Suggesting reading list for July 31, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Another day of news and views gleaned from my internet surfing. I hope you find them interesting and thought provoking.

Interesting video lesson on the role CO2 plays on planet earth, from the co-founder of Greenpeace.  Of course since it does not adhere to the current catastrophic global warming narrative, I guess the progressives, et al, will dismiss it and say he doesn't know what he is talking about.

The progressive view of President Obama. Well, I am not going to leap to the defense of any of the Republicans ... but I will point out something: As a Congressional force, they are doing nothing different than when Democrats wielded control of Congress and a Republican sat in the Oval Office.  It seems progressives have selective memories when it comes to that.

A little reminder how progressives treated George W. Bush ... and basically got a pass ... sorry, the hypocrisy is a bit much.

Yet another example of how the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is tanking ... from a federal government audit.

US spies on Japan; What Wikileaks fails to point out, ad nauseum, is that all governments (friends, foes, otherwise) spy on each other. If you don't understand that, then you are clueless about the real world. You spy on your friends so they don't pull any surprises on you and they spy on you for the same reason. It really is a jungle out there folks, and you had better understand that. No Marquis de Queensbury rules apply in international relations.

A very valid point about the brouhaha over the death of Cecil the Lion. Hint, it ain't about the lion.

Another example of the Obama administration undermining the rule of law and efforts to make it accountable.

Maybe the federal judicial branch finally is going to stand up to the Obama Administration and force it to stop fiddle-farting around and ignoring the rule of law

As the evidence of malfeasance in the Obama Administration continues to mount ... why aren't people being charged by the DOJ and going to jail?

Given Hillary's track record as illustrated in the latest IG reports, it amazes me that the Democrats are still touting her as presidential timber ... give me a break.

I definitely don't think the Iranians are reading off the same sheet of music on the Iran Nuclear Deal as President Obama and his staff and John Kerry. Big disconnect here that I don't think is just a glitch in translations.

The twists and turns of fate as Afghanistan tries to deal with the demise of Mullah Omar ... could ISIS be the real winner.

More on Hillary's e-mails and how she is just not telling the truth.

As this commentary points out, the California superior court judge blocking release of one of the Planned Parenthood expose tapes really needs a course in First Amendment law ... his restraining order should go down in flames.

This story about Putin and his plans puts a scary twist on it all ... is he really gearing his people up to justify a war? I sure hope not ... may it all be just a bit of bluster.

A progressive response to Republicans oppose the Iran deal ... hmmm, it doesn't mention the Democrats that also oppose it. I would point out a number of things: A. First and foremost, this is not a treaty, so don't make is sound like one. If it was, then it would HAVE to go to the Senate for advice and consent and that is why it is not a treaty because Obama probably would lose that battle. Second, there are no moderates in positions of political power in Iran ... and you are deluding yourself if you think there are. Third, to accept the deal, you have to accept an awful lot of what the Iranians are supposed to do on faith ... and given their track record in the past, that house of faith is build on a mound of sand.

Donald Trump's call for mass deportations make a great sound bite ... and while I support the concept, unfortunately actually trying to do it would be extremely difficult if not impossible

This HuffPo commentary is an example of the coarsening of America ... there was a time when people actually took pride in their appearance ... but that is too passe today ... too judgmental ... but is also undermining civility in our society with a lack of respect ... for anyone or anything

And I leave you tonight with these words of wisdom ...

Suggested Reading list for July 30, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Another collection of articles for you to peruse, and perhaps to think about. I hope you do, as I found each one carried its own message/lesson to learn for the day. Of course, you are free and welcome to disagree with the commentary I have attached to each one … but as always, I would like to know the reason why, so leave a comment either here or on my Facebook Page so I can at least reconsider my follies.

First off tonight is an excellent commentary by George Will on the arrogant mendacity of our President and his administration that really is striking at the core of the foundation of the United States: The Rule of Law.

The misplaced priorities of this story reflects the truth of Stalin's observation that a single death is a travesty and a tragedy ... even if it is just an African lion ... while the deaths of millions at the hands of the abortionists at Planned Parenthood is merely an inconsequential statistic.

Mr. Greenberg, in his usual manner, points out the President was being more than a bit disingenuous in portraying the Iran deal as a choice between war and peace ... there always was the option of continued or even increased sanctions.

Another commentary on how President Obama's arrogance keeps him from recognizing the "cultural imperialism" he is trying to impose on Africa.

I would have more sympathy for Amnesty, Al Jazeera and the Palestinians, if at the same time they would acknowledge the reason for these attacks and how indiscriminate the Hamas and Hezbollah attacks on Israel are. Can't condemn one, without condemning the other ... and you do realize that there is a "war" going on here. Whether you consider it declared or undeclared, it is a war ... and sometimes in war people die.

An interactive map to the Israel attacks in Gaza. Question: Where is the corresponding map showing the Hamas rocket and mortar attacks on Israel?

This headline on this story about Jihadist wars is quite accurate. In fact the Jihadi war on the other civilizations , including Western and Christian civilizations started about 1300 years ago ... and never really abated.

Interesting that California sees fit to enjoin the producers of the anti-Planned Parenthood videos, rather than enjoin the practices revealed in the undercover videos.

How dumb do they think we are? Pretty damn dumb. That is why there is no uproar in those National Media outlets about the outrages being revealed about the abortion practices of Planned Parenthood.

For the same reason above, Bill and Hillary will continue to get their pass and get out of jail free cards.

Victor David Hanson makes excellent sense, as usual, which is precisely why it isn't going to happen, and the pitfalls he foresees will happen ...

You see what happens when you try to help people ... they throw you out as a threat to the regime. Why is that not surprising? Hey, look people, to borrow a phrase used earlier, a lot of rulers don't like our cultural imperialism and want to take our ideas about free speech, freedom of religions, open governance and rooting out corruption as a personal affront.

This is the latest WaPo view on the NGOs from the US getting asked to leave Russia.

As if there wasn't enough flash points around the globe, it seems that India and Pakistan are just waiting for things to get out of control on their disputed borders ... any bets on whether it goes nuclear or not this time?

