Michael Badnarik is running for Congress in the 10th District in the state of Texas. He has raised nearly a quarter of a million dollars in his high profile campaign in what will be a 3-way race against both an incumbent Republican and a Democrat.
I'm encouraged whenever I see someone who overcomes odds and has success no matter what obstacles are put in front of them. In my own life I can be derailed so easily when things don't go the way I expect.
The Libertarian Party spends a great deal of money on simply getting ballot access rather than campaigning. Different states have different laws and in many cases once the requirements are fulfilled, lawsuits with the two major parties follow draining an already small supply of funds.
Badnarik came off the momentum he gained from his presidential run in 2004 (that earned about 400,000 votes) and began a run for congress. He already has three billboards up and paid for through the election and more money is rolling in from contributors all over the country. He has outpaced the Democrat for fundraising despite the fact that he doesn't receive money from PACs or from a national party organization.
I'd love to see another Republican ousted from congress and this time replaced with Michael. I don't agree with Badnarik on every issue, though I appreciate anyone who stands up for the law of the land.
Badnarik's website is found here.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Hitting a wall
April is my blogging wall. I fought my way through part of it but I realized this happened last year too. My mind is too scattered to throw out anything complete so I'll just throw some tidbits out here and you can just use them for dinner conversation.
The weather has finally cooperated and I did stuff outside last weekend. I love sunny days.
When I ride my motorcycle, young girls smile and wave...by young I mean early 20's. If you're a parent of a girl you should let them know that just because someone is riding a motorcycle, that does not mean they're mysterious or hot. It does however mean they are paying less out on gasoline.
Had some emails recently asking me if I've read the Gnostic Gospels and what I thought of the Da Vinci Code. Yes, I've read some of the Gnostic Gospels and have studied first Century Gnosticism. The vote to accept the current canon of writings as scripture was not close as the movie and book state. While a good story, what the book calls 'facts' resemble an Oliver Stone style weaving of historical conspiracy. I personally believe that Jesus shot JFK from the grassy knoll.
I had some money set aside to go on vacation, but I sent it to the IRS instead. If you're currently receiving any federal money (school grants, medicare, etc..) then I hope you're enjoying my money. Maybe next time just ask for it or have the decency to rob it from me directly. That would be refreshing.
I have a buddy in Iraq that I'd like to see come home. Take care Alex.
I've resurrected a short story for my book that will finally bring it to the finished product.
There may be a future podcast. Short, funny, informative...and you'll get to hear how lame my voice is. Not political either...probably something quirkier...it'll be fun I promise.
The weather has finally cooperated and I did stuff outside last weekend. I love sunny days.
When I ride my motorcycle, young girls smile and wave...by young I mean early 20's. If you're a parent of a girl you should let them know that just because someone is riding a motorcycle, that does not mean they're mysterious or hot. It does however mean they are paying less out on gasoline.
Had some emails recently asking me if I've read the Gnostic Gospels and what I thought of the Da Vinci Code. Yes, I've read some of the Gnostic Gospels and have studied first Century Gnosticism. The vote to accept the current canon of writings as scripture was not close as the movie and book state. While a good story, what the book calls 'facts' resemble an Oliver Stone style weaving of historical conspiracy. I personally believe that Jesus shot JFK from the grassy knoll.
I had some money set aside to go on vacation, but I sent it to the IRS instead. If you're currently receiving any federal money (school grants, medicare, etc..) then I hope you're enjoying my money. Maybe next time just ask for it or have the decency to rob it from me directly. That would be refreshing.
I have a buddy in Iraq that I'd like to see come home. Take care Alex.
I've resurrected a short story for my book that will finally bring it to the finished product.
There may be a future podcast. Short, funny, informative...and you'll get to hear how lame my voice is. Not political either...probably something quirkier...it'll be fun I promise.
Monday, April 17, 2006
My Verdict for Zacarias Moussaoui
Zacarias Moussaoui is on trial for being the 19th hijacker. He has fully admitted his role in the plot and has shown no shame or regret for the 9-11 act of terrorism.
Everyone I know has hoped he gets the death penalty for his involvement, though I do not.
No, this isn't some liberatarian principled position on the role of the state when it comes to handing out capital punishment. I think he should be innocent on the grounds that he is insane.
I think we should say to the rest of the world that anyone who thinks like Zacarias Moussaoui is insane. He should be sitting around in endless group therapy sessions with other crazies discussing his feelings. Everytime he cries out for Jihad they load him up with brain numbing drugs and discuss new therapy options.
If we kill him I suspect the world will see it as a move of revenge. If we keep him alive and in one of our mental hospitals then Moussaoui's worldview is marginalized and will be right up there next to shooting President Reagan to impress Jodie Foster. It puts him in the proper category of a 'nutbag' which is what he is.
Personally when i was little I liked Jodie Foster, but I probably would've just pulled her hair to get her attention. I'm old fashioned that way.
Everyone I know has hoped he gets the death penalty for his involvement, though I do not.
No, this isn't some liberatarian principled position on the role of the state when it comes to handing out capital punishment. I think he should be innocent on the grounds that he is insane.
