Anyone pointing the finger at American forces for supposed crimes has to take into account the opposition as well. On the whole, American forces have conducted themselves far better in Afghanistan than the Taliban. There is simply no comparison between the two sides in terms of ethics. I find it hypocritical of Wikileaks to publish military secrets of the Americans, because it seems unlikely Wikileaks would ever have the courage to publish military secrets of the Taliban, or another Muslim insurgency, for fear of reprisal.
I find it difficult to comprehend why a Taliban sympathizer, whatever his religious beliefs, would attack a girl's school with poison gas, or attack schoolgirls with acid, just for the supposed "crime" to trying to become educated.
I think it is fair to depict the Taliban as absolute evil, without any capacity for ethics. They attack soft targets, lacking defenses, and they attack innocent non-combatants. They are enemies of humankind, no different than virulent strains of viruses or bacteria. Whether we should be in there attempting to eradicate them on our dime is another question. But I certainly think that fighting the Taliban is a worthwhile and honorable occupation, whatever might be determined by a cost/benefit analysis of the overall conflict. The more Taliban put beneath the soil, the better for the race of man.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
"I want Obama to fail." -- Rush Limbaugh
This sentiment, repeated by conservative commentators, has been a self-fulfilling prophecy so far in 2010. Rush Limbaugh spoke for all of his constituency. Rich right-wing business owners want the President to fail. They want the Democrats to fail. They are doing whatever is in their power to ensure a lackluster economy. Even those owners who are neutral have been persuaded by a climate of doubt and uncertainty. The right-wing media distorts and exaggerates to achieve political ends. Faux News is nothing but a continuous negative ad aimed at Democrats. Repeated on a continual basis are charges that Obama is socialist, Muslim, or racist. Due to the efforts of Faux News, a surprising percentage of Americans believe that Obama is Muslim. Meanwhile, the Republicans in Congress block measures that would provide relief to American workers. Some Republican governors spurn Federal relief money for the sake of partisan politics. It is considered acceptable to inflict suffering upon the middle and lower classes in order to score partisan points.
Economists dwell upon numbers, but hearts and minds are just as important. If the racist and reactionary owners want the economy to be bad, just for the satisfaction of seeing Obama portrayed as wrong, then the economy will be bad.
Faux News is the enemy, a fair-seeming villain that speaks with a forked tongue. It may defeat America by exploiting the weakness that Americans have for superficial forms, such as patriotism and prayer. A cunning villain will not wear a black hat, but will wear the garb of a preacher and wave the flag, borrowing some of the dignity and authority of God and Country.
This sentiment, repeated by conservative commentators, has been a self-fulfilling prophecy so far in 2010. Rush Limbaugh spoke for all of his constituency. Rich right-wing business owners want the President to fail. They want the Democrats to fail. They are doing whatever is in their power to ensure a lackluster economy. Even those owners who are neutral have been persuaded by a climate of doubt and uncertainty. The right-wing media distorts and exaggerates to achieve political ends. Faux News is nothing but a continuous negative ad aimed at Democrats. Repeated on a continual basis are charges that Obama is socialist, Muslim, or racist. Due to the efforts of Faux News, a surprising percentage of Americans believe that Obama is Muslim. Meanwhile, the Republicans in Congress block measures that would provide relief to American workers. Some Republican governors spurn Federal relief money for the sake of partisan politics. It is considered acceptable to inflict suffering upon the middle and lower classes in order to score partisan points.
Economists dwell upon numbers, but hearts and minds are just as important. If the racist and reactionary owners want the economy to be bad, just for the satisfaction of seeing Obama portrayed as wrong, then the economy will be bad.
Faux News is the enemy, a fair-seeming villain that speaks with a forked tongue. It may defeat America by exploiting the weakness that Americans have for superficial forms, such as patriotism and prayer. A cunning villain will not wear a black hat, but will wear the garb of a preacher and wave the flag, borrowing some of the dignity and authority of God and Country.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I Believe the Vatican
I don't see eye to eye with the Vatican on many issues, but I think it is probably correct in its accusation that most of Pakistani flood relief is being distributed to fundamentalist Muslims, while Christian victims receive less aid.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Count Me Out of the Target / Best Buy Protest
Although I sympathize with the gay boycott of Target and Best Buy, I do not intend to join in any street protest or do more than simply avoid the stores. I find it a bit unseemly that a gay group such as the HRC is essentially hitting Target up for a donation. I can think of better protests to make than over that particular issue. Also, Target and Best Buy are noted for positive treatment of their gay employees. I would think that Faux News or Wal-Mart would make a better target of protest.
Laura Linney on The Daily Show
The August 11th, 2010 episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart surpassed my expectations. It was my first glimpse of actress Laura Linney, who gave a thoughtful meditation on the cultural and philosophical significance of humor. No Hollywood airhead there. She actually dominated the tone and substance of the conversation, which is rare on Jon's show. It is always refreshing to listen to someone intelligent speak on television.
I do agree with her thesis that Jon Stewart is indispensable to the American political scene. Nobody expresses the liberal and left-wing point of view better than he. I am not sure anyone could replace him at this time. His presence helps to counterbalance the pernicious influence of Faux News. Although he has less air time than the entire Faux News lineup, it is a case of quality versus quantity.
