Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Word of the day: dilatory
Egad, almost a week has gone by since my last post, and all three of my regular readers are giving me Purgatory over it. My apologies.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
...and God laughed
For the past week or so, during the recent heat wave, much bleating about global warming has been heard from the media arm of the Obama administration -- you know, ABC, CBS, CNN, et al. Coupled with this were dire warnings about how we must change our evil ways, or else.
Juxtapose this with a story which appeared yesterday regarding the Sun's activity. Or, one might say, lack of activity. Despite a large flare erupting, sunspot activity remains low.
What does this have to do with your air-conditioning bill? Well, the last time such a low level of sunspot activity was known to occur, called the Maunder Minimum, our planet experienced another phenomenon called the Little Ice Age.
A hot summer does not indicate a mild winter to come. We merely have to wait for whatever weather the Creator graces us with. Considering that He exhibits a marvelous sense of humor, I can hardly wait.
Juxtapose this with a story which appeared yesterday regarding the Sun's activity. Or, one might say, lack of activity. Despite a large flare erupting, sunspot activity remains low.
What does this have to do with your air-conditioning bill? Well, the last time such a low level of sunspot activity was known to occur, called the Maunder Minimum, our planet experienced another phenomenon called the Little Ice Age.
A hot summer does not indicate a mild winter to come. We merely have to wait for whatever weather the Creator graces us with. Considering that He exhibits a marvelous sense of humor, I can hardly wait.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A new generation of expatriates
Recently, several reports have appeared about very wealthy Americans renouncing their citizenship. By "very wealthy", I mean people at the Bill Gates/Warren Buffet level.
Such actions anger many Americans, understandably so. In this instance, though, the primary motivation may be financial.
The USA is virtually the only nation that taxes wealth accumulated overseas. Of course, this amounts to double taxation, since the nations in which the money is made usually tax it as well (albeit often at lower rates).
Business activity in the US is moribund, and despite the propaganda emitted by the Administration's media arm, the outlook for the next few years is not promising. Many investors are finding better opportunities abroad; in fact, we are witnessing one of the greatest flights of capital in decades.
While it is not safe to assume that these new expatriates are unpatriotic, it is safe to assume that their first loyalty is to their money. They know they'll be able to keep more of it, and make more of it, outside the USA.
You can expect the "unpatriotic" card played by the mass media. Regardless of whether or not that's the whole story, it will be used as cover for the mass exodus of capital, which will exacerbate the weakening of our economy.
Such actions anger many Americans, understandably so. In this instance, though, the primary motivation may be financial.
The USA is virtually the only nation that taxes wealth accumulated overseas. Of course, this amounts to double taxation, since the nations in which the money is made usually tax it as well (albeit often at lower rates).
Business activity in the US is moribund, and despite the propaganda emitted by the Administration's media arm, the outlook for the next few years is not promising. Many investors are finding better opportunities abroad; in fact, we are witnessing one of the greatest flights of capital in decades.
While it is not safe to assume that these new expatriates are unpatriotic, it is safe to assume that their first loyalty is to their money. They know they'll be able to keep more of it, and make more of it, outside the USA.
You can expect the "unpatriotic" card played by the mass media. Regardless of whether or not that's the whole story, it will be used as cover for the mass exodus of capital, which will exacerbate the weakening of our economy.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Gimme that old-time (Islamic) religion
Reuters reports that Hamas, the rulers of the Gaza Strip, have banned lingerie shops from displaying any women's underwear they believe is "immodest". At the same time, they claim they have no intention of imposing Islamic law on Gaza.
Of course they don't. And they have some bridges to sell, too, very cheap.
As recently as the 1970s, in many Islamic countries, lingerie was openly sold, along with Western products of all types. Of course, that was before the rise of the radical Islamics, who seem to fear and despise women -- and everyone else who isn't them.
No doubt, radical Islam is a serious threat to freedom. But one could make the case that any Islamist who takes his faith seriously is a radical.
Many, perhaps even most, Moslems do not take their religion to heart. It's something they grew up with, and observe pro forma, just as unobservant Christians only show up at church at Christmas and Easter.
Those who really study the Koran, though, learn that it tells them they can lie, cheat, steal, rape, and murder in order to futher the cause of Islam. Any who are skeptical of that assertion are invited to read the Koran for themselves.
Some have even been convined to blow themselves up in order to get 72 virgins. These poor saps will be disappointed to discover that, as the demons torture them in Hell, the virgins will REMAIN virgins.
As we shake our heads in amusement at the antics of such weird-beards, we need to remember that their brand of insanity is nearly as dangerous as socialism. Actually, it's quite similar, only with more robes and beheadings.
Of course they don't. And they have some bridges to sell, too, very cheap.
As recently as the 1970s, in many Islamic countries, lingerie was openly sold, along with Western products of all types. Of course, that was before the rise of the radical Islamics, who seem to fear and despise women -- and everyone else who isn't them.
