which they are a part represent you and your beliefs?

If this story is true, this is not a matter for a resignation, but of forced removal from office. For her words against the war may not be true treason, but they are far closer than most will be willing dare call them. For her actions are what can be most charitably described as a disgrace, and deserve at the very least contempt from all who have honor and integrity.

LW

A Woman I Like

Though I have never met her, I like her style. She even goes commando on a regular basis, and if she answers the sphinx as well, is a woman after my own heart.

Thanks to a true tease for the heads-up.

LW

July 4th

On this day, take time to celebrate the birth of our nation. Are things perfect? No, they never have been and never will be and the Founding Fathers knew this. As a result, America is the only nation of which I am aware that enshrines the ideal of constant revolution and constant change in its founding documents, along with an impressive list of freedoms -- not the least of which are speech and assembly -- that stand as a beacon to the world. That is a thing well worth celebrating.

This is also a thing well worth celebrating:

The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

If these words move you, the National Archives gives you the oppportunity to sign it electronically.

On this day, take the time to help support those who are both protecting us, our homes, and the ideals that allow us to pursue life and liberty. As always, I support Soldier's Angels. Blackfive has some good ideas in this post about some who have died defending that freedom, and my Blogfather Joe Katzman has quite the international list of ways to help.

Celebrate this day, and most of all, celebrate that which is the foundation and the start of the Great Experiment that is our Republic.

LW

The Decline And Fall Of The Republic

While I am not quite ready to pull a Pournelle and declare The Republic dead, evidence suggests it is going downhill fast and/or on life support.

First, this execrable ruling from the Supreme Court. It is clear that private property, individual rights, and basic liberty are not a concern to the majority. The state is supreme, to hell with the sheeple seems to be the motto. It is time for the Citizens of this nation to enact laws or clear and unambiguous amendments to the Constitution to prevent this type of high-handed power grab by the state.

Second is this disgusting proposed amendment to ban Flag "desecration." This is what I have come to expect out of Washington at its best: a token act against a visible manifstation of a deeper problem that creates far more problems and erodes the concepts of Citizens and liberty, while doing nothing at all to address the underlying issue(s). It is grandstanding, trying to create the illusion of concern and action, and it is an abrogation of the oaths of office and of the Constitution. No, I don't support desecration of the Flag, but doing yet more to kill freedom of speech is not the answer. The real answer is more freedom of speech, not less. The way of Congress (and the Supreme Court) is the way of Germany in the 20s/30s -- not revolution but a willingness to commit suicide by legal fiat. If this abomination does indeed get passed, we the Citizens need to reject it -- and those who support it -- utterly.

Feh.

LW

Durbin: Too Little, Too Late

Well, they are calling it an apology but I call bullshit. It is a non-apology full of weasel words and no acceptance of responsibility. If my rear end. I agree with Teresa: When you blame the audience, it is time to resign.

LW

A Weather Change In Environmentalism?

Some very interesting food for thought courtesy of Blogfather Joe and Stewart Brand. This is one to read, re-read, and ponder upon -- but I like it so far.

LW

It Was Old And Untrue 30 Years Ago

Back then, it was the amazing carburetor that allowed an engine to get 50-500 miles to the gallon (depending on who told the tale) with 500 horsepower output that "Detroit" or the "Oil People" were keeping from the people. This week, it was a cure for cancer. Yep, there is but one type of cancer, and "they" have it and refuse to give it to the people because too much money is to be made off cancer research.

Never mind that there are multiple types of cancer cells, metastasis, etc. Never mind that basic economics suggest that even more money could be made by selling the cure for all the market will bear (trillions versus billions, and for a much longer period of time). Nope, none of that is a factor. There is a cure for cancer, and it is being deliberately withheld -- I presume by the evil capitalistic Republicans, who seem to have replaced Jews in politically correct conspiracy theories, though I suspect that in non-politically-correct theories they are Jewish capitalistic Republicans.

You know, I wonder if the tinfoil hat blocks knowledge of odds as well as basic economics, biology, and such. If so, maybe a good way to teach some basic economics might be through cards... Hmmmmmm....

LW

Terri Schiavo: A Reconsideration In Progress

In yesterday's post, I made some statements that were based on the best information I had at the time, including some comments on medical imaging. The power of the blogosphere is indeed a wonderful thing, and several questions I have had appear to have been answered.

A prime one can be seen here at Obsidian Wings. I am not a doctor, nor am I qualified to interpret medical images. That said, I have had dealings with medical imaging and medical imaging of the brain. The brain is an incredible structure that we are just beginning to understand. Even so, there are things well known and if the image shown is indeed that of Terri Schiavo then the refusal to do more tests is very understandable. You can only test when something is there, and if the damage is as extensive as it appears (other scan slices are needed to determine the 3-D structure of the damage), then there truly may not be anything of certain critical structures left to test.

