Reader Mail
Indicative of Socialism
Rationing Medicaid. Freezing engines. Racist cops. Serfing in Socialist waters. Plus more.
(Page 3 of 4)
Our biggest problem is that it's hard to see through his mask.
That Joker Mask painting depicts him accurately, vote for this
man at your absolute peril.
-- George Hall
Marietta, Georgia
FROZEN PROSPERITY
Re: Reid Collins' Clunker
Killers:
When I first heard that the engines were going to be destroyed, I
was attributing that to folk tales. I am incredulous that a
country that is trying to prove to the world that we are
eco-conscious would be so blind to the possibilities of recycling
inherent in taking relatively new models and NOT dismantling them
for economic recovery and good stewardship of our dwindling
natural resources. All it proves is that the current
administration is populated with persons of limited experience
and low creativity. Hard to believe isn't it?
-- Greg Mercurio
Vacaville, California
THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER
Re: Anpu Waset's Indicative
of a Mindset:
I am a "European male doing what European males do," calling Mr. Anpu Waset a racially biased person ignorant of America's laws and what America's Constitution means to Americans, rather than "Europeans" who don't have as many liberties bestowed upon them.
First off, the 911 tape is only a fraction of the story. Mr. Waset is ignorant also of police procedures when dealing with loud, possibly violent people in domestic situations. Mr. Waset ASSUMES that the officer's intent from the start was to provoke a situation in order to arrest anyone of color. Mr. Waset was not there! Not being in possession of all the facts, Mr. Waset writes and opines stupidly.
Buy your own beer and cry in it.
-- P. Aaron Jones
If we are to speak in generalities, as Mr. Waset does by citing Mr. Cline's article to speak for all whites, Mr. Waset's missive demonstrates that the Left continues to be backwards looking and obsessed with skin color. Mr. Waset writes of "European whites" as if they are a monolithic block. No monolithic "white people" historically exists; it is a mental construct that is counterproductive and not supported by facts.
Europeans have a long history of war and discrimination among their own. As each country, land or region within the Eurasian continent rose to prominence, it discriminated against foreign countries and foreign citizens among its population. White Europeans, such as the people of the Roman Empire, expanded their empires by invading other land and enslaving its (frequently white) inhabitants. The attacks on Jewish communities were committed by their fellow European citizens, most frequently their own neighbors. These events were occurrences of, to use the vernacular of today, "white on white" violence.
Even with the advent of the European Union, one cannot truly write of a singular and unified European mindset. Europeans continue to have pride in their own heritage and hold prejudicial views of other Europeans. Is the English contempt for the Scottish or Welsh racist or is it rather nationalistic? As for European-Americans, while most immigrants came to America voluntarily, each new wave was met with prejudice by the preceding wave. Eventually all these groups were impacted and impacted America, but the vast majority became Americans. Not hyphenated Americans, simply Americans.
Mr. Waset asserts that it is the "mindset of white people (men in general) that makes African-Americans suspect. We know that European-Americans view the world from strictly a European/white perspective. Since they have never had to deal with other people from anything less than an authoritative position, they seem to think they can do no wrong." I have proudly served our country in military service in both war and peace. I have had many NCOs and officers of superior rank over me. When I received orders, the question of the cultural/ethnic heritage of the person giving the orders never entered my mind. I carried out my orders to the best of my ability. (Point of fact, some were of European descent and others were not.) The vast majority of service members are of a like mind on this issue: experience, merit, ability and rank were respected; race was not part of the equation. In the civilian world, I have had numerous supervisors and administrators. The cultural/ethnic heritage of the people in charge was irrelevant to me, but apparently, the color of who is in "an authoritative position" stands at the forefront of Mr. Waset's mind.
America has a history that includes many racist events and the majority of Americans can acknowledge this, but it is people of Mr. Waset's mindset who feel the need to more than acknowledge it. They wish to exploit it. An understanding of the past is needed to move forward with a clear direction, but by only looking backwards, one will likely miss the opportunities in front of him.
Dr. Martin Luther King faced the full force of racism but did not respond with racism himself. His mission was color blind justice. He offered these sage words, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Clearly deduced from Mr. Waset post, this dream has not yet been realized.
