I will not be posting anything here for a long time. I've got some problems, that will prevent me from doing much here.
James A.
Friday, February 2, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Responses to comments
In the future, I will be responding to most comments, in the comments area. I responded to a couple today.
James A.
James A.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Conservative writers
I truly enjoy reading articles written by most conservative writers. I believe the reason this is the case, is because almost all conservative writers are literate, logical and civil. It is very seldom that you find, even on the Internet, conservatives who resort to constant name-calling, belittling of others, and/or foul language. On the other hand, it is very unusual to find a liberal blog that doesn't utilize any, or all of the above deterrents to reading them. It is very difficult to read paragraph after paragraph of what amounts to, venom spewed out, at those that the particular writer, sees as, or portrays as, hateful demons out to do harm to the elderly, the poor, the environment (insert whatever liberal cause the writer is espousing), or those who simply see the world in general, and the United States in particular as a place of great opportunity for anyone willing to put enough energy and effort into getting what they want.
As many of you know, I have added some new elements to my page. There are some other things that I would like to be able to do, and hopefully I will be able to learn how to do them. One of the new additions to my page is a list of links to other sites that I visit fairly often. I happened to stumble across an Internet blog created by a man by the name of Walter Grandberry. I have been extremely impressed by the quality, thoughtfulness and depth of his writing. The man is a lot smarter than I am. His blog is called, Matters of Manner and Type. I highly recommend reading through his efforts. You can read his most recent entries, simply by clicking on the link on my blog, but I would highly recommend that you start with this entry:
http://mattersofmannerandtype.blogspot.com/search/label/Preface
I don't know how big of a following Mr. Grandberry has, but if any of you become his fans, I'm sure he would appreciate any comments you would like to add about any particular entry he has. I have to admit, I need to get the dictionary regularly, but, I can't think of anyone who reads my page that would not enjoy his style and insights.
James A.
As many of you know, I have added some new elements to my page. There are some other things that I would like to be able to do, and hopefully I will be able to learn how to do them. One of the new additions to my page is a list of links to other sites that I visit fairly often. I happened to stumble across an Internet blog created by a man by the name of Walter Grandberry. I have been extremely impressed by the quality, thoughtfulness and depth of his writing. The man is a lot smarter than I am. His blog is called, Matters of Manner and Type. I highly recommend reading through his efforts. You can read his most recent entries, simply by clicking on the link on my blog, but I would highly recommend that you start with this entry:
http://mattersofmannerandtype.blogspot.com/search/label/Preface
I don't know how big of a following Mr. Grandberry has, but if any of you become his fans, I'm sure he would appreciate any comments you would like to add about any particular entry he has. I have to admit, I need to get the dictionary regularly, but, I can't think of anyone who reads my page that would not enjoy his style and insights.
James A.
Monday, January 15, 2007
My fellow Americans
Sometimes, I wonder how the current Americans could have lived through World War II. While I do realize that the current conflict in Iraq has gone on longer than World War II, the casualties have been far fewer in this war, than in any one year during World War II. In fact, the total casualties in Iraq have been less than many of the battles in World War II, particularly in the Pacific theater, where the fighting was especially vicious, and in many cases where the enemy fought to their death rather than surrender. At Iwo Jima, in 36 days of fighting, the US casualty numbers were: 25,851 (one in three American servicemen were casualties), of that number, 6,825 were dead. Virtually all 22,000 Japanese soldiers died. On Okinawa, US casualties were: 30,777, of which 7,229 were dead. Neither of these battle figures include the toll on the Navy. Over 130,000 Japanese soldiers were killed, and only slightly over 10,000 were taken prisoner. At the Battle of the Bulge, there were 81,000 US casualties, of which 19,000 were deaths.
In contrast, as of January 14, 2007 the numbers in Iraq are as follows: 25,854 total casualties, including 3020 deaths.
