Do no harm.
Leave the world a better place than you found it.
Do not do immoral or bad things.
Axioms, rules to live by.
One of my axioms is: if you find that you must do a bad or an immoral thing, do it so that no one knows about it, except perhaps those folks you are doing it with. Minimization of harm is the idea.
To be sure, some allegedly bad or immoral things are…controversial. That is, they may be good or bad.
It stands to reason that one should think long and hard before going public with a controversial action which could conceivably bring about the diminution or fragmentation or degrading of a worldwide religious denomination.
Why on earth would a clergyman of the American Episcopal Church (AEC) act upon a personal conviction which has caused and likely will cause so much harm in the international Anglican Communion?
Which is best or worst, for a minority of folks to feel that they are somehow discriminated against or for actions of that minority, in this case of one person, to bring about the above-mentioned injury to the Anglican Communion?
Imagine the ego, the sense of self-righteousness that said clergyman must possess.
I wonder if he thinks he is really improving the world…
Discretion is a very civilized form of behavior.
Blatant disregard for an ancient way of doing things, thereby causing harm to that ancient way which is by no means for sure a bad way of doing things, is not civilized.
Shame on the indiscreet.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
TRITE BUT TRUE
You plant seed.
You water and fertilize the seed.
You buy a POWER lawnmower.
You mow the resultant grass.
You have the grass clippings hauled away to God knows where.
You start all over again.
You water and fertilize the seed.
You buy a POWER lawnmower.
You mow the resultant grass.
You have the grass clippings hauled away to God knows where.
You start all over again.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
THOUGHTS AND CHORES
There’s things to do when you return ‘downstate’ from The North.
In our case, this time, there was final communion class for the two Grand girls.
In my case, there was a myriad of chores, primary of which was the reconstitution of the koi pond.
Gramma took care of the Church matters.
Grandpa decided to return the pond from a fountain aeration to one of a waterfall.
Our fish do better with a waterfall. They are so big that they upend the fountain and do other sorts of mischief.
And then there are lawns to mow; footpaths to improve; dinner to shop for and help to prepare; and never to forget the cocktail hour.
And then time to monitor world doings.
If only the world could concern itself with innocent goings on.
b.o. embraces hillary and v.v. ...w/o benefit of bill’s presence.
iran allegedy aims ballistic missiles at an Israeli nuclear plant.
iran threatens to shut down oil shipping if attacked.
democrats continue to argue for the rights of captured terrorists.
The Supreme Court rules that child rapists cannot be executed, even if they have a fair trial. Can you believe it?
And then they ok guns in D.C. Go figure.
That’s a phrase our Grandkids use.
Senator McCain continues his remarkable campaign.
Rudy gave up his chances when he refused to campaign. Dumbest campaign in a long while.
And now McCain continues his ‘unique’ energy plan and his refusal to really attack b.o.
I liked Rudy.
I hope McCain does not do a 'rudi'.
The US Congress recessed for holiday.
Of course, they did conduct a lot of hearings re oil prices. O boy.
What a pile of b.s. the national dems have heaped up.
And what a hole of nothing dug re energy. And the whole caboodle has gone on vacation.
Maybe that is just as well.
In our case, this time, there was final communion class for the two Grand girls.
In my case, there was a myriad of chores, primary of which was the reconstitution of the koi pond.
Gramma took care of the Church matters.
Grandpa decided to return the pond from a fountain aeration to one of a waterfall.
Our fish do better with a waterfall. They are so big that they upend the fountain and do other sorts of mischief.
And then there are lawns to mow; footpaths to improve; dinner to shop for and help to prepare; and never to forget the cocktail hour.
And then time to monitor world doings.
If only the world could concern itself with innocent goings on.
b.o. embraces hillary and v.v. ...w/o benefit of bill’s presence.
iran allegedy aims ballistic missiles at an Israeli nuclear plant.
iran threatens to shut down oil shipping if attacked.
democrats continue to argue for the rights of captured terrorists.
The Supreme Court rules that child rapists cannot be executed, even if they have a fair trial. Can you believe it?
And then they ok guns in D.C. Go figure.
That’s a phrase our Grandkids use.
Senator McCain continues his remarkable campaign.
Rudy gave up his chances when he refused to campaign. Dumbest campaign in a long while.
And now McCain continues his ‘unique’ energy plan and his refusal to really attack b.o.
I liked Rudy.
I hope McCain does not do a 'rudi'.
The US Congress recessed for holiday.
Of course, they did conduct a lot of hearings re oil prices. O boy.
What a pile of b.s. the national dems have heaped up.
And what a hole of nothing dug re energy. And the whole caboodle has gone on vacation.
Maybe that is just as well.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
INSIGHT
INSIGHT…
For the past several days, we have had the privilege of living near and watching the making of a movie, a real honest-to-gosh movie with real stars and jillions of crew persons and a dozen or so big trucks – I didn’t count ‘em…and generators and specialized vehicles and lights and uniforms and I don’t know what all.
We have been told that the whole ensemble is comprised of at least 80 or even some hundreds of people, depending on whom you talk to.
They ‘company’ has its own electric power; food tent; security; exotic and interesting forms of dress, language, mannerisms, and routines.
In short, they are a world unto themselves, working to make something that will be of use to others, the movie, and to thereby make themselves a future, that is, an income and for some of them, I hope for many of them, the satisfaction of a job well done.
I walk our English bulldog among all of these goings on, several times a day.
