Two weeks ago Sunday, when I broached the subject of politics with a friend, I guess I was sort of laying the ground work of an I told you so, when I noted the sailor in San Diego and the Military Justice finding the wars in Yugoslavia, Afghanistan and Iraq illegal.
He had a rather firm reaction of missing the days when they shot deserters. I did not bother to say something about the worst Bush being able to get is impeachment. We are one step closer.
Friday, May 27, 2005
Evolution of a Mugging or The Revolution of Irony
Mixing metaphors, the process was taken to the woodshed on the so called compromise or "Memorandum of Understanding on Judicial Nominations". It may be more of a mutual sacrifice. On one side, the three nominees that will make the cloture vote are a gift from the centrist Democrats. On the other side the "right" to end the filibuster by breaking the rules was sacrificed by the centrist Republicans. If this was done for the sake of the rules and tradition of the senate, then it seems that principles were held hostage by those republicans for the sake of getting past this or just those nominees. The only hope is that with advice and consent there will never be sent more nominees with potential to be filibustered, and that there will never be reason to vote against their principles again.
[6-2-05: Comment and final link added below]
The continued comments that nominees are due an up or down vote indicate the degree that this deal depends on the integrity of the 7 Republicans who are standing up (with the Democrats)for the rules and traditions of the U.S. Senate and the constitution.]
[6-2-05: Comment and final link added below]
The continued comments that nominees are due an up or down vote indicate the degree that this deal depends on the integrity of the 7 Republicans who are standing up (with the Democrats)for the rules and traditions of the U.S. Senate and the constitution.]
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Memo of Understanding
It may not make good blogging, media or politics, but the more I read the Memo of Understanding.. not only the more I understand it but have hope that it is binding.
In brief:
Part I: Pending
A. on 3 nominees vote to cloture.
B. on 2 reserve right to vote cloture
Part II: Future
A. right to filibuster or cloture up to individual
B. Commit to oppose rules change in the 109th congress except by the rules, meaning not by simple majority.
Now it is back to politics, which is also media and blogging. This seems to be more binding than some of them may understand or will admit. But then again, we are back to politics and the rest.
In brief:
Part I: Pending
A. on 3 nominees vote to cloture.
B. on 2 reserve right to vote cloture
Part II: Future
A. right to filibuster or cloture up to individual
B. Commit to oppose rules change in the 109th congress except by the rules, meaning not by simple majority.
Now it is back to politics, which is also media and blogging. This seems to be more binding than some of them may understand or will admit. But then again, we are back to politics and the rest.
Vaccination for our Castor Oil.
With the confirmation of Priscilla Owen, we must vaccinate ourselves from what one of the participants of the Gang of 14 called the castor oil which the compromise was. With the veto expected on the Stem Cell bill, we will see that it is not a matter of an up or down vote, or majority rule. It is not even a matter of morality. It is a matter of politics or Bush trying to reason. (Tangent later.)
The vaccination must come to the argument David Brooks made and to which Al Franken agreed was a precedent with the Owen vote, bringing down the barrier of what constitutes where “Nominees should only be filibustered under extraordinary circumstances and each signatory must use his or her own discretion and judgment in determining whether such circumstances exist.”
In my opinion this is a risky bet but on principle the barrier has not been dropped. The three nominees were part of the compromise made as part of upholding the filibuster. These nominees should set no precedence that would change their view that the filibuster is constitutional and for the best of the country. This logic is binding to the extent that in Part II, B. they have agreed not to change the rules with a majority vote.
The vaccination must come to the argument David Brooks made and to which Al Franken agreed was a precedent with the Owen vote, bringing down the barrier of what constitutes where “Nominees should only be filibustered under extraordinary circumstances and each signatory must use his or her own discretion and judgment in determining whether such circumstances exist.”
