Folks are having lots of fun with the latest bin Laden videos. From the beard that looks like it is covered with a gallon of "Just for Men" to questions about "freezing" to jokes about bin Laden's concerns about Koyoto, you have to laugh.
But what I find most interesting are the tax comments. In the video "bin Laden" discusses that the only tax under Sharia would be a 2.5% tax on wealth. Some are joking that maybe al-Qeada is going after the low tax green vote.
As I understand it however, the Zakaat is an annual wealth tax. in the West, most taxes are either taxes on net income (such as the income tax) or taxes on sales transactions (such as consumption taxes or sales taxes). The estate tax is an example of a wealth tax.
So even though a 2.5% rate looks attractive, the actual rate as a percentage of income will be higher.
Steve Forbes therefore probably will not be endorsing bin Laden.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
The Chemerinsky Affair
Erwin Chemerinsky is a fairly liberal law professor who was hired by UC Irvine to be dean of their new law school. Then one week later, he was suddenly dehired. Apparently, UC Irvine feared that Chemerinsky was too liberal.
Interestingly, the right side of the blogsphere is rallying to Chemerinsky's defense.
The whole thing strikes me as weird. The law school obviously knew about Chemerinsky's beliefs when they hired him. And he is a well known and well respected quantity.
In any event, for me and most conservatives/libertarians, the really issue with academia is not its left bent, but rather the lack of diversity of any kind AND the lack of respect for opposing views. By all accounts, Chemerinsky is someone who values opposing viewpoints and is respectful of those who disagree with him. Libertarian law professor Glenn Reynolds notes that Chemerinsky is a "nice, fair guy" while conservative radio pundit/blogger Hugh Hewitt considers Chemerinsky his friend.
It seems to me that if people are serious about restoring civility to the academy, Professor Chemerinsky is the kind of person you want as dean.
It would not surprise me if there was something more to this, and I suppose we will find out more over the next few weeks.
Interestingly, the right side of the blogsphere is rallying to Chemerinsky's defense.
The whole thing strikes me as weird. The law school obviously knew about Chemerinsky's beliefs when they hired him. And he is a well known and well respected quantity.
In any event, for me and most conservatives/libertarians, the really issue with academia is not its left bent, but rather the lack of diversity of any kind AND the lack of respect for opposing views. By all accounts, Chemerinsky is someone who values opposing viewpoints and is respectful of those who disagree with him. Libertarian law professor Glenn Reynolds notes that Chemerinsky is a "nice, fair guy" while conservative radio pundit/blogger Hugh Hewitt considers Chemerinsky his friend.
It seems to me that if people are serious about restoring civility to the academy, Professor Chemerinsky is the kind of person you want as dean.
It would not surprise me if there was something more to this, and I suppose we will find out more over the next few weeks.
More on Mother Teresa
It seems that Mother Teresa's spiritual doubts have struck a cord in the blogsphere. The Anchoress has a wonderful essay on the subject, along with a round up of others. Despite the silly statements in the press that the letters show Mother Teresa was an atheist, the letters instead show the opposite. “My God my God, why have you abandoned me” is not the cry of an atheist, but the cry of a pained believer. But what is forgotten, is that the psalmist went on to state that “For God has not spurned or disdained the misery of this poor wretch, Did not turn away from me, but heard me when I cried out.” The psalm ends with the psalmist stating that he will teach the next generation of God, so they can proclaim Him to the generations to come.
The book of Mother Teresa's letters must be selling very well. Amazon tells me that the book will not be shipped until sometime in October. And why not? I want to read about a saint's "long dark night" to give me courage when my much weaker faith falters.
The book of Mother Teresa's letters must be selling very well. Amazon tells me that the book will not be shipped until sometime in October. And why not? I want to read about a saint's "long dark night" to give me courage when my much weaker faith falters.
"Truthers" and the bin Laden tapes
Almost since the moment the planes hit, the "9/11 Truth Movement" has been active in trying to argue that either the US (or Israeli) governments plan the attacks or had foreknowledge of the attacks. The most obnoxious truthers are those who claim that the buildings were not brought down by hijacked airplanes but rather by missiles or explosives in the buildings.
Just on its face, the argument is ridiculous. Looking at how Iraq has been screwed up by the administration, the truthers suggest a level of competence that our government has not shown. Furthermore, bin Laden and al-Qaida has stated that they did the attacks. In the latest tape, bin Laden reads what he claims was the last testament of one of the hijackers. Granted one can argue that the tapes are fakes and given the strange issues of the beard and the "freezing" of video, I am maybe reconsidering my previous statement that bin Laden is alive, and open to him being dead.
Still, it is fairly certain that the tapes were produced by al-Qaida. Yet the truthers will soldier on.
Just on its face, the argument is ridiculous. Looking at how Iraq has been screwed up by the administration, the truthers suggest a level of competence that our government has not shown. Furthermore, bin Laden and al-Qaida has stated that they did the attacks. In the latest tape, bin Laden reads what he claims was the last testament of one of the hijackers. Granted one can argue that the tapes are fakes and given the strange issues of the beard and the "freezing" of video, I am maybe reconsidering my previous statement that bin Laden is alive, and open to him being dead.
Still, it is fairly certain that the tapes were produced by al-Qaida. Yet the truthers will soldier on.
Bin Laden's Newest Tape
Bin Laden has released another anniversary tape. More of the same. He rails on about martyrdom, and takes more shots against capitalism, globalization, democracy and the like. While he masquerades as a religious leader, at heart, bin Laden really is nothing more than the latest manifestation of collectivism. Fascism, Nazism, Bolshevism, Maoism, all called for an end to liberty and the replacement by a collectivist system that claims to have all the answers. And for those who disagree, camps and executions await.
Is bin Laden really preaching anything different than these past ideologies?
Is bin Laden really preaching anything different than these past ideologies?
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
My memory of September 11
Every September 11, we have a retrospective as people and the press remember where they were on that day. At the time, I was living in Brooklyn and working in Manhattan. That morning, I left the house a bit earlier than usual as it was the morning of the New York mayoral primary. My wife called my office after the first plane hit, thinking it was an accident. When the second plane hit, I realized it was no accident.
What I remember most about that day and the month that followed was the smell. The entire area smelt of burnt paper and soldering fire, reaching even into Brooklyn.
What I remember most about that day and the month that followed was the smell. The entire area smelt of burnt paper and soldering fire, reaching even into Brooklyn.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
A few thoughts on Zurich
To get to and from Lake Como, we passed trough Zurich. The main train station in Zurich really is the cross road of Europe. When sitting there, you see just about everyone and all kinds passing through.
These guys though were there in abundance on Saturday.
They are fans of Swiss soccer club Grasshoppers (of Zurich). Apparently, that Saturday was their last game in their old stadium. A new stadium build in connection with the Euro 2008 soccer championship is opening. The fans were in a good mood and heading off to the old stadium.
Later that night, we ran into a few Grasshopper fans on the train. They were carrying seats taken from the stadium and boxes. When they opened the boxes, I saw they had grass inside, apparently taken from the stadium. So somewhere in Zurich right now is a backyard with seats and turf from the old stadium.
These guys though were there in abundance on Saturday.
They are fans of Swiss soccer club Grasshoppers (of Zurich). Apparently, that Saturday was their last game in their old stadium. A new stadium build in connection with the Euro 2008 soccer championship is opening. The fans were in a good mood and heading off to the old stadium.
Later that night, we ran into a few Grasshopper fans on the train. They were carrying seats taken from the stadium and boxes. When they opened the boxes, I saw they had grass inside, apparently taken from the stadium. So somewhere in Zurich right now is a backyard with seats and turf from the old stadium.
The Bin Laden Tape
A month ago, I asked the question "Is bin Laden dead?" Apparently, in response to my blog, he has kindly delivered a new tape. The only new thing on the tape is that he seems to have been doused with a case of Just for Jihadists -- given the newly dark black hue of his beard.
I will leave it to others to analysis this tape -- frankly, bin Laden does not really worry me that much any more. He can cause some damage if he gets lucky, but he is too busy hiding in caves to really be a threat to out existence.
I will leave it to others to analysis this tape -- frankly, bin Laden does not really worry me that much any more. He can cause some damage if he gets lucky, but he is too busy hiding in caves to really be a threat to out existence.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
More Pictures from Italy
Bellagio is the tourist center of Lake Como. The lake itself is "Y" shaped and Bellagio is on the tip of the peninsula where the two legs branch off. The area has long been popular with English tourists, most of the English you hear in Bellagio has the old middle class English accent.
Bellagio, right off the ferry terminal.
A hotel in Bellagio
Bellagio, right off the ferry terminal.
A hotel in Bellagio
A street in Bellagio, looking down from the upper city toward the lake front.
My mother in law and me sharing some proseco.
A street in Bellagio
More to come.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
A few more vacation photos
Alex and Christian clearing customs at Zurich
Hungry yet?
More to come
Hungry yet?
A view of the historic center of Griante, Italy, where we were staying.
Cadenabbia-Griante, as the ferry pulls away.
Bellagio, the tourist center of Lake Como, as we approach on the ferry
More to come
Mother Teresa and the Struggles of Faith
A book of Mother Teresa's letters was published recently. I ordered the book today. It shows a woman struggling with faith, to reconcile her faith with the poverty she saw around her. She felt abandoned by God and a hypocrite.
Of course, some of the press is saying that this proves Mother Teresa was an atheist.
Yet, I find the fact that she struggled with faith reassuring and proof of her saintly virtue. The saints are held up as examples to us. If they were purely angelic creatures without faults or doubts, what kind of examples would they be to us? They are human, and as such they have vices, frailties and failings. Yet, they overcome those failings.
All Christians struggle with faith. Did not most of the Apostles run from Jesus? Did not Peter actively deny Him? Was not Paul originally an oppressor of Christians? Did not Dorthy Day have an abortion? Was not Saint Augustine a libertine?
I have at times questioned my faith. At times I even actively denied it. I still struggle. If Mother Teresa could struggle yet overcome those doubts, I realize I might also.
Of course, some of the press is saying that this proves Mother Teresa was an atheist.
Yet, I find the fact that she struggled with faith reassuring and proof of her saintly virtue. The saints are held up as examples to us. If they were purely angelic creatures without faults or doubts, what kind of examples would they be to us? They are human, and as such they have vices, frailties and failings. Yet, they overcome those failings.
All Christians struggle with faith. Did not most of the Apostles run from Jesus? Did not Peter actively deny Him? Was not Paul originally an oppressor of Christians? Did not Dorthy Day have an abortion? Was not Saint Augustine a libertine?
