Update no.1198

Update from the Sunland

No.1198

23.12.24 – 29.12.24

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

 

To all,

 

President-elect [no name] is not yet president, and he has already renewed his hegemonic ambitions with his public statements to re-assert American domination of the sovereign territory of Panama as well as the acquisition of sovereign territory of Canada and Denmark. Apparently, his ambitions are a lot closer to Vladimir Putin’s and Adolf Hitler’s . . . just take what you want.

[no name]’s supporters, sycophants, believers, and excuse-makers like to say, “Oh, he was only kidding,” or they rationalize such public statements as, “It’s only a negotiating tactic.” To be blunt, I say, “Bullshit!” No decent, reasonable, rational, human being talks in such terms. Panama, Canada, and Denmark are sovereign countries; they are not businesses or commercial entities. Beside the commonality with the words and actions of other hegemonic dictators, such statements are quite akin to his ‘shoot someone’ declaration [1112, 23.1.2016]. His statement shows no respect for other sovereign nations.

This is just the bitter foretaste of what is ahead for We, the People, and this once grand republic we inherited. We must do our best to endure his chaos and nonsense, and pray our Allies take the long view. This too shall pass.

 

It appears the Russian bear is at it again, demonstrating its paucity of sophistication and discipline.

On Christmas Day, 25.12.2024, at 10:30 [D], AZT, Azerbaijan Airline Flight 8243 crashed while attempting an emergency landing at Aktau International Airport, Kazakhstan. The scheduled commercial airline flight, an Embraer 190AR aircraft, took off from Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Baku, Azerbaijan, at 07:55 [D], destined for Kadyrov Grozny International Airport, Chechnya, Russia. The flight was planned and scheduled to land 20 minutes later. At 08:16 [D], the crew reported to local air traffic control that they were experiencing control difficulty, perhaps due to a bird strike. Rather than attempting to land at Grozny, the pilot decided to cross the Caspian Sea and try to land in Kazakhstan.

At first, the Russians tried to claim the aircraft was brought down by a bird strike. That cause would have been plausible until the video and photographs of the tail section wreckage made it into the public domain. When that did not work, the Russians suggested they were dealing with Ukrainian attack drones near the Grozny airport, implying that Flight 8243 might have been collateral damage. Perhaps they were, but then, that means they could not distinguish between a remote-controlled drone and a much larger airliner. Further, all international commercial flights utilize Mode C Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, squawking a unique four-digit code, for ready identification and air traffic control. The IFF system have been in worldwide use for many decades.

The physical evidence, as displayed in the video and photographs from the crash scene, shows a shotgun blast of comparatively small penetrations scattered across virtually the entire empennage. Such penetrations are precisely characteristic of a good size air defense missile, which suggests the aircraft was shot down by a Russian lower end air defense weapon. In short, this incident appears to be quite similar to another civil-use commercial airliner shootdown with one of their air defense systems. This incident has many similarities to Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 [657 & sub; 17.7.2014 (thus my accusation at the outset)].

That said, last Sunday, 22.12.2024, the U.S. Navy cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly fired two (2) SN-2 Standard missiles at F-18 aircraft clearly and obviously lined up five miles apart on approach to their carrier, USS Truman, during nighttime recovery after an attack mission into Yemen. The crew from the first F-18 wisely and rightfully ejected once they recognized the SN-2 was tracking on them. That split-second decision saved the lives of both aircrew—pilot and weapons system operator. A second missile had also been fired and began tracking on the second F-18 in line on approach. The second pilot took evasive action. We do not yet know, but I suspect the cruiser terminated guidance on the second SN-2, causing it to impact the water. It will likely be a year or more before the Navy completes its formal investigation of the incident.

There is one monumental difference between the two friendly fire incidents. Azerbaijan Flight 8243 was a commercial passenger aircraft on an established flight plan and under air traffic control, while the two F-18s were military combat aircraft returning to an aircraft carrier from a combat mission at night. I do not know but given the warfare intensity in the Red Sea region, I suspect they may not have been squawking an ID code at some level of emission silence common to combat operations.

As demonstrated by Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 and now by Azerbaijan Airline Flight 8243, the Russian air defense operatives are rather quick on the trigger, as in “shoot first, ask questions later . . . much later, or maybe never.” Putin is doing his best to make Russia more of a pariah state than it already is. We will witness the Russian government doing everything it can to influence, suppress, and otherwise deflect the investigation into this incident. We must now hope that stronger moral forces prevail and the truth will be documented for all of us to read and understand. What the Russians did near Grozny on the 25^th cost 38 innocent lives (so far), and it was wrong in every possible way. No obfuscation, subterfuge, propaganda, or deceit can lessen seriousness of their transgression.

Here is a personal opinion, what Putin deserves after all he has done in Ukraine, Georgia, and elsewhere . . . we should admit every peripheral state bordering Russia into NATO (or some other replacement organization). Russia deserves to be totally isolated from the world, until the Russian people rise up and banish Putin and his ultra-right-wing fanatics to the scrapheap of history. Other sovereign nations bordering Russia deserve to live in peace and prosper rather than be bullied, intimidated, and dominated by hegemonic ultra-right-wing extremists that control the Russian government today.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1197:

Comment to the Blog:

“Muskrat paid hundreds of billions of dollars for the Chump’s re-election, and he wanted what he thought he paid for. Unlike in MAGAt minds, Presidents don’t have unlimited power, but it made an interesting fiasco. Speaking of fiascoes, have you heard about Kay Granger?

“Robert Reich posted about an encounter with a friend who sees MAGAts as pus in a boil on the butt of America. The conclusion is that it has to hurt too much to sit still before anything happens.

“You and your other friend (and the Democratic Party) appear to be out of touch with the mass of Americans who realize just how bad conditions have become in this country. That’s why Luigi is a hero. The Republicans are in touch with that, but many of us aren’t foolish enough to vote for them. Also, when you are affected by something, you seem to individualize it (the Chump, for instance), but when you don’t have a personal stake in it, it’s “the system”. Clearly, Luigi has the same approach. Is your friend aware that several such foundations exist with little or no success?”

My response to the Blog:

Yes, I agree with your assertion of Musk’s quid pro quo with Little Fingers. No, I have not heard about Kay Granger.

I am not sure what Reich is implying by his reference to his friend’s opinion.

I will accept your criticism for my views. I cannot do so for the Update contributor or the Democratic Party. From my perspective, the Thompson assassin can NEVER be a hero or even a martyr. Yes, you are of course correct (as I have publicly confessed), I have been blessed (actually worked very hard) to earn the medical cost coverage I have. I make no excuses or apologies for that reality. Cold-blooded murder is NOT how we deal with societal issues . . . no matter how anyone wishes to rationalize such uncivilized conduct, period, full stop, end of story.