The only problem I see with his show is consistency. Some shows are better than others. The quality depends upon the material provided to him by right-wingers. If the opposition has done something particularly hypocritical or self-serving, then his show profits. If the Republicans have only committed minor transgressions, then his show suffers. Sometimes Jon is forced to look outside the political sphere, on occasions when the Republicans have not done anything particularly bad. Times were easier for his show when Bush was in the White House.
A key difference between Faux News and Jon Stewart is that Jon is willing to criticize Democrats, liberals, and the Obama Administration whenever warranted. He is not completely partisan. Faux News, however, is completely partisan.
I do agree with her thesis that Jon Stewart is indispensable to the American political scene. Nobody expresses the liberal and left-wing point of view better than he. I am not sure anyone could replace him at this time. His presence helps to counterbalance the pernicious influence of Faux News. Although he has less air time than the entire Faux News lineup, it is a case of quality versus quantity.
The only problem I see with his show is consistency. Some shows are better than others. The quality depends upon the material provided to him by right-wingers. If the opposition has done something particularly hypocritical or self-serving, then his show profits. If the Republicans have only committed minor transgressions, then his show suffers. Sometimes Jon is forced to look outside the political sphere, on occasions when the Republicans have not done anything particularly bad. Times were easier for his show when Bush was in the White House.
A key difference between Faux News and Jon Stewart is that Jon is willing to criticize Democrats, liberals, and the Obama Administration whenever warranted. He is not completely partisan. Faux News, however, is completely partisan.
The DEA Doesn't Need a Warrant?
A recent case in which DEA agents entered a man's property and planted a GPS tracking device on his car without a warrant is shocking. Even more shocking is that the courts upheld their right to do so. This is an unprecedented power-grab. Apparently it is OK for police to enter anyone's property for any reason and do whatever they like, without notifying or getting approval from a judge. That does seem Orwellian.
The judges who ruled in favor of the DEA must not be aware of the U.S. Bill of Rights, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. I am not sure what country the judges think they are living in, but the last time I checked, California was a state of the United States, not a province of Iran. Let us all hope that the court ruling is overturned.
The judges who ruled in favor of the DEA must not be aware of the U.S. Bill of Rights, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. I am not sure what country the judges think they are living in, but the last time I checked, California was a state of the United States, not a province of Iran. Let us all hope that the court ruling is overturned.
Independent Thinking
One of the weaknesses in the military is that it creates absolute commands for soldiers to obey without question. Any deviation from rigid rules is punished. The entire military experience is calculated to eliminate independent and creative thinking. There is a danger that soldiers may devolve into little more than killing robots, inept if not incapable of independent judgment.
Lack of independent thinking resulted in this tragedy, in which a young Palestinian girl was needlessly shot by an Israeli captain. The captain should have disobeyed his orders in the name of common humanity and common sense. To shoot anyone, child or adult, male or female, in the back while they are retreating and not carrying anything that could be used as a weapon and have not committed any harm to anyone, demonstrates poor judgment.
Terrorists have created the conditions that resulted in this tragedy by using civilians in plain clothes, of all ages and both genders, to conduct terrorist operations, including surprise suicide bombings and other atrocities. Every Palestinian civilian is potentially a suicide bomber or else an accomplice intended to distract soldiers. There have been bombings directed at Israeli schools, marketplaces, and civilian homes, in which Israeli civilians, including children, are targeted. Terrorists want to kill all Israelis, whether they are soldiers or not. Their strategy betrays a kind of madness and is counterproductive.
Why did the captain shoot his weapon? Violence begets violence, and atrocity follows atrocity. The threads of civilization break down as people observe their neighbors, friends and loved ones getting injured or killed as a direct result of not being paranoid enough.
It was just possible that the girl was sent by terrorists in order to probe Israeli defenses and draw the soldiers out of their positions. A calculation may have been made by the terrorists that, if the girl were shot, it would hand their side a propaganda victory. Terrorists have proven themselves willing to sacrifice anyone and anything in order to achieve propaganda victories. They are aiming for the hearts and minds and do not seem to care about casualties.
Israel is a republic with proper mechanisms in place, including a free press. Therefore, I believe that the Palestinians should seek redress for their grievances through democratic, legal means, and renounce violence, in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. I believe that the Israelis would respond in kind, although patience would be required.
Violence is not the answer. Patience and understanding is the answer. The past cannot be changed. It is recorded in the history books. Everyone can read about it and judge events for themselves. Only the future can be changed. A future with peace, understanding and shared purpose is better than a future with continual conflict and violence. A future with prosperity, education, and freedom of speech is better than a future with poverty, war, and animosity.
Violence is necessary only in regimes where there is no freedom of speech, and the government is a ruthless dictatorship. An example of this would be Iran, the chief sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East.
