Update from the Heartland
No.518
14.11.11 – 20.11.11
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
I went back to work on Monday. I underestimated the difficulty, which was mostly logistical in nature. I adapted and made it through the week. Every day was progressively better, which is a good sign, to my thinking. Next Wednesday is the next big hurdle – pathology results and catheter removal.
In June 2005, the USS Liberty Veteran’s Association produced and submitted to the Secretary of the Army (in his capacity as Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense), a document titled: “A Report: War Crimes Committed Against U.S. Military Personnel, June 8. 1967.” I believe the purpose of the report, beyond correcting the historical record, was meant to be a catalyst for a formal, public, congressional investigation and subsequent criminal prosecution of the perpetrators of an unprovoked, grievous, intentional attack on the USS Liberty (AGTR-5) while on patrol in international waters off the coast of Gaza and the Sinai, by air and naval forces of Israel. The attack began at 14:00 [B] {12:00 [Z]; 07:00 [R] EDT} on Thursday, 8.June.1967, during the peak intensity of the Six Day War between Israel and her neighbors (Egypt, Jordan & Syria). Weather was CAVU (Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited). One sentence brings the report into clear focus: “The failure of the United States government to undertake a complete investigation of the Israeli attack on USS Liberty has resulted in grievous harm to the surviving victims, as well as to the families of all crewmembers.” The crew of Liberty consisted of 294 officers and sailors of the U.S. Navy (including three civilian advisors). The ship was a World War II cargo transport, converted to be one of the most advanced signals intelligence collection vessels of the day. The savage attack killed 34 Americans and wounded 173 (70% of the crew) during the two-hour struggle. Commander 6th Fleet ordered strike and fighter aircraft to be launched from the aircraft carriers USS America (CV-66) and USS Saratoga (CV-60) to protect Liberty, but all aircraft were recalled prior to engagement. I was a lowly midshipman when the incident occurred, and I cannot recall anyone thinking such an attack was an accident. I recount the history not for a journey down memory lane, but rather to offer another example in direct comparison to the long struggle of Aslan Soobzokov and his family to obtain justice for his murdered father from a recalcitrant government, frightened to impotence at the potential of offending Israel. You cannot kill Americans with impunity no matter who you are or how important you think you are. Aslan Soobzokov and his family deserve better from the government. The survivors of the Liberty attack deserve better.
[FYI: seven months after the Liberty incident, the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) was attacked and captured by naval forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) {North Korea} – historic events both, for different reasons.]
This whole Jerry Sandusky / Penn State sordid debacle has stirred up quite the hornet’s nest. Sandusky’s conduct as described in the Press leaves all of us nauseated. However, lest we forget, he has not been convicted in a court of law with the presentation of proper evidence to demonstrate his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. I was trying to avoid writing about a man who the Press is portraying as an evil, vicious, pedophilic attacker. This story will play out in the Press (it seems) and the courts; I trust justice will be served. I do not support Sandusky being lynched by a riotous mob, whipped into a frenzy by a ravenous Press. He deserves his day in court. Yet, other coalescent events overcame my aversion. I recently completed reading the executive summary of a study oddly conducted at Penn State by Richard J. Estes and Neil Alan Weiner, titled: “The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the U. S., Canada and Mexico.” The second stimulant was:
“The Face of Modern Slavery”
by Nicholas D. Kristof – Op-Ed Columnist
New York Times
Published: November 16, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/opinion/kristof-the-face-of-modern-slavery.html
I fully recognize and acknowledge the instinctive drive within every normal parent to protect their children and grandchildren from harm of any kind. Kristof uses the highly charged, emotional plight of a Cambodian child, Srey Pov, then 6-years-old, who was sold by her family to a brothel, and shortly thereafter raped, as if for sport to take her virginity [you can read the rest of the story in Kristof’s column]. Yet, as seems to be our societal penchant, Nick focuses his righteous indignation on treating the presented symptoms rather than the root cause. The same can be said of the Penn State study; there is little discussion that might lead to a more progressive, solution-based dialogue. They simply add emotional fuel to our urge of moral projection and punishment of offenders. I see the exact same forces at play in this arena as were so graphically portrayed in Ken Burns’ “Prohibition” series. When we prohibit something, we inherently force that activity underground, induce extremes, and inadvertently nurture an array of criminal enterprises that supply that demand. Child trafficking is no different. While I imagine there are true diabolical pedophiles who seek domination of children as some exaggerated demonstration of their power, I suspect most practitioners are actually after sexual gratification by the path of least resistance. I acknowledge straight-away that any generalization of human behavior is fraught with risk and mischaracterization. Nonetheless, as our grandparents did in 1933, we must recognize that freedom has a large or unpleasant side – that is the nature of Liberty. While legalization / regulation of prostitution would not totally eradicate child trafficking or child sexual abuse, I truly believe it would significantly reduce the illegal practice; 1.) it would make it much harder for the criminal element to hide, and 2.) it would provide a structure for the protection of both customer and provider. Even if prostitution was recognized by society as a noble profession, as it should be, there would still be those few who are driven to abuse children. Let us focus on the real root cause and not the symptoms.
