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Tag: Politics

A Birth, a Marriage, Family, and a Death

Posted on May 7, 2011 By Tom 3 Comments on A Birth, a Marriage, Family, and a Death
Miscellaneous

This has been one of those weeks when momentous occasions have come so fast a furious that I haven’t had time to blog about them. Each deserved its own post, but before I could put thoughts to ether, something else huge would come along. There was everything from national to international events, local and family events, the chance to slow down for a minute or two, and the chance to drive really, really fast around a track in expensive cars. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to short-change all of these and just give each a few blurb sentences, if for no other reason than to mark their passing.

A Birth

So, Obama finally released his long form birth certificate. Big deal. This issue was already over when the short form was released, as was legally required. As expected, some have already started denouncing this certificate as fake. My response? These people have brought serious charges, and now the burden of proof is on them. If you think it’s fake, then you’re more than welcome to visit Hawaii (at your expense) to prove your case.

This “birther” issue is nonsense. It’s a distraction. If you disagree with Obama’s policies, that’s one thing. But to continue this conspiracy makes you an idiot, plain and simple – no argument allowed. (And, no, I won’t allow any blog comments in argument.) Funny thing, though. These same “birthers” are probably the same ones that wanted to revoke that requirement so that Arnold Schwarzenegger could run a few years ago. This argument would be for naught if that had passed.

Read More “A Birth, a Marriage, Family, and a Death” »

Political Civility and Online Archives

Posted on May 19, 2010 By Tom 2 Comments on Political Civility and Online Archives
History and Genealogy, Internet

1913_Broadside_Greenville_Voters

In the current political climate of tea parties and voter polarization, the phrase “political civility” seems like an oxymoron.  It seems like everything has gotten downright nasty, with each group demonizing the other, and the word “compromise” taking on negative connotations.  Ah, for the good old days, when everyone believed in God, motherhood, and apple pie.

…or was it so great?

History is replete with examples of political rivalries that make the current climate look tame in comparison. There is the infamous pistol duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, and the caning of Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner by South Carolina Senator Preston Brooks in 1856.

Read More “Political Civility and Online Archives” »

Google Earth Censorship for DC

Posted on January 19, 2009 By Tom 1 Comment on Google Earth Censorship for DC
Geocaching and Maps

Frank Taylor’s Google Earth Blog had an interesting post this morning about updated imagery for Washington D. C., what with the inauguration upon us and all. Frank’s focus was on the realistic 3D imagery now available for the Capitol Building and other locations. I was more interested in what he had discovered about censorship of … Read More “Google Earth Censorship for DC” »

Election Aftermath

Posted on November 5, 2008 By Tom 4 Comments on Election Aftermath
Miscellaneous, Rants

At 11:15 CNN called it – Barak Obama would become the 44th President of the United States. I really hated not being with someone to share this historic election night. I had CNN on in my hotel room, and had hourly conversations with Laura, who was watching the same returns projected onto the wall with … Read More “Election Aftermath” »

Election Eve – 132 years ago

Posted on November 3, 2008 By Tom 2 Comments on Election Eve – 132 years ago
History and Genealogy, Local, Uncategorized

I’ve been re-reading Dr. A. V. Huff’s “Greenville: The History of the City and County in the South Carolina Piedmont.” I’ve just come to the portion about the “Redemption Campaign” of 1876, and was struck by the ironies and similarities with our current election. We may think the Obama-McCain contest has been ugly, but it … Read More “Election Eve – 132 years ago” »

A bit confused…

Posted on September 16, 2008 By Tom 8 Comments on A bit confused…
Rants

I’m a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight….. If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you’re “exotic, different.” Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story. If your name is Barack you’re a radical, unpatriotic Muslim. Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you’re a maverick. … Read More “A bit confused…” »

Who’s Gonna Clean Up After All These Elephants??

Posted on May 29, 2008 By Tom 4 Comments on Who’s Gonna Clean Up After All These Elephants??
Local, Rants, Weirdness

Our neighborhood and district are staunchly Republican. So much so that there often isn’t a Democrat opponent in the general election. Therefore, if we are to have any say in who represents us, we have to hold our noses and vote in the Republican primaries. This has had some interesting side effects. We get multiple … Read More “Who’s Gonna Clean Up After All These Elephants??” »

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