In my opinion this is a risky bet but on principle the barrier has not been dropped. The three nominees were part of the compromise made as part of upholding the filibuster. These nominees should set no precedence that would change their view that the filibuster is constitutional and for the best of the country. This logic is binding to the extent that in Part II, B. they have agreed not to change the rules with a majority vote.
Monday, May 23, 2005
Temporary Victory for Filibuster
Here are two titles I hope not to need:
Tyranny of the Centrist Minority
or Senate Committee of Faith Based Principles
There maybe be hope, but it may be only postponement.
I commend the coming to an agreement, but there seems little that holds either side to whatever they agreed to. It seems that it would only be binding on the participants with both sides having reserved their rights to change their mind later, which is not very reassuring.
The agreement is only for them to come to a vote. Now we can hold Senators accountable for a vote and this agreement. Meaning only that the filibuster will not succeed on three nominees, but with little promise that we not return to more divisiveness.
Tyranny of the Centrist Minority
or Senate Committee of Faith Based Principles
There maybe be hope, but it may be only postponement.
I commend the coming to an agreement, but there seems little that holds either side to whatever they agreed to. It seems that it would only be binding on the participants with both sides having reserved their rights to change their mind later, which is not very reassuring.
The agreement is only for them to come to a vote. Now we can hold Senators accountable for a vote and this agreement. Meaning only that the filibuster will not succeed on three nominees, but with little promise that we not return to more divisiveness.
Concern about Compromise.
(Comments in Email: 11:45 am PST.)
This is either the poorest example of journalism
or the most obvious reason we are in trouble,
but can anyone figure out a compromise that will work,
that fits the parameters McCain noted where future nominees are not blocked and current filibuster rules remain unchanged?
UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE WEEK OR HISTORY OF THE CONSTITUTION:
“We’re having difficulty coming up with exact language which would portray that desire. It’s tough,” McCain told “Fox News Sunday.”
"Dealmakers to meet over judges standoff." See link.
This is either the poorest example of journalism
or the most obvious reason we are in trouble,
but can anyone figure out a compromise that will work,
that fits the parameters McCain noted where future nominees are not blocked and current filibuster rules remain unchanged?
UNDERSTATEMENT OF THE WEEK OR HISTORY OF THE CONSTITUTION:
“We’re having difficulty coming up with exact language which would portray that desire. It’s tough,” McCain told “Fox News Sunday.”
"Dealmakers to meet over judges standoff." See link.
Filibuster Final Draft
FILIBUSTER MORE IMPORTANT THAN BOLTON.
What do some Republicans keep in the closet? Reality and rational thinking. What can’t they keep in the closet and is naturally out-ed? Hypocrisy. What does this have to do with the state of the nation? It is about Bush getting his way. His judges, his appointments and his way or the highway. Failing that, it is the fault of those who are against him.
They claim it is about “fairness“. But it is about doing your job with the evidence at hand, not filtering the evidence to fit your plan. It is about judges doing their job, congress doing their job and the president doing his job. They are all there to uphold the constitution. It is about the congress itself being divided for a reason: the House to represent the majority and the Senate to balance and restrain it. The legislature legislates, the executive executes the law, the judiciary adjudicates.
We have heard, "Life is not fair", on that we agree and in fact probably designed our government to address. Many in fact are fond of saying this yet feel compelled to institutionalize it. Progress means dealing with what may not always be fair but putting work into changing it.
Jumping to the issue of Bolton for the moment, he is a perfect example of the sectarian war that is being waged. The only justifiable reason for his approval is that he perfectly represents the attitude of the administration. If each branch of government were as radical as him, we would be fine. Except for the fact that life is not fair, and everyone would love to operate under the principle that evidence does not matter in the grand scheme of things. So approve Bolton, only with the understanding that others will follow the leader. Not to mention that there is a cause and effect relationship that is a two way street.
