Ned and Prof Q A Wagstaff, FRS have sifted through an Everest of data and are now in a position to announce their 3rd HALFBRIGHT FELLOWSHIP. Ned's readers will recall the first two Halfbright Fellows to be George W Bush and Carly Fiorina.
Here are the candidates, all women since Ned and Wagstaff are no sexists:
Ned's readers will recall the female Halfbright field consists of:
SARAH PALIN: Half-term "Governor" of Alaska (a state with the population slightly in excess of Washington DC), mayor of Wasila (population 6,000 counting moose) and VP candidate with John McCain, Palin has shown, with her breathtaking sanctimonious hypocrisy, dysfunctional family life while running as a 'family values' candidate, and astonishing pride in her almost unlimited ignorance of important issues, that she is a natural and strong candidate for a Halfbright.
SHARRON ANGLE: The Republican fringe candidate for Senator from Nevada has come from nowhere to stand in the front row of strong Halfbright nominees. Her transcendentally ignorant remarks on almost anything of substance, her lack of rudimentary command of the English language (even that bastardized version practiced in the US), her incendiary remarks on firearms, and her clear lack of the slightest competence to be a US Senator all make her a strong Halfbright candidate. Additionally, her position as a sanctimonious hypocrite when it comes to opposing government pensions and health care, since her husband is drawing a Civil Service pension, and they both have federal health care under her husband's government-run policy, makes her a powerful Halfbright candidate.
MARSHA BLACKBURN: The comely face of southern Republicanism, Blackburn hails from the lily-white, gerrymandered 7th Congressional District of Tennessee. A strong proponent of "smaller" government, "lower" taxes and "more" freedom, she is tough as a hawthorne spike and exudes about as much empathy and intellect as a sea-snake. Always on CSPAN gabbling on about some preposterous issue or another to cement the support of the know-nothing racists that form her main constituency and, not to discriminate, the basis of support of every southern "states rights" Republican. A strong Halfbright candidate.
CHRISTINE O'DONNELL:"Tea-Party" endorsed candidate for the Senate Seat in Delaware. One of O'Donnell's prime qualifications is her ability to talk to God Himself. She says, "'During the primary, I heard the audible voice of God," she said. "'He said, 'Credibility.'" (h/t Josh Marshall)
Americans vote against such a Chosen Person at their peril: after all, look where it got us when Halfbright Fellow George Bush said he talked to God about invading Iraq. And Ms O'Donnell has considerably enhanced her qualifications for the coveted Halfbright by her revelation that she practiced witchcraft. In her own words, she "dabbled" in it. Perhaps in a similar vein to the Fuhrer's "dabbling" in eugenics.
Finally, Ms O'Donnell has recently been shown to have falsely claimed "Oxford University" as part of her education, when what she actually did was attend an "enrichment" course at a room leased from Oxford University, but run by the "University of Phoenix."
Ned and the prof proudly announce that the winner of the third Halfbright is:
CHRISTINE O'DONNELL!
Ned Pepper's Outrages
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
A New Narcissist
Ned's many followers know well that Ned has a soft spot in his heart for those high-level practicioners of American Individualism, the Narcissists. These 'few, these happy few' go though life apparently blissfully unaware that they are sharing the planet with other humans. Today, Ned's tale involves a lowly extractor.
Those water enthusiasts among Ned's phalanx of readers know that a water extractor is a useful tool for getting the water out of one's swimsuit.
There is one such device in the men's changing room of Ned's sports club (Ned vastly prefers 'sports club' to the mundane 'gym'), so that perhaps 40-50 persons might be sharing the device per hour, say. Now, upon Ned's exiting his hot tup/steam room minutes, he retired to the changing room to shower and dress. Approaching the extractor, he found it to contain a swim suit! Imagine his bewilderment, since there was no human in attendance. After staring at the inoffensive suit for 30 seconds or so, an individual exited the showers and approached the device, saying, 'That's my suit." He then sent the suit through an extraction cycle. Ned, shocked to have been in the presence of an American Narcissist, was briefly awestruck, but immediately regained his composure and, throwing his suit down wet, took a shower.
Ned's admiration for this individual centers on the fact that he put his wet suit into the extractor then went on his merry way, took a shower, and, afterwards, leisurely used the device, assuming that anyone who wanted to use the machine could kiss his a** and wait.
Ned's admiration for such Americans is boundless.
Those water enthusiasts among Ned's phalanx of readers know that a water extractor is a useful tool for getting the water out of one's swimsuit.
There is one such device in the men's changing room of Ned's sports club (Ned vastly prefers 'sports club' to the mundane 'gym'), so that perhaps 40-50 persons might be sharing the device per hour, say. Now, upon Ned's exiting his hot tup/steam room minutes, he retired to the changing room to shower and dress. Approaching the extractor, he found it to contain a swim suit! Imagine his bewilderment, since there was no human in attendance. After staring at the inoffensive suit for 30 seconds or so, an individual exited the showers and approached the device, saying, 'That's my suit." He then sent the suit through an extraction cycle. Ned, shocked to have been in the presence of an American Narcissist, was briefly awestruck, but immediately regained his composure and, throwing his suit down wet, took a shower.
Ned's admiration for this individual centers on the fact that he put his wet suit into the extractor then went on his merry way, took a shower, and, afterwards, leisurely used the device, assuming that anyone who wanted to use the machine could kiss his a** and wait.
Ned's admiration for such Americans is boundless.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cut red tape!
Here's the lede on an article in today's NYT: "Experts say that weak oversight of the 2.7 million miles of gas pipeline in the United States has contributed to hundreds of episodes that have killed 60 people in the last five years."
Now Ned has two "takes" on this:
First, those, mainly Republicans, who decry "red tape" are always crying about "too many regulations" and of course that is a feature of their newest Contract On America. And yet here is another area where a lack of appropriate regulations, and appropriate enforcement, has led to 60 deaths in 5 years.
But is 60 dead a price we can afford to pay for reducing red tape? Can we keep cutting federal and state jobs, and expect enforcement of laws to continue unabated? Ned doesn't think so, but it is the other side of the anti-red tape coin, so to speak.
And, shouldn't we be increasing regulation of the junk food industry, and the cigarette industry, which are killing hundreds of thousands of people a year?
Now Ned has two "takes" on this:
First, those, mainly Republicans, who decry "red tape" are always crying about "too many regulations" and of course that is a feature of their newest Contract On America. And yet here is another area where a lack of appropriate regulations, and appropriate enforcement, has led to 60 deaths in 5 years.
But is 60 dead a price we can afford to pay for reducing red tape? Can we keep cutting federal and state jobs, and expect enforcement of laws to continue unabated? Ned doesn't think so, but it is the other side of the anti-red tape coin, so to speak.
And, shouldn't we be increasing regulation of the junk food industry, and the cigarette industry, which are killing hundreds of thousands of people a year?
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The voters be damned
Yet another so-called "poll" has come to Ned's attention, purporting to show that the Democrats will lose control of the House and the Senate by huge margins, and Ned assumes, control of their collective bladders as well. Well, this worm has turned.
Ned is sick to death of these damned Armageddon polls.
The bottom line is, if the voters in this country want the Republicans to be in charge after the debacle that was the George Bush regime, then Ned says, let them have it and be damned.
If they can't see through the hackery, veiled racism, class warfare, sanctimonious hypocrisy, unvarnished cant, and obstructionism that has characterized the Republican Party since Obama's election, and the Senate Republicans in particular, and if they truly believe the failures of the Obama people arise out of their inability to effectively govern, then they don't deserve to be entrusted with the governance of a free state. Jefferson's great experiment with trusting the people with their own fate will have failed.
The system, designed as it was at the end of the 18th century, is broken and in need of replacement.
