Herodotus Book 1 Ch 60
...Megacles, wearied with the struggle, sent a herald to Pisistratus, with an offer to reestablish him on the throne if he would marry his daughter. Pisistratus consented, and on these terms an agreement was concluded between the two, after which they proceeded to devise the mode of his restoration. And here the device on which they hit was the silliest that I find on record, more especially considering that the Greeks have been from very ancient times distinguished from the barbarians by superior sagacity and freedom from foolish simpleness, and remembering that the persons on whom this trick was played were not only Greeks but Athenians, who have the credit of surpassing all other Greeks in cleverness. -my emphasis. There was in the Paeanian district a woman named Phya, whose height only fell short of four cubits by three fingers' breadth (about 6' tall), and who was altogether comely to look upon. This woman they clothed in complete armor, and, instructing her as to the carriage which she was to maintain in order to seem her part, they placed her in a chariot and drove to the city. Heralds had been sent forward to precede her, and to make proclamation to this effect: "Citizens of Athens, receive again Pisistratus with friendly minds. Athene, who of all men honors him the most, herself conducts him back to her own citadel." This they proclaimed in all directions, and immediately the rumor spread throughout the country districts that Athene was bringing back her favorite. They of the city also, fully persuaded that the woman was the veritable goddess, prostrated themselves before her, and received Pisistratus back.
Sounds like McCain was there and borrowed the idea.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Nice speech. I was glad to hear it, but what counts is not what you and I think; what counts is what the pundits and the talking heads tell us. In other words, the spin's the thing whereby we'll crown a king.
NPR this morning focused once again - and it's not just NPR; it's all of the major news sources - on personality and not issues. "Was he charismatic, did he sound presidential, what will the Republicans do to counter", and on and on with no real emphasis or analysis of content beyond how the speech played to the public. Everything gets reduced to poll numbers, and content goes out the window. We seem to forget that the person embodies the policies, and it's the policies that count. The candidate is the salesman, the policy is the product, but the press insists on a cult of personality and obfuscates the issues. Obfuscation of issues is a great boon to Republicans.So, yes, I liked Obama's speech.
The policies are what counts and are how I'll base my choice. Pundits be damned.
NPR this morning focused once again - and it's not just NPR; it's all of the major news sources - on personality and not issues. "Was he charismatic, did he sound presidential, what will the Republicans do to counter", and on and on with no real emphasis or analysis of content beyond how the speech played to the public. Everything gets reduced to poll numbers, and content goes out the window. We seem to forget that the person embodies the policies, and it's the policies that count. The candidate is the salesman, the policy is the product, but the press insists on a cult of personality and obfuscates the issues. Obfuscation of issues is a great boon to Republicans.So, yes, I liked Obama's speech.
The policies are what counts and are how I'll base my choice. Pundits be damned.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
More Georgia
In March 1991, Georgian militia units loyal to Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first freely elected leader of Georgia in seven decades took over in South Ossetia. One of Gamsakhurdia's first acts as Georgian president was to cancel the political autonomy that the Stalinist constitution had granted the republic's 90,000-strong Ossetian minority.
The South Ossetian town of Tskhinvali had been ransacked by Gamsakhurdia's militia. The Georgians had trashed the Ossetian national theater, decapitated the statue of an Ossetian poet and pulled down monuments to Ossetians who had fought with Soviet troops in World War II. The Ossetians were responding in kind, firing on Georgian villages and forcing Georgian residents of Tskhinvali to flee their homes.
The Ossetians view Georgians in much the same way that Georgians view Russians: as aggressive bullies bent on taking away their independence. "We are much more worried by Georgian imperialism than Russian imperialism," said an Ossetian leader, Gerasim Khugaev. "It is closer to us, and we feel its pressure all the time."
When it comes to apportioning blame for the latest flare-up in the Caucasus, there's plenty to go around. The Russians were clearly itching for a fight, but the behavior of Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili has been erratic and provocative. The United States stoked the conflict by encouraging Saakashvili to believe that he enjoyed American protection, when the West's ability to impose its will in this part of the world is actually quite limited.
The points to be stressed here are John McCain's strong anti-Russia comments on the Georgia situation and the fact that his top foreign policy adviser, Randy Scheunemann, is part owner of a lobbying firm that provides strategic advice to the Georgian government in Washington. McCain's bellicose bluster will accomplish nothing towards settling the situation, and Russia will have its way. McCain, however may be able to gain a few more votes from the "kick ass" crowd here at home.
