"Constitutional Vandalism"

What a great term? I just remembered it earlier today. My guess it came from a column by George Will, earlier in the year? I'm not certain. I think Will was focused on McCain-Feingold, that piece of obvious unconstitutionality--although, so far, not a view shared by the courts. But, and maybe this is what sparked my recollection, the Supremes heard arguments on a related case last week and there was an article that claimed at least three of the Justices were alarmed at the extent the feds were arguing abridgement of free speech.

Any abridgement of political speech is unconstitutional!

Amazing how silent the press is about this. I wonder if it would sit so quietly if the Congressional Constitution "vandals" moved a bit farther along on the 1st Amendment???? The silence is reminiscent of the feminists' dumbness (as in inability to speak, not intelligence!) with Bill Clinton.

The Constitution remains the law of the land. The US was founded as a nation of laws, not of men. If we stray from that, allowing the whim or whimsy of men to dictate, rather than following the principles of the Constitution, well, we're on the road to losing our liberties. After all, if men can change our principles....

And, yet, we remain silent. Even when some of us are labeled "Nazis," "extremists," "liars," in our protests, most of us remain silent. Remember Pastor Niemoeller, "First they (the Nazis) came after the Jews. But, I wasn't a Jew, so I said nothing. Then they came after the Commies. But, I wasn't a Commie, so I said nothing.... Then they came after me and there was no one left to say anything."

"Constitutional Vandalism!" What a great term!

Honors/Awards Redux

Replying to a comment:

Yes, a principal (or two!) was (were) a "state award" winner(s). One, in particular, deserves mention and proves my point. The guy won "state principal of the year" having been principal only a few months!!!! As one of my buddies said at this principal's predecessor's retirement festivities, "Hey, what were you doing for 15 years? You never won anything and this guy comes in and wins a state award after a couple of months?" There's more. One of the younger teachers had, as a required assignment, students write letters recommending their new principal for the award! Yep, all true.

I was at a school (which shall remain anonymous for now) on whose halls' walls were plaques with "teacher-of-the-year" names engraved. It was hiliarious in that each of the departments' teachers were winners in different years and, when they all received the award, it all just started again, with each of the depts' teachers winning again. I think it was on its 3rd circuit.

Footnote

You know, I don't make up all this stuff!

More Evidence

And some people want a government-run, er, "single-payer" health care system? Let's forget that Medicare and Medicaid are running unfunded deficits in the tens of trillions of dollars (and I'm sure M and M patients are happy, but what about those who will pay for all that?). Check out this article:

http://detroitnews.mi.ussrv15.newsmemory.com/demo.php?

So, a stay at home mom in the neighborhood watches a couple of other kids for an hour so they can catch the school bus, as a favor/convenience to the other moms is threatened by the state? She's not a "registered" day care watcher. A letter from the state threatens a fine and jail time!
Now, to be fair, a state legislator and the governor stepped in to try to help, but couldn't! The state agency claimed it was a "legal matter" and had to proceed. So, the gov and leg are moving to changing the law. Does anyone see something very wrong in this????

No need to recount my run-in with the IRS again. "Sir, that's not the way things work."

Government run amok!!!!

Superintendents' Pay

C'mon! The majority of school district superintendents in the county make more money than the governor???? And some people try to justify/rationalize that by saying silly things like "They are CEOs of organizations with hundreds and thousands of employees???????" Well, what about the governor? Can we add Cabinet heads in DC? How long can we make this list to shoot down that argument?

First, I don't blame the supers one bit for taking this money. Of course, if it is really "all about the kids," well, then.... But if a school board/district is going to offer and pay the money, I have no problem with a super taking it. He didn't steal it or give himself/herself the amount. But....

Let's get real serious. Does anyone really argue that the schools are better now than they were 10, 20, 30 years ago? (Now's not the time to argue why, just that they really aren't. The only ones who believe that are either in la-la land or have an agenda, e.g., can make money.) So, if people clamor(ed) against the corporate CEOs for what they are(were) earning, where is their concern here? And, I still maintain, most of them don't have real college degrees and, if we pay on the basis of advanced degrees, they certainly don't fit the bill. I would also suspect that most of them, like most administrators, were not particularly good teachers, but merely played the games required to become administrators and, ultimately, supers.

So, great for the supers and not so great for others. But, again, nobody cares. Hey, the Lions won! And DWTS is on again tonight! When does Am Idol start up?