If the voters would be more happy with more concentration of wealth in the hands of the few, so they can go to the back door of the mansion and let some sneering plutocrat throw them some crumbs, well, so be it. Ned will leave and join the resistance.
He hears rumors of a Free French garrison at Brazzaville...
Ned is sick to death of these damned Armageddon polls.
The bottom line is, if the voters in this country want the Republicans to be in charge after the debacle that was the George Bush regime, then Ned says, let them have it and be damned.
If they can't see through the hackery, veiled racism, class warfare, sanctimonious hypocrisy, unvarnished cant, and obstructionism that has characterized the Republican Party since Obama's election, and the Senate Republicans in particular, and if they truly believe the failures of the Obama people arise out of their inability to effectively govern, then they don't deserve to be entrusted with the governance of a free state. Jefferson's great experiment with trusting the people with their own fate will have failed.
The system, designed as it was at the end of the 18th century, is broken and in need of replacement.
If the voters would be more happy with more concentration of wealth in the hands of the few, so they can go to the back door of the mansion and let some sneering plutocrat throw them some crumbs, well, so be it. Ned will leave and join the resistance.
He hears rumors of a Free French garrison at Brazzaville...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Stealing the best
This quote was from two "immigration lawyers" writing in today's NYT: "It should be the national policy of the United States to forthrightly and unapologetically attract the best minds from all over the world and turn them into assets of the United States."
Ned finds such an attitude unworthy of any country that professes a shred of moral decency, but, for a country like America, which touts itself as the world's standard for purity and morality, it is disgusting. Here's why:
How many would constitute the "best" minds? Would it be ten million? A hundred million? There is the story told about George HW Bush offering amnesty to any Chinese who felt "oppressed" after Tienanmen Square, a cynical and hypocritical ploy if there ever was one, but we digress. The Chinese Premier was overheard to say, 'Well, we have 1.2 billion. How many would he like?"
The idea that other countries should pay to educate their citizens so that the US could conscript them into some sort of materialist consumerist Bedlam which is increasingly this country is reprehensible, degrading and outrageous. How are these countries supposed to pull themselves out of poverty and ignorance if their "best" minds leave?
"For what profiteth it a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Ned finds such an attitude unworthy of any country that professes a shred of moral decency, but, for a country like America, which touts itself as the world's standard for purity and morality, it is disgusting. Here's why:
How many would constitute the "best" minds? Would it be ten million? A hundred million? There is the story told about George HW Bush offering amnesty to any Chinese who felt "oppressed" after Tienanmen Square, a cynical and hypocritical ploy if there ever was one, but we digress. The Chinese Premier was overheard to say, 'Well, we have 1.2 billion. How many would he like?"
The idea that other countries should pay to educate their citizens so that the US could conscript them into some sort of materialist consumerist Bedlam which is increasingly this country is reprehensible, degrading and outrageous. How are these countries supposed to pull themselves out of poverty and ignorance if their "best" minds leave?
"For what profiteth it a man, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"
Monday, September 20, 2010
More irritating phrases from idiots
Ned's friend and associate Misterjimmy has from time to time taken Ned to task for a seeming inattention to the many annoying phrases that have crept like caterpillars into our speech. Ned has experienced two such phrases, one hallowed and one new, and is moved to rise from his rum-induced torpor and rage, rage against them. The old one is "bragging rights." Ned has no idea where this annoying and even idiotic phrase arose, but asks his many friends to avoid its use whenever possible, especially within Ned's hearing. Indeed, as Ned is convinced by his attention to Holy Writ that bragging is a minor no-no, he encourages all who aspire to a Reward in the Afterlife to avoid the phrase for that reason as well.
The second, and to Ned's experience, new source of irritation is the many variants on the phrase "pushback", apparently referring to the response of an unoffending person to aggressive and untoward behavior on the part of another, or something similar. The variant that Ned finds particularly annoying is "give push back", meaning a response to inappropriate behavior.
From this latter phrase one can move on to others in which one word has been found to be insufficient to describe a phenomenon, and must be replaced by two or more, thus lengthening the talker's or writer's hold on the listener or reader. Ned would offer as an example, "brave troops" for the old word "troops" which to Ned seemed complete and appropriate. One could also recall the old chestnut "all new", for "new", which always seemed sufficient to Ned.
And, "me, myself, personally" comes to mind as particularly egregious.
Ned invites his readers to offer their own examples, and may, with Q A Wagstaff, FRS, devise an Award for the Most Outrageous and Offending Useless Phrase, should public interest require it.
The second, and to Ned's experience, new source of irritation is the many variants on the phrase "pushback", apparently referring to the response of an unoffending person to aggressive and untoward behavior on the part of another, or something similar. The variant that Ned finds particularly annoying is "give push back", meaning a response to inappropriate behavior.
From this latter phrase one can move on to others in which one word has been found to be insufficient to describe a phenomenon, and must be replaced by two or more, thus lengthening the talker's or writer's hold on the listener or reader. Ned would offer as an example, "brave troops" for the old word "troops" which to Ned seemed complete and appropriate. One could also recall the old chestnut "all new", for "new", which always seemed sufficient to Ned.
And, "me, myself, personally" comes to mind as particularly egregious.
Ned invites his readers to offer their own examples, and may, with Q A Wagstaff, FRS, devise an Award for the Most Outrageous and Offending Useless Phrase, should public interest require it.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Sigh--explaining climate change
With another figurative heavy heart, Ned reluctantly must take up the subject of climate change. There seems to be a vast dichotomy between practicing scientists in atmospheric and planetary sciences, who understand the Scientific Method and who accept Anthropomorphically-induced climate change as a Theory, and non-scientists, predominantly undereducated persons, religious extremists and business and communication majors, who express "skepticism," or see it as some sort of a "liberal plot." This causes Ned to sigh with the tediousness of trying to communicate with such persons, many of whom will not be convinced no matter how overwhelming the evidence because they do not inhabit an evidence-based world.
But he will try.
First, there is no debate among the educated, research-based science community on the reality of human-induced climate change. Any debate centers on the nature of the impacts and the timing of such impacts.
The possibility of human-induced global warming has been recognized at least since 1895 when Swedish chemist and Nobelist Svante Arrhenius shows that human sources of greenhouse gases could be significant enough to change the planet's climate. The situation was sufficiently understood by 1958 such that an observatory was set up on the Big Island of Hawaii to measure atmospheric CO2. By 1965, Lyndon Johnson's Science Advisory Committee had recognized climate change as a possible serious environmental issue. By the 1970's researchers like Oceanographer Roger Revelle were describing the emissions of greenhouse gases as a "great geophysics experiment" that humanity was trying on the Earth.
During the succeeding three decades, more and more evidence has been amassed, and more and more models have been supported by increasingly precise data such that the reality of climate change, happening now and accelerating, is no longer in dispute.
These are the scientific facts. But, just as the Pope made Galileo recant his scientific observations because they did not fit Church teachings, there are those today who are trying to do the same thing.
Many educated people feel that the battle between superstition and ignorance on the one hand, and enlightenment and reason on the other, was settled in the 17th century. Ned advises them that nothing could be further from the truth, especially in America, where there exist millions of persons proud in their ignorance. Indeed this is one of the most poorly educated, if not the most poorly educated, advanced country on the planet.
Ned may have more to say on this at a later date, but for now, back to our discussion of WHO WILL BE THE NEW JUDGES ON AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!
But he will try.
First, there is no debate among the educated, research-based science community on the reality of human-induced climate change. Any debate centers on the nature of the impacts and the timing of such impacts.
