Just in case you are not feeling cynical enough about politics yet, a campaign ad from 1986:

From Bruce Kesler. I no longer will term him "guest poster" because he seems to be turning into a regular.

Above the law? Thank you Mr. Daschle.

We should all be thanking Tom Daschle for his behavior in not paying all his taxes and evading lobbying laws. The even larger issues are highlighted for public discussion that some of our rulers do not follow the same laws expected of the rest of us, and that they exploit the loopholes in the ever expanding laws.

At issue are to what standards our rulers are to be held and whether laws are enough the answer. Laws help keep honest people honest, by providing guidance, but personal integrity and shame are essential as well. Strict enforcement is also critical, especially for those who anyway breach the law and public trust.

First, we must admit that none of us are saints, nor are any solons capable of foreseeing all eventualities. Imperfect men can only make imperfect laws, and imperfect men may err in following them. Despite partisan stances toward imperfections of our adversaries, most of us do observe reasonable tolerance toward imperfect behavior.

That acknowledged, tolerance is exceeded when imperfect behavior is clearly beyond the law, blatant, or frequent. It is a matter of our basic governance in a democracy that our rulers be held to, at least, the same standards as other citizens.

This is not a matter of policy differences, unless one wants to argue that our rulers are or should be above the law for whatever reasons of need or effectiveness.

Here, some minds might wander into consideration of some of the measures taken by the Bush administration, and some by the Clinton administration, in their efforts against terrorism. What makes them qualitatively different is that they literally involve national security, almost all were within or not outside the law as it existed, that they were not for personal enrichment, and that reasonable, qualified experts differ on them. As evidenced by the Obama administration¿s initial adoption or non-rejection - yet - of most of these measures, despite Obama's campaign rhetoric, these are policy differences.

Regarding Tom Daschle, we had two clear choices, allowing him to skate or holding him accountable. Tom Daschle had the third choice, having the shame and sense to withdraw, which he now has. If he had been confirmed, our Senators would undermine public confidence in and compliance with the laws and respect for themselves. If Daschle were rejected, our legislators' job would not be complete. They owe us more. Daschle's withdrawal still leaves their job incomplete.

There are enough other examples of tax and law evasion by other legislators and appointees to merit additional examination of their behavior and stringent enforcement actions. The suggestion here: http://www.concurringopinions.com/archives/2009/02/audit_them_all.html

for all to be subject to regular comprehensive tax audits is worthwhile. The Congressional ethics committees need to be more independent and active. That requires the addition of independent special investigators, as with the executive¿s agencies. Their work should be fast and their reports published immediately, avoiding burying by legislators. Laws passed by the Congress should apply to Congress itself, with any exceptions being at least justified by supermajorities. Lastly, our major media must take more seriously its self-professed role as nonpartisan guardians of truth-to-power. The extent to which it has not is far beyond evident.

These will go a long way toward ending attitudes of our rulers or perceptions of them being above the law. They may well, also, further more careful consideration of the laws passed, as their effects are more applied to themselves.

We deserve no less. Thank you Mr. Daschle for your contribution to our government's integrity. Now, go away in rightful shame.

Thanks, reader. That is Maggie's style:

My mentioning a pied a terre in Manhattan motivated me to locate this nice little 2 BR place on West 81st, facing the Museum of Natural History. I want this (photo of LR with working fireplace).

They are asking $1.2 million. Details here.

I used to own a 1 BR place with doorman on West 82, but that was long ago. Bought it for $62,000. and, had I kept it, it would have been the best investment I ever made.  

Neoneo quotes herself from several years ago in a piece about Pajamas Media and blog ad money:

I don’t think my blog –or the blogs of any of us, including its founders–will live or die by the success of PJ Media. We all define success differently; right now, I consider this blog to have been successful, if not beyond my wildest dreams, then certainly beyond what I considered any realistic expectations. Great readers, and plenty of them–what more could a person want?

Neo, that's right on the money.

Today is Candlemas. Thank you, Never Yet Melted.

Candlemas is when the badger checked the weather, and when you took down the Christmas greenery.

More snow coming tonight and tomorrow, and guess who is sold out of ice melter, salt, and traction gravel once again. Mind you, this is snow country here, especially with our global cooling. Guy said last shipment sold out in two hours. Is this nation short of gravel and rock salt? Is government action needed? Is this a case of "peak salt"? "Peak gravel"?