I think we should say to the rest of the world that anyone who thinks like Zacarias Moussaoui is insane. He should be sitting around in endless group therapy sessions with other crazies discussing his feelings. Everytime he cries out for Jihad they load him up with brain numbing drugs and discuss new therapy options.
If we kill him I suspect the world will see it as a move of revenge. If we keep him alive and in one of our mental hospitals then Moussaoui's worldview is marginalized and will be right up there next to shooting President Reagan to impress Jodie Foster. It puts him in the proper category of a 'nutbag' which is what he is.
Personally when i was little I liked Jodie Foster, but I probably would've just pulled her hair to get her attention. I'm old fashioned that way.
Friday, April 14, 2006
New Aroma
The bathrooms where I work have a new wall-mounted citrus air freshening device.
It's not bad. Now the bathroom smells like a bowl of egg salad with a tangerine twist.
Have a 'Good Friday' and a Happy Easter.
-tracy
It's not bad. Now the bathroom smells like a bowl of egg salad with a tangerine twist.
Have a 'Good Friday' and a Happy Easter.
-tracy
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
You say Illegal Immigration, I say Social Security solution
Apparently we're too chicken to reform Social Security.
I sat in my own Congressman's office and discussed the matter while he and his Sr. Congressional Aide hemmed and hawed. Well here is a way to help the failing Social Security system that even my chicken congressman can get on-board with.
The problem with Social Security is in that it is a pay-as-you-go system. The first ones into the system paid next to nothing but got the full benefit. Everyone afterward pays more and gets about a 1:1 ratio in return. In the future recipients will benefit even less. Basically it's a government operated pyramid scheme.
The Baby Boomers generation is far too large to receive benefits from the rest of us because frankly they outnumber us. Too few of us to pay for too many of them means a financial problem that even Bush can predict.
So how can we fix this problem? If only we could artificially increase the number of younger workers in our population to help even out the disparity in the size of our respective generations.
If only there were people just streaming over our borders willing to work and could be eligible candidates to help pay into the Social Security system.
If only that could ever happen. (wink wink)
I sat in my own Congressman's office and discussed the matter while he and his Sr. Congressional Aide hemmed and hawed. Well here is a way to help the failing Social Security system that even my chicken congressman can get on-board with.
The problem with Social Security is in that it is a pay-as-you-go system. The first ones into the system paid next to nothing but got the full benefit. Everyone afterward pays more and gets about a 1:1 ratio in return. In the future recipients will benefit even less. Basically it's a government operated pyramid scheme.
The Baby Boomers generation is far too large to receive benefits from the rest of us because frankly they outnumber us. Too few of us to pay for too many of them means a financial problem that even Bush can predict.
So how can we fix this problem? If only we could artificially increase the number of younger workers in our population to help even out the disparity in the size of our respective generations.
If only there were people just streaming over our borders willing to work and could be eligible candidates to help pay into the Social Security system.
If only that could ever happen. (wink wink)
Monday, April 10, 2006
Income Tax time
I don't mind paying taxes, but I do resent the Income Tax.
You can read what I've written about it here: Taxing your Survival
Let me take a minute to just say some stuff while we're all thinking about the Income Tax this time of year. (same reason I write about sugar plumbs during Christmas)
This country does not need an income tax.
Our federal budget is 2.7 Trillion dollars.
We don't trade with enough nations.
The new medicare prescription drug plan cannot be paid for without printing more money.
Taxes rates will have to be raised at some point in the future to swallow the girth of what our government is spending. And once they do that you'll see that they'll talk of short term surplus revenue but won't buy back a single bond on which the debt was funded.
In other words it will be like winning the lottery and instead of paying off your credit cards, you open up new ones.
I know I'm sick of it but my question is:
When are you gonna stop putting up with this sh*t?
You can read what I've written about it here: Taxing your Survival
Let me take a minute to just say some stuff while we're all thinking about the Income Tax this time of year. (same reason I write about sugar plumbs during Christmas)
This country does not need an income tax.
Our federal budget is 2.7 Trillion dollars.
We don't trade with enough nations.
The new medicare prescription drug plan cannot be paid for without printing more money.
Taxes rates will have to be raised at some point in the future to swallow the girth of what our government is spending. And once they do that you'll see that they'll talk of short term surplus revenue but won't buy back a single bond on which the debt was funded.
In other words it will be like winning the lottery and instead of paying off your credit cards, you open up new ones.
I know I'm sick of it but my question is:
When are you gonna stop putting up with this sh*t?
Monday, April 03, 2006
Reuters is kinda dumb sometimes
It seems like every article they have on the subject of Iran includes a similar sentence to the one that follows:
"The United States and Israel have consistently declined to rule out military action against Iran if Tehran fails to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomatic means."
I guess my question is this: Who in the history of the world has ever removed the far off possiblity of the use of military action from a negotiation?
What are Israel and the United States to be expected to say to Iran? According to Reuters something like: "Okay, if we can't convince you to give up your obvious attempt to make nuclear weapons then I guess we'll be forced to speak ill of you in our public speeches until you give up your evil plans."
