Note - I cannot, nor will I, attempt to paint an exhaustive picture of what America is or isn't in this post. All I want to do is give a brief synopsis of what my America has been like, mainly for my European readers that have not been to America (and anyone else who gives a rat's derriere). I do it only to help give a better understanding of America, based on some experiences of this American. I may post more experiences from other places I have lived (Hawaii, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Kansas, Alabama, and the former Federal Republic Of Germany, but that doesn't count). But as for this one, two will be enough.
My early years were spent in California, both north and south. I was born in Lancaster, immediately north of the San Gabriel Mountains, in the desert. Living in the LA area as a boy, running across an occasional star or two every now and then, just wasn't much of a big deal. They put their pants on like anyone else.
Angelinos have always been a distant, but yet, very different bunch of personalities with much of it due to it being such a large aggregate of so many diverse groups of people. It is about as far from a homogenous society as you can get. Rich, poor, educated or not, LA has always attracted an adventuresome kind of spirit, chasing some kind of pipe dream. With them came some real kooks too. I remember a lot of crime in some areas and lived there during the Manson days.
I look back at those days with a certain fondness, for those were some of the happiest as a kid. And despite the madness that was there at that time, it was a special place at a special time. What keeps me connected to that time and place is listening to some of the music from that era.
The Beatles were at the Magical Mystery Tour and Sgt. Pepper phase of their phenomenal career. And whenever I hear On The Road Again, Sunshine Of Your Love, and Summertime Blues played on the radio, I can still remember watching Canned Heat, Cream, and Blue Cheer on a Saturday afternoon TV staple, called Boss City. After school, the show Groovy with Michael Blodgett was a favorite as it was for every pre- or peri-pubescent male. Because not only did they have good music, they had a bikini contest.
Now please understand that I didn't see all of the glitter and pomp, every day. I didn't live in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, or Brentwood. I lived in San Bernardino (or San Berdoo as it was called by some of the locals). We lived like many others that worked and ran daily lives, just like anywhere else. Sure there was a lot to see and do, still is. But doing what normal people did, we couldn't live the high life that many believe exists in all sectors. Like many others my age, we played baseball, basketball, and just generally hung out talking about whatever.
One time in SB, I had returned from the store down the street as an assignment from my parents( I rode my bike). I brought in the goods obtained and my parents told me straight off that my younger brother needed to see me immediately. He wouldn't tell them why, just that it had to be me. So, when I found him in his room, he immediately took me outside to show me something that I just "had to see". Needless to say, what was usually a short walk became a long one.
The driveway led to the garage that was at the back corner of the house. Between the garage and the wall that separated us from property next to us, was about 4 feet of space. It was well-lined with unused wire mesh fencing. For whatever earthly reason, I don't know. But it was there for a long time and it led to the back yard. When we got there, we found a drunk passed out in shabby-looking "drunk" clothes. I shook him and asked if he was okay, all he did was moan like there was a hell of a hangover coming on.
Not having any luck, I quickly went to my parents (who called the cops). So they arrested him and took him to jail just like the good policemen of Adam-12 would have done. And later after the fact, we learned that he was a millionaire and he had, get this, a Cadillac parked right around the corner.
One time a few years ago, when I took my children back to see where I was born, lived, and played, I took them on the "back-lot" tour at Universal Studios. I cannot tell you how many times people (mostly younger kids and some young adults) remarked how neat it would be to just be able to work the cameras or build the sets, where movies were made. But I think I ruined the dream for them when I told them that these people you see all around here, still hit the snooze button on their alarm clocks and have to pry themselves out of bed (or be sand-blasted out by another party), just like everyone else.
As an adult with two small children, I lived in an old railroad town on the Wabash River known as Terre Haute, Indiana. For those of you that know some American history, you may remember this name: Eugene V. Debs. You may also remember that he ran on the Socialist Party Of America ticket for President five times. Well, he lived most of his life in TH and his spirit is still alive and well there, to this day. It certainly was, when I was there.
I have never seen a more government dependent population, in such a small area. Drive through many neighborhoods in the morning, and you will see very little activity. But by noon, drive through those same neighborhoods again. You will see the inhabitants getting up and sitting on their front porch, greeting the day, watching for the mailman to bring them their government checks, and maybe selling a little meth. (The checks supplement the meth business.)
TH is in a stretch of corridor that runs north and south along the Wabash River. At one time, this area was saturated with meth labs, the rate was one of the nation's highest. New Indiana law, forcing the sale of pseudoephedrine to be more tightly regulated, has made a significant dent in the manufacture of of the drug. But it's not gone, yet.
Sounds like a depressing place, doesn't it? Were it not for Indiana State University being located there, the town would be dead. They have lost large plants over the years, much of it due to labor disputes. You see, the unions have chased many large factories out of town or shut them down all together. Eugene V. Debs has left a long-lasting mark on this town, to be sure. It's socialist roots have been alive and well. When I first moved there, I saw pickets of a drug store. The union wanted in, they were not allowed in, and the union sent a sandwich board person to picket every single (what was then) Hooks Drug Store.
Today, the area is still populated with union supporters. But the business has left. That is, the manufacturing base that it once was has turned into a service-industry economy, like anywhere else. Since coal is rarely used anymore, the mining jobs are still shrinking. The railroad is used only a fraction of what it once was. CBS Records left years ago, J.I Case lost a major contract to a Libyan firm in the 80s, it's gone. Those were two huge plants right there. But the university has been the anchor through it all and still is the biggest employer of the city.
