No Comment Needed, Just A Link (Or Two)

Just go and read and cry...
SW Virginia law blog
And
this.

I'm Sorry, Ms. Elenaeous

Somewhere in Roanoke County Ms. Elenaeous is grieving the current situation with the NYTWU.

In a perfect world, the union workers who are conducting this illegal strike would be given a reminder of the Reagan Presidency. Unfortunately, this ain't no perfect world, and Michael Bloomberg certainly ain't no Ronald W. Reagan.

Once Upon A Life In Business Class

Jerry reminds me of life on the road. Fortunately, the type of travel I incurred did not require me sleeping on someone else's sheets for more than 1 or 2 nights. The rest of the time I was there, I knew what went on in that bed the night before. (Don't ask.)

Once upon a time I traveled much as he does now. I worked as a field engineer for a robotics company based in Salt Lake City. I lived here, but I drove to work on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning, (depending upon where the current project was), to Piedmont Triad International Airport between Oak Ridge and Greensboro, North Carolina. Typically I would spend almost two weeks on site and fly back to Greensboro on the following Thursday for a long weekend before doing another turn-around. I would keep the room paid for during that long weekend, thus, no heavy packing for the return trip. (And no unknown shenanigans in what had by then become "my bed".) Carry-ons often consisted of just a briefcase.

There were certain advantages to that schedule. The greatest being that I would get to actually spend time in places like Chicago, Toronto, Augusta, or Huntsville (Alabama), as a typical project may take as long as 18 months. The downside would be that I had to actually spend time in places like Los Angeles, Montreal, or Paris (France, not Georgia). My final project for this company was in Taipei, Taiwan. (It beats Montreal hands down.)

While I cannot lay claim to the feat Jerry proudly describes in an archived post, I must admit to once urinating on a CRJ200, which is nearly identical, just smaller.

Recount Recap

Lighthorse Harry at Sic Semper Tyrannis has a couple of updates on the current status of the AG recount

Chad has more at Commonwealth Conservative

Tommy Denton And The Holiday Tree Kerfuffle

I have stayed away from the current kerfuffle over the latest politically correct offense. I, as a Christian, do not take offense when greeted with "Happy Holiday" or "Season's Greetings". The greeting "Happy Holiday" does, in fact, truly represent a sentiment. One that could be considered appropriate for Christian and Jew alike. "Season's Greetings", on the other hand, is simply insipid. It means nothing and as such could never offend me.

I understand that if the gesture is coming from a salesperson, it is probably merely a rote statement. Roughly on par with "Thank you for shopping our K Mart". No offense meant and none taken. (Never mind that almost certainly no true sentiment was meant as well.) On the occasion that I am offered such wishes by a stranger, or someone whose closest connection with me is the mall bench we happen to be sharing, I also attribute it to simple politeness. Merely a December version of "Have a nice day".

Today, Tommy Denton, in his weekly Sunday column brings up the subject.

As Dec. 25 nears, tensions seem to run a bit higher this year among the season's celebrants.

Emotions ranging from angst to full-blown righteous indignation to eye-watering redemptive passion to save imperiled souls have accompanied a stirring debate over how to designate certain seasonable decorations, specifically, evergreen trees adorned with assorted lights, baubles, stars and other glittering items appealing to the eye.

Earliest memories from my own family's celebrations called it the Christmas tree. Most everyone we knew called it the same thing, most likely because we didn't know anyone who wasn't Christian.

I'm sorry Tommy, I don't know of any other way to refer to an evergreen tree adorned with assorted lights, baubles, stars and other glittering items appealing to the eye. It's a Christmas tree. A tree decorated by Christians in a traditional celebration of a day known to them (and even you) as "Christmas". Thus, it is as an accurate, descriptive noun by which non political persons refer to such a tree.

A device that holds seven candles in a planar row is a Menorah. Be honest now Tommy, would you really write such a column defending the phrase "Holiday candlestick"?

You wonder why people would be offended at such referrals. I can't speak for all Christian conservatives, but my best guess is that most feel similar to me. I am offended by idiocy. And this current act by certain local officials (mostly, although I have seen "Holiday trees" advertised at Lowe's) in an absurd effort to not offend other religions, itself bends reality to an extreme.

