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October 30, 2007

Regarding the Recent Blog Drama

This is a repost of something I posted over at PRCaldude's place (vicious nazi hatemonger that he is /wave ).

Neocon, paleocon, comicon...

I'm a dude. I like freedom. Not so much a fan of being told how to live by my government. Generally I think capitalism works.

Not a huge fan of huddling within our borders - I'd rather go on the offensive, though that's not always the best option. The jury is still out for me on the whole "nation building" thing. I'm still formulating my opinions.

Dunno, really. The labeling thing seems a waste of time. "You're just a nasty old X" where X is something I think I don't like seems to be a way of avoiding honest discussion.

Folks on the "VB IS TEH NAZI! ZOMG!" side of the argument are overzealous in their desire to keep the party ideologically pure (odd echoes of Kos :shudder:). Folks on the "VB IS PERFECT AND INNOCENT" side aren't (IMO) quite giving the issue the look they should.

To the "we have to fight the jihadists so we'll take who we can get" folks ... um ... how, precisely, are we fighting the jihadists? How does associating ourselves with a bunch of Swedish weirdos with a sketchy past help us "fight" the jihadists? Arena of ideas and all that sure ... but really ... meh.


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I just can't get over how badly everyone freaked out over this. I mean ... I barely noticed it the first time I saw it at LGF. Here's how it looked to me.

Atlas Shrugged: We did this anti-jihad conference, which was AWESOME. Everyone should be like, totally into it.

Littlegreenfootballs: Some of the people there look like they've got some odd associations.

AS: OMG! WTF?!?! Charles <3s CAIR!!!oneEleven!1 LGF HATES FREEDOM AND LOVES SUPER PC LIBTARDS FOREVAR!

LGF: OMG! WTF??! ALL I DID WAS ASK TEH QUESTIONS! YOU'RE ALL RACISTS AND NAZIS AND BLAH!

Robert Spencer: Not that there WERE any Holocaust Denying racist Nazis at the conference, but if there were, I'd utterly and completely repudiate them. OH LOOK A PTERODACTYL! <vanish>

Internet straw poll: RON PAUL!!!!

AllahPundit: INDISCRIMINATE BAN HAMMER OF DOOM FOR RACISTS AND HATERS AND LIARS AND NAZIS!!1!

<mushroom cloud>

Godwin: Who went first now? I'm confused.

ALL: RACIST PC LOVING ZIONIST NAZI HATEMONGER RAR RAR RAR!

Sympathizers to various sides: I thought we KNEW those people, man. They've like, totally betrayed the cause. (Insert faction of choice) has really gone downhill.

Rest of the World: Huh?

----------------------------------

So, in summary, tempest, meet teapot.  Or that's what it should have been.  How this lunacy got so out of control over a bunch of reindeer loving iceback Scandis is beyond me.  Seriously.  It's like lutefisk inspires berserker rage.  On the other hand, if I had to eat that crap, maybe I'd want to bust some heads too.

But really.  Charles?  Pamela?  AllahPundit?  EVERYONE?  Have a ritalin.  Have a shot. Have the quasi-legal depressant of your choice - but make sure that whatever it is, they come with huge freakin' CHILL PILLS.


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October 08, 2007

You say that like it's a bad thing...

This song is made of win.

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September 28, 2007

Awesome Flyby

MAAAAVERRRIIICK!!!


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September 21, 2007

The Whorfian Hypothesis

I'd be interested to get Goldstein's take on the ideas expressed by these fellows.

In linguistics, the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis (SWH) postulates a systematic relationship between the grammaticalcategories of the language a person speaks and how that person both understands the world and behaves in it. Although known as the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis, it was an underlying axiom of linguist and anthropologistEdward Sapir and his colleague and student Benjamin Whorf.

The hypothesis postulates that a particular language's nature influences the habitual thought of its speakers. Different language patterns yield different patterns of thought.
Given how much Jeff talks about the use of language to shape a narrative, it could lead to some interesting discussions.

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Goldstein Nails it to the Wall

Every so often, someone will be SO VERY RIGHT that it sets off a sort of harmonic throughout the blogosphere.

The linked article at ProteinWisdom is one such instance. That ol' harmonic be a buzzin' and a' jumpin'.

Rather, it is simply to point out that, philosophically, at least, there is a vast area of intellectual overlap between the foundational principles informing most every totalitarian movement — and that, to many Muslims, bin Ladenism is a form of “progressivism,” though when placed in the paradigm of Islamic thinking, that “progressivism” leads backward rather than forward (and so to western eyes appears reactionary rather than radical — one of the reasons, one can argue, that it is frequently tied to social conservatism). Still, it is a kind of reform movement aimed at the excesses of capitalism and western liberalism — a way to control the natural diversity of outcome brought about when freedom is allowed to govern in fact (instead of being worn like a friendly facade) — and in its core foundational assumptions finds common cause with other material manifestations of those same principles.