While it is true that America is a very unique place. Lifestyles, tastes, and attitudes are very different based on what we all grew up with and came to know as we got older. Like wine or beer, each area of America has its own distinctive flavor. Much of it is derived from the history and personality of the area. There is no typical American anymore than there is a typical European. But there are things that unite us and make us countrymen. One of those things is our ability to bounce back from tragedy and adversity.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Parents And Sister Of VT Killer Silent; Grandfather Speaks
As new details are revealed about the deranged shooter, we have learned that he had a specific plan. This was not a reaction to any one specific incident, it was not an uncontrolled rage that led the depraved individual to strike down innocents. No one set him off. Quietly, he planned this with pinpoint accuracy and carried out the plan in a chillingly, determined and methodical manner. Many that lived to tell, have said that he looked professional.
Today, psychological experts everywhere will continue their efforts to explain why a person would do what he did. But, just how close are we to truly understanding what was in the mind of the killer and his motives? And how much does it really matter?
I do not know much about the parents of this deranged man except to note that the media has reported they were hospitalized with shock, not for suicide attempts as was first reported. Beyond this, there hasn't been much on them. But today, the Telegraph has published more information about the family life of the killer, with an interesting (yet more than likely, entirely irrelevant) twist to this tragic event.
Interesting, but this little plot sidetrack probably has little or no bearing on why this tragedy took place. And because the immediate family has made the decision to remove themselves from the limelight (and understandingly so), all that can be learned at this point is what can be pieced together. Ironically, his grandfather (who is far removed from the situation geographically because he lives in Korea) is the only one that has been quoted in this, so far.
The critical thinking side of me is wondering how this money was made, in Saudi Arabia. But before you deem me to be a paranoid right-winger, let me say there is no reason to go into this examination with any preconceived theories, based on one vague report. But in the interim period, I think that if we want to get any kind of understanding of this, we have to ask some pointed questions here. We need to learn more about everything involved here (at some point when the grieving process has advanced a little further). And while I strongly caution against getting stirred up over this particular bit of information, all info that comes up, needs to be looked at closely when the dust settles more.
As I said earlier, it's probably nothing. Right?
UPDATE (4-20-07)
More is coming out from the shooter's family. The Mirror has details.
Sounds like little Cho has brought great grief and dishonor to the family name, back in the old country.
Today, psychological experts everywhere will continue their efforts to explain why a person would do what he did. But, just how close are we to truly understanding what was in the mind of the killer and his motives? And how much does it really matter?
I do not know much about the parents of this deranged man except to note that the media has reported they were hospitalized with shock, not for suicide attempts as was first reported. Beyond this, there hasn't been much on them. But today, the Telegraph has published more information about the family life of the killer, with an interesting (yet more than likely, entirely irrelevant) twist to this tragic event.
THE sister of the gunman responsible for the deadliest shooting rampage in modern US history works as a contractor for a State Department office that oversees billions of dollars in American aid for Iraq.
Interesting, but this little plot sidetrack probably has little or no bearing on why this tragedy took place. And because the immediate family has made the decision to remove themselves from the limelight (and understandingly so), all that can be learned at this point is what can be pieced together. Ironically, his grandfather (who is far removed from the situation geographically because he lives in Korea) is the only one that has been quoted in this, so far.
Kim, 81, who lives in Kyonggi province outside Seoul, said he has had little contact with his daughter – the mother of the shooter – after they arrived in the United States.
Cho's parents ran a used-book shop in Seoul until they left for the United States.
"They bought the tiny shop with the money my son-in-law made in Saudi Arabia before he got married," Kim said.
The critical thinking side of me is wondering how this money was made, in Saudi Arabia. But before you deem me to be a paranoid right-winger, let me say there is no reason to go into this examination with any preconceived theories, based on one vague report. But in the interim period, I think that if we want to get any kind of understanding of this, we have to ask some pointed questions here. We need to learn more about everything involved here (at some point when the grieving process has advanced a little further). And while I strongly caution against getting stirred up over this particular bit of information, all info that comes up, needs to be looked at closely when the dust settles more.
As I said earlier, it's probably nothing. Right?
UPDATE (4-20-07)
More is coming out from the shooter's family. The Mirror has details.
THE grandfather of Cho Seung-Hui said yesterday: "Son of a bitch. It serves him right he died with his victims."
Sounds like little Cho has brought great grief and dishonor to the family name, back in the old country.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Making Sense Of It All
First of all, I am not sure one can make a lot of sense come out of this. That's what senseless is.
But as could have been predicted, the European press is having a field day with this.
However implicit or explicit you paint this, I do not think this can be pinned on Charlton alone. In fact, I would think that intelligent people could/would recognize it's a combination of factors, with no one thing that can be isolated as the root cause. If anyone is going to make a case against the NRA, they must also make a case against the other things that led us up to this point.
1. The de-sensitizing of of people through: a) Movies that both show and glorify gratuitous violence. b) Video games that do the same thing.
2. The mental state of the shooter. We can blame the gun, which is merely an inanimate object. But when it comes down to the crux of the matter, it was a deranged gunman that chose to pull it's trigger.
3. The lack of an effective tool to deny deranged and law-breaking people access to guns, while allowing sane law-abiding citizens the right to own them.