I have at times questioned my faith. At times I even actively denied it. I still struggle. If Mother Teresa could struggle yet overcome those doubts, I realize I might also.
Some more vacation pictures
My kids loved Italy as they were able to eat pasta every meal.
And drink juice mixed with sparkling mineral water (or tickle water as my son called it)
Everywhere you looked, it was beautiful.
And drink juice mixed with sparkling mineral water (or tickle water as my son called it)
Everywhere you looked, it was beautiful.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Call of the Entrepreneur
I went to see the Chicago Premier tonight of the Acton Institutes's film The Call of the Entrepreneur. The film looked at the utility of entrepreneurship to society in the guise of three people, a compost farmer in Michigan, a merchant banker in New York, and a media mogul in Hong Kong.
To often, people view the economy as a zero sum game. Yet, that is far from true. Levittown made the Levitts wealthy, but did it really pauperize anyone? It gave people like my grandfather jobs building the houses, and created new homes for people needing homes. Wealth was not transferred, it was created from basic materials with labor, risk and a desire of others to buy. No one was impoverished by building Levittown, rather people were enriched to varying degrees.
After the film, the producer had a question and answer session. When all that is said and done, what is the real difference between rich and poor societies. It is not race or religion but rule of law. In countries with rule of law, people are able to take risks. If there is not rule of law, if private property is not respected, society becomes impoverished.
Keeping with the beliefs of the Acton Institute, the film has a strong undercurrent that faith and economic liberty need not be in opposition, but rather entrepreneurship is really something from God.
I highly recommend the film.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Richard Dawkins is Following Me
Well, not literally, but for some reason, everywhere I turned in airports or on airplanes this vacation, someone was reading "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. I will admit, that given the general tenor of this blog, that book is not on my reading list. However, one person in the flight yeseterday was not only reading it, but giving her husband frequent updates on the thesis of the book.
One problem I find when speaking to nonbelievers is that they have a view of believers that is more Hollywood caricature than fact. They have n their mind an uneducated, small minded person who believes the world is flat. Then again, the same can probably be said of how believers view nonbelievers. Too often, believers have a caricatured view of immoral nonbelievers engaging in sex with animals in front of the neighbors' kids.
As with most everything else, the problem is communication.
One problem I find when speaking to nonbelievers is that they have a view of believers that is more Hollywood caricature than fact. They have n their mind an uneducated, small minded person who believes the world is flat. Then again, the same can probably be said of how believers view nonbelievers. Too often, believers have a caricatured view of immoral nonbelievers engaging in sex with animals in front of the neighbors' kids.
As with most everything else, the problem is communication.
Back from Vacation
I just returned from a vacation to the Lake Como region of Italy. An incredibly beautiful place. We stayed in the small town of Griante on the west side of the lake. The town has about 700 residents and 800 hotel rooms. Most of the tourists were Germans and British, I doubt I heard an American accent there.
An incredibly beautiful region where the mountains seem to sprout up from the shore of the lake. The lake had been surrounded by the villas of the wealthy,
An incredibly beautiful region where the mountains seem to sprout up from the shore of the lake. The lake had been surrounded by the villas of the wealthy,
plus hotels and houses for the rest of us.
The towns, such as Bellagio (the famous tourist center) hug the hills along the shore.
The easiest way around was by boat. The kids loved it, being able to eat pasta for every meal.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Incredible Smugness of Being . . . a Liberal
To think, Pat Schroeder once was considered a serious presidential candidate.
The funny thing is according to the survey she based her statements on, liberals read on average 9 books a year, conservatives 8 (and moderates 5). So basically, as president of the Publishers Association, she is trashing a large part of her association's customers.
This is further proof in my mind that a big part of the problem with political discourse in this country is incivility -- it seems as though pundits are more interested in making sarcastic points about their adversaries than really addressing issues. Liberals love to play the conservatives are dumb racist line while conservatives love to say that liberals are all baby aborting traitors.
Which is why "What's Your Problem" with New Republic's Peter Beinart & National Review's Jonah Goldberg is such a breath of fresh air. Two people, talking like adults, about the great issues of the day, rather than throwing insults back and forth. I think we need more of it.
The funny thing is according to the survey she based her statements on, liberals read on average 9 books a year, conservatives 8 (and moderates 5). So basically, as president of the Publishers Association, she is trashing a large part of her association's customers.
This is further proof in my mind that a big part of the problem with political discourse in this country is incivility -- it seems as though pundits are more interested in making sarcastic points about their adversaries than really addressing issues. Liberals love to play the conservatives are dumb racist line while conservatives love to say that liberals are all baby aborting traitors.
Which is why "What's Your Problem" with New Republic's Peter Beinart & National Review's Jonah Goldberg is such a breath of fresh air. Two people, talking like adults, about the great issues of the day, rather than throwing insults back and forth. I think we need more of it.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Do any lawyers go to heaven?
A few must have over the years. Saint Thomas Aquinas was sort of a lawyer. And Saint Thomas More was a lawyer, though he was canonized as a martyr (though is the official patron of politicians and an unofficial patron of common law attorneys).
Then there is Ivo of Kermartin (also known as Saint Ivo of Brittany, Saint Yves, or Saint Ives). An advocate and judge, his epitaph was said to have been:
Maybe God does work miracles occasionally.
Then there is Ivo of Kermartin (also known as Saint Ivo of Brittany, Saint Yves, or Saint Ives). An advocate and judge, his epitaph was said to have been:
It is also said that when St. Ivo of Brittany died, he was accompanied to heaven by some recently deceased nuns. When they reached the Pearly Gates, St. Peter told the nuns that they would have to wait in purgatory a little bit, as there were so many nuns in heaven, that the nun's house was full and they needed to build an extension. He then turned to St. Ivo and said that as he was the first lawyer to make it to heaven, he could come right in.St. Ivo was from Brittany
A lawyer but not a thief
Such a thing is beyond belief!
Maybe God does work miracles occasionally.
Pope Benedict to Address Tax Evasion and Tax Havens
It was reported today that the Pope's second encyclical letter will address tax evasion and tax havens. As a tax lawyer, I considered going into my group head and saying that I needed to be excused from work, but then thought better of it.
This is not a new requirement. The Catechism (of which Pope Benedict was an important contributor) lists tax evasion as a morally illicit business practice. US law recognizes the difference between tax evasion (which is illegally arranging your affairs to evade paying taxes) and legal tax avoidance (which is arranging your affairs so that you pay the minimum amount of tax due). Someone owning Microsoft stock purchased in 1982 is not required to sell it to pay tax -- the taxpayer is perfectly permitted to hold the stock, borrow against it, and use it in such a way that no tax is due.
It will be interesting to see what the letter says. I believe it probably must be read in the European and specifically the Italian milieu where money is transferred secretly offshore into haven jurisdictions.
This is not a new requirement. The Catechism (of which Pope Benedict was an important contributor) lists tax evasion as a morally illicit business practice. US law recognizes the difference between tax evasion (which is illegally arranging your affairs to evade paying taxes) and legal tax avoidance (which is arranging your affairs so that you pay the minimum amount of tax due). Someone owning Microsoft stock purchased in 1982 is not required to sell it to pay tax -- the taxpayer is perfectly permitted to hold the stock, borrow against it, and use it in such a way that no tax is due.
It will be interesting to see what the letter says. I believe it probably must be read in the European and specifically the Italian milieu where money is transferred secretly offshore into haven jurisdictions.
The Ames Straw Poll
As expected, Mitt Romney, who has spent something like $4 million dollars in Iowa, won the Ames Straw Poll with about 31% of the vote. With McCain and Giuliani sitting it out, the surprise second place finisher was Mike Huckabee. There is a two word reason for this surprise -- "Fair Tax." The Fair Tax folks come out in force for Huckabee and it paid off.
This has to be somewhat disappointing for Romney. Despite the money he has spent in Iowa, turnout was down. For Huckabee, it is a big deal, as he now finds himself as a serious candidate. But a Baptist preacher who is a bass player and who is supporting a libertarian economic program MIGHT be a good VP candidate if Giuliani wins the nomination.
Say what you want about Huckabee -- he is not you father's evangelical conservative Republican!
His slogan: Heterosexual sex, prescription drugs, and rock and roll!
This has to be somewhat disappointing for Romney. Despite the money he has spent in Iowa, turnout was down. For Huckabee, it is a big deal, as he now finds himself as a serious candidate. But a Baptist preacher who is a bass player and who is supporting a libertarian economic program MIGHT be a good VP candidate if Giuliani wins the nomination.
Say what you want about Huckabee -- he is not you father's evangelical conservative Republican!
His slogan: Heterosexual sex, prescription drugs, and rock and roll!
Padilla Guilty
Jose Padilla was found guilty on all counts. Not being either a criminal or national security lawyer, I will leave the legal analysis for others. But the Padilla case has been the one that has bothered me the most of all the habeus cases coming out of the War on Terror. Leaving aside the torture issue (which is a big aside) I am not that concerned that Guantanamo exists. Our military is capturing people on battlefields and they need to be placed somewhere. I do think there needs to be a better procedure to determine whether those people are POWs or illegal combatants, but I do not want the military in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere to be fighting a police action.
But the Padilla case was different. Here was a guy arrested by law enforcement inside the US (though, as he was at an airport, arguably legally outside the country). He was not captured on a distant battlefield holding a rifle or even in the process of engaging in a terrorist act. The fact it took the government three years to try him, and everything that happened in between is a travesty.
Don't get me wrong. From what I read about the evidence, I think he was guilty and I am glad he was found guilty. He was up to no good. My concern is that it took 3 1/2 years to bring to trial an American citizen captured in the ordinary course of activity by law enforcement inside the United States. He was not captured in some foreign land carrying a gun. In the past 3 1/2 years he has been held in solitary confinement and treated such that his mental capacity is now in question. By doing this, the government could have blown the case on Constitutional grounds. Some appeals court may still rule that way.
But the Padilla case was different. Here was a guy arrested by law enforcement inside the US (though, as he was at an airport, arguably legally outside the country). He was not captured on a distant battlefield holding a rifle or even in the process of engaging in a terrorist act. The fact it took the government three years to try him, and everything that happened in between is a travesty.
