Right As Usual

Anarcho-Tyranny I was introduced to this idea by Francis Porretto of Bastion of Liberty (and Outlaw Bloggers ). It perfectly explains why the government is so obsessed with micro-managing the Libertarian impulses of the American people, but refuses to deal with ACTUAL crimes. In short, Sam Francis's most enduring, as well as trenchant, political insight may have been his perception of what he caustically described as "the unique achievement of the political genius of the modern era." Francis dubbed this "anarcho-tyranny"-"a kind of Hegelian synthesis of two opposites," he explained, in which the failure of the state to enforce protective law is coupled with the enforcement of oppressive law by the state to tyrannical ends. Under anarcho-tyranny, the underclass-rampaging blacks, illegal aliens invading from south of the border-is by and large tolerated or ignored in its behavior, while the law-abiding middle classes and that part of the upper class t...

My husband and I have been working to reduce our debt-load.  Our hope/plan (we PLAN to do it, but Life may intervene) is to enter our retirement years with only a manageable house payment as debt.  To do that, we are in the process of setting up a payment schedule that targets debts, avoids incurring further debt, and uses assets/income with that plan in mind at all times. In short, it won't happen because we HOPE it MIGHT.

I'm a teacher. The "Progressive/Social Justice" model was just beginning when I was certified.  I gotta be honest, at that time, I was all in on that approach. Fast Forward 30 years: Now, the SJW (Social Justice Warrior) model is the ONLY one. Those not toeing the line have been tossed out/retired/hounded by the RE-gressive Mob. As a result, the ONLY teaching model the younger teachers have been exposed to is SJW. What has happened to education? It's NOT a pretty sight.

I knew the story of Purim, of how Esther saved the Jewish people.  But, I've never heard it from this perspective, and realized its application to our lives today. I do understand those who wish wars to end, for there to be peace.  Who doesn't want young men, just past childhood, to be kept safe?  Who would willingly send them to war? We don't, and for that reason, we seldom fight offensive wars.  Mostly, Americans just want to be able to live in peace. Others in the world don't want that goal.  They dream of capturing/re-capturing terrority, thereby enriching their society, and gaining prestige in the international arena. They may be part of nations; they might be relatively small cells of slightly larger tribes/coalitions/ethnic groups.  But, collectively, they seek to gain through force - and a LOT of deaths.  They have large numbers of unemployed, idle young men, who they will use, like a natural resource, to achieve their bloody ends. We might wan...

I'm always puzzled by the extended outpouring of "grief" that emits from fans when their  Idol has succumbed to death, untimely or not. I mean, I want to give them a shake, loudly imploring, "Get a LIFE!".  I don't, instead ensuring my continued friendly relations by saying, "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that", with that upturned eyebrows feign of sorrow and concern. The celebrities that have generated the most waterworks: Michael Jackson - 50 year old - even I had to experience a momentary pause, thinking it was a shame that he died so young.  Then, I thought about his victims over the years, and that feeling passed. Judy Garland - 47 - addictions. Kurt Cobain - 27 - I was too old to even know his music.  He seemed to celebrate suicide and chemical addiction. Jimi Hendrix - 27 - again, an addict, fairly predictable that he would die young. Janis Joplin - 27 - see above. Marilyn Monroe - 36 - again, the addiction problems seem to be a ...

Actually, it's a LOT like they choose their bands, shoes, cars, and spouses. Emotion. In all of the above, they like how their choice makes them FEEL. I was having a discussion with a friend who is passionate about rock bands.  I said, "My husband likes his 1950's singers for the same reason you like your bands." He started to argue with me, pointing out all of the reasons why HIS bands ruled - the lyrics, the instrumental virtuosity, the unforgettable music. Nope, I said.  You chose them for the same reason. They make you FEEL like you were young again.  They remind you of how it was to be young, at the peak of your physical powers, and attractive to potential partners. You love the FEELING, not the music. Many people pick their shoes the same.  I've long been puzzled by the many celebrity women, who, judging from the deformations of their feet, will wear tremendously uncomfortable shoes, that cause their foot and toe structure to undergo permanent damage. When y...

If I read ONE more time about how Hillary - a woman only a few brief years older that I am - is just an out-of-touch-with-technology WOMAN, I'm gonna hurl. For crying out loud, I'M a woman, and I not only use that technology, I read about it, am aware of security needs, and know that she was: Either so clueless that she is thereby declaring herself incompetent for the job she's seeking, or Lying her overstuffed a$$ off I tend to believe (2), but - as it happens - there is no absolute need to consider (1) ALSO an option, simultaneously. Her serial lying is a problem, but not for the reason you'd think. She's REALLY bad at it. Today's national leaders have to be GOOD liars.  Her husband was the Gold Standard in this aspect. The ignorance thing is a concern.  If she genuinely is that clueless, it's hardly a Feminist Triumph to make such a Dingbat the next President. I see no need for that level of what Steve Allen called "Dumbth".  Yes, I realize ...