Turkey's war on terrorism ... this makes for a very muddled scorecard for the Middle East and trying to sort the good guys from the bad guys ... or at least who is worth our backing and who isn't.

Is this another case of America abandoning our allies? Dang, you think the Kurds - who basically love Americans after the no-fly zones and the US help in overthrowing Saddam – would know this was coming and they are going to get the short shrift ... just like any other ally the current administration wants to spit in the face of as a reward for the loyal help in the past.

Two points for Canada and Israel

Good grief, the DOD is still working on this. I can remember being told 25 years ago that a soldier's dog tag would soon be replaced by the equivalent of a thumb drive to be worn around his neck that would have his medical and personnel records on it ... and they just now are getting around to letting a $10 billion-plus contract to move digital records another step toward that end. Something is dreadfully wrong with the procurement process.

Oopsie ... another story on Gen. Dempsey saying things that would be a career killer, except he retires in another month. I hope he is being honest now.

In case you hadn't anticipated this, this is the real reason the Obama administration plans to close Guantanamo Bay's detention facility and probably the base itself. Oh well, he is our president.

I guess somebody forgot to tell these people that the Capitol actually is built on what was a swamp ... not that that might have anything to do with anything. The important thing is to get us all to panic, destroy our economy and as many lives (preferably poor people who don't read the Huff Po) as we can.

Unfortunately, examples like this actually are true and not just hypothetical nightmares. George Orwell, you were so right ... and we are about to be crushed by political correctness.

Medicare and the law of unintended consequences plus the inevitably of changing circumstances ... at what point does it become too expensive? And the comment about the emptiness of the "trust funds" should have been painfully obvious going way back.

Like this judge got major coverage on the nets and the metro papers ... not. Now, just imagine if the IRS official had been in a Republican administration and how that would have dominated the news. If that doesn't discourage you, then the scoffing at the law so prevalent in the Obama Administration means little to you, even though it potentially could destroy the country.

Interesting commentary how GOP candidates Trump, Cruz and Fiorina are seizing back the terms of the debate from "the media", much to the "media's" discomfort. In a way, they are, as the author points out, actually doing the rest of us a service.

From the Economist: Actually, I think the subhead should apply to all countries at all stages of development ... but then, I suppose that would be politically incorrect to point out.

The question is: Could a Sino-Russian alliance against Europe really survive, given the ego of Russia's leader and the goals of China's leadership.

Gee, how bad. The guy is planning a march for Gay Pride in a Muslim neighborhood and the local LGBT people are upset because it might not be welcomed there. But it is ok to go to other neighborhoods and ram Gay Pride down their throats and accuse them of being homophobic if they say anything but bow down with hosannas. Somehow, for some reason, that logic bothers me.

Another case for always knowing how to hit a target, even at extreme ranges, with iron sights ... at least iron sights can't be hacked. They can get bent or banged up ... but a shooter would see that

And two points for Fox News on its GOP presidential candidate debate ... at least all will get some airtime ... and that really is how presidential debates ought to be run ... even in the general election: Not just the Democrat and Republican candidates, but all candidates who are on enough ballots in enough states to win the electoral college ... not that that would ever happen, but it would a lot fairer and do the voters a lot more service than the dog and pony shows they put on now.

Suggested reading list for July 29, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Once again, into the breach: Here are articles I commend to your reading.

Mullah Omar is supposedly dead ... and has been since 2013. Well, good riddance to bad rubbish ... and hopefully the death of the leader of the Afghan Taliban will help solve that nation's divisions. I have a special place in my heart for Afghanistan due to a man named Nassimi who by father befriended long ago. I only hope the Mullah doesn't resurface with the classic Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain line: The reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.

And the mystery of Malaysian Air Flight 370 goes on and on ... is this a tantalizing clue to what happened to the plane.

More information on the death of Sandra Bland in Texas ... I wish most people would understand we need to wait for the investigation to conclude before accusing the police, or the jail, of misconduct.

From Venezuela: This is devastating news and, actually, revolts have been spawned for lesser reasons.

Interesting article in the local newspaper on the homeless ... two things struck me: A. that this is a long term situation - they have been here for generations (note the reference to the Hobo Jungle, which is a term from the 1940s and 1950s) and B.  it seems the majority of the people involved are choosing not to avail themselves of what services, however limited, are available ... that is their choice ... they should have to live with it and not expect others to provide for them. I know that is cruel ... but are we to force them to accept help?

South China Sea - Very interesting article on things that the US can do to deal with China. The one assumption I would challenge is that nations respond to rules ... and they don't. Maybe someday, but today, whether it is in Asia, or Europe, or the Middle East, we are seeing conflicts and threats of conflicts in order to expand or contract spheres of influence.

South China Sea - It seems that China is doing a little saber rattling. Any one other than its neighbors watching and appreciating what is being done here?

It seems the Swedes finally are going to get a grip on one of those mini-subs it keeps telling people about. Of course, the question is: Just how long has it been sitting there on floor of the Baltic Sea?

Specter the Gunship could be going high tech and non-lethal ... the good old AC130J continues to labor on.

Reform military acquisitions ... gasp ... if Congress passes this, listen for the Democrats and the bureaucrats to howl like stuck pigs.

South China Sea - Obama policy? What policy? How not to win friends and influence enemies (or at least competitors for power)

John Kerry - When it is expedient, ignore the law, the Constitution and the process because you can’t get your way.

South China Sea - Interesting outline of what China's long term goals are. One must remember, the Chinese are not like the Americans, who seem enamored with instant gratification and next quarter's bottom line. The Chinese think in longer terms, much longer terms ... like years and decades. The Chinese are patient, whereas Americans are impatient. China also has a 6000-year tradition that it falls back on. They are planning for 2040s and beyond, while Americans have trouble focusing on the latest celebrity dustup between Taylor Swift and Katy Perry. 

This story about current job compensation trends is an excellent example of the instant gratification society. It also pretty much renders the wage debate obsolete, but then I doubt those with wealth envy will make that connection.

