Sunday, December 30, 2007

Master Illustrators

Outside of Sendak this book covers a whole lot of my youth in which both my parents, my grandmother, my aunts and my sisters read to me.

Especially glorious was arriving at a point in the story where one of them would carefully turn the book so I could view the appropriate illustration.

Many times, that night's shared illustration shaped my dreams until the next chapter's view. "Last of the Mohican's" filled my little mind with horror and deeds of valor for years.

To relive and pass on this wonderful gift, I read to my two munchkins. It was a pleasure as well.
.......
Wyeth, Andrew; Wyeth, James; Pyle, Howard; Wyeth, N.C. Illustrators Wondrous Strange : The Wyeth Tradition New York, NY, U.S.A.: Little Brown & Company, 1998 C.Large 4to over 11 inches. Red Cloth with gold stamped spine. 123 color and 3 b/w illustrations. 161 pages of images by the Wyeth Family. An elegant and dramatic book finely printed and bound.

Near Edinburgh


Greenbank Cottage in the snow. Look closely and you will see that this cottage was actually a duplex.

Musical Losers Hire Lawyers To Be Bullies

Jeez, maybe I shoulda not thrown away all those warnings from RIAA and I coulda avoided that whole emotion thing one is supposed to get listening to their lawyer's warnings music.

This why I don't buy music by or from these hypocrites. The last CD I purchased was probably a remastered Willie Dixon collection which is so appropriate because the clients of these lowlife lawyers have been stealing from him their entire "professional" careers.

Record Industry Goes After Personal Use
The RIAA's legal crusade against its customers is a classic example of an old media company clinging to a business model that has collapsed. Four years of a failed strategy has only "created a whole market of people who specifically look to buy independent goods so as not to deal with the big record companies," Beckerman says. "Every problem they're trying to solve is worse now than when they started."

The industry "will continue to bring lawsuits" against those who "ignore years of warnings," RIAA spokesman Jonathan Lamy said in a statement. "It's not our first choice, but it's a necessary part of the equation. There are consequences for breaking the law." And, perhaps, for firing up your computer.

Maybe they can look into suing the "clap on, clap off" lady for stealing applause.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Is Glenn Greenwald Capable Of A Poof In The Wind?

The real question is whether the wind is capable of holding his poofs?

My daughter liked Puff Daddy, for a while, until we all started calling him Fart Father.

Is there hope for Glenn Gassey Greenwald? Nah, he has become a victim of his own vapors.

the poof is in the putting

A whole new meaning for an intellectual Winnie the Pooh.

Dear Onkyo, Sony, Panasonic, et al

In spite of your instructions and manuals we got your products to work today.

Why do you employ people who hate consumers so much?

UPDATE:

My bad;
"Why do you employ people who hate consumers so much?"

Should be;
"Why do you employ people who don't care enough about consumers to actually make your instruction manual work and make sense to those that are not nerd nubs?"

I am so sorry. Really.

When Will The Emotionally Stupid Stop Rioting?

I've read all about the assassination in Pakistan. Musharraf, al-Qaeda, Taliban or which ever group of nuts that may have been responsible is really not important. They are all nuts. Every. single. one. of. them.

Here in America we have our own nuts. Years ago I lived through the murder of Martin Luther King which sparked the inner-cities to show their rage while also complaining that racism was unfair and it made them poor, so they burned down their inner-city stores, their houses and the places that employed them.

Not too many years later, nuts used cinder blocks against the skulls of people they dragged out of vehicles to show their anger as the fires they sparked burned their inner-city stores, their houses and the places that employed them because a second rate loser committed a second rate crime and the police were particularly nasty in the arrest. Rodney King then (a day late and a dollar short) whined, "Can't we all just get along?" as the riots he helped start burned on and more people were murdered.

Bhutto is dead. As Prime Minister she was twice found wanting. Some people are making her a saint. Some are asking hard questions. And, yes, a small sick group of pitiful losers are satisfied with their assassination. Most or many of that nation are rioting, murdering, destroying and burning or nodding their heads to the mayhem.

The ever present defenders of such stupid actions weep with symbiotic "understanding", sigh with wrenching emotion and stare with hard eyes at those of us that do not understand their passion for illogical action and inaction that destroys and murders in response to murder and destruction.

All of these actions are stupid and not understandable. To say they are understandable is stupid.

They are nuts. When will they all stop, shut up and go quietly home?

Friday, December 28, 2007

Smoke, 2nd Hand Smoke And Self Rightous Smugness Kills Truth

Smoking Ban Hits French Cafe Culture

France Consigns Smoky Cafes to History Under Broadening Smoking Ban

But many bartenders and restaurant staffers are looking forward to breathing easier and to clothes that don't stink of seeped-in odors from the clouds of smoke where they work.

Who ever wrote this crap either has never worked in a restaurant or is more than willing to bend the truth to make a point they believe worth making. Either way, well meaning or not, they are a liar.

As one who has worked in many restaurants it is with no effort I can re-smell garlic, yeast, oregano, fish, burned butter, oil and meat or the incredible mix of foods smashed onto the floor that needs to be scrapped up, hosed out and disposed of at the end of the working night. These are the smells, mixed with smoke, spilled beer and booze, one goes home with after a night working in a restaurant. Well, these things mixed with B.O., perfume, cheap cologne and bad breath.

“Seeped-in odors from clouds of smoke”? Yeah, right.

Was it that rough scaling Iwo Jima to single handedly hunt down and kill that paper-hanging sonofabitch in Berlin?

I hate drama queens.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Lord, Save Us From Eco-Morons Such As Dave Lindorff

Their arrogant dismissal of those they consider troglodytes, or less, is telling of their commitment to the truth.

Global Warming Will Save America from the Right...Eventually
by Dave Lindorff

There will be much work to be done to help the earth and its residents—human and non-human—survive this man-made catastrophe, and we can’t have these future refugee troglodytes, should their personal disasters still fail to make them recognize reality, mucking things up again.


A true acolyte of Al Gore.

I Did. You Should.

PROPOSED BLOGBURST FOR FRED THOMPSON

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

A Christmas Present From The Taxers

Plan Would Let Seniors Work to Pay Taxes
NY Town Wants to Start Program to Let Senior Citizens Work Off Property Taxes, for $7 an Hour

Perhaps they might think about lowering taxes. That would be a real gift. From any government.

Merry Christmas

To you all.

