My latest post from Carolina Politics Online can be read here.
As the title implies, it's pretty much about why former Governor of Mississippi, Haley Barbour, is a fat coward. He's not really that fat, I just felt like throwing an additional invective in for effect, but he is definitely a coward of the highest order.
Tuesday, January 17
Saturday, January 14
New Logic
I've begun a new writing endeavor this month over at Carolina Politics Online. I am going to at least produce some new written material every Monday morning for CPO and hopefully blog some throughout the week as well. Let's face it, The Logic Connection hasn't produced anything close to a steady flow of new material in a long while. I'm hoping a new blog with a bigger audience will provide new motivation for me to keep pushing back against the frontiers of ignorace. I'll still be linking to my CPO articles here, but for the foreseeable future keep checking CPO to find new logic by yours truly.
Here is the link to last week's Monday Logic. It was an attempt to try and explain the feelings of so many I come across who are dissatisfied with Romney but aren't particularly enamored with the other Not-Romney candidates. I fear that if Romney receives the GOP nomination he'll simply repeat McCain's mistake from '08 and not fight hard enough against Obama to convince voters that we need a new president. Despite his many flaws, Gingrich would at least do his best to provide a clear contrast of visions at every opportunity throughout a campaign against Barack Obama, especially during the debates.
I will say this for Mitt, his New Hampshire victory speech last week was one of the best I've heard him deliver. He read off a teleprompter, but he was passionate, attacked Obama directly, and clearly laid out his vision for the country. The one cringeworthy line came when he claimed that his administration would rebuild our military and make it so strong that no one in the world would think about challenging America. My question, who is threatening to attack America right now? I just feel like that type of militarism isn't what his campaign needs to attract some of the so-called moderates. Most people I know are a little war weary at this point.
Here is the link to last week's Monday Logic. It was an attempt to try and explain the feelings of so many I come across who are dissatisfied with Romney but aren't particularly enamored with the other Not-Romney candidates. I fear that if Romney receives the GOP nomination he'll simply repeat McCain's mistake from '08 and not fight hard enough against Obama to convince voters that we need a new president. Despite his many flaws, Gingrich would at least do his best to provide a clear contrast of visions at every opportunity throughout a campaign against Barack Obama, especially during the debates.
I will say this for Mitt, his New Hampshire victory speech last week was one of the best I've heard him deliver. He read off a teleprompter, but he was passionate, attacked Obama directly, and clearly laid out his vision for the country. The one cringeworthy line came when he claimed that his administration would rebuild our military and make it so strong that no one in the world would think about challenging America. My question, who is threatening to attack America right now? I just feel like that type of militarism isn't what his campaign needs to attract some of the so-called moderates. Most people I know are a little war weary at this point.
Sunday, December 25
It's Christmas
Merry Christmas to the entire Logic Connection audience!
I'm still waiting to see what all Santa left me this morning so I decided to be productive and pen a quick post before rushing down the stairs and diving into my pile of presents! (Ok, well I got too excited and had to rush down to open my presents before completing this post so it's now the day after Christmas but whatever)
I don't have much on the agenda for today's post, but there are three things I felt like discussing: personal information and retail transactions, ignorant people who refuse to acknowledge their ignorance, and the death of Christopher Hitchens.
- Seriously, is there a retail transaction these days that transpires without a sales associate requesting your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, rank and file, social security number, zodiac sign, favorite color, and your mother's maiden name?? I've learned to simply state I do no wish to provide any personal information and the sales associate generally moves along without any remonstration. But, the other day, I made a small purchase at a used book store and it was the first time I was met with actual resistance to my refusal to provide any personal information to the point I thought the sales associate was going to decline to sell me her wares. She was simply dumbfounded as to why I wouldn't want to provide personal information that would then be used an untold number of times for advertising data resulting in an untold amount of email solicitation for products even Ron Popeil would be embarrassed to peddle. Oh I know, the book store probably has a strict privacy policy giving my personal information more protection than the Hope Diamond, except for those few exceptions where I give them permission to share my information with third parties for a small fee.
I was finally allowed to leave the store with my books after the sales associate was instructed by another employee to complete the sale without collecting my personal information. I think in the future I am going to begin requesting a copy of the store's privacy policy when I am asked for personal information. If an actual policy is presented, I think I'll take some time to read it over, all while annoying the other customers, and then bolt from the store leaving nothing but confusion in my wake.
But am I alone on this one? Am I the only one who refuses to submit when confronted with a demand to abandon my privacy? Or, am I just being over dramatic because it's Christmas morning and I still haven't seen what Santa left me yet?
- Also, a quick note on the ignorant insisting on maintaining their ignorance. I'm primarily referring here to the phenomenon of chain emails and email forwards, usually regarding something of a political nature, that purport to offer a fact or opinion (usually one the recipient agrees with) without any type of source or reference information whatsoever. To wit: a supposed screed written by historian David Kaiser that has been making the email rounds for over two years now. You can read Kaiser's response to this completely fraudulent email message here. I received this absolutely bogus email again recently with the subject being something along the lines of "What if he is right??" Well, instead of blindly accepting the truth of a message contained in a random forward simply because you are sympathetic to the idea that Obama is the modern day Hitler, how about taking two seconds to do some internet research so you can discover that David Kaiser did not write the message and that confirmation bias is a bitch.
And why does it seem that it's primarily those of the older generation that are more susceptible to such trickery? Whether it's emails comparing the Obama regime to the Third Reich, or emails about Mr. Rogers wearing long sleeves because of his battle tattoos from the Marines, maybe it's just because people my age and younger know that the number one rule of the internets is NEVER BELIEVE ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET... unless you've verified it on snopes.com of course. The internet seems to have bred a certain level of skepticism into most people, but that skepticism doesn't always seem to extend to chain emails containing political information. I don't think I have ever intentionally forwarded a random chain email to everyone in my address book and it's probably safe to say neither has anyone else my age, it's just not the cool thing to do. But if I ever do you can rest assured it will be after a thorough fact-check.
- Christopher Hitchens has passed. You can read remembrances galore here and here and pretty much everywhere else online. My introduction to Mr. Hitchens came during a brief stop on HBO while I was flipping through the channels and I just happened to tune in during this now famous exchange. Needless to say I was intrigued. I was fortunate enough to meet Hitchens after a debate at the SES Apologetics conference held in 2009 in Charlotte. I got his autograph, learned his middle name is Eric (the name we share in common with both his father and George Orwell), and also got the chance to ask him why Johnnie Walker Black label and not the Blue label. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the sharpest of wits being voiced with a british accent, but events will never quite be the same without knowing what Hitch thinks.
I'm still waiting to see what all Santa left me this morning so I decided to be productive and pen a quick post before rushing down the stairs and diving into my pile of presents! (Ok, well I got too excited and had to rush down to open my presents before completing this post so it's now the day after Christmas but whatever)
I don't have much on the agenda for today's post, but there are three things I felt like discussing: personal information and retail transactions, ignorant people who refuse to acknowledge their ignorance, and the death of Christopher Hitchens.
- Seriously, is there a retail transaction these days that transpires without a sales associate requesting your name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, rank and file, social security number, zodiac sign, favorite color, and your mother's maiden name?? I've learned to simply state I do no wish to provide any personal information and the sales associate generally moves along without any remonstration. But, the other day, I made a small purchase at a used book store and it was the first time I was met with actual resistance to my refusal to provide any personal information to the point I thought the sales associate was going to decline to sell me her wares. She was simply dumbfounded as to why I wouldn't want to provide personal information that would then be used an untold number of times for advertising data resulting in an untold amount of email solicitation for products even Ron Popeil would be embarrassed to peddle. Oh I know, the book store probably has a strict privacy policy giving my personal information more protection than the Hope Diamond, except for those few exceptions where I give them permission to share my information with third parties for a small fee.
I was finally allowed to leave the store with my books after the sales associate was instructed by another employee to complete the sale without collecting my personal information. I think in the future I am going to begin requesting a copy of the store's privacy policy when I am asked for personal information. If an actual policy is presented, I think I'll take some time to read it over, all while annoying the other customers, and then bolt from the store leaving nothing but confusion in my wake.
But am I alone on this one? Am I the only one who refuses to submit when confronted with a demand to abandon my privacy? Or, am I just being over dramatic because it's Christmas morning and I still haven't seen what Santa left me yet?
- Also, a quick note on the ignorant insisting on maintaining their ignorance. I'm primarily referring here to the phenomenon of chain emails and email forwards, usually regarding something of a political nature, that purport to offer a fact or opinion (usually one the recipient agrees with) without any type of source or reference information whatsoever. To wit: a supposed screed written by historian David Kaiser that has been making the email rounds for over two years now. You can read Kaiser's response to this completely fraudulent email message here. I received this absolutely bogus email again recently with the subject being something along the lines of "What if he is right??" Well, instead of blindly accepting the truth of a message contained in a random forward simply because you are sympathetic to the idea that Obama is the modern day Hitler, how about taking two seconds to do some internet research so you can discover that David Kaiser did not write the message and that confirmation bias is a bitch.
