Maggie's FarmWe are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for. |
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Wednesday, August 2. 2017Wednesday morning linksGwynnie sent us this email bouquet from his garden and from the woods in the Sierra Nevadas The Queen is an "excessive drinker" The American Eclipse of 1878 and the Scientists Who Raced West to See It Young People are Clueless about How Food Grows Food comes from the store. Electricity comes from the wall. Wisconsin County Fair Bans Confederate Flag Sales After “Someone Got Their Feelings Hurt”… Thought Police Hiring at University of Michigan Where is the free speech rebellion? Los Angeles Just 'Won' the 2028 Summer Olympics. That Is SUCH Bad News. The IOC needs one permanent site for summer games, ideally in Greece. Why Boston's Sports Fans Rejected the Olympics Boondoggle—and L.A. Said Bring It On Climate change article of the year Many worthy environmental issues are overshadowed by the climate hysteria Claim: 59,300 Indian Suicides because Climate Hmmm. They are making more money? NYT: When Progressives embrace hate:
Ian Tuttle Reviews The Proper Procedure by Theodore Dalrymple - The Welfare Culture and Its Discontents Sanctuary City Leaders Silent After Homeless Illegal Alien Rapes Woman in Pricey Portland Neighborhood California Ranchers Revolt After State Sets Aside 2 Million Acres For A Frog CNN’s Fareed Zakaria: Trump Won Because His Voters are Stupid, Racist, Misogynist, Gay-Hating Bigots VDH's Republicans and the Lost Art of Deterrence
Repubs have balls during elections, none when elected. The Left plays the middle during elections, then goes straight for their goals when elected.
Armed Antifa Group Offers Training Manual On Terrorism And Guerrilla Warfare Who pays for this? Via American Digest: Spanish border enclaves under violent siege as increasing hordes of African migrants storm barriers Four Teenage Girls Raped at Swedish Music Festival, Many More Sexually Abused Fifty Years Ago, Israel Saved Western Civilization In The Middle East Trackbacks
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"The Queen is an "excessive drinker'"
And she's 91. Seems to be working out well for her! The Queen Mother liked her G&Ts too - and she lasted until 101. Meh - Queen Mum is self-medicating because NHS won't pay for her NSAIDs.
Her Majesty, since she walked off that plane from Kenya back in February, 1952, after His Majesty her father died, has never had a day off. True, she does go on "holidays", but even then the "boxes" (containers with notes and information on the day's doings and other government information) follow her and have to be dealt with. At 91, and still at the helm, Her Majesty is entitled to a drink or four. Would I make it to that age with her faculties.
QUOTE: And, as Trump points out repeatedly: in America (at least in the middle part) we don’t worship government; we worship God. As in the one true God. Lord Mayor: See, where he stands between two clergymen! BUCKINGHAM: Two props of virtue for a Christian prince, To stay him from the fall of vanity: And, see, a book of prayer in his hand, True ornaments to know a holy man. "Many worthy environmental issues are overshadowed by the climate hysteria..."
Here, let me fix that for you: "Many worthy issues are overshadowed by the climate hysteria" Plus, you can replace "climate" with "transgender", "Russian hacking" or just all-purpose "anti-Trump". I have been corrected in the past for saying, "The Sierra Nevadas," as it is a plural upon a plural. Sierra means "range of mountains." The correct term is "The Sierra Nevada." As a part timer in the region I had to learn to pronounce, "Nevada," too. NeVADDDDDa. Otherwise a person is clearly "from away" if they say NeVAHda. Just sayin'....Oh, nice flowers from you know where.
QUOTE: The administrative state is by far the greatest contemporary threat to the liberty of Americans. The appalling Sally Yates urges that the Constitution be left in the dust, and that unelected bureaucrats be elevated above the president whom they ostensibly serve. It is hard to imagine a theory more at odds with our Constitution or our political traditions. The independence of the Justice Department is certainly not contrary to political traditions, but a long-standing policy. However, that policy can be changed by the President. Congress, on the other hand, must confirm the Attorney General, so they can influence the policy. “I’m going to follow the laws passed by Congress,” Sessions said, during his confirmation hearing. “The attorney general’s role is to enforce the law.” QUOTE: And {the President} certainly has final say on all policies of the Department. The President, as well as anyone who works in the Justice Department, is restrained by the Constitution and the law, to which they owe their first duty. The DOJ in the last 8 years has become oppressive, anti-democratic and authoritarian. The DOJ has a long history of legal abuse and catering to special interests. They are often acting contrary to the constitution and to the intent of the constitution. They cover their extra-constitutional actions in secrecy and intentional untruths and outright lies. What is needed is far more openness and oversight. They should be required to report to congress in a public hearing on everything they do and they should not be allowed to hide behind that oft quoted phrase that they don't comment about an ongoing investigation. A little more sunshine would be a good thing. Ditto for the FBI which seems to have degenerated into a den of inequity and subterfuge.
GoneWithTheWind: They should be required to report to congress in a public hearing on everything they do and they should not be allowed to hide behind that oft quoted phrase that they don't comment about an ongoing investigation.