Friday, December 21, 2007

Old Ohio House Gets New Life In New Location


Ohio College Town Saves 1880 House

I would rather see these houses saved used by families, especially those with children, but at least it was saved.

While attending university I believe I was first attracted to the idea of saving old homes because I saw them being destroyed by students and others that chose to live within the university area. It was quite tragic even for a hard partying very busy student such as I (or me, whatever).

There was a wonderful old brick Italianate home that was lost to a new (and ugly) dorm because some local "preservationists" blocked the house from being moved (and saved) because separating the house from the land violated their historical senses. They were wrong.

New York, New York

That is where I am at the moment, but the nicest twist is that I am in New York amongst a whole group of conservatives. How does that work in a reality based world?

Thursday, December 20, 2007

A Letter To Little Rowan Williams, Esq.

My Dear Rowan,

We’re sure you’re excited about Christmas and Santa Clause coming to your intellectually barren hovel. We are concerned because some of our helpers have informed us that you have been slightly more than your usual nasty little twit this year. Poor boy, you just can’t help yourself, can you.

We all remember the time that dear little girl down the street was devastated by the news her father wouldn’t ever be coming home again. Her mother, grandmother and grandfather in their grief still were able to console her with the news that he was with Jesus thus in a far better place. Rowan, did you really have to yell, ‘Bollocks, your father got potted and piled into a tree. If there really is a Jesus he wouldn’t want a drooling old sot like your father.” We’re sure there may be some truth to what you said, but really.

Now Rowan, we know that no one likes to be made fun of especially when one has such a self-felt sense of infallibility, but you really need to try and get along with the other kids in your school. Writing their parents and listing their accumulated demerits and shortcomings may be an admirable effort on your part, but far short of allowing any effort to endear themselves to you on their’s.

Also, it is understandable that when another pupil gets noticed for their work and you know it’s poppycock that you might feel low. It is not understandable, though, in any sense of the word, when you publicly demand that the headmistress point out the intellectual failings of their argument as well as their professor’s gothic-like teaching ability and the entire rot underpinning the education system. Though your reasoning, as usual, is impeccable, your sense of time and place is not.

Rowan, you need to understand people and accept them, what ever failings you believe them to possess. Maybe being kind and understanding is too much, but please try.

In closing, a package arrived by post yesterday without a name and in plain brown wrapping. Quite quizzed, we opened it. What exactly does one want with an inflatable ass and a model stable with a red light and a winking sheep sign hanging overhead? We’re flummoxed. Any help there?

Must run. We know you won’t believe this, but it is snowing here and there are three men all dressed to the nines at the door. They’re probably hawking Winter Festival tickets or some such superstitious drivel. More probably they are very lost and seeking directions having hoped to hang their hats on a rising star only to have their hopes dashed. We mustn’t keep them waiting though goodness knows they’ll talk us into the hereafter and we’ll miss the winter benefits exchange.

Nose to the grindstone Rowan. Mustn't grow up a neer-do-well.

Lots Of e-mail on Jamie Lynn Spears

Jamie Lynn Spears? Who cares.

Barack Goes oBAMa

In a sure sign that Obama knows he's toast and about to be thrown under the Clinton bus with Hillary's newest lovechild, Lil Johnnie Edwards, Barack started the 'I am such a fair guy, I'll name Republicans to my cabinet, just, you know, to show how fair I am' schtick that most liberals stoop to when they think their history.

Obama Says He'd Consider Arnold For His Cabinet

Barack Obama has often said he'd consider putting Repbulicans in his cabinet and even bandied about names like Sens. Dick Lugar and Chuck Hagel. He's a added a new name to the list of possible Republicans cabinet members - Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Obama regularly says he would look to Republicans to fill out his cabinet if he was elected, but at a town hall event in Manchester, N.H., he was pushed to name names.
“It’s premature for me to start announcing my cabinet. I mean, I’m pretty confident. but I’m not all that confident. We still got a long way to go,” Obama said.


But then the GOP names started to flow.

In an unexpected show of strength, Obama stated his intention of throwing as many illegal immigrants in jail as possible by announcing a general pardon to make room for Romney's illegal alien gardener.

In answering a question on immigration, Obama said it would be impossible to lock all the illegal immigrants up, even if he wanted to.

“We'd clear out some of the prisons to make room for somebody who's a housekeeper at Mitt Romney's house,” he joked. “(He’s) an example of somebody who, 'Oh, we gotta be real tough. But my lawn, you know, is important.' "

With his acknowledgement of the importance of the landscape arts, Obama is also expected to pick up the endorsements of TruGreen ChemLawn and the Poopie Mulch's Best Excrement Fertilizer Association.

Archbishop Rowan (& Martin) Williams Kills Kiddy Kristmas

Williams, continuing his vaudeville act, shows why he is the MC for the fastest dwindling religious group this side of the Shakers.

Archbishop says nativity 'a legend'

The Archbishop of Canterbury said yesterday that the Christmas story of the Three Wise Men was nothing but a 'legend'.

Dr Rowan Williams has claimed there was little evidence that the Magi even existed and there was certainly nothing to prove there were three of them or that they were kings.

Dr Williams argued that the traditional Christmas story was nothing but a 'legend'
He said the only reference to the wise men from the East was in Matthew's gospel and the details were very vague. Dr Williams said: "Matthew's gospel says they are astrologers, wise men, priests from somewhere outside the Roman Empire, that's all we're really told. It works quite well as legend."


The Archbishop went on to dispel other details of the Christmas story, adding that there were probably no asses or oxen in the stable.

He argued that Christmas cards which showed the Virgin Mary cradling the baby Jesus, flanked by shepherds and wise men, were misleading. As for the scenes that depicted snow falling in Bethlehem, the Archbishop said the chance of this was "very unlikely".

So, Mr. Williams you earn the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate award this week for insight into how to win friends and influence people. Soon you'll have your wish to sit in empty episcopal churches everywhere hissing into the dark, "It's mine, all mine. Mine!"

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Congress To Investigate Itself In Steroid Abusegate

Congress to Hold Hearings on Steroid Use

Congress announced plans Tuesday to review the use of performance-enhancing drugs, with star-studded hearings scheduled next month and legislation to limit access to steroids and human growth hormone.

Steroid abuse symptoms:

Researchers report that users may suffer from paranoid jealousy, extreme irritability, delusions, and impaired judgment stemming from feelings of invincibility.

