Real Music: Whatever

Song of the week?

No.

Song of the month?

Not even.

Song of the new millennia?

You betcha.

So take literally 90 seconds for a temporary escape from all of your preoccupations and listen to a song by an eccentric artisan named Liam Lynch. You just might learn about the attitude required to handle what life throws at you.

Sunday’s Quote: Teddy’s rebuttal to the Occupiers

c/o American Gallery

Although a recent story from LiveScience.com senior writer Stephanie Pappas claims otherwise, it seems the United States is now fundamentally divided into dual factions: those who know what America is, and those who want our Republic, despite their amicable rhetoric, to become something vastly different.

It’s the latter who concerns a substantial portion of the populace most, especially since we began reaping the benefit of choosing one of their own to lead our nation. Referencing Obama’s State of the Union address, syndicated columnist George Will wrote, “Progressive presidents use martial language as a way of encouraging Americans to confuse civilian politics with military exertions, thereby circumventing an impediment to progressive aspirations — the Constitution and the patience it demands.”

He concluded, “Like other progressive presidents fond of military metaphors, [Obama] rejects the patience of politics required by the Constitution he has sworn to uphold.”

Judging from Will’s assertions, one might assume that an Occupier was elected to reside in The White House. It’s not such a stretch considering the hordes of would-be revolutionaries who have taken to the streets in protest all over the world via the belief that ordinary citizens are held down almost entirely by the ultra-wealthy few. If such a driving sentiment isn’t central to the core of Alinsky-inspired class warfare, nothing is.

Nevertheless, the quote included below is not to sing the praises of a flawless system. Far from it. Rather, the words of our 26th President (one of the finest) are tantamount to the hazards of embracing alternatives that are proven to be epic failures already, as the avant-garde Left so often does. Indeed Teddy seemed to understand these Occupier types long before any of them were born, in part because their mantra is not new. Here is Theodore Roosevelt to expand upon the point.

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“. . .as a rule, the business of our people is conducted with honesty and probity, and this applies alike to farms and factories, to railroads and banks, to all our legitimate commercial enterprises.

“In any large body of men, however, there are certain to be some who are dishonest, and if the conditions are such that these men prosper or commit their misdeeds with impunity, their example is a very evil thing for the community. Where these men are business men of great sagacity and of temperament both unscrupulous and reckless, and where the conditions are such that they act without supervision or control and at first without effective check from public opinion, they delude many innocent people into making investments or embarking in kinds of business that are really unsound. When the misdeeds of these successfully dishonest men are discovered, suffering comes not only upon them, but upon the innocent men whom they have misled.

“It is a painful awakening, whenever it occurs; and, naturally, when it does occur those who suffer are apt to forget that the longer it was deferred the more painful it would be. In the effort to punish the guilty it is both wise and proper to endeavor so far as possible to minimize the distress of those who have been misled by the guilty. Yet it is not possible to refrain because of such distress from striving to put an end to the misdeeds that are the ultimate causes of the suffering, and, as a means to this end, where possible to punish those responsible for them. There may be honest differences of opinion as to many governmental policies; but surely there can be no such differences as to the need of unflinching perseverance in the war against successful dishonesty.”
~ from Theodore Roosevelt’s annual Message to Congress; December 3, 1907

Editorial Sketch of the Week: What bias?

© Two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Ramirez, Investors’ Business Daily

The federal budget, in the simplest possible terms

Original source unknown

The difference

Our nation is divided among ideological lines like never before. Here is, in my humble opinion, the best way to view the opposing sides:

Original source unknown

Just Thinking Out Loud: While “fairness” is referenced. . .

Original source indeterminable

The State of the Union – hopefully Obama’s last – will begin soon. Whereas the President is sure to employ rhetoric about paying our fair share, let us never forget about policies that make George W. Bush appear fiscally responsible in comparison. There is nothing fair about that. So call it racism, ignorance, bigotry, or any other catch term if necessary, because that says far more about you than it does me.

Sunday’s Quote: The impact of fiscal negligence

c/o U.S. History

Our colossal $15 trillion debt, currently 101.1% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, is tops in the world by far. But CNBC revealed last September that the percentage of American debt-to-income ranks an almost respectable 20th worldwide among other mass-borrowing countries. Australia (138.9% of GDP), Spain (179.4%), Portugal (223.6%), Hong Kong/PRC (250.4%) and Denmark (310.4%) are just five nations that struggle all the more. Yet none surpass the dubious distinction held by Ireland, whose total obligations weigh at a bewildering 1,382% of its GDP.

How such financial calamities occur in sophisticated nations is beyond comprehension, although a failure among elected officials to abide by the standards that established their homeland appears to be the proverbial key that swings the door wide open for unsustainable liabilities that later become domestic nightmares.