"Moderate" Muslims

It's this stuff that has to stop if the West is to "respect and accept" Islam and "moderate" Muslims. (Of course, this dismisses the ding-a-lings who "respect and accept all people and all cultures.")

http://www.comcast.net/articles/news-general/20090928/AS.Malaysia.Caning.for.Beer/

It's one thing for the radical/extremist fringes like the Taliban, al-Qaida, etc. to do their deeds. It's quite another for "moderate" Muslims to sit by silently and let this kind of stuff happen. That is, unless they agree with it. Then, it's all a different story.

There is no evidence that I've seen that this woman was disorderly, which would also put this in a different light/setting.

There's a Muslim scholar in residence for a couple weeks at MCC. If I get the chance, I will ask her about this. I am curious (not, "yellow" or "blue") to discover what she has to say.

This is the 21st Century, not a thousand years ago. I maintain that it is the acceptance of the ideas of the Enlightenment by the West and not by other parts of the world that have allowed it to develop into the place that it has (freedoms, equality, etc.). Islam has not so accepted the Enlightenment ideas. That's why we still get the story that "virgins" await martyrs in paradise.
(Again, only the ding-a-lings would "respect and accept" such a thing/belief, right?)

I suppose this makes me intolerant or some other pejorative....but accepting such beliefs would make me "enlightened." Guess what I choose to be...?

Critics

One of my professors, Henry Steele Commager, the dean of US Historians when alive, wrote an essay (I have it filed somewhere) in which he postulated the most important, valuable members of a society are its critics. I know that flies in the face of many folks' "reasoning." After all, critics are "whiners," "bitchers," "complainers," "negative," etc. But, no, HSC noted the value in criticism.

Lincoln, when President, demonstrated the truth of this. HSC surely would have approved of Lincoln the Pres. Abe, in the tradition established by HSC, named not only the brightest, most powerful pols of his time to his Cabinet; he named his fiercest opponents and, at first, critics. Recognizing the political and practical value in this (keeping your enemies where they can be watched), A. Lincoln had other motives, too. No doubt, HSC would mention the fact that Lincoln was not insecure, that he had enough confidence in himself to face criticism, accepting or dismissing it as he saw it.

Lincoln saw the value in critics. One, he knew his critics might have worthwhile ideas, maybe better than his own (and he accepted suggestions/recommendations from these Cabinet members when he thought this). Two, he also knew that he'd have to sharpen his own thoughts and ideas (policies) knowing that these critics were out there. His ideas had to pass muster; they had to be well thought. Sloppy thinking invited legitimate criticism.

I think the HSC essay should be required reading for all those in positions of decision-making. (Of course, giving it to them doesn't insure they will read it or even pay attention to it. I have handed it out many times to people who, instead of being able to react with reasoned dialog and defense, merely call names--see above.) How is a society to improve, straighten out its problems, without criticism? Leaders who surround themselves with "bobbleheads" (I was going to write, "sycophants," but that sounds a bit snooty) do themselves no good and, I posit, display a great deal of insecurity. After all, can't these leaders argue their points with effectiveness? (In the case of the public schools, I think the answer is "no.")

OK, out to think about an award I can give myself....

Honors/Awards/Inductions

I think I'm going to start an award and, the first year, give it to myself. I can make up some platitudes (they don't need to be true!) about why I deserve this award. After all, isn't this what a lot of groups, schools, etc. do? Sure seems like it.

I noted this year's nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I had to stifle a loud guffaw. I'm obviously not a R n R aficionado, but some of the nominees seem to be bad jokes. The problem with doing this, that is, nominating those not worthy and then electing some of them, is that it takes away from those who really do deserve it. For instance, who can take the Nobel Peace Prize seriously after Yasir (That's My Baby) Arafat won it? Then, to compound the bad joke, Al Gore wins it. C'mon. Schools and teachers-of-the-year are in the same boat. When people who are mediocre, not even among the best three or four in a school's own dept, win state-wide awards, well, you see....

So, since quality, worth, etc., don't matter, I will invent an award to give myself this year. It will look good on my resume (if I had one). Next year, I'll give it to one of my buddies, then another the year after. Soon, with so many recipients, the award will have gained credibility and no one will bother to see if it is legitimate or, as so many are, a joke.

BTW, I just tried to sign in at a Web site. I have registered, but it asked me to update, even knowing my info. Then, when I tried to "update," I was told, "this e-mail address" is not registered. So, I tried to register and couldn't, you guessed it, because "this e-mail address" is already registered. I sent the Web master an e-mail to go take a flying leap. That's my mood today, after almost getting run down.

July/August in late September

Whew! Today is nasty out there (dumb drivers on cell phones included!). With the temps near 80 and the humididity (sic) in the 90% range, it's more like it was supposed to be a couple months ago.