I have heard these symptoms can also occur with too much exposure to the ink used pork laden bills as well as the dye used in ribbons present at almost all post office renaming ceremonies where a member is honored.

Robert Byrd and Ted Young could not return calls and a young Barack Obama, crying after meeting with Joe Biden, was quoted, "Say it ain't so Joe."

Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi both stated that with their intimate knowledge of everything in the known universe, especially sports, they'll have the steroid problem licked immediately. In a private meeting in the House gym, other members proposed building a 300 mile long bridge to nowhere. By hand.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Ron Paul, Alan Keyes Tied For Prez

BASED ON 399 REPUBLICANS AND REPUBLICAN LEANERS

Giuliani 27
Huckabee 16
McCain 14
F. Thompson 14
Romney 14
Keyes 3
Paul 3
Tancredo 1
Hunter *
Other --
None/ no opinion 9

It'd be a horse race if people knew Keyes is actually running for Prez.

Paris Ain't Smokin Hot Anymore



The ban on smoking in cafés in France seems to signal a cultural
shift toward a more wholesome, modern and adaptable image.
(Richard Harbus for the International Herald Tribune)



Will the smoking ban in France mean the end of café society?

Having enjoyed their cafes for years and observing the unique culture of the cafes I would say, yes. Others will say, 'so what', and be happy that another menace to society has been stopped.

I do not look forward to the "perfect" world we are building toward. Nobody offended, nobody endangered and everyone healthy. The truly intriguing cities such as Prague, Shanghai, Paris, New Orleans, Rio and Hamburg, to name a very few, will cease to exist as they become just another cookie cutter rebranded product of our "new and better" society.

The old sad, sick, selfish cultures that brought us smoking also brought us great art, jazz, the Blues, rock and roll, poetry and great authors and playwrights will change as well. Will the next Edgar Allen Poe or Willie Dixon come from a starbuck environment? I doubt it. This new culture would turn a black chanteuse such as Ella Fitzgerald white and have her sing like a Joni Mitchell.

How incredibly sad and boring.

A Secular Christmas To The Nation



REID: 'THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE LOSING'...

Police say woman groped Santa...

Animal activists' anger after aquarium puts Santa hats on whales...

USATODAYGALLUP POLL: Approval of Congress sinks to new low...

New Hillary campaign out to show her likability...

OHIO STUDENTS ASSUME ROLES AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PLIGHT...

No wonder these people say happy holiday and not Merry Christmas. If they actually believed their life will be judged, we wouldn't be reading headlines like these.

Monday, December 17, 2007

California To Go Broke Under Avalanche of Sacerin Laws

SF Considers a Tax on Sugary Drinks

For years, the idea of taxing soda to beat back obesity has been tossed around in medical circles. But now, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is proposing a tax on beverages high in fructose corn syrup.

Hasn't Newsom gotten in some trouble for a little too much sweetness himself? They say sugar problems can affect family and friends the most. Sweetness as law affects people to the point of making them sick.

Of course this is all fine and good now that Gavin has given up beverages if you know what I mean.

Tom Brinkman's Gay Marriage 'Position'

Brinkman to oppose Schmidt

A state lawmaker known for his anti-abortion views and opposition to gay marriage has filed paperwork to run against U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt in the 2008 Republican primary.
State Rep. Tom Brinkman Jr. of Mount Lookout joins former Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich in challenging Schmidt, who won re-election last year to her seat in the 2nd U.S. House District by about 2,500 votes. The primary is March 4.


"I will represent Ohioans in Washington as I have for eight years in Ohio, by pushing for common sense in government," said Brinkman, who supported the Ohio's 2004 gay marriage ban.

The article went on to say:

Brinkman said he filed notice of his candidacy with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday. Heimlich filed papers in May, but did not discuss his opposition to gay marriage.

The district includes eastern Hamilton County, all of Clermont, Brown, Adams and Pike counties, and parts of Warren and Scioto counties. It has long been a Republican stronghold and was won handily seven times by Rob Portman, who resigned in 2005 to become the White House budget chief known to be against gay marriage.

But Democrats have targeted Schmidt's seat, which she first won in a special election to replace Portman. Schmidt's opponent in the 2006 general election, Dr. Victoria Wulsin of Indian Hill, already has said she will make another run. There are two other candidates in the Democratic primary: attorney Steve Black who stated that subjects like gay marriage just aren't discussed in Indian Hill and civil engineer Jeff Sinnard of Anderson Township who appears to support anything the Democratic Party does. We think. We know that Tom Brinkman does not support the right's of gays to be just like everyone else who are married.

The article didn't say much more, but it did have an advertisement for A Gay Men's Guide to Intimacy and Relationships for individuals and couples, especially those interested in gay marriage not just as an issue, but as the future of Cincinnati.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

No Mao Christmas

I thieved this in full because I love posts like this. If you have more to add to this list please let me know. In light of China's poison products this is a list you may want.

For bonus points I have a challenge after the copied thievery.

Looking for American-made toys?
Not everything is "Made In China" these days. I came across this list compiled by Fox News hottie E.D. Hill. It's worth checking out if you're looking for some safe toys for the holidays:
Web Sites of American-Made Toys
www.zebulonUSA.com
www.HolgateToy.com
www.HeirloomWoodenToys.com
www.PerlerBeads.com
www.AmericanPlasticToys.com
www.TAGToys.com
www.BacktoBasicsToys.com
www.BirthdayFairies.comwww.Step2.com
Posted by Think Tank at
12:28 PM

A Christmas challenge. I have made this challenge to family members and they were not happy after accepting and trying to meet the challenge.

CHALLENGE: Do not buy or use Christmas decorations or Nativity sets made in communist China. Most Christmas products made in communist China are produced by Christian slave labor.

This means no garland, toys, tree ornaments, lawn decorations, tinsel, mantel creches, candles, snow globes, music boxes, tree stands, electric candles, Christmas lights (tree, house, etc.), mantle stockings, trees, cups, mugs, Christmas cards, wrapping, ribbon and any other thing you may use for Christmas. Especially galling is communist China producing Nativity sets. Don't buy them. Most IMPORTANT, tell the decision maker for the retail store you use why you are not purchasing these items. They will be stunned as well when they try to find non communist Christmas items. They are getting harder to find.

First year I did this our tree and house were pretty bare. Good luck and let me know how you make out.

When Moma Said Fugly She Wasn't Talking Art

Canadians are learning from our MoMA?

