Candid Camera
Found this great website, AntiAntiwar.com, [via Dawson]. It contains great footage of your average leftist protesters.
6 months ago
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
You are an Andrew Sullivan.
You are not afraid to share your political views with everyone in candid and clear ways.
You may also be making some money... one day.
Take the What Blogging Archetype Are You test at GAZM.org
Of course, I am neither gay nor British...now that I think about it, is there really a difference?
Sunday, April 28, 2002
Favorite Jonah Goldberg quote from The Corner
CASE CLOSED: [Jonah Goldberg]
I guess my friend Andrew Sullivan really is gay. Today he asks:
"How to describe the joy imparted by a new Pet Shop Boys album?"
CASE CLOSED: [Jonah Goldberg]
I guess my friend Andrew Sullivan really is gay. Today he asks:
"How to describe the joy imparted by a new Pet Shop Boys album?"
Happy Birthday! It may be your last.
Break out the nerve gas and fire a SCUD missile, for it's Saddam Hussein's birthday! (April 28) He better enjoy it since he may not exist by this time next year.
Break out the nerve gas and fire a SCUD missile, for it's Saddam Hussein's birthday! (April 28) He better enjoy it since he may not exist by this time next year.
Those Dastardly Corporations
Robert McIntyre, in the American Prospect, deplores how Evil Greedy Corporations use tax loopholes to pay less in corporate income taxes.
Tax day has come and gone, and about 100 million Americans have filed their income-tax returns. For all the grumbling about complexity -- fair enough, tax filing is way too complicated -- most of us understand that taxes pay for defending our country, protecting our environment, building our roads, educating our children, and all the other essential things we depend on government to do.
Pop quiz: Out of these things we desperately "depend upon the government to do", which ones are mandated by the Constitution?
One thing most people probably don't realize, however, is that almost a fifth of the income-tax dollars we send to Washington aren't spent on these kinds of important programs. Instead, this year more than $170 billion of our money will be paid out in corporate welfare.
If big corporations actually paid 35 percent of their U.S. profits in federal income taxes, as the tax code ostensibly requires, corporate income taxes this year would total at least $308 billion. But actual corporate-tax payments this year are expected to be only $136 billion. In other words, this year (and next), for the first time since the early 1980s, corporate-tax loopholes will actually cost the U.S. Treasury more than the amount companies pay in income taxes.
I'm sure when Mr. McIntyre has his taxes prepared, he tells his accountant, "Don't find any loopholes that allow me to keep more of my hard-earned money. In fact, locate ways where I can pay even more!"
Despite the fact that I spent part of my education in one of those fablous government run public schools, I'm a little confused on the author's logic here. If the companies pay 136 billion dollars instead of 308 billion, that's a still a postive cash flow to the government(thought not as much of one as the gov't would like).
The recent surge in corporate welfare reflects, in part, the enormous new tax breaks adopted in the so-called stimulus bill. But even before this year's new loopholes, corporate-tax welfare had been expanding rapidly. Tax breaks for stock options, congressional indifference to offshore corporate tax shelters, and an array of other tax breaks have allowed many companies to earn billions in profits, yet pay little or nothing in federal income taxes.
When I think of corporate welfare, I think of the government paying the company a check (which I oppose). But according to Mr. McIntyre, corporate welfare is anything that a company does to protect its net income. How dare them! Actually wanting to keep the money that they earn! Don't they know that it belongs the federal government?
The author then goes through a list of companies that find ways to legally lighten there tax bill. After which he writes:
Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona and House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri want to do something about corporate tax avoidance. They've introduced legislation to establish a "Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission" to provide recommendations about corporate tax and spending subsidies that ought to be eliminated.
Just another reason not to support McCain. "Reagan conservative" my foot...
The federal government takes in around 2 TRILLION dollars a year in revenues, but that's still not enough for them.
Of course, the McCain-Gephardt proposal faces many roadblocks -- and not just in getting enacted. Getting a commission appointed by President Bush -- and getting congressional leaders from both parties to agree to condemn tax breaks that benefit some of their biggest political supporters -- seems difficult if not impossible. But McCain and Gephardt argue that recent experience with military base closings, where the narrow constituency interests of particular senators and representatives has frequently been overridden by the common good, offers a promising precedent.
Silly President Bush, he actually believes keeping money on the private sector and not in the government coffers will stimulate the economy.
Also, would it be good for the companies to pay more taxes? If they were forced to, they can simply pass the cost unto the consumer.
Couple that with McCain and Gephardt's plan to introduce further legislation -- that proposes to use the revenues raised by corporate-welfare reductions to pay for individual tax reform and simplification, bolster Social Security, pay down the national debt, and strengthen essential programs -- and, well, maybe they're on to something
No, they're not. You're not going to get more money over the long term by raising taxes. The more they pay in taxes, the less they have to devote to economically productive activities, like buying new equipment to expand output or investing in research and development. The less a company can grow, the less they can make more money. The less money they make, the less they pay in taxes. So there.
Robert McIntyre, in the American Prospect, deplores how Evil Greedy Corporations use tax loopholes to pay less in corporate income taxes.
Tax day has come and gone, and about 100 million Americans have filed their income-tax returns. For all the grumbling about complexity -- fair enough, tax filing is way too complicated -- most of us understand that taxes pay for defending our country, protecting our environment, building our roads, educating our children, and all the other essential things we depend on government to do.
Pop quiz: Out of these things we desperately "depend upon the government to do", which ones are mandated by the Constitution?
One thing most people probably don't realize, however, is that almost a fifth of the income-tax dollars we send to Washington aren't spent on these kinds of important programs. Instead, this year more than $170 billion of our money will be paid out in corporate welfare.
If big corporations actually paid 35 percent of their U.S. profits in federal income taxes, as the tax code ostensibly requires, corporate income taxes this year would total at least $308 billion. But actual corporate-tax payments this year are expected to be only $136 billion. In other words, this year (and next), for the first time since the early 1980s, corporate-tax loopholes will actually cost the U.S. Treasury more than the amount companies pay in income taxes.
I'm sure when Mr. McIntyre has his taxes prepared, he tells his accountant, "Don't find any loopholes that allow me to keep more of my hard-earned money. In fact, locate ways where I can pay even more!"
Despite the fact that I spent part of my education in one of those fablous government run public schools, I'm a little confused on the author's logic here. If the companies pay 136 billion dollars instead of 308 billion, that's a still a postive cash flow to the government(thought not as much of one as the gov't would like).
The recent surge in corporate welfare reflects, in part, the enormous new tax breaks adopted in the so-called stimulus bill. But even before this year's new loopholes, corporate-tax welfare had been expanding rapidly. Tax breaks for stock options, congressional indifference to offshore corporate tax shelters, and an array of other tax breaks have allowed many companies to earn billions in profits, yet pay little or nothing in federal income taxes.
When I think of corporate welfare, I think of the government paying the company a check (which I oppose). But according to Mr. McIntyre, corporate welfare is anything that a company does to protect its net income. How dare them! Actually wanting to keep the money that they earn! Don't they know that it belongs the federal government?
The author then goes through a list of companies that
Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona and House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt of Missouri want to do something about corporate tax avoidance. They've introduced legislation to establish a "Corporate Subsidy Reform Commission" to provide recommendations about corporate tax and spending subsidies that ought to be eliminated.
Just another reason not to support McCain. "Reagan conservative" my foot...
The federal government takes in around 2 TRILLION dollars a year in revenues, but that's still not enough for them.
Of course, the McCain-Gephardt proposal faces many roadblocks -- and not just in getting enacted. Getting a commission appointed by President Bush -- and getting congressional leaders from both parties to agree to condemn tax breaks that benefit some of their biggest political supporters -- seems difficult if not impossible. But McCain and Gephardt argue that recent experience with military base closings, where the narrow constituency interests of particular senators and representatives has frequently been overridden by the common good, offers a promising precedent.
Silly President Bush, he actually believes keeping money on the private sector and not in the government coffers will stimulate the economy.
Also, would it be good for the companies to pay more taxes? If they were forced to, they can simply pass the cost unto the consumer.
Couple that with McCain and Gephardt's plan to introduce further legislation -- that proposes to use the revenues raised by corporate-welfare reductions to pay for individual tax reform and simplification, bolster Social Security, pay down the national debt, and strengthen essential programs -- and, well, maybe they're on to something
No, they're not. You're not going to get more money over the long term by raising taxes. The more they pay in taxes, the less they have to devote to economically productive activities, like buying new equipment to expand output or investing in research and development. The less a company can grow, the less they can make more money. The less money they make, the less they pay in taxes. So there.
Libertarian Comedian
Funny short video on the Libertarian Party hompage of Tim Slagle's take on taxes.
28.8k modem
56k modem
ISDN
T1
Funny short video on the Libertarian Party hompage of Tim Slagle's take on taxes.
28.8k modem
56k modem
ISDN
T1
Friday, April 26, 2002
Weekly Quotes
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed - and hence clamorous to be led to safety - by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."
--H. L. Mencken
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
--Ecclesiastes 10:2
"The tone and tendency of liberalism...is to attack the institutions of the country under the name of reform and to make war on the manners and customs of the people under the pretext of progress."
--Benjamin Disraeli
"France is still a menagerie of lefty jackassery"
--Jonah Goldberg
“Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government and form a new one. This is a most valuable and sacred right- a right which we hope will liberate the world.”
--Abraham Lincoln (ed. note: I guess he forgot this principle when the South seceded)
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed - and hence clamorous to be led to safety - by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."
--H. L. Mencken
"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left."
--Ecclesiastes 10:2
"The tone and tendency of liberalism...is to attack the institutions of the country under the name of reform and to make war on the manners and customs of the people under the pretext of progress."
--Benjamin Disraeli
"France is still a menagerie of lefty jackassery"
--Jonah Goldberg
“Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up and shake off the existing government and form a new one. This is a most valuable and sacred right- a right which we hope will liberate the world.”
--Abraham Lincoln (ed. note: I guess he forgot this principle when the South seceded)
Sharpton
The Honorable Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton (that's how he's introduced on his radio show) addressed a conference of black mayors in Jackson, MS, on Thursday. According the Clarion Ledger, Sharpton is merely "a nationally known advocate against racial profiling and police brutality." The writer probably didn't have enough room other descriptions like "racial demagogue," "poverty pimp," or "the fellow who falsely accused several years ago a white prosecutor of raping a young black women, but who has of yet apologized for it."
The Honorable Reverend Dr. Al Sharpton (that's how he's introduced on his radio show) addressed a conference of black mayors in Jackson, MS, on Thursday. According the Clarion Ledger, Sharpton is merely "a nationally known advocate against racial profiling and police brutality." The writer probably didn't have enough room other descriptions like "racial demagogue," "poverty pimp," or "the fellow who falsely accused several years ago a white prosecutor of raping a young black women, but who has of yet apologized for it."
Thursday, April 25, 2002
From Around the Web
Thanks to Reagan, We Can Get Oil
Great piece from the Maha Rushie
Faith Works, Indeed
Tektonics goes over the "faith" vs. "faith plus works" debate.
The Nature of Massacre
The myth of the Jenin massacre throughly debunked by Ronald Radosh.
Arafat, Elected?
More from the Dept. of Debunking by Joe Mowbray
United in Freedom
Sen. John McCain is actually right about something. Scary, isn't it?
Reflecting on "Bad Old Days"
Interesting article by Anthony LoBaido
Thanks to Reagan, We Can Get Oil
Great piece from the Maha Rushie
Faith Works, Indeed
Tektonics goes over the "faith" vs. "faith plus works" debate.
The Nature of Massacre
The myth of the Jenin massacre throughly debunked by Ronald Radosh.
Arafat, Elected?
More from the Dept. of Debunking by Joe Mowbray
United in Freedom
Sen. John McCain is actually right about something. Scary, isn't it?
Reflecting on "Bad Old Days"
Interesting article by Anthony LoBaido
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Taxation
Mississippi's Tax Freedom Day was 18th April this year. Only six other states had an earlier date. The Magnolia State easily edges out Ben Kepple's beloved New Hampshire
(Tax foundation link courtesy of Hoosier Review)
Mississippi's Tax Freedom Day was 18th April this year. Only six other states had an earlier date. The Magnolia State easily edges out Ben Kepple's beloved New Hampshire
(Tax foundation link courtesy of Hoosier Review)
A Great Moment in Moderate History
There's a new post by yours truly at Campus Nonsense. It's basically a short little jab at a new moderate Republican student organization, Republican Youth Majority.
You know, elected moderate Republicans need to form their own little group, much like how the moderate Democrats created the Blue Dog Coalition. And what better name for this than the Quivering Chihuahua Caucus?
I even got a slogan for them, "Moderately suggesting moderate proposals that moderately try to solve problems, as long as no one's feelings are hurt."
There's a new post by yours truly at Campus Nonsense. It's basically a short little jab at a new moderate Republican student organization, Republican Youth Majority.
You know, elected moderate Republicans need to form their own little group, much like how the moderate Democrats created the Blue Dog Coalition. And what better name for this than the Quivering Chihuahua Caucus?
I even got a slogan for them, "Moderately suggesting moderate proposals that moderately try to solve problems, as long as no one's feelings are hurt."
Technical Difficulties
If you came by my site yesterday evening, you probably noticed that my daily dose of levity and sanity was missing, replaced by a "20 Megs Exceeded" page. A few days ago I posted a picture from a campaign ad for senior class president that featured a rather barely dressed Elizabeth Hurley. Apparently my server has a 20 Megabyte limit on the amount of information that can be downloaded to other computers viewing the site. The image was nearly 500kbs big, so after around 40 hits, my limit was exceeded for the today. The lesson being: always read the fine print when you sign up for a free web host.
If you came by my site yesterday evening, you probably noticed that my daily dose of levity and sanity was missing, replaced by a "20 Megs Exceeded" page. A few days ago I posted a picture from a campaign ad for senior class president that featured a rather barely dressed Elizabeth Hurley. Apparently my server has a 20 Megabyte limit on the amount of information that can be downloaded to other computers viewing the site. The image was nearly 500kbs big, so after around 40 hits, my limit was exceeded for the today. The lesson being: always read the fine print when you sign up for a free web host.
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Monday, April 22, 2002
African Reaction
The BBC reports on how France's former African colonies reacted to Le Pen's second place finish in the first round of elections on Sunday. And suffice it to say, they are not to pleased. The Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil gravely declared, "This vote will determine whether France remains a country for the whole world, or turn in on itself in darkness."
The article goes on to make this statement,
"All these years after independence, the educated classes in the former colonies still see France as in some way theirs. They look to France - with all its imperfections - as a role model, an example of democracy, tolerance and civilised behaviour."
If these African nations are looking up to France with its high taxes and excessive regulation, no wonder they are so economically and politically backward.
The BBC reports on how France's former African colonies reacted to Le Pen's second place finish in the first round of elections on Sunday. And suffice it to say, they are not to pleased. The Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil gravely declared, "This vote will determine whether France remains a country for the whole world, or turn in on itself in darkness."
The article goes on to make this statement,
"All these years after independence, the educated classes in the former colonies still see France as in some way theirs. They look to France - with all its imperfections - as a role model, an example of democracy, tolerance and civilised behaviour."
If these African nations are looking up to France with its high taxes and excessive regulation, no wonder they are so economically and politically backward.
