I don't have either the vocabulary or the literary sensibility to explain with any eloquence why I oppose torture, so I usually stay out of conversations like this. Besides, they depress the hell out of me. But for the record, it goes something like this.What do you think?
I don't care about the Geneva Conventions or U.S. law. I don't care about the difference between torture and "harsh treatment." I don't care about the difference between uniformed combatants and terrorists. I don't care whether it "works." I oppose torture regardless of the current state of the law; I oppose even moderate abuse of helpless detainees; I oppose abuse of criminal suspects and religious heretics as much as I oppose it during wartime; and I oppose it even if it produces useful information.
The whole point of civilization is as much moral advancement as it is physical and technological advancement. But that moral progress comes slowly and very, very tenuously. In the United States alone, it took centuries to decide that slavery was evil, that children shouldn't be allowed to work 12-hour days on power looms, and that police shouldn't be allowed to beat confessions out of suspects.
On other things there's no consensus yet. Like it or not, we still make war, and so does the rest of the world. But at least until recently, there was a consensus that torture is wrong. Full stop. It was the practice of tyrants and barbarians. But like all moral progress, the consensus on torture is tenuous, and the only way to hold on to it — the only way to expand it — is by insisting absolutely and without exception that we not allow ourselves to backslide. Human nature being what it is — savage, vengeful, and tribal — the temptations are just too great. Small exceptions will inevitably grow into big ones, big ones into routine ones, and the progress of centuries is undone in an eyeblink.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Torture
A couple weeks ago we had a discussion in my government class about torture. The majority of the class said they support torture, but only in circumstances where lives will be saved. Okay, I thought, that's justifiable in a certain euphemeral way. However, I am against torture for other reasons; reasons I haven't seen spelled out to my liking... until now. If you're interested in why I, and many others, am against torture as a information gathering technique, read this:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Well Holy Hell
The big news around the United States' political circles in the party switching from Republican to Democrat of long-time Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania. Assuming Al Franken eventually gets seated as the 100th senator, that will give Democrats a 60 to 40 majority, making it that much easier to overcome Republican filibusters of everyday legislation.
I thought it was interesting that my thoughts were less about the majority and more about this: What does his staff do? Most likely they are true believers in the mold of the Republican party as that is likely why they are living and working in Washington, DC. Will they stay loyal to their boss and keep their scarce jobs (Republican staffers are not in need in the current Democrat-dominated scene) or take off in light of the party switch? Inquiring minds want to know.
I thought it was interesting that my thoughts were less about the majority and more about this: What does his staff do? Most likely they are true believers in the mold of the Republican party as that is likely why they are living and working in Washington, DC. Will they stay loyal to their boss and keep their scarce jobs (Republican staffers are not in need in the current Democrat-dominated scene) or take off in light of the party switch? Inquiring minds want to know.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Autotune the News
What better way to get back into the swing of blogging than a great Youtube clip?
I've been away from any internet for almost a week, so now that I'm back, blogging should return to its regular schedule. Enjoy.
I've been away from any internet for almost a week, so now that I'm back, blogging should return to its regular schedule. Enjoy.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
NPD 4.14.09
*Josh pointed out in yesterday's NPD comments section that Al Franken has won yet another court battle in the ongoing Senate recount in Minnesota. By nearly all accounts, Franken will eventually be the winner of the race, but the Republican Party continues to appeal in order to keep the Democrats at one fewer vote in the Senate. If that's true, it's a class bunch. Next up for the court battle: the Supreme Court. If it makes it that far, we won't see a conclusion for another six months or so.
*North Korea is further withdrawing from the international community as a result of the UN Security Council's recent resolution criticizing their missile launch last week. Oh my that place is f-ed up.
*It was revealed that Jesse Jackson, a Democratic Congressman from Illinois, guaranteed former governor Blagojevich $5 million in campaign funds if he appointed Jackson to Obama's open senate seat. That comes on the heals of Blagojevich formally pleading not guilty to federal criminal charges. Someone needs to write a song about corrupt Illinois (and Louisiana) politics.
*North Korea is further withdrawing from the international community as a result of the UN Security Council's recent resolution criticizing their missile launch last week. Oh my that place is f-ed up.
*It was revealed that Jesse Jackson, a Democratic Congressman from Illinois, guaranteed former governor Blagojevich $5 million in campaign funds if he appointed Jackson to Obama's open senate seat. That comes on the heals of Blagojevich formally pleading not guilty to federal criminal charges. Someone needs to write a song about corrupt Illinois (and Louisiana) politics.
Monday, April 13, 2009
NPD 4.13.09
*Obama is gearing up for a showdown with student loan lenders. He's proposing significant changes that, if done right, would reduce the cost of taking out loans and would expand the Pell Grant program. Of course, there are billions of dollars at stake, so the banks are lining up in opposition. Here's hoping Obama is successful. It's high time for student loan reform.
