The same folks who shrilly decry any criticism, no matter how subtle or factual, of Barrack Hussein Obama* as hateful, racist, cruel, hurtful, and generally "not-nice" now show their true colors with a series of Anti-Palin smears of unusual vileness.
Obam-supporting bloggers are now attacking on several fronts, claiming Palin's daughter was the actual mother of Palin's Downs-afflicted rather than Palin (according to this smear, Palin is covering for her daughters pregnancy - this is made less believable given that the daughter in question is actually five months pregnant at this point, but it is a vile attack nonetheless), that Palin's life decisions led directly to the her youngests Downs Syndrome, and the list goes on...
Of course, Barack Hussein Obama* denies that his campaign could POSSIBLY have had anything to do with this, being all pure and of noble heart.
Of course, it wouldn't be the first time that proxies with plausible deniability have done the dirty work.
Charming, simply charming. May those who sow the wind, reap the whirlwind.
Heh. Be entertaining to see how the Barack Hussein Obama* and Biden families stand up up to this kind of scrutiny. Since the door has been opened attacking Palin and her daughter, let the games begin.
*Barack Hussein Obama's full name is used here for a variety of reasons. It seems to get the collective panties of the DNC and their fellow travelers all balled up in a capsicum-marinated knot (a worthwhile goal in and of itself) ; so many have made so much of how it's "not nice and not Politically Correct to use the middle name of Barack Hussein Obama (and PC just annoys the crap out of me, bringing out my mischievous side); and if someone is dumb enough to vote against Barack Hussein Obama because they were exposed to his dread middle name - I'm willing to take it in an electoral situation this foul. As for the other? They desperately need their chain yanked - frequently.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Re: Gov. Palin & Domestic Partner Benefits
In response to Sara E. 's comment on my blog entry "First Impressions: Palin vs. Biden", quoted below, please find the following..seemed a bit lengthy to fit into comments.
I come here by way of AD's blog...
I'm curious about your opinion on Palin's statements about eliminating domestic partner benefits for Alaska state employees to "honor" traditional families.
Well, first off, I would ask suggest noting the date of the relevant post and the title ("First Impressions" and "8/29/08"). Fair warning was given that this was my first take on the freshly-selected Palin, and was the day she was selected by McCain. (Candidates do selections, Conventions do nominations).
While I might wish for Palin to have views closer to my own on same sex marriage, domestic benefits, and LGBT military service (aka, DADT), I am deeply impressed that unlike Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and most others of a modern liberal/left bent, Palin took the necessary moment (before things went all pear-shaped), sought legal advice, and then did her constitutional duty (i.e., vetoed an unconstitutional bill before it became law and plagued her constituents with expensive and futile litigation) rather than resort to the standard liberal "but it's something *I* want, constitutionial and statutory strictures aren't binding on me!"
Palin took responsibility, did the right thing, didn't try and stall (see the nearly thirty-year annually renewed temporary ban on adult business licenses in Seattle, recently overturned by the State Supreme Court) or find loopholes, and took it in the teeth. I can respect that - a lot.
I would have the same respect for a rabidly anti-gun Democrat who, upon discovering that in the office they held, they were not only barred at constitutional and statutory levels from regulating firearms, but were compelled by statute to objectively issue concealed weapons permits to qualifying members of the general public pretty much on request - sucked it up and did their job, stayed out of the State Capitol on the issue, and issued those permits without making a fuss.
That's called being a grown-up. And I'd rather have a grown-up and honorable opponent than an undependable and emotion-driven ally. I *like* folks that are within radar range of reality, even if their view is different than mine - grown-ups have room to disagree and remain civil.
Further, I am an American first, and a gay man second. I am deeply grateful that those two considerations come into conflict as seldom as they do. Presently, Palin is the only one on either ticket (DEM or GOP) that favorably impresses me at any kind of a serious level.
It is my belief that Barack Hussein Obama* will, if elected, regardless of his running mate prove to be an untrammeled disaster for this nation with his combination of touchy-feely "Hope’n’ChangeTM " socialism with a dash of corruption (ACORN?), and combined with the unbridled arrogance and vileness of Biden, will unleash suffering upon the land with great even-handedness for the average middle-class and economically challenged members of the American public. That using the words "gay" and "lesbian" in a speech is far less important than actually *doing* something about LGBT rights.
I do not expect McCain-Palin to be great crusaders for LGBT rights - which I define as equality before the law. Happily, due to past efforts, while room remains for progress we are already mostly in that happy space in most parts of the nation. Where we are not, it is largely going to require local, state-by-state, county-by-county, and city-by-city efforts to achieve that legal equality - not Federal action.
