Post #3646 M

Quote of the Day

There are just two rules for success: 
1. Never tell all you know. 
Roger H. Lincoln  

Political Humor

Lifelong Catholic Democrats Feel Betrayed

Stossel On Leftism vs. Academic Freedom

Stossel On Wasteful Government

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of  the original artist via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalist

Jewel, "Intuition". One of the first songs I paid to download. I love it.

Post #3645 M

Quote of the Day

There are many who dare not kill themselves 
for fear of what the neighbors will say.
Cyril Connolly 

3 Steps To a Growth Economy

Does Google Censor Content?

Note: Blogger/blogspot is a Google service. I haven't seen evidence on my end, although my stats seem to have downticked recently. However, I oppose Tucker's seeming call for government intervention in Google's internal affairs. If Google fails to promote my blog, it risks my moving to an alternative platform.

Ron Paul On Prohibition  Policies

Rand Paul On the Right To Privacy

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of YAL via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Jewel,"Standing Still"

Post #3644 J

Bless the Little Children

My Dad, after he retired, had a number of interests, including taking more of a role in cooking and grocery shopping. He lived in a house in a distant suburb of San Antonio. Mom is the one who insisted on Dad retiring from the USAF after 23 years, in the area, partly because of the cluster of military bases (e.g., Lackland, Ft. Sam Houston, Randolph) and related medical facilities (Dad had bad hearing and other work-related issues. ) Dad was not one for sitting around the house all day; a trip to the nearby base exchange (where Mom used to work) and the commissary was almost always on the agenda my visits home. He almost never liked my haircut so usually it included a trip to the NCO barber shop (not that he ever paid, of course).

I had never seen my Dad around other kids. I remember what he went overseas eventually to Thailand during the Vietnam War (my eighth grade), we had sent some toys, clothes, and other items for him to distribute in the local economy. He had also had my folks' wedding picture painted (it's still a little odd seeing the folks painted with Asian facial features.)

The commissary operates "at cost"(plus a minor surcharge to cover building funds) and tends to be very price-competitive when it comes to meat, cheeses and name brands. You are expected to tip otherwise unpaid baggers (I think the minimum age is 16; I never worked there, but I would only have been eligible my last semester in high school).

A long build-up to a simple little observation. My Dad had slowed down in this one aisle; I wasn't sure what was going on until I notice maybe an 18-month-old little dude seated in a cart just ahead. And my Dad caught his attention and was playing with him, trying to provoke a response (you know,  peek-a-boo and other facial expressions). I could tell he was getting a kick out of it. Maybe I had picked it up from him back in my own childhood.

I had gotten to know a number of my older nephews and nieces (21) as babies, a number falling asleep in my arms. However, a couple of siblings were military spouses, and my own academic and IT professional work  had me working in other states; occasionally a sibling moved within driving distance or a job near a couple of siblings' homes. Other times it might be an occasional family event or holiday visit with the folks.

It's possible I've mentioned this story. I used to socialize at the Catholic Newman Center during my graduate student days at UH during the 80's. It was my save haven away from the stresses of academic life. Occasionally young families would visit, and one time while the parents were busy talking to the Dominican Fathers, I played with their 3 small children maybe in the year 2-6 range. They had "tackled" me, etc.Their parents were grateful I kept the kids occupied during their stay.

That's not the whole story. There was a campus mass around mid-morning on Sundays with an after-service doughnuts-and-coffee upstairs. I had never particularly noticed little kids at Mass (maybe they had some sort of childcare program I didn't know about.) So I was in a greeting area outside the chapel doors, when I suddenly became aware I was surrounded by 20-30 little kids all looking up at me--and in front of them were the 3 kids I had played with the other day. I guess the word got spread that I was a fun adult. I had never seen so many little kids in one place before. I love kids; I think they can sense that.

So anyway last Friday I'm at the laundromat watching my clothes dry. (Normally I bring along my Kindle to read.) A mother and her adorable little curly haired 2-year-old girl (I asked when they left) were using 3 dryers near mine. Apparently the mother's husband is a mechanic; she noted even after the latest wash, there wasn't much she could do with the dark stains. The little girl was initially shy to this stranger smiling at her, but I think she liked the attention. She soon started hiding behind things  and checking to see if I noticed here. I started waving at her, and she waved back. She, of course, did the typical things small kids do, like opening the still-running front-loading dryer. I must have stumbled across a game she played with her Daddy. Her mom gave her the used dryer sheets to toss into the trash can. When she did, I said, "Good job!". She came up to me with a raised left-hand to give me a high-five. I thought it was the cutest thing ever. She was warming up fast. I think the mom left (with her) to pick up something to eat after laundry. The girl fished out a bagged snack (Bugles?) and ignored her mom that the snack was not for now and to put it back. She struggled to open the bag and walked up to me with the bag, obviously wanting me to open it for her. (Her mom quickly retrieved the bag.) They soon after left.