So, I'm catching up on the news - both on the computer, and with some "news" show in the background. Congress has shown a spine - a little late, but nonetheless, welcome.   They have passed a resolution applying the term "genocide" to the systematic elimination of Christians in the Middle East. Is there anyone who has a single doubt that Obama will fail to act?  Oh, he'll mouth some mealy-mouthed words, probably blaming Christians for the Crusades (Hey, O-man, at SOME point, a defensive action - which the Crusades largely were - should stopped being used to justify present-day slaughter, rape, enslavement, and torture). The "Trial of the Century" is being exploited for ratings on TV, with a heavily-slanted, pro-defense series.  The Goldmans were just on to register their strong opposition to the fictionalizing of the story.   People magazine did a nice piece about Ron Goldman, who they called "the forgotten victim". I've been reading ...

However, I do think The Donald falls closer to a demagogue. That doesn't mean that his supporters aren't Populists. In fact, I think MOST of them are. It all comes down to refusing to believe that your political opponents are DEMONS.  If, instead, they are people, who disagree with you for reasons NOT related to their EVIL, then you can "agree to disagree", and co-exist. If, on the other hand, they are ONLY motivated by RACISM, BIGOTRY, and HATRED, then you shouldn't co-exist.  You must annihilate them.  Which, unfortunately, too many people are willing to do. The real question is:  are Americans willing to talk to each other, rather than scream at each other?  Will each side look at the FACTS, rather than revert to talking points.  I'm talking about looking at what has actually happened, not what you are told by politicians. Fact:   Obamacare is a failure.  The only way it sorta-works is by blatantly ignoring the law, and making up regulations ...

Which would be one that would lead to the kind of economic growth that is associated with human betterment? I'm guessing that most of us would want one that has jobs, homes, and material needs for our children and grandchildren, as well as for anyone that wants to put forth the effort to improve themself.  And, yes, there are those that don't want to put out that effort - well, they might LIKE their life to be better, but they are not willing to make the personal changes - getting up early in the morning, humbling themselves to improve their reading or math skills, showing up on time for class, avoiding chemical/alcohol use when they are looking for work. Dynamic societies are the ones that have that potential for improving our lives.   Read (or watch) what Virginia Postrel has to say about that .

I haven't felt this hopeless since 1980.  At that time, I was planning to vote for Anderson (boy, that was a wasted vote), thereby giving the election to Reagan. When Reagan was elected, I thought the world had ended - Obviously, Reagan would unleash war that would destroy civilization as we know it. That not only didn't happen, but during those Reagan/Bush I years, I was able to return to school, become a teacher, buy our first house, and begin to get some stability in our lives. We've had some ups and down since then, but the general trend has been upward. However, during those same years, the culture has continued its already-evident slide into coarseness, filth, and vulgarity. Music videos morphed from interesting and fun (Thriller) to sleazy and degrading to women.  That may be just what happens on the road with the band, but I didn't want to see it, and the shows that continued the slide: Dallas Melbourne Place 90210 "Real" Housewives of --------...

The gowns are lovely (although that dress that Shasha is wearing is a LITTLE too mature for a 14-year old). But - almost $20,000 for a dress for a TEEN?  When the economy is tanking fast? NOT good political thinking. Unless you're Marie Antoinette.

Bookworm's Link - you need to read it. In some respects, our current situation with the nomination is our own fault - for too long, Conservatives have been narrowly focused on POLITICAL solutions: Passing legislation to stop Obamacare, keep the status quo regarding man-woman marriage, stop abortion clinics from exploiting women, etc. Suing in courts to enforce Constitutionally-guaranteed rights Electing reliably Conservative politicians After all that effort, we find ourselves watching a NON-Conservative wanna-be candidate taking over "our" party, and being unable to stop that juggernaut, despite the Republican party having a RICH trove of potential candidates standing by.  One by one, they have been savaged in the media, until, we are down to 2 top choices - either Trump, or a man that - although I support him - is not exactly Mr. Charismatic. Folks, we need to focus more of our attention on the CULTURAL hegemony. What is "hegemony"? Progressive/Liberals/...

I haven't had a lot of extra time lately - grading, exercising, working on catching up on housework and financial papers - and, on top of that, actually teaching full-time. Work is SUCH a hindrance to blogging regularly.  In part, this is because I can't access many sites at work, even on my lunch break.  Also, our network is locked to prevent us from using our own wifi devices - my iPad, alas, will not connect.  Right now, I've got at least 2 posts I haven't had time to upload from that iPad. I truly can't complain.  My work is mostly congenial.  I'm blessed to be able to afford a gym, and Gold's hours are more convenient than the Y's were.  I'm privileged to have a house, however messy. Last weekend, we attended a baby shower for my son and his girlfriend (I know, I'm not thrilled about their situation, but - not going to cut them off, either).  The trip took about 18 hours, more or less, with stops.  So, we started the week more than a little ...