Funny Fridays

(On the telephone) "Max, it's Jim."

"Ummm...Jim who?"

"Carrey you dumb ass!"

"Jim, my man. How's it going?"

"What do you mean, 'How's it going?' It sucks. When you gonna get off your ass and get me a gig?"

"It's tough out there right now, Jimbo."

"What about that sequel to The Cable Guy you keep yammering on about?"

"Can't do it. Studios aren't interested in you, I mean a sequel. Larry the Cable Guy kind of took the wind out of those sails."

"F___ing southern, white trash hick!"

"He's hella funny though, I saw him in Vegas..."

"Shut up Max. I pay you a crap load of money. I need exposure. My fans demand it."

"There might be a supporting role in the next Adam Sandler flick?"

"F that with a capital F! He's a no talent hack. And I think he's one of those conservative assholes. That's it!"

"That's what?"

"Politics. I need to get political."

"What's big right now?"

"We'll, the economy..."

"Too confusing."

"Global warming?"

"F___ing Al Gore has that gig locked. And every Hollywood chump is on board."

"Gun control..."

"That's it! You are a genius Max."

"It's kinda controversial. Every other Hollywood release has assault rifles in it."

"Even better...I don't do those films. I'll have the moral high ground. I will be the protector of the children."

"But Jim, don't you have an armed bodyguard? Might come across as hypocritical."

"The people aren't smart enough to figure that out. I'll use YouTube and make a short vid. I could dress up like Howdy Doody and make fun of Heston."

"Heston is an icon though. He marched with MLK."

"I don't give a shit. My audience won't even know who he is."

"We'll, I'm advising you against it."

"To make it edgy I'll cuss a lot..."

"Sorry Jim, I got Bruce Willis on the other line. He's hotter than a habanero right now, bye. And good luck."

"I'll add in some provocative tweets, and..."

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Thinking History Thursday

Unfortunately for John Adams, he is too often remembered for his impotent presidency and feud with Thomas Jefferson; not the significant contributions he made to the creation of the United States.

Adams' early career is overshadowed in the history books by his more flamboyant and boisterous second cousin, Samuel Adams. John Adams was an early proponent of colonial rights. He authored the Braintree Instructions during the Stamp Act crisis in 1765, which became the basis for the "no taxation without representation" argument. Few know that the attorney defending the British soldiers put on trial after the Boston Massacre was John Adams, probably the most respected lawyer in Boston at the time. Many historians claim the Adams was selected to ensure a "fair" trial and thus show the British crown that justice can be had in the colonial courts.

Adams represented Massachusetts in both continental congresses and in Congress under the Articles of Confederation. He was on the committee tasked with drafting a Declaration of Independence in early 1776. While Jeffersons words form the final Declaration, many of Adams ideas are within. Adams liked to state that the most important thing he did while a member of the Continental Congress was to nominate George Washington as commander-in-chief of the new American army.

As part of a three man team negotiating with France during the Revolutionary War, Adams tended to do most of the legwork (as was his nature) while Ben Franklin provided the fame component and Jefferson the youthful exuberance of America. While each proved important tin their own way, it was Adams financial sense and straightforward debate technique that secured many of the loans that kept the new United States in the war.

While as cautious about the centralization of power as any other Founder, Adams recognized that the government under the Articles of Confederation were woefully inadequate. Though he was not a participant, being America's Minister to Great Britain at the time, Adams correspondence before and during the Constitutional Convention had an impact. With very few exceptions, Adams approved of the new Constitution and lobbied for its adoption.

As Vice-President in Washington's administration, Adams was bored, powerless, and grew to be angry about it. He gravitated to the Federalist Party and was their nominee during the election of 1796 and had a major falling out with Jefferson, the opposition candidate for President. As President, Adams experienced some initial success with the XYZ Affair and his handling of the potential war with France. However, Congress' decision to put restrictions on speech, press, and naturalization with the Alien and Sedition Acts was not received well by the public and Adams tended to get all the blame since he reluctantly signed the two bills. As a result he ended up being a one term President, losing to Jefferson in 1800.

John Adams was serious, driven, and at times would feel sorry for himself. He may very well of ended up being half of what he was but for his amazing wife, Abigail. Abigail provided the courage and strength he needed during tough times. Many of their letters to each other still exist and offer some insight to what may be the first truly American love affair. Adams mellowed with age. He and Jefferson renewed their friendship and in one of the amazing ironies of American history both died on July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Posted with Blogsy

Monday Madness/Hollywood Madness

They Did What?-- Why would DHS bestow "trusted traveler" status on Saudi Arabia? Fifteen of the nineteen 9/11 terrorists were Saudi. Saudi money has funded terrorist activity for decades. Why is this administration so afraid to call a rat, a rat?

The Budget-- Why is the Obama WH so afraid to put their name to a budget? Is the recently passed Senate budget essentially theirs? It's just something else that creates suspicion and causes Americans to distrust their government. The WH needs to "man up" on so many issues.

Arrival-- Ok, my wife and I asked our daughter a few moths ago, "Samantha, what do you want for your birthday?' Her reply, "I want to go to Hollywood!" So here we are. My posts for Monday and Tuesday will chronicle our experiences. I'll try to stay within my parameters of conservatism and history, and add anything else that's really cool. I have always believed being frugal is a conservative value, so we are staying at a decent hotel but it is at LAX, a good twenty minute drive from Hollywood. It's called Four "something, something" and run by Sheraton. So far a decent place. For posterity, it's me, my wife, my daughter and my niece, Brisa. It's Sunday, March 24. Tomorrow is Samantha's birthday.