That said, however, even as I don't expect much progress at the Federal level under McCain-Palin (Immigration, DADT, DOMA, Benefits, etc) I do expect that in 2012 or 2016 that there will still be an economy to come back to, that isn't a smoking shambled ruin.
It is my hope that in 2012 or 2016 to see a candidate emerge from either party that recognizes that economic and personal freedom are both necessary for a prosperous and successful society; that there are limits to the authority of the federal government - and where exceeded, that same government must be pruned back; that the Patriot Act and its' illegitimate children do not trump the Constitution; that privacy in ones persons, papers, property, and communications are all legitimate and reasonable expectations of the citizenry; and that the 2nd Amendment *is* an individual right, just as broad as the 1st.
McCain-Pallin offer us hope of minor improvement or standing pat on the broad scale of American issues, and seem likely (or at least best-served) to simply leave LGBT issues to the states for four years.
Obama-Biden seems likely to screw things up so badly that every little bit of bigotry and predjudice will come oozing out from under their various rocks, as such things tend to do in economic bad times when folks are fearful and desperate.
*Barack Hussein Obama's full name is used here for a variety of reasons. It seems to get the collective panties of the DNC and their fellow travelers all balled up in a capsicum-marinated knot (a worthwhile goal in and of itself) ; so many have made so much of how it's "not nice and not Politically Correct to use the middle name of Barack Hussein Obama (and PC just annoys the crap out of me, bringing out my mischievous side); and if someone is dumb enough to vote against Barack Hussein Obama because they were exposed to his dread middle name - I'm willing to take it in an electoral situation this foul.
I come here by way of AD's blog...
I'm curious about your opinion on Palin's statements about eliminating domestic partner benefits for Alaska state employees to "honor" traditional families.
Well, first off, I would ask suggest noting the date of the relevant post and the title ("First Impressions" and "8/29/08"). Fair warning was given that this was my first take on the freshly-selected Palin, and was the day she was selected by McCain. (Candidates do selections, Conventions do nominations).
While I might wish for Palin to have views closer to my own on same sex marriage, domestic benefits, and LGBT military service (aka, DADT), I am deeply impressed that unlike Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and most others of a modern liberal/left bent, Palin took the necessary moment (before things went all pear-shaped), sought legal advice, and then did her constitutional duty (i.e., vetoed an unconstitutional bill before it became law and plagued her constituents with expensive and futile litigation) rather than resort to the standard liberal "but it's something *I* want, constitutionial and statutory strictures aren't binding on me!"
Palin took responsibility, did the right thing, didn't try and stall (see the nearly thirty-year annually renewed temporary ban on adult business licenses in Seattle, recently overturned by the State Supreme Court) or find loopholes, and took it in the teeth. I can respect that - a lot.
I would have the same respect for a rabidly anti-gun Democrat who, upon discovering that in the office they held, they were not only barred at constitutional and statutory levels from regulating firearms, but were compelled by statute to objectively issue concealed weapons permits to qualifying members of the general public pretty much on request - sucked it up and did their job, stayed out of the State Capitol on the issue, and issued those permits without making a fuss.
That's called being a grown-up. And I'd rather have a grown-up and honorable opponent than an undependable and emotion-driven ally. I *like* folks that are within radar range of reality, even if their view is different than mine - grown-ups have room to disagree and remain civil.
Further, I am an American first, and a gay man second. I am deeply grateful that those two considerations come into conflict as seldom as they do. Presently, Palin is the only one on either ticket (DEM or GOP) that favorably impresses me at any kind of a serious level.
It is my belief that Barack Hussein Obama* will, if elected, regardless of his running mate prove to be an untrammeled disaster for this nation with his combination of touchy-feely "Hope’n’ChangeTM " socialism with a dash of corruption (ACORN?), and combined with the unbridled arrogance and vileness of Biden, will unleash suffering upon the land with great even-handedness for the average middle-class and economically challenged members of the American public. That using the words "gay" and "lesbian" in a speech is far less important than actually *doing* something about LGBT rights.
I do not expect McCain-Palin to be great crusaders for LGBT rights - which I define as equality before the law. Happily, due to past efforts, while room remains for progress we are already mostly in that happy space in most parts of the nation. Where we are not, it is largely going to require local, state-by-state, county-by-county, and city-by-city efforts to achieve that legal equality - not Federal action.
That said, however, even as I don't expect much progress at the Federal level under McCain-Palin (Immigration, DADT, DOMA, Benefits, etc) I do expect that in 2012 or 2016 that there will still be an economy to come back to, that isn't a smoking shambled ruin.
