What is Global Warming?

What is Global Warming?

The topic of Global Warming has been in the news for a number of years, so it is appropriate to be certain that a clear, simple explanation is available. Global warming is, in plain terms, the increase in the average temperature of the Earth, in particular the surface, water, and atmosphere.

Global warming is usually attributed to three possible factors: heat produced by the Earth itself either as a result of radioactivity or gravity; increases in solar radiation; or the greenhouse effect, which is the trapping of infra-red radiation from the surface and atmosphere by gases in the atmosphere. Measurements of the intensity of solar radiation have been constant for at least the last 30 years, so global warming for that period cannot be attributed to solar energy. Periods of sunspot minimums, such as the Dalton Minimum during the late 18th and early 19^th century, have resulted in periods of unusually cold weather due to reduced solar radiation. In fact, evidence is that we are in the first decade of another solar minimum, despite the continued rise in average world temperature. The internal sources of heat seem to have been constant for many millennia (actually eons).

The greenhouse effect has been studied by scientists since about 1820, when Joseph Fourier first studied it. Famed scientist and engineer Alexander Graham Bell warned of the dangers of heavy reliance on carbon based fuels for power as early as 1917. He noted that increases in the levels of carbon dioxide could result in global warming due to the greenhouse effect. He advocated for alternate energy sources such as solar energy. He actually invented the term global warming.

Since the time of Alexander Graham Bell there has been considerable study of the effect of burning non-renewable carbon fuels for energy production. The topic remained primarily of modest public debate until recently, perhaps gaining interest primarily after politicians such as Al Gore began to bring it into the mainstream.

The main source of new carbon dioxide is the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and natural gas by humans, but deforestation accounts for over 20%. Other significant types of significant green-house gases are chlorofluorocarbons (such as freon) and methane. Chlorofluorocarbons are being reduced as a risk by vastly reduced use of them.  Methane poses a threat as global warming thaws frozen tundra and heats Arctic lakes, resulting in significant methane release.

About 10,000 years ago underwater landslides caused a massive release of frozen methane and may have caused a sudden acceleration of global warming.The flooding of the Black sea, which may have occured as a result of the breaching of the Bosporus strait by rising water in the Mediterranean, is the putative source of the Gilgamesh/Noah flood story. Some scientists warn of the potential of such landslides off the East Coast of the United States.

 Rice farming and cattle breeding also produce methane, as do sewage plants and land-fills. Many sewage and land-fill facilities either burn or collect methane to convert into fuels. Both processes result in eventual release of carbon dioxide. Methane, however, is much worse as a greenhouse-gas.

Man caused (anthropogenic) global warming nay-sayers have not quite yet been classed along with flat-Earthers, but the resistance to the concept is fading, shifting more and more to the fringe. One website complains that Vice-President Gore "forecasted" that there would be total melting of Arctic sea ice by 2013. Besides making up words, they also proceeded to claim that polar ice at both poles has increased, which is totally a fabrication. Both poles are undergoing well documented rapid loss of ice. The surface area of sea ice in the Antarctic region has increased due to the refreezing of some of the run-off from the melting continental ice pack and the increased movement of  glacial ice into the ocean,  but the total amount of ice has decreased.  This has resulted in added confusion among the scientifically illiterate deniers.

pendrake's passions: Donald Trump: Recruiting for Isil / Daesh

pendrake's passions: Donald Trump: Recruiting for Isil / Daesh:    Donald Tru mp,  Presidential candidate and professional blowhard, has now become  a major recruiter for the Islamicist terror group Daes...

Donald Trump: Recruiting for Isil / Daesh

   Donald Trump, Presidential candidate and professional blowhard, has now become a major recruiter for the Islamicist terror group Daesh (also known as ISIL).  It is likely that he did not intend to do so, but he probably does not care. By introducing irrational Islamophobia as a major shibboleth in American right wing politics, he has driven countless impressionable people into the pool of potential anti-American terrorists.

   One potential benefit of his hate-mongering has been the reaction of main-stream Republicans. We again see Republicans behaving as if they are Americans first of all.  For far too long we have seen Republicans behaving like the pre-WWII Republicans who thought Hitler was a cool guy, or trying to dis-enfranchise any person who was not a far right radical Republican. Perhaps this will result in a rebirth of Americanism at its best.  

Daesh is to Islam as KKK is to Christianity

   I had to think a little about the title for this brief post because I wasn't sure whether to use the example of the (reconstituted) KKK or the NAZI party of Hitler and his minions. I decided to use the (reconstituted ) KKK because of it's current role in America.  Note that I am specific to state that I am referring to the "reconstituted" KKK, rather than the original KKK, which was originally a racially integrated organization founded to combat the wholesale rape of Southern women, particularly of color, by occupying Northern troops and carpetbaggers.  It was de-constituted by Gen. Nathan Forrest, who had helped found the original Klan.  Forrest was a leading White proponent of the rights of Southern Blacks, advocating for the need for employment of Blacks (including in professional positions) and their voting rights (he was the keynote speaker for the 1st national convention of the Independent Order of Pole-Bearers ).
 