I am not arguing that the casualties in the current conflict are something to be ignored, or acceptable in any sense of the word. What I would argue on the other hand, is that the current enemy, radical Islam, is every bit as dangerous and a threat to the United States as the fascism in Europe or the Imperial intentions of Japan in the 1930s and 40s. As a matter of fact, I don't recall reading any ultimatums that Germany or Japan issued to the United States that basically said, "convert to our way of thinking or we will destroy you" the way bin Laden has. These US casualties have not been purposeless or in vain. They have been to defend our country, and our way of life. All of these people have been volunteers who have courageously stepped up, so that the Liberals and the antiwar, anti-military fanatics still have the freedom to spit out their hatred of George Bush, and show their complete lack of understanding as to why Al Qaeda and all the other radical Muslim sects hate us. What does surprise me, is that the public in general, is now according to the polls, something like 70% against finishing the job in Iraq. At least these casualties are being heroically offered to defend the United States. If the these people (collectively, liberals, antiwar, anti-military, mainstream media) wish to seriously complain about needless deaths, maybe they ought to focus their attention on traffic safety in United States, where 43,443 people died, and 2.68 million were injured, on the roads in the United States in the year 2005.
I would like to sincerely thank the following websites, for the statistics cited in this entry:
http://newsbusters.org/node/8482
http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/
http://www.battleofthebulge.org/main.html
http://www.iwojima.com/battle/battled.htm
http://www.merchant-marine.com/okinawa.htm
James A.
In contrast, as of January 14, 2007 the numbers in Iraq are as follows: 25,854 total casualties, including 3020 deaths.
I am not arguing that the casualties in the current conflict are something to be ignored, or acceptable in any sense of the word. What I would argue on the other hand, is that the current enemy, radical Islam, is every bit as dangerous and a threat to the United States as the fascism in Europe or the Imperial intentions of Japan in the 1930s and 40s. As a matter of fact, I don't recall reading any ultimatums that Germany or Japan issued to the United States that basically said, "convert to our way of thinking or we will destroy you" the way bin Laden has. These US casualties have not been purposeless or in vain. They have been to defend our country, and our way of life. All of these people have been volunteers who have courageously stepped up, so that the Liberals and the antiwar, anti-military fanatics still have the freedom to spit out their hatred of George Bush, and show their complete lack of understanding as to why Al Qaeda and all the other radical Muslim sects hate us. What does surprise me, is that the public in general, is now according to the polls, something like 70% against finishing the job in Iraq. At least these casualties are being heroically offered to defend the United States. If the these people (collectively, liberals, antiwar, anti-military, mainstream media) wish to seriously complain about needless deaths, maybe they ought to focus their attention on traffic safety in United States, where 43,443 people died, and 2.68 million were injured, on the roads in the United States in the year 2005.
I would like to sincerely thank the following websites, for the statistics cited in this entry:
http://newsbusters.org/node/8482
http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/
http://www.battleofthebulge.org/main.html
http://www.iwojima.com/battle/battled.htm
http://www.merchant-marine.com/okinawa.htm
James A.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Atlas Shrugged
Philip,
You asked me why I read Atlas Shrugged. When I was in high school, probably in 1968, or 1969 my dad recommended that I read it (in fact I think he challenged me to read it). I did, and I enjoyed the book as a novel. For quite a long time, I did not really realize how much the philosophy of the book had molded my way of thinking. About seven years ago I listened to the book as an audio book, and I could not believe how similar, (almost identical) my thinking is to the philosophy of the book. I cannot imagine that this is pure happenstance. Like any other philosophy, if taken to the extreme, I'm not sure I could accept it. Ayn Rand, as you may or may not know, did not believe in, or, at least had problems with the concept of God. I, personally, cannot take the philosophy that far. But, I do believe that treating the customer well is always in the best interest of a business. Some of our modern day business leaders (WorldCom, Enron, Adelphia, etc.), seem to have forgotten that without customers, their businesses will not exist either. Customers, when given a choice, will always go to the business that provides them with a quality product, and a fair price. Customers do not always go with the cheapest price. I think most customers of any product or service, will go with a company that offers them the greatest balance of cost, quality, flexibility and comfort. In the case of an automobile, the consumer has many options as to make and model, safety features, comfort, accessories and their own budget. Even after one selects the model of vehicle they would like, there are always several different levels of options available. And even then, the customer must decide which dealer to purchase the vehicle from. Eventually, bad business practices, especially towards the consumer will doom a business.
