Disqus - Latest Comments for Polimom

Re: Terrorist Trials in the Big Apple

Polimom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:28:02 -0000

AustinRoth's question is one that bothers me as well. Since KSM was waterboarded, it seems a strong possibility that there will be evidentiary issues, and some key data may not be introduced.

What happens if he's acquitted? I can't believe for a moment that could be at all a good thing for this administration.

Re: Can We Please Just Tax the Churches Already?

Polimom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:58:38 -0000

I'm afraid I'm in the disagree column, Jazz. If CC feels that working for the city will require them to violate religious principles fundamental to their identity, then I think they're within their rights to refuse to continue to do business with the city. It shouldn't affect their tax status.

At the same time, I hope that some other entity is prepared to come in and undertake such massive programs, and has no conflict.

Re: Fort Hood Warning Signs

Polimom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:59:58 -0000

Indeed.

Re: http://themoderatevoice.com/52820/52820/

Polimom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:07:56 -0000

"I doubt if DR Hasan really wanted to be a psychiatrist but was probably a lousy student in medical school."

I read that he initially was planning for a medical degree, but fainted at the sight of some procedure or another -- and then changed over to Psychiatry.

Re: Why a Big CCC Won’t Work Today – But a little one might help

Polimom — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:05:23 -0000

Nice post Marc. Certainly something along the lines of a CCC or WPA was what I was hoping for when The Stimulus first came under discussion -- what a shame.

Yes, we are very much a changed America, and technology has impacted our ability to employ many people at a low level of technical sophistication is radically reduced. (Technology -- ain't it great?) However, many of the CCC projects stand today. They were engineered and executed wonderfully, and I happily encounter them in my hikings and wanderings all the time. National parks, though, aren't the only places such projects would be useful. State parks, township conservation properties -- all across the country, there are millions and millions of acres that need intelligent stewardship.

That said, though, I agree with GreenDreams. Among the many changes has been the urbanization of this country, and a radically different energy outlook. Putting people to work in the urban areas strikes me as an exceedingly useful idea. The needs there are vast, and the long-term benefits enormous.

And the roads / bridges / sewage systems all across the country are badly in need of repair and updating.

I would be willing to put public funds to use in this way, and support it strongly. Heck, I'd probably even volunteer to get involved out there in one of my beloved parks.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:36:26 -0000

Kathy, thank you for the comprehensive response. I think, perhaps, that where you and I diverge most strongly is on the anger at men. I simply don't have a blanket rage at them, as a gender.

"Indeed, it's considered a laughable absurdity even to suggest that there are two sets of standards for bodily autonomy here -- as illustrated, I have to say, by your comments to me."

I'll be blunt. I resent this strongly. Perhaps you simply dismissed my statement earlier that I'm pro-choice? Or maybe because I took offense at your belittling / demeaning or pro-lifers in this post, you thought I was being disingenuous?

Au contraire, I dislike it when either position dismisses or demeans the other in such a manner, as this post / thread does.

I must say, though, that in some ways I envy you your clarity, even as I do that of the zealous anti-abortionists. Unlike you and they, though, I'm cursed with the ability to understand and relate to all sides -- and I continually strive to cast this curse upon others.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:32:58 -0000

Kathy, where I'm coming from is sheer frustration with what seems like intransigence... but can't be, right? Because I know you to be a rational person. Yet this inability to see the vast difference between the two (abortions vs. ed) on your part is just truly unfathomable to me.

As I said -- I'm pro-choice. But the objections from many people are much MUCH deeper than your high-handed treatment of them. Essentially, you're saying that roughly half the country is suffering from the subjective vapors re: how they view abortion as murder. Because objectively (your words) it's not. And that the taking of life (as they see it) is somehow equivalent to whether or not a man needs Viagra.

Can you not see how demeaning that is?

Re: http://themoderatevoice.com/52820/52820/

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:21:25 -0000

JD -- Nope. Nobody smacked me around either. Lots of yelling in my face tho -- LOL! Still, it's clear that very very tough people are still being churned out, so all's clearly not lost.

And to be perfectly honest, I think blaming it all on PC is too easy an answer. I think it's more to do with decades of impact on an all-volunteer military. Hard enough to get people to join with offers of $$ and college and retirement and free medical. They didn't want to be hit, and insisted on it by not volunteering. Something had to give.