Birthday-- Great weather today in Hollywood. Of course, Samantha is mre excited about going to the American Girl store than seeing the sights along Hollywood Blvd. I mad a bad move early on. I had to use the facilities (meaning I had to urinate) but waited and waited as we drove to Hollywood. Realizing I wasn't going to make it, I bailed out, at Silvia's urging, too look for a place to go. The bad move was forgetting my cell phone in the car. I found a beautiful, secluded place to do my business, but the traffic was terrible and Sil had a hard time finding me. I couldn't call, and wandered for fiteen minutes looking for them. Needless to say, when I did call from a Best Western lobby she was not in the best mood. Long story short....MEN DON'T LEAVE YOUR CELL IN THE CAR!

Hollywood Blvd.-- Someone really into Hollywood and the history of film would appreciate it more than us, but the Walk of Fame was cool. Samantha found Walt Disney's star, I found Bob Hope, and Sil spotted the amazingly great actor, Robert Duvall's star. We did the wax nuseum which Samantha and Brisa got a kick out of. We ate at the old soda shop by the Disney owned El Capitan Theater. It was very good with a pleasant atmosphere. From there a few picture at the chinese theater and off to the American Girl Store. An observation--plenty of tourists here. I'm not sure what the local unemployment rate is but it sure isn't 15% like it is in the Central Valley of Cali.

American Girl Dolls-- This proved to be a pleasant surprise. Samantha got a doll for Christmas and has ordered some things for it, but I had no idea how much stuff for this brand is out there. The store includes, besides the obvious stuff, a bookstore with numerous series on American Doll characters. The series about the doll "Samantha" is about a girl living in the early 1900s. A quick flip through it and there was actually some good history in terms of period settings and clothing. So, I bought the first book in the series. There is also a "hospital" (Obamacare not required) where experts fix broken dolls; a hair salon that will give your doll a special hairdo, and a cafe where you and your doll will be treated to a three course meal. (We are doing lunch there tomorrow.) There were dolls of every shape and ethnicity, so every girl can find one that looks something like her. There are also dolls with special needs--blind dolls with seeing eye dogs, dolls in wheelchairs, etc. It's a business and the stuff is expensive, but the store exhibited a multi-ethnic and socioeconomic sensitivity absent thirty years ago.

Posting will be hit and miss the next few days. I'm on vacation.

Posted with Blogsy

Not So Funny Friday

Usually I try to keep it light and humorous on Fridays, but not today.

The outrage after Sandy Hook is beginning to fade, as it often does after a big tragedy. Whether its a hurricane, earthquake, or mass shooting, the initial emotions transform into a more cerebral state. Not that the diehard anti-gun crowd has quieted, because they have not, but average Americans begin to realize that events like Sandy Hook are the result of certain societal ills and individual failings and not so much the type of weapon employed or the existence of the 2nd Amendment..

I won't offer a defense of the 2nd Amendment here. The mere fact that the Founders viewed it as important is justification enough for me. What I do want to talk about is emotion. An emotional response to events like Sandy Hook is normal for everybody. For the first day or two even my liberal friends and I agreed on a few things like there needs to be a stronger security presence at schools, the decline in male staff members makes schools appear more vulnerable, and our mental health system is less than adequate. But then the issue of gun control undoubtedly enters the conversation.

Though I disagree with the term, I will use the common reference of "assault weapon" for any semi-automatic rifle firing a centerfire cartridge with a large detachable magazine. (Although technically an assault weapon is a selective fire weapon allowing for full automatic fire, something thats been illegal for almost 80 years). Because an assault weapon was used at Sandy Hook it is the primary target of legislation, usually to ban such firearms. The problem is that the gun control crowd has not defined what they hope to accomplish. If a reduction in gun violence is the goal, then banning assault weapons will have little impact, as a vast majority of crimes involving a gun are perpetrated with a handgun. So the push for an assault weapons ban is purely an emotional response to an emotional issue, not based on any real evidence or rational thought.

I know what you're thinking, "But if it even saves one kid." Hard to argue against that. However, should we ban freedom of speech because some people use that power to incite violence and riots? Yes, I know things like hate speech are illegal but is it enforced, and where's the dividing line. My point is if we want a perfectly secure society, then we can not have freedoms and democracy. Just because one person abuses their right to free speech and it leads to a riot in which five people are killed does that mean we take away that right from millions? Because Adam Lanza used an assault weapon to murder do we then take the right to own such a weapon away from the million households who do not break the law?

Ignorance of firearms is also too prevalent in the liberal arguments for gun control and banning certain weapons. Mike Lupica, a reporter for the New York Daily News wrote, "Any fool knows that Lanza couldn't possibly have killed as many children as quickly as he did on the morning of Dec. 14 without an assault weapon in his hands." Now Mr. Lupica kind of covers his ass with the "as quickly" statement, but we know what his point is. I could have entered that school with an old lever action .30-.30, pump shotgun, or semi-automatic pistol and killed as many people in almost the same amount of time as Lanza. Mr. Lupica is the fool for thinking he, his kids, whoever is safer without assault weapons being sold at the local gun shop

Unfortunately life is tragic, the Ancient Greeks (inventors of tragedy as a literary form) recognized this. In America we so often expect to be protected from any mishap. It boils down to a simple decision: security v. freedom. We could live in a police state and no child will be killed by an assault weapon (unless it is being fired by a policeman) or we take the bad with the good and live in a situation of freedom. With freedom comes great responsibility but it has become too easy to be irresponsible in the US today.

