Saturday, January 31, 2004

I'm Thinking Clearly, Now

Earlier today, after reading this post, by Billy Beck, and a couple of others he penned, I dropped him an email.  In it, I said this, among other things.

"I, initially, after September 11, had some respect for Bush.  Sadly, he is no different than any other politician.  He is simply a “professional jobholder."

What has changed, you ask?  Think about the steel tariff fiasco, think about Medicare, think about manned missions to Mars and the Moon, think about the truth of the following statement from Daniel Drezner, posted by Beck also in the link above,

"If Karl Rove thought imposing wage and price controls would win Pennsylvania and Michigan for Bush, you’d see an Executive Order within 24 hours."

Bush is no different than any other politician out there.  Each and every politician is only concerned with staying in power and they will do anything, anything, to remain in power.  Promising the moon and the stars, they deliver only enslavement.

The last time I exchanged an email with Billy about voting, I stated something to the effect that I do not vote for individuals, I only vote on issues that effect my pocketbook, i.e. millage increases, tax issues etc.  I now want to formally state that I will not vote at all.  I acknowledge that my voting on issues that effected my pocketbook, affected each and every individuals pocketbook, and I apologize for contributing to the coercive power of the state, against each and every individual, both on a local and federal level.

I’m thinking clearly, now.

Posted by John Venlet on 01/31 at 04:28 PM
(7) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

A Psychiatric Experiment H.L. Mencken Would've Enjoyed

The Guardian Unlimited has printed a story, or, more accurately, an edited extract, from a book written by psychologist Lauren Slater, which relates the results of a repeated experiment.  The experiment was undertaken originally by psychologist David Rosenhan in 1972.  The experiment entails healthy, sane individuals attempting to get themselves admitted to psychiatric hospitals after not showering or shaving for five days and stating that they hear a voice.  The voice says “thud.” That’s it, nothing else, just “thud.” The results, are, to say the least, amusing.  Both in 1972 and in its most recent incarnation.

The story is entitled “Into the cuckoo’s nest." Here’s the link to part II.

I found the story immensely entertaining, and, would have thoroughly enjoyed being a participant.  The lovely Melis says that’s because I’m part crazy anyway.

Via Tyler Cowen posting over at The Volokh Conspiracy.

Posted by John Venlet on 01/31 at 07:16 AM
(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

Expanding Your Vocabulary

Samizdata’s Dale Amon offers “A suggestion for new terminology." I repost his suggestion, here, in its entirety.

"While reading some DOD press briefing transcripts tonight I was struck by the total dehumanization inherent in a person chosing to be a suicide bomber. At the instant they strap on the explosive belt or seat themselves in a car bomb they cease being a person. They become nothing but an expendable munition, bombs in a deceptively human form.

I suggest a new name for them: SPM’s.

Self Portable Munitions."

Posted by John Venlet on 01/31 at 06:47 AM
(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink

Some Quotes

"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!"

Benjamin Franklin

"In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant."

Charles de Gaulle

"A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government."

Edward Abbey

"Fifty-one percent of a nation can establish a totalitarian regime, suppress minorities and still remain democratic."

Erik von Kuehnelt-Leddihn

"Democracy is also a form of worship. It is the worship of Jackals by Jackasses."

H.L. Mencken

"Complete equality isn’t compatible with democracy, but it is a agreeable to tolitarianism. After all the only way to ensure the equality of the slothful, the inept and the immoral is to suppress everyone else."

Iain Benson

Posted by John Venlet on 01/31 at 05:32 AM
(0) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink
Page 1 of 1 pages