Wednesday, July 04, 2007
The Declaration of Independence
An important 4th of July read. One needn't wait until today, of course, but it's certainly a good enough occasion for a review.
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 4229 Diggs, is a link to an editorial that's as inappropriate for the 4th of July as could be imagined. I didn't read the entire thing, but I don't need to; it's a topic about which I'm a bit ambivalent. And I'm not faulting the editorial's author--he wrote it yesterday. But the Diggsters voted it, so far, as the number one story on this day, and that tells me a lot about Digg.
I'm not linking to it. If you want to read it, you'll have to find it yourself.
I'm not linking to it. If you want to read it, you'll have to find it yourself.
Presidential Power the Greatest Since, Well, the Last Major War
What I find most interesting about this story is the line about Bush being "the most powerful American leader since at least WWII." I got to this story via Digg, which of course implied that the story is about Bush being so powerful, when in fact it's about growing Presidential power in general beginning in the 20th Century. But then, that's just Digg's typical anti-Bush slant.
What struck me most about that particular line, though, is that we're at war today, making the correlation between now and WWII painfully obvious to anyone willing to see it. And, the stakes are just as high, and far more complex (or, at least, we're making it that way, by waging war against an ideology instead of against those States that sponsor it).
That subtlety would be lost, of course, on the Diggsters, but unfortunately on many other Americans, as well.
What struck me most about that particular line, though, is that we're at war today, making the correlation between now and WWII painfully obvious to anyone willing to see it. And, the stakes are just as high, and far more complex (or, at least, we're making it that way, by waging war against an ideology instead of against those States that sponsor it).
That subtlety would be lost, of course, on the Diggsters, but unfortunately on many other Americans, as well.
Politics and the 4th of July
Of course, Cox and Forkum have a relevant cartoon for the 4th. It says something different about the nature of American politics that we should all try to remember--even though I myself don't often do so.
Happy 4th of July!
And, of course, a happy 4th to all Americans.
Let this day serve as a reminder that a handful of heroes can accomplish something remarkable and still unmatched in human history: to create, from nothing, a nation based on a fundamental moral and political principle, that every human being has a right to his or her own existence. Although the Founders' legacy is under attack, it is a testament to their genius that so much of their vision remains intact after centuries of anti-man philosophies that have sought to destroy it.
To the men and women serving overseas, my thanks. You make this day possible, year after year. I hope that each and every one of you sees your service not as a sacrifice for me or any other American, but as your own defense of liberties that you, yourself, hold dear. Let the politicians argue over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin--for yourselves, know that by killing our enemies, you are protecting your values and preserving for yourselves and those you love the freedom afforded by this great nation.
But, most of all, everyone: enjoy, celebrate, eat, drink, and be merry. Today is a day to engage in that which should be the goal of every human being: to be happy, and to bring happiness to those family and friends whom we value the most. The Founders' recognized this in the Declaration of Independence, when they included "the pursuit of happiness" as one of the rights that our government was created to defend. You do no disservice to any American hero by enjoying yourself today, but rather the opposite. You honor them.
And so, off with you now. And again, a Happy 4th of July!
Let this day serve as a reminder that a handful of heroes can accomplish something remarkable and still unmatched in human history: to create, from nothing, a nation based on a fundamental moral and political principle, that every human being has a right to his or her own existence. Although the Founders' legacy is under attack, it is a testament to their genius that so much of their vision remains intact after centuries of anti-man philosophies that have sought to destroy it.
To the men and women serving overseas, my thanks. You make this day possible, year after year. I hope that each and every one of you sees your service not as a sacrifice for me or any other American, but as your own defense of liberties that you, yourself, hold dear. Let the politicians argue over how many angels can dance on the head of a pin--for yourselves, know that by killing our enemies, you are protecting your values and preserving for yourselves and those you love the freedom afforded by this great nation.
But, most of all, everyone: enjoy, celebrate, eat, drink, and be merry. Today is a day to engage in that which should be the goal of every human being: to be happy, and to bring happiness to those family and friends whom we value the most. The Founders' recognized this in the Declaration of Independence, when they included "the pursuit of happiness" as one of the rights that our government was created to defend. You do no disservice to any American hero by enjoying yourself today, but rather the opposite. You honor them.
And so, off with you now. And again, a Happy 4th of July!
Stop the Presses: Google Celebrates American Holiday!
Yes, it's true. Google has recognized the 4th of July in their logo. I don't know if they've done this in the past, but I'm still steamed over the Memorial Day snubbing. So, recognition where it's due.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at 6263 Diggs, is about a Digg tool for attracting more Diggs.
Must not be that effective. 6263 isn't all that impressive, really.
Must not be that effective. 6263 isn't all that impressive, really.
Blogs and Politics
Is it true that blogs are having this much of an impact on politics? If so, I'm not sure if this is a good or a bad thing.