I talk to security; to movie staff persons wearing utility belts from which hang all sorts of intriguing instruments.
They are fascinating folks. They talk our language, but they are from all over North American. One is even from New Zealand. And so they talk our language with a difference.
And they are pleasant. Most of them go out of their way to get along with us ‘natives’ of the Up North camping type.
A night or two ago I was struck with what I will call an insight: as I was walking with Sophie Matilda, our bullie, it occurred to me that these folks, in a very slight but real way, were to us denizens of our community what the friendly invasion of Yanks in the England of WW2 were to the English people of the War Years.
I know there are differences.
But there are similarities.
Same language but with differences.
Places of origin often far, far away.
People on a mission, to help themselves to a better future, and to help the host folks to some good in the future.
In the case of WW2, of course, to help to guarantee freedom and peace. In the case of our movie folks, to provide momentary pleasure. But in a larger sense, to preserve an industry devoted to that end.
Anyway, I have always felt that it must have been a thrill to have been English, to have been in England in the early 1940’s and to have witnessed the friendly invasion of the Yanks.
And I am sure it must have been at times intimidating. And frustrating.
I know that the costs were horrendous, the suffering great.
But there was more to the War than even those regrettable realities. To deny this is to deny reality.
It is exciting to witness a well oiled, complex organization come upon the scene and carry out a difficult and important job.
Energy and youth and dedication flows out of every observation.
There is no doubt that all obstacles can be overcome.
Nineteen hour days are as nothing. The filming starts at 9:00AM and goes to 1:30AM the next morning.
And it will be completed on time.
Victory will be won.
Very thrilling. Very exciting.
England in the early 1940’s must have been quite the place to set up shop.
I feel I have had a tiny glimpse of what it was like.
I have a good imagination.
For the past several days, we have had the privilege of living near and watching the making of a movie, a real honest-to-gosh movie with real stars and jillions of crew persons and a dozen or so big trucks – I didn’t count ‘em…and generators and specialized vehicles and lights and uniforms and I don’t know what all.
We have been told that the whole ensemble is comprised of at least 80 or even some hundreds of people, depending on whom you talk to.
They ‘company’ has its own electric power; food tent; security; exotic and interesting forms of dress, language, mannerisms, and routines.
In short, they are a world unto themselves, working to make something that will be of use to others, the movie, and to thereby make themselves a future, that is, an income and for some of them, I hope for many of them, the satisfaction of a job well done.
I walk our English bulldog among all of these goings on, several times a day.
I talk to security; to movie staff persons wearing utility belts from which hang all sorts of intriguing instruments.
They are fascinating folks. They talk our language, but they are from all over North American. One is even from New Zealand. And so they talk our language with a difference.
And they are pleasant. Most of them go out of their way to get along with us ‘natives’ of the Up North camping type.
A night or two ago I was struck with what I will call an insight: as I was walking with Sophie Matilda, our bullie, it occurred to me that these folks, in a very slight but real way, were to us denizens of our community what the friendly invasion of Yanks in the England of WW2 were to the English people of the War Years.
I know there are differences.
But there are similarities.
Same language but with differences.
Places of origin often far, far away.
People on a mission, to help themselves to a better future, and to help the host folks to some good in the future.
In the case of WW2, of course, to help to guarantee freedom and peace. In the case of our movie folks, to provide momentary pleasure. But in a larger sense, to preserve an industry devoted to that end.
Anyway, I have always felt that it must have been a thrill to have been English, to have been in England in the early 1940’s and to have witnessed the friendly invasion of the Yanks.
And I am sure it must have been at times intimidating. And frustrating.
I know that the costs were horrendous, the suffering great.
But there was more to the War than even those regrettable realities. To deny this is to deny reality.
It is exciting to witness a well oiled, complex organization come upon the scene and carry out a difficult and important job.
Energy and youth and dedication flows out of every observation.
There is no doubt that all obstacles can be overcome.
Nineteen hour days are as nothing. The filming starts at 9:00AM and goes to 1:30AM the next morning.
And it will be completed on time.
Victory will be won.
Very thrilling. Very exciting.
England in the early 1940’s must have been quite the place to set up shop.
I feel I have had a tiny glimpse of what it was like.
I have a good imagination.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
WHY?
Powerline says it best: The only way to stabilize and bring down the cost of energy, long term, is to produce more of it.
And President Bush calls for four Congressional actions:
Open the Outer Continental Shelf to exploration and exploitation.
Exploit oil shale deposits in the US West.
Drill in the Anwar.
Increase refinery capacity.
As noted elsewhere in this Journal, the national dems oppose all four.
Why?
Why on earth would hopefully otherwise intelligent human beings acts in such an asinine way?
Would any gentle reader who knows please submit an answer.
And President Bush calls for four Congressional actions:
Open the Outer Continental Shelf to exploration and exploitation.
Exploit oil shale deposits in the US West.
Drill in the Anwar.
Increase refinery capacity.
As noted elsewhere in this Journal, the national dems oppose all four.
Why?
Why on earth would hopefully otherwise intelligent human beings acts in such an asinine way?
Would any gentle reader who knows please submit an answer.
NORTHERN NOTES
Martha Stewart refused entry into UK. Can you believe it? As her staff has observed, the UK keeps her out and lets so many creeps in. That’s like sending a child home from school for having some aspirins in his pocket.
Get a life!
Israel is publicly rehearsing an iran strike. russia warns. iran warns.