A case in point would be the Roman conquest of Britain. The Romans committed many atrocities. They were ten times worse than the Israelis by any measure one would care to apply. However, in time, the natives accepted the Roman Peace. There were historical wrongs committed by the Romans, but the natives set those events aside and moved forward. They realized that there were advantages brought by the Romans, such as unification, order, trade, luxuries, entertainment, technology, roads, and law. The Romans were not all bad, but were better than some of the alternatives at the time, such as the various barbarian tribes, bandits, and warlords. In time, the natives came to think of themselves as Roman. Like the Romans, the Israelis are not perfect. However, the Israeli state offers many advantages. It is one of the better systems of government in the Middle East. Those who expect a perfection solution or a perfect government will always be disappointed. They will never find what they are looking for.
Lack of independent thinking resulted in this tragedy, in which a young Palestinian girl was needlessly shot by an Israeli captain. The captain should have disobeyed his orders in the name of common humanity and common sense. To shoot anyone, child or adult, male or female, in the back while they are retreating and not carrying anything that could be used as a weapon and have not committed any harm to anyone, demonstrates poor judgment.
Terrorists have created the conditions that resulted in this tragedy by using civilians in plain clothes, of all ages and both genders, to conduct terrorist operations, including surprise suicide bombings and other atrocities. Every Palestinian civilian is potentially a suicide bomber or else an accomplice intended to distract soldiers. There have been bombings directed at Israeli schools, marketplaces, and civilian homes, in which Israeli civilians, including children, are targeted. Terrorists want to kill all Israelis, whether they are soldiers or not. Their strategy betrays a kind of madness and is counterproductive.
Why did the captain shoot his weapon? Violence begets violence, and atrocity follows atrocity. The threads of civilization break down as people observe their neighbors, friends and loved ones getting injured or killed as a direct result of not being paranoid enough.
It was just possible that the girl was sent by terrorists in order to probe Israeli defenses and draw the soldiers out of their positions. A calculation may have been made by the terrorists that, if the girl were shot, it would hand their side a propaganda victory. Terrorists have proven themselves willing to sacrifice anyone and anything in order to achieve propaganda victories. They are aiming for the hearts and minds and do not seem to care about casualties.
Israel is a republic with proper mechanisms in place, including a free press. Therefore, I believe that the Palestinians should seek redress for their grievances through democratic, legal means, and renounce violence, in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi. I believe that the Israelis would respond in kind, although patience would be required.
Violence is not the answer. Patience and understanding is the answer. The past cannot be changed. It is recorded in the history books. Everyone can read about it and judge events for themselves. Only the future can be changed. A future with peace, understanding and shared purpose is better than a future with continual conflict and violence. A future with prosperity, education, and freedom of speech is better than a future with poverty, war, and animosity.
Violence is necessary only in regimes where there is no freedom of speech, and the government is a ruthless dictatorship. An example of this would be Iran, the chief sponsor of terrorism in the Middle East.
A case in point would be the Roman conquest of Britain. The Romans committed many atrocities. They were ten times worse than the Israelis by any measure one would care to apply. However, in time, the natives accepted the Roman Peace. There were historical wrongs committed by the Romans, but the natives set those events aside and moved forward. They realized that there were advantages brought by the Romans, such as unification, order, trade, luxuries, entertainment, technology, roads, and law. The Romans were not all bad, but were better than some of the alternatives at the time, such as the various barbarian tribes, bandits, and warlords. In time, the natives came to think of themselves as Roman. Like the Romans, the Israelis are not perfect. However, the Israeli state offers many advantages. It is one of the better systems of government in the Middle East. Those who expect a perfection solution or a perfect government will always be disappointed. They will never find what they are looking for.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Spain: More Advanced than the U.S.
Spain now has a nasal spray for medical marijuana patients. Spanish patients can say goodbye to the ill effects arising from smoking.
It would be available in the U.S., too, but--well, we have the DEA to thank for that.
The DEA is opposed to scientific or medical research and all democratic efforts by citizens to remove even the tiniest brick from the wall of Prohibition.
It would be available in the U.S., too, but--well, we have the DEA to thank for that.
The DEA is opposed to scientific or medical research and all democratic efforts by citizens to remove even the tiniest brick from the wall of Prohibition.
In Retrospect... Why Not?
I used to think all Christianity was opposed to homosexuality.
That seemed to be the case in the 1970's, with the exception of MCC, Metropolitan Community Church, which was formed by and for gays.
There used to be so much hostility expressed by Christian leaders, as represented by Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, that I despaired of there ever being peace, and viewed Christianity as the great enemy. Voices of moderation seemed few and far between.
Jump to 2010. Now it seems even the Presbyterians are jumping on the gay boat. They join the Lutherans, Anglicans, Episcopalians and who knows who else. That is quite a significant chunk of the mainstream Protestant Christian community.
In retrospect, why not? There is nothing inherently about homosexuality that opposes Christianity in any way, shape, or form. As a matter of fact, there are practical benefits that arise for the denomination that welcomes gays. Rather than driving gays and their families away from the Church, the Church is saying, listen, we need you, stay, and join us. Let us worship together.
