Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Belmont Club
I haven't been reading the Belmont Club for awhile, but today's post, linked above, is worth reading. You really have to wonder whose view of Iraq is accurate: Cindy Sheehan and the MSM or the Marines on the ground in places like Falujah.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Dear Laura
Dear Laura and staff:
I listened with great interest this morning to your interview with the proponents of Proposition 75. I think a few comments of clarification should be made (please note that I am a conservative Catholic Republican and a member of the California Teachers Association):
1) "Agency Fee" teachers - these teachers are those who opt not to join the union in their district that is recognized for collective bargaining. These teachers pay a fee for the purposes of supporting the collective bargaining process that results in a contract. They do not receive any liability insurance as they do not pay for it. They also do not contribute to any political funds used by the union. The relatively recent change in the law on this issue came about in response to the "free-rider" problem in that some people enjoyed the benefits of collective bargaining without paying for it. I happen to think that mandatory agency fees should be abolished, but that is not at issue in Proposition 75.
2) I cannot speak for other unions, but the CTA Membership Enrollment Form has a specific and clear section that allows one to opt out of having part of a member's dues go to the political fund. Said money is redirected to the General Fund which can be tapped for other issues related to employment but not politics. Now, one can argue as to whether or not those funds should be refunded to the member who opts out or given to a charity of their choice, but, once again, that is not the primary focus of Proposition 75.
The CTA membership form is quite clear on the issue of political funds. Any CTA member that claims otherwise should not be a teacher. I selected to opt of the CTA/ABC political fund when I joined. Any teacher may do so when he or she joins or may change their position by simply resubmitting the simple form and shading the correct bubble on the form. I do not know if the forms of other unions are as clear, but the issue that is supposedly being corrected by Proposition 75 is a non-issue for the CTA.
Cordially,
Matthew J. McKinley
I listened with great interest this morning to your interview with the proponents of Proposition 75. I think a few comments of clarification should be made (please note that I am a conservative Catholic Republican and a member of the California Teachers Association):
1) "Agency Fee" teachers - these teachers are those who opt not to join the union in their district that is recognized for collective bargaining. These teachers pay a fee for the purposes of supporting the collective bargaining process that results in a contract. They do not receive any liability insurance as they do not pay for it. They also do not contribute to any political funds used by the union. The relatively recent change in the law on this issue came about in response to the "free-rider" problem in that some people enjoyed the benefits of collective bargaining without paying for it. I happen to think that mandatory agency fees should be abolished, but that is not at issue in Proposition 75.
2) I cannot speak for other unions, but the CTA Membership Enrollment Form has a specific and clear section that allows one to opt out of having part of a member's dues go to the political fund. Said money is redirected to the General Fund which can be tapped for other issues related to employment but not politics. Now, one can argue as to whether or not those funds should be refunded to the member who opts out or given to a charity of their choice, but, once again, that is not the primary focus of Proposition 75.
The CTA membership form is quite clear on the issue of political funds. Any CTA member that claims otherwise should not be a teacher. I selected to opt of the CTA/ABC political fund when I joined. Any teacher may do so when he or she joins or may change their position by simply resubmitting the simple form and shading the correct bubble on the form. I do not know if the forms of other unions are as clear, but the issue that is supposedly being corrected by Proposition 75 is a non-issue for the CTA.
Cordially,
Matthew J. McKinley
Friday, September 23, 2005
Hmmmmm.......
Henry Ward Beecher (brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe) once said:
"The federal government is unfit to exercise minor police and local government, and will inevitably blunder when it attempts it... However human the ends sought and the motive, it is, in fact, a course of instruction preparing our government to be despotic and familiarizing the people to a stretch of authority which can never be other that dangerous to liberty."
He was right when speaking about Union troops in the South after the Civil War and his logic is appropriate when considering first and long term response to Katrina and, possibly, Rita.
"The federal government is unfit to exercise minor police and local government, and will inevitably blunder when it attempts it... However human the ends sought and the motive, it is, in fact, a course of instruction preparing our government to be despotic and familiarizing the people to a stretch of authority which can never be other that dangerous to liberty."
