Here is Andy, our part Abyssinian in the side garden last spring. The white flowers are clematis. His attitude may be imperial, but he is friendly and lovable.
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His Majesty
Category: Uncategorized
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Experienced Racist?
University of Pennsylvania historian Alan Charles Kors, one of the founders of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (“FIRE”) observed: “So, the ‘Tea Party racists’ in a Republican straw poll chose the self-made black Herman Cain – mathematician and successful businessman – son of a cleaning woman and a janitor, as their choice of nominee for the presidency of the United States. Well! What a bigoted group, what a caste society!”
I have not made up my mind about which Republican I would support in 2012, but I have not ruled out Mr. Cain. He is clearly qualified by experience in business, and a lot of his ideas make sense. Tehre are those who say his lack of polical experience is a minus. Mr. Cain points to the many “experienced” politicians in Washington ad rhetorically ask “how is that working out for you?” As a successful CEO of a large enterprise, he undoubtably learned how to assemble a good staff containing individuals who have sufficient expertise in the in the delegated areas of responsibility to perform. With regard to the present (and even the last administration — sorry, GWB) how has that worked our for us?
As Daniel Henninger writes in today’s Wall Street Journal “. . . after watching the American Idol system we’ve fallen into for discovering a president—with opinion polls, tongue slips and media caprice deciding frontrunners and even presidents—I’m rewriting my presidential-selection software.”
Cheers!
Bob Reagan
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Mr. Buffett’s Penance
The leftist pundit E. J. Dionnesays that analysis and criticism of Warren Buffett’s expressed belief that the rich should pay more taxes amounts to “hate” for being a “traitor to his class.” Of course, that is nonsense.
Personally, I cannot imagine what is Mr. Buffett’s motivation for injecting himself into this “tax the rich” nonsense. Perhaps, because he is up there in years, he his afraid that he will soon meet his maker and wants to atone for the sin – if that is what he believes it is – of doing well in the market place. Given Mr. Buffett’s track record, I would much rather have him invest his money rather than have give it to the government to squander as it typically does. Buffett, whether he realizes it or not, has benefitted countless more people with his financial acumen rather than the government ever has in its domestic spending.
Cheers!
Bob Reagan
Science fiction fans are familiar with the term “warp speed” which is the designation for the speed of light, much as “Mach speed” is that for sound. Of course, because it supposedly has no basis in reality, the term’s usefulness is limited to that of hyperbolic metaphor. Or is it?
Scientists at CERN have announced an experiment which they claim shows it is possible to achieve a speed faster than light. CERN is an acronym for the European Organization for Nuclear Research based in Geneva Switzerland. Those of you who saw the film Angels and Demons (or perhaps read the book) might recognize the name. Although that film made CERN appear to be a sort of Dr. Strangelove place, it is a real organization, and is for the most partrespected for its scientific discipline and capable research. That’s why this announcement is somewhat surprising.
Ever since Albert Einstein set forth his theory of relativity in 1905, the scientific community has believed that the speed of light, which is approximately 186,000 miles/second, is the speed limit of the universe. That is, nothing can travel faster. This assertion is theoretically based on Einstein’s well-known formula e=mc2 which in plain English means that energy is equal to mass times the speed of light squared. This seems rather mystifying until one realizes that in the less ethereal world, kinetic energy is equal to the mass of an object times it’s velocity squared. A simple example is that the kinetic energy of a speeding bullet depends on its weight and its speed. The heavier the bullet given the same speed produces more energy and vice versa. A quick glance informs us that the speed is the most important factor; adding speed to the bullet increases its kinetic energy by greater factor than its weight. When approaching the realm of the speed of light, Einstein’s mathematics works out that an object of mass cannot go faster than the speed of light because when it achieves the speed of light it is transformed into pure energy and adding energy to increase the speed only produces more energy and no mass is left. This is why nuclear reactions are so powerful. All of the mathematical manipulations and physical properties that go into discovering the equation and verifying it are beyond my comprehension, having only studied physics at the high school and undergraduate level. But it does seem to make sense, and is understandable even at my limited level.