Maybe it's time to go back to the Saudis for a new deal on sand.

Using my lawn fertilizer spreader for salt and gravel has pretty much destroyed it this winter. I thought I'd pick up a new one at Home Depot to go along with the salt and gravel that they were out of. Well, it seems to be the wrong season for heavy-duty broadcast spreaders. What I need is one of these, but they don't sell them at Home Depot:

Barnard, VT. (pop. 958). Here's the Barnard Inn site. If you have cash, it's a good time to buy a VT getaway.

The first place is a c. 1850 hill farm with 65 acres (photo on right), so it would work for horses or cattle with plenty of room for a shooting range too. It's a restored 2300 sq.' Cape farmhouse with barn and outbuildings. As a farmer at heart, I'd check out the barns first. They are asking 1.1 million. Details here.

Second is the c. 1791 Cape farmhouse (photo below), also completely restored with additions bringing it up to a generous 7600 sq.'. I think they did a good job expanding the living space without altering the  humble appearance of the old farmhouse. Those metal roofs aren't charming, or in keeping with the style, but they are practical as heck in snow country - and they last forever. It's on a paltry 12 acres with ponds and stream. Too little land for cattle, but I'd guess there's some good turkey hunting there. They are asking only 3.9 million. Details here. (Prop. taxes a hefty $35,000)

Since I already have a fine New England farm, if I had a few million burning a hole in my pocket I think I'd consider picking up a pied a terre in NYC just about now, or later in the Spring when prices will drop even further. Trouble is, with boats it's not the price - it's the maintenance, and with houses it's the property taxes (plus the maintenance).

Gwynnie and I have been trying to get a clean copy of this email for several days. This is from a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles who was on Flight 1549. Note the 4 life lessons learned, at end.

"Gerry McNamara (New York/Charlotte) was on US Airways Flight 1549 last week. We caught up with him to discuss the harrowing incident and - in a departure from our usual format -present his stirring account as told to us:

Thursday was a difficult day for all of us at the firm and I left the Park Avenue office early afternoon to catch a cab bound for LaGuardia Airport. I was scheduled for a 5pm departure, but able to secure a seat on the earlier flight scheduled to leave at 3PM.

As many of us who fly frequently often do, I recall wondering if I'd just placed myself on a flight I shouldn't be on!

Just prior to boarding I finished up a conference call with my associate, Jenn Sparks (New York), and our placement, the CIO of United Airlines. When I told him that I was about to board a USAirways flight, we all had a little fun with it.

I remember walking on the plane and seeing a fellow with grey hair in the cockpit and thinking "that's a good thing... I like to see grey hair in the cockpit!"

I was seated in 8F, on the starboard side window and next to a young businessman. The New York to Charlotte flight is one I've taken what seems like hundreds of times over the years. We take off north over the Bronx and as we climb, turn west over the Hudson River to New Jersey and tack south.

I love to fly, always have, and this flight plan gives a great view of several NY landmarks including Yankee Stadium and the George Washington Bridge.

I had started to point out items of interest to the gentleman next to me when we heard a terrible crash - a sound no one ever wants to hear while flying - and then the engines wound down to a screeching halt. 10 seconds later, there was a strong smell of jet fuel. I knew we would be landing and thought the pilot would take us down, no doubt to Newark Airport.

As we began to turn south I noticed the pilot lining up on the river still - I thought - en route for Newark. Next thing we heard was "Brace for impact!" - a phrase I had heard many years before as an active duty Marine Officer but never before on a commercial air flight.

People are not buying luxuries these days, so such things are becoming quite inexpensive. I used to like beautiful antique rugs, but now I prefer attractive rugs that I don't mind walking on with boots, or the dog scratching at. I know we have some readers who might be offended, but these non-fancy runners I found on eBay (mostly roughtly 3'8''-4'x10') looked good to me. And cheap enough to tramp on with shoes, or for the dog to roll on.

(I know our rug expert readers will find fault, but these are hand-knotted 100 KPSI not-new Iranian rugs.)

We have highlighted New York's CSC in the past, but, after seeing their Uncle Vanya, this remarkable place deserves another pat on the back. Classic Stage Company.

Their short runs work well to attract distinguished actors who long to sink their teeth into classic works. The Long Wharf Theater in New Haven used to do that too. I don't know about now.

Thanks, BL -

What is it about throwing like a girl?