He was right when speaking about Union troops in the South after the Civil War and his logic is appropriate when considering first and long term response to Katrina and, possibly, Rita.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
FDR - The Real Enemy of the Environment
How can the libs pin this fact of history on Bush? Damn that New Deal!
Boycott Everyone?
It is getting increasingly difficult to know where to shop these days given the bad decisions by corporate executives when it comes to donations to politicians and organizations. In reality, there probably aren't many companies that do not contribute funds to organizations or politicians of which loyal Catholics would approve.
However, some organizations are a bit stealth when it comes to their ties to objectionable organizations, and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is one of them.
I picked up a brochure for that organization's "Race for the Cure" that is to be held on Sunday, September 25 and recalled seeing a piece at Roman Catholic Blog linking that organization to Planned Parenthood.
The oddest supporter of this race is FM radio channel 95.9, "The Fish," which I thought was a solidly Christian (and anti-abortion) station. The entire list can be found at the Komen website. One has to think that many of these organizations are clueless about Komen's link to Planned Parenthood. I hesitate to advocate a boycott, but I do think that Catholic organizations that sell script should drop any companies found on that list.
However, some organizations are a bit stealth when it comes to their ties to objectionable organizations, and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is one of them.
I picked up a brochure for that organization's "Race for the Cure" that is to be held on Sunday, September 25 and recalled seeing a piece at Roman Catholic Blog linking that organization to Planned Parenthood.
The oddest supporter of this race is FM radio channel 95.9, "The Fish," which I thought was a solidly Christian (and anti-abortion) station. The entire list can be found at the Komen website. One has to think that many of these organizations are clueless about Komen's link to Planned Parenthood. I hesitate to advocate a boycott, but I do think that Catholic organizations that sell script should drop any companies found on that list.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Che
Maybe some of our more "open-minded" men of the cloth will sport more Che-wear in the near future to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Cuba, but those of us who understand the brutality of communism and one of its former (and, thankfully, dead) leaders will continue to support the Church in Cuba with anti-che wear.
For the latest dust-up, click here.
For the latest dust-up, click here.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Talk Like a Pirate Day
Arrrr... I took the test!
You are The Cap'n!
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!
You are The Cap'n!
Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some slit the throats of any man that stands between them and the mantle of power. You never met a man you couldn't eviscerate. Not that mindless violence is the only avenue open to you - but why take an avenue when you have complete freeway access? You are the definitive Man of Action. You are James Bond in a blousy shirt and drawstring-fly pants. Your swash was buckled long ago and you have never been so sure of anything in your life as in your ability to bend everyone to your will. You will call anyone out and cut off their head if they show any sign of taking you on or backing down. You cannot be saddled with tedious underlings, but if one of your lieutenants shows an overly developed sense of ambition he may find more suitable accommodations in Davy Jones' locker. That is, of course, IF you notice him. You tend to be self absorbed - a weakness that may keep you from seeing enemies where they are and imagining them where they are not.
What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Constitution Day
(note: I tried to post this from another computer, but Blogger didn't like the browser I was using!)
September 17 is Constitution Day, and if you didn't know it, well, the Federal government wants to make sure that your kids do if they attend a public school that receives any federal monies. So the powers that be in Congress passed a law mandating that such schools teach about the U. S. Constitution on September 17 (or the Friday before or the Monday after when it falls on a weekend).
So...
I taught about the theory of federalism (power sharing between the national and state governments). Then I taught about Patrick Henry and other anti-Federalists who warned that the national government would continue to grow and steal power from the states. Then I taught about the history of the Second Amendment and the need for a militia to prevent a government from being tyrannical.
Then I reminded the students that the federal government dictating to local public schools was a violation of the principle of federalism.
BTW - three of the first four days of school were dedicated to the Revolution and Constitution two weeks ago. We simply do not need any more mandated days from the feds. It is time to put Congress in its place in addition to abolishing the Department of Education.
Somewhere, Patrick Henry is telling James Madison, "I told you so!"