It is my hope that in 2012 or 2016 to see a candidate emerge from either party that recognizes that economic and personal freedom are both necessary for a prosperous and successful society; that there are limits to the authority of the federal government - and where exceeded, that same government must be pruned back; that the Patriot Act and its' illegitimate children do not trump the Constitution; that privacy in ones persons, papers, property, and communications are all legitimate and reasonable expectations of the citizenry; and that the 2nd Amendment *is* an individual right, just as broad as the 1st.
McCain-Pallin offer us hope of minor improvement or standing pat on the broad scale of American issues, and seem likely (or at least best-served) to simply leave LGBT issues to the states for four years.
Obama-Biden seems likely to screw things up so badly that every little bit of bigotry and predjudice will come oozing out from under their various rocks, as such things tend to do in economic bad times when folks are fearful and desperate.
*Barack Hussein Obama's full name is used here for a variety of reasons. It seems to get the collective panties of the DNC and their fellow travelers all balled up in a capsicum-marinated knot (a worthwhile goal in and of itself) ; so many have made so much of how it's "not nice and not Politically Correct to use the middle name of Barack Hussein Obama (and PC just annoys the crap out of me, bringing out my mischievous side); and if someone is dumb enough to vote against Barack Hussein Obama because they were exposed to his dread middle name - I'm willing to take it in an electoral situation this foul.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thoughts on Gustav & the GOP
Pondering, as I wait for sleep to come, the comments of Michael Moore and former DNC Chair and leading Obama supporter Don Fowler suggesting that Hurricane Gustav is divine punishment of the GOP either for daring to exist or for spawning George Bush (or both), I find myself moderately peeved and contemplating fond hopes that such public insensitivity and heartlessness can be used to beat the DNC and its' assorted candidates about the head and shoulders at great length.
A thought. Cancel the GOP Convention in Minneapolis and phone it in. Seriously. The national conventions in recent years have been nothing but political showpieces, tightly managed media spectacles coronating known quantities. There no longer exists, with modern communication, any reason to gather twenty or thirty thousand people in one physical location to choose an already-chosen Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate to represent a given party.
So...in the face of Gustav, and stereotypical DNC "dancing in the blood" glee - just what does a GOP candidate get out of throwing a convention beyond providing a venue for protesters against his/her cause? Seriously, I'm not seeing a vast benefit here.....
Conversely, were McCain and Palin on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning to announce that the GOP Convention would be "virtual" (i.e., let's phone it in) and that they were requesting that the GOP re-direct all funds previously dedicated to the convention to helping victims of Gustav and taking preventative measures against future such weather-based victimizations, and ask that those previously planning on attending in whatever role do the same (and that various contractors/vendors "do the right thing")...wouldn't that rather just torpedo the whole "GOP are meanies that don't care about folks" meme while at the same time giving the GOP a *huge* PR boost?
I'm just saying...expensive & self-injuring party fling vs. huge campaign boost...
Just thinking, is all....
A thought. Cancel the GOP Convention in Minneapolis and phone it in. Seriously. The national conventions in recent years have been nothing but political showpieces, tightly managed media spectacles coronating known quantities. There no longer exists, with modern communication, any reason to gather twenty or thirty thousand people in one physical location to choose an already-chosen Presidential and Vice Presidential candidate to represent a given party.
So...in the face of Gustav, and stereotypical DNC "dancing in the blood" glee - just what does a GOP candidate get out of throwing a convention beyond providing a venue for protesters against his/her cause? Seriously, I'm not seeing a vast benefit here.....
Conversely, were McCain and Palin on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning to announce that the GOP Convention would be "virtual" (i.e., let's phone it in) and that they were requesting that the GOP re-direct all funds previously dedicated to the convention to helping victims of Gustav and taking preventative measures against future such weather-based victimizations, and ask that those previously planning on attending in whatever role do the same (and that various contractors/vendors "do the right thing")...wouldn't that rather just torpedo the whole "GOP are meanies that don't care about folks" meme while at the same time giving the GOP a *huge* PR boost?
I'm just saying...expensive & self-injuring party fling vs. huge campaign boost...
Just thinking, is all....
Friday, August 29, 2008
First Impressions: Palin vs. Biden
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2008/08/mccain-palin-vp.html
Given that the LA Times is not, by the wildest stretch of the imagination, a wild-eyed right-wing rag...the above article should prove fairly revealing.
1) Obviously, she is a woman, and this may appeal to many disgruntled former Hillary supporters.
2) She's already run a major reform *against her own party*.
3) She's savvy enough to, in a state like Alaska, purge the silly luxuries (Private jet, chauffeur, etc) from the Gov. office.
4) She comes with a history of tax cuts. (Always popular with the average voter).
5) She strongly favors ANWR drilling (Quite popular with the average voter facing long commutes and obscene gas prices).
6) She's fought the oil companies, driving through a pipeline they *opposed*.
