The timid man yearns for full value, and asks a tenth.I must become the latter.
The bold man strikes for double value; and compromises on par.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Twain quote
From my mother...
Thursday, December 30, 2010
To Dennis Hopper
Just found out today that Dennis Hopper died this year.
Don't recall if I heard that when it happened, but if I did I clearly forgot cause when I read in my favorite German magazine (Der Spiegel) that Hopper was among those we lost in 2010, I kept thinking - no, he's not dead. Sure enough, he died in May. I was saddened.
So here's to Mr. Hopper!
A messy life, but a life that was unquestionably *lived*.
And one that contributed greatly to the pleasure of others through a thoroughly entertaining acting career.
I'll miss you.
Monday, December 20, 2010
On the Bush Tax-Cut Extension
A letter to my local US House Representative, David Price...
------------------------------------
To the Honorable Mr. David Price
Dear Mr. Price,
Recently the "Bush tax cut extension" was approved by both the Senate and the House, with your vote being among supporters. The debate over this quickly centered on extensions to the wealthiest 2%. President Obama put forward the extension of the entire Bush tax cut, to the dismay of many Liberal supporters, including myself, who considered it a point of symbolic resistance to reject the Bush-era give-aways to the smallest segment of society which simultaneously laid a heavier burden (now or in the future) on the middle.
I am saddened that the reasons for this compromise, as it as come to be known, are not better explained - or perhaps more accurately, are not compelling enough to overcome the symbolic perception that this has become to so many of us.
Often the symbolism embedded inside political choices becomes larger than the choice itself. I believe this has happened here as well. It became less important to me what was passed (or even not passed), than knowing that my elected officials (you and President Obama) understood how significant it was to stand up and say no to Republican bullying over this single symbol - holding the wealthiest 2% of the population accountable for their fair share of the cost of success in this great nation.
Perhaps if the Health-Care reform had not so callously sacrificed adults with pre-existing conditions, while nonetheless claiming deep care and concern for children in a similar situation (if it's needed for the children, it's needed for the adults as well - pure hypocrisy), and perhaps if it had not so willy-nilly cast-off the inclusion of a public-plan, then this tax issue might not be so cutting. Unfortunately, such is not the case. And as such, this capitulation on what has finally boiled down to the 'last' remaining symbol that our elected Liberal congressmen and President have the willingness to stand up and defend what we (I) elected them to do, has come as a massive disappointment.
It seems perhaps there was great fear that if this was not passed, then there would be no agreement at all. But if no agreement were made, all blame can be placed on the Republican platform that espouses support for the wealthiest elite among us at the expense of everyone else - a political win. And with respect to unemployment benefit extensions, yes that is crucially important for so many people. But a no-agreement scenario plays the same negative rich-elitist blame-game, and heaps huge public pressure on the Republican members (if the Democrats properly frame the public perception) to give in to the common good. So I really don't see how ending up with no deal is worse than (again due to the symbolism this has taken on) giving in to Republican demands that the wealthy get more than is deserved. The symbolism of it paints the entire transaction as giving-in (irregardless of gains achieved to the contrary). I had hoped that our Democratic members of Congress could see this clearly.
And if, after this plan was put forth by President Obama, it was feared that House rejection would weaken his Presidency, perhaps that has truth. But it would also have made it exceedingly clear that, although understood as a centrist-President from the beginning, even the center-Left considers his actions on this to be too far into the space of the Right.
I have appreciated the great work you have done, Mr. Price, through your tenure in office supporting issues important to society as a whole, and our community here locally. And I will continue to support you. I must say that I am gravely disappointed in the President's record of follow-through on even the smallest numbered but most significant issues he promised during campaigning. Yes, campaigning results in many things said and not done. But the issue of a public-option in health care cost coverage, and the issue of expiring undeserved tax cuts to the top 2% of people - these were issues President Obama had always argued for even before declaring his bid. One or the other is with difficulty forgivable. Giving in on both of them... to my great dismay, I find it hard to say that I can support him in a re-election bid. This has cost him and the Democratic representation in Congress dearly among even the pragmatic, center-left (like myself) members of the party.
------------------------------------
------------------------------------
To the Honorable Mr. David Price
Dear Mr. Price,
Recently the "Bush tax cut extension" was approved by both the Senate and the House, with your vote being among supporters. The debate over this quickly centered on extensions to the wealthiest 2%. President Obama put forward the extension of the entire Bush tax cut, to the dismay of many Liberal supporters, including myself, who considered it a point of symbolic resistance to reject the Bush-era give-aways to the smallest segment of society which simultaneously laid a heavier burden (now or in the future) on the middle.