   I  have to agree with those who believe that the anti-Muslim mania we currently see in some of America is EXACTLY what the Daesh ( or ISIL) fanatics want.  When we talk about Muslims like Hitler (remember HIM) talked about Jews, we play into the hands of these fanatics, we help recruit for them.  I wonder if Donald Trump is on their payroll?

   

Jihadist Wannabees Turn Into Rampage Killers

We have just suffered YET ANOTHER mass killing, this time in San Bernardino, California. There seems to be some confusion because the episode seemed to be an example of  a "rampage" killing (where a person kills a bunch of people in an act of personal rage) instead of a terrorist act.  On the other hand, there were also many of the characteristics of a planned terror act.

I don't really know, but I suspect that we have a case of people who were preparing to carry out a classical terror act relating to a radical Islamicist scenario but allowed an incident which invoked personal rage to result in "premature" action.  Bear in mind, terrorist are not usually people with all their oars in the water at the same time.  Yes, many are similar to partisan fighters in NAZI occupied France (e.g. during WWII). Just because we do not agree with the more extreme forms of Islam, particularly those that seek to impose "sharia law", does not mean that those people are raving lunatics.  Look at people who believe in extreme, ultra-strict forms of mainstream Christianity. It was not too long ago that whole states in America enforced strict "blue laws".  I can remember girls being arrested for wearing "short shorts".

ISIL Scores Victory With the Help of American Right Wing

  Subsequent to the terror in Paris, ISIL has scored a major victory with the help of the American Right Wing.  ISIL functions on hate and prejudice, as does the Right Wing all around the world. In America we have such hate groups as the KKK and the "Tea Party", otherwise known as the Me Party. I have spent time the last few days responding to posts filled with hate and prejudice.  Millions of people around the world are fleeing mass murder and rape at the hands of ISIL, and we have people here in America wanting to refuse to help those people.   I wonder if the Right Wing is being paid by ISIL to recruit people and supply victims to sate the evil appetite of the monsters in ISIL

   I am not a proponent of Islam, as I do not believe that God broke His promise to Abraham and then lied to pretend that He kept His promise. However, I believe that we must behave as Christians before we can witness to the Muslims.  And I do know that many Muslims have been saved by their faith in Jesus as the Messiah.  

ISIL Unites the World With Attack on Paris

The recent terrorist attacks in Paris, France occurred on Friday the 13^th, the same day that my dog, Lady, passed away.  I do not want to compare the two events, but I will always remember the dates together.  I remember 9-11 as the day that I spent escorting a friend who was intellectually challenged to the Knox County Fair.

I have noticed that this act has been denounced by leaders of both Christian and Muslim nations, and leaders of nations that are usually enemies of each other.  The fact that the same group responsible for this also downed a Russian civilian passenger jet just a few days before adds to the over-all atmosphere, and we now hear the term World War Three being used.  The Allies from WWII seem to be reviving, with the Axis joining in.  And the hacker group Anonymous is joining in, to the delight of just about everyone, even the previous victims of the group.

I have spent the last few days on Facebook commenting on the many posts that others have made, filled with hate and prejudice.  The monsters of ISIL want the refugees sent back to Syria so that they can rape the women and children, kill the men who they can’t use as soldiers, and generally use and abuse them.  When people in America say we must refuse to help the refugees, they hand a victory to the monsters of ISIL.  When we condemn all Muslims, we hand them a victory. 

The people from ISIL consider their-selves to be fundamentalist, but like the so-called Christians who use the same term, they are anything but. 

 

As a Christian, I say we should show the Muslims what a Christian is.  Greet them with love, tell them Jesus loves them and that GOD IS NOT A LIAR!  Americans who are not Christian should show the Muslim refugees that Lady Liberty still stands! 

 

And, remember who sent us Lady Liberty!

Death of a Beloved Companion

  Today (just a few moments ago) my canine companion of almost 11 years passed away.  I am very saddened by her passing, but I am so very grateful that I had the time with her that I did.  She was with me at a very difficult period of my life.  She helped me care for my  mother in her last years, and provided much joy for Mother.  She was with me when I lost my younger son.

   Dogs have a very special relationship with people.  I believe that God has a special place for them, and I expect to be with her ( and some other dear dogs) in heaven.

pendrake's passions: I have been away for awhile due to computer proble...

pendrake's passions: I have been away for awhile due to computer proble...: I have been away for awhile due to computer problems. I have a new laptop and will be catching  up in the next few days, There is so much t...