All this is very interesting and nice to know, but what is the significance for our daily lives? What difference does it make? Who cares? Well, discoveries made by applying science, or what was termed natural philosophy prior to the 19th Century, have certainly changed the human situation. Mostly for the better, but not without some cost. Obvious examples are Newton’s law of gravity and motion, which ultimately provided the theoretical basis for flight. Boyle’s law of temperature and pressure that was practically applied by James Watt and others to make a steam engine which allowed human beings to, for the first time travel faster than their muscles, the muscles of horses, would allow them. Darwin’s theory of evolution has enabled medical research to learn about the mysteries of living organisms and produce pharmaceuticals that can cure diseases and generally extend human life. Now so far, Einstein’s theories are the basis for nuclear energy and space travel as well as numerous other explanations of how the universe works at various levels. One thing that Einstein’s universal speed limit seems to preclude is time travel, another science fiction favorite. Perhaps, if the scientists at CERN are correct, and it is possible to exceed the speed of light, maybe time travel will be possible. The mind boggles at such ideas.
Meanwhile, let’s have another beer. After all, all our friends are here.
For one of the numerous repetitions of the story, see this. It includes a video. CERN’s website is http://public.web.cern.ch/public/
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Response from Walgreens
Here is the response I received from Walgreens. Since it was sent at 2:30 am, it is obviously an automated form letter. No thought given. On a positive note, I infer that they have received numerous comments in this regard, for whatever good that will do. We have short memories, and a four hour news cycle today. The only way to get their attention is to not buy their stuff.
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| Response from Walgreens |
Benton Harbor, Michigan is on the opposite side of the state, nearly 200 miles from the decaying, crime ridden what’s left of the city of Detroit. Not far enough to escape criminals who would attempt to rob drugstores and murder their employees in the middle of the night. Fortunately, the Walgreens store in Benton Harbor near the shore of Lake Michigan, one of thousands nationwide, had a late night pharmacist who was smart enough, and brave enough to carry a handgun and shoot back. On September 9, 2011 around 4:30 a.m. pharmacist Jeremy Hoven probably saved his own and other employees’ lives, and foiled the robbery. In an America that had not lost its senses, Mr. Hoven would have been feted as a hero, and praised by top management as well as his community. Instead he was fired. My first reaction was – well, that’s Michigan, what do you expect? I quickly realized that was unfair. Michigan as well as all other states has plenty of intrepid folks who will stand up and even put their life on the line for what is right. The problem is the pusillanimous top management of so many large business concerns who are so afraid of their public image that even the slightest hint of political incorrectness finds them running for cover.
Pharmacist Jeremy Hoven is a hero, yet Walgreens treated him like a villain. If he is not re-instated or compensated for his action in running off armed robbers by firing at them with his handgun, I will never shop a Walgreens again. There are two CVS pharmacies and a Kroger less than ½ mile from the Walgreens nearby that we have been using for over ten years, but I would go much farther if I had to. I am really tempted to have a sign made and picket the Walgreens store here in Dallas. My wife is a pharmacist, and no matter how desperate we may become, she will never work at Walgreens so long as they have this shameful policy (not that she’ll have too, she has a law degree too). CEO Gregory Wasson needs to show some leadership and reward employees like Mr. Hoven.
Anyone interested in protesting to Walgreens can write or call
Gregory Wasson, CEO
Walgreens
200 Wilmot Road
Deerfield, IL 60015
1-847-914-2500
1-877-250-5823
You can also leave a message at: this link.
To see the ABC news story link here. There are others to be found using Google or other search engines.
Mr. Hoven is suing Walgreens for wrongful termination. Being unfamiliar with Michigan employment law, I have no idea of what his chances of winning the suit are. The Second Amendment, like the First, does not apply to private persons. An employer can set most of the terms of employment, including forbidding employees from carrying arms on its premises (although, as of September 1, state law in Texas forbids an employer from prohibiting an employee from keeping a weapon in locked vehicle in an employee parking lot). But we’ll see. Nothing, however, prevents other private persons from patronizing and business whose polices they disapprove of.
