Friday Quote 7-13-07

Look abroad through Nature's range, Nature's mighty law is change.

Robert Burns, Scottish Poet

Rules for Comments

A couple of folks (mostly posting under Anon.) have had their comments not approved. In order to insure that (mostly) everyone who wants to have a say can avoid the wrath of me, here are some guidelines. Following them all might not get your comment included - but failure to comply will almost definitely get your comment trashed.

• Comments must be intelligent, and based on the subject at hand (no wandering off the topic of the post.)
• Posts with factual backup stand a much better chance of being included. So, cite your source. (Note to liberals: MoveOn.org is not a source of facts.)
• Irrational, emotion driven posts will be trashed.
• The only one allowed to hold a flame-thrower on this field is myself - you can disagree with me, or another commenter, but no trashing. Please note the the McCain-Finegold-Kennedy-Clinton exception.
• Words mean things, please know the meaning of a word before you use it. If you are unsure, check dictionary.com.
• Brevity is the sole of wit. No 6 page dissertations please.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it hits the highlights of the more recent additions to the garbage can. Remember, my field, my ball, my rules - I don't edit posts, I just trash them.

RWT

Empowerment Comes Only in Certain Forms

The YWCA of Greater Toledo turned down a $1,200 donation from the Lucas County Democratic Party in the fallout of strippergate. According to local Chairwoman Lisa McDuffie, "Strip clubs are an outlet to dominate, control, and exploit women through money." Last time I checked, no one was holding a gun, forcing women to become strippers. In fact, they were making a choice.

I find this interesting, given the YWCA's stance on abortion. In fact, according to their own position paper, the organization "has been an advocate for reproductive rights and freedoms," and "adopted a “freedom of choice” position in 1967 at the YWCA National Convention following an extensive debate by the nearly 1,000 delegates from local associations all over the country." (Emphasis mine) If a woman has the choice of what to do with her body where abortion is concerned, why does this not extend to the acts that lead to the abortion? Looks like a double standard to me.

RWT

The Blade Weighs In on One Party Rule

Seen in the editorial section of today's Blade.

In short, the era of one-party rule is over. The art of compromise is again a valued part of the legislative process, and the people of Ohio are likely to be better served from a policy standpoint.

Why is it, I wonder, why what's good for the state isn't good for the city and county?

RWT

The Ugly American - Only When Republican

I find it interesting that when the US involves itself in the internal workings of another country, at least when a Republican is President, it is almost always hailed as another example of the "Ugly American." However, an editorial in today's Blade calls for President Bush to work for the protection of farm unions within the country of Mexico. Interesting, given that many who are proposing this bill, including Marcy Kaptur (S-OH), view the construction of a fence upon US soil as a violation of Mexico's sovereignty.

The newspaper and Ms. Kaptur are insisting on police protection for organizers, in a country rife with crime and social problems. So, why should these organizers be any different than Mexican citizens. If it is because they come from the US, or because the union is a major supporter of Ms. Kaptur?

Friday Quote, 7-4-07

Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

- George Washington, President of the United States

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.