Prudence should determine policy. Banning some ill defined classification of firearm is not prudent. Passing legislation to identify mass shooters, prevent them from obtaining any means to perpetrate mass murder, and responding quickly and forcefully to such situations would be prudent. There are no guarantees in life (I know, other than death and taxes), so schools need to evaluate what would work best for them to create a safer and secure environment.

Ok. Enough serious stuff. Here's some funnies.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Thinking About History Thursdays

The Misunderstood Alexander Hamilton

Alexander Hamilton may be one of the most misunderstood of the Founding Fathers. First off, he really didn't fit the "father" image because he was young and sometimes overly brash. He wasn't even a natural born American (please excuse my lack of political correctness). He was born on the island of Nevis in the West Indies sometime in the mid 1750s (exact records do not exist). His father was of Scottish decent and faced serious debt issues, so was always in Scotland and played little role in Hamilton's life. Although living in poverty, Hamilton proved to be a bright and outgoing young man. Because his father was still legally married to another woman, Alexander was denied entrance to the Anglican school in St. Croix (they had moved there when he was five), so his mother scrapped together enough money to pay for a tutor and Alexander had at his disposal a small library of 32 books left by his father, most of which were classic texts on Greece and Rome.

At age 11 Alexander's mother died, leaving him and his brother orphaned. After doing various odd jobs for a year, Hamilton moved in with Thomas Stevens, a wealthy merchant. Alexander and Steven's son became friends. He clerked for Mr. Stevens and impressed him so much that a fund was set up to eventually send Hamilton to a proper school in New Jersey. He finally landed in 1772 and attended the Elizabethtown Academy. Alexander excelled at everything he did academically and athletically. He was only 20 years old when the Declaration of Independence was signed but proved to be a true patriot.

Hamilton joined a militia unit from New York not long after the Battles for Lexington and Concord in 1775. He fought distinguishably in the New York campaign and the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. Many commanders, including General Nathaniel Greene (the "fighting Quaker"), offered a position as aide-de-camp in their headquarters but Hamilton refused, not wanting to be taken away from combat. He changed his mind, though, when Washington made the same offer and Hamilton accepted. Now a Lieutenant-Colonel, in his new position Hamilton was in contact with other generals and members of Congress. These contacts served him well after the war. Recognizing that Yorktown may be the final battle, Washington released Hamilton of his duties so he could command a brigade of troops in the battle against Cornwallis.

Hamilton resigned his commission after Yorktown and was soon elected as a representative from New York to the Confederation Congress. Over the next five years he grew frustrated with the weakness of the union under the Articles of Confederation and the impotency of the Congress. During this period he became a staunch supporter of a stronger national government and was one of many calling for a convention to draft a new constitution.

Hamilton was one of New York's representatives at the Constitutional Convention. Now in his early thirties he had evolved politically and developed leadership potential. Advocating a strong executive power, Hamilton had much influence on Article II of the Constitution dealing with the Presidency. While some claim that Hamilton wanted a new king, this charge is incorrect. Leading the "federalist" group which supported the new Constitution, Hamilton was one of the authors of the Federalist Papers (along with James Madison and John Jay). He lobbied for acceptance of the document and was eventually rewarded with success.

One of the primary challenges facing the new nation was the issue of debt. Washington selected Hamilton to be Secretary of the Treasury in the first government. This proved to be a wise choice, as Hamilton was not well liked by many but was not afraid to make tough choices. He put forth before Congress a series of proposals called the Hamilton Financial Plan. It essentially called for the creation of a national bank, series of excise taxes, support for manufacturing, and federal assumption of all (including state) debts accrued before the war. Opposition quickly grew, led by Thomas Jefferson, and called themselves the anti-federalists and later the Democratic-Republicans (don't try to equate it with any modern political party).

Even with the opposition, Hamilton's plan was approved, largely because Washington supported it. And in the long run it worked. The textile industry began to take off in the Northeast, the US Bank stabilized the currency, and soon the United States was paying off debt it owed to England, France, and the Netherlands. With a better credit rating other countries began to trade with the new nation and economic prosperity resulted. The feud between Hamilton and Jefferson eventually led to their resignations. Hamilton was then elected to Congress representing New York again.

Hamilton had made many enemies over the years. Some were jealous of his close association with Washington. Others jealous of his way with the ladies. Some were simply intimidated by his intellect. Thus, the fact that he met his demise in a duel is not completely surprising. Aaron Burr was a very jealous individual to begin with and Hamilton became the target of that jealousy. It is not wholly clear whether Burr truly intended to shoot Hamilton or not. It is clear that Hamilton believed that the duel was simply a face saving event in which both men would intentionally miss and then claim and end to their differences. In any case, Burr's gun was loaded and the gunshot proved fatal for Hamilton.

Hamilton's Legacy: He could never have been president since he was not a naturally born citizen. Although popularly associated with the modern Republican Party, Hamilton really was much more Democrat in thought because of his support for a strong and involved central government. He definitely was not a limited government guy. He is an example of the American Dream. He came from poor roots but through hard work, intelligence, and a little luck (particularly his friendship with Washington) he did great things and contributed positively to the creation of this country.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Happy Hump Day!