Get over the hysteria and look at the facts. We have the Monroe Doctrine which treats the Caribbean as one of the Great Lakes and Russia has historically looked to secure its borders, their own version of the Monroe Doctrine. Before some of you froth at the mouth let me be clear about what I'm saying which is that the Monroe Doctrine has no status under international law and is maintained by force of arms and that Russia maintains the states on its border via force of arms. No moral or international authority is in play here. It's straight power politics and all we can do is bluster about it.
In March 1991, Georgian militia units loyal to Zviad Gamsakhurdia, the first freely elected leader of Georgia in seven decades took over in South Ossetia. One of Gamsakhurdia's first acts as Georgian president was to cancel the political autonomy that the Stalinist constitution had granted the republic's 90,000-strong Ossetian minority.
The South Ossetian town of Tskhinvali had been ransacked by Gamsakhurdia's militia. The Georgians had trashed the Ossetian national theater, decapitated the statue of an Ossetian poet and pulled down monuments to Ossetians who had fought with Soviet troops in World War II. The Ossetians were responding in kind, firing on Georgian villages and forcing Georgian residents of Tskhinvali to flee their homes.
The Ossetians view Georgians in much the same way that Georgians view Russians: as aggressive bullies bent on taking away their independence. "We are much more worried by Georgian imperialism than Russian imperialism," said an Ossetian leader, Gerasim Khugaev. "It is closer to us, and we feel its pressure all the time."
When it comes to apportioning blame for the latest flare-up in the Caucasus, there's plenty to go around. The Russians were clearly itching for a fight, but the behavior of Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili has been erratic and provocative. The United States stoked the conflict by encouraging Saakashvili to believe that he enjoyed American protection, when the West's ability to impose its will in this part of the world is actually quite limited.
The points to be stressed here are John McCain's strong anti-Russia comments on the Georgia situation and the fact that his top foreign policy adviser, Randy Scheunemann, is part owner of a lobbying firm that provides strategic advice to the Georgian government in Washington. McCain's bellicose bluster will accomplish nothing towards settling the situation, and Russia will have its way. McCain, however may be able to gain a few more votes from the "kick ass" crowd here at home.
Get over the hysteria and look at the facts. We have the Monroe Doctrine which treats the Caribbean as one of the Great Lakes and Russia has historically looked to secure its borders, their own version of the Monroe Doctrine. Before some of you froth at the mouth let me be clear about what I'm saying which is that the Monroe Doctrine has no status under international law and is maintained by force of arms and that Russia maintains the states on its border via force of arms. No moral or international authority is in play here. It's straight power politics and all we can do is bluster about it.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Georgia on My Mind.
It's quite simple. Russia is doing what Russia always does when she is strong. She pushes her borders and gobbles up smaller neighbors. It's been going on since Czarist days and it caught the Bush administration, again, with its pants down. Not even Condi Rice, the Russian studies expert, was on this.
We relaxed as a country after Bush famously looked Putin in the eye and saw his soul. Problem is that Putin then spit in Bush's eye. McCain, the resident neo-warrior and tough guy, with worlds of experience was caught off guard. It's only a matter of time for the Republicans to blame Barack Obama for situation and tie it to 1) his lack of experience, 2) his naivete, 3) Michelle Obama.
Russia knows very well that we're helplessly bogged chasing weapons of mass delusions in Iraq in a war that we were to win by expending a blitzkrieg force, subduing the country and reaping it's oil crop. All at little or no cost to us as the oil revenues would rapidly recover initial expenses and then roll in monthly profits like the rose petals Iraqis were going to strew in our path.
Bush was soul sighting when he should have been soul searching, and he was definitely wishfully dreaming while a mesmerized, stars in the eyes, bunch of Washington politicians got in line behind him as their constituents cheered the U.S.'s grand march to mediocrity. Obama opposed all that crap, and he's portrayed as the poor innocent who knows nothing, while at the same time as a cynical grasping, effete, elitist politician who is bound to ruin the country. Well it's too late for the latter, the Republicans have already managed to do the job.
It's quite simple. Russia is doing what Russia always does when she is strong. She pushes her borders and gobbles up smaller neighbors. It's been going on since Czarist days and it caught the Bush administration, again, with its pants down. Not even Condi Rice, the Russian studies expert, was on this.