And why does it seem that it's primarily those of the older generation that are more susceptible to such trickery? Whether it's emails comparing the Obama regime to the Third Reich, or emails about Mr. Rogers wearing long sleeves because of his battle tattoos from the Marines, maybe it's just because people my age and younger know that the number one rule of the internets is NEVER BELIEVE ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET... unless you've verified it on snopes.com of course. The internet seems to have bred a certain level of skepticism into most people, but that skepticism doesn't always seem to extend to chain emails containing political information. I don't think I have ever intentionally forwarded a random chain email to everyone in my address book and it's probably safe to say neither has anyone else my age, it's just not the cool thing to do. But if I ever do you can rest assured it will be after a thorough fact-check.
- Christopher Hitchens has passed. You can read remembrances galore here and here and pretty much everywhere else online. My introduction to Mr. Hitchens came during a brief stop on HBO while I was flipping through the channels and I just happened to tune in during this now famous exchange. Needless to say I was intrigued. I was fortunate enough to meet Hitchens after a debate at the SES Apologetics conference held in 2009 in Charlotte. I got his autograph, learned his middle name is Eric (the name we share in common with both his father and George Orwell), and also got the chance to ask him why Johnnie Walker Black label and not the Blue label. Maybe I'm just a sucker for the sharpest of wits being voiced with a british accent, but events will never quite be the same without knowing what Hitch thinks.
Thursday, December 1
Back from hiatus
It's been a few months but I've finally been inspired to begin blogging anew. Loyal Logic Connection readers everywhere can now rejoice in unison (or, feel free to rejoice in the comments). I'll be back soon to give an update on the status of the podcast and maybe even review Javier's new CD.
My most recent inspiration? an article from Creative Loafing - Charlotte (CL) about a crisis pregnancy center here in Charlotte. I read CL from time to time, usually when it's in the breakroom or I'm working uptown and I pass a new edition on the street. As a super uptight, conservative Republican I know I'm not the intended audience for the magazine, but I still enjoy reading the commentary and checking the music section so I don't miss an upcoming Javier performance. Even though I may not agree with everything written in CL, I still expect a certain level of professionalism from the writers, especially from those writing "news" pieces as opposed to opinion pieces. I felt compelled to respond to the piece linked above because I believe it fell well below the level of professional journalistic standards CL should strive for if it wants to maintain its credibility as a source of news in Charlotte.
I would encourage you to read the piece above even though it is somewhat lengthy, and then read my response below (also somewhat lengthy). I'm simply copying my response from the comments at CL, which was copied from the text of an email I sent the author, but since it appears Ms. Hodges doesn't respond to her commenters I'm also jumping back on the neglected twitter account to send her a tweet. If this were simply an opinion piece written by Ms. Hodges I wouldn't have as much of a problem with the article. The problem for me is the title of "News Reporter" given to Ms. Hodges on the inside cover of CL and the pretense of objectivity that title is supposed to convey. If you believe her article is an objective news piece I welcome your feedback in the comments.
My response:
I just finished reading your article, "Papa Don't Preach," and I wanted to send along my comments. Full disclosure, I am a Republican, but I do enjoy reading CL even if I don't always agree with the content. Although I do agree with some of the points you raise in your article like that these centers shouldn't receive taxpayer funding and how the PRC in Charlotte doesn't explicitly state their religious affiliation on their website, you lost credibility with me by failing to be objective. I'm not a journalist but it was my understanding journalists presented the facts and allowed the readers to draw their own conclusions? I could be wrong, but it seemed to me you had an agenda in writing the piece, why not just state your position from the beginning without hiding behind the pretense of objectivity?
- Was it really necessary to go undercover for this assignment? It seems like you could have received the same information by making a few phone calls.
- "Alexandria" is essentially an unnamed, off the record, source. I don't doubt she exists, but hers is only one story that seems to be in the article to confirm your own bias. How did you come across her and why not seek out other opinions of women who have patronized the center? Did Alexandria refuse consent to be prayed with or to watch the fetus video? You make it seem as if she had no choice in either. You didn't cite any forcible prayer in your own story.
- NARAL, aka Natl Assoc. for Repeal of Abortion Laws, aka Natl Abortion Rights Action League, do they not have an agenda of their own contrary to that of the "crisis pregnancy centers" your piece focuses on? Would their own bias not be relevant to your readers? Are they not one of the largest lobbying organizations for abortions in the country?
- Is there a direct connection between the results of the NARAL investigation you cite and this specific center in Charlotte? What specific inaccurate information did you receive upon your visit to the center in Charlotte? Is this specific center funded by taxpayer dollars or not? If none of the findings apply to this specific center, why not point this out to your readers?
- You state the information collected is not protected by HIPPA yet you failed to identify any instances of actual disclosure by any pregnancy center. Have there been such disclosures? If so, has there been legal action by patients whose privacy has been violated? How are the doctors and nurses who work at these centers allowed to keep their licenses to practice medicine if they knowingly violate patient privacy?
- You state Planned Parenthood does not have a financial interest in the decision to adopt or abort. But then in the next paragraph you state PP reinvests the money it makes back into health services, including abortions. If PP does not make money by providing abortions then how do they make money? If abortions don't cost patients, who does pay for them? That seems to me to be an issue of fact, easily resolved, without taking sides for or against abortion or taxpayer funding of PP. And doesn't PP received taxpayer funds itself much like some of the crisis pregnancy centers?
- Your final paragraph quotes Pope claiming an "ideological agenda" on the part of crisis pregnancy centers. Isn't it fair to say PP and NARAL have their own "ideological agendas?" Pope adds that that "agenda" puts the health of pregnant women at risk. Do abortions not also pose certain health risks to pregnant women?
My most recent inspiration? an article from Creative Loafing - Charlotte (CL) about a crisis pregnancy center here in Charlotte. I read CL from time to time, usually when it's in the breakroom or I'm working uptown and I pass a new edition on the street. As a super uptight, conservative Republican I know I'm not the intended audience for the magazine, but I still enjoy reading the commentary and checking the music section so I don't miss an upcoming Javier performance. Even though I may not agree with everything written in CL, I still expect a certain level of professionalism from the writers, especially from those writing "news" pieces as opposed to opinion pieces. I felt compelled to respond to the piece linked above because I believe it fell well below the level of professional journalistic standards CL should strive for if it wants to maintain its credibility as a source of news in Charlotte.
I would encourage you to read the piece above even though it is somewhat lengthy, and then read my response below (also somewhat lengthy). I'm simply copying my response from the comments at CL, which was copied from the text of an email I sent the author, but since it appears Ms. Hodges doesn't respond to her commenters I'm also jumping back on the neglected twitter account to send her a tweet. If this were simply an opinion piece written by Ms. Hodges I wouldn't have as much of a problem with the article. The problem for me is the title of "News Reporter" given to Ms. Hodges on the inside cover of CL and the pretense of objectivity that title is supposed to convey. If you believe her article is an objective news piece I welcome your feedback in the comments.
My response:
I just finished reading your article, "Papa Don't Preach," and I wanted to send along my comments. Full disclosure, I am a Republican, but I do enjoy reading CL even if I don't always agree with the content. Although I do agree with some of the points you raise in your article like that these centers shouldn't receive taxpayer funding and how the PRC in Charlotte doesn't explicitly state their religious affiliation on their website, you lost credibility with me by failing to be objective. I'm not a journalist but it was my understanding journalists presented the facts and allowed the readers to draw their own conclusions? I could be wrong, but it seemed to me you had an agenda in writing the piece, why not just state your position from the beginning without hiding behind the pretense of objectivity?
- Was it really necessary to go undercover for this assignment? It seems like you could have received the same information by making a few phone calls.
- "Alexandria" is essentially an unnamed, off the record, source. I don't doubt she exists, but hers is only one story that seems to be in the article to confirm your own bias. How did you come across her and why not seek out other opinions of women who have patronized the center? Did Alexandria refuse consent to be prayed with or to watch the fetus video? You make it seem as if she had no choice in either. You didn't cite any forcible prayer in your own story.
- NARAL, aka Natl Assoc. for Repeal of Abortion Laws, aka Natl Abortion Rights Action League, do they not have an agenda of their own contrary to that of the "crisis pregnancy centers" your piece focuses on? Would their own bias not be relevant to your readers? Are they not one of the largest lobbying organizations for abortions in the country?
- Is there a direct connection between the results of the NARAL investigation you cite and this specific center in Charlotte? What specific inaccurate information did you receive upon your visit to the center in Charlotte? Is this specific center funded by taxpayer dollars or not? If none of the findings apply to this specific center, why not point this out to your readers?
- You state the information collected is not protected by HIPPA yet you failed to identify any instances of actual disclosure by any pregnancy center. Have there been such disclosures? If so, has there been legal action by patients whose privacy has been violated? How are the doctors and nurses who work at these centers allowed to keep their licenses to practice medicine if they knowingly violate patient privacy?
- You state Planned Parenthood does not have a financial interest in the decision to adopt or abort. But then in the next paragraph you state PP reinvests the money it makes back into health services, including abortions. If PP does not make money by providing abortions then how do they make money? If abortions don't cost patients, who does pay for them? That seems to me to be an issue of fact, easily resolved, without taking sides for or against abortion or taxpayer funding of PP. And doesn't PP received taxpayer funds itself much like some of the crisis pregnancy centers?
- Your final paragraph quotes Pope claiming an "ideological agenda" on the part of crisis pregnancy centers. Isn't it fair to say PP and NARAL have their own "ideological agendas?" Pope adds that that "agenda" puts the health of pregnant women at risk. Do abortions not also pose certain health risks to pregnant women?