The Republicans called elimination of the filibuster, the nuclear option. Because they know it is MAD for the nation to consider the mutual assured destruction of the constitution. And because they know that both Democrats and Republicans with principles, should HALT everything if it comes down. The branches of government balance each other for reasons that would be void if the executive can pick the judges that interpret the laws which congress makes, even with the cooperation of the majority. Maintain the filibuster or hope that reality stays in the closet. Compromise only with the understanding that the principle of the job is not to rubber stamp any other branch.
Approve Bolton only with the knowledge that the world has it’s own reality that life is not fair. There may be black and white but it is better to act like it, than expect to eliminate one. Escaping cause and effect may be desirable, but it is not rational. Just because we have one goal doe not mean there is one way to get there. Taking only one path assures that others will be coming head-on from the same goal. Whether it is a nuclear option or a biblical option, the Senate must JUST SAY NO to ending the filibuster! Rational thinking and cause and effect are not just minority opinions. Whatever happens the world will either follow or react.
If may seem that compromise seems reasonable and often it takes extremes to enforce it. But in the case of the filibuster consider another power the president has to assure protection of another minority or abusive legislation--the veto. A supermajority is required to overturn it, but the veto balances abuse by a simple majority in congress. Should we consider taking the President's veto away? No!
Compromise on Bolton? Maybe. As long as the public understands that it means reform of the United Nations, like they meant to reform Social Security, and they won‘t need to go on a road show.
What do some Republicans keep in the closet? Reality and rational thinking. What can’t they keep in the closet and is naturally out-ed? Hypocrisy. What does this have to do with the state of the nation? It is about Bush getting his way. His judges, his appointments and his way or the highway. Failing that, it is the fault of those who are against him.
They claim it is about “fairness“. But it is about doing your job with the evidence at hand, not filtering the evidence to fit your plan. It is about judges doing their job, congress doing their job and the president doing his job. They are all there to uphold the constitution. It is about the congress itself being divided for a reason: the House to represent the majority and the Senate to balance and restrain it. The legislature legislates, the executive executes the law, the judiciary adjudicates.
We have heard, "Life is not fair", on that we agree and in fact probably designed our government to address. Many in fact are fond of saying this yet feel compelled to institutionalize it. Progress means dealing with what may not always be fair but putting work into changing it.
Jumping to the issue of Bolton for the moment, he is a perfect example of the sectarian war that is being waged. The only justifiable reason for his approval is that he perfectly represents the attitude of the administration. If each branch of government were as radical as him, we would be fine. Except for the fact that life is not fair, and everyone would love to operate under the principle that evidence does not matter in the grand scheme of things. So approve Bolton, only with the understanding that others will follow the leader. Not to mention that there is a cause and effect relationship that is a two way street.
The Republicans called elimination of the filibuster, the nuclear option. Because they know it is MAD for the nation to consider the mutual assured destruction of the constitution. And because they know that both Democrats and Republicans with principles, should HALT everything if it comes down. The branches of government balance each other for reasons that would be void if the executive can pick the judges that interpret the laws which congress makes, even with the cooperation of the majority. Maintain the filibuster or hope that reality stays in the closet. Compromise only with the understanding that the principle of the job is not to rubber stamp any other branch.
Approve Bolton only with the knowledge that the world has it’s own reality that life is not fair. There may be black and white but it is better to act like it, than expect to eliminate one. Escaping cause and effect may be desirable, but it is not rational. Just because we have one goal doe not mean there is one way to get there. Taking only one path assures that others will be coming head-on from the same goal. Whether it is a nuclear option or a biblical option, the Senate must JUST SAY NO to ending the filibuster! Rational thinking and cause and effect are not just minority opinions. Whatever happens the world will either follow or react.
If may seem that compromise seems reasonable and often it takes extremes to enforce it. But in the case of the filibuster consider another power the president has to assure protection of another minority or abusive legislation--the veto. A supermajority is required to overturn it, but the veto balances abuse by a simple majority in congress. Should we consider taking the President's veto away? No!