Running today, I don't think there was a square inch of dry shirt on me. It was "schweaty!" Wringing it out was, as Ashley duly noted, "Gross!" The shirt was as wet as it's been all year. I was going to run a pretty tough workout, but opted (last night) for a tough, but shorter workout. I ran my usual home to Proud Lake Trails route (about 6.2 miles), then finished it up with an extra three hill repeats up and down Duck Lake Rd (1/2 mile up/ 1/2 mile down). Last week was my last tough one, with six repeats at the end of the Proud Lake Trails run. It was difficult, but today three was fine considering the heat/humididity. And, it was probably smarter, too, with the big race coming in 10 days. It's time to taper and isn't a whole lot I can do physiologically to get more prepared. But, I can get injured or more tired!

Buying the Farm

Yep, I almost bought the farm this AM, about half an hour ago. Some obviously cool guy (he was driving an SVU) pulled out of a sub, ignoring the stop sign, the school speed limit of 25, talking on a cell phone, and not checking to his left. Yep, a CELL PHONE! I yelled and he slammed on his brakes, stopping within a foot or so. I could touch his hood, with I should have pounded, but was too shaken. The little girl in the front seat with him screamed. The guy didn't even look alarmed, almost put out that I interrupted his illegal driving.

Dratted cell phones!

Not that anyone cares, except maybe Ashley and Cody. After all, my insurance policy is paid and my investments are in order....

Remember, there's a special place in hell for the man who invented cell phones. They are not only rude, but dangerous. If I can be ticketed for drunk driving because of the danger it poses, why not cell phones? And, rest assured, I really don't care when I am grocery shopping to hear about your private Jerry Springer life as you tell your "friend" all about it.

SVUs are another, thing, but more about that later. I'm still a bit shaken.

Hypocrites

Just a short note after getting Ashley on the bus....

I note Congress, at the urging of BO, has eliminated the $7500 scholarship for each DC student who wants to opt for a private, rather than a public, school. Hmmmm. The district is in a shambles. I'll bet there are metal detectors at the entrances to the schools. Fewer than 14% of the 4th graders are proficient at math and reading. Eighth graders drop to 12% in reading and 8% in math. The rankings are the worst, 51st, in the nation. Now, one might say a concerned parent might want to get his/her child out of this district/system or face the doom of failure.

Oh, the "hypocrites?" Getting children out of the DC district/system? 45% of all US Senators and 37% of all US Congressmen/women send their kids to private schools (and, I assume, not all Sens and Congs have children or children of school age). And, the President? Ah, he spends $56,000 a year to send each of his daughters to the prestigious Sidwell Friends School. So, let's see...the DC schools are not good enough for the "anointed," but are for the rest of the people. Is that it?

And, imagine the President saying on television that he "wasn't aware of all the money" that ACORN has received from the federal government. Yeah, right. He represented the group in a lawsuit a few years ago. It was one of his biggest supporters. It attracted a ton of attention and hundreds of millions of dollars when the "stimulus" package was passed. And our President didn't know? Why do we continue to believe this guy? Now, if he really "wasn't aware," that's a whole different matter--one that is equally unflattering. But does anyone really believe that? I suppose all this makes me a "racist," as posited by Jimmy Carter.

Please remember all this the next time election day rolls around. Don't vote for the incumbent or, perhaps, any of the toads nominated by the major parties. Make a statement that we really are sick and tired, disgusted, fed up, etc. with those who think they know better, deserve better, etc. than we do.

Books

I finished Scott Turow's novel Personal Heroes a couple weeks ago. I think it was his best. I am reading Carhart's reinterpretation of Gettysburg, with emphasis on what he thinks was Custer's (remember, Last Stand?) vital role. It, too, is good. I was disappointed with J Higgin's latest Sean Dillon novel. It had some decent parts, but too much didn't match up to his usual adventures. Why We Run by Bernd (not a misspelling) Heinrich is interesting and insightful, maybe even for nonrunners. He uses his knowledge and studies/experiments with animals (bees, birds, antelopes, cheetahs, etc.) to explain how and why we run, specifically, how he used what he learned from the animals to train for an ultrarace. To the Best of My Ability (ed. by J. McPherson, the Civil War expert) has 5-6 page profiles of the Presidents from George to Clinton. There are some good stories and anecdotes. A few of the assessments are interesting and even new, although I few seem strained and stilted based on the authors' political views. But these slants are pretty easy to pick out. The Dirty Dozen isn't the WW2 novel, but the story of 12 cases (and others) where the Supremes have abrogated the Constitution and, even, much previous case law/precedents. It's sort of scary that the SC can and does do this--where might this take us? Where might it stop?