Irrelevant. These guns were not semi-automatic weapons. That's completely a separate argument and having this in place would not have prevented this tragedy.
No, there is no easy answer to this.
Many believe that if we had Europe's gun laws, this wouldn't have happened. Maybe, maybe not. No one can prove it with irrefutable solid evidence.
One of PYY's distinguished visitors from time to time is L'Amerloque.
At SF's blog, he makes a very poignant statement that is worthy of re-print, here in this instance:
In response to a specific part of SF's post on this:
Amerloque says:
The plea may be self-defense, but the shooter may end up dead. Dead men tell no tales. It may be not be a deterrent in all instances. But I would be willing to bet this would be a significant factor, in some people's decisions as whether to commit an act of violence or brazen theft, or not.
Europeans hear of the savagery that sometimes rears its ugly head on this side of the ocean, sometimes in a very skewed way. Images of the wild west era are drawn up by critics, whereby people are packing pistols, holding up the stage coach, riding into town to get drunk and shoot up the town, and other things that conjure up the belief that America is out of control. But despite this active attempt to persuade Euros to believe this inaccurate portrayal, the US does not have the highest murder rate per capita, at least not according to this website. Despite being 24th overall on this list, the fact remains we have more than many of us are willing to accept. Wikipedia bears this out, as well (although the latest stats on this table, shows the US as #22).
Another problem I see is one of culture. The movies and the video games seem to reinforce murder as a sport. Anytime a movie such as Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse can open up number one at the box office due to pre-release hype on how gory the movie really is, and anytime a video game such as Grand Theft Auto can sell like hotcakes to kids, we must look at the culture issue as a contributing factor. I don't know how well these two things go over in Europe, but they are close to mainstream status here. This may play a small role in explaining why kids are committing more violent crimes.
Again, despite not being in the top twenty, we can take very little solace in that fact. One, in my view, is too many. Each victim has a name, a face, and an identity. Although it's not realistic to expect there will be no murders ever, it's not something many of us are ready are willing to tolerate (at least not after something as heinous and tragic as what occurred Monday in Blacksburg, Virginia). And although our European friends have us beat in this department in the post-modern era, it is estimated that there were 20 murders per 100,000 in medieval times.
The bottom line here is, violence is not going to go away as long as there are those that have little value for human life. That point transcends all nations and all cultures.
But as could have been predicted, the European press is having a field day with this.
Across the continent on Tuesday, European media rubber-neck at Monday's massacre in the United States. Most seem to agree about one thing: The shooting at Virginia Tech is the result of America's woeful lack of serious gun control laws. In the strongest editorialized image of the day, German cable news broadcaster NTV flashed an image of the former head of the National Rifle Association, the US gun lobby: In other words, blame rifle-wielding Charlton Heston for the 33 dead.
However implicit or explicit you paint this, I do not think this can be pinned on Charlton alone. In fact, I would think that intelligent people could/would recognize it's a combination of factors, with no one thing that can be isolated as the root cause. If anyone is going to make a case against the NRA, they must also make a case against the other things that led us up to this point.
1. The de-sensitizing of of people through: a) Movies that both show and glorify gratuitous violence. b) Video games that do the same thing.
2. The mental state of the shooter. We can blame the gun, which is merely an inanimate object. But when it comes down to the crux of the matter, it was a deranged gunman that chose to pull it's trigger.
3. The lack of an effective tool to deny deranged and law-breaking people access to guns, while allowing sane law-abiding citizens the right to own them.
Papers reserve their sharpest criticism for the 2004 expiration of a 10-year ban on semi-automatic weapons under the then Republican-controlled Congress. Others comment on the pro-gun lobbying activities of Heston's NRA. Some papers also draw analogies between school shootings and Muslim fundamentalist suicide bombers.
Irrelevant. These guns were not semi-automatic weapons. That's completely a separate argument and having this in place would not have prevented this tragedy.
No, there is no easy answer to this.
Many believe that if we had Europe's gun laws, this wouldn't have happened. Maybe, maybe not. No one can prove it with irrefutable solid evidence.
One of PYY's distinguished visitors from time to time is L'Amerloque.
At SF's blog, he makes a very poignant statement that is worthy of re-print, here in this instance:
In response to a specific part of SF's post on this:
In fact, I feel safer taking the metro in Washington than in Paris, rarely lock my car wherever I go in town, and often leave my house door unlocked.
Assuming that you don’t deal in drugs and/or live in some very limited neighborhoods, America by and large is a safe place.
Amerloque says:
Amerloque feels the same way about SoCal. (grin)
He has thought about this quite a lot (re: differences in France and the USA (grin)) and has come to a few conclusions.
One is that perception counts for quite a lot. It’s a matter of belief: with a gun, there is no middle ground. If the person facing the gun feels that the person holding the weapon will use it, then the person facing the gun will behave. If the person doesn’t believe, then he/she will do whatver she/he wants. It is then incumbent upon the person holding the weapon to use it. He/she must shoot. There is no middle ground (except, perhaps, shooting to “wound”, which is a bit haphazard, indeed …). That’s why Tasers have equipped many US police departments and “tonfas” and “flashballs” have equipped many French municipal forces: they allow a graduated response, just like a simple “billy club” used to. This is also why the CRS and police in riot situations in France do not pull their guns and not fire. The element of “belief” would be negated. If a French cop pulls a gun out of the holster, he will use it. It is a last resort.