Friday, July 29
The Two Greatest Things Ever Episode
It's been a few days since I've posted, my apologies, but here's a quick post to tide everyone over until the posting begins anew.
Latest episode of the podcast is up on iTunes. If you download the show from iTunes, be sure to leave a comment or give it a star rating. Besides giving my ego a boost, I think it helps make the show more searchable in the iTunes directory somehow.
This episode is all about two of the greatest things ever: Javier Colon and (spoiler alert) The Wire. We had to break down Javier's performance on The Voice now that the show is over and he's been officially crowned as the first ever winner of the show. But we also needed to give our opinion on The Wire since we promised to do so a few episodes back. The Wire has been over for a few years now and our amateur analysis doesn't come close to emphasizing how amazing the show was, so if you really want to read a professional break down one of the greatest t.v. shows in history, read Alan Sepinwall. And if you're wondering, Javier still hasn't responded to my many, many emails congratulating him for winning The Voice, but I know in my heart he's reading every one of them and as soon as he gets a break from his super busy schedule he'll email me back.
- Here's my brief take on the ongoing debt debate, Cut Spending Now (h/t Mark Levin). Boehner's plan is a joke and so is Obama's plan... oh wait, nevermind, Obama doesn't have a plan, but I'm sure it would be a joke even if he did ever come up with something. The only thing that would actually begin to immediately address this astronomical debt problem we're facing is if we froze federal spending today. Feel free to share your thoughts on how to solve the debt problem in the comments and maybe we can save America right here at The Logic Connection!
Latest episode of the podcast is up on iTunes. If you download the show from iTunes, be sure to leave a comment or give it a star rating. Besides giving my ego a boost, I think it helps make the show more searchable in the iTunes directory somehow.
This episode is all about two of the greatest things ever: Javier Colon and (spoiler alert) The Wire. We had to break down Javier's performance on The Voice now that the show is over and he's been officially crowned as the first ever winner of the show. But we also needed to give our opinion on The Wire since we promised to do so a few episodes back. The Wire has been over for a few years now and our amateur analysis doesn't come close to emphasizing how amazing the show was, so if you really want to read a professional break down one of the greatest t.v. shows in history, read Alan Sepinwall. And if you're wondering, Javier still hasn't responded to my many, many emails congratulating him for winning The Voice, but I know in my heart he's reading every one of them and as soon as he gets a break from his super busy schedule he'll email me back.
- Here's my brief take on the ongoing debt debate, Cut Spending Now (h/t Mark Levin). Boehner's plan is a joke and so is Obama's plan... oh wait, nevermind, Obama doesn't have a plan, but I'm sure it would be a joke even if he did ever come up with something. The only thing that would actually begin to immediately address this astronomical debt problem we're facing is if we froze federal spending today. Feel free to share your thoughts on how to solve the debt problem in the comments and maybe we can save America right here at The Logic Connection!
Wednesday, July 13
All about Casey
Are you tired of all the talk about the Casey Anthony trial? Then don't listen to this episode of the podcast because other than some small talk about chubbies eating in public and JR discovering espresso, it's all about the trial. But, if you want to hear an analysis of all things Casey Anthony like you won't hear anywhere else, then you definitely need to listen. As always, you can find the latest episodes of the podcast on iTunes by searching "The Logic Connection."
Here is Alan Dershowitz in the WSJ on why the Casey Anthony verdict was the correct one.
And am I the only one that's ever picked up a hitchhiker? That's the way it's looking given the paltry response to my latest poll. Maybe I won't be doing a post all about hitchhiking after all since apparently I'm the only weirdo who still picks up hitchhikers.
Here is Alan Dershowitz in the WSJ on why the Casey Anthony verdict was the correct one.
And am I the only one that's ever picked up a hitchhiker? That's the way it's looking given the paltry response to my latest poll. Maybe I won't be doing a post all about hitchhiking after all since apparently I'm the only weirdo who still picks up hitchhikers.
Wednesday, July 6
Edward Stringham is back
The podcast is back with another awesome interview with the world famous Dr. Edward Stringham. We touched on quite a few topics during the interview ranging from President Obama's recent luddite like comment on ATM's (seriously, read Russ Robert's reply to Obama's insanely ignorant comment on progress, and remember, Obama has the highest IQ of any president ever) to the benefits of privatizing police and other public services. As always, you can find the latest episode on iTunes.
I know I'm a little behind on the Obama ATM comment, but there's no way I could let that one slide because a) it was truly ignorant, and b) it gives me another chance to extol the greatness of Frederic Bastiat. Let's not forget, Bastiat died in 1850, and yet people still seem to be as ignorant of basic economics today as they were in the past. Don't believe me? read Bastiat's Candlestick Maker's Petition.
Thanks again to Dr. Stringham for taking the time to appear on the show. I'm definitely planning to have him back on in the near future because I didn't get to half of the questions I had for him.
I know I'm a little behind on the Obama ATM comment, but there's no way I could let that one slide because a) it was truly ignorant, and b) it gives me another chance to extol the greatness of Frederic Bastiat. Let's not forget, Bastiat died in 1850, and yet people still seem to be as ignorant of basic economics today as they were in the past. Don't believe me? read Bastiat's Candlestick Maker's Petition.
Thanks again to Dr. Stringham for taking the time to appear on the show. I'm definitely planning to have him back on in the near future because I didn't get to half of the questions I had for him.
Tuesday, June 28
It's Javier Colon Day!
That's right, it's Javier Colon Day here at The Logic Connection. I'm still working on getting President Obama to issue an executive order recognizing today as a national holiday but I keep getting the run around from his people so I'll keep you posted once today becomes official. Be sure to tune into NBC tonight at 8pm ET to see Javier (hopefully) become the first winner of The Voice. So far this morning Jav has been floating between number 2 and 3 on iTunes, which is a huge deal, but, unfortunately, Dia has been solidly at number 1 all morning long. And she still has about 12K more followers on twitter than Jav so needless to say I'm a little worried about the outcome tonight. I think the one thing that might be able to put Jav over the top though was getting a shout out from the Bieber on twitter last night! Did I mention yet that we had Javier as a guest on the podcast a few months back??
Now, for anyone still reading this post, here are a few non-Javier related stories.
- I love discovering super smart people who write awesome articles full of logic like Walter Russell Mead. That's the great thing about the internet, it provides you with instant access to a world of knowledge you never even knew existed five minutes beforehand. How many times have you started watching videos on youtube of intros to old tv shows like Today's Special only to hop on IMDB to look up an actor then ending up on Wikipedia trying to figure out what the hell Donnie Darko was about only to end up back on youtube researching time travel? Anyways, the point of all that is Mead wrote an amazing piece on Al Gore and the abysmal failure of the AGW cartel that is a must read. And this is only part one!
- Stephen Mauzy from the Ludwig Von Mises Institute with another piece on the insanity of the war on drugs and why it needs to end. Is anyone at the RNC listening? Why are Ron Paul and Gary Johnson the only candidates talking about this issue? Isn't the GOP supposed to be the party of individual liberty??
-Muchos kudos for the Wilmington StarNews for writing this story. Hmmm, a creepy old Democrat from a small town who's never been married, has been in power far too long, and has a penchant for boys... sounds so familiar... Tis a shame the residents of places like Tabor City continue to aid and abet these types by electing them to office time and time again, they only have themselves to blame.
- Finally, from the College Dems of America, "Why I Am A Democrat." The video was removed from its original site after it started making the rounds of the conservative blogosphere and was immediately mocked and ridiculed and mocked some more. And quite rightly so I might add. Check it out before it disappears again. Here's my contribution to Ace's "Top 10 Things Almost as White as the College Democrats' New Ad" list, The Tea Party! Ha, get it? The Tea Party is full of only white people who are full of white rage because a white person isn't in charge anymore. Man, the Tea Party is the whitest thing ever.
In case you missed it, here's Javier performing on last night's episode of The Voice:
Now, for anyone still reading this post, here are a few non-Javier related stories.
- I love discovering super smart people who write awesome articles full of logic like Walter Russell Mead. That's the great thing about the internet, it provides you with instant access to a world of knowledge you never even knew existed five minutes beforehand. How many times have you started watching videos on youtube of intros to old tv shows like Today's Special only to hop on IMDB to look up an actor then ending up on Wikipedia trying to figure out what the hell Donnie Darko was about only to end up back on youtube researching time travel? Anyways, the point of all that is Mead wrote an amazing piece on Al Gore and the abysmal failure of the AGW cartel that is a must read. And this is only part one!
- Stephen Mauzy from the Ludwig Von Mises Institute with another piece on the insanity of the war on drugs and why it needs to end. Is anyone at the RNC listening? Why are Ron Paul and Gary Johnson the only candidates talking about this issue? Isn't the GOP supposed to be the party of individual liberty??
-Muchos kudos for the Wilmington StarNews for writing this story. Hmmm, a creepy old Democrat from a small town who's never been married, has been in power far too long, and has a penchant for boys... sounds so familiar... Tis a shame the residents of places like Tabor City continue to aid and abet these types by electing them to office time and time again, they only have themselves to blame.
- Finally, from the College Dems of America, "Why I Am A Democrat." The video was removed from its original site after it started making the rounds of the conservative blogosphere and was immediately mocked and ridiculed and mocked some more. And quite rightly so I might add. Check it out before it disappears again. Here's my contribution to Ace's "Top 10 Things Almost as White as the College Democrats' New Ad" list, The Tea Party! Ha, get it? The Tea Party is full of only white people who are full of white rage because a white person isn't in charge anymore. Man, the Tea Party is the whitest thing ever.
