One of the objections I've heard about the impeachment inquiry is that it's not been fair to the President. This is bull, of course, but it's what the Republican party has to hang its hat on. The Republican party set the rules by which the House has been operating (but they hope you don't recognize that). The Republican party has also complained about the vote establishing the more public hearings, assailing them as partisan (because they didn't vote in favor of them in bloc).
Here's the thing - there are Republicans on the committees hearing testimony. These congresspeople are entitled to call witnesses. They haven't, either because they elect not to, or because they cannot come up with witnesses who will testify under penalty of perjury that the President did nothing wrong/impeachable.
This is the key. The Republicans are complaining that the inquiry and the hearings are unfair, but this is a false statement. The hearings are not unfair. They are unbalanced. They are not unbalanced because of anything the Democrats have done, rather they are unbalanced because the Republicans don't have a defensible position, which is why they don't bitch about the substance, instead they gripe about the process - quite the tell.
Perhaps, instead of bitching about the president the Republican candidates in the 2016 election complained was unqualified and untrustworthy not getting a fair shake, maybe they should not support a mendacious Oval Office occupant's actions.
Thursday, October 31, 2019
Friday, October 25, 2019
I Wish I had the Patience and the Time
To demonstrate the fallacy of the President's position on virtually everything.
There was no witch hunt. There was an investigation into whether the Russians interfered in the U.S. Election to aid one party over another. The evidence collected in this investigation demonstrated that there was a coordinated effort by the Russians to influence the U.S. Election. There is considerable evidence that the President is either compromised by the Russian head of state or is at best a useful idiot. No other President would have a closed door meeting with an adversarial nation's leader with no translator or record (and, the opposing part absolutely does, which means we can only rely on what they provide). The President has surrounded himself with toadies and yes men. His "independent" Attorney General operates as an arm of the President. He seems to operate based on what Fox News morning hosts say, which means a cable channel is essentially responsible for foreign and domestic policy.
The impeachment inquiry is an inquiry. It is the collecting of evidence, information, that can demonstrate whether Congress should continue with a formal impeachment, at which time evidence will be made and the President has an opportunity to defend/represent himself.
Asking for a favor from a foreign government (investigating a political rival) and conditioning Congressionally-approved defense funding release on the agreement to do so (and to go on CNN to announce the investigation) is a tit-for-tat, a quid-pro-quo. It is immaterial whether the President says the words "quid pro quo."
The Republicans set the rules about the rules under which Schiff is operating in 2015. There is nothing untoward.
This man is an embarrassment.
There was no witch hunt. There was an investigation into whether the Russians interfered in the U.S. Election to aid one party over another. The evidence collected in this investigation demonstrated that there was a coordinated effort by the Russians to influence the U.S. Election. There is considerable evidence that the President is either compromised by the Russian head of state or is at best a useful idiot. No other President would have a closed door meeting with an adversarial nation's leader with no translator or record (and, the opposing part absolutely does, which means we can only rely on what they provide). The President has surrounded himself with toadies and yes men. His "independent" Attorney General operates as an arm of the President. He seems to operate based on what Fox News morning hosts say, which means a cable channel is essentially responsible for foreign and domestic policy.
The impeachment inquiry is an inquiry. It is the collecting of evidence, information, that can demonstrate whether Congress should continue with a formal impeachment, at which time evidence will be made and the President has an opportunity to defend/represent himself.
Asking for a favor from a foreign government (investigating a political rival) and conditioning Congressionally-approved defense funding release on the agreement to do so (and to go on CNN to announce the investigation) is a tit-for-tat, a quid-pro-quo. It is immaterial whether the President says the words "quid pro quo."
The Republicans set the rules about the rules under which Schiff is operating in 2015. There is nothing untoward.
This man is an embarrassment.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
There is no Bottom
I can't believe I find myself in a world where members of my Nation's government determines that it's necessary to storm the impeachment hearings of the President. It's quite the tell - if there was no evidence, the Republicans in the hearings would be leaking that information all over the place. That we aren't hearing it, combined with Matt Gaetz's clown show, I think it's fair to say that the evidence being collected is pretty damning.
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Stupid Football
This was an absolutely lousy weekend for football in my world. First, Florida benefitted from some SEC Refs knowing it can't let the middling schools in the conference win twice in a row and got some beneficial calls en route to an inexplicable win over SC (not that I'm a gamecocks fan, but it drives me batty that Florida gets as much positive press as it does). Then, the Huskies faded against the Ducks, and Michigan found themselves behind three scores early against the Nittany Lions and weren't able to recover. Fortunately, Michigan State was on a bye week, so they didn't lose.