Compromise on Bolton? Maybe. As long as the public understands that it means reform of the United Nations, like they meant to reform Social Security, and they won‘t need to go on a road show.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
The Mother of All Flushes
Going back to my old style of writing I have a quick filter of the highly filtered news. On the recent scandal at Newsweek or rather “Setup”
or UN Like Rather setup: It reminds me of the old WMD falderal. How? Well it begins with what is the truth or where do we begin?. I take back my comment on old style since I seem to have evolved a bit if nothing much else has changed. But the truth about WMD as well as the facts or which came first their existence or removal? If the disrespect for the Koran exists and there has been more than one report of that occurring it is the administrations job to prove that these did not occur. The problem here is that the truth is not something that you can pick or choose nor kill the messenger for trying to get at. I certainly have no first hand knowledge, but it seems that facts are beside the issue of checking reports and proving the negative. It seems that there are many reports of the Koran landing somewhere no matter what you call it. It seems that Newsweek ran their piece by the Defense Department, with some changes made. So the farthest from this frame is to blame the messenger.
[I had to attach the link, to give some credit as it is still unread. But it is another irony or hypocrisy (depending if you or left or right brain thinking) in the UN Oil for Food scandal being a Weapon of Media Distraction from taking responsibility for our own actions.].
or UN Like Rather setup: It reminds me of the old WMD falderal. How? Well it begins with what is the truth or where do we begin?. I take back my comment on old style since I seem to have evolved a bit if nothing much else has changed. But the truth about WMD as well as the facts or which came first their existence or removal? If the disrespect for the Koran exists and there has been more than one report of that occurring it is the administrations job to prove that these did not occur. The problem here is that the truth is not something that you can pick or choose nor kill the messenger for trying to get at. I certainly have no first hand knowledge, but it seems that facts are beside the issue of checking reports and proving the negative. It seems that there are many reports of the Koran landing somewhere no matter what you call it. It seems that Newsweek ran their piece by the Defense Department, with some changes made. So the farthest from this frame is to blame the messenger.
[I had to attach the link, to give some credit as it is still unread. But it is another irony or hypocrisy (depending if you or left or right brain thinking) in the UN Oil for Food scandal being a Weapon of Media Distraction from taking responsibility for our own actions.].
Friday, May 13, 2005
Preemption not Prevention but Prediction
I have yet to more than barely read the following three sites, politicalwire.com timesonline.co.uk guardian.co.uk. which I found simply by doing a search for Downing Street Memo
But it is clear to me that this information must have been filtered through what is known as open source intelligence well before the congress voted on the Iraq Resolution. Just as it may be difficult for real information to pass through the “objective filter” which the president calls his staff, there is much that is poorly strained in reaching the public as well as our representatives.
My post is evidence of my conviction at that time.
More than just filtering the facts, reading between the lines before the dots are connected seems the only way to analyze the administration. It seems that my theory that people will follow what you do whether or not they know what you mean can also be taken preemptively, and that is also a two-way street. Preemption is not just prevention, it can be prediction, unless you count on someone to know better.
But it is clear to me that this information must have been filtered through what is known as open source intelligence well before the congress voted on the Iraq Resolution. Just as it may be difficult for real information to pass through the “objective filter” which the president calls his staff, there is much that is poorly strained in reaching the public as well as our representatives.
My post is evidence of my conviction at that time.
More than just filtering the facts, reading between the lines before the dots are connected seems the only way to analyze the administration. It seems that my theory that people will follow what you do whether or not they know what you mean can also be taken preemptively, and that is also a two-way street. Preemption is not just prevention, it can be prediction, unless you count on someone to know better.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Filibuster more important FOR JUSTICE and against judges than Bolton.
[The previous post may be a footnote to the following, which had been in rough draft, but now serves as a preface, with footnote below and final link.]