My plan would be to aggressively negotiate all while increasing trade with them. Fill their society with so much of our crap that when their leaders cry out for the death of Israel the average Iranian on the street is like "Sure, death to Israel but what I really want to know is when does the next season DVD of 24 come out?" We win when they become a nation that only yearns to care about meaningless crap.
"The United States and Israel have consistently declined to rule out military action against Iran if Tehran fails to resolve the nuclear dispute through diplomatic means."
I guess my question is this: Who in the history of the world has ever removed the far off possiblity of the use of military action from a negotiation?
What are Israel and the United States to be expected to say to Iran? According to Reuters something like: "Okay, if we can't convince you to give up your obvious attempt to make nuclear weapons then I guess we'll be forced to speak ill of you in our public speeches until you give up your evil plans."
My plan would be to aggressively negotiate all while increasing trade with them. Fill their society with so much of our crap that when their leaders cry out for the death of Israel the average Iranian on the street is like "Sure, death to Israel but what I really want to know is when does the next season DVD of 24 come out?" We win when they become a nation that only yearns to care about meaningless crap.
The so-called Immigration debate
This whole thing being called an immigration issue is really just a smoke screen for what is the real issue:
In general we don't have an immigration problem, we have a problem with Mexicans and people from other Central American nations running across our southern border and living in the United States using our public benefits while not paying any federal taxes.
What I love about this issue is that it points most Americans toward the cost of benefits. Yes, there are some that hate foreigners in general and Mexicans specifically but most people just look at what it costs and that is the source of their disgust. This makes me happy.
This is because these undocumented/illegal aliens shouldn't cost us anything. And oh by the way...neither should most American citizens. The fact that much of your wages are taken and given to someone else should really annoy you but we've collectively grown numb to this reality because as long as 'everyone is paying in' we may as well get something out of it. Now that some are benfiting and not paying the 'unfair' siren goes off in everyone's head. (My siren has long since broken from overuse but that's obvious)
We really only have two solutions:
1. Get these illegal/undocumented folks to start paying their fair share
2. Or give them zero benefits whatsoever.
May I suggest we try both?
Also, this whole thing of Mexicans performing jobs that Americans won't do...big myth. It's more like Mexicans will perform jobs that Americans won't do that an undocumented person will do under the table. Americans will do all sorts of service and entry-level jobs but not while the salary market is artifically dropped by the droves of workers who are willing to earn far less for the opportunity to work while undocumented. (keep in mind that undocumented means paying no taxes...think about that while you're making out your check to the IRS this month)
The agency that our Mexican friends are to go to for documentation is also the same agency in charge of deporting them. Is it any wonder that most aren't interested in becoming documented? Most are just biding their time until they've been given some sort of status here with a relative guarantee of being able to stay.
The Declaration of Independence stated clearly what I believe to be true. That the pursuit of happiness is unalienable and not a right given by men or government. These undocumented folks are proving that their desire to seek a better life needs no endorsement by governments or men. We must document them or remove them by force. I think it's obvious which choice we can stomach as a society.
In general we don't have an immigration problem, we have a problem with Mexicans and people from other Central American nations running across our southern border and living in the United States using our public benefits while not paying any federal taxes.
What I love about this issue is that it points most Americans toward the cost of benefits. Yes, there are some that hate foreigners in general and Mexicans specifically but most people just look at what it costs and that is the source of their disgust. This makes me happy.
This is because these undocumented/illegal aliens shouldn't cost us anything. And oh by the way...neither should most American citizens. The fact that much of your wages are taken and given to someone else should really annoy you but we've collectively grown numb to this reality because as long as 'everyone is paying in' we may as well get something out of it. Now that some are benfiting and not paying the 'unfair' siren goes off in everyone's head. (My siren has long since broken from overuse but that's obvious)
We really only have two solutions:
1. Get these illegal/undocumented folks to start paying their fair share
2. Or give them zero benefits whatsoever.
May I suggest we try both?
Also, this whole thing of Mexicans performing jobs that Americans won't do...big myth. It's more like Mexicans will perform jobs that Americans won't do that an undocumented person will do under the table. Americans will do all sorts of service and entry-level jobs but not while the salary market is artifically dropped by the droves of workers who are willing to earn far less for the opportunity to work while undocumented. (keep in mind that undocumented means paying no taxes...think about that while you're making out your check to the IRS this month)
The agency that our Mexican friends are to go to for documentation is also the same agency in charge of deporting them. Is it any wonder that most aren't interested in becoming documented? Most are just biding their time until they've been given some sort of status here with a relative guarantee of being able to stay.
The Declaration of Independence stated clearly what I believe to be true. That the pursuit of happiness is unalienable and not a right given by men or government. These undocumented folks are proving that their desire to seek a better life needs no endorsement by governments or men. We must document them or remove them by force. I think it's obvious which choice we can stomach as a society.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
I've been working out of town
so I haven't blogged that much.
I'm back now and ready to go...except I have to go clean up cat barf right now so I'm not as ready as I thought. Check back.