We relaxed as a country after Bush famously looked Putin in the eye and saw his soul. Problem is that Putin then spit in Bush's eye. McCain, the resident neo-warrior and tough guy, with worlds of experience was caught off guard. It's only a matter of time for the Republicans to blame Barack Obama for situation and tie it to 1) his lack of experience, 2) his naivete, 3) Michelle Obama.
Russia knows very well that we're helplessly bogged chasing weapons of mass delusions in Iraq in a war that we were to win by expending a blitzkrieg force, subduing the country and reaping it's oil crop. All at little or no cost to us as the oil revenues would rapidly recover initial expenses and then roll in monthly profits like the rose petals Iraqis were going to strew in our path.
Bush was soul sighting when he should have been soul searching, and he was definitely wishfully dreaming while a mesmerized, stars in the eyes, bunch of Washington politicians got in line behind him as their constituents cheered the U.S.'s grand march to mediocrity. Obama opposed all that crap, and he's portrayed as the poor innocent who knows nothing, while at the same time as a cynical grasping, effete, elitist politician who is bound to ruin the country. Well it's too late for the latter, the Republicans have already managed to do the job.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Abraham Lincoln was the head of a radical party which was dedicated to overthrowing the status quo. What radicals do Republicans currently support?.... Or is it true that conservatives are worshipers of dead radicals.
I have also noticed that Dwight Eisenhower has virtually disappeared from the Republican pantheon. I suppose that his warning to beware the military-industrial complex is too damning to their current policies, likewise his warning to avoid a land war in Asia is too close to the muddled adventure in Iraq for them to mention.
I have also noticed that Dwight Eisenhower has virtually disappeared from the Republican pantheon. I suppose that his warning to beware the military-industrial complex is too damning to their current policies, likewise his warning to avoid a land war in Asia is too close to the muddled adventure in Iraq for them to mention.
Friday, December 07, 2007
From Mitt Romney to Mike Huckabee, yeah unto Clinton, every politician struts his religion upon the stage. On examination, to continue with the Shakespeare quote, "It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing."
Just keep one thing clearly in mind; it is important to remember that politicians who wear their religion on their sleeve do not speak for the truly religious who keep their practice quietly to themselves. Here are Jesus’ words on the subject.
“Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat, all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. But all their works they do to be seen of men...”
You can check out the full text in Matthew XXIII. For easy access to the text, (in case you don’t keep the King James around your house), you may want to consult the current bible as compiled by St. Web of The Internet and google Matthew XXIII.
Just keep one thing clearly in mind; it is important to remember that politicians who wear their religion on their sleeve do not speak for the truly religious who keep their practice quietly to themselves. Here are Jesus’ words on the subject.
“Then spake Jesus to the multitudes and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses seat, all things therefore whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. Yea, they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with their finger. But all their works they do to be seen of men...”
You can check out the full text in Matthew XXIII. For easy access to the text, (in case you don’t keep the King James around your house), you may want to consult the current bible as compiled by St. Web of The Internet and google Matthew XXIII.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
My Letter from Senator Jack Reed
Senator Reed voted for The Kyl-Lieberman amendment. Like many Rhode Islanders, I am vehemently against it. I contacted Senator Reed to let him know my opinion on the subject. I received a form letter in reply. Before commenting on the content of letter itself, it must be noted that Senator Kyl’s name is mentioned twice while Senator Lieberman, the co-sponsor of the amendment,is not mentioned at all. I was reminded of ancient Egypt where the current Pharaoh obliterated the name of his rival. I have little regard for Lieberman’s politics, but I do acknowledge him as a person. Senator Reed is obviously running from the Connecticut Senator by failing to mention Lieberman’s name on a piece of legislation that Lieberman co-sponsored.As to the substance of the letter I will quote and comment.
"...I oppose military action against Iran absent a blatant act of war on the part of the Iranians."
Bush and Cheney both claim that the president has the ability to declare an act of the Iranians as an act of war. This is like giving a blank check to a sociopath and telling him not to cash it until he really needs to....You better have the check covered because you’re going to see it again.The National Defense Authorization Act expresses:
"the sense of the Senate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be designated a foreign terrorist organization. Any such designation would have to occur under existing law which requires a detailed administrative record that can be challenged in court."
