We were hanging out on Mrs. P's doorstep just a couple days after it was announced that she was John McCain's running mate. It was quite a thrill to walk right up to her front door (doorbell ditching was so tempting!) and even more thrilling to look into her backyard and view her fancy trampoline.
But maybe the best thing was that all her neighbors were Obama supporters.
While in Juneau, Galen and I took a helicopter ride to the top of the Herbert Glacier and hung out for awhile.
He said, "Gee, Alaska is so beautiful. Can you believe some d-holes actually want to drill here for oil? I bet if they could come here and do this, they would think twice." But then we remembered, Oh right. Sarah Palin wants to drill for oil in Alaska.On our bus ride back from the glacier, a local high school student acted as our tour guide. "Can I answer any questions for you before you leave Juneau?" he asked.
"Yeah, do you know the governor's daughter?" we inquired.
He sighed at this question and nodded his head yes. He's gonna have to get used to answering this question at least 40 times a day. He told us that he went to high school with Bristol Palin, the pregnant teen who unlike Juno from the mediocre movie of the same name, will be keeping her baby. Apparently Bristol and her baby daddy, a self-described "fuckin' redneck", know how to have a good time. According to our teenage tour guide, Bristol is a totally crazy party animal. He said when he heard Sarah Palin named as McCain's running mate, he thought it was a joke. "I couldn't believe something that ridiculous could be true," he said. "Then I went home and turned on the news, and there it was. And I thought to myself Oh No!"
40 comments:
Of course, the Palins don't live in the Governor's mansion, just like Ahnold doesn't live in that cute little official house in Sacramento. She lives in Wasilla 10 months out of the year, in a much more normal looking house.
...and of course she graciously charged her state for living in her own house, and for transporting her rugrats and First Dood back and forth.
Thanks, fiscally-responsible Alaska Queen Twatwaffle.
Did you see her tanning suite?
Don't forget: $24,000 bucks for a mayoral SUV but rape test kits are not free to the victims in Wasilla!!
Instead of frittering away the little time we have by joking and dissing Alaska, spread the word:
If the Republicans escalate, ESCALATE BACK! --
START A RECALL AGAINST PALIN!
A RECALL -- NOT impeachment, because impeachment requires the legislature to act, and the legislature is REPUBLICAN-CONTROLLED!
AND there is PRECEDENT: A recall was initiated against PALIN when she was PART-TIME mayor of Wasilla.
good grief.. what a ridiculous piece of photo-shopping ! if you want us to believe that a ramshackle house sits in the governor's mansion's front yard, then don't post a pic of the same mansion without it. LOL !
The Governor's Mansion is in a residential area. Some pictures from a Flickr search:
http://flickr.com/photos/10325651@N00/328695318
http://flickr.com/photos/slvreagle/2208910870/
um, i know she lives in a residential area. i was there and have many other pictures to prove it. that house was not altered in photoshop- it is the actual house that's directly across the street from the governor's mansion. you can go to juneau and check it out for yourself.
and in that second flickr link you posted, you can actually see this "obama house." it's the one right in front of the mansion and you can see the blue tape around the windows.
Not all Alaskans love Sarah! Pics of the AK Women Reject Palin rally here: http://laurainak.blogspot.com
Definitely not photoshopped sir.
Muffy is adorable. Straight from an eye witness, I love this article. I hear this may be the first time in an election that the State of Alaska votes for a Democrat. The groundswell against Palin has started. Obama supporters must help make it mainstream.
It's more than a little misleading to put up a picture pristine conservation land and claim that Palin wants to drill there. If you didn't intend the propaganda effect, you could make this post clearer by showing the area that Republicans actually want to drill (in a tiny percentage of)
http://billhobbs.com/hobbsonline/anwr05.JPG
I always love it when some dude named Anonymous tries to serve up the factcheck smackdown. Irony is a lot of fun most of the time.
Yeah, I guess if that part of the WILDLIFE REFUGE doesn't look quite as nice, then we should just drill there. My question for people that support drilling in ANWR is - do you think there shouldn't be any wildlife refuges at all? Because if you make an area of land off limits but then sometimes not off limits, the whole concept of it being a refuge is defeated. It can't just be protected land until we decide we need to use it. There will always be somebody who wants to do something with land that is protected, so there's always an good excuse. So are you against making any land off limits or is it just this one because we really need it just this once?
It is a testament to the lack of intelligence that runs rampant on this site. Most of you have proven that by coincidence of your gene pool you are able to live and survive in this world. Please prove me wrong in my assesment of your hypocrisy by getting rid of all the products that allow you to live, survive, and unfortunatley procreate your genes. Go back to the days, when the lack of technology provided mankind with the desire to progressively develop and strive for a higher calling. This perspective may give you the insight of the truth of our existence, humans exploit the enviroment to survive, if this bothers you end your life and be part of your solution. The only way is forward, the only way is to drill and develop technology, explore space create, destroy, that is life.