Easy for me to say, but I suggest that russia is all talk. The iran/Iraq phenom is now within the American hegemony…Russia will not interfere militarily. iran might if it is suicidal. I suggest that some iranian barbarians may be suicidal…but not enough of the rulers to carry out national suicide.
lou dobbs is cracking up. This time it is over tomatoes. He doesn’t just report, of course…he rants and raves. Sometimes he get something right. As the old saying goes, even hypochondriacs can have enemies.
They are making a movie in our Northern Retreat. First it was broadband, and then wireless no less.
Now it is a movie…with sets and actors and security guards and the whole nine yards.
How the North has changed.
The national dems are beginning to crack a little on their idiotic prohibition of new petroleum exploitation. Watch out for more cracks and defections as gas prices edge or shoot higher. Whatever will b.o. do?
Martha Stewart refused entry into UK. Can you believe it? As her staff has observed, the UK keeps her out and lets so many creeps in. That’s like sending a child home from school for having some aspirins in his pocket.
Get a life!
Israel is publicly rehearsing an iran strike. russia warns. iran warns.
Easy for me to say, but I suggest that russia is all talk. The iran/Iraq phenom is now within the American hegemony…Russia will not interfere militarily. iran might if it is suicidal. I suggest that some iranian barbarians may be suicidal…but not enough of the rulers to carry out national suicide.
lou dobbs is cracking up. This time it is over tomatoes. He doesn’t just report, of course…he rants and raves. Sometimes he get something right. As the old saying goes, even hypochondriacs can have enemies.
They are making a movie in our Northern Retreat. First it was broadband, and then wireless no less.
Now it is a movie…with sets and actors and security guards and the whole nine yards.
How the North has changed.
The national dems are beginning to crack a little on their idiotic prohibition of new petroleum exploitation. Watch out for more cracks and defections as gas prices edge or shoot higher. Whatever will b.o. do?
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
KNOW THE ENEMY
democrats AND OIL PRICES – what a pathetic story!
All sorts of newsbits, or is it bytes, have been coming across our desk or picnic or cocktail table lately regarding the dems and the energy problems the democrats have helped to cause.
I know, they have had help to help the crisis get worse, but they are a big part of it.
McCain has been in their camp on this, but now we see a softening. The Republican candidate now feels states should be able to decide on offshore drilling.
Big deal. Well, it is something.
The dems are really in an awkward spot: totally against all increase of petroleum production – no more refineries, drilling, oil shale exploitation. The tipping point is out there - somewhere around $5.00 I think.
The pressure is mounting for a relaxation of nuttie Federal prohibitions.
A trusting, confused, and ignorant public is becoming educated.
What a bunch of fools the dems are. Yes, fools. They walk like them and they talk like them. Therefore, they are them.
I understand that the Anwar drilling area would be the size of a large airport.
That the pristine area of Alaska so much worried about is the size of a significant part of the British Isles. Can this really be the case?
That the Alaskan oil is there in significant quantities, regardless of the naysayers.
Can the dems really be fussing about such a reality?
Did clinton really cast that veto so long ago stopping Anwar drilling?
Are they really in such lockstep with the wackos??
I bet the answer is a big fat yes.
I read that the technology of oil extraction is now in a high state of excellence. Apparently, a number of offshore oil rigs were destroyed in the Katrina storm but…but…but there was no spillage of oil.
I suspect that wackos are a threat to all of us…more of a threat than pollution.
All sorts of newsbits, or is it bytes, have been coming across our desk or picnic or cocktail table lately regarding the dems and the energy problems the democrats have helped to cause.
I know, they have had help to help the crisis get worse, but they are a big part of it.
McCain has been in their camp on this, but now we see a softening. The Republican candidate now feels states should be able to decide on offshore drilling.
Big deal. Well, it is something.
The dems are really in an awkward spot: totally against all increase of petroleum production – no more refineries, drilling, oil shale exploitation. The tipping point is out there - somewhere around $5.00 I think.
The pressure is mounting for a relaxation of nuttie Federal prohibitions.
A trusting, confused, and ignorant public is becoming educated.
What a bunch of fools the dems are. Yes, fools. They walk like them and they talk like them. Therefore, they are them.
I understand that the Anwar drilling area would be the size of a large airport.
That the pristine area of Alaska so much worried about is the size of a significant part of the British Isles. Can this really be the case?
That the Alaskan oil is there in significant quantities, regardless of the naysayers.
Can the dems really be fussing about such a reality?
Did clinton really cast that veto so long ago stopping Anwar drilling?
Are they really in such lockstep with the wackos??
I bet the answer is a big fat yes.
I read that the technology of oil extraction is now in a high state of excellence. Apparently, a number of offshore oil rigs were destroyed in the Katrina storm but…but…but there was no spillage of oil.
I suspect that wackos are a threat to all of us…more of a threat than pollution.
NORTHERN NOTES
We’re North again in Michigan.
And again, we’re not under canvas.
But we are in our camp just North of Traverse City.
And we’ve got deer and wild turkeys and even bear are starting to show up here and there.
Have not seen one of them in camp yet. We understand that there is not enough swamp for them to…thrive.
I guess not enough garbage either.
Local paper today talked about the negative side to having bear in the neighborhood: they wreak havoc on the beekeepers. Makes sense but I would never have thought of that.
DNR folk are resisting talk of reimbursing the keepers for any damage done, saying that the keepers should exercise more caution/care themselves to protect their ‘crop’ and even to protect the bear.