Happy Earth Day (or "April Fools Day, Part II")
Ah, this is the day we get to listen to environmentalists wackos chiding us for our polluting, tree chopping, SUV driving ways. Oh wait, they do that on the other 364 days of the year as well. Fortunately, there's websites like Green-watch, CO2 Sciene Magazine, and ConsumerFreedom.com that counter enviro-leftist idiocy.
Ah, this is the day we get to listen to environmentalists wackos chiding us for our polluting, tree chopping, SUV driving ways. Oh wait, they do that on the other 364 days of the year as well. Fortunately, there's websites like Green-watch, CO2 Sciene Magazine, and ConsumerFreedom.com that counter enviro-leftist idiocy.
Weekly Bible Verses
The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
--Proverbs 11:3
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works, lest any man should boast
--Ephesians. 2:8-9
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness
--Romans 4:5
But when the kindnesss and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
--Titus 3:4-7
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
--3 John 1:11
The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
--Proverbs 11:3
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God not of works, lest any man should boast
--Ephesians. 2:8-9
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness
--Romans 4:5
But when the kindnesss and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
--Titus 3:4-7
Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.
--3 John 1:11
In the Interest of Promoting South-North Harmony
Came across a new blog called The Reactionary via Campus Nonsense. It is run by Russel Henderson, a University of Vermont student, who is quite possibly the only conservative in that entire state. He also has a great comment on how Leftist throw a fit when they are criticized.
"Everyone wants to be a critic, but nobody wants to be criticized. Newsflash – this is the real world. Get used to it."
Came across a new blog called The Reactionary via Campus Nonsense. It is run by Russel Henderson, a University of Vermont student, who is quite possibly the only conservative in that entire state. He also has a great comment on how Leftist throw a fit when they are criticized.
"Everyone wants to be a critic, but nobody wants to be criticized. Newsflash – this is the real world. Get used to it."
I bet you campaign finance reform doesn't cover this.
Senior class elections are coming up here at Ole Miss with candidates running their ads in the Daily Mississippian. I've selected one of particular interest:
UPDATE: I will put up the picture at a different location since this server allows only 20 MB of transfer a day (the picture is 500K).
Senior class elections are coming up here at Ole Miss with candidates running their ads in the Daily Mississippian. I've selected one of particular interest:
UPDATE: I will put up the picture at a different location since this server allows only 20 MB of transfer a day (the picture is 500K).
Sunday, April 21, 2002
French to Decide Who's Gonna to be The Proudest Cheese-Eating Surrender Monkey
[Note: the title contains two references, one musical, one televisonal. Extra credit to those who can correctly guess them]
[Another Note: Yes, there's no such word as "televisonal," so sue me]
Jean-Marie Le Pen of the National Front Party will probably face incumbent Jacques Chirac in the French presidental runoff on May 5 (isn't there a law against giving your children first names that rhyme with their last names?) Current Prime Minister, the Socialist Lionel Jospin, came in third in Sunday's first round of voting. Many on the Left are vowing to vote for Chirac in the second-round:
"A stunned former Socialist finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn said: 'For the honor of France, Le Pen's score must be as low as possible.' Asked if he would vote for Chirac, he said sadly: 'I'll do it.'"
Crime, which has increased significantly in recent months, has been a key election issue in France. This helped propel Le Pen who has a hard stance on crime into second place. Also, Le Pen has long advocated a strict immigration policy. The two issue mesh together since much of the anti-Semitic violence has been committed by recently arrived Muslims; hence Le Pen's appeal.
In the AP article, Chirac is called "conservative." By French standards he probably is, but I think even Lincoln Chafee would call him a "stupid pinko."
[Note: the title contains two references, one musical, one televisonal. Extra credit to those who can correctly guess them]
[Another Note: Yes, there's no such word as "televisonal," so sue me]
Jean-Marie Le Pen of the National Front Party will probably face incumbent Jacques Chirac in the French presidental runoff on May 5 (isn't there a law against giving your children first names that rhyme with their last names?) Current Prime Minister, the Socialist Lionel Jospin, came in third in Sunday's first round of voting. Many on the Left are vowing to vote for Chirac in the second-round:
"A stunned former Socialist finance minister Dominique Strauss-Kahn said: 'For the honor of France, Le Pen's score must be as low as possible.' Asked if he would vote for Chirac, he said sadly: 'I'll do it.'"
Crime, which has increased significantly in recent months, has been a key election issue in France. This helped propel Le Pen who has a hard stance on crime into second place. Also, Le Pen has long advocated a strict immigration policy. The two issue mesh together since much of the anti-Semitic violence has been committed by recently arrived Muslims; hence Le Pen's appeal.
In the AP article, Chirac is called "conservative." By French standards he probably is, but I think even Lincoln Chafee would call him a "stupid pinko."
Saturday, April 20, 2002
So Happy Together
Over the weekend, a coaltion of leftists groups called "United We March" organized a rally in Washington D.C. The "Issues Information" contains links to various other progressive-approved information outlets including the ACLU, Noam Chomsky's Z Magazine and Common Dreams. And nestled snugly in between these leftist sites is anti-war.com, "A division of the Center for Libertarian Studies." The center also supports everybody's favorite group of paleolibertarians, LewRockwell.com which bills it's self as the "anti-state, anti-war, pro-market news site." If the Communist Party, Democratic Socialists of America, Green Party, and the rest of the event's endorsers have one thing in common is their undying support of free markets.
Well, it's good see that socialists and libertarians are playing nice with each other.
Over the weekend, a coaltion of leftists groups called "United We March" organized a rally in Washington D.C. The "Issues Information" contains links to various other progressive-approved information outlets including the ACLU, Noam Chomsky's Z Magazine and Common Dreams. And nestled snugly in between these leftist sites is anti-war.com, "A division of the Center for Libertarian Studies." The center also supports everybody's favorite group of paleolibertarians, LewRockwell.com which bills it's self as the "anti-state, anti-war, pro-market news site." If the Communist Party, Democratic Socialists of America, Green Party, and the rest of the event's endorsers have one thing in common is their undying support of free markets.
Well, it's good see that socialists and libertarians are playing nice with each other.
Friday, April 19, 2002
Weekly quotes
"Not by force of arms are civilizations held together, but by subtle threads of moral and intellectual principle."
-- Russell Kirk
"This fellow they've nominated claims he's the new Thomas Jefferson. Well, let me tell you something. I knew Thomas Jefferson. He was a friend of mine. And governor, you're no Thomas Jefferson."
-- Ronald Reagan's Speech at the 1992 National Convention
“The demagogue coefficient on this issue goes through the roof ..."
--Mr. Dick Armey on racial preferences.
"To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them."
--George Mason
"We will bring the terrorists to justice; or we will bring justice to the terrorists. Either way, justice will be served."
--George W. Bush
"Not by force of arms are civilizations held together, but by subtle threads of moral and intellectual principle."
-- Russell Kirk
"This fellow they've nominated claims he's the new Thomas Jefferson. Well, let me tell you something. I knew Thomas Jefferson. He was a friend of mine. And governor, you're no Thomas Jefferson."
-- Ronald Reagan's Speech at the 1992 National Convention
“The demagogue coefficient on this issue goes through the roof ..."
--Mr. Dick Armey on racial preferences.
"To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them."
--George Mason
"We will bring the terrorists to justice; or we will bring justice to the terrorists. Either way, justice will be served."
--George W. Bush
Required Reading
Abortionfacts.com has an interview of Eric Harrah, a former owner of a chain of abortion clinic, from 4 years ago. Mr. Harrah, now a Christian, explains in eye-opening detail the interworkings of such clinics.
Abortionfacts.com has an interview of Eric Harrah, a former owner of a chain of abortion clinic, from 4 years ago. Mr. Harrah, now a Christian, explains in eye-opening detail the interworkings of such clinics.
Speaking of Taxes...
If you are a liberal let me ask you this question: Do you believe that the government should treat everyone equally? Well, then how come you support a progressive income tax system? The government handles you differently, i.e. takes more of your money, if you earn a large income than someone who makes relatvely little. Hardly equal treatment.
If you are a liberal let me ask you this question: Do you believe that the government should treat everyone equally? Well, then how come you support a progressive income tax system? The government handles you differently, i.e. takes more of your money, if you earn a large income than someone who makes relatvely little. Hardly equal treatment.
Paying Their Fair Share
Larry Kudlow, Official Chief Poobah of Conservative Economics, tears into Senator Daschle over his moronic opposition to tax cuts. The second to last paragraph is priceless:
And how about telling the truth about taxes and the "rich"? Successful upper-end income earners are already shouldering a massive tax burden. For 1999, the most recent year for which complete Internal Revenue Service statistics are available, 6.3 million taxpayers, whose incomes were in the top 5%, paid nearly 60% of all income taxes, according to AP reporter Kurt Andersen. This group had adjusted gross incomes above $120,846 a year, meaning that a fireman and his schoolteacher wife — each earning about $60,000 — would qualify among the nation's richest. Meanwhile, the wealthiest 1% of Americans pay more than a third of all taxes, and the taxpayers in the bottom half — those who earn less than $26,415 a year — pay only 4% of total income taxes.
Larry Kudlow, Official Chief Poobah of Conservative Economics, tears into Senator Daschle over his moronic opposition to tax cuts. The second to last paragraph is priceless:
And how about telling the truth about taxes and the "rich"? Successful upper-end income earners are already shouldering a massive tax burden. For 1999, the most recent year for which complete Internal Revenue Service statistics are available, 6.3 million taxpayers, whose incomes were in the top 5%, paid nearly 60% of all income taxes, according to AP reporter Kurt Andersen. This group had adjusted gross incomes above $120,846 a year, meaning that a fireman and his schoolteacher wife — each earning about $60,000 — would qualify among the nation's richest. Meanwhile, the wealthiest 1% of Americans pay more than a third of all taxes, and the taxpayers in the bottom half — those who earn less than $26,415 a year — pay only 4% of total income taxes.
Thursday, April 18, 2002
Idiotarian Watch, Part II
Also on the Church Council of Greater Seattle website there is a link to the Seattle/Cuba Friendship Committee website. The intro page entices you with an offer to spend May Day, the socialist/communist holiday for the workers, in sunny oppressive Cuba. And it will only set you back $1,050. Also, there is an urgent request for your help in releasing the "Miami Five," a group of suspected Cuban infiltrators. Their claim is that:
The imprisoned Cubans were part of an operation to discover and report on terrorist plans aimed at Cuba by rightist opponents of the Cuban revolution in Florida. In a written statement last year they said: “Our tiny nation, which has heroically survived four decades of aggressions and threats to its national security, of subversion plans, sabotage, and destabilization, has every right to defend itself from its enemies who keep using U.S. territory to plan, organize, and finance terrorist actions breaking your own laws in the process.”
The King County Council supports this bilge? Foolishness, stupid #@#$#@$% foolishness. And that's not the worse of it. On 9th March a rally was organized to support these "political prisoners." Among the endorsers of the event was none other than the ACLU.
I knew the Seattle area was liberal, but sheesh!
Also on the Church Council of Greater Seattle website there is a link to the Seattle/Cuba Friendship Committee website. The intro page entices you with an offer to spend May Day, the socialist/communist holiday for the workers, in sunny oppressive Cuba. And it will only set you back $1,050. Also, there is an urgent request for your help in releasing the "Miami Five," a group of suspected Cuban infiltrators. Their claim is that:
The imprisoned Cubans were part of an operation to discover and report on terrorist plans aimed at Cuba by rightist opponents of the Cuban revolution in Florida. In a written statement last year they said: “Our tiny nation, which has heroically survived four decades of aggressions and threats to its national security, of subversion plans, sabotage, and destabilization, has every right to defend itself from its enemies who keep using U.S. territory to plan, organize, and finance terrorist actions breaking your own laws in the process.”
The King County Council supports this bilge? Foolishness, stupid #@#$#@$% foolishness. And that's not the worse of it. On 9th March a rally was organized to support these "political prisoners." Among the endorsers of the event was none other than the ACLU.
I knew the Seattle area was liberal, but sheesh!
Idiotarian Watch
The Church Council of Greater Seattle has an article supporting a sister-county/province relationship between King County and the Granma province in Cuba (an exploratory resolution for a relationship passed by the county council by a vote of 8-3 with 2 abstentions). The piece just gushes how wonderful Cuba is. A few examples:
“Although the Miami Cuban community still stews and has even opened an unofficial embassy in Washington, D.C., they have lost much credibility with Americans, who have much to gain from normalizing relations with Cuba, whether they are farmers or scientists or teachers.”
Yea, how dare the Miami Cubans oppose a dictatorial regime that has drained the life of the Caribbean isle. Liberty and freedom are overrated anyway, right? The Miami Cubans haven’t lost credibility among Americans, at less Americans not from liberal bastions like Seattle.
The author, Melinda Rector, continues:
“I publicly admit I love Cuba. In this age of cynicism, corporate-lobbyist-run government, polluted soil, violence and managed care, I find that Cuba —while not paradise — does renew my faith in human beings’ ability to learn from mistakes and be caring for each other. Centuries of hardships, particularly the last 40 years of the economic embargo (el bloqueo), have taught Cubans the art of making do with what they have with creative zest, schooled analytical minds and with integrated spirituality and intellect.”
She forgot “capitalist imperialism and homophobia” in her litany of sins the US is guilty of. Better luck next time. As for caring for each other, the Castro government doesn’t seem to share in that virtue with its populace. The embargo is not the reason for Cuba’s being in an economic sinkhole. Call me crazy, but I think the communist system that Castro is so enamored with might be the cause of the economic misery. I mean, how many nations do you know that have arisen from poverty by embracing Mister Marx’s teachings?
“…the Seattle contingent will fly out to Bayamo, the capitol city of our prospective sister province of Granma. A beautiful region of coffee, palms, beaches and mountains, Granma is as quaint and quiet as Havana is provocative. The area is rich with the histories of both the 1868 and 1957 revolutions, and is the birthplace of Celia Sanchez, Fidel’s right-hand partner during the revolution (a beloved figure in Cuba).”
The Cuban propaganda machine should be proud, Ms. Rector has swallowed its poisoned Kool-Aid without hesitation. I wonder just how beloved Sanchez is among the people; you can’t just take a poll to find out. No one is going to say in public anything that might indicate less that total loyalty.
There are a number of churches in Granma, including Methodist and Baptist. We hope to begin making ties to create a sister-church relationship there. Seattle’s visiting group will get a taste of Cuba’s health care system, schools, organipónicos (organic gardens), and her beautiful, kind people. That will be just enough, we hope, for King County and Granma to choreograph some common steps, a dance toward a more informed, peaceful and sane world.
Yes, Cuba’s people are kind and beautiful, which makes it more tragic that they are not living in freedom. After they tour the Communist brainwashing centers, er, the “schools,” perhaps they can visit the prisons full of political dissents. If you want a peaceful and sane world, help get rid of thugs that torture citizens for having opposing views to the government; don’t coddle them.
The Church Council of Greater Seattle has an article supporting a sister-county/province relationship between King County and the Granma province in Cuba (an exploratory resolution for a relationship passed by the county council by a vote of 8-3 with 2 abstentions). The piece just gushes how wonderful Cuba is. A few examples:
“Although the Miami Cuban community still stews and has even opened an unofficial embassy in Washington, D.C., they have lost much credibility with Americans, who have much to gain from normalizing relations with Cuba, whether they are farmers or scientists or teachers.”