So then you don't think there should be protected land of any kind then. That was actually the question, but good move exposing everyone's lack of intelligence in the face of your superiority. That's a great way to win arguments.
This story comes to me from Ana Dubey, a Clinical Psychologist from San Francisco who is the daughter of a former Indian Diplomat. She's an upstanding citizen with integrity and honesty. She would never in a million years make this up. She is passing on this story.
My Holiday with McCain
It was just before John McCain’s last run at the presidential nomination in 2000 that my husband and I vacationed in Turtle Island in Fiji with John McCain, Cindy, and their children, including Bridget (their adopted Bangladeshi child).
It was not our intention, but it was our misfortune to be in close quarters with John McCain for almost a week since Turtle Island has a small number of bungalows and their focus on communal meals force all vacationers who are there at the same time to get to know each other intimately.
He arrived at our first group meal and started reading quotes from a pile of William Faulkner books with a forest of Post-Its sticking out of them. As an English Literature major myself, my first thought was “if he likes this so much, why hasn’t he memorized any of this yet?” I soon realized that McCain actually thought we had come on vacation to be a volunteer audience for his “readings” which then became a regular part of each meal. Out of politeness, none of the vacationers initially protested at this intrusion into their blissful holiday, but people’s buttons definitely got pushed as the readings continued day after day.
Unfortunately this was not his only contribution to our mealtime entertainment. He waxed on during one meal about how Indo-Chine women had the best figures and that our American corn-fed women just couldn’t meet up to this standard. He also made it a point that all of us should stop Cindy from having dessert as her weight was too high and made a few comments to Amy, the 25 year old wife of the honeymooning couple from Nebraska that she should eat less as she needed to lose weight.
McCain’s appreciation of the beauty of Asian women was so great that David the American economist had to move his Thai wife to the other side of the table from McCain as McCain kept aggressively flirting with and touching her.
Needless to say I was irritated at his large ego, and his rude behavior towards his wife and other women, but decided he must have some redeeming qualities as he had adopted a handicapped child from Bangladesh. I asked him about this one day and his response was shocking –“Oh, that was Cindy’s idea – I didn’t have anything to do with it. She just went and adopted this thing without even asking me. You can’t imagine how people stare when I wheel this ugly, black thing around in a shopping cart in Arizona. No, it wasn’t my idea at all.”
I actively avoided McCain after that, but unfortunately one day he engaged me in a political discussion which soon got us on the topic of the active US bombing of Iraq at that time. I was shocked when he said “if I was in charge, I would nuke Iraq to teach them a lesson”. Given McCain’s personal experience with the horrors of war I had expected a more balanced point of view. I commented on the tragic consequences of the nuclear attacks on Japan during WWII – but no, he was not to be dissuaded. He went on to say that if it was up to him he would have dropped many more nuclear bombs on Japan. I rapidly extricated myself from this conversation as I could tell that his experience being tortured as a POW didn’t seem to have mellowed out his perspective but rather had made him more aggressive, and vengeful towards the world.
My final encounter with McCain was on the morning that he was leaving Turtle Island. Amy and I were happily eating pancakes when McCain arrived and told Amy that she shouldn’t be having pancakes because she needed to lose weight. Amy burst into tears at this abusive comment. I felt fiercely protective of Amy and immediately turned to McCain and told him to leave her alone. He became very angry and abusive towards me, and said “don’t you know who I am” and I looked him in the face and said “yes, you are the biggest asshole I have ever met” and headed back to my cabin. I am happy to say that later that day when I arrived at lunch I was given a standing ovation by all the guests for having stood up to McCain’s bullying.
Although I have shared my McCain story informally with friends, this is the first time I am making this public. I almost did so in 2000, when McCain first announced his bid for the Republican nomination but it soon became apparent that George Bush was the shoo-in candidate and so I did not act then. However, now that there is a very real possibility that McCain could be elected as our next president, I feel it is my duty as an American citizen to share this story. I can’t imagine a more scary outcome for America than that this abusive, aggressive man should lead our nation. I have observed him in intimate surroundings as he really is, not how the media portrays him to be. If his attitudes toward women, and his treatment of his own family are even a small indicator of his real personality, then I shudder to think what will happen to America were he to be elected as our President.
Uhhh hello Galen? are you kidding me? you might want to actually read what I have written before you deliver your rebuttal.
No where in my comment do I state that "No land should be protected" (that is somewhere in your head). My belief is that the only land that should be protected is land that can benefit mankind's survival, land that can then be exploited to benefit mankind, do you understand, that in order for humans to exist they must maintain a place at the top of the food chain and dominate the land? The alternative is domination by a seperate species which if you look around are everywhere...waiting for the opportunity. There is even evoloutionary precedent that human species which dominate other human species will dominate and control the enviroment to the demise of the other. When and if we lose that battle, the grass will most likely grow back. In either case the universe will go on.