Don't get me wrong. From what I read about the evidence, I think he was guilty and I am glad he was found guilty. He was up to no good. My concern is that it took 3 1/2 years to bring to trial an American citizen captured in the ordinary course of activity by law enforcement inside the United States. He was not captured in some foreign land carrying a gun. In the past 3 1/2 years he has been held in solitary confinement and treated such that his mental capacity is now in question. By doing this, the government could have blown the case on Constitutional grounds. Some appeals court may still rule that way.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Primary Season
The primary season begins in five months. It is hard to believe but not so long ago, primaries did not mean all that much. In 1960, JFK won the nomination despite announcing only in January of 1960 and entering only a few primaries. Granted the primaries were vital, his win in West Virginia over Hubert Humphrey showed that a Catholic could win a heavily Protestant state. In 1968, Humphrey won the nomination despite not entering a single primary. Even had RFK not been assassinated, Humphrey still probably would have won the nomination (on the date RFK was killed, Humphrey actually had a lead in delegates).
Now the South Carolina Republicans are moving their primary up to January 19, so that it, and not Florida will be first in the south. That means that New Hampshire will have to move their primary up, which in turn means Iowa moves their caucus up. Does that mean Iowa gets pushed into December?
In any event, on the Democratic side, baring some sort of tidal wave, I believe that Hillary Clinton is the easy winner. The Republicans are still open. McCain seems to be dropping while Giuliani retains his improbable lead. Romney remains a factor and then there is the Fred Thompson factor -- if as expected he soon makes it official, he could shake things up.
The Ames Straw Poll is Saturday and McCain and Giuliani have dropped out. Romney has a big lead in the Iowa polls and both Giuliani and McCain are not making much effort in the state. With New Hampshire in Romney's back door (though Giuliani is polling well), the real battle will be in South Carolina and Florida. Giuliani needs to win in the south and that is where Giuliani is making his big effort.
Conventional wisdom is that Giuliani's brand of conservatism will not play in Dixie. Yet, Giuliani is leading in Florida with Fred Thompson his closest rival. But Florida is not really the south -- it has many areas that are practically suburbs of New York. But South Carolina, home of rock ribbed social conservatism becomes Giuliani's key. The polls there show a tight race between Giuliani, Thompson and McCain. If Giuliani can win both Florida and South Carolina, the GOP nomination is effectively his.
Now the South Carolina Republicans are moving their primary up to January 19, so that it, and not Florida will be first in the south. That means that New Hampshire will have to move their primary up, which in turn means Iowa moves their caucus up. Does that mean Iowa gets pushed into December?
In any event, on the Democratic side, baring some sort of tidal wave, I believe that Hillary Clinton is the easy winner. The Republicans are still open. McCain seems to be dropping while Giuliani retains his improbable lead. Romney remains a factor and then there is the Fred Thompson factor -- if as expected he soon makes it official, he could shake things up.
The Ames Straw Poll is Saturday and McCain and Giuliani have dropped out. Romney has a big lead in the Iowa polls and both Giuliani and McCain are not making much effort in the state. With New Hampshire in Romney's back door (though Giuliani is polling well), the real battle will be in South Carolina and Florida. Giuliani needs to win in the south and that is where Giuliani is making his big effort.
Conventional wisdom is that Giuliani's brand of conservatism will not play in Dixie. Yet, Giuliani is leading in Florida with Fred Thompson his closest rival. But Florida is not really the south -- it has many areas that are practically suburbs of New York. But South Carolina, home of rock ribbed social conservatism becomes Giuliani's key. The polls there show a tight race between Giuliani, Thompson and McCain. If Giuliani can win both Florida and South Carolina, the GOP nomination is effectively his.
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Will American Catholicism Ever Find its Singing Voice?
In a long post touching many subjects, The Anchoress notes a problem that all American Catholics have noticed. Namely, the poor quality of modern church music.
There are some very good hymns. Often they are seen as too old fashioned, but Catholicism and the feelings that the Mass and hymns conjure up SHOULD feel old fashioned.
One solution is for the English speaking church to look to the hymnal of the high church Anglo-Catholics. They have almost 600 years of expressing the majesty of God in the English language. I have been to high church Anglican weddings where the music was uplifting and expressed perfectly my feelings toward God and Christ. While it might seem slightly scandalous to use Protestant music in the Catholic Church, do not forget that the greatest of the early Anglican psalm composers, Thomas Tallis, was a practicing Catholic his entire life.
Worst Jesus Praise Song Ever. Really. That’s execrable. H/T Junkyard Blog. 95% of all “praise music” and 98% of all Catholic “hymns” written since 1972 are just shudder-inducing. Most of what is played at mass these days serves as useful penance and not much else.Partly, this is due to the "progressive" priests who tried to make the new Mass more "relevant. But some is I believe due to the movement to the vernacular after Vatican II. As much of the Catholic musical tradition was in Latin it seemed the right time not just to change languages, but also styles (this was also needed as pre-Vatican II, much of the music was meant to be LISTENED to, not sung). The result was a hymnal full of songs that were either unsingable or just plain silly. Not all of the new music was bad, but so much of it was. It lacked majesty and reverence.
There are some very good hymns. Often they are seen as too old fashioned, but Catholicism and the feelings that the Mass and hymns conjure up SHOULD feel old fashioned.
One solution is for the English speaking church to look to the hymnal of the high church Anglo-Catholics. They have almost 600 years of expressing the majesty of God in the English language. I have been to high church Anglican weddings where the music was uplifting and expressed perfectly my feelings toward God and Christ. While it might seem slightly scandalous to use Protestant music in the Catholic Church, do not forget that the greatest of the early Anglican psalm composers, Thomas Tallis, was a practicing Catholic his entire life.
Immigration Revisted
Since the death of the immigration bill, the fate of the 12 million illegal aliens is in limbo. There are press reports that the government is considering new measures to crack down on employers employing illegals, while other reports state that the many are looking to return home. Meanwhile, frustrated at the inability of the federal government to act, many municipalities are taking matters into their own hands. Most seem to be using local law enforcement to arrest illegals. New Haven, Connecticut, on the otter hand, is considering granting all illegals local identity cards. A New York City Council member is proposing a similar program.
The problem of illegal immigration will not go away overnight. You cannot deport 12 million people, yet it is clear that the country needs to come to grips with the problem. I supported the immigration reform bill that was introduced earlier this year, but now realize that the bill was a large part of the problem. So what to do?
The problem of illegal immigration will not go away overnight. You cannot deport 12 million people, yet it is clear that the country needs to come to grips with the problem. I supported the immigration reform bill that was introduced earlier this year, but now realize that the bill was a large part of the problem. So what to do?
- Recognize that a comprehensive bill is not necessary, incremental steps are fine.
- Do not try to be secretive, hold hearings and make the process as open as possible.
- Recognize that many people do not trust the government to enforce the bill when passed, so show enforcement now to get a bill later.
- Recognize that not everyone who opposed the bill is a racist member of the Klan. Most who opposed the bill had real concerns, maybe overly emotional concerns, but concerns that need to be addressed.
- Don't try and micromanage immigration.
- Recognize that you can build a fence 100 feet highs and surround the country with sharks with lasers on their heads, and people will still try and sneak in.
There will eventually be an amnesty. The best we can do is try and avoid the immigration meltdown of the last 20 years.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Isabel Paterson
I have become extremely interested of late in Isabel Paterson. Paterson is one of founders of modern American libertarianism. A prominent literary critic who used weekly book review column in the New York Herald Tribune "Books" supplement to take on the status quo, she was a contemporary of H.L. Mencken and Rose Wilder Lane, editor of humorist Will Cuppy, mentor to Ayn Rand and correspondent to Russell Kirk and William F. Buckley. She is unfortunately somewhat forgotten today. Unlike her contemporaries, she was not a joiner -- Rand had her Objectivist movement while Lane was active at the libertarian Freedom School. Paterson simply had her column. Hence, she did not leave behind a phalanx of disciples to popularize her work.
Besides being a critic she also was a writer herself. Her sole nonfiction book, "The God of the Machine" was in some ways the starting point for modern American libertarianism. Ayn Rand told Paterson that the book "does for capitalism what Das Kapital does for the Reds and what the Bible did for Christianity." Paterson also wrote historical novels where kings were the villains and merchants the heroes.
To Paterson, society was simply the transmitter of energy -- the energy of commerce and creativity. Many things, overburdening government, grasping nobles, a society based on status, central planning, Bolshevism, or fascism, were items that slowed down the transmission of energy. Paterson is of interest to me because she did not see liberty as being in opposition to faith. In fact, she felt quite the opposite -- that Christianity helped to set free the energies of Europe. While recognizing that Europe in the Middle Ages was a status bound society based on serfdom, she believed that Christian philosophy was one of the basis for freedom (Paterson was not a Christian herself, but is rather better considered a Deist).
Unfortunately, the only works of Paterson that seem to be in print are "The God of the Machine" and one of her later experimental novels. Her Tribune columns and her early novels are hard to find. In addition, there is an excellent biography of her, "The Woman and the Dynamo" by Steven Cox. Hopefully, a few of her earlier novels might come back into print.
Besides being a critic she also was a writer herself. Her sole nonfiction book, "The God of the Machine" was in some ways the starting point for modern American libertarianism. Ayn Rand told Paterson that the book "does for capitalism what Das Kapital does for the Reds and what the Bible did for Christianity." Paterson also wrote historical novels where kings were the villains and merchants the heroes.
To Paterson, society was simply the transmitter of energy -- the energy of commerce and creativity. Many things, overburdening government, grasping nobles, a society based on status, central planning, Bolshevism, or fascism, were items that slowed down the transmission of energy. Paterson is of interest to me because she did not see liberty as being in opposition to faith. In fact, she felt quite the opposite -- that Christianity helped to set free the energies of Europe. While recognizing that Europe in the Middle Ages was a status bound society based on serfdom, she believed that Christian philosophy was one of the basis for freedom (Paterson was not a Christian herself, but is rather better considered a Deist).
Unfortunately, the only works of Paterson that seem to be in print are "The God of the Machine" and one of her later experimental novels. Her Tribune columns and her early novels are hard to find. In addition, there is an excellent biography of her, "The Woman and the Dynamo" by Steven Cox. Hopefully, a few of her earlier novels might come back into print.
More on Obama and Pakistan
San from Shadow Warrior wonders about differing treatment between Obama and Clinton regarding Pakistan and Iraq.
I believe the problem with Pakistan is that no matter what we do (we being the US, the West and every non Pakistani) is that it will be the "wrong" answer. It seems at times the outrage industry is the main industry in that country. If I wanted to find a Pakistani flag, it would take some time. Yet, there are always American flags to burn there. And not just US flags -- when the Danish cartoon crisis hit, there were demonstrations burning Danish flags.