I do agree with you, though, that a fair amount of the blame for our failure pre- 9/11 rests on our arrogance -- but Dorian's right that they correlate.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:00:19 -0000

Yes, I agreed. The starving people needed help. What I'm saying is that some people doubtless agreed that those danged shirkers outta eat the excess kids if they were that hungry.

Ridiculous, no?

So did Digby misuse the Swiftian approach? Or have you made the mistake of taking her literally?

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:21:11 -0000

"I decided that she was using satire to make a serious point. It's that point that I agree with.

No doubt some folks agreed with John Swift's satirical point regarding the eating of children by the starving masses as well. That hardly makes his point (or their support of it) rational.

"Are you seriously telling me you don't understand this?"

Oh no. I'm not telling you that at all.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:02:54 -0000

Sil -- I refer you to DaGoat, earlier:

"And to get off-topic a little bit, ED is a legitimate medical concern affecting men as early as in their 30's."

I know that doesn't fit your mental model, but... well.. it is what it is. References to the "old pecker" go right along with the title of this thread, though, regarding the "vanity of old men".

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:54:44 -0000

Jeepers, Kathy. You're starting to scare me here.

It's as if you're telling me that someone might object to eating lima beans (because they hate them), and also object to eating arsenic (because it will kill them ) -- but they can both be orally ingested, so they're equivalent.

(Edited for pronoun clarity)

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:51:40 -0000

Okay -- now I'm truly curious. Probably this calls for its own post, but the whole discussion about Digby (whose post prompted the entire thread) and whether she's hard-left or just outside the mainstream, has me truly curious.

Kathy -- you pounced on me for suggesting that outside of center-left is not mainstream. I have two questions:

1. How would you, personally, classify Digby on a linear scale (using terminology such as we've been), and
2. Where do you classify yourself, on that same scale?

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:44:46 -0000

Okay. Let's back up just a sec. What was your precise meaning with this rejoinder:

"I didn't say Digby was mainstream. I said she wasn't hard left. Between mainstream and hard left, there are no categories, in your view? This sort of underscores my entire point, I believe."

You and I were, I take it, both referencing Digby.

I see center-right / center-left, and all between, as mainstream. Move out of those areas, and it becomes a question of degree of rigidity. Hard left. Harder left. Far right. Farther right. What difference does it make?

Now, I'm not sure where the communication is breaking down. Is it in how we are defining mainstream?

And your strawman is leaping from words I didn't say (there's nothing between mainstream and hard-left) and how I've therefore underscored your point.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:29:46 -0000

I think maybe she's crashing on this phrase: "their man"

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:27:24 -0000

Kathy, are you being deliberately obtuse, or have you just decided that it's more important to defend Digby's hill, since you quoted her, than to admit any difference between abortion and erectile dysfunction?

I'm pro-choice, but I at least understand the moral objection by many to abortion. They see it as murder, Kathy.

I'm back at square one, and I'll say it again - though it clearly won't take hold this time either: There's no equivalency.

Also -- you do recognize that Digby posted that as a Swiftonian suggestion? That you are defending satire? She's not particularly good at it, which is no doubt why you have decided it's serious -- but calling it "An Immoderate Proposal" is a very BIG clue that even she recognizes the absurdity of it. It's a deliberate absurdity, to boot -- and you've swallowed it hook line and sinker.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:18:01 -0000

"I didn't say Digby was mainstream. I said she wasn't hard left. Between mainstream and hard left, there are no categories, in your view? This sort of underscores my entire point, I believe."

Oh come on Kathy. By all means, draw a line with words I didn't use, and then make your case with the strawman.

Of course there are levels and gradations. Digby's a fine writer. She's passionate and sincere. But Digby's not even center-left. Sorry. She may not be an anarchist and totally over the edge, but she's way outside any possible line that would include 'center'-anything.

Bias, Kathy, is not limited to the source. If one is standing significantly to the left or right of center, then I submit that that person's proximity to the edge is relatively shorter. Center might be equally as far away, and center-right (or center-left) an impossible distance.

Re: http://themoderatevoice.com/52820/52820/

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:53:01 -0000

JD -- When I went through basic training, I spent most of one afternoon at parade rest with my nose about 4 inches from a pine tree. To this day, I know for a fact that I hadn't done anything to deserve it -- but I also know I needed it. Breaking down the tendency to challenge authority from pure personality quirk (and I had it!) is not a good thing in a military arena.

I tell this story because clearly, my Army (or basic training) sounds nothing like what you're describing, with "stress cards" (absurd). I came through in 1987. Has everything changed? Is everything I think I know -- and upon which I base many of my positions regarding our military -- that different? Your comment bothers me a great deal.

