“Soft despotism is a term coined by Alexis de Tocqueville describing the state into which a country overrun by "a network of small complicated rules" might degrade. Soft despotism is different from despotism (also called 'hard despotism') in the sense that it is not obvious to the people."
Friday, December 17, 2010
Japanese Defense Reviews on China
Background:
Japan defence review warns of China's military might
The major strategic review will shape Japan's defence policy for the next 10 years
Japan has unveiled sweeping changes to its national defence polices, boosting its southern forces in response to neighbouring China's military rise.
It said Beijing's military build-up was of global concern. Japan shares a maritime border with China.
It will also strengthen its missile defences against the threat from a nuclear-armed North Korea.
China has responded saying it is a force for peace and development in Asia and threatens no-one.
China's Foreign Ministry said no country had the right to make irresponsible comments on China's development.
Flashpoints The National Defence Programme Guideline has been approved by the cabinet and will shape Japan's defence policy for the next 10 years.
Japan is changing its defence policy in response to the shifting balance of power in Asia, analysts say.
Reorganised Defences
Troops moved from north to south, near maritime border with China
More Patriot missiles to counter possible North Korean attack
Defence budget of 23.49tn yen (£180bn; $280bn) for next five years, down 3%
More submarines (up from 16 to 22); fewer tanks (down from 600 to 400)
Review labels China military build-up "matter of concern"; US-Japan alliance "indispensable"
Defences will be scaled down in the north, where they have been deployed since the Cold War to counter potential threats from the former Soviet Union.
The military focus will now be in the south of Japan, closer to China and remote flashpoint islands near Taiwan.
The guidelines say Japan is concerned by China's growing military spending, modernisation of its armed forces, and increased naval assertiveness in the East China and South China seas.
"These movements, coupled with the lack of transparency on China's military and security issues, the trend is a concern for the region and the international community," the new guidelines say.
Relations between Japan and China deteriorated sharply in September, after collisions between a Chinese trawler and Japanese patrol boats near a chain of disputed islands in the East China Sea.
North Korea concerns
The review paper outlines a shift in resources from the army to the air force and navy.
Japan's submarine fleet will be expanded from 16 to 22 and fighter jets upgraded, while the number of tanks will be cut by a third to 400.
Japan's military is constitutionally banned from taking offensive action North Korea's missile and nuclear programmes were also described as a "pressing and serious destabilising factor".
Pyongyang has fired missiles over Japan and staged nuclear tests in recent years.
Last month it unveiled a new uranium enrichment plant to US experts, and launched an artillery attack on a South Korean island, killing four people.
In response, Japan says more Patriot interceptor batteries will be deployed across the country, and the number of warships which can shoot down missiles will be increased from four to six.
It also plans to cut the number of soldiers by 1,000 to an official headcount of 154,000.
The US has an almost 50,000-strong troop presence in Japan. The paper called the Japan-US alliance "indispensable".
The review paper added that it was necessary to reduce the burden on communities hosting US bases, including Okinawa.
Japan said it would "promote confidence and co-operation with China and Russia" while also developing ties with the EU and Nato.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sparked a diplomatic row with Japan earlier this year by visiting the Southern Kurils, which Japan calls the Northern Territories.
The islands, off the north coast of Japan's Hokkaido island, were seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War II, but Japan still regards them as part of its territory.
Japan has a pacifist constitution. Article Nine of the constitution, which was written under US post-war occupation in 1947, renounces the use of force by Japan in settling international disputes.
The BBC's Roland Buerk, in Tokyo, says the new strategic stance will be closely watched in Asia, where Japan's World War II aggression has been neither forgotten nor forgiven.
So bob had his Lady lawyer write up a binding contract with the City.
So it was she that decided the land swap was viable and equitable.
And you who agreed and instigated it, with the City.
Yet it was you who agreed, with your own son, that it was unfair, to your side.
You harp on about the injustices of dealing with the City, then it becomes clear that the only one that has been injured is you, at your own request.
You wrote a contract with the City, did a land swap, just to get a zoning change, on a project that is not only past its' economic prime, it will never be even be born.
And, now, you have announced that you are leaving for Ohio, before any further development can proceed.
What a parable for American decline you have become, bob.
While allen thinks that the US should just forget about Israeli acts of piracy, in the Mediterranean, while all of Asia remembers Japan and its days of autocratic despotism.
Well illustrating the Shifting Standards of human memory as they relate to perspective.
It concerns the Japanese, Chinese and Russians, as it relates to US decline in the Pacific.
The US decline in influence is not than economic, where we have held our own, and not related to military strength. That is an area where the US maintains both quantitative and qualitative advantages over all others.
So why has the US lost influence, in Asia, to the point that Japan considers rearming?
Can it be just "Bad Press"?