But I do not think Obama's comments help matters. My concern about Obama goes back to the 2004 Senate race when he was talking about "surgical strikes" -- there is no such thing. I do think he is a bit too naive for the presidency. Also, with respect to Pakistan, I do worry about the inflaming Islamist opinion. I do not think that Pakistan is about to turn Islamist -- in the last election, the Islamists did not do all that well. And it is a country that in the 1980s freely elected a woman to be Prime Minister.
So in short, I have no idea really what to do about Pakistan. But threatening to launch attacks there is probably not a good idea. However, Obama is not a pacifist and it is good to remember that.
I believe the problem with Pakistan is that no matter what we do (we being the US, the West and every non Pakistani) is that it will be the "wrong" answer. It seems at times the outrage industry is the main industry in that country. If I wanted to find a Pakistani flag, it would take some time. Yet, there are always American flags to burn there. And not just US flags -- when the Danish cartoon crisis hit, there were demonstrations burning Danish flags.
But I do not think Obama's comments help matters. My concern about Obama goes back to the 2004 Senate race when he was talking about "surgical strikes" -- there is no such thing. I do think he is a bit too naive for the presidency. Also, with respect to Pakistan, I do worry about the inflaming Islamist opinion. I do not think that Pakistan is about to turn Islamist -- in the last election, the Islamists did not do all that well. And it is a country that in the 1980s freely elected a woman to be Prime Minister.
So in short, I have no idea really what to do about Pakistan. But threatening to launch attacks there is probably not a good idea. However, Obama is not a pacifist and it is good to remember that.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Is Bin Laden Dead?
At the Democratic debates, it is usual to state that the invasion of Iraq is a distraction from getting Osama bin Laden. But considering that al Qeada and Islamic terrorism in general is bigger than just one man, isn't it a mistake in making bin Laden the be all and end all? By building him up, aren't we really injuring ourselves?
The terror question is bigger than bin Laden. If bin Laden was killed, it would not end terrorism.
But is bin Laden still alive? The latest al-Qeada video shows a picture of bin Laden that looks several years old. Others are shown on the videos discussing recent event,s but not bin Laden.
Bin Laden is either dead, or in such bad shape that he cannot be shown on video.
The terror question is bigger than bin Laden. If bin Laden was killed, it would not end terrorism.
But is bin Laden still alive? The latest al-Qeada video shows a picture of bin Laden that looks several years old. Others are shown on the videos discussing recent event,s but not bin Laden.
Bin Laden is either dead, or in such bad shape that he cannot be shown on video.
Obama and Pakistan
The blogsphere and the mainstream media has been abuzz by Senator Obama seeming to state that he would invade Pakistan. While that is not quite what he said, he did state that he would strike inside Pakistan without the approval of the Pakistani government if there was a high priority target.
This is not entirely new for Obama. He had in his 2004 Senate race discussed the possible need for "surgical strikes" against Iran to stop their nuclear program. This has set off the usual rioting in Pakistan complete with burning American flags.
This is not entirely new for Obama. He had in his 2004 Senate race discussed the possible need for "surgical strikes" against Iran to stop their nuclear program. This has set off the usual rioting in Pakistan complete with burning American flags.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Pope Benedict -- Unflappable
I did not realize this happened, but back in June, someone tried to jump onto the "Popemobile." The man was unarmed but the Pope did not even react or turn around. I guess dealing with the Curia prepares you for everything!
Ron Paul (Again) and Ronald Reagan
Ron Paul is trying hard to claim the mantle of Reagan.
You have got to admit, Paul supporters are both technologically savvy and committed.
EDITED TO NOTE -- in response to a commenter, I note that this video was made by a supporter of Ron Paul, not his campaign. Which I knew, but did not make clear. So it would be better to say that a supporter sees Paul grabbing the mantle of Reagan.
You have got to admit, Paul supporters are both technologically savvy and committed.
EDITED TO NOTE -- in response to a commenter, I note that this video was made by a supporter of Ron Paul, not his campaign. Which I knew, but did not make clear. So it would be better to say that a supporter sees Paul grabbing the mantle of Reagan.
Creation
So if you accept evolution, but not Intelligent Design, how do you reconcile that with faith?
Faith is something you accept without needing proof. To someone completely materialistic, that of course is a fallacy. Yet, I accept faith. I accept it because I accept creation. I look at the universe, and simply accept that it is, that I am, and that God created all of it. I do not dwell on why it was created, only that it is.
In his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II talked about "the joy of creation" as a good in and of itself. It is good that the universe exists. It is good that I exist. Existence itself is reason to exist.
But the why and how of creation are secondary to the salvation and redemption. For as Pope John Paul II wrote, the joy of creation itself leads to the joy of salvation, and thence to the joy of redemption.
So I simply accept and embrace my existance, with the belief that somehow, someway, God created it all.
Faith is something you accept without needing proof. To someone completely materialistic, that of course is a fallacy. Yet, I accept faith. I accept it because I accept creation. I look at the universe, and simply accept that it is, that I am, and that God created all of it. I do not dwell on why it was created, only that it is.
In his book, Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II talked about "the joy of creation" as a good in and of itself. It is good that the universe exists. It is good that I exist. Existence itself is reason to exist.
But the why and how of creation are secondary to the salvation and redemption. For as Pope John Paul II wrote, the joy of creation itself leads to the joy of salvation, and thence to the joy of redemption.
So I simply accept and embrace my existance, with the belief that somehow, someway, God created it all.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Faith and Science
A few weeks ago, I was in a car with some friends of a friend and somehow the issue of evolution came up. One of the people in the car was an agnostic and found it strange that I, as a professing Catholic, noted that I had no problem with the concept of evolution. As I put it, I believe in evolution, but really believe in the Creed.
I believe that as Catholics, we must be careful in finding the way to accept both faith and reason. The Catechism instructs us that science does not override morality, and it cannot conflict with our faith.
So going back to evolution, my non-Catholic friends, and many of my Catholic ones for that matter, are surprised when they learn that the Church has never taken a stand against evolution. And while the Pope unfortunately got himself briefly enmeshed into the "Intelligent Design" controversy about a year ago (mostly I think because he did not really understand how that term has become very loaded in the United States), the Church has tried to stay clear of the controversy.
The story of faith, the message of Christ is that of salvation. It is a message that each of us, no matter how humble, have worth before God. By arguing how long God contemplated the blueprints for the earthworm, we reduce God's message and we turn our back on what was truly important. By turning the Bible into a science book, we in effect reduce God and probably commit the fallacy of Deism.
I believe that as Catholics, we must be careful in finding the way to accept both faith and reason. The Catechism instructs us that science does not override morality, and it cannot conflict with our faith.
So going back to evolution, my non-Catholic friends, and many of my Catholic ones for that matter, are surprised when they learn that the Church has never taken a stand against evolution. And while the Pope unfortunately got himself briefly enmeshed into the "Intelligent Design" controversy about a year ago (mostly I think because he did not really understand how that term has become very loaded in the United States), the Church has tried to stay clear of the controversy.
The story of faith, the message of Christ is that of salvation. It is a message that each of us, no matter how humble, have worth before God. By arguing how long God contemplated the blueprints for the earthworm, we reduce God's message and we turn our back on what was truly important. By turning the Bible into a science book, we in effect reduce God and probably commit the fallacy of Deism.
The Republican YouTube Debate
The Florida GOP has decided to get into the act and is sponsoring a "YouTube" debate. However, unlike the Democrats, the leading GOP candidates seem like they may pass. Big mistake. Like most on the right, I do think the media is biased, though I think the bias is more toward a collectivist/aristocratic bend rather than a true liberal bias. Thanks to technology, we are able to break the big media monopoly on information -- the web, podcasts, blogs open up new lines of unfiltered thought.
The YouTube debates are merely one manifestation of this new technology.
GOP -- listen to Ann Althouse -- don't wuss out!
The YouTube debates are merely one manifestation of this new technology.
GOP -- listen to Ann Althouse -- don't wuss out!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Little Christian's Liturgical Dance
I admit that I have not been as diligent as I should be in getting my children to Mass. Usually, I bring my older son with me, but bribe him by saying IF he is a good boy, he gets a cookie after Mass.
This morning, Alex was not interested in Mass, so instead I brought Christian. He just turned two, so he has not been to Mass as much as he should. We spent most of Mass in the side chapel and in back, as Christian ran back and forth, pointing at the old statues of saints.
The only thing that stopped him was the music. Every time the organ began, he would turn to me and say "sing again!" and sometimes join in. At the end of Mass, he decided that the recessional deserved a liturgical dance, which consisted of him putting his arms in the air and circling me quickly. He was so pleased with his dance, that he applauded himself loudly when it was over.
In college, I can remember more "progressive" pastors trying to introduce truly dreadful liturgical dances into the Mass. Thankfully, they seem to have gone away. I wonder what Pope Benedict would think of Christian's attempt to reintroduce it?
This morning, Alex was not interested in Mass, so instead I brought Christian. He just turned two, so he has not been to Mass as much as he should. We spent most of Mass in the side chapel and in back, as Christian ran back and forth, pointing at the old statues of saints.
The only thing that stopped him was the music. Every time the organ began, he would turn to me and say "sing again!" and sometimes join in. At the end of Mass, he decided that the recessional deserved a liturgical dance, which consisted of him putting his arms in the air and circling me quickly. He was so pleased with his dance, that he applauded himself loudly when it was over.
In college, I can remember more "progressive" pastors trying to introduce truly dreadful liturgical dances into the Mass. Thankfully, they seem to have gone away. I wonder what Pope Benedict would think of Christian's attempt to reintroduce it?
Summer Wine
I love wine, maybe it is genetic (my grandfather used to make his own in his cellar in Brooklyn). I am not a wine snob (or at least think I am not). I do not have the pallet and I just like to drink what I like to drink.
I have been reading a lot lately about rosés of late as a nice summer wine. So while I was never a fan, I decided today to try one. It was light French rosé, Domaine de Niazas from the Languedoc. A bit sweeter than I like in a wine, but fruity. Chilled it makes a nice summer drink.
I have been reading a lot lately about rosés of late as a nice summer wine. So while I was never a fan, I decided today to try one. It was light French rosé, Domaine de Niazas from the Languedoc. A bit sweeter than I like in a wine, but fruity. Chilled it makes a nice summer drink.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Going to the Moon (and Mars)
It has been 38 years since Apollo 11 touched down on the Moon. Since then , humans returned 4 times and aborted a fifth landing. And then . . . humans have hung around low Earth orbit. In essence, we turned our back on that technology for something different right away. It was as if after Columbus returned, the Spanish stopped building ocean crossing vessels and concentrated on building really high tech galleys for use in cross Mediterranean trade. Finally, after all this time, NASA with the Orion spacecraft is finally building a craft capable of returning to the Moon or going to Mars.