Yea, how dare the Miami Cubans oppose a dictatorial regime that has drained the life of the Caribbean isle. Liberty and freedom are overrated anyway, right? The Miami Cubans haven’t lost credibility among Americans, at less Americans not from liberal bastions like Seattle.
The author, Melinda Rector, continues:
“I publicly admit I love Cuba. In this age of cynicism, corporate-lobbyist-run government, polluted soil, violence and managed care, I find that Cuba —while not paradise — does renew my faith in human beings’ ability to learn from mistakes and be caring for each other. Centuries of hardships, particularly the last 40 years of the economic embargo (el bloqueo), have taught Cubans the art of making do with what they have with creative zest, schooled analytical minds and with integrated spirituality and intellect.”
She forgot “capitalist imperialism and homophobia” in her litany of sins the US is guilty of. Better luck next time. As for caring for each other, the Castro government doesn’t seem to share in that virtue with its populace. The embargo is not the reason for Cuba’s being in an economic sinkhole. Call me crazy, but I think the communist system that Castro is so enamored with might be the cause of the economic misery. I mean, how many nations do you know that have arisen from poverty by embracing Mister Marx’s teachings?
“…the Seattle contingent will fly out to Bayamo, the capitol city of our prospective sister province of Granma. A beautiful region of coffee, palms, beaches and mountains, Granma is as quaint and quiet as Havana is provocative. The area is rich with the histories of both the 1868 and 1957 revolutions, and is the birthplace of Celia Sanchez, Fidel’s right-hand partner during the revolution (a beloved figure in Cuba).”
The Cuban propaganda machine should be proud, Ms. Rector has swallowed its poisoned Kool-Aid without hesitation. I wonder just how beloved Sanchez is among the people; you can’t just take a poll to find out. No one is going to say in public anything that might indicate less that total loyalty.
There are a number of churches in Granma, including Methodist and Baptist. We hope to begin making ties to create a sister-church relationship there. Seattle’s visiting group will get a taste of Cuba’s health care system, schools, organipónicos (organic gardens), and her beautiful, kind people. That will be just enough, we hope, for King County and Granma to choreograph some common steps, a dance toward a more informed, peaceful and sane world.
Yes, Cuba’s people are kind and beautiful, which makes it more tragic that they are not living in freedom. After they tour the Communist brainwashing centers, er, the “schools,” perhaps they can visit the prisons full of political dissents. If you want a peaceful and sane world, help get rid of thugs that torture citizens for having opposing views to the government; don’t coddle them.
From the Associated Press:
GOP, Democrats Divided on Tax Cuts
Really?
Some more headlines:
Oxygen Necessary for Life, Scientists Report
Attending Class Improves Test Scores
Money Useful to Commerce
Dangerous for the Blind to Drive
Overeating Causes Obesity
GOP, Democrats Divided on Tax Cuts
Really?
Some more headlines:
Oxygen Necessary for Life, Scientists Report
Attending Class Improves Test Scores
Money Useful to Commerce
Dangerous for the Blind to Drive
Overeating Causes Obesity
Mid-Morning Blog Round Up
Spinsters:
"Chirac Could Beat Jospin
In the upcoming election in France. The main issue seems to be the rising crime rate"
[posted by the leftist half of the Spinsters, Gena Lewis]
ME: How can France have a rising crime rate? You mean the French gun control laws which American liberals drool over aren't very effective?
NRO's The Corner:
"WHAT IF ISRAELIS WERE GAY? [Jonah Goldberg]
I think the Corner is best when we get a little give and take among ourselves. So here’s a question for anybody interested. What do you think the reaction of, say, Mother Jones, Nation or the New York Times would be if Israel wasn’t a Jewish homeland, but a gay one. Gays have been persecuted for thousands of years. They’ve never had their own nation – though the quasi city-state of San Francisco is something of a gay Zion. Gays, like many Zionist Jews, feel a very strong need to prove they won’t be pushed around anymore. Homosexuals will never be safe from gay-bashing pogroms, they might argue, until they have a homeland of their own. Any takers?"
Spinsters:
"Chirac Could Beat Jospin
In the upcoming election in France. The main issue seems to be the rising crime rate"
[posted by the leftist half of the Spinsters, Gena Lewis]
ME: How can France have a rising crime rate? You mean the French gun control laws which American liberals drool over aren't very effective?
NRO's The Corner:
"WHAT IF ISRAELIS WERE GAY? [Jonah Goldberg]
I think the Corner is best when we get a little give and take among ourselves. So here’s a question for anybody interested. What do you think the reaction of, say, Mother Jones, Nation or the New York Times would be if Israel wasn’t a Jewish homeland, but a gay one. Gays have been persecuted for thousands of years. They’ve never had their own nation – though the quasi city-state of San Francisco is something of a gay Zion. Gays, like many Zionist Jews, feel a very strong need to prove they won’t be pushed around anymore. Homosexuals will never be safe from gay-bashing pogroms, they might argue, until they have a homeland of their own. Any takers?"
Setting us straight
Josh Miller has a pedantic little column in the DM over the "yellow journalism" of CNN and Fox News. Since I don't particularly care for CNN, (translation: I hate CNN since they are liberal snots) I will solely defend Fox News. According to Mr. Miller, it seems the only reason why anyone watches Fox News is its graphics and its "in-your-face style news delivery." So that's why I watch Fox News so avidly! Not because of its hard hitting reporting, not because they allow the conservative point of view to be expressed, but because they show pretty pictures. As for the "in-your-face" method of news coverage, we all know the intense raging fireball of personality that is Brit Hume (don't get me wrong, he's Da Man in my book).
I am certainly glad Mr. Miller is here to show us the error of our ways. Maybe some day, some wonderful day, we might hope to achieve the sophistication of this DM columnist.
Josh Miller has a pedantic little column in the DM over the "yellow journalism" of CNN and Fox News. Since I don't particularly care for CNN, (translation: I hate CNN since they are liberal snots) I will solely defend Fox News. According to Mr. Miller, it seems the only reason why anyone watches Fox News is its graphics and its "in-your-face style news delivery." So that's why I watch Fox News so avidly! Not because of its hard hitting reporting, not because they allow the conservative point of view to be expressed, but because they show pretty pictures. As for the "in-your-face" method of news coverage, we all know the intense raging fireball of personality that is Brit Hume (don't get me wrong, he's Da Man in my book).
I am certainly glad Mr. Miller is here to show us the error of our ways. Maybe some day, some wonderful day, we might hope to achieve the sophistication of this DM columnist.
MTV
The Ole Miss chapter of the Delta Gamma sorority may be appearing in a special edition of MTV's Crib which normally focuses on the insides of celebrities' homes. (Click here) Power walking routines are expected to rise 14.52% due to the girls wanting to look fit and trim for the cameras.
The Ole Miss chapter of the Delta Gamma sorority may be appearing in a special edition of MTV's Crib which normally focuses on the insides of celebrities' homes. (Click here) Power walking routines are expected to rise 14.52% due to the girls wanting to look fit and trim for the cameras.
Weekly Word List
1. penury--extreme want or poverty; destitution
2. factotum--an employee or assistant who serves in a wide range of capacities
3. oubliette--a dungeon with a trap door in the ceiling as its only means of entrance or exit
4. hoyden--a high-spirited, boisterous, or saucy girl
5. blandish--to coax by flattery or wheedling; cajole
1. penury--extreme want or poverty; destitution
2. factotum--an employee or assistant who serves in a wide range of capacities
3. oubliette--a dungeon with a trap door in the ceiling as its only means of entrance or exit
4. hoyden--a high-spirited, boisterous, or saucy girl
5. blandish--to coax by flattery or wheedling; cajole
Humor
The Spinsters have a forum on their website, to which I posted a parody of leftist conspiracy-ism.
The Spinsters have a forum on their website, to which I posted a parody of leftist conspiracy-ism.
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Celebrity Lookalikes: Now with Pictures!
Dee Snyder and Christina Aguilera.
A special thanks to Marsha Sorce, AKA demonsha, for directing me to the Snyder picture.
Dee Snyder and Christina Aguilera.
A special thanks to Marsha Sorce, AKA demonsha, for directing me to the Snyder picture.
Quip from Netanyahu
From the American Prowler
"Yasser Arafat is nothing more than Osama bin Laden with good P.R."
From the American Prowler
"Yasser Arafat is nothing more than Osama bin Laden with good P.R."
Recommended Site
Answering Islam is an excellent website that discusses the differences in Christianity and Islam. A must-see.
Answering Islam is an excellent website that discusses the differences in Christianity and Islam. A must-see.
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Hate Crimes
"A threat to justice somewhere is a threat to justice everywhere." --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
According to this article [via War Liberal], a man in Alabama was assaulted in Alabama because he was wearing a shirt with the Confederate battleflag on it.
Well, he was wearing an offensive and divise symbol that solely represents racism and slavery, so he deserved a bludgeoning.
This incident springs to mind the murder of Michael Westerman. Back in January of 1995, Mr. Westerman and his wife were in a pickup driving down the road toward Nashville from their home in Todd County, KY (right on the state line). In the back of the truck, a Confederate battleflag resided. A group of black teens felt "offended" and shot Westerman as he drove. Fortunately, the murders were indicted and convicted.
We have heard the deaths of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, but Michael Western, father with one-month old twins, seems to give left out. No mention in MTV's "Fight for Your Rights", no huge media stories, no liberal commentators denouncing this crime. Nothing.
If the situation were a little different? Suppose Westerman was black and had a large bumper sticker of the grey "X" of Malcolm X. And let's suppose the murders were buck-toothed rednecks. Is there any doubt that this story would explode unto the national scene? A story of a black murdered in the South by white racists; you bet it would.
Always remember the murders of Byrd and Shepard for the vile and despicable acts that they were. I just ask for Westerman to not be forgotten.
"A threat to justice somewhere is a threat to justice everywhere." --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
According to this article [via War Liberal], a man in Alabama was assaulted in Alabama because he was wearing a shirt with the Confederate battleflag on it.
This incident springs to mind the murder of Michael Westerman. Back in January of 1995, Mr. Westerman and his wife were in a pickup driving down the road toward Nashville from their home in Todd County, KY (right on the state line). In the back of the truck, a Confederate battleflag resided. A group of black teens felt "offended" and shot Westerman as he drove. Fortunately, the murders were indicted and convicted.
We have heard the deaths of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, but Michael Western, father with one-month old twins, seems to give left out. No mention in MTV's "Fight for Your Rights", no huge media stories, no liberal commentators denouncing this crime. Nothing.
If the situation were a little different? Suppose Westerman was black and had a large bumper sticker of the grey "X" of Malcolm X. And let's suppose the murders were buck-toothed rednecks. Is there any doubt that this story would explode unto the national scene? A story of a black murdered in the South by white racists; you bet it would.
Always remember the murders of Byrd and Shepard for the vile and despicable acts that they were. I just ask for Westerman to not be forgotten.
Slave Reparations
Donald Adderton, the editor of the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville, MS, and, by the way, a black man, demolishes the notion of slaves reparations.
Donald Adderton, the editor of the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville, MS, and, by the way, a black man, demolishes the notion of slaves reparations.
Weekly Joke
Three cellmates in a Soviet hoosegow compared notes.
"I was jailed for coming late to work," mourned the first.
"Me? I came too early," recounted the second. "They said this proved I was a Capitalist spy."
"And I'm here," complained the third, "because I arrived exactly on time. They accused me of owning an American watch."
Three cellmates in a Soviet hoosegow compared notes.
"I was jailed for coming late to work," mourned the first.
"Me? I came too early," recounted the second. "They said this proved I was a Capitalist spy."
"And I'm here," complained the third, "because I arrived exactly on time. They accused me of owning an American watch."
Monday, April 15, 2002
Sign of Intelligence
Lee Ann, the sane half the Spinsters, has an excellent retort about slave repartations. The last paragraph is pure gold:
Are we to open up all old wounds for redress? Can I sue England for their oppression of my Irish ancestors? Can I sue Germany, Austria, and Russia for their abuse of my Polish ancestors? Can I sue the U.S. government for those “No Irish Need Apply” signs? Can I sue the Muslims for oppressing my Italian ancestors? The Turks for oppressing my Polish ancestors? The Protestants for abusing my Catholic ancestors? France abused my Italian ancestors under Napoleon, can I sue the Frogs? Exactly where does this end? A reparations suit might have been justified in 1865, but not now.
Lee Ann, the sane half the Spinsters, has an excellent retort about slave repartations. The last paragraph is pure gold:
Are we to open up all old wounds for redress? Can I sue England for their oppression of my Irish ancestors? Can I sue Germany, Austria, and Russia for their abuse of my Polish ancestors? Can I sue the U.S. government for those “No Irish Need Apply” signs? Can I sue the Muslims for oppressing my Italian ancestors? The Turks for oppressing my Polish ancestors? The Protestants for abusing my Catholic ancestors? France abused my Italian ancestors under Napoleon, can I sue the Frogs? Exactly where does this end? A reparations suit might have been justified in 1865, but not now.
Sign of the Apocylapse
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) appeared on Hannity and Colmes and for the first time in my life, I didn't have the nearly uncontrollable urge to reach through the TV and smack him. He was dead on in his support of Israel's actions in the West Bank. Now if only we can get Michael Moore to support a flat income tax...
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) appeared on Hannity and Colmes and for the first time in my life, I didn't have the nearly uncontrollable urge to reach through the TV and smack him. He was dead on in his support of Israel's actions in the West Bank. Now if only we can get Michael Moore to support a flat income tax...
Weekly Bible Verses
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
--Philippians 2:14-15
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
--Psalm 42:11
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
--Psalm 56:3
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
--John 14:27
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
--Psalm 119:89
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
--Philippians 2:14-15
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.
--Psalm 42:11
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
--Psalm 56:3
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
--John 14:27
Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
--Psalm 119:89
Great parody from SatireWire
ACLU TAKES OVER TERROR INVESTIGATION, WILL FOCUS ATTENTION ON NO ONE IN PARTICULAR
"We Must Ask Nebraskans, Not Just Middle Easterners, What They Know"
ACLU TAKES OVER TERROR INVESTIGATION, WILL FOCUS ATTENTION ON NO ONE IN PARTICULAR
"We Must Ask Nebraskans, Not Just Middle Easterners, What They Know"
Enron
The Leftist magazine The American Prospect has an article whining about how Enron is not more of a scandal.
The Leftist magazine The American Prospect has an article whining about how Enron is not more of a scandal.
Happy Tax Day!
In honor of this day, I present you this little ditty:
"Taxman" by George Harrison
Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.
Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me
In honor of this day, I present you this little ditty:
"Taxman" by George Harrison
Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet.