My post today continues the education theme I have been dedicating my Tuesday posts to. Like any bureaucracy, there is waste in education...a lot of waste. One example. Every year I have worked in Hanford, California as a history teacher we have received thousands of dollars that must be used for teen pregnancy education. The hope is that through education this societal problem can be fixed. Here's the results. My county, Kings County, has been #1 or #2 in the state every year in the 24 years I have worked here. In fact Kings and Tulare County (our next door neighbor) flip flop from one year to the next for this prestigious title. In those 24 years a quarter million dollars has been spent on pregnancy prevention education in my school district. Do the results justify the cost? And this is just one of many programs that produce no results.

Schools and those entities that fund them must go through a strict auditing process. A business that throws away money on things that are obviously not working won't stay in business for long. The waste of funds like this is just one of many reasons why so many parents are seeking alternatives to public schools. Public schools are opposed to these alternatives because more students means more money (ADA=average daily attendance). Teacher unions are opposed to charter schools, home schooling, online schools and vouchers for the same reason...less money means fewer teachers and most alternatives are union optional.

There are very powerful entities controlling public education, and the only voice the people have is their vote.

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

A Question of Federalism: Education and the Constitution, Part 2

In 1980, under President Carter, the Department of Education was created. Promoting education to department level affirmed the growing involvement of the federal government in that policy arena. This growing federal influence crossed party lines. While Carter, a Democrat, created the Department of Education, it was under Ronald Reagan, a Republican, that the "A Nation At Risk" study was financed and published. The warnings found in "A Nation At Risk" became the rationale for continued and expansion of Washington D.C.s role in public schools. In addition, the 1980s saw the rise and growth of the charter school and homeschooling movements as a means to address the failure of public, especially inner city, schools.

About this same time some communities experimented with "vouchers" and tax credits for parents who wanted to send their children to an alternative school. Concern over the quality of education and falling test scores prompted these efforts. Many reform efforts such as these came under attack from teacher unions and progressive politicians and "think tanks." Unions were concerned about teacher job security and the fact that many students were using vouchers to attend charter schools, most of which were union free. Progressive groups opposed these measures based on equity issues. They pointed out that such programs benefitted the middle and upper income students. It is difficult to determine the truth of these criticisms as there are studies that point both directions. Generally, the argument against vouchers is that socioeconomically disadvantaged students in public schools.suffer because money is siphoned away from those schools to finance the voucher effort. Although a recent Harvard-Brookings study showed that low income African American students who took advantage of vouchers to attend a private high school had a college enrollment rate 24% higher than those that did not.

At the turn of the century, some states, most notably Florida and Washington D.C., passed legislation creating "opportunity scholarships" targeting students in low performing schools. While these scholarships (just another form of a voucher) stifled some of the equity criticism, teacher unions were still not happy. Some states began to pass regulations, limiting the number and scope of the charter school movement to appease the unions. Voucher and charter supporters found victory in the case of Zelman v. Simmons-Harris. In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that voucher's do not violate the "establishment clause" (the portion of the 1st Amendment stating that government can not support one religion over another or be involved in religious matters) as long as the program had a "valid secular purpose."

Another reaction against the encroachment of the federal government and the demise of public education was the homeschooling movement. In its modern form, homeschooling took off in the 1990s and gained momentum in the first decade of the 21st Century. One reason was that many states began to limit school choice, end voucher programs, and relegate more and more authority to national and federal entities. Basically, limits on parental choice has led to more and more parents choosing the homeschool option. Today about 2 million children are homeschooled and the movement has created its own curriculum and instruction websites and scholastic organizations. By law homeschooled kids may compete in academic and athletic competitions just like their go to school peers.

President George W. Bush vastly increased the federal governments role in education with the passage of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation in 2002. For the first time the federal government went beyond the scope of ensuring equity and funding to involving itself in testing, curricular choice and design, and the development of standards. The key component, taken from Bush's education reforms when he was governor of Texas, was a comprehensive “high stakes” testing program tied to punishments if schools and districts did not show adequate improvement based on a measure called AYP or Adequate Yearly Progress. While it was hard to argue against the accountability factors in the legislation, few teacher unions or organizations approved of the high-stakes testing program. To encourage compliance, federal money from ESEA and other sources was tied to acceptance of the federal testing program. Essentially ESEA became NCLB.

NCLB had ripple effects in the education industry. Textbook publishers, curriculum companies, consulting firms, and data services developed products to assist schools in meeting the NCLB guidelines. With practically every school adjusting to the new federal requirements alot of money was at stake. Like the weapons industry in the 1950s a relationship began to develop between the public and private spheres. Eisenhower's "military-industrial complex" was replicated with a "federal mandate-education industry complex." With most schools looking for the best way to "teach to the test," big money was on the line, so lobbing efforts by the education industry at the federal level increased dramatically as did the influence of national organizations like NEA and AFT. While not happy with the testing requirement, there were other factors being pushed by NCLB that could increase the number of educators and thus the number of union members.

Under President Obama, the NCLB foundation has been built upon with Race To The Top (RTT). $4.35 billion was allocated to the Department of Education to be given to states and districts as grants to do four things:

1. Develop rigorous standards

2. Adopt better data systems

3. Support educators to become more effective

4. Provide resources and interventions for low performing students and schools

This comprehensive piece of legislation, though voluntary, hit all aspects of education--standards & curriculum, data analysis, teaching methodology, and special programs. Some states opted out of the competition for RTT grants, wanting to maintain more local control; however, most states were not in a financial situation in which federal money could be ignored.