What do some Republicans keep in the closet? Reality and rational thinking. What can’t they keep in the closet and is naturally out-ed? Hypocrisy. What does this have to do with the state of the nation? It is about Bush getting his way. His judges, his appointments and his way or the highway. Failing that, it is the fault of those who are against him.
He or his attorney general claim it is about “fairness“. But it is about doing your job with the evidence at hand, not filtering the evidence to fit your plan. It is about judges doing their job, congress doing their job and the president doing his job. They are all there to uphold the constitution. It is about the congress itself being divided for a reason: the House to represent the majority and the Senate to balance and restrain it. The legislature legislates, the executive executes the law, the judiciary adjudicates. Life is not fair, on that we agree and in fact probably designed our government to address this. Many in fact are fond of saying “life is not fair”, and feel compelled to institutionalize it. Progress means dealing with what may not always be fair but putting work into changing it.
Jumping to the issue of Bolton for the moment, he is a perfect example of the cultural war that is being waged. The only justifiable reason for his approval is that he perfectly represents the attitude of the administration. If each branch of government were as radical as him, we would be fine. Except for the fact that life is not fair, and everyone would love to operate under the principle that evidence does not matter in the grand scheme of things. So approve Bolton, only with the understanding that others will follow the leader. Not to mention that there is a cause and effect relationship that is a two way street.
The Republicans called elimination of the filibuster, the nuclear option. Because they know it is MAD for the nation to consider the mutual assured destruction of the constitution. And because they know that both Democrats and Republicans with principles, should HALT everything if it comes down. The branches of government balance each other for reasons that would be void if the executive can pick the judges that interpret the laws which congress makes, even with the cooperation of the majority. Maintain the filibuster or hope that reality stays in the closet. Compromise only with the understanding that the principle of the job is not to rubber stamp any other branch.
Approve Bolton only with the knowledge that the world has it’s own reality that life is not fair. There may be black and white but it is better to act like it, than expect to eliminate one. Escaping cause and effect may be desirable, but it is not rational. Just because we have one goal doe not mean there is one way to get there. Taking only one path assures that others will be coming head-on from the same goal. Whether it is a nuclear option or a biblical option, the Senate must JUST SAY NO to ending the filibuster! Rational thinking and cause and effect are not just minority opinions. Whatever happens the world will either follow or react.
FOOTNOTES:
Incompetence may be another reason Bolton perfectly represents the administration, not only in methods but results. Sorting out the issue a bit more, on Committee issues related to the whole Senate, getting things out of committee is one thing that may be a compromise, but use of the filibuster must always be held as a last resort. Getting something to the floor is a great way to see where Senators line up, and there is nothing wrong with expecting them to line up to be held accountable. This seems to indicate that votes or reasons may not be black or white, BUT RESULTS OFTEN ARE!
SEE Link below:
What do some Republicans keep in the closet? Reality and rational thinking. What can’t they keep in the closet and is naturally out-ed? Hypocrisy. What does this have to do with the state of the nation? It is about Bush getting his way. His judges, his appointments and his way or the highway. Failing that, it is the fault of those who are against him.
He or his attorney general claim it is about “fairness“. But it is about doing your job with the evidence at hand, not filtering the evidence to fit your plan. It is about judges doing their job, congress doing their job and the president doing his job. They are all there to uphold the constitution. It is about the congress itself being divided for a reason: the House to represent the majority and the Senate to balance and restrain it. The legislature legislates, the executive executes the law, the judiciary adjudicates. Life is not fair, on that we agree and in fact probably designed our government to address this. Many in fact are fond of saying “life is not fair”, and feel compelled to institutionalize it. Progress means dealing with what may not always be fair but putting work into changing it.
Jumping to the issue of Bolton for the moment, he is a perfect example of the cultural war that is being waged. The only justifiable reason for his approval is that he perfectly represents the attitude of the administration. If each branch of government were as radical as him, we would be fine. Except for the fact that life is not fair, and everyone would love to operate under the principle that evidence does not matter in the grand scheme of things. So approve Bolton, only with the understanding that others will follow the leader. Not to mention that there is a cause and effect relationship that is a two way street.