Today, Detroit found a way to lose to Minnesota, which is awful for a Lions fan, but great for my novel idea (I'll hopefully actually write it at some point). Houston found a way to lose at Indianapolis again, despite likely being the best team in the AFC south, they are looking up at the Colts, and finally, Seattle gave up two touchdowns off turnovers in an ugly loss to the Ravens.
At least the Astros made it back to the World Series. If it can't be the Tigers, may as well be Houston.
Today, Detroit found a way to lose to Minnesota, which is awful for a Lions fan, but great for my novel idea (I'll hopefully actually write it at some point). Houston found a way to lose at Indianapolis again, despite likely being the best team in the AFC south, they are looking up at the Colts, and finally, Seattle gave up two touchdowns off turnovers in an ugly loss to the Ravens.
At least the Astros made it back to the World Series. If it can't be the Tigers, may as well be Houston.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Stupid Watergate
I just can't believe this country has this administration. I particularly can't believe how wedded to their choice so many Americans are that they choose to dig in to their choice rather than see the absolute train wreck of corruption, self dealing and ignorance that comes from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
We are supposed to be better than this.
We are supposed to be better than this.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Got propane
So, I fired up the Weber and grilled hamburgers tonight.
I grew up in the PNW for the most part, so growing up, we thought barbecue was a verb that meant "to cook outside." It wasn't until I moved to Texas in the AF that I learned the truth - barbeque is a noun. It's something you have. Slow cooked, over low heat, usually with some smoke to add extra flavor. In Texas, brisket is king, but I've had some outstanding turkey breast, ribs, ham, you name it.
At any rate, I've moved back up north, and I've had to explain to several folks the difference between northern barbecue and "real" barbecue. There are a couple good places up here, from what I've heard, yet I sadly have not hit any of them yet.
Perhaps I need to start talking wine again.
I grew up in the PNW for the most part, so growing up, we thought barbecue was a verb that meant "to cook outside." It wasn't until I moved to Texas in the AF that I learned the truth - barbeque is a noun. It's something you have. Slow cooked, over low heat, usually with some smoke to add extra flavor. In Texas, brisket is king, but I've had some outstanding turkey breast, ribs, ham, you name it.
At any rate, I've moved back up north, and I've had to explain to several folks the difference between northern barbecue and "real" barbecue. There are a couple good places up here, from what I've heard, yet I sadly have not hit any of them yet.
Perhaps I need to start talking wine again.
Saturday, October 12, 2019
It's Been One Week
Since unplugging from Facebook. I don't miss it. There are things I miss, but I find that I'm not vacation-jealous, and I'm not nearly as annoyed as I've been recently (I'm still rather annoyed, but that's my default setting).
I also miss being able to keep up with my friends - FB was really our method of planning anything, and it's basically been radio silence since then.
And, as you've no doubt (as if anybody reads this), I've been much more active on blogger. Maybe the only real live person still on blogger...
I also miss being able to keep up with my friends - FB was really our method of planning anything, and it's basically been radio silence since then.
And, as you've no doubt (as if anybody reads this), I've been much more active on blogger. Maybe the only real live person still on blogger...
Friday, October 11, 2019
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Dirty Politics
As I noted, I left Facebook recently. Probably not for the long run, but I needed a break. One of the issues I had is that people who I like, who I respect generally, demonstrate such closed-minded behavior (I am probably just as culpable), that I found myself getting upset with people who I generally like.
One thing that I can't understand is how people can still support the current president. I think it's obvious he's in it for himself more than anybody else, and I also think it's pretty clear that he has no respect for the Constitution, the Country, or the opposition party, which is something I don't think any rational person could argue was true of any of his predecessors, at least during my lifetime. Yet, I still have several "both parties" friends, several "drain the swamp" friends, and several who still believe that this guy is somehow a savior to the country. I Just Don't Get It.
I also think it's very likely that there's an entire political party that has been compromised by a foreign government, given their reluctance to speak out against the current administration, and in spite of evidence from our intelligence services (full disclosure, I did work at one of our intelligence services during my active duty years) that the Russians did, in fact, interfere in the 2016 election to try to help the current CinC attain office, it's not a stretch to think that there are multiple members of the party who have been compromised. It's possible there are Democrats who have been compromised, as well, but not to the extent the current Republican party appears to be.
I'm not doing links today, because frankly, I just wanted to do a stream of consciousness type post, but do just a modicum of research, and any objective source will demonstrate that what I'm saying holds water. Not like Joe Pesci's defense in My Cousin Vinny (great movie, btw).
One thing that I can't understand is how people can still support the current president. I think it's obvious he's in it for himself more than anybody else, and I also think it's pretty clear that he has no respect for the Constitution, the Country, or the opposition party, which is something I don't think any rational person could argue was true of any of his predecessors, at least during my lifetime. Yet, I still have several "both parties" friends, several "drain the swamp" friends, and several who still believe that this guy is somehow a savior to the country. I Just Don't Get It.