The possibility of human-induced global warming has been recognized at least since 1895 when Swedish chemist and Nobelist Svante Arrhenius shows that human sources of greenhouse gases could be significant enough to change the planet's climate. The situation was sufficiently understood by 1958 such that an observatory was set up on the Big Island of Hawaii to measure atmospheric CO2. By 1965, Lyndon Johnson's Science Advisory Committee had recognized climate change as a possible serious environmental issue. By the 1970's researchers like Oceanographer Roger Revelle were describing the emissions of greenhouse gases as a "great geophysics experiment" that humanity was trying on the Earth.
During the succeeding three decades, more and more evidence has been amassed, and more and more models have been supported by increasingly precise data such that the reality of climate change, happening now and accelerating, is no longer in dispute.
These are the scientific facts. But, just as the Pope made Galileo recant his scientific observations because they did not fit Church teachings, there are those today who are trying to do the same thing.
Many educated people feel that the battle between superstition and ignorance on the one hand, and enlightenment and reason on the other, was settled in the 17th century. Ned advises them that nothing could be further from the truth, especially in America, where there exist millions of persons proud in their ignorance. Indeed this is one of the most poorly educated, if not the most poorly educated, advanced country on the planet.
Ned may have more to say on this at a later date, but for now, back to our discussion of WHO WILL BE THE NEW JUDGES ON AMERICAN IDOL!!!!!!
Friday, September 17, 2010
New Halfbright Nominations!
Responding to overwhelming popular demand, as well as a surge in the number of eminently qualified candidates, Ned and Prof Q A Wagstaff, FRS are preparing a new round of Halfbright Fellow nominees. Readers will recall the first two Fellows were George W Bush and Carly Fiorina.
Ned's readers will recall the first female Halfbright field consisted of:
SARAH PALIN: Half-term "Governor" of Alaska (a state with the population slightly in excess of Washington DC), mayor of Wasila (population 6,000 counting moose) and VP candidate with John McCain, Palin has shown, with her breathtaking sanctimonious hypocrisy, dysfunctional family life while running as a 'family values' candidate, and astonishing pride in her almost unlimited ignorance of important issues, that she is a natural and strong candidate for a Halfbright.
SHARRON ANGLE: The Republican fringe candidate for Senator from Nevada has come from nowhere to stand in the front row of strong Halfbright nominees. Her transcendentally ignorant remarks on almost anything of substance, her lack of rudimentary command of the English language (even that bastardized version practiced in the US), her incendiary remarks on firearms, and her clear lack of the slightest competence to be a US Senator all make her a strong Halfbright candidate.
MARSHA BLACKBURN: The comely face of southern Republicanism, Blackburn hails from the lily-white, gerrymandered 7th Congressional District of Tennessee. A strong proponent of "smaller" government, "lower" taxes and "more" freedom, she is tough as a hawthorne spike and exudes about as much empathy and intellect as a sea-snake. Always on CSPAN gabbling on about some preposterous issue or another to cement the support of the know-nothing racists that form her main constituency and, not to discriminate, the basis of support of every southern "states rights" Republican. A strong Halfbright candidate.
CARLY FIORINA: The Republican face of pure political opportunism, Fiorina was not content with running HP into the ground and walking away with a $30 million buyout + her own jet plane. Why should she be, when any incompetent parvenu could run for office if they have enough money and enough designer clothes. Naturally she is running as a " "lower taxes," "less government," and "personal responsibility" woman of the people, whose initial criticism of Barbara Boxer, her opponent, was her hairstyle. Ned also appreciates her dedication to "fighting for every job", after cutting 18,000 jobs at HP. Especially noteworthy to Ned is her penchant for referring to herself in the third person; to wit, "Carly believes strongly that every American should have access to quality, affordable health care."
All in all, a very compelling candidate for a Halfbright.
The first new candidate is Christine O'Donnell, "Tea-Party" endorsed candidate for the Senate Seat in Delaware. One of O'Donnell's prime qualifications is her ability to talk to God Himself. She says, "'During the primary, I heard the audible voice of God," she said. 'He said, 'Credibility." (h/t Josh Marshall)
Americans vote against such a Chosen Person at their peril: after all, look where it got us when Halfbright Fellow George Bush said he talked to God about invading Iraq.
UPDATE: 9/18. Ms O'Donnell has considerably enhanced her qualifications for the coveted Halfbright by her revealing that she has practiced witchcraft! In her own words, she "dabbled" in it. Perhaps in a similar vein to the Fuhrer's "dabbling" in eugenics.
Ned's readers will recall the first female Halfbright field consisted of:
SARAH PALIN: Half-term "Governor" of Alaska (a state with the population slightly in excess of Washington DC), mayor of Wasila (population 6,000 counting moose) and VP candidate with John McCain, Palin has shown, with her breathtaking sanctimonious hypocrisy, dysfunctional family life while running as a 'family values' candidate, and astonishing pride in her almost unlimited ignorance of important issues, that she is a natural and strong candidate for a Halfbright.
SHARRON ANGLE: The Republican fringe candidate for Senator from Nevada has come from nowhere to stand in the front row of strong Halfbright nominees. Her transcendentally ignorant remarks on almost anything of substance, her lack of rudimentary command of the English language (even that bastardized version practiced in the US), her incendiary remarks on firearms, and her clear lack of the slightest competence to be a US Senator all make her a strong Halfbright candidate.
MARSHA BLACKBURN: The comely face of southern Republicanism, Blackburn hails from the lily-white, gerrymandered 7th Congressional District of Tennessee. A strong proponent of "smaller" government, "lower" taxes and "more" freedom, she is tough as a hawthorne spike and exudes about as much empathy and intellect as a sea-snake. Always on CSPAN gabbling on about some preposterous issue or another to cement the support of the know-nothing racists that form her main constituency and, not to discriminate, the basis of support of every southern "states rights" Republican. A strong Halfbright candidate.
CARLY FIORINA: The Republican face of pure political opportunism, Fiorina was not content with running HP into the ground and walking away with a $30 million buyout + her own jet plane. Why should she be, when any incompetent parvenu could run for office if they have enough money and enough designer clothes. Naturally she is running as a " "lower taxes," "less government," and "personal responsibility" woman of the people, whose initial criticism of Barbara Boxer, her opponent, was her hairstyle. Ned also appreciates her dedication to "fighting for every job", after cutting 18,000 jobs at HP. Especially noteworthy to Ned is her penchant for referring to herself in the third person; to wit, "Carly believes strongly that every American should have access to quality, affordable health care."
All in all, a very compelling candidate for a Halfbright.
The first new candidate is Christine O'Donnell, "Tea-Party" endorsed candidate for the Senate Seat in Delaware. One of O'Donnell's prime qualifications is her ability to talk to God Himself. She says, "'During the primary, I heard the audible voice of God," she said. 'He said, 'Credibility." (h/t Josh Marshall)
Americans vote against such a Chosen Person at their peril: after all, look where it got us when Halfbright Fellow George Bush said he talked to God about invading Iraq.
UPDATE: 9/18. Ms O'Donnell has considerably enhanced her qualifications for the coveted Halfbright by her revealing that she has practiced witchcraft! In her own words, she "dabbled" in it. Perhaps in a similar vein to the Fuhrer's "dabbling" in eugenics.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Obama's "otherness"
Seems that the Republican "establishment" is trying to bring its supporters slithering out from under their rocks by a "new" tactic, trying to paint Obama as a scary black man. Oh, of course, they say they are focusing on his "extreme" social policies, although they are no more "extreme" than FDR, Harry Truman, Jack Kennedy or Bill Clinton. No, friends, what is different this time is Obama's skin color. Here's the headline of today's NYT story "G.O.P. Is Using Obama’s ‘Otherness’ as Campaign Tactic."