Obama dozed, people froze. Where's the outrage?

Yes, this lady is nuts.

Klaus attacks Al Gore. Good for him.

The good news about those vanishing rain forests jungles

Nurse suspended for offering to pray for patient.

JP Morgan and Bernie Madoff. Clever of them.

Why they want to terrify us about this recession: Time for a new world order? And is this recession really so unique? If any things are unique about it, they are the fragile banks and that it is globally simultaneous.

Redoubt Volcano. Here's Volcano:

Psalm 25

Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. 3 Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. 4 Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. 5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way. 9 The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. 11 For thy name's sake, O Lord, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great. 12 What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.

15 Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. 18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins. 19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. 20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. 21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. 22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.

Pretty good guess, unlike most of such things (h/t, Right Wing Prof):

Global warming: The greatest fraud in history?

Some tasty meat flesh from PETA

Union-Leader: Stimulus bill is sickening. Walter Williams explains how stupid it is. Maybe the tide is turning.

A non-profit with a Gulfstream! And, related, how do pols do this? And why so many Dem tax cheats anyway?

Iran: Obama's desire to talk proves America's weakness

I like Michael Steele.

Why is the MSM still attacking Sarah Palin? So much hate.

Photo: New Hampshire last week, from And Rightly So

From our guest poster Bruce Kesler -

President Obama’s told congressional Republicans, suggesting changes to the Porkapalooza recovery bill, “I won.”  So much for the promised cooperation across the aisle.  Today, discussing the bill with an avid Obama supporter, I suggested a compromise: Let the Democrats’ bill pass but with one amendment, that all provisions and spending sunset (expire) December 31, 2009.  He agreed.  If there’s anything of merit buried in the dungpile, it will flower.  Congress can then renew it.  Otherwise, most of the waste will die, having been demonstrated worthless. Another major promise by the new administration, for greater transparency, is quickly showing itself subject to crossed fingers behind the back. 

The open-government advocate Sunlight Foundation reveals that the very first bill signed by Obama broke his promise to wait at least 5-days before signing any non-emergency legislation, to receive public comments to be considered by the President.  Sunlight notes: “It is too bad they let this transparency promise slip on the very first piece of legislation that hit the President’s desk.” The Columbia Journalism Review finds its ill and unprofessional treatment by the White house Press Office fails to meet Obama’s promise, possibly to “indicate that President Obama’s messages about open government have not reached press secretary Robert Gibbs and his staff.”  The CJR reporter comments:

Talking to working reporters is not the only way to communicate with the people. The Obama administration seems to be embracing direct delivery of its messages via the whitehouse.gov website and YouTube. They seem to be saying “We don’t need the press to communicate our messages to the people. We can talk to the people ourselves.” The media honeymoon with Obama is fading, after so much support from the media to his campaign. Another now dispensable Obama supporter under the bus.

So, it seems that the Obama messages will be delivered directly to his supporters, but the feedback from any disagreeing or questioning is less welcomed.  The definition of a dysfunctional system is one lacking feedback, for adaptivity.  It’s going to be a long, and dangerous, four years.

Occasional commenter and blogger Retriever sent us this photo of American Robins eating old rotting apples last week, in Massachusetts. People talk about the first Robin of Spring, but these woodland thrushes, who like fruit and berries, winter in almost every state in the US.

They are migratory (Turdus migratorius), so our winter birds here probably breed in northern Canada. They all go south, but only so far. The cold doesn't bother them at all, nor does global cooling.

"Government is not reason; it is not eloquent; it is a force. Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."

George Washington, via this TCS essay

The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money.

Maggie Thatcher (h/t, New England Repub). Or you can put it on the nation's credit card...and let the Saudis and Chinese own our debt. Own us.

"People want to think there is some huge conspiracy run by evil geniuses.  The reality is actually much more horrifying.  The people running the show aren't evil geniuses.  They are just as stupid as the rest of us."
     

Vaksel, via Overcoming Bias

I don't know what Mayor Bloomberg is having for dinner. Maybe tofu salad with a glass of water. But if you have any pheasants in the freezer, this sounds good:

Pheasant supremes with sage and onion fritters, caramelised apples and Calvados sauce

A new novel about Agincourt

5000 drones busy in Iraq and Afghanistan

The wolves of the Rockies and the balance of nature

Ten sure-fire ways to be a failure (h/t, Conservative Grapevine)

The college scam. Stossel