Another conclusion: in Washington, or LA, or Podunk, a burglar or carjacker will hesitate mightily before breaking in or making off with the car, for one very good reason: the supposed “victim” may well be armed and open fire on the criminal. The criminal will be blown away. The plea in court might very well be “self defense”.
The plea may be self-defense, but the shooter may end up dead. Dead men tell no tales. It may be not be a deterrent in all instances. But I would be willing to bet this would be a significant factor, in some people's decisions as whether to commit an act of violence or brazen theft, or not.
Europeans hear of the savagery that sometimes rears its ugly head on this side of the ocean, sometimes in a very skewed way. Images of the wild west era are drawn up by critics, whereby people are packing pistols, holding up the stage coach, riding into town to get drunk and shoot up the town, and other things that conjure up the belief that America is out of control. But despite this active attempt to persuade Euros to believe this inaccurate portrayal, the US does not have the highest murder rate per capita, at least not according to this website. Despite being 24th overall on this list, the fact remains we have more than many of us are willing to accept. Wikipedia bears this out, as well (although the latest stats on this table, shows the US as #22).
Another problem I see is one of culture. The movies and the video games seem to reinforce murder as a sport. Anytime a movie such as Quentin Tarantino's Grindhouse can open up number one at the box office due to pre-release hype on how gory the movie really is, and anytime a video game such as Grand Theft Auto can sell like hotcakes to kids, we must look at the culture issue as a contributing factor. I don't know how well these two things go over in Europe, but they are close to mainstream status here. This may play a small role in explaining why kids are committing more violent crimes.
Again, despite not being in the top twenty, we can take very little solace in that fact. One, in my view, is too many. Each victim has a name, a face, and an identity. Although it's not realistic to expect there will be no murders ever, it's not something many of us are ready are willing to tolerate (at least not after something as heinous and tragic as what occurred Monday in Blacksburg, Virginia). And although our European friends have us beat in this department in the post-modern era, it is estimated that there were 20 murders per 100,000 in medieval times.
The bottom line here is, violence is not going to go away as long as there are those that have little value for human life. That point transcends all nations and all cultures.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Shock And Disbelief
As a parent of a college student and step-parent of another, I have no words to describe the horror that took place yesterday. This could happen anywhere at anytime. No one is immune from this kind of thing. But more than anything, it truly makes no sense whatsoever.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and those that will be traumatized by this for the rest of their lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, families, and those that will be traumatized by this for the rest of their lives.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The European Paradox
There are those that criticize the U.S. for various faults and deficiencies, many times rightly so. It's not so much the criticism that many Americans find invalid, but it is the source of the criticism that irritates us, at times. Many times it's a clear-cut case of being blind to one's own faults, while demonizing Americans. Much of this kind of criticism results from Europeans, yet, it's becoming more apparent that the Euro stone throwers are living in glass houses.
Take this story for example, it comes from the IHT:
In the U.S., there are frequent protests, with most of them directed at the current administration. Yet, we rarely read that U.S. police use violence to break them up. It's all covered under free speech, something that other countries have yet to grasp. Russia is but one of those countries. The EU so far has been silent on the methods of dealing with unrest, used by the Putin administration. But let this happen here in the USA, and it would very likely be open season in the halls of Brussels.
Another area that Euros would have us all believe is more prevalent in America than anywhere else, is racism. Take this story (also from the IHT), for instance:
I'd say we could offer to send Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to help facilitate Oettinger's demise, but we must remember that it's okay for white people to disparage other white people, and it goes double when it's Jews that are the target of hate speech.
But wait. Here's one that they could jump on without any reservations:
First of all, what the hell would the German Army be doing fantasizing about being in New York City, conducting any kind of an operation? And then secondly, why would their focus be on blacks? Very telling, wouldn't you say?
It leads me to ask, how much of this is far more pronounced than those in Brussels would have the world believe? They talk a good game, but talking is just words. Words mean little to most intelligent people, for they are not easily persuaded by empty rhetoric like that that comes out of irrelevant institutions. It's easy to sit on some kind of moral judgment seat, pointing fingers at a speck in your neighbor's eye, all the while overlooking the mote in your own. It's not so easy to admit it you have the mote to begin with. But moreover, it is action that counts.
So, don't hold you breath on Al and Jesse making this an issue. They will not be able to win this one, anyway. What's more, they do not care.
Take this story for example, it comes from the IHT:
For the second time in two days, the Russian police forcefully dispersed an opposition rally Sunday, beating protesters and arresting their leaders in a chaotic, violent street scene in St. Petersburg.
The two rallies cumulatively drew at most several thousand anti-government protesters and posed little threat to President Vladimir Putin. A loose coalition of opposition figures, including Garry Kasparov, the former world chess champion, organized the events. Kasparov was among those arrested.
Nonetheless, the weekend rallies were dispersed in a flailing of truncheons, marking one of the largest displays of raw police force used against political opposition figures since Putin assumed the presidency seven years ago.
In the U.S., there are frequent protests, with most of them directed at the current administration. Yet, we rarely read that U.S. police use violence to break them up. It's all covered under free speech, something that other countries have yet to grasp. Russia is but one of those countries. The EU so far has been silent on the methods of dealing with unrest, used by the Putin administration. But let this happen here in the USA, and it would very likely be open season in the halls of Brussels.
