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 ...

Suggested readings for July 22, 2015

Hokay, here we go … enjoy or not, here is today’s reading list.

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.

Now if this doesn't bring a smile to your face, then ... you are hopeless

Interesting article from the Atlantic ... pretty much makes the case I have made for years that if you want to stop the drug war, legalize everything, regulated and tax it ... and this stuff, like the escape of El Chapo won't be necessary

Former House Speaker Gingrich (who has his own credibility problems) pretty much illustrates why U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has zero credibility with me ... and apparently a lot of other people.

Highway deal is made, and then the Democrats (mostly for their own political gain) decide to block the deal. Why is it when the Republicans pull this shit, it is the end of the world and when the Democrats do it, it is the best thing for the Republic. God, I really am getting tired of all this.

Dang, sometimes I think I should go take up residence in Canada with my wife's family ... she probably would win this and not have to get struck by lightning to do it.

Well, I guess China's surprise attack is going to go unchallenged. Why does that not surprise me? (It doesn't, given the current President). And once again, the US chooses to play by its version of the Marquis de Queensbury rules that no one else wants to or does honor. Just great.

Trump and the Draft - I really hate these type of stories. Sorry, I really don't care about whether someone got a medical deferment to stay out of the draft. His draft board gave him one, so get over it.

Guantanamo ... what a dilemma. It serves its purpose, even if liberals don't like it. Some people are illegal combatants unqualified for Geneva/Hague protections ... get used to it. As for the rest, ever wonder why nobody else will take them, unless you want to deliver them back to the fronts lines?

Voter fraud has a long and storied tradition, particularly with Democratic Party machines. I know, the Pendergast Machine in Kansas City had my grandfather voting six months after he died, and my father threatened when he pointed out that fact.

Two points for this guy ... I wish other LGBT supporters would get this message.

Good thing Gen. Odierno is weeks from retiring ... his career otherwise would be toast. It still amazes me that an active duty officer would be so frank in admitting the policies of the current administration are so screwed up. Bad sign, folks, when even the active leadership calls the president on his policies.

This story illustrates one of the false economies of current defense cutbacks ... as we pare back the active components we SHOULD be enlarging the reserve components ... but then, the perfumed princes in the Pentagon and the politicians inside the beltway just never get it. I wrote an article that was published in the Congressional Record by Fritz Hollings pointing out that this folly isn't new.

Dr. Sowell once again hammers liberal policies ... but I really haven't heard a cogent rebuttal.

A very good lesson in US history from Prof. Williams.

I could go along with this author's response to the Chattanooga Shooter

Army Uniform changes ... I like the Ike Jacket ... but  you know ... all these uniform changes get expensive for the troops

Leave it to the Israelis to come up with something that puts US equipment to shame

It seems the arms race in the South China Sea is heating up ... bad news

Political correctness apparently is declaring war on video games ...

Chattanooga shooting: Oopsie ... these guys are in TROUBLE big time ... that is a no-no

I think Herman Cain hits the Trump thing right on the head of the nail. Unfortunately, the nattering nabobs fail to see it.

This seems a rather radical response to illegal immigration ...

When liberal professors pen articles like this ... things are getting scary

I never really could get a good definition of what social justice is ... but its warriors are rattling peoples' cages.

Another chip at the Iran Deal credibility ... sorry, but side agreements really stink

Another attack ... of cuteness ... enjoy

I guess the phrase "social justice warriors" is the buzz word of the day ... still, as I tried to explain to some people, the progressives are going to face a push back ... and it should not be unexpected.

And for those of you who think the Iran Deal isn't Munich Redux ... I offer this

Can anyone imagine if a US president did this ...

With all due respect to the U.S. Attorney General ... this is a little quick off the blocks, isn't it. Dang, if the Justice Department would put half as much energy in actually enforcing laws - like immigration laws, to begin with - it might actually be doing something good ... this however, is merely political grandstanding on a scale that surpasses the pyramids of Egypt.

It is interesting to see how the BBC treats this story from Texas

Of course it also could come from an early version of Kon Tiki

Stupid idea ... fast way to automate all fast food places

Interesting analysis of how to defeat China ... if it comes to war

Hello, Iran? Are you taking notes? Here is how the Israelis are going to attack you.