Like you, I do not “blindly obey” the medical establishment. I do my own research and thinking. The accomplishments and successes of the modern medical establishment are enormous and laudable. However, they are human beings constrained by the boundaries of their knowledge. No one can know everything. My only admonition is, do your homework.

 . . . Round two:

“Reich is implying, in a fairly direct way, that the MAGAts are a painful development in American life that will be excised when the pain gets the patient’s attention.

“I still haven’t excused homicide, but I’ll point out that no form of advocacy, protest, or politics has brought nearly the attention to this issue that the CEO’s execution did.

“I do my homework, including learning more this weekend about what bothered me. One aspect of being a complex patient is that nobody outside my body can evaluate my interacting variables as well as I can. The most likely key to this one is that my perception of pain was permanently skewed decades ago by cluster headaches, leading to my dental pain not getting my attention. I usually have to find the right starting point for the next issue to treat as well as studying the treatment options. It’s good for me that I’m a student by nature.”

 . . . my response to round two:

The pain is way beyond the tolerable threshold for me. Apparently, I am not in the majority. I am also afraid the MAGAt situation is going to get far worse and painful for however long the next administration lasts.

I will not argue with your contention. Unfortunately, I see your rationale as building the mitigating factors aspect of the defense case. I confess to my reluctance to accept the mitigation process for a stone-cold killer.

The difficulty with using second person references is the application. I intended second person plural rather than singular. I am judging based on indirect, non-specific comments from medical treatment staff in my life. From their collective observations, the majority of patients they treat do not do their homework and inquiries. Kudos to you for being an exception. I do not have the same afflictions, but I certainly utilize a similar process in assessment my health and treatment options.

 . . . Round three:

“Have you tied the two issues together yet? The people celebrating the CEO shooting are experiencing the results of the oligarchs who use the MAGAts as tools. None of this is abstract or theoretical. Hundreds of millions of Americans are suffering from the failures of health insurance companies. They and others experience the healthcare ‘system’ and housing, labor, retail, and other ripoffs. Luigi is seen by many as having attacked that issue in the only way with some slight hope of working.

“In much of my medical history, medical people, primarily doctors, are the problem rather than the solution. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants often do better, but Medical Deities hold too much authority and too little wisdom.”

 . . . my response to round three:

The two issues are linked in this single event. I just hope there are no copycat crimes. I must acknowledge that you may well be correct in your assessment of this particular incident. However, I persist with my contention that it is yet another extraordinarily sad statement of how American society has devolved. I condemn assassination as a tool of political influence; it may be a short-term positive at a terrible long term cost. At the same time, I remain an advocate for health care reform. To me, health care is quite akin to food, water, air, and other elements of life. We cannot claim we are “pro-life” as long as we allow this abysmal “for profit” health care payor system to persist. PPACA made a minimalist attempt to resolve the problem by engaging the “for profit” health care payor system. And, of course, what did the Republicans and then MAGAts do, they practically fell on their sword to terminate PPACA without even a whiff of a better solution. And, worse, millions of citizens actually voted for candidates with that mindset.

I am sorry that you have such a cynical (but understandable) view of the medical establishment. I do not share your assessment. In fact, my view is exactly the opposite. That said, I acknowledge that you are not alone. Catch-22!

 . . . Round four:

“I have long advocated for healthcare reform among other health-related issues. My efforts have achieved about as much as yours. I oppose homicide in all its forms, but I recognize it as a political tool. My youth was a few years later than yours, and my politics then and now was focused by the State killing people at Kent State. In my rural, very conservative high school, I heard a brief debate over whether someone should assassinate Nixon—the political factor in all that continues.

“My view of the medical industry is shaped by my experience and those of my friends and family. Each one of us has at least a couple of stories of medical people endangering us, and I have several. The ‘healthcare’ experience is very different for Medicaid patients, especially rural ones. I had a brief experience with military medicine, too, but at least it got me a quick honorable discharge.”

 . . . my response to round four:

When I see and read “oppose homicide” and “recognize [homicide] as a political tool,” I think the ends justify the means. My humanist side believes such a position is morally reprehensible, and yet, I rationalize the employment of a fission device that took 100,000 lives to save several million lives. I guess I should just accept the reality that we will continue our devolution to an “every man for himself” attitude toward human intercourse and the chaos that attitude inherently induces.

I am sorry for your negative medical experience. I have never felt that treatment, so I suppose I am a reflection of hope. I am also troubled by the implied connection between Medicaid (a federal single payor system) and bad medical treatment. Perhaps a single payor system is not the correct path.

 . . . Round five:

“Recognizing the history of homicide doesn't support it. My moral values remain intact.

“My problem with the medical establishment isn't a personal issue. The underlying problem for the people I know is that we're of lower status in a stratified society. A single-payer medical system would address that.

“The single source for all the money eliminates the patient's status as a factor in treatment and makes many other improvements. As you've experienced, the question isn't whether ‘the government’ pays for healthcare. Military officers get good care; Medicaid patients not so much. Medicaid isn't a single-payer system; it only serves specific patients. Compare U.S. outcomes to advanced nations that have single-payer systems. The Veterans Administration might be worth studying as well.”

 . . . my response to round five:

As do my moral values!

Agreed . . . for a host of reasons. It is that reality that convinced me to advocate for universal health care, since it is essential to quality of life like clean water, clean air, and safe nutritious food. The USG regulates those essentials (or tries to do so) for all American citizens regardless of economic status. Health care should not be different.

Exactly the point. I continue to hold onto the hope that one day we will mature as a nation as ensure all citizens have the essentials of quality of life.

 

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

Cheers,

Cap                  :-) 

Update no.1197

 Update from the Sunland

No.1197

16.12.24 – 22.12.24

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

 

To all,

 

The nights will get shorter and the days longer for the next six months—winter solstice {Saturday, 21.December.2024, 02:21 [T] MST}. Welcome to astronomical winter in the Northern Hemisphere (summer in the Southern Hemisphere). Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all.

 

President-elect [no name] allowed his malignant narcissism affliction to raise its grotesquely ugly head again. He and his MAGAt believers in the House of Representatives decided to play Russian Roulette with the operations of the United States Government (USG) and rejected a bipartisan short-term funding bill to keep the government running. The last, operative, continuing resolution ended on Thursday, 19.December, which meant without some funding document or another, the USG would begin shutting down operations at 00:01 [R] EST, Friday, 20.December.2024—a big middle finger with his Merry Christmas to all citizens from president-elect [no name]. According to Press reports, he objected to facing the nonsense haggling and threats of every continuing resolution process during his administration. He demanded the debt ceiling be suspended until 2029, so he did not have to deal with it (screw his successor).