I've seen MoMA and they're right. They should have learned important lessons from viewing MoMA inside and out. That they didn't is obvious from the beginning because one might assume that from the beginning they hired the architect.



Lesson from MoMA

Sweeping across the new building, a massive yet gossamer structure, is a 600-foot-long stretch of canted glass and titanium-tinted panels that hang over an expansive arcade. Gehry's addition will join the conglomeration of 11 buildings that make up the AGO, including an 1820 brick residence bequeathed to the gallery in 1911. Rising off center, the new addition will be partially sheathed in Gehry's signature metallic panels. The southern face of the building will sport a 140-foot-high unbroken facade of glass.



Inside, the new AGO will house a dramatic corkscrew spiral walkway that wends its way through internal arches built in 1925. The walkway, which evokes Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim in New York with its continuous helix that expands as it coils around a spatial well, twists up to the fourth floor of a light-flooded glass atrium. This architectural feature bridges traditional and modern, without compromising the integrity of the existing structure.

Mr. Gehry believes he understands art, but it obvious who the artist isn't. Evoking the worst of FLW to maintain the integrity of buildings that were not meant to coexist by the original designers is an insult to all who think. One side will think, 'why not just tear down the old building' while another will ponder how does one tear down the new buildings. A loss-loss- for all.

This is a pompous design foisted on a public by a higher called elite which is a high pockets for, 'Boy that building is ugly. Must be government.'

The Poopie On Obama


Black Helicopters Of Death

Hourly checks and added sentries have not logged any illegal flights in this area, but added security measures are being implemented said an unnamed anonymous highly placed unknown agency source at the 'Bilderberg Bar' Happy Hour late saturday evening.

They Want To Kill Ron Paul

Will Ron Paul live long enough to reinstitute the gold standard? Will he live long enough to save Iran from American imperialism? What about that new investigation in 9/11 with his good friend Dennis Kucinich?

Kucinich, of course, will say it's an inside job.

Thanks to LGF, neocon central...

"Huckabee is proud of his tax hikes"

For Huckabee supporters this is a must read.

"He destroyed the conservative movement in Arkansas, and left the Republican Party a shambles."

Huckabee's problem is that he wants to be the man at the door who says, "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help."* Basic economics will tell you what road those good intentions will pave.

Read the rest and the links. These are thoughts from people whom I respect.

Freeman Hunt is a new blog for me.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

You Gonna Believe The Media or Your Lyin Eyes?

Its a Quagmire!... Media Reports 6 Bogus Stories in 6 Weeks!

Gateway Pundit has a great story on headless corpses walking around. The media has a whole new version of 'dead man walking' and they don't care if you don't believe them.

A recap could be; without bad news to preach, lie or All the lies fit to print.

Their daily lies have become an expected common dishonesty. A dishonesty of the sort that would make their soul mate, Randolph Hearst, blush with embarrassment.

Others Can Learn From Ron Paul

Including Ron Paul and his faithful.

The Gospel of Paul
He has some kooky ideas, but he also has lessons for the GOP contenders.

BY KIMBERLEY A. STRASSEL

From Instapundit who has some great points.

WHAT THE OTHER REPUBLICANS can learn from Ron Paul.
"One shame of this race is that for all the enthusiasm the Texan has generated among voters, he hasn't managed to pressure the front-runners toward his positions. His more kooky views (say, his belief in a conspiracy to create a 'North American Union') and his violent antiwar talk have
allowed the other aspirants to dismiss him. They shouldn't dismiss the passion he's tapped. If Mr. Paul has shown anything, it's that many conservative voters continue to doubt there's anything 'heroic' or 'compassionate' in a ballooning government that sucks up their dollars to aid a dysfunctional state. When Mr. Paul gracefully exits this race, his followers will be looking for an alternative to take up that cause. Any takers?"
I see more on-the-ground energy for Ron Paul in my neck of the woods than for any other Republican candidate except Fred Thompson, who has a local advantage -- and who, interestingly, is more of a small-government type than any of the other GOP candidates himself.

The old saying of , "Don't shoot the messenger" does not apply here. Wackjobs, weirdos and liberals have joined a large group of politically sincere and honest hard working people in showing their support for Ron Paul. Unfortunately, it is the wackjobs, weirdos and liberals who get the headlines, are quoted and make boring and offensive comments on numerous blogs. This is bad for Ron Paul and very bad for the conservative message, hence, it's time to consider shooting the messenger.

Actually, those throwing their support behind a Huckabee or a Paul are the political heirs to Ross Perot's supporters who made their point, but whose actions didn't work out for the Republic so well. Those Perot supporters didn't see the reality of their actions coming back at us like a freight train and many still deny their responsibility in what followed. Making a mistake is not a crime, but not learning from mistakes ahould be.

If Hillary is Perot's bastard political grandchild, I think she's proof enough we need no more of Paul Huckabee.


Friday, December 14, 2007

WOW, HILLARY BEFORE HUCKABEE?

I have not come to this conclusion, but I do not nor will I ever support Huckabee. His history should not be our future.

I am hearing a lot of conservatives saying "uhuh", "nope" and "God help us" concerning Mike Huckabee and his potential of being president. Many are openly rebelling.

From RedState:

"I'll vote dem over Huck" Conservatives

Res ipsa loquitur.

Ace of Spades:
Not that what one blogger thinks matters that much, but if
Huckabee gets the nomination, I'm voting Democratic. It's not just an idle
threat; I just won't vote for him and in fact won't even vote third party or
stay home. I'll vote for the Democratic candidate, even Hillary. I won't be a
party to selling out everything the party is supposed to stand for to a liberal
ideology. If we're going to have eight years of liberal rule, I'd rather the
Democratic Party be governing, so at least they can take the
blame.


And, quite frankly, Hillary is to the right of Huckabee on most issues,
if only because she's politically afraid to do the kind of crap Huckabee does
and dream of doing at night. She couldn't afford to be as soft as Iran as
Huckabee would.

And I don't think I'm alone on this.

And... I do not want Huckabee setting the agenda for the GOP as de
facto head of the party. I'd rather there be a (different) liberal in the White
House, with the GOP Congress and Senate free to pursue genuine conservative
policies, rather than having to support Huckabee's liberal
impulses.

