2016 archive
The Party of Nixon 0
At The Nation, Gary Younge points out that Donald Trump, despite the protestations or the Republican “establishment” (whatever that is) is the heir to half a century of racist Republican tactics since Richard Nixon started the “Southern strategy.” A snippet:
Trump’s rallies are also unburdened by either actual policies or tangible facts. He just says stuff—whatever comes into his head, it seems—and people cheer or laugh, but rarely call him on it. Whether it’s true or consistent really doesn’t matter.
Read it, then read the Rude One’s rude take on Trumpery.
“Do Do That Voodoo That You Do So Well” 0
Paul Krugman points out that the Republicans are not the only party capable of falling under the spell of voodoo economics.
He believes that some Sanders supporters are sprinkling fairy dust on the figures. Note that the figures in question did not originate from the Sanders campaign, but the campaign is not contesting them.
As economic policy is the linchpin of Sanders’s quest, I commend this article as an important read.
Afterthought:
In case you wondered, no, I’m not feeling the Bern.
I respect Sanders and agree with many of his positions, but my gut tells me that he is Nader v. 2016.
Do I find Hillary Clinton likable? Not particularly, but I never expect to sit across a bridge table from her. Likability is not a criteria for president. Competence is.
Think how many persons voted for President George the Worst because they thought they would like to have a beer with him . . . .
I also must ask myself how many of my questions about Hillary are the result of the two-and-a-half-decade-long Republican vendetta against the Clintons and how many are founded in reality. I think that the vendetta outweighs reality in this case.
Come the Virginia primary next week, for what it’s worth, which is not much, I shall vote Clinton. Her reconciliation with President Obama after the 2008 election and her conduct as Secretary of State shows me that she is capable and competent.
Do I think Bernie is qualified? Yes. Do I think he is capable? Yes. Do I think he is electable? No. His samba has only one note and the electorate wants more, a quartet at least, if not a concerto or even a symphony.
Goodell for What Ails You
0
MarketWatch marvels at NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s $34.1 million compensation in 2014 (the most recent information available) and wonders whether the NFL is getting their money’s worth*:
In fact, of the 21 stadiums built throughout the league since 1997, team owners and the NFL itself have dedicated more than $180.5 million to just nine of them. Even among those stadiums, only five had the majority of their costs covered by the league and owners’ outlays.
At points in 2014, it was questionable which was the better investment: an inanimate object that works for the NFL less than 14 days out of the year or Roger Goodell.
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*I say that the short answer is “No.” The long answer is “Hell, no.” Follow the link for MarketWatch’s opinion.
Indeed, I doubt any one, even the most magickal mythical mystical CEO, contributes worth to an enterprise that deserves compensation at an hourly rate of $16,000+.
“The Smart One” (Updated) 0
Jeb Lund is–er–less than devastated about the end of the Jeb! campaign, even as he tries to analyze the flailure.
Addendum, Later that Same Day:
PoliticalProf has a curious wondown rundown.
“An Armed Society Is a Polite Society” 0
Practice politeness.
The sheriff’s office described the temporary range as east to west with targets west of the shooter.
“Father and son were alternating positions; one would shoot and the other would be downrange as a spotter.
When Glenn Shurtz was shooting, the release states, Jame Shurtz was in position downrange acting as a spotter.
“James was struck by a single round from a .30 caliber rifle,” the release states.
James Shurtz was shot in the chest.
The Wormhole in the Apple 0
For those of us trying to understand the who-shot-john between the FBI and Apple over iJunk encryption, this article from the EFF is worth a read.
Boozin’ and Cruisin’ 0
Minnesota man gives new meaning to “open carry.”