May 31, 2011

(Nor the zombies either, probably)

MSNBC is doing another five minutes of outrage because  the federal government has managed to screw up Arlington cemetery. It is not a funny subject, but it does illustrate Washington's incompetence to properly manage the affairs of either the living or the dead. Even Chris Mathews should get it.

May 30, 2011

Memorial Day, 2011

The United States of America has fought just and necessary wars.  We have also waged stupid and unnecessary wars.

Let responsibility for the latter rest where it belongs, on the shoulders of grasping politicians.

No disgust with self-serving rulers should dilute by a single drop the honor due armed  comrades who executed their oaths to defend the Constitution of the United States.

Their blood spilled on dirt of foreign continents and into oceanic brine is to be memorialized with feelings approaching awe, even as we scorn the political masters whose concept of personal courage begins and ends with a sheet of talking points on the teleprompter.

May 29, 2011

Hey, Officer Krupke...

Flipping off a state cop is stupid. Arresting the guy with the overactive middle finger is stupid and tyrannical, as well as a PR bungle.

Colorado state police high command belatedly figured that out,  and dropped the charge that could have sent our citizen to jail for six months.

The ACLU got into the act with a petition noting again the constitutionally protected speech may sometimes be rude. It's still protected, and cops who disagree should either develop thicker skins or seek other employment, perhaps as aromatherapy trainers.

The flipper's name is Shane Boor. How prescient.
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May 28, 2011

Gun Gas

Say what you like about Iowa hicks, but at least we're trying to act just like the important folks in San Francisco and Newark and so forth.

Gas station dude in Cedar Rapids is donating $5,000 in gift cards to his station. The cops will help him  trade the cards for guns. The going rate is $100 for a  working long gun, $150 for a pistol. They'll even take that old Sharps with the broken main spring, but they won't pay you for it.

No questions asked, of course.

Nor information given about what will happen to the arms, so you'll forgive me for envisioning the Sharps hanging in some cop's rec room. I'd be angry about that if it weren't for knowing this little public relations gig will add immensely to the safety of the city.