The Republicans called elimination of the filibuster, the nuclear option. Because they know it is MAD for the nation to consider the mutual assured destruction of the constitution. And because they know that both Democrats and Republicans with principles, should HALT everything if it comes down. The branches of government balance each other for reasons that would be void if the executive can pick the judges that interpret the laws which congress makes, even with the cooperation of the majority. Maintain the filibuster or hope that reality stays in the closet. Compromise only with the understanding that the principle of the job is not to rubber stamp any other branch.
Approve Bolton only with the knowledge that the world has it’s own reality that life is not fair. There may be black and white but it is better to act like it, than expect to eliminate one. Escaping cause and effect may be desirable, but it is not rational. Just because we have one goal doe not mean there is one way to get there. Taking only one path assures that others will be coming head-on from the same goal. Whether it is a nuclear option or a biblical option, the Senate must JUST SAY NO to ending the filibuster! Rational thinking and cause and effect are not just minority opinions. Whatever happens the world will either follow or react.
FOOTNOTES:
Incompetence may be another reason Bolton perfectly represents the administration, not only in methods but results. Sorting out the issue a bit more, on Committee issues related to the whole Senate, getting things out of committee is one thing that may be a compromise, but use of the filibuster must always be held as a last resort. Getting something to the floor is a great way to see where Senators line up, and there is nothing wrong with expecting them to line up to be held accountable. This seems to indicate that votes or reasons may not be black or white, BUT RESULTS OFTEN ARE!
SEE Link below:
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
WEDGE ISSUE? UNITING ISSUE: The Filibuster
Even before seeing the following, States set to fight, defy driver’s license rules
Object to new federal requirements with no funding I thought it could be a uniting issue that should also save the filibuster.
The States must sue the Federal Administration for unfunded mandates. Beyond the reasoning that drivers licenses are to make roads safe, not the airways, this must also be tied to the concern about loss of the filibuster. The Senate beyond representing the minority, it also represents the States in a form of equal representation. If there is no taxation without representation, there should be no trickle down mandates without funding. The Senate and the Supreme Court along with the filibuster must be seen as protecting “States Rights” as well as the minority.
Object to new federal requirements with no funding I thought it could be a uniting issue that should also save the filibuster.
The States must sue the Federal Administration for unfunded mandates. Beyond the reasoning that drivers licenses are to make roads safe, not the airways, this must also be tied to the concern about loss of the filibuster. The Senate beyond representing the minority, it also represents the States in a form of equal representation. If there is no taxation without representation, there should be no trickle down mandates without funding. The Senate and the Supreme Court along with the filibuster must be seen as protecting “States Rights” as well as the minority.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Chicken Hawk Down? 2008 Frist-Bush?
They certainly aren't counting the Chicken Hawk down.
Move America Forward still has hope for Bolton and apparently getting the U.N out of the U.S.
They claim: "Senator Voinovich is taking a 'new' and 'fair' look at John Bolton - the man President Bush has nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations."
They are "confident Senator Voinovich will vote 'YES' to allow Mr. Bolton's nomination to proceed from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee....that John Bolton's nomination will make it to the floor for a vote by the full U.S. Senate."
Not that there is any link to the Republicans or Frist, but they do have banner of a boot on Florida kicking the U.N symbol across the Atlantic. Does this mean Jeb Bush is the other candidate for the Fristian Soldiers?
Move America Forward still has hope for Bolton and apparently getting the U.N out of the U.S.
They claim: "Senator Voinovich is taking a 'new' and 'fair' look at John Bolton - the man President Bush has nominated to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations."
They are "confident Senator Voinovich will vote 'YES' to allow Mr. Bolton's nomination to proceed from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee....that John Bolton's nomination will make it to the floor for a vote by the full U.S. Senate."