I apologize that my comment regarding intelligence has exposed a nerve. You are correct that my approach is lacking in tact and diplomacy, however you are incorrect in assuming that the purpose of my comments is to win an argument, or prove what you describe as superiority. The point of my comment was empirical not subjective therefore it exists as intelligent and the lack of any cogent thought in most of the previous comments supports the premise that I have outlined. I would suggest that you and the majority of people on this site expand your perspectives beyond the regurgitated politcal hack that our Massive Media has decided to promote, to the masses. Try some Ayn Rand "Atlas Shrugged" and if you do not enjoy a good read , I understand that Hollywood is making a movie from the book.
In conclusion, Sarah Palin, has the character and I suspect the robust DNA, that has allowed our species to survive through the generations of hardship placed upon the human race. She has arrived on the doorstep of cultural America by being the best. Look at yourselves in the mirror beyond your flesh and bones and you will find her there as well. Your desperate hatred of her speaks little of your character.
Well, first of all I don't hate Sarah Palin. Just because I disagree with someone's politics does not mean I hate them as a person. In fact I have a great amount of respect for John McCain. I am actually able to separate the personal from the political. I'm sure you wouldn't understand that. As for Palin's evolutionary advantages, I have NO idea what you're talking about, and that is not because of unintelligence, trust me. I actually wonder how other people react to that kind of thing when you tell them.
I know that you truly believe that your own thoughts are the right way and the only way, but consider this for a moment. Control and exploitation of land, which as you say is the duty I suppose of mankind, can look different to different people. Preserving nature for us to enjoy is an actual use of land. It could even be considered exploitation of a sort. I'm not sure why you think drilling for oil is the only appropriate use of land or the only way for mankind to progress and if we don't we will be taken over by other species (are these aliens or dolphins or bears or what?). Of course we drill for oil and we use products derived from that oil and I am glad for this, but to say that if we don't drill for oil we won't survive as a species is pretty silly. My point is that although you have decided in your infinite wisdom that drilling for oil is more valuable than preserving land for other reasons doesn't mean that other people can't validly feel differently.
The original point I was making with ANWR is that we should not drill for oil in places that we have decided are off limits for things like drilling for oil. Otherwise making it a wildlife refuge is pointless. If you want to debate that particular point you should take it up with the government. We should drill in a place that is not protected. That is common sense, my friend.
Finally, for you to say that it is a fact that everyone on this board is unintelligent is rather appalling. The fact that you truly believe you are better than the rest of us and your ideas are superior to ours actually shows your own lack of intelligence. I'm sure when you throw out your Ayn Rand references at parties everyone is dying to be your friend. I'll tell you what - when people with different views have debates it's called democracy. When one person thinks they are superior and their views are the only views it's something much much worse. Good luck with your battle through evolution.
Shibumi, you, sir, are a bozo of the first degree.
I was not surprised when you quoted the author Ayn Rand. A New York Times literary critic recently named "Atlas Shrugged" as "one of the worst books ever;" and if you would please refer to an article titled "A Celebration of Self" by Sara Dabney Tisdale from the 8/5/07 issue of U.S. News and World Report, a panel of literary critics and academic philosophers calls "Atlas Shrugged": "Sophomoric, preachy, and unoriginal." I would use those same three adjectives to describe you, Shibumi.
The position you have taken in your debate with Galen is ignorant, ill-informed, close-minded, and downright horrifying. Why are you so obsessed with criticizing the "gene pool[s]" of the people who read this blog? Why do you compliment Sarah Palin's "DNA"? Why did you write the sentence, "There is even evoloutionary precedent that human species which dominate other human species will dominate and control the enviroment to the demise of the other." In my experience, people who obsess over and deride others' genetic makeup are usually facists, racists, bigots, or all of the above.
As for drilling in Alaska. Are you, Shibumi, aware that John McCain was totally against federally regulated drilling in ANWR in June of 2008? He supported states rights and said that the federal government should NEVER control drilling in refuges. In July of 2008, he completely switched his position. Why do you support a man who does a 180 on this issue? These are facts. Look them up.
Let's move on to this doozy of a sentence that you constructed: "Sarah Palin, has the character and I suspect the robust DNA, that has allowed our species to survive through the generations of hardship placed upon the human race."
How do you know this? Do you live in Alaska? Are you personal friends with Sarah Palin? Because before September 4 of this year (the date Palin was nominated for VP) 99% of Americans outside of Alaska had never heard of her before. That was two weeks ago. How do you know anything about her? Are you supporting her because you are a sheep like the rest of the people who cheered her on at the RNC, despite the fact that almost none of them even knew who she was a week before?
In the two weeks since she was nominated, Palin has given two creampuff interviews (One to Charlie Gibson and another to Sean Hannity). Joe Biden, on the other hand, gave 54 interviews in the two weeks after he was nominated. I know Joe Biden. I still have no clue who Sarah Palin truly is. How can I claim to know her when she refuses to even hold a press conference? How can I trust her to run the country if her campaign won't trust her to talk to a group of reporters?
You also said, Shibumi, that to "destroy" is "a part of life." Do you think destroying ANWR is a part of life? Do you really think that destroying that ecosystem will benefit mankind? If you do, then you, my friend, are a boob. Please take a class on environmental studies, or read a book like "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond to learn how devastating destroying the environment can be for the human race.