Then, we throw into the narcissism quagmire president-in-his-imagination Elon Musk, who condemned the bipartisan Continuing Resolution as too expensive. President-elect [no name] chose to affirm the Musk condemnation. Then, he insisted on removing the Democrat spending provisions but not the MAGAt spending. Like the bipartisan, bicameral, immigration reform bill, MAGAt candidate (at the time) [no name] unilaterally direct his believers in the House to kill the bill because he did not want President Biden to have an immigration reform success during the campaign. He is driven by what he feels makes him look good or benefits him rather than what is best for the United States of America or for We, the People.

Elon Musk bought the former “Twitter” and managed to really screw the pooch with his dicta. Now, Musk is bringing his form of chaos to the USG, and [no name] appears to be quite willing and comfortable abdicating to Musk.

Well, wonder of wonders! More than a few House Republicans chose to defy the president-elect and passed the American Relief Act, 2025. Thirty-four House MAGAt Republicans were the only representatives voting against the bill. The Senate passed HR 10545 at 00:23 [R] EST (after the deadline, but good enough). Interesting footnote: Independent Senator Bernie Sanders voted with 10 Republicans against the bill. President Biden signed the bill later in the day—American Relief Act, 2025 [PL 138-xxx; H.R. 10545; Senate: 85-11-0-4(0); House: 366-34-1-29(5); 118 Stat. xxx]. Crisis averted . . . at least for the moment. To be continued! The bill extends federal funding only to mid-March, so we will be into this nonsense in a few short months.

Given this first month of “transition,” we had better strap in for an all new amplified form of chaos for the next four years . . . unless the 2026 mid-terms yield a Democrat controlled Congress with at least a 60-vote majority in the Senate.

 

Just a little history might be helpful. On 24.September.1917, President Wilson signed into law the Second Liberty Bond Act of 1917 [PL 65-I-043; 40 Stat. 288] that included §1 [40 Stat. 288], which imposed a U.S. federal debt limit of US$7.539B [502, 580, 618]. Congress of the day was well meaning and intentioned. Unfortunately, the purpose of the debt limit law has been lost to corrosive and rabid partisan politics. Revocation of the 1917 law has been long overdue. The current U.S. federal debt is US$36+T . . . that is ‘T’ for trillion . . . not bad, huh. The original debt limit does not even appear beyond the decimal point. Congress figured some three decades ago that they are no longer constrained. They just print more money. To be clear, congressional spending is a feature of both parties; the only question is what they choose to spend the borrowed Treasury funds on. They all spend the Treasury funds (our tax dollars) with wanton abandon. For the last few decades, the congressional spending debt limit has been used as a political bludgeon by one party or the other to force, coerce, cajole, or intimidate their opponents to submit to the dominant party demands. The original intended purpose of the debt ceiling limit has long ago faded into the obscure shadows of history. Revoke this foolishness, and let’s get on with it.

 

Continuing comment from Update no.1195, because I could not get to my eMail late last week:

“Alcoholism is a more complex condition than those not touched by it realize. My instinct tells me that in nominating Hegseth the Chump probably has a subconscious motivation of redeeming his brother.

“I still disclaim homicide as a means of protest, but I understand the response to the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. You and I have the privilege of not dealing with the medical insurance industry. I have Medicaid, which spares me most of it. Many of the people I know aren’t so privileged, and they or their families have been denied treatment altogether or charged outrageous premiums, and still billed more than any ordinary person can pay. I occasionally mention class strife. Here’s your sign.”

My reply:

This response is from last week, since I was unable to respond in a timely fashion. My apologies for the delay.

Perhaps so. It is plausible, but there are many other potential motivations on the part of Little Fingers. Alcoholism is indeed complex.

I do not understand assassination of a CEO . . . in the back, no less. Yes, all the manifestations of the medical treatment and cost coverage in the United States are an outright embarrassment. On the flip side, there must be boundaries, e.g., tobacco use versus effective treatment. Medicare and Medicaid are the beginnings of a single payor system that should be expanded, but it has to mean higher taxes for everyone. The PPACA was a modest attempt but far short of the mark.

 . . . follow-up comment:

“Shooting that CEO seems to have achieved its goal of getting attention on the issue. Again, I don't support homicide but I understand this one.”

 . . . along with my reply:

Apparently so . . . although I am not sure in a positive manner.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1196:

“Thanks again Cap. Sorry to hear that you have been poorly mate. Take it that you have taken medical advice.”

My reply:

The odd thing is, I feel fine. It is the side effects of treatment for an admixture of maladies that appear in the data collected on the state of my body that give me the difficulties I must deal with. Yes, absolutely, I trust the small army of doctors who monitor and treat various anomalies, and I do as I am instructed. I survived the challenges without serious or significant consequences. All in all, the adventure last weekend was well worth the difficulties, although swallowing my pride was perhaps the hardest aspect. Thank you for your concern. I am still ticking along and back in the saddle again.

 . . . follow-up comment:

“Thanks Cap. Something of a shock to us this side as we didn’t know you were having medical problems. Trust you are on the mend currently. Keep going Bud.

Aren’t we lucky to have modern medics to keep us going. My parents and one grand parent all expired long before my current age. My grandfather who I never met died at the end of WW1 from a ghastly illness that spread through many at that time. He was a sailor on HMS Diamond. Yes I would have liked very much to have met him. Of course we have an HMS Diamond still serving in our current navy I would like go on board one day.”

 . . . my follow-up reply:

I offer my humble apologies, my friend. I did not intend to shock anyone, and I am sorry for the unintended outcome. I think like most (if not all) of us we face medical issues in our old age. I am always concerned about TMI (To Much Information) in these situations, so please allow me some latitude here.

The main part of the difficulties I experienced last weekend were not a product of my afflictions. Rather, they were a direct result of the environment I put myself in to fulfill the family event. My mobility was not as good as I thought it was, and the cold was far more penetrating than I anticipated. Both facets were a direct consequence of the environment. I took extra precautions (e.g., facial mask) to protect myself. I also had multiple layers of clothing over my torso (but not my legs). When I got back to the hotel after the game, and after I called Jeanne, I took an extended progressively hotter shower, and the warm water worked wonders to thaw me out. All in all, the positives far outweighed the negatives, and I am immensely grateful to have had the time with the boys in the special event. I also hope they feel my presence and participation enhanced their experience throughout the whole weekend. We have great memories together. At the end of the day, I am back home, in my support structure (Jeanne & home), and as I said, I am in fine fettle, now.