September 17 is Constitution Day, and if you didn't know it, well, the Federal government wants to make sure that your kids do if they attend a public school that receives any federal monies. So the powers that be in Congress passed a law mandating that such schools teach about the U. S. Constitution on September 17 (or the Friday before or the Monday after when it falls on a weekend).
So...
I taught about the theory of federalism (power sharing between the national and state governments). Then I taught about Patrick Henry and other anti-Federalists who warned that the national government would continue to grow and steal power from the states. Then I taught about the history of the Second Amendment and the need for a militia to prevent a government from being tyrannical.
Then I reminded the students that the federal government dictating to local public schools was a violation of the principle of federalism.
BTW - three of the first four days of school were dedicated to the Revolution and Constitution two weeks ago. We simply do not need any more mandated days from the feds. It is time to put Congress in its place in addition to abolishing the Department of Education.
Somewhere, Patrick Henry is telling James Madison, "I told you so!"
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Right vs. Good?
Sometimes what is right is the enemy of the good, and that appears to be the case in President Bush's acceptance for the failure of the federal government in Katrina disasater. In this case, due to political pressure from people who are hostile to or clueless about federalism, Bush has made a p.r. move for the good of the country, so to speak.
However, as to what is right and proper, and ultimately what is good in the long run will be for all state and city officials to know what their disaster plan actually is and to follow it which appears to not have been the case in New Orleans. The interesting thing is that not much has been reported about federal response in other areas hit (like Mississippi and Alabama). I am not using this to claim that the federal governments response in these areas was right or proper. But I do hope that, good or bad, that the response in these areas is evaluated as well as the response in N.O.
More later if I have time!
However, as to what is right and proper, and ultimately what is good in the long run will be for all state and city officials to know what their disaster plan actually is and to follow it which appears to not have been the case in New Orleans. The interesting thing is that not much has been reported about federal response in other areas hit (like Mississippi and Alabama). I am not using this to claim that the federal governments response in these areas was right or proper. But I do hope that, good or bad, that the response in these areas is evaluated as well as the response in N.O.
More later if I have time!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
WWRD?
(note: this is in response to Mr. Martin's question seen as a comment in the previous post)
Given President Reagan's firm policy of promoting states' rights and his admiration for the Tocquevillean notion of local government, I think he probaly would not have done much differently. On the p.r. side, he may have shipped V.P. Bush off to Baton Rouge on Monday night to "coordinate" things between the Federal and state governments.
FEMA has been a generally succesful entity, and much of that success can be attributed to how well local officials of both parties (Dem. and Rep.) have worked with it in the face of other disasters. It is becoming more and more apparent that the new Confederacy of Dunces (Mayor Nagin and Gov. Blanco) were underprepared and overwhelmed. The mayor doesn't seem too bright as can be seen in this quote found in yesterday's Financial Times: "My biggest mistake was to believe that, in the country of America that can move fleets of aircraft across the globe, the cavalry would come in two to three days, and it did not come." Obviously, the mayor has no clue how long it takes to move military equipment, supplies and manpower.
Bush bashers should check out the timeline of events and other stories at Right Wing Nut House. (note: RWNH is harsher on Bush than I am.)
Given President Reagan's firm policy of promoting states' rights and his admiration for the Tocquevillean notion of local government, I think he probaly would not have done much differently. On the p.r. side, he may have shipped V.P. Bush off to Baton Rouge on Monday night to "coordinate" things between the Federal and state governments.
FEMA has been a generally succesful entity, and much of that success can be attributed to how well local officials of both parties (Dem. and Rep.) have worked with it in the face of other disasters. It is becoming more and more apparent that the new Confederacy of Dunces (Mayor Nagin and Gov. Blanco) were underprepared and overwhelmed. The mayor doesn't seem too bright as can be seen in this quote found in yesterday's Financial Times: "My biggest mistake was to believe that, in the country of America that can move fleets of aircraft across the globe, the cavalry would come in two to three days, and it did not come." Obviously, the mayor has no clue how long it takes to move military equipment, supplies and manpower.