In case you missed it, here's Javier performing on last night's episode of The Voice:
Friday, June 24
Friday Logic
Great News! Dr. Edward Stringham, economist extraordinaire, is scheduled to appear on the podcast again next week. If you'd like for me to ask him any questions, especially regarding his work in the areas of public choice and anarchy, submit them in the comments. If you missed his first appearance on the show, you can find it on iTunes or download it here.
- In case you missed it our friend MB submitted this video in the comments last week. It is simply an incredible delightful treat for your eyes and ears, unless you don't like treating your eyes and ears to the sights and sounds of singing Scientologists that is. If, however, like MB and myself, you revel in any opportunity to increase your self-esteem by reminding yourself that at least you're not a Scientologist, then you have to watch that video. And for those of you wondering, alas, I was not able to visit the Chicago branch of the Church of Scientology again during my time there last weekend. Instead, I settled for watching the Yankees beat the Cubs in Wrigley and checking out the view from the 94th floor of the Hancock Building, neither of which were half as exciting as the first time I laid eyes on this...
- Finally, the Ultimate Warrior dropped logic bombs all over Hulk Hogan's face this week!! Check out Warrior's blog for more info, but he had been teasing the release of a video for weeks now and it was definitely worth the wait. If I can rock an unbuttoned shirt half as hard as Warrior when I'm 52 years old, I will consider myself a winner at life. I was always a Warrior fan growing up because even when I was 9 I knew Hulk Hogan was a narcissistic dope head who had the lamest finishing move of all time. Seriously Terry, the Leg Drop?! What a loser. The first of eight of the eight video series is below. Be prepared to go run 5 miles and do lots of push-ups after you finish though because you will be super motivated to do man stuff even though you'll never be half the man Warrior is...
- In case you missed it our friend MB submitted this video in the comments last week. It is simply an incredible delightful treat for your eyes and ears, unless you don't like treating your eyes and ears to the sights and sounds of singing Scientologists that is. If, however, like MB and myself, you revel in any opportunity to increase your self-esteem by reminding yourself that at least you're not a Scientologist, then you have to watch that video. And for those of you wondering, alas, I was not able to visit the Chicago branch of the Church of Scientology again during my time there last weekend. Instead, I settled for watching the Yankees beat the Cubs in Wrigley and checking out the view from the 94th floor of the Hancock Building, neither of which were half as exciting as the first time I laid eyes on this...
- Finally, the Ultimate Warrior dropped logic bombs all over Hulk Hogan's face this week!! Check out Warrior's blog for more info, but he had been teasing the release of a video for weeks now and it was definitely worth the wait. If I can rock an unbuttoned shirt half as hard as Warrior when I'm 52 years old, I will consider myself a winner at life. I was always a Warrior fan growing up because even when I was 9 I knew Hulk Hogan was a narcissistic dope head who had the lamest finishing move of all time. Seriously Terry, the Leg Drop?! What a loser. The first of eight of the eight video series is below. Be prepared to go run 5 miles and do lots of push-ups after you finish though because you will be super motivated to do man stuff even though you'll never be half the man Warrior is...
Tuesday, June 21
Tuesday Logic
A few quick links before work this morning:
- Ayn Rand was a Satanist?
- Christopher Hitchens on David Mamet's new book
- I was in Chicago this past weekend and I found this article on Chicago's completely ineffective gun control laws in the Chicago Reader. The moral of the story, give people a choice between living in fear and taking control of their own safety, hard-working, productive members of society will almost always choose the latter. And let's not forget, Chicago has been under Democrat control for the past 50 years.
- Speaking of gun control, how is this not a national scandal yet? Americans and Mexicans are dead as a result of insane government beuracrats playing politics with guns and the only people covering this story are in the blogosphere... Maybe Jon Huntsman is planning to make this his central campaign issue when he announces his candidacy later today?
- Live in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area? Bookmark The Meck Deck and Cedar Posts and check them often.
- And finally, if you need to catch up on the past 15 seasons of South Park, check out southparkstudios.com. Some people still doubt me when I tell them South Park is the smartest show on tv, those people are just silly.
- Ayn Rand was a Satanist?
- Christopher Hitchens on David Mamet's new book
- I was in Chicago this past weekend and I found this article on Chicago's completely ineffective gun control laws in the Chicago Reader. The moral of the story, give people a choice between living in fear and taking control of their own safety, hard-working, productive members of society will almost always choose the latter. And let's not forget, Chicago has been under Democrat control for the past 50 years.
- Speaking of gun control, how is this not a national scandal yet? Americans and Mexicans are dead as a result of insane government beuracrats playing politics with guns and the only people covering this story are in the blogosphere... Maybe Jon Huntsman is planning to make this his central campaign issue when he announces his candidacy later today?
- Live in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg area? Bookmark The Meck Deck and Cedar Posts and check them often.
- And finally, if you need to catch up on the past 15 seasons of South Park, check out southparkstudios.com. Some people still doubt me when I tell them South Park is the smartest show on tv, those people are just silly.
Wednesday, June 15
How can you not vote for this guy??
I'm talking about THE Javier Colon! Vote all this weekend and then tune in to NBC next Tuesday night, June 21st, to see him on The Voice. And even though he's too famous to return my emails anymore, be sure to check out our interview with him on the podcast.
Sunday, June 12
Ayn Rand and Me
So I finished Atlas Shrugged this weekend. What follows are my brief, personal thoughts on Ayn Rand based on my reading of Atlas, as well as The Fountainhead, which I completed back in February of this year. I was hoping to do a podcast on the topic with my Objectivist friend but, unfortunately, he is currently constrained by the political nature of his work so he was unable to go on record.
I read The Fountainhead first based on the recommendation of my Objectivist friend, and after reading both Atlas and Fountainhead, I would agree with that recommendation. I enjoyed Fountainhead more basically because I was able to relate to its message, it's an individual struggle as opposed to the epic, worldwide struggle in Atlas. I could relate more with Howard Roark than I could with any of the characters in Atlas, except maybe Eddie Willers.
Rand's work has seen a resurgence in popularity since the latest economic downturn and the election of President Obama. Some like to say it's due to the prescient nature of her work in how it so accurately describes the policies of the current administration, but collectivist thought was around before Rand wrote Atlas and it will be around long after Obama leaves office. What I may have appreciated most about Atlas though was Rand's attempt to tackle the question of what motivates the collectivist; why he thinks and acts like he does. This is something I've often wondered as well and even though I don't necessarily agree with her conclusions, I do appreciate the attempt to come to terms with the irrational, something I still struggle with myself.
I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet read Atlas or Fountainhead to do so, as long as you have ample time on your hands. Atlas is one of the best selling novels of all time (apologies to the Scientologists out there but I don't think it's fair to consider Hubbard since the the Church only buys his novels to inflate the sales), and it clearly still has an impact on many of our politicians today so it's worth reading if only to better understand the influence it still has on our leaders. I was surprised at the number of "Who is John Galt" signs I saw at the two tea party rallies I attended in '09 and '10, but what's been more surprising to me are the number of alleged Rand devotees who haven't actually read any of her work. I've had her books on my shelf for a while now so since I had some time this year (and since I also swore off buying anymore used books until I had actually read the ones I own) I decided I finally needed to educate myself in the ways of Rand so I wouldn't be like one of those holding a John Galt sign and not knowing anything about John Galt.
I'm glad I waited until I was 29 to read Rand's two major novels because I don't think you can fully appreciate or understand her philosophy as an impressionable teenager. Nathaniel Branden, Rand's former student and lover, deals with some of the Benefits and Hazards of Objectivism in an essay you can read here (H/T to The Brazen Heads who did an entire episode on Rand which you can find on iTunes, Episode 8).
If you'd like to know more about Ayn Rand you can simply do a search for her on iTunes, or check out one of her many biographies. I listenened to a podcast the other day featuring Jennifer Burns, the author of "Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right." It's a biography that came out in 2009 that attempts to "explicate the evolution of Rand's individualist worldview, placing her within the context of American conservative and libertarian thought." I would at least recommend listening to the interview with Burns if you don't have time to read her book (search Jennifer Burns Rand and it's the interview from PRI:RadioWest).
Here is the famous review of Atlas Shrugged by Whittaker Chambers that appeared in National Review in 1957. And here is William F. Buckley discussing that review as well as his thoughts on Ayn Rand. Apparently National Review Online still won't publish Buckley's obituary of Rand, but here is a short excerpt that I think sums up the common view on Rand from her detractors,
I read The Fountainhead first based on the recommendation of my Objectivist friend, and after reading both Atlas and Fountainhead, I would agree with that recommendation. I enjoyed Fountainhead more basically because I was able to relate to its message, it's an individual struggle as opposed to the epic, worldwide struggle in Atlas. I could relate more with Howard Roark than I could with any of the characters in Atlas, except maybe Eddie Willers.