It seems to me, that the Democrat Party is the party that caters to the people who want to be given, without providing anything, and, the party of wealth and income redistribution. In order to do this, they are by definition, the party of big government. Unfortunately, I cannot say that the Republican Party is the party of small government anymore. Over the past six or seven years, they had been spending as fast, or faster than the Democrats! I do believe that's why this past November's voters decided to change the political landscape of Washington, DC. I truly believe that the Republican voters would have come out in greater force, had their party shown any sense of propriety in spending, even with the situation in Iraq. One can only hope that last November's outcome will bring the party back to its roots.
As a contrast to Ms. Rand's philosophy, I do believe in God. And I do believe, that God does see and bless all of us. I have never been one to fret or worry about things over which I have no control. I have always believed that when you do the best that you can, it will be good enough. Maybe I shouldn't say I have always believed that, but since that day (April 29, 1982), when I realized there was very little that I did have control of, I guess my philosophy did change. Some may say I've been lucky to be married to my wife, who has constantly stood by me, and that I was lucky to have worked for a company that was as good to me as Kansas City life has been and continues to be, but I prefer to see that as a positive intervention on the part of God (blessings) in my life. I have told many people that I felt blessed, especially after my diagnosis. I got an opportunity to do some things I probably would not have done, had I not been warned (I'm not sure that's correct word, but for now all have to do) that I could end up as a quadriplegic. We, your mother and I, assessed the situation, and made changes to the way we lived. My wife is a saint. I don't think either of us ever asked "Why us?". I don't know why your mother never asked that question, but I know for myself, that seems to indicate it should be someone else with this problem. Believe me, no one deserves this. So many people do not get the opportunity, like George Bailey, in It's a Wonderful Life, to take advantage of the new opportunities that these difficulties present. I don't know whether my guardian angel earned his wings, but I do think someone was watching over me, and guiding me in my decision-making.
I do not know if all this fits together, but it's all going in this one post!
James A.
You asked me why I read Atlas Shrugged. When I was in high school, probably in 1968, or 1969 my dad recommended that I read it (in fact I think he challenged me to read it). I did, and I enjoyed the book as a novel. For quite a long time, I did not really realize how much the philosophy of the book had molded my way of thinking. About seven years ago I listened to the book as an audio book, and I could not believe how similar, (almost identical) my thinking is to the philosophy of the book. I cannot imagine that this is pure happenstance. Like any other philosophy, if taken to the extreme, I'm not sure I could accept it. Ayn Rand, as you may or may not know, did not believe in, or, at least had problems with the concept of God. I, personally, cannot take the philosophy that far. But, I do believe that treating the customer well is always in the best interest of a business. Some of our modern day business leaders (WorldCom, Enron, Adelphia, etc.), seem to have forgotten that without customers, their businesses will not exist either. Customers, when given a choice, will always go to the business that provides them with a quality product, and a fair price. Customers do not always go with the cheapest price. I think most customers of any product or service, will go with a company that offers them the greatest balance of cost, quality, flexibility and comfort. In the case of an automobile, the consumer has many options as to make and model, safety features, comfort, accessories and their own budget. Even after one selects the model of vehicle they would like, there are always several different levels of options available. And even then, the customer must decide which dealer to purchase the vehicle from. Eventually, bad business practices, especially towards the consumer will doom a business.
It seems to me, that the Democrat Party is the party that caters to the people who want to be given, without providing anything, and, the party of wealth and income redistribution. In order to do this, they are by definition, the party of big government. Unfortunately, I cannot say that the Republican Party is the party of small government anymore. Over the past six or seven years, they had been spending as fast, or faster than the Democrats! I do believe that's why this past November's voters decided to change the political landscape of Washington, DC. I truly believe that the Republican voters would have come out in greater force, had their party shown any sense of propriety in spending, even with the situation in Iraq. One can only hope that last November's outcome will bring the party back to its roots.