I think it's time to find a new Lincoln book. When times get pretty doomful, Lincoln's story is always uplifting. His Presidency reminds me of the hope we must never lose. Remember, "He was born one of us, but became 'Abraham Lincoln.'"

Out to Gettysburg....

Random Thoughts of a Week

Has it really been a week since my last post? Where does time go/fly?

Great day today, although the weather folks told me it was "mostly cloudy" with "showers" all day. Still sure looks pretty clear and blue and sunny, even now! And they can tell me all about "global warming...."

I think the newspaper editors and/or editorial writers are getting weaker. Even though I rarely agree with the Free Press's editorials, I respect Ron Dzonkowski. I don't like his ideas, but he is reasoned and insightful. We just have different ideas and philosophies. The News has been slipping the past few months. And the Oak Press? I don't see much reason or intelligence in much that shows up there, not much at all. At least when H. Munro was there, the paper had some ideas worth considering. Now? Well, I read the editorials there every once in a while to see if they are as lousy as they have been.

Reading through the op-ed pieces the past week.... I was surprised to see one Dem shill write how brilliant BO's talk to Congress was. Hmmmm. This guy must have some pretty low standards. Another, well, even worse than a shill, was trying to defend the Von...., the eco-czar who resigned last weekend. The writer admitted Von admitted to being "a communist," to signing a petition that Sep 11 was a conspiracy of the US gov't, etc. But these were "minor miscues, mistakes" (I forgot the word he used). Right. I suppose ACORN's CEO keeping quiet over the scandals of his group were just little things, too.

And how about that NH judge who ordered a mother to send her kid to public school rather than home school, because of the mother's "extreme religious" beliefs? He wants this kids to learn about the rest of the world, you know, the "good guys" like the Islamists, Taliban, Hugo Chavez, the commies, etc. Who is this guy? Where are those New Hamsters who supposedly display their license plates, "Live Free or Die, with pride? They ought to "just say no!" Tell that judge what A. Jackson said in 1830, "Judge Marshall has made his decision. Now let's see him enforce it." (Not that I agree with AJ on this one, just the sentiment of overreaching elitist judges.) Yep, the good folks of NH should take this opportunity to retake control of their state--or stop lying on their license plates. Here we have again, the arrogant "anointed" doing what they know is best for us. Of course, they know what is better for us than we do. (Hey, then how did we get in this mess? Must be the greedy businessmen; yep, that's it.) Most of all, what this mother does with her kid, outside of abuse, is none of this judge's business.

We are certainly living in "a world turned upside down."

There Are Reasons....

One reason I don't watch much sports on television....

I happened to be watching the U of M/ND game yesterday, just a bit in the second half. The announcers were saying how much the ND receivers were dominating the U of M defensive backs (and today's paper confirmed that, 360+ yards). Yet, there was a late break-up of a pass and the U of M dbs were huffin' and puffin' like they had just won the Super Bowl (or whatever the college championship is called). Perhaps if these guys spent as much time, energy, and effort covering who is supposed to be covered, there wouldn't be enough energy, etc. left for fake huffin' and puffin'.

And, of course, this is de rigeur, the normal state of affairs. So, a defense gives up more than 500 yards to the opponent, in a single game, mind you, and struts all over the place.

Then, today, during the Lions' game (And why am I watching them??? I don't know, except I really wasn't watching, singing and playing musical instruments with Ashley and, soon, grading papers), some guys scores a touchdown, in the first game of the year!, and he starts some gyrating in the end zone. It's the first game of the year!!!!

Yep, they can do all this stuff. It's not illegal. But I don't have to watch or pay much attention. Others can, but I don't have to--until Congress passes a law fining me if I don't watch.

"Everybody Goes to College!"

I was reminded of this inanity from Gov Jennie.

A study just came out that even in the very top public school districts, where 90% and more go to colleges and the state test scores are the best, fewer than half of the students are "college ready." Now, I don't think the article defined "college ready," but I assume it means the ability to read, write, do math, and think critically and creatively. It indicated the very high percentages of students who must take remedial classes in college, that is, retake high school courses, except having to pay for them this time. Now, really, is this a surprise? It can't be, but "Everybody goes to college!"

First, if this is so, imagine how watered down the curricula must be. And, if an educated workforce is more and more important, yet the learning is lessened and lessened, well, figure it out. Can colleges afford to fail students unprepared to do college work? Of course not, so what happens. The "college-level work" isn't "college-level work." The grades are inflated, despite easier work. So, college grads are really the high school grads of 30-40 years ago.