I am saddened that the reasons for this compromise, as it as come to be known, are not better explained - or perhaps more accurately, are not compelling enough to overcome the symbolic perception that this has become to so many of us.
Often the symbolism embedded inside political choices becomes larger than the choice itself. I believe this has happened here as well. It became less important to me what was passed (or even not passed), than knowing that my elected officials (you and President Obama) understood how significant it was to stand up and say no to Republican bullying over this single symbol - holding the wealthiest 2% of the population accountable for their fair share of the cost of success in this great nation.
Perhaps if the Health-Care reform had not so callously sacrificed adults with pre-existing conditions, while nonetheless claiming deep care and concern for children in a similar situation (if it's needed for the children, it's needed for the adults as well - pure hypocrisy), and perhaps if it had not so willy-nilly cast-off the inclusion of a public-plan, then this tax issue might not be so cutting. Unfortunately, such is not the case. And as such, this capitulation on what has finally boiled down to the 'last' remaining symbol that our elected Liberal congressmen and President have the willingness to stand up and defend what we (I) elected them to do, has come as a massive disappointment.
It seems perhaps there was great fear that if this was not passed, then there would be no agreement at all. But if no agreement were made, all blame can be placed on the Republican platform that espouses support for the wealthiest elite among us at the expense of everyone else - a political win. And with respect to unemployment benefit extensions, yes that is crucially important for so many people. But a no-agreement scenario plays the same negative rich-elitist blame-game, and heaps huge public pressure on the Republican members (if the Democrats properly frame the public perception) to give in to the common good. So I really don't see how ending up with no deal is worse than (again due to the symbolism this has taken on) giving in to Republican demands that the wealthy get more than is deserved. The symbolism of it paints the entire transaction as giving-in (irregardless of gains achieved to the contrary). I had hoped that our Democratic members of Congress could see this clearly.
And if, after this plan was put forth by President Obama, it was feared that House rejection would weaken his Presidency, perhaps that has truth. But it would also have made it exceedingly clear that, although understood as a centrist-President from the beginning, even the center-Left considers his actions on this to be too far into the space of the Right.
I have appreciated the great work you have done, Mr. Price, through your tenure in office supporting issues important to society as a whole, and our community here locally. And I will continue to support you. I must say that I am gravely disappointed in the President's record of follow-through on even the smallest numbered but most significant issues he promised during campaigning. Yes, campaigning results in many things said and not done. But the issue of a public-option in health care cost coverage, and the issue of expiring undeserved tax cuts to the top 2% of people - these were issues President Obama had always argued for even before declaring his bid. One or the other is with difficulty forgivable. Giving in on both of them... to my great dismay, I find it hard to say that I can support him in a re-election bid. This has cost him and the Democratic representation in Congress dearly among even the pragmatic, center-left (like myself) members of the party.
------------------------------------
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Life
I come to conclude, that life is a river of constant frustration, interrupted only occasionally by joy :|.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Hypocritical Republican claims to Jefferson Attitudes on Government
-------Original Message-------
On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 1:00 PM,
Dr. Lisa Earle wrote:
He has been my Hero forever-must forward...
-------Original Message-------
From: Donna Reuscher
Date: 11/23/2010 12:52:44 PM
Subject: About Thomas Jefferson
History 101.....
THOMAS JEFFERSON:
At 5, began studying under his cousins tutor.
At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.
At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.
At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.
At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.
At 23, started his own law practice.
At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America" and retired from his law practice.
At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence.
At 33, took three years to revise Virginias legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.
At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.
At 40, served in Congress for two years.
At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.
At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.
At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.
At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.
At 57, was elected the third president of the United States.
At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation's size.
At 61, was elected to a second term as President.
At 65, retired to Monticello.
At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.
At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of
Virginia and served as its first president.
At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the
Declaration of Independence along with John Adams
Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future:
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
I wish we could get this out to everyone!!!
I'm doing my part.
===============================================
>> My Reply <<
===============================================
-------Original Message-------
On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 3:16 PM,
Dave Ruden wrote:
As you know, Jefferson is also one of my personal intellectual heroes. And yet like any hero, there is character and attitude to be admired and character and attitude to be rejected. Jefferson had his share of "bad" stuff. (e.g. he owned slaves, it is possible he was unfaithful to his wife with one or more of them, he believed in and acted towards the evisceration of the native Indian populations from lands rightfully declared theirs by treaty with the United States, etc). No grand perfect person was he, and hero worshipers should remember this (of all their heroes :).