*I've always wanted to travel to Cuba before Americans swarm onto the island. It is supposed to be a fascinating place, in many ways stuck in the past, once you are inland and away from all the European resorts. My dream may soon be washed away as the Obama Administration is very seriously considering easing travel to and from the island nation. Good for them. We have long since past the time (if that time ever existed) that these tenuous relations had any positive effect.
*In New York's 20th District, Democrat Scott Murphy has reclaimed the lead over Jim Tedisco by 35 votes. We'll know more in a couple days when all the absentee ballots are counted. It's a nail biter!
*I've always wanted to travel to Cuba before Americans swarm onto the island. It is supposed to be a fascinating place, in many ways stuck in the past, once you are inland and away from all the European resorts. My dream may soon be washed away as the Obama Administration is very seriously considering easing travel to and from the island nation. Good for them. We have long since past the time (if that time ever existed) that these tenuous relations had any positive effect.
*In New York's 20th District, Democrat Scott Murphy has reclaimed the lead over Jim Tedisco by 35 votes. We'll know more in a couple days when all the absentee ballots are counted. It's a nail biter!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Most Recognized Person?
An ongoing debate between my father and I centers on this question: Who is the most well-known/recognized person in the world? George Bush? David Beckham? Barack Obama? All good bets, but we have come to the conclusion it's probably someone else: Tiger Woods.
He has been on the world stage for longer than Bush. Truly dominates a sport unlike Beckham. Also, he has the fascinating racial background of Obama. What do you think? Other ideas?
He has been on the world stage for longer than Bush. Truly dominates a sport unlike Beckham. Also, he has the fascinating racial background of Obama. What do you think? Other ideas?
Monday, April 6, 2009
NPD 4.6.09
*A 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit Italy in an area east of Rome. As of now there are about 150 documented deaths and, apparently, significant damage to historic sites. I'm sure we'll hear more from the region soon.
*Robert Gates, Obama's holdover from the Bush Administration as his Secretary of Defense, made good on his pledge to reform defense and military procurement procedures. He released his ideas for appropriate changes. This is needed in so many ways, but fighting the military industrial complex is probably the most difficult political battle there is. As Steve Benen has said over at the Washington Monthly, Congressmen love military spending, especially that which occurs in their own district. Let's hope for reform.
BTW, for those of you who are interested, he's proposing a reduction in programs that focus on conventional weapons and an increase in programs for special operations and anti-insurgency. Sounds like a move into the 21st Century.
*If you didn't hear, over the weekend, North Korea shot a ballistic missile that cruised above Japan. They claimed it was putting a sattilite into orbit, but the US military says that did not occur.
*Robert Gates, Obama's holdover from the Bush Administration as his Secretary of Defense, made good on his pledge to reform defense and military procurement procedures. He released his ideas for appropriate changes. This is needed in so many ways, but fighting the military industrial complex is probably the most difficult political battle there is. As Steve Benen has said over at the Washington Monthly, Congressmen love military spending, especially that which occurs in their own district. Let's hope for reform.
BTW, for those of you who are interested, he's proposing a reduction in programs that focus on conventional weapons and an increase in programs for special operations and anti-insurgency. Sounds like a move into the 21st Century.
*If you didn't hear, over the weekend, North Korea shot a ballistic missile that cruised above Japan. They claimed it was putting a sattilite into orbit, but the US military says that did not occur.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
White House Garden
As promised, a post about the new White House garden. First, a bit of nitpicking: What are they doing?!?!
They are raking the grass. Couldn't the White House come up with a system for removing the grass, you know, like normal gardeners?
Now to the meat: Hooray! This is the kind of thing that our country needs. So often people ask, "What can I do?" Bush once said, "Shop." Obama is saying, "Volunteer." I'm saying, "Grow a garden. Ride a bike. Walk. Turn off the lights. Turn up/down the thermostat. Use less water." For some reason, and it's terribly disappointing, our leaders aren't emphasizing the real, tangible, doable actions that would make a big difference. Simply replacing some of the tomatoes you eat from Chile with tomatoes you grow in your back yard will reduce your carbon footprint significantly.
Good for the Obamas for stepping up and leading by example.
They are raking the grass. Couldn't the White House come up with a system for removing the grass, you know, like normal gardeners?
Now to the meat: Hooray! This is the kind of thing that our country needs. So often people ask, "What can I do?" Bush once said, "Shop." Obama is saying, "Volunteer." I'm saying, "Grow a garden. Ride a bike. Walk. Turn off the lights. Turn up/down the thermostat. Use less water." For some reason, and it's terribly disappointing, our leaders aren't emphasizing the real, tangible, doable actions that would make a big difference. Simply replacing some of the tomatoes you eat from Chile with tomatoes you grow in your back yard will reduce your carbon footprint significantly.