Was it Thomas Sowell who said something like that 10 years ago?

Second, with so few actually able to do college work, no wonder there are "colleges" (and I'm using the term loosely) who claim to get students their degrees in one or two years. Now that must be some demanding curricula!

Third, who says high school students have to graduate and be "college ready." Well, the article assumes the state dept of edu is correct in saying 85 or 90% of future Michigan jobs will require post-secondary study. Bah. First, not all "post-secondary" study means college. Second, BAH! Think about it. Does the carpenter have to be college-educated? Does the guy who dry cleans your clothes need a degree? How about your plumber, the guy who fixes your dryer or lays your cement driveway? The list seems endless. (Now, I think I can make a case for college-education and better citizens and lives, but that's different....) Like my math friends say, "If you begin with a false premise, you can prove anything."

For that matter, why do all high school students need to graduate knowing "Algebra II?" Of course, I believe in math and its value, the math itself, the logic, the problem solving, etc. But all those can be taken care of in lower level math courses. "Algebra II?" I don't think so, Tim.

Now this isn't at all an apology for making school easier. Quite the contrary, I believe high school is far too easy. I have college students coming to ask me for "extra credit!" "Extra credit" in college????? I know other instructors give it. I know counselors also ask if there is "extra credit." "Extra credit" in college????!!!! But where do student become wedded to the notion of "extra credit?" Yes, that's right. High school is far too easy. Match up the abysmal test scores (although I'm not a fan of tests) with the inflated GPAs. See. Part of the problem, that far too few people recognize, is the teachers and administrators. Most of them have never been through any sort of rigorous, demanding quality education. They have degrees in "education," "math education," not math, etc. The teachers graduating have the lowest GPAs outside of their ed classes in the colleges. Years ago, when I was going over applicants' records to fill a history position at the hs, I was appalled at the number of Ds and Cs, and how very few As, these prospective "teachers" had on their records. I was reminded of this several times over the past year or so, when people noted, "Well, he's not the best student and isn't very motivated, so I suggested he be a teacher." Great, just great! And who gets to be the administrators, those who hire the new generations of teachers? Often, it's the weakest (I never use that term, but thought I'd toss it in here for old times sake--some people will know what I mean, if anyone, if they read this) teachers who become the principals, assistants, etc. So, the beat goes on....

"Everybody Goes to College!"

Preexisting Conditions?

I just saw this note, one that seems to make sense.

If health insurance companies are required to accept those with "preexisting conditions," who would buy health insurance? Wouldn't people just wait until they were hit with something, then go buy insurance (which by law would have to be sold to them)? They'd save all that money over the years, while there wouldn't be any more insurance companies since they'd go out of business.

Hmmmm....

Sept 11

It's another anniversary of the terrorist attacks. (I still don't care for calling it "9/11." It seems, to me, to trivialize the tragedy. Maybe not? I choose to call it "Sept 11.")

As much as anything, I remember the public celebrations and rejoicing in Muslim cities when word got out. That still rankles me. What irks me even more is the lack of a concerted, loud voice condemning the terrorist attacks, before, then, and since. After all, the terrorists are committing their acts under the umbrella of Islam.

So, until I hear Muslims--and lots of them; not an odd one here and there--condemning these actions committed in the name of their religion, excuse me if I snort at "the religion of peace." I'd also like to know how they justify claiming their terrorists who die in these "jihads" are rewarded, get that rewarded, by going immediately to paradise and having however many virgins!!!!! Where are the women's groups? Oh, I know--the same place they were when Billy Clinton was President--raping and exploiting women, but receiving the free pass as the "women's President." Yep, he was certainly that. C'mon--this is the 21st Century. The rest of the world sits on its collective thumbs spinning whie a religion rewards murderers with "virgins in paradise." Oh, yeah, "the religion of peace...."

Why is the US the "bad guy?" OK, I understand the history, but where is the equal outrage--OK, I'll be bold--the revolt against, say, the Saudi royal family? Shall we bring up the support the Taliban have?

So, let's continue to stress these diversity courses and curricula throughout the land--you know, the ones that teach our kids that all people and all cultures are deserving of acceptance and respect. You know, like the Nazis.... Oh, I'm sorry--the neo-Nazis are those who speak up against what the US government is doing.

Sept 11 has taught us nothing. We deserve what we get.