I had been wondering if I had lost my charm with babies since a family reunion. My then baby grandniece Julia seemed to be lunging for me to hold her. My niece-in-law seemed to think the same thing and was about to hand her over to me, when Julia started to kick away from me, like I was the Baby Nightmare Monster. I'm still wondering what happened there. Was it my aftershave? Had I lost my baby mojo?

Newest Hallmark Hall of Fame Film "The Beach House": Thumbs UP!

I have had my fair share of criticisms of Hallmark storylines, particular in the romantic comedy arena. There continues to be this trend of movies about obscure English-speaking European royalty (mostly men but at least one woman) falling in love with an American; I don't know if this reflects American odd obsession with the British monarchy and Prince Harry's upcoming wedding. The concepts of all men created equal and the rule of law make me recoil even at the notion of a benevolent monarchy.

"The Beach House"is an adaptation of a well-known novel (I'm not familiar with it, but I haven't read a novel in years). The matriarch of the family is, unknown to the others, dying from cancer; her daughter, an up-and-coming professional, recently lost her job in the big city and has come to visit her family beach house home. There is a resentful sibling left behind over the interim 15 years, looking after their mother. Of course, there is a love interest also left behind for the returning daughter. The brother wants to sell his mother's beach house, which both women reject. There's a circle of  life theme involving turtles who nest on the nearby beach and a hurricane which threatens both the beach house and the fragile turtle nests. I won't write spoilers here but I think it's one of the better cable movies I've seen in a long time, beautifully shot.

It seems that signature holiday season comes earlier and/or hyped earlier every year. Early this month on a Friday, I even saw them run a couple of holiday movies, and they are heavily promoting 22 new holiday flicks 6 months in advance! (Not to mention I think they also do a Christmas in July week.) Less (promotion) is more; build the mystery.

Rant of the Day: 4/29/18

I have never liked the presence of the clergy in the administration of the State. As a Catholic, I thought political representation co-opted the independence and moral authority of the Church. (Yes, I'm well-aware of political entanglements during the history of the Church since at least the reign of Constantine the Great.) But as I've noted in multiple posts in the blog (e.g., whether Jesus was a socialist), Jesus explicitly rejected political power or being seen as an insurrectionist. He complied with tax policies and His infamous "Render onto Caesar what is Caesar's" has often been cited (wrongly) as confirming support of the State.  I think if and when clergy meddle in the affairs of State, it is a point of confusion and potentially divisive among the faithful.

In fact, a couple of priests (from religious orders vs. diocesan) in the 1970's, most notably Fr. Drinan, were elected to the House from MA and WI, respectively as Democrats. Drinan's career began as a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War. Perhaps most notoriously, Drinan (with a legal background) was a principal architect of a pro-abortion standpoint that has been adopted by every pro-abort Catholic Democrat ever since, i.e., I'm personally opposed to abortion, but I will not impose my religious beliefs on others. [In passing, let me point out that the Church's position on abortion (known at least as early as the first century Didache, opposing the Roman practices of abortion and infanticide) is moral, not doctrinal, and it makes no more sense to argue we are imposing our moral beliefs on murder, theft, and false witness on others.]  This posed a challenge to the Church's fundamental position against the abomination of abortion. St. John Paul II, soon after the beginning of his papal tenure around the turn of the 80's, soon required priest to leave elective office, leading Drinan to retire from Congress (and his Wisconsin colleague to drop plans to regain his lost House seat).

All of this deals with Speaker Ryan's decision to terminate House chaplain Jesuit Fr. Conroy. While Ryan, also a Catholic, denies that it's politically motivated, it should be noted during tax reform deliberations, Conroy's prayer included: "May their efforts these days guarantee that there are not winners and losers under new tax laws, but benefits balanced and shared by all Americans." This is basically verbatim from Democratic political spin opposing tax reform. It was blatantly partisan, and I would have terminated him for cause the day it happened. Ryan is saying he was responding to the complaints of unidentified House members. Conroy is playing the victim card and says that Ryan told him that he needs to stay out of politics. I don't really care what the "real" reason is; when you politicize prayers deliberately, you know damn well what you did, and you accept the consequences of your bad behavior.