Discovering life not on Earth ... I am sorry, but if anyone ever thought we were alone ... they were wrong ... and despite the contentions of Secular Humanists and Atheists, it does not preclude the existence of God - I always found it so limiting for those who read which every translation they read of any holy text and say that it does not allow for life elsewhere. My personal view is that God would not be so limited ... and it really is a big universe out there that God has created with all its myriad of rules that we continue to discover.

This commentary is rather a scathing indictment of the erosion of free speech and freedom of conscience in New England states, particularly Massachusetts. Given the political climate up here, I don't find it all that surprising that individual liberty, rights and responsibilities are under assault.

An interesting convergence on two issues, seemingly unrelated, but an indictment none the less of the progressive views. You can take it for what it is worth. I find value in the author's points, you may not.

Governed by Zealots ... I love the new acronym BANANA ... to replace NIMBY.

Interesting slant on a defensive use of a gun ... not that it will be reported on

Now the question is ... how serious is this woman.

One view of Islam, apparently as it is practiced in Pakistan. Now, I know this is not universal, but it seems to widespread, which leads to the question: Where can you compromise with this?

On Mike Huckabee ... please note the sarcasm here ... it is in full throat.

Oh the foibles and follies of racial identities ... would that we would just let them go and identify ourselves as human ... and those residing as citizens of the United States simply as Americans, with equal treatment before the law and everything else.

As the commentator in this article says: Who the freak cares? Why is this even mentioned anywhere?

Suggested Readings for July 28, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.
I hope you find this edition interesting and educational. Of course, you are welcome to disagree. I would not have it otherwise. If so inclined leave your comments here or on my Facebook Page. The choice is yours.

Interesting report on the efforts of the ISIS's public affairs office reaching out to other Arabs to encourage them about the benefits of the new Caliphate.

Another story about ISIS, this one trying to explain the attraction of ISIS to westerners who travel as pilgrims to join. It is interesting to me, because - in a way - it sort of explains the attitude of the Left, particularly progressives, toward the traditional American culture based on English Common Law and the rule of law ... which - whether you want to agree or not - really is under tremendous assault by progressives and liberals these days.

Assuming the numbers in this story are correct (since they are citing federal sources and the Pew Institute), it it does pose an interesting dilemma: If all the illegals in the workforce were sent packing, would the unemployed Americans be willing to pick up the slack. And if they were hesitant, the how high would wages have to go to entice them? Think about that for awhile.

I offer this link not because I am endorsing this site ... but because the first two paragraphs speak a truth that is so glaring. In fact, 25 years I was pointing out to people that this is the very reason that "friendly" fire incidents happen even in the highest and well-trained soldiers.

This commentary echoes a feeling I have been having with the situation in the Middle East for some time. And yes, I agree, that Obama is making pacts with the Devil over there and those deals are going to drag us into a quagmire that probably rival George Jr.'s misadventures.

Time on the war in Syria: Round and Round We Go, Deeper and Deeper We Go.

In the world? I suppose ... but I do think the key point in this survey was the comment: "The incumbent president is nearly always the winner of the most admired distinction, having placed first in all but 12 of the 68 years the question has been asked." And I am not all that certain that in some quarters in Kenya he is all that popular right now.

OOPSIE, I guess the President is not all that popular in China right now either. Well, that subtracts one-sixth of the world's population from the positive column

This article from StratFor offers a rather interesting perspective on how to consider geopolitics and its role in the Middle East.

Another point of view on US forces going to Turkey

The scary thing about the North Koreans is trying to figure out how serious to take them.

With due respect to the unalloyed brilliance of Dr. Hawking, Mr. Musk and Mr. Wozniak, but the genie is out of the bottle, gentleman. And if history has taught us anything, if it can be build/done, it will be done ... and yes used for nefarious, malevolent and evil purposes. No amount of posturing is going to change that.

I really do find it sad that Muslim-American actors seem to find them stereotyped ... but then, when I stop and think about it, Americans are stereotyped all the time in films made in other countries. I suppose the Left is protesting that as well ... ah ... no, you say. Sad, I guess ... but then I think of the British gentleman I meet every so often who has me stereotyped as a cowboy because I like to wear broad-brimmed style hats on sunny days.

Oh my goodness, a pro-supply side economics article on the Huffington Post ... is the world coming to an end? The same prescription also should be applied to the federal government and any number of state governments. Now, imagine, if Puerto Rico actually was a state, this waving the rules would be moot ... and besides, isn't it more than a bit racist to exploit Puerto Rican labor that way? Oh, and in case you missed it, the Puerto Ricans passed a referendum a while back asking to be admitted as a state.

And if you didn't know, this is why the rank and file out there are pretty much fed up with the inside the beltway establishment leadership of the Republican party.

This is in response to something that happened on some TV talk show ... I agree, is there any doubt the hue and cry that would have been raised had the roles been reversed. Hypocrisy rides again.

This is rather telling ... and probably while the United States really is doomed, as the Left continues to trash its history, culture and tradition.

Paul Greenberg is one of my favorite columnists (I used to work for the same newspaper chain he now does) and, as usual, he has a very valid point to make ... not that anyone is listening.

Mr. Williams, another columnist I like, makes a good point with his column here on Charleston and its aftermath.

And excellent review of why Trump is resonating, by Prof. Sowell. He is right, we are debating about the wrong things.

Here again is a story about the debate we should be having, but aren't, about women on the front lines.

I hope the Boy Scouts are willing to accept religious exceptions ... but given the attitude of take no prisoners with LGBT movement, I find it dubious.

And this project is an example why assimilation is being trashed in favor of multi-culturalism, which - in my humble opinion - will mean the death of freedom and liberty in the US - because the Balkanization with crush freedom of speech, freedom of conscience and religion and freedom of the press as too offensive and too full of micro-aggressions to be tolerated.

Please, pray tell me, that Secretary Kerry was not really implying that the President and he might opt not to obey the law. I am telling you, this administration appears to be doing its absolute level best to transform American by trashing the rule of law.

Yet another indictment of the VA health care system. Sorry, folks, go to government run health care and this is what you will get.

Take if for what it is worth ... but then again, maybe, article has its facts correct and the accepted narrative really is false.

Ms Paglia always strikes a chord with me ... and this one really resonates.