Interesting idea: people have a responsibility to protect the bear, not only from us, but from their [the bears’] own bad habits. Or should I say natural instead of bad?
Speaking of the local paper: no or little news of ‘driveby shootings or liquor store robberies or muggings. I suppose they happen, but they do not dominate the news.
Lots of stuff about fishing and fish frys and the like tho.
And a movie is being made right near us. We can walk the English bulldog down to the set and talk with the hands setting up the scenery.
I imagine that the filming of this endeavor in Northern Michigan has something to do with the Governor’s plan to provide incentives to movie makers to bring their work to the state.
Good for her. It is about time one of her efforts paid off.
And another thing: the North is changing. Macy’s is in the North. I cannot believe it. But I do.
And the prices are pretty good. Super in some cases.
And Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond and Home Depot and Lowe’s.
I have been vacationing in the North for half a century and I would have bet money that such stores were not North yet. How little I know what is going on.
And I thought that the building of The Grand Traverse Resort years ago was a big change. It was…but the changes are still going on, big time.
American Indians own it now and they are apparently doing a great job.
And the casinos.
And the vineyards…and the wine tasting.
But you can still get a fishing license at the barber shop. Or at the neighborhood tavern.
Fifty years ago the TV newfolk wore sports shirts. And there were no women doing any local anchoring.
Suits are in now, and lots of flaming foxes [two-legged cuties].
How sweet it is.
And again, we’re not under canvas.
But we are in our camp just North of Traverse City.
And we’ve got deer and wild turkeys and even bear are starting to show up here and there.
Have not seen one of them in camp yet. We understand that there is not enough swamp for them to…thrive.
I guess not enough garbage either.
Local paper today talked about the negative side to having bear in the neighborhood: they wreak havoc on the beekeepers. Makes sense but I would never have thought of that.
DNR folk are resisting talk of reimbursing the keepers for any damage done, saying that the keepers should exercise more caution/care themselves to protect their ‘crop’ and even to protect the bear.
Interesting idea: people have a responsibility to protect the bear, not only from us, but from their [the bears’] own bad habits. Or should I say natural instead of bad?
Speaking of the local paper: no or little news of ‘driveby shootings or liquor store robberies or muggings. I suppose they happen, but they do not dominate the news.
Lots of stuff about fishing and fish frys and the like tho.
And a movie is being made right near us. We can walk the English bulldog down to the set and talk with the hands setting up the scenery.
I imagine that the filming of this endeavor in Northern Michigan has something to do with the Governor’s plan to provide incentives to movie makers to bring their work to the state.
Good for her. It is about time one of her efforts paid off.
And another thing: the North is changing. Macy’s is in the North. I cannot believe it. But I do.
And the prices are pretty good. Super in some cases.
And Kohl’s and Bed Bath and Beyond and Home Depot and Lowe’s.
I have been vacationing in the North for half a century and I would have bet money that such stores were not North yet. How little I know what is going on.
And I thought that the building of The Grand Traverse Resort years ago was a big change. It was…but the changes are still going on, big time.
American Indians own it now and they are apparently doing a great job.
And the casinos.
And the vineyards…and the wine tasting.
But you can still get a fishing license at the barber shop. Or at the neighborhood tavern.
Fifty years ago the TV newfolk wore sports shirts. And there were no women doing any local anchoring.
Suits are in now, and lots of flaming foxes [two-legged cuties].
How sweet it is.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
A SENSE OF HUMOR
Good people that we know are retiring and…good people, some that we know and some that we do not know personally, are dying.
There have been a lot lately.
Bill Buckley and Tim Russert we knew of. We did not know them. And there are others.
And members of our family, and of our church.
And some good folks we call friends are ill and are undergoing heavy duty treatment.
We go to few weddings or graduations now.
We go to more funerals and send out more get-well cards.
And so it goes. Fact of life.
As jane fonda [lower case intentional] once said after her Dad, Henry, died, we move up closer to the turnstile.
It is sobering to realize that we can no longer take out a 30 year mortgage.
Or contemplate undertaking a career in one of the professions.
When not moving, I often still feel young. And then I move.
Not complaining. Just observing.
Maybe I am complaining.
This business of living is serious business. It is so serious that it is important to keep a sense of humor.
Very important.
There have been a lot lately.
Bill Buckley and Tim Russert we knew of. We did not know them. And there are others.
And members of our family, and of our church.
And some good folks we call friends are ill and are undergoing heavy duty treatment.
We go to few weddings or graduations now.
We go to more funerals and send out more get-well cards.
And so it goes. Fact of life.
As jane fonda [lower case intentional] once said after her Dad, Henry, died, we move up closer to the turnstile.
It is sobering to realize that we can no longer take out a 30 year mortgage.
Or contemplate undertaking a career in one of the professions.
When not moving, I often still feel young. And then I move.
Not complaining. Just observing.
Maybe I am complaining.
This business of living is serious business. It is so serious that it is important to keep a sense of humor.
Very important.
THIN-AS-A-DIME MITCH
The storms have come and gone.
DTE, what I think we used to call the Edison Company, has been working round the clock to restore power to over 100,000 people.
Never mind that the storm was a huge event, a real biggie. Rare.
Never mind that there are trees out there and that high winds can bring them down and that it takes time to put things back together. And that it is more dangerous than sitting and speaking in front of a microphone or writing books and plays or reporting on grownups playing kid's games.