Civility and Tolerance

OK, Congressman Wilson was disrespectful and, likely, a bit stupid. He gave the Dems a foot up on another way to distract from the real issues. He shouldn't have yelled out "...lying." The office, if not the man, deserves respect.

But, again, we have lost focus. BO was being, at the least, evasive and disingenuous. Much of the health care bill is vague, the details to be worked out once a "health commissioner" is appointed by the Pres. This new "czar" (and a great word to use in light of its history and our American values, isn't it?) will then set policy concerning what and who are covered, what costs are acceptable, etc. People will be fined for not having health insurance. It's done in Massachusetts right now, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars a year. People shouldn't be fined for choices that they make. (Perhaps we could fine Congressmen, Senators, and other elected officials who have no brains????)

So, there is an uproar over Wilson, but....

Where were the outrage, uproar, calls for censure, etc. when similar things were said about Bush? (And, remember, I am not at all a fan of W--he was a lousy President!) Ah, selective "outrage, uproar...." I get it. And where is the discussion over the lies, er, disinformation and deception BO had in his speech? Oh, lying, er, deceiving the US citizenry isn't as important as propriety and civility. I get it.

It reminds me of a prim and proper counselor I worked with for years and years. No matter how stupid, how dishonest, how incompetent administration was (and it was a lot of each!), there was no place, according to this guy, for criticism (of course, except behind people's backs). For instance, in a meeting with a recalcitrant student, his parents and teachers, the counselor, and the good-for-nothing assistant principal, she said, "I know this is the sixth contract you've been on, but this time I really mean it!" I guffawed, just roared, laughing in the ass't prin's face--consider what I just wrote. And this wasn't acceptable to this guy, who actually kicked me or my chair (I forgot which), until I gave him an evil eye to back off or else....

So, let's be nice to each other, even when the stakes are high and the means/methods are dishonest.

Let's Get Out the Word!

Finally, other than Thomas Sowell, I heard someone in the media say "They think they are smarter than we are." Hooray!!!! I believe it was Lou Dobbs. These are our members of Congress, who, along with other government officials, are who Sowell calls "the anointed." I think he should call them "the self-anointed."

And another great thing: The Baucus bill, the so-called "compromise bill" coming out of the Senate, contains provisions to fine those without health insurance--to the tune of $3800 a year! They can't do that! Well, they can as long as our priorities remain American Idol, NFL football, etc.

Let's throw letters at our elected officials and tell them "Stop! Don't just do something; stand there!" Let's not make this like 33 years of public education, where one guy says what most are thinking, but in the face of administrators, most sit quietly nodding their heads like bobbleheads.

I hear Ashley's bus...gotta run!

U of M

Why I care about this, I don't know. But I do, a little, a very little.

The U of M football "scandal," about too much time being required of its football players.... Of course, I believe the coaching staff broke the rules. There are far too many players who said so, with specific evidence. The head coach has hardly been a rock of integrity in other mattes, has he? I think what bothers me, though, are these things.

First, the lame excuse that "everybody does it," that is, "cheats" or "breaks the rules" is far too common. That's not a defense. Why don't we all run red lights?

Second, the big win over the MAC powerhouse, WMU, glosses over the alleged infractions, doesn't it? The U of M faithful will overlook anything if they can get a winner again, right? That's a pretty impressive stance.

Third, this is at the school which was supposed above all this, could win without cheating (let's overlook basketball for now). It is "the Harvard of the West," the coach's and players' use of "ain't," double negatives, etc. notwithstanding. Amid the arrogant, "holier-than-thou" attitudes of the U of M fans/alumni, this just plain stinks.

Fourth, for those arrogant, "holier-than-thou" alums, where is the outrage at all this? Oh, I forgot--see #2.

Fifth, the U of M athletic director was astounded that so many other schools supported the coach and U of M. Well, of course they did! They "cheat" and "break the rules," too. They could be next!

I think my favorite part of all this was the two football broadcasters on the tube yesterday. (Yes, I watched a part of the game.) They were talking about this, giving all the malarkey I noted above and more. Then one of them mention something like, "We have to remember these are 'student-athletes.'" He had trouble, I think, spitting out the words (for obvious reasons). And then the camera went to the booth and the shot was perfect. Right at the metion of "student-athletes," they both had these shit-eatin' grins on their faces. It was just perfect.

That's all....

Improvement

I see the majority of schools in the Metro region "improved" on their national scores/rankings or whatever they are called. The headlines say so!

But, two things. One, reading the article, one discovers the requirements for passing grades "have been relaxed." OK, let's make a marathon only 10 miles instead of 26.2 and see how many can improve their times or finish a "marathon." Two, with all of the emphasis, not on learning, but test-taking, this can't be a surprise. My guess is scores might improve, but knowledge and scholarship haven't.