I also think it's very likely that there's an entire political party that has been compromised by a foreign government, given their reluctance to speak out against the current administration, and in spite of evidence from our intelligence services (full disclosure, I did work at one of our intelligence services during my active duty years) that the Russians did, in fact, interfere in the 2016 election to try to help the current CinC attain office, it's not a stretch to think that there are multiple members of the party who have been compromised. It's possible there are Democrats who have been compromised, as well, but not to the extent the current Republican party appears to be.
I'm not doing links today, because frankly, I just wanted to do a stream of consciousness type post, but do just a modicum of research, and any objective source will demonstrate that what I'm saying holds water. Not like Joe Pesci's defense in My Cousin Vinny (great movie, btw).
Wednesday, October 09, 2019
Fascinating
I have watched the documentary on Ted Bundy on Netflix a couple times. I don't know what I find so fascinating about his story - he truly was a monster. But I listen to the tapes that were made while interviewing him in prison, and all I can hear is him talking about himself, how good he was, how stupid everyone else was. Yet, he was the one who was caught, and frankly, it was his own arrogance that probably got him convicted. Based on the documentary, it appears as though a stronger defense team (i.e. without his involvement) would have been able to get him acquitted on the first trial. The second trial was a tougher one, but I digress.
It strikes me that we had in Bundy a charismatic guy, who was able to use his charisma and his good looks to evade serious suspicion for as long as he did. Even after he was arrested and put on trial for the conviction that ultimately earned him his death sentence, he had fangirls going to trial to see him, and people continued to believe his innocence all the way up to when he started confessing. It's a fascinating character study.
Comparatively, we now have an Oval Office occupant who enjoys unbelievable support among his base, who will ignore all transgressions committed by him, and who take any criticism as some form of liberal agenda - a sentiment shared by the occupant himself. I'm astounded at the level of projection he displays ("you're the puppet," "his kids are corrupt," "where are the e-mails," etc.). Additionally, the current president cannot avoid an opportunity to make almost anything about him. A journalist dies, and she was never nice to him. North Korea continues testing missiles and he should have gotten the Nobel Prize. He accepts someone else's Purple Heart, and I guarantee he couldn't give you the name of the man who gave up the medal that was earned.
One was a murderer. The other is on the take. Both demonstrated sociopathic narcissistic behavior, and both had/have huge followings. It's astounding.
It strikes me that we had in Bundy a charismatic guy, who was able to use his charisma and his good looks to evade serious suspicion for as long as he did. Even after he was arrested and put on trial for the conviction that ultimately earned him his death sentence, he had fangirls going to trial to see him, and people continued to believe his innocence all the way up to when he started confessing. It's a fascinating character study.
Comparatively, we now have an Oval Office occupant who enjoys unbelievable support among his base, who will ignore all transgressions committed by him, and who take any criticism as some form of liberal agenda - a sentiment shared by the occupant himself. I'm astounded at the level of projection he displays ("you're the puppet," "his kids are corrupt," "where are the e-mails," etc.). Additionally, the current president cannot avoid an opportunity to make almost anything about him. A journalist dies, and she was never nice to him. North Korea continues testing missiles and he should have gotten the Nobel Prize. He accepts someone else's Purple Heart, and I guarantee he couldn't give you the name of the man who gave up the medal that was earned.
One was a murderer. The other is on the take. Both demonstrated sociopathic narcissistic behavior, and both had/have huge followings. It's astounding.
Tuesday, October 08, 2019
Hunting season
I just finished my elk hunt for the year. I didn't have any opportunities, but I did see a couple cows (elk) yesterday. I am not much of a hunter - I have been out several times, but except for one time hunting on a ranch in Uvalde a few years back, I have been unable to bring home any game. I did get a duck last year, which was nice, but the family apparently still isn't a fan of wild duck.
But, this year, I did feel more like a hunter than I have in previous years. In Texas, hunting is generally different than up in the PNW. Down there, you find a ranch, pay a lease, sit in the blind and point your rifle toward the deer feeder and pick the one you want when they come to eat. Up here, however, hunting elk, there really aren't ranches to sit in blinds at. I find myself looking for areas up in the mountains where the elk are likely to be roaming. Elk don't typically stick in any particular area, instead, they roam about a larger area. I have found a very promising area, and have found that I am able to find signs of elk (tracks, droppings, possible scent marking locations), and can determine where I should take up a spot to watch elk to pass.