Conroy, like fellow Jesuit Pope Francis, is economically illiterate. Any time you are discussing redistributing tax rebates to people other than the people who earned the original income, i.e., the Democratic position, you are discussing theft;  Up to 40% of American households pay little or no income taxes, freeload on the taxes assessed on other people. What do Americans do with their own income? They spend or save/invest in the economy. That contributes to the foundation of a growing economy, more goods and services to serve all in this economy, not frittered away by an unaccountable government which often spends twice as much as the private economy for the same effect. Under a growing economy, there are more job opportunities, and the lower-income are able to stretch their money. The idea that just because you don't get a tax refund when you don't pay taxes is "unfair"is patently absurd, what Bastiat means by the things seen and unseen.

Post #3642 M

Quote of the Day

Liberty is the great parent of science and of virtue; 
and a nation will be great in both in proportion as it is free.
Thomas Jefferson  

FEE On the Population Boom

Kibbe On Rock 'N Roll and Liberty

Free Speech Is Under Attack

Facebook Corner

[Libertarian criticisms of conservatives are nothing new. I remember getting a personal email back from Don Boudreaux after noting on multiple occasions he had barked back at people who called him a "conservative" economist, wondering why he felt so insulted. Just as Ron Paul, I have no issue with the label, although I'm also comfortable with labels like libertarian, libertarian-conservative or paleolibertarian.]

 Nope. You guys keep writing absurd pieces (like the presentist analysis on the Civil War). American conservatism is not European-style but is based on a constitutional classical-liberal legacy. Don't confuse it with right-wing authoritarianism or unprincipled Trumpism; Ron Paul for instance is rated as one of the top House conservatives over the past 50 years, and his positions are hardly the pejorative you describe. http://politic365.com/.../ron-paul-leaves-congress-as.../

[Responding to an anti-gun sign at a teacher strike rally]

 So now teacher evaluations are assault weapons?

[Responding to some medical "journal" engaging in gender identity politics suggesting that topics like breastfeeding should not be discussed using "old stereotypes" on gender]

[Niece], check out the stupidity here. Babies with no training seem to figure out how to do it with their moms, which I classify as "natural". And the last time I checked, men don't lactate.

[A sister-in-law published a clip of some 4-year-old black boy handing out meals to grown adults. Apparently my response annoyed her enough to "defriend" me, as if I care. Long story. Not my favorite in-law. It started when she used the B word on one of my sisters.]

How sorry a human being do you have to be to take charity from a little boy

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Eric Allie via IPI

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Jewel, "Down So Long"

Post #3641 M

Quote of the Day

Probably my best quality as a coach is 
that I ask a lot of challenging questions 
and let the person come up with the answer.
Phil Dixon  

Silent Cal

He wasn't that good on free trade or immigration, but great on shrinking taxes and government. As important, he curbed government activism/meddling.

The State-Mandated Kidnapping and Prospective Euthanasia of Alfie Evans

Facebook Corner

Choose Life: Double Blessings

Entertainment Potpourri

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of the original artist via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Jewel, "Hands". A tune I've embedded multiple time over the past decade in different versions. My favorite Jewel tune (along with 'Intuition').

Post #3640 M

Quote of the Day

Great hopes make great men.
Thomas Fuller 

Chickens, Trucks, and Trade Wars

Mmmmmm! Lab-Grown Meat

Stop Anti-Competitive Childcare Rules!

No to Government Healthcare!

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of  the original artist via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Jewel, "Foolish Games"

Rant of the Day: Originally "Something Rotten in the State of Maryland"

Earlier this month I picked up my mail and found an ominous-looking envelope from the State of Maryland. I had actually mailed off my 3 returns (part-time residencies in Arizona and Maryland) a few weeks earlier.

Yeah, I know: I'm a former MIS professor and an IT professional; why am I still  mailing in returns? Probably just habit and I haven't done my due diligence; I've always had concerns about Internet security and possible exposure of PII. Initially it was extra-cost and more convenient for the government than the taxpayer; perhaps you could get your refund faster.

But I remember when the government used to annually mail out tax booklets around the start of the year. I'm not sure when or why it stopped; I initially thought that maybe it had to do with a series of interstate moves and maybe the government didn't have the right address on file. But a quick Internet search showed that there are a lot of people asking where they can pick up tax forms. I've actually been used to downloading my forms and instructions for years for things like self-reported income or investment transaction addenda. I really didn't think of how the government was processing or storing return data  I've typically maintained the spreadsheets I use in completing the forms and copies (typically in pdf form) of returns, W-2's. I don't need OCR or other scanning software to digitize return content. And of course, there are a number of ways the government could ask for form data, e.g., CSV files.

Of course, we've seen more recently fill-in pdf's, some of them which include rules for inputs, compute aggregate lines, etc. One particularly obnoxious example was Arizona's part-time resident form which didn't seem to accept the inputs for my dates of residency, so I ended up having to go back to the website for a non-fillable alternative, requiring hand-entered results. For some reason this year, when I printed completed such forms, at least half the line items didn't print out, and it doesn't seem linked to my printer ink levels. I didn't consider it worth my time or effort to troubleshoot. (Out of curiosity, I did a Google search on "fill-in tax forms not printing items" and found similar issues reported in past tax years.)