The next step in the process (currently in progress) is the Common Core movement. Education experts and stakeholders (but few, if any, actual teachers) developed national standards in English/Language Arts and Mathematics. In order to get federal money, states must adopt these standards with no modifications. This is the first time in U.S. History that at the national/federal level such control has been attempted in education. Some states have added addendum's to the required standards, expanding the concept to the fields of science and social science. There is much debate over the soundness of the research that this movement is based on and the role that should be played by the federal government. Adoption of the Common Core is technically voluntary, but like with Race to the Top, it is tied to funding that most schools rely upon. When taken in conjunction with many state government's opposition to and crackdown on "school choice" initiatives, the role played by Washington D.C. is growing bigger and does not appear to be changing any time soon.

Posted with Blogsy

Monday Madness

He Said What?-- Bill Maher recently said on his show that in Cali the rich are definitely paying their fair share and that the state may "lose" him if taxes go up any more. I hate it when someone I loath says something I agree with.

To Embalm Or Not To Embalm, That's The Question-- Apparently the decision has been made to not permanently display the Hugo. The Russians said that it would take over six months to do properly. My question is why the body can't be embalmed in Venezuela? Anyway I'm bummed. I was so hoping to see that SOB on my next visit to Caracas. What's the penalty there for defacing a monument--probably death!

The History Channel-- Although I have become somewhat disappointed in THC (how much Swamp People can one person watch) kudos to the network for taking on The Bible as a project. Their mini-doc is pretty good. The Vikings also premiered recently as a kind of dramatic series (ie. Game of Thrones) and is interesting, though I'm not so sure about its historical accuracy.

Obamacare: A Work In Progress?-- Apparently a few Dems have some problems with the Prez's signature piece of legislation. Various changes are being discussed in Congress. If they would have just read it before voting for it. http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/plan-b-obamacare_707681.html?nopager=1

JFK-- I re-read Kennedy's inaugural address this past weekend. If you have not read it, you should. It would be nice if both sides of the aisle thought as Kennedy did over 50 years ago.

I Don't Get It-- I pay a buck fifty for a 16 oz coffee at 7-11 every morning. I can put any number and combination of creamers in it I want. The coffee is good and can be mode to taste a lot like Starbucks, but its two-fifty cheaper. That's ten bucks a week or about 500 dollars in a year. With $500 I could buy a nice compact .380 or 9 mm.

 

Posted with Blogsy

FUNNY FRIDAYS

Scene: A conference call between President Obama, VP Biden, and Dennis Rodman.

BO: D-Rod, great job in North Korea. Did he buy it?

D-Rod: Hell yeah, bro! KIm Long-johns called me Mr. President the whole time. I don't think their eyes are to good over there.

BO: So what's the status of their nuke program?

D-Rod: Yo, man. They ain't got shit. They the Charles Barkley of the world. All bark and no bite. They got some crazy hoes over there though...

Buckshot Biden: (rustles around like he's waking up from a nap) Ahhh, what was that?

D-Rod: THOSE BITCHES BE FINE AS HELL. And freaky too.

Buckshot Biden: Want me to notify Congressman Menendez, Mr. President?

BO: Hell no! That prick has me in enough hot water, and D-Rod, not so loud...Michelle is around.

D-Rod: Oh shit, sorry bro. Don't want you and the misses fighting.

BO: Anyway, Uncle Joe, I'm sending you to the Vatican.

Buckshot Biden: Where?

BO: The Vatican for the inauguration of the new Pope.

Buckshot Biden: Oh, you mean Rome.

BO: Joe, aren't you Catholic? Don't you know where the Pope lives?

Buckshot Biden: I'll be whatever you want boss. Hell, I've been black, hispanic, Jewish, Muslim and gay at some point in my political career. Like you say, boss, whatever gets votes.

BO: It doesn't matter, your staff will get you there.

D-Rod: J-man, the Vat is sick! And my boy from Arica got picked. Can you believe that? A brotha as Pope.

BO: (head drops in frustration) D-Rod, the Pope is from Argentina, not Africa.

D-Rod: So my homie didn't get it?

BO: no.

Buckshot Biden: Hey D-Rod, turn that frown upside down. Like my Pappy used to say, "All's well that ends well."

BO: (Biden and Rodman start talking about a door shooting competition) Now I know how hard H W had it with Quayle as VP.

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Thinking About History Thursdays

Why I Like George Washington

Students in my classes know I'm a big fan of George Washington. In some ways he may be the most misunderstood of the Founding Fathers, while also the most important. Why? You ask. Without Washington there would not have been a successful conclusion to the American Revolution. While revisionist historians and textbooks like to point out that he lost more battles than he won and never published anything of significance, Washington possessed two important characteristics: a clear grasp of the strategic situation and an amazing sense of leadership which will serve him well as general and President.

Washington was not a professionally trained military man. What he knew of war he learned from books. He was the commander of the local militia as a young man and fought with Braddock in the French and Indian War. This alone made him one of the most experienced colonial leaders in the ways of war. Only one man, Horatio Gates was a more experienced commander but Gates was not born in the colonies and he possessed certain character flaws. Washington recognized that the task before him, defeating what was arguably the most powerful country in the world, was huge. He knew two important things: one, the survival of the Continental Army depended on careful selection of which battles to fight and which to avoid, and two, the army would have to decisively defeat a large British force on the traditional field of battle (hit and run Minutemen tactics would not win the Revolution) to prove its worth. With the exception of the New York campaign he did an admirable job accomplishing goal number one, and with the victory at Yorktown he bested a large British force.