I wish Mr. Waset peace and blessing, but more than that, I wish
that he learns to judge people by their character and not by the
color of their skin.
-- I.M. Kessel
Anpu Waset is of the mindset where everyone belongs in a racial bin. Even the term "African-American" (a term allegedly coined by Jesse Jackson) bespeaks of this mindset. I find that term both illogical and, to a certain extent, offensive. First of all Africa is a continent whereas America is not; the term "African-American" conjoins two unrelated things. Second, I wonder if Anpu Waset can name any other country on the face of the earth that tolerates hyphenated backgrounds. Are there, for example, German-Koreans? Australian-Ethiopians? Maybe Democratic Republic of Congo-Canadians? (As a side note, if African-American is a legitimate term, does that mean there are American-Africans? If not, why not?) Finally, I do find it offensive that, if you are going to use a hyphenated term, my country America comes AFTER the hyphen.
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frost| 8.7.09 @ 9:10AM
Two comments, if you don't mind -- first, Mr. Sforza's; an aside of sorts: while changing planes in Minneapolis-St. Paul recently, although hungry, I pledged that I wouldn't ever spend another dime in a state which would elect Al Franken to the senate. So I remained hungry and thirsty until boarding the next plane -- those peanuts sure tasted good, and that Diet Coke? To die for. So much for humor...
Then, for the most recent racist, Mr. Waset -- he seemed to presume that raw hate eloquently disguised as something worthy of thought might be accepted? Nah, don't think so.
Yet, for those so totally caught up in racial crap (and, yes, a sister-in-law is a Navajo; a daughter-in law is African-American, so don't try to twist the following observations, please!) and finger-pointing at we persons of pallor, consider:
There continues to be a mighty disturbing undercurrent of racial discord these days in our (not so) United States. A lot comes “from-the-top,” the Obama Administration; Eric Holder’s paranoia, et al. And the future sure doesn’t look too overly optimistic either.
Now, I’ve been pretty fortunate in having traveled a bit, and I’d like to cite Brazil as a contrast. I’ve read a lot of their history and have paid a great deal of attention to what I’ve witnessed; I certainly don’t claim to have any or all answers, and I certainly could be mistaken -- but several things seem to stand out - - a lot!
Brazil imported SIX times as many slaves as the US (sugar cane, the mines, coffee plantations; city and home help) until outlawed in 1888, almost 25 years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. And, while there have been a few “troubled times” in the past, especially in the Northeastern parts of Brazil, generally speaking, blacks appear to be doing very well in Brazil -- Rio, Sao Paulo and the Southern regions especially. Those problems which exist today appear to be economic ones, education (or the lack thereof) and “class.” And that transcends color! Got that? That transcends color, really – in Brazil, anyway.
Whatever problems they’re having do not seem to be racial, and I’m not aware of any Affirmative Action either. The reason, as I see it, one word – assimilation. Intermarriage or mixed marriages? Lots of that, absolutely. Blacks in Brazil aren’t blacks, they’re Brazilians – they’ve assimilated! Can’t overemphasize that. And I don’t even know whether the word “reparations” is in their dictionary – it’s certainly nothing you’re likely to hear in Rio. They may have “quotas” in hiring, but they deal with numbers of people, not the color of their skin. Black bosses, business-owners and supervisors are most everywhere – the respect factor is obvious. It’s no big deal, literally! Educated, well-read? It would certainly appear so. And, by the same token, most blacks wear their hair short, businesslike, dress conservatively, like their Caucasian brethren. No “do-rags” or hats worn crookedly, sideways - - and I’d guess that less than 1/10th of 1-percent wear “cornrows.” Teeth aren’t capped with ostentatious “grills” and there are no scowling, swaggering “attitudes” in Brazil. Period. Nor are there “shorts” which find the crotch at knee-level or below, the ungodly gangst’a look. No, down there, blacks just simply Get Along with everyone else, no sweat, because they’re all Brazilians! But again, the magic word is assimilation – and I don’t have the vaguest idea how to import that concept to the US from Brazil.
And, finally, another great letter, Mr. Kessel; thank you, sir. Dr. Reich and Mr. Holland too.