Which is why, I suppose, bin Laden sounds so much like Chomsky. The only difference is the godhead and the place of worship.

There you have it, in a nutshell.

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September 17, 2007

Old, But Cool

I know I'm late to the party with this story, but it's so cool that I couldn't help but mention it.

IT was just after midnight when the 69th Squadron of Israeli F15Is crossed the Syrian coast-line. On the ground, Syria’s formidable air defences went dead. An audacious raid on a Syrian target 50 miles from the Iraqi border was under way.

At a rendezvous point on the ground, a Shaldag air force commando team was waiting to direct their laser beams at the target for the approaching jets. The team had arrived a day earlier, taking up position near a large underground depot. Soon the bunkers were in flames.

Both nations are largely silent, but the remarks by the Israeli PM have this sort of smug "hehehe" feel to them.  Excellent.

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September 13, 2007

War Musings

I really do enjoy Jeff Goldstein's blogging at Protein Wisdom.  The man has a knack for turn of phrase that I find just delightful.

One side-effect of visiting though, is that I get the distinct sensation of being handed a writing prompt and being told to compare and contrast.  The man has a professor vibe, is what I'm saying.  At any rate, he's discussing the war, major liberal objections to it, and his own answers to those objections.  It's worth discussing, but as in many such endeavors, it's plagued by a rather large problem.

Almost everyone had an opinion on the war from the outset, and many have spent their time since looking for reasons to justify their gut opinion. 

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September 10, 2007

Art Comic

For those unaware, (and apparently unobservant) I read a lot of webcomics.  They're fun.  Comics are an interesting medium, and when you have the luxury of removing the rules surrounding format and content, they can convey some fascinating stories.

Some are more off the wall than others.  Some are political.  Some are just fiction.  And some are just ... true art.  So it is with Templar, Arizona*.  I'm late to the party in recognizing this comic, but it really impressed me.  It's a story about a bizarre little town set in a sort of alternate-reality universe.  There isn't a sci-fi or fantasy element to the story; it is, honestly, a (sometimes critical) look at counterculture.  All in all, a very fun read and worth the time.

* There's a lot language, and some of the topics are risqué - an FYI for those of a gentler constitution.

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Captain Ahab's Wet Dream

Ah Native Americans, living in harmony with nature as their ancient cultures dictate.

Coast Guard Petty Officer Kelly Parker said five people believed to be members of the Makah Tribe shot and harpooned the whale Saturday morning. The extent of the whale's injuries were not immediately known.

Tribe members were being held by the Coast Guard but had not been charged, said Mark Oswell, a spokesman for the law enforcement arm of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

A preliminary report said the whale was shot with a .50-caliber machine gun, Oswell said.


When asked about questionable choice of using a .50 caliber machine gun in a "cultural subsistence hunting" outing, Makah tribesmen were heard to say, "You try taking down one of these bastards with spears, arrows, and some elbow grease, mister."

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September 07, 2007

Kos + DU's Latest Talking Points Revealed

Here they are.

Ok, I kid I kid.  That's a partial transcript of Bin Laden's newest hit video.  But I defy lefties out there to demonstrate the difference to me.

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September 05, 2007

Map of Internet Badly Flawed

A group of Japanese Experts (natch) have purportedly developed a "subway map of the internet."

It is not, as should be obvious, one gigantic mosaic of porn.  Therefore, it is a poor representation of the Internet.

QED.


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Coming Soon...

...to a milk carton near you!

A note to politicians: be careful with your campaign contributors.

A note to Hilary's campaign contributors: Watch yo'self, sucka.



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August 31, 2007

Fulfilling Obligations

Darth Rove has posted a final communique, and even the least of the lieutenants in this dark order must share it.

Long live the Emperor.

Beyond his policies and actions, history will take the measure of the man.

I have known George W. Bush for nearly 34 years and have had the privilege of watching from nearby as history has placed its demands on him and our country. I know his humility and decency, his intelligence and thoughtfulness, his respect for every person he comes in contact with, his unwavering commitment to principle-based decision-making, and the quiet and compassionate hearts of the man and his graceful wife, Laura.

I have come to understand true leadership leans into the wind. It tackles big challenges with uncertain outcomes rather than taking on simple, sure tasks. It does what is right, regardless of what the latest poll or focus group says. History demands much of America and its leaders and I am confident it will judge the 43rd president as a man more than worthy of the great office the American people twice entrusted to him.
Spittle-slinging liberal rage-rant in 5...4...3...2...


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August 30, 2007

Thursday Stupid (Yes, I'm Stealing a Concept. Deal.)

Ever seen an argument so idiotic that it stopped being frustrating at some point and became hilarious?

This is that argument, right here.

Definitional arguments with people who don't get that the same words can have different meanings to different people are going to be the end of the one dude's sanity. 