A counter to the liberal/progressive mantra that the defense budget needs to be slashed ... you know facts are irritating things sometimes.

An interesting commentary on the "subarming" of America. It makes a point that I have pointed out in the past on the meaning of the Second Amendment in historical terms

Suggested Reading list for July 27, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Here are the selected readings for today that I have garnered off the internet. I hope you find them interesting, and thought provoking. As usual … if you want to make a comment about the article or my commentary on it, feel free, either here or one my Facebook Page as you desire, to skewer my comment or applaud it, or point out my failings.

This piece is from the Center for American Progress Action Fund, and as the web site indicates, it is a progressive web site. I would take issue with two assumptions made by this article. The first being that it is the federal government's responsibility to a) provide of equality of economic outcome for everybody, b) that it is the federal government's responsibility to see that everyone gets to go to college, regardless of whether they need it or not, and c) that it is the federal government is required to see that anyone is provided with the basic necessities of life. Second, I remember that before 1970, few parents actually thought, much less saved for it, that there children needed to go to college. Actually, from my perspective it was the draft and the Vietnam War that drove the vast majority of young men to seek deferments by going to college in the 1960s and early 1970s and stretching it out as long as they could. And I realize I am a bit old fashioned here, but the from each according to their ability to each according to their perceived need concept has been repeated discredited so many times through out my life (and continues to be discredited in Europe as we speak today) that it absolutely amazes me that anyone continues to spout it. And I often wonder why corporations and individuals "park" their money in overseas accounts. But then I remember what happens to money in bank accounts: it gets lent out to other people, while the depositor gets interest for letting the bank do it. HMMMMMMM.

Leave it to Huffington Post to make an interesting statement ... about presidential politics

Ouch ... a rather acerbic attack on the Democrats ... but I am not sure the Republicans should be so sanguine.

One wonders, as does this author, how anyone can support Planned Parenthood's abortion clinic practices. I am all for family planning, and especially prenatal care, but abortions on demand, and apparently targeted at specific sub-groups of Americans ... that seems to me to be going beyond the pale.

Another global warming panic story ... but the question remains, in my mind, could it all be part of a natural cycle. The science tells us in the last 15,000 years, it has been both hotter and colder than it is now ... and that relatively rapid spikes in both directions have happened ... so to say, that all the problems with climate change are due to human activity seems a bit of a stretch. In addition, since the US has made consider progress in containing the evil gases, how are the global warming alarmists going to get the rest of the world to follow suit?

When you think about wars, it is best to keep your perspective ... and these figures can help you do that ... War is a terrible waste ... but unfortunately, sometimes, they have to be fought.

Sometimes the military uses some of the strangest pieces of gear ... here are a few examples

There is a certain element of truth in this commentary ... and that is that democratic forms of government are lousy at fighting wars that get prolonged. Our enemies know that. Given that the average attention span of an American today is about the time it takes to receive and respond to a text message ... our instant gratification society is not prepared for conflicts that may span generations. Our enemies know this.

America has a long tradition of scoundrels, ragamuffins and scallywags ... and they even are feted in their exploits in their own books.

OH MY! Another Climate Change crisis ... we are messing up future carbon dating.

I guess it is time for dueling studies on the impact of raising the minimum wage. Sigh, it still is a cruel hoax on those people who have worked their way up from the bottom, only to be slammed back down to the bottom to start again.

Our wonderful VA health care system strikes again ... well, I do my best to help those younger veterans avail themselves of its services ... I use my veteran's rights as little as possible and go out on the economy to get my medical care.

Mount Soledad - I am glad someone came up with a solution to keep the cross in place.

Interesting commentary on a number of issues ... I commend it to your perusal ... It is worth it.

Safe zone in Syria - Hmmmm .... isn't this how we got involved in Iraq after the First Gulf War?

OOPSIE! Not necessarily inspiring great confidence in Russian equipment, is it?

Oh my, imagine the right wing blogs lighting up if it was revealed that the Pentagon had a similar plan on the shelf somewhere ... it probably does ... but then again, think how ape-crap the progressives would go.

This is very good news, and shows a side of US military forces that make them particularly lethal - they come to train but are open to listening and learning from the locals ... proud of these troopers.

Well, I guess, in this case, the science must be wrong ... but then again, we have been genetically modifying food for millennia ... but apparently the science now agrees that GMO foods are not a threat to human health and well-being. Not that anyone will listen.

GMO is not a health issue, says this commentator, it is a political issue. She probably is correct.

This is an interesting article ... and to be honest, I don't know what to make of it. I still am trying to get my arms around exactly what the American culture is ... and what it is perceived to be. But then the concept of a melting pot and assimilation into a society based on English Common Law, Judeo-Christian ethos grounded in Greco-Roman concepts ... which pretty much makes in a Northern European design, seems to be being totally rejected these days … so I don’t know where to start.

I guess, to make a long story short, this article says President Obama's version of the Global War on Terrorism isn't working ... Somehow that does not surprise me.

President Trump? Get used to it ... or so the headline on this article goes ... I guess stranger things have happened.

I was never a George McGovern fan, but I do wonder how the media of today would have handled this information.

According the AP, it seems that the ACA is not turning out to be all it was touted to be ... strange.

As this commentary points out ... you should have seen this coming

Another example of the Balkanization of America ... and it puts the political crosshairs on Florida again .... oh boy.

South and East China Seas - Even the Aussies are getting wound up ... this is going to start boiling one of these days.

South and East China Seas - China's new artificial islands look suspiciously like military bases ... does that surprise anyone?

South and East China Seas - Chinese: Who? Us? We are innocent as a newborn lamb. It is all these other countries who are bad.

South and East China Seas - Interesting analysis of Japan's evolving military policy.

South and East China Seas - Interesting analysis of China's grand strategy in the region. Is if flawed? I don't know, but I do agree that with any strategy, the other side(s) always have a vote and that usually screws up any plan.

Navy is busy building baby flattops ... to supplement the big carriers

Iran Deal - it really comes down to Congress ... and the Democrats in Congress ... will they just toe the President's line ... or will they really examine the deal and consider whether it really does what the President says it does. Listen to the Iranians, the President and John Kerry seem to be on one planet and the Iranians on an entirely different one. Whom are we supposed to believe?

