Update no.922

Update from the Sunland

No.922

9.9.19 – 15.9.19

Blog version:  http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/

            To all,

            To those among the audience who count on and expect the Update from the Sunland to appear Monday morning, I offer my humble apologies.  My process this week got all catawampus this week as noted below.  I expect to be back into my normal routine next week.

            Quite apropos, Sunday, those of us who remember, we celebrated the accomplishments of The Few 79 years ago, who stood to the line and stopped the perceived inevitable advance of fascism.  As Sir Winston who eloquently and succinctly proclaimed, “Never in the course of human conflict have so many owed so much to so few.”  Indeed!  Let us never forget.  The 15^th of September will forever be known as the Battle of Britain Day.

            The follow-up news items:

-- In a very cynical twist in the evolving response to the national opioid crisis [805], Purdue Pharma, the producer of OxyContin, secured an agreement with 23 states and reportedly thousands of local governments to settle legal claims against the company for its contributions to the crisis.  The owners of Purdue Pharma—the Sackler family—reportedly were transferring billions of dollars offshore to protect their money.  And then, on Sunday, Purdue Pharma filed for bankruptcy.  I hope and trust the Sacklers will not get away with their greed and will suffer the full weight of the law.

-- The BIC won another one in court.  The Supreme Court overruled the lower court injunction and allowed the BIC to deny asylum to Central Americans [914] while legal challenges proceed; the Supremes did not declare the BICs actions legal.  Even if the Supremes do ultimately decide the BIC has the legal authority to take such, it does not make it right to do so.  Certainly, POTUS has the authority, but application of that authority in a capricious or arbitrary manner is not legal.  This will take some time to play out, perhaps longer than the BIC has remaining in office.

-- In the college admissions cheating scandal [897], actress Felicity Huffman became the first parent sentenced.  She received a 14-day sentence in prison.  That seems fair to me, since she plead guilty and showed appropriate remorse.  Huffman’s sentence does not bode well for those who have taken a more confrontational position.  If the others are tried and convicted, I would like to see them get years rather than days in prison to contemplate their crimes.

            The European Central Bank took pre-emptive action in its effort to insulate the eurozone’s economy from a global slowdown and trade tensions, by cutting a key interest rate and launching a sweeping package of bond purchases.  This is another sign the world economies are trending downward toward recession.

            The BIC being the BIC, he has denied any connection between the mounting signs of impending recession and his trade war with everyone [802].  Ya just gotta love the BIC’s paucity of any semblance of conscience or sense of hypocrisy.  When the economic signs are up, he takes sole credit for driving the economy (he did it alone, all by himself); when the signs are down, he has absolutely nothing to do with it.  I can only hope our citizens and more importantly those who choose to vote are able to recognize reality despite the BIC’s protestations to the contrary.

            The Wall Street Journal reported that federal regulators have ordered Google to assure employees they are allowed to speak out on political and workplace issues, people familiar with the matter say, as part of a settlement of formal complaints that the search giant punishes those who do just that.

            This is simply wrong, period, full stop. Any organization has a right, responsibility and perhaps even an obligation to protect its public image. What separates the acceptability and intolerance with the freedom of speech is the connection to an employer. Once an employee identifies himself by whatever means with an organization, his freedom of speech is constrained.

            So, does a federal government employee, or a military officer or enlisted man have a comparable right to speak out about whatever enters their conscious thought, including the performance of his superiors?

            The Treasury Department reported the U.S. budget gap widened to more than US$1T (that’s a ‘1’ with 12 zeroes after it) in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2019—the first time deficits topped that mark in seven years.  So much for fiscal responsibility!  A tax cut for the wealthy and corporations was apparently more important than balancing the budget.

            The Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Obama-era regulations on clean water designed to protect smaller waterways.  I would be willing to bet good money that the initiative to roll back clean water regulations is not the EPA but the sole effort of the BIC’s appointees.  What is it with the BIC being so against protecting the environment.

            I did not have the opportunity to watch and listen to the Democratic presidential candidates debate on Thursday evening, but I did record the event and intend to watch it in toto next week.  If an opinion evolves, I will gladly share my perspective, for whatever that is worth and for the purpose of stimulating public debate.

            A friend and long-time contributor sent along the following article to me as a continuation of a common topic of this humble forum.