Also on Obsidian Wings is a link to this PDF file that provides detail missing from many reports. Another detail of which I should have been aware is that her husband did not go to court to ask that the tube be removed. Instead, the petition was to ask the court to determine if it should be removed -- in other words, he asked the court to make the decision. This is very different from making a decision and asking the court to uphold it, and it is a fact that is not very well presented, or even misrepresented, in some coverage.

In light of this new information, I am reconsidering my comments and stand on critical aspects of this case. My support of the right to die is not one of them, nor is my increasing horror at the intrusion of politicians left and right into the case and into the rights of patients to choose to accept or reject treatments. What is being reconsidered is my opinion on this one case, for it will set the stage for how much freedom and choice we have in deciding our fate.

Also, yet another plea to let others know of your wishes and decisions in regards long-term care and heroic measures. Talk it over, explore the options, and put the basics in writing in the form of living wills and powers of attorney for healthcare. Write it on your blog. Put it down so that there is no question of what you want done, and what you do not want done. If not for yourself, do it for those you love.

LW

Some Thoughts On Terri Schiavo

I don't have the time to do this justice, and there are several things here that demand justice and not the least of them is Terri herself. Baldilocks, as usual, sums it up.

The fact is, I do support the right to die. I think it important, and far too important to be left to the posturing classes, for ownership of ourselves and our bodies is the most fundamental property right. I have made clear to those in my life when I want no heroic measures and when I want to fight. When a person has made such clear, in writing and/or otherwise, honor the wishes. When in doubt, come down on the side of life.

There are things about this case that stink to high heaven. Others have hashed them out and discussed them in detail, so I will not. I will note that while it may not be a medical necessity according to the doctors representing the husband, doing a PET scan would settle the matter of her state fairly quickly and is therefore a legal and political necessity. The fact that such is being fought so strongly is interesting, to say the least. No, you don't want an MRI given her implants, unless you really do want to kill her.

As for those who feel that starving her to death will be peaceful and such, I ask you to contact the local humane society. There is footage out there of just how peaceful, painless, and dignified a death it is for any number of animals. If that is not your cup of tea, I would point out that a Nazi tactic reserved for certain people who really annoyed them was starvation, and if memory serves there may be some documentary footage of those executions as well. If a person is aware, they do feel it and it is not pleasant at all. While I fear where all the politics and such in this case will lead, one thing remains true in regards to removing her feeding tube:

This stinks. Plain and simple.

LW

Lambs

Fuzzy, cuddly, and cute little lambs. Such a wonder, such a delight with or without mint jelly. Yesterday was International Eat an Animal for PETA Day. I failed to blog it then, but do want to note that I loved my lamb and beef mixture at the Turkish restaurant next to the battery store. The good Southern battery in Pups was five years old, and did not like northern Indiana winter so I made the best of the situation. Stuffed grape leaves, the lamb and beef medley, it was all good and tasty. The pleasure for this carnivore was all mine. Hope you enjoyed some critter yesterday too. Thank you Meryl for starting such a tasty campaign.

LW

The Death Of Free Speech

And hope for the resurrection...

Free speech has been under assault almost from the time the Republic was founded. Let's face it, anyone seeking dominion over others hates free speech. Anyone who has dominion over others, to any lesser or greater extent, hates free speech. For with free speech comes honest exchanges of ideas, shared information, and inconvenient facts that discomfit those who act as betters.

Such is why free speech has been killed, gutted, and stuffed at far too many college campuses these days. Such is why free speech is banned at far too many basic schools/school systems around the country. Why, any words can be incendiary and feelings matter far more than freedom, especially when those same words may light fires under teachers and administrators who fail to measure up in any sense of the word.

Such is why every repressive regime in history has felt it essential to control most means of communications. Print was easy to control and choke, even in the modern era, by the simple act of controlling the supplies. Radio and television were easy to monitor, both because any serious effort took power and room, and because small-scale efforts could be hunted down by direction finders.

Such is why so many on left and right these days want to end free speech here in the U.S., and have mounted the single largest assault on the Constitution, in my not so humble opinion, since the founding of the Republic. That assault was in the form of the McCain-Feingold law, is now being applied to the Internet and Blogging.

Go read the story here. Go read the roundup at Instapundit, this excellent roundup from by Michelle Malkin, and this post and this post, both outstanding efforts from Captain Ed.

Think on this a bit, then remember THAT YOU ARE THE GOVERNMENT. Your elected representatives are just that, your representatives -- whom you can replace at will if they fail to properly represent you. Call them, write them, and e-mail them. To truly get their attention, you must do all three. E-mail can and will be ignored. Calls will be noted, but are not enough. Snail Mail is a bit hard to ignore, though it can be put off. Doing all three sends a clear message and should get action -- or you should get new Congrescritters.