I'm back now and ready to go...except I have to go clean up cat barf right now so I'm not as ready as I thought. Check back.
Monday, March 27, 2006
The economy - Part 2
I received 3 emails regarding wait staff at restaurants from former waiters and waitresses. One was from my own sister.
So I must clarify what I mean so my food isn't spit in before it's delivered to my table.
First you must understand that the restaurants I normally patronize are greasy spoons. They pay their wait staff very little probably because I pay very little and expect even less for the service and food I receive. I'm not picky and typically will eat anything.
Let's just say you're a competent wait person. You enjoy working in a restaurant as it fits the value of your time and satisfies all of the gratification you want from a profession. Hooray for you, you can wait my table anytime and you should expect an enormous tip. I do tip well.
So when the economy is bad, you find that as turnover in your position continues the vacated jobs are being filled with people who are competent and on the ball. You enjoy working with these people and they enjoy you.
Then the economy picks up and more and more jobs are available all over. Lots of people will shift around in vocations looking for what satisfies them and then service level jobs are left looking for jobs to fill. You find that you (remember, you're a competent person) is now working with people who call in sick a lot, don't do the sidework or ask you to do their section for you, don't get things right and make customers complain. You also see your own tips suffer because you work with...oh no...here it goes....complete idiots.
When I explained this to my sister (who has 10 years plus as a waitress and enjoyed it) she completely agreed. She just wanted to make sure that I wasn't calling all wait staff idiots.
My answer to her was this: No not all wait staff my dear sister, just you.
So I must clarify what I mean so my food isn't spit in before it's delivered to my table.
First you must understand that the restaurants I normally patronize are greasy spoons. They pay their wait staff very little probably because I pay very little and expect even less for the service and food I receive. I'm not picky and typically will eat anything.
Let's just say you're a competent wait person. You enjoy working in a restaurant as it fits the value of your time and satisfies all of the gratification you want from a profession. Hooray for you, you can wait my table anytime and you should expect an enormous tip. I do tip well.
So when the economy is bad, you find that as turnover in your position continues the vacated jobs are being filled with people who are competent and on the ball. You enjoy working with these people and they enjoy you.
Then the economy picks up and more and more jobs are available all over. Lots of people will shift around in vocations looking for what satisfies them and then service level jobs are left looking for jobs to fill. You find that you (remember, you're a competent person) is now working with people who call in sick a lot, don't do the sidework or ask you to do their section for you, don't get things right and make customers complain. You also see your own tips suffer because you work with...oh no...here it goes....complete idiots.
When I explained this to my sister (who has 10 years plus as a waitress and enjoyed it) she completely agreed. She just wanted to make sure that I wasn't calling all wait staff idiots.
My answer to her was this: No not all wait staff my dear sister, just you.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
How I know the economy is recovering
When the economy was in the dumper I noticed that if I had any money and was at a restaurant or some other service industry place, the customer service I got was remarkable. I'd talk to these people and would always get the same story that went sorta like this:
Following that conversation was always more competent service and I always wished them well because I knew they'd be successful in any endeavor because they had their act together. When the economy stinks more skilled people are thrown into the workforce and eventually occupy jobs normally held by idiots.
Today I have full confidence that our economy has made a full recovery.
First stop is to CompUSA. I needed a new power supply for my laptop and was looking at the universal adapters. The description on the back of the package was close to my laptop's model number but was missing one letter. I asked a guy if he could look it up for me. He told me he'd like to but he was sorta busy. I didn't get a "one minute" or "I can find another person to help you" but instead was told that he was 'kinda busy.' I told him that I was kinda not shopping there anymore.
Second I stop into Bartell Drugs to get a new passport photo. The guy at the counter doesn't know how to work the camera. He calls his manager over and they just play with the camera for a few minutes and finally she just takes off with it. He and I stood there for about 5 minutes when I asked him, "Could you get an ETA on your manager?"
He said, "I don't know where she went."
I said, "Can you go find out?"
He asked me, "What do you want me to find out?"
I calmy told him, "I want to know if she's figuring out the camera so we both don't just stand here."
He said, "Okay." He wandered slowly toward the back of the store and stood by the pharmacy just staring.
I left.
Third and final stop I was standing in line at a teriyaki place with two people who are likely itinerant workers from a large country south of the United States. (I'm trying not to say Mexican) After they order and talk to the Asian woman behind the counter they both roll their eyes because they couldn't really understand her.
I guess her broken English was offensive to these two who apparently both possessed a more superior form of broken English. Sheesh.
So friends, just ignore all of the normal leading economic indicators and take my word for it. The economy is alive and well.
"I just got laid off so I'm working here until I get my resume around or maybe I'll go back to school. Anyway, gotta pay the bills."
Following that conversation was always more competent service and I always wished them well because I knew they'd be successful in any endeavor because they had their act together. When the economy stinks more skilled people are thrown into the workforce and eventually occupy jobs normally held by idiots.
Today I have full confidence that our economy has made a full recovery.