In one of your comments, Shibumi, you said that we need to "explore space." While space exploration is important, it is NOT what this country needs right now. We need to do everything to take care of the planet that we were born on -- not destroy and abandon it. I suspect you may be of the generation that put a man on the moon, Shibumi. If so, congratulations. That was a monumental moment in American and human history. But my generation is not concerned about space. We are concerned with taking care of our own planet -- not destroying it.
In conclusion, since this debate was sparked over a discussion about drilling, I would like to encourage you, Shibumi, to visit,
www.pickensplan.com
and sign T. Boone Pickens' energy independence pledge. Mr. Pickens once had the "Drill, baby, drill" position that you espouse, but he has seen the perils of that course of action and he has devised a new plan to free us from the clutches of foreign oil. I recommend you check it out.
All the best to you, Shibumi. Please vote for Barack Obama.
Shibumi:
I have to agree with Alexander -- you are a bozo.
Do you even know that Sarah Palin would disagree with your references to EVOLUTION! She believes in creationism and wouldn't even support your fervent argument about her robust DNA. Couple that with her love of guns and your likely, mutual beliefs that human survival is dependent on dominance over our environment, animals, and, quite possibly each other -- bam, this country is more f*cked than we could ever imagine. Not even Hollywood could write this story. Is it me, or has the last week turned into a 24-7, absurdist play that clearly demonstrates the importance of us either taking our heads out of our collective asses or allowing the principles of evolution to turn us into relics of international, political and financial history. Maybe Palin is right, it's probably all part of God's plan, right Shibumi? Right?
Shibumi, you, sir, are a bozo of the first degree.
I was not surprised when you quoted the author Ayn Rand. A New York Times literary critic recently named "Atlas Shrugged" as "one of the worst books ever;" and if you would please refer to an article titled "A Celebration of Self" by Sara Dabney Tisdale from the 8/5/07 issue of U.S. News and World Report, a panel of literary critics and academic philosophers calls "Atlas Shrugged": "Sophomoric, preachy, and unoriginal." I would use those same three adjectives to describe you, Shibumi.
( Alexander, for someone who is sophomoric, preachy, and unoriginal, I suggest you read the book and develop your own opinion instead using the opiinion of some liberal clown at the New York Times or for that matter any liberal biased rag you subscribe to. Obviously since you frequent this blog with the rest of the sheep,Galen and whoever the pile on anonymous is, that is a tall order).
The position you have taken in your debate with Galen is ignorant, ill-informed, close-minded, and downright horrifying. Why are you so obsessed with criticizing the "gene pool[s]" of the people who read this blog? Why do you compliment Sarah Palin's "DNA"? Why did you write the sentence, "There is even evoloutionary precedent that human species which dominate other human species will dominate and control the enviroment to the demise of the other." In my experience, people who obsess over and deride others' genetic makeup are usually facists, racists, bigots, or all of the above.
Alexander, If your going to use adjectives to dramatically make a point then you actually must have a point. I did not see any evidence in your argument that DNA does not exist. Alos I do not obsess with genetics it is simply a fact of life.
As for drilling in Alaska. Are you, Shibumi, aware that John McCain was totally against federally regulated drilling in ANWR in June of 2008? He supported states rights and said that the federal government should NEVER control drilling in refuges. In July of 2008, he completely switched his position. Why do you support a man who does a 180 on this issue? These are facts. Look them up.
Alexander, As you suggest "the facts look them up"...McCain in light of the recent problems with phony oil shortages and higher gas prices has decided that drilling is the way to go , even in ANWR. To support the reference to phony oil shortage google the oil field in North Dakota and Brazil ... all much larger than the Saudi Oil field. By the way Global warming is a hoax, if you dont believe this can I sell you some carbon credits? Global warming has been produced as a global crisis in order to sell carbon credits, which in turn make a bunch of greedy people rich. At least look into the way carbon credits work..."follow the money", and all will be revealed to you. You at least sound intelligent in your response, I trust you will have your eyes opened when you do some unbiased research.
Let's move on to this doozy of a sentence that you constructed: "Sarah Palin, has the character and I suspect the robust DNA, that has allowed our species to survive through the generations of hardship placed upon the human race."
How do you know this? Do you live in Alaska? Are you personal friends with Sarah Palin? Because before September 4 of this year (the date Palin was nominated for VP) 99% of Americans outside of Alaska had never heard of her before. That was two weeks ago. How do you know anything about her? Are you supporting her because you are a sheep like the rest of the people who cheered her on at the RNC, despite the fact that almost none of them even knew who she was a week before?
Alexendar, I know this obviously because she exists today, just like you and everyone else that is alive today because of their robust DNA. However the battle for superior genes continues whether you believe this or not.