With respect to the list of comments subsequent to the chronological enumeration... Surely most can agree that they don't ALL make sense today. For example:
>> To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
By this comment, there should be no taxation what so ever - there is NEVER unanimous agreement on ANY spending target. What is one person's *essential*, is another's *abhorrence*.
Secondly, let's realize that the world was still post-classical at that point, and therefore the education of those very few who were, by wealth or other stroke of fortune, able to afford it, was replete with the study of the combination of classical (Roman, Greek, Persian, etc) antiquity and Enlightenment (science, contemporary philosophy, humanism and religious freedoms, etc). I tend to agree that it is unfortunate that more of this post-classical, enlightenment ("Renaissance-man") type of education is absent from our education system today. If it were still present, we would likely not have the same degree of "herd-mentality" so easily moved by fear-mongering rather than reason. (i.e. the world would become progressively more liberal :).
And finally...
Wouldn't it be nice if the right-wing and/or Republican side of the spectrum actually *acted* upon some of these philosophical points, rather than claiming possession of them and yet hypocritically violating them !?
>> The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
As in take away from the large middle and low income classes, to fatten the wallets of the wealthiest elite of the population, who gather their wealth due to the labors of those whom the wealthy would be just as happy to pay less and less to.
>> It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.
This is clearly a hypocrisy of the Republican party. Under Democratic oversight, the government deficit was finally eliminated in the 90's, after being run up hugely by Republican control the decade prior. Then after another decade of Republican control following, the deficit is once again enormous! They Talk the Talk, but simply will not Walk the Walk. Don't believe them. They might mean it, but they won't do it.
Furthermore, "paying its own debts" also refers to raising taxes to pay for all the *stuff* government wants. Republicans won't cut programs that affect their local constituents, and insist on huge tax cuts to the wealthiest elitist segment of society. Hypocrisy.
>> I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
And removing Corporate influence and control from the PEOPLE's government is the best path to achieving this.
>> I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
Here, Jefferson has already envisioned the Corporate take-over of our government.
But the Republicans will not allow themselves to see the take-over, nor will they allow themselves to see that Jefferson is criticizing their own actions at allowing Corporate influence over the PEOPLE's government.
... Yes, the words are all grand, and the sentiment sounds so logical. And dog-gone-it, we should all be Republicans because this is what they stand for! But.... No. No it isn't. Not really. Not when you witness their actual action in Congress and the White House.
So frankly, it seems to me, that this is all an argument for becoming a Democrat. They've got their issues, but they generally believe in taxing(i.e. paying now) for services rendered, believe in social diversity and inclusiveness, and believe in government by the PEOPLE, not by the Corporations (although I wish they believed in this more with action than we've been seeing).
So tell your right-wing friends to "Come on and Join us! The water is fine!"
:)
Love you,
---Dave.
On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 1:00 PM,
Dr. Lisa Earle wrote:
He has been my Hero forever-must forward...
-------Original Message-------
From: Donna Reuscher
Date: 11/23/2010 12:52:44 PM
Subject: About Thomas Jefferson
History 101.....
THOMAS JEFFERSON:
At 5, began studying under his cousins tutor.
At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.
At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.
At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.
At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.
At 23, started his own law practice.
At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.
At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America" and retired from his law practice.
At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence.
At 33, took three years to revise Virginias legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.
At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.
At 40, served in Congress for two years.
At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.
At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.
At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.
At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.
At 57, was elected the third president of the United States.
At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation's size.
At 61, was elected to a second term as President.
At 65, retired to Monticello.
At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.
At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of
Virginia and served as its first president.
At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the
Declaration of Independence along with John Adams
Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future:
John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe.Thomas Jefferson
The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.Thomas Jefferson
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.Thomas Jefferson
I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.Thomas Jefferson
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.Thomas Jefferson
No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.Thomas Jefferson
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.Thomas Jefferson
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.Thomas Jefferson
To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
I wish we could get this out to everyone!!!
I'm doing my part.
===============================================
>> My Reply <<
===============================================
-------Original Message-------
On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 3:16 PM,
Dave Ruden wrote:
As you know, Jefferson is also one of my personal intellectual heroes. And yet like any hero, there is character and attitude to be admired and character and attitude to be rejected. Jefferson had his share of "bad" stuff. (e.g. he owned slaves, it is possible he was unfaithful to his wife with one or more of them, he believed in and acted towards the evisceration of the native Indian populations from lands rightfully declared theirs by treaty with the United States, etc). No grand perfect person was he, and hero worshipers should remember this (of all their heroes :).