7) As a hunter and lifetime NRA member, she solidifies the gun-owner demographic that previously only grudgingly supported McCain as infinitesimally less horrid than Obama.
Unlike adding a known plagiarist (Neil Kinnock, '88; Law School), the most talented Gaffe-Meister since Dan Quayle ("I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," Biden said. - CNN 1/31/07 ), and 35 years of Senatorial support of the status quo (which kind of drags down the whole "hope and change" meme) ...
Palin would seem to gather back in potentially straying GOP demographics, appeal to the blue collar "you're spending my money on WHAT?" meme, and reach out to disgruntled DEM voters.
Analysis? Biden, as VP nominee, is not terribly dissimilar to going that extra step to machine gun ones own foot (a mere rifle shot being insufficient to the task); Palin, while lesser known, does not present any obvious downsides at this point and brings several upsides to the GOP ticket, from their point of view.
Given that the LA Times is not, by the wildest stretch of the imagination, a wild-eyed right-wing rag...the above article should prove fairly revealing.
1) Obviously, she is a woman, and this may appeal to many disgruntled former Hillary supporters.
2) She's already run a major reform *against her own party*.
3) She's savvy enough to, in a state like Alaska, purge the silly luxuries (Private jet, chauffeur, etc) from the Gov. office.
4) She comes with a history of tax cuts. (Always popular with the average voter).
5) She strongly favors ANWR drilling (Quite popular with the average voter facing long commutes and obscene gas prices).
6) She's fought the oil companies, driving through a pipeline they *opposed*.
7) As a hunter and lifetime NRA member, she solidifies the gun-owner demographic that previously only grudgingly supported McCain as infinitesimally less horrid than Obama.
Unlike adding a known plagiarist (Neil Kinnock, '88; Law School), the most talented Gaffe-Meister since Dan Quayle ("I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy," Biden said. - CNN 1/31/07 ), and 35 years of Senatorial support of the status quo (which kind of drags down the whole "hope and change" meme) ...
Palin would seem to gather back in potentially straying GOP demographics, appeal to the blue collar "you're spending my money on WHAT?" meme, and reach out to disgruntled DEM voters.
Analysis? Biden, as VP nominee, is not terribly dissimilar to going that extra step to machine gun ones own foot (a mere rifle shot being insufficient to the task); Palin, while lesser known, does not present any obvious downsides at this point and brings several upsides to the GOP ticket, from their point of view.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
With a VP like this, who needs...
Barack Hussein Obama* has a problem. Not surprisingly, I greet this with a certain schadenfreude.
Biden.
Biden, a compulsive plagiarist and liar first publicly documented in the '88 Presidential Race, certainly brings no ethical weight to any ticket. From Biden's comments on how Obama was the first "articulate/bright/clean/nice-looking" African American to run for national office, Biden strives and succeeds in achieving the title Gaffe-Meister with unusual verve and inspiration.
In that self-same CNN article, Biden is quoted as saying:
"You cannot go into a 7-11 or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. Oh, I'm not joking.""Better than everybody else. You don't know my state. My state was a slave state. My state is a border state. My state is the eighth largest black population in the country. My state is anything from a northeast liberal state."
From another MSM article, Biden is quoted as saying of Barack Hussein Obama* "I think he can be ready but right now, I don’t believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training."
And then there are the many and serious criticisms of Barack Hussein Obama by Biden documented as recently as August 23rd in the New York Observer.
By his own hand, Barack Hussein Obama* has hung a dead stinking albatross about his neck and anointed it with skunk oil to be extra sure. And this is before we examine the late-breaking tale of Obama and Biden holding hands as they prance together towards the earmark trough, benefiting Biden's son.
Many level charges of inexperience at Barack Hussein Obama* - with good reason. With only his experiences of Chicago Machine Politics and a mere four years of service in the United States Senate (and absolutely no executive experience) behind him, Barack Hussein Obama* at best faces a serious struggle to persuade anyone of intelligence that he has the gravitas to pull off four or eight years as President as anything less than a disaster of biblical proportions.
Barack Hussein Obama* has attempted to counter this penetrating charge of inexperience with a steady drumbeat of "Hope’n’ChangeTM " - and bringing on Biden, a 35year beltway veteran with all the morals and ethics of a mink in heat, doesn't exactly synch up with the "Hope’n’ChangeTM " message.
Let Biden be Biden - hatefulness, pit bull mentality, corruption, plagiarism, and all.