Bush bashers should check out the timeline of events and other stories at Right Wing Nut House. (note: RWNH is harsher on Bush than I am.)
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Bye-bye Ralphs
(The following was sent to the Ralphs/Kroger comment department immediately upon my return from my shopping trip this afternoon.)
To whom it may concern:
I just returned from shopping at your store located at 1200 N. Central Avenue, Glendale, CA where I was verbally attacked by checker "Karen B." who commented on my WWRD (What would Reagan do) in an attempt to lambast President Bush. My attempt to explain federalism and shared powers only elicited an inane, evasive and emotional response from said person.
I suggest that you do not employ people who cannot refrain from verbally abusing customers. As a high school teacher of history and government it is my job to be fair and balanced while, for the most part, keeping my opinions to myself. I would think you would want your employees to do the same unless vebally provoked by a customer (which did not happen in this case).
I will no longer shop at Ralphs. With a Von's and a Whole Foods located nearby, I have convenient alternatives to your store.
Very truly yours,
Matthew J. McKinley
To whom it may concern:
I just returned from shopping at your store located at 1200 N. Central Avenue, Glendale, CA where I was verbally attacked by checker "Karen B." who commented on my WWRD (What would Reagan do) in an attempt to lambast President Bush. My attempt to explain federalism and shared powers only elicited an inane, evasive and emotional response from said person.
I suggest that you do not employ people who cannot refrain from verbally abusing customers. As a high school teacher of history and government it is my job to be fair and balanced while, for the most part, keeping my opinions to myself. I would think you would want your employees to do the same unless vebally provoked by a customer (which did not happen in this case).
I will no longer shop at Ralphs. With a Von's and a Whole Foods located nearby, I have convenient alternatives to your store.
Very truly yours,
Matthew J. McKinley
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center grew out of the Civil Rights movement. It has continued to this day advocating positions that are both good and bad. Unfortunately, it is on the wrong side of the illegal immigration issue as can be seen in the current (September 2005) issue of Intelligence Report which is its publication of record.
Mark Potek, editor, writes in his leading article about "undocumented immigrants." This categorization of those who are breaking the sovereign and reasonable laws of the United States of America indicates that Mr. Potek has little use for the rule of law. Potek focuses on one strange story involving Patrick Haab to condemn all of those who are attempting to protect the borders from the invasion from the south - an invasion that has been documented and shows that illegal drugs, criminals, and, perhaps even terrorists, are crossing our southern border virtually unfettered.
The next time you read about one of these "undocumented immigrants" killing, raping, stealing etc... just remember that Mr. Potok and his ilk really don't care about the rights of the citizens of the United States of America.
Mark Potek, editor, writes in his leading article about "undocumented immigrants." This categorization of those who are breaking the sovereign and reasonable laws of the United States of America indicates that Mr. Potek has little use for the rule of law. Potek focuses on one strange story involving Patrick Haab to condemn all of those who are attempting to protect the borders from the invasion from the south - an invasion that has been documented and shows that illegal drugs, criminals, and, perhaps even terrorists, are crossing our southern border virtually unfettered.
The next time you read about one of these "undocumented immigrants" killing, raping, stealing etc... just remember that Mr. Potok and his ilk really don't care about the rights of the citizens of the United States of America.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Politics as Usual?
Tom McClintock is still lying about proposition 74 - politics as usual. Here is the exact quote from his recent e-mail on the initiatives:
"Proposition 74: Teacher Tenure. Do parents have a right to expect a higher level of competence before a teacher is granted life-time tenure? YES. This modest measure simply increases the teacher probation period from two years to five years."
Hey, Tom, try reading the entire initiative since it radically changes the due process that teachers currently have in the firing process as well as retroactively repealing tenure for those who had it granted to them this summer. It also prevents those who are just one year away from getting it next July 1. At a time when experienced teachers are being lured out of state by better paying positions (like in Clark county, Nevada), fools like McClintock are making teaching jobs in the Golden State appear quite tarnished and undesirable.