With respect to the list of comments subsequent to the chronological enumeration... Surely most can agree that they don't ALL make sense today. For example:
>> To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
By this comment, there should be no taxation what so ever - there is NEVER unanimous agreement on ANY spending target. What is one person's *essential*, is another's *abhorrence*.
Secondly, let's realize that the world was still post-classical at that point, and therefore the education of those very few who were, by wealth or other stroke of fortune, able to afford it, was replete with the study of the combination of classical (Roman, Greek, Persian, etc) antiquity and Enlightenment (science, contemporary philosophy, humanism and religious freedoms, etc). I tend to agree that it is unfortunate that more of this post-classical, enlightenment ("Renaissance-man") type of education is absent from our education system today. If it were still present, we would likely not have the same degree of "herd-mentality" so easily moved by fear-mongering rather than reason. (i.e. the world would become progressively more liberal :).
And finally...
Wouldn't it be nice if the right-wing and/or Republican side of the spectrum actually *acted* upon some of these philosophical points, rather than claiming possession of them and yet hypocritically violating them !?
>> The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
As in take away from the large middle and low income classes, to fatten the wallets of the wealthiest elite of the population, who gather their wealth due to the labors of those whom the wealthy would be just as happy to pay less and less to.
>> It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes.
This is clearly a hypocrisy of the Republican party. Under Democratic oversight, the government deficit was finally eliminated in the 90's, after being run up hugely by Republican control the decade prior. Then after another decade of Republican control following, the deficit is once again enormous! They Talk the Talk, but simply will not Walk the Walk. Don't believe them. They might mean it, but they won't do it.
Furthermore, "paying its own debts" also refers to raising taxes to pay for all the *stuff* government wants. Republicans won't cut programs that affect their local constituents, and insist on huge tax cuts to the wealthiest elitist segment of society. Hypocrisy.
>> I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
And removing Corporate influence and control from the PEOPLE's government is the best path to achieving this.
>> I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.
Here, Jefferson has already envisioned the Corporate take-over of our government.
But the Republicans will not allow themselves to see the take-over, nor will they allow themselves to see that Jefferson is criticizing their own actions at allowing Corporate influence over the PEOPLE's government.
... Yes, the words are all grand, and the sentiment sounds so logical. And dog-gone-it, we should all be Republicans because this is what they stand for! But.... No. No it isn't. Not really. Not when you witness their actual action in Congress and the White House.
So frankly, it seems to me, that this is all an argument for becoming a Democrat. They've got their issues, but they generally believe in taxing(i.e. paying now) for services rendered, believe in social diversity and inclusiveness, and believe in government by the PEOPLE, not by the Corporations (although I wish they believed in this more with action than we've been seeing).
So tell your right-wing friends to "Come on and Join us! The water is fine!"
:)
Love you,
---Dave.
Friday, November 12, 2010
From My Friend, Sally
"Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It's the transition that's troublesome."
From My Friend, Sally
"Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood. If you are going through hell, keep going."
From My Friend, Sally
"Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon."
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Election-Day Peace
My good friend, Ed, is an 'opposition' sparring partner for me. We hold generally opposing political/social views, and frequently argue the points (albeit in friendship) - often degrading to funny ad-hominem attacks on politicians or each other. Sometimes I wish it would not degrade this way so quickly, so we could actually exchange opinions in a more serious setting.
So it was when I emailed a generic good-luck message this afternoon for the 2010 MidTerm election. Happily he did the same...
-------------------------------------------
On Nov 2, 2010, at 2:54 PM, Dave wrote:
> Hey Dude,
> Good luck to 'the people" on this day of exercising our right and responsibility to vote!
> A purely non-partisan well-wish.
> ---Dave.
-------------------------------------------
On Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 3:05 PM, Ed wrote:
Thank you. Same to ya!
So it was when I emailed a generic good-luck message this afternoon for the 2010 MidTerm election. Happily he did the same...
-------------------------------------------
On Nov 2, 2010, at 2:54 PM, Dave wrote:
> Hey Dude,
> Good luck to 'the people" on this day of exercising our right and responsibility to vote!
> A purely non-partisan well-wish.
> ---Dave.
-------------------------------------------
On Tue, Nov 2, 2010 at 3:05 PM, Ed wrote:
Thank you. Same to ya!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Horowitz and the Moslem Student
--------------------------
On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 5:33 PM, Dr. Lisa wrote:
Scary...he is amazing in his quick answer on a very touchy subject - what an ugly world we live in...How would YOU have answered?
========
The video clip was of a speech given by a David Horowitz (some neo-conservitive right-wing nut-job). He was making opposition comment on a rally planned by a campus group, Moslem Student Association, called "Israeli Apartheid Week" (Horowitz labelled the planned event "Hitler Youth Week". I think I generally agree with his opinion on the matter but admittedly don't know much about it.