Thin-as-a-dime mentality mitch album has condemned DTE as somehow derelict in it’s failure to restore power to the powerless more quickly.
What a brilliant piece of work ole mitch is.
I have always believed that Detroit gets what it deserves.
Detroit deserves mitch.
I do not.
DTE, what I think we used to call the Edison Company, has been working round the clock to restore power to over 100,000 people.
Never mind that the storm was a huge event, a real biggie. Rare.
Never mind that there are trees out there and that high winds can bring them down and that it takes time to put things back together. And that it is more dangerous than sitting and speaking in front of a microphone or writing books and plays or reporting on grownups playing kid's games.
Thin-as-a-dime mentality mitch album has condemned DTE as somehow derelict in it’s failure to restore power to the powerless more quickly.
What a brilliant piece of work ole mitch is.
I have always believed that Detroit gets what it deserves.
Detroit deserves mitch.
I do not.
TIM RUSSERT...R.I.P.
Tim Russert – apparently one of the good guys. I am embarrassed to say that what with church and all I rarely was able to watch his Meet the Press and I never taped it.
I guess I should have.
I have caught bits and pieces of his interviews and I guess they were good ones.
I think he asked tough questions. I wish I knew. I wish I could praise him, personally.
I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
I feel I have missed out on possibly an excellent journalist.
My loss.
I guess I should have.
I have caught bits and pieces of his interviews and I guess they were good ones.
I think he asked tough questions. I wish I knew. I wish I could praise him, personally.
I will give him the benefit of the doubt.
I feel I have missed out on possibly an excellent journalist.
My loss.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
CAN IT BE?
I might be wrong.
I might be right.
I definitely am on the right.
But to the point: a thought has occurred regarding the national dems and the price of gasoline.
Do I remember correctly that when the price of gas was low, down in the $2.00 or less range, that the national dems excoriated the Republican Administration for not taxing gas and making the prices prohibitively higher so as to discourage ‘excessive’ use thereof…?
Did the national dems not clamor and bray for higher taxes on gasoline?
And that when the price would dip just before this or that election did not the national dems carry on about the perfidy of the Admin for ‘controlling’ the price of gas so as to influence the election?
And can it be that now the national dems feel the price of gas is too high…IN THAT IT IS NOT HIGH BECAUSE OF TAXES BUT BECAUSE OF DEMOCRATIC ENERGY POLICY…or rather, lack of any constructive policy?
Do national dems want high gas prices or highly taxed gas prices?
Casual reading of responsible news sources would have one believe that:
World consumption of crude oil almost exactly equals consumption.
There has been no increase of US refinery capacity for decades.
Third-world giant nations are spiking in their use of petroleum – India, China.
national dem party votes consistently against new exploitation of US petroleum resources.
New energy technology will take longer to come on line than it would take to increase exploitation of US petroleum reserves.
It is a no-brainer that increased domestic petroleum exploitation should occur simultaneously with development of new energy technology.
Simultaneous development is anathema to national dems.
A green White House and Congress would be an unnecessary economic disaster for the US and therefore for the world.
And on and on.
Anyone who votes this fall for ‘greening’ our two elected governmental bodies needs their head examined.
No joke.
I might be right.
I definitely am on the right.
But to the point: a thought has occurred regarding the national dems and the price of gasoline.
Do I remember correctly that when the price of gas was low, down in the $2.00 or less range, that the national dems excoriated the Republican Administration for not taxing gas and making the prices prohibitively higher so as to discourage ‘excessive’ use thereof…?
Did the national dems not clamor and bray for higher taxes on gasoline?
And that when the price would dip just before this or that election did not the national dems carry on about the perfidy of the Admin for ‘controlling’ the price of gas so as to influence the election?
And can it be that now the national dems feel the price of gas is too high…IN THAT IT IS NOT HIGH BECAUSE OF TAXES BUT BECAUSE OF DEMOCRATIC ENERGY POLICY…or rather, lack of any constructive policy?
Do national dems want high gas prices or highly taxed gas prices?
Casual reading of responsible news sources would have one believe that:
World consumption of crude oil almost exactly equals consumption.
There has been no increase of US refinery capacity for decades.
Third-world giant nations are spiking in their use of petroleum – India, China.
national dem party votes consistently against new exploitation of US petroleum resources.
New energy technology will take longer to come on line than it would take to increase exploitation of US petroleum reserves.
It is a no-brainer that increased domestic petroleum exploitation should occur simultaneously with development of new energy technology.
Simultaneous development is anathema to national dems.
A green White House and Congress would be an unnecessary economic disaster for the US and therefore for the world.
And on and on.
Anyone who votes this fall for ‘greening’ our two elected governmental bodies needs their head examined.
No joke.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
MORE ON msm AND D-DAY
Another D-Day anniversary has come and gone, and still the media won't report the news they don't want you to see.
A youngster once asked his Dad or Grandad, "Dad or Grandad, how come there is always just enough news to exactlly fill up the newspaper?"
We could add, "Dad or Grandad, how come so much of the newspaper is spun and twisted and slanted and distorted and omitted and on and on and on?"
Let us dedicate a little of our time to reminding our youngsters that not all you read is fit to print.
Please check out the link below and remember the Day called D and how the msm is guilty of distorting our thinking.
http://www.americanthinker.com/printpage/?url=http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/the_dday_story_the_msm_didnt_t.html
A youngster once asked his Dad or Grandad, "Dad or Grandad, how come there is always just enough news to exactlly fill up the newspaper?"