A lot of explanation just to set up the reasons why my Maryland return was hand-filled, and my handwriting has not improved with age. To my eyes, my SSN was clearly legible, but apparently (I learned later), the scanner misread the last digit of my SSN. So presumably they refused to credit me for state withholding on my W-2 form (of course, they are quite willing to accept the income figure on my W-2, but not the withholding). Never mind that by their own admission the first 8 digits match exactly and their own notice to me correctly identifies the last 4--but they identify me as "Ronald M. Guillemette". Dude, my MI is "A" as in my late father Armand.  I have no idea where the M came from. There's a vague reference to my having to prove I have my own SSN. Since when? Scanning software is notoriously error-prone. I've been filing federal returns for decades, and I don't ever recall them asking for proof of my SSN.

They really don't explain what happened, but you get a markup of your return with no acknowledgment of withholding, one other adjustment is notable--my missing standard deduction. Apparently their system thinks it's an exemption (it doesn't understand the distinction between an exemption and a deduction) and claims that as a part-time resident, I can only claim a fraction (MD/federal AGI) of said amount. The only problem: the amounts I claimed were not full-year amounts, but roughly 40%.  But my simulated return shows NOTHING for a standard deduction

So instead of getting my expected return of a few hundred dollars (which they are borrowing from me with 0% interest), I'm being presented with a demand for nearly $2400, which is due immediately or else they'll hit me with interest and penalty.

This made me bat shit crazy. It brought back memories of high school, where I had been bullied as a nerd. This other Air Force brat seemed to put punching me on the head at the top of his daily to do list. I tried to avoid confronting him to no avail, until one day while I was waiting in line for the base bus, he punched my head hard from behind on the side near the ear. I haven't studied the brain in that much detail, but I snapped. Whatever intimidation or fear of confrontation I had was gone; I went after the son of a bitch and bloodied his nose. He had this "what the hell just happened", stunned look in his eyes looking down at the blood he had wiped from his nose; his young disciples were egging him on to get me back;  he wisely backed off--and that was the end of the bullying.

I immediately faxed a toughly worded response, checked with my employer to ensure my money had been sent to the state, went on a Twitter storm (and later deleted the tweets), sent an email to the governor, started looking up tax attorney, considered writing a rant to the leading Baltimore newspaper, and was thinking of flaming the Comptroller when I stumbled across the link for an ombudsman (for those unfamiliar with the concept, this is a taxpayer representative able to maneuver around the bureaucracy to fix problems. They actually got back to me fairly quickly. They had one requirement--I had to send them a copy of my SSN card. When I complained I already sent that in my earlier fax; he put his foot down and said, "Listen, you can wait (for a long time) for your fax to be processed by staffers, or you can work with me to speed it up." I sent the fax, didn't get an acknowledgment and wrote him back 2 or 3 days later. He responded, "Let me know if you don't get your refund in 7 days."  At last--the state was admitting it owed me money.

My guess is that I'm not the only person with a horror story, but there should be someone checking things out before sending out these accusatory notices to taxpayers. Any reasonable person knew in my case the automated process was in error. How do you assume no withholding or no standard deduction in sending out a notice for payment? The burden of proof should be on the government, not the taxpayer.

Post #3638 M

Quote of the Day

Let us live for the beauty of our own reality.
Charles Lamb  

Why Is the Government Protecting You From Making Your Own Mistakes?

Choose Life: The Best Big Brother

DEAD WRONG: Obesity Among the Poor Can Be Explained By Supply, Not Demand

End the Welfare State!

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of the original artist via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Jewel, "You Were Meant For Me"

Post #3637 M

Quote of the Day

Motivation is a fire from within. 
f someone else tries to light that fire under you, 
chances are it will burn very briefly.
Stephen R. Covey  

For Teachers Defending Their Classes

The Hell of Socialist Venezuela

Choose Life: Big Brothers and Little Sisters

Facebook Corner

[responding to a meme showing a Canadian man's hand showing a phantom invoice under Canadian nationalized health care]

His hand is out there to collect taxes from the people who footed the bill for his own responsibility.

[A smug "progressive" argues pro-life libertarians like me are hypocrites who use force defending against violence to the preborn child]

Abortion is the use of unprovoked violence against a helpless preborn child. By this guy's logic, a husband could not defend his family or home from attack. The non-aggression principle does not prohibit the use of force but the initiation of it; it's not "turn the other cheek".