Another interesting story on a site that it pay to keep track of

Another interesting perspective from the Atlantic

Another stupid idea from HuffPo ... sorry, but I tend to think that lawyers are among those people  - like just about everybody - who should be compensated for their labors ... unfortunately this editor at Huffington Post thinks otherwise

Suggested reading list for July 21, 2015

More follies from the Random Thoughts Public Affairs shop (inside joke there) … I hope you find this list of some use, fun, or just silliness.

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.

Obama says IRS didn't target Tea Party; if it did, it was Congress's fault ... Good grief, how long will the main stream media put up with this ... it is incredible. Obama either is totally delusional or he just knows that progressives and liberals will never call him on his flat out, demonstrably false, lies.

Interesting article by George Friedman on Turkey's Byzantine position in the pivot of several of the world's crisis points.

Obama's first wave of US-trained Syrian rebels seem to reflect the disarray his whole policy in the Middle East is in.

Anti-drone gun ... another Army idea that probably will founder on getting gold plated

This is a serious issue - Army military recruiters, etc., - but I find it interesting that the local Air National Guard center here has steadily been ramping up its security. Today, a local police car was parked inside its compound on the road leading into it.

PACOM flies on patrol in the South China Sea - China calls it a provocation. Dang, what isn't a provocation to the Chinese or the North Koreans.

Another view on the Iran Deal ... sort of explains why the Russians were so eager to get it.

And more wood for the fire burning in the Ukraine ... Granted, we are talking 1,800 troops from 18 countries ... that is like a speed bump to any thing larger than a mech brigade

Interesting view on the women tackling Army Ranger School ... and it probably is a very valid criticism.  I understand the point about not having the basic skills ... and that should be provided ... I just still have qualms about women in combat arms ... but that is my own personal experience in a non-combat arm unit in a combat zone, with women ... (It really didn't work all that well, although to the women involved, they all were very technically competent ... it was all the other issues)

I hope, for all our sakes, that conclusions being drawn here by Prof. Sowell are wrong ... because ... well, the unthinkable has then become thinkable.

Disparate impact: Is it a desperate attempt to enforce a particular world view or create a utopia? One wonders what ever happened to freedom of association, but I suppose that is an archaic concept that deserves to be placed on the junkpile of history.

To me it is common sense ... but then I am a generalist and not a specialist ... but I am among those who were forced (and that is the only way to put it) to shed my debt and restructure my life to face economic realities.  It cost me a bunch, but I survived. I don't think there is anyway the federal government, and pretty much all the other levels that have themselves leveraged for disaster, can escape. Only time will tell.

Let's see just how sympathetic we can make the Tennessee shooter look. Give me a break people ... find all the excuses you want to try to explain his actions but it comes down to "Allah Akbar" ... just like the Charleston shooter was a white supremacist idiot ... the Chattanooga shooter was an Islamic Jihadi wannabee idiot.

Arming the troops .... there is some sense in this ... but then you could do like the senior NCOs did at Army headquarters in Riyadh during the Gulf War I ... we chose very carefully when and who were allow to carry bullets, but everybody had to carry their weapon.

Trophy Tee Shirt - While I understand - and in many ways agree with - those who don't like this shirt ... I find the whole thing a bit of a tempest in a teapot, as Pappy used to say, in our world where we are consumed with being politically and socially correct. Unfortunately, the freedom and liberty to be an idiot in this country has become too offensive for some people. GET OVER IT people. Nobody is forcing you to buy or wear the dang thing.

I actually think this is a good story ... more news papers should do it ... not sensationalizing but just the boring factual reporting ... it is good for our republic.

With all due respect to Gov. O'Malley, but he had absolutely nothing to apologize for for saying that all lives matter ... and if that offends you or you think it minimizes some problem ... then you got the problem. But that is just my opinion and you are welcome to tell me to stuff it. ... but ALL lives DO matter.

Better late to the party than never arriving at all ... I guess he had to wait until the furor got stirred up enough

More kids in poverty ... I guess this is all the fault of the mean old Republicans ... but I am getting to the point of asking: When will the liberals and progressives ever take any ownership of any of the massive failures of their plans and ideas to solve the world's problems?

GO! GO! GO! ... don't stop, just get that wagon train moving now, as fast as you can NASA.

Another bad news story for those who think single-payer health care is the answer ... the VA right now is as close as it gets in the US and see how screwed up it is.