I have been away for awhile due to computer problems. I have a new laptop and will be catching  up in the next few days, There is so much to write about I am not sure where to start.  I promised a few musicians some coverage, and there is much in the science and political spheres. Maybe I'll just find a few of my old poems!   

Here is a beautiful portrait of Anielle.  Photo by Juliana Tan

A while back I saw Anielle Reid on tv and was impressed. Recently she ended up on my Facebook account and I had the opportunity to listen to a few of her tracks, as well as read a bit more about her as a person as well as an artist. I have been more impressed as I have learned more. I have had the opportunity to chat online with her and wish that I had the opportunity to get to know her personally

When I first listened to her music on the internet, I was struck by the power and sweetness of her voice, the banjo playing reminiscent of Molly O'Day (first impression), and just why Roy Acuff hated drums. She uses drums (probably an artificial drum track) on her album "Ain't Like 'Em". The drums clash very much with the otherwise beautiful music, but her playing and singing save the day.

Her album is all original work. I would like her to show her connection with the folk tradition by selecting a few traditional gems and sharing with us her interpretation (she did a beautiful rendition of the Icelandic folk song Lilja for a special project ) .  Even Woody Guthrie and Hank Williams covered traditional songs and the Carter family made traditional songs so much their own that many people credit them with writing everything they performed. Lead Belly performed both originals and traditionals.

I have had the opportunity to hear a preliminary mix of another song from her next album. The song is "Great Again" .  It is excellent, with a bit more of a "grassy" sound.  The music is slightly uptempo and there are no drums (none that I can hear). Her vocals on this song are powerful and would be well suited to bluegrass (my favorite form of music). I hope that any drums on the new album will actually fit. As I said, the drums for "Lilja" work quite well. 

Anielle may not be a banjo picker as great as Earl Scruggs, but he was one of the greatest musicians of all time, frequently compared to Paganini..  She hasn't made it to Bella Fleck's standard yet, either.  He has been nominated for grammies in more categories than any other musician, and she has years to catch up. Keep it up and she will probably earn at least a nomination or two. She can definitely sing better than either.  In fact, her vocals are about as good as any out there.  She is a promising young musician in the early stages of a career. I hope there will be many more, and that they will be as great as what I expect.

Anielle Reid is a bright and promising rising star in the Americana/folk/bluegrass music firmament. She is becoming an important contributor to the American (and world) music scene. I hope that she will continue to hone her skills and not become discouraged.  She has the potential to be one of the greats. I want to hear more!!!!!

Why I Can Write About Music

   I'm going to take a moment and explain my background in music (since my blog hasn't dwelt much on the subject yet). Before WWII my father was a young musician with a weekly show on WRUF, which was then a 50,000 watt clear channel AM radio station. That meant that they covered the entire Southeastern US with their broadcast.  One of the members of their band was Chubby Wise, before he became an original member of the Bluegrass Boys. Dad and his older brother were also members of the Toby Dowdy band at the same time.  My maternal grandfather was a friend of Roy Acuff.

   At the age of three I met Gentleman Jim Reaves when he was a guest in our home. Dad no longer was an active musician, but I got to meet many of his friends who had gone on to Nashville. However, I was a science prodigy and did not learn to play music until I was older.

   When I was 25 and on active duty in the Army, I bought my first banjo.  I struggled, not realizing that the banjo is not a good beginner's instrument (unless you are Earl Scruggs). When I was approaching 40 (1986) my older son started fiddle lessons with the legendary George Custer. Within a year he was playing on stage with George and Red and Murphy Henry. Before he was 16, he was asked to go on tour with Red and Murphy. A few years later Henry was invited to join a old-timey country band and the lead vocalist thought that I looked like I could play the wash-tub base. I finally found an instrument that I could not only play, but became a virtuoso. Then I actually was able to learn to play the banjo, eventually becoming good enough to play on stage for pay in East Tennessee, even playing some on local tv. I also played and sang at a number of churches, including one that had been the TV station where the Flatt and Scruggs show was broadcast.  I played on the stage that was used for that show, and also played at Ciderville.

   When I went to Knoxville in 1993 I had the opportunity to get to know legendary folklorist Tillman Cadle, the folk-music archivist who introduced the song "Which Side are You On"  to Pete Seeger.  During this time I also got to know Anthony Fels (Hopeless Sam), who had been a TV folk musician in NYC for about 7 years after the Vietnam War, until PTSD led him to go another route with his life. We became friends and eventually began to play out and record both our originals and traditional songs. I had to return to Florida to care for my elderly mother and grown children. A few years ago I had a stroke and can no longer pick the banjo.  But I still can listen.

Music Stuff Coming Up Soon

   I have been busy trying to earn a few dollars, so I am behind on my blogging.  I am in the process of writing a few posts about musicians, and keep getting sidetracked by an ongoing debate with a very narrow-minded self-styled Atheist.  I believe that I have already commented on that.