Chief self-appointed Republican "intellectual", ousted House Speaker and National Blowhard Newt Gingrich decries Obama as having "Kenyan" beliefs which are "unfathomable" to "ordinary" Americans, presumably meaning those who have less than an eighth grade education. Ned is not taken in by these wolves in sheepskin; having grown up in the south, he can recognize racist code when he sees it, and finds it despicable, except that it is a standard Republican ploy, which, regrettably, in today's Amerika, is par for the course. As Shakespeare had it said in Twelfth Night, "If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction."
Chief self-appointed Republican "intellectual", ousted House Speaker and National Blowhard Newt Gingrich decries Obama as having "Kenyan" beliefs which are "unfathomable" to "ordinary" Americans, presumably meaning those who have less than an eighth grade education. Ned is not taken in by these wolves in sheepskin; having grown up in the south, he can recognize racist code when he sees it, and finds it despicable, except that it is a standard Republican ploy, which, regrettably, in today's Amerika, is par for the course. As Shakespeare had it said in Twelfth Night, "If this were played upon a stage now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction."
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Of empires and democracies
Ned is troubled by the state of the nation, and, no, not just the fact that Republicans and know-nothings are up to their usual tricks. Ned is a respectful student of history, and he has been trying to think of a successful multiethnic "democracy", or more accurately, republic. He can't think of any.
The only successful multiethnic societies he can think of have been empires. Empires are ideally structured to be successful, since the autocratic nature of the government means that it can be equally unpleasant to all ethnic groups, and so be unbiased. The Roman Empire comes to mind, as one of the most successful governments in human history. Gibbons describes the 2nd century AD as the "happiest era of mankind," but then he wrote that in the late 1700s.
Ned thinks of the Ottoman Empire as well, which was relatively tolerant of various religious beliefs and other cultures. This government lasted more than 400 years, and only collapsed as a result of WWI. The same could be said of Austria-Hungary, which managed to keep a bewildering array of contentious ethnic groups at bay until, again, WWI, which was very hard on empires. The British Empire, likewise, was very successful, again owing its demise arguably to WWI.
Ned's point is that he fears for the long-term viability of the US as a multiethnic society, as long as large numbers of new, poorly-educated ethnic groups have to be constantly assimilated. Furthermore, the tendency of politicians to try to please everyone means that some very tough issues, like illegal immigration, education and welfare, not to mention health care for all, may be dealt with unsatisfactorily or not at all.
Those western democracies that have seen the influx of large numbers of alien ethnic groups, France, The Netherlands, and, increasingly, Spain and Italy, are having a devil of a time dealing with the issue.
Ned will watch the unfolding of events with trepidation and great interest as long as he is permitted by fate to do so.
The only successful multiethnic societies he can think of have been empires. Empires are ideally structured to be successful, since the autocratic nature of the government means that it can be equally unpleasant to all ethnic groups, and so be unbiased. The Roman Empire comes to mind, as one of the most successful governments in human history. Gibbons describes the 2nd century AD as the "happiest era of mankind," but then he wrote that in the late 1700s.
Ned thinks of the Ottoman Empire as well, which was relatively tolerant of various religious beliefs and other cultures. This government lasted more than 400 years, and only collapsed as a result of WWI. The same could be said of Austria-Hungary, which managed to keep a bewildering array of contentious ethnic groups at bay until, again, WWI, which was very hard on empires. The British Empire, likewise, was very successful, again owing its demise arguably to WWI.
Ned's point is that he fears for the long-term viability of the US as a multiethnic society, as long as large numbers of new, poorly-educated ethnic groups have to be constantly assimilated. Furthermore, the tendency of politicians to try to please everyone means that some very tough issues, like illegal immigration, education and welfare, not to mention health care for all, may be dealt with unsatisfactorily or not at all.
Those western democracies that have seen the influx of large numbers of alien ethnic groups, France, The Netherlands, and, increasingly, Spain and Italy, are having a devil of a time dealing with the issue.
Ned will watch the unfolding of events with trepidation and great interest as long as he is permitted by fate to do so.
INEQUALITY
"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal..."
However, this country was not founded on the principle of strict equality, which would be impossible to enforce and, if enforcement were tried, would be stifling to any society and economy.
No, friends, Ned is no advocate of legislated equality, but the situation in which we find ourselves, thanks largely to our Republican friends and their craven Democratic enablers, makes Ned's blood run cold with fury. Here's what we mean: As of 2007, the last year for which we have IRS data, the top .1% of households appropriated 11% of national income. The top one-tenth of one percent. This is the worst inequality of income since around 1928, and we all know what happened a year later.
Ned feels it's outrageous enough when the top 1% of households stole (legally) 23% of national income that same year, but to have the top 13,000 households collect 11% should make any American who has any concept of what this country stands for, mad with rage.
And yet, what do we hear in the hysteriasphere (Ned's friends know that this is his term for the Mass Media and blogosphere collectively)? That Republicans who gave us this economy, this regulatory apparatus in shambles, Katrina, the housing collapse, and two unwinnable wars, not to mention this gridlocked Congress, are slated to pick up massive gains in the House and Senate because voters are "disgusted with the mess in Washington."
Let Ned ask the more rational of his readers to consider for a moment what this obscene income inequality means.
First, the NYT reports that an income of about $75k is necessary to relieve the average person of anxiety towards the necessities of life: anything over that is increasingly gravy.
Second, spending (which, like it or not, drives this consumerist economy) is inversely proportional to income, in that those with the lowest incomes spend more proportionally than anyone else, and those at the highest levels hoard most of their lucre and spend comparatively little.
Here's Ned's point: the more we concentrate income at the "top", the less of that money is spent to drive the economy.
So, not only is it positively unAmerican to support such an obscene wealth misallocation, it is calamitous practical fiscal policy.
Never forget that from the '30s until 1962 we had a marginal income tax rate of 90% on incomes over $200k. The period from 1947-1965 was, not coincidentally, a period of great national prosperity.
So, en fin, what sort of amoral creature would support and even advocate MORE such income inequality?
Why, your average Republican candidate. And the fact that the voters seem to be agreeing with them tells Ned all he needs to know about the level of analytical skills and basic morality at large in this degraded country today.
But, perhaps, as the poets say, 'it's always darkest just before dawn.'
However, this country was not founded on the principle of strict equality, which would be impossible to enforce and, if enforcement were tried, would be stifling to any society and economy.
No, friends, Ned is no advocate of legislated equality, but the situation in which we find ourselves, thanks largely to our Republican friends and their craven Democratic enablers, makes Ned's blood run cold with fury. Here's what we mean: As of 2007, the last year for which we have IRS data, the top .1% of households appropriated 11% of national income. The top one-tenth of one percent. This is the worst inequality of income since around 1928, and we all know what happened a year later.
Ned feels it's outrageous enough when the top 1% of households stole (legally) 23% of national income that same year, but to have the top 13,000 households collect 11% should make any American who has any concept of what this country stands for, mad with rage.
And yet, what do we hear in the hysteriasphere (Ned's friends know that this is his term for the Mass Media and blogosphere collectively)? That Republicans who gave us this economy, this regulatory apparatus in shambles, Katrina, the housing collapse, and two unwinnable wars, not to mention this gridlocked Congress, are slated to pick up massive gains in the House and Senate because voters are "disgusted with the mess in Washington."
Let Ned ask the more rational of his readers to consider for a moment what this obscene income inequality means.
First, the NYT reports that an income of about $75k is necessary to relieve the average person of anxiety towards the necessities of life: anything over that is increasingly gravy.
Second, spending (which, like it or not, drives this consumerist economy) is inversely proportional to income, in that those with the lowest incomes spend more proportionally than anyone else, and those at the highest levels hoard most of their lucre and spend comparatively little.
