tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post8271777323772898517..comments2024-03-28T14:52:13.218-05:00Comments on Stonekettle Station: America: You Keep Using That Word…Jim Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comBlogger190125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-46445375858383121192011-06-25T22:20:28.512-05:002011-06-25T22:20:28.512-05:00Tyrone, the stereotype comment was addressed in de...Tyrone, the stereotype comment was addressed in detail in the follow up post.<br /><br />As to your second comment, by your logic the way to preserve a marriage would be through divorce. I'm not buying it.<br /><br />No where, in this post or any other, did I ever say that the civil war was fought to preserve slavery. <i>However</i>, I note that you did, "<i>The whole point of the civil war was a desire by southern states to maintain the government and country as it had been in previous generations </i>. Yep. And they're still fighting that war. <br /><br />But, really, thanks for stereotyping me.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-31018318928101926992011-06-25T22:08:12.475-05:002011-06-25T22:08:12.475-05:00Wow. Stereotype much? Ever been to North Carolin...Wow. Stereotype much? Ever been to North Carolina? I went to a party deep in the woods there once with some friends and was kinda shaken when I first noticed that the party was actually a group of bikers. Confederate flags were flying proudly and I began to suspect that coming to the party was a very bad idea. As it turned out, the gang was multicultural. The only thing the group members seemed to have in common was ownership of a Harley, distrust of the government, and a genuine love of personal freedom. <br /><br />And FYI, the confederacy did not try to destroy the country. You can't even really say the Confederacy tried to destroy the Federal government. The whole point of the civil war was a desire by southern states to maintain the government and country as it had been in previous generations- to stop the Federal government from destroying state and citizen rights. Whether they were right or wrong in doing so is an entirely different discussion, but to say it was a desire to destroy the country, or even to maintain slavery is simply asinine.Tyronehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04687277218476895947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-9551807838165664002011-06-24T17:41:42.024-05:002011-06-24T17:41:42.024-05:00Yes. Thank you. Yes.Yes. Thank you. Yes.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00827369997196413084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-52959062967657191432011-06-21T20:46:11.820-05:002011-06-21T20:46:11.820-05:00I disagree with many things about this post. Howev...I disagree with many things about this post. However, I'll go with the comment format and respond briefly to the one dearest to my heart. <br /><br />You characterize the Confederacy as "a long defunct political/military organization that directly and without equivocation attempted to destroy that self same country." I believe this is imprecise.<br /><br />Leading up to the American Civil War, there was a lot of debate about the right of states to secede from the union (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secession_in_the_United_States, Antebellum American political and legal views on secession), primarily because the Constitution offered no guidance on this point. The secession of the first states from the Union was doubtless a major contributing cause to the war, but the states' rights to do so are arguable.<br /><br />Then, I looked into how the war actually began (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War#The_beginning_of_the_war.2C_1861). It appears that armed conflict began over control of military forts located in the seceding states, notably Fort Sumter. While it is true that military force was first used by the Confederacy to assume control of these forts, it was only after "The South sent delegations to Washington and offered to pay for the federal properties and enter into a peace treaty with the United States." President Lincoln refused on the grounds that he did not recognize the Confederacy as a legitimate government.<br /><br />It is my understanding that most of the war was fought in Confederate territory, and no concerted effort was made by the Confederacy to invade the United States. It was a war for independence; the Confederacy was no more attempting to destroy the United States than the colonists were attempting to destroy Great Britain during the Revolutionary War.