   I will be blogging on Anielle Reid, Bret Dudenhoeffer, and Summer Franklin.  Check out their music, and I will be covering them more.  I also hope to do a post on my late partner Anthony Fels and my late son Daniel Baker.

pendrake's passions: Arguing With Yet Another Rationalist

pendrake's passions: Arguing With Yet Another Rationalist: I have been in a discussion with a rabid Rationalist who insists that there is no historic record of Jesus.  Just for those of you who are ...

Arguing With Yet Another Rationalist

I have been in a discussion with a rabid Rationalist who insists that there is no historic record of Jesus.  Just for those of you who are unfamiliar with this discredited argument, a few writers over the years have been unaware of the writings of Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny the elder, and the Babylonian Talmud.  In addition, there has recently been discovered an ossuary of James the brother of Jesus.  Since this ossuary specifically mentions Jesus, it seems to be archaeological confirmation of the existence of Jesus. It is notable that Tacitus, Pliny the Elder, and the Babylonian Talmud are all anti Jesus in their tone, and some of the writings of Josephus seem to have been edited to not be negative.

The person who was arguing against the historicity of Jesus seemed to be rather irrational, even threatening to "spit in my face".  I suspect that he is in spiritual turmoil, since such irrational argument is abnormal.  I would like to restate that the philosophical concept of Rationalism starts with using arguments devoid of any proof (based on "self-evident" a priori concepts).The person in question starts with rejecting Jesus, and uses that to prove that there is no Jesus, any evidence to the contrary is rejected.

The same person rejected the existence of St. Joseph of Arimethea.  Again, a historical figure (although some accounts are probably embellished).  I just happens that my family is directly descended from him, and family records establish that.

pendrake's passions: The Confederate Battle Flag is for ALL Southerners...

pendrake's passions: The Confederate Battle Flag is for ALL Southerners...: As a Southerner I am appalled that the Confederate battle flag has been expropriated by evil people to become a symbol for race hatred, a p...

pendrake's passions: "Mother Emanuel" AME Church Members Again Show Ame...

pendrake's passions: "Mother Emanuel" AME Church Members Again Show Ame...: Members of the historic "Mother Emanuel" AME church have given Americans another vivid lesson of what it means to be Christian.  ...

"Mother Emanuel" AME Church Members Again Show America What Christians Are Like

Members of the historic "Mother Emanuel" AME church have given Americans another vivid lesson of what it means to be Christian.  The church dates back to free African Americans in 1787 (yes, there have been free African Americans as long as there have been African Americans).  They have a history of struggle and perseverance, as does the entire African American community.  And they have just reacted to yet another brutal attack with Christian Love and Forgiveness.

After Dylan Roof was arrested for the brutal and senseless assault on their members, they addressed him with love and forgiveness. Other people have expressed rage for his act of hate.  They welcomed him into their church and he almost could not carry out his assault. I hope that they will make a mission out of forgiving him, much as Pope John Paul II did with Mehmet Ali Agca.

This church has a long history of leading with love, not hate.  Indeed, many African American Christians have had a long history of love and care. I love the South, and I hope that we can show the rest of America that we know how to get past hate.  The racial killings in the North in recent times have been met with violence.  Here we have racial killings met with love.

The Confederate Battle Flag is for ALL Southerners: It is Time to End Reconstruction

As a Southerner I am appalled that the Confederate battle flag has been expropriated by evil people to become a symbol for race hatred, a purpose which desecrates it and dishonors all those OF ALL RACES who fought under it, not to defend slavery but their homeland. It is very well documented (despite lies to the contrary) that about 70,000 Southerners "of color" fought in uniform and armed (often dieing or facing imprisonment) as member of Confederate forces (both national and State).

It would be far more effective in reducing race hate in the South if Southern African Americans would embrace this symbol as theirs.  Do not allow it to be used as Dylan Roof did.  By recognizing that so many "colored" Southerners loved the South, they will help rid our land of the evils of "reconstruction", the program by which the South was pillaged.  The same forces that engineered the evil of reconstruction were allied with the Yankee absentee landlords that were responsible for the worst evils of slavery.

Slavery is an ancient institution in Africa, but it is an evil institution. It is true that there are idealized forms of it that have benefits, and many Africans have, for thousands of years, seen it as a way out of even worse conditions.  Voluntary slavery differs little from indentureship, but much of the slavery practiced in Africa and exploited to the rest of the world is  just the result of tribal warfare or religion-based terror.  In many cases, it has just been pure human trafficking. Many nations outside Africa practice slavery in industry, and slavery can take many forms.