News from the economic front:
-- The Commerce Department reported U.S. retail sales rose to US$398B, up 0.5% in October from the prior month. The data suggests that consumers may be willing to spend during the upcoming holiday shopping season. Wholesale prices fell a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in October from a month earlier.
Comments and contributions from Update no.517:
Comment to the Blog:
“I’m glad to learn that your surgery went well. Take good care of yourself.
“The voters in Mississippi have shown us that they see the fallacy of taking an idea to its most extreme expression. Here in Ohio, we defeated a law our radical legislature had passed that would have removed bargaining rights for State employees. I find myself tentatively agreeing with some of the analysts who see these developments as a rejection of extremism in general. Rulers of any sort, all the way back to the beginning of history, seem to have a tendency to lose their perspectives. The genius of representative government is that the ordinary people retain their good sense longer than the politicians. Thus, as long as the people retain the power to remove or discipline the politicians we have a chance to thrive despite the failings of our ‘leaders.’”
My reply to the Blog:
Thank you for your kind words. I will do my best to recover quickly. Thankfully, Jeanne has been taking very good care of me.
I did not have the time to research the Ohio initiative. I have mixed feelings. There is no competition in government – no check & balance. Public sector pensions tend to be far more generous than the private sector.
Well said, re: representative government. Unfortunately, we do not exercise our voting power quickly or promptly enough to my liking.
Another contribution:
“Finally taking some time to catch up on overdue communications.
“Hopefully this finds you recovering without any further surprises or complications. As if your health hasn’t been enough having to be concerned with your work welfare can’t be easy either. God speed on full recovery and getting things back to normal for not only your sake, but that of your wife and family.
“Reading of the earthquake in Oklahoma, I decided to share some information. There actually is a fault zone centered SW of OK City and from everything I’ve been able to put together, this quake really has nothing to do with New Madrid in NE Arkansas.
“There are a couple other issues that could be at hand that may have contributed to the ‘trigger’ of this fault zone. One has been discussed (fracking) and the other is the dropping of the Ogallala Aquifer. Most people do not realize that the world’s largest underground fresh water supply lies under the states of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. This aquifer has been steadily dropping for the past 20-30 years as the drought in the upper plains (Nebraska Sand Hills, South and North Dakota), has not allowed for its replenishment. Demand and usage has significantly outweighed its replenishment. That being said, no one has yet been able to really grasp the impact on the underground structure. When you start adding this potential for cavities and spaces to be generated, along with the Hugoton natural gas fields being “fracked” it stands to reason that the natural seismic regions will begin to strain and eventually something will have to give. Anyway, these are some of the most obvious elements to the quake.
“I’ve included maps and information we use for the construction industry that shows the major seismic regions of the U.S. The most active are San Andreas (CA), Yellowstone (WY/UT), New Madrid (AR), and Charleston (SC). You will also see some minor regions across the plains (OK, Fort Riley, Yankton).”
My response:
Yeah, it’s not been an easy or comfortable few weeks. However, it appears the worst is past. The next big hurdle should come next week with the follow-up check, get the detailed pathology report, and map-out subsequent actions, if any. Each day gets better, so that is a positive sign.
The OK quake had an epicenter NW of OKC. I think we’re all in agreement – not associated with New Madrid.
Good point about the diminishing Ogallala Aquifer. Hopefully, the geologists will get this sorted out, so we know what to expect, henceforth.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
I went back to work on Monday. I underestimated the difficulty, which was mostly logistical in nature. I adapted and made it through the week. Every day was progressively better, which is a good sign, to my thinking. Next Wednesday is the next big hurdle – pathology results and catheter removal.