In the two weeks since she was nominated, Palin has given two creampuff interviews (One to Charlie Gibson and another to Sean Hannity). Joe Biden, on the other hand, gave 54 interviews in the two weeks after he was nominated. I know Joe Biden. I still have no clue who Sarah Palin truly is. How can I claim to know her when she refuses to even hold a press conference? How can I trust her to run the country if her campaign won't trust her to talk to a group of reporters?
Alex, You don't mind if I call you Alex do you? I suspect you think you know Biden...do you know that he has been caught , and I stress caught 3 times plagiarising? Also Biden loves to be infront of the camera spewing out nonsense, he is a ham for the camera, and a habitual liar. This is known to the entire news media left and right. Palin is the closest we will ever get to the real american citizen.
You also said, Shibumi, that to "destroy" is "a part of life." Do you think destroying ANWR is a part of life? Do you really think that destroying that ecosystem will benefit mankind? If you do, then you, my friend, are a boob. Please take a class on environmental studies, or read a book like "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond to learn how devastating destroying the environment can be for the human race.
Alex, I have read the book , I enjoyed it. I thought it was well thought out and well written. The book also proves my case regarding genetics. Germs for example attack the weak and only the stonger organisms survive. Do not continue to make the mistake that humans are any greater than their weakest biological link. Also if you are going to call me names , I can only laugh at the description of boob. The boob or mammary gland provides the human baby with the necessary nourishment to fight off germs, ironic don't you think?
Futhermore I believe we have the technology to extract oil from AANWR with minimal harm to the enviroment after which the power of mother nature can fully recover the enviroment to its natural barren state.
In one of your comments, Shibumi, you said that we need to "explore space." While space exploration is important, it is NOT what this country needs right now. We need to do everything to take care of the planet that we were born on -- not destroy and abandon it. I suspect you may be of the generation that put a man on the moon, Shibumi. If so, congratulations. That was a monumental moment in American and human history. But my generation is not concerned about space. We are concerned with taking care of our own planet -- not destroying it.
Alex. Obviously you do not speak for your generation entirely. Thank God for that. The exploration of space would in fact eliminate the narrow minded focus on energy as our major problem right now. I know you have heard this, but just in case I will let you in on a little secret. An asteroid killed the dinosaurs, not Al Gore and global warming. The expediency of colonizing other worlds is our crisis. I will make this direct"Dont put your eggs in one basket."
In conclusion, since this debate was sparked over a discussion about drilling, I would like to encourage you, Shibumi, to visit,
www.pickensplan.com
and sign T. Boone Pickens' energy independence pledge. Mr. Pickens once had the "Drill, baby, drill" position that you espouse, but he has seen the perils of that course of action and he has devised a new plan to free us from the clutches of foreign oil. I recommend you check it out.
Alex, Why do yo think Pickens wants you to get on board with "HIS" plan? Who makes the money ? "Follow the Money."
To anonymous: Creationism and Evoloution do not conflict with each other. I would like you to meditate on this thought. What if God (However you wish to define it) is a spiritual being, and the being it created is man the spirit. And what if the man spirit occupied a flesh and bone body like an ape? and what if that ape through evoloution became modern man? Let me know if this ends the ridiculous argument regarding creationism and evoloution for you. If it does then pass it on because I believe that the ignorance of both narrow minded view points is a wsate of spritual energy.
All the best to you, Shibumi. Please vote for Barack Obama.
Alex, The best to you, Galen, and Anonny(I can call you Anonny can't I?)
My vote will be for the best candidate, the jury is still out.
Peace, love and Bobby Sherman.
Wait ... if Sarah Palin has the character and robust DNA to survive because she exists today, then since evetyone alive also exists today, does that mean we all have the same character and robust DNA?
I guess since these thoughts are your own you probably don't realize that you seem insane to the vast majority of people. You have no doubt often wondered why everyone is so rude to you and doesn't ever understand what you are talking about and why everyone is so wrong when you are always right. You probably assumed it was just because of everyone else's inferior intelligence. Hey, maybe that's what your DNA tells yourself so that you can better survive.
Maybe you're right that global warming is a hoax. If that's true than it follows we should just pollute the air as much as possible, right? I mean as long as there's no global warming we don't need to balance industry with nature. If nature crumbles in the end then it just didn't have the right DNA.
Well, Shibumi, congratulations on figuring it all out. I guess you have the DNA to make it in this crazy world!
Galen, I really think we are in agreement after your last comment. Yes if you are alive today then your DNA has survived, and will most likely continue. I am not sure why you insist on taking everything I say and turning it up to a ridiculous level. If you have the energy left after expending it on your hatred towards me, you should review all the comments I have made to this point and no where will you find me an advocate of reckless disregard for our enviroment. Just in my last comment I used the words minimal harm to the enviroment. I will commend you on your tenacity, however perhaps you will feel better if you just get that anger out of your system. Try calling me names with 4 letters in the word, or maybe something like "Shut your pie hole." Go ahead , I can take it tough guy.