The good news is that it is not politics as usual with the Club for Growth. Its hard hitting ad on the repeal of the death tax has already caused one senator to switch to the side of the good and is pushing the oddball McCain in the same direction. Check it out at the Club's website.
"Proposition 74: Teacher Tenure. Do parents have a right to expect a higher level of competence before a teacher is granted life-time tenure? YES. This modest measure simply increases the teacher probation period from two years to five years."
Hey, Tom, try reading the entire initiative since it radically changes the due process that teachers currently have in the firing process as well as retroactively repealing tenure for those who had it granted to them this summer. It also prevents those who are just one year away from getting it next July 1. At a time when experienced teachers are being lured out of state by better paying positions (like in Clark county, Nevada), fools like McClintock are making teaching jobs in the Golden State appear quite tarnished and undesirable.
The good news is that it is not politics as usual with the Club for Growth. Its hard hitting ad on the repeal of the death tax has already caused one senator to switch to the side of the good and is pushing the oddball McCain in the same direction. Check it out at the Club's website.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Values III
Same theme - different thread...
The seminaries of the United States will get their official Vatican visit soon. None too soon if you ask me. Hoepfully, this will prompt the removal of the lefties and allow good men not to be turned away for being too orthodox as has been happening over the last 25 years or so.
Given my prediction of a couple of months ago that the new Pope would allow the Tridentine and Latin Masses of the Novus Ordo to be freely practiced in the next year or so, it should come as no shock that the Pope has agreed to meet with the leaders of the schismatic SSPX by months end.
If the two sides can reach an agreement, perhaps they can celebrate by replacing the atrocious tabernacle in the cathedral of Los Angeles.
Of course, if the silliness of the lefties gets to you, just go here.
The seminaries of the United States will get their official Vatican visit soon. None too soon if you ask me. Hoepfully, this will prompt the removal of the lefties and allow good men not to be turned away for being too orthodox as has been happening over the last 25 years or so.
Given my prediction of a couple of months ago that the new Pope would allow the Tridentine and Latin Masses of the Novus Ordo to be freely practiced in the next year or so, it should come as no shock that the Pope has agreed to meet with the leaders of the schismatic SSPX by months end.
If the two sides can reach an agreement, perhaps they can celebrate by replacing the atrocious tabernacle in the cathedral of Los Angeles.
Of course, if the silliness of the lefties gets to you, just go here.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Values, Part II
Probably the key difference between the values of Provo and the values of Detroit is that the vast majority of people is that the former understand that they were created by God, that they are His children, and that they owe God fidelity and allegiance and should follow the command to love one another as I (Jesus) have loved you.
On the surface, it is easy to claim that the liberal big government welfare state is following this command as well. But as any student of such governments knows, the government granted entitlement system is long way from inalienable God given rights that government should protect (life, liberty and property or the pursuit of happiness). The shrill anti-Christian statements comeing from the left its spokesman (like Howard Dean), suggest that the ultimate source of morality is the individual in a nihilistic way and not God who has granted us free will to choose to follow Him or not.
The values of the folks in Provo are more in line with the traditional liberal ideas of the Founding Fathers. The values of the establishment and its supporters in Detroit have a bizzare mix of radical individualism and socialism that only makes sense in light of the writings of Antonio Gramsci.
I'm not Mormon, but I'll stick with the general values of Provo, thank you.
On the surface, it is easy to claim that the liberal big government welfare state is following this command as well. But as any student of such governments knows, the government granted entitlement system is long way from inalienable God given rights that government should protect (life, liberty and property or the pursuit of happiness). The shrill anti-Christian statements comeing from the left its spokesman (like Howard Dean), suggest that the ultimate source of morality is the individual in a nihilistic way and not God who has granted us free will to choose to follow Him or not.
The values of the folks in Provo are more in line with the traditional liberal ideas of the Founding Fathers. The values of the establishment and its supporters in Detroit have a bizzare mix of radical individualism and socialism that only makes sense in light of the writings of Antonio Gramsci.