Another area that Euros would have us all believe is more prevalent in America than anywhere else, is racism. Take this story (also from the IHT), for instance:
Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing a rebellion inside her conservative party after Günther Oettinger, premier of the conservative southern German state of Baden-Württemberg, refused to retract a funeral eulogy in which he praised a disgraced Nazi judge.
Merkel, who until now has managed to maintain some discipline in her Christian Democratic Union party since being elected chancellor in late 2005, will meet senior party leaders Monday in an attempt to prevent the crisis from growing.
The German Jewish community has already asked for the resignation of Oettinger, and the Social Democrats and Greens have also called upon him to retract his praise of Hans Filbinger, a former Nazi judge who issued death sentences during World War II but who concealed the fact for decades.
I'd say we could offer to send Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson to help facilitate Oettinger's demise, but we must remember that it's okay for white people to disparage other white people, and it goes double when it's Jews that are the target of hate speech.
But wait. Here's one that they could jump on without any reservations:
A German army instructor ordered a soldier to envision himself in New York City facing hostile blacks while firing his machine gun, a video that aired Saturday on national television showed.
First of all, what the hell would the German Army be doing fantasizing about being in New York City, conducting any kind of an operation? And then secondly, why would their focus be on blacks? Very telling, wouldn't you say?
It leads me to ask, how much of this is far more pronounced than those in Brussels would have the world believe? They talk a good game, but talking is just words. Words mean little to most intelligent people, for they are not easily persuaded by empty rhetoric like that that comes out of irrelevant institutions. It's easy to sit on some kind of moral judgment seat, pointing fingers at a speck in your neighbor's eye, all the while overlooking the mote in your own. It's not so easy to admit it you have the mote to begin with. But moreover, it is action that counts.
So, don't hold you breath on Al and Jesse making this an issue. They will not be able to win this one, anyway. What's more, they do not care.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
News In Brief (And The Usual Opinionated Commentary)
This week has seen the firestorm of the Imus affair overshadow other significant stories with the potential for more long-term impact on people's lives. I cannot think of a time when a story has gripped the media, activist leaders, and people in general more than other events (that normally would have received top-bill, or at least a far more prominent place in the pecking order of stories, covered by the usual suspects).
While the hypocrites like Al Sharpton were busy turning this into the circus that it eventually became, some other stories were overlooked:
Chavez To Take Control Of Oil Fields By Force
If I were the oil companies, I'd be tempted to use a scorched earth policy. Oil companies have invested heavily in this exploration and development. They put up the capital, the time, the labor, and for some thug like Chavez to wrest it by force, is theft. We would see how innovative Hugo would be with no process to make the tar-like crude, usable and ready for sale. Burn it to the ground, I say. They are going to lose it all, anyway.
Exiled Russian Dissident Signs His Own Death Warrant
Give credit for some guts. After many of those critical of Putin have mysteriously managed to get dead, he comes right out, announces his wishes and possible intentions. But, if I were him, I would not have said anything to the media, just yet. All that have been meaning to tell Boris they love him, had better do it soon.
A Jihadist Among Us
Gosh, who knew? In fact, don't tell anyone, but I think there may be more.
One Too Many Jihadist In The Iraqi Parliament
Unfortunately, by the time we found this out, he had killed someone and hurt many others.
These stories are the significant ones that will more than likely be overlooked on the weekend talk circuit.
What will we get? More Imus, more Al, more Jesse. More piling on, more over-analyzing, etc.
Right now, the direction some are taking this is not called for. Al is reportedly receiving death threats.
In all cases of controversy, there are death threats. It may be deplorable, but it happens more times than reported. Big stories that get this amount of coverage, always have a way of flushing out kooks and despicable bastards. There is no need to make this some big deal in the press, other than to generate more sympathy for a cause already won. Other than to do what they're doing (which is to increase security and keep a paper trail of all threats), there's not much else you can do. By making this known publicly, they only risk more.
Now that Imus has been fired, now that Imus has met with the ones that have the right to be the maddest, it should be going away. Right? Yet somehow the skeptic in me says that Al may try to keep this going longer, by doing what he does best (by making himself the focus of attention).
If you really want to understand better how jobs like this work, you have to read this article.
This is nothing new. Media Matters is but one watchdog agency that have become a large component in this whole concept, known as the thought police. Now they are targeting others they disagree with. They will not stop until they purge the airwaves of them. So you see? There really is a slippery slope.
There's more, but that's all we have time for right now. Until next time.
While the hypocrites like Al Sharpton were busy turning this into the circus that it eventually became, some other stories were overlooked:
Chavez To Take Control Of Oil Fields By Force
"On May 1 we are going to take control of the oil fields," Chavez said. "I'm sure no transnational company is going to draw a shotgun, but we will go with the armed forces and the people."
If I were the oil companies, I'd be tempted to use a scorched earth policy. Oil companies have invested heavily in this exploration and development. They put up the capital, the time, the labor, and for some thug like Chavez to wrest it by force, is theft. We would see how innovative Hugo would be with no process to make the tar-like crude, usable and ready for sale. Burn it to the ground, I say. They are going to lose it all, anyway.
Exiled Russian Dissident Signs His Own Death Warrant
Exiled tycoon Boris Berezovsky, a onetime Kremlin power broker-turned-fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, in remarks published Friday called for the use of "force" to change Russia's government.
Give credit for some guts. After many of those critical of Putin have mysteriously managed to get dead, he comes right out, announces his wishes and possible intentions. But, if I were him, I would not have said anything to the media, just yet. All that have been meaning to tell Boris they love him, had better do it soon.