From the viewpoint of a liberal, Tommy, perhaps you can explain to me how pretending that Christmas does not exist, or pretending that a Christmas tree is not a Christmas tree, or maybe pretending we are not really celebrating Christmas but instead some Winter "Holiday", assuages the feelings of those who adhere to the beliefs of other religions? I'm pretty sure that my Jewish friends know what I'm celebrating. I would bet that Nani, the Lebanese gentleman who owns the convenience store at the intersection of Daniel's Creek Road and King's Mountain Road here in Collinsville knows that his Christian customers are celebrating Christmas. Would you prefer that we do this celebrating in secret?

Idiocy knows no bounds on Campbell Avenue.

PS.
Only Tommy could work outrage for a Federal tax cut into a column about "Holiday trees". You gotta admit, the man is a talented writer.

A Question Not Asked Is Answered

From the time I first stumbled upon Jerry's blog I've wondered why his posts so often feature the Roanoke Fire Department. He lives in Bland County, but may at any time be posting from any of the lower 48. I considered the idea that maybe the company he works for is based in Roanoke, but couldn't quite settle on that as an explanation.

Finally, today, I discover why this is so. Read this excellent post from October all the way to the last paragraph and you will know why too.

How Would We Hold Up...

In comparison? Today Iraqis voted with an estimated 80% turnout. Cars (with the exception of ambulances and a few others) were banned from the streets and highways in an effort to limit suicide bombings. That's right, 80% of the eligible voters walked to the polls. Walked. Did Not Drive. Do not pass go.

I almost feel ashamed of our 40% or so typical turnout. Yet the MSM still does not see this as a victory for democracy. Howard Dean still believes we have lost. The Democrat Party still criticizes the current administration for having a "wrong headed" policy regarding Iraq. The Democrat Party still says, even though Bush's policy is wrong, we don't have to have an alternate policy.

I Love My Job

I've neglected to post since Wednesday night, but not because of the weather. I have entered another "busy spurt" at work. I got through it, and now I am merely overworked, as opposed to being stretched out like the guy on the right.

But twice a day I turn and face south and repeat "I Love My Job, I Love My Job, I Love My Job."

The GOP (as currently constituted) In A Nutshell

Found within a post from Norman at One Man's Trash:

The congressional GOP has become a party more in tune with spending habits of Lyndon Johnson than Barry Goldwater. And no amount of 'paranoia' inducement in the base can mask that.

In that brief statement, Norman sums up the most serious problem the GOP needs to address in the time between now and 2006 elections.

The Best Christmas Themed Post I've Found To Date

The Red Queen Affair is a PA blog I was introduced to by Kilo. Her recent post about her family tradition of seeking the gift her husband has left for her is my choice for "Best Christmas Themed Post" so far.

On The Uselessness Of The Roanoke Times

Chad has this post referencing Steve Minor's complete deconstruction of a recent Roanoke Times Editorial. (He also credits Sic Semper Tyrannis for leading him to the original.)

Contribute to the Virginia Literacy Foundation.

Waldo reminds me that the joy of reading is one I tend to take for granted. I remember my mother getting me a subscription to the Roanoke Times when I was in the second grade. Even at that early age I had come to love reading, and she, in her infinate wisdom, knew that a daily source of fresh reading material would be good for me. I must admit it was, and am happy to confirm that 40+ years of The Roanoke Times have not yet converted me to liberalism.

On a more serious note, and the real reason for this post, in his recent post Waldo suggests some very good reasons to contribute to the Virginia Literacy Foundation. He convinced me, go there and see if he can convince you.

UPDATE:
I have decided to go the "NPR" route and challenge my fellow conservative bloggers (Virginia and otherwise) to match my $100.00 donation.

To those who, for whatever reason, are uneasy making an online donation, the address is;

The Virginia Literacy Foundation
413 Stuart Circle, Executive Suite 130
Richmond, Virginia 23220

Sic Semper Tyrannis Is One Year Old

One of my daily reads and fellow ODBA members Sic Semper Tyrannis has reached the one year milestone. Happy Birthday guys, and here's hoping you will prosper for many more.

Jackie Stump Resigns

Third District Delegate Jackie Stump has resigned.

Apparently he informed Governor Warner on Thursday, and will formally announce his intentions in Buchanan County later today.

My understanding is this decision was made because of his health. I haven't spoken with Jackie in well over a year now, so I have no idea what health concerns he may be facing. Whatever they may be, I wish him well.