In another outrageous act, Walgreens has even gone to court to seek an injunction prohibiting dissemination of the video recording of the incident – which shows Mr. Hoven acted justifiably and correctly by anyone’s standards. Anyone to the right of Bernie Sanders, that is. Fortunately, they’re too late. Seems it’s already gone viral.
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Orwellian? Indeed.
“The first thing that must strike any outside observer is that Socialism in its developed form is a theory confined entirely to the middle classes. The typical Socialist is not, as tremulous old ladies imagine, a ferocious-looking working man with greasy overalls and a raucous voice. He is either a youthful snob-Bolshevik who in five years’ time will quite probably have made a wealthy marriage and been converted to Roman Catholicism; or, still more typically, a prim little man with a white-collar job, usually a secret teetotaller and often with vegetarian leanings, with a history of Nonconformity behind him, and, above all, with a social position which he has no intention of forfeiting.
“This last type is surprisingly common in Socialist parties of every shade; it has perhaps been taken over en bloc from the old Liberal Party. In addition to this there is the horrible—the really disquieting—prevalence of cranks wherever Socialists are gathered together. One sometimes gets the impression that the mere words “Socialism” and “Communism” draw towards them with magnetic force every fruit-juice drinker, nudist, sandal-wearer, sex-maniac, Quaker, “Nature Cure” quack, pacifist, and feminist in England.”
— George Orwell, The Road to Wigan Pier
More of this quotation appears in today’s Wall Street Journal at page A17 or at WSJ
His prejudices aside, Orwell’s point is that those who espouse socialism or other utopian schemes, rarely spring from the milieu these schemes are supposed to benefit. Rather, those most likely to become true believers are academics and intellectuals (“middle-class” had, and perhaps still has, a somewhat different meaning in Britain from the in the U.S.) who are most pleasured when they are allowed to act out as nags and busybodies. Know anyone like that?
P.S. Orwell’s religious beliefs are pretty much unknown. Many of his writings suggest he was an atheist or agnostic. He was, however, according to his wishes, buried in an Anglican cemetery according to the rites of the Church of England. Perhaps hedging his bets; perhaps not.
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High School 1957 – 2011
This was sent to me by my good friend and reader Gary C. Thought I’d pass it on with a short comment.
There is a lot of hyperbole in these tales, but they describe essentially the way it has become.
Scenario 1:
Jack goes quail hunting before school and then pulls into the school parking lot with his shotgun in his truck’s gun rack.
1957 – Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack’s shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2011 – School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario 2:
Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.
1957 – Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2011 – Police called and SWAT team arrives — they arrest both Johnny and Mark. They are both charged with assault and both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario 3:
Jeffrey will not be still in class, he disrupts other students.
1957 – Jeffrey sent to the Principal’s office and given a good paddling by the Principal. He then returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2011 – Jeffrey is given huge doses of Ritalin. He becomes a zombie. He is then tested for ADD. The family gets extra money (SSI) from the government because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario 4:
Billy breaks a window in his neighbor’s car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 – Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college and becomes a successful businessman..
2011 – Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse, Billy is removed to foster care and joins a gang. The state psychologist is told by Billy’s sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy’s mom has an affair with the psychologist.
Scenario 5:
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.
1957 – Mark shares his aspirin with the Principal out on the smoking dock..
2011 – The police are called and Mark is expelled from school for drug violations. His car is then searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario 6:
Pedro fails high school English.
1957 – Pedro goes to summer school, passes English and goes to college.
2011 – Pedro’s cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against the state school system and Pedro’s English teacher. English is then banned from core curriculum.. Pedro is given his diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario 7:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the Fourth of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle and blows up a red ant bed.
1957 – Ants die.
2011 – ATF, Homeland Security and the FBI are all called. Johnny is charged with domestic terrorism. The FBI investigates his parents – and all siblings are removed from their home and all computers are confiscated. Johnny’s dad is placed on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario 8:
Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 – In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2011 – Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
The irony of all of this is that with all of the cultural pressure for helicopter parenting and political demands for a nanny-state, we actually live in less desirable world nowadays. Would we want to go back the 1950s? The answer is emphatically – no! But we don’t have to. Let’s just get rid of the nonsense that permeates our society. We can apply what economists call a marginal cost analysis to each of the 2011 scenarios. Does the extra safety, if any, provided by the overreaction to the difficulty depicted justify the cost?
