TomSlick
TomSlick's JournalDid Trumpster just say he was waiving the laws of war in Afghanistan?
I think when he said he was going to correct the Rules of Engagement, that's what he meant.
I wonder if he has heard of General Yamashita.
It's worth talking to people with whom we disagree.
I have been arguing for some time in replies to other posts that it is worthwhile to discuss issues with people with whom we disagree - to change the world one person at a time. Today, I had a small victory - very small - but a victory.
At Sunday lunch today, my mother-in-law started asking questions about the movement to remove confederate memorials in the south. She is a product of public education in Arkansas and was taught that the Civil War was the result of Yankee manufacturers riding rough-shod over southern farmers - with slavery as only a pretext.
Over the course of several conversations, she has come to accept that the south seceded because of slavery - that slavery was the cause of the Civil War. In today's conversation, she accepted that the confederate memorials (like the one on the local courthouse grounds) were erected during the height of Jim Crow for the purpose of making the local African-Americans know who was in charge.
Her basic good nature made her realize that the confederate memorials are a reminder to her African-American neighbors of all of this hateful history. At that point, the Golden Rule took over and she agreed the memorials must come down.
I appreciate that all of these conversations started from a good starting point. (She wouldn't have dreamed of voting for Trump.) She is also a soundly moral and intelligent person. Nevertheless, she has come a long way on her understanding of the Civil War and what society should do concerning the history of the south. I am confirmed in my opinion that those of us who can stand to do so, should continue to talk to our family and friends and bring them to the right side of history.
My Trumpster friends are next. I understand that not everyone can stand the conversations - but hell - I'm a lawyer. I live to argue.
How did Elaine Chao stand by Trump?
I've had many disagreements with Elaine Chao through the years but she always seemed intelligent and generally aware of the world - but - how in the name if basic decency did she manage to stand beside Trump during his "remarks" without walking out? How can she continue to serve a self-avowed racist?
For that matter, how can any self-respecting person remain in the cabinet or White House staff?
Is it OK
that after dinner my wife and I sit down to watch MSNBC while reading DU (each on his or her own laptop)? If one of us wants to say something to the other, we have to get the other's attention first by rapping on the table between us.
Do we need help or just a life?
1812 Overture
I'm watching "Capitol Fourth" on PBS.
When the fireworks started, the orchestra played an abbreviated version of the 1812 Overture.
In the past, I've just thought it amusing that a piece celebrating the Russian defeat of Napoleon is played at American patriotic events. This year as I heard the choir singing in Russian, I felt vaguely threatened. What changed?
Puerto Rico votes for Statehood.
Puerto Rico has overwhelming voted for statehood. What are the odds a Repub Congress will ever accept Puerto Rico as a state? My prediction is that all the talk about supporting democracy around the world will mean nothing.
My bet is that it ain't happening as long as the Repubs control either house of Congress.
Profile Information
Gender: MaleHometown: Arkansas
Home country: USA
Current location: Arkansas, USA
Member since: Mon May 15, 2017, 08:46 PM
Number of posts: 10,796