The thuggish, ill-considered, and ill-bred assault on individual liberty and the Constitution known as McCain-Feingold needs to be repealed. Not modified, not given special exemptions for the Internet or Blogging, but flat out repealed. It was a bad law that should never have been enacted -- and I for one plan to see how my Congresscritters voted on it at the time and discuss the matter with them.

While he is not posting right now, Ironbear of Who Tends the Fires and I have had a discussion on this topic, and I agree with him.

This is a test.

If we kick up, complain, etc., then the matter will be dropped. If we don't do too much, a modified version will pass. If we don't respond much or at all, then we will lose our freedom.

The choice is yours. Choose wisely.

LW

A Must Read Post

Val has done it again. Go here, read, and watch. Think a bit. Then think some more. Thank you Val, for sharing this.

LW

Freedom

What a day, what a time. Condi puts her boots on and walks -- and Egypt announces major changes. The people of Lebanon spoke, despite orders and threats not to, and a government falls. Assad makes a gift to Iraq of some most wanted people, feeling the pressure. I wish I had the time to cover this as it should be covered, but until I do I highly recommend going to Publius Pundit and reading. I added him to the roll a few weeks ago, and am so glad I did. Go read this and this. Also, don't forget Chrenkoff, Winds Of Change, and The Command Post. Keep an eye out, and keep good thoughts going, for this is just the start of things, and none should expect the entrenched powers just to roll over and play dead. Just look at the terrorists in Iraq, and in the government of Iran, to get the idea. Keep a sharp eye on Syria and Egypt in the coming days, and find ways to hold feet and other appendages to the fires of freedom.

LW

Speaking Of Nanny States

Acidman points out this this delightful bit for your consideration. Think it can't happen here?

LW

Pornography and TSA: The Common Link

Originally, I was going to do this post on the subject of pornography, based on a decision by the government to appeal a loss in pornography case. It was to have covered a history of erotica, erotica versus pornography, catharsis theory, and more. It was a great defense of the medium. Then, I saw what happened to Dr. Jerry Pournelle during a recent trip. Seemingly worlds apart, the two have a fundamental connection that has produced this very different post.

Dr. Pournelle has removed some comments from his "original blog" but continued discussion. From what is there, it appears that he was subject to what I have come to see as fairly typical TSA behavior. I was opposed to this from the start, for many reasons, and have no reason to change my mind. Indeed, it can be argued that we are not even as safe as we were on 9/10 in many respects, in that there are even more rules and regulations in place that are more interested in politics than in safety. That is my opinion, and you may do some quick searching to find others share it, including some inside the beast. If you want to have some fun on this, go search Michelle Malkin's site for TSA, Air Marshalls, and similar terms. There are other places you can do that too, and it is well worth the effort.

The pornography prosecution is one where the government suffered a major setback in prosecution. In short, a lower court threw out charges in the case citing basic First Amendment issues. The government's appeal is based on limitations already acknowledged by the courts. The pornography in question is apparently extreme, and included simulated rape, beating that may or may not have been simulated, and more. Not having seen it myself, to the best of my knowledge, I can't say.

What do these two things have in common? Simple. Citizenship. Are you a Citizen or a subject?

A citizen has the right to make choices on their own, for themselves, without interference from the government. A subject must suborn themselves to the decisions of government, without consideration of circumstances.

When you look at the Constitution, or even the Declaration of Independence, you find that no where in there is it said that you have to make smart, wise, or even reasonable decisions about your life. No where does it say that you must live the life others desire for you, or that the state should play nanny. Indeed, you find the opposite, and Dr. Pournelle makes some choice quotes in his writing.

While I am oft labeled a conservative, I have not attempted to hide that I am in fact an independent. In fact, I am a fiscal and defense conservative, and a social liberal with a small-L libertarian bent. Both of the areas cited are where fundamental freedom is under strong attack, with a deliberate effort being made away from Citizenship, where the state is the agent of the people, to a state of empire, where individuals and individual liberty are subjugated to the state.

In the aftermath of 9/11, several pieces of bad legislation were undertaken, and the creation of TSA and the Office of Homeland Security are two of them. If they were effective, some argument could be made for them, but not by me. I join with those who note Franklin and feel that we have failed a test. For we must bear responsibility for ourselves, and it is fairly clear that we have abrogated that responsibility.

In a free society, you have the right to view anything, read anything, listen to anything, and consider any thought. It does not mean that you have the right to act in any way you choose, or rather it does: for you have the right to act as you will, but must be willing to bear the consequences of said act. One of my first posts was on the fact that freedom of speech is never free and I have continued to point that out in a variety of posts.