First stop is to CompUSA. I needed a new power supply for my laptop and was looking at the universal adapters. The description on the back of the package was close to my laptop's model number but was missing one letter. I asked a guy if he could look it up for me. He told me he'd like to but he was sorta busy. I didn't get a "one minute" or "I can find another person to help you" but instead was told that he was 'kinda busy.' I told him that I was kinda not shopping there anymore.
Second I stop into Bartell Drugs to get a new passport photo. The guy at the counter doesn't know how to work the camera. He calls his manager over and they just play with the camera for a few minutes and finally she just takes off with it. He and I stood there for about 5 minutes when I asked him, "Could you get an ETA on your manager?"
He said, "I don't know where she went."
I said, "Can you go find out?"
He asked me, "What do you want me to find out?"
I calmy told him, "I want to know if she's figuring out the camera so we both don't just stand here."
He said, "Okay." He wandered slowly toward the back of the store and stood by the pharmacy just staring.
I left.
Third and final stop I was standing in line at a teriyaki place with two people who are likely itinerant workers from a large country south of the United States. (I'm trying not to say Mexican) After they order and talk to the Asian woman behind the counter they both roll their eyes because they couldn't really understand her.
I guess her broken English was offensive to these two who apparently both possessed a more superior form of broken English. Sheesh.
So friends, just ignore all of the normal leading economic indicators and take my word for it. The economy is alive and well.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Limericks - Get them while they're hot
I knew it was bad from the start
It began as just a small fart
It happened so fast
That short little blast
But alas it was only a shart
Screw that...limericks are too hard.
Here's a St. Patty's Day Haiku:
Your green overalls
To me a butcher's apron
So God Save the Queen
I barfed on my shirt
I'm wearing green afterall
Fun to be Irish
You try!
It began as just a small fart
It happened so fast
That short little blast
But alas it was only a shart
Screw that...limericks are too hard.
Here's a St. Patty's Day Haiku:
Your green overalls
To me a butcher's apron
So God Save the Queen
I barfed on my shirt
I'm wearing green afterall
Fun to be Irish
You try!
Friday, March 10, 2006
Whatever you do, don't blush!
I will tell you two stories about how I said something I thought was funny and instead of spawning laughter, my comment brought on a blank stare and a red face.
Story number one begins here: I worked in the gaming industry for years. During one lowpoint (as jobs were scarce) I was a lead for a group of testers that tested XBox games. It was sometimes a fun job and sometimes I just wanted to urinate on the floor to entertain myself. One of my testers was playing an action adventure game and he set down his controller and said, "Oh man they got me!" I looked over and wondered what happened. Then he said, "I had five guys on me at once." I replied, "That must be a dream come true for you." Everyone laughed...he blushed.
Story number two begins here: At a bakery it took a long time for the guy behind the counter to acknowledge that I was standing at the counter awhile. He finally asked, "Anything look good to you?" I replied, "I was just admiring your buns." I'm looking down at the sticky buns along the display counter. The guy behind me laughs...the baker blushes.
Don't blush! Please just laugh it off so we're not all left wondering what you're thinking. We don't want to know.
Story number one begins here: I worked in the gaming industry for years. During one lowpoint (as jobs were scarce) I was a lead for a group of testers that tested XBox games. It was sometimes a fun job and sometimes I just wanted to urinate on the floor to entertain myself. One of my testers was playing an action adventure game and he set down his controller and said, "Oh man they got me!" I looked over and wondered what happened. Then he said, "I had five guys on me at once." I replied, "That must be a dream come true for you." Everyone laughed...he blushed.
Story number two begins here: At a bakery it took a long time for the guy behind the counter to acknowledge that I was standing at the counter awhile. He finally asked, "Anything look good to you?" I replied, "I was just admiring your buns." I'm looking down at the sticky buns along the display counter. The guy behind me laughs...the baker blushes.
Don't blush! Please just laugh it off so we're not all left wondering what you're thinking. We don't want to know.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Law Enforcement
A local TV station obtained video of a routine traffic stop where a woman received a ticket for going eleven over the speed limit. She initially refused to sign the ticket (despite being told it was not an admission of guilt) and then was put under arrest.
The woman had already signed the ticket (at which point it is not known) but the officer persisted with his attempt to put her under arrest. She refused to get out of the car so he pulled her out of the car by force, pulling her hair. She was charged with resisting arrest, assault and obstruction.
The city for which the officer works has viewed the video and is comfortable with the technique that the officer used in handling the incident. I wish I could say the same thing.
I believe that the officer acted within the policies and laws, but is refusing to sign something really an offense worthy of arrest? You don't even have to sign paperwork to be divorced in this state, why should refusing to sign a ticket be a big deal? Especially when it is really just a promise to respond.
What amazes me is how the law is setup to arrest people who are just easy picking. If your house is broken into and your posessions are stolen, the police will show up and make a report and then give you a case number. The reason for the case number is so you can give it to your insurance company. How much actual investigation do they do? Aside from looking around to see whether the burglar dropped his wallet or left a signed confession you can expect them to do nothing.