IMKessel| 8.7.09 @ 12:01PM
Mr. Nowall,
I too came across Robert Heinlein’s works rather serendipitously. I was under doctor’s care and I needed reading material to keep me entertained on the long waits to see the medical staff. Being interested in theology, I had to investigate how any author could find humor in the story of Job (Job: A Comedy of Justice). From there, I was hooked. I have read all Mr. Heinlein’s books, and with the exception of Friday, I have found each thought provoking, clearly reasoned and thrilling. Heinlein was God, but aren’t we all?
Mr. Rodolff,
Not being a sports fan myself, maybe I am reading you wrong. You are being ironic, no?
Restricting steroid use of the young is logical and necessary. I read that as being clearly non-ironic, but allowing adults to use or not use steroids? Athletes are part of a voluntary community that demands fair play. If you are not being ironic, please see Hume’s Moral Philosophy regarding community and rules (http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hume-moral/). If I am misinterpreting your words, I apologize. Sometimes I am thick as a brick.
Frost,
You ol’ mischief maker. Good to read your posts again. Well argued.
Thanks for the kind words.
Rocco| 8.7.09 @ 2:03PM
frost,
Muito prazer em revê-lo! Your remarks on Brazil are spot on and the same as I observed over 22 years of travel and living there. Too bad we can't learn the good from others. Good to see you back. Um abraço, amigo!
frost| 8.7.09 @ 2:31PM
Obrigado, Rocco.
And, stay well, Mr. Kessel. I fully agree with the sage who suggested a regular column for you, sir.
Continued success!
Ranger Roach| 8.7.09 @ 3:09PM
The Democratic party has now 'cornered the market' on death - the Democrats not only support ending life before it is born (unrestricted abortion) but also supports "end of life counseling" of senior citizens based on economic concerns. I will turn 62 in a week, so it appears that my first 'end of life counseling' session is only three years off... something to look forward to... Seems the Democrats have to generate savings somewhere...
The Democratic party is also expanding their role from merely advocating Class Warfare between the "haves and have-nots" to intergenerational warfare - between grandparents and their grand kids. "How is the government supposed to provide good health care to these children, when it is bogged down in caring for all of these seniors?"
IMKessel| 8.7.09 @ 3:38PM
Fellow Posters,
Please contact the editors of TAS concerning vile postings left on the comment section of "John Hughes, RIP" page.
Open discussion and debate is an integral part TAS on line edition, but, generally, so is decorum. Even Dave Matthews is welcome to post; many of us find his views to be amusing (though lacking wit, insight, intelligence or any sense of reality) but they fall within the boundaries of semi-civil exchange. Posting hate speech is not conducive to debate or any other civil activity. In no way is contacting the editor censorship. It is his responsibility to maintain the page; by contacting him regarding inappropriate postings, we are acting as good neighbors and engaged citizens. Those who wish to post hate filled spew have thousands of other sites on which they can post. They can even give links to said pages without violating the principles of decorum and common decency. If we the readers assist the editor in being vigilant about posts, we can continue to enjoy an open atmosphere of exchanging views. If we do not, the ones who return to this site will not be the readers or writers with whom we wish to exchange ideas.
IMKessel
PS The content has already removed with all deliberate haste by the editor, but like roaches, Jewish Assisins inc, moved once the light was shined on him.
Hell on Earth by Israel| 8.8.09 @ 2:22PM
Zionist Jews crimes against USA!
The nation of Israel and Jews, friend or foe of America? Actions speak louder than words;
June 8, 1967; Israeli jets attack the USS Liberty, killing 34 American soldiers.
May of 1970; Perle passing secrets to Israel during Kissinger and Nixon term
1973-2001; according to the Christian science monitor, Since 1973, Israel has cost the United States about $1.6 trillion. Top Jewish senators and Jewish congressmen in the US are voting to take tax payer’s money to support Israel. If divided by today’s US Citizens, that is more than $5,700 per person. That is more than twice the cost of the Vietnam War. Israel receives over 2 billion per year as a peace accord agreement, yet still to this day violates that agreement.