Good for the Obamas for stepping up and leading by example.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
NPD 4.2.09
*The G20 Summit wrapped up today with the crew agreeing to a variety of regulatory changes. All indicators point to Obama being a good ambassador for the United States... a welcome change from the previous administrator in his position.
*Blagojevich, or favorite former governor, was indicted on charges of corruption. He's charged, among other things, with having tried to use the power of the office for personal gain.
*Blagojevich, or favorite former governor, was indicted on charges of corruption. He's charged, among other things, with having tried to use the power of the office for personal gain.
The Ridiculousnous
I know most of you probably aren't that interested in this tidbit, but I find it to be the embodiment of the ridiculousnous of the modern GOP. They proof-texted (cherry picked) an excerpt out of Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat that seemed to support their position, however, if you read the very next paragraph, it becomes obvious that Friedman supports the opposite position. A classy bunch.
Colbert 1, Beck -1,993,838
Glenn Beck of Fox News is a raving lunatic with a fairly small, but rabid base. Thank you Stephen Colbert for exposing him for the fool he is. Enjoy:
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| The 10/31 Project | ||||
| ||||
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
NPD 4.1.09
*Ol' BO is in London for the G20. He's really getting around... a bit slutty perhaps?
*The University of California at San Diego sent a "Welcome to UCSD!" email to 29,000 students. Trouble is, those students were on the rejected list. Whoops.
*Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens will go free after Attorney General Eric Holder says government prosecutors engaged in misconduct. Most observers seem to think he really was guilty of wrongdoing, so it's unfortunate that he goes unpunished... or did he? My guess is that he lost his bid for reelection as a result of the trial. The world is better without Ted "It's a Series of Tubes" Stevens on Capitol Hill.
*The University of California at San Diego sent a "Welcome to UCSD!" email to 29,000 students. Trouble is, those students were on the rejected list. Whoops.
*Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens will go free after Attorney General Eric Holder says government prosecutors engaged in misconduct. Most observers seem to think he really was guilty of wrongdoing, so it's unfortunate that he goes unpunished... or did he? My guess is that he lost his bid for reelection as a result of the trial. The world is better without Ted "It's a Series of Tubes" Stevens on Capitol Hill.
*blank*
Last night my fingers fell off. Just fell the hell off. So, no blogging today.
...
April fools!!!!
Hahahahhaha... oh boy.
...
April fools!!!!
Hahahahhaha... oh boy.
In the Kitchen 101
A dear friend asked me a couple weeks ago to write about the basic tools for a functional kitchen. He is interested in cooking more of his food and wanted some insight into what is needed for "cheffing". A couple months ago I was faced with the same question in my life, except it was with bike tools rather than kitchen tools. Now, the "Must Haves" list (to which I will probably add):
1. Paring knife: the smallest knife in the kitchen that can be used for just about anything
2. Two mixing bowls, one large, one medium: many recipes call for mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately
3. Big skillet: gotta have it for just about everything
4. A baking dish: if I had only one, it would probably be a 9x13 inch glass piece
5. Measuring utensils: The basic cup/half cup/third cup/quarter cup AND tablespoon, teaspoon, half teaspoon, quarter teaspoon
6. Basic utensils
a. Wooden mixing spoon
b. Flipping spatula
c. Scraping spatula
With these basics a huge selection of breakfasts and dinners can be made. Plus, forks can double as wisks, cutters, etc. A strong elbow can be an electric mixer. A plate can pose as a strainer for pasta. Versatility is only limited by your creativity.
Perhaps, and only perhaps, I will add some of my favorite recipes to the blog, however there are many better recipes out there with only a few keystrokes.
1. Paring knife: the smallest knife in the kitchen that can be used for just about anything
2. Two mixing bowls, one large, one medium: many recipes call for mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately
3. Big skillet: gotta have it for just about everything
4. A baking dish: if I had only one, it would probably be a 9x13 inch glass piece
5. Measuring utensils: The basic cup/half cup/third cup/quarter cup AND tablespoon, teaspoon, half teaspoon, quarter teaspoon
6. Basic utensils
a. Wooden mixing spoon
b. Flipping spatula
c. Scraping spatula
With these basics a huge selection of breakfasts and dinners can be made. Plus, forks can double as wisks, cutters, etc. A strong elbow can be an electric mixer. A plate can pose as a strainer for pasta. Versatility is only limited by your creativity.
Perhaps, and only perhaps, I will add some of my favorite recipes to the blog, however there are many better recipes out there with only a few keystrokes.
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