It hasn’t taken long, Cheney has called Iran the world’s number one terrorist country, Condoleezza Rice is calling for economic sanctions, and for what it’s worth, even President Bush has had some damning words to say about the Iranians. The verbal assault has begun. No voices raised in alarm or opposition yet.
"As a sense of the Senate amendment, this legislation does not have the force of the law."
Aw, shucks, It don’t really mean nuthin’ anyway.
"Although some in the Bush Administration suggest unilateral, pre-emptive military action as a course in Iran, I believe that there are still possibilities to garner strong regional support..."
"Some in the Bush Administration" include the president, the vice-president and major cabinet officials. There is virtually no room for other possibilities to occur let alone grow and garner support.The letter concluded by thanking me for contacting the senator and reminding me "not to hesitate to write, call,".etc.I hope to stay in touch.
Posted by philly40 at 7:56 PM
Senator Reed voted for The Kyl-Lieberman amendment. Like many Rhode Islanders, I am vehemently against it. I contacted Senator Reed to let him know my opinion on the subject. I received a form letter in reply. Before commenting on the content of letter itself, it must be noted that Senator Kyl’s name is mentioned twice while Senator Lieberman, the co-sponsor of the amendment,is not mentioned at all. I was reminded of ancient Egypt where the current Pharaoh obliterated the name of his rival. I have little regard for Lieberman’s politics, but I do acknowledge him as a person. Senator Reed is obviously running from the Connecticut Senator by failing to mention Lieberman’s name on a piece of legislation that Lieberman co-sponsored.As to the substance of the letter I will quote and comment.
"...I oppose military action against Iran absent a blatant act of war on the part of the Iranians."
Bush and Cheney both claim that the president has the ability to declare an act of the Iranians as an act of war. This is like giving a blank check to a sociopath and telling him not to cash it until he really needs to....You better have the check covered because you’re going to see it again.The National Defense Authorization Act expresses:
"the sense of the Senate that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be designated a foreign terrorist organization. Any such designation would have to occur under existing law which requires a detailed administrative record that can be challenged in court."
It hasn’t taken long, Cheney has called Iran the world’s number one terrorist country, Condoleezza Rice is calling for economic sanctions, and for what it’s worth, even President Bush has had some damning words to say about the Iranians. The verbal assault has begun. No voices raised in alarm or opposition yet.
"As a sense of the Senate amendment, this legislation does not have the force of the law."
Aw, shucks, It don’t really mean nuthin’ anyway.
"Although some in the Bush Administration suggest unilateral, pre-emptive military action as a course in Iran, I believe that there are still possibilities to garner strong regional support..."
"Some in the Bush Administration" include the president, the vice-president and major cabinet officials. There is virtually no room for other possibilities to occur let alone grow and garner support.The letter concluded by thanking me for contacting the senator and reminding me "not to hesitate to write, call,".etc.I hope to stay in touch.
Posted by philly40 at 7:56 PM
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
More Alice in Wonderland from this administration
"The time's not come", the Dubya said
"To talk of many things
Of troops and ships
And hiding facts
Of generals and kings
And why the war is boiling hot
From whence Al-Qaeda springs."
"We'll wait a bit", the Congress said,
"Before we have our chat
For some of us are sitting safe
And all of us are fat."
"No worry", said the Dubya.
They thanked him much for that.
"To talk of many things
Of troops and ships
And hiding facts
Of generals and kings
And why the war is boiling hot
From whence Al-Qaeda springs."
"We'll wait a bit", the Congress said,
"Before we have our chat
For some of us are sitting safe
And all of us are fat."
"No worry", said the Dubya.
They thanked him much for that.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Google
JABBERWOCKY
Lewis Carroll
(from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872)
`Twas brillig, and the slithy Rumsfeld
Did gyre and gimble with the Press:
All mimsy were the neocons,
For the war rats never rest.
"Beware of Jabbertalk, my son!
Verbs that bite, and nouns that catch!
Beware the passive voice, and shun
The frumious candorsnatch!"
Rums took his verbal sword in hand:
Long time the free press foe he sought --
So rested he by the Dumbdown tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as with ufffish thought he stood
The Jabbertalk, with words of shame,
Came whiffling through the towns and woods
And garbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The verbal blade went snicker-snack!