Perhaps caused by the failure of our military to achieve a victory against Islamic border bandits?
Perhaps the truth is a lack of national direction. Our efforts are frittered away on false hopes and faulty projects.
Symptoms of which are observable through the parabolic posts of our master of literature.
As is his wont, the expression of his thoughts and feelings, through life related parables.
Mexico City (CNN) -- More than 30100 people have died in drug-related violence since Mexican President Felipe Calderon began a crackdown on cartels, the country's attorney general said.
No, Q, I do not lighten up. There is no reason to.
The whirled is full of disinformation.
The EB parable:
For months bob told us of the depredations the wolves had caused to Idahos elk population. Rants against Idaho Game & Fish and the Obama Administration, because the wolves were laying waste to Idaho's elk herds.
While the commercially published stories tell a different story, entirely. Idaho elk herds have never been larger, nor the results of the hunting harvest more productive. More elk are being taken than ever before. More folks are enjoying the bounty of their "American Heritage" than at any time in Idaho's storied history.
Now I can understand being opposed to the introduction of wolves onto the National Forests. I can understand being opposed to the concept of National Forests.
But the telling of falsehoods to build a foundation for the parable teller's theme, that's something that needs to be continually deconstructed.
I was chatting with a friend last weekend who just returned from eastern China. He was struck by the continued hatred of Japan in that area over the Japanese occupation. The City he was in had numerous museums and the like documenting the atrocities the Japanese committed. He didn't think it wise for Japanese tourists to consider visiting that region.
No, Q, I do not lighten up. There is no reason to.
The whirled is full of disinformation.
And you are the EB Diogenes?
You can't put down that lantern for even a week at Christmas?
Wolves? I too believe Bob is ill-informed on the subject. However, is the subject worthy of continually being brought up except as a subject of amusement?
And you first post above. Why the fuck do you care whether Bob's personal business deal turns out well or turns to shit?
What a parable for American decline you have become, bob.
Yes, it is my understanding there is deep hatred for the Japanese in Korea as well. Ironically, here in Toronto, many of the restaurants in "Korea town" offer Japanese and Korean food.
I find it interesting that in the US all seems forgotten as many urge Japan to take a more active role militarily and otherwise in world affairs.
In December of 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army marched into China's capital city of Nanking and proceeded to murder 300,000 out of 600,000 civilians and soldiers in the city. The six weeks of carnage would become known as the Rape of Nanking and represented the single worst atrocity during the World War II era in either the European or Pacific theaters of war. The story
...There's a vicious cycle at work. Israel continues to hold the West Bank and build settlements. Policing occupied territory and protecting settlers are military burdens, increasing the need for combat soldiers and officers who aren't ambivalent about the job. To meet that need, the army depends ever more on the religious right. Yet this increases the danger of a breakdown in the military when an Israeli government finally does decide to pull out of the West Bank. Large numbers of soldiers, including officers, could refuse to take part...
Ash From yesterdays post, while you were bashing Religion, you meant to say self righteous, instead of righteous, correct? I think being righteous in others eyes is a good thing.
The very fact that bob has moved forward with his Real Estate plans, even in the face of these dire economic times, another American parable.
While telling us that the Federal government has never had as poor a manager for the economy, bob also disdains the "message from the markets" as so much hog wash.
Despite changes in the economy and markets, bob forges ahead on his Real Estate development dream. He will not be deterred from his ultimate goal.
Bestowing future generation in Moscow, ID with the ignominy of unpronounceable street names, in an attempt to honor the indigenous peoples of America.
No Gag I wasn't trying to bash religion but rather those who act righteously - as in certain in the truth of their belief. In other words, I am bashing those who justify their deeds based on what the "Koran says" or the "Bible says".
ah, I can see the distinction you are making. Well, yes, but I would argue there is a fine line between one and the other. That fine line revolves around "morally justified" being assumed to be the case in "righteous" action. If one is "morally justified" then one should act righteously. The problem I have is with the folk who use these old books as the source of their moral justification
That the McMansion mentality has so permeated the society and culture, is illustrated in the telling of the American tale.
The amount of energy and time that has been spent, on the "110 lots", by City staff, inordinate to the economic gain that will come to the community from the project.
bob wasted their time.
Especially evident now that he is soon to be off to Ohio, on the next leg of his American journey.
You constantly take a single specific issue or incident and from them draw broad generalized conclusions, 'truths' if you like, about the human condition. What happens when others don't agree with those conclusions?
Are they lying?
The earlier discussion regarding self-righteous as opposed to righteous seems pertinent to this discussion.
Kuril Islands dispute is being swept under the rug as Japan see China as the new problem.
Russia will in a short time wake up and realize that it's vast, mineral wealthy and barren of people... China will look at Russia as a buffet and say? Gee is it fair that Russia should hold so much for so few?