I feel no detectable symptoms of my various medical anomalies. All my symptoms are associated with the medical treatments. To be frank, there is nothing to mend, only to suppress and maintain quality of life. My mind still works just fine, and writing is a rather solitary, sedentary endeavor. I am warm, comfortable, and in my routine, again.

I hope you will be able to board HMS Diamond and enjoy an excellent tour. The ship is a magnificent contemporary destroyer. I assume your grandfather’s ship was H22 designated HMS Diamond (predecessor).

Rest assured. All is well. No harm, no foul.

 

Comment to the Blog:

“I thoroughly enjoyed your story about the Army-Navy game. All of you have a great story you can tell and pass along to future generations.

“The power of narrative is the theme of a Robert Reich series I’ll be forwarding. He gives a clear picture of how the parties use storytelling to win elections and validate policies.

“I’m sad that your publisher has passed away. I hope you find your new publisher soon.

“I’m less upset at the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO than I am at a typical homicide anywhere. That CEO is an established villain whose work leads to the deaths of many innocent Americans. This particular killing is far less than “an eye for an eye” vengeance. I support the legal system bringing the killer his consequences, but I admit to having no enthusiasm about it, and I’m grateful for the attention his act has brought to the health insurance deaths and bankruptcies.”

My response:

I am glad you enjoyed our weekend adventure story. It was a grand experience to enjoy the weekend with our two youngest boys (both into middle age, I must add). I hope the story is maintained by future generations.

There are a wide variety of techniques utilized by political candidates and parties to win elections, some of them proper and reasonable, and others verging upon nefarious.

Thank you for your condolences. He was a very good man, and we had a long friendship as well as a professional relationship. I cannot predict future publication, but there is always hope. Nonetheless, I keep writing even though the potential exists that very few may read my words.

The CEO assassination event has many peculiar facets. I must condemn the murder as I do any homicide. It was wrong, period, full stop. A positive element could still be derived from the terrible crime if we use the tragedy to improve our health care cost coverage process for all citizens.

 . . . Round two:

“The stories of shared experiences are the real legacy we leave.

“Narrative is a tool much more than it’s a moral value. I suspect only writers and public relations people understand how important storytelling/narrative is in public life. Presidents’ careers have risen or fallen on their skill with that tool. Lincoln, both Roosevelts, Reagan, and the Chump stand out in that respect in my mind.

“The CEO assassination isn’t the least bit odd if seen as a political act. It achieved the objective, and the public has little empathy for the target.”

 . . . my response to round two:

Quite so. That was certainly the expectation.

A very good observation from my perspective. During the Dark Ages, those experiences were usually passed down by word-of-mouth and song; they were celebrated in many different ways. Generational leaps forward, modern technology enables a far broader transmittal of those living experiences. Communication has always been a dominant mechanism of influence, and likely, it always will be . . . for presidents and common folk. I am doing my part.

Not ‘the least bit odd’ as a political act or not, murder as a political action is another step toward anarchy and chaos. What happens when political opponents resort to violence to achieve their objectives of influence? What happens to society? We cannot and must never accept violence and especially murder (or other injurious actions) as a political instrument. Murder is a de-civilizing action, regardless of reasons. We cannot not sugar-coat what that perpetrator did two weeks ago. It was wrong, wrong, wrong, in every possible way. I understand the frustration with our sad ‘for profit’ health care payor system, but that can never be justification for cold-blooded, calculated, planned murder . . . period, full stop, end of story.

“That’s just my opinion, but I could be wrong.”

 . . . Round three:

“Murder is a de-civilizing influence, but why is this murder more heinous than school shootings, legions of domestic violence deaths, and many others with targets less villainous than that CEO?”

 . . . my response to round three:

Murder is murder, period. The CEO assassination crime is just as heinous and tragic as any other murder for any reason. They are all bad and unacceptable, and should be prosecuted and punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Other murders are executed for myriad reasons; some are crimes of passion, some are self-defense, some are opportunity. This was a stone cold, calculated, planned, and executed assassination. We saw the whole event on video (multiple times). Now, that said, there are other such heinous crimes. What separates this particular crime from virtually all other murders is the virtual canonization of the killer by a significant segment of our citizenry. “Free Luigi” . . . really! No, absolutely not, he deserves the same punishment as any other stone cold killers.

“That’s just my opinion, but I could be wrong.”

 . . . Round four:

“You know better than that ‘murder is murder’ statement. In law and in morality, there are mitigating and aggravating factors. Also, if each murder is equal to all others, how come society put so many more resources into finding the CEO’s killer than they do into any ordinary shooting?

“In this case, I didn’t discuss the legal issue. I merely stated that, like millions of other Americans, I have less feeling about this particular homicide than I do about most. Apparently, UnitedHealthcare didn’t have any more feelings about it than I did. They went right on with the investor meeting as scheduled as he died on the sidewalk.”

 . . . my response to round four:

I am not going to parse degrees of bad; they are all bad. Yes, there are mitigating and aggravating factors in nearly all criminal laws. If I had to pen an answer to your query, I would say the brazen, stone cold, pre-meditated aspects of this murder. That said, I will note here that as we learn more about the perpetrator’s motivation, he had beef against Thompson or even United Healthcare beyond a generalized grievance against the broad health care payor system and a target of opportunity, not much different than a random choice, gang initiation homicide.

I am sorry you feel as you do about this murder, but thank you for your frank, candid acknowledgment.

We are agreed (I think). The U.S. health care payor system begs for reformation and removal of the profit motive in that industry specifically.

 

A different contribution:

“I am happy you made it to the Army/Navy game. I was delighted to see Navy won, especially since I am such a F-14 Tomcat fan, and born/raised in San Diego (Navy Town). Plus, I was a big fan of PSA (airlines) in town, and the majority of their pilots were ex-Navy. Hopefully Ward Carroll is reading this column of yours and will be delighted in my delightment (not proper English with last word).

“I'm sorry to read about your publisher's founder and his passing on. It is unfortunate that your projects will need to be submitted to a new replacement publisher. I am sure you will be successful in finding one. I am sorry you lost your friend the publisher/founder at Saint Gaudens Press.

“In total agreement with you on the shooter of the United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. As you noticed, I did not mention the shooter's name. The news media has mentioned the name of the shooter about 50-1 opposed to victim Thompson. What is the reason the murderer has been elevated to a near hero archetype, I have no clue either, and find it dangerous that those too easily influenced by the news, would be offering to pay for the defense of the shooter. The murderer was not brave in any way, he shot a man in cold blood from behind, without any challenge. It was an act by a very mentally disturbed predator. I did manage to read the short manifesto by the shooter. It was not anything greater than what a 15-year-old could pose.