From a historical point of view, gays have been in the Church forever, and there have been gay Popes. It could be argued that Christianity would not exist today without gays. I think that gays have played a central role in the Church throughout history, in part due to the policy of the Catholic church, which required priests and nuns to remain celibate. Of course, such a rule encouraged gays to join the Church in large numbers and receive the protection, dignity and privileges of the religious class. The rule was intended to keep heterosexuals out of the religious orders, to avoid misunderstandings and resulting scandals, and it was effective.
Before Christianity, gays played the role of medicine man, shaman, and seer.
I remain atheist on philosophical grounds, although I must say, Protestant Christianity is looking more impressive by the minute, especially in contrast to other beliefs such as Catholicism or Islam. The one key ingredient in Protestantism, beautiful and powerful, is its adaptability. Other religions seem carved in stone, fixed in time, denying the reality that is all around them, withering before the piercing light of science. Protestant believers, like their marvelous ancestors, adapt and thrive, as they always have throughout history.
That seemed to be the case in the 1970's, with the exception of MCC, Metropolitan Community Church, which was formed by and for gays.
There used to be so much hostility expressed by Christian leaders, as represented by Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, that I despaired of there ever being peace, and viewed Christianity as the great enemy. Voices of moderation seemed few and far between.
Jump to 2010. Now it seems even the Presbyterians are jumping on the gay boat. They join the Lutherans, Anglicans, Episcopalians and who knows who else. That is quite a significant chunk of the mainstream Protestant Christian community.
In retrospect, why not? There is nothing inherently about homosexuality that opposes Christianity in any way, shape, or form. As a matter of fact, there are practical benefits that arise for the denomination that welcomes gays. Rather than driving gays and their families away from the Church, the Church is saying, listen, we need you, stay, and join us. Let us worship together.
From a historical point of view, gays have been in the Church forever, and there have been gay Popes. It could be argued that Christianity would not exist today without gays. I think that gays have played a central role in the Church throughout history, in part due to the policy of the Catholic church, which required priests and nuns to remain celibate. Of course, such a rule encouraged gays to join the Church in large numbers and receive the protection, dignity and privileges of the religious class. The rule was intended to keep heterosexuals out of the religious orders, to avoid misunderstandings and resulting scandals, and it was effective.
Before Christianity, gays played the role of medicine man, shaman, and seer.
I remain atheist on philosophical grounds, although I must say, Protestant Christianity is looking more impressive by the minute, especially in contrast to other beliefs such as Catholicism or Islam. The one key ingredient in Protestantism, beautiful and powerful, is its adaptability. Other religions seem carved in stone, fixed in time, denying the reality that is all around them, withering before the piercing light of science. Protestant believers, like their marvelous ancestors, adapt and thrive, as they always have throughout history.
Labor Strikes in China?
What's that? You didn't know that workers had strikes in China? I didn't, either, before today. Officially tolerated strikes, at that. The Chinese workers are fed up with a wage freeze that has lasted two years. So they walked.
My reaction: good for them! Nothing could make me feel better about China than a sign of democratic activity, especially if it is met by official toleration. I think that world leaders should commend China for its respect of worker's rights in those instances where strikes occur that are organized by the workers themselves.
Not everyone feels the way I do, of course. In recent talks, the Japanese government scolded China's Premier for permitting the strikes. Japan has called for "transparent labor policies in China." Translation: no strikes should ever be tolerated for any reason, and workers who strike should be sent to China's version of the Gulag.
I read about this in a recent news article from the Associated Press, which was strangely altered in The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal, because all news regarding workers' rights is ignored, whenever media sources calculate that they can get away with it. Other media outlets chose to focus on China's position regarding North Korea or China's export of rare metals, topics that seem boring by comparison.
Democracy in China would be like a dream come true for the entire world. No greater guarantee of world peace could ever arise than a genuine Chinese Republic--with representatives from Tibet and Taiwan. (Taiwan would probably unify with China, if China evolved into a Republic.) I would like to see the Dalai Lama serving as Speaker of the House in the first Chinese Congress.
The substance of the Associated Press article: "Premier Wen Jiabao told a visiting Japanese delegation Sunday that Japanese companies operating in China should address workers' unhappiness over low wages that he says led to labor disputes this year."
I feel no sympathy for companies that have exported American, Japanese and European jobs over to China, throwing millions of their fellow citizens out of work, all in the name of cheaper labor costs and feeble environmental regulations. Outsourcing to China is an obvious attempt at exploitation, either of our shared planetary environment or of the Chinese.
Our government has permitted the exportation of middle class jobs due to the influence of money in American politics. All the Republicans and many of the Democrats have sold out to wealthy interests. However, the consequences of global warming will harm not only the poor, but the rich robber barons as well, whose descendants will inherit a much different planet Earth from the one that I grew up in. America will be a much different place, as well, with many poor, few rich, and just a tiny middle class.
The rich thought they could dispense with the middle class, but as it turns out, their own destiny is intertwined with that of the professional classes. The wealthy classes, too, will find their privileged lifestyles exported to China or eliminated altogether, although the process is likely to take longer than a single generation.