As a contrast to Ms. Rand's philosophy, I do believe in God. And I do believe, that God does see and bless all of us. I have never been one to fret or worry about things over which I have no control. I have always believed that when you do the best that you can, it will be good enough. Maybe I shouldn't say I have always believed that, but since that day (April 29, 1982), when I realized there was very little that I did have control of, I guess my philosophy did change. Some may say I've been lucky to be married to my wife, who has constantly stood by me, and that I was lucky to have worked for a company that was as good to me as Kansas City life has been and continues to be, but I prefer to see that as a positive intervention on the part of God (blessings) in my life. I have told many people that I felt blessed, especially after my diagnosis. I got an opportunity to do some things I probably would not have done, had I not been warned (I'm not sure that's correct word, but for now all have to do) that I could end up as a quadriplegic. We, your mother and I, assessed the situation, and made changes to the way we lived. My wife is a saint. I don't think either of us ever asked "Why us?". I don't know why your mother never asked that question, but I know for myself, that seems to indicate it should be someone else with this problem. Believe me, no one deserves this. So many people do not get the opportunity, like George Bailey, in It's a Wonderful Life, to take advantage of the new opportunities that these difficulties present. I don't know whether my guardian angel earned his wings, but I do think someone was watching over me, and guiding me in my decision-making.
I do not know if all this fits together, but it's all going in this one post!
James A.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
When I listen to Christmas music, I am usually quite taken with the beauty of the music and singing. I find it only fitting that the musical arrangements, the words, and the blending of the voices with the music is some of the most beautiful music ever composed and performed. It's almost like all of the performers are doing what the song the Little Drummer Boy, speaks to, that is performing the best for Him. The link below (if it works) is one of my favorite songs. For the next 10 days, you will be able to listen to it.
http://prs.net/play/aNx4NNwEpoAtzUIipVDhQg.html
By celebrating the birth of the One who is the sacrificial lamb, we cannot help but think of the great sacrifice He made for us. And, if only for a short period, we live a life closer to the way He wants us to live, during this celebration the world may actually become a better place. Merry Christmas to all.
James A.
http://prs.net/play/aNx4NNwEpoAtzUIipVDhQg.html
By celebrating the birth of the One who is the sacrificial lamb, we cannot help but think of the great sacrifice He made for us. And, if only for a short period, we live a life closer to the way He wants us to live, during this celebration the world may actually become a better place. Merry Christmas to all.
James A.
Does the fuzzy brain actually read the comments? Inquiring minds want to know. Also I have another topic for the brain. I read this in the paper this morning. It was a report on the Pope's year-end speech to the cardinals. "A secularized society that bases its decisions too much on reason and logic and leaves no room for faith "is not capable of entering into a true dialogue with religions."" I found this to be an interesting quote, but it's not my blog so I'm curious to hear the brain's thoughts on the matter.
The answer to the question is: of course I read the comments. I did not read the story to which you are referring, but I find nothing in the statement, that does not make sense (that is illogical). Essentially, all religion boils down to a matter of faith. One of the definitions of the word faith, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary (definition 2b) is this: b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Most of the Nicene Creed which we recite at Mass, are things that cannot be proven. They are things in which you must believe, or in other words have faith in, in order to be a Catholic. If you solely believe in reason and logic, you would by definition, rule out religion.
James A.
The answer to the question is: of course I read the comments. I did not read the story to which you are referring, but I find nothing in the statement, that does not make sense (that is illogical). Essentially, all religion boils down to a matter of faith. One of the definitions of the word faith, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary (definition 2b) is this: b (1) : firm belief in something for which there is no proof. Most of the Nicene Creed which we recite at Mass, are things that cannot be proven. They are things in which you must believe, or in other words have faith in, in order to be a Catholic. If you solely believe in reason and logic, you would by definition, rule out religion.
James A.
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