Don't ask me what I want it for
If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me
Sunday, April 14, 2002
New Delta Entente Member
Let the church bells ring, for we have a new member of the Delta Entente. Mr. Clay Waters has worked for the Media Research Center and currently has an article in WorldNetDaily . He currently resides in Jersey City, NJ, but he is still a proud Magnolia Stater at heart. Due to his location and superb writing skilling, I am declaring him "Secretary of Repulsing Yankee Ignorance and Stupidity"
Let the church bells ring, for we have a new member of the Delta Entente. Mr. Clay Waters has worked for the Media Research Center and currently has an article in WorldNetDaily . He currently resides in Jersey City, NJ, but he is still a proud Magnolia Stater at heart. Due to his location and superb writing skilling, I am declaring him "Secretary of Repulsing Yankee Ignorance and Stupidity"
D'oh, Double D'oh, Triple D'oh
Darling of the Left Hugo Chavez has returned to power in Venzuela. You can't just knock out an authoritarian thug out of office, you've got to KEEP him out.
Darling of the Left Hugo Chavez has returned to power in Venzuela. You can't just knock out an authoritarian thug out of office, you've got to KEEP him out.
From the Drudge Report
The Florida GOP has bought Alec Baldwin a one-way bus ticket to Montreal. I'm sure Alec will feel at home with the French speaking socialists.
The Florida GOP has bought Alec Baldwin a one-way bus ticket to Montreal. I'm sure Alec will feel at home with the French speaking socialists.
Abortion and Elections
The Democratic Party has cheated itself out of millions of votes by supporting legal abortion. This year they could of had around 5 million pontential voters. Where did I get this number? Follow me please...
Abortion was legalized in 1973 with the Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court (though I wonder where in the Constitution the judicial branch is given legislative powers). According to pro-life website Euthanasia.com which uses statistics from Planned Parenthood, the number of abortions from 1973 to 1984 are as follows:
1973 744,600
1974 898,600
1975 1,034,200
1976 1,179,300
1977 1,316,700
1978 1,409,600
1979 1,497,700
1980 1,553,900
1981 1,577,300
1982 1,573,900
1983 1,575,000
1984 1,577,200
All that gives us a grand total of 15,938,000 aborted human beings. Of those abortions, roughly 33% were performed on blacks. Multiply 15,938,000 by 33% and you get 5,259,540 blacks aborted. Now, the reason why I stop at 1984 is that people born in 1984 (those born before the middle of November, anyway) would be eligible to vote in the 2002 elections. Over the past 40 years at least, blacks have overhelmingly supported Democrats in elections. Even with a low turnout of these could-of-been voters, the Democrats might have netted at least 1.5 million of them. With this year's rather mediocre chances at the polls, a million and a half more voters across the country would definitely come in handy for the Dems.
The Democratic Party has cheated itself out of millions of votes by supporting legal abortion. This year they could of had around 5 million pontential voters. Where did I get this number? Follow me please...
Abortion was legalized in 1973 with the Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court (though I wonder where in the Constitution the judicial branch is given legislative powers). According to pro-life website Euthanasia.com which uses statistics from Planned Parenthood, the number of abortions from 1973 to 1984 are as follows:
1973 744,600
1974 898,600
1975 1,034,200
1976 1,179,300
1977 1,316,700
1978 1,409,600
1979 1,497,700
1980 1,553,900
1981 1,577,300
1982 1,573,900
1983 1,575,000
1984 1,577,200
All that gives us a grand total of 15,938,000 aborted human beings. Of those abortions, roughly 33% were performed on blacks. Multiply 15,938,000 by 33% and you get 5,259,540 blacks aborted. Now, the reason why I stop at 1984 is that people born in 1984 (those born before the middle of November, anyway) would be eligible to vote in the 2002 elections. Over the past 40 years at least, blacks have overhelmingly supported Democrats in elections. Even with a low turnout of these could-of-been voters, the Democrats might have netted at least 1.5 million of them. With this year's rather mediocre chances at the polls, a million and a half more voters across the country would definitely come in handy for the Dems.
Saturday, April 13, 2002
David Letterman's Top 10 list
"Top Ten Reasons John Ashcroft Would Not Sing on Our Show"
NOTE: I've added my own witty commentary on some of them
10. Pre-show partying with Mayor Bloomberg left him in no condition to perform
When Bloomberg was asked for comment on what he and Ashcroft did, the mayor only said "Man, I've got the munchies."
9. He insisted on singing shirtless
8. Depressed there were only a dozen screaming teenage girls at the stage door
Ashcroft remained sad, despite Letterman's attempt to cheer him up, "Hey, at least they're young. That's better than the old hags that flock around Rumsfield."
7. Refused to do "Let The Eagle Soar" unless we paid for hair and makeup for the eagle
6. Needs to rest voice for upcoming Ashcroftpalooza tour
"Duet with Ted Nugent is going to be killer," bragged Ashcroft
5. Too busy tapping my phones
Not because he suspects Letterman of supporting terrorists, but the AG hopes to the late night host will reveal his "Five Alarm Chili" recipe.
4. Been depressed ever since his eagle stopped soaring, if you know what I mean
Told Letterman that he was thinking about asking Dole about the "magic blue pill"
3. For some reason he thought we'd make fun of him
2. The vibe wasn't right, man
1. Blah, blah, upholding the dignity of the office, blah, blah
link
"Top Ten Reasons John Ashcroft Would Not Sing on Our Show"
NOTE: I've added my own witty commentary on some of them
10. Pre-show partying with Mayor Bloomberg left him in no condition to perform
When Bloomberg was asked for comment on what he and Ashcroft did, the mayor only said "Man, I've got the munchies."
9. He insisted on singing shirtless
8. Depressed there were only a dozen screaming teenage girls at the stage door
Ashcroft remained sad, despite Letterman's attempt to cheer him up, "Hey, at least they're young. That's better than the old hags that flock around Rumsfield."
7. Refused to do "Let The Eagle Soar" unless we paid for hair and makeup for the eagle
6. Needs to rest voice for upcoming Ashcroftpalooza tour
"Duet with Ted Nugent is going to be killer," bragged Ashcroft
5. Too busy tapping my phones
Not because he suspects Letterman of supporting terrorists, but the AG hopes to the late night host will reveal his "Five Alarm Chili" recipe.
4. Been depressed ever since his eagle stopped soaring, if you know what I mean
Told Letterman that he was thinking about asking Dole about the "magic blue pill"
3. For some reason he thought we'd make fun of him
2. The vibe wasn't right, man
1. Blah, blah, upholding the dignity of the office, blah, blah
link
Those Tolerant Liberals
According to the Daily Nesbraskan (linked by WorldNetDaily), Univ. of Nebr. assistant football coach Ron Brown was passed over by Stanford in its search for a new football coach.
"So, what's the big deal?" you might ask. It seems that Stanford declined to pick Brown since he committed the horrible crime of being, now brace yourself, a Christian!!!
A quote from the story:
"'(His religion) was definitely something that had to be considered,' said Alan Glenn, Stanford's assistant athletic director of human resources. 'We're a very diverse community with a diverse alumni. Anything that would stand out that much is something that has to be looked at. ... It was one of many variables that was considered.'"
If you listen to many liberals, they make a big hooplah about how they tolerate all points of view, unlike those mean-spirited racist homophobic conservatives. Are any left wing anti-discrimination groups going to denounce Stanford for its bigotry? Not likely.
This incident reminds me of a this Paul Shanklin skit about diversity.
According to the Daily Nesbraskan (linked by WorldNetDaily), Univ. of Nebr. assistant football coach Ron Brown was passed over by Stanford in its search for a new football coach.
"So, what's the big deal?" you might ask. It seems that Stanford declined to pick Brown since he committed the horrible crime of being, now brace yourself, a Christian!!!
A quote from the story:
"'(His religion) was definitely something that had to be considered,' said Alan Glenn, Stanford's assistant athletic director of human resources. 'We're a very diverse community with a diverse alumni. Anything that would stand out that much is something that has to be looked at. ... It was one of many variables that was considered.'"
If you listen to many liberals, they make a big hooplah about how they tolerate all points of view, unlike those mean-spirited racist homophobic conservatives. Are any left wing anti-discrimination groups going to denounce Stanford for its bigotry? Not likely.
This incident reminds me of a this Paul Shanklin skit about diversity.
Friday, April 12, 2002
Mississippians control the national media, sort of...
Found out that Shepard Smith is a graduate of Ole Miss from C-SPAN's Washington Journal. Go to 24 minutes in the clip and you'll hear Mr. Smith say: "When Ole Miss plays Mississippi State, you're not going to see maroon and white in my hand, it's red and blue." Hotty Toddy, Shep!
Found out that Shepard Smith is a graduate of Ole Miss from C-SPAN's Washington Journal. Go to 24 minutes in the clip and you'll hear Mr. Smith say: "When Ole Miss plays Mississippi State, you're not going to see maroon and white in my hand, it's red and blue." Hotty Toddy, Shep!
Hurray!
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has resigned under pressure from the military:
"He quit just hours after at least 13 people were killed and 110 wounded during a 150,000-strong opposition demonstration in downtown Caracas. Chavez had ordered National Guard troops and civilian gunmen, including rooftop snipers, to stop the marchers from reaching the palace, military officers said."
Those pesky citizens, with their desire for things like liberty, freedom and whatnot.
Blake Aued wrote an article for the Daily Mississippian over a month ago which included praise for El Presidente. You can read my brilliant response to it here.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has resigned under pressure from the military:
"He quit just hours after at least 13 people were killed and 110 wounded during a 150,000-strong opposition demonstration in downtown Caracas. Chavez had ordered National Guard troops and civilian gunmen, including rooftop snipers, to stop the marchers from reaching the palace, military officers said."
Those pesky citizens, with their desire for things like liberty, freedom and whatnot.
Blake Aued wrote an article for the Daily Mississippian over a month ago which included praise for El Presidente. You can read my brilliant response to it here.
Sheer Idiocy
Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) has called for an investigation "into whether President Bush and other government officials had advance notice of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 but did nothing to prevent them. She added that 'persons close to this administration are poised to make huge profits off America's new war.'" Her subscription to the The Nation needs to be cancelled immediately. Besides, we all know the Trilateral Commission was behind the attacks.
Representative Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) has called for an investigation "into whether President Bush and other government officials had advance notice of terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 but did nothing to prevent them. She added that 'persons close to this administration are poised to make huge profits off America's new war.'" Her subscription to the The Nation needs to be cancelled immediately. Besides, we all know the Trilateral Commission was behind the attacks.
New Member of the Delta Entente
I hereby declare Ms. Irene Adler, a Sweet Delta Lady, to be an honorary member of the Delta Entente. Her site is on LiveJournal (from their website: LiveJournal is not just an online journal; it's an interactive community! You can meet new friends, visit other journals and comment in them, and interact with people from around the world who share your interests.) So it's not like your standard blog (hence the honorary), but it's definitely worth checking out. Her 2nd April entry she has her results of a quiz to determine what kind of Southerner she is. Don't fret, she's a full fledged Mississippian (I too scored "Mississippian")
Just love her response: ". . . change? Change what? . . "
Atta girl.
I hereby declare Ms. Irene Adler, a Sweet Delta Lady, to be an honorary member of the Delta Entente. Her site is on LiveJournal (from their website: LiveJournal is not just an online journal; it's an interactive community! You can meet new friends, visit other journals and comment in them, and interact with people from around the world who share your interests.) So it's not like your standard blog (hence the honorary), but it's definitely worth checking out. Her 2nd April entry she has her results of a quiz to determine what kind of Southerner she is. Don't fret, she's a full fledged Mississippian (I too scored "Mississippian")
Just love her response: ". . . change? Change what? . . "
Atta girl.
Thursday, April 11, 2002
Delta Dawn
The Delta Entente gives a hardy salute to the Ever Gracious Miss Lee Ann and the Mighty Marsupial for advertising this awe inspiring alliance.
To join, you have to:
1. live or at least used to have lived in MS
2. know how to correctly pronounce "Corinth," "Natchez," and "Bixoli"
3. be able to name at least 3 Confederate generals.
4. never call crawdads "crayfish"
With our allies, the Axis of Weevil, we will conquer the world (or at least the North American continent). The pieces are all falling into place, HA HA HA!
The Delta Entente gives a hardy salute to the Ever Gracious Miss Lee Ann and the Mighty Marsupial for advertising this awe inspiring alliance.
To join, you have to:
1. live or at least used to have lived in MS
2. know how to correctly pronounce "Corinth," "Natchez," and "Bixoli"
3. be able to name at least 3 Confederate generals.
4. never call crawdads "crayfish"
With our allies, the Axis of Weevil, we will conquer the world (or at least the North American continent). The pieces are all falling into place, HA HA HA!
Weekly Word List
isinglass-- a transparent, almost pure gelatin prepared from the air bladder of the sturgeon and certain other fishes and used as an adhesive and a clarifying agent.
exculpate-- to clear of guilt or blame.
exiguous-- extremely scanty; meager.
claque-- 1. a group of persons hired to applaud at a performance.
2. a group of fawning admirers.
jejune-- not interesting, dull.
isinglass-- a transparent, almost pure gelatin prepared from the air bladder of the sturgeon and certain other fishes and used as an adhesive and a clarifying agent.
exculpate-- to clear of guilt or blame.
exiguous-- extremely scanty; meager.
claque-- 1. a group of persons hired to applaud at a performance.
2. a group of fawning admirers.
jejune-- not interesting, dull.
Jamie Glazov has a wonderful column called "Ten Tips on How to Be an Arafat Apologist".
Blogger ate up the weekly word list, so I got to do it again, @#$%!#
Blogger ate up the weekly word list, so I got to do it again, @#$%!#
Wednesday, April 10, 2002
Idiot Europeans
The European Parliament passed today a resolution urging the EU nations to enact sanctions against Israel due to the recent unpleasantness in the West Bank. The motion was supported by the leftist groups in the assembly. Can't these people act like they have some sense about them for a single moment?
Responding to the sanction threat Israeli diplomat, Victor Harel, produced this marvelous line: "We know that we have a very serious image problem in Europe, but Europe has a very serious problem of image in Israel, too."
The European Parliament passed today a resolution urging the EU nations to enact sanctions against Israel due to the recent unpleasantness in the West Bank. The motion was supported by the leftist groups in the assembly. Can't these people act like they have some sense about them for a single moment?
Responding to the sanction threat Israeli diplomat, Victor Harel, produced this marvelous line: "We know that we have a very serious image problem in Europe, but Europe has a very serious problem of image in Israel, too."
Song Stream
No I didn't forget. Today's selection isn't a song, but a hilarious skit by Paul Shanklin. Great impression of James Carville. Click here to listen (need Windows Media Player)
No I didn't forget. Today's selection isn't a song, but a hilarious skit by Paul Shanklin. Great impression of James Carville. Click here to listen (need Windows Media Player)
Calling all Magnolia Staters
Upon taking the advice of Lee Ann, I am officially announcing the creation of the "Delta Entente" (though "Catfish Confederacy" has a ring to it... and so does the "Magnolia Bloc") an alliance open to all bloggers hailing from the Mighty State of Mississippi. Together, we shall defend the honor of our fair state against savage Yankees and otherscum forces. So if you fit the profile, please drop me a line.