A Jihadist Among Us
Gosh, who knew? In fact, don't tell anyone, but I think there may be more.
One Too Many Jihadist In The Iraqi Parliament
Unfortunately, by the time we found this out, he had killed someone and hurt many others.
These stories are the significant ones that will more than likely be overlooked on the weekend talk circuit.
What will we get? More Imus, more Al, more Jesse. More piling on, more over-analyzing, etc.
Right now, the direction some are taking this is not called for. Al is reportedly receiving death threats.
In all cases of controversy, there are death threats. It may be deplorable, but it happens more times than reported. Big stories that get this amount of coverage, always have a way of flushing out kooks and despicable bastards. There is no need to make this some big deal in the press, other than to generate more sympathy for a cause already won. Other than to do what they're doing (which is to increase security and keep a paper trail of all threats), there's not much else you can do. By making this known publicly, they only risk more.
Now that Imus has been fired, now that Imus has met with the ones that have the right to be the maddest, it should be going away. Right? Yet somehow the skeptic in me says that Al may try to keep this going longer, by doing what he does best (by making himself the focus of attention).
If you really want to understand better how jobs like this work, you have to read this article.
This is nothing new. Media Matters is but one watchdog agency that have become a large component in this whole concept, known as the thought police. Now they are targeting others they disagree with. They will not stop until they purge the airwaves of them. So you see? There really is a slippery slope.
There's more, but that's all we have time for right now. Until next time.
Friday, April 13, 2007
More Funny Stuff From Bob and Tom
Anyone that had an older brother will especially appreciate this little ditty (Safe For Work):
The show generally has it's share of callers, here is one from Jerry Jones (May not be safe for work):
Here's one from Larry King (Not safe for work):
The show generally has it's share of callers, here is one from Jerry Jones (May not be safe for work):
Here's one from Larry King (Not safe for work):
Thursday, April 12, 2007
MSNBC Will Replace Imus
Advertisers pulled out and MSNBC had no other choice but to give the I-Man the ax. I expect CBS to follow suit, soon if not before I get this posted.
Now MSBC must find a suitable replacement. And as you may guess, I have a suggestion: The highly touted, highly respected and honored Bob and Tom Show. It has won several Marconi Awards and is syndicated all over the country. You can see here, if they are on station near you.
Here is a short bit during a March broadcast:
This is a piece that got a lot of airplay on this show over the years of this show:
Of course it stands to reason that if you are going to have a song that pokes fun at men, you have to have one that does women too:
I will throw in this bit, just for good measure:
Check these out when you get time, they are not long. This show is the Saturday Night Live of morning radio.
Now MSBC must find a suitable replacement. And as you may guess, I have a suggestion: The highly touted, highly respected and honored Bob and Tom Show. It has won several Marconi Awards and is syndicated all over the country. You can see here, if they are on station near you.
Here is a short bit during a March broadcast:
This is a piece that got a lot of airplay on this show over the years of this show:
Of course it stands to reason that if you are going to have a song that pokes fun at men, you have to have one that does women too:
I will throw in this bit, just for good measure:
Check these out when you get time, they are not long. This show is the Saturday Night Live of morning radio.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
All Charges Dropped In Duke Rape Case
By now, everybody has heard this. It should come as no surprise to anyone with half an ounce of gray matter between their ears.
When the case first broke, I was concerned that some spoiled brats from rich affluent families could have violated a girl in the manner in which it was presented to us. Only after seeing the details unfold did this begin to reek of a gross injustice. Only then, did I even post on it. Not only does this clearly illustrate the reason why people should not rush to judgment, it demonstrates the kind of outcome that can occur when you allow mob-rule to dictate actions, rather than the rule of law.
Lives have been ruined over this, but those that rushed to judgment probably will not suffer much. An exception to this may be DA Nifong, who used this as a campaign issue to get the black vote in his re-election bid. But overall, those that used this as a platform to bully him will not have to answer for this; they will likely get their usual pass from the media and the justice system, because of the racial component involved here.
But PYY issues no such passes. Therefore, for whatever it is worth, PYY is issuing the the following condemnations and is calling for the following things to happen:
PYY condemns the woman, Crystal Gail Mangum, who made up this farce for whatever reason she chose to do so. In additon to this, PYY calls for charges to be brought against her for perjury and filing a false police report.
PYY condemns the Prosecutor in this case, Mike Nifong. The reason this was such a circus to begin with, was clearly because this man shirked his sworn duties to uphold the law and apply it fairly to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, or national origin. He failed. In addition, he should step down as DA or be removed, if he refuses to do so. (Future cases will be affected, if this does not happen.) Then, he should be investigated by the NC AG for criminal misconduct. And the families should sue the hell out of him and force him to liquidate everything he owns, for violating these men's constitutional rights.
PYY condemns the all of those in the Duke University academic community that rushed to judgment and calls for each one that spoke publicly about this before the facts were known, to apologize in public. In addition, Duke University administrators should pick up the tab for any future education expenses, whether it's at Duke or not.