Dan Riehl:

I'm surprised to see Ace say he'd vote for Hillary before
Huckabee. The fact is, I have been thinking about this for days and reached the
very same conclusion last night. And, yes, I mean it, too. In fact, if, given
his record and how he is now obviously pandering to evangelicals and who knows
what he promised Gilchrist to get his endorsement, if he buys the Republican nod
with a smile, a prayer and empty promises, I'm done.
That Presidential "R"
in 2008 will stand for nothing I believe in. The guy is slick but doesn't even
look competent. And if Republican primary voters are that stupid, they deserve
to lose next Fall. To pass over McCain, Thompson, Romney and Giuliani ONLY
because someone's slick and a Jesus Freak, which makes him your average
televangelist - forget it.


I will hold my nose and either vote for the Democrat because I prefer
to know what I'm getting, even if I'm getting screwed, or a Third Party
conservative if one comes up. I am done voting for Republicans who don't
represent what I believe in, low taxes and small government. Frankly, I think
Huckabee just might be worse than Hillary on that score and if we have a
Republican President advocating the above and the foreign policy stuff Ace lays
out below - I will not enable it.

At least I never threatened to vote for the dem nominee.

Chuck Norris' invincibility could take a ding on this.

I couldn't vote for any of the Democrats and I refuse to be part of yet another ridiculous third party scam and maybe I just refuse to consider that a Huckabee could actually get the nomination.

ADDENDUM: I have heard that a lot of Huckabee's support is coming from Fred Thompson which rings true. This really ticks me off at Thompson and whoever is running his campaign. I have defended him as 'crazy like a fox' and 'slow like a hare', but whoever is running his campaign..... Well, let's just say it could be run better.

New Regime Conspiracy For Ron Paul

We've got bigger worries than a North American Union, that's for sure.

Al 'Baby-Boom-Boom' Gore is plotting a global regime. In light of the left's obsession with Bush and regimes I am sure that the left will get right on this...

Gore hits at US over climate change
Al Gore savaged the US government’s “obstructing” attitude and urged delegates at the UN conference on climate change to ignore Washington if necessary to pursue the “moral imperative” of a new global regime. (my emphasis)

Plots to the left of us, plots to the right. Maybe Mr. Paul's current friends can clue him in on their new conspiracy.

I'd get angry about Gore and his latest tirade, but really, what does one do with spoiled brat who actually is arrogant enough to believe people take him seriously. Every time Gore tosses out an insult his aides yell FORE because, having no aim, nobody knows who he's going to hit.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

How Stupid Is Pelosi, Not Ignorant, But Stupid? Really Stupid - UPDATES

In fact Pelosi is incredibly stupid. Daddy Baltimore's little girl proves once again that daddy can get you there, but he can't keep you there. In fact, Pelosi may be so incredibly horrible that she could harm all potential female leaders current and in the future. She could cost Hillary the election. She may cost the Democratic Party the power and the riches they have been plotting and planning for all these years.

Yes, Pelosi is that stupid.

Pelosi: Republicans `like' Iraq War

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi lashed out at Republicans on Thursday, saying they want the Iraq war to drag on and are ignoring the public's priorities.

"They like this war. They want this war to continue," Pelosi, D- Calif., told reporters. She expressed frustration over Republicans' ability to force majority Democrats to yield ground on taxes, spending, energy, war spending and other matters.

"We thought that they shared the view of so many people in our country that we needed a new direction in Iraq," Pelosi said at her weekly news conference in the Capitol. "But the Republicans have made it very clear that this is not just George Bush's war. This is the war of the Republicans in Congress."

Asked to clarify her remarks, Pelosi backed off a bit.

"I shouldn't say they like the war," she said. "They support the war, the course of action that the president is on."

"And that was a revelation to me," she said, "because I thought the American people's voices were so—and still are—so strong in this regard."

Republicans like war in the same fashion that Pelosi likes abortion.

ADDITIONAL INFO: A plethora of reactions to the San Francisco Treat's comments.

Hot Air places her beneath contempt which may set the bar too high for dance partners Pelosi and Reid. They should be counseling crack addicts because when they screw up just how much worse could it get.

NEWS FLASH!!: This Ain't Hell uses humor to state the obvious about the Democrats, their leaders and their actions which personify them as the 'loyal opposition':
In the movie “Animal House,” the fraternity brother known as Otter reacts to the Delta House’s closure with the classic line, “I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody’s part.” To which Bluto, played by John Belushi, replies, “We’re just the guys to do it.” The movie ends by noting that Bluto becomes a Senator, so perhaps this explains the meltdown among Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Somehow, speaking of cheap shots, I can easily envision Ms. Speaker Marion Wormer.
How interesting. I have a husband named Dean Wormer at Faber. Still want to show me your cucumber?

UPDATE II: K-Lo at NRO agrees:
Some Brave Republican [Kathryn Jean Lopez]
Could respond to Pelosi by stating that Democrats "like" abortion. It might highlight how absurd a "leader" Nancy is.
12/13 03:52 PM

Feel Poor For US Zeal To Deal Pork

Brand new as of today. See where the pork is spent. Read it and weep

http://www.usaspending.gov/

The Washington Post in an unusual feel for transparency even has a story on this:

OMB Offers an Easy Way to Follow the Money

Avoid Death Get Rich

'Avoid Death' is named wackiest label
'Danger: Avoid Death' is chosen as nation's wackiest warning label

"Predatory lawyers know they can file ridiculous lawsuits against innocent
product makers and blackmail them into a cash settlement _ even in cases in
which a user has ignored common sense," Dorigo Jones said in a statement
Wednesday.

Those who oppose the contest say that while some warning labels may
seem silly, even dumb warnings can do good. They have a warning of their own:
Don't be so quick to laugh at labels that help save lives.

Honorable mention went to
Cyndi LaMonde of Traverse City for a label on a letter opener that says: "Caution: Safety goggles recommended."

Around here we have lawyers wear labels: "Caution: High boots recommended."

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Tom Brinkman Announces For OH 2

Just like I wrote over a month ago, Tom Brinkman would announce in December his candidacy against Schmidt for OH 2.

Congrats to Tom and good luck!

NPR Helps Leaks Become Talk Of The Nation

I was listening to "Talk of the Nation" with host Neil Conan and author of "The Terrorist Watch" by Ronald Kessler as I drove today. Overall I thought that Neil let too much balance into the program actually agreeing (kinda) that waterboarding may have stopped terror attacks.

Neil was quick to point out that waterboarding is torture and spoke of it as if it was on the same level as Islamofascist torture used against our troops. Kessler pointed out that waterboarding was used in the training of SEALS and such and that Islamofascists used methods such as beheading which is arguably worse than waterboarding. Neil sounded unconvinced that America had not set a new standard for barbarism.