Upon taking the advice of Lee Ann, I am officially announcing the creation of the "Delta Entente" (though "Catfish Confederacy" has a ring to it... and so does the "Magnolia Bloc") an alliance open to all bloggers hailing from the Mighty State of Mississippi. Together, we shall defend the honor of our fair state against savage Yankees and other
Another polite reply:
Well, Mr. Kepple has a response to my response to his reponse (say that 5 times fast) of my post about Mississippi. Here's my reply:
Economics:
Mississippi does lag behind in key area like education, infant morality, teen pregnancy, etc. especially in the area called the Delta. The Delta, located in the northwestern part of the state and known as the birthplace of the blues, has tremendous economic and social problems to such a degree that it drags down the average of the whole state. For example, the unemployment rate for the Delta is around 9%, but other regions like the Northeast Mississippi and the Jackson area have rates around 5% (The Gulf Coast has a 3.8% rate)..
Race Relations:
Unfortunately, many people (i.e. Yankees) still believe nothing has changed since the 1960s. Considering the fact that Mississippi has the most black elected officials in the nation, things must be just a smidge different. Mississippi does have a despicable past in race relations, but then so do Los Angeles (Watts Riots, Rodney King Riots), Springfield (Illinois), Boston ("No Irish Need Apply"), and Chicago (race riot in 1919). Also, I ask you to remember these words by JFK: "Neither Mississippi nor any other southern State deserves to be charged with all the accumulated wrongs of the last 100 years of race relations. To the extent that there has been failure, the responsibility for that failure must be shared by us all, by every State, by every citizen." So, there.
No Skiing:
If a state is located in a humid subtropical climate, of course there'd be no skiing there. Besides, skiing is too tame for our tastes. For recreation, we engage in the manly act of hunting using our Second Amendment protected guns. Heck, our women even go out a time or two (or more) to shoot a deer or a duck. Double heck, our Democrats (like Gov. Musgrove) love to use guns in the pursuit of wild game. I bet you not a lot of New England Republicans (outside of NH) even know which way to point a firearm.
In Conclusion:
For all of her flaws, I love Mississippi; it's a part of who I am, just as New Hampshire is a part of who Ben Kepple is.
Well, Mr. Kepple has a response to my response to his reponse (say that 5 times fast) of my post about Mississippi. Here's my reply:
Economics:
Mississippi does lag behind in key area like education, infant morality, teen pregnancy, etc. especially in the area called the Delta. The Delta, located in the northwestern part of the state and known as the birthplace of the blues, has tremendous economic and social problems to such a degree that it drags down the average of the whole state. For example, the unemployment rate for the Delta is around 9%, but other regions like the Northeast Mississippi and the Jackson area have rates around 5% (The Gulf Coast has a 3.8% rate)..
Race Relations:
Unfortunately, many people (i.e. Yankees) still believe nothing has changed since the 1960s. Considering the fact that Mississippi has the most black elected officials in the nation, things must be just a smidge different. Mississippi does have a despicable past in race relations, but then so do Los Angeles (Watts Riots, Rodney King Riots), Springfield (Illinois), Boston ("No Irish Need Apply"), and Chicago (race riot in 1919). Also, I ask you to remember these words by JFK: "Neither Mississippi nor any other southern State deserves to be charged with all the accumulated wrongs of the last 100 years of race relations. To the extent that there has been failure, the responsibility for that failure must be shared by us all, by every State, by every citizen." So, there.
No Skiing:
If a state is located in a humid subtropical climate, of course there'd be no skiing there. Besides, skiing is too tame for our tastes. For recreation, we engage in the manly act of hunting using our Second Amendment protected guns. Heck, our women even go out a time or two (or more) to shoot a deer or a duck. Double heck, our Democrats (like Gov. Musgrove) love to use guns in the pursuit of wild game. I bet you not a lot of New England Republicans (outside of NH) even know which way to point a firearm.
In Conclusion:
For all of her flaws, I love Mississippi; it's a part of who I am, just as New Hampshire is a part of who Ben Kepple is.
Tuesday, April 09, 2002
Some of Mississippi's contributions to the world courtesy of this website:
First chapter of the PTA was founded in 1909 in Mississippi.
4-H was started in Holmes County.
The first state organized women's college (Mississippi University for Women) in the nation was in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Legislature in 1839 passed one of the first laws in the English-speaking world protecting the property rights of married women.
Mississippi College was the first coeducational college in the nation to grant degrees to women. Established in 1826, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state.
William Grant Still, of Woodville, composed the Afro-American Symphony which was the first symphonic work by someone of his race to be performed in the U.S.
Mississippi was the first state in the nation to have a planned system of junior colleges.
National Geographic Magazine is printed at QuebecorWorld , in Corinth, Mississippi.
The oldest book in America, an ancient Biblical manuscript, is located the the University of Mississippi.
Mississippi has more churches per capita than any other state.
Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1898 by Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.
Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, has been called "Where Flowers Healed A Nation." It was April 25, 1866 and the Civil War had been over for a year when the ladies of Columbus decided to decorate both Confederate and Union soldiers' graves with beautiful bouquets and garlands of flowers. As A direct result of this kind gesture, Americans celebrate what has come to be called MEMORIAL DAY each year, an annual observance of recognition of our war dead.
First chapter of the PTA was founded in 1909 in Mississippi.
4-H was started in Holmes County.
The first state organized women's college (Mississippi University for Women) in the nation was in Mississippi.
The Mississippi Legislature in 1839 passed one of the first laws in the English-speaking world protecting the property rights of married women.
Mississippi College was the first coeducational college in the nation to grant degrees to women. Established in 1826, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state.
William Grant Still, of Woodville, composed the Afro-American Symphony which was the first symphonic work by someone of his race to be performed in the U.S.
Mississippi was the first state in the nation to have a planned system of junior colleges.
National Geographic Magazine is printed at QuebecorWorld , in Corinth, Mississippi.
The oldest book in America, an ancient Biblical manuscript, is located the the University of Mississippi.
Mississippi has more churches per capita than any other state.
Root Beer was invented in Biloxi, Mississippi, in 1898 by Edward Adolf Barq, Sr.
Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, has been called "Where Flowers Healed A Nation." It was April 25, 1866 and the Civil War had been over for a year when the ladies of Columbus decided to decorate both Confederate and Union soldiers' graves with beautiful bouquets and garlands of flowers. As A direct result of this kind gesture, Americans celebrate what has come to be called MEMORIAL DAY each year, an annual observance of recognition of our war dead.
Missisippi
And now, here's the (not so) long awaited response to Mr. Kepple's post. My responses are in bold.
The Sahara of the Bozart, AD 2002
Patrick Carver, a Southerner who unfortunately hails from Jackson, Miss., has reproduced a transcript of a Paul Harvey radio commentary lauding the achievements of The Magnolia State. Upon reading it, one finds it an interesting but hackneyed commentary, and a tired one at that. The good old boys down in Arkansas wrote an infuriated version of that in the early 20th Century, and the vitriolic commentator H.L. Mencken had a ball tearing it -- not to mention the rest of the South -- to shreds.
Now, any good Mencken collection should have his classic essay "The Sahara of the Bozart," and other commentaries on the cultural life in our Southern provinces. But since Mr Mencken is no longer with us, I shall take up the Northern sword in response to Mr Carver's post, and trample out the vintage in defense of my roots.
Assuming that Mr. Mencken was right about the South, that particular essay was written nearly over 80 years ago. Maybe, just maybe, things have changed since then.
For such defensive articles are in truth offensive screeds, designed to mask a gross inferiority complex. They do that through implicitly attacking their Northern brethren, folks who have no need for odes and tracts proclaiming their worth. When Mr Carver spreads the Harveyan gospel that Mississippi is prosperous and advanced and civilised, the mostly unsaid corollary is that the carpetbagging moneygrubbing mackerel-snappers north of the Mason-Dixon are barbarous wretches. And since Mr Carver makes it clear his least favourite states are situated here in the Northeast, I for one shall not let this slander against my honour and my region stand.
Why don’t I like the Northeast? Well, the six states of New England have bestowed the US with politicians like Ted Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, Bernie Sanders, John Kerrey, Joseph Lieberman, Christopher Dodd, and everybody’s favorite turncoat, Jumpin’ Jim Jeffords. I will admit though, New Hampshire does appear to be a lone corridor of sanity in that liberal wasteland. It’s Congressional delegation averages a 85 rating by the American Conservative Union. But that doesn’t excuse the fact that it’s full of Yankees.
Yep. Line-by-line takedown, of course.
The pack-media could not wait to remake the movie MISSISSIPPI BURNING into a TV version called MURDER IN MISSISSIPPI. Thus yet another generation of Americans is being indoctrinated with indelible snapshots which are half a century out of date. The very idea that anybody from New York, D.C., Chicago or L.A. could launch stones from those shabby glass houses toward anybody else is patently absurd.
It's not our fault that Mississippi's remnants of Ku Kluxery decided to lynch some of our civil rights volunteers back in the Sixties. If the Magnolia State had actually let blacks vote back then, we wouldn't have had all of these problems in the first place. So, to complain about a television movie which used history as its backdrop is disingenuous and appalling. Besides, when Hollywood produced "The Winds of War" back in the Eighties, no German complained about his nation's portrayal -- so neither should a citizen of Mississippi.
Not every movie that involves Germany in some matter includes the Nazis or World War II. However, most movies (To Kill a Mockingbird, The Chamber, Mississippi Burning, A Time to Kill, etc.) about Mississippi how racist the place is.
Lilliputians have psychological need to make everybody else appear small and Mississippi, too nice to fight back, is such an easy target.
When was the last time anyone attacked Mississippi for anything? There's no need.
Aren’t you attacking Mississippi right now?
The International Ballet Competition regularly rotates among four citadels where there is a sufficiency of sophisticated art appreciation: Varna, Bulgaria; Helsinki, Finland; Moscow, Russia; and Jackson, Mississippi.
One of these things is not like the other! One of these things is not -- the -- same!
No state can point to a richer per capita contribution to arts and letters. William Faulkner, Richard Wright, Walker Percy, Ellen Douglas, Willie Morris, Margaret Walker Alexander, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs) and John Grisham are Mississippians. As are Leontyne Price, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Buffett.
Actually, I'd be willing to lay two bits on the line to say there is more artistic talent in New York or Los Angeles than in Mississippi. Besides, this is all well and good, but Mencken had a quick and ready response, which I'll paraphrase. The real question, he would have said, is: how many of these people could or can bear to live there?
John Grisham seems to be able to bear it since he owns huge home just outside of Oxford, MS. William Faulkner managed to tolerate the ignorant citizens of Mississippi for 32 years in his Oxford house, “Rowan Oak.” And let’s not forget Ms. Eudora Welty who lived in Jackson for decades until she passed away recently.
And the state stays busy-manufacturing more upholstered furniture than any state...testing space shuttle engines for NASA...building rocket motors.
Gosh, more upholstered furniture than any other state. Now, I don't know what this says about the wage-scales for skilled labour down there. I would, however, point out that Ohio, Florida, and Texas are where the Real Work of the space program is done.
I think testing space shuttle engines for NASA to make sure they don’t do annoying things like blowing up or shutting down after blast-off can be considered Real Work. And let the record show that No Work for the space program is done in New Hampshire.
There's more stuff, and apparently there's also some interesting insight into Mississippi's contributions to the medical field, which are admittedly impressive, except for the fact that they all happened back in the early Sixties. What's happened recently? Surely such an enlightened State would continue in its pioneering work. Sadly, no evidence is given of The Magnolia State's continued pre-eminence in this domain. I suppose all the doctors and the lawyers and such went off to gamble away their paycheques in the many casinos that have sprung up all over Mississippi like a cancer.
In fact the state has continued in medical progress. Mississippi is home of the Methodist Rehabilitation Center, named in 2000 by U.S. World News and Report as one of America’s best hospitals and is “one of only 17 hospitals in the country designated a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.”.
Also, “paycheques”? Just because you live near Canada, it doesn’t mean you have to spell like Canadians.
Maybe Mississippi is right to downplay it's opportunities, advantages and refinement. The ill-mannered rest of us, converging, would surely mess it up.
Now, I can see someone saying this about New Hampshire, as the state's opportunities, advantages and refinement have led to a convergence of people who want to do nothing but mess it up. But I don't think that this will happen in Missisippi. Consider, just as an example:
Year 2000 Crime Rate in MS: 4,004.4 per 100,000 persons. (violent: 360.3 per 100,000; 9 murders per 100K)
Year 2000 Crime Rate in NH: 2,433.1 per 100,000 persons (violent: 175.4 per 100,000; 2 murders per 100K)
Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report (2000)
MS, Percentage of People in Poverty, 2000: 14.5%
NH, Percentage of People in Poverty, 2000: 6.3%
MS, Median Income, 2000: $31,528
NH, Median Income, 2000: $48,928
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Well, what do you expect of a state run by Democrats non-stop for over 130 years?
Besides, as Mr Carver wisely wrote in another post arguing in favour of keeping Mississippi's segregationist flag: "Gov. Musgrove, wouldn't factors like high tax rates and juries that give away settlements that rival Powerball drawings have more affect on job creation?"
Aye, that they would.
At least here we agree somewhat.
And now, here's the (not so) long awaited response to Mr. Kepple's post. My responses are in bold.
The Sahara of the Bozart, AD 2002
Patrick Carver, a Southerner who unfortunately hails from Jackson, Miss., has reproduced a transcript of a Paul Harvey radio commentary lauding the achievements of The Magnolia State. Upon reading it, one finds it an interesting but hackneyed commentary, and a tired one at that. The good old boys down in Arkansas wrote an infuriated version of that in the early 20th Century, and the vitriolic commentator H.L. Mencken had a ball tearing it -- not to mention the rest of the South -- to shreds.
Now, any good Mencken collection should have his classic essay "The Sahara of the Bozart," and other commentaries on the cultural life in our Southern provinces. But since Mr Mencken is no longer with us, I shall take up the Northern sword in response to Mr Carver's post, and trample out the vintage in defense of my roots.
Assuming that Mr. Mencken was right about the South, that particular essay was written nearly over 80 years ago. Maybe, just maybe, things have changed since then.
For such defensive articles are in truth offensive screeds, designed to mask a gross inferiority complex. They do that through implicitly attacking their Northern brethren, folks who have no need for odes and tracts proclaiming their worth. When Mr Carver spreads the Harveyan gospel that Mississippi is prosperous and advanced and civilised, the mostly unsaid corollary is that the carpetbagging moneygrubbing mackerel-snappers north of the Mason-Dixon are barbarous wretches. And since Mr Carver makes it clear his least favourite states are situated here in the Northeast, I for one shall not let this slander against my honour and my region stand.
Why don’t I like the Northeast? Well, the six states of New England have bestowed the US with politicians like Ted Kennedy, Patrick Kennedy, Bernie Sanders, John Kerrey, Joseph Lieberman, Christopher Dodd, and everybody’s favorite turncoat, Jumpin’ Jim Jeffords. I will admit though, New Hampshire does appear to be a lone corridor of sanity in that liberal wasteland. It’s Congressional delegation averages a 85 rating by the American Conservative Union. But that doesn’t excuse the fact that it’s full of Yankees.
Yep. Line-by-line takedown, of course.
The pack-media could not wait to remake the movie MISSISSIPPI BURNING into a TV version called MURDER IN MISSISSIPPI. Thus yet another generation of Americans is being indoctrinated with indelible snapshots which are half a century out of date. The very idea that anybody from New York, D.C., Chicago or L.A. could launch stones from those shabby glass houses toward anybody else is patently absurd.