Africans immigrated to America under a variety of circumstances. Large numbers came to this country involuntarily as chattle slaves. Others came as indentured servants (many of whom were betrayed when they arrived in America and forced into slavery.  Others came as free people, some bringing slaves with them.  For the most part they faced hostile conditions after they arrived.  However, many, even before 1860, thrived.  Some became wealthy (and were among the wealthiest people in America.

African Americans have fought bravely for their nation (on both sides in the War Between the States).  The first American to die in the Revolution is usually considered to be Crispus Attucks, an African American. During the Revolution, African Americans were members (both as free and slave) of Southern militias.  They served in the Confederate forces as equals, some even being officers.  No Northern or federal forces (except naval) were integrated until after WWII.

Citizen's United , a True Misnomer

Once more we are hearing from the right-wing corporate lap-dog  organization called "Citizens United", a right-wing (more properly, Reich-wing) political action group funded primarily by the infamous Koch Brothers.  Yes, I realize that I put my life in jeopardy by criticizing these people, but I have, on several occasions, taken a solemn vow to "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic".
   The Supreme Court of the United States has made a few serious blunders in it's history, and the current right-wing dominated court made one of the most serious in the history of the court when it flew in the face of the intent of our Founding Fathers by not only granting PERSONHOOD to corporations, but giving them unlimited political power by allowing corporations to spend unrestricted amounts of money on political propaganda.  Joseph Goebbels would be proud, and the organization so misnamed  as  "Citizens United" seems to be reveling in the prospect of being free to further the aims of fascism in America.  My father fought in WWII to keep fascism out of America, yet here it is.  Many Americans are alarmed by the rise of fascism in America, and we see a current emphasis on limiting the militarization of our police forces with the creation of SS style strike forces masquerading as emergency response units (SWAT units).  Small towns that may need such a force every half-century now have ill-trained units with lots of fancy, expensive, and dangerous weapons that they really want to use. 
   The true citizens (HUMAN) of our country have the opportunity to become united in repealing this wholly un-American court ruling. A proposed constitutional amendment would do that.  Last year the Senate approved a proposed amendment, but that seems to have died in the water, since the House refused to consider it even though it would have passed with an overwhelming bipartisan vote.  We now have to hope for a movement to force the issue, hopefully by returning the control of congress to the people rather than corporations and a hand-full of robber barons.  There is a movement to call for a constitutional convention, but we can hope that such a movement will result in pressure on Congress to act.  Perhaps enough people will vote in the next election to return control of Congress to the electorate.

Boston Jury Rewards Tsarnaev With Martyrdom, Lowers America to Barbaric Standards

   The Federal jury in Boston hearing the penalty phase of the trial of Dzokhar Tsarnaev, the admitted second member of the brother team of terrorists who carried out the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings,  has awarded him with martyrdom status, while simultaneously lowering the status of the United States to that of third-world, uncivilized nations.  In fact, the United States continues to embarrass itself by trailing only China, Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia in number of executions, and ranked ahead of Yemen and the Sudan.

   As a Christian, I note that the other nations in the same category are not Christian in any way, shape, or form.  Although the U.S. is supposed to be secular, there is no secret (note the dates on both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution) to the fact that we are supposed to be founded on Christian principles.  Jesus stated clearly that only a sinless person can be an executioner, and even He (the only sinless person) refused to be an executioner.

Florida Pain Patients Suffer Prescription Shortages

  Florida's ill conceived crack-down on lax pain prescription laws has had the result of making genuine pain patients suffer.  My elder son was in two auto accidents in recent years, neither of which was his fault.   In fact, one accident occurred when a drunk driver was fleeing another accident while being chased by police. That driver received a prison sentence.

   For a number of years my son  was on tramadol (along with a number of other medications).  His new physician changed his prescription because of concerns about seizures.  The new laws in Florida have made it virtually impossible to get his prescription filled.

   A few months back I was in an automobile accident (I was on a bicycle and was hit by a Deputy pulling out of a side street).  I suffered a whiplash type of injury, and will be in pain until I die.  I was given one prescription for tramadol, but have been told that I will have to rely on Naproxin from now on.  I have found that one 375MG Naproxin and 1 tramadol 50MG per day controls my pain (I am only in pain when up and particularly when at my computer writing, which is my job these days).  I have run out of tramadol, so now I have to rely on Naproxin, and will need to up my dose.  That will put me at risk for stomach problems (any nsaid causes that risk).  I may try supplementing it with Acetaminophen.  My son cannot take Acetaminophen on a regular basis due to liver concerns. I just took a 500MG Acetaminophen and need to take my Naproxen, so I will see how that works.
 