Here's Ned's point: the more we concentrate income at the "top", the less of that money is spent to drive the economy.
So, not only is it positively unAmerican to support such an obscene wealth misallocation, it is calamitous practical fiscal policy.
Never forget that from the '30s until 1962 we had a marginal income tax rate of 90% on incomes over $200k. The period from 1947-1965 was, not coincidentally, a period of great national prosperity.
So, en fin, what sort of amoral creature would support and even advocate MORE such income inequality?
Why, your average Republican candidate. And the fact that the voters seem to be agreeing with them tells Ned all he needs to know about the level of analytical skills and basic morality at large in this degraded country today.
But, perhaps, as the poets say, 'it's always darkest just before dawn.'
Monday, September 13, 2010
Public Space
Ned finds much to amuse and astonish him in his near-daily visits to his gym. One is the extent to which individuals will try to convert public space to private use. Ned has observed on at least two occasions individuals spitting on the floor of the communal shower, and a more disgusting sight can hardly be imagined. Ned is however amused by the number of persons who exhibit behaviour that shows their deadly fear of having any unwanted contact with another human being, either directly or indirectly. Many wear flip-flops into the shower (perhaps reading the above Ned has more sympathy for this practice). There are also those who bring their own mat into the steam room, apparently loath to plant their bottom on a surface where some alien bottom at one time occupied. Other bring towels to sit on wherever they are.
The point in Ned's gentle remonstrance is this: the more we try to avoid contact with ANY "germs" the more likely we are to become susceptible to infection from the really nasty critters that can resist "antibacterial" soap and the like. So, Ned encourages everyone to try and get along with the germs of others. It'll pay big dividends in the long run!
The point in Ned's gentle remonstrance is this: the more we try to avoid contact with ANY "germs" the more likely we are to become susceptible to infection from the really nasty critters that can resist "antibacterial" soap and the like. So, Ned encourages everyone to try and get along with the germs of others. It'll pay big dividends in the long run!
THEY MEAN WHAT THEY SAY
Ned is constantly amused by some of his "liberal" friends' refusal to take extremist Republicans at their word, and denying they could mean what they clearly do mean. Take for example Grover Norquist. Norquist is nobody's fool, having been editor of Harvard Crimson, but somewhere along life's pathway somebody dropped him on his head. He has turned out to be the most fervent and even fanatical tax cutter and opponent to government of any educated person in the country. Witness his famous quotes: "I don't want to abolish government. I simply want to reduce it to the size where I can drag it into the bathroom and drown it in the bathtub." And "Cutting the government in half in one generation is both an ambitious and reasonable goal. If we work hard we will accomplish this and more by 2025. Then the conservative movement can set a new goal. I have a recommendation: To cut government in half again by 2050"(h/t Wikipedia).
Now, Ned, has no intent to compare Norquist and his ilk to Hitler, since Norquist is apparently tolerant of religious beliefs.
But Ned is reminded of the British establishment in the 1930s, except for Churchill, who refused to believe Hitler was serious when he laid out all of his plans in Mein Kampf, for all the world to see.
Now, let Ned say he would support reducing the size of the federal government by 1/2 if that involved reducing the military by 1/2 and eliminating spending on nuclear weaponry. But Norquist and his followers do not support this, apparently.
So let Ned ask his skeptical conservative readers, in the words of Oliver Cromwell to Parliament, "Gentlemen I beseech ye, by the bowels of Christ, only think that ye might be mistaken."
In other words, only think WHY we have all the government agencies we have now: the FDA because food manufacturers were selling rotten food and pills that killed people; The Department of Labor because plutocrats were forcing children to work 14-hour days and industrialists were killing men and children in mines and factories; EPA because companies were spewing poisons into our air and water; an FAA for obvious reasons (Let everyone just fly wherever and whenever they want without instruments or flight plans. Try that one on for size.)
The Postal "Service" which Ned loves to genially hate, because nobody in his right mind would deliver a letter to Nome Alaska for the same price as one down the street; civil rights acts and agencies because those fun-lovin' rebs just had to go and lynch some black guy or kid from time to time just for being black. And that silly ol' Constitution, saying it was the job of the Federal Government to "promote the general welfare."
In sum, Ned encourages all of those persons emblazoned with a head to THINK about why we have the bureaucracies, unwieldy and expensive as they may be. BECAUSE the PRIVATE SECTOR WAS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO STOP POISONING AND KILLING OUR FELLOW CITIZENS.
Now, Ned, has no intent to compare Norquist and his ilk to Hitler, since Norquist is apparently tolerant of religious beliefs.
But Ned is reminded of the British establishment in the 1930s, except for Churchill, who refused to believe Hitler was serious when he laid out all of his plans in Mein Kampf, for all the world to see.
Now, let Ned say he would support reducing the size of the federal government by 1/2 if that involved reducing the military by 1/2 and eliminating spending on nuclear weaponry. But Norquist and his followers do not support this, apparently.
So let Ned ask his skeptical conservative readers, in the words of Oliver Cromwell to Parliament, "Gentlemen I beseech ye, by the bowels of Christ, only think that ye might be mistaken."
In other words, only think WHY we have all the government agencies we have now: the FDA because food manufacturers were selling rotten food and pills that killed people; The Department of Labor because plutocrats were forcing children to work 14-hour days and industrialists were killing men and children in mines and factories; EPA because companies were spewing poisons into our air and water; an FAA for obvious reasons (Let everyone just fly wherever and whenever they want without instruments or flight plans. Try that one on for size.)
The Postal "Service" which Ned loves to genially hate, because nobody in his right mind would deliver a letter to Nome Alaska for the same price as one down the street; civil rights acts and agencies because those fun-lovin' rebs just had to go and lynch some black guy or kid from time to time just for being black. And that silly ol' Constitution, saying it was the job of the Federal Government to "promote the general welfare."
In sum, Ned encourages all of those persons emblazoned with a head to THINK about why we have the bureaucracies, unwieldy and expensive as they may be. BECAUSE the PRIVATE SECTOR WAS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO STOP POISONING AND KILLING OUR FELLOW CITIZENS.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
MORE LICKSPITTLE RANTINGS
NED IS BEGINNING TO BEHAVE LIKE MAUNA LOA.
That great Hawaiian volcano (which Ned was privileged to observe up close and personal last January, defying the Oregon rains to do their worst), always begins an eruption with a series of deeply-buried earthquakes. After weeks the earthquake swarm gets shallower and shallower until the volcano erupts a mass of molten basalt.
Ned's responses to those who wish to extend the Bush tax cuts for the rich are much like Mauna Loa, and his eruption (no, NOT erection--this is a family blog after all) has begun.
Ned recalls from a history of the '30s how Roosevelt felt it was his duty (as a plutocrat himself, but one with a sense of noblesse oblige) to free poor and working class Americans from the necessity of begging from the sneering filthy rich for their daily bread, or working as children under dangerous conditions a 14-hour day so some fat plutocrat could buy several mistresses and amass more money than he could possibly spend, or, set up a "foundation" with his ill-gotten gains so he could tell Americans how the wealth he stole from them was going to be disbursed.
Roosevelt set up social security which the Republicans rabidly opposed. He also proposed a national health care plan, which, unfortunately, got nowhere. He set up several federal agencies to police the private sector, only because it was unwilling or unable to police itself.
Now, the vipers, snakes-in-the-grass, crocodile teat shedders, and cave-dwellers have re-emerged from hibernation (or zombiedom) to propose "privatizing" social security, and "health savings accounts."