<br /><br />The most fundamental defining principle of America is the right to dissent, and to persuade others to join in your dissension, free from government repression or oppression, so long as it is lawful. All other attributes that have been associated with America have been fleeting. While the notion of patriotism does not vary much, what is considered patriotic certainly does. Therefore, I don't believe the display of a Confederate flag alongside an American one to be paradoxical; the Confederacy was the expression of dissent at the level of the states.Robert Paschallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02562566322765264025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-31359595573319018202011-06-21T14:24:00.686-05:002011-06-21T14:24:00.686-05:00Wow! A tirade worth reading...I've posted it o...Wow! A tirade worth reading...I've posted it on my Facebook page...Paul Kussmannnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-49200098833590749692011-06-19T10:43:31.118-05:002011-06-19T10:43:31.118-05:00Nice post, Jim. I agree with parts of it and disa...Nice post, Jim. I agree with parts of it and disagree with other parts. That is what makes this such a great place to live, regardless of one's political or personal views.<br /><br />I posted under the last of the series, when I meant to post beneath this one, so I'll put it here as well, with a few, minor, additions.<br /><br />Jim is definitely opinionated, and, as he already stated, wordy. Those are qualities I have always liked about him. I remember being trained by him in my first "C" school, Outboard, back in, oh, 1990 or so. He was opinionated and wordy. I remember training with him in 1992-3 in Owl. Again, wordy and opinionated. I remember being stationed with him in Alaska. Yep, opinionated and wordy.<br /><br />So was I.<br /><br />We did not always agree, but we got along just fine.<br /><br />What do I love about America? I love that Jim could reference "The Princess Bride" and make me spew coffee before even reading the first few lines.<br /><br />I love that I could visit D.C. (very first time for me, even with a good deal of time in the Navy) with my son, recently, and could show him the original Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. I got to walk through Arlington National Cemetery with him and explain to him what it meant to me. <br /><br />I love the Rights we have, granted by the Constitution and Bill of Rights, even though they sometimes make life harder for me. Odd? Perhaps. I may hate that someone will desecrate the flag, spit on it, throw it to the ground, etc... But, I defended that right for 7 years, 3 months and 10 days (yep, I counted). As a peace officer, I still defend that right. As an American citizen, I still defend that right.<br /><br />I also defend my own right to tell the person who spit on it that they can kiss my ass.<br /><br />Living in the south, I see the Confederate flag flown a lot, displayed on bumper stickers, etched permanently into skin. Some are proud because they believe in the devisiveness it represents, or the hate it is associated with. I agree, Jim, it is a contradiction. I don't, personally, undrestand how someone can be proud to represent such bullshit. <br /><br />I am a person who believes in smaller government. I believe the government should collect taxes, albeit only what is needed to provide basic services. I believe govt. should field, train and properly equip our military. I believe govt. should not be invasive into our lives. I believe it is not the place of the govt. to take care of me, but to give me the opportunity to succeed or fail based on my own ability and effort.<br /><br />Republican, Democrat, Republocrat, is there a difference? The parties exist to serve the parties. I tend to be conservative, but do not equate that with Republican, Tea Party, Libertarian, or any other supposedly "conservative" group. Too many times, though, we are limited to whomever the two major parties field as candidates. 2008, really? Those two choices, and their perspective VP candidates, were the four best we could come up with? Really?<br /><br />I vote my conscience. I encourage you to arm yourselves with knowledge and vote yours. I do realize we may be on opposite sides of that vote, but at least we will be informed. <br /><br />We will still have to deal with asshats and trolls, but at least, as we do so, we will be equipped to fend them off rather then being sucked into their world.Garynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-25647566522907180422011-06-18T19:02:14.346-05:002011-06-18T19:02:14.346-05:00I love your blogs! Living in Oklahoma, I am surro...I love your blogs! Living in Oklahoma, I am surrounded by those in the big trucks with the confederate flags. The best thing I can say is that most of them are not registered to vote.Jannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-49042858910725106782011-06-18T13:41:10.141-05:002011-06-18T13:41:10.141-05:00Naw, I think media has gone from informational, to...Naw, I think media has gone from informational, to message to massage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-72531363893975433352011-06-18T12:18:55.451-05:002011-06-18T12:18:55.451-05:00I'm late to the party, but glad to be here, Ji...I'm late to the party, but glad to be here, Jim. Amazing post, which I will share liberally (pun intended).<br /><br />Regarding the questions about how the Tea Party/Christianista right wing got (and stays) so batshit crazy: I've been reading Charlie Pierce's book "Idiot America," which is a fascinating examination of the grand American tradition of embracing cranks who, being cranks, nonetheless have always held themselves at arm's length from the predominant culture. Pierce's thesis (my clumsy synopsis) is that modern society, facilitated by TV, has made "crankism" another product to be marketed, and thusly has destroyed the utility of ideas that are out on the edge of consensus reality. His argument makes a lot of sense, and I'm enjoying the book, in a sort of grit-my-teeth fashion.