   

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai, my nomination for the World's Sweetheart

Some More Justice for the World's Sweetheart, Malala Yousafzai. Maybe

   News comes from Pakistan that 10 men have been given life sentences for the shooting of schoolgirl Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai.  Secrecy surrounding the court cases and the fact that the person accused of issuing the order for the assassination attempt was not included in the trails leads to some doubts as to how much justice has been reached in this case. There were two other girls injured in the same attack.  All three young ladies were moved to England for medical treatment, and continue their education there.
 
   I just want to say, with all possible respect, that I personally find myself having a bit of a grandfatherly crush on this lovely young woman.  She has shown incredible strength of spirit and a beautiful personality.  And she is cute, which really shouldn't matter. I hope that she continues to have a public role of the quality she has had thus far.

   To tell you the truth, I have a fantasy of the culprits being moved to a prison here in the U.S., being put into the general population, and allowed to interact with prisoners here who know what they have done.  And , of course, the guards being busy elsewhere.

   At the same time this news has come out, reports from Nigeria tell  us that several hundred women and children have been freed from Boko Haram .  This is not only good news, it is appropriate that the news comes at the same time as the news about the sentences for the people involved in the assault on Malala, since she was outspoken last year when Boko Haram kidnapped a group of over 200 young girls in Nigeria from a school.  Boko Haram is noted for their opposition to education, especially of women.

   I am not an expert on Islam, nor do I agree with many of the tenets of the religion.  However, I do know that true Islam (especially the Sunni denomination) strongly encourages the education of women.  We hear these groups (boko haram, Isil, Al-quaeda, and the taliban, et cetera ) referred to as fundamentalists.  Most groups referred to as fundamentalists are anything but.  I can particularly speak as to fundamental Christianity, and have written on the subject repeatedly on the internet.  If I haven.t already made a post on this blog, I will soon.

Yes, Yesterday Was Earth Day

  I just realized that yesterday was, in fact,  Unesco Earthday.  First not really very celebrated in the U.S. in 1970,  Earthday is intended to show support for the Earth's environment, something that should be at the top of everyone's list.  I wonder how Flat-Earthers celebrate it?
  California is suffering a major drought (I may be from Florida, but I can't really feel good about that). Catastrophic pollution has resulted from the Tsunami that hit Japan, the BP disaster in the Gulf is 5 years old.  Yes, there is progress in developing alternative power sources,  and some nations have made attempts to protect forests.  We still have an exploding world population, and hate-mongers still spread ethnic warfare.
  Happy Birthday, World. 

Oklahoma City to Sandy Hook: When Will the Terror End?

   Today (April 19th)  marks the twentieth anniversary of one of the low points in American history, the Oklahoma City bombing.  This horrible act was the action of a gun rights  advocate, Timothy McVeigh, partly to protest the mishandling of the David Koresh/ waco incident, and partly to assert his right to sell explosive materials to anyone who wanted them.

   At the same time, musician Tim McGraw, a gun-owner, is being criticized by gun-rights fanatics for agreeing to perform at a fund-raiser for the Sandy Hook community. Like Mr.McGraw, I am a gun owner who believes that gun ownership comes with responsibility, and I believe that reasonable gun ownership regulations are not only Constitutional, but one of the reasons we, the people, form a government is to legislate the regulations needed for a "well regulated militia".

   I am sure that there will always be people who take advantage of the freedoms that are part of a free society,   but we do not need more Oklahoma City bombings, Sandy-Hook massacres, or more Wacos or wounded knees.

Boko Haram Kidnappings, A Year Later

It has been a year since the kidnapping of almost 300 girls from a school in Nigeria by the terrorist group Boko Haram. Boko Haram is a terror group acting in the name of Islam, advocating an extremist perversion of Islam, with a particular hate for education, especially of girls (or women). Nobel Peace Prize  laureate Malala Yousfazai has posted a message to the missing girls, adding her voice to those reminding the world of this abominable act. I would like to say that I think that this young woman is a great inspiration.  With great respect  I say I think I'm in love (in a human sense) with this young lady.  I hope that she continues to be an inspiration for us all.

 This group reminds of us the ancient tradition of slavery in Africa.  (Other radical Islamicist groups in the Middle East, especially ISIS, have also practiced enslavement, but seem to prefer murder).  Many families in Africa sell off their eldest children to provide for the rest of the family, but this type of  enslavement is the worst type of slavery.  The practice of families selling their children usually involves some degree of care and often is seen as an opportunity for the slave to find a better life than the abject poverty from which they come.  Indeed, there are Christian groups who seek to buy these children, educate them, and allow them to actually earn money to send to their families (they are freed, but given the opportunity to earn their freedom so as to free their minds from the concept of slavery).
 Some other groups simply buy and liberate slaves, especially since there has been a explosion of legal slavery used as a way to suppress some groups in some parts of Africa. 