Once you get through this hate therapy, I want you to know that I am for the continued advancement of energy technology, including solar, wind, nuclear,cold fusion, PRB coal usage, bio fuel technology, and so on. You need to understand that if we are to advance to the next level of technology, we must utilize the existing technology as rapidly as needed. A delay of using the existing energy technology by protesting its use only prolongs the damage. Again please look up all the information you can find on the purpose of carbon credits, and ask yourself where all that money is going. In conclusion Galen, don't hate me because my DNA is beautiful.
Shibumi...are you the same Bobby Sherman that was a teen idol in the 1970's? If so, I am a big fan of your work, especially the songs "Easy Come, Easy Go" and "Mister Sun."
But now, on to our debate! As for "Atlas Shrugged," I have read it! And my opinion of that massive tome is that it is nothing but pompous, poorly-written drivel, and I don't put much stock in the wacko philosophies it espouses. As for that U.S. News & World Report article that interviewed a panel of literary critics and academic philosophers who called Rand's work, "Sophomoric, preachy, and unoriginal" -- U.S News & World Report is not a "liberal biased rag" as you described it. Actually, that magazine is a conservative right-wing publication. You should read it sometime; it sounds like it might be up your alley. (Except for the part where they dismiss Rand as a hack writer and a third-rate philosopher.)
Also, before delving into our debate on DNA and genetics, please describe for me how your views on DNA differ the views of concept of eugenics. From what you have written, your ideas about human DNA seem to advocate eugenics, which is a social philosophy that has been widely discredited ever since it was adopted by the Nazis to create an Aryan race. Before we continue, I need to know if you support eugenics and the extermination of "undesired" population groups, because if you do...this debate is over.
As for the Joe Biden vs. Sarah Palin discussion. You changed the subject and didn't answer my question! I am well aware that Biden plagiarized speeches in the 1980's (around the same time John McCain was raking in illegal funds from Charles Keating hand over fist). Both McCain and Biden have apologized for their past wrongdoings, and as a citizen who votes, I have forgiven both of them. I know that Biden is a ham who loves the camera. I also know that he endured a tragedy when his wife and daugher were killed in an car accident, and is a good man. I also know that Biden is the chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations, and has extensive experience in foreign diplomacy. That's a few of the many things I know about Joe Biden.
But Sarah Palin? I know she was mayor of Wasilla (pop. 9,000) and has had a brief term as Governor of Alaska (population 656,424 - almost as big as Austin, Texas). I know that she can see Russia from her house and that she believes dinosaurs and humans walked the earth together. Sure, she is a "real American citizen," as you say; but she has in no way proven to me that she is ready to lead our great nation. And you didn't answer my question -- why won't the McCain campaign let her give an unfettered interview? Two interviews in the two weeks after she was nominated? That's scary. I cannot elect a person who is kept hidden away from the public.
I need to go to bed, so I'm just gonna make one more point. You said to "follow the money" with all of these alternative energy sources, and I did. Guess where it goes? T. Boone Pickens and Al Gore! Those guys have made some pretty smart investments. But then I followed the money with the energy sources supported by the Bush administration, and guess where that money went? Iran! Iraq! Saudi Arabia! If you think the McCain administration is going to be any different, you have your head up your butt.
Thank you for keeping this debate civil, Mr. Shibumi. And unless you are Bobby Sherman, the teen idol, you have to call me Alexander.
Your pal,
Alexander
Don't be silly, I don't hate anyone. Well, except maybe for this little kid down the street, but he and I don't really see eye to eye.
Your conclusion that man hasn't contributed to global warming simply because emissions trading exists is not really the most logical conclusion. Sort of like if someone said that humans exist and therefore Sarah Palin has superior DNA and is therefore a good candidate for Vice President. Oh yeah ...
I actually don't think many companies are exactly cleaning up from their emissions trading profits these days. And do you think that real scientists have been in some conspiracy with industry in order to create a false problem just so they could make a few extra bucks trading emissions credits? Remember back in the old days (like the 90s) when all sorts of people (except scientists, but what do they know?) wanted to deny global warming. Maybe the fact that some companies can make money trading emissions credits has helped them reluctantly accept global warming, but THEY certainly didn't make it up. Besides, emissions trading in this country is instituted by individual states. So who exactly is involved in this grand scheme?
Hey, did you ever consider that oil companies made up the fact that vehicles run on gas just so they could sell us some?? How about this crazy notion that people need food, obviously perpetuated by the great farmers conspiracy of the 1930s. You really should research these things.
Alexander I did not sign Peace , Love as Bobby Sherman, I closed with Peace, Love, AND BOBBY SHERMAN. The reference to Bobby Sherman and peace and love, is in essence a reference to the time period, and at least in my opinion very funny. Bobby Sherman, the Partridge Family, and even the Brady Bunch were representative of the homogenization of the “Hippy Movement”. By preparing a more palpable media view of the culture,the powers to be in the media were able to capture a larger market share by pandering to the conservative population, who at the time still viewed long hair, and the peace symbol as the corruption of ordered society.This was also the means to advance the liberal agenda politically. By cleaning up the image of the pot smoking dirty hippie, making love at the drop of a hat, the liberal point of view found its foothold in the American Culture. There are other factors that contributed to this, including Vietnam war, Tricky Dick, JFK, LBJ, etc. I doubt with the exception of you, anyone else on this blog even knows where their thought processes originated from. The big hit for Bobby Sherman however is “Julie do you love me” At the time I did not know who Julie was but, I sang out to her along with Bobby on the radio, and never found her. Perhaps if I had my philosophy and opinions would be different.