1979-1981 During the US hostage crisis in Iran, Israel was specifically asked to stop supplying Iran with weapons while Iran was holding US hostages. Israel was selling 500 million dollars per year of weapons to Iran, even after America asked Israel to stop.
October 1983; Israel deliberately allows 241 American Marines to die
1984; Israel denies U.S. Justice Department demand to extradite Marc Rich, a convicted Israeli spy against America.
August 1985, Israeli American scientist arrested for stealing 800 nuclear weapons triggers from America and sending them to Israel
November 22, 1985; Jewish US Navy Employee Arrested as Israeli Spy
October 27, 1991; Israel enflames race tensions in America by supplying apartheid South Africa with weapons and forcing the Bush administration to waive sanctions against Israel.
March 1995; Israel Charged With Systematic Harassment of U.S. Marines
August 23 1996; CIA accuses Israeli spies of theft of U.S. corporate scientific and technological data as the type of espionage that poses the greatest threat to U.S. economic competitiveness.
September 1997; Israel, as a haven for Jewish American murderers to flee to and be holed up in, refuses to extradite the Jewish murderer of an American.
June 18, 1998; Israeli businessman convicted selling chemical and biological weapons components and know-how to Iran for $16 million.
January 28, 1999; Israel transfers laser technology to Communist China, despite American outrage
February 24, 1999; Another Jewish American murderer flees to Israel and is holed up there, after killing another American.
July 30, 1999 Israeli hackers attack Pentagon
February 24, 2000; Israel again sells donated US military technology to Communist China, in the face of US outrage.
September 11, 2001; Israeli spies caught by FBI and Police cheering and photographing the WTC as it fell. What was their excuse? They said they were making a Documentary of 9/11. WTF? If they knew we were going to be attacked then why did they not warn us?
On 9/11 a group of Israelis were arrested.
1) Celebrating the attacks on us.
2) Trying to blow up the George Washington Bridge.
3) Blowing up a Van on King St near 6th and 7th.
911 Missing Links documentary. Very Interesting Information!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7877765982288566190
15 March 2002; Israel ignores US demand to leave Palestinian territories, damaging American credibility and making America look like a hypocrite for forcing Sadam out of Kuwait but not Sharon out of Palestine.
June 28, 2002; Israel Reports Weapons Development in Iraq, also prodded by 25 neo-conservatives, mostly Jewish, Bush went to war with Iraq, costing nearly a thousand American soldiers their lives, no weapons found.
August 28.2002; Israel Supplying Iran again: Germany holds up Israeli military shipment said headed for Iran
October 4, 2002; 9/11: WHAT DID ISRAEL KNOW? – and when did they tell us?
November 17, 2003; Israel blatantly uses American weapons in violation of AECA agreements between both countries which stipulate that Israel not use such weapons in civilian territories, enraging and inflaming the animosity in the Middle East against America, even though Israel can use Israeli weapons since Israel is the 6th largest weapons producer, it consistently showcases American weapons against civilians, spreading the guilt onto America by association.
25 Apr 2009 A Delta Airlines passenger jet en route to Tel Aviv from New York had to make an emergency stop when an Israeli man attempted to hijack the plane.
Today; Israel forces America to keep silent about Israel’s nuclear weapons, again destroying America’s credibility world wide and leaving America looking like a hypocrite on it’s goal to end weapons of mass destruction world wide, also allowing the “unsecure” Israel to attempt to guard that nuclear stockpile from the Middle Eastern black market.
In conclusion, since the founding of Israel in 1950, no other country has cost America more lives, money, and damage to credibility than Israel.
PacRim Jim| 8.8.09 @ 5:21PM
Israel was founded in 1948, not 1950. It was Ike, a Republican president, who first recognized the existence of Israel, when Democrats and other nations would not. Incidentally, it also was Ike who used the U.S. military to force aside the Democrat governors blocking the doors to schools in the South. How have American Jews and Blacks rewarded this demonstration of American principles by the party of Lincoln? No good deed goes unpunished...still.
Pingback| 8.8.09 @ 6:34PM
The American Spectator : Indicative of Socialism | Israel Today links to this page. Here’s an excerpt:
Michael L. Hauschild| 8.9.09 @ 9:01AM
How about Kenyan-Hawaiians?
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