Not that there is any link to the Republicans or Frist, but they do have banner of a boot on Florida kicking the U.N symbol across the Atlantic. Does this mean Jeb Bush is the other candidate for the Fristian Soldiers?
Let's Do the Frist: or Onward Fristian Soldiers!
After the last post, I opened my local paper and read the AP report on Justice Sunday, and Frist does seem to be out of touch with the "Agenda" of the so called "choir" to which he spoke, but that is part of the plan.
He is probably their Sheppard in Fox clothing. His lack of connection to the reality for which they stand, makes him seem moderate and he is the likely standard bearer for the next crusade, while DeLay is the Wolf thrown to the Lambs or the "so called Lib media" that pulls the wool over the sheeple.
Sorry for running with metaphors but lets hope they trip up on this.
He is probably their Sheppard in Fox clothing. His lack of connection to the reality for which they stand, makes him seem moderate and he is the likely standard bearer for the next crusade, while DeLay is the Wolf thrown to the Lambs or the "so called Lib media" that pulls the wool over the sheeple.
Sorry for running with metaphors but lets hope they trip up on this.
Borrow and Twist- a surfing metaphor?
Oh what a web we weave or mobius strip we ravel. I was going give a shout out earlier as a wake-up for the upcoming Justice Sunday events, but they may hopefully make it through the “so called Liberal” media filters. But cutting through the mangled message is not that difficult if you follow the borrow and twist method that has been my habit: You must simply take their statements or labels and sort out the facts. Well maybe not even that.
The so called aim of JCCCR.org is "Confronting the Judicial War on Faith". There basically is no judicial war on faith except theirs. They are actually fighting for their Truth and they are against anything else, especially Faith. Faith by definition is not Truth but actually depends on not knowing or having facts. It is even divorced from logic. Even this concept is not exactly absolute, but relative. Having knowledge, be they facts or understanding, does not rule out faith.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with faith. Truth is also part of the process, but understanding and faith are not strangers to it.
All links in this post were only glanced at, either during or after the process. The Al Franken Show and the mention of upcoming guests, from Andrew Sullivan.com to People for the American Way also deserve some credit for getting me rolling, but I probably missed some valuable comments while processing this and going overboard with definitions and links.
The so called aim of JCCCR.org is "Confronting the Judicial War on Faith". There basically is no judicial war on faith except theirs. They are actually fighting for their Truth and they are against anything else, especially Faith. Faith by definition is not Truth but actually depends on not knowing or having facts. It is even divorced from logic. Even this concept is not exactly absolute, but relative. Having knowledge, be they facts or understanding, does not rule out faith.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with faith. Truth is also part of the process, but understanding and faith are not strangers to it.
All links in this post were only glanced at, either during or after the process. The Al Franken Show and the mention of upcoming guests, from Andrew Sullivan.com to People for the American Way also deserve some credit for getting me rolling, but I probably missed some valuable comments while processing this and going overboard with definitions and links.
Thursday, April 21, 2005
QCON: Bolt of Hope
Quick Concept:Questioning Conservatives
Have some from the other side seen the light?
Have some from the other side seen the light?
The People's Business?
Bush today: “Sometimes politics gets in the way of the people's business.” Speaking of “on the one hand” or “on the other hand”, I was torn between thinking of it as the nadir or zenith, but it seems the core of his logic.
He wants his nominee and he wants it now.
So much for "strict father", sounds like pre-tantrum baby.
Further comment would have to rely on the “cause and effect” of whatever he means. And which comes first? People or business. Not to mention whatever the alternative to politics is. This seems the epitome or Dao(Dow) of cutting through and being full of it.
I could have done without a link, but there is possilby some link to the question of which comes first.
He wants his nominee and he wants it now.
So much for "strict father", sounds like pre-tantrum baby.