We could add, "Dad or Grandad, how come so much of the newspaper is spun and twisted and slanted and distorted and omitted and on and on and on?"
Let us dedicate a little of our time to reminding our youngsters that not all you read is fit to print.
Please check out the link below and remember the Day called D and how the msm is guilty of distorting our thinking.
http://www.americanthinker.com/printpage/?url=http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2008/06/the_dday_story_the_msm_didnt_t.html
Friday, June 6, 2008
msm REPORTS D-DAY...IF THEY HAD BEEN THERE
24-7 news reporting can be a good thing.
It can also be a terrible obstacle to getting the job done.
Some years ago a professor told us young fellas that, rule of thumb: radio/tv live reports are least reliable; newspaper reports next day are a little better; weekly/monthly periodicals are better; and that books can be the best.
There are exceptions to all rules, but this is a pretty good rule of thumb.
It takes time to figure out what is going on.
And even then mistakes can be made.
The WW2 folks knew that not everyone is entitled to know everything.
Folks today think that it all has to hang out.
Not true then. Not true now.
Check out the link below.
http://theanchoressonline.com/2008/06/06/d-day-by-todays-media-standards/
It can also be a terrible obstacle to getting the job done.
Some years ago a professor told us young fellas that, rule of thumb: radio/tv live reports are least reliable; newspaper reports next day are a little better; weekly/monthly periodicals are better; and that books can be the best.
There are exceptions to all rules, but this is a pretty good rule of thumb.
It takes time to figure out what is going on.
And even then mistakes can be made.
The WW2 folks knew that not everyone is entitled to know everything.
Folks today think that it all has to hang out.
Not true then. Not true now.
Check out the link below.
http://theanchoressonline.com/2008/06/06/d-day-by-todays-media-standards/
IF ONLY
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, in his trial at Guantanamo Bay, has requested that he be executed by US authorities.
As the old advert said regarding drunken drivers and the havoc they cause and have caused, "After all they [he] has done for us, shouldn't we do something for them [him]?"
Let's grant his wish. Let's do what he has asked us to do.
Guilty verdict.
Execution.
Done.
As the old advert said regarding drunken drivers and the havoc they cause and have caused, "After all they [he] has done for us, shouldn't we do something for them [him]?"
Let's grant his wish. Let's do what he has asked us to do.
Guilty verdict.
Execution.
Done.
QUOTE(S) OF INTEREST
Thomas Jefferson on the accuracy of the New York Times:
Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.
QUOTE(S) OF INTEREST
Mark Twain's advice for b.o. and hillary:
Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.
national democrats AND GAS PRICES
For several decades, the Democratic Party has pursued policies designed to drive up the cost of petroleum, and therefore gas at the pump.
Read the short article which summarizes the role of the national dems in helping the US to lose control of the price of petroleum.
Shocking! Mindless!
The summary is in the link below.
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/print/020696.php
Read the short article which summarizes the role of the national dems in helping the US to lose control of the price of petroleum.
Shocking! Mindless!
The summary is in the link below.
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/print/020696.php
Thursday, June 5, 2008
THE DAY CALLED D...LEST WE FORGET
Tonight is the eve of the anniversary of The Day Called D – D Day.
It comes along so closely after Memorial Day.
What can one say?
The years and decades pass and memories and impressions and awareness fade for many.
It happens. It is natural. Think of all the anniversaries which have transitioned from commemoration to vague mentioning or to no mentioning at all.
But D-Day still is a biggie with some: the veterans themselves and with folks who have found it to be a meaningful part of their … historical makeup. Awkward phrase.
At any rate, what can one say about such an anniversary?
It was a significant event. That is not sufficient. It was one of the most significant events in history. And it is being forgotten by most people.
History was affected, changed by what the nations and the men and women of nations did on that day and on the days which followed.
Those few folks who read these words know that. And others know it too. But it is being lost in the national consciousness.
Perhaps it is lingering there, in the cultural memories of more folks than I am giving credit to. Perhaps it is a quiet part of our national memories.
I hope so.
At any rate, as a child during WW2 and as an adult now in my sixth decade, very late at night, I wonder what I can say to commemorate such an anniversary.
One thing I can do is to paraphrase a young American thinking about the Americans who hurled themselves against Festung Europa [sp?]:
The one thing that as always haunted me is that in real life…the men were ‘Joe next door.’ A teacher, a country boy, a writer, a lingerie salesman, a farmer. Ordinary men doing extraordinary things.
As a middle-aged male, I remember sitting in church on Sunday, and as the men went to the communion rail, I would ask myself, ‘What did he do in the war? He fixes my dad’s machinery now, but where was he then? Was he a hero?’
I’m sure he was, as were they all.
Another thing I can do is to quote the announcement made to the Invasion Force by the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower:
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we havestriven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms onother Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German warmachine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples ofEurope, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, wellequipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats,in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced theirstrength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our HomeFronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitionsof war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together toVictory!
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill inbattle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this greatand noble undertaking.
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
It comes along so closely after Memorial Day.
What can one say?
The years and decades pass and memories and impressions and awareness fade for many.
It happens. It is natural. Think of all the anniversaries which have transitioned from commemoration to vague mentioning or to no mentioning at all.
But D-Day still is a biggie with some: the veterans themselves and with folks who have found it to be a meaningful part of their … historical makeup. Awkward phrase.
At any rate, what can one say about such an anniversary?