Washington had prepared himself from a young age to be a gentleman and leader. He followed a strict code of behavioral conduct and though hard on his men at times he was always fair. He led from the front so his men could see him exposing himself to the same dangers they faced. Every soldier had at one time or another observed Washington cruising the battlefield on his white charger, accompanied by his personal attendant, a slave named Will Lee who was reportedly the only person in the colonies that could keep up with the general when riding. Washington knew what to say and do at the right times to encourage and inspire his men. His demeanor calmed frazzled nerves during the nighttime Delaware crossing and defused a potential mutiny toward the end of the war.

Washington believed service to his country and fellow man was ultimately important. History has shown that most conquering generals ended up installing themselves as emperor, tyrant, or dictator, but not Washington. This is why he has often been compared to the Roman dictator Cincinnatus. Cincinnatus was called to lead Rome during a difficult time and was given power to do anything he chose. He successfully led a Roman Army in defense of the city and was received as the conquering hero and offered the position of dictator for life. He refused. Instead he resigned and returned to his farm and family. This was during the time of the republic and he believed in that form of government. As you might guess, the city of Cincinnati was named after this Roman leader. Washington desired and did the same thing. He marched the army to Philadelphia after the war. Some representatives of Congress thought he was marching to assume total control, so they fled the city. In fact, Washington showed up to offer his resignation and submit a ledger of the items he had paid for during the war (Washington received to salary for his service just reimbursement for personal costs). He left and went back to Martha and his farm.

Although Washington was not an author, published no significant treatises, and sometimes is referred to as simple-minded (by simple-minded historians), he was in fact well versed in the classics and the multitudes of paperwork and correspondence we have today paint a picture of a thinking man who clearly understood the vision of what America could be and would be. He set an example as President of staying above the political fray, encouraging compromise, adhering to the rule of law, respecting the Constitution, and taking responsibility for decisions. During an era of slave holding Washington was the only Founder to have freed his slaves (through various means) by the time of his death.

For this and many other reasons Washington is my hero, behind my Dad.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Happy Hump Day

Flipboard is Cool-- I downloaded Flipboard for iPad the other day and it's cool. It presents all kinds of information in a visually pleasing way. I'm still learning the ins and outs of it but considering it's free I recommend it to all iPad junkies.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words-- Or in this case maybe a couple million words. This photo is of the expanded Affordable Healthcare Act. Wish my district would give me a photocopy allotment that big.

Ashley Judd-- I realize it's sexist, but Ashley Judd would be the cutest member of the Senate.

New Pope-- Although I'm not Catholic and always feel a bit awkward in a Catholic Church, I find the whole Pope selection tradition very interesting. It is a reverent occasion encased by history and tradition. While some might scoff at such sentimental notions many take comfort in them like an old but warm blanket. I hope the cardinals select someone who will uphold their faith while embracing societal changes.

Uranus-- The butt of so many jokes (pun intended), the planet Uranus was discovered on this day in 1781 by William Herschel. With that piece of trivia I will close with a joke:

Hey! Did you know Uranus has a hole in it?

Really? What's it called?

Urectum.

 

Posted with Blogsy

A Question of Federalism: Education & The Constitution, Pt.1

 

The powers listed in the various Articles of the United States Constitution are referred to as "enumerated" powers because they are clearly written; if not so clearly defined. "Implied" powers are those derived from enumerated powers based on the "elastic clause" of the Constitution, which says Congress has the power to pass laws that are "necessary and proper" in carrying out those enumerated powers. An early example in US History is the debate over the First US Bank proposed by Alexander Hamilton. Opponents said it was unconstitutional because there was no enumerated power to support its creation and that the chartering of banks was thus a power reserved by the states. Supporters countered with the argument that such a bank was "necessary and proper" to carry out its power to regulate interstate trade. This conflict between federal and state power is called federalism.

For much of America's history, education has stayed clear of the federalism battle. Local and state governments have taken responsibility for building schools, approving curriculum, certifying teachers, and all the other legal aspects of education. Until the 1820s public education was strictly the prerogative of local communities. Schools tended to reflect the religious nature of the area and the operation of the school largely depended upon the needs of the community. in 1826, Massachusetts became the first state requiring the election of school boards to govern schools within their jurisdictional areas. Other states soon followed suit. The following year Massachusetts passed a law requiring public high schools, thus creating the basic structure of the modern public education system.

Soon states began to institute taxes to support education, pass laws establishing structural and curricular requirements, and regulations demanding compulsory school attendance. Curriculum became more standardized with the adoption of tools like the famous McGuffey's Reader. To coordinate and control local school boards and districts, state level offices of education were created and positions like Secretary of Board of Education instituted. With the exception of the Northwest Ordinance, which surveyed land into townships for taxation purposes and support for public schools, the federal government stayed out of the education business. Nationally, organizations were created that focused on educational issues. The National Education Association was founded in 1857 and the American Federation of Teachers in 1916.

The early 20th Century saw many changes in public education stemming from the growth of the social sciences. Academics like John Dewey saw education as a tool to develop a more progressive and socially aware society. The NEA published a report that made recommendations regarding the revamping of public high schools, creating our current secondary education system. Some states like Oregon made attendance to a "public" as opposed to "private" school for children compulsory. These laws drew much criticism from religious families and those fearing that government schools were indoctrinating their children with radical ideas. The federal government did step in when the Supreme Court ruled in Pierce v. Little Sisters of the Poor that "the fundamental theory of liberty" that governs the country applies to a parents right to chose educational options for their children.