You have a right to make a choice, not a requirement to make a good one. You have the right and the ability to view pornography of your choice, just as others have the right to make it provided the people involved are capable of consent and do so. Would I want my daughter or other friend or relative to do it? No, and I would argue against such a choice. Yet, I do not have the right to forcibly stop someone who is capable of informed consent from doing so if they desire. They have the freedom to choose, and I must honor that no matter how much I disagree with the choice. To do otherwise is to deny them the right to themselves, to their mind, and to their body. I do not have to support that choice, or even respect it, but I do have to respect their right to make the choice. Just as I have to respect the right of everyone to view or not view images and content of their choice. I am under no obligation to like or enjoy what they consume, but I do have to respect their right to choose what they consume.

What it boils down to is whether you are a Citizen, or a subject. If you are a Citizen, you have the right to choose for yourself, and to live with the consequences of your decisions. If you are a subject, you will do what the government says, when it says it, and how it says it, from bowing and scraping to party functionaries to viewing only approved materials. You either can take shocking images or ideas and parse them for yourself, or you must accept the need for the government to decide what you can or cannot handle in terms of news and information. You either have Freedom of Speech, Press, Assembly, and from unlawful Search and Seizure, or you do not.

It is the fundamental choice of the Great Experiment that is America. We have the choice to go where the Founding Fathers dreamed, a place where individuals choose their own destiny free from tyrants and other oppressors. We have the choice to say that individuals are incapable of that dream, and must be lead by their betters. That choice is easy, but the consequences are not. Taking responsibility for ourselves, and for tolerating the choices of others, is a painful and difficult task. Mistakes will be made, and lives will be destroyed and lost. That is the price of liberty, and it is a staggering cost. The cost of tyranny, however gentle and well intentioned it may be, is far greater.

I wonder at those that profess to serve minority rights, yet will support neither of the things placed before us above. A site I enjoy, The Smallest Minority, puts it all so well with his banner. It quotes Ayn Rand, who while I detest her fiction has a great quote with "The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities." I think Sturgeon's Law is far too gentle when it comes to pornography, yet if I am to follow my beliefs, I must support the 90 percent, not just the fraction. If I am to honor Citizenship, then I must support the 90 percent, and not just the fraction. Freedom truly is an all or nothing proposition.

I will leave you with this thought for the day, since morality will be thrown into these debates along with catharsis and more. Christianity differs from some/many in that nowhere in the teachings of Christ does he call for the forcible conversion of infidels. Indeed, what is put forward is that unto you a choice is given, to accept and have eternal life, or to refuse and suffer ultimate extinction. Think on this a bit, and ask how best do you honor and respect that commitment, that covenant?

The question is before us. Are we Citizens, or are we subjects.

LW

FYI, if you are interested in catharsis theory, you may want to peruse this link, this link, this link, this link, and this link as a start. This is a very contentious theory, and I will note that in my opinion many studies seem to have an axe to grind, pro and con. Keep the salt handy, and be sure to check the methodologies.

Kyoto

Before you go screaming about Bush the evil on this, take a few mintues to read this excellent piece (and links) up at The Volokh Conspiracy.

LW

The House Hates Freedom Of Speech

I have to agree completely with Jeff Jarvis in regards the indencency bill just passed by the House. He also has more here. Anyone who voted for this travesty should be ashamed of themselves. Take the time to look hard at this, and at the so-called campaign finance reform-reform as well. These are serious threats to freedom and to the Republic, and you need to study them and take your Congresscritters to heel about them.

LW

Playing The Victim

Out at Wolf Park, one of the "puppies" that is nearing their first birthday is not happy. This young lady has managed to get herself in trouble with her Mom and to some extent with the pack. Right now, she is wanting to do what one staffer terms the wolf equivalent of running away to join the circus. Meaning that she has indicated she wants to leave the main pack enclosure. She will not be allowed to do so under present circumstances, and the staff notes that she has brought this down on herself by playing the victim.

In wolfpacks, as well as real life, if you present yourself as a victim you will be treated as one and victimized. Yes, I said real life as this was pointed out to me many years ago by some women who had dealt with abuse in their lives. In watching this situation this weekend, it also occurred to me that it applies on a higher level as well.

In global politics, if you display the signals of victimhood, you will get treated as such. Many of the signals that we see as civilized and restrained can be seen by those of a less sophisticated viewpoint (animalistic even) as being signs of weakness, since they are really much the same as those displayed by a weak member of a herd or pack. Then again, I have long felt that many of our enemies behaved the same or worse than feral dogs. There is much to think on here, but it behoves us to consider such as we make decisions on the future.

LW

Remember This Day

Madness reigned, and people ignored it. The hate, the focus, the words, and the deeds were ignored or excused. It was nothing, and less than nothing to those nestled safely elsewhere, ignore it and it will go away. Worse yet were the ones who defended the madness, who embraced it and called it patriotic, right, and necessary. They gave it legitimacy and room to grow.