Further comment would have to rely on the “cause and effect” of whatever he means. And which comes first? People or business. Not to mention whatever the alternative to politics is. This seems the epitome or Dao(Dow) of cutting through and being full of it.
I could have done without a link, but there is possilby some link to the question of which comes first.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Don’t count your Chicken Hawks before they splat!
On the apparent success in getting further consideration of John Bolton’s nomination to U. N. Ambassador , I would like to give the CIA (Counter Intuitive Associating) analysis or as I would describe the purpose of The Liaison Report as walking the line between "on the one hand", and "on the other hand".
On the one hand Bolton has some undesirable behaviors. On the other hand he represents the administration’s principles. On the one hand that is not the way a diplomat should work. On the other hand he is honest about how the administration does work.
There is something fresh about this honesty in the grander scheme of things, it is only on closer look that the principle and particulars of honesty fall apart. If this is (not?) the principle that moves America forward, it is at least the principle that the administration operates under.
As encouraging or intriguing as the links here prove to be, replacing Bolton will not replace the behavior and policies of the administration without more "hard work".
On the one hand Bolton has some undesirable behaviors. On the other hand he represents the administration’s principles. On the one hand that is not the way a diplomat should work. On the other hand he is honest about how the administration does work.
There is something fresh about this honesty in the grander scheme of things, it is only on closer look that the principle and particulars of honesty fall apart. If this is (not?) the principle that moves America forward, it is at least the principle that the administration operates under.
As encouraging or intriguing as the links here prove to be, replacing Bolton will not replace the behavior and policies of the administration without more "hard work".
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Spreading Irony and Con Text
President Bush will become know as the Irony President. I believe I have noted that before.
But the previous post was in haste, and the context intentionally left open.
It was brought to mind by the ironic use of President Roosevelt's words by the Judeo-Christian Council on Constitutional Restoration.
But the previous post was in haste, and the context intentionally left open.
It was brought to mind by the ironic use of President Roosevelt's words by the Judeo-Christian Council on Constitutional Restoration.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
THE TAO OF DUB-YA
THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF GEORGE DUB-YA BUSH:
“I trust the people not the government”
“I am a uniter not a divider.”
I have been making sense out of what the media has failed to ask since October of 2000.
Now I will address both these statements which are true, yet nobody wonders what he means.
It is very simple.
He trusts the people, so he will make sure the government will not be trusted,
so that it never becomes of, by and for the people.
And everything will be easier when he unites people behind him,
in not trusting government.
Actually this may be the opposite of The Tao, which we could call “foolish” consistency.
If he does get the government of, by and for the people, it will still not be trusted, as it will be anarchy or dictatorship of the majority, rather than a balance envisioned in the constitution and the three branches of government.
He has already made a fourth branch of government in the media, while the actual people may be on the internet.
The evidence is most profound in the lockbox which is only a file cabinet that holds the full trust of the U.S. government, which Bush will only trust for political gain. He recently saw it with his own eyes, only to ridicule the trust we should be putting in it.
“I trust the people not the government”
“I am a uniter not a divider.”
I have been making sense out of what the media has failed to ask since October of 2000.
Now I will address both these statements which are true, yet nobody wonders what he means.
It is very simple.
He trusts the people, so he will make sure the government will not be trusted,
so that it never becomes of, by and for the people.
And everything will be easier when he unites people behind him,
in not trusting government.
Actually this may be the opposite of The Tao, which we could call “foolish” consistency.
If he does get the government of, by and for the people, it will still not be trusted, as it will be anarchy or dictatorship of the majority, rather than a balance envisioned in the constitution and the three branches of government.
He has already made a fourth branch of government in the media, while the actual people may be on the internet.
The evidence is most profound in the lockbox which is only a file cabinet that holds the full trust of the U.S. government, which Bush will only trust for political gain. He recently saw it with his own eyes, only to ridicule the trust we should be putting in it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)