The Other McCain

"One should either write ruthlessly what one believes to be the truth, or else shut up." — Arthur Koestler

Separated At Birth? Einstein and Santana

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 5 Comments

by Smitty

via Althouse

Incidentally, one of Santana’s signature hits, Oye Como Va is actually a Tito Puente cover.

Category: Music

Edward Klein Was On Hannity On The Drive Home

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 7 Comments

by Smitty

I had Hannity on Sirius XM while driving home today, and Klein was on, pushing The Amateur.

Typically, these tell-all books don’t do much for me. Racey tales of he-said-she-said that don’t amount to much. In the segment I heard, though, Klein related to having 3.5 hours of taped Jeremiah Wright interview. Purportedly, Wright’s acquaintance with the underside of the bus in 2008 was not a happy one. The references to BHO’s spiritual development could prove highly explosive in bitter, cling-on circles. That Billy Jeff called Barack an amateur, the source of the title for the book, is less interesting. What else is WJC going to do? Clinton provides a kind of political Seinfeldian comedy of manners, where the main interest is in the tension between supporting the sitting Democrat President on the

right hand, while reaching around to stab repeatedly with the left.

Over at The Tatler, Stephen Kruiser  picks up on British reporting on another angle in Klein’s book: the Oprah/Michelle tension.

Still, the fact remains that [BHO] was propelled to a landslide win by little more than a cult of celebrity that Oprah and the MSM conferred upon him. If you disagree I will gladly wait to hear any recitation of POTUS-worthy accomplishments he had prior to 2008 you can point out.

It looks like Doug Ross is maintaing a list, which will have to do until Hot Air gets a master Obamaturism list published.

The Obama Administration is morphing into some vast, reptilian beast in a Sword & Sorcery flick which has taken enough damage from the attacking characters to be either royally pissed or mortally wounded. Said beast is entering into a dangerous ‘thrash mode’, where some adventurers are going to get laid out. Whether or not the beast is stricken beyond recovery remains to be seen; Valerie Jarrett is rumored to be a 17th level anti-Cleric with Cthulhu on speed dial. Don’t think this book by Klein spells the end.

Update: Nice Deb has the audio.

Category: Barack Obama, Bill Clinton

Rebecca Traister’s Idiocy: Too Late for National Offend a Feminist Week? UPDATE: She Keeps Losing Arguments With the Voices in Her Head

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 24 Comments

Instpundit brutally pimp-slaps a Washington Post columnist who evidently doesn’t understand that a succubus, by definition, cannot be “sex-averse.” Alas, National Offend a Feminist Week ends on Mother’s Day, and I didn’t see Rebecca Traister’s column (linked at Althouse) until the annual festival of patriarchal oppression had elapsed.

Sigh.

If only there were some good reason to bend the rules . . .

 




 

UPDATE: Who am I kidding, huh?

There may be other work to be done today — work for which I might actually get paid — but even if nobody hits my tip jar, this verbose bimbo is gonna get smacked around so bad, she’ll wish she’d never even thought about writing that witless screed. Just give me a few minutes to skim through and find the proper angle of attack. While you’re repeatedly hitting the “refresh” button in eager anticipation of the forthcoming viciously misogynistic updates, however . . .

C’mon: $5 or $10 to make it worth my while? Because nothing would so infuriate Rebecca Traister as to know that a shameless capitalist blogger is getting paid to heap more ridicule on her.

UPDATE II: While you’re waiting for me to unleash the hounds of patriarchal hell on Rebecca Traister, let’s point out that embittered humorless feminists are not a stereotype. They’re the unspeakably grim reality that is Michelle Goldberg on MSNBC:

Donald Douglas at American Power: “I’ve written about Michelle Goldberg many times. I was literally sickened when I read her book a few years back, which is a global manifesto for infanticide.”

UPDATE III: Still locking in coordinates for the targeted barrage. While you wait — and c’mon, $5 or $10 — I’ll provide you the guaranteed antidote to Viagra, Michelle Goldberg and Rebecca Traister in a 2008 “Blogging Heads TV” colloquy:

In their spare time, Goldberg and Traister probably volunteer at the local abortion clinic, taking turns plunging knives through the hearts of any infants who manage to survive the procedure.

UPDATE IV: OK, now working feverishly on the main response, and thanks to Shelly in New Mexico for hitting the tip jar. The rest of y’all, c’mon: $5 or $10, and I’ll try to earn it.

Meanwhile, ask yourself: Why can’t Michelle Goldberg or Rebecca Traister ever find anything to say about a case in which police are accused of ignoring pedophile sex-traffickers?

UPDATE V: Having pored over Traister’s self-consciously “intellectual” essay – studded with SAT words and other such aren’t-we-so-smart advanced-placement gestures – I see exactly what Professor Althouse meant by “a silly collection of words.”