In June 2005, the USS Liberty Veteran’s Association produced and submitted to the Secretary of the Army (in his capacity as Executive Agent for the Secretary of Defense), a document titled: “A Report: War Crimes Committed Against U.S. Military Personnel, June 8. 1967.” I believe the purpose of the report, beyond correcting the historical record, was meant to be a catalyst for a formal, public, congressional investigation and subsequent criminal prosecution of the perpetrators of an unprovoked, grievous, intentional attack on the USS Liberty (AGTR-5) while on patrol in international waters off the coast of Gaza and the Sinai, by air and naval forces of Israel. The attack began at 14:00 [B] {12:00 [Z]; 07:00 [R] EDT} on Thursday, 8.June.1967, during the peak intensity of the Six Day War between Israel and her neighbors (Egypt, Jordan & Syria). Weather was CAVU (Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited). One sentence brings the report into clear focus: “The failure of the United States government to undertake a complete investigation of the Israeli attack on USS Liberty has resulted in grievous harm to the surviving victims, as well as to the families of all crewmembers.” The crew of Liberty consisted of 294 officers and sailors of the U.S. Navy (including three civilian advisors). The ship was a World War II cargo transport, converted to be one of the most advanced signals intelligence collection vessels of the day. The savage attack killed 34 Americans and wounded 173 (70% of the crew) during the two-hour struggle. Commander 6th Fleet ordered strike and fighter aircraft to be launched from the aircraft carriers USS America (CV-66) and USS Saratoga (CV-60) to protect Liberty, but all aircraft were recalled prior to engagement. I was a lowly midshipman when the incident occurred, and I cannot recall anyone thinking such an attack was an accident. I recount the history not for a journey down memory lane, but rather to offer another example in direct comparison to the long struggle of Aslan Soobzokov and his family to obtain justice for his murdered father from a recalcitrant government, frightened to impotence at the potential of offending Israel. You cannot kill Americans with impunity no matter who you are or how important you think you are. Aslan Soobzokov and his family deserve better from the government. The survivors of the Liberty attack deserve better.
[FYI: seven months after the Liberty incident, the USS Pueblo (AGER-2) was attacked and captured by naval forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) {North Korea} – historic events both, for different reasons.]
This whole Jerry Sandusky / Penn State sordid debacle has stirred up quite the hornet’s nest. Sandusky’s conduct as described in the Press leaves all of us nauseated. However, lest we forget, he has not been convicted in a court of law with the presentation of proper evidence to demonstrate his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. I was trying to avoid writing about a man who the Press is portraying as an evil, vicious, pedophilic attacker. This story will play out in the Press (it seems) and the courts; I trust justice will be served. I do not support Sandusky being lynched by a riotous mob, whipped into a frenzy by a ravenous Press. He deserves his day in court. Yet, other coalescent events overcame my aversion. I recently completed reading the executive summary of a study oddly conducted at Penn State by Richard J. Estes and Neil Alan Weiner, titled: “The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in the U. S., Canada and Mexico.” The second stimulant was:
“The Face of Modern Slavery”
by Nicholas D. Kristof – Op-Ed Columnist
New York Times
Published: November 16, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/17/opinion/kristof-the-face-of-modern-slavery.html
I fully recognize and acknowledge the instinctive drive within every normal parent to protect their children and grandchildren from harm of any kind. Kristof uses the highly charged, emotional plight of a Cambodian child, Srey Pov, then 6-years-old, who was sold by her family to a brothel, and shortly thereafter raped, as if for sport to take her virginity [you can read the rest of the story in Kristof’s column]. Yet, as seems to be our societal penchant, Nick focuses his righteous indignation on treating the presented symptoms rather than the root cause. The same can be said of the Penn State study; there is little discussion that might lead to a more progressive, solution-based dialogue. They simply add emotional fuel to our urge of moral projection and punishment of offenders. I see the exact same forces at play in this arena as were so graphically portrayed in Ken Burns’ “Prohibition” series. When we prohibit something, we inherently force that activity underground, induce extremes, and inadvertently nurture an array of criminal enterprises that supply that demand. Child trafficking is no different. While I imagine there are true diabolical pedophiles who seek domination of children as some exaggerated demonstration of their power, I suspect most practitioners are actually after sexual gratification by the path of least resistance. I acknowledge straight-away that any generalization of human behavior is fraught with risk and mischaracterization. Nonetheless, as our grandparents did in 1933, we must recognize that freedom has a large or unpleasant side – that is the nature of Liberty. While legalization / regulation of prostitution would not totally eradicate child trafficking or child sexual abuse, I truly believe it would significantly reduce the illegal practice; 1.) it would make it much harder for the criminal element to hide, and 2.) it would provide a structure for the protection of both customer and provider. Even if prostitution was recognized by society as a noble profession, as it should be, there would still be those few who are driven to abuse children. Let us focus on the real root cause and not the symptoms.