*Barack Hussein Obama's full name is used here for a variety of reasons. It seems to get the collective panties of the DNC and their fellow travelers all balled up in a capsicum-marinated knot (a worthwhile goal in and of itself) ; so many have made so much of how it's "not nice and not Politically Correct to use the middle name of Barack Hussein Obama (and PC just annoys the crap out of me, bringing out my mischievous side); and if someone is dumb enough to vote against Barack Hussein Obama because they were exposed to his dread middle name - I'm willing to take it in an electoral situation this foul.
Biden.
Biden, a compulsive plagiarist and liar first publicly documented in the '88 Presidential Race, certainly brings no ethical weight to any ticket. From Biden's comments on how Obama was the first "articulate/bright/clean/nice-looking" African American to run for national office, Biden strives and succeeds in achieving the title Gaffe-Meister with unusual verve and inspiration.
In that self-same CNN article, Biden is quoted as saying:
"You cannot go into a 7-11 or a Dunkin' Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent. Oh, I'm not joking.""Better than everybody else. You don't know my state. My state was a slave state. My state is a border state. My state is the eighth largest black population in the country. My state is anything from a northeast liberal state."
From another MSM article, Biden is quoted as saying of Barack Hussein Obama* "I think he can be ready but right now, I don’t believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training."
And then there are the many and serious criticisms of Barack Hussein Obama by Biden documented as recently as August 23rd in the New York Observer.
By his own hand, Barack Hussein Obama* has hung a dead stinking albatross about his neck and anointed it with skunk oil to be extra sure. And this is before we examine the late-breaking tale of Obama and Biden holding hands as they prance together towards the earmark trough, benefiting Biden's son.
Many level charges of inexperience at Barack Hussein Obama* - with good reason. With only his experiences of Chicago Machine Politics and a mere four years of service in the United States Senate (and absolutely no executive experience) behind him, Barack Hussein Obama* at best faces a serious struggle to persuade anyone of intelligence that he has the gravitas to pull off four or eight years as President as anything less than a disaster of biblical proportions.
Barack Hussein Obama* has attempted to counter this penetrating charge of inexperience with a steady drumbeat of "Hope’n’ChangeTM " - and bringing on Biden, a 35year beltway veteran with all the morals and ethics of a mink in heat, doesn't exactly synch up with the "Hope’n’ChangeTM " message.
Let Biden be Biden - hatefulness, pit bull mentality, corruption, plagiarism, and all.
*Barack Hussein Obama's full name is used here for a variety of reasons. It seems to get the collective panties of the DNC and their fellow travelers all balled up in a capsicum-marinated knot (a worthwhile goal in and of itself) ; so many have made so much of how it's "not nice and not Politically Correct to use the middle name of Barack Hussein Obama (and PC just annoys the crap out of me, bringing out my mischievous side); and if someone is dumb enough to vote against Barack Hussein Obama because they were exposed to his dread middle name - I'm willing to take it in an electoral situation this foul.
Pancake Goodness
Now and again, Costco will run a test product - a really GOOD test product - which then vanishes never to be seen again.
Thus it was recently when Coaches Oats Pancake Mix became available at Costco. Bought some on a whim, and this multi-grain goodness left Krusteaz in the dirt (with nasty comparisons to sawdust patties being made). For flavor, texture, and just filling you up in a way that sticks to you - I've never had a better pancake.
Thus my disappointment when I learned that Coach's Oats Pancake Mix was but a flash in the Costco pan, unlikely to be seen again. Grr.
Happily, I found the Coach's Oats website, and the recipe to take their oatmeal product to the goodness that is the pancake product (as yet untested, but it seems promising. While you can't get the pancake mix, you CAN get Coach's Oats via their website....
Thus it was recently when Coaches Oats Pancake Mix became available at Costco. Bought some on a whim, and this multi-grain goodness left Krusteaz in the dirt (with nasty comparisons to sawdust patties being made). For flavor, texture, and just filling you up in a way that sticks to you - I've never had a better pancake.
Thus my disappointment when I learned that Coach's Oats Pancake Mix was but a flash in the Costco pan, unlikely to be seen again. Grr.
Happily, I found the Coach's Oats website, and the recipe to take their oatmeal product to the goodness that is the pancake product (as yet untested, but it seems promising. While you can't get the pancake mix, you CAN get Coach's Oats via their website....
Pancakes | ||
2 cups all-purpose flour | ¼ cup sugar |
In a mixing bowl, stir together dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine eggs, vanilla, milk and water. Add liquid to dry ingredients. Stir mixture until well blended.
Pour ¼ cup batter into a hot, lightly greased griddle for each pancake. Cook both sides until golden brown.
Makes 16-18 pancakes
News of the Odd
I like cats. We all know I like cats...but does anyone else find this vaguely disturbing?
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Pelosi-Obama support the Second Amendment...
