June, 2018 archive
The Real of the Deal, Reprise 0
Nickolas Kristoff explains how Kim Jong-Un plated Donald Trump like a drum. A snippet:
In exchange for these concessions, Trump seems to have won astonishingly little. In a joint statement, Kim merely “reaffirmed” the same commitment to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula that North Korea has repeatedly made since 1992.
“Thoughts and Prayers Won’t Stop a Speeding Bullet” 0
Freedom of Screech 0
In the wake of the comeuppance of Roseanne Barr, Above the Law’s Evan Gibbs and Alex Lilly offer a detailed look at “freedom of speech” as a Constitutional civil liberty vs. freedom of speech in the workplace. They point out that, whereas “Congress shall make no law . . .,” employers are generally free to regulate employees’ behavior on the job and on the property, though there may be a trend to loosen employer’s rights.
In the light of all the garbage spewn about freedom of speech, what it is, who has it, and where it can be practiced, the article is a worthwhile read.
Bullshit in a China Shop 0
Paul Krugman tries to figure out what happened at the G-7 Summit. He is not sanguine.
A snippet (emphasis added):
He didn’t put America first. Russia first would be a better description. And he didn’t demand drastic policy changes from our allies; he demanded that they stop doing bad things they aren’t doing. This wasn’t a tough stance on behalf of American interests, it was a declaration of ignorance and policy insanity.
Northern Exposure 0
Afterthought:
Stupid and malicious is as dangerous as smart and malicious.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Another responsible gun owner demonstrates responsibility in the way that only responsible gun owners can.
Fisher County Sheriff Allan Arnwine said that the shooter had just killed a non-poisonous snake and when the man reloaded his gun, he accidentally shot Keegan.
Recommended Reading 0
The Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee (Dee Goong An), as translated by Robert van Gulik.
The Chinese invented the mystery story fully two centuries before westerners did; this is van Gulik’s translation of a Chinese mystery story. Van Gulik went on to write a series of Judge Dee mysteries based on the characters in Dee Goong An which does indeed absolutely rock.
I first encountered van Gulik’s novels in a little bookstore on 33rd Street across from Madison Square Garden (which, ironically, is round) when I was on a long-term assignment in New York City many years ago.
I’ve read them all. Now I’m reading them again. They are better the second time around.
Republican Family Values, One More Time 0
Mike considers Donald Trump’s only significant accomplishment and how today’s events were presaged by a movie 50 years ago. (Warning: Language)
Drinking Liberally Virginia Beach Thursday 0
When fellowship is needed, join us . . . .
When: Thursday, June 14, 6 p.
Where:
Croc’s 19 Street Bistro
620 19th Street (Map)
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