Arnold Makes The Right Decision, But Will Pay For It

I have to admit I was somewhat surprised to hear this news tonight as I drove home from Patrick County. I fully expected Governor Schwarzenegger to grant clemency. Not in an attempt to placate the left wing. Not because it was morally correct. Instead as a means of avoiding the riots that will almost certainly spring up in certain areas of California within the next 48 hours.

There are numerous folks in various areas of L.A. and elsewhere in California that will use this as an excuse to riot, loot, and perform general mayhem.

Hey, all future rappers and NBA stars have a burning need for plasma TVs, BFRs, and flashy bling-bling. Tookie's "murder" provides the perfect justification for taking those items from their neighbors. It will somehow provide "justice". (No Justice, No Peace...)

I remember the Watts riots in the mid 60's. When asked on national TV why she was taking television sets from a local store, a young mother's response was "'Cause my babies needs milk..." That response has stuck hard in my memory. I was only in fifth grade or so then and saw the complete idiocy of her response. Tomorrow's responses, should they be forthcoming, will be no more enlightening.

Arnold's decision was most certainly the right one, but one he will pay heavily for as the previously mentioned riots take form and he begins to be the "One Responsible For It All". We do still remember how G.H.W.Bush was somehow responsible for the riots that occurred after the Rodney King affair, don't we?

ADDENDUM;
It appears I have inadvertently offended some. I have a tendency to write, and speak, in a "descriptive" manner. Upon reflection I can see where I did not make clear the meaning of my use of the phrase "future rappers and NBA stars". My reference above was intended as an indictment of a culture, NOT a race. My apologies to anyone who inferred differently.

Also, it appears I missed in my prediction of unrest in California. For this I am very thankful.


UPDATE:
Kilo has this
And Squeeky thinks along these lines...

ODBA

I can now proudly proclaim my acceptance into the ODBA (Old Dominion Blog Alliance). On my left sidebar where I once linked my "daily dose" of Virginia blogs you will now find the ODBA blogroll. Just below that lives the links from the previous list that are not in the alliance. These should not be considered "leftovers". They are still on my daily reading list, even though most are left of center. I do still wholeheartedly reccomend these "left handed friends".

Dick Gephardt, You've Been Plagiarized

I've grown accustomed to The Roanoke Times' Editorial staff's glowing approval of "progressive" income tax rates. A progressive tax scheme is one in which those who pay the most taxes are taxed at a progressively higher rate, so I guess "progressive" is properly descriptive.

Today's editorial entitled Stealth tax cuts strike next year was just more of the same. Except...

The undercutting of a progressive tax structure -- one in which those who have benefited proportionately more from society assume the civic and moral responsibility to pay proportionately more to keep it running -- is rolling right along.
(emphasis added)

Whoa, whoa, whoa...

Tommy, Wendy, and crew. Do you really believe that those who have achieved some level of success have done so on the back of society? You have chosen a rather literary way of paraphrasing Dick Gephardt, who famously called those same achievers "winners in life's lottery".

Yeah, right. We all know that it's not possible in America to achieve the status of "wealthy" by hard work, innovation, and commercial risk taking. It can only be achieved by the luck of the draw or by exploiting disproportionately society at large. In the America I live in, (just an hour south and slightly west of the one you guys inhabit on Campbell Ave) the only people that fit your description are a handful of NBA and NFL stars, and some outsized egos in Hollywood. And maybe some certain highly paid newspaper personnel in Southwest Virginia with apparently guilty consciences?

Good...Sad, But Very, Very Good

A very funny, yet seasonally topical cartoon at From On High: Tis The Season ... Go see this.

Another Of Those Brief Thoughts

From The Roanoke Times

Briefly put...

With a rash of bribery convictions, and indictments and investigations for a range of other ethical transgressions, U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert has recommended a crash course in ethical instruction for members of Congress.

"The speaker wants members on both sides of the aisle to understand the nuances of House rules," Ron Bonjean, a spokesman for Hastert, said about the plan.

Since when did lying, cheating and stealing become "nuances" requiring merely remedial instruction?

Oh...I'd say right along about January,1993...

Day Of Infamy...Well Remembered

Today being December 7 there are probably hundreds of blogs that document the events of that fateful day. I dare say though that none do it quite so well as this one.