Under this cover, the buses came, and the trucks, and the special police. Under this cover, the trains ran, and the smoke began to rise. The tales were there, but quiet and easily ignored by all who wished it away.

Then real red war was waged across the lands, and the troops came. The walking skeletons came forth, the piles of bodies documented for the world to see. Loot was there too, from pockets and mouths, and even as wallets and lampshades.

Madness had been allowed to reign, and millions died. Jew, Gypsy, Pole, and More.

Millions died, beneath the comforting cover of ignorance and lies.

Think on this today. Look at the world with unblinkered eyes. Look at the Balkans and see the graves. Look at Saddam's Iraq, and stare into the graves. Look at the Sudan, and stare into the graves. Look at the world with unblinkered eyes, and throw off that comforting cover of lies.

Madness still reigns, and people still die whilst new panderers tell minute man lies.

Remember the past, remember the cost, remember what it took to put paid that madness let roam.

Millions died in that butcher's bill. Remember it well, for Never Again we swore.

Never Again I have sworn, for we have not the excuse of ignorance if in cowardice we cower under the threadbare cover of self-imposed lies.

LW

Those Who Fail To Learn From The Past

Are doomed to endless summer school, or at least one heck of a spanking from Citizen Smash. As if the first spanking were not enough, someone who obviously failed both regular and summer school history came back for more. A third time, and he qualifies as a masochist and should be turned over to Mistress Heather (yes, a CSI reference) since he seems to enjoy the spankings waaaay too much. Bravo Smash!

LW

Heh. Call Canada

Smash, as usual, hits it over the fence. Go read, work safe if you can keep from laughing out loud... Smash? Thanks! Great points, very well made.

LW

Footsteps To Follow

Chris Muir hits it on the head again. For previous thougths on Captain Speicher, click here and here.

LW

A Modest Proposal

Jay Tea at Wizbang has a most interesting proposal in regards the UN. While I am not sure I agree with his figure suggestions, the idea itself has a great deal of merit. The only problem I see is that they might figure out what is going on... Even if they do, the idea may still work and is well worth considering.

LW

Ukraine Elections

Well, the verdict is in and in the real election Yushchenko has won. One of the more fun and interesting takes on this on the ground is at Le Sabot Post-Moderne. Also check out Tulip Girl and Orange Ukraine. Or check out the official Yushchenko site.

LW

UPDATE: Courtesy of Instapundit comes this interesting read on the amazing lack of coverage by some of these important elections. I admit, I have not been blogging about them, but that was because others were doing it for me. I should have linked more, but the last few weeks have been a tad bit busy...

The V Of Victory

A few years ago, during a spate of trying to see as much theatre as I could whilst in New York, I actually attended The Vagina Monologs. Interesting is a good word for it, with victimization as the lead and the antagonist being the unwashed legions of brutish, nasty, males that lurked just offstage somewhere, waiting for their chance to victimize yet another poor, innocent, fragile vagina. Actually, I had a hard time not laughing out loud because Didi Conn was in the play and had a very contagious fit of giggles throughout that earned her the ire of other castmembers.

From the delightful Baldilocks comes a tale of a new sheriff vagina in town. One set to kick ass and take names, and no prisoners. Go enjoy.

LW

More Good Thoughts On Child Abductive Services

Are at Eternity Road and at the Emperor’s.

LW

Tolerance & Bigotry

Today's Mallard sums things up nicely.

LW

Now You Too Can Show Your Support Of Mass Murder!

Val has the good on how you too can show your support of mass murder and more at a favorite store, right here. If you don't want to support mass murder, torture, rape, violations of human rights, and more, you might want to let this chain know -- through the pocketbook is best.

LW

Big Brother Indeed

This one goes under Politics for the Big Brother aspect. Go read this post at Technicalities and see the future. That is, if you let it be the future.

LW
Thinking that there are some feet that need some serious stomping

Values And False Conclusions

Much has been made out of the latest election on the topic of values. Certain portions of the population see the election as a mandate of their particular beliefs and that they should be taken further. Others also see it through the same prism, though reversed, and want to make it all about those values and beliefs and the danger they pose. Speaking as a cranky independent, allow me to say that both have their sense organ cluster firmly imbedded in their ventral orifice and are creating a false reality based on a false conclusion.

This same basic conclusion, for us or against us, leaves out a heck of a lot of ground. A good example is yours truly and perceptions thereon. Despite the fact that I list myself as an Independent (Cranky) and even as a small-L libertarian, quite a few people seem to have the idea that I am some sort of right-wing Nazi simply because I voted for Bush (and support the war on terrorism).