There isn’t really an argument, except between Traister and her selected strawmen, or perhaps among the screeching voices inside Rebecca’s demon-filled head. (“My name is Legion” – somewhere, a herd of swine awaits.) Her intent is to celebrate the humor of various other liberals, to whom she attributes an aptitude she conspicuously lacks herself. No one has ever accused Rebecca Traister of being intentionally funny and, if “the personal is political,” her politics is either intensely secretive or utterly empty. Careful observers of Traister’s work cannot help but notice how guarded she is about herself, seeking always to have us focus on whatever idols she reveres or scapegoats she demonizes.

There is something about Rebecca that Rebecca doesn’t like (a self-loathing she externalizes by attacks on others), and her “feminism” is less a philosophy than an attempt to distract herself and others from her own emotional desperation.

One suspects she has a history of suicidal thoughts. What sort of anti-depressants has Traister been prescribed, and in what dosage?

It doesn’t matter: She is not funny, because there is nothing funny about her own lonely and joyless existence. For this plight, she somehow irrationally blames conservative Republicans she’s never actually met and who wouldn’t even know she existed — admit it, you had never heard of her before now — if she hadn’t committed that stupid miscomprehension of “succubus.” (Can the Washington Post no longer afford to employ college graduates as editors?) At any rate, here is the conclusion of Traister’s column:

The hairy harridan of yore isn’t totally vanquished. She’s too useful for the right. Without her, it becomes clear that Republicans are fighting not some made-up monster but women themselves. Contemporary activists who have recently replaced the yellowing cartoon of feminism with a living, breathing, nuanced version of what women’s liberation means in 2012 must keep fighting with humor and zeal if they ever want to finish off the old bat.
Perhaps someday they’ll even avenge her by hoisting a banner of their foes as fogeyish, woman-hating, humorless prudes and carrying it into future battles.

Unfortunately for Traister, she can never escape her own worst enemy, whose unforgiving gaze penetrates her every time she looks in a mirror.

Category: American Power, Ann Althouse, Feminism, Instapundit, National Offend a Feminist Week

Our ‘First Gay President’ Now Losing Support From Black Christian Pastors

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 51 Comments

“Ouch, that’s going to leave a mark“:

A Texas pastor who once led the Southern Baptist Convention in introducing a resolution that recognized Obama’s historic achievement has voiced his displeasure with the president’s support and approval of gays, reports the Associated Baptist Press.
Dwight McKissic, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, wrote in a blog on May 9 that Obama’s statement is worthy of incurring wrath of biblical proportions. . . . “President Obama has betrayed the Bible and the Black Church with his endorsement of same-sex marriage. The Bible is crystal clear on this subject. . . . The moral impact of this day and decision is equal to the military impact of al-Queda when they attacked the Twin Towers on 911.”

(Hat-tips: News One and Fox Nation.) This is something I think most secularists don’t understand about us “bitter Bible-clingers.” We are People Of The Word, servants redeemed by unmerited grace who therefore owe as a sacred obligation the duty to defend the Word. It is not our own mere “belief” we defend, but the Word, which is eternal, a truth that will endure no matter what any liar may say against it. There are such things as Neutral Objective Facts, and we will not surrender the truth, for that would be a betrayal of the blood that was shed in order that we might know the truth.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness . . .
On Christ the solid rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

 

As it is written, “the truth shall make you free.” How then can anyone suppose that a people who, in answer to prayer, have been miraculously brought out of Egypt — for such was the understanding of their ancestors’ faith — should now turn their backs on He who redeemed them, to abandon the march toward Zion, and to surrender that salvation which so many suffered to gain?

Some people say it would take a miracle to beat Obama, so if “The First Gay President” soon becomes The First Black Ex-President . . .

Well, you can believe what you want to believe, I guess.

Exit Question: Why do liberals hate black Christians?

 

Category: Barack Obama, Gays, Neutral Objective Journalism, Religion, Texas

VIDEO: Jon Kyl Defends Defense

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 30 Comments

In case you’ve forgotten the debt-ceiling deal, if Congress can’t do something to reduce our escalating deficits — and Harry Reid’s Senate Democrats haven’t even produced a budget in three years, so we’re probably doomed — then “automatic sequestration” is supposed to happen, a potential catastrophe for the Pentagon:

Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) has been among the Senate’s strongest proponents of a robust national defense. In his role as Republican Whip, he is now leading the charge against efforts to shortchange our Defense budget, and warning of potential dire consequences for national security. . . .
Asked . . . what might happen if the impending automatic sequestration cuts slash $500 billion from the defense budget — in addition to the $487 billion dollars already slated to be cut over the next ten years — Kyl said it would amount to “shooting ourselves in the head,” a reference to a metaphor first offered by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.