Rand's work has seen a resurgence in popularity since the latest economic downturn and the election of President Obama. Some like to say it's due to the prescient nature of her work in how it so accurately describes the policies of the current administration, but collectivist thought was around before Rand wrote Atlas and it will be around long after Obama leaves office. What I may have appreciated most about Atlas though was Rand's attempt to tackle the question of what motivates the collectivist; why he thinks and acts like he does. This is something I've often wondered as well and even though I don't necessarily agree with her conclusions, I do appreciate the attempt to come to terms with the irrational, something I still struggle with myself.
I would encourage anyone who hasn't yet read Atlas or Fountainhead to do so, as long as you have ample time on your hands. Atlas is one of the best selling novels of all time (apologies to the Scientologists out there but I don't think it's fair to consider Hubbard since the the Church only buys his novels to inflate the sales), and it clearly still has an impact on many of our politicians today so it's worth reading if only to better understand the influence it still has on our leaders. I was surprised at the number of "Who is John Galt" signs I saw at the two tea party rallies I attended in '09 and '10, but what's been more surprising to me are the number of alleged Rand devotees who haven't actually read any of her work. I've had her books on my shelf for a while now so since I had some time this year (and since I also swore off buying anymore used books until I had actually read the ones I own) I decided I finally needed to educate myself in the ways of Rand so I wouldn't be like one of those holding a John Galt sign and not knowing anything about John Galt.
I'm glad I waited until I was 29 to read Rand's two major novels because I don't think you can fully appreciate or understand her philosophy as an impressionable teenager. Nathaniel Branden, Rand's former student and lover, deals with some of the Benefits and Hazards of Objectivism in an essay you can read here (H/T to The Brazen Heads who did an entire episode on Rand which you can find on iTunes, Episode 8).
If you'd like to know more about Ayn Rand you can simply do a search for her on iTunes, or check out one of her many biographies. I listenened to a podcast the other day featuring Jennifer Burns, the author of "Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right." It's a biography that came out in 2009 that attempts to "explicate the evolution of Rand's individualist worldview, placing her within the context of American conservative and libertarian thought." I would at least recommend listening to the interview with Burns if you don't have time to read her book (search Jennifer Burns Rand and it's the interview from PRI:RadioWest).
Here is the famous review of Atlas Shrugged by Whittaker Chambers that appeared in National Review in 1957. And here is William F. Buckley discussing that review as well as his thoughts on Ayn Rand. Apparently National Review Online still won't publish Buckley's obituary of Rand, but here is a short excerpt that I think sums up the common view on Rand from her detractors,
"The Fountainhead, read in a certain way, is a profound assertion of the integrity of art. What did Miss Rand in was her anxiety to theologize her beliefs. She was an eloquent and persuasive antistatist, and if only she had left it at that - but no. She had to declare that God did not exitst, that altruism was despicable, that only self-interest is good and noble. She risked, in fact, giving to capitalism that bad name that its enemies have done so well in giving it, and that is a pity. Miss Ran was a talented woman, devoted to her ideals. She came as a refugee from communism to this country as a young woman, and carved out a substantial career. May she rest in peace, and may she experience the demystification of her mind possessed."
Thursday, June 9
Guest Logic
The following was written by our old friend Robert Monnie who writes a weekly column for The Link. Unfortunately, the editor of The Link, Leighton Smells, decided to make the Link's website a pay site so this blogger can no longer enjoy Mr. Monnie's columns for free online. Alas, even though I can't read the text of the Letters to the Editor, I can still see the pretty pictures of all the Yards of the Month and the various ribbon cuttings attended by all of the local dignitaries. Enjoy.
Productive Politicians
"The Race to the Top program expands the federal role in education
by offering pieces of silver in exchange for strings attached to
Washington. More federal money for education will not solve our
problems. Schools need less, not more, federal intrusion to increase
student achievement. The previous two rounds of Race to the Top were
not competitive grant programs; they were top-down directives forcing
states to adopt programs favored by Washington. Respectfully, South
Carolina will not apply for this money.
"I urge President Obama and Secretary (of Education) Duncan to
spend their time supporting efforts to reduce the role of the federal
government in education by working with Congress to pass an Elementary
and Secondary Education Act that decentralizes education policy.
States and schools need flexibility, not more federal mandates, to
meet the academic needs of students, empower parents with more
choices, and reward excellent teachers for their success in the
classroom."
State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais in remarks last week
that South Carolina would not participate in a new round of the
federal Race to the Top program that was announced by the U.S.
Department of Education.
Zais is right, of course. With his ten year track record in
turning around the fortunes of Newberry College into one of the
premier small colleges in the state in addition to 35 years of
leadership experience in the Army, the retired Brigadier General knows
leadership. He is a productive politician.
One local example of many to prove Zais' point involves the
mathematics programs at Chesterfield and McBee High Schools.
Specifically, both of these schools have consistently been well above
the state average in passing rates for the end of course exams for
Algebra I which is taken by virtually all high school students at
least once during grades 9 through 12.
In the case of McBee, the past three years of Algebra I EOC
results have been particularly exceptional. In 2009, the passing rate
was 82.5 percent followed by an increase to 94.1 percent in 2010. The
preliminary data for 2011 for the exams completed earlier this month
indicates a passing rate in the 90th percentile range. For some
reason, it takes the state department of education four or five months
after the fact to release the EOC exam results for the four tested
subjects.
At any rate, South Carolina schools have to look no further than
McBee math teachers Omoro King and Susan Moore to learn how to develop
and maintain successful, if not superb, algebra programs. Washington
D.C. cannot fix local learning shortfalls with a 500 mile screwdriver
from the Potomac River to the Little Pee Dee River.
Another politician with the moniker of Mick has also been quite
productive the past few weeks with constituent visits in Chesterfield
and Darlington counties. Fifth District Congressman Mick Mulvaney
(R-S.C.) viewed operations at a multi-million dollar agri-business
prior to talking with McBee High School teacher agriculture Pat Earle
who recently earned the rare honor of selection to the National
Teachers Hall of Fame. Mulvaney also chatted with aspiring Eagle
Scouts and the McBee senior class.
After some briefings in the town of Chesterfield, Mulvaney took
time to relax by watching game two of the Class A baseball state title
series between Chesterfield and Lakeview.
Last Saturday, Mulvaney was the commencement speaker at the
graduation exercises of the prestigious Governor's School for Science
and Math in Hartsville. All GSSM graduates are planning to attend four
year colleges. Sixty-two percent of the GSSM class of 2011 will attend
college in South Carolina. Notable out-of-state schools that 2011
graduates will attend include Harvard, the Air Force Academy,
Vanderbilt, Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.
Mulvaney gets it. Not only does an elected official vote on
legislation, he also votes with his time by telling his constituents
what he deems important. In the instances cited above, our
congressman demonstrated that he deems local businesses, youth
leadership development (FFA, Boys Scouts), sound education and
competitive athletics to be important.
State Sen Vincent Sheheen (D-Camden) and House Speaker Pro Tem Jay
Lucas (R-Hartsville) also get it. Both of these productive
politicians spoke at Earle's notification ceremony for the NTHOF in
addition to last week's World War II memorial ceremony in McBee.
Friday, May 27
Craig Fehrman
The latest episode of the podcast is up at iTunes (search The Logic Connection).
Thanks again to Craig Fehrman for coming on, the conversation is well worth a listen if I do say so myself. If I continue to get Ph.D.'s to agree to come onto the show, I might be able to apply for some kind of iTunes U accreditation. I reached out to Craig initially after reading his article in the LA Times on the reaction to the death of Bin Laden to shower him with praise for articulating some of my same thoughts on the issue. If you haven't read the article yet, be sure to do so before listening to the interview. We also touched on a few other issues including writing, the state of baseball, and even a little Mitch Daniels talk. Unfortunately, I had many more questions for Craig that we didn't get to because he had to go watch Scotty win American Idol, so hopefully he'll agree to come back on when his book comes out.
- Here's a link to Craig's Feature article at CincinnatiMagazine.com on the Red's struggle to increase attendance at the ballpark.
Two other quick hits before I go enjoy the rest of this Memorial Day weekend on the lake:
- Reason.tv with another excellent video on abuse of power by the government and the police and why it's so important for you to know your rights
- And am I the only one who didn't know about these amazing little chocolate balls filled with delectable delight?? Feel free to share your Lindt love stories in the comments if you're also a huge fan.
Thanks again to Craig Fehrman for coming on, the conversation is well worth a listen if I do say so myself. If I continue to get Ph.D.'s to agree to come onto the show, I might be able to apply for some kind of iTunes U accreditation. I reached out to Craig initially after reading his article in the LA Times on the reaction to the death of Bin Laden to shower him with praise for articulating some of my same thoughts on the issue. If you haven't read the article yet, be sure to do so before listening to the interview. We also touched on a few other issues including writing, the state of baseball, and even a little Mitch Daniels talk. Unfortunately, I had many more questions for Craig that we didn't get to because he had to go watch Scotty win American Idol, so hopefully he'll agree to come back on when his book comes out.
- Here's a link to Craig's Feature article at CincinnatiMagazine.com on the Red's struggle to increase attendance at the ballpark.
Two other quick hits before I go enjoy the rest of this Memorial Day weekend on the lake:
- Reason.tv with another excellent video on abuse of power by the government and the police and why it's so important for you to know your rights
- And am I the only one who didn't know about these amazing little chocolate balls filled with delectable delight?? Feel free to share your Lindt love stories in the comments if you're also a huge fan.