It's not our fault that Mississippi's remnants of Ku Kluxery decided to lynch some of our civil rights volunteers back in the Sixties. If the Magnolia State had actually let blacks vote back then, we wouldn't have had all of these problems in the first place. So, to complain about a television movie which used history as its backdrop is disingenuous and appalling. Besides, when Hollywood produced "The Winds of War" back in the Eighties, no German complained about his nation's portrayal -- so neither should a citizen of Mississippi.
Not every movie that involves Germany in some matter includes the Nazis or World War II. However, most movies (To Kill a Mockingbird, The Chamber, Mississippi Burning, A Time to Kill, etc.) about Mississippi how racist the place is.
Lilliputians have psychological need to make everybody else appear small and Mississippi, too nice to fight back, is such an easy target.
When was the last time anyone attacked Mississippi for anything? There's no need.
Aren’t you attacking Mississippi right now?
The International Ballet Competition regularly rotates among four citadels where there is a sufficiency of sophisticated art appreciation: Varna, Bulgaria; Helsinki, Finland; Moscow, Russia; and Jackson, Mississippi.
One of these things is not like the other! One of these things is not -- the -- same!
No state can point to a richer per capita contribution to arts and letters. William Faulkner, Richard Wright, Walker Percy, Ellen Douglas, Willie Morris, Margaret Walker Alexander, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs) and John Grisham are Mississippians. As are Leontyne Price, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Buffett.
Actually, I'd be willing to lay two bits on the line to say there is more artistic talent in New York or Los Angeles than in Mississippi. Besides, this is all well and good, but Mencken had a quick and ready response, which I'll paraphrase. The real question, he would have said, is: how many of these people could or can bear to live there?
John Grisham seems to be able to bear it since he owns huge home just outside of Oxford, MS. William Faulkner managed to tolerate the ignorant citizens of Mississippi for 32 years in his Oxford house, “Rowan Oak.” And let’s not forget Ms. Eudora Welty who lived in Jackson for decades until she passed away recently.
And the state stays busy-manufacturing more upholstered furniture than any state...testing space shuttle engines for NASA...building rocket motors.
Gosh, more upholstered furniture than any other state. Now, I don't know what this says about the wage-scales for skilled labour down there. I would, however, point out that Ohio, Florida, and Texas are where the Real Work of the space program is done.
I think testing space shuttle engines for NASA to make sure they don’t do annoying things like blowing up or shutting down after blast-off can be considered Real Work. And let the record show that No Work for the space program is done in New Hampshire.
There's more stuff, and apparently there's also some interesting insight into Mississippi's contributions to the medical field, which are admittedly impressive, except for the fact that they all happened back in the early Sixties. What's happened recently? Surely such an enlightened State would continue in its pioneering work. Sadly, no evidence is given of The Magnolia State's continued pre-eminence in this domain. I suppose all the doctors and the lawyers and such went off to gamble away their paycheques in the many casinos that have sprung up all over Mississippi like a cancer.
In fact the state has continued in medical progress. Mississippi is home of the Methodist Rehabilitation Center, named in 2000 by U.S. World News and Report as one of America’s best hospitals and is “one of only 17 hospitals in the country designated a Traumatic Brain Injury Model System by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.”.
Also, “paycheques”? Just because you live near Canada, it doesn’t mean you have to spell like Canadians.
Maybe Mississippi is right to downplay it's opportunities, advantages and refinement. The ill-mannered rest of us, converging, would surely mess it up.
Now, I can see someone saying this about New Hampshire, as the state's opportunities, advantages and refinement have led to a convergence of people who want to do nothing but mess it up. But I don't think that this will happen in Missisippi. Consider, just as an example:
Year 2000 Crime Rate in MS: 4,004.4 per 100,000 persons. (violent: 360.3 per 100,000; 9 murders per 100K)
Year 2000 Crime Rate in NH: 2,433.1 per 100,000 persons (violent: 175.4 per 100,000; 2 murders per 100K)
Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report (2000)
MS, Percentage of People in Poverty, 2000: 14.5%
NH, Percentage of People in Poverty, 2000: 6.3%
MS, Median Income, 2000: $31,528
NH, Median Income, 2000: $48,928
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Well, what do you expect of a state run by Democrats non-stop for over 130 years?
Besides, as Mr Carver wisely wrote in another post arguing in favour of keeping Mississippi's segregationist flag: "Gov. Musgrove, wouldn't factors like high tax rates and juries that give away settlements that rival Powerball drawings have more affect on job creation?"
Aye, that they would.
At least here we agree somewhat.
Today's joke from Baude's
The 1980 Presdential Campaign contained a heavy emphasis on economic issues. Ronald Reagan warned of the coming of another depression if America contiued in its present path. President Carter reacted, "That shows how much he knows. This is a recession." That reaction gave Reagan, the communicator, a platform comment to build his campaign on. Reagan responded, "If Mr. Carter wants a definition, I'll give him one. Recession is when your neighbor loses his job, depression is when you lose yours, and recovery will be when Jimmy Carter loses his."
The 1980 Presdential Campaign contained a heavy emphasis on economic issues. Ronald Reagan warned of the coming of another depression if America contiued in its present path. President Carter reacted, "That shows how much he knows. This is a recession." That reaction gave Reagan, the communicator, a platform comment to build his campaign on. Reagan responded, "If Mr. Carter wants a definition, I'll give him one. Recession is when your neighbor loses his job, depression is when you lose yours, and recovery will be when Jimmy Carter loses his."
Monday, April 08, 2002
Sad, but true
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who accept Him with their lips but walk out the door and deny Him be their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.
Spoken word portion at the beginning of dc Talk's "What if I Stumble?"
The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who accept Him with their lips but walk out the door and deny Him be their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.
Spoken word portion at the beginning of dc Talk's "What if I Stumble?"
Weekly Bible Verses
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:14-15
The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
Psalm 34:10
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:13
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Philippians 2:14-15
The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.
Psalm 34:10
The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9
Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:13
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1
Sheer Idiocy
Hassan Abdel Rahman, the chief Palestinian representative to the USA, appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal program this morning doling out the typical blige we can expect for the PA. A few minutes into the program, the host asked Mr. Rahman his thoughts on the recent suicide bombings in Israel. Rahman lamented want a tragedy it is to have such young lives wasted. Okay, good so for. But then he essentially blamed the Israeli "occupation" and military actions for causing such "hopelessness" among the young folk. At least according to Mr. Rahman, the Palestinian youth were brutalized by their peers in the Israeli army and had no way to express their frustration expect by being suicide bombers. Now wait a minute Bud, the targets of the bombers were civilians, like those dining at a Passover feast or those teenagers at a Sbarro's pizzeria, NOT Israeli soldiers or tanks.
The first caller to the show, a Democrat, wondered why Israel had to occupy the West Bank and use all those yucky guns and tanks. In order to display how she empathizes with the poor, poor Palestinians, she even recounts how frightened she was when she saw a tank from the Michigan National Guard driving down the road. Can people be this idiotic? Apparently so...
Click here to watch the video clip. I warn you, it will try your patience.
Hassan Abdel Rahman, the chief Palestinian representative to the USA, appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal program this morning doling out the typical blige we can expect for the PA. A few minutes into the program, the host asked Mr. Rahman his thoughts on the recent suicide bombings in Israel. Rahman lamented want a tragedy it is to have such young lives wasted. Okay, good so for. But then he essentially blamed the Israeli "occupation" and military actions for causing such "hopelessness" among the young folk. At least according to Mr. Rahman, the Palestinian youth were brutalized by their peers in the Israeli army and had no way to express their frustration expect by being suicide bombers. Now wait a minute Bud, the targets of the bombers were civilians, like those dining at a Passover feast or those teenagers at a Sbarro's pizzeria, NOT Israeli soldiers or tanks.
The first caller to the show, a Democrat, wondered why Israel had to occupy the West Bank and use all those yucky guns and tanks. In order to display how she empathizes with the poor, poor Palestinians, she even recounts how frightened she was when she saw a tank from the Michigan National Guard driving down the road. Can people be this idiotic? Apparently so...
Click here to watch the video clip. I warn you, it will try your patience.
Iraqi Oil
Murderer, despot, and all around nice guy, Saddam Hussein, has announced a one-month suspension of oil production by Iraq "in protest at Israel's incursion into Palestinian areas of the West Bank." However, the International Energy Agency said that the effect on the world's oil prices would be minimum.
As if we need another reason to knock this thug off.
Murderer, despot, and all around nice guy, Saddam Hussein, has announced a one-month suspension of oil production by Iraq "in protest at Israel's incursion into Palestinian areas of the West Bank." However, the International Energy Agency said that the effect on the world's oil prices would be minimum.
As if we need another reason to knock this thug off.
Minding Our Manners
John Derbyshire ruminates on the decline of politieness in American society but has this to say:
Within the U.S. it is a commonplace — my own experience certainly bears it out — that southerners have better manners than northerners. The American south is probably the best-mannered region in the entire English-speaking world. A British journalist I know went to give an address to a women's society in Birmingham, Alabama. She was politely received, listened to with attention, and given a fine dinner afterwards... during which, by overhearing a chance remark, she suddenly realized she had arrived an hour late for her address. A check of the printed schedule for the evening confirmed this. The good ladies of Birmingham had been too polite to say anything; if my friend hadn't overheard that remark, she would never have known.
Since most of the South has more liberal (yes, I mean liberal: "free from restraint or check" ... "of, belonging to or befitting a man of free birth" — Merriam-Webster's Third) gun laws than most of the north, this may have something to do with Robert Heinlein's dictum that: "An armed society is a polite society." More likely, I think, it reflects the Christian ethic still dominant in the south:
We say grace and we say "Ma'am",
And if you don't like it, we don't give a damn.
The only big regional split in the Public Agenda survey was on the issue of taking God's name in vain. While three out of four southerners said it this always wrong, half of those surveyed from the northeast said that there is nothing wrong with it or that it falls somewhere between right and wrong. For all its much-advertised historical sins, the south remains the one place where the old — medieval, in fact — ideal of the Christian gentleman is still alive. A corollary to the general north-south variation is that black Americans, most of whom have some links with the south, are better mannered than white ones, a thing I have often noticed. The present generation of American blacks may be the last of which this is true, though, to judge from the things I see and hear in the New York subway shortly after the city public schools let out on a weekday afternoon.
If you are like me and you have two generations of your family (three if your great-grandmother is alive) constantly pounding courtesy into you, politeness sinks in eventually.
John Derbyshire ruminates on the decline of politieness in American society but has this to say:
Within the U.S. it is a commonplace — my own experience certainly bears it out — that southerners have better manners than northerners. The American south is probably the best-mannered region in the entire English-speaking world. A British journalist I know went to give an address to a women's society in Birmingham, Alabama. She was politely received, listened to with attention, and given a fine dinner afterwards... during which, by overhearing a chance remark, she suddenly realized she had arrived an hour late for her address. A check of the printed schedule for the evening confirmed this. The good ladies of Birmingham had been too polite to say anything; if my friend hadn't overheard that remark, she would never have known.
Since most of the South has more liberal (yes, I mean liberal: "free from restraint or check" ... "of, belonging to or befitting a man of free birth" — Merriam-Webster's Third) gun laws than most of the north, this may have something to do with Robert Heinlein's dictum that: "An armed society is a polite society." More likely, I think, it reflects the Christian ethic still dominant in the south:
We say grace and we say "Ma'am",
And if you don't like it, we don't give a damn.
The only big regional split in the Public Agenda survey was on the issue of taking God's name in vain. While three out of four southerners said it this always wrong, half of those surveyed from the northeast said that there is nothing wrong with it or that it falls somewhere between right and wrong. For all its much-advertised historical sins, the south remains the one place where the old — medieval, in fact — ideal of the Christian gentleman is still alive. A corollary to the general north-south variation is that black Americans, most of whom have some links with the south, are better mannered than white ones, a thing I have often noticed. The present generation of American blacks may be the last of which this is true, though, to judge from the things I see and hear in the New York subway shortly after the city public schools let out on a weekday afternoon.
If you are like me and you have two generations of your family (three if your great-grandmother is alive) constantly pounding courtesy into you, politeness sinks in eventually.
Sunday, April 07, 2002
Curious George
If you ever have wondered why George McGovern was creamed by Nixon in 1972, just read his article in The Nation where he has some questions for Señor Bush.
If you ever have wondered why George McGovern was creamed by Nixon in 1972, just read his article in The Nation where he has some questions for Señor Bush.
A New Ad for the DNC
Nashville talk radio host and a leader of tax protests in the summers of 2000 and 2001, Phil Valentine has this great ad for the Donkey Party:
Alas, I don't think Terry McAuliffe is going to use it. A shame, really.
Nashville talk radio host and a leader of tax protests in the summers of 2000 and 2001, Phil Valentine has this great ad for the Donkey Party:
Alas, I don't think Terry McAuliffe is going to use it. A shame, really.
One month
Well, yesterday marked the end of the first month of the OMC's operation. I would like to thank Mark Byron, Dawson Jackson, Lee Ann Morawski, and Mac Thomason, Robert Bauer, Charles Austin and many others for the encouragement and feedback they have provided. Over the month, the site has attracted nearly 478 unique visitors to whom I offer a hearty thanks as well. If you have any compliments, complaints, or suggestions, feel free to drop a line.
Well, yesterday marked the end of the first month of the OMC's operation. I would like to thank Mark Byron, Dawson Jackson, Lee Ann Morawski, and Mac Thomason, Robert Bauer, Charles Austin and many others for the encouragement and feedback they have provided. Over the month, the site has attracted nearly 478 unique visitors to whom I offer a hearty thanks as well. If you have any compliments, complaints, or suggestions, feel free to drop a line.
Shed some Arafat
Reuters reports the Palestinian reaction to President Bush's statement that Arafat had "betrayed the hopes of the people he's supposed to lead." Here's how Saleh Abdel-Rahman, your typical Palestinian man on the street reacted thusly: "Arafat received more than 80 percent of a vote in an election overseen by (former U.S. president) Carter. Bush received under 50 percent of the popular vote." And now the clincher, "By what right does he ask for Arafat to be replaced?" Considering how Arafat actively encourages terrorism (in Arabic, never in English) against civilians, I think Mr. Bush, along with every civilized man and woman, has a right to ask for someone who doesn't cuddle murders who target Israeli pizzerias full of teenagers.
Reuters reports the Palestinian reaction to President Bush's statement that Arafat had "betrayed the hopes of the people he's supposed to lead." Here's how Saleh Abdel-Rahman, your typical Palestinian man on the street reacted thusly: "Arafat received more than 80 percent of a vote in an election overseen by (former U.S. president) Carter. Bush received under 50 percent of the popular vote." And now the clincher, "By what right does he ask for Arafat to be replaced?" Considering how Arafat actively encourages terrorism (in Arabic, never in English) against civilians, I think Mr. Bush, along with every civilized man and woman, has a right to ask for someone who doesn't cuddle murders who target Israeli pizzerias full of teenagers.
Saturday, April 06, 2002
More Mississippi
Speaking of Mississippi, here's an article from the Canadian Broadcast Corportation (CBC) concerning the flag vote back last April. Yes, I know this snippet of news is a year old, but then I didn't have a blog a year ago...