But worse, they want to eliminate taxes on the rich, especially inheritance (or "Paris Hilton") taxes. Ned feels anyone who supports such nonsense is foolish and illogical, and perhaps even depraved and immoral, and doesn't deserve to call himself (or herself) an American. This country was not founded as a monarchy or aristocracy: far from it. But there has always been a class of materialist, soul-less people who are not happy unless they have someone's ass to kiss that they think is "better" or "more successful" or "classier" than they are. This, then, is the basis of most Republican support: ass-kissers, selfish narcissists, religious cultists, and neo-racists (since the greatest Republican stronghold is in the segregationist deep south), all clothed in sanctimonious hypocrisy and empty platitudinous Newspeak ("less" government", etc).
Ned is sick of them all and wishes they would crawl back under the rock they came from, and leave the rest of us in peace.
That great Hawaiian volcano (which Ned was privileged to observe up close and personal last January, defying the Oregon rains to do their worst), always begins an eruption with a series of deeply-buried earthquakes. After weeks the earthquake swarm gets shallower and shallower until the volcano erupts a mass of molten basalt.
Ned's responses to those who wish to extend the Bush tax cuts for the rich are much like Mauna Loa, and his eruption (no, NOT erection--this is a family blog after all) has begun.
Ned recalls from a history of the '30s how Roosevelt felt it was his duty (as a plutocrat himself, but one with a sense of noblesse oblige) to free poor and working class Americans from the necessity of begging from the sneering filthy rich for their daily bread, or working as children under dangerous conditions a 14-hour day so some fat plutocrat could buy several mistresses and amass more money than he could possibly spend, or, set up a "foundation" with his ill-gotten gains so he could tell Americans how the wealth he stole from them was going to be disbursed.
Roosevelt set up social security which the Republicans rabidly opposed. He also proposed a national health care plan, which, unfortunately, got nowhere. He set up several federal agencies to police the private sector, only because it was unwilling or unable to police itself.
Now, the vipers, snakes-in-the-grass, crocodile teat shedders, and cave-dwellers have re-emerged from hibernation (or zombiedom) to propose "privatizing" social security, and "health savings accounts."
But worse, they want to eliminate taxes on the rich, especially inheritance (or "Paris Hilton") taxes. Ned feels anyone who supports such nonsense is foolish and illogical, and perhaps even depraved and immoral, and doesn't deserve to call himself (or herself) an American. This country was not founded as a monarchy or aristocracy: far from it. But there has always been a class of materialist, soul-less people who are not happy unless they have someone's ass to kiss that they think is "better" or "more successful" or "classier" than they are. This, then, is the basis of most Republican support: ass-kissers, selfish narcissists, religious cultists, and neo-racists (since the greatest Republican stronghold is in the segregationist deep south), all clothed in sanctimonious hypocrisy and empty platitudinous Newspeak ("less" government", etc).
Ned is sick of them all and wishes they would crawl back under the rock they came from, and leave the rest of us in peace.
MOVE TO BANGLADESH
What with all the whining about taxes from the richest and most pampered people in this country, as well as their lickspittle enablers the Republicans, Ned is moved to propose his own tax policy.
Ned believes it's time to call the plutocrats' and parvenus' bluffs, since they are just amassing their filthy lucre like the Dragon of the Niebelung anyway and dumping surplus cash into MM funds, thus taking it essentially out of circulation, since banks are loath to loan money.
Let's tax the hell out of them; in other words, let's go back to the tax rate under JFK which ushered in a great era of prosperity until LBJ ruined it with Vietnam. What rate, you ask? It would be a 70% marginal rate on incomes over $200k. Index that for inflation? Sure. That wold be equivalent to around $2 mil today. If they don't like it, they can move to Bangladesh.
Ned believes it's time to call the plutocrats' and parvenus' bluffs, since they are just amassing their filthy lucre like the Dragon of the Niebelung anyway and dumping surplus cash into MM funds, thus taking it essentially out of circulation, since banks are loath to loan money.
Let's tax the hell out of them; in other words, let's go back to the tax rate under JFK which ushered in a great era of prosperity until LBJ ruined it with Vietnam. What rate, you ask? It would be a 70% marginal rate on incomes over $200k. Index that for inflation? Sure. That wold be equivalent to around $2 mil today. If they don't like it, they can move to Bangladesh.
HP WORST CORPORATE BOARD
In a follow-up to Ned's last post, an article in the NYT today (Saturday) describes HP's board as the worst in America, for "firing" hated CEO Mark Hurd and then giving him $12 million IN CASH as well as tens of millions in stock options, and then standing idly by as Hurd joined rival Oracle. You can't make this stuff up. And the Republican lickspittles never saw a corporate executive whose ass they weren't desperate to kiss.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Short Oracle
Ned has been advised that former CEO Mark Hurd, recently "fired" from computer giant HP, has been hired by computer giant Oracle to be "co-president". Now, Ned's more prescient readers will know that Ned has moles deep inside HP, who have told Ned stories of the cold-blooded arrogance and cost-cutting frenzy, not to mention almost Stalinist terror, that characterized Hurd's "tenure" at HP. But, not to worry, Hurd landed on his feet. Even though he was charged with, among other things, sexual harassment and financial improprieties arising out of questionable expense claims, he walked away with about $30 million.
Ned advises those who follow the stock market, on the basis of Hurd's record at HP, to SHORT ORACLE. Ned is certain that Hurd will impose the same regime on Oracle that he did on HP. Relentless cost-cutting, and government by terror, while at the same time massaging the bottom line so as to enrich himself still further while doing all he can to rein in the unreasonable salary demands by the employees which after all make Oracle work. In this, of course, he is simply following the business model that has made America the envy of the world.
Ned advises those who follow the stock market, on the basis of Hurd's record at HP, to SHORT ORACLE. Ned is certain that Hurd will impose the same regime on Oracle that he did on HP. Relentless cost-cutting, and government by terror, while at the same time massaging the bottom line so as to enrich himself still further while doing all he can to rein in the unreasonable salary demands by the employees which after all make Oracle work. In this, of course, he is simply following the business model that has made America the envy of the world.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tax cuts
Ned has been graciously asked his opinion on the "tax cuts" issue.
Ned believes that Obama is pandering to the lower upper classes to secure
their support by calling for extension of tax cuts to those making up to $250k. If he was really concerned with the people who are struggling in this country he'd immediately cut the military budget by 1/2 and use the proceeds ($400 billion or so) to rebuild this country's
infrastructure using American workers.
Having said all that, the Republicans, in their lickspittle sycophancy to the sneering plutocrats that despise them even as they greedily bask in
their adoration, are so far worse that they inhabit another philosophical solar system.
Ned believes that Obama is pandering to the lower upper classes to secure
their support by calling for extension of tax cuts to those making up to $250k. If he was really concerned with the people who are struggling in this country he'd immediately cut the military budget by 1/2 and use the proceeds ($400 billion or so) to rebuild this country's
infrastructure using American workers.
Having said all that, the Republicans, in their lickspittle sycophancy to the sneering plutocrats that despise them even as they greedily bask in
their adoration, are so far worse that they inhabit another philosophical solar system.
Our Conservative Republican Friends
In this election season, Ned has taken the liberty to revise and extend some of his earlier remarks concerning the positions of the two main political parties. Some have argued that the republicans are 'bereft of ideas.'
But if there is one thing that most Republicans have, it bloody well IS ideas. And what are those ideas? Led Ned enumerate some.
They are rabidly anti-science, denying the fact of human-induced climate change, and the fact of organic evolution.
They are rabidly pro-gun, supporting an unrestricted "right" to keep as many guns and as much ammo as one can. Apparently they never met a school massacre they didn't like.
They are rabidly anti-abortion, but when it comes to taking care of that life after birth, they usually couldn't care less.
They are rabidly pro-military, and support assassination campaigns and torture.
They are opposed to any kind of tax increase, except indirectly on the poorest and most vulnerable, and support slashing taxes for the rich and super rich, a policy that disgusts even many of the super-rich.