Hmmmmmm. Let’s look at this semi-rationally and list a few things out:

* Drugs: The war on drugs is even less successful than Prohibition at stopping use or production, and even more successful at creating an even more violet and powerful underworld and attendant corruption. My position is that all drugs should be legalized.
* Sex: What happens between consenting individuals is none of anyone else’s business, most especially the government’s. Prostitution should be legalized and all consensual sex be decriminalized. The male who went to jail in Georgia for going down on his wife deserves a full and complete pardon, not to mention restitution from all those involved. Consensual acts harm no one, so get over it and let your neighbors do as they want without you peering into their bedroom. On the same note, if you consent to something one day, then change your mind the next, then it is not a crime, just a bad decision. For those who still don’t get it, consent is the key here, not age, gender, or anything else. Consent. A true rapist deserves almost anything that comes their way, preferably at the hands of the intended victim.
* Marriage: Is not the province of government. The government should not be in the business of certifying, codifying, or doing anything else in regards marriage. That is the province of the various religions. I support gay marriage/civil union, as I think everyone should have to play by the same rules in all respects. That means that everyone has the right to their union, and should that union break up be subject to the same laws on same as everyone else. Nor should any religion be forced to sanction or perform any union against their beliefs. For the record, I have nothing against polygamy, line, or any other form of non-traditional union either. Or interracial of any type. Quite frankly, that is up to the individuals involved and so long as it harms no one, then it is one of anyone else’s business.
* Religion: For a number of reasons, I no longer call myself a Christian, though I was raised in the Methodist Church and moved to the Episcopal later in life, earned the God & Country Award, and did some other religious studies. I am not Gnostic, Coptic, Wiccan, Pagan, or any other handy label. Despite what the Borzoi and English Werewolf may say, I am not Druid either, though I have been tempted to introduce a few people to the Holy Oak as guest of honor. Freedom of Religion means the freedom to practice your beliefs, whatever they may be, or to chose none of the above.
* Race: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Gender: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Orientation: I try not to judge by the package, but what’s inside.
* Self-Defense: Every individual has the right to defend themselves against harm. Period. End of Sentence. That right is not dependent upon police, security, or any other externally validated authority, but upon themselves.
* Weapons: All individuals have the right and the responsibility to own, carry, and use whatever weapons they choose. If they misuse them, and live, then they should be subject to justice. If they walk around looking like a bad Rambo clone, that is their right though I reserve the right to laugh at them (albeit carefully). I agree with Heinlein that an armed society is a polite society, and a safe one at that.
* Military: I believe in a powerful military, not necessarily a large one. Size doesn’t count, it is the power and precision of the blows. We have a fairly good one now, it should be maintained and made better, not necessarily huge and bloated.
* Tolerance: I do NOT have to approve of anything or everything you do, nor do I have to even like it. So long as it harms no one, I simply have to tolerate it. Forced approval has the same validity as forced religious conversion – none.

Okay, by these standards if I were a Nazi I would have to go out and exterminate myself. Ergo, the fact that I am still here means that I am not a Nazi or other similar ilk. Nor, obviously, does my vote for Bush mean that I am some sort of right-wing religious nut. No, I voted for him on the values that count, the values that both the major parties need to be thinking about.

* Integrity: Tell the truth. If you make up loads of stuff, from Christmas in Cambodia to magic hats pulled out of magic asses, you’ve lost me. You can caveat, you can go for extreme precision, but if you lie I will know and I will drop you like a hot potato. No discussions of the meaning of is or other convolutions, just the truth.
* Honor: Do what you say and try to do it the best you can. Live by your code, not the latest polls.
* Loyalty: Stand by those you serve, those you are sworn to protect, and other oaths be upheld. Be forthright about your oaths and loyalties.
* Duty: live up to your obligations, or die trying.
* Responsibility: Do what is right, not what is easy.
* Trustworthy: It comes with doing the above, with living up to the highest standards of conduct and life.

Note that not one of these is religious in nature, though almost all religions pay them at least some lip service. In that regard, they are almost universal rather than religion-based. Know well that these are the standards to which I will hold anyone from any party.

It would be wise for all parties to pay heed, for I doubt that I am alone in this. The last election was not a mandate for any religion or a call to arms for any extreme. It should, however, be a wakeup call for every politician in the land. The old ways are dead, and you can and will be fact checked, cross-referenced, and indexed to beat the band. You are on notice.

Live up to your obligations, and to the core values that count. Or you will find yourself in a world of hurt in the next election.

LW

Heh

This shows a part of what I had planned to write about today. Maybe tomorrow.

LW

A Note To Those Who Said

They would leave if Bush won. Canada is North. France is East. New Zealand and other charming places are to the West. Don't let the door catch you on the way out. Marissa Tomei (sp?) I will be glad to come get you ready to leave (hey, guys got to have a dream, right? My fantasy, her nightmare probably). Michael Moore: Free ice cream, all you can eat, waiting at the North Pole. That should get him moving.