<br /><br />My own theory is that the process of evolution has engineered humans to be crazy; some of us just manage our craziness better than others. The oldest part of our brain, the hierarchical and fear-driven r-brain, is in constant conflict with the newer, logical, analytical cerebral cortex, and the r-brain almost always wins the battles if not the entire war. It's an uneasy marriage that we're holding together for the sake of the kids, but divorce would probably be a better option.<br /><br />Anyway, LOVED the piece, Jim, and I expect to fritter away tons of time on your other posts during which I could otherwise be doing something useful. Thank you.<br /><br />P.S. I read your comment rules, which made perfect sense and were vastly entertaining. I thought I'd offer MY response to people who claim they get a free pass to be asshats in a public forum because "everyone is entitled to their opinion": Yes, you are entitled to your opinion; however, it does not then follow that your opinion deserves to be HEARD. Or that it deserves to be heard by ME. This ability to ignore white noise is a gift bestowed upon me via the quality of discernment.Diane Wuesthoffnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-17521130038496699432011-06-18T10:57:53.535-05:002011-06-18T10:57:53.535-05:00Thank you so much for this post. It helped me to &...Thank you so much for this post. It helped me to "clear my mind" <br /><br />The eternal question I have had in my mind is what do WE do to "take our country back"<br /><br />Politically speaking Conservatives are better at following authority and sticking to the same message - and that is because they are BORN that way.<br /><br />The answer may be in this NYT article. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/opinion/28kristof.html?_r=1<br /><br />Bottom line - Conservatives THINK differently than Liberals. And if we are to work together we have to first become friends - and then there is hope to share our point of view...Tinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09869597941220596637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-73141137016368973012011-06-18T08:26:54.035-05:002011-06-18T08:26:54.035-05:00Tina -- Despite what the likes of Faux News, the T...Tina -- Despite what the likes of Faux News, the Tea Party and most conservatives say, the media IS business. Every newspaper and TV station is a business and is controlled by some corporation somewhere. So, while they don't tip as far to the right as Faux does, they definately are NOT liberal. They try to keep up the pretense of being non-biased, but when it comes right down to it, they're not. :-(<br /><br />AnnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-4841328174267757652011-06-17T23:44:54.237-05:002011-06-17T23:44:54.237-05:00Something that baffles me everyday...
I just goo...Something that baffles me everyday... <br /><br />I just googled the percentage of Republicans in the US and came up with 37 - 38%<br /><br />Which means 62% are Non Republicans.<br />How come that the Media does not show news items that cater to this 62%<br /><br />What does Fox News gain by spreading hatred. You can argue that they are pro Corporations. But, if you make everyone very poor, who is going to buy the products that they are making ? Isn't that like cutting off the hand that feeds you ?<br /><br />Who is dictating the new cycle. And how come that only the Democratic leaning organizations are the only ones that seems to fall - Accorn, Mr Jones and now Rep Anthony Weiner comes to mind.<br /><br />Why ? Why ? Why ?Tinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-64643113522431650812011-06-17T23:34:18.832-05:002011-06-17T23:34:18.832-05:00Standing ovation!!!! Everyday I have to put up wit...Standing ovation!!!! Everyday I have to put up with people who love to hear bad news about our country because their guy is not president, yet they claim to love this country. You can’t have a serious discussion about politics with them because they only know what Glenn and Rush tell them . They also claim to be Christians but you can’t have a serious discussion about the bible either, because they have never read it or the constitution for the matter . Thank you for saying what millions have been thinking for years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-53820157474636766842011-06-17T21:39:58.871-05:002011-06-17T21:39:58.871-05:00This column is quite simply - excellent! I'll...This column is quite simply - excellent! I'll be back to read more of your work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-64989262398094962212011-06-17T17:44:09.549-05:002011-06-17T17:44:09.549-05:00When words fail me when I come up against a real r...When words fail me when I come up against a real right wing radical who thinks that the freemarket in america is just the best thing God ever created...I will link