In news from Denver, we learn that a hunter lawfully walked into the Grand Hyatt hotel with 2 rifles and 2 pistols Saturday around 4 p.m., Denver Police evacuated House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) from the hotel until they arrested the hunter, currently being held on bond. The rifles were secured in a rifle case, and the pistols in the Wyoming mans' luggage.
Needless to say, this gives all of us in the various realms of the Pro2A movement such a lot to look forward to under a Pelosi-Obama administration.
I've said it before, here and elsewhere - McCain is ever so slightly less vile than Obama, and with Congress held by the opposing party, unlikely to achieve the sheer scope of economic, domestic, security, and foreign policy disasters available under Barack Hussein Obama and the Gaffe-Meister, Joe Biden.
Given the choice of a bucketful of crap, and a dairy retaining pond full - I'd suggest the bucket is marginally less unpleasant, and that it behooves us to take the long view, hold our nose and vote for McCain - at least he's not a tool from the Daley machine.
Needless to say, this gives all of us in the various realms of the Pro2A movement such a lot to look forward to under a Pelosi-Obama administration.
I've said it before, here and elsewhere - McCain is ever so slightly less vile than Obama, and with Congress held by the opposing party, unlikely to achieve the sheer scope of economic, domestic, security, and foreign policy disasters available under Barack Hussein Obama and the Gaffe-Meister, Joe Biden.
Given the choice of a bucketful of crap, and a dairy retaining pond full - I'd suggest the bucket is marginally less unpleasant, and that it behooves us to take the long view, hold our nose and vote for McCain - at least he's not a tool from the Daley machine.
Ayers Anti-Obama Ad, First Amendment
Well, here's my take on it - if a political ad crosses the line into the slanderous or the libelous, why then it's a matter for the civil courts. Much short of that boundary is a clear violation of the FIRST Amendment, and prior restraint on political speech.
In this instance, an individual of means has chosen to spend some of his wealth on an advertisement bringing Obama's close association (some would say, his mentoring by) 1960's terrorist and radical William Ayers of the Weather Underground (aka, "The Weathermen", a group responsible for more than thirty bombings across the United States in the late 1960's and early 1970's) into play as a campaign issue.
Rather than respond to the advertisment, the Obama campaign has attempted to suppress the "bad-thought" via threats of litigation, regulatory harassment, and criminal prosecution. This does not bode well for Freedom of Speech under an Obama administration, at least for anyone not worshiping at the Temple of Obama.
Having been launched into the world, however, the advertisement cannot be called back and is already making its' way across blogspace and the 'net with folks *gasp* discussing it and the issues it brings to the table. The Obama Camp's argument thus far has summed as "it's ILLEGAL and MEAN to say that" - but has not addressed in any substantive way that I've seen as of yet questions regarding truth, and what hanging out with a terrorist says about a man.
The ad in question is embedded below for your own consideration (rather than basing your opinion on my blowhard-ism, that of the Obama camp, or that of the GOP camp - allowing you to view the original source).
McCain-Feingold is an abomination and a blemish upon the Constitution, a pustulent legal boil in vast need of the lancet of the Supreme Court.
In this instance, an individual of means has chosen to spend some of his wealth on an advertisement bringing Obama's close association (some would say, his mentoring by) 1960's terrorist and radical William Ayers of the Weather Underground (aka, "The Weathermen", a group responsible for more than thirty bombings across the United States in the late 1960's and early 1970's) into play as a campaign issue.
Rather than respond to the advertisment, the Obama campaign has attempted to suppress the "bad-thought" via threats of litigation, regulatory harassment, and criminal prosecution. This does not bode well for Freedom of Speech under an Obama administration, at least for anyone not worshiping at the Temple of Obama.
Having been launched into the world, however, the advertisement cannot be called back and is already making its' way across blogspace and the 'net with folks *gasp* discussing it and the issues it brings to the table. The Obama Camp's argument thus far has summed as "it's ILLEGAL and MEAN to say that" - but has not addressed in any substantive way that I've seen as of yet questions regarding truth, and what hanging out with a terrorist says about a man.
The ad in question is embedded below for your own consideration (rather than basing your opinion on my blowhard-ism, that of the Obama camp, or that of the GOP camp - allowing you to view the original source).
McCain-Feingold is an abomination and a blemish upon the Constitution, a pustulent legal boil in vast need of the lancet of the Supreme Court.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Hot Damn! The Pink Gorilla Tale is Complete!
Over at TheLawDogFiles the long-awaited Pink Gorilla Story has been completed - long awaited, we loyal readers have patiently tapped our feet and withstood various hints until now, fully fledged, it launches forth from the fertile mind of the LawDog.
Sadly, there is apparently no video - but where's the animators when you need them?
Sadly, there is apparently no video - but where's the animators when you need them?