[A relative argues that a policeman who allegedly was shot by unidentified blacks got little press coverage, implying reverse-racism of press coverage. She is missing my broad point that coverage tends to be pro-police, and rogue police are often not prosecuted even with video coverage of unnecessary violence. So first my response is to debunk this facade of cops as heroes (some may be, but not all cops, and I have a nephew who's a cop) and entitled to sympathetic news coverage. Whether or not this cop did/didn't get news coverage, I don't buy at all news coverage is based on ideological grounds. The other point I'm trying to get across is a lot of victims don't get coverage, including acts of undue police brutality. Her response to the first point is I'm missing the point there was no widespread publicity of this incident; I haven't researched that case; I'm making a general point--plus I know that Fox News or media conservatives would cover this incident if they were aware of it.]

1.

Actually there are other occupations far more life-threatening than police officers, like logging and working on an offshore drilling rig. Like school shootings, these stories make headlines because they are so rare.

2.

Most Dangerous Jobs in 2016
Rank Occupation Fatal injuries per 100,000 workers Total deaths
1 Logging workers 135.9 91
2 Fishers and related fishing workers 86 24
3 Aircraft pilots and flight engineers 55.5 75
4 Roofers 48.6 101
5 Trash and recycling collectors 34.1 31
6 Iron and steel wokers 25.1 16
7 Truck and sales drivers 24.7 918
8 Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers 23.1 260
9 First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers 18 134
10 Grounds maintenance workers 17.4 217

3

You're missing the point. Fox News and other outlets constantly hype the "dangerous" lifestyles of police. Do you realize even when police are shown on camera beating a defenseless unarmed man, they are almost never prosecuted?

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of the original artist via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Jewel, "Who Will Save Your Soul?"

Post #3636 M

Quote of the Day

If you can't win, make the fellow ahead of you break the record.
Anonymous  

Millennials On Self-Defense

Kibbe On the Oxymoron Antifa

Measuring Unemployment

Ron Paul On Syria

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Steve Kelley via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka (with Peter Cetera), "Hold Me Til the Morning Comes",  Simply one of my favorite songs of all time, probably my favorite single of the 1980's. I've probably sung this song hundreds of times. This concludes my Anka retrospective. Next artist: Jewel.

Post #3635 J

Restrooms, Convenience and Cost

During my marathon 2500+ mile relocation from southwestern Arizona to north of Baltimore last June, I did a fairly good job timing restroom breaks with meal and/or fuel stops. When you are paying $50-60 to top off your UHaul tank, the least you expect is a visit to their facilities. Still, apparently that expectation doesn't hold true in some areas of the country. When I drove to attend my last aunt's funeral late last summer, I stopped off a few miles short of my aunt's house and entered the convenience store, couldn't see a bathroom. The owner or manager couldn't have cared less (I'm pretty sure that he had to relieve himself during his shift, maybe a restroom in the back); he wasn't that helpful in suggesting an alternatives, indifferently referencing a couple of local fast food restaurants (as if I were a local).

The worst case I can recall is on the DC-area Metro system. You won't, of course, find facilities on a train--but not even in the stations.  A few years back, my niece's college orchestra was on a concert tour, including an night appearance at a hall several blocks away from Metro station. The blocks were dark all the way to the hall--no chance to stop off to relieve myself on the way to the hall. I had to plead with a reluctant agent at the station for access to an available employee restroom.

A lot of buildings (especially in the DC area) don't want to encourage local residents to use facilities meant for the convenience and safety of their tenants. So as I've gone to innumerable buildings for meetings or interview, I've had to ask for codes or keys.  I can't say I've seen that practice at fast food places, but I seldom eat fast food, mostly when I travel or occasionally if I forget to brown bag it to work. I don't usually use a fast food place's facilities, but I've never had an issue with buying something if I wanted to use accommodations meant for the convenience of their customers.

This, of course, is leading to a discussion of the recent Starbucks Philadelphia kerfuffle where two black men, apparently waiting for a friend, refused to buy something and apparently wanted the code for the restroom. They refused to leave.; police finally arrived and gave them 3 chances to leave before finally arresting them. Various "progressives" objected to the arrest arguing they "weren't doing anything"; yeah, that's sort of the point. They were trespassing. I think the police commissioner pointed out they treat trespass complaints on an equal basis; even police officers have similarly been denied "free" access to restrooms.

It's so sad that a movement that once stood for the right to eat at a restaurant has now devolved into a movement to trespass in a restaurant, which makes private property a joke.

The Starbucks CEO quickly threw his own managers under the bus, has apologized to the "victim" trespassers and has called for the reeducation of his staff, no doubt employing members of the affirmative action industrial complex. Now he has the right to enact whatever nonsensical, ineffective, money-wasting policy he wants--including full free public access of store restrooms.