He left truth dead, and saving his head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain with Jabbertalk?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! No Calley today!
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy Rumsfeld
Did gyre and gimble with the Press:
All mimsy were the neocons,
For the war rats never rest.
JABBERWOCKY
Lewis Carroll
(from Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There, 1872)
`Twas brillig, and the slithy Rumsfeld
Did gyre and gimble with the Press:
All mimsy were the neocons,
For the war rats never rest.
"Beware of Jabbertalk, my son!
Verbs that bite, and nouns that catch!
Beware the passive voice, and shun
The frumious candorsnatch!"
Rums took his verbal sword in hand:
Long time the free press foe he sought --
So rested he by the Dumbdown tree,
And stood awhile in thought.
And, as with ufffish thought he stood
The Jabbertalk, with words of shame,
Came whiffling through the towns and woods
And garbled as it came!
One, two! One, two! And through and through
The verbal blade went snicker-snack!
He left truth dead, and saving his head
He went galumphing back.
"And, has thou slain with Jabbertalk?
Come to my arms, my beamish boy!
O frabjous day! No Calley today!
He chortled in his joy.
`Twas brillig, and the slithy Rumsfeld
Did gyre and gimble with the Press:
All mimsy were the neocons,
For the war rats never rest.
Friday, December 15, 2006
What country do you live in?
I saw a bumper sticker the other day which said "Welcome to America. Now Speak English". The poor fool displayed a two fold ignorance: #1, the sticker itself called attention to the xenophobe driving the vehicle, and ignorance #2 showed that the yahoo driving doesn't even know the name of his own country.
Don't you think that the sticker should have said "Welcome to the United States ..."? If you don't, check our nameplate at the U.N. it says "United States".
Most Americans speak Spanish. English is spoken in the U.S. and parts of Canada. Except for Brazil (Portuguese) all countries south of the Rio Grande are predominately Spanish speaking.
It's a jingoist exaggeration to refer to "American troops" when we really mean U.S. troops. It's a likewise exaggeration to say that "The American people have spoken in our last election", when only the people of the United States have voted in it. Hell, if all the American people could speak in our elections George Bush couldn't be elected dog catcher.
OldTimeLefty
Don't you think that the sticker should have said "Welcome to the United States ..."? If you don't, check our nameplate at the U.N. it says "United States".
Most Americans speak Spanish. English is spoken in the U.S. and parts of Canada. Except for Brazil (Portuguese) all countries south of the Rio Grande are predominately Spanish speaking.
It's a jingoist exaggeration to refer to "American troops" when we really mean U.S. troops. It's a likewise exaggeration to say that "The American people have spoken in our last election", when only the people of the United States have voted in it. Hell, if all the American people could speak in our elections George Bush couldn't be elected dog catcher.
OldTimeLefty
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Unapologetic Lefty from the 50's
I'm partisan. I'm neither Democan nor Republicrat. I'm on the left. Been on the left. Gonna stay on the left.
I started out as a middle of the road Catholic college graduate. enlisted in the army - I was subject to the draft and joined to bring on the inevitable. I remained an enlisted man for my three year term of duty which I spent at Hq., US Army Security Agency (A.S.A.) in Arlington Va. I had a top secret crypto clearance and was honorably discharged and awarded a Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant and a letter of commendation from General Lyman Lemnitzer, Chief US A.S.A. It was while in service to my country that I saw we were exactly what we said we were fighting. The awakening for me was the U-2 incident with Gary Francis Powers. I have tried to keep my eyes opened ever since. We did and do some very ugly stuff like lie to allies and mug private citizens in the name of democracy and freedom. More if you want it.
I started out as a middle of the road Catholic college graduate. enlisted in the army - I was subject to the draft and joined to bring on the inevitable. I remained an enlisted man for my three year term of duty which I spent at Hq., US Army Security Agency (A.S.A.) in Arlington Va. I had a top secret crypto clearance and was honorably discharged and awarded a Commendation Ribbon with Medal Pendant and a letter of commendation from General Lyman Lemnitzer, Chief US A.S.A. It was while in service to my country that I saw we were exactly what we said we were fighting. The awakening for me was the U-2 incident with Gary Francis Powers. I have tried to keep my eyes opened ever since. We did and do some very ugly stuff like lie to allies and mug private citizens in the name of democracy and freedom. More if you want it.
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