This is all as should be when listening to NPR. Whatever the subject, Neil and NPR utilize the same script to address it. At the Second Coming Neil and friends will ask why Americans should be allowed in Heaven because our beastly behavior and who exactly okayed it and when.

What caught my attention was that Kessler spoke of leaks by the press, one could visualize Neil getting his panties in a twist and his lips in a sneer as he straightened Mr. Kessler out with, "We just report them."

As my chuckles grew to laughter and tears formed in the corner of my eyes, sobering thoughts crossed my mind. Neil actually believes that. Neil doesn't get it. Neil read the memo. Neil just lied through his teeth and didn't lose a sneer.

People in the press such as Neil have been so in bed with government leakers for so long their marriage is common-law. As such, lying becomes common-place.

Carran Church


Tuesday, December 11, 2007

National Review Endorses Romney


BDS, Iraq And Desire For New Leadership Haunt Republicans

Virginia
State Del. Rob Wittman (R) defeated Iraq War veteran Philip Forgit (D) in the race to replace late Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R) in Virginia's 1st with 63 percent of the vote.

Ohio
State Rep. Bob Latta (R) won the 5th district special election in Ohio today with 56 percent of the vote over his Democratic opponent.

The Hillary/Obama race has mesmerized America as the country is uninspired with Republican candidates nationwide. As the U.S. is mired in a quagmire in Iraq and the economy is in the tank, voters have turned on President Bush using congressional elections as a megaphone to signal their displeasure. Mission accomplished guys.

Working Alone


Hillary South Of The Border

Actually, I believe Hillary would be more comfortable in a palace. Little people could shine Hillary's and Bill's crown.

Roles swap in Argentina's palace as first lady takes over

and they could shine us all on.

Huckabee

Great guy, but not a politician I can trust or get behind.
Huckabee's Plethora of Pardons

...on Dec. 18, 2004, Gov. Mike Huckabee granted Stewart clemency, making
him eligible for parole, which he was granted. He was the 12th convicted
murderer whom Huckabee had helped free from prison. And when Stewart was freed, Jegley had a feeling he'd be hearing from him sooner or later.

I did hear Huckabee defending himself to Hannity on the Sunday, but facts are stubborn things. State economy, criminals, inmates, state Republican party, budgets, etc. are not things that Huckabee wants out to Republicans and conservatives nationwide.

Yes, Politics Is A Contact Sport

DEMS HOLD FIRE ON HUCKABEE; SEE 'EASY KILL' IN GENERAL ELECTION

Republicans see an 'easy kill' with Obama or an enjoyable 'kill' with Hillary. Paul supporters see nothing but 'kill' in the way their candidate is treated.

If it is 'easy' or 'enjoyable' then you're doing it wrong. I talked to a person who pined to the good days of Ronald Reagan who was "such a nice man". Horsehockey. Ronald Reagan paid for the microphone so he could tell what he perceived to be the truth and sometimes he got rough. Rough as reality.

Getting to be president is tough work, as it should be. I have always felt sorry for those that actually believed that the 'right' message would win the day. As candidates, these people are too damned naive to be president. As supporters or staff, people such as this haven't a clue.

Should the 'truth' always win elections? You bet. Should people die in accidents? No. Should whiners be in politics? Absolutely not, but it's a free country.

You win by the belief in your heart, the sweat of your brow, the ache in your back and the strain of your brain.

Give me an opponent who believes in easy and I'll show you the person I am going to trounce. God willing and us still organizing up till just before the polls close of course.

To those 'conservatives and republicans' who are moaning like unpaid bookies that the democrats have already won '08, get to work or get out of the way.

UPDATE: I truly believe what I've said, but I should add that you should never miss the humor in campaigning like Dean's "AaaaaRrrrrrGggggggggg" or a statement one can't forget, "Halp us jon carry - we R stuck hear n irak". There are always gems:
"I thought she was the most gifted person of our generation," said Clinton




Monday, December 10, 2007

Republicans To The Republicans On Univision

Usted no debe haber aparecido

Urinal, Cover, Art

Toilet Seat Art Museum, 239 Abiso Alamo Heights, TX 78209
World's best art piece? A urinal

It may seem like toilet humor, but a porcelain urinal -- signed by an artist almost 90 years ago -- has been voted the most influential work of modern art.
When I first read about Duchamp and his peers I knew that modern art held very little of anything for me except the bravado of Duchamp's definition of art. In short, it is art because I say it is art.
After many years of looking at "art", I think Duchamp's bravado is full of crap.

Sunday, December 09, 2007

Maureen's Monkey

Mitt’s No J.F.K.
By Maureen Dowd

The world is globalizing, nuclear weapons are proliferating, the Middle
East is seething, but Republicans are still arguing the Scopes trial.


No, while a catchy phrase, Republicans are not still arguing the Scopes trial though Dowd seems to be. She's hoping that Darrow will continue to confirm, over and over, that she's still right.
Mitt was right when he said that “Americans do not respect believers of
convenience.” Now if he would only admit he’s describing himself.
How utterly unfortunate that the harlequin of opinionated convenience would use such a statement.

Manmade Blast Of Global Warming Freezing My House

Ice Storm Coats Much of Nation's Middle

An ice storm slickened roads and sidewalks, grounded flights, and cut power
to tens of thousands Sunday in a swath from the Southern Plains to the Great
Lakes as even colder weather threatened.

Al! Please make it stop. Make it stop. Please! My polar bears can only tread water for so long.

Tubies, Photos And Catalogues

We’ve all been there. Hopping around the inter tubers looking for information and images only to find it is still a 1950’s version of getting in the car and traveling to a facility and asking the gatekeeper if it might be possible to see said information. Those might have been really cool field trips for 4-H or Jews for Jesus members doing “research”, such as little Roy who really just wanted to see photographs of the 1952 Milk Jugs Queen or Fetter Levi, who after attending his yahrzeit, was hoping to see more “biblical” images of the Virgin Mary. The gate keeper decided what you could or could not access, especially when the research included National Geographic magazine issues dealing with aboriginal people of the dark continents.