After World War Two the federal government began to increasingly become involved in the operation of public schools. Initially through incentives but eventually in a more comprehensive manner. The most glaring deficiency in public education was the inequality that existed due to race relations. Once again, the Supreme Court stepped in with the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ruling that segregated schools are inherently unequal, thus pounding the first nail into the "separate but equal" coffin. The Cold War played its part after the successful launching of the first satellite, Sputnik, by the Russians. The National Defense Education Act of 1958 provided federal funds to public schools for the improvement of science, math, and foreign language instruction. In 1965 the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) was passed, permanently involving the federal government financially in the affairs of local public schools. The ESEA became a tool for the federal government to influence what was taught and how it was taught, because money was attached to compliance. The relationship between education, state governments, and the federal government was changed forever.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Monday Madness

Kerry v. Rice~~It looks like Susan Rice will get the nod as NSA. I'm not surprised after her failed attempt to be Sec. of State. Her credentials fit with Obama's view of the world and she's a disciple of Madeline Albright (the Left's Jeanne Kirkpatrick). What I find interesting is the position this now puts John Kerry in. Kerry can't be too happy with the President's first choice as Sec-O-State now being NSA. There have been a few occasions since the creation of the NSA position after WWII when State and the NSC have not gotten along. Most recently between Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. I'm thinking Kerry is just a figurehead. He's from a past generation (Rice was 5 when he was tramping through Vietnam), and does not have the kind of intellectual, foreign policy credentials that Rice has and that Obama wants. I don't think he will go down swinging though. Could be interesting.

Do As I Say, Not As I Do-- Apparently Gabby Gifford's husband bought an AR-15 and .45 semi-auto pistol at an AZ gun store. Not long ago he testified before a Congressional hearing criticizing such weapons. Now he says he doesn't want the weapons. Still appears hypocritical to me.

Obamacare--I have been debating this issue with two friends that strongly support the new healthcare law (thank you Amanda and Jeff for your thoughts). Good arguments aside, I am still leery of a huge government program and the massive expansion of government power. Few federal programs of this magnitude have been successful in the long run. American history is full of examples of such programs going bad. Time will tell.

Play, Tony, Play-- I am one fan who hopes Tony Gonzalez plays one more season. Gonzalez still has plenty to offer the Falcons and I would love to see him in next years Super Bowl.

Taxes With A Purpose-- Recently I read a story about Benjamin Franklin getting a much used street paved in early Philadelphia. Franklin noted the mess in the dirt street during the rainy season in the market district. He arranged to get it paved with city revenue, but was concerned about upkeep. Sending flyers to all the businesses in the district he explained the advantages they would get from a clean, paved street. All bought in by paying a monthly fee (tax) to the person hired to sweep the street and haul off the dirt and trash. Shopkeepers were very happy with the service and didn't mind paying the tax. Lesson: While Americans hate taxes, when used in a prudent manner that benefits all, they feel its money well spent. Is your representative prudent with your tax money?

 

Posted with Blogsy

Funny Fridays--Joe Biden, Home Defense Expert

Host (Bob Sureshot): We have a special treat today. The Vice President of these United States has agreed to share some of his home invasion defense tips with us. So please give a warm, Sureshot welcome to the Honorable Joe Biden!

Biden: (Jogging out on stage with his trusty double-barreled 12 gauge) Bob it is so great to be here. I've been looking forward to this all week. Every morning a Chris Matthews chill runs up my leg.

Bob: Ummm, thanks. I think. So Mr. Vice President, what gives with all these new gun laws? You know as well as I do that the research shows they won't reduce violent crime.

Biden: Well Bob, that may be so, but we have to do something, right? Anyway, we still have our shotguns (Biden smiles patting 'Ole Betsy' his shotgun) unless of course you live in Colorado.

Bob: So I've been reading that you are a fan of going out onto your balcony and firing off both barrels to scare off an intruder?

Biden: (Nodding his head vigorously) Yep! With the new changes in gun laws America is going to have to learn to use the shotgun for all its hunting and home defense needs. And you know as well as I that the shotgun is by far the best weapon for home defense. And with a double-barrel you feel like your in the Old West.

Bob: Actually, Joe, I prefer a customized Glock 22 in .40 cal. But please tell us about the balcony thing.

Biden: Well, I raised my kids and wife showing them how to scare off a boogie man using loud noises like banging pots and pans, playing recordings of Joy Behar really loud, or firing off a shotgun blast. A guy trying to break in will hightail it outta town when two shotgun rounds go off. Also, just the sound of pumping the action on your shotgun may prove enough.

Bob: But Joe, you don't have a pump-action. It's a double-barrel with a break open action.

Biden: Oh yeah...anyway. Just opening my gun produces an audible clicking sound. And you know what that sound means Bob?

Bob: What Mr. Vice President? (Showing obvious confusion)

Biden: TROUBLE! Ha Ha. (Funny grin crosses Biden's face.) Let me demonstrate. (Biden tries to open his gun) Damn thing is stuck! (Bangs it on a table) Sometimes the release gets jammed, Ughhh!

Bob: Mr. Vice President, you might need a professional gun cleaning and maybe some gun smithing work for 'Ole Betsy.'

Biden: Naw! (He whacks it again one last time. The action opens, ejecting two 12 gauge rounds which hit the Veep in the forehead. Two red marks begin to appear.) Fuck! That hurt!