“The news media helped create the hysteria, distraction and celebrityhood the murderer seemingly has achieved. I suppose it could be strategic on their part as they will cover ad nauseum 24/7 the court battle forthcoming once that milestone is reached. O.J. comes to mind.

“The fact that so many people apparently are applauding the murderer is a disturbing symptom in our society. And, it has brought to light the sick condition the healthcare industry is in, that disgruntled clients of these conglomerates are posting names of other CEO's on-line suggesting they too should be targeted. Our SickCare industry is in much disarray, as is the medical insurance corporations that seem to seek profits prior to customer satisfaction and quality of service. Where these companies go very wrong, I am reminded of Boeing.

“Not sure what the overall MEME for the masses is from this shooting of Thompson, but it sure is scary how large groups of our country can be swayed in the way that is morally very wrong. The shooter with his alleged intelligence (two college degrees), and family with a fortune, would have been better to have started a non-profit advocacy group to educate the insured (medical), advocate for them through collective efforts to challenge insurance companies denials medical expense coverages, and lobby state and federal politicians capable of change/improvement within the subject industry. Instead, the young man wasted talent-opportunity by murder, where he devastated Thompson's family, and his own.

“It would be interesting to get your take on the many drone flights unnerving many, and the news response to that as well. And the reportage of various theories like ‘nuke sniffers’ or China surveilling our military bases.”

My reply:

Thank you so much for your contribution and distribution—always welcome.

We share many things in common, my friend. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay area (San Mateo, to be precise). Not exactly a Navy town, but the Navy was certainly prevalent in the Bay Area. I also grew up with the Blues. My father took me to my first airshow at NAS Alameda when they were flying F-11 Tigers.

Thank you so much for your kind words of condolence. He was a very good friend, who helped me be a better writer (at least I think so). Whether I find a new publisher is yet to be seen. There is always hope.

Yes, we share more in our views of the CEO assassin. I will not use his name either. It is the virtual canonization of the assassin that I find almost as contemptible as the murder itself. My opinion: a lot of citizens are deeply frustrated with our “for profit” health care payor system. I understand that frustration even though I have not experienced that trauma (yet, I suppose I should add). No matter how deep the frustration that does not justify or rationalize assassination or any other form of violence. I have not bothered to read his manifesto, so I shall take your assessment prima facie.

I do not agree that the Press created this SNAFU fiasco. I think it was the people who lionized the killer. Thompson did not create the system to which so many people object.

An “O.J.” outcome in the killer’s prosecution would be comparably tragic. There is not a sliver of doubt in my little pea-brain that O.J. was guilty of his crime. We saw this killer on video (repeatedly). I hope and pray they can find 12 un-biased jurors for his trial. The O.J. prosecution was a connection of facts (some may have had difficulty with those connections). This killing was graphically carried out on video.

It is the “for profit” aspect that is the root cause of the “Delay, Deny, Defend” mentality of the health care payor system at the center of our medical establishment. Our payor system must change.

The drone kerfuffle . . . now that is a good flip. Drones of various forms are a fact of life in our times, and they will grow in utility and usage. The hysteria associated with the current phenomenon is just that hysteria; it is not rational. Some of the video clips are clearly airplanes on approach somewhere. What is troubling is the absence of known USG action to determine the source and purpose of the more problematic drone incidents, e.g., flying near sensitive facilities. I would like to think the USG has taken non-public action (probably highly classified by means & methods) and knows more than they have made public . . . but I do not know that is true. One aspect seems quite troubling, the hysteria is spreading and growing . . . not good. The absence of facts contributes to these damnable conspiracy theories that bloom in such circumstances; they are not helpful, but they are understandable. A void of facts leads to rampant speculation.

“That’s my opinion(s), but I could be wrong.”

 

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

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1196

 Update from the Sunland

No.1196

9.12.24 – 15.12.24

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

 

To all,

 

Well, what a story I have to tell!

Middle Son, Tyson, had one special annual event on this bucket list—Army-Navy football game . . . live! The COVID-19 pandemic and then my medical travails put a big dent in our fulfillment of Tyson’s bucket list item. Long story short, this was the year to deliver. I joined our two youngest sons, Tyson and Taylor, to attend this year’s game.

My lovely wife, Jeanne, went to extraordinary lengths to arrange all the details of the long weekend with the assistance of family. Granddaughter Shalee Lynn set up our rental car with Enterprise for the weekend, and Daughter-in-Law Mellissa who had the foresight to supply Tyson with packets of hand-warmers that became a godsend. Son Taylor set up an expert guided tour of the U.S. Naval Academy. Jeanne was the keystone to the whole operation. Thank you so much to everyone who helped and all those who wished us bon chance e bon voyage.

I learned a hard lesson during my connecting flights from Phoenix to Washington, DC. My body was not as capable as my mind thought it was. As a consequence of the lesson learned, I had to swallow my pride and use a wheelchair for better mobility. The boys were extraordinarily helpful in assisting me during the weekend adventure. I am very grateful and proud of both of them. Taylor served as our driver-extraordinaire getting us where we needed to be on every day; it was reassuring to have a chief of police as our skilled driver.

On Friday, we enjoyed an incredible breakfast at the Unconventional Café on 9^th Street—highly recommended. Tyson gets all the credit for finding the place. I narrated highlights on our drive around the Yard. We spent the afternoon at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. So much has changed in the Yard, but quite a bit remains just as it was in my day, 55 years ago. Of course, I had to retell the story of the ‘Diggers and Fillers,’ but this time I showed them the actual brick promenade and the blond brick cobblestone street that were torn up every fall to install a large utility tunnel.  I explained the various buildings that were present when I was a midshipman nearly 60 years ago. There were numerous new buildings that were built after I was a member of the Brigade. As Taylor had arranged, we had an expert guided tour by the head Guest Services guide—Mike. He got us into the old Natatorium where I did all my intercollegiate swimming along with the 40-foot platform used to verify each midshipman’s ability to abandon ship. The platform was removed decades ago since the Service eliminated the requirement. We also went inside the main dining hall where they fed the entire Brigade three times a day at one sitting.

Saturday was the big day—the 125^th Army-Navy football game 2024 at the Washington Commander’s Stadium in Landover, Maryland (outside Washington, DC). Army was a ranked team and was the statistical favorite to win the big game. It was a great game, and surprise, surprise, Navy won 31-13. The Navy football team won their N*. There is no question that Navy earned the win and outplayed Army. The benefit was our two sons were able to experience the full Monty of the game from the march on of the Corps of Cadets and the Brigade of Midshipmen to the singing of Navy Blue and Gold. The cold weather was difficult to handle, but we did it. I think it is safe to say we had a grand experience and some excellent family time. Tyson’s wish was fulfilled.