At any rate, video was of a female Moslem student who during the Q&A period tried to peg Horowitz on some of his other writings and opinions.
Horowitz then turned the tables on the girl by asking her if she supported Hamas and Hezbollah's murderous/genocidal attitudes regarding Jews. The girl did not respond very intelligently.
========
--------------------------
On Fri, Oct 29, 2010 at 5:57 PM, Dave wrote:
Ok, after 5pm, I got a chance to play it :).
So no I don't think it's so much a matter of working hard to be fair (although I can see it looking that way). I see it more as a matter of retaining reason, and most particularly, not becoming so wound up in the energy of the argument that I become like that which I argue against, albeit simply on the other side. Thus, when one person says "all Jews suck and should die", followed by the opposing opinion saying "no! *you* suck and *you* should die!", I don't see how any external observers would be able to see any difference between these two. The desire is to win, not to inflict similar injury.
Horowitz in this confrontation did exactly what I think should have been done. He didn't get all upset and start hurling hateful emotional response. Instead he addressed the issue with calm counter debate. I think some of his logic is incorrect and reflects the binary rigidity of a "rigth-wing"(neo-conservative) mentality - to not oppose hamas does not mean one supports hamas. There is a third path - apathy, ignorance, and/or undecided/uncommitted. Horowitz is smart. He knows his logic is erroneous, but it doesn't matter because it lends toward his point, and it "defeats" the lesser capable adversary in this case.
This woman's greatest mistake in this exchange was thinking she was "up to" the challenge of an immensely seasoned orator, and therefore willing to take him on directly when he turned the tables and, ignoring her question, he questioned her instead. She should have immediately refused to answer his question and simply insisted that hers was the matter to be addressed at present. It may not have gotten her anywhere towards her answer, but it would have prevented her from being so pathetically check-mated by Horowitz's polemics, and looking like an Islamist extremist fool..
I don't know if you notice in my reply above that I have no great love for Horowitz. But I also think the woman here was indeed an ignorant racist who correctly reinforces our disdain for the Islamist movement. There is a fundamental and irreconcilable difference between our present day understanding of religion, society, and politics, and that held by Islamists (not Islamic/moslem people, but those on the extreme 'Islamist' pole). We see the essential need for dividing religion and government. Even if our religious philosophies bleed into our political views (which is unavoidable), we understand that this division is of absolutely importance. Islamists do not see a separation of 'church and state'. They don't understand a government without religion tightly-coupled to it - that's just nonsensical to them.
I can understand, given their understanding of Islam as society's guide, that they would naturally see absurd anarchy in the idea of government without god. Not all Moslems are of this same opinion, although Islamic historical culture tends generally in this direction - which is part of the difficulty of this new East-West conflict.
Islamists suck.
Islamic people do not.
Frankly, I don't know if this woman was an Islamist or not. This was not made clear by this interchange. It is clear, however, that she is racist, and so far to the one-side of her position that she can't be readily reasoned with without a tremendous amount of effort to find her humanity in there somewhere, and to get her to see the humanity in the 'other side'.
Kudo's to Horowitz in this case.
---D.
--------------------------
On Fri, Oct 29, 2010 at 8:57 PM, Dr. Lisa wrote:
Thank you for your brilliant reasoning on the subject! Absolutely great analysis of the video- I am glad you took the time to look at it!
I did love the way the (to me also unknown )Horowitz handled the situation -very clever public speaker, I must say...The woman ( basically a wide eyed, immature student), was a pompous ass, a truly ignorant jerk in my eyes! You with your fabulous erudition, however, said it so much better and so much more politely and civilized,so forgive me for my coarse language...
---M.
On Wed, Oct 27, 2010 at 5:33 PM, Dr. Lisa wrote:
Scary...he is amazing in his quick answer on a very touchy subject - what an ugly world we live in...How would YOU have answered?
========
The video clip was of a speech given by a David Horowitz (some neo-conservitive right-wing nut-job). He was making opposition comment on a rally planned by a campus group, Moslem Student Association, called "Israeli Apartheid Week" (Horowitz labelled the planned event "Hitler Youth Week". I think I generally agree with his opinion on the matter but admittedly don't know much about it.
At any rate, video was of a female Moslem student who during the Q&A period tried to peg Horowitz on some of his other writings and opinions.
Horowitz then turned the tables on the girl by asking her if she supported Hamas and Hezbollah's murderous/genocidal attitudes regarding Jews. The girl did not respond very intelligently.