Oh but if you don't sign a traffic ticket then you can be arrested and pulled out of your vehicle by your hair. There seriously can be no provision to issue a citation even without their signature? Can't they just do what UPS does and just leave a note saying it's "on the back porch?"
I'm just concerned that law enforcement has come down picking the low hanging fruit. Police do not investigate real crimes (theft or force), but instead aggressively arrest people who have done next to nothing, or what they have done is to themselves only (drug arrests).
In the end we're left with the erosion of respect for law and those who are charged with enforcing it. Maybe a change in focus would make people resent the police less so that the routine traffic stop doesn't become an overblown case of civil disobedience.
The woman had already signed the ticket (at which point it is not known) but the officer persisted with his attempt to put her under arrest. She refused to get out of the car so he pulled her out of the car by force, pulling her hair. She was charged with resisting arrest, assault and obstruction.
The city for which the officer works has viewed the video and is comfortable with the technique that the officer used in handling the incident. I wish I could say the same thing.
I believe that the officer acted within the policies and laws, but is refusing to sign something really an offense worthy of arrest? You don't even have to sign paperwork to be divorced in this state, why should refusing to sign a ticket be a big deal? Especially when it is really just a promise to respond.
What amazes me is how the law is setup to arrest people who are just easy picking. If your house is broken into and your posessions are stolen, the police will show up and make a report and then give you a case number. The reason for the case number is so you can give it to your insurance company. How much actual investigation do they do? Aside from looking around to see whether the burglar dropped his wallet or left a signed confession you can expect them to do nothing.
Oh but if you don't sign a traffic ticket then you can be arrested and pulled out of your vehicle by your hair. There seriously can be no provision to issue a citation even without their signature? Can't they just do what UPS does and just leave a note saying it's "on the back porch?"
I'm just concerned that law enforcement has come down picking the low hanging fruit. Police do not investigate real crimes (theft or force), but instead aggressively arrest people who have done next to nothing, or what they have done is to themselves only (drug arrests).
In the end we're left with the erosion of respect for law and those who are charged with enforcing it. Maybe a change in focus would make people resent the police less so that the routine traffic stop doesn't become an overblown case of civil disobedience.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Harry Browne
Harry Browne died today.
Who is Harry Browne? Harry ran for president on the Libertarian ticket in both 1996 and 2000. He earned 485,798 vote in 1996 and was first candidate I was actually excited to cast a vote for. I knew he would lose but it didn't matter to me one iota. I appreciated voting for someone that saw the potential in our country that was untapped and restrained by legislative creep. In 2000 when the rest of you were trying to choose between Dumb and Dumber (Bush/Gore) I felt at ease voting for the guy both of them refused to debate in Boston. Most forget that the Libertarian party had 'major' party status in Massachusetts and by state law was to be included in all partisan debates. The debate went on despite a judge affirming his right to be included.
I met Harry when he visited in Seattle during the 2000 campaign and he was a very polished public speaker. I still have a copy of his book Why Government Doesn't Work and a video file of one of his TV ads that I donated to get on the air.
America lost a great man today.
Who is Harry Browne? Harry ran for president on the Libertarian ticket in both 1996 and 2000. He earned 485,798 vote in 1996 and was first candidate I was actually excited to cast a vote for. I knew he would lose but it didn't matter to me one iota. I appreciated voting for someone that saw the potential in our country that was untapped and restrained by legislative creep. In 2000 when the rest of you were trying to choose between Dumb and Dumber (Bush/Gore) I felt at ease voting for the guy both of them refused to debate in Boston. Most forget that the Libertarian party had 'major' party status in Massachusetts and by state law was to be included in all partisan debates. The debate went on despite a judge affirming his right to be included.
I met Harry when he visited in Seattle during the 2000 campaign and he was a very polished public speaker. I still have a copy of his book Why Government Doesn't Work and a video file of one of his TV ads that I donated to get on the air.
America lost a great man today.
Okay, now this guy pisses me off
A teacher by the name of Jay Bennish who 'teaches' at Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado was taped by a student giving what the press is calling a "rant."
Here is the Denver Post article
I listened to about a half-hour of his lecture to his students that was on a Colorado newsradio station here
I know teachers can often be taken out of context because they talk all the time and that teenagers can have oversensitive feelings if what they're hearing is diametrically opposed to their own sensibilities so I wanted to hear his so-called rant myself. After all, a social studies class should have a pretty lively delivery if high school students are expected to pay attention.
I have to commend the teacher for attempting to put context in his teaching. His students are learning way more than places and dates. I also like the fact that in listening to it is easy to discern that he has a passion for teaching. Most of the teachers I had in high school didn't like their jobs and it showed. This guy would probably only give up his teaching job for a talkshow on Air America or perhaps shining a statue of Stalin somewhere.
The thing that I find out of line is that his rant is purely his opinion and not academic in nature. I don't mind him giving his opinion but he only gives the other side's argument just to show its flaws. His argument has flaws too but he doesn't expose them. He's interested in his students being enlightened to the point of agreeing with him. In typical "progressive" fashion he loves freedom of choice as long as you come to the same conclusions he has...and then he calls it diversity.