I'm not Mormon, but I'll stick with the general values of Provo, thank you.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Values
While listening to Dennis Prager last week, I was struck by an interesting point. A recent survey shows that Detroit is the most liberal city in America while Provo, UT is the most conservative. The question asked was, "if Detroit adopted the values of Provo and if Provo adopted the values of Detroit, would Detroit be a better place to live in five years while at the same time would Provo have become worse?"
If you think that values matter, as many of the people who voted for Bush last November do, then you will answer the question in the affirmative. If you dont think values matter, if you think that it is all about money, then you would answer in the negative.
But that led me to thinking (yikes!): How much does money impact values? And, does the source of the money impact values.
More later.
If you think that values matter, as many of the people who voted for Bush last November do, then you will answer the question in the affirmative. If you dont think values matter, if you think that it is all about money, then you would answer in the negative.
But that led me to thinking (yikes!): How much does money impact values? And, does the source of the money impact values.
More later.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
No Clue Administrative Association
The geniuses at the NCAA have once again shown that they should all be consulted on how to win the war on terror, in a sensitive Kerry-style fashion, by deciding that:
"Colleges and universities may adopt any mascot that they wish, as that is an institutional matter," said Walter Harrison, chair of the Executive Committee and president at the University of Hartford. "But as a national association, we believe that mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin should not be visible at the championship events that we control.
Eighteen colleges and universities continue to use Native American imagery or references and are subject to the new policy:
Alcorn State University (Braves)
Central Michigan University (Chippewas)
Catawba College (Indians)
Florida State University (Seminoles)
Midwestern State University (Indians)
University of Utah (Utes)
Indiana University-Pennsylvania (Indians)
Carthage College (Redmen)
Bradley University (Braves)
Arkansas State University (Indians)
Chowan College (Braves)
University of Illinois-Champaign (Illini)
University of Louisiana-Monroe (Indians)
McMurry University (Indians)
Mississippi College (Choctaws)
Newberry College (Indians)
University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Savages)
I guess Southeastern Oklahoma State has offended Michael Savage the well known radio talk show host. Yes, linking your school to a right-winger is indeed offensive.
Perhaps the University of Illinois can change its name easily from "Illini" to the "Illin'" or "Chillin'" and come up with a new rap song for its fight song. Oops... rap is associated with minority groups and to call something a "fight" song is hostile on its face, so scrap that. Perhaps it can become the "Electioneers" in tribute to the state of Illinois' fine democratic tradition.
I can certainly understand the objection to the Carthage College Redmen. What good redman would want to be associated with a college that takes its name from a city that lost (that would be the Carthaginians). I know that when my fine Irish skin burns and turns red, I am embarassed enough. I certainly don't want to be associated with historical losers.
Missisippi College would have an easy change if the NCAA wasn't so uppity about tobacco. It could just change their name to the Chaws. Perhaps if they have a stick of bubble gum as their mascot it will still work.
And whoever thought that the name "Indian" was acceptable should be ashamed. Afterall, all those Americans who have lost their jobs to Indians due to outsourcing to India must cringe every time they open a sports page. Maybe all of the schools who have that mascot can change their names to the "Cabdrivers" or "7-11's."
The University of North Dakota could cash in on a name change if it chooses to go corporate. How about the "North Dakota Sue Honey Bees?" Toast, anyone?
Unfortunately, the NCAA has failed to address several other schools with insensitive monikers.
Sorry Notre Dame. I'm Irish, and given your recent poor performance on the field you neither deserve nor have earned the right to use "Irish" in your name. Additionally you are a FRENCH school, so stop running away from your roots (oops, sorry, running away is in your roots)... and that whole "fighting" bit is just so hostile. Can't we all just get along?
As a Roman Catholic, I have to let my own alma mater know that the name "trojan" can be seen as a direct slap at my beliefs against artificial contraception, and, therfore the school must change its name. Perhaps we can henceforth be known as "The Rhythm."
UNLV will have to change its mascot to, I guess just "The Runs" since the "Rebel" moniker could be deemed offensive by African-Americans. Perhaps UNLV can work in a sponsorship with Pepto-Bismol. Pink uniforms aren't so bad.