One of the reactions to the USA pulling it's weight BACK and creating a vacuum will be to allow the other regional players to field their oats...
Interesting times will be here soon.
China will be engaging it's fellow asians in a much more imperial way, this will lead to Japan, India, Viet Nam, Singapore, Indonesia and others to compensate for America's dimming...
Bill preventing big tax hikes heads to Obama Friday
In a remarkable show of bipartisanship, the House gave final approval to the measure just before midnight Thursday, overcoming an attempt by rebellious Democrats who wanted to impose a higher estate tax than the one Obama agreed to. The vote was 277-148, with each party contributing an almost identical number of votes in favor (the Democrats, 139 and the Republicans, 138).
The bill's cost, $858 billion, would be added to the deficit, a sore spot among budget hawks in both parties.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said he thought the White House could have gotten a better deal.
"When I talk to the Republicans they are giddy about this bill," he said.
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Fla., called it "a bipartisan moment of clarity."
If you were carrying Bob what would be different today? How would the event have transpired differently? Would you have had the time to shoot him? Scare him?
I have decided to carry, not all the time, just when I feel it's warranted.
Not going to use the small framed glock 27 40 cal, no safety.
I love the 1911's safety grips..
ash asks...
If you were carrying Bob what would be different today? How would the event have transpired differently? Would you have had the time to shoot him? Scare him?
How about this answer...
Not carrying precludes the outcome..
You are at the mercy of a felon.
Carrying doesnt ensure success, but it does raise the odds...
Now if Bob had SHOOT the fellow? Bob's would be arrested, no doubt. No matter justified or not.
I recommend anyone carrying already have a criminal attorney lined up.
Remember you cannot shoot someone who is walking away...
Remember if you are prepared to SHOW it you must be prepared to USE it.
In family court, a judge turns to ridicule to defuse the rage
"Faced with warring ex-spouses besieging one another with threats and verbal abuse and dragging their children into it too, Ontario Superior Judge Joseph Quinn resorted to the only tool he had left – a highly unusual verbal roasting.
...
Alternating caustic gibes with amusing observations, Judge Quinn portrayed Catherine – a 36-year-old school caretaker – and Larry, a labourer, as vile, foul-mouthed creatures who had burned through an enormous amount of police and court time waging their futile blitzkrieg.
He said that they cannot attend their son’s ball hockey games without erupting into loud conflict, and that Catherine once tried to run over Larry with a van. “This is always a telltale sign that a husband and wife are drifting apart,” Judge Quinn remarked dryly.
On three occasions, a niece of Catherine’s who is engaged to a Hells Angels biker called Larry to warn him that he would be shot dead, Judge Quinn said. “On Oct. 18, 2007, a nautical theme was added,” he remarked. “According to Larry, ‘Catherine’s sister-in-law yelled out her window that I was going to be floating in the canal dead.’”
Judge Quinn said that Larry, 38, possesses “a near-empty parenting tool box,” and was fond of venting his anger by sending Catherine insulting text messages and giving her ‘the finger’ as he drove by her home. “A finger is worth a thousand words and therefore, is particularly useful should one have a vocabulary of less than a thousand words,” Judge Quinn added.
Ash said... I'm curious as the actual details of Bob's incident and whether he thinks the gun would have made much difference. If a guy jumps you from behind...
Now you want to paint a million different what ifs?
come on fool...
How about this...
the badguy is spotted coming at you, you have your gun in your hand and the moment the creep steps up to you and demands your wallet you are already shooting the badguy in the stomach and nuts.. You react with an automatic intensity unloading all 15 shots of your piece into the hamburger that used to be a thug...
When the police arrive, do tell them you were scared, you want the hamburger arrested and you are ill from seeing such grossness...
As soon as possible file a civil law suit against the family of the thug for getting blood on your shoes and causing you emotional distress..
Tell the police that you were scared beyond belief..
That you want the bad guy arrested...
And that you feel sick and wish medical treatment.
I see where you are going with the statements; however, as you pointed out, you have just shot a guy and you will be arrested. Nothing you can say will change that. The arresting offiers have little say in whether you are charged and if so for what.
On the other had, a normal person would be pretty rattled at this point. Any inadvertant comment you might make may end up biting you in the ass when (and if) you go to court.
That's the info I got in every gun course I've taken. Seems reasonable to me. However, everyone has to decide for themselves I guess.
Hopefully, none of us ever gets in that situation.
quirk: you have just shot a guy and you will be arrested. Nothing you can say will change that. The arresting offiers have little say in whether you are charged and if so for what.
Yes you will be arrested, if you request medical treatment they MUST take you to the hospital to be checked out.
Of course, after shooting someone (legally) you are in NO position to say anything.
and remember MEDICAL personal are not required to keep what you say private.