The biggest problem confronting H. Sapiens at this time regards the inability to appreciate and evaluate very long-term consequences of actions. It is rare to encounter an individual who can plan twenty years in ahead; how much rarer to encounter an individual that can forecast a century ahead. It is clear that many of the rich owners lack the capacity to foresee the long-term consequences of their business decisions. Hence, the problem with global warming and with the reduction of the middle class, which has been historically important in maintaining social order. The appeal of extremes, either communism or fascism, has always been greater to those without much property than to those with vested interests, such as a house, a car, and a college education.
H. Sapiens never needed to see far into the future before, because the environment took care of itself for the most part, barring the occasional flood, drought, earthquake or volcanic explosion. But the times, they are a-changing.
My reaction: good for them! Nothing could make me feel better about China than a sign of democratic activity, especially if it is met by official toleration. I think that world leaders should commend China for its respect of worker's rights in those instances where strikes occur that are organized by the workers themselves.
Not everyone feels the way I do, of course. In recent talks, the Japanese government scolded China's Premier for permitting the strikes. Japan has called for "transparent labor policies in China." Translation: no strikes should ever be tolerated for any reason, and workers who strike should be sent to China's version of the Gulag.
I read about this in a recent news article from the Associated Press, which was strangely altered in The Guardian and The Wall Street Journal, because all news regarding workers' rights is ignored, whenever media sources calculate that they can get away with it. Other media outlets chose to focus on China's position regarding North Korea or China's export of rare metals, topics that seem boring by comparison.
Democracy in China would be like a dream come true for the entire world. No greater guarantee of world peace could ever arise than a genuine Chinese Republic--with representatives from Tibet and Taiwan. (Taiwan would probably unify with China, if China evolved into a Republic.) I would like to see the Dalai Lama serving as Speaker of the House in the first Chinese Congress.
The substance of the Associated Press article: "Premier Wen Jiabao told a visiting Japanese delegation Sunday that Japanese companies operating in China should address workers' unhappiness over low wages that he says led to labor disputes this year."
I feel no sympathy for companies that have exported American, Japanese and European jobs over to China, throwing millions of their fellow citizens out of work, all in the name of cheaper labor costs and feeble environmental regulations. Outsourcing to China is an obvious attempt at exploitation, either of our shared planetary environment or of the Chinese.
Our government has permitted the exportation of middle class jobs due to the influence of money in American politics. All the Republicans and many of the Democrats have sold out to wealthy interests. However, the consequences of global warming will harm not only the poor, but the rich robber barons as well, whose descendants will inherit a much different planet Earth from the one that I grew up in. America will be a much different place, as well, with many poor, few rich, and just a tiny middle class.
The rich thought they could dispense with the middle class, but as it turns out, their own destiny is intertwined with that of the professional classes. The wealthy classes, too, will find their privileged lifestyles exported to China or eliminated altogether, although the process is likely to take longer than a single generation.
The biggest problem confronting H. Sapiens at this time regards the inability to appreciate and evaluate very long-term consequences of actions. It is rare to encounter an individual who can plan twenty years in ahead; how much rarer to encounter an individual that can forecast a century ahead. It is clear that many of the rich owners lack the capacity to foresee the long-term consequences of their business decisions. Hence, the problem with global warming and with the reduction of the middle class, which has been historically important in maintaining social order. The appeal of extremes, either communism or fascism, has always been greater to those without much property than to those with vested interests, such as a house, a car, and a college education.
H. Sapiens never needed to see far into the future before, because the environment took care of itself for the most part, barring the occasional flood, drought, earthquake or volcanic explosion. But the times, they are a-changing.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Iran's Barbarism
Iran's barbarism knows no bounds. They are preparing to stone a woman to death.
The manner in which Iran treats an innocent woman gives an indication as to how Iran will behave once in possession of nuclear weapons. If Iran shows no mercy, justice, or wisdom in its treatment of its own citizens, how much forbearance can the citizens of foreign countries expect?
Here is a description of how the sentence is to be carried out:
It is the radical Muslims who discredit Islam. Not the U.S., Israel, or any other Western country. Incidents such as this explain the distaste that many Westerners have for Islam, including the so-called "far-right" political parties in Europe, who have no desire to see this kind of barbarism introduced into their own society. It is high time for Islamic countries to emerge from the Middle Ages and respect the rights of women, gays, and minorities. Abandoning torture as a punishment would be a good first step. Freedom of speech would be a second.
The manner in which Iran treats an innocent woman gives an indication as to how Iran will behave once in possession of nuclear weapons. If Iran shows no mercy, justice, or wisdom in its treatment of its own citizens, how much forbearance can the citizens of foreign countries expect?
Here is a description of how the sentence is to be carried out:
The Islamic Penal Code of Iran is very specific regarding the details of how stoning should be executed. Article 102 states that men shall be buried up to their waists and women up to their breasts for the execution. Article 104 states, referring to the penalty for adultery, that the stones used should “not be large enough to kill the person by one or two strikes; nor should they be so small that they could not be defined as stones (pebbles).” In some cases, if a victim can escape from the ditch during the stoning, they will be freed. However, because women are buried up to their breasts and men only at their waists, women will have a smaller chance of escaping than men.
-from The Global Campaign to Stop Killing and Stoning Women.