PYY condemns Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the Black Panther Militia for whipping up this frenzy. Realizing there is little legal recourse that can be taken against them, they still bear a great deal of responsibility in the events that have taken place over the last year, in this travesty of American justice. They should publicly apologize, Sharpton should have the three men and their families on his show and allow them to conduct their own inquisition against him, like he did with Imus. I do not know if Jesse has a show or not, but all he has to do is call a press conference and the media will flock to him. (He should also rescind his offer of a scholarship made to the woman, earlier, and in the same breaths that condemned these young men.) Real men with valued principles would do this, but they are the dictionary examples of hypocrisy and I will not hold my breath waiting for it to happen. As for the Militia, they are hatemongers that advance intolerance and create more ill-will than they cure. They too should apologize, and disband.
PYY condemns the feminists and women's groups that, along with the race-baiters, whipped this up into a frenzy. They should do the same thing, being asked of Sharpton, Jackson, and the Militia. But again, it's probably not going to happen.
PYY condemns the mainstream media that presented this in such a biased angle and gave an audience to these aforementioned groups and individuals. Their actions are most deplorable, because without media this case would have stayed local and most likely could have been resolved a long time ago. But with the extra attention it got, Mr. Nifong got drunk on the publicity and the attention that it brought to him personally. And being the quintessential politician that he has proven himself to be, he ate it all up, while he held the cards. The media enabled him to do this. If there is any possible case against those outlets that catalyzed this into the farce that it soon became, I would recommend they start looking at a settlement, now (SEE: Richard Jewell and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
If anything good can come out of this case (and again, I doubt there will), maybe it will be to discover the old concept of letting the justice system work, first, before there is a cry foul. There's nothing wrong with keeping pressure on our elected law enforcement officials, to see that the law is upheld and justice is done. But we, as a society, cannot allow thugs, miscreants, liars, those with a political angle, and the openly biased "dirty laundry" seeking media to prosecute people, while violating their rights. There must be accountability for those that poured fuel on this fire, as well as those that started it.
When the case first broke, I was concerned that some spoiled brats from rich affluent families could have violated a girl in the manner in which it was presented to us. Only after seeing the details unfold did this begin to reek of a gross injustice. Only then, did I even post on it. Not only does this clearly illustrate the reason why people should not rush to judgment, it demonstrates the kind of outcome that can occur when you allow mob-rule to dictate actions, rather than the rule of law.
Lives have been ruined over this, but those that rushed to judgment probably will not suffer much. An exception to this may be DA Nifong, who used this as a campaign issue to get the black vote in his re-election bid. But overall, those that used this as a platform to bully him will not have to answer for this; they will likely get their usual pass from the media and the justice system, because of the racial component involved here.
But PYY issues no such passes. Therefore, for whatever it is worth, PYY is issuing the the following condemnations and is calling for the following things to happen:
PYY condemns the woman, Crystal Gail Mangum, who made up this farce for whatever reason she chose to do so. In additon to this, PYY calls for charges to be brought against her for perjury and filing a false police report.
PYY condemns the Prosecutor in this case, Mike Nifong. The reason this was such a circus to begin with, was clearly because this man shirked his sworn duties to uphold the law and apply it fairly to all individuals, regardless of race, creed, or national origin. He failed. In addition, he should step down as DA or be removed, if he refuses to do so. (Future cases will be affected, if this does not happen.) Then, he should be investigated by the NC AG for criminal misconduct. And the families should sue the hell out of him and force him to liquidate everything he owns, for violating these men's constitutional rights.
PYY condemns the all of those in the Duke University academic community that rushed to judgment and calls for each one that spoke publicly about this before the facts were known, to apologize in public. In addition, Duke University administrators should pick up the tab for any future education expenses, whether it's at Duke or not.
PYY condemns Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, and the Black Panther Militia for whipping up this frenzy. Realizing there is little legal recourse that can be taken against them, they still bear a great deal of responsibility in the events that have taken place over the last year, in this travesty of American justice. They should publicly apologize, Sharpton should have the three men and their families on his show and allow them to conduct their own inquisition against him, like he did with Imus. I do not know if Jesse has a show or not, but all he has to do is call a press conference and the media will flock to him. (He should also rescind his offer of a scholarship made to the woman, earlier, and in the same breaths that condemned these young men.) Real men with valued principles would do this, but they are the dictionary examples of hypocrisy and I will not hold my breath waiting for it to happen. As for the Militia, they are hatemongers that advance intolerance and create more ill-will than they cure. They too should apologize, and disband.
PYY condemns the feminists and women's groups that, along with the race-baiters, whipped this up into a frenzy. They should do the same thing, being asked of Sharpton, Jackson, and the Militia. But again, it's probably not going to happen.
PYY condemns the mainstream media that presented this in such a biased angle and gave an audience to these aforementioned groups and individuals. Their actions are most deplorable, because without media this case would have stayed local and most likely could have been resolved a long time ago. But with the extra attention it got, Mr. Nifong got drunk on the publicity and the attention that it brought to him personally. And being the quintessential politician that he has proven himself to be, he ate it all up, while he held the cards. The media enabled him to do this. If there is any possible case against those outlets that catalyzed this into the farce that it soon became, I would recommend they start looking at a settlement, now (SEE: Richard Jewell and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
If anything good can come out of this case (and again, I doubt there will), maybe it will be to discover the old concept of letting the justice system work, first, before there is a cry foul. There's nothing wrong with keeping pressure on our elected law enforcement officials, to see that the law is upheld and justice is done. But we, as a society, cannot allow thugs, miscreants, liars, those with a political angle, and the openly biased "dirty laundry" seeking media to prosecute people, while violating their rights. There must be accountability for those that poured fuel on this fire, as well as those that started it.