Monday, May 16
The "People I Will Not Vote for" list
Alas, I procrastinated long enough in writing this post that some of these will no longer apply now that both Mr. Huckabee and Mr. Trump have opted out of the race. And seriously, if you really thought Trump was going to run, you need to speak up now so you can be publicly shamed.
With 2012 GOP primary talk dominating talk radio and cable news, I decided to begin a checklist of sorts that will help narrow down who I will end up supporting for the GOP nomination. As of now I am tentatively supporting Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, but seeing as how he hasn't actually declared yet (Update: Daniels is out), I need a backup bandwagon ready for me to board. Herman Cain is trying to hard to win me over and if his next debate appearance is as impressive as the debate in Greenville, SC, then he might just win the official Logic Connection endorsement. But don't think I've written off the two libertarians quite yet. Gary Johnson may still have some work to do on his public appearances (stop twiddling your damn thumbs on tv!), but Ron Paul did the best job I've seen him do of defending individual rights and libertarian principles during the last debate, especially when he smacked down Chris Wallace's weak attempt at making a joke of drug legalization.
If any of the following applies to you, I probably won't be voting for you in the upcoming primary. Feel free to add your own addition to the list in the comments. Here's what I have so far:
- If you're an old, boring white guy; AND
- You're a family values hypocrite;
- You've ever pulled off to the side of the road to weep upon hearing that your racist church isn't racist anymore;
- You've ever been the governor of Arkansas;
- You've ever done a commercial about global warming with Nancy Pelosi;
- You've spent more time as a politician than as a productive member of the private sector;
- You're unable to intelligently and eloquently articulate free market principles and conservative ideals;
- You've ever sponsored an individual mandate to purchase insurance in your former capacity as governor;
- You've ever lost a Senate race by 18 points or more in Pennsylvania;
- You've ever been the ambassador to China while plotting to run against the president who appointed you to that position; or
- You refuse to actively engage President Obama in the arena of ideas for fears of being labeled a racist or because you're just a pussy.
That's the list so far. Thoughts?
Oh, three more things. Another list I started while writing this post, "Nuts I won't be buying anymore because they're too damn expensive:"
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Macadamia
- Pistachios
- Any other nuts that aren't peanuts
An article by Craig Fehrman in the LA Times that pretty accurately sums up my thoughts on the reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden. I emailed Mr. Fehrman so if he responds I'm going to try and convince him to come on the podcast (he has since responded and I'm now in the process of trying to recruit him for the show).
And a review of Thor from our favorite movie review website, Videogum.
With 2012 GOP primary talk dominating talk radio and cable news, I decided to begin a checklist of sorts that will help narrow down who I will end up supporting for the GOP nomination. As of now I am tentatively supporting Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, but seeing as how he hasn't actually declared yet (Update: Daniels is out), I need a backup bandwagon ready for me to board. Herman Cain is trying to hard to win me over and if his next debate appearance is as impressive as the debate in Greenville, SC, then he might just win the official Logic Connection endorsement. But don't think I've written off the two libertarians quite yet. Gary Johnson may still have some work to do on his public appearances (stop twiddling your damn thumbs on tv!), but Ron Paul did the best job I've seen him do of defending individual rights and libertarian principles during the last debate, especially when he smacked down Chris Wallace's weak attempt at making a joke of drug legalization.
If any of the following applies to you, I probably won't be voting for you in the upcoming primary. Feel free to add your own addition to the list in the comments. Here's what I have so far:
- If you're an old, boring white guy; AND
- You're a family values hypocrite;
- You've ever pulled off to the side of the road to weep upon hearing that your racist church isn't racist anymore;
- You've ever been the governor of Arkansas;
- You've ever done a commercial about global warming with Nancy Pelosi;
- You've spent more time as a politician than as a productive member of the private sector;
- You're unable to intelligently and eloquently articulate free market principles and conservative ideals;
- You've ever sponsored an individual mandate to purchase insurance in your former capacity as governor;
- You've ever lost a Senate race by 18 points or more in Pennsylvania;
- You've ever been the ambassador to China while plotting to run against the president who appointed you to that position; or
- You refuse to actively engage President Obama in the arena of ideas for fears of being labeled a racist or because you're just a pussy.
That's the list so far. Thoughts?
Oh, three more things. Another list I started while writing this post, "Nuts I won't be buying anymore because they're too damn expensive:"
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Macadamia
- Pistachios
- Any other nuts that aren't peanuts
An article by Craig Fehrman in the LA Times that pretty accurately sums up my thoughts on the reaction to the death of Osama bin Laden. I emailed Mr. Fehrman so if he responds I'm going to try and convince him to come on the podcast (he has since responded and I'm now in the process of trying to recruit him for the show).
And a review of Thor from our favorite movie review website, Videogum.
Monday, May 2
Pete Kaliner
Thanks to all my loyal fans for being so loyal and sticking around for this long, you're the reason I get up every morning and think about posting. And thanks to former co-hosts JR and Jeramy for their efforts. I've decided to go it alone for now strictly because it's just too hard to try and line up recording times with people who have lives, and families, and lives, but I may line up another co-host again in the future. Feel free to email me if you're interested, or if you're just super bored, logicconnection@gmail.
You can find the latest episode on iTunes. I was able to convince former radio talk show host, Pete Kaliner, to come onto the show this episode and we had a riveting conversation about how new media is shaping journalism and the radio industry, Pete's future in local politics (spoiler alert, he probably isn't going to have one anytime soon), and we also touched on the biggest news story of the day, the death of Bin Laden. I always enjoyed listening to Pete during his 9-Midnight slot on WBT, it's a shame the management decided to go in another direction and run a syndicated show instead. As big a fan as I am of podcasting, I still really enjoy listening to the radio late at night before bed and hearing people call in to talk about the issues of the day and share their stories, but I know I'm in the minority there. Be sure to follow Pete on twitter, @PeteKaliner, and do whatever it is you Facebook people do to find him on there as well.
One other small bit of news in case you're not aware, THE Javier Colon made his debut on NBC's The Voice last week and he pretty much won the entire show already! Check out that link in case you missed last week's performance or just go to iTunes and download the single from the show. He actually cracked the top 20 in iTunes last week with his rendition of "Time After Time" which tells me he's got a few other fans out there besides me and JR. The Logic Connection is still the only podcast that shows up if you search for Javier Colon in iTunes and we've gotten a few more downloads since the show aired last week, but if you haven't heard our interview yet, check it out because it's definitely the last time I'll be able to get him on the podcast now that he's famous.
You can find the latest episode on iTunes. I was able to convince former radio talk show host, Pete Kaliner, to come onto the show this episode and we had a riveting conversation about how new media is shaping journalism and the radio industry, Pete's future in local politics (spoiler alert, he probably isn't going to have one anytime soon), and we also touched on the biggest news story of the day, the death of Bin Laden. I always enjoyed listening to Pete during his 9-Midnight slot on WBT, it's a shame the management decided to go in another direction and run a syndicated show instead. As big a fan as I am of podcasting, I still really enjoy listening to the radio late at night before bed and hearing people call in to talk about the issues of the day and share their stories, but I know I'm in the minority there. Be sure to follow Pete on twitter, @PeteKaliner, and do whatever it is you Facebook people do to find him on there as well.
One other small bit of news in case you're not aware, THE Javier Colon made his debut on NBC's The Voice last week and he pretty much won the entire show already! Check out that link in case you missed last week's performance or just go to iTunes and download the single from the show. He actually cracked the top 20 in iTunes last week with his rendition of "Time After Time" which tells me he's got a few other fans out there besides me and JR. The Logic Connection is still the only podcast that shows up if you search for Javier Colon in iTunes and we've gotten a few more downloads since the show aired last week, but if you haven't heard our interview yet, check it out because it's definitely the last time I'll be able to get him on the podcast now that he's famous.
Wednesday, March 30
Letters to the Editor!
Word coming out of Chesterfield County, SC is that a major logic bomb got dropped in the pages of The Link yesterday in the form of a letter to the editor written by Mr. JR Joyner. As readers of this blog are aware JR is a co-host of the podcast and lawyer extraordinaire. JR felt compelled to respond to a letter written into The Link last week from someone out of Rock Hill who made a feeble attempt to attack an editorial written by Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R) on the possibility of a government shutdown. JR's letter was anything but feeble. I know it's a little out of context without the letter he was responding to, but just imagine your average lefty talking points about social security, extreme Republicans, taxes being too low, etc. and you'll be able to figure out what JR was writing about.
From the March 29, 2011 issue of The Link, THE paper of record in Chesterfield County:
From the March 29, 2011 issue of The Link, THE paper of record in Chesterfield County:
Proverbs 18:17 says, “The first to bring his case seems right, until another comes forward and cross-examines him.” With that in mind, I felt the need to address the letter to the editor submitted by our neighbor from Rock Hill last week.
I voted for Mick Mulvaney last November and I am glad that he is remaining true to his campaign promise and attempting what the people of the 5th district elected him to do; bring fiscal sanity to Washington DC.
Rep. Mulvaney did not mention Social Security (the world’s biggest pyramid scheme), Medicare, or Medicaid in his op ed. He was specifically trying to explain the government shutdown, and yet our neighbor from Rock Hill cited them. Why? Fear mongering. It’s an age old tactic by advocates of big government to use fear instead of reason whenever discussing budget issues. This is what Rep. Mulvaney is trying to fight by writing letters to his constituents.