I am sure that the Sierra Club and other like-minded environmentalists will object to the poor way in which Stanford uses its tree mascot. I suggest that Stanford simply be known as the John Leland Stanford Junior Mints.
PETA will likely demand that the Texas Longhorns, the Georgia Bulldogs, the Florida Gators, etc. refrain from using animal mascots as it dehumanizes them (and all this time I thought PETA stood for "People Eating Tasty Animals." Boy, was I wrong!).
The University of Tennessee Volunteers are insulting all good volunteers by wearing a hideous shade of orange and singing Rocky Top that includes these offensive lyrics:
Aint' no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink,
but sweet as soda pop...
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar...
I've had years of cramped-up city life
Trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again"
Surely the NCAA will not allow UT fans to sing this song at NCAA championship events as it is so offensive on many levels: Urbanites who suffer from having to live in a smoggy environment are attacked; there is some weird bestiality going on that will offend PETA (girl/human who was half bear, half cat, with mink like qualities); and, members of Alcoholics Anonymous will certainly rail against the corn from a jar reference.
I am sure that the NCAA will want Holy Cross to lose the Crusaders name since it might upset Osama bin Laden.
Finally, the University of Syracuse will have to lose the name Orangemen as it demeans all (especially sun-sensitive Irish types) who can only get a spray on tan.
If I have missed any inappropriate names, please report them directly to:
Bob Williams
Managing Director of Public and Media Relations
317/917-6117
Thank heavens the NCAA is on the job!
"Colleges and universities may adopt any mascot that they wish, as that is an institutional matter," said Walter Harrison, chair of the Executive Committee and president at the University of Hartford. "But as a national association, we believe that mascots, nicknames or images deemed hostile or abusive in terms of race, ethnicity or national origin should not be visible at the championship events that we control.
Eighteen colleges and universities continue to use Native American imagery or references and are subject to the new policy:
Alcorn State University (Braves)
Central Michigan University (Chippewas)
Catawba College (Indians)
Florida State University (Seminoles)
Midwestern State University (Indians)
University of Utah (Utes)
Indiana University-Pennsylvania (Indians)
Carthage College (Redmen)
Bradley University (Braves)
Arkansas State University (Indians)
Chowan College (Braves)
University of Illinois-Champaign (Illini)
University of Louisiana-Monroe (Indians)
McMurry University (Indians)
Mississippi College (Choctaws)
Newberry College (Indians)
University of North Dakota (Fighting Sioux)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Savages)
I guess Southeastern Oklahoma State has offended Michael Savage the well known radio talk show host. Yes, linking your school to a right-winger is indeed offensive.
Perhaps the University of Illinois can change its name easily from "Illini" to the "Illin'" or "Chillin'" and come up with a new rap song for its fight song. Oops... rap is associated with minority groups and to call something a "fight" song is hostile on its face, so scrap that. Perhaps it can become the "Electioneers" in tribute to the state of Illinois' fine democratic tradition.
I can certainly understand the objection to the Carthage College Redmen. What good redman would want to be associated with a college that takes its name from a city that lost (that would be the Carthaginians). I know that when my fine Irish skin burns and turns red, I am embarassed enough. I certainly don't want to be associated with historical losers.
Missisippi College would have an easy change if the NCAA wasn't so uppity about tobacco. It could just change their name to the Chaws. Perhaps if they have a stick of bubble gum as their mascot it will still work.
And whoever thought that the name "Indian" was acceptable should be ashamed. Afterall, all those Americans who have lost their jobs to Indians due to outsourcing to India must cringe every time they open a sports page. Maybe all of the schools who have that mascot can change their names to the "Cabdrivers" or "7-11's."
The University of North Dakota could cash in on a name change if it chooses to go corporate. How about the "North Dakota Sue Honey Bees?" Toast, anyone?
Unfortunately, the NCAA has failed to address several other schools with insensitive monikers.
Sorry Notre Dame. I'm Irish, and given your recent poor performance on the field you neither deserve nor have earned the right to use "Irish" in your name. Additionally you are a FRENCH school, so stop running away from your roots (oops, sorry, running away is in your roots)... and that whole "fighting" bit is just so hostile. Can't we all just get along?