Here’s the video from Alison Meyer and Lachlan Markay at the Heritage Foundation’s new “Scribe” blog:

Category: Arizona, Budget, Military, Senate

Is Mr. Quick Arguing Against Freewill?

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 61 Comments

by Smitty

Are we really having this argument?

Is it your contention that homosexuality is a choice? If so, I disagree. I would further contend that the weight of scientific evidence is on my side of the disagreement, leaving you in the position of arguing that something RSM might call a “neutral objective fact” is otherwise.

Yeah, I’ll see your ‘scientific evidence’ and raise you some Anthropogenic Global Warming, Bill. Are you implying that gayness is a genetic defect?

I have actually studied a bit of Biochemistry, and I’m confident that the Gay Grail, or “Grayl” which you seek just doesn’t exist. In terms of the OSI Stack, I’d venture that sexuality is a Layer 1 implementation, and homosexuality is Layer 7. Taking your argument, then, are you really going to treat gayness as a birth defect? Really?

“Form follows function?” If you’re an engineer, tell me again what a penis is designed to do, formwise?

Given the set A={‘penis’, ‘anus’, ‘vagina’}, and a few centuries, my utilitarian argument is that there is exactly one pair of two items from A capable of producing sustained societal value. I’m sure that I’ve missed something. Oh, I’ve probably missed much. But that’s what the Internt’s for, no? Emphasis mine here:

And what I’d like to get from you, Smitty, is your thoughts on whether admitting the existence of homosexuality as a reality, not a choice but as much a part of some humans as skin color is of others, is “political correctness?”

Homosexuality is something people do, in the same vein as shooting heroine. I guess that was a vain attempt at injecting humor into the thread. Please, needle me about how I’m injecting “sinful” notions into what is intended as a dispassionate, sober inquiry.

But let’s check out your slippery slope, Bill. If you’re going to argue a ‘Sexual Calvinism’, and contend that people are prisoners of their groins, then why do we maintain this façade of representative democracy? Why don’t we just suck up ObamaCare, and every other Postmodern, Orwellian bit of nonsense intent on destroying Western Civilization?

Maybe there is a middle ground I’m missing here, but it seems that we are either arguing for liberty or against liberty. People can jump through any hoops they want and label it ‘marriage’, but if I lose the right to say ‘marriage means what it has meant across time and societies’, then we’ve lost much, indeed.

In closing, when the Postmodern, PC wrecking ball has fully destroyed meaning, it is my intention to marry a pound of bacon. Because, at that point, why not?

Category: Bill Quick

LIVE AT FIVE – 05.14.12

Posted on | May 14, 2012 | 2 Comments

— compiled by Wombat-socho


TOP NEWS
Greece Headed For New Elections After Syriza Party Rejects Coalition Talks

Socialist PASOK party leader Evangelos Venizelos

Moderate Democratic Left party refuses to join coalition without rejectionist Syriza

John Edwards’ Lawyers To Begin Presenting Defense Today
No indication as to whether Edwards will take the stand

Syrian Troops Attack Rebel-Held Town
As the UN “peace plan” continues ineffectually on



POLITICS
Brown Pushes Tax Hike As California’s Money Woes Deepen

Governor Jerry Brown discusses his tax-hike initiative before submitting petitions

Warns of cuts to school system if tax initiative fails

New GOP Super PAC Takes Aim At Younger Voters

Benefits Delays Possible Under NH Welfare Bill

Senate to Question Secret Service Head Over Colombian Hooker Scandal

Missing FBI Agent Armed,  Suicidal?

Democrats Quietly Take Corporate Money For Convention After Loudly Proclaiming They Wouldn’t

Nebraska GOP Senate Race Goes Down To The Wire

Rand Paul Catches Flak For Crack About Obama’s Gay Marriage Views



THE ECONOMY, STUPID
Oil Continues Slow Slide After Saudi Minister’s Comments; NYMEX $95.71, Brent $111.30
JP Morgan Senior Execs To Resign In Wake Of Trading Debacle
Yahoo Gets New CEO After Old One Resigns Over Resume Fraud
Fear Grows Of Greece Leaving Euro
Nikkei Index Inches Higher To End Three-Day Losing Streak On PRC Easing, Higher Earnings
India Inflation Rises Faster Than Expected
Canon Seeks Full Automation In Camera Production
Bankruptcy Aims To Free Former GMAC Of Bad Mortgages
LightSquared Edges Closer To Bankruptcy
Microsoft Bing Friends Facebook
Facebook Co-Founder Renounces Citizenship Ahead Of IPO
Why Facebook May Soon Cost You Money
Dish Hopper DVR Now Records Commercial-Free
Foxconn Gearing Up To Produce Apple iTV
Man Surgically Attaches iPod To Arm
Apple Accuses Samsung Of Destroying Evidence



SPORTS
Clippers Bench Helps Secure Game 7 Win

DeAndre Jordan (left) and Ryan Gomes are happy Clippers in the final seconds of Game 7.