Most of what he says is fine. I'm not a conservative and I'm not offended by Mr. Bennish critizing policies. I am offended that there are clear, substantiated, and respected academic opinions that are to the contrary of his rant and he is obliged as an 'educator' to tell those viewpoints. Fact is though he's a fraud as an educator as he probably only knows what he hears. I am not a high school educator but I am familiar with liberal/progressive, conservative, and libertine thought enough to present them in a way that can give students a real understanding. And as they mature and wiggle through life they can sort out these political philosophies on their own. I express my opinions here because it is my forum to do so, but education should not be like a blog, it should be like an open book.
His one comment alone where he stated on the tape that capitalism as a system is "at odds with human rights" is a complete joke and can easily be dismantled through academic reason.
For example Fredic Bastiat wrote in his book The Law:
You could disagree with this statement just as you could the teacher's comment about capitalism but for the sake of learning couldn't you at least bring it up? Is there no opposing view that can stand up against such an intelligent onslaught that can only come from a public high school social studies teacher? Those of you who actually know any high school teachers are probably laughing now.
Look Mr. Bennish, I'm sure my tiny brain and humble intellect can't stand up to your giant high school teacher brain but forgive me while I try to simplify my half-witted response to you in the only way I am able:
If you were teaching my kid's class I would meet with you in a parent/teacher conference and I'd make you look like a blubbering fool in front of my child, your principal and whoever else wanted to watch. And then after I got you a tissue to dry your pathetic tears I'd explain to everyone that just being smarter than another person and talking over less educated people doesn't equal education. I'd then explain to my child that even your pathetic excuse for an opinion is something that should be heard, but in proper context in the face of some reasonable scrutiny.
Then you'd all stand up and give me a standing ovation for giving you such a rare learning opportunity and you would wonder how I was capable of this without the giant brain that our public educators possess. I'll leave that alone as one of life's great and wonderful mysteries.
Here is the Denver Post article
I listened to about a half-hour of his lecture to his students that was on a Colorado newsradio station here
I know teachers can often be taken out of context because they talk all the time and that teenagers can have oversensitive feelings if what they're hearing is diametrically opposed to their own sensibilities so I wanted to hear his so-called rant myself. After all, a social studies class should have a pretty lively delivery if high school students are expected to pay attention.
I have to commend the teacher for attempting to put context in his teaching. His students are learning way more than places and dates. I also like the fact that in listening to it is easy to discern that he has a passion for teaching. Most of the teachers I had in high school didn't like their jobs and it showed. This guy would probably only give up his teaching job for a talkshow on Air America or perhaps shining a statue of Stalin somewhere.
The thing that I find out of line is that his rant is purely his opinion and not academic in nature. I don't mind him giving his opinion but he only gives the other side's argument just to show its flaws. His argument has flaws too but he doesn't expose them. He's interested in his students being enlightened to the point of agreeing with him. In typical "progressive" fashion he loves freedom of choice as long as you come to the same conclusions he has...and then he calls it diversity.
Most of what he says is fine. I'm not a conservative and I'm not offended by Mr. Bennish critizing policies. I am offended that there are clear, substantiated, and respected academic opinions that are to the contrary of his rant and he is obliged as an 'educator' to tell those viewpoints. Fact is though he's a fraud as an educator as he probably only knows what he hears. I am not a high school educator but I am familiar with liberal/progressive, conservative, and libertine thought enough to present them in a way that can give students a real understanding. And as they mature and wiggle through life they can sort out these political philosophies on their own. I express my opinions here because it is my forum to do so, but education should not be like a blog, it should be like an open book.
His one comment alone where he stated on the tape that capitalism as a system is "at odds with human rights" is a complete joke and can easily be dismantled through academic reason.
For example Fredic Bastiat wrote in his book The Law:
Self-preservation and self-development are common aspirations among all people. And if everyone enjoyed the unrestricted use of his faculties and the free disposition of the fruits of his labor, social progress would be ceaseless, uninterrupted, and unfailing.
You could disagree with this statement just as you could the teacher's comment about capitalism but for the sake of learning couldn't you at least bring it up? Is there no opposing view that can stand up against such an intelligent onslaught that can only come from a public high school social studies teacher? Those of you who actually know any high school teachers are probably laughing now.
Look Mr. Bennish, I'm sure my tiny brain and humble intellect can't stand up to your giant high school teacher brain but forgive me while I try to simplify my half-witted response to you in the only way I am able:
If you were teaching my kid's class I would meet with you in a parent/teacher conference and I'd make you look like a blubbering fool in front of my child, your principal and whoever else wanted to watch. And then after I got you a tissue to dry your pathetic tears I'd explain to everyone that just being smarter than another person and talking over less educated people doesn't equal education. I'd then explain to my child that even your pathetic excuse for an opinion is something that should be heard, but in proper context in the face of some reasonable scrutiny.