I see some Detroiters don't (many do, though) want Mayor Bing to take over the schools. "Don't politicize our schools and children" said one. Well, it's too late. We have let the politicians and those educators who aren't smart enough or courageous enough or have enough integrity run the show. Education--and our children and nation--suffer.

Great Day!

But, aren't they all?!?!

Last night's class flew by for me. But, Karen chimed in, "Did the students feel the same way?" Nobody looked dazed, quite a few staying after for comments. There were no mad dashes for the door when I dismissed. As usual, I ran out of time....

Today, tough, tough workouts. I did four Duck Lake Hills! Whew! I did my normal Fri Run, hitting the hills after about 5 miles of running. I am trying to simulate the Brooksie, which has the nastiest of hills appearing after the halfway point. I was surprised at how fast and consistent I was in running them (remembering "fast" is a relative term!). Then, I lifted in the garage before heading out on the bike. What a gorgeous day! It's just beautiful out there. So, I biked almost 12 miles. I'm very tired, wiped out right now, but it's a good tired feeling. I'll be a bit sore and tired tomorrow, too, I'll bet.

The kids are here now, eating lunch (well, the Codester is Napping). If there is time before they are picked up, we'll also head outside for a walk or bike ride or just romping in the backyard.

I'm reading a book on the Presidents (some entries are a bit off the mark, but mostly it's been insightful and well-written). I'll read it out back on the deck if time.

Life is good!!!! Let's stay on top of things so it can be equally good for our children and grandchildren.

Grocery Shopping

Yesterday at Meijers, the checkout counter, the talk was, well, quite "extreme." And, no one was wearing a swastika, nobody was "dressed too well," etc. I seriously doubt any of them had been sent there by some troublemaking group to complain at the checkout.

I don't know how it started, but when I got there, people were ripping all over "cap and tax." From the cashier to the woman pensioner to me and everyone in between, the talk was very negative toward what government is doing. "If they pass this, it's out for them next election," one of the Nazis, er, extremists said. "They are ruining it for us," added another. "They just spend, spend, spend." Nobody looked uncomfortable with the talk. Nobody spoke up in opposition. In fact, there were nods all around and most people chimed in with their own criticism of recent actions by our out-of-touch government.

So, the radicals have invaded Meijers now, I guess. I think maybe I'll forward this along to my two US Senators, too.

IRS

For whatever reason, I was thinking about my troubles with the IRS last year. To remind, I paid all of my taxes and on time, by April 15. There was never any question of that. The problem was I owed more than $1000 (which, remember I paid in ful and on time). But the IRS wanted my money early, paying quarterly on "estimated" taxes. And, of course, the IRS imposed a penalty and additional interest. Several things...

One, this year, after paying quarterly, I received almost $3000 in refund. First, why didn't the IRS have to pay me quarterly? Let's see: I have to give them my money early and can't use it, say to keep in the bank and make interest before paying. The IRS gets to keep my money and I can't use it, say to keep in the bank and make interest. Second, with the refund, why do I have to continue to make quarterly payments? Third, I just wonder if Charlie Rangel and Tim Geitner had to pay fines and penalty interest? After all, I never cheated on my taxes; I always paid in full. They "forgot" (yeah, right, "forgot," when they make the tax laws and code!) to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Just what were their penalties? Government jobs and no scrutiny by the media, I guess.

For fun, maybe I'll send this to my two US Senators, Levin and Stabenow, who were of no help to me (they, each, suggested I go to the IRS Web site!). I wonder why they still voted to confirm Geitner and why they haven't spoken out against Rangel, head of the Ways and Means Committee in the House. I know they, all four, are Democrats, but what's right isn't always convenient, but it's always right. Phil Hart is, once again, turning over in his grave. I wonder if they ever think about Phil Hart....

And, I'll bet, Washington, Jefferson, Madison, et al are also spinning....

Getting What We Deserve

You know, I think, for the most part, we get what we deserve. I think, though, our children and grandchildren are going to get what we really deserve, through our incompetence, apathy, negligence, ignorance.

Consider what Mayor Dave Bing wrote the other day. Tons of people have flooded his office with calls about cutting bus schedules 10%. Buses will still run, every day of the week, all day long--just not as many of them. Yet, the phones at city hall have been ringing off the hook. And, I suppose, rightfully so. But, Hizzoner also noted, the police still wait by unringing phones for tips about crimes throughout the city. On that, crime, people are silent. That, as much as anything, is the problem with Detroit, yet people sit on their thumbs and spin rather than report anything.