========
--------------------------
On Fri, Oct 29, 2010 at 5:57 PM, Dave wrote:
Ok, after 5pm, I got a chance to play it :).
So no I don't think it's so much a matter of working hard to be fair (although I can see it looking that way). I see it more as a matter of retaining reason, and most particularly, not becoming so wound up in the energy of the argument that I become like that which I argue against, albeit simply on the other side. Thus, when one person says "all Jews suck and should die", followed by the opposing opinion saying "no! *you* suck and *you* should die!", I don't see how any external observers would be able to see any difference between these two. The desire is to win, not to inflict similar injury.
Horowitz in this confrontation did exactly what I think should have been done. He didn't get all upset and start hurling hateful emotional response. Instead he addressed the issue with calm counter debate. I think some of his logic is incorrect and reflects the binary rigidity of a "rigth-wing"(neo-conservative) mentality - to not oppose hamas does not mean one supports hamas. There is a third path - apathy, ignorance, and/or undecided/uncommitted. Horowitz is smart. He knows his logic is erroneous, but it doesn't matter because it lends toward his point, and it "defeats" the lesser capable adversary in this case.
This woman's greatest mistake in this exchange was thinking she was "up to" the challenge of an immensely seasoned orator, and therefore willing to take him on directly when he turned the tables and, ignoring her question, he questioned her instead. She should have immediately refused to answer his question and simply insisted that hers was the matter to be addressed at present. It may not have gotten her anywhere towards her answer, but it would have prevented her from being so pathetically check-mated by Horowitz's polemics, and looking like an Islamist extremist fool..
I don't know if you notice in my reply above that I have no great love for Horowitz. But I also think the woman here was indeed an ignorant racist who correctly reinforces our disdain for the Islamist movement. There is a fundamental and irreconcilable difference between our present day understanding of religion, society, and politics, and that held by Islamists (not Islamic/moslem people, but those on the extreme 'Islamist' pole). We see the essential need for dividing religion and government. Even if our religious philosophies bleed into our political views (which is unavoidable), we understand that this division is of absolutely importance. Islamists do not see a separation of 'church and state'. They don't understand a government without religion tightly-coupled to it - that's just nonsensical to them.
I can understand, given their understanding of Islam as society's guide, that they would naturally see absurd anarchy in the idea of government without god. Not all Moslems are of this same opinion, although Islamic historical culture tends generally in this direction - which is part of the difficulty of this new East-West conflict.
Islamists suck.
Islamic people do not.
Frankly, I don't know if this woman was an Islamist or not. This was not made clear by this interchange. It is clear, however, that she is racist, and so far to the one-side of her position that she can't be readily reasoned with without a tremendous amount of effort to find her humanity in there somewhere, and to get her to see the humanity in the 'other side'.
Kudo's to Horowitz in this case.
---D.
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On Fri, Oct 29, 2010 at 8:57 PM, Dr. Lisa wrote:
Thank you for your brilliant reasoning on the subject! Absolutely great analysis of the video- I am glad you took the time to look at it!
I did love the way the (to me also unknown )Horowitz handled the situation -very clever public speaker, I must say...The woman ( basically a wide eyed, immature student), was a pompous ass, a truly ignorant jerk in my eyes! You with your fabulous erudition, however, said it so much better and so much more politely and civilized,so forgive me for my coarse language...
---M.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
"A Glimpse of Something Bright"
Time...
...time
She came into sight, a glimpse of something bright.
A smile in the air, I could not help but stare.
Casual warmth we spoke, it felt sweet as my soul awoke.
Her soul shined, Her shimmer did blind.
Love.
I felt life hum, saying the best is yet to come.
...time
She came into sight, a glimpse of something bright.
A smile in the air, I could not help but stare.
Casual warmth we spoke, it felt sweet as my soul awoke.
Her soul shined, Her shimmer did blind.
Love.
I felt life hum, saying the best is yet to come.
"Zombie Lovers"
Dead People.
Zombie Lovers.
Emotional Infants.
I loved.
18+4. I counselled and yet still bled.
So OK.
18+4. I learned and knew Enough had been said.
I know I'm not the only one out there.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
I wait.
Oh this is so nice and so unexpected.
But I can see my heart just isn't interested.
I wait.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
Another shows me how to grow,
And yet even I can tell, oh Hell no.
I wait.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
Another and I lose my head, but she's unclear and full of dread.
It's 18+4 all over again, and so finally I'm grateful for the pain.
And still I return to the wait.
There's another now,
My soul opens and I know it isn't too late.
This time I know what to say,
And so the romance we play.
She smiles. Her smile is so bright.
And as we talk her soul feels so light.