Footnote on the Global War on Terrorism: Guantanamo. The detainees will come to the US. The Progressives will have a field day sending them back into combat ... and more Americans will die.

Suggested reading list for July 26, 2015

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

Some more interesting articles found to read. I hope you enjoy them … and you are welcome to skewer my comments on them, for that is your right and privilege, either here or on my Facebook page. I only ask that you be civil about it.

This story illustrates what I see as the major problem in world affairs: Communication across languages and cultures. It truly creates a host of Alice in Wonderlands out there, because not only are you dealing with linguistic  differences, but cultural interpretations and concepts as well. Some things just don't translate very well. We need to realize that and accept it as part of our perception of reality.

This story, for some reason, conjures up visions of Vulcan Mind Melds by Mr. Spock of Star Trek fame. It is amazing the directions that modern medical research goes in.

This is another story on how the world of science is changing us rapidly into what we used to think only was the realm of science fiction. I will make only one observation - based on human nature - if it can be done, it will be done, by somebody somewhere on the globe. No amount of regulation or rules will prevent it. Get ready for that fact, for it will happen. It can happen for good, but by the same token it can happen for evil. The cat is out of the bag and there is no controlling it now.

I think those who believe that tech and all that will replace "hard" currency really are living in a world of their own. Our tech relies on one thing: Electricity ... and if that goes, what good is all the tech? It becomes usually hunks of silicon, plastics and metals ... and what do you do then? Think about that and you quickly realize the slender thread that modern civilization exists on.

I wish somebody would explain why - given the opening up of the US to Cuba that has been hailed by all around the world - that this is happening. But then, maybe Cubans are just greedy (like the rest of humanity) and have a different perspective on the Havana regime.

If this is true ... too bad Kim Jong-Un wasn't at the controls and didn't walk away ... well, maybe not ... that could really throw things in the Hermit Kingdom into a tizzy.

This is an example of the "disparate impact" view of the world. Which, in this case I find extremely humorous, especially if you read the following link.

Women control three-fourth's of America's wealth ... duh, that has been the case for most of my lifetime that I have been aware of such things. It seems to me that they have the power to do a lot of things and if they aren't ... they whose fault is it? Ironically, between my studies of history and my mother, I learned a very valuable lesson as a young man: Women control an immense amount of power ... and very smart women (and even very stupid ones) can wield that power in such a way they can manipulate men to do just about anything they want ... of course, leaving no fingerprints to identify themselves.

Scandalous sculpture .... oh what twaddle ... I guess you can get worked up over just about anything. I am sorry, he was an artist who knew his market and catered to it. Get over it.

Rainbow push back - Hello? Was no one expecting this? And to place all the blame on American evangelicals? Give me a break. Is that not hubris of the highest order ... and about as racist as they come.  Oh, Yeah, everybody marches to the beat of what Americans say, just like they all were marionettes.

And please, President Obama, don't lecture other cultures on gay rights. Again, American progressive hubris raises its head. Do you wonder why people in so many countries don't like Americans and their propensity to tell others what to do.

The War on Uber - Mr. Stossel has a very good point (but then he is a Libertarian with whom I tend to share a lot of sympathies and have for many years) about how the Left seems to just want to stomp out individualism and the innovations they offer. Uber offers a lot to individuals, but the Democrats can't stand that.

Progressive Socialist Bernie Sanders seems to be riding a wave these days. Granted the "take from the rich and give to the poor" mantra plays well with those who seem to think that the federal government owes them everything ... But socialism being socialism - and outside limited and very specific circumstances - which has proved itself repeatedly over the last 150 years incapable of creating a self-sustaining, non-corrupt, free society that respects the rights of the individual. Sorry, Bernie ... but it doesn't work.

Another one of those problems with technology ... no matter how well  you try to work it out ... there always is some really smart hacker out there who is going to find a way to break the code and create mischief. It is called human nature facing a challenge ... and some of us really relish the challenge. Only sometimes, those people are not just intent on mischief as much as malevolence.

Things are going to heat up in the South China sea - don't think so ... this story shows partly how it is going do just that.

This story partly explains why things are so muddled in the East and South China Seas ... Oriental cultures have very long memories, and some of them place really high values on apologies (and possibly atonements) and if the apology does not fit their view ... then the memory lingers on to stir the pot of the future.

And then there is the Middle East .... Turkey, NATO, Syria, et al. Things could even more interesting than they already are.e

And then there is Europe v. Russia and ISIS ... Are the Europeans waking up from their long slumber under the American defense umbrella? Or is this just another manifestation of the declining faith in the U.S. as an ally ... and a realization that maybe they need to be prepared to defend themselves.

And it is become fairly obvious that the Saudis don't really trust the American's to keep their umbrella over them ... do you fault them?

And the Afghans seem to be looking to the time when the American umbrella no longer helps them. Once again, America abandons its friends in the face of its enemies.

This commentary argues that President Obama should be held accountable by Congress (I know, stop laughing) for the Iran Deal ... which could be interpreted by some as a high crime and misdemeanor in office. At least this author (who is a lawyer and knows his Constitution and history) makes that case.

Another commentary, couched in humor, of the Iran Deal.

Another view on John Kerry and President Obama on their negotiating tactics in the Iran Deal. At least it is food for thought ... and maybe should applied as lessons learned in human behavior.

And interesting treatise on the Iran deal ... with applications on the broader schemes of life. The level of our expectations pretty much drive what we can accomplish.

An interesting rebuttal to a CNN story on the 1001 Muslim Myths and an exhibit apparently now making the rounds. You do know, of course, that things like math, science, medicine, music, art, etc., did not suddenly spring from the ground 13 centuries ago. Actually, most of those things have been around since the dawn of recorded history between 5,000 and 6,000 years ago. And not all of it sprang from the Arabian peninsula. Some of it originated in China, some of it in the Indus Valley, some in the Euphrates valley, some of in the Aegean archipelago, some in Africa ... so don't accept the celebration that all of Western civilization's discoveries are rooted in Arabic and Muslim thought.

