Right As Usual

I was reading Fred on Everything (he is interesting - an ex-cop with a jaundiced view of some of them, an expatriate living in Mexico, who contradicts many of the stereotypes about Mexicans, etc.), and he posted on a hot topic - police presence in Black neighborhoods.  His take is - refreshing. Another column of his that is worth reading is his analysis of how America is already in the dumps - BEFORE Trump.  We've already been taken over by special interests, and no longer live in a democracy (or republic). If, like me, you want to return to a time of more freedom, pre-Federal-government-runs-everything, we might want to start planning how to take the Feds down - NOT with warfare, but with resistance, tactical refusal to give them our money, and state-by-state resistance.  I'm NOT talking revolution - that's a dead idea.  Instead, let's work incrementally, to chip away at Leftist strongholds. Some starting points: Stop sending them money.  Find work that can be done...

Isn't it funny that such a statement makes me stand out?  I'll make it more pointed: I am devoutly, unashamedly in favor of teaching ALL students who are on track to be high school graduates, the Foundations of Civilization, from the perspective of Western History. This DOESN'T mean that students shouldn't learn about other cultures, just that we shouldn't glamorize them at the expense of their own culture: Learn about Japan, including its history of rule by military, its current political and economic structure, and, by the way, Japan's complete exclusion of other races/ethnic groups from full participation in that culture.  They are quite racist, as well. China - its colonization of other countries, including the country of Tibet.  Its shaky economic structure, its refusal to allow Free Speech, Freedom of Religion, and its use of political prisoners as slave labor. France - its interlocking elitist governance, its abandonment of elderly people to die, it...

America, we are told by Progressives, is FILLED with those icky people who are not comfortable with those that differ from them ethnically, culturally, or religiously. Progressives, on the other hand, PRIDE themselves on their carefree ability to associate with - well, just about ANYONE (because they are so cosmopolitan and worldly). This is shown by their patting themselves on the back for having a passport, and using it, preferably in out-of-the-way places.  They sneer at those who travel by group; it shows their discomfort with cultures and places that are not familiar. There is one ethnic group, and culture, that the Elites are afraid of, suspicious of, and nearly totally ignorant of - the White American. Oh, the Elites will tell you exactly what the White American believes, thinks, does, and IS.  They KNOW.  Without any attempt to actually spend any time with "Those People". Such ignorance, combined with disdain, is what Elites accuse "Those People" of (Yes, I ...

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 ...

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 ...

I'm pretty well worn out today, by a combination of things: House(s) issues - they seem to drag on forever, and, just when you think it's over, another problem pops up. Money issues - my husband and I disagree on spending.  He has declared, for the last 5 years, that THIS SUMMER, we will take a cruise.  Each time I hear that, I say, "as long as we don't put it on a credit card", which is the match lighting for a good fight.  I think we have WAY too much stuff; he thinks of shopping as a recreational activity. I've been trying to work out on a regular basis - life keeps handing me a curve ball.  Sometimes, I have gotten injured; other times, I'm so overloaded with meetings and grading, I just don't have the energy.  I'm still stuck at the same weight I have been for 3 years. Politics - I never thought I'd say this, but I'm sick of it - BOTH Democratic and Republican.  Trump is on a roll, in great part to the ego problems of people wh...

...and, I am NOT happy to be repeating that time period. Keep this in mind as you think about your vote in the primaries.  It's PAST time to indulge in the luxury of "sending a message" or voting for someone with no chance in H--L of getting the nomination.  Instead, pick one of the leaders (Trump - please, NO!, Cruz, or Rubio), and get on board with their campaign.  Donate money, time, and support any way you can. I do understand that many see Trump as one who will voice their concerns without prettying it up.  I do see that appeal. But, we cannot afford to send in someone so uncommitted to principles or truth. It's basically Cruz or Rubio. Whichever of those two wins, I'll support - all the way.

One major aspect that is wrong with American Life is that minority viewpoints use our basic desire to compromise as a way of "pushing the camel's nose into the tent".  What is that?   Here is one example of the story: One day an Arab and his camel were crossing the desert. Night came and the temperature became colder. The Arab put up his tent and tied the camel to it. The Arab went to sleep. The temperature became slightly colder and the camel asked the Arab if he (camel) could just put his nose in the tent to warm up. The Arab agreed that the camel could just put his nose in, because the tent was small and there was no room for 2. So the camel's nose became warm and after a while the temperature went down even more. The camel asked the Arab again, if he (camel) could just put his fore legs in because they were very cold. The Arab reluctantly agreed that the camel could only put his fore legs in and no more. So the camel moved in his fore legs and they became warm. Af...