Typically in a shooting situation the flight or fight response is very real and great the adrenaline dump so amazing that you might even piss and shit yourself.
Our gun class recommends that once the shooting occurs you call the police and state:
THERE has been a shooting, describe your own health status (i'm ok), tell them your name, location and tell them you are safe, describe where you are SITTING down, legs in front, what you are wearing.
then hang up. call your attorney.
when the police arrive STAY seated, put weapon on ground in front, CLIP OUT and open.
do not volunteer any extra information.
have your concealed and drivers license at the ready.
Many times a situation like this will cause you to have chest pains or shortness of breath, this must be looked into at a hospital.
you will be arrested.
better to meet your attorney at the hospital than the jail.
...the Russian contribution to rationality and stability:
"Russia summoned the ambassadors of South Korea and the United States to express "extreme concern" and urged the two countries to halt the exercise to prevent "the further escalation of tensions," the Russian Foreign Ministry said."
I would love to bet all day long on the improbability of placing three "disabling" shots. I would really like to bet the Navy.
It is sometimes hard to recall that the military experts have given advice that has had us bogged down by ill-fed, ill- clothed, poorly armed camel jockeys for over nine years. Victory is a delusion. We have been engaged in an "operation" for a year now, with no end in sight...disabling shots my...
When my daughter was taught by two "expert" marksmen, she learned five rules:
1) The GUN is always loaded 2) The gun IS always loaded 3) The gun is ALWAYS loaded 4) The gun is always LOADED 5) Always shoot twice
Oh, she has a permit to carry a concealed weapon (today, 38 S&W, hammerless, police special, with lazer grips). She is an expert marksman and a great cook.
I wish they would quit selling this stuff as "clean" energy, and start selling it as "Cheap" Energy (cause, adding 845 Megawatt Hours of Electricity for $1.9 Billion really is cheap - the article is about the $1.3 Billion loan guarantee, but I'm assuming the Feds are kicking in about $600 Million.)
Let us rejoice for the moment. This time Monday, Petraeus will be profusely apologizing for having killed 37 children, 12 pregnant women, 3 hamsters, 4 ducks, and 2 goats.
Oh, she has a permit to carry a concealed weapon (today, 38 S&W, hammerless, police special, with lazer grips). She is an expert marksman and a great cook.
I have not gotten close to being happy with my concealed piece.
But now that you mentioned it, I do have a 38 s&w police special, the guy at the guy shop says just call it a "special"
I hadn't thought of that one to use...
I am kinda leaning away from my glocks as there is no safety for those and pulling it out of the holster could be nasty if not real careful.
So bob had his Lady lawyer write up a binding contract with the City.
ReplyDeleteSo it was she that decided the land swap was viable and equitable.
And you who agreed and instigated it, with the City.
Yet it was you who agreed, with your own son, that it was unfair, to your side.
You harp on about the injustices of dealing with the City, then it becomes clear that the only one that has been injured is you, at your own request.
You wrote a contract with the City, did a land swap, just to get a zoning change, on a project that is not only past its' economic prime, it will never be even be born.
And, now, you have announced that you are leaving for Ohio, before any further development can proceed.
What a parable for American decline you have become, bob.
While allen thinks that the US should just forget about Israeli acts of piracy, in the Mediterranean, while all of Asia remembers Japan and its days of autocratic despotism.
ReplyDeleteWell illustrating the Shifting Standards of human memory as they relate to perspective.
That's just how those migrated Russians are.
They do, in a general way, look alike, those emigrated Russians.
ReplyDeleteThis relates to Chinese and Japanese military readjustment in some subtle way?
ReplyDeleteAllen, Wio, and Bob:
ReplyDeleteDo not take the bait. I would consider it a favor.
Deuce,
ReplyDeleteDone!
This thread does fit in nicely with some posts submitted recently. China is on the road to war with the US within the next decade (more or less).
It concerns the Japanese, Chinese and Russians, as it relates to US decline in the Pacific.
ReplyDeleteThe US decline in influence is not than economic, where we have held our own, and not related to military strength. That is an area where the US maintains both quantitative and qualitative advantages over all others.
So why has the US lost influence, in Asia, to the point that Japan considers rearming?
Can it be just "Bad Press"?
Perhaps caused by the failure of our military to achieve a victory against Islamic border bandits?
Perhaps the truth is a lack of national direction. Our efforts are frittered away on false hopes and faulty projects.
Symptoms of which are observable through the parabolic posts of our master of literature.
As is his wont, the expression of his thoughts and feelings, through life related parables.
allen describes more foolishness.
ReplyDeleteChina would only become militarily involved with the US, in Asia, if, as in the 1950's it looked as if the US was preparing to invade China.
Along the historic invasion routes.