LW

Question Of The Morning/Day

Will Kerry and the DNC show some grace and class? Or, will we witness another schoolyard meltdown and temper tantrum with lawyers? Will the country put up with the latter yet again? Will Kerry grow a beard and lose it? These and other questions fill the world of Days of our Politics...

LW

UPDATE: Kerry has indeed shown class and grace with what I caught of his speech. Did anyone else thing THK looked relieved and even happy? Still wonder if he will grow a beard...

My Blogfather Hits The Nail On The Head

Just go here and read this short and sweet take down.

LW

Well, I Voted

What did you expect? I got lucky in terms of the time, since the line was already quite long when I arrived early in the day. As I waited, someone came out and walked down the line, letting one and all know that if your last name was in M-Z go on up. Three of us took the risk and it was true. About 10 minutes later, I had voted and was on my way. I had voted for some candidates,, against others, and on a number of propositions. My duty done, I went about my day and stayed away from coverage as much as possible.

Until the votes are officially certified, I will not celebrate any election. I expect a number of sore losers and a host of lawsuits and other events, so it really could be weeks before we have that finality. That said, I like the way things are leaning for President and in several other races. I do wish that there were a lot more real independents out there, but will take what I can and am glad to see some third party candidates. The challenge they make to the two major parties is much needed, for competition is not just for business.

More later.

LW

Today Is The Day

We always hear about rights in this country: the right to this, the right to that. Newton was correct when he postulated that for every reaction, there was an equal and opposite reaction. For every right, there is a responsibility, and there is no greater responsibility – and honor – than to vote as a Citizen.

We are not subjects to anyone other than to ourselves and that Union which we have agreed to form. We bend knee to no one and no thing, and our ability to choose our leaders and our destiny comes with a high cost. That cost is being informed, of taking the time to study issues, candidates, and platforms. That cost is setting aside fear, hatred, and prejudice to vote on the basis of merit rather than on loyalty to any other thing or set of beliefs. That cost requires time, effort, and both skull and physical sweat on our part to carry out, but that is a burden we should cheerfully shoulder. For others have paid a far higher cost, one of blood, life, and limb, so that we have this unprecedented opportunity. Those that defend us continue to pay that price.

We take this responsibility for granted, and denigrate it as a right rather than face what it truly is. Around the world, others are literally dying for even the chance at shouldering such a burden,. In Afghanistan, males and females risked bodily harm and death just for the chance to take up such a responsibility, and in so doing they set an example for us all. Yes, it does require time and effort on your part to study and learn; it is difficult to set aside the crutch of emotionalism and the abdication of party line; and, it will require you to stand in line with your fellow Citizens and give of your time so that your vote and voice will be heard. That is nothing compared with your ability to do so and the return that comes to us all from active and informed participation. It is nothing compared to what others have endured and given so that you can do so, and it is even less than nothing compared to what others have endured merely to start down this road.

Shoulder your burden and do your duty to yourself, your family, and the Nation of which you are a part. It is not merely enough to vote, instead one must vote on an informed basis. Spend the time today to do so, and in so doing express pride in our Republic and contempt to all enemies of freedom, wherever they may be.

LW

What Is At Stake Tomorrow

Val sums it up.

LW

Let's Be Careful Out There

Election Day is just around the corner, and things are tense. Not only is this a very charged election with emotions running high, there is a real threat of an attack intended to disrupt or sway the elections. I had put my money on six weeks out, but we are past that, and if an attack does occur and it follows the Spanish model, it will be Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. I will not be happy or relaxed until the election is safely behind us, and hope that nothing does happen.

So, I ask you to be careful. Don't let them pull you down to their level. Do keep an eye out, be careful out there, and be prepared. They can only win if we let them.

Be an informed voter -- and in the process show that you are indeed a good Citizen and not anyone's subject. That in and of itself is the best way to spit in the eye of all enemies of liberty and the Republic.

LW

I Agree With The Ladies

Both Meryl Yourish and Kathy Kinsley do a good job of summing things up. I, too, disagree with W on many things but one thing trumps them all: the war on terror. Kerry is a liar and quite probably worse, and has demonstrated over the last 40 years that he is not fit for command of a rowboat, much less Commander In Chief in time of war. Blackfive brings up just a part of the why, the now why and not the Vietnam why, in his post. This post and those linked within raise even stronger concerns.

I do not want as President someone: who sees the war on terror and fantasy ideology as a law enforcement issue; who who will make action contingent upon external approval or veto; who will wait until we are attacked again to respond; and, most of all, who has clearly demonstrated that his response will likely be to cut and run or do something ineffective.

No, we need a strong leader who has the courage of his convictions and is not beholden to anyone other than the Amerrican people. That is why I will vote for Bush.