Then you'd all stand up and give me a standing ovation for giving you such a rare learning opportunity and you would wonder how I was capable of this without the giant brain that our public educators possess. I'll leave that alone as one of life's great and wonderful mysteries.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Laughing in an embarassing way
I was sharing a story last week with someone during a meeting and I said something that made them spit their drink out while laughing. I'm not sure this had ever happened before in my adult life. What I said wasn't even that funny.
Here is an excerpt from the conversation:
Me: So my back was killing me...very stiff...and when I wrecked on the snowmobile it felt better instantly.
Person: So the snowmobile accident straightened your back?
Me: Yeah, apparently. Weird huh?
Person: Did you hear it crack or anything?
Me: No, I couldn't hear over my screaming.
Person: PPPBPBBBBBBBTTTTHHHHHHHHTT
Yeah, I didn't think it was funny either.
Here is an excerpt from the conversation:
Me: So my back was killing me...very stiff...and when I wrecked on the snowmobile it felt better instantly.
Person: So the snowmobile accident straightened your back?
Me: Yeah, apparently. Weird huh?
Person: Did you hear it crack or anything?
Me: No, I couldn't hear over my screaming.
Person: PPPBPBBBBBBBTTTTHHHHHHHHTT
Yeah, I didn't think it was funny either.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Arabs running our ports
Oh brother. Talk about a non-issue. Larry Norman was spot-on when he wrote in a song:
I may as well let you all know now that I love model trains. I've had them since 2nd grade and have collected and enjoyed them ever since. I'm not a hardcore hobbyist but there is something magical about ruling over a tiny kingdom. Just an ego thing probably...but anyway.....
...the Dubai company that is referred to in the press as "The Arab Company" is known as DP World and they purchased a British company called CSX. CSX has been handling freight in our country for a long time. Know how I know this? I have model railroad box cars with the company name on it. The same people that work for CSX now work for DP World like any acquisition. If I'm to believe the knee-jerk reaction of many politicians I guess this would mean that my model railroad is about to be overrun by Islamic fanatics.
I think what surprised people is that we don't have companies in our own country to handle this. The United Arab Emirates is a country that has been slowly moving oil out of their economy. It is a country where Christians can practice their faith openly. It is a place that manages ports (by manage we're talking about operations and bookkeeping) all over the world. Don't freak out because these people are "Arab."
You may as well also know that the terms "Arab" and "Moslem" are not synonymous. Arabs are a semetic people (like the Hebrews) that are descendents from Abraham of the Old Testament. In contrast those in Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq are not Arab. They come from a whole host of other geneologies. To single out a group for simply being Arab is in a different way being "Anti-Semetic."
I for one am going to let these Arabs manage my model railroad freely and without prejudice.
The politicians all make speeches
and the newsmen all take notes
and exaggerate false issues
as they ram it down our throats
I may as well let you all know now that I love model trains. I've had them since 2nd grade and have collected and enjoyed them ever since. I'm not a hardcore hobbyist but there is something magical about ruling over a tiny kingdom. Just an ego thing probably...but anyway.....
...the Dubai company that is referred to in the press as "The Arab Company" is known as DP World and they purchased a British company called CSX. CSX has been handling freight in our country for a long time. Know how I know this? I have model railroad box cars with the company name on it. The same people that work for CSX now work for DP World like any acquisition. If I'm to believe the knee-jerk reaction of many politicians I guess this would mean that my model railroad is about to be overrun by Islamic fanatics.
I think what surprised people is that we don't have companies in our own country to handle this. The United Arab Emirates is a country that has been slowly moving oil out of their economy. It is a country where Christians can practice their faith openly. It is a place that manages ports (by manage we're talking about operations and bookkeeping) all over the world. Don't freak out because these people are "Arab."
You may as well also know that the terms "Arab" and "Moslem" are not synonymous. Arabs are a semetic people (like the Hebrews) that are descendents from Abraham of the Old Testament. In contrast those in Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq are not Arab. They come from a whole host of other geneologies. To single out a group for simply being Arab is in a different way being "Anti-Semetic."
I for one am going to let these Arabs manage my model railroad freely and without prejudice.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Going Number Two
I've resisted this blog post for awhile as it is pretty childish and far less sophisticated than our venture into Halloween Haikus. What euphemisms do you have for this...uh...topic above? I'd love to see some original ones.
Here are mine:
Your turn!
Here are mine:
Backing the old brown Buick out of the garage.
Making mud pies. (See post from Thanksgiving)
Your turn!
Monday, February 20, 2006
Black History Month
I'm not going to preach about this month and its importance or unimportance to our nation and culture.
I know most of you don't care about Black History Month but allow me to pass this advice along:
Never grow tired of listening to stories of people overcoming adversity and becoming great despite the barriers put all around them. Someday it might be you and others will need to draw inspiration from your story. Be ready to make your own history.
Oh, and have a good President's Day too.
I know most of you don't care about Black History Month but allow me to pass this advice along:
Never grow tired of listening to stories of people overcoming adversity and becoming great despite the barriers put all around them. Someday it might be you and others will need to draw inspiration from your story. Be ready to make your own history.
Oh, and have a good President's Day too.
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