This is one of the problems with people today ... we are too immersed in the faults and failings of people who came before us ... and claiming that it gives us some sense of entitlement to something. As long as it continues, then we are going to have problems, especially when people - due to some past ill - demand scarce resources from new generations. It ain't gonna fly well, and there - eventually - will be push back which will lead to strive and probable conflict which will lead ... to wars.

Another example of the entitlement ethos run amuck. Sorry, Gazans, but sometimes other people don't have the money to fund even your limited lifestyles. Learn to cope with it and use your own workarounds. Don't think that is fair? Get over it, life is never fair. Too many people just don't seem to have learned that message and think life can be forced to be fair. Ain't happening folks, so get used to it.

This is commentary is illustrative of how American politicians are using race to divide us. Unfortunately, journalists also have a hand in it, as they are the gatekeepers as to what is news and what isn't. Still, why do we just stand by and let them collectively get away with it?

Interesting point of view of the new proposed EPA regulations ... of course, this doesn't really matter ... it is like I usually say about those who go overboard (in my opinion) trying to protect the environment: Are you the one who chooses to be the first to die? Your children? Are you willing to make the sacrifices needed, or do  you expect the unnamed masses of others to be the ones who will die.

I dearly love conspiracy theories ... even this guy doesn't really believe his own.

This is a beautiful interlude ... both cinemagrapically and musically.

Ok ... I can resist a cute video of a puppy dog ... and this is one cute puppy - talented, patient and well trained.

And finally, this is what the presidency really is reduced to … a bubble, an echo chamber … and we wonder why our presidents become so disconnected with reality.

Suggested reading list for July 25, 2015

Here are some the stories I have been perusing today. I hope you find them interesting … or at least food for thought. As per usual, comment as you will … or read these as you will … it always is your choice.

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take you to the page being referred to.

A beautiful voice from such a young person ... in a classical sense.

Labor laws - there is a point at which maybe we need to rethink them. I know the current rage is to raise the minimum wage, but that flies in the face of the Uber phenomenon

Cross-border trade with Canada - I see this from both sides, and it is unfortunate that two very close friends have to watch their backs and raise costs this way ... and yes, it does raise costs and impact businesses. Progressives might not see how raising wages and other costs hurt the business climate, but it is reflected easily in the woes along the Detroit River.

Interesting story out of Kazakhstan ... could it really be as "simple" as mass hysteria?

Criminal Justice System reform - undoubtedly something needs to be done. Of course the debate between rehabilitation versus punishment versus segregating the violent from the rest of us will continue ... I am not sure how it will be resolved either.

Mammoths and climate change ... I have no doubt that the science behind this is valid ... but note bene that the spikes were part of a natural event. Even though our "climate" has been relatively stable for 400 to 500 years, and is changing now, that does not necessarily mean that the change is due to anthropomorphic causes.

Another view on the Clinton e-mail server ... maybe there is fire beneath all that smoke.

Big Health Insurers' Mergers - there are upside and downsides ... but all these projections are just that ... we don't know until it happens.

Food poisoning - is it worse than ever? And why Minnesota? Because Minnesota is more more aggressive at tracking it and is there more ... probably not, just because of the telecommunications revolution we are more aware of it and food processers, aware that people are more aware - and very prone to litigation - are more cautious, so more recalls. It really is pretty simple to understand.

Gun Control ... the Australian case ...well, if we lived in Australia (with its demographic makeup and constitutional makeup) the progressive argument would hold water ... but not in the US, for both those reasons.

Second Suez Canal - Imagine trying this in the US ... would never happen. I hope the increase in ability to pass ships works out for the Egyptians ... more money in the pocketbook usually can help economic boats rise. But imagine, a major project like that being built in the US in under a year ... nah ... would never happen.

Britain's Ghost Trains - an interesting story ... but also an illustrative one how bureaucrats perpetuate some things past their economic usefulness.

Another case to muddle the mess that is illegal immigration. I guess, the only solution is to throw open our borders to everyone and take our lumps ... at least that seems to be what the progressives want us to do ... except for the labor unions who hate the competition, which is driving wages down ... but what the heck ... it is only the laborers who are affected.

Mississippi car accident - this story is disturbing from a number of points of view ... especially, since it apparently has dropped off the national media's radar, while a woman who apparently hanged herself in a Texas jail cell hangs on (pun intended).

Iran nuclear inspections - somehow, I think something got lost in translation again and the Iranians are interpreting the much feted Iran deal differently than John Kerry and President Obama are telling us it is to be interpreted ... any one for a bit a déjà vu here.

Excellent story on an emerging threat ... think about it folks ... the threat really is readily possible.

Ayatollah tweets pic of Obama - now folks, can you imagine the uproar if this was reverse? And do you really trust the Ayatollah to do anything we can trust? Nope, neither can I.

Suggested readings for July 24, 2015

Okay, here comes the line up for today. I hope you enjoy it and find it food for thought … or if not, maybe a little smile to your face, or a frown as the case may be. As always, you are welcome to skewer my commentary to each link with your comments either here or on my Facebook Page or if you rather, you could say something nice. Either way, I leave it up to you.

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take to the page being referred to.

This is awesome ... you just have to watch this seagull.

A testament to those who served and paid a price ... as well as their families, who also served and paid a price.

I am with Bob Dole (who I really like and respect - unlike his wife, but that is another story) and I hope he can help push forward the memorial to Dwight D. Eisenhower, who is a towering figure in American history and only now is getting more respect as a president.

It looks like the Obama Administration is upping the ante in the war on ISIS ... not sure where this is headed ... but I hope the left is on board.

Interesting "Rogues Gallery" of key Iranian figures ... now free to fund their nefarious activities again.

This story is a sad commentary on how the current administration has undermined too many people's faith in the rule of law and respect of individual rights. It distresses me no end.

This diner flap (pun intended) has gotten out of hand, but the etiquette experts in this story are totally correct.

New Army night sight - will wonders never cease to happen ... while the soldier of the future rapidly fills with concepts from science fiction ... I still wonder what happens when the batteries go flat or the CPU gets hit ... nothing really replaces knowing how to shoot with iron sights.