Now maybe, interest in space flight is not libertarian -- after all, so far, most space utilization has been by governments. And there is truth to that -- I recognize the fact that for now at least, governments will take the lead. Yet it does not always have to be this way. The X Prize for one is showing that private initiative can jump start the space program. Further, there will come a time, soon I believe, when the technology will catch up with the cost. We can imagine a time when mining operations on the Moon or an asteroid suddenly become worth while. If Mars becomes an option on can imagine people setting out to terraform the planet, and building new societies.
It is said that much science fiction is libertarian. I believe that to have some truth. It may be too difficult to build a libertarian (or socialist, or theocratic) paradise on Earth. There are too many preconceived notions , structures and institutions. So if the Earth is unavailable, why not Mars?
Now maybe, interest in space flight is not libertarian -- after all, so far, most space utilization has been by governments. And there is truth to that -- I recognize the fact that for now at least, governments will take the lead. Yet it does not always have to be this way. The X Prize for one is showing that private initiative can jump start the space program. Further, there will come a time, soon I believe, when the technology will catch up with the cost. We can imagine a time when mining operations on the Moon or an asteroid suddenly become worth while. If Mars becomes an option on can imagine people setting out to terraform the planet, and building new societies.
It is said that much science fiction is libertarian. I believe that to have some truth. It may be too difficult to build a libertarian (or socialist, or theocratic) paradise on Earth. There are too many preconceived notions , structures and institutions. So if the Earth is unavailable, why not Mars?
Another quote I really like
"I am now a fundamentalist American; give me time and I will tell you why individualism, laissez faire and the slightly restrained anarchy of capitalism offer the best opportunities for the development of the human spirit. Also I will tell you why the relative freedom of human spirit is better -- and more productive, even in material ways -- than the communist, Fascist, or any other rigidity organized for material ends." -- Rose Wilder Lane.
Rose Wilder Lane was the daughter of the Laura Ingalls Wilder of "Little House" fame (and if you believe some people, the real author of the "Little House" books). Her belief in freedom was forged in her hardscrabble childhood, and reinforced by what she saw of the Soviet Union as a journalist, and by the rise of fascism.
Rose Wilder Lane was the daughter of the Laura Ingalls Wilder of "Little House" fame (and if you believe some people, the real author of the "Little House" books). Her belief in freedom was forged in her hardscrabble childhood, and reinforced by what she saw of the Soviet Union as a journalist, and by the rise of fascism.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Jet Blue and the Yearly Kos
The Daily Kos is a blog run by Markos Moulitsas Zúniga. It has become the premier site for the left wing side of the blogsphere. This site (and others like it) has been successful in influencing the Democratic Party to push leftward the last few years. Kos will be having its second annual convention in August.
Unlike the usual Internet gathering, which consists of some posters and readers showing up in a bar to drink beer, Yearly Kos will the held at Chicago's McCormack Center. The three day conference features an impressive schedule of seminars, working groups and general sessions. Speakers include Donna Brazile, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, Senator Dick Durbin, and you have to believe some of the Democratic candidates will make an appearance. It will be a major gathering for the Internet left, possibly rivaling CPAC's annual meeting in importance to American politics. Not bad for a site only 5 years old.
Almost as impressive is the number of sponsors lined up for the conference.
So what is the problem?
Kos won a real coup by lining up an official airline, JetBlue. Then JetBlue pulled out. Why? Because Bill O'Reilly and a host of conservative bloggers started to raise a fuss. Roger Simon has a good run down here and a defense of JetBlue here. I really cannot add much to Simon's statements. This is bad for the blogsphere as a whole, bad for the conservative and libertarian blogsphere, and bad for public discourse.
It is bad for the blogsphere as a whole because now it will cause mainstream companies to be wary of "investing" in the blogsphere. The idea of the blogsphere is to help break the stranglehold the mainstream media has on the intellectual marketplace. Companies must be able to see the blogsphere as an inexpensive and cost effective alternative to network television as a way to reach their customer base. Companies will be reluctant to invest in this new medium if every time they do, they are threatened with boycotts.
It is bad for the right side of the blogsphere as for one it looks vindictive and two anything that hurts the blogsphere as a whole, is going to hurt the right side too.
Finally, Glenn Reynolds thinks this whole thing may be Fox's payback for the "netroots," lead by Daily Kos, forcing the Nevada Democrats to cancel a debate on Fox News Channel. I think there may be something to that.
I am a minor blogger in this great and wonderful blogsphere. So while unimportant, I have no vested interest in the snipping and infighting that have marked the blogsphere since its beginning.
So how about this for a proposal -- a truce. The left got one, the right got one. Let's call it even. From now one, let's try and be civil. The Daily Kos is not the website of the anti-Christ. Let's try to win with ideas, not with overheated rhetoric.
Let's make civility the word of the day, week, month, year and decade.
Unlike the usual Internet gathering, which consists of some posters and readers showing up in a bar to drink beer, Yearly Kos will the held at Chicago's McCormack Center. The three day conference features an impressive schedule of seminars, working groups and general sessions. Speakers include Donna Brazile, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, Senator Dick Durbin, and you have to believe some of the Democratic candidates will make an appearance. It will be a major gathering for the Internet left, possibly rivaling CPAC's annual meeting in importance to American politics. Not bad for a site only 5 years old.
Almost as impressive is the number of sponsors lined up for the conference.
So what is the problem?
Kos won a real coup by lining up an official airline, JetBlue. Then JetBlue pulled out. Why? Because Bill O'Reilly and a host of conservative bloggers started to raise a fuss. Roger Simon has a good run down here and a defense of JetBlue here. I really cannot add much to Simon's statements. This is bad for the blogsphere as a whole, bad for the conservative and libertarian blogsphere, and bad for public discourse.
It is bad for the blogsphere as a whole because now it will cause mainstream companies to be wary of "investing" in the blogsphere. The idea of the blogsphere is to help break the stranglehold the mainstream media has on the intellectual marketplace. Companies must be able to see the blogsphere as an inexpensive and cost effective alternative to network television as a way to reach their customer base. Companies will be reluctant to invest in this new medium if every time they do, they are threatened with boycotts.
It is bad for the right side of the blogsphere as for one it looks vindictive and two anything that hurts the blogsphere as a whole, is going to hurt the right side too.
Finally, Glenn Reynolds thinks this whole thing may be Fox's payback for the "netroots," lead by Daily Kos, forcing the Nevada Democrats to cancel a debate on Fox News Channel. I think there may be something to that.
I am a minor blogger in this great and wonderful blogsphere. So while unimportant, I have no vested interest in the snipping and infighting that have marked the blogsphere since its beginning.
So how about this for a proposal -- a truce. The left got one, the right got one. Let's call it even. From now one, let's try and be civil. The Daily Kos is not the website of the anti-Christ. Let's try to win with ideas, not with overheated rhetoric.
Let's make civility the word of the day, week, month, year and decade.
The You Tube Debate
I was stuck late at work tonight, so I did not watch the You Tube debate. Instead, I periodically checked Ann Althouse to see her thoughts.
While some may argue it was a silly and pointless exercise, this is further proof in my mind that technology is changing the way the country is governed. All of those complaining about the main stream media as being biased toward the left are fighting the last war. Thanks to the Internet, it is easy for anyone to create a platform to spread their ideas. Howard Dean was I believe just a precursor. Ron Paul is creating an Internet based campaign. Fred Thompson has created much buzz through smart use of the Internet.
This You Tube debate is just the beginning.
Now for a question the candidates did not answer:
While some may argue it was a silly and pointless exercise, this is further proof in my mind that technology is changing the way the country is governed. All of those complaining about the main stream media as being biased toward the left are fighting the last war. Thanks to the Internet, it is easy for anyone to create a platform to spread their ideas. Howard Dean was I believe just a precursor. Ron Paul is creating an Internet based campaign. Fred Thompson has created much buzz through smart use of the Internet.
This You Tube debate is just the beginning.
Now for a question the candidates did not answer:
Saturday, July 21, 2007
And some people want them to run healthcare
Today, we received a letter marked "Return to Sender". That is not that strange. Sometimes people move or we put down a wrong address or forget something like a unit number.
But notice what is strange about this letter:
Can't guess? The postmark is dated December 23, 1990. The return address is correct, but obviously someone who owned the house long before we did. Which begs the question, has this letter been siting around a post office somewhere while postal officials tried to determine where this person lived?
Lysander Spooner, where are you?
Friday, July 20, 2007
Fred Thompson and Reruns
If Fred Thompson runs for president, the producer of Law & Order is pulling Thompson's reruns starting September 1, in order to comply with "equal time" requirements for candidates.
Interestingly, the same thing happened to Reagan. While Reagan made some bad B movies, he made some good ones such as "Kings Row" (where a sadistic doctor cuts off his legs), "Knute Rockne" (go win one for the Gipper), "The Winning Team" (where he played an alcoholic Grover Cleveland Alexander) and "The Killers" (where he played a crime boss -- his only villain role). He also co-starred in a few movies with some big names such as Errol Flynn (in "Santa Fe trail").
Thompson's reruns and movies though would be a bigger help to him. He always plays authoritative, intelligent characters. Given the malaise of the GOP base, he could find himself, mostly by accident, as the nominee.
Interestingly, the same thing happened to Reagan. While Reagan made some bad B movies, he made some good ones such as "Kings Row" (where a sadistic doctor cuts off his legs), "Knute Rockne" (go win one for the Gipper), "The Winning Team" (where he played an alcoholic Grover Cleveland Alexander) and "The Killers" (where he played a crime boss -- his only villain role). He also co-starred in a few movies with some big names such as Errol Flynn (in "Santa Fe trail").
Thompson's reruns and movies though would be a bigger help to him. He always plays authoritative, intelligent characters. Given the malaise of the GOP base, he could find himself, mostly by accident, as the nominee.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Is Catholcism opposed to Libertarianism?
Robert George, who I knew well in my Washington days, has an interesting blog called "Ragged Thots". I check it every night. One of comments asks if Catholics can truly be libertarians.
I agree that it is difficult on its face. Catholicism requires that you believe in the Pope's authority and the Magisterium of the Church. And the social doctrine of the Church can be described as "Christian socialist." Libertarianism has as its base the belief that all humans themselves are sovereign and today at least if anti-socialist (I say today, because many protolibertarians, such as Lysander Spooner, also influenced socialism).
In addition, libertarianism grew out of classical liberalism, which was strongly anti-clerical. The Church returned the favor, rejecting "liberalism".
