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Well, the new year is here ... and the world goes on. A few of the stories that have caught my attention over the weekend that I thought I would share with my usual commentary. I hope you find them interesting, evocative, informative and thought provoking. Of course, dear reader, you are welcome to disagree, vehemently if you are so inclined, and add your rebuttal to my commentary ...
Top of the news: The Saudis break diplomatic ties with the Iranians. My gut level reaction here is that this a red-on-red action (blue on blue being between friendlies and blue on green between friendlies and allies) and the best thing for the US to do is keep its head down. I say that is my gut reaction, but it probably would not be the best reaction. There really is too much at stake here for the US to forsake its world leadership role and let them go at it. The result, unfortunately, would be severe damage to our economic interests and that is what the Saudis are counting on. What interests you say? We don't need their oil. True enough, but we depend on trade in goods and services with countries that do depend on that oil. The economic shock of a out-and-out war across the Persian/Arabian Gulf probably would mean disaster to those economies and that would draw in all sorts of different players ... not that there are not enough stirring the pot now. Still I think "this is going to get out of hand"
And a step toward our adventures in outer space has come and gone ... and is ready to go again ... only it isn't apparently ... it is going to a museum. I hope the next one off the production line is ready soon, so it can repeat the feat ... and then repeat it again ... and again.
This is an essay on the significance and importance of the SpaceX feat
Interesting warning from the head of the Swiss defense forces ... are we that close in Europe? It sometimes seems that we are not that far away here, as well.
In keeping with the debate on arms in civilian hands, this is a rather cogent explanation of what was meant by the Second Amendment and its intent to be the protector of the Constitution and all the other rights. You may not agree, and I welcome your counter argument.
Interesting story about a man who quietly goes about protecting our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms ... safely
I find this article interesting, not so much for what it says, but what it apparently assumes: That everything in the world is in RESPONSE to what the West has said and done. I believe that is a false assumption. People in other parts of the world act not because of some perceived slight or old injustice committed by the West's elites. To say that, to me, reaches a level arrogance that is difficult to comprehend. It is a very narrow visioned way to look at the world and relieves 5/6ths of the world's population and their elites of any free will, freedom of choice, and responsibilities for things they do. I am sorry, but I am calling out that mythology. It is great for those who want to wallow in liberal guilt traps, but it really is a large pile of fecal material.
In a sense, I agree with the author of this essay. We seem to lack patience these days to fight the long battles over culture and the economy. We surrender far too quickly and leave field to those who are willing to advance incrementally. Turning back the tide of liberal policies that extend back 50, 70, 100 years (depending on which progressive mantra you want), can not be accomplished in a day. And history tells us that bureaucracies will fight tooth and nail to resist change and a reduction in their powers and authorities. In fact, in most cases in history, bureaucracies usually win and the people lose, with the power ending in the hands of elites and despots.
I rarely link to video, but this is a good one ... we seem to forget that there really is a difference between natural law and the laws of men. It is an ignorance we are paying the price for in this day and age. Unfortunately, words and their definitions rule the world, whether you want to accept that or not. In this, the former judge is spot on.
Facts, I know, are uncomfortable things. These don't fit the narrative of progressives and those folks who call themselves Black Lives Matter ... but why should they get in the way of a good cause, right? Unless, maybe the solutions really don't solve anything, then you are just left with a bigger mess than you started with.
Speaking of things that go unnoticed and uncommented on, but it seems that Africa remains the "Dark Continent". Not in the sense that a lot of the people who live there have dark complexions, for that truly should be irrelevant. What is interesting is that death and mayhem go on a much larger scale than that we decry when it happens elsewhere. Where is that vaunted responsibility to protect these people? I am not calling for a US led invasion, but how about those who criticize the US when it does intervene ... how about you sending your young men and women ... particularly those from liberal, progressive Western countries which take such delight in celebrating their role as UN Peacekeepers.
This article's prejudice is so blatant, I find it almost funny. Please, count the number of pejorative words used to describe Ted Cruz. It puts me in the mind of one of the complaints feminists used to have about how men described women on the rise in the corporate world. It really struck me as funny ... until I stopped and asked myself about how many people would accept these descriptions as gospel because it came from Yahoo and the AP. It is something to think about when you read - or listen - to the news, whether it is a talking head or a news reporter or anchor.
This comic book cartoonist makes an excellent case and defense for his First Amendment right - and everyone's Natural Right - to draw depictions of Mohammad the Prophet, as well as Allah, or God, or any other religious figure.
A view of God/god ... I sometimes think God has many faces ... and to assume that we understand all of them ... well, I am not that smart.
Ok ... on a lighter topic: I want one ... I know I can't afford it but looks awesome
And on closing note for this evening ... modern tips for how to be a "man" in the 21st Century ... and having shared that I would also urge you to look up and read Rudyard Kipling's poem "IF" ... it may be more than a century old, but its advice is as true now as it was then ... and probably more appropriate than the modern list.
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