As a Roman Catholic, I have to let my own alma mater know that the name "trojan" can be seen as a direct slap at my beliefs against artificial contraception, and, therfore the school must change its name. Perhaps we can henceforth be known as "The Rhythm."
UNLV will have to change its mascot to, I guess just "The Runs" since the "Rebel" moniker could be deemed offensive by African-Americans. Perhaps UNLV can work in a sponsorship with Pepto-Bismol. Pink uniforms aren't so bad.
I am sure that the Sierra Club and other like-minded environmentalists will object to the poor way in which Stanford uses its tree mascot. I suggest that Stanford simply be known as the John Leland Stanford Junior Mints.
PETA will likely demand that the Texas Longhorns, the Georgia Bulldogs, the Florida Gators, etc. refrain from using animal mascots as it dehumanizes them (and all this time I thought PETA stood for "People Eating Tasty Animals." Boy, was I wrong!).
The University of Tennessee Volunteers are insulting all good volunteers by wearing a hideous shade of orange and singing Rocky Top that includes these offensive lyrics:
Aint' no smoggy smoke on Rocky Top
Ain't no telephone bills
Once I had a girl on Rocky Top
Half bear, other half cat
Wild as a mink,
but sweet as soda pop...
That's why all the folks on Rocky Top
Get their corn from a jar...
I've had years of cramped-up city life
Trapped like a duck in a pen
All I know is it's a pity life
Can't be simple again"
Surely the NCAA will not allow UT fans to sing this song at NCAA championship events as it is so offensive on many levels: Urbanites who suffer from having to live in a smoggy environment are attacked; there is some weird bestiality going on that will offend PETA (girl/human who was half bear, half cat, with mink like qualities); and, members of Alcoholics Anonymous will certainly rail against the corn from a jar reference.
I am sure that the NCAA will want Holy Cross to lose the Crusaders name since it might upset Osama bin Laden.
Finally, the University of Syracuse will have to lose the name Orangemen as it demeans all (especially sun-sensitive Irish types) who can only get a spray on tan.
If I have missed any inappropriate names, please report them directly to:
Bob Williams
Managing Director of Public and Media Relations
317/917-6117
Thank heavens the NCAA is on the job!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Why is it...?
Imagine two different news stories, one about a series of suicide terrorists and one about someone who either blows up an abortion clinic or kills an abortion doctor. Since these are or have been real events, conjuring up the reports in your mind should be an easy task.
Now, tell me if I'm wrong...
Story number one (terrorists), would probably generate great angst on the left whose representatives would probably (and have) argue that we need to understand the terrorists and help them in some way.
Story number two (abortion clinic explosion) would generate great anst on the left whose representatives would probably (and have) decry the attempt to take away a woman's "right to chose" while at the same time attacking the ideology of the "crazy Christian right."
Why won't the liberals attack the ideology of the crazies in story number one?
Liberal Answer: Christianity is the problem in both stories (i.e. the crusades and anti-abortion thought).
Correct Answer: Both sides have killers who have intrepreted their personal religious doctrines so that they have the "right" to kill. In reality, both sides of the lunatic fringe of Islam and Christinanity are wrong if they are led to kill in such a way.
Now, tell me if I'm wrong...
Story number one (terrorists), would probably generate great angst on the left whose representatives would probably (and have) argue that we need to understand the terrorists and help them in some way.
Story number two (abortion clinic explosion) would generate great anst on the left whose representatives would probably (and have) decry the attempt to take away a woman's "right to chose" while at the same time attacking the ideology of the "crazy Christian right."
Why won't the liberals attack the ideology of the crazies in story number one?
Liberal Answer: Christianity is the problem in both stories (i.e. the crusades and anti-abortion thought).
Correct Answer: Both sides have killers who have intrepreted their personal religious doctrines so that they have the "right" to kill. In reality, both sides of the lunatic fringe of Islam and Christinanity are wrong if they are led to kill in such a way.
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