But Catholicism, does at its base believe that human beings are free. Paragraph 1731 of the Catechism says that:
Ultimately, the decision to do good therefore must be with the individual. If virtue is enforced, can someone truly be virtuous? These are issues I hope to further explore.
I agree that it is difficult on its face. Catholicism requires that you believe in the Pope's authority and the Magisterium of the Church. And the social doctrine of the Church can be described as "Christian socialist." Libertarianism has as its base the belief that all humans themselves are sovereign and today at least if anti-socialist (I say today, because many protolibertarians, such as Lysander Spooner, also influenced socialism).
In addition, libertarianism grew out of classical liberalism, which was strongly anti-clerical. The Church returned the favor, rejecting "liberalism".
But Catholicism, does at its base believe that human beings are free. Paragraph 1731 of the Catechism says that:
Freedom is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate actions on one's own responsibility. By free will one shapes one's own life. Human freedom is a force for growth and maturity in truth and goodness; it attains its perfection when directed toward God, our beatitude.
Ultimately, the decision to do good therefore must be with the individual. If virtue is enforced, can someone truly be virtuous? These are issues I hope to further explore.
Monday, July 16, 2007
50 Years
I am Brooklyn born (though Long Island raised) and my parents were big Dodgers fans. I am not sure my father ever totally recovered from the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn, though as far as he was concerned, the Mets (not those imposters in LA) were the real Dodgers.
With all the nostalgia regarding the Brooklyn Dodgers, it is interesting that (i) the Mets have played more games in Shea than the Dodgers played at Ebbets and (ii) there does not seem to be any nostalgia for the NY Giants, who left the same time as the Dodgers.
With all the nostalgia regarding the Brooklyn Dodgers, it is interesting that (i) the Mets have played more games in Shea than the Dodgers played at Ebbets and (ii) there does not seem to be any nostalgia for the NY Giants, who left the same time as the Dodgers.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
"Conservative Libertarianism"
When asked to describe my politics, I say I am a "conservative libertarian." So what does that mean? My usual explanation is that while I think marijuana should be legal, I do not think you should enjoy smoking it.
Generally, I consider myself a "fusionist." I share many of the concerns of traditional conservatives. I worry that civil society is failing and that traditional values are under attack.
Where I differ from traditional conservatives is in the cause and solution. Traditional conservatives, especially in the Bush years, have begun to believe that the way to protect traditional values is through government action. I, however, believe that much of the reason for the decline in values is government intervention itself. When the government promises much, people can walk away from their individual responsibilities. And the more government promises, the more government tries to socially engineer results. And as government usually lacks flexibility, as programs become centralized in Washington, we see one size fits all solutions.
Hence, I believe that the best way is to generally let people find their own way. Government should be limited and any government action (such as what we probably will see on health care in the next administration) should provide the maximum flexibility and choices to individuals. To stick with the health care example, we should see a system that retains most of the elements of the current system, but is tailored to provide choices to those earning too much for Medicaid but not receiving employer health insurance. Single payor, under which every person in America is insured by a federal government program, would be a disaster.
(Of course, if I were a pure libertarian I would say government should have no role in health care, but if the democratic process wants it, at least I can try and push for what I believe is the best system).
Generally, I consider myself a "fusionist." I share many of the concerns of traditional conservatives. I worry that civil society is failing and that traditional values are under attack.
Where I differ from traditional conservatives is in the cause and solution. Traditional conservatives, especially in the Bush years, have begun to believe that the way to protect traditional values is through government action. I, however, believe that much of the reason for the decline in values is government intervention itself. When the government promises much, people can walk away from their individual responsibilities. And the more government promises, the more government tries to socially engineer results. And as government usually lacks flexibility, as programs become centralized in Washington, we see one size fits all solutions.
Hence, I believe that the best way is to generally let people find their own way. Government should be limited and any government action (such as what we probably will see on health care in the next administration) should provide the maximum flexibility and choices to individuals. To stick with the health care example, we should see a system that retains most of the elements of the current system, but is tailored to provide choices to those earning too much for Medicaid but not receiving employer health insurance. Single payor, under which every person in America is insured by a federal government program, would be a disaster.
(Of course, if I were a pure libertarian I would say government should have no role in health care, but if the democratic process wants it, at least I can try and push for what I believe is the best system).
Jim Gilmore
Jim Gilmore has dropped out of the race for president.
Don't feel so bad, he was my governor and attorney general and I voted for him in 1997, and I still needed to look up who he was.
Then it came back to me. He was a decent conservative Republican, more conservative than the GOP as a whole (as is most of Virginia) but without the hint of Confederate nostalgia that you get from fellow Virginian George Allen. When Allen and Santorum lost their Senate races, there seemed to be an opening for a social conservative in the Republican presidential race. Gilmore and Brownback would seem to have the field to themselves, yet neither has developed any momentum or following. Romney has become by default the social conservative candidate, though he is a strange choice.
Perhaps social conservatives are too demoralized or maybe Republicans want to win. Maybe they are waiting for Fred Thompson (who is also a strange choice for a social conservative champion). In any case, the McCain is losing steam, Thompson is sort or in sort of out, and Giuliani seems a strange choice for the GOP. That leaves a big opening for Romney, but it is a long way to next summer's convention.
Don't feel so bad, he was my governor and attorney general and I voted for him in 1997, and I still needed to look up who he was.
Then it came back to me. He was a decent conservative Republican, more conservative than the GOP as a whole (as is most of Virginia) but without the hint of Confederate nostalgia that you get from fellow Virginian George Allen. When Allen and Santorum lost their Senate races, there seemed to be an opening for a social conservative in the Republican presidential race. Gilmore and Brownback would seem to have the field to themselves, yet neither has developed any momentum or following. Romney has become by default the social conservative candidate, though he is a strange choice.
Perhaps social conservatives are too demoralized or maybe Republicans want to win. Maybe they are waiting for Fred Thompson (who is also a strange choice for a social conservative champion). In any case, the McCain is losing steam, Thompson is sort or in sort of out, and Giuliani seems a strange choice for the GOP. That leaves a big opening for Romney, but it is a long way to next summer's convention.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Iraq Questions
History shows the American people have enough patience for about 2 years of war then start asking questions. I'd point out that (i) the Democrats lost big in 1918 even though the election was one week before Armistice Day, when the German lines were completely broken and (ii) one year after Pearl Harbor, despite the constant barrage of propaganda, the Republicans came close to winning control of Congress. It has been 4 1/2 years since the invasion of Iraq and almost 6 since 9/11 and only now in either country is there an attempt being made to win. the questioning and the anger, even from those who had been Bush supporters is understandable.
A replacement Iraqi Army and police force should have been started pre invasion. At least a cadre should have been formed from the Kurdish and other opposition groups. It is telling that the best units in the post invasion army and police seem to be Kurdish units that came from the pre-invasion Kurdish forces. The oil law should have been passed three years ago, back when it still was the CPA.
Now we hear that despite the fact that the country is going to hell and has only 8 weeks to meet certain benchmarks, the Iraqi parliament is taking the month of August off.
Iraq has only a barely functioning government and army. So long as we remain, the people running the country have no incentive to clean up their act. I am not saying pull out 100% now. But the Iraqi government needs a timetable. Right now, there is no incentive to make the necessary decisions and take the necessary actions as their streets are patrolled by 19 year old American kids.
The Iraqi government is like a 28 year old slacker kid who lives in his parent’s basement and is still "working" on his masters degree (though as far as you can tell, all he does all day is hang out with his slacker friends and maybe goes to the library once a week or so). I want Iraq to have a stable and democratic government. But ultimately, that has to be their doing. Starting September, there needs to be a timetable in place. Aid must be tied to real improvement. And the Kurds need to be given more time.
A replacement Iraqi Army and police force should have been started pre invasion. At least a cadre should have been formed from the Kurdish and other opposition groups. It is telling that the best units in the post invasion army and police seem to be Kurdish units that came from the pre-invasion Kurdish forces. The oil law should have been passed three years ago, back when it still was the CPA.
Now we hear that despite the fact that the country is going to hell and has only 8 weeks to meet certain benchmarks, the Iraqi parliament is taking the month of August off.
Iraq has only a barely functioning government and army. So long as we remain, the people running the country have no incentive to clean up their act. I am not saying pull out 100% now. But the Iraqi government needs a timetable. Right now, there is no incentive to make the necessary decisions and take the necessary actions as their streets are patrolled by 19 year old American kids.
The Iraqi government is like a 28 year old slacker kid who lives in his parent’s basement and is still "working" on his masters degree (though as far as you can tell, all he does all day is hang out with his slacker friends and maybe goes to the library once a week or so). I want Iraq to have a stable and democratic government. But ultimately, that has to be their doing. Starting September, there needs to be a timetable in place. Aid must be tied to real improvement. And the Kurds need to be given more time.
A quote I really like
"If there were just one gift you could choose, but nothing barred, what would it be? We wish you then your own wish; you name it. Ours is liberty, now and forever." -- Isabel Paterson.
Ron Paul supporters love me!
I have been writing this blog for almost a month. In that time, I received 2 comments from a person I know on a soccer board wishing me luck, and one piece of spam. I then had a post about Ron Paul (and some of his extreme supporters) and I received two quick comments, one of which was a slightly nasty rant against me. Considering the obscurity of this blog, I have no idea how they found me. I assume that Ron Paul supporters are spending lots of time on technorati.com and checking out every entry tagging "Ron Paul" (it is one of the more popular searches on that site apparently).
So Mr. Anonymous:
I stand my my statement that at times libertarianism shades off into crazy land.
As for the Fed, I am aware of its history and the reason for its founding. There had been a push to a central bank and a sounder currency since the Second Bank of the United States lost its charter in the 1830s. We had the national bank system founded in the 1860s. But after the Panic of 1908, there was a real push for a new central bank. There was a minor panic in 1910, so that further incentivized people for a new bank.
That is a gross over simplification, I know. But good enough for this general discussion. Now I need to go look for black helicopters
As for Dr. Paul, I agree with most of what he has to say, but he does say some wacky things at times and does have some "interesting" supporters.
Long live freedom!
So Mr. Anonymous:
I stand my my statement that at times libertarianism shades off into crazy land.
As for the Fed, I am aware of its history and the reason for its founding. There had been a push to a central bank and a sounder currency since the Second Bank of the United States lost its charter in the 1830s. We had the national bank system founded in the 1860s. But after the Panic of 1908, there was a real push for a new central bank. There was a minor panic in 1910, so that further incentivized people for a new bank.