No zombie lover who can't escape the game.
She takes my hand, while I'm thinking the same.
Yes. Finally this is completely sane.
Zombie Lovers.
Emotional Infants.
I loved.
18+4. I counselled and yet still bled.
So OK.
18+4. I learned and knew Enough had been said.
I know I'm not the only one out there.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
I wait.
Oh this is so nice and so unexpected.
But I can see my heart just isn't interested.
I wait.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
Another shows me how to grow,
And yet even I can tell, oh Hell no.
I wait.
She is waiting too, somewhere.
Another and I lose my head, but she's unclear and full of dread.
It's 18+4 all over again, and so finally I'm grateful for the pain.
And still I return to the wait.
There's another now,
My soul opens and I know it isn't too late.
This time I know what to say,
And so the romance we play.
She smiles. Her smile is so bright.
And as we talk her soul feels so light.
No zombie lover who can't escape the game.
She takes my hand, while I'm thinking the same.
Yes. Finally this is completely sane.
"18plus4" - Death by a Million Tiny Scratches
A beauty deep in her core.
Of energy and spirit I'd not found before.
But the long ago cost of being had forged a shape to her heart.
And her pain and her rage my patience and love could not stop.
She won't fight fair, her rage reddens the air.
It leaves only an ever widening chasm as it tears.
Staining slowly crimson blood on all our years.
One tiny scratch, and then Another.
Drip. Drip - Strong the anger to withstand.
But the blood falls heavy and cold on rich dark soil.
Drip. Drip - Hard the demons to disband.
And after far too long the earth begins to spoil.
Drip. Drip - More frequent now,
while the tears of my soul keep asking why.
And the strength of my love fades now each day into the sky.
Drip. Drip.
Finally the blood claims its cost.
18 plus 4. A lifetime lost,
Death by a million tiny scratches.
Now longer this cold crimson shower willing to sustain.
I'm taking my dirt now to go find warm, healing rain.
Of energy and spirit I'd not found before.
But the long ago cost of being had forged a shape to her heart.
And her pain and her rage my patience and love could not stop.
She won't fight fair, her rage reddens the air.
It leaves only an ever widening chasm as it tears.
Staining slowly crimson blood on all our years.
One tiny scratch, and then Another.
Drip. Drip - Strong the anger to withstand.
But the blood falls heavy and cold on rich dark soil.
Drip. Drip - Hard the demons to disband.
And after far too long the earth begins to spoil.
Drip. Drip - More frequent now,
while the tears of my soul keep asking why.
And the strength of my love fades now each day into the sky.
Drip. Drip.
Finally the blood claims its cost.
18 plus 4. A lifetime lost,
Death by a million tiny scratches.
Now longer this cold crimson shower willing to sustain.
I'm taking my dirt now to go find warm, healing rain.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Quote of the Day
From a 2005 online discussion thread on programming languages C .vs. C++....
I love C++, but ya gotta use it's abilities sparingly and with self-control when in an embedded-systems target...cause there is some truth to the above statement!
"C++ makes it harder to shoot yourself in the foot, but when
you do, you'll blow off the entire leg."
I love C++, but ya gotta use it's abilities sparingly and with self-control when in an embedded-systems target...cause there is some truth to the above statement!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Bliss of an Afternoon Tea
Twinings English Afternoon Tea. A truly wonderful blend of robust black-tea aroma and smoke.
I take a sip and a long slow exhale as it runs down the back of my throat. There's something very primal about the warm, smokey flavor, filling the every nook and cranny of my head. As if it somehow connects with primative memories in the deepest most recesses of my mind. Images of being in the warm cave, smoke from the protective firepit fills the air. I'm safe from the elements, I'm safe from the predators.
I take a sip and a long slow exhale as it runs down the back of my throat. There's something very primal about the warm, smokey flavor, filling the every nook and cranny of my head. As if it somehow connects with primative memories in the deepest most recesses of my mind. Images of being in the warm cave, smoke from the protective firepit fills the air. I'm safe from the elements, I'm safe from the predators.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Memories
Some memories that you'd rather let just fade away, remain vivid as if they were yesterday;
While others that you want to hold forever, seem to fade much too quickly.
How obnoxiously frustrating!
While others that you want to hold forever, seem to fade much too quickly.
How obnoxiously frustrating!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Conserva-pedia
http://www.conservapedia.com/Main_PageA disturbing web-site, reminding us all of the still present and horrifying prospect of a society that turns away from truth and science and towards the kind of rigid, closed-minded belief structure that leads unavoidably towards dogma supported persecution and murder of dissenters and non-believers.
From Wikipedia...