How do we get this started? A while back I read of a mother who lived in one of the New York City boroughs allowing her 11 or 12 year old son go to Manhattan on the subway by himself one day. His journey was rather amazing – it was, in fact, uneventful. When she mentioned her son’s adventure it to some acquaintances, she was severely criticized. I don’t recall if they actually did so, but some even threatened to call the child protective services in New York. The mother told everyone to “get stuffed” or words to that effect. I would nominate that woman for a Presidential medal of freedom. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for a new President for that. Regard less of what his real attitude might be, President Obama is in too much trouble with his leftist supporters anyway to be that politically incorrect.
HIGH SCHOOL — 1957 vs. 2011
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Are you a Felon?
Lawyer and professor Harvey Silverglate writes in a book of the same title, that we all commit Three Felonies a Day. This is because the criminal codes — especially the federal — have criminalized so many acts that it is nearly impossible for anyone to function day to day without running afoul of, on average, at least three that could be felonious.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is considering an amendment to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act that would make it a felony to “exceed authorized access” to any computer. This law was originally passed in 1986 to deal with the problem of hacking into computers for nefarious purposes such as identity theft, stealing trade secrets, and the like. It has been considerably broadened in recent Congresses.
While the law has laudable intentions, much mischief can be made by overzealous prosecutors and those with less than pure motives. This, and laws like it, are treasure troves for prosecutors to go after political opponents.
As Orin S. Kerr, a former federal prosecutor and professor at George Washington University Law School writes in today’s Wall Street Journal:
“[T]he Justice Department believes that [the Act] applies incredibly broadly to include ‘terms of use’ violations and breaches of workplace computer-use policies.
“Breaching an agreement or ignoring your boss might be bad. But should it be a federal crime just because it involves a computer? If interpreted this way, the law gives computer owners the power to criminalize any computer use they don’t like. Imagine the Democratic Party setting up a public website and announcing that no Republicans can visit. Every Republican who checked out the site could be a criminal for exceeding authorized access.
“If that sounds far-fetched, consider a few recent cases. In 2009, the Justice Department prosecuted a woman for violating the “terms of service” of the social networking site MySpace.com. The woman had been part of a group that set up a MySpace profile using a fake picture. The feds charged her with conspiracy to violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Prosecutors say the woman exceeded authorized access because MySpace required all profile information to be truthful. But people routinely misstate the truth in online profiles, about everything from their age to their name. What happens when each instance is a felony?
“In 2010, the Justice Department charged a defendant with unauthorized access for using a computer to buy tickets from Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster’s website lets anyone visit. But its “terms of use” only permitted non-automated purchases, and the defendant used a computer script to make the purchases.
“In another case, Justice has charged a defendant with violating workplace policies that limited use to legitimate company business. Prosecutors claimed that using the company’s computers for other reasons exceeded authorized access. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently agreed.”
For Professor Kerr’s complete essay, see here
Silverglate’s thesis, as well as Ayn Rand’s observation that the totalitarians’ strategy is to make us all criminals, and then selectively enforce the laws against disfavored persons – “troublemakers” – has been validated. The felony classification used to apply only to acts which seriously harm an individual or the public and require direct and palpable and has an intentional, knowing, or reckless state of mind. No more. While elimination of a culpable mental state for s serious crime might be a violation of due process, the cost to contest an indictment would financially ruin most of us. Ignorance of the law has traditionally be held to provide no excuse for its violation. That adage, however, came before the time when the federal criminal code (and those of most states) came to rival the content of most libraries. I suppose that means full employment for lawyers, but that does us no good when everyone else is languishing in prison or unemployed because no one wants to run a business for fear they will be next.
Call (or write) your senators and representatives and urge them to vote against this amendment.
Bob Reagan
The National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) summarizes and comments on a recent article in The Economist. Here’s the link.
A University Degree No Longer Confers Financial Security
Cheers!
Bob Reagan