Author's archive
Silence Is Complicity 0
Dan Simpson is not amused with the United States’s passivity regarding the Khashoggi case and the Trump “administration’s” seeming wish that it all would just go away. Here’s a snippet from his column:
It used to be that the reliance of the world, including the United States, on Saudi oil served to give the kingdom a pass on humane behavior. In the case of the United States, there was also heavy U.S. oil company involvement in Saudi oil production. In the case of the United States, there was also heavy U.S. oil company involvement in Saudi oil production. U.S. arms sales to Saudi Arabia also became increasingly important to America over the years. . . .
Stray Question 0
When was the law requiring supermarkets to keep all produce dripping wet at all times passed?
“Us” and “Them” 0
Nigel Barber looks at the dynamic of tribalism. Here’s a bit:
Read it. It will help you understand our collective descent into the maelstrom.
(Missing link found.)
The Invisible Protective Shield 0
Elie Mystal explains the Kavanaugh Doctrine and how it differs from the legal concept of “presumption of innocence.” An excerpt:
Big Bucks in Bigotry 0
In the Des Moines Registry, Todd Blodgett, who used to monitor hate groups for the FBI, explains that not only does hate sell, it pays, and pays big. A snippet:
Gilding the Polity, Reprise 0
Shorter Mitch McConnell: Pity the 1%.
Screen Germs 0
Mike Brooks explore the supernormal hold that keeps so many persons glued to their Androids and iJunk.
(Botched link fixed.)
“Those Who Forget Deny History . . . .”
0
Joe Patrice discusses originalist sin.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
The hunt for politeness drags on.
(snip)
He (the shooter–ed.) said they were together when Christensen shot a bull elk. The pair separated to go look for the elk, however the older male saw another elk and shot at it, but hit his partner in the thickly wooded area.
Both men were wearing camouflage hunting gear at the time.
PSA: Who Are the Virginia Beach Candidates? 0
The coverage of local Virginia Beach races (mayor, city council, and school board) is really pretty bad to the point of being almost nonexistent, as the House and Senate campaigns are soaking up all the headlines. I am disappointed, but I cannot fault the Pilot; like most newspapers, it’s already struggling.
As for broadcast media, someone once said, “If it bleeds, it leads” (the weather corollary is, “if it hails, it prevails”). I have seen no evidence to dispute that statement.
Thanks to Caroline Rye (see the sidebar, over there —–>), I have learned of two places where you can learn more about those races: the WAVY website, which has a “Candidates” section, and the VOTE411 Project of the League of Women Voters (at the VOTE411 site, you will need to enter your address to see local races).
Remember that, even though some Virginia Beach races are “district races,” every Virginia Beach voter can vote for every city council and school board candidate, both “at large” and “district,” for reasons that go back to the formation of Virginia Beach in the merger of the Town of Virginia Beach and Princess Anne County.