The sad thing is that the Air Force has never liked the A-10, even though it probably is the best at what it does. It is interesting that it would rather junk the plane than sell it second-hand to allied air forces ... I mean, is that holding a grudge, or what.

If I were the Saudis, I wouldn't trust any promise coming out of the US these days ... because I don't think there is the will to back any of them up.

Unmanned aerial vehicles are added to the asymmetrical threat of hybrid warfare ... folks, this is getting serious and we ignore it at our own peril.

Excellent article on humanitarian interventions ... and a cautionary one ... one hopes the military leadership continues to play devil's advocate on such ideas.

Obviously, this case will not accept the scientific evidence ... because it is convenient to continue the campaign to tear down the authority of law enforcement.

This may be one of the most significant steps in recent history, especially if the vaccine can see wide spread use in South America, Africa and other Third World countries where malaria is by far the largest health threat to people.

Boy, the US Army seems to be needing to learn the words to Happy Wanderer as it keeps sending it Stryker units on road trips around Europe.

This is an object lesson on handling loaded (and unloaded) firearms ... this guy was lucky as were those around him

Not really news, but still ... the Army Chemical Warfare people need to get a handle on this and make sure it doesn't happen again.

It is statistics like these about illegal immigrants (or whatever term you wish to use to call them) that make Donald Trump's rhetoric resonate with many people.

More bad news for Hillary Clinton ... not that anyone seems to be paying attention. This is another example of how the rule of law is being chipped away at by actions of leaders who chose to ignore the law.

This commentary actually illustrates the increasing Balkanization of the American society. That folks is a real problem, that our leadership seems to be encouraging - and that is disheartening. Rather than cater to the special interest group of the moment, we really need to be focusing on the commonalities we all share.

This commentary is a rather stinging indictment of the coverage of the Planned Parenthood problems and of Planned Parenthood itself. It just makes one wonder what it takes to get those in favor of abortion on demand to see the damage it is causing ... in so many ways.

Mr. Rachel's politically incorrect rhetoric takes on Bruce Jenner

Another secular-humanist assault on Christianity ... which is fine ... but it just shows to me, the hubris of secular-humanists ... but then they don't believe in the literal inerrancy of the Christian Bible (to wit I ask, Which Bible? Which translation are you using? And which translation is using which translation ... you get the drift).

Sometimes I think John Kerry exists is some delusional alternate reality universe ... but who knows what he and the president mean these days

What was it TR said about walking softly but carrying a big stick ... well, obviously, the Iranians are not buying John Kerry's talking loudly outside both sides of his mouth ... and basically disavowing the big stick

Lighter-Than-Air aircraft are just absolutely cool.

Spate of mass violence ... I am telling you it keeps reminding me of the world portrayed in Clockwork Orange.

Leave to NBC to be out front with the Clinton spin ... is there nothing that will garner their condemnation of America's Royal Power Couple.

Another story on crime and illegal immigrants ... folks, we really do have a problem here ... how we solve it is up to you, because I can't do anything

Another example of the White House venerating flouting the law ... they just don't get it about the damage they are doing to the rule of law ... which seems to be rapidly imploding in the United States.

If this is true, then why have inspections? How stupid is this.

Assuming this commentary is correct ... then just another example of the current onslaught against the rule of law in the US. And we just let this happen? Where did we go wrong? Granted, I'll grant people their right to protest, but at least be civil about it ... and that seems long gone.

Suggested readings for July 23, 2015

I hope you find this list food for thought … but then again, maybe not … anyway, have fun with reading any of these articles and as usual, you are welcome to tell me how wayward I am and why … I really am interested in the whys, so you can add your comments here or on my Facebook page

Note: Each block of text actually is a link to a story or a web page that I am commenting on. Click on that text and it will take to the page being referred to.

Beautiful ... but I didn't leave my wallet poolside, so I ain't going.

This story is disturbing ... in the sense Stanley Kubrick's 1971 movie "A Clockwork Orange" is disturbing. And it may be a sign of the telecommunications revolution blurring things into one world view, but it just seems this is happening all too often.

This is one perceived reality ... and in our world today, perception often is the only reality certain people will entertain. Still, it makes a point that I find extremely worrisome ... and that is the official slicing and dicing Americans along racial lines by our government. If nothing else, the government should be the most colorblind.

On this issue, I disagree with Sen. Cruz rather vehemently ... I realize that the Supreme Court has taken to injecting itself into disputes political more often than it should and seems to have based its decisions of late less on what the Constitution actually says (especially when it is mute) and injecting what various justices think it should say, but that does not mean the Court itself should become politicized by elections.

Iran Deal: Interesting analysis on how the Senate has changed over the years ... and just touches on the differences between 2010 and 2015.

New Planet - When you think about it, it seems like: Well, what else would you expect in a galaxy and universe that is large as the one we live in. And then again, it is amazing the amount of information astronomers and astrophysicists infer from from minute changes in light from light years away from us.

Interesting question: Should you work for free? Think about it, and ponder its implications. Personally, my view is that you can choose to work for free - this list being an example for which I get no remuneration - but absolutely no one should be compelled to work for free. That is known as slavery. Every individual "owns" his or her own labor and how they sell that labor is up to them, not others; and in all instances they deserve recompense for their labor (unless they choose not to take it).

Oopsie. CNN stepped on it. Now, Kenya wants an apology.

And you thought the US was harsh with its limited use of capital punishment ... try going to Iran ... and use and sell drugs ... I guess it is all in how you want to look at the world.

Fair Tax - I have followed this proposal for a number of years, since I was back in Georgia. It has many merits, but I still am of mixed feelings about it. However, I will say that it would be a vast improvement over the current obscene tax code.

Wisconsin Joe Does - If this is not an abuse of prosecutorial conduct and an abuse of power, I am not sure what is. Which begs the question, what rights to recompense for their rights being so violated do these people have?

Arming military in US - I am of two opinions on this. I definitely understand the position of the military leadership on the advisability of having every troop carry their weapon at all times ... that would be a nightmare for many reasons ... but I do think that someone probably always should have a weapon available for defense in all situations ... how you reconcile those, I am not smart enough to tell you.