China will not attack Pearl Harbor. It will not attack the US.
There could only be conflict if the US were to be seen as directly intervening in domestic Chinese affairs.
Which we could do, foolishly, out of ignorance and hubris.
There will be no Chinese Armies marching on Seattle.
ReplyDeleteThere is no Chinese blue water navy, nor will there be one, in a decade.
The Chinese have no Ohio-class submarines, nor will they in the next decade.
ReplyDeleteMexico City (CNN) --
ReplyDeleteMore than 30100 people have died in drug-related violence since Mexican President Felipe Calderon began a crackdown on cartels, the country's attorney general said.
.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wrong rat, aren't getting that pony you wanted for Christmas?
Don't you ever lighten up?
ISSUES
.
| Fri Dec 17, 2010 6:32pm IST
ReplyDeleteISLAMABAD (Reuters) - China and Pakistan are expected to sign a number of agreements during Prime Minister Wen Jiabao's visit which began on Friday.
Total value of the deals will be between $10 billion and $14 billion, with another $4.8 billion in commercial deals to be signed on Saturday.
Interesting way to spend $10 billion USD buys a lot of influence, not a strike aircraft nor main battle tank in the entire mix.
The Chinese financing construction, not destruction.
Another parable in the offing?
No, Q, I do not lighten up.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason to.
The whirled is full of disinformation.
The EB parable:
For months bob told us of the depredations the wolves had caused to Idahos elk population.
Rants against Idaho Game & Fish and the Obama Administration, because the wolves were laying waste to Idaho's elk herds.
While the commercially published stories tell a different story, entirely. Idaho elk herds have never been larger, nor the results of the hunting harvest more productive. More elk are being taken than ever before. More folks are enjoying the bounty of their "American Heritage" than at any time in Idaho's storied history.
Now I can understand being opposed to the introduction of wolves onto the National Forests.
I can understand being opposed to the concept of National Forests.
But the telling of falsehoods to build a foundation for the parable teller's theme, that's something that needs to be continually deconstructed.
I was chatting with a friend last weekend who just returned from eastern China. He was struck by the continued hatred of Japan in that area over the Japanese occupation. The City he was in had numerous museums and the like documenting the atrocities the Japanese committed. He didn't think it wise for Japanese tourists to consider visiting that region.
ReplyDeleteI met some Koreans, ash, in the 80's who felt the same.
ReplyDeleteKorean Army officers that seemingly were tormented to dementia over any mention of Japan or the Japanese.
The Japanese were well and truly hated by many Koreans.
ReplyDeleteEven after almost fifty years had passed since the Japanese had occupied those lands.
.
ReplyDeleteNo, Q, I do not lighten up.
There is no reason to.
The whirled is full of disinformation.
And you are the EB Diogenes?
You can't put down that lantern for even a week at Christmas?
Wolves? I too believe Bob is ill-informed on the subject. However, is the subject worthy of continually being brought up except as a subject of amusement?
And you first post above. Why the fuck do you care whether Bob's personal business deal turns out well or turns to shit?
What a parable for American decline you have become, bob.
Good lord. Ludicrous.
.
Yes, it is my understanding there is deep hatred for the Japanese in Korea as well. Ironically, here in Toronto, many of the restaurants in "Korea town" offer Japanese and Korean food.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that in the US all seems forgotten as many urge Japan to take a more active role militarily and otherwise in world affairs.
In December of 1937, the Japanese Imperial Army marched into China's capital city of Nanking and proceeded to murder 300,000 out of 600,000 civilians and soldiers in the city. The six weeks of carnage would become known as the Rape of Nanking and represented the single worst atrocity during the World War II era in either the European or Pacific theaters of war.
ReplyDeleteThe story
and
The Video
There are lots of reasons for the people of Asia to be aggravated at the idea of Japanese prominence in the region.
I care, Q, because he cares to write about it.
ReplyDeleteHe has done so for years now. It is an integral part of the EB, the story of bob's land, its acquisition, use and development.
It IS a parable for the US.
Bob has incessantly told us about his land, his family and his life. He sleeping habits and even of his urges of the flesh.
He knows the story he is telling.
He is a master of literature.
...There's a vicious cycle at work. Israel continues to hold the West Bank and build settlements. Policing occupied territory and protecting settlers are military burdens, increasing the need for combat soldiers and officers who aren't ambivalent about the job. To meet that need, the army depends ever more on the religious right. Yet this increases the danger of a breakdown in the military when an Israeli government finally does decide to pull out of the West Bank. Large numbers of soldiers, including officers, could refuse to take part...
ReplyDeleteAsh
ReplyDeleteFrom yesterdays post, while you were bashing Religion, you meant to say self righteous, instead of righteous, correct? I think being righteous in others eyes is a good thing.