Clippers finish Grizzlies 82-72 in Memphis

Kings 4, Coyotes 2 In Rough And Tumble Start

Heat Off To Hot Start In Eastern Conference Semifinals

Pettitte’s Return To Yankees Spoiled By Mariners

Jimmie Johnson Snaps 16-Race Losing Streak With Win At Darlington

Rangers Bludgeon Angels 13-6 With 19 Hits

Gasol And Some Thug Help Lakers Outlast Nuggets

Yankees Honor Marine And Her Bomb-Sniffing Dog Before Game

Spanish Grand Prix Fire Injures 31

Votto’s Walk-Off Grand Slam Lifts Reds To 9-6 Win Over Nationals



FAMOUS FOR BEING FAMOUS
Demi Lovato Joins “X Factor” As Fourth Judge

Will be second Disney pop princess on panel with Britney Spears

Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky: It’s a Girl!

Lady Gaga – NOT Engaged

Halle Berry: My Mother’s Day Is Cloaked In Mystery


Lil Wayne Settles $1.5 Million “Love Me Or Hate Me” Lawsuit

Octomom: Tanning Mom Needs Parenting Help

Jennifer Hudson’s Ex-Brother In Law Convicted Of Family Murders

Whitney Houston’s Family Lands A Reality Show



FOREIGNERS
15 Die In Nepal Plane Crash
SPD/Green Coalition Wins Majority In Nordrhein-Westphalia
Latest Grim Harvest In Mexico’s Drug War: 49 Headless Bodies
Gulf Leaders To Discuss EU-Style Union
EU Ministers Mull Euro 2012 Boycott Of Ukraine
Ibis Faux Pas Overshadows East Asia Summit
Al Qaeda Suspected In Yemen Gas Pipeline Explosion
Protesters Take a Peaceful Stroll Through Moscow
Ex-Taliban Peace Councillor Gunned Down In Kabul Drive-By Shooting



BLOGS & STUFF
Doug Ross: President Barack Obama’s Complete List Of Historic Firsts
Protein Wisdom: Gayest Statement Evah
Gateway Pundit: Paulbots Boo Josh Romney Off Stage At AZ State GOP Convention (Video)
Riehl World View: Obama Tried To Bribe Rev. Wright
American Thinker: Rev. Wright Offered $150K In 2008 To Shut Up Until After The Election
Newsbusters: Howard Fineman – Obama Campaign Strategy Behind Federal Lawsuit Against Sheriff Arpaio
Jawa Report: MSM Polls Indicate Romney Leading Obama, Except With Military, Women, Men, Blacks, Whites, Hispanics, Asians, Europeans, Gays, Heterosexuals, Etc.

Category: Live at Five

Much Like Professor Glenn Reynolds,
John Edwards Has a Law Degree

Posted on | May 13, 2012 | 32 Comments

Having been raked over the coals on Twitter by a young blogger upset by my curmudgeonly rant, now I find Instapundit categorically disparaging the entire notion of journalism as a profession:

It’s pathetic, and embarrassing. And yet they still pretend they belong to some sort of learned profession with special privileges and responsibilities, when really they’re just PR flacks without the honesty.

Look, if the disgrace of the WaPo discredits journalism in toto — which is what Professor Reynolds seems to be implying — then why doesn’t the disgrace of John Edwards discredit all lawyers? Why this apparently all-encompassing disparagement of journalism, a contempt vast enough to include even journalists who have helped to expose the WaPo’s disgrace?

UPDATE: OK, at least he linked me:

My response to Stacy McCain is the lack of counterexamples. I had a girlfriend from college who quit journalism for PR because, as she said, “it’s more ethical.” Indeed.

And to whom does the ex-girlfriend PR flack send her press releases?

Ah, journalists — who are actually paid less than flacks who write press releases. Once you figure this out, as a journalist, it’s pretty demoralizing, but if you can’t handle demoralization, don’t go into journalism. Try TV news, where even Shep Smith gets $8 million a year.

UPDATE II: Feeling somehow more demoralized than ever — guess I should’ve stuck with that forklift-driver job I had before disgracing myself by becoming a reporter — I was tempted to ask that readers hit my tip jar. Instead, I’ll ask that you go hit Joe Fein’s tip jar.

Don’t hate Joe just because he once let me crash on his sofa. It’s not his fault he’s forever tainted by this association with a journalist.

 


Category: Instapundit, Journalism
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