Even if we accept you dubious premise, requiring the Justice Department to report on every investigation is not only impractical, but unjust to those who are exposed as being under investigation, but may not have committed a crime. If there is a grand jury involved, it is illegal to divulge the information. It is a strange situation that we allow or encourage a star chamber or secretive mindset for our criminal and civil legal system. I believe everything should be public record. We didn't arrive at this because our citizens demanded it. We keep these secrets from the citizens because the bureacrats, judges and law enforcement demanded it. Throw it out. There is no reason to enforce the law under a veil of secrecy. It hides too much wrongdoing by our courts and our law enforcement. Sunshine is what we need. End all secrecy in our courts and law enforcement.
GoneWithTheWind: End all secrecy in our courts and law enforcement.
Seriously? You think law enforcement should broadcast that they are investigating a criminal conspiracy, or every suspicious cast on a person?
#5.1.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-08-03 08:49
(Reply)
Where were you during the Obama administration? I didn't seem to hear these comments then.
Jim: Where were you during the Obama administration? I didn't seem to hear these comments then.
When Obama overstepped his bounds concerning criminal prosecutions, he was broadly criticized; however, nothing he did compares to the overt interference by Trump, up to and including firing the FBI Director. Heh! Nothing compares to...
This mega-scandal, by the way, has been building for months, though you would hardly know by the near-silence it's been treated with in the media. http://www.investors.com/politics/editorials/in-abusing-nsa-intelligence-did-obama-white-house-commit-a-crime/ drowningpuppes: This mega-scandal, by the way, has been building for months, though you would hardly know by the near-silence it's been treated with in the media.
It's been covered in the media, but has all the earmarks of a made-up scandal. Meanwhile, Trump's own national security adviser has determined that Susan Rice did nothing wrong, and will retain her security clearance.
#5.2.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-08-04 09:41
(Reply)
McMasters decided Susan Rice did no wrong.
That's funny. 😂
#5.2.1.1.1.1
drowningpuppies
on
2017-08-04 11:45
(Reply)
Actually, McMaster made no determination whatsoever concerning Susan Rice's wrongdoing. That assumption was made by Eli Lake.
Stop lying.
#5.2.1.1.1.2
drowningpuppies
on
2017-08-04 13:20
(Reply)
drowningpuppies: McMaster made no determination whatsoever concerning Susan Rice's wrongdoing.
Certainly, if McMaster had determined that Rice had mishandled classified material, as you have alleged, he would not have allowed her to retain her security clearance.
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1
Zachriel
on
2017-08-04 15:25
(Reply)
Once again you are making an assumption like Eli Lake.
Y'all are just like CNN, you're wrong and you suck. McMaster wrote similar letters to all the living national security advisers from past administrations—Democratic and Republican—as a matter of longstanding practice. Revoking Rice’s clearance would have been unusual. And that practice applies not just to national security advisers but to other departments and agencies, such as secretary of State. The reason, the official said, is for the purposes of continuity. Without a continued security clearance, it would be illegal for government officials to discuss relevant sensitive information with a former official. http://www.weeklystandard.com/the-real-reason-mcmaster-let-susan-rice-keep-her-security-clearance/article/2009158 Original letter is here. https://www.circa.com/story/2017/08/03/politics/susan-rice-keeps-top-secret-security-clearance-hr-mcmaster-letter-says No where is there a confirmation that "McMaster determined there was no wrongdoing by Susan Rice".
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1.1
drowningpuppies
on
2017-08-04 17:57
(Reply)
drowningpuppies: No where is there a confirmation that "McMaster determined there was no wrongdoing by Susan Rice".
Would you agree that if McMaster had found significant wrongdoing concerning classified material on the part of Susan Rice, he would not have renewed her security clearance?
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-08-05 09:49
(Reply)
Your original claim that "McMaster determined that Susan Rice did nothing wrong" is a false assumption not supported by the facts.
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1
drowningpuppies
on
2017-08-05 10:56
(Reply)
drowningpuppies: Your original claim that "McMaster determined that Susan Rice did nothing wrong" is a false assumption not supported by the facts.
We'd be happy to restate, but first, do you agree that if McMaster had found significant wrongdoing concerning classified material on the part of Susan Rice, he would not have renewed her security clearance?
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-08-05 11:38
(Reply)
Then restate. There's is no need to assume McMaster's' determination to continue Susan Rice's security clearance, the reasons have been clearly cited previously.
Your claim was false based on an assumption by Eli Lake. Stop fishing, kidz.
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1
drowningpuppies
on
2017-08-05 12:43
(Reply)
drowningpuppies: Then restate.
We're working on it. Do you agree that if McMaster was aware of wrongdoing concerning classified material on the part of Susan Rice, he would not have renewed her security clearance?
#5.2.1.1.1.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.1
Zachriel
on
2017-08-05 13:25
(Reply)
We have reached the point where the administrative state is a special interest unto itself, given near omnipotence by its defining access to the levers of power. The Justice Department has weaponized the principle of prosecutorial discretion. An improper indictment has to be tried before a judge; an improper conviction can be appealed before a tribunal. A decision to not pursue a worthy case can be made by an anonymous functionary at an unremarkable desk in an unassuming office at the end of a undistinguished corridor.