Yes, Q, on the issues that I care about, I play the part of Diogenes.
ReplyDeleteWhy not?
It is a viable social calling, the search for the truth.
And fruitful, too.
On Topic:
ReplyDeleteBEIJING--China has officially admitted for the first time that it has embarked on an aircraft carrier building program, part of a grand strategy to "build itself up as a maritime power."
Job security for me.
An Austrian man has been fined for yodelling while mowing his lawn because it caused offence to his Muslim neighbours. Helmut Griese, 63, was found guilty of “ridiculing” their religious beliefs and fined nearly £700 by a court in Graz.
ReplyDeleteThe very fact that bob has moved forward with his Real Estate plans, even in the face of these dire economic times, another American parable.
ReplyDeleteWhile telling us that the Federal government has never had as poor a manager for the economy, bob also disdains the "message from the markets" as so much hog wash.
Despite changes in the economy and markets, bob forges ahead on his Real Estate development dream. He will not be deterred from his ultimate goal.
Bestowing future generation in Moscow, ID with the ignominy of unpronounceable street names, in an attempt to honor the indigenous peoples of America.
No Gag I wasn't trying to bash religion but rather those who act righteously - as in certain in the truth of their belief. In other words, I am bashing those who justify their deeds based on what the "Koran says" or the "Bible says".
ReplyDeleteThat's not being righteous, ash, that's being self righteous, look it up.
ReplyDeleteI will be spending the rest of the day OUTSIDE. Adios.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteah, I can see the distinction you are making. Well, yes, but I would argue there is a fine line between one and the other. That fine line revolves around "morally justified" being assumed to be the case in "righteous" action. If one is "morally justified" then one should act righteously. The problem I have is with the folk who use these old books as the source of their moral justification
ReplyDelete.
ReplyDeleteYes, Q, on the issues that I care about, I play the part of Diogenes.
:)
.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI wrote:
ReplyDelete"The problem I have is with the folk who use these old books as the source of their moral justification"
I would go further and add that I have problems with folk who act with certainty based on their moral justifications. Humility is a good thing.
That the McMansion mentality has so permeated the society and culture, is illustrated in the telling of the American tale.
ReplyDeleteThe amount of energy and time that has been spent, on the "110 lots", by City staff, inordinate to the economic gain that will come to the community from the project.
bob wasted their time.
Especially evident now that he is soon to be off to Ohio, on the next leg of his American journey.
.
ReplyDeleteRat, the seeker of truth?
Who's truth?
You constantly take a single specific issue or incident and from them draw broad generalized conclusions, 'truths' if you like, about the human condition. What happens when others don't agree with those conclusions?
Are they lying?
The earlier discussion regarding self-righteous as opposed to righteous seems pertinent to this discussion.
.
Kuril Islands dispute is being swept under the rug as Japan see China as the new problem.
ReplyDeleteRussia will in a short time wake up and realize that it's vast, mineral wealthy and barren of people... China will look at Russia as a buffet and say? Gee is it fair that Russia should hold so much for so few?
One of the reactions to the USA pulling it's weight BACK and creating a vacuum will be to allow the other regional players to field their oats...
Interesting times will be here soon.
China will be engaging it's fellow asians in a much more imperial way, this will lead to Japan, India, Viet Nam, Singapore, Indonesia and others to compensate for America's dimming...
Interesting times.
No, not lying, Q.
ReplyDeleteThey present another, different perspective. One that may be just as valid an interpretation of current or past events.
There is no single truth.
Which is what makes the search for it all the more interesting.
.
ReplyDeleteBill preventing big tax hikes heads to Obama Friday
In a remarkable show of bipartisanship, the House gave final approval to the measure just before midnight Thursday, overcoming an attempt by rebellious Democrats who wanted to impose a higher estate tax than the one Obama agreed to. The vote was 277-148, with each party contributing an almost identical number of votes in favor (the Democrats, 139 and the Republicans, 138).
The bill's cost, $858 billion, would be added to the deficit, a sore spot among budget hawks in both parties.
Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., said he thought the White House could have gotten a better deal.
"When I talk to the Republicans they are giddy about this bill," he said.
Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite, R-Fla., called it "a bipartisan moment of clarity."
New Tax Deal
Hey, what's another $858 billion at this point?
I thought there would be a big pop in the markets when this was approved. Wrong again.
.
Done
ReplyDeleteBesides I got mugged last night walking to Albertson's, an unpleasant experince.
I'm not in the mood for a lot of chat chat.
Why wasn't I carrying?
The Christmas and Holiday Spirit I guess.
Good Holidays to all - I thing I have a broken rib -
when I breathe it hurts like hell.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIf you were carrying Bob what would be different today? How would the event have transpired differently? Would you have had the time to shoot him? Scare him?
ReplyDeleteAre wars rational? The combatants seem to think so.