American Pharmaceuticals Thrive, Europe's are Dying
The next time you want to fall for the idea of universal healthcare a la Europe's socialistic schemes, read this essay by Andrew Sullivan. It points out that innovation thrives in a free market and dies under socialism. The American pharmaceutical industry is making remarkable--some might say miraculous--advances in treatments for all sorts of deadly and debilitating diseases.
If you want to kill those advancements, vote for universal healthcare. If not, fight like hell to retain our current, even mixed economy approach, and then fight even harder for a true free market healthcare system.
I remember looking into a CT lung scan, having been a smoker for a number of years. I don't know what the insured price for a scan would be, but I know that I can get a high-quality scan performed outside of insurance for about $300. That seems entirely reasonable to me, since it could locate any problems while they're still treatable (which a normal x-ray may or may not identify). I imagine that if such scans were covered under insurance, and thus not subject to normal market pressures, they'd be far more expensive (although I personally might pay a little less after deductibles have been met). Imagine the impact on healthcare spending in general if the market were allowed to set prices.
I've read accounts that we're on the cusp of curing various forms of cancer, and already, certain forms have been turned from terminal diagnoses to manageable diseases. And that's due entirely to the efforts of the American pharmaceutical industry. Rather than attacking these companies, we should be honoring them.
If you want to kill those advancements, vote for universal healthcare. If not, fight like hell to retain our current, even mixed economy approach, and then fight even harder for a true free market healthcare system.
I remember looking into a CT lung scan, having been a smoker for a number of years. I don't know what the insured price for a scan would be, but I know that I can get a high-quality scan performed outside of insurance for about $300. That seems entirely reasonable to me, since it could locate any problems while they're still treatable (which a normal x-ray may or may not identify). I imagine that if such scans were covered under insurance, and thus not subject to normal market pressures, they'd be far more expensive (although I personally might pay a little less after deductibles have been met). Imagine the impact on healthcare spending in general if the market were allowed to set prices.
I've read accounts that we're on the cusp of curing various forms of cancer, and already, certain forms have been turned from terminal diagnoses to manageable diseases. And that's due entirely to the efforts of the American pharmaceutical industry. Rather than attacking these companies, we should be honoring them.
More Evidence for Iran in Iraq
More on Iran's proxy war against the US in Iraq. I suppose that when (if?) we go to war with Iran over this (and the nuclear issue) such news items will be quickly forgotten and the "no evidence" mantra will emerge once again.
Media Tells Terrorists We're Onto Them
Once again, the mainstream press reveals our knowledge of a possible terrorist attack. Why this is "news," and not a blatant breach of national security, is beyond me.
Healthcare Independence
An essay on "universal healthcare" at Capitalism Magazine... It's an important read if you're at all concerned about healthcare and would like to have something to counter the upcoming movie on the topic (which shall remain nameless).
Town Surprised that Public-Private Partnership Goes Sour
And the line is blurred between public and private in such instances because government spends tax money (directly or through "incentives) developing private property. It's an inherent contradiction that must result in this or other kinds of conflict.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Digg Report: Today's #1 Digg, at a light 2848, points to a picture that, quite frankly, I don't get. And, I have no time to try to decipher it.
So, good luck.
So, good luck.
Iranian Cells Destroyed - in Iraq
Going after the Iranian-backed cells in Iraq is all find and dandy, but it would be a bit like killing German spies in America in the 1940's but refusing to take the fight to Germany itself. One can only imagine the outcome, and I'm afraid we're going to see a fine example of it sometime soon.
Unless, of course, we act against Iran. But that's likely a pipe dream.
Unless, of course, we act against Iran. But that's likely a pipe dream.
Mainstream Media Again Assists Radical Islam
There are two important aspects to this story. First, the mainstream media is very quick to report the worst about Iraq; too quick, in my opinion. Almost eager.
Second, as has been said before on this blog, the "insurgency" is not about Iraq, it's about driving America from Iraq and creating a victory for radical Islam against the Great Satan. Fomenting sectarian violence, as was to be the result from this false reporting, is just one of the tactics being used to push American politics against finishing what we started in Iraq.
Second, as has been said before on this blog, the "insurgency" is not about Iraq, it's about driving America from Iraq and creating a victory for radical Islam against the Great Satan. Fomenting sectarian violence, as was to be the result from this false reporting, is just one of the tactics being used to push American politics against finishing what we started in Iraq.
A World with Saddam Hussein?
Some interesting thoughts on what the world would be like if we hadn't gone to war to remove Saddam Hussein from power. I agree with a lot of this, but I still think we've prosecuted the war itself, and its aftermath, in horrible fashion.
Al Qaeda - Losing?
Al Qaeda has apparently been affected. That's a very, very good thing. Imagine how much more less effective they'd be if we removed their state sponsors?
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