Thank you far beyond mere words to Tyson and Taylor for the inspiration and extra care for an old man. The weekend will not be forgotten.

 

General Notice:

It is with profound sadness that it is my duty to report that the publisher/founder of Saint Gaudens Press, Inc., passed away on the 19^th of November 2024. He fought a valiant battle against a very swift cancer. His heirs have begun closing down and dismantling the small press company he founded 50 years ago. The marker does not affect works already in print; they remain available through any and all retail sources. What will change is the publication of new works.

I delivered the submittal package for my latest completed project—Anod’s Glory—in August, before the seriousness of his affliction became evident. The manuscript was the 3^rd book of the Anod series of science fiction novels and my 24^th completed work. As a result of Saint Gaudens Press ceasing operations, I must find a new publisher to transform my submittal packages into public released books.

My current project is a project of passion. I am two-thirds through the first draft, so I still have several months of writing ahead. The manuscript is provisionally titled Innocence Lost. The skeleton of the story is a box of letters I inherited with my father’s passing. The letters were written by my Great-Uncle Charles Newton Parlier (my grandfather’s older brother) during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps before, during, and after his duty with 2^nd Battalion, 6^thMarines. He survived the war and the Battles of Belleau Wood, Chateau Thierry, Soisson, and was seriously wounded during the Battle of Saint-Mihiel.

In the ‘On Deck’ circle is the 12^th book of the To So Few series as ‘Hunter’ Drummond is convinced to join U.S. Marine Corps four years after his discharge from the U.S. Army Air Forces. The story will follow Brian through the tumultuous transition years and into the Korean War. I have plans to follow Brian through the Vietnam War.

As I have written many times, I will continue writing as long as I am able. I still enjoy the process, which is perfect to keep me busy during my retirement years and the trials of old age.

 

They got the bastard!

The Altoona, Pennsylvania, Police Department responded to a tip from a local McDonald’s employee and arrested the Thompson assassin [1195]. There is still so much we do not know. New York and federal agents are now in Altoona to seek the swift extradition of the “Person of Interest” [PoI] back to New York to face justice. The PoI [or more likely, his wealthy family] hired a high-powered [i.e., expensive] lawyer as they “on again, off again” dink with whether to waive extradition. The best the perpetrator can do it delay the inevitable. He will face justice.

 It is one thing to protest injustice or any other anti-social activity, but assassination of a human being is not and never will be warranted or justifiable. I understand the public resentment toward the profit motive of the medical insurance industry, but that does not and never will validate what he did that morning (4.12.2024). We do not yet know the perpetrator’s motive for such a drastic action.

Worse, as an indicative reflection on the corrosion of our society, we have a significant number of citizen’s praising the perpetrator like he was some kind of hero. The perpetrator is the anti-thesis of a hero; he is, in fact, a stone-cold killer. And, his fancy lawyer is probably going to convince him to make a temporary insanity plea. With as much planning and preparation as this felonious crime took, I cannot imagine an insanity plea being successful. The only thing he deserves is life in prison with no chance for parole. There is nothing good or positive about that he did that morning.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1195:

Comment to the Blog:

“My objection to not naming the Chump is that audiences interpret that as fear rather than the intended contempt.

“I still hope to see Biden use the powers of the Presidency granted to the Chump against him.

“On Europe: The key players act in a Kissinger-like ‘geopolitics’ framing. They overthink everything and lack any morals. They say whatever comes to mind to justify their actions. While Kissinger continues to be renowned in powerful circles, his methods have harmed far more people than they’ve helped.

“Pete Hegseth appears to be an active alcoholic with other untreated issues. I wouldn’t hire him for any job.

“Whatever motive fueled the killer of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, political people need to take note of the positive public response. That’s more important than the technique.

“This week’s other comment was rational and thoughtful, but many others commenting all over the Internet bring to mind an Isaac Asimov quote:

“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.” 

― Isaac Asimov

My response to the Blog:

People are free to think what they wish. I am far beyond tired of that man’s malfeasance, and I refuse to repeat his name—persona non grata. Contempt indeed . . . an understatement.

Well, we shall see. He only has a few more days to exercise that power.

Kissinger was never president. He was only an advisor. Presidents listened to him. He never set policy.

Yes, he does . . . among many other personal flaws. I would not hire him for any job either. Other than alcohol separating Hegseth from [no name]. those two men share more in common, which is not good and is a disqualification in my book.

The Thompson assassin has certainly brought the insurance industry profit motive to the forefront of public debate and rightly so. Law enforcement captured him in an Altoona, PA, McDonalds yesterday. Looks like that employee should receive the reward. There is still so much we do not yet know, but congratulations to the law enforcement agencies involved in his capture.

Asimov was a wise, insightful, and observant person. “A cult of ignorance” indeed! Wise words it seems to me. That is why I use the earned motto of “Ignorance over knowledge” for the MAGAts—they earned it.

I want to live to see the day when knowledge and enlightenment rule the day, again. We are a long way from that state today.

 . . . follow-up comment:

“Kissinger had enormous ‘informal’ authority. Whether or not he was President, he made policy and influenced the powerful worldwide. 

“The Chump had an older brother who died at 42 from alcoholism. Assuming the Chump hasn’t had therapy or some healing modality for that, it influences his life. Hegseth probably benefits from that. Also, it leaves the Chump in a position similar to Henry VIII concerning succession.

“Someone has already asked online where New York will find 12 jurors who don’t hate the health insurance industry. I don’t know anyone like that.

“The American way insists that all opinions can be voiced, but Asimov reminds us that we needn’t value them equally. The Chump has outlets for his views, but I choose whether I listen. One flaw of our mass media is ‘both sides-ism,’ where they value the rantings of madmen equally to the ideas of sane, experienced officials.”

 . . . my follow-up response:

I cannot offer counterpoint to your assessment of Kissinger.

Quite so. Alcoholism has affected his behavior indirectly. I do not know how that benefits Hegseth; I suspect Little Fingers sees that affliction as a negative in Hegseth. Perhaps so, but we shall see within four years.

Good point. The public protest and criticism of the medical insurance industry has been dramatic and nearly unanimous. Making the assassin a hero is flat-ass wrong no matter how we cut it. I imagine there are other citizens like me. I have not suffered that abuse with respect to medical insurance. I am most grateful for Medicare and my military medical coverage; no complaints whatsoever . . . and I am dealing with some very expensive treatments.