ReplyDeleteOnly in retrospect did the Japanese come to the realization that there was no way they could have won a conventional war against the United States.
The PLA brass has yet to learn that lesson, despite the appalling Chinese losses in Korea.
There is something sobering about looking down the barrel of a firearm, knowing that a tic or flinch could mean the end of the line.
ReplyDeleteI have decided to carry, not all the time, just when I feel it's warranted.
ReplyDeleteNot going to use the small framed glock 27 40 cal, no safety.
I love the 1911's safety grips..
ash asks...
If you were carrying Bob what would be different today? How would the event have transpired differently? Would you have had the time to shoot him? Scare him?
How about this answer...
Not carrying precludes the outcome..
You are at the mercy of a felon.
Carrying doesnt ensure success, but it does raise the odds...
Now if Bob had SHOOT the fellow? Bob's would be arrested, no doubt. No matter justified or not.
I recommend anyone carrying already have a criminal attorney lined up.
Remember you cannot shoot someone who is walking away...
Remember if you are prepared to SHOW it you must be prepared to USE it.
And if you use it, you do not shoot to wound.
You use to STOP the crime maker..
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ReplyDeleteNow if Bob had SHOOT the fellow? Bob's would be arrested, no doubt. No matter justified or not.
I recommend anyone carrying already have a criminal attorney lined up.
Carry the attorney's card in your wallet.
No matter how justified it is, say absolutely nothing. Let the attorney do the talking.
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I'm curious as the actual details of Bob's incident and whether he thinks the gun would have made much difference. If a guy jumps you from behind...
ReplyDeleteQuirk..
ReplyDeleteNo matter how justified it is, say absolutely nothing. Let the attorney do the talking.
I'd say...
Tell the police that you were scared beyond belief..
That you want the bad guy arrested...
And that you feel sick and wish medical treatment.
In family court, a judge turns to ridicule to defuse the rage
ReplyDelete"Faced with warring ex-spouses besieging one another with threats and verbal abuse and dragging their children into it too, Ontario Superior Judge Joseph Quinn resorted to the only tool he had left – a highly unusual verbal roasting.
...
Alternating caustic gibes with amusing observations, Judge Quinn portrayed Catherine – a 36-year-old school caretaker – and Larry, a labourer, as vile, foul-mouthed creatures who had burned through an enormous amount of police and court time waging their futile blitzkrieg.
He said that they cannot attend their son’s ball hockey games without erupting into loud conflict, and that Catherine once tried to run over Larry with a van. “This is always a telltale sign that a husband and wife are drifting apart,” Judge Quinn remarked dryly.
On three occasions, a niece of Catherine’s who is engaged to a Hells Angels biker called Larry to warn him that he would be shot dead, Judge Quinn said. “On Oct. 18, 2007, a nautical theme was added,” he remarked. “According to Larry, ‘Catherine’s sister-in-law yelled out her window that I was going to be floating in the canal dead.’”
Judge Quinn said that Larry, 38, possesses “a near-empty parenting tool box,” and was fond of venting his anger by sending Catherine insulting text messages and giving her ‘the finger’ as he drove by her home. “A finger is worth a thousand words and therefore, is particularly useful should one have a vocabulary of less than a thousand words,” Judge Quinn added.
...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/in-family-court-a-judge-turns-to-ridicule-to-defuse-the-rage/article1841568/
Ash said...
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as the actual details of Bob's incident and whether he thinks the gun would have made much difference. If a guy jumps you from behind...
Now you want to paint a million different what ifs?
come on fool...
How about this...
the badguy is spotted coming at you, you have your gun in your hand and the moment the creep steps up to you and demands your wallet you are already shooting the badguy in the stomach and nuts.. You react with an automatic intensity unloading all 15 shots of your piece into the hamburger that used to be a thug...
When the police arrive, do tell them you were scared, you want the hamburger arrested and you are ill from seeing such grossness...
As soon as possible file a civil law suit against the family of the thug for getting blood on your shoes and causing you emotional distress..
yeah baby that sounds like a plan
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ReplyDeleteI'd say...
Tell the police that you were scared beyond belief..
That you want the bad guy arrested...
And that you feel sick and wish medical treatment.
I see where you are going with the statements; however, as you pointed out, you have just shot a guy and you will be arrested. Nothing you can say will change that. The arresting offiers have little say in whether you are charged and if so for what.
On the other had, a normal person would be pretty rattled at this point. Any inadvertant comment you might make may end up biting you in the ass when (and if) you go to court.
That's the info I got in every gun course I've taken. Seems reasonable to me. However, everyone has to decide for themselves I guess.
Hopefully, none of us ever gets in that situation.
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quirk: you have just shot a guy and you will be arrested. Nothing you can say will change that. The arresting offiers have little say in whether you are charged and if so for what.