It is the radical Muslims who discredit Islam. Not the U.S., Israel, or any other Western country. Incidents such as this explain the distaste that many Westerners have for Islam, including the so-called "far-right" political parties in Europe, who have no desire to see this kind of barbarism introduced into their own society. It is high time for Islamic countries to emerge from the Middle Ages and respect the rights of women, gays, and minorities. Abandoning torture as a punishment would be a good first step. Freedom of speech would be a second.
Friday, August 27, 2010
The Chilean Miners
I have been impressed by reports of the thirty-three trapped Chilean miners organizing their activities and living environment and deporting themselves with courage and common sense. I was disappointed that their story was bumped off the headlines of Google News today. I would rather read about them than about the latest Republican shenanigans.
I find it difficult to imagine how I would fare trapped in a subterranean cavern for four months without sunlight and with a high heat and humidity (85 F by one report, 95 F by another). I am glad that the miners have each other for emotional support and that they seem to get along well with one another. A single bit of bad blood could change the situation. Having worked together for a long time must have resulted in a cooperative spirit among the miners. Other positive aspects are that the miners have access to artificial light and have three lifelines to the surface, through which rescuers pour food and water.
These miners are really cool. Here's a great article on what they're doing.
I find it difficult to imagine how I would fare trapped in a subterranean cavern for four months without sunlight and with a high heat and humidity (85 F by one report, 95 F by another). I am glad that the miners have each other for emotional support and that they seem to get along well with one another. A single bit of bad blood could change the situation. Having worked together for a long time must have resulted in a cooperative spirit among the miners. Other positive aspects are that the miners have access to artificial light and have three lifelines to the surface, through which rescuers pour food and water.
These miners are really cool. Here's a great article on what they're doing.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Negative Ads
It is unfortunate that negative advertising can sway elections. Educated voters should evaluate the source as well as the message of a television commercial.
Reporting on Science
This scientist's editorial on CNN.com resonated with me. I have been disappointed with the sensationalist journalism regarding scientific research. Too many reporters seem to have the idea that great leaps are made with every incremental bit of research. Or perhaps they are just trying to grab eyeballs through any means possible.
NORML makes a persuasive case that the media censors all research on cannabis, unless there can be found a negative angle to said research, in which case the research will be misinterpreted, exaggerated, and placed as a top story. "Cannabinoids fight cancer" is deemed unsuitable as a headline, but "cannabis causes cancer" has been used many times. In case my reader is curious, certain cannabinoids do demonstrate cancer-fighting properties, although no one should claim "cannabis cures cancer," which would fall into the same bad habit of our mainstream media, exaggeration. Chocolate also possesses cancer-fighting properties in the form of antioxidants, but no one should claim "chocolate cures cancer," either. As for cannabis smoking causing cancer, I am sure that in time, it would, as would smoking anything at all. The responsible consumer should use either by vaporization or through digestion. However, cannabis smoking is much less harmful than cigarette smoking. For one thing, cigarettes contain harmful additives that cause additional damage above and beyond that caused by tobacco. Also, the THC in cannabis activates the coughing reflex, which helps to expel foreign material. Finally, a typical cigarette smoker smokes far more cigarettes per day than a cannabis smoker partakes of joints or bong hits.
Even politicians are often frustrated with the media, because it instigates continual conflict, even when there is none. Some politicians pander to the media's love of conflict and tension.
On another note, I saw a recent photo of Obama yesterday and was struck by how beautiful he is. He had a serious, even somber expression, befitting the times. He seems to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The occupation of President must be incredibly demanding, more so than in times past. He has a team to help him make decisions, but being a perfectionist, agonizes over every miscalculation, in sharp contrast to Bush, who was only concerned with his poll numbers.
It does not help matters that the Republicans oppose all his legislation just for the sake of opposing. I wish he had a worthy and virtuous opposition to contend with, but there is only one sane choice for the electorate, the Democrats, whatever their shortcomings. The Republicans are "looney tunes." The list of subjects that Republican politicians do not understand is a mile long. That they have sold out is understood. Their allegiance to their own party is unquestioning and absolute, which is why they vote as a block. It would be refreshing if some Republicans were mavericks and voted based upon their conscience. They seem to have no concern over the consequences of their actions, consequences that must be endured by the electorate.
Concern voiced by Republicans over the national debt ignores several important facts. Reagan spent his way out of a recession, too. Also, Bush spent trillions on pointless foreign wars. Why is it OK to spend trillions on Iraq, but not billions on the U.S.? I prefer the U.S. over Iraq. I think if a person pays taxes, he should be confident that his money will be spent on his own country, rather than another country.
It is true that the national debt is too high, but now is not the time to address that issue. There was a President who should have addressed that problem. He inherited a robust economy. His name was George W. Bush. Instead, he overspent, just as Republican Presidents do on a consistent basis, ever since Reagan.