“Why Advocates Favor Decriminalization, Not Legalization, of Sex Work – State-Sponsored Oppression”

by Rajvi Desai

theswaddle.com

Published: Sep 11, 2019

https://theswaddle.com/advocates-favor-decriminalization-not-legalization-sex-work/

My response:

            While I agree with the progressive approach of the Desai reporting and opinion, it does not go far enough.  To me, it is a half step—an improvement but woefully inadequate for some of the reasons he offers.  The reporting on legal representation in India was enlightening as well as disappointing.  I am all in favor of removing the prohibition aspects of morality laws like those used against sex workers.  However, they deserve protection and our respect, not just acquiescence.  I want and advocate for sex workers to have the same legal protections that any other worker enjoys including collective bargaining where appropriate.  As I have long argued, prostitution should be respected as a noble profession.  I respect lawyers, but I rarely use their services; we should do the same for prostitutes. I have never used their services, but I respect the choice of others to do so, or not.  Let us stop imposing our prohibitions or choices on other people.  Freedom of choice must be respected, even when we do not agree with those choices for ourselves.

            The incredible attack on several oil production and refining facilities in Saudi Arabia mark a dramatic escalation of violence in the Middle East.  All of the publicly available evidence (so far) points directly to the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI).  The attack was clearly and definitively an act of war.  These attacks are an order of magnitude more serious than seizing oil tankers in international waters, transiting in commerce. The BIC says, “We are in no hurry.”  OK, so we wait. The BIC also publicly stated, “This was an attack on Saudi Arabia, not on the United States.”  The statement demonstrates just how shallow and myopic the BIC’s understanding of world events and their implications to our freedom and international trade.  Yet, he is the POTUS we have, so we muddle along.  I do have one word of caution, as he contemplates the U.S. (or better allied) response—mobilization.  Do NOT do what Bush 43 did—try to fight a war on the cheap; no half-measures, please.

Stihl National Championship Air Races

            After literally decades, the stars finally aligned and I (we) attended the Stihl National Championship Air Races in Reno, Nevada.  The event utilizes Stead Airfield at an elevation of 5,050 feet; density altitudes with the ambient temperature were in the range of 6,000 feet.  A long-time good friend and fellow former Marine had been after me to join him at the air race events for an almost equally long time.  He attended every year in September, for 34 years, so far.  I think we can safely say the annual event is a glorious celebration of flying machines and aviators.

            We traveled together on Wednesday (Day 3). The first three days were qualifying events for the competitors.  Jeanne did not want to travel on 9/11 or be away from the dogs for nearly a week, so she planned to join me on Friday for the remainder of the adventure. We stayed at the Grand Sierra Resort—a full-service, destination, casino resort—very nice.

Day 4 (Thursday):

            My first day at the races . . . one word . . . WOW!  Better than I imagined!

            We took a leisurely morning and arrived at Stead Airfield at mid-morning.  The day’s races were devoted to the qualifying process.  Heats were organized for several classes of aircraft with specific configuration/modification criteria, including Formula One, Biplane, T-6/SNJ, Sport, Jet, and Unlimited.  The Sport Heat (1A) offered a graphic indication of how hard the engineers, owners, & pilots push these machines.

            The Sport aircraft class utilizes unique, streamlined, monoplane designs with highly modified six-cylinder reciprocating engines developing 600+ horsepower.  Of the ten aircraft starting the race, four aircraft aborted their runs and landed prematurely; two of those with clear engine problems.  All of them landed safely.  That sort of attrition occurred only in the Sport class of racers.

            The Jet Heat (1A) involved a comparable number of Czech Aero Vodochody L-29 Delfín and L-39 Albatros jet aircraft along with a very distinctive aircraft—a de Havilland DH100 Vampire painted black with Swiss Air Force markings.  The Vampire won its heat race in excess of 500 mph.

            Five of the USAF Thunderbirds flight demonstration team performed what was listed as an “Aerial Survey,” which was really just a bunch of passes at progressively higher speeds along the show line runway and surrounding area.  My first reaction was, this is a rather disjointed air show.  Then, the veteran attendees reminded me that is was just a get-acquainted period for the pilots.  Oh well, my bad; it was still fun to watch them fly.  Of course, speed approaching Mach 1 were loud—sounds of freedom!