The Federal government is broke and as a result of trying to fix this there may be a government shutdown. One of the primary reasons we are in the current budgetary mess is because of John Spratt and the previous Congress failing to pass a budget solely for political reasons. Rep. Mulvaney and a small group of republicans are trying not only to pass a budget, but also attempt to cut Federal spending before we really are bankrupt.
Erskine Bowles, a democrat, may have said that Social Security does not have any immediate solvency issues, but that does not mean we should not wait to deal with Social Security until it goes broke. Our neighbor from Rock Hill may not plan on being around when Social Security goes broke, but I am only 33 and have a young child, and I would rather not pass the burden on to his generation. Speaking of Erskine Bowles, let me ask, how many recommendations did President Obama adopt from his own deficit commission co chaired by Bowles? Zero. This lack of leadership by the President stands in stark contrast to what Rep. Mulvaney is attempting in the House.
The Federal government is inherently inefficient and does almost nothing better than the private sector, so why would you trust it to provide for your education and retirement when it has already proven it can’t do either? If anyone thinks taxes are too low, I would strongly encourage them to voluntarily send more of their own income to the IRS. Personally, I already surrender too much of my income to the government and I don’t want to continue to be punished for trying to earn a greater income to support my family.
Confiscatory tax rates of 90% or higher were wrong under Eisenhower and would be wrong today. If you want to use fear tactics instead of reasoned arguments, how about this for a fear tactic; the government could confiscate every penny from every individual in the country and it still would not be enough to pay off the current national debt which stands at about 14 trillion dollars (14,000,000,000,000.00). Higher tax rates are not the solution to out of control government spending. If we don’t seriously deal with the budget now, one day we will have to explain to our grandchildren why we let politics blind us to reality.
- In case anyone thought JR may have exaggerated his claim that we could confiscate the wealth of everyone in the country and still not be able to pay off the debt, check this excellent video out:
Wednesday, March 16
The Continuing Resolution Battle
The GOP voted to continue funding Obamacare yesterday by voting the Continuing Resolution out of the House. Fifty four Republicans voted against the measure. Click here to find out whether your representative was one of the members that voted in favor of the CR.
I called a number of GOP House members last week and got the standard talking point from their staffers that Representative X won't know how they'll be voting on the CR until they've actually read the bill (stifle laughter) but that they oppose all funding for Obamacare...
Well, it appears that the 186 Republicans that voted for the CR yesterday aren't really that opposed to funding for Obamacare after all. But I'm just a lowly voter who doesn't understand how things work on the Hill so I guess it's just crazy talk to expect people who were voted into office on the promise of making every effort to defund and repeal Obamacare to actually make every effort to defund and repeal Obamacare.
If you're interested in calling your representative to inquire into their reasons for supporting the CR (I didn't want the government to shut down, Steve King's motion was out of order, I wasn't really being serious when I campaigned on a platform of limited government and cutting spending, etc.), you can find their number by searching for them online or by clicking here.
- Here's former congressman Ernest Istook, now with Heritage, on "How Congress Can Limit the Damage from Obamacare." Well worth a read.
I called a number of GOP House members last week and got the standard talking point from their staffers that Representative X won't know how they'll be voting on the CR until they've actually read the bill (stifle laughter) but that they oppose all funding for Obamacare...
Well, it appears that the 186 Republicans that voted for the CR yesterday aren't really that opposed to funding for Obamacare after all. But I'm just a lowly voter who doesn't understand how things work on the Hill so I guess it's just crazy talk to expect people who were voted into office on the promise of making every effort to defund and repeal Obamacare to actually make every effort to defund and repeal Obamacare.
If you're interested in calling your representative to inquire into their reasons for supporting the CR (I didn't want the government to shut down, Steve King's motion was out of order, I wasn't really being serious when I campaigned on a platform of limited government and cutting spending, etc.), you can find their number by searching for them online or by clicking here.
- Here's former congressman Ernest Istook, now with Heritage, on "How Congress Can Limit the Damage from Obamacare." Well worth a read.
Sunday, February 13
CPAC 2011
CPAC 2011 wrapped up this weekend. If you missed any speeches you can find them all at their main site, conservative.org
HotAir and youtube also have most of the speeches if you don't feel like signing up for the free membership at the CPAC main site. I watched Mitch Daniels on Friday night and thought his speech was well delivered. I'm still not certain if he's going to run since it's looking like he's seriously considering running for Senate in Indiana instead, but if he does run for the GOP nomination, I'll definitely be supporting him. I plan on watching Herman Cain and Alan West when I get a chance because their speeches are being well received from what I've read. Oh, and Rep. Ron Paul won the straw poll again. Good for him. Here's my question for any Ron Paul supporters who may be reading this blog, who are you going to support once Paul decides he's no longer going to run for president?
Don't forget to vote in our latest poll, there are still 3 days remaining. Are you going to support Palin in 2012 if she runs? Thus far, the people have spoken and it's not looking good for her in the GOP primary. Personally, I still think she's not going to run, but I suppose we'll find out in the next few months. And after you vote, go ahead and tell me who you're supporting in the GOP primary if it's not Palin. Or, if you're undecided, let me know that too because I'm sure the vast majority of Republicans are in the same boat at the moment.
- Also, check out my new favorite site, flexyourrights.org It's always good to see other people standing up for Constitutional rights, something we've talked about on the podcast quite a few times.
HotAir and youtube also have most of the speeches if you don't feel like signing up for the free membership at the CPAC main site. I watched Mitch Daniels on Friday night and thought his speech was well delivered. I'm still not certain if he's going to run since it's looking like he's seriously considering running for Senate in Indiana instead, but if he does run for the GOP nomination, I'll definitely be supporting him. I plan on watching Herman Cain and Alan West when I get a chance because their speeches are being well received from what I've read. Oh, and Rep. Ron Paul won the straw poll again. Good for him. Here's my question for any Ron Paul supporters who may be reading this blog, who are you going to support once Paul decides he's no longer going to run for president?
Don't forget to vote in our latest poll, there are still 3 days remaining. Are you going to support Palin in 2012 if she runs? Thus far, the people have spoken and it's not looking good for her in the GOP primary. Personally, I still think she's not going to run, but I suppose we'll find out in the next few months. And after you vote, go ahead and tell me who you're supporting in the GOP primary if it's not Palin. Or, if you're undecided, let me know that too because I'm sure the vast majority of Republicans are in the same boat at the moment.
- Also, check out my new favorite site, flexyourrights.org It's always good to see other people standing up for Constitutional rights, something we've talked about on the podcast quite a few times.
Thursday, February 3
Super Bowl predictions
I was out of town this past weekend and I've been busy this week so there probably won't be a new episode of the podcast until sometime early next week. Therefore, I need to go ahead and make my Super Bowl prediction here so it can be forever set in print when I nail the score exactly on Sunday.
Green Bay - 31
Pittsburgh - 21
Leave your own predictions in the comments.
Green Bay - 31
Pittsburgh - 21
Leave your own predictions in the comments.
Sunday, January 16
Another Episode
We're recording it this Tuesday and we want your campaign finance related questions because we're going to have Dr. John Samples on the show. Dr. Samples is a campaign finance super scholar and author with the Cato Institute, you can read up on his credentials here. Got a campaign finance related question, or just a political question in general, then send it to us in the comments and we'll try to work it into the interview.
- The interview with Dr. Samples is now available on iTunes. We definitely appreciate Dr. Samples joining us for a lively discussion on campaign finance 101 and we hope to have him back on in the future.
- More 2012 talk. First, Mitch Daniels in Politico. Second, Romney wins a straw poll in New Hampshire. The good news from the NH straw poll, Mr. Huckabee didn't place in the top 3. The bad news, Mitch Daniels didn't either. I wish Daniels would go ahead and decide whether he's going to run or not because even though it's still early, Daniels is going to need some time to gain the name recognition that the Romneys and Palins already have. Someone else to keep an eye on though, Herman Cain.
- The interview with Dr. Samples is now available on iTunes. We definitely appreciate Dr. Samples joining us for a lively discussion on campaign finance 101 and we hope to have him back on in the future.
- More 2012 talk. First, Mitch Daniels in Politico. Second, Romney wins a straw poll in New Hampshire. The good news from the NH straw poll, Mr. Huckabee didn't place in the top 3. The bad news, Mitch Daniels didn't either. I wish Daniels would go ahead and decide whether he's going to run or not because even though it's still early, Daniels is going to need some time to gain the name recognition that the Romneys and Palins already have. Someone else to keep an eye on though, Herman Cain.
Monday, January 10
THE definitive Javier Colon interview
That's right everyone, Javier was live and in person for the most recent episode of The Logic Connection podcast! And it's available on iTunes.
We finally tracked down the greatest neo-soul singer alive today for a short conversation about all kinds of awesomeness. Be sure to listen to hear Jav talk about his favorite album, his Stevie Wonder story, what it's like being such an accessible entertainer, and how he never misses an episode of The Logic Connection (except he doesn't actually say that directly per se, but you can just tell by how excited he is to be on the show).
You can find out more about Javier and his music on twitter, @javstwtr, and on his myspace and facebook pages.
When we asked him what his favorite song to perform, and also what was his favorite song that he had written, the answer to both of those questions was "Ok, Here's the Truth." I'm posting a video of him performing the song below in case you've never heard it before. But if you're a loyal reader of this blog, then I feel confident you've already seen it since I've posted it at least two times before. Just watch it again even if you have seen it and don't even think about leaving any negative comments at all about anything Javier related or you will definitely get blocked from all Logic Connection related functions and activities 4 life!