Regardless of one's definition, applying the word evil to a business or corporation seems to me to be at the very least, an attempt to apply a sense of moral obligation to something that is intrinsically amoral. Not immoral, but without-morality. This morality-assignment, is therefore forced and unnatural, and will ultimately be unsuccessful.
So I say, get over the noise that corporations are behaving against human morality. It's a red-herring that distracts from getting a "fix" in place. Accept the intrinsic amorality of corporations, and focus instead on getting that which is moral, the human constructs of government, to establish constraints (unnatural to the corporation) on the corporation. Make laws and enforce them. Don't chase the utterly toothless argument that corporations are immoral bastards who "should do better".
Today, many philosophers limit evil to acts that intentionally cause harm.This is rather the definition I generally apply to the word. However there are, it turns out, many definitions to the word 'evil', and it is therefore pretty darned difficult to hold a conversation on the good/evil nature of a "corporation".
Regardless of one's definition, applying the word evil to a business or corporation seems to me to be at the very least, an attempt to apply a sense of moral obligation to something that is intrinsically amoral. Not immoral, but without-morality. This morality-assignment, is therefore forced and unnatural, and will ultimately be unsuccessful.
So I say, get over the noise that corporations are behaving against human morality. It's a red-herring that distracts from getting a "fix" in place. Accept the intrinsic amorality of corporations, and focus instead on getting that which is moral, the human constructs of government, to establish constraints (unnatural to the corporation) on the corporation. Make laws and enforce them. Don't chase the utterly toothless argument that corporations are immoral bastards who "should do better".
Friday, May 7, 2010
A Broken Heart
You can't lose a broken heart.---Louis Armstrong
Was just listening to this song. Got me thinking... I think this phrase may be quite true. Time can mellow them, and even make them no longer painful. But I think perhaps they never completely go away.
They become one of those long-term, permanent imprints on your life.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
On sympathy
Interesting insight...
From a reader-comment online to a CNN news article by someone identified as "pascalpascal"
(the news article was about a charity retirement home for aging prostitutes in Mexico)
sympathy isn't in your dictionary if you live in a small perfect world that knows no threat, aggression, or despair.
From a reader-comment online to a CNN news article by someone identified as "pascalpascal"
(the news article was about a charity retirement home for aging prostitutes in Mexico)
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thought of the day - reminding me to Rant
On Thu, Feb 11, 2010 at 10:42 AM, Dr. Lisa Earle wrote:
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On Thu, Feb 11, 2010 at 4:08 PM, Dave Ruden wrote:
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Or in my case now...
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- Edith Sitwell"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home."
On Thu, Feb 11, 2010 at 4:08 PM, Dave Ruden wrote:
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Or in my case now...
I knew there was a good reason to go with cats instead of dogs!!!!! ;)For taking the dog out for a walk before bed at 11:30pm when I'm bleary eyed and just want to go to sleep so I can get up early enough in the morning to get into work at some resemblance of a decent hour but instead I have to bundle all up and brace myself against the 20-something degree weather and don't forget the plastic bag so that on top of it all I can pick up the dog shit.
....well, at least it's warm (eeewwww!)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Elite
You ever notice how the Republicans like to throw the term "elite" around when referring to liberal-minded people?
It's interesting how skilled they are at describing their opponents in terms that actually apply to themselves.
The Republican Party generally represents the interests of very wealthy and powerful individuals and businesses. A group that makes up perhaps 10% of the population (and I'm being generous with that number). If that's not the definition of Elite, then I've simply been mis-educated on what that word actually means.
It's interesting how skilled they are at describing their opponents in terms that actually apply to themselves.
The Republican Party generally represents the interests of very wealthy and powerful individuals and businesses. A group that makes up perhaps 10% of the population (and I'm being generous with that number). If that's not the definition of Elite, then I've simply been mis-educated on what that word actually means.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Winter
From my cousin, Steve Hirshhorn... just what I was thinking a week or so ago as our North Carolina winter this year entered its 3rd week of strongly cold temperatures (nights in 20s and teens, days in 30s).
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On Tue, Jan 12, 2010 at 3:24 PM, Steve Hirschhorn wrote:
I found this beautiful winter poem and thought it might be a comfort to you. It was sent to me and it's very well written and I hope that you enjoy it too.
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On Tue, Jan 12, 2010 at 3:24 PM, Steve Hirschhorn wrote:
I found this beautiful winter poem and thought it might be a comfort to you. It was sent to me and it's very well written and I hope that you enjoy it too.
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" WINTER "
by Mary Elizabeth Murphy
Fuck. It's Cold.
The End
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