A survey done a couple weeks ago showed that almost 40% of Detroit voters would again vote for Kwame and Monica. I have no doubts that Bill Clinton would have been elected again had he not been term-limited (and the stuff that was allowed to proliferate while he was asleep or otherwise engaged continues to amaze me--yet, ask most people, "He was a good President," one who would be re-elected in a heartbeat). Gov Jennie? What did she do to earn another term as gov? Nothing or worse. Yet, she was re-elected in a landslide. How? Now, granted, the the other parties also threw garbage for candidates at us, but.....

I still laugh at people who say "Detroiters get what they deserve." So do we.

Fright

The scariest part of all this government crap is that it's government crap.

What are our Senators doing messing with the economy? Do you really think Stabenow, Levin, Reid, et al really know anything at all about economics, running a business, keeping to a budget (ha ha, a little joke--all they know is if you run out of money, make some more)? What is the President doing meddling in health care? What has BO ever done with medicine? He and his family have been coddled, with the best of everything, although there's no real proof he's earned the "best...." What does the House of Reps know about banking, the auto industry, etc.? Nothing. The Congressmen don't even know about government, the Constitution of the United States. Think they do? Well, read it, specifically, Article I, Section 2, Clauses 1-17 and then tell me they know about government. Should we go into Gov Jennie's new tax plans????

Health Care--redux

This stuff is scarier and scarier. Apparently a new "study" has come out, finding that prostate testing is overdone. That, for every 50 men tested, only two test positive for prostate cancer isn't enough to justify tests for the other 48. Huh? Nope, the anxiety for the other 48 is just too much.

Ordinarily we could just laugh this off as another quack study, like pasta being bad for you. But with the health care plan.... Hmmm. Is this just a prelude to other "studies?" See, the gov't could, under its health care plan being proposed, merely say, "Ah, PSAs aren't worthwhile. We won't pay for them anymore." Does anyone see anything wrong with this? What about the two? How about the 48 who didn't know they didn't have prostate cancer? And what about other scenarios? What if one is older than 70? Is he too old to have a test that some study said wasn't worthwhile anyway?

Remember all these so-called studies. Doesn't it seem people can find some test somewhere to support their theses? Recall the British study (ha ha) that found US educational studies were usually flawed, predetermining outcomes to back the latest hogwash.

And remember about tests, medical tests. The schools think tests, more tests, and even more tests are great. Education? Bah, who cares about it. It's the test that matters! Schools aren't educating kids; they are teaching them to take tests. And, it's the schools' faults for doing such a lousy job over the past 30 years the public has demanded tests to try to show there is some learning going on. Had schools not become repositories for everything except real education, all these tests wouldn't be necessary.

Music?

What constitutes "music?" The dictionary, no doubt, defines it as combining words or sounds with harmonies, etc. OK, but what is it?

I was thinking about this the other day, listening to some just terrible sounds coming out of a kid's radio. Was that music? I don't think anyone can make the case it was at all "harmonic," "melodious," or anything remotely close to either. What about gangsta rap? Words are just said with some sort of instrumental play in the background. Hmmmm.

And was what the Rolling Stones or Bob Dylan did "music?" I heard the Stones today, "Angie" I believe. Jagger was terrible if not worse! I turned it right off. Now, I like the Stones' instrumental play, but Jagger is rotten. And Dylan????

And, I was on hold interminably today waiting for a real person to talk to (yes, I pressed "3") and the background was some piano stuff (a concerto?). And, to be honest, it sure didn't sound very melodious or harmonic to me either.

Can anything be defined as music? If so, does that degrade what might be real music? Of course, "music" to whom?

What a silly thing to think and write about....

Fugues

Everyone has heard of "deja vu." Well, a "fugue" is something similar, sort of a temporary flight from the hear and now to a time past. Sometimes there are catalysts that spark the fugue; other times they just happen. I did a column on them a few years ago, speaking to a psychologists about them.

I've had quite a few of them lately. Why? I don't know. Some followed things I saw or heard. There's a television commercial with the background music Super Freak. I suddenly found myself around my brother's dry bar, a couple years ago, at a party, singing Super Freak with a half dozen other folks. Hmmm. And, driving the other day, I was traveling on the Mass Pike, Interstate 90, near Lenox and Stockbridge (remember the James Taylor song?). No, I was really about two miles from home, but I thought I was in Mass. And Singapore slings and sloe gin fizzes? Who knows?

But, they are cool.