Thanks again, Jav, for doing the show. We really appreciate it!
Oh, and here's Marcus Lattimore getting his internal bell rung luckily sparing him from having to watch the Univ. of South Carolina lameCocks get their faces beat by FSU.
We finally tracked down the greatest neo-soul singer alive today for a short conversation about all kinds of awesomeness. Be sure to listen to hear Jav talk about his favorite album, his Stevie Wonder story, what it's like being such an accessible entertainer, and how he never misses an episode of The Logic Connection (except he doesn't actually say that directly per se, but you can just tell by how excited he is to be on the show).
You can find out more about Javier and his music on twitter, @javstwtr, and on his myspace and facebook pages.
When we asked him what his favorite song to perform, and also what was his favorite song that he had written, the answer to both of those questions was "Ok, Here's the Truth." I'm posting a video of him performing the song below in case you've never heard it before. But if you're a loyal reader of this blog, then I feel confident you've already seen it since I've posted it at least two times before. Just watch it again even if you have seen it and don't even think about leaving any negative comments at all about anything Javier related or you will definitely get blocked from all Logic Connection related functions and activities 4 life!
Thanks again, Jav, for doing the show. We really appreciate it!
Oh, and here's Marcus Lattimore getting his internal bell rung luckily sparing him from having to watch the Univ. of South Carolina lameCocks get their faces beat by FSU.
Tuesday, January 4
Teeth talk, Obamacare, & New Years
All that and more can be found in the latest episode of the podcast which you can find on iTunes. Be sure to subscribe on iTunes if you haven't already and leave us some feedback here at the blog if you're enjoying the show thus far. And if you're not enjoying the show thus far, that's fine too, we're an acquired taste, much like a perfectly aged lager, or black licorice.
We talked about campaign finance reform in this episode, a topic I don't think quite gets the attention it deserves. John Samples at the Cato Institute is the campaign finance expert I referenced and you can find out more about him and his work here.
Three quick stories for today:
- The bill being submitted by Rep. Eric Cantor to repeal Obamacare that will be introduced next Wednesday, Jan. 12. You gotta love the title, "Repealing the Job Killing Health Care Law Act." And, it's only two pages long! Maybe Rep. John Conyers will actually be able to understand this piece of legislation without the help of a team of lawyers...
- Another Mike Pence for 2012 floater, this time from Red State. I'm not the biggest fan of Red State so I'm linking the HotAir piece instead, but I am a fan of Pence and if he does end up deciding to run in 2012, he'll probably be the candidate I support early in the race. Of course, it's still early at this point and there's a good chance he ends up running for governor in Indiana to replace Mitch Daniels, so my support may be going elsewhere if that happens.
- From Pajamas Media, How Obama wins again in 2012. A rather depressing look at the numbers in the 2012 election, but there's plenty of time left to change the outlook so don't despair.
-If only the Daily Show would expose liberalism more often, maybe I'd find the time to watch more often. This clip is pretty awesome.
We talked about campaign finance reform in this episode, a topic I don't think quite gets the attention it deserves. John Samples at the Cato Institute is the campaign finance expert I referenced and you can find out more about him and his work here.
Three quick stories for today:
- The bill being submitted by Rep. Eric Cantor to repeal Obamacare that will be introduced next Wednesday, Jan. 12. You gotta love the title, "Repealing the Job Killing Health Care Law Act." And, it's only two pages long! Maybe Rep. John Conyers will actually be able to understand this piece of legislation without the help of a team of lawyers...
- Another Mike Pence for 2012 floater, this time from Red State. I'm not the biggest fan of Red State so I'm linking the HotAir piece instead, but I am a fan of Pence and if he does end up deciding to run in 2012, he'll probably be the candidate I support early in the race. Of course, it's still early at this point and there's a good chance he ends up running for governor in Indiana to replace Mitch Daniels, so my support may be going elsewhere if that happens.
- From Pajamas Media, How Obama wins again in 2012. A rather depressing look at the numbers in the 2012 election, but there's plenty of time left to change the outlook so don't despair.
-If only the Daily Show would expose liberalism more often, maybe I'd find the time to watch more often. This clip is pretty awesome.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| San Francisco's Happy Meal Ban | ||||
| ||||
Tuesday, December 21
The Logic Connection is under attack!
Net Neutrality, or "Net Fatality" as I like to call it, is getting a vote over at the FCC today. Will the assaults on liberty never cease? I don't have any direct evidence to show that this move is singularly directed at stopping this very website, but I also don't have any evidence to the contrary either. Whenever you speak truth to power like we do here at TLC everyday (everyday being a loosely used term to refer to the few times a month I actually post) you're bound to attract attention, but that's not going to stop us. If the FCC pushes through this new regulation on the internets, TLC will continue the fight over at iTunes with the podcast, if the FCC forgets to include iTunes in its list of regulated websites that is.
Bottom line, why fix something that isn't broken, aka the internets? Because the powers that be can't control it, that's why. Nothing scares those in power more than the unregulated flow of information.
Oh, and apparently Haley Barbour is a big, fat racist. I'm not sure if he is in fact a racist, but I do know that he is fat, and I do know that he needs a new PR person immediately.
- From the comments last week, MB chimes in with a NY Post article about one of our favorite movies ever here at TLC, Battlefield Earth. I would highly recommend viewing it with the accompanying Rifftrax though.
- Episode 13 is now available, click here. 4Lokos come up again, we also talk about fantasy football and gambling, and we finish up with our latest epiphanies on Crossfit.
- Reason.tv on the absurdity of banning 4Loko, and they ask the question, what's next?
John McWhorter gets mentioned in this episode, you can read his columns at the New Republic here, but you should also search for him in iTunes and listen to some of his audio entries, especially the Cato podcast on Race and Drugs.
You can find out more about health and fitness expert, Alan Aragon, here.
As always, leave us some feedback.
Bottom line, why fix something that isn't broken, aka the internets? Because the powers that be can't control it, that's why. Nothing scares those in power more than the unregulated flow of information.
Oh, and apparently Haley Barbour is a big, fat racist. I'm not sure if he is in fact a racist, but I do know that he is fat, and I do know that he needs a new PR person immediately.
- From the comments last week, MB chimes in with a NY Post article about one of our favorite movies ever here at TLC, Battlefield Earth. I would highly recommend viewing it with the accompanying Rifftrax though.
- Episode 13 is now available, click here. 4Lokos come up again, we also talk about fantasy football and gambling, and we finish up with our latest epiphanies on Crossfit.
- Reason.tv on the absurdity of banning 4Loko, and they ask the question, what's next?
John McWhorter gets mentioned in this episode, you can read his columns at the New Republic here, but you should also search for him in iTunes and listen to some of his audio entries, especially the Cato podcast on Race and Drugs.
You can find out more about health and fitness expert, Alan Aragon, here.
As always, leave us some feedback.
Saturday, December 11
Christmas then Resolutions
My early New Year's resolution is going to be to start back writing again so maybe I can get an awesome link at Reason.com like cockrockmag, aka Mark, aka one-half of the Brazen Heads, aka the podcast you should go download on iTunes immediately after downloading The Logic Connection.
We're also really hoping to improve the audio quality of upcoming episodes once we figure out our new Sony mics so stay tuned...
- Good people of Chesterfield County, take heart, if the corrupt former governor of NC, Mike Easley, can be convicted of a felony thanks in large part to the efforts of investigative journalists, there's hope yet. I mean who would have ever thought using money that wasn't your own to make improvements on your personal property and using your political influence to get your significant other a job they wouldn't have otherwise gotten would result in a criminal investigation??
- Christopher Hitchens totally vindicating us with his thoughts on the futility of TSA security measures at our nation's airports.
- Food, Inc. It's worth watching with an open mind if you haven't seen it yet, but only if you don't have anything better in your Netflix queue like Wild Things 2. Instead, I think I'm going to recommend "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. I just listened to a Fora.tv interview with the author today and it basically sounds like a way more thoughtful, way less patronizing version of Food, Inc. I'll report back once I've had a chance to get Eating Animals from the library next week.
- My three favorite Christmas songs below, in no particular order:
The most awesome version of Carol of the Bells ever.
We're also really hoping to improve the audio quality of upcoming episodes once we figure out our new Sony mics so stay tuned...
- Good people of Chesterfield County, take heart, if the corrupt former governor of NC, Mike Easley, can be convicted of a felony thanks in large part to the efforts of investigative journalists, there's hope yet. I mean who would have ever thought using money that wasn't your own to make improvements on your personal property and using your political influence to get your significant other a job they wouldn't have otherwise gotten would result in a criminal investigation??
- Christopher Hitchens totally vindicating us with his thoughts on the futility of TSA security measures at our nation's airports.
- Food, Inc. It's worth watching with an open mind if you haven't seen it yet, but only if you don't have anything better in your Netflix queue like Wild Things 2. Instead, I think I'm going to recommend "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. I just listened to a Fora.tv interview with the author today and it basically sounds like a way more thoughtful, way less patronizing version of Food, Inc. I'll report back once I've had a chance to get Eating Animals from the library next week.
- My three favorite Christmas songs below, in no particular order:
The most awesome version of Carol of the Bells ever.
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