Everyday citizens are just as capable of spending in gross excess. Although materialism and greed are unfortunate byproducts of free enterprise, such unscrupulousness is not exclusive to those who benefit so greatly from our economic structure. Moreover, alternative models commonly endorsed among the Left (centrism, collectivism, communism, socialism, etc.) are no better. In fact such ideologies are proven far more stifling to cultures that yearn for opportunity and self-determination.

Hence the social order is left with a question: will we temper ourselves, and thus demand our elected officials to do the same; or will we surrender what remains of our ever-diminishing autonomy and hope that, by some miracle, an unabated government will cease to function according to blank check policies and right the ship by all benevolent means?

Monetary issues concerning both government and the electorate are timeless. Verily we now have a President – a confessed redistributionist in the mold of the above-mentioned philosophies – who evidently views our established system as a mark for ultimate dismantling, the exploitation of which is only used as a platform to endorse something entirely different. To that end, one of the Founders offered the following:

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“The establishment of the new plan of government, in its present form, is a question that involves such immense consequences, to the present times and to posterity, that it calls for the deepest attention of the best and wisest friends of their country and mankind. If it be found right, after mature deliberation, adopt it; if wrong, amend it at all events: for to say that a bad government must be established for fear of anarchy, is really saying that we should kill ourselves for fear of dying!”
~ Richard Henry Lee, in a letter to the Governor of Virginia, Edmund Randolph; October 16, 1787

R.H. Lee (1732-1794) was a signer of the Articles of Confederation and the author of the Lee Resolution, by which the Second Continental Congress declared the Colonies to be independent of the British Empire. He likewise served a one-year term as the President of the Continental Congress and later acted as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate. Yet he is perhaps better known in modern times as the great-uncle of General Robert Edward Lee.

Editorial Sketch of the Week: As Congress returns. . .

© R.J. Matson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Rather facetious, but noteworthy nevertheless

A bumper sticker we’re sure to see in the coming months. . .

Original source unknown

They’re back. No doubt about it.

I became a fan of the San Francisco 49ers before I committed my allegiance to any other team, college or pro. Family born and/or raised in the Bay area (South Bay, to be exact) might’ve fueled my passion from before adolescence – the Age of Montana didn’t hurt, either – but I’ve remained loyal through all the highs and lows, and will remain so for life.

The Niners earned a spot in their conference title game on Sunday for the first time in 14 years. One more win puts the Scarlet & Gold in Super Bowl XLVI for a chance to win the franchise's sixth championship. So today I commemorate their victory over the ’09 champs that applaud both their recent and impending triumph.

Indeed, the smart money says the 49ers will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy on February 5. Don’t even doubt it.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

49ers quarterback Alex Smith celebrates after running for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of their NFC Divisional playoff game against New Orleans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The 49ers won in heart-stopping fashion, 36-32.

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Devery Henderson of the New Orleans Saints congratulates Alex Smith after the game went final. It seems the oft-maligned former #1 overall draft pick has finally arrived.

c/o Associated Press

Defensive Tackle Justin Smith, a Godsend from Cincinnati three years ago, celebrates after sacking New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees. His leadership on defense will be crucial if the 49ers hope to go all the way.

c/o Associated Press

Safety and special teams contributor Colin Jones celebrates after recovering a fumble by Saints running back Darren Sproles on a punt return as Roman Harper (#41) looks on dejectedly.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Frank Gore (#21), the 49ers second all-time leading rusher, carries the ball as teammate Bruce Miller defends. Gore, by the way, scored a 6 on the Wonderlic test prior to being drafted, which proves that you don’t have to be particularly smart to make a positive impact in the world.

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

49er fans en force. They’ve waited a long time for this. Only a win over the dastardly Cowboys would have made it sweeter.

Sunday’s Quote: So is he, or isn’t he?

c/o The Moorfield Storey Blog

The dispute over Obama’s alleged socialist tendencies has been raging almost nonstop since before he won the presidency, the subsequent burnout of which could possibly result in the electorate neglecting to recognize the peril of embracing an ideology that is the antithesis of the philosophical tenets that maintained our remarkable homeland for over two centuries.

Listen, as it were, to a distinguished European voice from the past, and then compare his definition of socialism to the redistributionist policies our 44th President has implemented for the past three years.

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“[The socialists declare] that the State owes subsistence, well-being, and education to all its citizens; that it should be generous, charitable, involved in everything, devoted to everybody; . . . that it should intervene directly to relieve all suffering, satisfy and anticipate all wants, furnish capital to all enterprises, enlightenment to all minds, balm for all wounds, asylums for all the unfortunate, and even aid to the point of shedding French blood, for all oppressed people on the face of the earth.