Had anyone been giving voice to the opinions Hasan did would have been subject to the most intense scrutiny and discipline. In my Army.

I seriously do not understand this... and I'm already on record as being angry about that.

Rick -- your post is excellent, as they generally are. But this angsty soul-searching for deeper meaning confounds me. The man didn't belong there. Even had he not gone ballistic, he should have been out. Long since.

No, it's not his fault that 9/11 occurred after he joined. But there appears to be a serious oversight lapse regarding people who had already joined the volunteer force. Circumstances changed radically, and religious convictions on the part of fanatics (as he obviously is) are not particularly malleable. There is no mystery to Hasan's actions that I can see... but there was an enormous failure in judgment and follow through by many levels of government.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:35:21 -0000

"Universal coverage against medical catastrophe is one thing, a federal Commissioner of Erections quite another."

Bwahhahahaha!

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:29:12 -0000

Kathy, keeping in mind someone's political bias -- particularly when it's far off-center -- is nothing more than intelligent handling of sources. When someone who tilts noticeably and consistently in one direction or another voices political opinion, I always ALWAYS pull out my Magical Unskew Glasses to read them.

That includes left and right.

"It doesn't take much to be "hard left" in this country -- does it?"

I'm not even a teensy bit surprised that you think Digby is mainstream.

Editing to add: And no, I don't think public funds should be used for Viagra. Or Rogaine. Or breast enhancements. Or any other related products.

Re: Why Should Public Dollars Pay for the Vanity of Old Men?

Polimom — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:37:47 -0000

Digby's pretty hard left, folks. If you're not familiar with her, it's worth bearing that in mind. And DaGoat's quite right; there's no equivalence at all.

That said -- I'd be happy if they'd just take the danged Viagra / Cialis (etc.) advertisements off of prime time television.

Re: A Brief Interlude

Polimom — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:41:13 -0000

HAHAHAhahahahahah!!!!! Oh Jazz -- Funny! (Poor puppy...) The expression on his face is hysterical!

Re: Report: U.S. Intelligence Agencies Knew Hasan Was Trying To Contact Al Qaeda

Polimom — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:09:53 -0000

ThurmanHart -- I gather from your comment here that you've deployed, and/or are otherwise involved with the military. Yes? No?

"In general, the military is reluctant to take someone off of active duty because of what they say. Rightly or wrongly, there is a fear that doing so will only encourage others to make the same sort of statements, whether they are heartfelt or no."

Yes, there's some truth to that. The slackers are always looking for an excuse. OTOH, Hasan didn't just start yammering about infidels and suicide bombers since being sent to Fort Hood. The overwhelming amount of information coming out about his religious views, and how he viewed the war, etc., goes back years. Not days. Not weeks or months. Not since he went on pre-deployment status. It was all the way back in 2003 (I think) that he first asked to get out of the military.... and he was told that it would be extremely difficult, due in part to the education : time-commitment problem, and because of the (well-known) shortage of Arabic speakers in the military.

Your point about how the might have handled him is too short-ranged. I'm saying he should not have been retained at all. I've even read (not sure where it was) that he'd offered to pay back the $ that had been spent on his education -- and that was, again, long before he was under any kind of pre-deployment stress. If that's true (and I don't know that it is), then he, too, saw a major major problem coming down the pipe.

"I also think it is wrong to blame Islam for his actions."

I agree. Do you think I'm blaming Islam? I'm not. Only an idiot would think all followers of Islam are violent fanatics. But this man is a zealot -- a fanatic who thinks the US is making war on his religion. Pretending his religion (or rather, his twisted version) didn't set this tragedy up is to bury one's head in the sand.

Re: Report: U.S. Intelligence Agencies Knew Hasan Was Trying To Contact Al Qaeda

Polimom — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:56:29 -0000

Ah -- yes, because we've seen so many psychiatrists going postal due to compassion fatigue. It's just amazing that anyone would consider any other explanation.
[/snark]

Re: Report: U.S. Intelligence Agencies Knew Hasan Was Trying To Contact Al Qaeda

Polimom — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:57:47 -0000

But of course, it could just be plain old incompetence. I truly want to believe that it's not the latter, but until we know more, it's certainly looking like a lot of people screwed up what should have been a no-brainer.

Yes. It's the likelihood that plain old incompetence ultimately set those people up to die that has me so angry.