It was a significant event. That is not sufficient. It was one of the most significant events in history. And it is being forgotten by most people.
History was affected, changed by what the nations and the men and women of nations did on that day and on the days which followed.
Those few folks who read these words know that. And others know it too. But it is being lost in the national consciousness.
Perhaps it is lingering there, in the cultural memories of more folks than I am giving credit to. Perhaps it is a quiet part of our national memories.
I hope so.
At any rate, as a child during WW2 and as an adult now in my sixth decade, very late at night, I wonder what I can say to commemorate such an anniversary.
One thing I can do is to paraphrase a young American thinking about the Americans who hurled themselves against Festung Europa [sp?]:
The one thing that as always haunted me is that in real life…the men were ‘Joe next door.’ A teacher, a country boy, a writer, a lingerie salesman, a farmer. Ordinary men doing extraordinary things.
As a middle-aged male, I remember sitting in church on Sunday, and as the men went to the communion rail, I would ask myself, ‘What did he do in the war? He fixes my dad’s machinery now, but where was he then? Was he a hero?’
I’m sure he was, as were they all.
Another thing I can do is to quote the announcement made to the Invasion Force by the Supreme Allied Commander, General Dwight D. Eisenhower:
Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we havestriven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms onother Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German warmachine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples ofEurope, and security for ourselves in a free world.
Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, wellequipped and battle hardened. He will fight savagely.
But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats,in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced theirstrength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our HomeFronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitionsof war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men.The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together toVictory!
I have full confidence in your courage and devotion to duty and skill inbattle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!
Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this greatand noble undertaking.
SIGNED: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Lest we forget.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
BLACK GOLD
Stopped for gas today. 17 gallons at $4.009 per. Came to just over $70.00!!
Two stations within a few minutes drive time were adding costs to your bill if you charged your gas.
If you charged your gas????
Imagine pulling in for a fillup and having to fork out $70.00 in cash!!!!!!!
Good grief!!!!!!
Why on earth would a Mobil or BP gas station charge ‘charge’ customers more than ‘cash’ customers??
That is my question tonight.
And my thought for tonight: watch out ,greens, as the price of gas continues to go up.
Your inane demands for green legislation will falter and fail as the price of fuel rises.
You will not be able to tax and raise money to pay to your special interests and you will not be able to indulge in uselessly berating US Oil and have a gullible American public pay any attention to you. Or rather, the public will not care what you have to say.
The US needs oil. It is our black gold. Our economy, our society cannot function w/o it.
The world market is crowding our space.
We have our own oil. We are not allowing ourselves to exploit it!!
It has long been a belief in this bailiwick that the US will never allow the spigot to run dry.
The US will do whatever is necessary to keep the flow…flowing.
It will not run dry.
Not even if b.o. or hillary is in the driver’s seat.
Wiser heads will prevail.
The hyper power will have the black gold.
The oil regions should know this. They really do know this.
More importantly, the ‘powersthatbe’, the ones that do not talk the political gibberish in primaries, know this.
To put it more simply, the politics of oil is not a game. It is a matter of the life and death of a way of life. It has nothing to do with satisfying this or that interest group or racial minority or labor union.
little englanders do not run this show. They might try and indeed they do try.
But they only get anywhere when the hyper power has breathing room, has security.
When push comes to shove; when the chips are going down; when the price of petroleum is working up toward $5.00 or $6.00 or higher, then the little englanders' voices become weaker and weaker.
Watch and see.
The greens will wither as the petroleum/energy crisis develops.
The Republic will not roll over .
Two stations within a few minutes drive time were adding costs to your bill if you charged your gas.
If you charged your gas????
Imagine pulling in for a fillup and having to fork out $70.00 in cash!!!!!!!
Good grief!!!!!!
Why on earth would a Mobil or BP gas station charge ‘charge’ customers more than ‘cash’ customers??
That is my question tonight.
And my thought for tonight: watch out ,greens, as the price of gas continues to go up.
Your inane demands for green legislation will falter and fail as the price of fuel rises.
You will not be able to tax and raise money to pay to your special interests and you will not be able to indulge in uselessly berating US Oil and have a gullible American public pay any attention to you. Or rather, the public will not care what you have to say.
The US needs oil. It is our black gold. Our economy, our society cannot function w/o it.
The world market is crowding our space.
We have our own oil. We are not allowing ourselves to exploit it!!
It has long been a belief in this bailiwick that the US will never allow the spigot to run dry.
The US will do whatever is necessary to keep the flow…flowing.
It will not run dry.
Not even if b.o. or hillary is in the driver’s seat.
Wiser heads will prevail.
The hyper power will have the black gold.
The oil regions should know this. They really do know this.
More importantly, the ‘powersthatbe’, the ones that do not talk the political gibberish in primaries, know this.
To put it more simply, the politics of oil is not a game. It is a matter of the life and death of a way of life. It has nothing to do with satisfying this or that interest group or racial minority or labor union.
little englanders do not run this show. They might try and indeed they do try.
But they only get anywhere when the hyper power has breathing room, has security.
When push comes to shove; when the chips are going down; when the price of petroleum is working up toward $5.00 or $6.00 or higher, then the little englanders' voices become weaker and weaker.
Watch and see.
The greens will wither as the petroleum/energy crisis develops.
The Republic will not roll over .
BELATED POSTING FOR MEMORIAL DAY
The verse below is to be found on the Curahee National Monument, a monument in tribute to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (Air Mobile - Air Assault), immortalized by their valor and service to their country and to their comrades from WW2 down to the present.