It paid off yesterday. In the morning hunt, I found a location to sit up where I was reasonably covered but had an expansive view. After an hour or two, I looked up, and about 35 yards away, I saw what looked like a rock that I didn't remember seeing before. After a few minutes, I looked back, and the rock was gone. The same thing happened in the evening, only I didn't look away - I watched the elk move off up the hill some, so I decided to follow it. I was about 50 yards away, but the only broadside shot I could line up, it turned out it was a cow in a bull only area. I followed it for about 200 yards or so until it went up around a ridge into a tree line, and I didn't want to risk not being able to find my way back.
I was the only one to track elk in an area where we would have been able to shoot this year, and it was nice (though I'm fairly sure she saw me following her, so I have work to do), but I would like an actual opportunity at some point, as well. Next year I will follow the wooded trails a little more and see what I can run into (assuming it's not a bear).
But, this year, I did feel more like a hunter than I have in previous years. In Texas, hunting is generally different than up in the PNW. Down there, you find a ranch, pay a lease, sit in the blind and point your rifle toward the deer feeder and pick the one you want when they come to eat. Up here, however, hunting elk, there really aren't ranches to sit in blinds at. I find myself looking for areas up in the mountains where the elk are likely to be roaming. Elk don't typically stick in any particular area, instead, they roam about a larger area. I have found a very promising area, and have found that I am able to find signs of elk (tracks, droppings, possible scent marking locations), and can determine where I should take up a spot to watch elk to pass.
It paid off yesterday. In the morning hunt, I found a location to sit up where I was reasonably covered but had an expansive view. After an hour or two, I looked up, and about 35 yards away, I saw what looked like a rock that I didn't remember seeing before. After a few minutes, I looked back, and the rock was gone. The same thing happened in the evening, only I didn't look away - I watched the elk move off up the hill some, so I decided to follow it. I was about 50 yards away, but the only broadside shot I could line up, it turned out it was a cow in a bull only area. I followed it for about 200 yards or so until it went up around a ridge into a tree line, and I didn't want to risk not being able to find my way back.
I was the only one to track elk in an area where we would have been able to shoot this year, and it was nice (though I'm fairly sure she saw me following her, so I have work to do), but I would like an actual opportunity at some point, as well. Next year I will follow the wooded trails a little more and see what I can run into (assuming it's not a bear).
Sunday, October 06, 2019
Hunting Season
I'm not a great hunter. I'm not even a good hunter. I have been out elk hunting for the past 4 years and have seen exactly 1.5 elk (one cow and the back half of a second elk that I couldn't identify).
I don't mind getting out in the wilderness, but I do wish I was a little better at finding what I was looking for.
It's been a very long year, and somehow I hoped that getting out in nature would help me out, but frankly, I'm just finding myself wondering where I want to be and whether I really want what I think I want?
I'm just not happy. And that's nobody's fault but mine.
I don't mind getting out in the wilderness, but I do wish I was a little better at finding what I was looking for.
It's been a very long year, and somehow I hoped that getting out in nature would help me out, but frankly, I'm just finding myself wondering where I want to be and whether I really want what I think I want?
I'm just not happy. And that's nobody's fault but mine.
Friday, October 04, 2019
Off the Facebooks
I'd been flirting with the idea for some time, but I do see the social connectivity benefit (it's a means by which I can talk with several friends at near real time), but I've been having troubles - I find myself getting upset at other people's posts, I find myself envious of other peoples' activities, successes, adventures, etc., and frankly I spend way too much time on it (which I no doubt will remedy by spending way too much time on here).
But, the linchpin for me leaving was Mark Zuckerberg's udpating Facebook's official policy to not remove false or misleading political ads.
What this means is that Donald Trump (currently under an impeachment inquiry for those not paying attention) can spend (g)od knows how much money on false advertising on Facebook, spreading misinformation to all those who facebook reaches (hundreds of millions), and Facebook will do nothing about it.
This isn't about truth. It's not about access and connectivity. It's not about anything other than crass profiteering and helps support Senator Warren's contention that the big companies need to be broken up.
Fortunately, 1) few people paid attention to me on Facebook, so I won't be missed, and 2) nobody reads this blog, so I won't be noticed. It'll be nice to be back in the land of the unseen and unheard.
But, the linchpin for me leaving was Mark Zuckerberg's udpating Facebook's official policy to not remove false or misleading political ads.
What this means is that Donald Trump (currently under an impeachment inquiry for those not paying attention) can spend (g)od knows how much money on false advertising on Facebook, spreading misinformation to all those who facebook reaches (hundreds of millions), and Facebook will do nothing about it.
This isn't about truth. It's not about access and connectivity. It's not about anything other than crass profiteering and helps support Senator Warren's contention that the big companies need to be broken up.
Fortunately, 1) few people paid attention to me on Facebook, so I won't be missed, and 2) nobody reads this blog, so I won't be noticed. It'll be nice to be back in the land of the unseen and unheard.
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