That is a gross over simplification, I know. But good enough for this general discussion. Now I need to go look for black helicopters
As for Dr. Paul, I agree with most of what he has to say, but he does say some wacky things at times and does have some "interesting" supporters.
Long live freedom!
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Nuclear Free Europe?
Without fanfare, the US military has reduced its European based nuclear stockpile to about 300 warheads down from about 7000. Maybe it is time to remove the remaining ones. Most of the remaining US warheads are not for US use, but actually there pursuant to agreements with NATO countries for their use in time of war (the stockpile at Ramstein, which has been removed, was there for use by the Germans). After WWII, besides France and Britain, other NATO countries were working on nuclear weapons and this was a way to keep them from developing the weapons.
Britain developed their program as a way of holding onto superpower status. France developed their out of concerns that the US would tire of its NATO security obligations and leave Europe -- they wanted a force that could if not destroy the USSR, make it too expensive for the Soviets to attack. In a remark attributed to De Gaulle:
So the question becomes, why not remove the rest. An empty gesture maybe? Yes, but the weapons were there to protect Western Europe from the Soviet Union. Today, that enemy no longer exists and much of what was the Warsaw Pact is not part of NATO.
In any event, Europe will not truly be "nuclear free". France and Britain will continue to maintain nuclear forces, and though one could imagine Britain giving up theirs, I would find it hard to imagine France doing the same. But considering the changes in Europe since 1990, maybe this could be a coda or exclamation point noting that the times have changed.
Britain developed their program as a way of holding onto superpower status. France developed their out of concerns that the US would tire of its NATO security obligations and leave Europe -- they wanted a force that could if not destroy the USSR, make it too expensive for the Soviets to attack. In a remark attributed to De Gaulle:
Within ten years, we shall have the means to kill 80 million Russians. I truly believe that one does not light-heartedly attack people who are able to kill 80 million Russians, even if one can kill 800 million French, that is if there were 800 million French
So the question becomes, why not remove the rest. An empty gesture maybe? Yes, but the weapons were there to protect Western Europe from the Soviet Union. Today, that enemy no longer exists and much of what was the Warsaw Pact is not part of NATO.
In any event, Europe will not truly be "nuclear free". France and Britain will continue to maintain nuclear forces, and though one could imagine Britain giving up theirs, I would find it hard to imagine France doing the same. But considering the changes in Europe since 1990, maybe this could be a coda or exclamation point noting that the times have changed.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
What next in Iraq?
So what should be next in Iraq? For one, the government needs to be given deadlines in order to get their act together. Iraq needs a better army and a better police force. And all the US support will mean nothing unless the government starts trying. The deadlines should be tied to both reduction of US troops and receipt of US aid – no use throwing good money after bad. Further, some US troops should be left behind in the Kurdish areas both to protect the Kurds and to give Turkey some comfort.
If nothing else, the Iraq war can at last right one very big historic wrong to the Kurdish peoples.
If nothing else, the Iraq war can at last right one very big historic wrong to the Kurdish peoples.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Iraq Now
Obviously, Iraq has been and will continue to be the big issue for the remainder of the Bush presidency. I supported the invasion (for what my support is worth). I also think the Bush Administration has completely mishandled everything from the day US troops entered Baghdad. Why is it that 4 years after the invasion Iraq still has a barely functioning government and hardly an army? Why is it that it took this long to pass the oil law? President Bush during the 2004 debate stated that "as Iraqis step up we step down" so why 3 years later are more US troops being sent in?
Why has it taken so long to change tactics?
Some say Hussein was not a threat to the US, but considering the importance of oil to the world economy, he was. I also feel that Bush was essentially saying the same thing the Clinton Administration was saying about Hussein and about his supposed WMD program.
But the WMD program was not really the reason I supported the invasion. One reason was that bin Laden was driven crazy by the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia. These troops were there to protect the Saudi oil fields from Iraq. With Hussein gone, the US troops could leave, and that point of contention would disappear or at least be reduced (for fanatics like bin Laden of course, though, he would just find something new to complain about).
The second reason was to right a wrong that began with the post-World War I settlement in the region. The Kurds were promised their own state after World War I, but the resurgence of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal ended that dream. Gertrude Bell also feared that an independent Kurdistan would be landlocked and would economically weaken the new Iraqi state, so what is now Iraqi Kurdistan (and its oil fields) were included in Iraq. If Michael Totten is to be believed, the Kurds are trying to build a society while Baghdad and the rest of Iraq burns.
So much has gone wrong, but at least for the Kurds it has gone right.
Why has it taken so long to change tactics?
Some say Hussein was not a threat to the US, but considering the importance of oil to the world economy, he was. I also feel that Bush was essentially saying the same thing the Clinton Administration was saying about Hussein and about his supposed WMD program.
But the WMD program was not really the reason I supported the invasion. One reason was that bin Laden was driven crazy by the presence of US troops in Saudi Arabia. These troops were there to protect the Saudi oil fields from Iraq. With Hussein gone, the US troops could leave, and that point of contention would disappear or at least be reduced (for fanatics like bin Laden of course, though, he would just find something new to complain about).
The second reason was to right a wrong that began with the post-World War I settlement in the region. The Kurds were promised their own state after World War I, but the resurgence of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal ended that dream. Gertrude Bell also feared that an independent Kurdistan would be landlocked and would economically weaken the new Iraqi state, so what is now Iraqi Kurdistan (and its oil fields) were included in Iraq. If Michael Totten is to be believed, the Kurds are trying to build a society while Baghdad and the rest of Iraq burns.
So much has gone wrong, but at least for the Kurds it has gone right.
Ron Paul
Though I am a self described libertarian, I must admit that libertarianism in the US shades off into crazy land. Which is why so far I find myself unable to support libertarian Ron Paul’s quest for the GOP nomination.
Consider Paul’s upcoming rally in the Bay Area. He has shall we say three interesting featured speakers.
G. Edward Griffin wants to abolish the Federal Reserve. OK, lots of people (like Milton Friedman) want to abolish the Fed (I just want to increase transparency). Griffin, however, believes that the Fed is part of the New World Order conspiracy and was cooked up over a long weekend in Georgia. He also was an early supporter of laetrile and has some sort of connection to the John Birch Society.
Justin Raimondo, a disciple of Murray Rothbard and later a support of Pat Buchanan (as was Rothbard), is something of an extreme libertarian combines that with paleoconservative beliefs. Raimondo ran against his Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi on a platform attacking Pelosi’s vote to send troops to the Balkans in the 1990s. He also believes that Israel has advance knowledge of 9/11 through a circle of spies in the US as art students.
Joe Bannister is a former agent in the IRS Criminal Investigation Division who believes that the income tax is unconstitutional and as the XVIth Amendment was never ratified.
Raimondo has some extreme libertarian beliefs but is innocuous. The other two though should not be sharing a podium with a presidential candidate. Because Paul does attract folks like them, I find it hard to support him.
Consider Paul’s upcoming rally in the Bay Area. He has shall we say three interesting featured speakers.
G. Edward Griffin wants to abolish the Federal Reserve. OK, lots of people (like Milton Friedman) want to abolish the Fed (I just want to increase transparency). Griffin, however, believes that the Fed is part of the New World Order conspiracy and was cooked up over a long weekend in Georgia. He also was an early supporter of laetrile and has some sort of connection to the John Birch Society.
Justin Raimondo, a disciple of Murray Rothbard and later a support of Pat Buchanan (as was Rothbard), is something of an extreme libertarian combines that with paleoconservative beliefs. Raimondo ran against his Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi on a platform attacking Pelosi’s vote to send troops to the Balkans in the 1990s. He also believes that Israel has advance knowledge of 9/11 through a circle of spies in the US as art students.
Joe Bannister is a former agent in the IRS Criminal Investigation Division who believes that the income tax is unconstitutional and as the XVIth Amendment was never ratified.
Raimondo has some extreme libertarian beliefs but is innocuous. The other two though should not be sharing a podium with a presidential candidate. Because Paul does attract folks like them, I find it hard to support him.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Summorum Pontificum
Long rumored, Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday released his apostolic letter Summorum Pontificum, providing a general Indult allowing the Tridentine Mass. While I am a child of Vatican II, I find this a positive step. The old Mass still has a following amongst older Catholics of course (my parents for example always spoke longingly about it).
However, having attended Mass at St. John Cantius here in Chicago, which has a general Indult to use the 1962 Missal, I was surprised to see mostly younger Catholics. There is a beauty, mystery and universality to the Tridentine Mass that is missing from the New Mass so I think we will see a large number of younger Catholic attending.
There are a few roadblocks on the way. For one, most priests will have no experience with the Mass and little faculty for Latin. I also could imagine many priests not being happy with the Latin Mass on theological grounds. Some in the media along with the ADL are also misunderstanding the Good Friday prayer claiming that the old Mass contains anti-Semitic language. The problem is that the language in question (referring to "Faithless Jews") was removed by Pope John XXIII in 1959. The current prayer is very similar to the post 1959 Latin prayer, though couched in more politically correct language.
Another problem is the physical layout of the Churches. Churches built or renovated after 1970 were designed with the New Mass in mind. They may feature a shortened nave, an open sanctuary, and a congregation seated around the altar. The Old Mass will be difficult in such circumstances.
One problem which should be easily solvable is the matter of readings. The Old Mass has two readings on an annual cycle while the New Mass three readings on a three year cycle covering a larger part of Scripture. The should look to broaden the scope of readings in teh New Mass so that the readings in both the New and Old Masses are on the same cycle. This will allow congregants easily move between the Old and New.
Finally, this should be seen as an opportunity for the Church to revisit liturgical music. The Catholic church has a rich history of Latin liturgical music that has been forgotten in the move to vernacular forms. Now might be a good time to incorporate the old Latin hymns into the New Mass.
Already, a blog devoted to the letter is up and running.
However, having attended Mass at St. John Cantius here in Chicago, which has a general Indult to use the 1962 Missal, I was surprised to see mostly younger Catholics. There is a beauty, mystery and universality to the Tridentine Mass that is missing from the New Mass so I think we will see a large number of younger Catholic attending.
There are a few roadblocks on the way. For one, most priests will have no experience with the Mass and little faculty for Latin. I also could imagine many priests not being happy with the Latin Mass on theological grounds. Some in the media along with the ADL are also misunderstanding the Good Friday prayer claiming that the old Mass contains anti-Semitic language. The problem is that the language in question (referring to "Faithless Jews") was removed by Pope John XXIII in 1959. The current prayer is very similar to the post 1959 Latin prayer, though couched in more politically correct language.