News from the economic front:
-- The Commerce Department reported U.S. retail sales rose to US$398B, up 0.5% in October from the prior month. The data suggests that consumers may be willing to spend during the upcoming holiday shopping season. Wholesale prices fell a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in October from a month earlier.
Comments and contributions from Update no.517:
Comment to the Blog:
“I’m glad to learn that your surgery went well. Take good care of yourself.
“The voters in Mississippi have shown us that they see the fallacy of taking an idea to its most extreme expression. Here in Ohio, we defeated a law our radical legislature had passed that would have removed bargaining rights for State employees. I find myself tentatively agreeing with some of the analysts who see these developments as a rejection of extremism in general. Rulers of any sort, all the way back to the beginning of history, seem to have a tendency to lose their perspectives. The genius of representative government is that the ordinary people retain their good sense longer than the politicians. Thus, as long as the people retain the power to remove or discipline the politicians we have a chance to thrive despite the failings of our ‘leaders.’”
My reply to the Blog:
Thank you for your kind words. I will do my best to recover quickly. Thankfully, Jeanne has been taking very good care of me.
I did not have the time to research the Ohio initiative. I have mixed feelings. There is no competition in government – no check & balance. Public sector pensions tend to be far more generous than the private sector.
Well said, re: representative government. Unfortunately, we do not exercise our voting power quickly or promptly enough to my liking.
Another contribution:
“Finally taking some time to catch up on overdue communications.
“Hopefully this finds you recovering without any further surprises or complications. As if your health hasn’t been enough having to be concerned with your work welfare can’t be easy either. God speed on full recovery and getting things back to normal for not only your sake, but that of your wife and family.
“Reading of the earthquake in Oklahoma, I decided to share some information. There actually is a fault zone centered SW of OK City and from everything I’ve been able to put together, this quake really has nothing to do with New Madrid in NE Arkansas.
“There are a couple other issues that could be at hand that may have contributed to the ‘trigger’ of this fault zone. One has been discussed (fracking) and the other is the dropping of the Ogallala Aquifer. Most people do not realize that the world’s largest underground fresh water supply lies under the states of Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. This aquifer has been steadily dropping for the past 20-30 years as the drought in the upper plains (Nebraska Sand Hills, South and North Dakota), has not allowed for its replenishment. Demand and usage has significantly outweighed its replenishment. That being said, no one has yet been able to really grasp the impact on the underground structure. When you start adding this potential for cavities and spaces to be generated, along with the Hugoton natural gas fields being “fracked” it stands to reason that the natural seismic regions will begin to strain and eventually something will have to give. Anyway, these are some of the most obvious elements to the quake.
“I’ve included maps and information we use for the construction industry that shows the major seismic regions of the U.S. The most active are San Andreas (CA), Yellowstone (WY/UT), New Madrid (AR), and Charleston (SC). You will also see some minor regions across the plains (OK, Fort Riley, Yankton).”
My response:
Yeah, it’s not been an easy or comfortable few weeks. However, it appears the worst is past. The next big hurdle should come next week with the follow-up check, get the detailed pathology report, and map-out subsequent actions, if any. Each day gets better, so that is a positive sign.
The OK quake had an epicenter NW of OKC. I think we’re all in agreement – not associated with New Madrid.
Good point about the diminishing Ogallala Aquifer. Hopefully, the geologists will get this sorted out, so we know what to expect, henceforth.
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
2 comments:
I agree that feeling and functioning progressively better is a good sign for recovery. I will keep my fingers crossed for your results on Wednesday.
I had no awareness of the USS Liberty incident until I read your report. I am surprised that I did not know. I find Israel strange. The institutionalized paranoia there and the blind support of the US make it one of the odder players on the world stage, and it is a dangerous force. The fact that the Liberty attack has remained largely unknown might lead to questioning of the entire US-Israel relationship if it became known to the public at large. I doubt that will happen. My guess as to the purpose of the report is that it satisfies either a political obligation or some bureaucratic process. Unless I see TV news stories about this issue, I will not expect any action from the government.
I share your desire for the rule of law rather than public opinion in the Penn State mess. There is some chance that objective law will prevail, but that is by no means a given. In the meantime, a curious side note. The Penn State football team played our local heroes, Ohio State, this Saturday. The loss of the coaching staffers seems to have been overcome very quickly. Penn State played very well and won.