Patriotic Gyrocopter Pilot Risks Life to Make Point, Makes Two

A little before 2 P.M. on Wednesday , April 15 2015 a gyrocopter piloted by Doug Hughes. managed to land on the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol.  Doug ( a "mailman") was attempting to deliver letters to every member of Congress advocating reform to counter the horrendous, un-American Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court.

The "Founding Fathers" of our Nation clearly disliked and distrusted corporations. and severely restricted issuance  of corporate charters, and usually required that they be for limited periods.  After all, one of the primary causes of the revolution was the taxes imposed to protect the profits of the East India  Company, a corporation which traded tea and opium, among other things.  The opium trade was primarily to addicts in China, so that they would be able to buy Chinese goods without the use of silver.   The British were afraid of spending all their silver for Chinese goods, and China did not particularly want British manufactured goods. British goods could be sold in India, where Opium was being grown for the East India company.

In addition to bringing attention to the Citizens United  ruling, which begs for a Constitutional Amendment to make clear that Corporations are NOT persons and should have only those rights and powers granted to them in their corporate charters (and those rights should be restricted), Doug also brought to everyone's attention the fact that he was able to fly undetected into what is supposed to be one of the most restricted airspaces in the world.  Doug had been publicly stating his intentions, and had even been questioned several times by the Secret Service concerning his plans over the last few years.

If Doug achieves nothing else, his actions will probably result in improved security for the DC airspace.  It is unlikely that any actions to counter the Citizens United ruling will occur with the current make-up of Congress.  If the 2016 elections return Congress to Democratic control under a Democratic President, we may see some action.  It will probably take a popular movement to amend the Constitution .

In doing my research for this article I looked at the history of the "Tea Party" group. The forbears of the group date back to 1984 (an ominous date) when the Koch Brothers started a group called Citizens for a Sound Economy . This group soon began receiving substantial funding from the Tobacco industry,  has had a major agenda of defeating any attempts to regulate the tobacco industry, and has tried to defeat and health agenda relating to the dangers of tobacco.  The anti-public health care agenda stems from the fear of the tobacco industry that "Obamacare" (or any other universal health-care program) would seek to reduce the profits of the tobacco industry).

It is disgusting that the "Tea Party" (which I prefer to call the "Me Party")  so disgraces the memory of the Patriots who fought the greed of the East India Company by being a front for some of the worst offenders of corporate misfeasance in modern times.  Seeing this part of the history of the "Tea Party" has finally given me a better understanding of why this group seeks to prevent tens of millions of Americans from being able to access health care, and why these people continue to refuse to accept the overwhelming evidence for the anthropogenic nature of global warming. What is also shocking to me is that the Tea Party advocates for restricting voter rights to property owners, a policy that even most Southern racist groups had rejected well over 100 years ago.

The anti-global warming beliefs of the "Tea Party" are part of a general anti-science agenda of this group.  What is pathetic is that they somehow link their denier stance to their so-called "fundamentalist" Christian views.   Besides the fact that people who call their-selves "fundamentalist Christians" are anything but fundamentalist ("Christ Crucified" is the fundamental concept of Christianity). the Bible clearly predicts heat to be the cause of the next episode of mass destruction of the world. Of course, many of these people are nihilists, hoping for the end of human life on this world.

White Trash Politics

I have been having trouble getting back to my writing after the death of my son and the pains of my physical injuries resulting from my bicycle accident compounded by the SS tactics of some local deputies while my other son was having medical problems.  I promise to get the article about SS tactics here in America done soon, as well as an article about Daniel (the son who passed away. )

I have been able to do some commenting on-line about news stuff, and one of the topics I commented on just demands some blog comment.  There has been much coverage on the topic of police treatment of African Americans (and other Americans with dark skin).  I was just commenting about the Lt. Governor of Missouri and his comments about the President and the Attorney General.  I was brought up in the South.  I started off by commenting on how Missouri is an embarrassment.to the South. While thinking about the issue, I  recalled how I had been brought up to associate certain racial attitudes with "white trash".   In the more "genteel" parts of the South white slave-holders were raised with the concept of the "white man's burden" and were taught that slave-holders were responsible for the welfare of their charges.  They were obligated to protect their slaves, and to help "civilize" them.  Generally,  they continued to protect the freed slaves and advocate for their education.  Confederate General Bedford Forrest was a leading advocate for black voter's rights and employment (the original KKK he founded was racially integrated and protected southern Black women who were being raped by Northern troops.  He also disbanded the Klan when it became racist).