“Who would not like to see all these benefits flow forth upon the world from the law, as from an inexhaustible source? . . . But is it possible? . . . Whence does [the State] draw those resources that it is urged to dispense by way of benefits to individuals? Is it not from the individuals themselves? How, then, can these resources be increased by passing through the hands of a parasitic and voracious intermediary?

“Finally . . . we shall see the entire people transformed into petitioners. Landed property, agriculture, industry, commerce, shipping, industrial companies, all will bestir themselves to claim favors from the State. The public treasury will be literally pillaged. Everyone will have good reasons to prove that legal fraternity should be interpreted in this sense: ‘Let me have the benefits, and let others pay the costs.’ Everyone’s effort will be directed toward snatching a scrap of fraternal privilege from the legislature. The suffering classes, although having the greatest claim, will not always have the greatest success.”
~ Political economist and member of the French assembly Claude Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850), a classical liberal considered a forerunner of the Austrian/Libertarian school of economics, from his essay “Justice and fraternity,” published in the academic periodical Journal des Économistes; June 15, 1848

Editorial Sketch of the Week: An indictment of the media-at-large

A closer look reveals that this is not a knock on Romney. . .

© John Cole, The Times-Tribune (Scranton, PA)

Just Thinking Out Loud: The hot chick paradox

c/o The Daily Caller

I suppose being married to the lovely Ms. Kardashian isn’t the worst way to spend 72 days. Yet her every move, at least publically, corroborates an old adage for which there is almost no exception – the most visually appealing will also be among the most ceaselessly challenging. Enter her arena at your own risk.

(Not) Real Music: Rump shakers

An up-and-coming rapper who calls himself Mr. Ghetto doesn't get down at da club to meet women. Major retail outlets are his preference, and “Wal-Mart” (Joe With Da Dreads Mixx 2011) is his hook-up tribute.

I wish this was a joke. But it’s not. The video offering below is evidently not intended to be held in the humorous/tragic context by which most of the industrialized world is bound to regard it. So kick back and enjoy this latest sign of the forthcoming apocalypse. The end is definitely near.

Source: SB Nation

Just a thought for all the haters

Original source unknown

There’s an essential difference between Christendom and all the rest. Whereas people may look for a reason to believe in other religions, those same individuals tend to search for a reason to not believe in Christianity – an irrefutable consequence of how people respond when exposed to a Truth that doesn’t suit their preferences. Paradoxically, however, folks will always be drawn to a Christian who truly walks it as he/she talks it.

Sunday’s Quote: A “change” for the better?

c/o FrontPageMag

While an array of social and political circumstances guarantee various echelons of upheaval on any given day, this current era may well mark the first time in which one could rightly contend that persistent feelings of something which looms on the horizon is, indeed, more than a mere gut feeling – an issue made worse by those in positions of authority whose apparent indifference suggests that the welfare of the Republic has been compromised by a more sorted agenda that is vastly inconsistent with our establishing principles.

Dismiss this as conspiracy if you like, but Obama and his minions have made their intentions clear. Only those who refuse to see it will remain blind. But do not fret. Our past Commanders-in-Chief have offered rebuttals already.

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“The people cannot look to legislation generally for success. Industry, thrift, character, are not conferred by act or resolve. Government cannot relieve from toil. It can provide no substitute for the rewards of service. It can, of course, care for the defective and recognize distinguished merit. The normal must care for themselves. Self-government means self-support.”
~ Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States (R-MA, a legit small government Conservative), from his address to the Massachusetts State Senate; January 7, 1914

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“Those who want the Government to regulate matters of the mind and spirit are like men who are so afraid of being murdered that they commit suicide to avoid assassination. All freedom-loving nations, not the United States alone, are facing a stern challenge from the Communist tyranny. In the circumstances, alarm is justified. The man who isn't alarmed simply doesn't understand the situation — or he is crazy. But alarm is one thing, and hysteria is another. Hysteria impels people to destroy the very thing they are struggling to preserve.

“Invasion and conquest by Communist armies would be a horror beyond our capacity to imagine. But invasion and conquest by Communist ideas of right and wrong would be just as bad. For us to embrace the methods and morals of communism in order to defeat Communist aggression would be a moral disaster worse than any physical catastrophe. If that should come to pass, then the Constitution and the Declaration would be utterly dead and what we are doing today would be the gloomiest burial in the history of the world.”
~ Harry Truman, 33rd President of the United States (D-MO, a Southern Baptist and card-carrying member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans who advocated Civil Rights), from his address at the National Archives dedicating a shrine for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights; December 15, 1952

Editorial Sketch(es) of the Week: Football & Obama

It was difficult to pick just one:

© Drew Litton

© Eric Allie

Iconic Shot: Their potential was evident even then

c/o Van Halen News Desk, original source unknown

Last night Van Halen played a warm-up gig at Café Wha? in New York’s West Village in lieu of their upcoming 45-city tour to support “A Different Kind of Truth,” the band’s first album since 1998 and their first with legendary frontman David Lee Roth in 27 years.