NORML makes a persuasive case that the media censors all research on cannabis, unless there can be found a negative angle to said research, in which case the research will be misinterpreted, exaggerated, and placed as a top story. "Cannabinoids fight cancer" is deemed unsuitable as a headline, but "cannabis causes cancer" has been used many times. In case my reader is curious, certain cannabinoids do demonstrate cancer-fighting properties, although no one should claim "cannabis cures cancer," which would fall into the same bad habit of our mainstream media, exaggeration. Chocolate also possesses cancer-fighting properties in the form of antioxidants, but no one should claim "chocolate cures cancer," either. As for cannabis smoking causing cancer, I am sure that in time, it would, as would smoking anything at all. The responsible consumer should use either by vaporization or through digestion. However, cannabis smoking is much less harmful than cigarette smoking. For one thing, cigarettes contain harmful additives that cause additional damage above and beyond that caused by tobacco. Also, the THC in cannabis activates the coughing reflex, which helps to expel foreign material. Finally, a typical cigarette smoker smokes far more cigarettes per day than a cannabis smoker partakes of joints or bong hits.
Even politicians are often frustrated with the media, because it instigates continual conflict, even when there is none. Some politicians pander to the media's love of conflict and tension.
On another note, I saw a recent photo of Obama yesterday and was struck by how beautiful he is. He had a serious, even somber expression, befitting the times. He seems to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The occupation of President must be incredibly demanding, more so than in times past. He has a team to help him make decisions, but being a perfectionist, agonizes over every miscalculation, in sharp contrast to Bush, who was only concerned with his poll numbers.
It does not help matters that the Republicans oppose all his legislation just for the sake of opposing. I wish he had a worthy and virtuous opposition to contend with, but there is only one sane choice for the electorate, the Democrats, whatever their shortcomings. The Republicans are "looney tunes." The list of subjects that Republican politicians do not understand is a mile long. That they have sold out is understood. Their allegiance to their own party is unquestioning and absolute, which is why they vote as a block. It would be refreshing if some Republicans were mavericks and voted based upon their conscience. They seem to have no concern over the consequences of their actions, consequences that must be endured by the electorate.
Concern voiced by Republicans over the national debt ignores several important facts. Reagan spent his way out of a recession, too. Also, Bush spent trillions on pointless foreign wars. Why is it OK to spend trillions on Iraq, but not billions on the U.S.? I prefer the U.S. over Iraq. I think if a person pays taxes, he should be confident that his money will be spent on his own country, rather than another country.
It is true that the national debt is too high, but now is not the time to address that issue. There was a President who should have addressed that problem. He inherited a robust economy. His name was George W. Bush. Instead, he overspent, just as Republican Presidents do on a consistent basis, ever since Reagan.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
How the Republicans Might Win in November
If the Republicans do pick up seats in November, it will be due to the combined propaganda of The Christian Science Monitor, FOX News, and The Wall Street Journal. These media sources are dedicated propaganda factories. They are always on the side of the rich against the poor. However, not everyone is aware of their agenda. They may confuse enough voters from the lower and middle classes to vote against their self-interests. If that is the case, then the standard of living for most Americans will continue its long and steady decline.
I used to imagine that Republicans, who often talk about job growth and economic expansion, were competent stewards of the economy, even if I did not agree with them on social issues. For this reason, I invested much of my 401(k) savings in stocks, rather than bonds. All such illusions vanished during the Bush Presidency, when the Republicans created the conditions that resulted in the economic meltdown. America has a short memory indeed if it runs straight back to the party that abused her. The Republicans have changed nothing. They think and behave in the exact same ways that they did while they were making catastrophic blunders. They have not learned anything from previous errors. Blind faith in free market capitalism is not a formula for success. Government regulation and oversight of the markets is necessary in order to prevent "boom-and-bust" cycles.
I used to imagine that Republicans, who often talk about job growth and economic expansion, were competent stewards of the economy, even if I did not agree with them on social issues. For this reason, I invested much of my 401(k) savings in stocks, rather than bonds. All such illusions vanished during the Bush Presidency, when the Republicans created the conditions that resulted in the economic meltdown. America has a short memory indeed if it runs straight back to the party that abused her. The Republicans have changed nothing. They think and behave in the exact same ways that they did while they were making catastrophic blunders. They have not learned anything from previous errors. Blind faith in free market capitalism is not a formula for success. Government regulation and oversight of the markets is necessary in order to prevent "boom-and-bust" cycles.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Validation
The professor told several students today that I upset the grade average curve, which makes her less likely to award the class bonus points. My buddy turned to me and said he was glad he wasn't taking any more classes with me, because I did so well on the tests. I said I didn't blame him.
I treat studying and test-taking like a game. I like taking tests. I find it exciting. One student called me an overachiever. I want to score higher than anyone else. I look at it as evidence that I've still got "it," and will be able to handle whatever comes my way in the future. I feel more confident about the future, because I am doing so well. I thrive on the validation that I receive from others. To observe people nodding when I speak and to see admiration in other people's eyes is pleasant.
I was pleased by the way I handled the rude guy in class. After several students and I got together and told him the law of the land, he shut up during the lectures and let the professor speak. I thought he would carry resentment and bitterness, but I was mistaken. He too wants validation from others. He feels a constant need to talk and receive feedback from others. He talks incessantly only due to his craving for continual stimulation. Perhaps that is also the reason he is a chain smoker. He is friendly, though, and has learned to respect the boundaries of others as best he can.