Libraries, government archives and universities, among so many institutions, refuse to change or just don’t get the internet. Actually, many times, I hear it is an economic decision, but it appears that in the long list of financial priorities, including documenting the sexual rights of dwarves with the left handed pathological lift loss syndrome, the improving and extending the reach of their holdings and archives is near the bottom of their list of priorities. Constantly breaking new ground is the mantra of these institutions however worthless that ground is. Of course, the other end of this spectrum of never ending yesteryear are those institutions that believe people that need more than a written description are too stupid which is code for a) we are too cheap to spend or b) we’re broke or c) if it was was good enough for my parents and their parents then it is good enough for you.

Where are the pictures, drawings, blueprints and plans? If I want to see a catalogue of physical holdings I can always visit a library or a museum. If I could see the images I am searching for, then I would be more inclined to look further into that facility, visit it and support it. I’m not traveling 300 miles to view material based on a catalogue written in 1780 by someone who couldn’t understand why all those nice young men dressed in red had to go back to England.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

Andrew Young, Civil Rights Clown

Civil Rights Icon Calls Obama Too Young

Civil rights icon Andrew Young says Democratic presidential candidate
Barack Obama is too young and lacks the support network to ascend to the White
House.

In a media interview posted online, Young also quipped that Democratic
presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton has her husband behind her, and
that "Bill is every bit as black as Barack."

"He's probably gone with more black women than Barack," Young said of
former President Clinton, drawing laughter from a live television audience.
Young, 75, was quick to follow his comment on Bill Clinton with the disclaimer,
"I'm clowning."

Oh, HA HA Andy. Would you be offended if I ask about Amos? How about another Jew joke? Oh, we're just having too much fun, so stop clowning and tell us what you really think.

Young steps down from Wal-Mart post

In an interview, Young was asked whether he was concerned that Wal-Mart causes smaller, mom-and-pop stores to close.

"Well, I think they should; they ran the 'mom and pop' stores out of my neighborhood," the paper quoted Young as saying. "But you see, those are the people who have been overcharging us, selling us stale bread and bad meat and wilted vegetables. And they sold out and moved to Florida. I think they've ripped off our communities enough. First it was Jews, then it was Koreans and now it's Arabs; very few black people own these stores."

Dat Andy, he be a joker, he be. He done double dated wid Bill, he did, I betcha. Dat Barack boy, he got too much white in'em, just look. Yeah, he get more years under him and he be be almos just black enuff.

Amb. Andrew Young has been one of the most divisive people ever in politics, race relations and the culture of our country. He is also a racist unable to be reformed. His dog is too old.

Obama will beat himself, thank you very much, without Andy's help, but Andy's support for Bill in blackface Hillary isn't going to help her much.

I am so sick of the civil rights racism that "leaders" like Sharpton, Jackson and Young have used to divide us and hold America hostage. They have set people getting along back decades

How Would Pelosi, Reid, etal Conduct A War - Look To NATO's Afghanistan Effort

Remind me again why we subdued Afghanistan and then handed it over to NATO so they could give huge chunks of the country back to the Taliban including the heart of the opium district? If Afghanistan has slipped your mind, remember that the sale of opium is financing the Taliban, they being the religious group that they aren’t.

U.S. to Hand Over Afghan Mission to NATO

The American mission to bring order to this unruly country is being
handed to a multinational force led by the NATO alliance, a move that will
subordinate U.S. troops under foreign command in a combat situation for the
first time since World War II.

NATO's ambitious mission could inject the flagging European-North
American alliance with a sense of purpose and also might take the heat off
Washington, seen in this region as too eager to fight Muslims. But there are
questions whether NATO will engage in the type of offensive operations the
U.S.-led coalition has.

"NATO needs to grab hold of this mission for NATO's sake," U.S. Central
Command chief Gen. John Abizaid said in a recent interview with The Associated
Press. Jumping outside European boundaries is "where the alliance needs to go to
stay relevant for the future."


In a little over a year NATO has been out maneuvered, outright lost, handed back or misplaced a lot of the country. Unfortunately, the Taliban, the court jesters of religion, warfare and culture, have been there to pick up the pieces.

Now, a multinational force, including American forces, are trying to take back a major city in the south of Afghanistan back under control. I agree with Gen. George Patton, I don’t like paying for real estate twice, which we have to do since we allowed our troops to be commanded by non-Americans without America’s best interest at heart.
In Afghanistan, a Do-Over Battle

The town, where some 2,000 Taliban fighters are believed to be holed up, was
surrounded on Friday by British and Afghan forces, in preparation for an
airborne assault by U.S. troops expected overnight in a drive to recapture the
town. Musa Qala was captured by the Taliban in February of this year, without a
shot being fired — they simply rolled into town and planted their flag after
British forces withdrew, having brokered an agreement with local tribal elders
to keep the peace. And the radical movement fighting to expel foreign forces
from Afghanistan and reimpose its harsh brand of Islamic rule has held the town
ever since.

The battle to own Musa Qala is expected to be intense, because of its value to both
sides. For the Taliban, there's major symbolic value in being able to hold a
town in a country ostensibly under the control of more than 40,000 NATO troops
and their Afghan allies. Musa Qala is also at the center of the opium industry
whose revenues fuel the Taliban insurgency, and its location near the mountains
north of Helmand make it a useful command center for an insurgent army. For all
the same reasons, it's important to NATO to dislodge the Taliban. That, and the
fact that it's a do-over, correcting what many officials see as a mistake by the
British forces that allowed the Taliban to take control in the first place.

The problem for NATO, however, is that Musa Qala may be a very
visible Taliban position, but it's only one of hundreds — by some estimates,
today, there is a permanent Taliban presence in more than half of Afghanistan,
and NATO — struggling to expand its troop strength from reluctant European
nations — is not well-placed to roll it back. The breadth of the territory
across which the Taliban now operates across southern Afghanistan all the way up
to the capital reflects the extent to which the uncommitted civilian population
is hedging its bets. With the harsh winter coming, Musa Qala may be one of the
last major engagements of the current fighting season. But next spring's
thaw is expected to bring the war in Afghanistan quickly back to the boil.

How many mulligans are we, the United States, going to give other countries that can’t quite decide if they want to win this war? Those mulligans are costing us our soldiers lives and respect from our enemy while enhancing our enemy’s standing in the court of public opinion including their standing amongst the losers barking and whining in the chambers of our Congress.

Friday, December 07, 2007

Notre Dame Gargoyle

Actually, I would call this (and the prior Assisi) a grotesque in that they don't disperse water through their mouths (yes, to gargle), but I'm sure someone related to Jack Iraq will disagree.
.