Alexander: I stand corrected. Your opinion of course is your own and I should not have “assumed” that you did not read the novel. It is over 1,000 pages, and in regard for its subject matter somewhat intimidating. I have seen many positive reviews and negative reviews of the novel, and in any case that in of itself is precedent to claim the novel has, the ability to draw definitive conclusions to an individuals beliefs and character, relative to the state of our world. I thought the reference to the novel relevant to our discussion, and in support of this I have provided a personally favored review of the book below.
I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine.”
Thus, the hero of Ayn Rand’s novel Atlas Shrugged chooses sides in an epic struggle for man’s soul – not in heaven, but on earth. The central plot of Atlas Shrugged is a mystery story: as Dagny Taggard, a successful railroad executive, watches the entrepreneurs and inventors of her society disappear one by one, she seeks to discover the source of the scourge that is destroying her world. She witnesses the consequences of the ethics of altruism and collectivism as her society descends into socialism, productive men are turned into slaves, and mooching beggars into her masters.
Throughout the novel, Ayn Rand presents clear examples of her philosophy in action through strong heroes and treacherous villains who demonstrate the importance of philosophy and the consequences of moral and immoral lives. Her characters ask and answer numerous important questions such as “Is reality independent of our minds or is it shaped by them? What is the result of basing our actions on emotions and what happens when we base them on reason? Why are so many successful individuals hated for their success? Should love be free or must it be earned? What is the proper role of government?” However, the most influential question Atlas Shrugged answered for me was “what kind of life must a man lead to achieve a state of guiltless happiness?”
The influence of Atlas Shrugged on my life has been so profound that I am still learning new applications of the philosophy Ayn Rand presented every day. This book is for everyone who has ever questioned the ethics of altruism and asked “what is the purpose of my life?”
Posted by someone named Dave on Truth, Justice, and the American Way.
Alexander: The difference? Eugenics is the unnatural manipulation of DNA, by man. My positions on genetics for sake of this discussion are anchored in “Natural Selection”. Nature through a process of hit and miss allows the DNA of the stronger species or life form to survive.
My view on eugenics…..I quote Dean Alfange “My Creed”
I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon. I seek opportunity to develop whatever talents God gave me…not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficience nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any earthly master nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefits of my creations and to face the world boldly and say….This with God’s help I have done. All this is what it means to be an American
Alexander: The unfettered interview of Katie Couric?
I suspect you and I will be watching the VP debate intently on Thursday. Regardless of the conditioning of the VP candidates on both sides for this event the core character, of the individual will out itself and be revealed to those with an open mind.
I do not believe that either administration will be different in regards to having vested interest in survival of their respective parties. In the spirit of fairness you need to find out where Obama’s money trail leads to. (Sorros), or your head is in your butt.
Here is something to ponder…I am a registered Democrat, the democratic party has been hijacked, so I no longer vote for the democrats. I have voted for Perot, Reagan, Bush, and more Bush.
Dean Alfange, the author of the American Creed, was the founder of the American Liberal Party in New York.
Your fellow American, Shibumi
Galen: I hate that little kid too, he is short, and cries for his mommy all the time.
Actually I never stated that man has not contributed to Global warming I said that Global Warming (The Nobel Winning Al Gore GW) is a hoax. Plant life actually has contributed more to global warming than any other species on this planet.(Since the beginning of life) A fact of the matter is that the average mean temperature of Mars has risen nearly identical to Earth’s rise in temperature. The culprit? The Sun. The cycle of the solar system. It is called the SOLAR system for a reason,…The Sun Rules all. The current scientific data is actually leaning towards a global cooling, which the GW advocates are now blaming on man as well. The ice cap is melting, in a small area, but growing at record levels in another area. Which part do the liberal media report? In reference to oil companies causing vehicles to be run on gas so money could be made….seriously? In your universe the cart pulled the horse. Regardless, yes the oil companies are in the business of making money. What is your utopian universal economic plan? trading in Willy Wonka bars? Any economy must have a resource to exploit what the masses need or there will be no economy. No economy, no progress,…. no progress, no advancements in technology, no advancements in technology……..our species, the human species, dies. Be strong, be a man, a HU MAN, and let your people live to realize some significant future in this overwhelming universe. If mankind dies out it will only affect the universe about as much as the dinosaurs did. Earth lives on, and the dinosaurs didn’t drive cars. The human species has a real opportunity to cut the apron strings of Mother Earth and play a significant role in the universe, otherwise what is the point, of being here? Don’t get me wrong I like Willy Wonka Chocolate bars, but I also want the rest of the universe to enjoy them as well.