On the child sexual exploitation issue, I would rather you had linked to the academic study than to Mr. Kristof’s op-ed piece. Op-ed is a place for opinions, and certainly Mr. Kristof’s writing does not rise above that level. The tone of the piece leaves me in doubt of anything he says. He gives nothing that might illuminate the true scope of the issue, the damage to the children, or anything other than the story that moves him. (Does he make a paycheck by being so moved?) The academic study has more to offer by its very nature. An academic study must give its methods and its sources of information, which may then be evaluated for their information value or lack thereof. A truly legitimate study will give the backgrounds of its investigators, their roles in the study, and especially the source(s) of funding. Funding for a study such as this could come from an objective source, but it could also originate from interested parties of any position.
To finally address your point, I share your idea of legalizing prostitution. “The oldest profession” will not go away. Consider the changes that would arise from regular inspections of people and premises by health departments and other regulators, with any noise or other law-enforcement issues handled by non-bribed police officers. Between the various regulators, human trafficking would become far more difficult, to whatever extent it exists. I suspect that all or most of that regulation could be funded by savings on law enforcement and, perhaps, a transaction tax.
However, I doubt that legalizing prostitution would significantly reduce sexual contact by adults with children. (I confidently assume that child prostitution would remain illegal.) I do not see adult-child sex as an easiest way out or supply-and-demand type of issue. Sex is everywhere. Most sex offenders are married, and many enjoy a regular sex life with their spouses. The “presenting” issue with adults who have sex with children is attraction; they desire children as much as they do adults, sometimes much more. Of course, other deeper issues drive that attraction, and the experts continue to study the deeper factors with little progress to date in treating them.
Another set of information I would like to obtain is the seismic maps and information your other contributor mentioned. I know only the bare beginnings of seismology, but I find it interesting and the importance seems obvious. I would appreciate any help with that. I will note that your contributor used “New Madrid” to refer to the fault line itself, not the town for which it is named. The town is located in Missouri, not Arkansas. I’ve been there; it was a nice place.
Calvin,
Thx for yr well wishes.
The Liberty incident is a tragic event in U.S. history. An accident might have been a single strafing pass by a fighter aircraft – NOT multiple passes by multiple aircraft, followed by surface vessels firing five torpedoes and circling at close quarters in an attempt board the ship. Many pilots and naval vessel commanders would have had to be incompetent, ignorant and otherwise blind. It was not until they knew the armed protective air cover was inbound at high speed that they broke off the attack and initiated diplomatic contact to “apologize.” The U.S. Government apparently gives Israel a pass for violent attacks on U.S. ships and sailors. Nonetheless, as I said, my point was not so much the history but rather noting the similarity with Aslan Soobzokov’s struggle – Jewish (Israeli) assassins apparently have a free pass with the U.S. Government – unprecedented in international relations, to my knowledge.
Clearly, I cannot prove my hypothesis; I do not possess the resources necessary to carry out such a comprehensive study; however, I do agree such studies are sorely needed.
All three sources – the Sandusky Press, the Penn State study, and the Kristof Op-Ed column – represent different perspectives of the same issue. My contention remains, “sunlight is the best disinfectant.” By making as much of the sex trade public, inspect-able, regulated, and open, the more isolated and hopefully identifiable the child sex trade would become, presumably making it easier to investigate and prosecute. Yet, there is no law that can defend against parents selling their 6-year-old daughter into the illegal sex trade. My point was, we can rant & rave and pass a myriad of laws condemning child sex trafficking, but that does not address the root cause; and, I will argue that such laws only exacerbate the deplorable situation (as long as the perpetrators are allowed to hide underground).
A collateral purpose in my proposal would be the refocus of Law Enforcement (LE) resources away from moral projection laws and concentration on injurious behavior that harms person or property.
Regulation of prostitution may not “significantly” reduce child trafficking, but any reduction would be good. If we did legalization / regulation properly, we would make it far more difficult to supply that segment of the sex trade. This is also an international issue – sex tourism to more complacent countries. I do not know if you are correct regarding your assessment of “most sex offenders,” but I do believe other acceptable outlets would relieve some of the pressure.
I would encourage more and deeper studies, as you say. I would advocate a broader set of definitions that go beyond the “lowest common denominator” level of our current morality laws. The Penn State study took the current law as sacrosanct, and I am not so sure. Limiting the scope will yield limited results.
I’ll try to recover those seismic charts and send them separately.
Thank you for your contribution.
Cheers,
Cap
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