JACKSON, MISS. - In a result that seems certain to cause controversy, Mississippi has voted overwhelmingly to keep its historic connection with its segregationist past.
Voters in America's poorest state were asked whether they wanted to keep the Confederate emblem on the state flag.
By a margin of nearly two to one, they said they wished to keep a symbol that represents the Confederacy, the Civil War and segregation, despite pleas from the governor and business leaders to bury the past and show the world Mississippi has left intolerance and racism behind.
ME: How fair and balanced.
After all the votes were counted, 65 per cent favoured keeping the old flag, 35 per cent wanted to replace it.
Mississippi is the last state in the U.S. to prominently display the emblem on its flag.
Deborah Denard of the NAACP predicted on Monday that a large percentage of the state's African American population would head to the polls and cast enough votes to carry the day. But even in areas where blacks make up the majority of voters, the results were close.
ME: I remember reading a poll (conducted by Gallup, I think) where blacks where asked their opinion of the flag issue. Slighty half favored the new one, 30 percent liked the old flag, with the rest either unsure or stating no preference.
Mississippi adopted the current flag, with the Confederate symbol of a blue cross with 13 white stars in the upper left-hand corner, in 1894, 30 years after the defeat of the Confederacy.
The proposed new design would have shown white stars on a blue square, a reference to Mississippi's role as the 20th state in the Union.
ME: A picture of the two designs.
While some have argued that the flag is a symbol of Mississippi's history, state and business leaders have argued that the state needs to move on from its racist heritage to avoid economic segregation and boycotts.
Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said before the vote, "It's an opportunity to remove any obstacle that would stand in the way of bringing good jobs to our state."
ME: Gov. Musgrove, wouldn't factors like high tax rates and juries that give away settlements that rival Powerball drawings have more affect on job creation?
Speaking of Mississippi, here's an article from the Canadian Broadcast Corportation (CBC) concerning the flag vote back last April. Yes, I know this snippet of news is a year old, but then I didn't have a blog a year ago...
JACKSON, MISS. - In a result that seems certain to cause controversy, Mississippi has voted overwhelmingly to keep its historic connection with its segregationist past.
Voters in America's poorest state were asked whether they wanted to keep the Confederate emblem on the state flag.
By a margin of nearly two to one, they said they wished to keep a symbol that represents the Confederacy, the Civil War and segregation, despite pleas from the governor and business leaders to bury the past and show the world Mississippi has left intolerance and racism behind.
ME: How fair and balanced.
After all the votes were counted, 65 per cent favoured keeping the old flag, 35 per cent wanted to replace it.
Mississippi is the last state in the U.S. to prominently display the emblem on its flag.
Deborah Denard of the NAACP predicted on Monday that a large percentage of the state's African American population would head to the polls and cast enough votes to carry the day. But even in areas where blacks make up the majority of voters, the results were close.
ME: I remember reading a poll (conducted by Gallup, I think) where blacks where asked their opinion of the flag issue. Slighty half favored the new one, 30 percent liked the old flag, with the rest either unsure or stating no preference.
Mississippi adopted the current flag, with the Confederate symbol of a blue cross with 13 white stars in the upper left-hand corner, in 1894, 30 years after the defeat of the Confederacy.
The proposed new design would have shown white stars on a blue square, a reference to Mississippi's role as the 20th state in the Union.
ME: A picture of the two designs.
While some have argued that the flag is a symbol of Mississippi's history, state and business leaders have argued that the state needs to move on from its racist heritage to avoid economic segregation and boycotts.
Gov. Ronnie Musgrove said before the vote, "It's an opportunity to remove any obstacle that would stand in the way of bringing good jobs to our state."
ME: Gov. Musgrove, wouldn't factors like high tax rates and juries that give away settlements that rival Powerball drawings have more affect on job creation?
Mississippi
Here's a transcription of a radio commentary my aunt forwarded to me about a couple of years ago. Enjoy.
MISSISSIPPI STILL BURNING - Paul Harvey
Mississippi is still burning. Times have changed, but the incendiaries won't quit. Mississippi, statistically, could shame most of our states with its minimal per-capita crime, its cultural maturity and its distinguished alumni. But Mississippi has enough residual gentility of the Old South not to rub our noses in our own comparative inadequacy.
The pack-media could not wait to remake the movie MISSISSIPPI BURNING into a TV version called MURDER IN MISSISSIPPI. Thus yet another generation of Americans is being indoctrinated with indelible snapshots which are half a century out of date. The very idea that anybody from New York, D.C., Chicago or L.A. could launch stones from those shabby glass houses toward anybody else is patently absurd.
Lilliputians have psychological need to make everybody else appear small and Mississippi, too nice to fight back, is such an easy target.
The International Ballet Competition regularly rotates among four citadels where there is a sufficiency of sophisticated art appreciation: Varna, Bulgaria; Helsinki, Finland; Moscow, Russia; and Jackson, Mississippi. Only Mississippi has a department of Art that sends exhibits around the state for the enjoyment of smaller communities. No state can point to a richer per capita contribution to arts and letters. William Faulkner, Richard Wright, Walker Percy, Ellen Douglas, Willie Morris, Margaret Walker Alexander, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs) and John Grisham are Mississippians. As are Leontyne Price, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Buffett.
Scenery? The Natchez Trace is the second most traveled parkway in our nation. With magnolia and dogwood, stately pines and moss-draped oaks, Mississippi is in bloom all year 'round. And the state stays busy-manufacturing more upholstered furniture than any state...testing space shuttle engines for NASA...building rocket motors.
Much of our nation's most monumental medical progress has roots in Mississippi. The first heart transplant in 1964. The first lung transplant in 1963. The most widely used medical textbook in the world, THE TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, reprinted in ten languages, was authored by Dr. Arthur Guyton of the University of Mississippi. The Case Method of practicing law, the basis of the United States legal system, was developed at the University of Mississippi. Nationally, educators are chewing their fingernails up past the second knuckle anxious about the disgraceful rate of dropouts and illiterate graduates...In Mississippi, the state government and two philanthropic organizations have teamed up to put a computer-based literacy program in every elementary school in the state.
Maybe Mississippi is right to downplay it's opportunities, advantages and refinement. The ill-mannered rest of us, converging, would surely mess it up.
Good Day
Here's a transcription of a radio commentary my aunt forwarded to me about a couple of years ago. Enjoy.
MISSISSIPPI STILL BURNING - Paul Harvey
Mississippi is still burning. Times have changed, but the incendiaries won't quit. Mississippi, statistically, could shame most of our states with its minimal per-capita crime, its cultural maturity and its distinguished alumni. But Mississippi has enough residual gentility of the Old South not to rub our noses in our own comparative inadequacy.
The pack-media could not wait to remake the movie MISSISSIPPI BURNING into a TV version called MURDER IN MISSISSIPPI. Thus yet another generation of Americans is being indoctrinated with indelible snapshots which are half a century out of date. The very idea that anybody from New York, D.C., Chicago or L.A. could launch stones from those shabby glass houses toward anybody else is patently absurd.
Lilliputians have psychological need to make everybody else appear small and Mississippi, too nice to fight back, is such an easy target.
The International Ballet Competition regularly rotates among four citadels where there is a sufficiency of sophisticated art appreciation: Varna, Bulgaria; Helsinki, Finland; Moscow, Russia; and Jackson, Mississippi. Only Mississippi has a department of Art that sends exhibits around the state for the enjoyment of smaller communities. No state can point to a richer per capita contribution to arts and letters. William Faulkner, Richard Wright, Walker Percy, Ellen Douglas, Willie Morris, Margaret Walker Alexander, Eudora Welty, Tennessee Williams, Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs) and John Grisham are Mississippians. As are Leontyne Price, Elvis Presley, Tammy Wynette, B.B. King, Jimmy Rogers, Oprah Winfrey and Jimmy Buffett.
Scenery? The Natchez Trace is the second most traveled parkway in our nation. With magnolia and dogwood, stately pines and moss-draped oaks, Mississippi is in bloom all year 'round. And the state stays busy-manufacturing more upholstered furniture than any state...testing space shuttle engines for NASA...building rocket motors.
Much of our nation's most monumental medical progress has roots in Mississippi. The first heart transplant in 1964. The first lung transplant in 1963. The most widely used medical textbook in the world, THE TEXTBOOK OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY, reprinted in ten languages, was authored by Dr. Arthur Guyton of the University of Mississippi. The Case Method of practicing law, the basis of the United States legal system, was developed at the University of Mississippi. Nationally, educators are chewing their fingernails up past the second knuckle anxious about the disgraceful rate of dropouts and illiterate graduates...In Mississippi, the state government and two philanthropic organizations have teamed up to put a computer-based literacy program in every elementary school in the state.
Maybe Mississippi is right to downplay it's opportunities, advantages and refinement. The ill-mannered rest of us, converging, would surely mess it up.
Good Day
We're not gonna to take it...
According to the BBC, anti-Mugabe protesters have taken to the streets in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, and other cities. Being the lover of the liberty and free speech that he is, Mugabe has banned any anti-government rallies and his home affairs minister has threatened to prosecute all the dissidents.
Last month, Zimbabwe had a general election; to called it "trigged" would be an insult to trigged elections everywhere. With his thugs intimidating and literally beating supporters of the chief opposition force, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Mugabe handily won. So now the decent folk of Zimbabwe are fed up and fighting back.
Merely stealing elections simply won't do for Mr. Mugabe, so for the past few years he has encouraged his goons to "resettle" (i.e. steal) land owned by white landowners. The squatters don't just steal land, they harass and loot the owners and their workers thus disrupting agricultral output.
Here's a great quote from the story:
"The War Veterans Association, which led the farm invasions, has now issued an ultimatum to all farmers whose land has been designated for resettlement to pack up and leave.
It says they are using their farms to organise against the government, and make negative publicity against Zimbabwe."
Don't you think that it's the unjust seizing of private property, stiffling of political expression, and rigging of election that give Zimbabwe bad PR?
And to all the Susan Sontags and Barbara Lees in the US, the situation in Zimbabwe is a perfect example of suppressing dissent, not when sane people criticize your inane and vapid comments.
According to the BBC, anti-Mugabe protesters have taken to the streets in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, and other cities. Being the lover of the liberty and free speech that he is, Mugabe has banned any anti-government rallies and his home affairs minister has threatened to prosecute all the dissidents.
Last month, Zimbabwe had a general election; to called it "trigged" would be an insult to trigged elections everywhere. With his thugs intimidating and literally beating supporters of the chief opposition force, Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Mugabe handily won. So now the decent folk of Zimbabwe are fed up and fighting back.
Merely stealing elections simply won't do for Mr. Mugabe, so for the past few years he has encouraged his goons to "resettle" (i.e. steal) land owned by white landowners. The squatters don't just steal land, they harass and loot the owners and their workers thus disrupting agricultral output.
Here's a great quote from the story:
"The War Veterans Association, which led the farm invasions, has now issued an ultimatum to all farmers whose land has been designated for resettlement to pack up and leave.
It says they are using their farms to organise against the government, and make negative publicity against Zimbabwe."
Don't you think that it's the unjust seizing of private property, stiffling of political expression, and rigging of election that give Zimbabwe bad PR?
And to all the Susan Sontags and Barbara Lees in the US, the situation in Zimbabwe is a perfect example of suppressing dissent, not when sane people criticize your inane and vapid comments.
Friday, April 05, 2002
Weekly Quotes
"Liberals measure compassion by how many people are given welfare; conservatives measure compassion by how many people no longer need it." --Rush Limbaugh
"To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them." --George Mason
"We will bring the terrorists to justice; or we will bring justice to the terrorists. Either way, justice will be served." --George W. Bush
"It is religion and morality alone upon which freedom securely stands" --John Adams
"The fact is that a liberal Democrat doesn't want to talk about ideology because they don't want to explain publicly what they're really doing." --Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
"Liberals measure compassion by how many people are given welfare; conservatives measure compassion by how many people no longer need it." --Rush Limbaugh
"To disarm the people is the best and most effective way to enslave them." --George Mason
"We will bring the terrorists to justice; or we will bring justice to the terrorists. Either way, justice will be served." --George W. Bush
"It is religion and morality alone upon which freedom securely stands" --John Adams
"The fact is that a liberal Democrat doesn't want to talk about ideology because they don't want to explain publicly what they're really doing." --Newt Gingrich (R-GA)
It's the Jonah Goldberg Show
Your hero and mine, Jonah Goldberg, appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal this morning. You can watch it going to C-SPAN's site or simply click here (you need RealPlayer to watch).
Your hero and mine, Jonah Goldberg, appeared on C-SPAN's Washington Journal this morning. You can watch it going to C-SPAN's site or simply click here (you need RealPlayer to watch).
Dreher
A few blogs like Ben Domenech's and Mark Byron's have commented on Rod Dreher's article concerning evangelical Christians' support of Israel on National Review Online. It's a fairly decent article, definitely much better that this one he wrote over a year ago.
A few blogs like Ben Domenech's and Mark Byron's have commented on Rod Dreher's article concerning evangelical Christians' support of Israel on National Review Online. It's a fairly decent article, definitely much better that this one he wrote over a year ago.
A Tripping Billy
Dave Matthews, a favorite singer of college students (including myself), was interviewed by CNN's Judy Woodruff yesterday. Ben and Jerry's has introduced a new flavor, as part of an effort to end global warming, called "One Sweet Whirled" which is a pun on the Dave Matthews Band song "One Sweet World." Rush Limbaugh has a great commentary on the nearly incoherant Matthews talking to Woodruff. Dave, please lay off the ganja.
Dave Matthews, a favorite singer of college students (including myself), was interviewed by CNN's Judy Woodruff yesterday. Ben and Jerry's has introduced a new flavor, as part of an effort to end global warming, called "One Sweet Whirled" which is a pun on the Dave Matthews Band song "One Sweet World." Rush Limbaugh has a great commentary on the nearly incoherant Matthews talking to Woodruff. Dave, please lay off the ganja.
Taxing Liberals
The April 8 issue of National Review reports that the president of the left wing group People for the American Way, Ralph Neas, rakes in around $200,000 in salary from the organization, making him a part of the wealthiest 5% of all Americans. PFAW and other liberal groups believe any tax cut is a "giveaway to the rich" and would drain funding of social welfare programs. So let's do this: impose a 95% income tax rate on wages earned by the heads of liberal advocacy organizations and use the proceeds to fund AIDS research. Surely warm hearted people like Mr. Neas would not place saving lives over their own greed and selfishness.
The April 8 issue of National Review reports that the president of the left wing group People for the American Way, Ralph Neas, rakes in around $200,000 in salary from the organization, making him a part of the wealthiest 5% of all Americans. PFAW and other liberal groups believe any tax cut is a "giveaway to the rich" and would drain funding of social welfare programs. So let's do this: impose a 95% income tax rate on wages earned by the heads of liberal advocacy organizations and use the proceeds to fund AIDS research. Surely warm hearted people like Mr. Neas would not place saving lives over their own greed and selfishness.
Talk about bias
The Media Research Center reports today that ABC news anchor, Peter Jennings had a relationship with Palestinian Authority spokeswoman Haran Ashrawi during the 1970's. Jennings has a history of being pretty pro-Palestinian in his news slant; now we may know why. I've seen Ashrawi being interviewed on various news programs, and in my professional blogger opinion, she's insane. If you were to believe what she says, the Palestinians just sit around reading the Koran all day while the Israelis, with their never quenchable thirst for blood, attack them mercilessly.