In the aftermath of the recent shooting - both in America, and in the rest of the world (the media focused on Paris, but just about totally ignored the kidnapping of a Malaysian engineer, who has been reportedly beheaded) - the American people are nervous. For a very good reason. Unlike truly random attacks, the Islamic terrorists aim at maximizing Christian deaths.  It is for this reason that the "holiday" party was targeted - the killers could be reasonably sure that those of the Christian faith would be present.  Other groups that have faced terror from Islamicists are the Kurds, the Druze, and, of course, every whacko group's fave, the Jews. The Progressives have been wrinkling their foreheads at the perplexing actions of ordinary Americans, who - despite the number of shootings by random crazies and "Peaceful Muslims" (trademark pending) - are reacting by choosing to increase the number of guns owned by citizens.  It's "truly a puzzlement" (to...

Putin has apparently upped the ante, charging that the USA either leaked information about the downed Russian jet, or that their allies did, causing the plane to be targeted. The leadership of the USA has been too eager, for years, to engage in treaties and mutual protection agreements with other countries.  We're currently committed to send troops into too many international fights. I'm not gonna go all Rand/Ron Paul on you, but it does seem prudent to re-examine the extent of our alliances, and let those other countries know that we expect them to limit their belligerence, territory acquisitions, and watch who they let into their borders - at least, if they want our help. If they don't need us, hey, knock yourself out, do whatever you want. Keep in mind that this could easily be disinformation, what we in the States would call blatant lying to achieve our aims.  Russia is notorious for that practice, and Putin probably learned something from his years working for the KGB.

I've written on this before.  It's a subject that fascinates me, as I grew up in a working class neighborhood that, during my childhood, was apparently the destination of choice for many immigrants. Some of the nationalities I've known in my younger days: English - my best pal's father was a retired military man from England Irish - both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland Yugoslavian Greek (one of my dad's best buddies was a Greek who became an American by volunteering for the Army) Egyptian - my daughter's friend in high school was Coptic Arabic - both Christians and Muslims - many friends of both groups German Brazilian Romanian Hungarian Polish - my aunt married a Pole who was a Byzantine Catholic Swedish Estonian Russian Japanese That list is just off the top of my head, and would probably be 2-3 times longer if I took more time to think about it. The thing is, I lived surrounded by people who originally were from someplac...

Today is a good day to focus on Cruz - he just published an immigration plan.  Very comprehensive - but NOT in that "find more ways to bring in people" way. The biggest thing?  Use of tactics that will catch the invaders: Border wall Aerial surveillance Biometric tracking system Put the screws to DHS - fire/discipline those who are screwing up, work with the states And other ideas The absolutely BEST idea?   Get rid of the "slush funds" - government funds that are given to groups acting contrary to American interests (those that are allowing invaders to drag out the process of deportation, help invaders settle into communities in the USA).

He LOOKS like such a kindly, if slightly cranky, uncle.  His appeal is that he is for the "Little People". But, is that reality - or a carefully crafted misleading of the American people? [caption id="attachment_1037" align="alignleft" width="275"] Lovable Lil Socialist[/caption] Let's start with his record on Free Speech - he's against it - at least when it comes to speech HE and his Progressive Friends don't approve of, like the right of corporations to lobby for their interests, those opposing Conventional PC Thought, or those who would dare to disagree with the Fashionable Left. Sanders was against American involvement in Vietnam - BUT, it was NOT because of his deep love for humanity - like most Progressives/Leftists, he averted his eyes to the atrocities of the South Vietnam bloodbath after the Americans left. [caption id="attachment_1038" align="alignleft" width="278"] Not As Far Left As Bernie[/...