My policy is to ignore him whenever possible, without ever seeming obviously rude. I respond to his questions in order to avoid any appearance of hostility, but my answers tend to be brief, without followup questions, and certainly without suggesting any new topics for discussion. In time, he gets distracted and begins rattling off to a less discreet student, and I am left in peace.
I treat studying and test-taking like a game. I like taking tests. I find it exciting. One student called me an overachiever. I want to score higher than anyone else. I look at it as evidence that I've still got "it," and will be able to handle whatever comes my way in the future. I feel more confident about the future, because I am doing so well. I thrive on the validation that I receive from others. To observe people nodding when I speak and to see admiration in other people's eyes is pleasant.
I was pleased by the way I handled the rude guy in class. After several students and I got together and told him the law of the land, he shut up during the lectures and let the professor speak. I thought he would carry resentment and bitterness, but I was mistaken. He too wants validation from others. He feels a constant need to talk and receive feedback from others. He talks incessantly only due to his craving for continual stimulation. Perhaps that is also the reason he is a chain smoker. He is friendly, though, and has learned to respect the boundaries of others as best he can.
My policy is to ignore him whenever possible, without ever seeming obviously rude. I respond to his questions in order to avoid any appearance of hostility, but my answers tend to be brief, without followup questions, and certainly without suggesting any new topics for discussion. In time, he gets distracted and begins rattling off to a less discreet student, and I am left in peace.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Spam-Free Since May
My blog has been spam-free since the end of May. My secret is not dumb luck or even my obscurity, though it is true this is a rather obscure blog, receiving twenty hits per day, half of which are robots. (I'm amused by webmasters that brag about their number of hits, unaware that many are robots rather than human beings.) I am not prepared to believe that hits from Russia, Estonia, China, Japan, or Brazil represent human beings.
I have modified the default behavior of Blogger in order to deceive and ensnare spambots. Spammers continue in their attempts to post on my blog, but such attempts fail. Their posts disappear into cyberspace without my being aware of them, while the IP addresses are captured and exposed. My efforts have bagged over sixty different IP addresses so far.
The only comments I ever have to moderate are the ones from human beings, and I do appreciate the vast majority of them. Since disabling the "Anonymous Comment" feature, there have been no more idiots.
Anthony Cea over at Forum Poster's Union suggested that two percent of spammers might be able to defeat my anti-spam defense. That may be so. However, I have not observed any breach so far. I think that spammers don't bother trying to defeat unusual defenses. They move on to easier and more common varieties of prey. Penetrating the defense of this blog would be like invading Sealand. What would be the point?
I have modified the default behavior of Blogger in order to deceive and ensnare spambots. Spammers continue in their attempts to post on my blog, but such attempts fail. Their posts disappear into cyberspace without my being aware of them, while the IP addresses are captured and exposed. My efforts have bagged over sixty different IP addresses so far.
The only comments I ever have to moderate are the ones from human beings, and I do appreciate the vast majority of them. Since disabling the "Anonymous Comment" feature, there have been no more idiots.
Anthony Cea over at Forum Poster's Union suggested that two percent of spammers might be able to defeat my anti-spam defense. That may be so. However, I have not observed any breach so far. I think that spammers don't bother trying to defeat unusual defenses. They move on to easier and more common varieties of prey. Penetrating the defense of this blog would be like invading Sealand. What would be the point?
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Where has the Sense of Adventure Gone?
From Dutch Teenager Sets Sail, "in April she won a court case against Dutch social services, who had argued that the voyage could harm her emotional and social development."
It sounds to me like the Dutch social services have much to learn concerning emotional and social development.
It sounds to me like the Dutch social services have much to learn concerning emotional and social development.
I Would Definitely Join the Green Party
I love Australian politics. The five profiled in that article are not representative of the whole of Australia's Parliament, but they sound like a breath of fresh air, compared to American politics. Perhaps the allure is based on nothing more than the novelty to me. We do not have a viable Green Party in the U.S., due to our winner-takes-all electoral system, which prevents candidates from minority parties from winning any seats in Congress.
"Encompass the Whole World"
The dictator of Iran threatens the entire world. For the moment, his threats are idle boasts from a madman, reminiscent of Mussolini. I wonder what will be the case when his words are backed up with nuclear missiles? Perhaps the U.S. invaded the wrong country. I would have preferred to see Ah-madman dangling at the end of a noose, although Saddam's head-popping was popcorn-worthy. Whatever one feels about the Iraqi war, the end of a tyrant can only be applauded.
Ah-madman has suppressed moderate Iranians, denied the Holocaust, spoken in favor of the obliteration of Israel, supported terrorism, and is now pursuing nuclear weapons with a single-minded mania. I believe that, should he acquire nuclear weapons, he will use them. He discounts the suffering of others in order to pursue a narrow agenda of egoism.
Ah-madman has suppressed moderate Iranians, denied the Holocaust, spoken in favor of the obliteration of Israel, supported terrorism, and is now pursuing nuclear weapons with a single-minded mania. I believe that, should he acquire nuclear weapons, he will use them. He discounts the suffering of others in order to pursue a narrow agenda of egoism.
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