Comedy gold.

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August 29, 2007

Danger Will Robinson!

Bryan at Hot Air is excited about this new drone, The Reaper, that's being deployed in Afghanistan. 

I'm going to go ahead and raise a preemptive cry of "Cylon."  Fear the robots!  The time of the meatsack is as at its end.

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August 28, 2007

Morally Vacuous

For the left, it would appear that some morals are all-important, while others are just byproducts of our fascist Puritan heritage. Take this little advice column from the NYT for example.  A writer asks if he should let slip that an attorney up for a judge position knowingly gave him herpes, and the response?

You should not. No doubt your paramour acted dreadfully. She should have told you that she had herpes and let you decide whether you wished to accept that risk. But the selection committee is not choosing a role model for the kids or someone to ride the express elevator to heaven; it seeks a person who will excel at a particular job. I do not believe that this sort of sexual misconduct correlates with an inability to be a good judge.

Oh sure.  A serious violation of ethics certainly doesn't indicate a problem with someone's ability to fairly administer the law.  This isn't about sleeping around or being promiscuous, this is about telling someone that you could be seriously endangering their well-being by sleeping with them.  That's a big deal, you utter twit.

Many people whose sex lives would not stand up to ethical scrutiny do their work well. Notorious philanderers have been decent enough heads of state or C.E.O.’s or generals. Indeed, many Americans preferred President Kennedy promiscuous to President Nixon monogamous.

Er hem.  That sir, is a matter of opinion.  And again, philandering isn't what we're talking about - we're talking about health and willfully endangering someone without their knowledge or consent.  Oh, and to point out one last little piece of retardation, I love the "many Americans preferred" line.  Ethics and morals come down to a bloody popularity contest folks.  You heard it here first. 

The New York Times: Even our advice columnists having raging brain-worm infections!

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August 27, 2007

Reality Check Time

Now here's an interesting little story. A young Muslim woman in Jerusalem has become a taxi driver to make ends meet. The BBC reports on the story with a hopeful tone; hurray for that much vaunted multicultural mosaic and all that jazz.

As Jerusalem's only female Muslim taxi driver, Mrs Bahr, wearing a white headscarf, cuts a distinctive figure in the city's taxi-driving community.

"People always think I'm Jewish at first," says Mrs Bahr, who speaks conversational Hebrew.

"But then I tell them that I'm Muslim and they are even more surprised. They say it's brilliant, it's fantastic."


Yes, yes that's wonderful. Mmhmm. But then it starts to get distinctly fishy.

In her conservative Muslim community, Mrs Bahr says that it is her female Muslim friends that have been her biggest champions.
Excuse me, but:




Conservative Muslim community eh?  Right.  Let's try a little thought experiment, shall we?  Imagine giving this whole taxi thing a go in Saudi Arabia.  Hell, let her try it in Gaza.  Few things better illustrate the difference between truly fundamentalist Muslim societies and open westernized societies like Israel.  I'd like to thank the BBC for allowing me to illustrate the difference.

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August 24, 2007

Tonight we dine in ...

As you can see here, this is clearly Goldstein's fault and not mine. Plus it tickled my funny bone.

On the flip side, of course, you have Tom Tancredo — who, were it not for how nasty he looks in a codpiece and red cape, would likely volunteer to lead a band of 300 into the desert, with a promise not to return without the head of Alfredo Garcia.

Mixed signals, you might say.




Go get em, Tanc!

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You fail at life!

I've been remiss in withholding my coveted "You Fail at Life!" award for a while. Well, I must rectify this injustice post haste!

Witness the unmitigated idiocy of this monstrous tool via Hot Air.

How can I love my parents when they are supporters of the most corrupt, willfully ignorant, deceitful, lying administration in our nation's history?

If we were not related by blood, I would have nothing to do with these people. The Bush presidency has ruined our reputation in the world, destroyed many of our civil liberties and increased the divide between the rich and the poor. Plus they think torture is just dandy!

I don't have any Republican friends. I don't like to talk to Republicans mostly. I find them ignorant of other cultures, and smug -- feeling that our country is the best in the world -- period.

Congratulations sir!  For pissing all over the people that loved you, raised you, nurtured you, fed you, changed your diapers, and generally provided for every aspect of your life because they had the audacity to disagree with your political leanings, YOU FAIL AT LIFE.


 

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August 23, 2007

Accusations!

I for one am SHOCKED - shocked I tell you - by the accusations made by the leader of Hamas. On second thought, blaming the US and Israel is sort of like breathing for the Palestinians, so never mind.

This right here is priceless:

Meshaal also dismissed reports that Al-Qaeda was present in Gaza, saying they were propaganda aimed at giving Hamas "a negative image."
Oh, well we wouldn't want the crazy terrorist group with genocide written right into the charter getting a negative image, now would we? 

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