They oppose inheritance, or "Paris Hilton", taxes. We all know how well she turned out.
They oppose environmental legislation and support in general the elimination of the EPA.
They slavishly adore big business. In this, however, they are only slightly ahead of most Democrats, Ned regrets to say.
They are anti-social security. They've always hated it since Roosevelt rammed it through.
They oppose health care for all Americans.
They have managed to be all over the map on immigration: some support it, some support "amnesty", some oppose it, but all but the most marginalized support unceasing floods of immigrants.
They are generally pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian.
They support military intervention in any state peopled with persons of color, as long as their own children do not have to do any fighting.
In almost all things they exhibit a degree of sanctimonious hypocrisy that would literally gag the proverbial maggot.
(Now, Democrats often exhibit a degree of sanctimonious hypocrisy, let it be said, especially about our "brave" troops, immigration and Israel. Ned didn't just fall off the back of a turnip truck.)
They oppose "big government" unless it benefits their constituents. The farm-state folks and the "rugged individualists" in the West are the best examples.
They usually express their positions as a series of empty, meaningless platitudes and bromides, such as "lower taxes", "fewer regulations", "more freedom" and "smaller government."
And they often don't even understand the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of these positions.
But if there is one thing that most Republicans have, it bloody well IS ideas. And what are those ideas? Led Ned enumerate some.
They are rabidly anti-science, denying the fact of human-induced climate change, and the fact of organic evolution.
They are rabidly pro-gun, supporting an unrestricted "right" to keep as many guns and as much ammo as one can. Apparently they never met a school massacre they didn't like.
They are rabidly anti-abortion, but when it comes to taking care of that life after birth, they usually couldn't care less.
They are rabidly pro-military, and support assassination campaigns and torture.
They are opposed to any kind of tax increase, except indirectly on the poorest and most vulnerable, and support slashing taxes for the rich and super rich, a policy that disgusts even many of the super-rich.
They oppose inheritance, or "Paris Hilton", taxes. We all know how well she turned out.
They oppose environmental legislation and support in general the elimination of the EPA.
They slavishly adore big business. In this, however, they are only slightly ahead of most Democrats, Ned regrets to say.
They are anti-social security. They've always hated it since Roosevelt rammed it through.
They oppose health care for all Americans.
They have managed to be all over the map on immigration: some support it, some support "amnesty", some oppose it, but all but the most marginalized support unceasing floods of immigrants.
They are generally pro-Israel and anti-Palestinian.
They support military intervention in any state peopled with persons of color, as long as their own children do not have to do any fighting.
In almost all things they exhibit a degree of sanctimonious hypocrisy that would literally gag the proverbial maggot.
(Now, Democrats often exhibit a degree of sanctimonious hypocrisy, let it be said, especially about our "brave" troops, immigration and Israel. Ned didn't just fall off the back of a turnip truck.)
They oppose "big government" unless it benefits their constituents. The farm-state folks and the "rugged individualists" in the West are the best examples.
They usually express their positions as a series of empty, meaningless platitudes and bromides, such as "lower taxes", "fewer regulations", "more freedom" and "smaller government."
And they often don't even understand the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of these positions.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
HEALTH FREAKS
Ned has been doing undercover work in Taos, New Mexico for a bit, and now has returned to post his report, which he assures will astound and amuse his faithful readers. One of his observations was that Americans are overwhelmingly fat and getting fatter; however, Ned's associates assured him that the fat persons he observed (with a sense of wonder, let it be said) were overwhelmingly Texans on vacation. He observed, however, that these fat persons were overwhelmingly health conscious. This conclusion was based not on their diet, which was ghastly and extremely unhealthy, consisting of fatty meats, fries and dessert. Nor their level of exercise, which was virtually nonexistent. No, this conclusion is based on his observation that virtually all of these obscenely fat people carried water bottles and were constantly sipping water, so as to avoid dehydration!
Is this a great country, or what?
Is this a great country, or what?
Saturday, September 4, 2010
From somewhere in northern new mexico
Ned has time for a short post from somewhere on U.S. 64, in which he enquires why some persons are not happy, fullfilled, or content unless they are annoying others. One example Ned has used in the past is pushy dog owners who believe it is the responsibility of the "public sector" as one such person opined in the Washington Post, to provide exercise areas, at taxpayer expense, so their dog can excrete far away from their own property. No, Ned does not refer to such antisocial persons today, but to motorcycle riders. Not any motorcycle rider, mind, but only those who insist on purchasing and operating "hogs" without mufflers or with Glass Paks, which emit ear-splitting noise. Ned was gently awakend by one of these individuals at 5.30 this morning, and relishes the event as yet another thread in life's rich tapestry. He will not go so far as those who insist such behavior is narcicisstic, outrageous, selfish and sociopathic, but will content himself with the gentle question that began today's enquiry.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Fiorina-Boxer Debate!
The LAT reports today that Halfbright Fellow Carly Fiorina and Senator Barbara Boxer had their first debate of the election "season" last night east of San Francisco. The reference is http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-senate-20100902,0,5476053.story.
Ned's followers will recall that Fiorina was the clear winner of the second Halfbright Fellow award, the first going to former "President" George Bush. Last night, Fiorina expressed her support for "less" government, "lower" taxes and "fewer" regulations, positions that Ned's readers will immediately spot as being comparative statements without any intellectual content or quantitative meaning, without the objects to which they are being compared being specified. So, her entire position consisted of nothing but meaningless platitudes. Boxer attacked Fiorina for firing and exporting 30,000 jobs to India and China (read, working Americans) during her brief tenure at computer giant HP. She was fired by the Board, with a golden handshake of $30 million and her OWN JET PLANE. This is the person the Republicans nominated to replace Boxer, who may not be the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but outshines an empty suit plutocrat like Fiorina by light-years. Of course, Fiorina is for extending the Bush tax cuts for the rich, as she stands to gain hugely by them.
For the edification of Ned's newer readers, he will reprint the awe-inspiring qualifications that won Fiorina the coveted Halfbright:
"CARLY FIORINA: The Republican face of pure political opportunism, Fiorina was not content with running HP into the ground and walking away with a $30 million buyout + her own jet plane. Why should she be, when any incompetent parvenu can run for office if they have enough money and enough designer clothes. Naturally she is running as a "lower taxes," "less government," "fewer regulations", and "personal responsibility" woman of the people, whose initial criticism of Barbara Boxer, her opponent, was her hairstyle. Ned also appreciates her dedication to "fighting for every job", after cutting 30,000 jobs at HP. Especially noteworthy to Ned is her penchant for referring to herself in the third person; to wit, "Carly believes strongly that every American should have access to quality, affordable health care."
Ned encourages his friends to follow these debates on C-SPAN if possible. Bon appetit!
Ned's followers will recall that Fiorina was the clear winner of the second Halfbright Fellow award, the first going to former "President" George Bush. Last night, Fiorina expressed her support for "less" government, "lower" taxes and "fewer" regulations, positions that Ned's readers will immediately spot as being comparative statements without any intellectual content or quantitative meaning, without the objects to which they are being compared being specified. So, her entire position consisted of nothing but meaningless platitudes. Boxer attacked Fiorina for firing and exporting 30,000 jobs to India and China (read, working Americans) during her brief tenure at computer giant HP. She was fired by the Board, with a golden handshake of $30 million and her OWN JET PLANE. This is the person the Republicans nominated to replace Boxer, who may not be the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree, but outshines an empty suit plutocrat like Fiorina by light-years. Of course, Fiorina is for extending the Bush tax cuts for the rich, as she stands to gain hugely by them.