This story presents a very tragic picture ... one I blame on the liberals and progressives in the United States ... sorry, but if the shoe fits wear it.

Why is the Pope focused on the Devil? Because it is his job? He is here to fight the Devil and its evil influences. Of course, if you don't want to believe in the Devil, that is your business, but it IS the Pope's business to fight the Devil.

And last but not least: The true force for goodness on the planet

Suggested readings for July 20, 2015

Ok, another round of my eclectic choices of reading material that has struck my fancy today to pass along. I hope you find it either food for thought  … or entertaining … in either case, feel free to point out my shortcomings … or not … either 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.

When to take the Deal to the UN ... I suspect that many in Congress - for once jealous of its prerogatives - feel like if the issue is already resolved in the UN (as the US will have to vote before Congressional action), then Congress will be steamrolled into accepting the pact and ending sanctions immediately. Don't know if that is going to happen, but one should remember what happened when President Wilson signed the Treaty of Versailles and created the League of Nations. It doesn't pay to get ahead of Congress sometimes.

This is an aspect of racial relations in South Carolina that I have personally witnessed, tried to bring to the attention of national AND international media, and have seen pretty much ignored by the National Media in the US - hence people stereotype South Carolinians as racist ...

Chattanooga shooter: And people wonder why readers just shake their heads at the biases of the WaPo. Calling the shooter an "aimless, depressed 24-year-old Muslim man" and "One possibility is that Abdul­azeez was just a troubled young man" ... give me a break here... accept things at face value ... like the racist, white supremacist idiot in South Carolina, this guy was a Islamic Jihadi.

And now the Obama Administration wants to "criminalize" Social Security and Social Security Disability recipients by entering their names into the National Crime Information System database to keep them from having firearms. It may be legal, but it seems to me that it is an abuse of authority and the right to privacy SS and SSD recipients should have. But like the VA, those people no longer have privacy rights under the Brave New World.

Cuba reopens Embassy in Washington. This was inevitable.

Results like this only happen in dictatorships ...

Mitsubishi apologies to WWII POW labor ... in one sense this is important ... in Japan apologies really are a big thing. But in fact, it really changes nothing.

From the "It feels good to be a Liberal" these days corner ... these do seem like some questions that should be answered ... but won't be.

The question here is: Will this case be followed up? Will it even make the national and cable news nets? This story sounds like a throw-back to the 1960s in Mississippi ... except it was white Mississippians in the suspect car rather than black Mississippians.

VA Healthcare ... well, my view is that this is a typical bureaucratic hissy fit from a system that is riven with problems.

Ambassador Rice is correct ... we should expect Iran to divert some of the $160 Billion windfall they get out of the Deal unfreezing assets.  Even if they use only 1/10th of 1 percent of it, that still is $160 Million to go to fund terrorists.

Some people just don't like Planned Parenthood as an organization ... and it seems with good reason.

Two points for John McCain ... however much I may disagree with the Arizona Republican Senator ... and I have my share ... I am glad he is taking the high road.

An interesting take on marriage ... unfortunately, rather utopian and politically incorrect these days.  Sadly, I fear, the dam has broken and life will get ever more interesting in the days to come.

Another take on the Trump-McCain dustup

Even though WaPo is unsympathetic in its portrayal, Gov. Walker is correct: The United States either is a nation of laws, or it isn't. If you are here illegally, then  you need to go back out and come in again.  Nobody, not even women and children are above the law.

It IS impossible to inspect something you don't know is there ... and in the Iran deal (given its past history and actions) it is not a given that the UN will know where all the Iranian facilities are.

Retired UK Chief of Defence Staff (equivalent to the US JCS Chief) really ramps up the rhetoric on ISIS ... not that I think there will be many takers in Europe.

Kerry on the Iran Deal .... this deal is better than no deal ... Huh? Tell that to the Czechs in 1938.

Russia v. Ukraine - one never knows what is in Putin's mind ... but it does raise questions as to why so many troops are there.

Soviet maps - fascinating story. I remember way back when I was in the National Guard, taking a class on how to read Soviet military maps and how to use them in combat ... spooky to know how good they were

A tad unsympathetic to the US portrayal of life at Guantanamo Bay's Detention facility. Having interviewed former Guards down there, I understand a different point a view.