Dr. Sowell on minimum wages. Food for thought. Now, I have made my views clear on and off the internet in forums here and in papers I wrote commentary for. Minimum wage levels are feel good legislation, and rarely reflect economic realities. Increases in the minimum wage, especially large ones, are cruel hoaxes at best as they throw those who have worked their way up the pay ladder back to the bottom. Some incentive there to work hard.

Excellent piece of commentary on the current identity divide being promoted in the US (and apparently the UK as this is a Brit speaking) and where it is going to go in the next 10 years. Long ago I invented my own victim group, that was allowed to be denegrated and persecuted without any danger of being called a bad person: A WASPASHCEVMAMP - you can work out the acronym for yourself ... and when you do, post it either here or on my Facebook page .

Rich Browne on Facebook.

Guns, Sanctuary Cities and Nancy Pelosi - leave it to Pelosi to show how far her head is up her derriere

Naturalization oath: BEEP, wrong answer ... BCIS sends the wrong message out here. Every citizen has an obligation to help defend their nation/community, even if it as a non-combatant stretcher bearer.

Interesting analysis of the Iran Deal - food for thought and a perspective one should always consider when viewing events in the Middle East.

Another view on the Iran Deal, from a person who definitely does not have an high opinion of the West ... and probably western values.

Iran Deal sidebar deals - Raises questions about the whole deal, itself, if definitions made in secret in side agreements don't coincide with the public definitions that people understand. Really throws the credibility of the whole agreement - however  you want to justify it - into question, doesn't it?

Excellent piece of commentary assessing the social compact of Americans and how "conservatives" and "liberals/progressives" seem to view it differently. Please read and ponder its implications. Question your assumptions. Examine the basis for your perspective ... and then consider: Which view really is a more accurate portrayal of what a human society should be like.

Abortion ruling: It all goes back to when does a "human" life begin. Granted the SCOTUS has said at the end of the first trimester of a woman's pregnancy, but given that science has "evolved" since the 1970s, is not the presence of a heart-beat an earlier indicator that the lifeform in the womb is human? Anyway, this is a difficult question for me (especially since I can't carry babies inside of me), but it bothers me a lot.

Arctic smoke: Given that wildfires pretty much are a natural occurrence, and smoke tends to reflect sunlight and cool the planet, does this not throw a kink in the global warming problem? Note: I am not saying the climate is not changing ... I just question just how much of it really is attributable to us humans ... and yes, we do have some impact, but how much is a different question.

Craft Root BEER - Hey, this stuff sounds interesting ... and it really goes back to colonial times.

Marines die protecting others: This is what Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen do. It is part of their training ... get the innocent out of the way, and then take the battle to the enemy ... it is the American way. We really should be proud of these Marines for upholding that Code of Conduct. I recently read a book that said there are three types of people in the world: Wolves, Sheep and Sheepdogs ... these guys were the sheepdogs.

Assuming these statistics are correct, then the picture is very disturbing.

An excellent warning, in this commentary, to the denizens of Silicon Valley

China being China ... I remember being told once that Communism would not change China, but China would change Communism. I look back on that sentiment some 50 years ago, and find it so true. The point being that many isms have tried to conquer China, but China always returns to its roots and conquers the prevailing ism.

Unfortunately, too few members of the judicial branch are unwilling to put up with the stonewalling and obfuscations of the executive branch. I mean the DOJ can move with astonishing alacrity when it already has indicted the Charleston shooter on a variety of counts, but the DOS can't provide either the court or Congress with documents requested years ago. Anyone have a problem with that?

My apologies ... but is this doing everything to protect Planned Parenthood from what probably is warranted public scrutiny. This is criminalizing something the government (DOJ) often does on its own.

What was it George Santyana said? Historian Victor Hansen points out the relevancy of Santyana's observation in re: the Iran Deal. It truly is sad, but Hansen probably is correct.

A very depressing view of "all lives matter." Has our politics fallen to such a low level that such pandering is now required? (Don't answer that, it is rhetorical) The left seems so oblivious to the damage it is doing to the UNITED States by its pandering to all the victim identity politicization of just about everything. It truly is sad.

Look at your record progressives, own it and weep. No excuses, no scapegoats, this is your record. I hope you are proud of yourselves.

Burke? Santyana? No matter who said it, the shoe fits on the Iran Deal.

Actually, the VA funding bill is a bad vehicle for this argument, but I understand the anger and the frustration the congressman who offered this rider feels. Unfortunately, HuffPo sees no evil in Planned Parenthood.

Shapiro V. Tur - Shapiro definitely has a case for assault, at least how it was defined to me back in college, and possibly even battery.  Assault, as I remember, is the tort of the threat,  while battery is the tort of actually making contact with a person with intent to do harm.  All you legal beagles out there can correct this old journalist if I have labored under a misapprehension all these many years.

Good grief. Pray tell me where Boston, the seat of so much learning in the US, finds these people and promotes them into teaching the next generation of Americans. Oh, maybe that is my mistake ... maybe there isn't supposed to be a next generation of Americans.

Heck, in my day it was the M-577 Command Post Carrier ... but I guess at 13-tons it was a bit heavy, but at least it protected you from small pieces of flying metal better than just a tent (besides, it had a tent you could put up on the back)

Interesting piece on the history of the big-gun battleship ... but it strikes me odd that it doesn't mention the Battle of Suriago Strait in 1944 which was the other BB v BB surface action in the Pacific

This is an example of political correctness run amok ... plus a very serious effort to disavow history. First, Jefferson founded what became the Democrat party (they called themselves the Democratic Republicans back in 1800), and Andrew Jackson essentially was the founder of what is now called the Democratic party (he dropped the Republican part). And the lineage of the Democratic party then is a straight line to today (and don't forget that the Democrats were the authors of the Fugitive Slave Act, Jim Crow laws and fought the Civil Rights acts of the 1960s. Oopsie, we need to ignore that part don't we). And just look at all the successes the Democrats have racked up: Detroit, Chicago, Baltimore ...