What would I do? It depends on the circumstances. I would probably waive the restroom policy for certain groups of people, like pregnant women or the elderly, people who can't wait in a long line to order, etc. I think you really need to figure out if it's worth the dubious publicity that might result from a lack of empathy and compassion under the circumstances. But the idea that this was a "racist" incident is preposterous. Usually it's the affirmative action industrial complex that tries to argue bias because of a disproportionate proportion of the arrested or convicted. Ockham's razor. Sometimes statistics are just statistics.

Post #3634 M

Quote of the Day

History has demonstrated that 
the most notable winners usually encountered heartbreaking obstacles 
before they triumphed. 
They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats. 
B. C. Forbes  

A Phenomenal Family and First Lady

I have my political differences with the Bushes, but I don't regret my 4 Presidential votes for them, a fundamentally decent family. My thoughts and prayers to the Bush family on the loss of an amazing mother and First Lady.

Should George Washington University Be Renamed On Presentist Grounds? HELL NO!

He Won't Judge Mommy By the Color of Her Hair

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Eric Allie via IPI via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "Times of Your Life". An advertising jingle was transformed into a pop hit.

Post #3633 M

Quote of the Day

Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength.
Anonymous  

Shapiro On the Starbucks Kerfuffles

Shapiro spends some time talking about property rights here and noting if his family stops at Starbucks to use the facilities, he'll buy something. He spends too much time on the Starbucks CEO's attempt to placate the affirmative action industrial complex with personnel sensitivity training. Shapiro then spends a long time debunking the validity of purported training.

I don't necessarily disagree with him but telling a private-sector company they shouldn't be wasting money on this crap is really beside the point. I've had to take drug tests since the days before I became a Navy officer, and I've never touched or transacted with the stuff. Same thing with ubiquitous, mandatory sexual harassment training. I've never had a single date with a colleague, manager or subordinate (including college students) in my work career. I've got a Mom, 4 little sisters, and 9 nieces. I find all this training is really unnecessary and rather presumptuous. But, you know, I signed a contract and I abide by the terms, even if and when I disagree with certain policies.

If you've followed my Twitter account, you know I've called for a counter-boycott over Starbucks' not putting their paying customers first.

YouTube Place

I haven't done many of these commentaries on Youtube. Here is (the "libertarian  girl"s) Julie Borowski's video rant, where she goes on explaining she stopped by a Starbuck's for an emergency bathroom break, refused to pay for even a water, and ended up peeing all over the floor--serves them  right. This rant is too timely to the national Starbucks kerfuffle to not be a reflection on it.

Is this satire? [I'm thinking because of the Marx Brothers makeup and the insanity of the rant.] No, Starbucks does not operate a public restroom; the costs of the restroom are ultimately paid for by--yes--paying customers. It's really bizarre that a "libertarian girl" would make a Statist commentary. I, in fact, a REAL libertarian, am boycotting Starbucks over the notorious PC-contrived protest against a couple of trespassing loitering blacks who refused to buy anything and also demanded to use said restroom--and refused to leave 3 times by police who warned them they could be arrested. The "progressive" CEO folds like the cheap, unprincipled jerk he is appeasing the intolerant left-fascists. I'm calling for a counter-boycott until Starbucks puts its paying customers first.

Inspiration Stories of Babies Hearing For the First Time

Florida and Anti-Competitive Occupational Licensing For Hearing Aid Professionals

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Chip Bok via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "I Believe There's Nothing Stronger Than Our Love"

Post #3632 M

Quote of the Day

Life is 10 percent what you make it 
and 90 percent how you take it.
Irving Berlin  

FEEcast Episode 1: Tax Week

Inspirational

Montana vs FCC and the Free Internet

Real Healthcare Reform

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Gary Varvel via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "I Don't Like To Sleep Alone"

Please Say a Little Prayer Tonight For a Good Man and His Family

My contractor supervisor over the past year had his farewell yesterday.Easily the best supervisor I've had in years with a positive, supportive disposition, totally professional. So early this afternoon I get a call from my Oracle Support ombudsman on a thorny technical issue; about halfway through the call, my acting supervisor interrupts me to say I have to go to a general meeting in the nearby auditorium with no prior announcement in 5 minutes. It's not the first time this has happened. I was initially unhappy having to interrupt my Oracle Support conversation; don't they realize how hard it is for me to get a hold of these people? Little did I know hours later I would be driving home with tears streaming down my cheeks.