In the 1960s I was taught that the dreaded "N word" was used by white trash, not white people of good breeding.Yes, the concepts I have been describing are associated with a Patriarchal set of concepts that have their own racist slant. I do not apologize, however, for being appalled by the way that the Ferguson police reacted to the protests in Ferguson.  I do not know the exact details of the incident that gave rise to the initial protests, but it does not take a genius to know that a city with a 67% black population and less than 10% black representation on the police force has a racist police department.  I am a white man from the South and have had a lifetime witnessing police mistreatment of "colored" citizens. I have no trouble understanding that some communities have problems resulting from long standing poverty and economic exploitation.  I also understand that the origins of slavery in America may well have resulted in a disproportionate number of "black" people with violent tendencies.  But the fact is that any individual person must be treated with a certain minimum level of respect. When a person is taken to the ground with a death-hold  because he was selling loose cigarettes and dies as a result, something is wrong.  The rear choke-hold take down is barred in New York for a reason.  When a 12 year old boy is shot and killed for playing with a toy gun in what is clearly a play-ground, something is wrong.  It is time to call a spade a spade.  And it is time to call white-trash politics white-trash politics.

I doubt that racial prejudice will end anytime soon.  The problem is not so much that prejudice exists.  The problem is how we handle it.Of course, we need to respect the fact that there are always differences of opinion.  I am sure that not everyone who disagrees with the president or the Attorney General does so because of racial prejudice.  But there can be no doubt that frequently that is the basis .  And not all white people who have racist views are white trash.  But that is frequently the case. 

Republicans Fight to Keep Vast Pool of Undocumented Labor

   While I am working on my post about the growing danger of unbridled police power, I just want to make a quick comment about the fight by Republicans to ensure the availability of millions of undocumented laborers to work off the book, below minimum wages, and with no benefits such as health care.  President Reagan began a serious assault on American labor, with the intent of destroying labor unions. Under the Bushes this continued, with one tool being allowing millions of undocumented aliens to come to America to work with no benefits.  The sole reason for opposing immigration reform is to ensure that mostly Republican businessmen (especially farmers) will have millions of laborers willing to work for low wages with no benefits. There is no possible argument to explain why millions of illegal immigrants would come to America if they weren't able to find work.  One way to limit the use of illegal, undocumented laborers is the use of Union labor.  Bear in mind that the experience of industry is that Union labor is actually cheaper, even with higher wages and benefits. 

Jordan, Egypt Respond to ISIL

A while back I wrote a post about Jihadi Jim tugging on Superman's cape.  ISIL has invoked the ire of both Jordan and Egypt. Muslim countries have responded to the terror of this group by vowing to annihilate ISIL. More and more Muslims are beginning to see the horrors being done by fanatics. I hope that this type of hate can be obliterated from our planet. Many religions, including mainstream Christianity (Islam was supposed to be Christian, and was viewed as such until the time of Saladin), have been guilty of horrors in the name of God (a true heresy).

The fools just keep tugging on that cape.

Death of a Beloved Son

I have just been informed that my younger son, Daniel Aaron Baker, has passed away. This will mean a few days delay in my next posting.  Pray for all of his family. Besides myself, he is survived by his mother, his brother, two uncles, two aunts, numerous cousins, a wife,, an ex-wife, and two children and 5 step-children.  I believe that he is now with a loving and forgiving God,  and numerous ancestors.

Comcast Customer Service: Palatka Comcast Writes the Book on Poor Customer Service

   Before I get back to the subject of Storm Troopers in America, especially Putnam County, I need to say a few words about the terrible comcast customer service offered by  Comcast , especially in Putnam County, Florida. Recently I experienced a loss of my Comcast signal (TV and internet).  This was not too unusual, but after about 10 minutes I looked outside (it was the middle of the day)  and notice a Comcast technician working on the lines outside.  I asked him about the problem and he checked to see that he had not disconnected me.  I was still connected, but he said he could not check to see if I was getting a signal anywhere but at the connection.I called the office, and they said they could have someone check it in about 5 days.  We threw a fit, and by the next day they said they could check it Saturday. This was Wednesday.  We were told that since we were only one customer, that was the best that they could do.  We called AT&T and were hooked up the next day with far superior service for a slightly higher price (but far less than the same service would be with Comcast).  When I look online I see that Comcast is the worst rated corporation for customer service in America.  When the tech from Comcast finally got there, he found that a connector about a foot from the cable was defective and needed to be replaced.  It had malfunctioned when the technician tested the connection (he was checking all the connections on the line).

American SS Troops

My father and several Uncles fought in WWII to prevent storm troopers from coming to America.  I have recently become painfully aware that we now seem to have SS troops throughout our nation in the form of units that should be used for special emergencies, the so-called SWAT units.  What is probably a good idea for large cities seems to be a bad idea for most of our country.  I am having trouble writing this article because of an injured back and neck resulting from some bored cops playing with their new tools.  I will have more of an article in a day or two.
My father carried a badge for most of his adult life, so I am aware that there are both good and bad cops. I believe that most of the officers in my community are well intentioned.  The problem comes from the absurd idea that bad cops should be defended, or that we serve the cops (not the other way around). Just say no to a police state.