Using The Imus Factor As A Political Weapon
Sorry to report that the media has saturated itself with this story. What's a blogger to do when looking for inspiration to put up an intelligent thought-provoking post that people will want to read, when the lead-in yesterday (and from the looks of things today) was (is) the Imus situation. And I mean to tell you it was everywhere.
There are other things going on in the world, but the media seems to remain content to put this front and center. All of this is despite the fact, there are certainly more pressing things to consider. But, really now. Who wants to think about anything that could seriously effect people's lives, when you can have one of your own peers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
But that's not all there is to it. It's going to get old fast, if we keep re-inventing the wheel. So naturally, there will be a need to have this ripple out into other stories, just to keep this thing alive. It's going to need a little help.
The Boston Globe being the fine beacon of truth and responsibility it is, has chosen to sow more discord by making this a political issue.
See? Nice lead-in.
Just guessing here, but Obama may have had other things to do? He is a Senator and he is running for President, so it may stand to reason that he has more important things to do than to get involved with a highly controversial figure with severe credibility problems, like Al Sharpton.
Here's what it looks like to me.
Al Sharpton wants to drive the train in the black community. He's clearly said in the past that he is withholding support for Obama, until he sees how Obama is going to act. Al is based in NY, Hillary is based in NY, the NYT (which owns the Boston Globe) is based in NY, Obama hasn't got a chance with this publication to start with. Al wants to be the kingmaker, plain and simple.
But from the looks of things, Obama realizes that it's not in his best interests to get overly worked up over this thing. Sharpton is well recognized by many, as a divider. And Obama wants to see himself as a uniter. His remarks are going to be measured and professional, not easily given over to a mere moment of emotional appeal.
But the big thing in all of this to note is, this is an implicit attempt to plant the question in the minds of those in the black community: Is Obama black enough? Sharpton appears to be headed that way. There's a good chance, he's already made his mind up to support Hillary and believe me, Hillary doesn't like Imus either. He's called her everything in the world, including Satan. For her, it would be a good time to shore up support from Al and stick it to Imus at the same time.
But to do so, would drastically affect credibility. Sharpton is a power-hungry race-baiting troublemaker. And if either candidate is smart, they will rightly condemn the statements made by Imus and move on. After that, the market will decide whether or not to fire Imus. CBS, MSNBC, and the radio station he originates from will make that determination. The last thing any candidate should do, is get in bed with Al. That's for sure.
There are other things going on in the world, but the media seems to remain content to put this front and center. All of this is despite the fact, there are certainly more pressing things to consider. But, really now. Who wants to think about anything that could seriously effect people's lives, when you can have one of your own peers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
But that's not all there is to it. It's going to get old fast, if we keep re-inventing the wheel. So naturally, there will be a need to have this ripple out into other stories, just to keep this thing alive. It's going to need a little help.
The Boston Globe being the fine beacon of truth and responsibility it is, has chosen to sow more discord by making this a political issue.
With the Rev. Al Sharpton leading calls Monday for radio host Don Imus to be fired over racially insensitive remarks, Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign avoided the controversy throughout the day.
See? Nice lead-in.
Not until Monday evening, five days after Imus's comments were uttered and hours after CBS Radio and MSNBC announced a two-week suspension for the radio host, did Obama weigh in, saying in a statement: "The comments of Don Imus were divisive, hurtful, and offensive to Americans of all backgrounds." Obama did not address whether he thought Imus should be taken off the air.
Just guessing here, but Obama may have had other things to do? He is a Senator and he is running for President, so it may stand to reason that he has more important things to do than to get involved with a highly controversial figure with severe credibility problems, like Al Sharpton.
The episode is the first test of how Obama -- who is of mixed-race background -- is handling the contentious issue of race in his presidential campaign. Even as polls have shown other Democrats attracting a large share of the black vote, Obama has steered clear of the kind of activism symbolized by Sharpton and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who were both highly visible in the Imus episode but whose aggressiveness on race issues has alienated some white voters in the past.
Here's what it looks like to me.
Al Sharpton wants to drive the train in the black community. He's clearly said in the past that he is withholding support for Obama, until he sees how Obama is going to act. Al is based in NY, Hillary is based in NY, the NYT (which owns the Boston Globe) is based in NY, Obama hasn't got a chance with this publication to start with. Al wants to be the kingmaker, plain and simple.
But from the looks of things, Obama realizes that it's not in his best interests to get overly worked up over this thing. Sharpton is well recognized by many, as a divider. And Obama wants to see himself as a uniter. His remarks are going to be measured and professional, not easily given over to a mere moment of emotional appeal.
But the big thing in all of this to note is, this is an implicit attempt to plant the question in the minds of those in the black community: Is Obama black enough? Sharpton appears to be headed that way. There's a good chance, he's already made his mind up to support Hillary and believe me, Hillary doesn't like Imus either. He's called her everything in the world, including Satan. For her, it would be a good time to shore up support from Al and stick it to Imus at the same time.
But to do so, would drastically affect credibility. Sharpton is a power-hungry race-baiting troublemaker. And if either candidate is smart, they will rightly condemn the statements made by Imus and move on. After that, the market will decide whether or not to fire Imus. CBS, MSNBC, and the radio station he originates from will make that determination. The last thing any candidate should do, is get in bed with Al. That's for sure.
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