Our client chief technical executive was waiting for us to gather, I know as a libertarian I've taken shots at a number of dreadful, incompetent civil servants I've dealt with over the years, but the ones I've dealt with here are some of the best, most personable clients I've ever met. This executive, a man of color, is s highly competent, communicative leader, among the best in my decades of academic and professional experience; he believes in letting us know about where we're going; he makes sure we are aware of his open-door policy, although his road warrior schedule makes my own past ones look quite ordinary. He is one of the best executives I've ever worked under, but I don't know him on a personal level (he's 2 levels over my client supervisor; to him, I'm probably the "Oracle guy").

Let this be a warning to people who make judgments about people they don't even know and what's going on in their personal life; I had no clue of what was going on in this man's life. This man was articulate in talking about our direction for years to come as well as near-term goals and objectives.

So he called us in to tell us he had given his 90 days notice. Really, he wanted to resign immediately but he felt he owed it to the organization to transition his duties.

Then he explained why he was resigning, and it broke my heart. His daughter is dying of something doctors can't diagnose; they've traveled everywhere to find a diagnosis and treatment, and she's running out of time. Most parents live for their children's future; can you imagine surviving the death of your own child? And Daddies are their daughters' first heroes; they can fix anything, make things better, much like Zuzu implored George Bailey to paste her prize flower's petals back on. It reminds you of Calvin Coolidge's son, dying from an infection of his blister, begging his father, the President, one of the most powerful men of the world, to do something. Alas, Daddies, being mere mortals, cannot perform miracles. But you know you'll be second-guessing yourself for the rest of your life, wondering maybe you stopped one doctor short of a definitive cure.

And then there's his better half, the love of his life. She is suffering from cancer and is refusing possibly her only real chance of survival, cruel chemotherapy. I can't imagine dealing with that; my godmother and maternal grandmother died of complications of colon cancer before I turned 3. My grandfather never really recovered from that shock. His family was his world. He had struggled through the Depression as a mom-and-pop grocer, a workaholic who was known to open his store in the middle of the night for a customer who needed to buy milk or a loaf of bread. His dream was to travel with his wife in retirement, and his dream was shattered by the ugliness of an untimely brutal disease.

I cannot imagine having one's own family, his own support system, implode under me. So this good man is resigning so he can make his dying family his first priority. And I have a lot of respect for this good husband and father to follow his heart and be there for them, not wondering what loving moments he missed spending another lonely night in a hotel room.

So for the 2 or 3 people who may read this blog post, I ask you for your kind thoughts and prayers tonight for this good man and his beautiful family.

Post #3630 M

Quote of the Day

The influence of each human being on others in this life is a kind of immortality.
John Quincy Adams  

It's Time To Retire IL House Speaker Madigan

Keep the Internet Sales Tax Rules Status Quo In Favor of Competition

Intervention: A Dubious Case For the American Empire

Inflation and Public Policy

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Steve Kelley via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "Let Me Get To Know You"

Post #3629 M

Quote of the Day

I'm not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
Louisa May Alcott 

DEAD WRONG: Wild Wild Government

On Trigger Warnings

Do You Have Any Republican Friends?

No. But even when I was a Republican, I didn't have Republican friends. Let's make it simpler: I didn't have friends, regardless of politics.

Is More Regulation the Answer?

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of the original artist via FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "One Man Woman"

Post #3628 M

Quote of the Day

As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, 
they are not certain, 
and as far as they are certain, 
they do not refer to reality.
Albert Einstein  

Rights of Corporations or Voluntary Associations of People

Stossel and Peterson

We Had Extreme Vetting Over the Past Generation Without the Demagogue Trump

Choose Adoption

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Robert Ariail via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "Papa".

Post #3627 M

Quote of the Day

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. 
The secret of your success is found in your daily routine.
John C. Maxwell  

Young Man Dies As His 9-1-1 Calls Are Not Taken Seriously: More Government Incompetence

Classic Rocker Crosby Adds a Track To the New Kelo Movie

The Nation's Kids Give Trump a Report Card

Inspirational

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Michael Ramirez via Patriot Post on FB

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "Having My Baby". There are surprisingly few pop songs on something beautiful as pregnancy and the birth of new life, and as a pro-lifer, I find Anka's unlikely #1 anthem refreshing. But if you have been following my commentaries in this segment, you know I like to channel my inner songwriter and record producer. As good as the song is, there are some things I would tweak. I've almost from the start never liked the "MY" in the title. A child is not her father's property; she is a gift of God to both parents. As a pro-lifer, I also have issues with the verses "Didn't have to keep it/Wouldn't put you through/You could have swept it from your life but you wouldn't do it"; I understand Anka didn't want his song tied up in the abortion debate, so he's making it clear it's his lover's choice to keep the child. I don't see motherhood as a male sentence on his partner; it's difficult to say from my perspective since for me to be a father, I would have to marry a younger woman, and I would like to know she would be receptive to the idea of having a child. So I haven't written my alternative version of Anka's song, but we are not talking mere tweaks but a whole new song.