For the edification of Ned's newer readers, he will reprint the awe-inspiring qualifications that won Fiorina the coveted Halfbright:
"CARLY FIORINA: The Republican face of pure political opportunism, Fiorina was not content with running HP into the ground and walking away with a $30 million buyout + her own jet plane. Why should she be, when any incompetent parvenu can run for office if they have enough money and enough designer clothes. Naturally she is running as a "lower taxes," "less government," "fewer regulations", and "personal responsibility" woman of the people, whose initial criticism of Barbara Boxer, her opponent, was her hairstyle. Ned also appreciates her dedication to "fighting for every job", after cutting 30,000 jobs at HP. Especially noteworthy to Ned is her penchant for referring to herself in the third person; to wit, "Carly believes strongly that every American should have access to quality, affordable health care."
Ned encourages his friends to follow these debates on C-SPAN if possible. Bon appetit!
A HEAVY HEART
Ned takes up his pen today with a heavy heart, crushed by the weight of "polls" that foretell a terror so fearsome no one dare say it's name, but it's signature would be Republican control of the House of Representatives and perhaps even the Senate. When Ned recalls the optimism with which many of his associates faced the new day of the Obama administration, he is deeply saddened by such news. However, it is an ill wind indeed that blows nobody any good. So, perhaps it is time to concede defeat. Because if Obama really had the intention to change the direction of this country he would have done these things differently:
* Have the Attorney General investigate whether any members of the Bush Regime should have been tried for War Crimes against Humanity.
This he didn't do, giving the clear message to any such group of felons in the future that they can get away with anything as long as it involves foreign wars without a draft.
* Pass a Single Payer Health Plan Plan immediately including all Americans, and issue all Americans a Health Card similar to a Medicare card. As it is now, we have the worst of all worlds. We have the semblance of a plan, run basically by "health insurance" companies for their profit and to enrich their arrogant plutocrat officials with filthy lucre at the public expense. We have a plan that no one understands, and that still leaves millions of Americans without health care. We have a plan that Senators, including Ned's own Ron Wyden, are calling for their states to be exempted from the requirement that all persons buy health care, which if agreed to will destroy the plan. What has happened is that the Obama crew has energized the Republicans and stirred up the know-nothings, who have come slithering out from under their rocks spitting venom, hatred, and thinly-concealed racial animosity. And they have accomplished nothing for it.
* Get this country out of Iraq and Afghanistan immediately. If 7 years is not enough time to secure "Iraqi Freedom" then let the Iraqis deal with it. Let the Kurds form their own homeland and let the Sunni and Shia fight out their mindless feuds from the 7th century about which of the Prophet's descendants should have succeeded Him. Use the money saved to help Americans get work.
* Reduce military (war) spending by 1/2 and use the funds to help the states save the hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs lost when state tax revenues tanked as a result of the Bush mini-Depression. Study after study has shown that war spending creates fewer jobs for more money than any other kind of government spending, and it inevitably results in death and destruction.
* End this country's blind attachment to Israel At Any Cost in blood and treasure. It just encourages the extreme right in that country to increase settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank, which results in round after round of senseless killings like the recent murder of 4 Israeli "settlers."
Require the Israelis to pull back to the 1967 border, and leave the settlements intact for the Palestinians. Then, issue a guarantee of the sanctity of Israel's border and deal ruthlessly and quickly with any future terrorist attacks aimed against that country.
* Initiate talks with the Iranians to settle the long-standing grievances that that proud people have against the U.S. for meddling in their internal affairs for 50 years, beginning with the CIA-inspired murder of their Prime Minister in 1955.
Now, since the Obama people did none of these things, perhaps they deserve to be tossed out and a group of people take over who are characterized by breathtaking ignorance coupled with astonishing arrogance. Let them ignore climate change, and the views and wishes of 6 billion people. Let them "put God back in the U.S." Let them eviscerate the power of the federal government in every thing except the military. Let them install Queen Sarah as our new monarch. Let them eliminate taxes on the rich and turn the country over to the plutocrats. Perhaps they then can go to the back entrance of the gated communities every Sunday, after Cult worship sessions, where they can get free food handouts from the security guards, then return to a Sunday of free television--bread and circuses returns.
Then Ned can safely steal away to some safe haven and join the resistance...
* Have the Attorney General investigate whether any members of the Bush Regime should have been tried for War Crimes against Humanity.
This he didn't do, giving the clear message to any such group of felons in the future that they can get away with anything as long as it involves foreign wars without a draft.
* Pass a Single Payer Health Plan Plan immediately including all Americans, and issue all Americans a Health Card similar to a Medicare card. As it is now, we have the worst of all worlds. We have the semblance of a plan, run basically by "health insurance" companies for their profit and to enrich their arrogant plutocrat officials with filthy lucre at the public expense. We have a plan that no one understands, and that still leaves millions of Americans without health care. We have a plan that Senators, including Ned's own Ron Wyden, are calling for their states to be exempted from the requirement that all persons buy health care, which if agreed to will destroy the plan. What has happened is that the Obama crew has energized the Republicans and stirred up the know-nothings, who have come slithering out from under their rocks spitting venom, hatred, and thinly-concealed racial animosity. And they have accomplished nothing for it.
* Get this country out of Iraq and Afghanistan immediately. If 7 years is not enough time to secure "Iraqi Freedom" then let the Iraqis deal with it. Let the Kurds form their own homeland and let the Sunni and Shia fight out their mindless feuds from the 7th century about which of the Prophet's descendants should have succeeded Him. Use the money saved to help Americans get work.
* Reduce military (war) spending by 1/2 and use the funds to help the states save the hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs lost when state tax revenues tanked as a result of the Bush mini-Depression. Study after study has shown that war spending creates fewer jobs for more money than any other kind of government spending, and it inevitably results in death and destruction.
* End this country's blind attachment to Israel At Any Cost in blood and treasure. It just encourages the extreme right in that country to increase settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank, which results in round after round of senseless killings like the recent murder of 4 Israeli "settlers."
Require the Israelis to pull back to the 1967 border, and leave the settlements intact for the Palestinians. Then, issue a guarantee of the sanctity of Israel's border and deal ruthlessly and quickly with any future terrorist attacks aimed against that country.
* Initiate talks with the Iranians to settle the long-standing grievances that that proud people have against the U.S. for meddling in their internal affairs for 50 years, beginning with the CIA-inspired murder of their Prime Minister in 1955.
Now, since the Obama people did none of these things, perhaps they deserve to be tossed out and a group of people take over who are characterized by breathtaking ignorance coupled with astonishing arrogance. Let them ignore climate change, and the views and wishes of 6 billion people. Let them "put God back in the U.S." Let them eviscerate the power of the federal government in every thing except the military. Let them install Queen Sarah as our new monarch. Let them eliminate taxes on the rich and turn the country over to the plutocrats. Perhaps they then can go to the back entrance of the gated communities every Sunday, after Cult worship sessions, where they can get free food handouts from the security guards, then return to a Sunday of free television--bread and circuses returns.
Then Ned can safely steal away to some safe haven and join the resistance...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Vacation
Ned plans to take advantage of a slow news weekend to slink off to Taos, NM on a free ticket from his friends at Delta. He hopes to interest Mrs Ned in some southwestern rugs and enjoy some art. He also looks forward to linking "up" with one of his more curmudgeonly friends of long standing. Combine this with a stop at the Gruet Sparkling Wine tasting room in Albuquerque, a visit to the Rio Grande Gorge, and a trip over to Bandelier National Monument, and one has the makings of a restful weekend, needed to recharge the batteries after doing battle with the forces of ignorance and malevolence.
Rest assured, however, that Ned will be posting from Taos if at all possible.
Rest assured, however, that Ned will be posting from Taos if at all possible.
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