            The Unlimited Heat (1A) was not quite as dramatic as I expected, but again, the veterans assured me the early heats are subdued.  They say they will get faster and more dramatic over the next few days.  The day’s heat included a passel of North American P-51D fighters with one Bell P-63 King Cobra.  The impressive part for me was feeling the sound of those magnificent engines in my chest.  The poor P-63 suffered the embarrassment of being lapped just prior to the finish line of the six-lap race.

            The first day set a great level of expectation and anticipation of what lays ahead.

Day 5 (Friday):

            Unfortunately, I had to go out to the airfield late, since I needed to tend to some family business in the morning, but I was not too late.

            A purchased pit pass gained us access to the competition aircraft as well as other historic flying machines. The engineering that went into aircraft like the North American P-51D Mustang never ceases to amaze me and was on glorious display when the cowlings are off the top Mustang competitor Miss America for an engine run-up—incredible sound.

            The Commemorative Air Force offered up education as well as entertainment with the flight display of a North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber that was actually a restored PBJ-1J delivered to the Navy for the U.S. Marine Corps.  I never knew the Marines operated such aircraft.  The Doolittle Raiders proved the Mitchell could launch from an aircraft carrier, but landing one on a carrier was a little more problematic.  I have no idea what the Marines did with their PBJs—more research to be done on that question.  On this day, the PBJ flew with a Mitsubishi A6M Zero, a Grumman F6F Hellcat and a Grumman F8F Bearcat.  Great stuff!

            The full Thunderbirds flight demonstration team flew a regular air show routine.  Regrettably, they showed up 30 minutes late, which threw the tail end of the day’s flight schedule way out of whack.  It was a pretty good show routine.

            The Unlimited (Heat 2A) featured Sea Furies for the first time.  The big dog in the heat was a Hawker Sea Fury T Mark 20 AKA Dreadnought configured with a Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major, 28-cylinder, four-row, radial powerplant producing nearly 4,000 horsepower.  The conventional production aircraft utilized a Bristol Centaurus 18-cylinder, twin-row radial engine, developing 2,480 horsepower.  Other Sea Furies in the race had different engines installed, including R-2800 (2,000 horsepower range) and R-3350 (3,000 horsepower range).  The sound difference between the Mustangs and Sea Furies was distinctive with Merlin-derivative engines producing a higher-pitched growl, while the radial engines had a deep-throated rumble.

            Jeanne arrived, gambled, losing more than she expected or wanted, had dinner with some of the group, and decided it was not for her, so she flew home early Saturday morning.  Oh well, best laid plans, as they say.

Day 6 (Saturday):

            We toured the heritage and military sections of the static display areas at the east end of the flight line.  There were some incredible vintage machines including a pristine Beech Staggerwing, among others.  I did note the presence of a surprising number Air National Guard aircraft including a C-17 Globemaster II from Hawaii and several F-15 Eagles from California.

            The day’s flying events were more of the same with nothing uniquely reportable from the above.  The Thunderbirds flew their full air show routine, again. They were on-time on this day, and their routine seemed tighter (less bobbles) with better timing.

            A handful of us had an annual dinner at The Grill at Quail Corners, 6520 South McCarran Boulevard, Reno, Nevada. The core of the group began having their annual Saturday evening meal at The Grill, after the tragic 2011 crash of the highly modified P-51D Mustang known as “Galloping Ghost,” which crashed during a heat race.  I had a delightful grilled halibut strip with balsamic reduction over a corn risotto—excellent dish.  I will also note that we used Uber for transport for the five of us.  I was frankly very impressed quite contrary to the much of the popular Press coverage the service tends to gain; we hear a few negatives and none of the positives.  Our drivers liked their work, had excellent, well-maintained automobiles, and did an exceptional job.  Yet, the part that impressed me the most was the smartphone app that tracked the location of the cars, so we knew exactly when the cars would arrive at our location—a dramatic improvement over conventional taxis.  So, as we say in the nautical services, Bravo Zulu (well done) to The Grill for the meal and to Uber for our impressive transport. If anyone ever visits Reno for any reason, I strongly and eagerly recommend both The Grill and Uber.

Day 7 (Sunday):

            The finals day began as the first day with any semblance of clouds.  Fortunately, the clouds were altostratus and high enough so as not to interfere with the air show.  The cloud cover lasted all day cooling off the temperatures.  However, the notable weather element was the wind—20-25 knots crosswind to the main runway.