When this non-entity has at his disposal a set of regulations drafted by others like him, largely unseen and unnoticed by the general population, he gains a measure of power against which there is no recourse. When this power is wielded for the benefit of the bureaucracy itself, the whole notion of will of the majority subject to the rights of the minority gets set aside in favor of a blind and groping institutional self-preservation. Another guy named Dan: A decision to not pursue a worthy case can be made by an anonymous functionary at an unremarkable desk in an unassuming office at the end of a undistinguished corridor.
Prosecutors make their mark by successful prosecutions. Generally, they will charge what they think they can win. Another guy named Dan: When this non-entity has at his disposal a set of regulations drafted by others like him, largely unseen and unnoticed by the general population, he gains a measure of power against which there is no recourse. It may be unnoticed, but it is apparently written down. For discussion, could you please point to a specific case and regulation that you feel is an inappropriate use of power? I don't want to hear you Yankee Doodles talking about limited government. Are you working to primary Susan Collins? Your state along with two others are the reason we still have Obamacare.
RE: "Spanish border enclaves under violent siege"
This will continue and it will get worse. It is an invasion. Once the point of no return passes it will be obvious to all that they have been taken over by a foreign power and the Spanish will become unwelcome in their own lands. The ONLY thing to do is to treat it like a military invasion and repel the invaders. Yes! I mean shoot them. While at first this might seem excessively violent it will in the long run be the least violent measure. I am confident that once the invaders are shot as they cross the borders that they will cease the invasion. This continues because it is allowed once it is forcefully stopped it will end. Where are El Cid and Charles Martel when they're needed again?
They moved to Florida, along with Count Roland. Roland gave up playing the Olifant, and now plays trumpet with a jazz band in Orlando.
"'Armed Antifa Group Offers Training Manual On Terrorism And Guerrilla Warfare'
Who pays for this?" When I was a youngster in the 1990s I saw George Soros and his Open Society foundation as a force for global good. Now that I am older, when I look at Soros and his foundation I see a lot of conflicts of interest. Here is a billionaire whose business model thrives on chaos. Are the activities of Soros' foundation really about opening society...or about destabilizing these societies so that Soros may engage in currency speculation? I wonder. " Are the activities of Soros' foundation really about opening society…or about destabilizing these societies so that Soros may engage in currency speculation?
Bingo! Re: When Progressives embrace hate
When don't they? The progs are all about destroying rather than building. For example, they don't like what the Boy Scouts stand for and rather than start their own Prog Boy Scouts that espouse their values, they try to force the Boy Scouts to adopt theirs. In cases where they can't make them change to their liking, they institute name-calling campaigns: eg. SPLC, and Hillary's "basket of deplorables" comment. We even have institutionalized racism (affirmative action) which apparently has engendered overt racism and segregation on campuses (as an aside, isn't it interesting that Democrats supported segregation and racism in the past still do but this time under the prog banner of "inclusion"). All this is destructive of race relations in a multiracial society. QUOTE: The administrative state is by far the greatest contemporary threat to the liberty of Americans. Besides Lois Lerner et al., another case in point: ... If top officials were unmasking without oversight it’s something everyone should be concerned about and it puts our intelligence community in a very bad place.” http://www.pacificpundit.com/2017/08/01/brother-of-cbs-news-president-person-of-interest-in-obama-illegal-unmasking/ There's a small town named Nevada in SW Missouri, which is pronounced NeVAYduh.
Alan Ladd played a character pronounced NeVAHda Smith in an old movie I've conveniently forgotten the title of. (Grammar police alert.) Don't recall whether the character was supposed to be from NV.
https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/you-say-nevada-i-say-nevada
Ladd spent his formative years in Cali so he could say it wrong and still be right. An interesting 20 year old article, well worth the read.
Bureaucrats are nothing new, and have been deadly in the past. Activists have infiltrated many government agencies, and are running important parts of the government in accordance with their agenda. Global Warming being one of those agendas. http://www.backwoodshome.com/why-bureaucracy-will-likely-destroy-america/ CNN’s Fareed Zakaria: Trump Won Because His Voters are Stupid, Racist, Misogynist, Gay-Hating Bigots
-------------------------------------------- Hopefully, our new immigration policies being developed by President Trump will address why we permit foreigners like this to come into our country and tell us what to do. Sincerely, Jim Bob "Bubba" Beauregard III Armed Antifa Group Offers Training Manual On Terrorism And Guerrilla Warfare
Who pays for this? They will. Dearly. "Young people are clueless about food production": back in the day, there were "aggie days" at our exhibition grounds. Made a habit of taking the offsprings; my query to the exhibitors of cattle was always, "...are we looking at ice cream or hamburgers?". Never did believe that we should shelter shelter the children from the realities surrounding where their food came from. And, yes, we did back then have a small garden for veggies (not great - too shady - but we harvested some produce).
Fast forward a few years, and an offspring is competing in "concours oratoire". The subject was - en francais - vegetable rights. Offspring didn't move on to the next level - probably too politically incorrect even back then - but the audience loved the presentation. |