Chuck Hagel, Say It Isn't So

On today’s ABC’s This Week With George Stephanopoulos, Nebraska U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel said, “You govern by trust.” Wrong, Chuck. You govern by force. It’s as simple as that. Whether the particular uses of force are justified or not is another matter. But the use of force is central to any system of government. On the other hand, the maintenance of any system of government is by trust. When there is no trust, the system of government eventually collapses. The firing of eight U.S. Attorneys for apparently political reasons may be one more straw that breaks their camel’s back.

David Iglesias, Stop Spinning: You’re Making Me Dizzy

On today’s NBC’s Meet the Press, an email from David Iglesias (fired U.S. Attorney from New Mexico) ended with citing Proverbs 19:25 (“Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.”). He said on the show that he really meant to cite Proverbs 19:21 (“There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”).

Oh, please, David Iglesias, stop spinning. I think you really meant what you wrote. Look at. It applies perfectly. “Smite a scorner” – damage one who expresses contempt, i.e. you – “and the simple will beware” – the other Attorneys and perhaps the voters will pay attention – “reprove one that hath understanding” – find fault with one capable of knowing the truth – “and he will understand knowledge” – he will have the (political) facts. In essence, don’t mess with those with political power.

Rather than four verses earlier, David could have chosen four verses later and made as much sense: Proverbs 19:29 (“Judgments are prepared for scorners, and stripes for the back of fools.”) You figure that one out.

Election of U.S. President by People is Unconstitutional, according to U.S. Constitution

There's a LOT of talk about the 2008 U.S. Presidential election. This is the way it’s supposed to be done (substitute your own state for “Texas”):

Texas appoints Electors. The number of Electors is the total number of Texas Senators and Representatives in Congress. This appointment is done in the way that the Texas Legislature says - i.e. by direct selection, by vote of all Texas’ residents, by lottery, by flipping a coin, by looking at the stars, by whatever. Additionally, according to Article 2, an Elector cannot be a Texas "Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United States." (emphasis added) ... Wow, that would exclude a LOT of people.

Meeting in Texas, the Electors “vote by ballot for President and Vice-President.” The Electors “make distinct lists of all persons voted for as President … and Vice-President” along with the number of votes. This list is certified and transmitted sealed to the President of the Senate, who opens it and counts. If one person gets a majority of all Electors, that person is the President. If there is no majority, the House of Representatives chooses by ballot from the top three names, Texas having one vote. This must be done by the next March. (Amendment 12)

Thus, the primaries for Presidential contenders and the general election for U.S. President are not U.S. Constitutional. They’re a waste of time and money. (Of course, we already know that.) The Electors are supposed to do it. Why? Because the federal system is a Republic, not a Democracy. It’s not that it couldn’t be a Democracy. Just amend the U.S. Constitution. But until that’s done, let’s not pretend that it is a Democracy. Besides, even a Democracy is not what most people would really want... But that’s another story.

MSNBC Talking Torso on H-air

Now I know the republic (not democracy, but more on that later) is safe. An MSNBC talking torso related a story about how hair – its absence and/or styling – might affect the electability of a Presidential candidate. Forget their ideas. They’re disposable anyway: they change with the people’s wind. We must have a good-looking President. There’s so little to inspire us these days.

So, I guess I can finally forget about being President of the U.S.A., no matter what my ambitions might have seemed to be in my song on YouTube.com. Of course, I could always buy the needed materials. Everything seems to be for sale these days. But, I doubt if I’ll do that. There’s too much wind around.

Sorry, California

Well, I forgot about the Al Gore factor in the Miss USA 2007 show. Congratulations to Miss Tennessee. You won the lottery. I'd say, "Cheers," but I don't want to encourage you to drink. I don't think Mr. Big Wig is ready to pardon another lady with a drinking problem. After all, you are an example ... to someone. But I really think they ought to add a talent portion. Just strutting around half-naked should not be enough anymore. Besides, I really enjoy hearing people sing worse than I do. It really encourages me.

Sorry, Ladies

Mr. Big Wig (pun intended) did it again: the Miss USA 2007 show was the most boring one yet. Most of the music was repetitious and hideous. No talent is ever required. The questions were ridiculous. Who will the winner be? I'll say it's California's year. Let's see.

Sanjaya Malakar sings "I Will Survive"

Well, Sanjaya Malakar could sing that clever, peppy song. Last week I wanted to write about how he survived being voted off American Idol last week. This week I MUST write about it. I have nothing against him. He appears to be a very pleasant young man. But let's get real: he has a very weak voice and he lacks a strong stage presence. So how has he held on again? My theory is that India (or wherever we call) doesn't just ACCEPT support calls.