Again, quite so. Asimov was a very wise and observant person. I try very hard to ignore Little Fingers. That is why I refuse to use his familial name. Good point about “both sides-ism.”

 

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

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)

Update no.1195

 Update from the Sunland

No.1195

2.12.24 – 8.12.24

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

 

To all,

 

7.December.1941

“[A] date which will live in infamy . . .”

 

I have recently received criticism that my consistent use of the phrase [the person who shall no longer be named] in the Update is tiresome and irritating in my refusal to use that man’s name ever again. He long ago forfeited any recognition or acknowledgment as a human being since he has no conscience, no integrity, no humility, no morality, no compassion, no honor, and no sense of propriety.

The suggestion was offered to use a contraction of the phrase. Thus, henceforth, I shall use [no name] as an off-handed, indirect reference to the man who no longer deserves to be recognized.

 

President Biden’s full and unconditional pardon of his son, Hunter, has induced quite the kerfuffle. Citizens of all political persuasions have been asking, why did President Biden change his mind on issuing a pardon to his son? I think the answer is simple, the election of [no name] to be president . . . again. I highly doubt the president would have taken such a controversial action if Vice President Harris had been elected. The president’s action speaks volumes regarding the public statements of revenge and retribution by [no name] against those who he perceives have interfered in his life and ambitions.

 

From a separate exchange thread, I weighed in with my opinion regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In the extended and expanded exchange, a number (more than a few) painted the United States as the aggressor, the root cause of Russia’s action in Ukraine (and Georgia for that matter). I do not share that perspective, thus my response below.

I understand and appreciate Russian paranoia about invasion. They have been caught in the middle between East and West for centuries. However, I will note here that the United States has never invaded or tried to occupy any part of Russia. Some European nations have done so; some repeatedly, e.g., Germany, France, Poland, and Sweden.

I would think a far more intelligent position would be for the Russians to embrace the United States through NATO as a bulwark against another European invasion, i.e., restraint of any European hegemonic ambitions. 

I will note here the profound irony in the current situation. After all, no one is even remotely suggesting an invasion of Russia or compromising their sovereignty in any manner. On the contrary, it is Russia’s ultra-right wing in the persona of Vladimir Putin that have refused to recognize Ukraine’s sovereignty, and have violently invaded and brutalized a peaceful neighboring nation, actually two such countries—Georgia (2008) and Ukraine (2014). Putin has tried to do in reverse what Hitler came very close to accomplishing.

Unfortunately, the Russians are not far-sighted. The ultra-right-wing paranoia of a century ago is no longer valid or germane.

If Ukraine and Georgia joined the EU and especially NATO, they would feel the same restraint. Russia would be better off and more prosperous with Ukraine and Georgia in the EU and in NATO. But hey, that’s just me.

By the way, the opinions of some Americans citizens (including you know who) are eerily similar to those used by Putin to justify his peculiar ambitions . . . go figure!

 

The Hegseth nomination for secretary of Defense in the new administration has opened quite a number of hot topics, among which is the roll of women in the military and specifically the combat arms—infantry, artillery, armor, and aviation. I confess that I shared Hegseth’s opinion 25 years ago. I wrote on opinion essay on the topic that I posted on my website, dated: 25.August.1998; URL = http://www.parlier.com/essay-1.html#gender. Please note the last sentence of the added postscript—At the end of the day, service must be about performance, not genitalia. I changed my opinion as I learned. In Hegseth’s case, I have seen no indications that he is reevaluating his position regarding the service of women in the combat arms. Hegseth has positives, but he has far more negatives than positives, one of which is his archaic opinion regarding the service of women in the combat arms. I can change my mind, so can Hegseth. I am still waiting for him to do so. Regardless of Hegseth’s opinion about the service of women, the negatives exceed the positives, and I do not support Hegseth’s nomination for secretary of Defense (or any other governmental position at any level).

 

On Wednesday, 4.December.2024, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated outside an entrance to the New York Hilton Midtown in Manhattan, New York City. The attack appears to be a purposeful hit by a skilled person with light skin pigmentation. The attack was well thought out, which suggests the perpetrator surveilled Thompson for more than a few days and carefully organized his egress plan. He also used a pistol with a silencer attached to minimize the muzzle report and his chances of discovery. Without the actual weapon and based on the assault video, initial analysis suggests the weapon used in the attack was likely a Brügger & Thomet VP9 (9mm ‘Veterinary Pistol’), which is a manually repeating, magazine-fed, integrally suppressed pistol. Two ejected cartridges from the 9mm pistol at the scene were marked with the words ‘delay’ and ‘depose’ that appears to be reflection of the unofficial mantra of the insurance industry—Delay, Deny, Defend. The potential exists that some or many of the clues may be intentionally planted to mislead law enforcement investigators, but prime facie, the motivation for the attack may have been dissatisfaction with medical insurance coverage in some form. At the bottom line, the Thompson assassination was not an act of emotion or spontaneity; it was cold, calculated, and precisely executed.

 

The Assad regime in Syria collapsed on Sunday. Bashar al-Assad reportedly fled the country, presumably to the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) or to Moscow. Rebel forces have entered Damascus and begun assert control of the city and the nation. Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, Leader of Syrian HTS, seems to be the apparent leader for the new Syria. I watched and listened to one interview with al-Jolani after the fall of Damascus. He was calm, collected, and measured in his responses to the journalist’s questions. That said, he has had an affiliation with ISIL in the past, which may have been a relationship of convenience, i.e., against the al-Assad regime. He claims to have broken and abandoned that connection today. Al-Jolani said all the right things, e.g., re-establishing governmental services, returning peace to a nation that has been embroiled in civil war for more than a decade, and avoiding retribution or revenge. I imagine elements of the United States Government know a lot more about al-Jolani than is apparent in the Press. We can only hope this change will return Syria to a peaceful contributor among nations and especially distancing itself from the destructive influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRI). Time shall tell the tale.

 

Comments and contributions from Update no.1194:

“Cap good day to you from a wet, very wet U/K

“Thanks for the update-my word, I felt that it was one of the strongest updates from you. As a Brit I always feel out on a limb answering your words. Today I have read them with solitary agreement. I know your views on your ‘leaders’ and relish your words. Keep going Cap! Sorry that we cannot join you for a coffee or even something a little stronger!”

“Ps. Still reading your work.”

My reply:

I can only assure you that you are not out on a limb. Your opinions on issues, even uniquely American problems, are just as valid as the rest of us. I encourage everyone to engage and share their opinions. That encouragement applies to you as well, my friend.