Leave to the Obama Administration to do something stupid. I guess they don't realize you can do just about anything to a service member, just don't mess with his food ... that will inspire a mutiny

Is China taking a step back in repression ... it looks that way ... and that could signal other bad things ... interesting story here

An analysis of Obama/Kerry's planned end run around Congress to the UN on the Iran Deal ... "This is not going to end well."

ET Call Home - well, not really, but with Stephen Hawking and a Russian billionaire backing it,  the search for ET rises to a new level.

War against Sweden? What are the Russians thinking ... more saber-rattling from Putin and his minions.

Suggested Readings for July 19, 2015

It’s Sunday funnies time … well, sort of. But here is today’s list of stories that I have been perusing for anyone who wants to see them. You, the reader, as usual, are welcome to make any comments you wish, either here or at my Facebook page. 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 to the page being referred to.

Sometimes it is hard to explain ... how tortured your soul can be ... even if you weren't a trigger puller. I salute this woman and this man - both soldiers - for their courage, dedication and honor.

More eat this and not that, based on the latest study ... as if we all are going to live forever. Get over it ... and enjoy life.

This is a very good lesson for anyone: How to hold a pistol and not hurt yourself.

This story sounds like the VA we veterans have come to know and love

They tried outlawing guns, now with the Brits start outlawing knives? Violent crime is violent crime ... and people will find a weapon

The point about credibility in this commentary is what I have warned reporters about all my journalistic career. It is the only currency they have, and if they waste it, then they are no longer of any value, because who will believe anything they write.

Sometimes it does fall to the individual citizen to stand and protect his community. Don't agree with that? Then who is supposed to do it ... the less than 1 percent that you hire to keep watch? When did your obligation as a citizen of you community fall so low that you no longer have any responsibility to it?

As I read this story, I was once again struck by the ignorance of the reporter ... which is one reason the military really has a dislike for journalists for their penchant to mess up facts. In Texas, there is the Texas National Guard (Army and Air Branches) and the Texas State Guard. They are two entirely different and separate creatures. The National Guards are dual role organizations primarily funded by the federal government as a military reserve but under the command of the state's governor unless mobilized for federal service. The State Guard is an entirely state funded organization. It is has little equipment, few arms (if any) and is backup force to the National Guard in state emergencies.  Unfortunately, the reporter in this story identified the State Guard as the National Guard.  Granted, the whole Jade Helm exercise has blown out of proportion by wackos, but  you can blame the Army pretty much for that as they can't seem to get the Public Affairs act together (which usually is the case)

Chattanooga shooter: Let's see how many excuses they can trot out to avoid saying this was a lone wolf Islamic Jihadi bent on a terrorist attack.

USS Little Rock (LCS-9) - Puff piece for the Navy ... heck, the old destroyer I sailed on forty years ago was bigger than this tub.  Granted, the Navy says it is for " littoral" combat, but it really is not much of a match for any blue water ship in any Navy.

Now this is a mystery ... and I doubt it ever will be solved ... but I can some old cowpoke wondering where he left it.

Want to know why some young people go to war ... ISIS knows  ... and unfortunately it also knows how to do it and take advantage of these young men.

The Dishwasher Debate: Well, I always have been a handle down kind of guy ... that way the pointy things don't go through the cracks and jam things up.

A commentary from Israel on the Iran Deal ... it bespeaks of much sadness ... and of a world that has already discounted and forgotten history. I talked with a young man the other day who didn't even know who the enemy was in the Cold War. We are just a tragedy waiting to happen, people.

Here it is, for those with the patience and perseverance. in all its 159 pages of glory ... read it and weep.

With all due respect, but this is what is wrong with this country. We are being Balkanized. This politician had it right the first time: ALL LIVES MATTER ... and if you are African-American and don't like that, then you have a problem. If there is police misconduct, then yes, by all means, the offending officers should pay the price the judicial system calls for. But we can not stand have only one race's lives being given precedence over another.  That is wrong whether it is black, white, yellow, red or tan. It shouldn't matter, and if it does, then we are just perpetuating the problem. And it is never necessary to apologize for or get booed for for saying all lives matter. Those demanding the apology or doing the booing are just as wrong as those who perpetrate violence against others.

Rainbow flag lovers: Take note of this ...

This is some of the violence that those who are not into trans-whatever  are faced with ... Sorry, people but the shoe is on the other foot now, and it is not very pretty, is it.