Post # 3626 M

Quote of the Day

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.
Robert F. Kennedy  

Ron Paul On the War-Enabling Mainstream Media

Kibbe on Millennial Polling and Women of Liberty Month

Proof  That the Cure (of Autograph Fraud) Is Worse Than the Disease

I Would Send Any of My Nieces All The Pictures They Wanted

I would hug those tears away and ask her to take a picture with me. Only I think my nieces wouldn't "accidentally" delete them.

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Mike Lester via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "My Way". I don't think Anka ever released his own version of his classic original song.

Post #3625 M

Quote of the Day

Think as you like, but behave like others.
Robert Greene  

Political Humor

Interventionism: A Success (?) Story

Stossel On Fear-Mongering Anti-Gun Statistics

Political Cartoon

Courtesy of Henry Payne via Townhall

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "Puppy Love". This #2 hit in 1960 was the fourth consecutive Top 5 hit. Anka would continue to hit the charts although only a couple of top 10's until the Beatles era. He would then do some amazing things in the interim, including Carson's Tonight Show theme and Frank Sinatra's signature song "My Way"

Rant of the Day: 4/14/18

Not surprisingly to anyone who has read my recent blogs or tweets, I strongly disagreed with Trump's decision to attack Syria, which allegedly launched a poison gas attack against defenseless civilians. This morning Trump and the Pentagon are hyping the alleged success and precision of destruction of facilities purportedly involved in the research and/or production of biological and/or chemical agents.

Let's be clear here: I don't like Syrian President Assad, and the world would be a better place without him. I would not mourn the loss of facilities used to produce agents aimed at killing civilians.

But here's the problem: Syria did not attack the United States.  The Constitution does not make us the world's policeman. Pure and simple, not only did the President violate Constitution but also the War Powers Act; constitutionally the power to declare war is a power reserved to the Congress; the POTUS' role is to engage in defensive/imminent threat matters. Assad still hasn't consolidated his country from civil war, never mind attack a country thousands of miles away, armed to the teeth with nuclear weapons. Syria is not a legitimate military threat against the US.

Syria was largely winning its war for reunification and consolidation when Trump announced plans to leave Syria--something Assad wanted; it's impossible to see why Assad would put a US departure at risk with a brazen chemical attack on a small number of civilians. It seems far more likely like the Islamic militants fighting Assad to establish an even more brutal dictatorship had more of a motive in the US staying. I've read news report suggesting both sides--including the anti-Assad coalition--had access to chemical weapons.

I think the unprovoked murder of civilians by either side is an abomination. But I seriously doubt that Trump had the hard evidence in the short decision cycle to point the finger at Assad (when even his Chief of Staff candidly revealed there was no proof of earlier alleged Assad chemical attacks).

The fact is, even if Trump had evidence and even if it was a surgical strike, we do not have the moral authority to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries, even if they are persecuting their own people. There are horrible examples of regimes which have engaged in crimes against humanity; Cambodia, China, and the Soviet Union immediately come to mind.

I wouldn't care if polls showed a 99% approval of Trump's intervention. I think Ron Paul has collected 1 to 2 dozen Trump tweets denouncing any Obama intervention under similar circumstances about 5 years back. Trump ran on an anti-interventionist "America First" campaign. But the fact that Trump ran a fraudulent campaign isn't the issue. He knew that Middle East meddling wasn't constitutional.

It's time to impeach Trump.

Post #3623 M

Quote of the Day

If you press me to say why I loved him, 
I can say no more than because he was he, and I was I. 
Michel de Montaigne  

Image of the Day

Patriots in Washington warn Trump against Syrian intervention. Courtesy of Justin Amash.

Ron Paul On the Fed



Choose Life

Stossel On the Leftist War On Science

Ron Paul On Big Government

Political Cartoon

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "It's Time To Cry".

Post #3622 M

Quote of the Day

Never miss a chance to keep your mouth shut.
Robert Newton Peck  

Oh, No! Someone Cracked the Code of Academia! The Key to Understanding My Research

This White Man Can't Dance, But Others Can. Free Male Dancers!

Stossel in the Classroom: On the "Crime" on Price-Gouging

Crony Doctors vs. Competitive Healthcare

I've Been to the People's Republic of California DMV. Only It Wasn't Candid Camera

Political Cartoon

Musical Interlude: My Favorite Vocalists

Paul Anka, "Put Your Head On Your Shoulder". It amazes me that a teenager was able to write and perform such a timeless classic. I was really introduced to the song by The Lettermen, one of my favorite all-time vocal groups.