The Random Comic Strip

The Random Comic Strip

Words to live by...

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and to rest afterward."

[Spanish Proverb]

Ius luxuriae publice datum est

(The right to looseness has been officially given)

"Everyone carries a part of society on his shoulders," wrote Ludwig von Mises, "no one is relieved of his share of responsibility by others. And no one can find a safe way for himself if society is sweeping towards destruction. Therefore everyone, in his own interest, must thrust himself vigorously into the intellectual battle."

Apparently, the crossword puzzle that disappeared from the blog, came back.


Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Rambling thoughts for August


It's time for some random thoughts and observations, I think.

Let's start with the big hot button issue... the proposed Islamic center within a couple of blocks of 9/11's Ground Zero. I oppose it because I do not trust the reasons given for the site choice. In fact, I have have not read or heard a reasonable explanation of why this site was chosen. I understand there are some 70 mosques in the city so it isn't a lack of places to pray. The area is not residential so it would seem that there would be few people served directly. It does nothing to improve Muslim and non-Muslim relations. In fact, just the opposite. It is seen as a poke in the eye to those who lost loved ones in the attacks. And also a poke in the eye to America in general.

Certainly, Muslims have a right to build mosques. But there is no right to build it anywhere they choose. Just ask any Christian church group or sect trying to build a new church. There is a church that was made unusable during the attacks and that church is unable to get permits to rebuild. One wonders why.

Blagojevich was found guilty of one count and the jury deadlocked on the other 23 counts. Blago is claiming victory. His supporters are claiming victory. I would be quietly slipping into the shadows and not making a lot of noise. Seems to me his status is still not settled and his victory speeches are premature.

There appears to be some competition for the soon to be retired space shuttles. It's nice to know that somebody wants them since the administration doesn't. Anyone want to bet the taxpayers will pay all costs for transportation to their new homes where, again, the taxpayers will pay for the upkeep and the buildings to house them? And, after a few short years, no one will be willing to pay a dime to see them. It's sad but true, America has a short memory for such things.


Does anyone really care if Brett Favre plays anywhere this year? Be honest.

Dr. Laura is leaving the airwaves because she repeated the N word almost as many times as the average rapper. I am not defending her use of the word, I am dismayed at the constant use of the word by rappers and black comedians. It's an ugly word and no one should use it.

As the Chinese curse goes... we appear to be living in interesting times.






9 comments:

Steven said...

Source for the information about the church unable to rebuild?

Steven said...

Here's one of the more interesting articles I read about the kerfuffle: http://reason.com/archives/2010/08/17/two-cheers-for-american-tolera

And of course the many articles pointing out that this is Republicans trying to find the wedge issue du jour to hide the fact that they're as big-government and big-spending as their "competitors" and they're not going to do a thing about it. Have any Republicans bothered doing anything constructive at all besides Paul Ryan?

Douglas said...

Steven, Here is one and you can Google "church at ground zero" for others.

Steven said...

Hrm. According to FOX News and this article, the Greek Orthodox isn't trying to rebuild on land they already own, they're trying to get some free land nearby, and/or are also fighting about how much they should be given to sell the tunnels under their land to rebuild there. When even FOX says the situations are incredibly different, I think I'm not going to draw any conclusions regarding any pandering to Muslims...or whatever it is that has people in such a tizzy.

Besides, I know Greeks, and they certainly are a disagreeable and greedy lot :)

I like this little photo essay.

I think Islam is a silly religion, and can be as dangerous to minds as any other fundamentalism, and, yes, has terrorists. I'll go off on any PLO apologizer. But this is the US, supposed bastion of liberty. Live and let live. The failed politicians, in or out of office, that use ridiculous wedge issues for sleight of hand purposes really burn me up. Heh, this is why I stay away from the talking heads on cable.

Douglas said...

Steven, there are differences, that's true. The Muslims involved do not own the property where they want to build. They are buying it. Its value was reduced by the fact that the building on the property is structurally unfit due to be damaged during the 9/11 attacks. Since the original building must be torn down, the value dropped. And likely dropped even further due to the RE bubble popping.

The thing I think is important to consider is that those who want to put up the Islamic center are not interested in alternative sites. Google the news articles on this and you will see that is so. Also look up "Cordoba" which was the original name for the project. It's a town in Spain where the Muslims tore down a church to build a mosque.
Here is a simple history

Pearl said...

There are a number of people in Minnesota who want Favre to play again (not me -- I don't care for football).

Pearl

Douglas said...

Pearl, when he was in Green Bay, I would bet that few wanted him playing...

Douglas said...

Pearl, when he was in Green Bay, I would bet that few wanted him playing...

Pearl said...

There are a number of people in Minnesota who want Favre to play again (not me -- I don't care for football).

Pearl