Monday, August 25, 2008
Crusader Rabbit...The Great Poofter Debate
That damned keyboard just grew itty bitty little little hands and typed a fisking upon a bigot in the comments at Crusader Rabbit.
Bad keyboard. Must spank.
Monday, August 18, 2008
A serious moment....
I had an encounter this weekend that left me a bit shaken. A near-mugging with myself and a good (if runty) friend as the guests of honor.
For new or forgetful readers, much as I advocate it, "run away, run away" is not a real option for me in any situation where I'm on foot, though with mechanical assistance, it remains valid. "Fall to the ground and gasp for air" is not an approved safety strategy, according to most experts.
We'd been over by Lake Washington and returned to Capitol Hill (the historic "gay ghetto" of Seattle from the early '70's through the present day) to visit a long-time local restaurant to grab lunch. My friend smokes, so after parking we lingered in the parking lot for him to feed his habit before entering the establishment (since smoking is banned in WA in any business establishment or within 25' thereof) . My friend being the handsome and charming sort that he is, I was not radiating my usual "not worth screwing with" vibe I strive to emanate when casually meandering the urban landscape, such a vibe being counterproductive to my assorted evil intentions.
This was an error. A better strategy would have been to meander out to Broadway, the main drag through the Hill, where we would be visible to one and all. This error was a failure in that best personal safety strategy of all, "be someplace the trouble not only isn't, but isn't likely to show up". I can only plead distraction.
We were approached by a largish drunken bum asking for change, and I declined with my usual "sorry, friend, no change here"...when he persisted, I lost patience and suggested "Friend, why don't you just bugger off?"
Perhaps a bit less diplomatic than wise, but I grow tired of being unable to walk a city street without being stopped every few yards by yet another supplicant, and for a moment I lost patience. Needless to say, the rather direct suggestion that the supplicant du jour leave was not well received.
He grew aggressive and it became apparent I had miscalculated, and that all things considered, things had the potential to get astonishingly grim.
I turned to my friend, and suggested we move on, and he readily agreed. While the drunk shrieked imprecations, he did not pursue.
Sometimes, walking away, cautiously...is really the best choice. Simply because you lawfully carry doesn't mean that your firearm is your first/best choice in a dangerous situation; nor is pride your best friend.
At the end of the day, by my lights, it's really the ideal that everyone should walk away with nothing more than their little feelings all injured.
It's all down hill from there, with lots of really exciting risks, trauma, expenses, and general misery attached no matter how things turn out - but that said, if it comes down to a situation going *that* far south...better to suffer the aftermath than become the honored guest of the King County Medical Examiner.
Still a bit shook, and a bit angry with myself for variously losing patience in a less than ideal situation...and for letting my guard down enough to linger in a lonely parking lot, rather than suggesting my friend enjoy his pre-prandial nicotine in a somewhat more public venue.
Le sigh.
For new or forgetful readers, much as I advocate it, "run away, run away" is not a real option for me in any situation where I'm on foot, though with mechanical assistance, it remains valid. "Fall to the ground and gasp for air" is not an approved safety strategy, according to most experts.
We'd been over by Lake Washington and returned to Capitol Hill (the historic "gay ghetto" of Seattle from the early '70's through the present day) to visit a long-time local restaurant to grab lunch. My friend smokes, so after parking we lingered in the parking lot for him to feed his habit before entering the establishment (since smoking is banned in WA in any business establishment or within 25' thereof) . My friend being the handsome and charming sort that he is, I was not radiating my usual "not worth screwing with" vibe I strive to emanate when casually meandering the urban landscape, such a vibe being counterproductive to my assorted evil intentions.
This was an error. A better strategy would have been to meander out to Broadway, the main drag through the Hill, where we would be visible to one and all. This error was a failure in that best personal safety strategy of all, "be someplace the trouble not only isn't, but isn't likely to show up". I can only plead distraction.
We were approached by a largish drunken bum asking for change, and I declined with my usual "sorry, friend, no change here"...when he persisted, I lost patience and suggested "Friend, why don't you just bugger off?"
Perhaps a bit less diplomatic than wise, but I grow tired of being unable to walk a city street without being stopped every few yards by yet another supplicant, and for a moment I lost patience. Needless to say, the rather direct suggestion that the supplicant du jour leave was not well received.
He grew aggressive and it became apparent I had miscalculated, and that all things considered, things had the potential to get astonishingly grim.
I turned to my friend, and suggested we move on, and he readily agreed. While the drunk shrieked imprecations, he did not pursue.
Sometimes, walking away, cautiously...is really the best choice. Simply because you lawfully carry doesn't mean that your firearm is your first/best choice in a dangerous situation; nor is pride your best friend.