Demonstrations in Columbia - I say throw the whole tawdry lot in the hoosegow ... but we can't do that ... but those on either side threatening to do violence do need a stay in the pokey.

Suggested reading list for July 18, 2015

Lots of goodies today … and not all political … still read at your own peril and I hope they provide fodder for thought and discussion as well as entertainment. Comment as you will, as I always say, because that is what this blog is all about.

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.

Tall Ships parade into Portland (Maine) harbor. Unfortunately, I slept through it all ... but had I been awake I could have walked down the end of the street to watch them sail in. My bad.

More neat news about little old Pluto way out there in space. Who would have thunk it?

Banning "Curvy" ... ah the politically correct strike again.

Face it Tiger. You now are part of the over-the-hill-gang. You had a good run and be proud of that ... but you ain't the golfer you once were.

THIS is dangerous in this household. You have to realize that to some here, ICE CREAM is a separate own special food group and is not to be denied its daily ration. Which makes it really hard on me, because I DO have to strictly ration my intake of the tasty stuff.

More fascinating news from New Horizon and its visit to Pluto.

An example of what Kipling was talking about in his short story: The Cat Who Walked By Himself ... waving his wild tail behind his wild, wild lone.

Point in fact: Men are not Women. Commentary that will drive the transgender advocates bonkers. I am sorry it does, but it is the truth, no matter how you want to cut it. A man can not conceive and carry a child in a womb from ovaries that he does not have. Sorry, just won't happen.

Energy policy and the EPA: Interesting commentary. I doubt that progressives will admit that maybe the author has some points. Unfortunately, I think the points are quite valid, which is an indictment of the current administration.

Same-Sex Marriages - interesting argument here ... I disagree with those who would force others, officials or otherwise, to participate or face fines or forced resignations. But then you know what that makes me ... if so, so be it.

Donald Trump, immigration and Cuba: Interesting commentary about a Cuban dissident. Food for thought.

Chattanooga's Muslim Community concerned about possible backlash. ... as they should be. I think they are making the correct noises, but now is the time for them to stand with the rest of us and when they see, hear, suspect some Jihadi activity, that they start burning up the police and CrimeStoppers tip lines. Unless they do that, then they do run the risk of being seen as accomplices. I think the quote about Ceasar's wife is appropriate here.

FBI warnings get vindicated ... not to turn us into a police state, but it is every citizen's duty to stand to protect the community. If you see, hear, suspect something illegal (terrorist or not) report it. That is your duty as a citizen.

Tennessee suspect sent Koran message pre-attack ... and  you don't think this is linked to Islamic Jihad? What world are you living on?

Tennessee attack commentary: This point is valid. It is not Islamaphobic.

Another view of the Tennessee shootings ... this one from the Beeb

It seems the governor's in six states are taking these lone-wolf attacks seriously

For those who say America should do things like they do it in other industrial countries .... aw, like requiring voters to present IDs when voting. Nah, that would be discriminatory say the progressives and the Democrats and is just an evil plot of the GOP to suppress minority voters.

Iran deal: Another commentary. You can consider its merits.

Iranian top leader: Deal or no deal, US still is our enemy and that doesn't change ... sigh, why don't we ever take people's words at face value. It seem we always are looking for hidden meanings in words ... and never consider that the words actually are meant to be taken at face value.

For those of you who think slavery is gone ... it ain't ... of course, it isn’t legal now, but that doesn't matter.

Iraq bombing: Hello, you on the left and progressives ... this ain't Americans doing this. Come to the realization that this conflict is endemic in the Middle East. Oh, yeah, I forgot, we toppled a brutal, savage dictatorship that was killing 100K of its own people a year, but this violence is our fault because the people there just don't quite get the bit about living peacefully together. You are aware of the Arab concept of blood honor, I hope.

As usual, Prof. Hansen gives a lesson on the threats facing the United States from a historical perspective. Another good read, even if you disagree.

Federal government's racial data mining ... and who says people aren't working hard to divide Americans rather than unite them.

I wonder if this new force will be Putin's equivalent of the SA or SS

Aw ... Nessie, could you really just be a really big catfish?

And finally, and excellent essay on the duty of a "man" (but in my view is the duty of every citizen – male or female - of every community in our nation)