Reminiscent of my September 9 post that also featured these four lads from Pasadena, the shot featured above was taken in 1978 during a promotional appearance for Van Halen’s debut album. Their eponymous release eventually went diamond (domestic sales of 10 million+) and would set the tone for an additional five groundbreaking albums with DLR at the helm before he parted ways with the group under questionable circumstances in 1985.

Although bassist/co-founding member Michael Anthony has been out of the band since the end of the ’04 reunion tour with Sammy Hagar (replaced two years later by Eddie’s son, Wolfgang), fans by all accounts seem more than satisfied – downright giddy in some cases – to see this otherwise “original” lineup return to the road once again with a new album set for release next month.

Considering the present state of the genre’ – AC/DC and Metallica notwithstanding – a return to form by one of the greatest of all Rock bands is both highly anticipated and long overdue.

Still-shot, borrowed respectfully, from the online promo for their upcoming tour.

Just sayin'

Original source unknown

Did You Know (or Care): The pre- and post-Paterno era

c/o Kristin

Penn State was recently defeated by Houston in the TicketCity Bowl, 30-14. It was the Nittany Lions’ first bowl game without longtime head coach Joe Paterno in a nearly a half-century. Such an unprecedented run got me curious about Penn State’s last postseason appearance without the legendary “Joe Pa” at the helm. What I found damn-near brought a tear to my eye.

The 1962 Gator Bowl (played on December 29 in Jacksonville, Florida) pitted Penn State against the Florida Gators. Led by head coach Charles “Rip” Engle, the Nittany Lions – ranked #9 nationally and winners of nine out of 10 games – were openly disappointed to be playing a second tier bowl game against a team that had struggled to a mediocre 6-4 record.

Feeling slighted by these ruffians from way up north, the Gators responded by placing a Confederate Battle Flag decal on the side of their helmets. The Lions reportedly mocked the sentiment before kickoff, but they were whistlin’ Dixie afterward. The heavy underdog Gators defeated Penn State, 17-7.

Coach Engle steered the Lions for 16 seasons, leading PSU to a respectable 104-48-4 record during his tenure. His retirement in 1965 led to the promotion of a young assistant who ultimately earned two national championships (should’ve been three) and victories in 24 bowl games en route to setting the all-time wins record on the highest level of college football.

Paterno’s departure may have been tenuous at best. But his legend is incontestably permanent.

Sources: The Helmet Project & The Florida Times-Union

Real Music: Wild Flower

The Cult have proven themselves as one of the UK's finest, and most underrated, Rock exports since the group's founding in 1983. Just as their acclaimed third studio release, Electric (produced by Rick Rubin), remains a vintage example of the genre' at its most dynamic, frontman Ian Astbury's performance on vocals further cemented the group's infectious trademark sound for which they will always be known.

This song represents all that is right about Rock 'n' Roll. Have a listen.

Sunday’s Quote: Thoughts for the New Year

c/o Red Dog Report

A friendly acquaintance named René recently posted the following on Facebook:

I’m a RACIST for criticizing Obama. I’m a TERRORIST because I’m not afraid to stand up for what's right. I'm a TEA-BAGGER for supporting the Constitution. I’m a TROUBLEMAKER for asking unanswered questions. I’m a TRAITOR for blowing the whistle on my corrupt government. I’m a CONSPIRACY THEORIST for presenting documented facts.  . . .  I’m ANTI-AMERICAN for supporting Constitutionalists. Yep, GUILTY! Are U Guilty Too?

Food for thought indeed. And make no mistake, this is the year we need to turn it all around. Consider those who came before us.

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“Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.”
~ The original motto intended for the reverse side of The Great Seal of the United States. Although largely attributed to polymath and all-around icon Benjamin Franklin, the committee (formed on July 4, 1776) was also made up by fellow Founders John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The Great Seal itself would not be finalized until 1782.

“Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us.”
~ John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress and holder of perhaps the world’s most famous signature; from History of the United States of America, Vol. II by Henry Adams [1921], p. 229

“Suppose a nation in some distant Region should take the Bible for their only law Book, and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited! Every member would be obliged in conscience, to temperance, frugality, and industry; to justice, kindness, and charity towards his fellow men; and to piety, love, and reverence toward Almighty God. What a Eutopia [sic], what a Paradise would this region be.”
~ John Adams, a Founding Father, the second President and first Vice President of the United States; from Diary and Autobiography of John Adams, Vol. III [1782-1804], p. 9