"No other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall. But it's the only way if you want it just... right".
Willy Wonka
Best regards,
Your fellow American Shibumi
Greetings Shibumi,
I have resisted responding to your comments for awhile because other people have refuted your points so much that I didn’t feel it necessary to beat a dead horse. The original intention of this blog post was to share pictures from my trip to Alaska and to let other people know about my first-hand experience. While I find it somewhat exciting that this blog has ignited an in-depth discussion of political candidates as well as conflicting views on the environment, foreign policy, and apparently genetics, I think it’s frustrating that you find the need to constantly degrade the intelligence of the people who read and participate in my blog. Some of the remarks you have made that I find offensive include:
-“the lack of intelligence that runs rampant on this site”
-“ I would suggest that you and the majority of people on this site expand your perspectives beyond the regurgitated politcal [sic] hack that our Massive Media has decided to promote”
And my personal favorite
“I doubt with the exception of you [Alexander], anyone else on this blog even knows where their thought processes originated from.”
First, if you’re going to insult people on this blog with your comments, you might want to start by spelling the word “political” correctly. Second, you should know that a lot of the people who read and comment on this blog (myself included) are highly educated and do not, as you claim, “lack intelligence.”
I strongly believe in free speech and I think one of the greatest things about our country is that people with different viewpoints have the right to voice their opinions so openly. I love that new media (and blogs in particular) provides a place for people to speak their minds and debate about various issues that they feel passionate about. But Shibumi, you must understand that continuously visiting my personal blog while frequently belittling my intelligence is downright ridiculous. If you are so disgusted with the lack of intellect on this site, maybe you should go elsewhere.
And while we’re quoting Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, (my all time favorite movie) how’s about we compare the chocolate factory to the ANWR:
“It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal! You stole fizzy lifting drinks. You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and sterilized, so you get NOTHING! You lose! Good day sir!”- Willy Wonka
Peace, love and empathy,
Lesley
Lesley:
I pulled most of these phrases from your blog prior to my intelligence comment, and then some following my comment. As well as a spelling mistake.
Boob, Head in the butt, Bozo, fucking redneck, assholes, Alaska Queen Twatwaffle, The whole false Ana Dubey story, “actually shows your own lack of intelligence” (referring to me), ignorant, ill informed, evetyone(SP).
And finally your comment now in the proper perspective….
“ I think it’s frustrating that you find the need to constantly degrade the intelligence of the people who read and participate in my blog”.
I think you get the point I am making above
I will also say that in my experience, highly educated people are not necessarily intelligent. They are merely trained well. Intelligence is what you do with the training.
I never said I was disgusted with the lack of intelligence, I stated that this was a testament to the lack of intelligence. I was actually trying to get an adequate response, and I did, from Galen, Alexander, Anony, and now you.
You stated “I strongly believe in free speech and I think one of the greatest things about our country is that people with different viewpoints have the right to voice their opinions so openly. I love that new media (and blogs in particular) provides a place for people to speak their minds and debate about various issues that they feel passionate about”. Then you suggest that I leave…..Your blog. Yet I was fulfilling your strong belief.
The truth is I have trespassed into your fantasy blog. You believe that if you play Blog God and only allow words to be written that are in agreement with your own, and others like you, then your words are true. When I reflect on this I realize, that you are correct, in this world you are a God, please forgive me.
In retrospect I should have praised all your collective intelligence and wisdom, and spoke out in strong agreement of your opinion.
So lets see…
Wow Lesley, you are so right, fucking rednecks, and I was in Alaska once and I really dislike Sarah Palin, because the price of Orange Juice was so expensive, why doesn’t she do something about that, instead of shooting the the animals. I saw John McCain reading Atlas Shrugged, you know Ayn Rand, and then he grabbed some random bystander and started beating her to a pulp. It turns out that this gal was Mrs. Wonka, and he didn’t like the candy. (And that’s who the republicans want in office)?
I am a huge Willy Wonka (The book) fan, so at least we truly agree upon one of the great things this world offers. In parting your blog per your tempered, veiled request, I again quote Mr. Wonka
“Because that pipe doesn’t go to the marshmallow room. It goes to the fudge room”. (Where this blog is heading)
Best regards, to all, Shibumi
I would just like to say that in MY experience, people that enter a room or start a dialogue or introduce themselves by promptly informing everyone that they are smarter and therefore better than everyone else are either trying to get a rise out of others or are insecure about themselves.
In addition, though I would absolutely agree that education does not equal intelligence, those that are quickest to talk about "experience" over "education" are those that are not educated.
This whole thing has become silly. Probably you were trying to get a rise out of everyone. But good and meaningful dialogue does not come out of announcing your superiority from the outset. Imagine if your heroes Ronald Reagan or George Bush had come out during their political campaigns and announced that they were smarter and better than everyone. Not too effective, I think.
You have an exclusive photo of the palin trampoline?! No WAY!!!!!!!! Nice work!
Holy shit! The comments on this page are very entertaining...
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