him/her to this post. I so often try and I do mean try to explain the fallacy of what he thinks a free market society is and I'm immediately shut down. I love, love, love this article. It was well written based on all the rhetoric I've heard and the accusations about how stupid I must be to not agree with what the tea-party elected are doing to our entire system and our society in general. Thanks for making me feel somewhat intelligent again for not wanting the world to be their world as described by them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-48644955449559877782011-06-17T17:25:53.926-05:002011-06-17T17:25:53.926-05:00I grew up in rural Georgia during the 1950's ....I grew up in rural Georgia during the 1950's ...SSDD <br /><br />Meet the new boss ... same as the old bossAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-17264571143035048862011-06-16T21:31:43.919-05:002011-06-16T21:31:43.919-05:00just...daaaayum
I lol'd & I :'( (th...just...daaaayum<br /><br />I lol'd & I :'( (the truth hurts)<br /><br />whoot....you are A "God" and as stated, I cried.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-53019020555648937622011-06-09T10:23:08.153-05:002011-06-09T10:23:08.153-05:00Certainly wish I had known you while I was in (Nav...Certainly wish I had known you while I was in (Navy, 73-79 + 4 Reserve) and damn it all, you are just too far away to buy a beer for. Love Alaska though - maybe someday when I get back that way (from NY State), you will allow me to do the honour.<br /><br />Great work. Off to read more.<br /><br />JCJackChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08555459102129888601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-8708298606565721192011-06-04T03:19:59.885-05:002011-06-04T03:19:59.885-05:00I finally found it. I saw this somewhere and trie...I finally found it. I saw this somewhere and tried to save it and print it out so I could pass it along.<br />Now I've tried to link it on my FB page..hopefully that will work. <br />Holy buckets batman, you are spot on!<br />I live in very rural, very ranch-y, no-government-tat-all-thank-you-very-much-until-I-need-that-government-to-shoot-some-wolves-or somethin'-or-other Wyoming, and I'd have to say that this is the sentiment I run in to. All day, every day. It gets tiring. Your post gave me hope when I first read it several weeks ago. And now it does the same again. Thank you.dlbvetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-61322337189524236482011-04-21T19:42:33.528-05:002011-04-21T19:42:33.528-05:00You can say "shit" here, BethYou can say "shit" here, BethJim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-32771663285618833342011-04-21T19:10:45.618-05:002011-04-21T19:10:45.618-05:00holy. sh*t.
I'm going to just start sending a...holy. sh*t. <br />I'm going to just start sending a link to this rant from now on instead of trying to argue with people. <br /><br />I'm quite sure they'll be completely and utterly without the ability to regurgitate anything they've recently heard on Glenn Beck in defense.<br /><br />Thanks!Beth - portland, oregonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12869023390325003707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-57929717071670714192011-04-21T08:22:18.483-05:002011-04-21T08:22:18.483-05:00Simply outstanding!Simply outstanding!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05383470964938500537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-42509276117343840892011-04-09T00:50:31.231-05:002011-04-09T00:50:31.231-05:00What I love is that all the fellow had to do was d...What I love is that all the fellow had to do was drive up alongside you. You had one helluva conversation all by yourself. Plus plenty more tolerant ranters had a beautiful opportunity to blow off extraordinary masses of pent up rage. Where else but America could one person bless so many and never even know what a contribution he has made.NotfromBerkeleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07019374094082410182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-15058889179971667592011-04-06T09:17:39.638-05:002011-04-06T09:17:39.638-05:00I just read your writing for the first time and lo...I just read your writing for the first time and loved it. I have been saying for may years that I wouldn't vote for candidate X (most recent example: Michelle Bachmann) because I don't know what he or she stands for - only what he or she stands against. I have extended that feeling to quite a number of candidates and (by extension) supporters and commentators all along the political spectrum. Thank you for so brilliantly asking the question I have had in my mind. (And I'm not ashamed of your service - you're exactly the type of person I want in our military. Then again, I'm proud to be an over-educated elitist.)zvpeyronnenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-36845698508253778862011-04-06T08:47:51.227-05:002011-04-06T08:47:51.227-05:00Well written. Discovered it on facebook. Very impr...Well written. Discovered it on facebook. Very impressed....Nice to see some validationHippie, Sr.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17226825745735994458noreply@blogger.com