This is the regiment written about by Stephen Ambrose in his excellent history, Band of Brothers.
I wish I had included the verse in my modest tribute to our veterans on my Memorial Day posting.
We have only died in vain if you believe so;
You must decide the wisdom of our choice
By the world that you shall build upon our headstones
And the everlasting truths which have your voice.
Currahee Scrapbook, 1945
Currahee Scrapbook, 1945
Monday, June 2, 2008
HOME…THE RETIRED OLD FELLA
We are home again from The North. For awhile.
And we are busy.
Busy is good. Often it is good. Maybe that is what perfection is: that things are often good. One cannot really expect to have it all. Or rather, one cannot really have it all. We can expect it.
At any rate, the world is full of all sorts of anomalies.
A few:
Scott McClellan - How could he have acted as he did and how can he act as he is acting now? Did he just see the light? Or is there a lower motivation?
A G.I. Bill that encourages first-enlistment military persons to leave the military - How can that make any sense to anyone but a g.d. national dem liberal or ignorant American citizen or resident? Insanity.
A presidential candidate who associates with wacko idiot clergy and wacko liberals - How could anyone ever trust such a piece of work?
Presidential candidates [pcs] who speak more of retreat and defeat rather than attack and success – How can anyone take them seriously?
Conservative Republicans who can even think of not voting for McCain with the only other choices being b.o. and hillary – We do not have a choice.
A pc who thinks his uncle or whatever liberated a concentration camp in WW2 which Americans never got to – He misstates, exaggerates, or is very, very economical with truth and his supporters swoon and drool over him.
A Congress that decries the ‘energy crisis’ facing our nation and the world but which forbids fixing the crisis by means of more drilling, exploitation of oil sands, gasoline recipe sanity, more refinery construction, etc., etc. – This dem-led Congress must be one of the most ineffective on record.
And the list could go on.
I realize that my list above concerns national issues only.
The average person deals with them very remotely, very intermittently.
There are so many other issues which very rightly should concern and interest us, concerns and interests which call for non-remote, more constant attention: chores and repairs around house and property; church issues; fraternal issues; family doings; vacations plans; health issues; money concerns; and on and on. We all face them.
Over and over I am reminded of the verse:
It’s [its or it’s?] not whether you win or lose,
Rather, it’s [same] how you play the game.
This is not to say that it does not matter whether one wins or loses.
I recall the quote in the Patton movie: I don’t give a whatever for anyone who can lose and laugh.
Rather, it declares that you do your best regardless of the outcome, giving, as it were, a maximum effort, regardless of the odds.
And, trying to follow the above advice requires that one focus on the doables [is that a word?].
I will conclude this rambling narrative by observing that I know it is easier to criticize than to solve or fix; that the armchair ‘expert’ is not in the field, not ‘on the ground’.
This having been said, and with the above disclaimer, I will still wonderingly and happily or sadly continue to criticize and question and praise.
Such is the way of this retired old fella.
And we are busy.
Busy is good. Often it is good. Maybe that is what perfection is: that things are often good. One cannot really expect to have it all. Or rather, one cannot really have it all. We can expect it.
At any rate, the world is full of all sorts of anomalies.
A few:
Scott McClellan - How could he have acted as he did and how can he act as he is acting now? Did he just see the light? Or is there a lower motivation?
A G.I. Bill that encourages first-enlistment military persons to leave the military - How can that make any sense to anyone but a g.d. national dem liberal or ignorant American citizen or resident? Insanity.
A presidential candidate who associates with wacko idiot clergy and wacko liberals - How could anyone ever trust such a piece of work?
Presidential candidates [pcs] who speak more of retreat and defeat rather than attack and success – How can anyone take them seriously?
Conservative Republicans who can even think of not voting for McCain with the only other choices being b.o. and hillary – We do not have a choice.
A pc who thinks his uncle or whatever liberated a concentration camp in WW2 which Americans never got to – He misstates, exaggerates, or is very, very economical with truth and his supporters swoon and drool over him.
A Congress that decries the ‘energy crisis’ facing our nation and the world but which forbids fixing the crisis by means of more drilling, exploitation of oil sands, gasoline recipe sanity, more refinery construction, etc., etc. – This dem-led Congress must be one of the most ineffective on record.
And the list could go on.
I realize that my list above concerns national issues only.
The average person deals with them very remotely, very intermittently.
There are so many other issues which very rightly should concern and interest us, concerns and interests which call for non-remote, more constant attention: chores and repairs around house and property; church issues; fraternal issues; family doings; vacations plans; health issues; money concerns; and on and on. We all face them.
Over and over I am reminded of the verse:
It’s [its or it’s?] not whether you win or lose,
Rather, it’s [same] how you play the game.
This is not to say that it does not matter whether one wins or loses.
I recall the quote in the Patton movie: I don’t give a whatever for anyone who can lose and laugh.
Rather, it declares that you do your best regardless of the outcome, giving, as it were, a maximum effort, regardless of the odds.
And, trying to follow the above advice requires that one focus on the doables [is that a word?].
I will conclude this rambling narrative by observing that I know it is easier to criticize than to solve or fix; that the armchair ‘expert’ is not in the field, not ‘on the ground’.
This having been said, and with the above disclaimer, I will still wonderingly and happily or sadly continue to criticize and question and praise.
Such is the way of this retired old fella.
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