            The Thunderbirds showed up on time, again, and flew a modified routine.  It was not clear to me that the high overcast was the inducement, but regardless, they flew a good routine that had good timing and action.  I also noticed a few bobbles that could be attributed to the gusty wind conditions.  Good job . . . to the U.S. Air Force flight demonstration team.

            For those who appreciate such things, the Gold final champions were:

Formula One – Gilbert DG2 “Fraed Naught” flown by Lowell Slatter, eight laps at an average speed of 243.442 mph.

Biplane – raced canceled due to winds; the fastest qualifier: Modified Mong Sport “Phantom” flown by Andrew Buehler, six laps at an average speed of 227.876 mph.

T-6/SNJ – AT-6B “Barons Revenge” flown by Chris Rushing, six laps at an average speed of 235.081 mph.

Sport – Lancair Super Legacy “One Moment” flown by Andrew Findlay, six laps at an average speed of 390.744 mph.

Jet – L-29 Delfin “Just Lucky” flown by Pete Zaccagnino, six laps at an average speed of 495.106 mph.

Unlimited – TMK 20 Sea Fury “Dreadnought” flown by Dennis Sanders, eight laps at an average speed of 403.274 mph.

            While the air races were hard on my old body and little pea-brain, the whole event was well worth the effort—a glorious celebration of machines that fly.  Being among other aviation aficionados made the flying even more enjoyable.

            Comments and contributions from Update no.921:

Comment to the Blog:

“I'm saddened to see the UK suffer in the wave of Trumpery afflicting so much of the world. Brexit, the centerpiece of the British version, may yet be stopped. (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trumperyI think you'll find the archaic second definition fits particularly well.)

“I'd enjoy seeing a few of the wealthy get consequences for their arrogance, but realistically that would only be the beginning of a beginning.

“The Chump still has no clue about the actual operation of the world he wants to govern. In the case of China, that ignorance endangers our national economy and global commerce.

“Thank you for reporting on the Democratic candidates' discussion of the climate issues. Climate change is as close as I come to becoming a single-issue voter, but I'll note that none of those proposals will come about without changes in campaign finance and political money more generally.  Also, Congress still legislates, although the Senate is currently neglecting that responsibility.

“As a student of history, I've noted that the military is typically more practical than civilian partisans.  If our military budget went primarily for readiness for military action, helping to address climate change would be a secondary benefit of that focus.

“A GOP President attacking a major industry (automakers) does indeed turn our idea of political loyalty on its head.  I can only guess that the Chump is either deeply enamored with/indebted to the fossil fuel industry or that Putin wants it that way.

“Red State Republicans seem to fear that the Chump would lose in the primaries, despite there being no outward sign of that.  Maybe they know something we don't.

“Upon closer examination, the majority of UK voters voted for several different versions of Brexit.  There was never a majority so foolish as to vote for a ‘no-deal’ break from the EU.”

My response to the Blog:

            I am sorry.  I cannot use the term since I am unable to write or say anything even resembling his familial name.  I did not know the word until you informed me—quite apropos it seems to me.  Thank you.

            They deserve the consequences, just as the greedy damn bankers who brought us the Great Recession deserved a lot of jail time that very few of them actually received.

            Of course, the BIC does not care, because he only cares about how he wants it to be, not how it was or even reality, which is also why he does not care about history, precedent, tradition or anything that does not conform to his image of what is around him.

            I suspect you are correct regarding the constraint of money on politics.  I will differ slightly; the Senate is not legislating because the Majority Leader wants to give the BIC political cover.

            I have never thought of the military as an agent of social change, but in reality, it is . . . at least since the Truman administration.  I can remember in the early 70’s having mandatory racial sensitivity training; it helped with integration (25 years after Truman demanded integration) . . . although we still have such a long way to go.

            You may well be correct, although I suspect Putin has a far greater effect on the BIC than any industrial segment in the United States.

            Yeah, the Arizona Republic has used that argument against the Arizona Republican Party, i.e., what are they afraid of?  They may well know something we don’t.

            I believe the British people (not just those who chose to vote in 2016) are having twitches of remorse that it has come to this.  To me, the foundational lesson in the Brexit fiasco is, this is what can happen when people do not take the time to learn and vote.  Like those who elected the BIC, I think the number of Brexit-ters are a minority (but, a mobilized minority; they voted).

            My very best wishes to all.  Take care of yourselves and each other.

Cheers,

Cap                        :-)