I share your desire. Unfortunately, I am afraid my travel days may be approaching their conclusion. Tomorrow is always another day, but today is today.

I intend to keep writing as long as I am able. I still enjoy the process.

I hope you are enjoying my work. I certainly enjoyed penning the words.

 . . . follow-up comment:

“I did feel that your last update was a powerful piece of your views and I enjoyed their power. The best you’ve written for some time.

“We’re suffering a pretty violent winter and it’s only just commenced! Rain rain and more rain. Global warming? Who knows.

“Yes I always feel somewhat uncomfortable commenting on subjects that are nil or should be of nil concern of non-USA people.

“But you always welcome them especially when they mention someone whose ID I dare not mention! I must confess however I am most definitely not a fan.”

 . . . my follow-up reply:

And winter is just beginning. On the plus side, the rain keeps your great country green. I hope and trust you are able to keep dry what is intended to be dry.

I am sorry you feel uncomfortable, but I do understand. Sometimes uncomfortable is a good thing; it makes us think. Please rest assured that you are most welcome to be a free as the urge strikes in your comments to the Update forum. I seek open, candid, intellectual exchange.

I would prefer to never mention [the person who shall no longer be named] ever again, but alas a majority of We, the People, voted him back into office despite all his crimes, offenses, and transgressions. Such is life. I am afraid we have another four years of his nonsense and drivel to endure. We are getting a good preview with his nomination choices. It is a gross understatement to say that I am not a fan either. I never was . . . even long before he announced his candidacy in 2015. I have clearly seen his uncorrectable personal defects for a very long time. He has been a con-man since before he became an adult, and he is well into old-age now. As always, we will roll with the punches and strive to clean up the mess when he is done.

I will keep writing as long as I am able.

 

Comment to the Blog:

“I agree that Chump’s tariffs are misguided, especially starting with Canada and Mexico. For further history, see the Smoot-Hawley Act https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoot%E2%80%93Hawley_Tariff_Act, which aggravated the Great Depression that started under another Republican, Herbert Hoover.

“I’ve heard the English version of Deus Vult (God wills it) within the past few weeks used to justify the Gaza genocide. It doesn’t and won’t justify any homicidal or other evil behavior to me. Medieval attitudes linger on; I don’t support them. I’ll note that Israel has begun demolition in Gaza. The decision-makers seek to empty that territory of anything not of themselves.

“I have more serious issues with Chump’s nominees than their symbology. Sexual assault and personal corruption give this group a stench unmatched since the Third Reich. Like attracts like.

“The right’s obsession with others’ genitals disturbs me more than anyone’s genitals.

“Plenty of early colonists fled Europe to practice their own beliefs, not for general freedom of religion. The colonial history of Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania makes a good study of that, because the Quakers (Pennsylvania) supported general freedom of religion, whereas Maryland was a Catholic colony.

“Merriam-Webster gives us antonyms of ‘woke’: lulled, hypnotized, mesmerized.

“Biden justified his pardon of Hunter far better than Chump excused his pardon of Charles Kushner’s more serious offenses.”

My response to the Blog:

The Tariff Act of 1930 (AKA Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act) [PL 71-361; 46 Stat. 590] is illuminated quite appropriately. Yes, indeed, the Smoot-Hawley Act seriously aggravated the economic burdens on We, the People, during the early days of the Great Depression. We are not in a depression today, or even a recession, but Little Fingers proposed tariffs might well suppress the economy and induce a new recession or even depression. Little Fingers tariff brain-fart is a very bad idea.

As perhaps an interesting sidenote to the Smoot-Hawley Act is Title III, § 305 - Immoral Articles, which prohibited the importation of “obscene materials.” The Republicans of the day were just as much “moral projectionists” as the MAGAt Party today. It seems we never learn.

I agree completely. I noted the applicable symbology as an indicator rather than an issue. He can ink his body as he wishes. It is the combination of those symbols with the public statements on a variety of topics that become warning signs and problematic, thus my reference to the duck metaphor. I also agree with your sensing of the associated stench, but this is what we elected; it surely cannot be a surprise.

There is a very real, bona fide reason that genitalia are often referred to as “privates,” because they are—private. They have no place in public intercourse.

Again, you are quite right. For many early American colonists, freedom was for them, not for others. They were staunchly and often violently parochial, persecuting others not like them. We have striven since those pre-republic days to eradicate or banish such parochialism; we have a very long way to go in achieving the ideal.

“Woke” is a very bad term, but it is common usage today, especially among the MAGAts and right-wing social conservatives. I emphatically want to awaken American citizens to our history—good, bad, or ugly. We must learn from our mistakes.

As with other opinions above, I agree with your assessment of Chump’s pardons. But still, I think President Biden was wrong as an individual action. Taken in the greater context, I see the action in a far different light. The next administration is definitely shaping up to be a gaggle of criminals, and this is what We, the People, elected last month.

 . . . follow-up comment:

“The connotation of ‘woke’ depends on the hearer. It carries a connotation of caring for one's fellow man to me. My interest has always been in what the opponents of ‘woke’ think of themselves. Hence, the antonyms are ‘lulled,’ ‘hypnotized,’ and ‘mesmerized.’ Those fit the anti-woke people I've listened to.

“I see Biden as finally getting a backbone to take action against the MAGAs. Given the facts of the case, DOJ was pushed into serious overreach in Hunter's case. I hope he takes other constructive actions that use his ‘lame duck’ status and maybe Presidential immunity.”

 . . . my follow-up comment:

Quite so . . . especially for me. I know what I think it is, but I doubt my thoughts are all encompassing. I agree with you in “caring for one’s fellow man.” To me, it is also understanding and appreciating history—good, bad, or ugly. There are truly ugly spots in American history. Our citizens must know that history to lessen the potential of repeating those sordid episodes. I am not so sure that the antonyms describe the anti-woke crowd. The MAGAts and far right are quite vociferous in their opposition to “woke.” They do not want their children being taught about slavery, the abuse of Native Americans, the abandonment of the U.S. Constitution to forcefully confine American citizens without due process of law, et cetera ad infinitum ad nauseum. The MAGAts are quite active and aggressive in their opposition to what they describe as ‘woke’; they are hardly ‘lulled.’

As I described in the Update, the pivotal event in the whole pardon Hunter kerfuffle was the election of Little Fingers. I firmly believe that he would not have issued the pardon if Vice President Harris had been elected. I do agree that Hunter was prosecuted by overzealous attorneys who were under intense pressure from the MAGAts. Now, the MAGAts are in charge (or soon will be), and President Biden sought to terminate the MAGAt folly—enough is enough. But still . . .

 

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

Cheers,

Cap                  :-)