LW

A Quick Commie Guide

It what may be the shortest post he has ever done, Ironbear provides the core links for those interested.

LW

Another Story Sliding Under The Wire?

For the last couple of days, I've been watching an interesting story develop at Grim's Hall. This one needs some serious investigation and follow-up, and is not going to get it from the Old Media. Pay attention to this one folks.

LW

Put Down The Drinks

And go here and see what the Swift Geese Veterans For Truth are up to today. Thanks to Spoons for the hat tip.

LW

Kerry And The Communists

This story looks to have some serious legs, and now you can go here to download the documents and decide on them for yourself. This courtesy of the Good Dr. Shackleford who has an extensive and thought provoking post here.

I'm not terribly surprised as it has long been accepted that the Soviets were backing various movments, but the apparent extent of Vietnamese involvement has never been documented openly to this extent before. I am not terribly surprised, given his record including some interesting positions in Congress, that Kerry is so featured. It is interesting that some of this came up from the Swifties, who have a picture in the book showing the high esteem in which the North Vietnamese hold Kerry and the credit they give him.

LW

Cabbies Versus The PC Police

Michelle Malkin brings the story of yet another NYC cabby fined, this time for daring to support the war in Iraq. Can you say Kangaroo Court? I knew you could...

LW

Yet Another Attempt To Influence The Election?

Also courtesy of Little Green Footballs comes this bombshell about the source of the missing explosives story. Interesting and interestinger, and it is also pretty clear that CBS has yet to learn its lesson on trying to play politics with the news. This does not bode well on several levels, including that this story may not have been news to the Kerry camp. Then again, it's not like it's the first time either. Now, it may be one of those stories that is just too good as discussed below, but it sure does tie in with a lot of other evidence...

LW

UPDATE: Michelle Malkin, as always, has some good thoughts and additional links here.

UPDATE II: The Kerry story is gaining legs, and the folks over at Wizbang are on the case with some good legwork. Stay tuned, this one could be very interesting.

Yet Another Good Political Commercial

Is right here and was found courtesy of Little Green Footballs. I may never look at weddings the same way again.

LW

The Choice We Face

Despite what you may think, the upcoming election is not between Bush and Kerry. Nor is it between any slate of local or regional candidates. As I noted before, we are now in the midst of the keystone battle of the Enlightenment for our generation. The choices we make on 2 November will have consequences that will shape our world for a generation or more – not just for a four year term.

The Enlightenment is the true philosophical cornerstone upon which the Great Experiment that is America is founded. While Judeo-Christian concepts influenced individuals and helped shape the Enlightenment, they did not necessarily do so as most people believe. To better understand the choices we face, some background is needed.

The Enlightenment is a broad historical period beginning in the 1600s and culminating in the late the 1700s. It was revolutionary for its day, and was treated as such by many established powers ranging from various religious institutions to autocratic rulers. A good example of the latter was Tsarina Catherine of Russia who banned all discussion and dissemination on the topics, a decision that affects world politics to this day. This is important because in Western Civilization, the Enlightenment was discussed by and aimed at all levels of society, not just a particular elite.

All of this could be said to originate with Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679), who postulated the first modern concept of the theory of the Social Contract. In broadest terms, such theories attempt to lay out the duties and obligations between people, with a focus on levels of authority. The emphasis is placed in all on the need to play by the rules on all parts, so that society functions smoothly. It was Hobbes who proposed the radical idea that an absolute ruler was needed, but chosen by consent rather than divine right, and thus laid the foundation for the modern republic.

His work was picked up and expanded by John Locke (1632-1704), who developed a new model of the Social Contract and provided what was to become the philosophical base of the Enlightenment. That base is a tripod: reason, nature, and progress. This work was further expanded by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), who literally wrote the book on the Social Contract. In addition, the Enlightenment includes an evolution of thought through the works of George Berkeley (1685-1753), David Hume (1711-1776), and Immanuel Kant (1724-1804).

Some historical context is also in order. During the 1600s, the world was in a great deal of turmoil as wars of empire and religion rolled across Europe. The remnants of the Holy Roman Empire clashed with England, Sweden, and others while the Roman Catholic Church sought to regain monopoly by force. Various forms of Inquisition were in progress, and these were not limited to the Church of Rome. Kings and aristocracy were also fighting to retain divine right and to preserve the idea of nobility as natural leaders over lesser peoples. Amidst this, a revolution in science was underway, with Newton and others leading a successful challenge to Aristotle. Add to the mix the spread of the printing press and a growing literacy rate, and it is quite safe to call the times interesting. For those who would like some fun context, allow me to recommend Eric Flint’s 1633 series.

It was amidst this turmoil that the Enlightenment developed. At its heart is the radical notion that people, individuals, of all types can make informed and reasoned decisions