I like gargoyles and grotesques. Always have and my parents were glad they were attached to churches because they were the only wild things I didn't try to bring home.
.

My sister did "borrow" a camel for Halloween once, but that didn't count. Wasn't a gargoyle.

FUGLY


Photo sibertekt


I'm pretty sure this beauty has to be somewhere in LA

Assisi Gryphon


Photo: mysunsin

Do What He Says, Not What He Does

Another Hillary Plant Sneaks In Under the MSM Radar
As wily and wary as we have come to know the media to be, the many members of Team Clinton just keep out-Foxing them (apologies for the mention of the Hellish network).

In a great many of the media's post-game analyses of the Thursday, December 6th Mitt Romney religion speech, including that of the Associated Press, we are treated to the negative reactions thereto of one Costas Panagopoulos, who is rightly (if only partially) identified as "a political science professor at Fordham University".
..................................................................................................................
Go read the rest. I have also listed below a list of Dr Panagopoulos' history. Unfortunately, besides switching sides, the good Doctor's expertise appears to be in the classroom, boardroom and the newsroom, but not where it matters, in the voter's minds:
Dr. Costas Panagopoulos was a candidate for the Massachusetts State Legislature in 1992.

His list of expertise, outside of being a Hillary plant, is long:

Assistant Professor of Political Science
Director of the Center for Electoral Politics and Democracy and the graduate program in Elections and Campaign Management at Fordham University.
Research associate at the Institution for Social and Policy Studies at Yale University
Founded and directed the Master’s Program in Political Campaign Management in the Department of Politics at New York University
Leading expert on campaigns and elections, voting behavior, public opinion, and campaign finance
Decision Desk team at NBC News during the 2006 election cycle
Offers courses on campaign management and strategy, message development, and political communication.
American Political Science Association as a Congressional Fellow during 2004-2005
Office of Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)
Visiting Research Scholar at the Institute for Politics, the Internet and Democracy at the Graduate School for Political Management at George Washington University
Research Fellow at the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies at American University, both in Washington, DC.
Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy at Columbia University
Scholar-in-Residence in the Department of Government at American University
Yaught in the Political Science departments at New York University, Fordham University, New School University, SUNY, Yeshiva University, and Pace University.
President/CEO of XVOTES, a New York-based political strategy firm
Elected President of the American Association of Political Consultants’ Mid-Atlantic chapter in 2003
Developed expertise in international political consulting
Consultant in the Electoral Assistance Division at the United Nations
Developed professional specializations in the marketing, media and public relations industries
Worked for top domestic and international clients—including the United Nations Association—as a member of the Public Affairs and Crisis Management units at Burson-Marsteller, the world’s largest public relations firm
Adweek magazine as Features Editor to analyze the political advertising of the 1996 presidential campaign
Hearst, Conde Nast, and Miramax where he developed additional expertise in marketing.
Undergraduate degree in Government, magna cum laude, from Harvard University
Doctoral degree in Politics from New York University
Authored several scholarly works that have published in Public Opinion Quarterly, Presidential Studies Quarterly, PS: Political Science and Politics, Women & Politics, the Journal of Political Marketing, and Social Science Computer Review
Contributing Editor to Campaigns & Elections magazine
Senior Editor of the Journal of Political Marketing
Political analysis and commentary for various print and broadcast media outlets including: The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, New York Sun, Guardian, Village Voice, Newsday, CNN, CBS Evening News, NBC Nightly News, Inside Edition, BusinessWeek TV, Fox News and BBC Television.

Oh, as a candidate for the 17th District, Middlesex, Massachusetts State Legislature in 1992, Dr. Panagopoulos ran as a Republican. The 17th district, which includes Lowell, has a sizable Greek community which Dr. Panagopoulos presumably was a member.

[D] Cox, John F. – 11,269
[R] Panagopoulos, Costas – 6,896
[ ] Left blank on ballot – 821
[O] Write-in - 0
Campaign as he tells you, not as he did.

Ron Paul Poster Patriot

The Ron Paul Show

How one man can have thousands of supporters who raise millions of dollars that cause him to go down in flames.

The photo may be too perfect, but remember baby has the Constitution in one pocket and self rightousness in the other. We, the rest of America, can't measure up to the storm and the fury of Ron's Troofer Troopers.

Thanks to Sword At The Ready.

OPEN DISCUSSION


This chart is stunningly wrong. My wife allows me to win almost all of our discussions.



Please comment, add your own experiences and suggestions.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

First IPod




What Does Nancy Think When The Cameras Are Gone


Diptych





I wish I knew the photographers name.

Like A Death In The Family

My father knew William F. Buckley, I did not. Both of them carefully observed the axiom that a youngster should be seen, not heard. Boy, did I disappoint both of them. My father never disappointed me. I am sad in a way one might be when a family member embarrasses those never expecting such an occurrence because William F. Buckley, who through patience taught us as if we were kin, has disappointed us.

I understand first hand the pain of suffering from your own decisions as well as the pain of losing one you love. To use that pain and the underlying circumstances for political or cultural gain (or to make yourself feel better) is stupid and illogical. It may be effective and emotionally powerful to rebut with a, "Yeah, well my (insert relative, the closer the better) died from (insert cause, especially good if it is a cause de jour)", but it makes for bad law, bad ethics and bad logic. Rue your behavior, but don't blame that which you abused. It's called free-will.
Bill Buckley Finds Joe's Tavern Close to Auschwitz

Stick me in a confessional and ask the question: Sir, if you had the authority, would you forbid smoking in America? You'd get a solemn and contrite, Yes. Solemn because I would be violating my secular commitment to the free marketplace. Contrite, because my relative indifference to tobacco poison for so many years puts me in something of the position of the Zyklon B defendants after World War II. These folk manufactured the special gas used in the death camps to genocidal ends. They pleaded, of course, that as far as they were concerned, they were simply technicians, putting together chemicals needed in wartime for fumigation. Some got away with that defense; others, not.

Those who fail to protest the free passage of tobacco smoke in the air come close to the Zyklon defendants in pleading ignorance.

Jacob Sullum of Reason Magazine makes excellent points in his discussion of free markets, Bill Buckley and the changed reasoning that almost self-writes illogical statements that follow such an emotional change. I agree with Mr. Sullum, who worked for Bill Buckley, but for me it is as if a favorite uncle just passed away and we all miss his brilliance and wit.