The Media Research Center reports today that ABC news anchor, Peter Jennings had a relationship with Palestinian Authority spokeswoman Haran Ashrawi during the 1970's. Jennings has a history of being pretty pro-Palestinian in his news slant; now we may know why. I've seen Ashrawi being interviewed on various news programs, and in my professional blogger opinion, she's insane. If you were to believe what she says, the Palestinians just sit around reading the Koran all day while the Israelis, with their never quenchable thirst for blood, attack them mercilessly.
Robert Bauer has an interesting post commenting another post by William Sulik on whether salvation is by faith or faith plus works. Well here's my two cents:
It is by faith alone that we are saved. If faith and works save us, how can we know for sure that our works meet God's standard? Our works are the evidences of our faith in Christ, but they do not help buy a way into Heaven. We must remember that salvation is God's gift that is our's if we simply accept it. This is what makes Christianity so different from say, Islam or any other religion, where one can get to Heaven (or some desired state of existence after death) by doing good (as defined by the religion) acts. But, as I said above, you are never absolutely certain your deeds are sufficiently worthy.
The Catholics hold the idea of Purgatory, a state of being for people who died in grace where the sins are literally burned out of them before they go to Heaven. The problem I have with this concept is that it implies that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was not enough to atone for the sins of everyone in the world.
For a more articulate argument than mine, check out this Greg Koukl article.
It is by faith alone that we are saved. If faith and works save us, how can we know for sure that our works meet God's standard? Our works are the evidences of our faith in Christ, but they do not help buy a way into Heaven. We must remember that salvation is God's gift that is our's if we simply accept it. This is what makes Christianity so different from say, Islam or any other religion, where one can get to Heaven (or some desired state of existence after death) by doing good (as defined by the religion) acts. But, as I said above, you are never absolutely certain your deeds are sufficiently worthy.
The Catholics hold the idea of Purgatory, a state of being for people who died in grace where the sins are literally burned out of them before they go to Heaven. The problem I have with this concept is that it implies that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was not enough to atone for the sins of everyone in the world.
For a more articulate argument than mine, check out this Greg Koukl article.
Here's an idea...
As you may know, Senator Phil Gramm of Texas will be retiring at the end of his term in 2003. Couldn't he be coaxed into becoming Secretary of the Treasury? Current secretary Paul O'Neill has supported ending the corporate income tax, but mostly he's not quite a supply-sider. Now Sen. Gramm, on the other hand, helped pass Reagan's tax cut in the Democratic controlled House of Representatives during the 1980's (while he was a Democrat).
As you may know, Senator Phil Gramm of Texas will be retiring at the end of his term in 2003. Couldn't he be coaxed into becoming Secretary of the Treasury? Current secretary Paul O'Neill has supported ending the corporate income tax, but mostly he's not quite a supply-sider. Now Sen. Gramm, on the other hand, helped pass Reagan's tax cut in the Democratic controlled House of Representatives during the 1980's (while he was a Democrat).
Thursday, April 04, 2002
Good Eatin'
Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, has his own food company that produces the Dilberito (available in Mexican, Indian, Barbecue, and Garlic & Herb flavors). Now that's merchandising.
Scott Adams, the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, has his own food company that produces the Dilberito (available in Mexican, Indian, Barbecue, and Garlic & Herb flavors). Now that's merchandising.
Bravo
Brink Lindsey has a great post criticizing the anti-war libertarian side of the politcial spectrum.
Brink Lindsey has a great post criticizing the anti-war libertarian side of the politcial spectrum.
Weekly Word Power
impecunious (adj.) -- penniless, lacking money.
dilatory (adj.) -- 1. intended to delay. 2. tending to delay or postpone.
tintinnabulation (n.) -- the ringing or sounding of bells.
burnoose (n.) -- a hooded cloak worn by Arabs.
mawkish (adj.) -- 1. excessively and objectionably sentimental. 2. sickening or insipid in taste.
impecunious (adj.) -- penniless, lacking money.
dilatory (adj.) -- 1. intended to delay. 2. tending to delay or postpone.
tintinnabulation (n.) -- the ringing or sounding of bells.
burnoose (n.) -- a hooded cloak worn by Arabs.
mawkish (adj.) -- 1. excessively and objectionably sentimental. 2. sickening or insipid in taste.
Wednesday, April 03, 2002
Good Taste
The lastest Celine Dion CD will not play on PC's or Macs.
The CD is said to be encoded with a new encryption technology aimed at preventing people from ripping the songs into mp3 format and distributing them over the Internet. Some users who have tried to play the CD on their computers report that there systems crash completely.
Now I very much doubt the encryption software is the culprit are these problems. It's quite apparent that these computers simply have too much good taste to let a Celine Dion album be played on them. Heck, some are even committing suicide to keep from playing the songs of the Quebecois diva.
The lastest Celine Dion CD will not play on PC's or Macs.
The CD is said to be encoded with a new encryption technology aimed at preventing people from ripping the songs into mp3 format and distributing them over the Internet. Some users who have tried to play the CD on their computers report that there systems crash completely.
Now I very much doubt the encryption software is the culprit are these problems. It's quite apparent that these computers simply have too much good taste to let a Celine Dion album be played on them. Heck, some are even committing suicide to keep from playing the songs of the Quebecois diva.
Bad News for News, Good News for Comedy
MSNBC has hired Phil Donahue to host a new program starting this summer.
You have wonder at the thought processes the MSNBC poobahs went through: "Let's hire Donohue! Surely that will shed our image as leaning to the left."
On the plus side, we would probably get to see the Saturday Night Live sketches featuring Darrell Hammond paroding Donahue.
MSNBC has hired Phil Donahue to host a new program starting this summer.
You have wonder at the thought processes the MSNBC poobahs went through: "Let's hire Donohue! Surely that will shed our image as leaning to the left."
On the plus side, we would probably get to see the Saturday Night Live sketches featuring Darrell Hammond paroding Donahue.
Dvorak Behind the Iron Curtain
While reading VodkaPundit's comment on John C. Dvorak's piece of snit, I was reminded of this piece of dialogue on TechTV's Silicon Spin, hosted by Dvorak:
Dvorak: Why does it feel like I'm in the Soviet Union?
Guest (via satellite): Probably because you're in San Francisco.
While reading VodkaPundit's comment on John C. Dvorak's piece of snit, I was reminded of this piece of dialogue on TechTV's Silicon Spin, hosted by Dvorak:
Dvorak: Why does it feel like I'm in the Soviet Union?
Guest (via satellite): Probably because you're in San Francisco.
Tuesday, April 02, 2002
Quick Takes
Clinton White House axed terror-fund probe
But I though he did everything he could to stop terrrorism! (Sarcasm meter off the scale)
White House Maintains Yellow Alert
President Bush orders Rumsfeld to arm phasers and photon torpedoes.
Boy George to Test Acting Skills in Own Musical
No, I'm not making this up.
Even if not in the race, McCain will have coattail
A passionate love letter disguised as an "objective" news article.
Mass. governor won't run again
Prefers walking, she said. (Sorry, just couldn't resist)
Clinton White House axed terror-fund probe
But I though he did everything he could to stop terrrorism! (Sarcasm meter off the scale)
White House Maintains Yellow Alert
President Bush orders Rumsfeld to arm phasers and photon torpedoes.
Boy George to Test Acting Skills in Own Musical
No, I'm not making this up.
Even if not in the race, McCain will have coattail
A passionate love letter disguised as an "objective" news article.
Mass. governor won't run again
Prefers walking, she said. (Sorry, just couldn't resist)
Weekly Joke
President Calvin Coolidge invited a group of people to cruise the Potomoc on the Presidental yacht. As he stood alone at the rail, looking out at the expanse of water, someone exclaimed, "Look at that slight and slender figure! Look at that head, bowed over the rail! What thoughts are in the mind of this man, burdened by the problems of the nation?"
Finally, Coolidge turned around, and joined the others, saying, "See that sea gull over there? Been watching it for twenty minutes. Hasn't moved. I think he's dead!"
President Calvin Coolidge invited a group of people to cruise the Potomoc on the Presidental yacht. As he stood alone at the rail, looking out at the expanse of water, someone exclaimed, "Look at that slight and slender figure! Look at that head, bowed over the rail! What thoughts are in the mind of this man, burdened by the problems of the nation?"
Finally, Coolidge turned around, and joined the others, saying, "See that sea gull over there? Been watching it for twenty minutes. Hasn't moved. I think he's dead!"
"Ayn Rand meets KRS-ONE"
Came across Cal Ulmann's excellent blog "Where HipHop and Libertarianism Meet". So please go read it (after you're done reading mine, of course).
Came across Cal Ulmann's excellent blog "Where HipHop and Libertarianism Meet". So please go read it (after you're done reading mine, of course).
Monday, April 01, 2002
More Fooling Around
The Magnolia Report, a great news resource for Mississippi politics, has an April Fools edition today with the following headlines:
Mississippi Teenagers Association: 'Despite propaganda, we still know that smoking and drinking makes you cool'; denies charges of institutional peer pressure
John Grisham announces new book project: 'I'm going to run for Cochran's seat when he retires in 2006. Win or lose, I'll write a book about it, sell the movie rights, and make millions'
MSU challenges Ole Miss to curling competition
Representatives trounce Senators in State of the Trivial Pursuit Contest; Sen Travis Little: 'We're certainly smarter and put up a good fight, but they outnumbered us and we suspect they cheated'
Anti-Teddy Bear forces mount campaign for statewide referendum; want stuffed catfish as state toy
ed note: The Mississippi Legislature passed a resolution recently declaring the teddy bear the state toy.
The Magnolia Report, a great news resource for Mississippi politics, has an April Fools edition today with the following headlines:
Mississippi Teenagers Association: 'Despite propaganda, we still know that smoking and drinking makes you cool'; denies charges of institutional peer pressure
John Grisham announces new book project: 'I'm going to run for Cochran's seat when he retires in 2006. Win or lose, I'll write a book about it, sell the movie rights, and make millions'
MSU challenges Ole Miss to curling competition
Representatives trounce Senators in State of the Trivial Pursuit Contest; Sen Travis Little: 'We're certainly smarter and put up a good fight, but they outnumbered us and we suspect they cheated'
Anti-Teddy Bear forces mount campaign for statewide referendum; want stuffed catfish as state toy
ed note: The Mississippi Legislature passed a resolution recently declaring the teddy bear the state toy.
Weekly Bible Verses
1. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
2. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
3. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father wil also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14)
4. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
5. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. (Proverbs 22:1)
1. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)
2. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
3. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father wil also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14)
4. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19)
5. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. (Proverbs 22:1)
Forgiveness
Blake Aued’s op-ed in today’s Daily Mississippian just begs for a critique. The column discusses the similarities between the gay rights movement and the black civil rights movement. Here’s one passage of particular interest:
“Biblical arguments have been used to oppress blacks and gays for centuries. Prior to the Civil War, and for many years after it, slave owners justified their actions through the Bible. To this day, some Christians use the Bible to justify their homophobic rhetoric and actions.
The Bible does not specifically ban slavery, but neither does it specifically condone slavery. While it does say homosexually is a sin, the message of love and forgiveness far supersedes that. Christians are called to love everyone, including gays. If God will forgive an adulterer, would he not forgive a homosexual?”
This reminds of a particular passage in the Bible. The 8th chapter of John recounts the event of a group about to stone a prostitute to death. Jesus told the crowd that anyone who is without sin can cast the first stone. Feeling ashamed, the mob drops its stones and turns away. What a great many of people seem to forget is what Jesus said to the woman afterwards: “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Note how Jesus showed forgiveness and kindness to the woman; however, he did not endorse her sinful behavior. Yes, Christians are commanded to love everyone, but loving a fellow human being does not mean necessarily supporting his lifestyle.
On God's forgiveness:
To be forgiven of your sins (adultery, homosexually, etc.) by God, here's what you need to do (list from Christian Apologetics Research Ministry):
1. You must recognize your sinfulness before God:
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned" (Rom. 5:12, NIV)
2. You must recognize that your sin has caused a separation between you and God:
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2).
3. You must believe that Jesus is the only way to God:
"I am the way, the truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).
4. You must ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins because Jesus has the authority to forgive you of your sins:
"Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'" (Matt. 28:18, NIV)...and
Jesus told you to ask Him for your requests: "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14, NIV)...and
Jesus is the one who forgives sins: "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins....
'He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home"'" (Mark 2:10-11, NIV).
This last "step" is called receiving Jesus. John 1:12 says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (NIV).
5. You must turn away from your sin
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30, NIV)
"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (Matt. 3:8, NIV). (end of the list).
God will forgive an adulterer if he accepts Christ and thereby rejects his philandering; God will forgive a homosexual if he accepts Christ and thereby rejects his sinful lifestyle.
Blake Aued’s op-ed in today’s Daily Mississippian just begs for a critique. The column discusses the similarities between the gay rights movement and the black civil rights movement. Here’s one passage of particular interest:
“Biblical arguments have been used to oppress blacks and gays for centuries. Prior to the Civil War, and for many years after it, slave owners justified their actions through the Bible. To this day, some Christians use the Bible to justify their homophobic rhetoric and actions.
The Bible does not specifically ban slavery, but neither does it specifically condone slavery. While it does say homosexually is a sin, the message of love and forgiveness far supersedes that. Christians are called to love everyone, including gays. If God will forgive an adulterer, would he not forgive a homosexual?”
This reminds of a particular passage in the Bible. The 8th chapter of John recounts the event of a group about to stone a prostitute to death. Jesus told the crowd that anyone who is without sin can cast the first stone. Feeling ashamed, the mob drops its stones and turns away. What a great many of people seem to forget is what Jesus said to the woman afterwards: “Go now and leave your life of sin” (John 8:11). Note how Jesus showed forgiveness and kindness to the woman; however, he did not endorse her sinful behavior. Yes, Christians are commanded to love everyone, but loving a fellow human being does not mean necessarily supporting his lifestyle.
On God's forgiveness:
To be forgiven of your sins (adultery, homosexually, etc.) by God, here's what you need to do (list from Christian Apologetics Research Ministry):
1. You must recognize your sinfulness before God:
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned" (Rom. 5:12, NIV)
2. You must recognize that your sin has caused a separation between you and God:
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2).
3. You must believe that Jesus is the only way to God:
"I am the way, the truth, and the Life, and no one comes to the Father but by Me" (John 14:6).
4. You must ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins because Jesus has the authority to forgive you of your sins:
"Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me'" (Matt. 28:18, NIV)...and
Jesus told you to ask Him for your requests: "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14, NIV)...and
Jesus is the one who forgives sins: "But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins....
'He said to the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home"'" (Mark 2:10-11, NIV).
This last "step" is called receiving Jesus. John 1:12 says, "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God (NIV).
5. You must turn away from your sin
"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30, NIV)
"Produce fruit in keeping with repentance" (Matt. 3:8, NIV). (end of the list).
God will forgive an adulterer if he accepts Christ and thereby rejects his philandering; God will forgive a homosexual if he accepts Christ and thereby rejects his sinful lifestyle.
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