ReplyDeleteYes you will be arrested, if you request medical treatment they MUST take you to the hospital to be checked out.
Of course, after shooting someone (legally) you are in NO position to say anything.
and remember MEDICAL personal are not required to keep what you say private.
Typically in a shooting situation the flight or fight response is very real and great the adrenaline dump so amazing that you might even piss and shit yourself.
Our gun class recommends that once the shooting occurs you call the police and state:
THERE has been a shooting, describe your own health status (i'm ok), tell them your name, location and tell them you are safe, describe where you are SITTING down, legs in front, what you are wearing.
then hang up. call your attorney.
when the police arrive STAY seated, put weapon on ground in front, CLIP OUT and open.
do not volunteer any extra information.
have your concealed and drivers license at the ready.
Many times a situation like this will cause you to have chest pains or shortness of breath, this must be looked into at a hospital.
you will be arrested.
better to meet your attorney at the hospital than the jail.
I heard a lawyer say "You simply can not help yourself by talking to the police when they arrest you. You can help them but not yourself."
ReplyDeleteWiO:Many times a situation like this will cause you to have chest pains or shortness of breath, this must be looked into at a hospital.
ReplyDeleteThe Navy taught me to shoot. Three disabling rounds, center of mass. Adrenaline just gets in the way.
North Korea says to strike South if drill goes ahead
ReplyDelete...the Russian contribution to rationality and stability:
"Russia summoned the ambassadors of South Korea and the United States to express "extreme concern" and urged the two countries to halt the exercise to prevent "the further escalation of tensions," the Russian Foreign Ministry said."
If or when you shoot a fellow on the street, you will be hyper and possibly violently ill.
ReplyDeleteCall your attorney immediately and say NOTHING.
Don't play games with the pros.
I would love to bet all day long on the improbability of placing three "disabling" shots. I would really like to bet the Navy.
ReplyDeleteIt is sometimes hard to recall that the military experts have given advice that has had us bogged down by ill-fed, ill- clothed, poorly armed camel jockeys for over nine years. Victory is a delusion. We have been engaged in an "operation" for a year now, with no end in sight...disabling shots my...
When my daughter was taught by two "expert" marksmen, she learned five rules:
1) The GUN is always loaded
2) The gun IS always loaded
3) The gun is ALWAYS loaded
4) The gun is always LOADED
5) Always shoot twice
Oh, she has a permit to carry a concealed weapon (today, 38 S&W, hammerless, police special, with lazer grips). She is an expert marksman and a great cook.
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ReplyDeleteCenter of Mass?
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'd say those would be disabling rounds. :)
Dentist of Jaipur
ReplyDeleteN.Korea says war with South would go nuclear
ReplyDeleteBeijing says Japan making irresponsible remarks
I wish they would quit selling this stuff as "clean" energy, and start selling it as "Cheap" Energy (cause, adding 845 Megawatt Hours of Electricity for $1.9 Billion really is cheap - the article is about the $1.3 Billion loan guarantee, but I'm assuming the Feds are kicking in about $600 Million.)
ReplyDelete845 Megawatts of Wind (World's largest Wind Farm - for Oregon.
Yeah, it's me. All of a sudden Blogger doesn't like "Rufus."
ReplyDeleteStrange deal this here Blogger.
ReplyDeletePakistani officials: US missiles kill 54 in NW
Let us rejoice for the moment. This time Monday, Petraeus will be profusely apologizing for having killed 37 children, 12 pregnant women, 3 hamsters, 4 ducks, and 2 goats.
Re: Galloper
ReplyDeleteMan! I thought someone sane was coming aboard...Man!!!!
I'm gonna need four legal names and addresses.
ReplyDeleteI have one, I think, I'm gonna need the others.
I have promises to keep.
Before I sleep.
selah: The Navy taught me to shoot. Three disabling rounds, center of mass. Adrenaline just gets in the way.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see she doesnt get what I was saying...
Hope quirk you UNDERSTOOD
Oh, she has a permit to carry a concealed weapon (today, 38 S&W, hammerless, police special, with lazer grips). She is an expert marksman and a great cook.
ReplyDeleteI have not gotten close to being happy with my concealed piece.
But now that you mentioned it, I do have a 38 s&w police special, the guy at the guy shop says just call it a "special"
I hadn't thought of that one to use...
I am kinda leaning away from my glocks as there is no safety for those and pulling it out of the holster could be nasty if not real careful.
the revolver is a complete pull....
hmm, I'll have to look at the .38
WiO wrote:
ReplyDelete"the guy at the guy shop says just call it a "special""
aw shucks WiO you are just sooooo special hanging out at the guy shop and all!
It's interesting who and what cannot add substance to a conversation
ReplyDelete