No doubt, radical Islam is a serious threat to freedom. But one could make the case that any Islamist who takes his faith seriously is a radical.
Many, perhaps even most, Moslems do not take their religion to heart. It's something they grew up with, and observe pro forma, just as unobservant Christians only show up at church at Christmas and Easter.
Those who really study the Koran, though, learn that it tells them they can lie, cheat, steal, rape, and murder in order to futher the cause of Islam. Any who are skeptical of that assertion are invited to read the Koran for themselves.
Some have even been convined to blow themselves up in order to get 72 virgins. These poor saps will be disappointed to discover that, as the demons torture them in Hell, the virgins will REMAIN virgins.
As we shake our heads in amusement at the antics of such weird-beards, we need to remember that their brand of insanity is nearly as dangerous as socialism. Actually, it's quite similar, only with more robes and beheadings.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
No freedom of information
Fox News was recently told by the SEC that they no longer need to honor Freedom of Information requests. Of course, this is one of the provisions of the hastily passed financial regulation legislation. A provision that, like many others yet to be revealed, was hidden in the umpteen-hundreds of pages of small type.
No doubt the Obama administration will extend this stance to FOIA requests on anything relating to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Wall Street, SEIU, ACORN, or any other crony whose activities cannot stand the light of exposure.
Don't expect a similar attitude regarding the Administration's "enemies list", though.
No doubt the Obama administration will extend this stance to FOIA requests on anything relating to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Wall Street, SEIU, ACORN, or any other crony whose activities cannot stand the light of exposure.
Don't expect a similar attitude regarding the Administration's "enemies list", though.
Wedding jitters
The National Enquirer states that Chelsea Clinton is near collapse from worry that her future husband will cheat on her. Good heavens, wherever could she have gotten that idea?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Early voting
The Beau-mate and I exercised the franchise today. Early voting extends thru the end of this week, and rather than waiting until Friday, the wife expressed a desire to vote today.
Her political evolution continues. From a clueless lefty, she's developed into a thoughtful and committed conservative, Hannity fan, culture warrior and budding gun owner. I couldn't be more proud.
In previous elections, she's been content to wait until election day. This time, though, she was eager to cast a vote for one of the gubernatorial underdogs. She doesn't trust Mr. Moneybags as governor. He's been a decent city mayor, but his family ties to "social moderates" (a code for RINOs), and an apparent lack of any real ideology, disturb her. I have to agree.
If he does get the nomination, he's a likely winner over his Dem opponent. In that eventuality, the conservatives and libertarians in Tennessee will need to watch him very closely.
Her political evolution continues. From a clueless lefty, she's developed into a thoughtful and committed conservative, Hannity fan, culture warrior and budding gun owner. I couldn't be more proud.
In previous elections, she's been content to wait until election day. This time, though, she was eager to cast a vote for one of the gubernatorial underdogs. She doesn't trust Mr. Moneybags as governor. He's been a decent city mayor, but his family ties to "social moderates" (a code for RINOs), and an apparent lack of any real ideology, disturb her. I have to agree.
If he does get the nomination, he's a likely winner over his Dem opponent. In that eventuality, the conservatives and libertarians in Tennessee will need to watch him very closely.
Ed Markey, geography expert
Congressman Ed Markey (Dem, Mass), commenting on BP's reassignment of Tony Hayward, said that "People on the Gulf of Mexico and the United States applaud this action".
The Gulf of Mexico AND the United States?
Mr. Markey has long been known for his astounding grasp of geopolitical affairs (insert sarcastic expression here), but this statement leaves us uncertain of his exact meaning. Was he referring to:
A) the "Gulf of Mexico" as a separate political entity? By now, no doubt many in the Gulf states would prefer that to be the case.
B) the "Gulf" as part of Mexico? This seems the most likely explanation, given Ed's political leanings and the worldview of a typical Northeastern leftist. But I believe another alternative is the better explanation.
C) the "Gulf" -- that is, the actual expanse of ocean -- as a distinct and sovereign nation. Shrimp, dolphins, and other creatures constitute the citizenry, who vote Democrat (of course), while those nasty redneck fishermen and oilmen are exploiters who exist only to destroy the pristine environment. And, incidentally, to deliver seafood and gasoline to Massachusetts.
Perhaps a letter to Mr. Markey congratulating him on his tireless efforts to protect the Gulf, possibly signed by King Neptune, would make him feel rewarded for his courage in speaking out.
The Gulf of Mexico AND the United States?
Mr. Markey has long been known for his astounding grasp of geopolitical affairs (insert sarcastic expression here), but this statement leaves us uncertain of his exact meaning. Was he referring to:
A) the "Gulf of Mexico" as a separate political entity? By now, no doubt many in the Gulf states would prefer that to be the case.
B) the "Gulf" as part of Mexico? This seems the most likely explanation, given Ed's political leanings and the worldview of a typical Northeastern leftist. But I believe another alternative is the better explanation.