Bob: Ummmm...Mr. Vice President, this is a family show, could you watch your language?

Biden: Don't worry Bob. I'm in tight with the Director of the FCC. Not like this isn't the first time I've screwed up and said inappropriate things.

Bob: So you fire both barrels out on the balcony, but what if the intruder is already in your house. I can reload my Glock in a couple seconds, but a break open shotgun is a bit slower.

Biden: True Bob, for the average American, but I'm a life-long gun owner. I bet I can reload as fast as you.

Bob: (Shakes his head doubting the Veeps claim.)

Biden: Wanna race? Come on. Chicken?

Bob: Ok.

The Race: Bob swiftly ejects his empty mag, inserts a new one, and charges the weapon. Looking over he sees the Veep with a pocket knife out trying to eject a round stuck in the right barrel of his gun. Finally it comes free. Biden takes two rounds out of his pocket, dropping one on the floor. He loads one and bends over to get the other, splitting his pants in the process. With second round in hand, he loads it and shuts he action.

Biden: TIME! How did I do?

Producer: Uhhh...thirty-three seconds sir.

Biden: And Bob?

Producer: 3 seconds

Biden: Well, I'm a bit rusty. Pretty busy being President of the United States.

Bob: But your the Vice President.

Biden: I am? Oh yeah. Well there's always 2016.

Bob: God, I hope so (thining there's no way the Republicans could screw up beating Biden). Well that's all the time we have today. This is Bob Sureshot hoping that you are aiming true America.

Producer: And we are clear. (Laughs as Bob says into his mic, "We need to get Biden and Cheney together for a quail hunt. We might win an emmy for that episode.")

 

Posted with Blogsy

Philosophical Foundations

The opinions I present in this blog are strongly influenced by my conservative view of life. Russell Kirk's Ten Principles best illustrate my philosophical foundations, so I will briefly review them.

1. The conservative believes that there exists an enduring moral order. That order is made for man, and man is made for it: human nature is a constant, and moral truths are permanent.

2. The conservative adheres to custom, convention, and continuity. It is old custom that enables people to live together peaceably; the destroyers of custom demolish more than they know or desire.

3. Conservatives believe in what may be called the principle of prescription. Conservatives sense that modern people are dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, able to see farther than their ancestors only because of the great stature of those who have preceded us in time.

4. Conservatives are guided by their principle of prudence. Burke agrees with Plato that in the statesman, prudence is chief among virtues. Any public measure ought to be judged by its probable long-run consequences, not merely by temporary advantage or popularity.

5. Conservatives pay attention to the principle of variety. They feel affection for the proliferating intricacy of long-established social institutions and modes of life, as distinguished from the narrowing uniformity and deadening egalitarianism of radical systems.

6. Conservatives are chastened by their principle of imperfectability. Human nature suffers irremediably from certain grave faults, the conservatives know. Man being imperfect, no perfect social order ever can be created.

7. Conservatives are persuaded that freedom and property are closely linked. Upon the foundation of private property, great civilizations are built.

8. Conservatives uphold voluntary community, quite as they oppose involuntary collectivism. Although Americans have been attached strongly to privacy and private rights, they also have been a people conspicuous for a successful spirit of community.

9. The conservative perceives the need for prudent restraints upon power and upon human passions. Politically speaking, power is the ability to do as one likes, regardless of the wills of one’s fellows.

10. The thinking conservative understands that permanence and change must be recognized and reconciled in a vigorous society.

while some may scoff at philosophical musings, I believe it is important for a truly thinking and intellectual person to have a basic theoretical/philosophical basis for their opinions and view of life.

Posted with Blogsy

Untitled

Rand Paul and the History of the Filibuster

The filibuster has existed almost as long as the Senate. In 1806 the Senate eliminated the "move the previous question" rule which basically ended debate on an issue, something called cloture today. The filibuster was purely a theoretical idea until 1837 when it was used for the first time. Various "cloture" rules have been put in place, usually requiring anywhere from 3/5 to a 2/3 vote to pass. Currently 3/5ths of the Senate must vote for cloture which is 60 out of 100, hence the phrase "super majority" when a party has 60 or more members.

Both parties have utilized the filibuster, Republicans to oppose some of Woodrow Wilson's proposals, and Democrats to stall civil rights legislation in the 1960s. There are many nuances to the cloture rule. Reconciliation and leaving an item as the sole piece of legislation on the agenda are two examples. While filibusters are rarely effective, in the modern, internet driven age they have raised awareness of issues that in the past may have escaped the notice of most Americans.

In my opinion, Rand Paul's March 6th filibuster proved effective in that it raised political awareness and focused on an issue that should have had bipartisan support. One would think liberal, democrats would be outraged at any administration that believed they could target Americans and execute them without due process using an armed drone. While not many Democrats said so publicly, I believe (hope) most supported Paul.

In the end he was victorious in that the administration recanted on AG Holder's claim that the White House could legally target American citizens in the United States. Hopefully, some more common sense compromise will follow this example.

Posted with Blogsy

Intro

WHAT THE HECK IS LUCKY FORWARD?

During World War Two, General Patton codenamed the headquarters of the Third Army "Lucky Forward." It represented his faith in the cause and his compulsion to lead from the front. I'd like to share some philosophically insightful reason why I picked it for this blog name but I don't have one. I just liked it alot. I'm hoping that in my posts I demonstrate some leadership from the front and if I'm lucky enough some folks might actually read it and find some value in my musings.

Posted with Blogsy