Another problem is the physical layout of the Churches. Churches built or renovated after 1970 were designed with the New Mass in mind. They may feature a shortened nave, an open sanctuary, and a congregation seated around the altar. The Old Mass will be difficult in such circumstances.
One problem which should be easily solvable is the matter of readings. The Old Mass has two readings on an annual cycle while the New Mass three readings on a three year cycle covering a larger part of Scripture. The should look to broaden the scope of readings in teh New Mass so that the readings in both the New and Old Masses are on the same cycle. This will allow congregants easily move between the Old and New.
Finally, this should be seen as an opportunity for the Church to revisit liturgical music. The Catholic church has a rich history of Latin liturgical music that has been forgotten in the move to vernacular forms. Now might be a good time to incorporate the old Latin hymns into the New Mass.
Already, a blog devoted to the letter is up and running.
Earth Saved!
Live Earth is now history – saving the planet by leaving behind a carbon footprint that would produce enough diamonds to make friends with every woman on Earth (and probably a few on Mars besides).
I am one who believes that climate change is not totally a fantasy, although I wonder if human factors are dwarfed by solar factors. Still, reducing carbon usage in and of itself is a good – much carbon release into the atmosphere comes from petroleum usage and reducing dependence on oil would be helpful for the world’s economy as well as the environment.
What I believe this really is all about is that the "great and good" (personified by the Gore) are looking for yet another reason to control our lives. First it was because modern civilization was too complex. Then it was because of war. Then it was because of overpopulation. Then it was because only the great and good could provide for everyone.
Now they claim that the climate requires them to control as only they know what is best for the rest of us and for Gaea. Having overthrown one type of feudalism, the old nobility is repackaging it as the way to SAVE THE PLANET.
Let’s be smart about the environment, but let’s not go down the road of feudalism again. Al Gore is a retired politician, let’s not all pay feudal homage to him as Duke of Gaea.
I am one who believes that climate change is not totally a fantasy, although I wonder if human factors are dwarfed by solar factors. Still, reducing carbon usage in and of itself is a good – much carbon release into the atmosphere comes from petroleum usage and reducing dependence on oil would be helpful for the world’s economy as well as the environment.
What I believe this really is all about is that the "great and good" (personified by the Gore) are looking for yet another reason to control our lives. First it was because modern civilization was too complex. Then it was because of war. Then it was because of overpopulation. Then it was because only the great and good could provide for everyone.
Now they claim that the climate requires them to control as only they know what is best for the rest of us and for Gaea. Having overthrown one type of feudalism, the old nobility is repackaging it as the way to SAVE THE PLANET.
Let’s be smart about the environment, but let’s not go down the road of feudalism again. Al Gore is a retired politician, let’s not all pay feudal homage to him as Duke of Gaea.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
The Money Primary
The money primary is entering its next phase. The big winner of course is Obama who not only has raised lots of money, he has lots of cash on hand AND a wide donor base who can still deliver more. The big loser is John McCain (who I support) who is having trouble raising money and now has less cash on hand than Ron Paul.
McCain has never been popular with the GOP Establishment and he is not popular with the party's social conservative wing. This has hurt him in the money primary. I also think he figured he would be the "anointed one" this time (as the GOP tends to view people as having their "turn" -- 1980 was Reagan's turn, 88 was Bush Senior's turn, 96 was Dole's turn and 2000 was a make up for Bush Senior). So I do not think he took fundraising that seriously until it was too late.
Finally, do not underestimate the anger that the immigration bill has generated in the GOP (and I supported the bill). That really hurt him on fundraising. In the money primary, I do not think his support of the Iraq "surge" has hurt him that much (the polls being another matter). But I think the long series of missteps has made it look like he is unlikely to be nominated, which means that contributors are unlikely to give him more money for a losing cause. So it builds on itself.
McCain has never been popular with the GOP Establishment and he is not popular with the party's social conservative wing. This has hurt him in the money primary. I also think he figured he would be the "anointed one" this time (as the GOP tends to view people as having their "turn" -- 1980 was Reagan's turn, 88 was Bush Senior's turn, 96 was Dole's turn and 2000 was a make up for Bush Senior). So I do not think he took fundraising that seriously until it was too late.
Finally, do not underestimate the anger that the immigration bill has generated in the GOP (and I supported the bill). That really hurt him on fundraising. In the money primary, I do not think his support of the Iraq "surge" has hurt him that much (the polls being another matter). But I think the long series of missteps has made it look like he is unlikely to be nominated, which means that contributors are unlikely to give him more money for a losing cause. So it builds on itself.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
I am the Kiss of Death for all GOP Hopefuls
Since I have been old enough to vote, my support has been the kiss of death for all GOP primary hopefuls.
Who have I supported?
Notice the trend? Every candidate I have supported has gone down in flames. In fact, had there not been a death in my girlfriend's family I would have been in South Carolina for the disastrous 2000 primary that doomed McCain.
Once McCain drops out I am considering switching parties and supporting Clinton or Obama just to ensure that they go down in flames. In fact, I am now publicly supporting a Clinton-Obama ticket. This way I can knock off the two of them in one sentence.
Who have I supported?
- 1988 -- Dole (did some volunteer work for him)
- 1996 -- Alexander (though I am not really sure why)
- 2000 -- McCain (did some volunteer work for him)
- 2008 -- McCain (was planning on doing some volunteer work for him)
Notice the trend? Every candidate I have supported has gone down in flames. In fact, had there not been a death in my girlfriend's family I would have been in South Carolina for the disastrous 2000 primary that doomed McCain.
Once McCain drops out I am considering switching parties and supporting Clinton or Obama just to ensure that they go down in flames. In fact, I am now publicly supporting a Clinton-Obama ticket. This way I can knock off the two of them in one sentence.
CLINTON--OBAMA 2008!
Attacks in the UK
The three attacks in the U.K. show that you can never be completely safe from terrorism. The British have far more experience attacking terrorism than we have -- the result of 30 years of IRA violence.
The attempt was amateurish. this clearly was the terrorist "D Team". The thing is, most terrorists are jokes until they succeed. Terrorists often are complete morons and losers—why else strap on a bomb vest and expect 72 virgins on the other side. Suppose the FBI National Office did not worry about CAIR and gave permission for an agent to look at Moussaoui's hard drive in the summer of 2001 and in doing so allowed the FBI to roll up the whole gang. It would have been hysterical. The dumb terrorist going to flight school to learn how to take off and fly but not land. The “last testament” of Atta asking for women not to touch his body after death (lest they touch (or really want to touch) his manliness).
But even to call terrorists morons and losers is not entirely true. As of this evening, news reports state that at least five of the suspects are medical doctors. Bin Laden himself is the son of a billionaire. Atta was the son of an educated family. this belies the idea that all terrorism is the result of desperation. Something else is at work here. Molsem anger over Iraq is part of It of course, but then again, so is Afghanistan, threats to intervene in Darfur, Israel and the Palestinians, 500 years of Western dominance and Western decadence. Perhaps no real excuse is needed, and those with some education or family advantages feel terrorism is a way to make a mark in the world. Maybe education has provided the terrorists with time to think and brood. Maybe THAT is really the genesis of terrorism.
If this ABC News report is correct, it could be a terrorist summer. As for me, I intend to take Andrew Sullivan's advice.
The attempt was amateurish. this clearly was the terrorist "D Team". The thing is, most terrorists are jokes until they succeed. Terrorists often are complete morons and losers—why else strap on a bomb vest and expect 72 virgins on the other side. Suppose the FBI National Office did not worry about CAIR and gave permission for an agent to look at Moussaoui's hard drive in the summer of 2001 and in doing so allowed the FBI to roll up the whole gang. It would have been hysterical. The dumb terrorist going to flight school to learn how to take off and fly but not land. The “last testament” of Atta asking for women not to touch his body after death (lest they touch (or really want to touch) his manliness).
But even to call terrorists morons and losers is not entirely true. As of this evening, news reports state that at least five of the suspects are medical doctors. Bin Laden himself is the son of a billionaire. Atta was the son of an educated family. this belies the idea that all terrorism is the result of desperation. Something else is at work here. Molsem anger over Iraq is part of It of course, but then again, so is Afghanistan, threats to intervene in Darfur, Israel and the Palestinians, 500 years of Western dominance and Western decadence. Perhaps no real excuse is needed, and those with some education or family advantages feel terrorism is a way to make a mark in the world. Maybe education has provided the terrorists with time to think and brood. Maybe THAT is really the genesis of terrorism.
If this ABC News report is correct, it could be a terrorist summer. As for me, I intend to take Andrew Sullivan's advice.
Pardon Me
Or at least pardon Scooter Libby.
Considering that President Bush seems unwilling to use a veto pen, why is he in effect vetoing the conviction? To be truthful, I am not entirely sure what to think about the case. It seems to me that Libby probably did not technically violate the law by revealing Valarie Plame's identity. However, he did lie about it to a grand jury. Considering the importance of national security, I cannot see why Bush did it. While Libby MAY not have technically violated the law, the people at the CIA now think that the government will not protect them. These folks, even those technically not covert, rely on their anonymity to do their job. Libby has threatened that anonymity. In lying to a grand jury, Libby ignored the importance of the law.
Of course, National Review is pointing out that President Clinton granted clemency to Puerto Rican terrorists and that Senator Schumer called for clemency to Jonathan Pollard. None of the above deserved clemency, but that does not change the fact that the President Bush was wrong. It is also telling that Bush has rarely granted clemency, and when he has, it has been for actions that occurred long ago.
This is yet another example of President Bush's tone deafness. If there was any doubt, he is now a lame duck, and one that has stopped quacking.
Considering that President Bush seems unwilling to use a veto pen, why is he in effect vetoing the conviction? To be truthful, I am not entirely sure what to think about the case. It seems to me that Libby probably did not technically violate the law by revealing Valarie Plame's identity. However, he did lie about it to a grand jury. Considering the importance of national security, I cannot see why Bush did it. While Libby MAY not have technically violated the law, the people at the CIA now think that the government will not protect them. These folks, even those technically not covert, rely on their anonymity to do their job. Libby has threatened that anonymity. In lying to a grand jury, Libby ignored the importance of the law.
Of course, National Review is pointing out that President Clinton granted clemency to Puerto Rican terrorists and that Senator Schumer called for clemency to Jonathan Pollard. None of the above deserved clemency, but that does not change the fact that the President Bush was wrong. It is also telling that Bush has rarely granted clemency, and when he has, it has been for actions that occurred long ago.
This is yet another example of President Bush's tone deafness. If there was any doubt, he is now a lame duck, and one that has stopped quacking.
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