C) the "Gulf" -- that is, the actual expanse of ocean -- as a distinct and sovereign nation. Shrimp, dolphins, and other creatures constitute the citizenry, who vote Democrat (of course), while those nasty redneck fishermen and oilmen are exploiters who exist only to destroy the pristine environment. And, incidentally, to deliver seafood and gasoline to Massachusetts.
Perhaps a letter to Mr. Markey congratulating him on his tireless efforts to protect the Gulf, possibly signed by King Neptune, would make him feel rewarded for his courage in speaking out.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
More heatstroke, plus capitalism in action
Today the Beau-mate and I did something we had never done. We visited the Grainger County Tomato Festival, one of those great little celebrations of localism that dot the hills almost every weekend. We both grew up within few dozen miles of Rutledge, where it's held, but, like those Parisians who never visit the Eiffel Tower, we never bothered to patronize it.
We found a crowd of cheerful visitors and vendors amid a display of antique farm equipment, classic cars, produce, cannons, books, handicrafts, and food. Lots and lots of food, all the way from fajitas in a basket to corn roasted in its own shuck. Despite the combined heat-and-humidity index of roughly 1,500 degrees F, the school grounds were lively. While my wife browsed jellies, candles, soaps, and clothing (all of it, as nearly as I could tell, made in-state), we found the smartest people in a 50-mile radius.
These folks were selling those neckcloths that are soaked to produce a cooling evaporation, and their booth was busier than a liquor store in a coal mining town on Saturday night. They even provided a barrel of chilled water for their customers to baptize their purchases.
All too soon, the heat took its toll on us, as we found ourselves wishing for a shady, old-fashioned verandah with wicker chairs and ceiling fans turning slowly.
We would have sat at ease, the Beau-mate in her lightest silks, I in my airest linens and Panama hat, sipping gin fizzes. Every few minutes, I would exclaim "Beastly humidity, eh, wot?" in my best Colonel Blimpie voice.
Alas, the supply of available verandahs approached zero. We were forced to flee to air-conditioned relief, leaving a shining example of the free market baking in the July sunshine.
We found a crowd of cheerful visitors and vendors amid a display of antique farm equipment, classic cars, produce, cannons, books, handicrafts, and food. Lots and lots of food, all the way from fajitas in a basket to corn roasted in its own shuck. Despite the combined heat-and-humidity index of roughly 1,500 degrees F, the school grounds were lively. While my wife browsed jellies, candles, soaps, and clothing (all of it, as nearly as I could tell, made in-state), we found the smartest people in a 50-mile radius.
These folks were selling those neckcloths that are soaked to produce a cooling evaporation, and their booth was busier than a liquor store in a coal mining town on Saturday night. They even provided a barrel of chilled water for their customers to baptize their purchases.
All too soon, the heat took its toll on us, as we found ourselves wishing for a shady, old-fashioned verandah with wicker chairs and ceiling fans turning slowly.
We would have sat at ease, the Beau-mate in her lightest silks, I in my airest linens and Panama hat, sipping gin fizzes. Every few minutes, I would exclaim "Beastly humidity, eh, wot?" in my best Colonel Blimpie voice.
Alas, the supply of available verandahs approached zero. We were forced to flee to air-conditioned relief, leaving a shining example of the free market baking in the July sunshine.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Shirley Sherrod: racist or classist?
No doubt Beaumont's legions of readers are familiar with the Shirley Sherrod debacle. After the initial video, the firing, the extended video, the apologies, and the media hand-wringing, many seem to feel that the issue was just a tragic misunderstanding.
Not so fast.
True, Ms. Sherrod is on record saying that she realized that her racist reaction to the white farmer's plight was morally wrong, and that the real struggle was rich versus poor.
The sorry truth is that class warfare and racism have enjoyed a long and close association in some black political circles. Classism is a prominent feature of "liberation theology", as Jeremiah Wright preached to our President for twenty-three years. (I highly recommend Mr. Wright's sermons available on the Web, to experience the real flavor of the worldview of his -- and many other -- such churches).
It's true that racism is detrimental to freedom and prosperity. It's also true of classism. Both separate "our group" from "those bastards over there". Both encourage resentment, polarization, and ultimately violence. Considering the effects of either on society, the question becomes: Is there really a practical difference between the two?
Not so fast.
True, Ms. Sherrod is on record saying that she realized that her racist reaction to the white farmer's plight was morally wrong, and that the real struggle was rich versus poor.
The sorry truth is that class warfare and racism have enjoyed a long and close association in some black political circles. Classism is a prominent feature of "liberation theology", as Jeremiah Wright preached to our President for twenty-three years. (I highly recommend Mr. Wright's sermons available on the Web, to experience the real flavor of the worldview of his -- and many other -- such churches).
It's true that racism is detrimental to freedom and prosperity. It's also true of classism. Both separate "our group" from "those bastards over there". Both encourage resentment, polarization, and ultimately violence. Considering the effects of either on society, the question becomes: Is there really a practical difference between the two?
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