At the end of the day, by my lights, it's really the ideal that everyone should walk away with nothing more than their little feelings all injured.
It's all down hill from there, with lots of really exciting risks, trauma, expenses, and general misery attached no matter how things turn out - but that said, if it comes down to a situation going *that* far south...better to suffer the aftermath than become the honored guest of the King County Medical Examiner.
Still a bit shook, and a bit angry with myself for variously losing patience in a less than ideal situation...and for letting my guard down enough to linger in a lonely parking lot, rather than suggesting my friend enjoy his pre-prandial nicotine in a somewhat more public venue.
Le sigh.
Too good not to share...
A dear friend who, unusually handsome AND intelligent/kind/wise in equal measure, not surprisingly gets a heightened degree of attention on the gay dating sites he occasionally frequents - often to the point where he falls behind on keeping up with replying to all the lusty supplicants.
He recently entered this little exchange (below) which I thought he handled with a degree of verve and skill (and snark) that should remain a classic how-to for dealing passive-aggressive self-hating bitter queens...
lusty supplicant: oh i messaged you several days ago and got no response. in your face, i thought i saw someone who wasn't typical of capitol hill, and that if you weren't attracted by a profile, would at least say so...when i didn't hear back from you, i figured oh...he's like all the rest up there. which, by the way i vehemently avoid and without compunction.
Friend2000: Well, this seems like a subject you have carefully considered and deeply thought about, as the response is both heart-felt and well-worded. You might consider not jumping to conclusions and take other people's lives in consideration - in my case I haven't been able to sort through and properly respond to all of my emails, as I don't log on here often. I'm glad your original impression of my profile was favorable, and I hope you will find whoever you are looking for. Sadly, thinly-veiled passive-aggressiveness is not something that I find attractive. I hope you understand.
No hard feelings and good luck.
Friend
All names have been changed to protect the guilty. I submit my friend should take up writing snark under a pen name as a side gig.
He recently entered this little exchange (below) which I thought he handled with a degree of verve and skill (and snark) that should remain a classic how-to for dealing passive-aggressive self-hating bitter queens...
lusty supplicant: oh i messaged you several days ago and got no response. in your face, i thought i saw someone who wasn't typical of capitol hill, and that if you weren't attracted by a profile, would at least say so...when i didn't hear back from you, i figured oh...he's like all the rest up there. which, by the way i vehemently avoid and without compunction.
Friend2000: Well, this seems like a subject you have carefully considered and deeply thought about, as the response is both heart-felt and well-worded. You might consider not jumping to conclusions and take other people's lives in consideration - in my case I haven't been able to sort through and properly respond to all of my emails, as I don't log on here often. I'm glad your original impression of my profile was favorable, and I hope you will find whoever you are looking for. Sadly, thinly-veiled passive-aggressiveness is not something that I find attractive. I hope you understand.
No hard feelings and good luck.
Friend
All names have been changed to protect the guilty. I submit my friend should take up writing snark under a pen name as a side gig.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Common Sense in Texas...
I first read of it via Drudge (via a link to a media source which shall never be named), and confirmed it in other Reuters based news stories, before reading of the Harrold School District in N. Texas in Lawdogs blog entry.
Seems Sup't. David Thweatt, with the unanimous approval of his school board, has instituted a bright shiny new policy in his District. Teachers and staff who lawfully hold a Texas CPL, complete additional training, and are individually approved by the board will be authorized to carry a concealed firearm in the classroom, at school events, and on school premises.
Thweatt's insightful comments pointing out the general dimness of publicizing the presence and location of a large population of folks made vulnerable by nothing less than the heavy hand of the law have been covered somewhat, but not as thoroughly as one might hope.
In any case, I wrote the good Superintendant to offer a bit of moral support..and it seems he's only gotten fifty or so such e-mails (and three rather less supportive ones). Might I suggest if you agree with the actions of Thweatt and his board, that an email in his general direction might be a worthy effort?
Seems Sup't. David Thweatt, with the unanimous approval of his school board, has instituted a bright shiny new policy in his District. Teachers and staff who lawfully hold a Texas CPL, complete additional training, and are individually approved by the board will be authorized to carry a concealed firearm in the classroom, at school events, and on school premises.
Thweatt's insightful comments pointing out the general dimness of publicizing the presence and location of a large population of folks made vulnerable by nothing less than the heavy hand of the law have been covered somewhat, but not as thoroughly as one might hope.
In any case, I wrote the good Superintendant to offer a bit of moral support..and it seems he's only gotten fifty or so such e-mails (and three rather less supportive ones). Might I suggest if you agree with the actions of Thweatt and his board, that an email in his general direction might be a worthy effort?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)