I've been only sporadically keeping up with the Republican "pit bull fights" - er, "debates".  Not disinterested, just REALLY busy with other things in my life. So, I really do depend on analysis of their performance from trusted sources on the Internet.  What do I consider a trusted source? Someone who cites reputable sources, with links, for their argumentative points Someone who is upfront about their affiliations, donations, and political leanings/votes Someone who does not merely repeat talking points Someone who does not demonize or smear the opposing side This is a relatively small group.  They support different candidates, but generally will order that support on a continium - Prefer X, but Y is OK except for issue B, and Z would be terrible, because of.... That sort of reasoning, that is an assist to, but not a replacement for, keeping up generally on the candidates' progress/statements/background (verifiable). What I read of Cruz's work...

Today's campuses have a LOT in common with the Old South, pre-Civil War: ALL women are fragile, delicate flowers They cannot TAKE coarse, rough language They are put on a pedestal (in today's terms, they CANNOT be criticized for ANYTHING) They can say or do anything, without forfeiting their position They can chastise any men, without fear of being contradicted They are prone to the vapors if the subject veers into potentially upsetting topics Their virtue (sexual and otherwise) may NOT be questioned They are not responsible for their actions - it was ALWAYS the fault of the big, bad man They are ENTITLED to support from some man, or the government - surely, you don't expect them to PAY for their upkeep?

I tend to think: YES! based on articles like this.   I'm starting to feel like a lab rat. This is not a new phenomenon - a book I read a few months ago (written by Leftists, but worth buying because of the insight into the methods they are now using to push, prod, and NUDGE the population towards their way of thinking, acting, and being) is Nudge.   It opened my eyes to the various ways you can incrementally move people's actions and thinking towards your goals. One way to APPARENTLY change the political line-up is to make it as easy as possible for people to "join the club" - that is, to align themselves with the Popular Kids - which Facebook did with the rainbow-colored overlay for profile pictures.  After seeing most of your peers and family show up with the rainbow hues, many people follow the crowd - rather like how after sufficient numbers of people on a city curb jaywalk, you will usually find yourself crossing the street with them. It's human nature - we a...

...to have to put more money into the plate - because the GayNazis will be gunning (dare I write that?) for your tax exemption. I'm betting that the IRS will go after the Catholics and the Mormons first.  A lot of churches will sit on the sidelines, thinking that they're not going to have the same happen to them. We know how well that work in the past when the Fascists attacked - yes, they hit the low-hanging fruit first, but, don't worry, they'll get around to you, too. Our lawmakers could be of immediate help by passing legislation for ALL churches and other religious institutions - if the IRS goes after one of them, the decision applies to ALL of them!  No exceptions - either ALL churches lose tax-exempt status, or NONE of them do. That, coupled with the logical step of forcing Obamacare on ALL lawmakers, judges, and bureaucrats, might halt their power grab - at least temporarily. Frankly, until this week, I believed that the USA was indestructible.  No longer - we a...

I posted yesterday about the Confederate flag controversy. I came down on the side of removing the flag from the Capital grounds at that time. Iconic flags, the ones that appear at most Southern state capitals, to the one painted on the top of the  Dukes of Hazzard's car, General Lee , are being targeted for removal. Breitbart's Ben Shapiro compares the bloodlust frenzy to the destruction of previous civilizations by ISIS.  And, in fact, it has similar roots - the victors want to energize their troops by a public tearing down of any symbols that represent the defeated. Funnily enough, most people disapprove of the ISIS actions; many are quick to emulate them in this matter. I'm NOT a native Southerner - I was born in Cleveland, OH, and I still identify as such.  However, I've lived, worked, and voted in this state for almost 10 years, which, I suppose, gives me a stake in the matter. The Shapiro post is particularly good - I recommend that you read it. I did come up ...

Nikki Haley is leading a fight that will have repercussions in the 2016 election.  She is calling for the Confederate flag, currently flying on the State Capitol grounds, to be taken down. The urgency of the action is being driven by the recent tragedy in the Charleston church, that took the lives of 9 people. It's a divisive issue - the lawmakers were only able to get the flag, which was put in place in 1962 (Hollings, Democratic governor), moved from the Capital dome to another spot on the grounds in 2000 (Hodges, Democratic governor).  As a result of that action, lawmakers were forced to make a compromise that made any further movement require a 2/3 vote - a REALLY high bar to change. South Carolina is funny - the people are generally pleasant (Black and White), polite, and not given to screaming and yelling.  As a result, the aggressive actions of protestors strike the natives as distinctly uncivilized, and lead many to reject the message.  Perhaps that's the intent of the...