Winter Is Coming

If the weather prognostications are to be believed, we may have our first "measurable snow" here in NoVa in the course of this week*. Yes, Eddard, winter is coming ...

I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where we expected - and got - a lot of snow every winter. I remember walking to the bus stop (while I was in elementary school) and to the high school (which was about a half mile from our house) in all sorts of weather, but we were used to it. In Pennsylvania and points north, people learn how to drive in snow and local governments plan effectively to deal with it. Driving is miserable and nerve-wracking, but schools and stores remain open, roads are either cleared or blocked off**, and people manage. I'm sure that we had some school closures back then, but I don't remember any.

This is not the case here in my adopted home of Northern Virginia.

Almost everyone who lives here comes from somewhere else ... usually from somewhere else where it's a lot warmer and the techniques of winter driving are learned by watching news broadcasts of cars slowly spinning down icy streets. As a result, it doesn't take much beyond the vague rumor of a slight chance of possible isolated flakes of snow to cause utter panic.

We do have an advantage, though, because Congress has made total gridlock into such an art form that local traffic imitates it on good days, and so there's little difference between ordinary gridlock and winter-induced gridlock. The main difference is that we don't get to vote for winter-induced gridlock.

Here's a story ...

Back in the early 1980s we lived south of where we do now, in the NoVa suburb of Woodbridge. I worked at Fort Belvoir, about five miles to the north, and Agnes worked in Crystal City, about another seven or eight miles further north. One winter we had a mighty snowstorm that paralyzed the entire region. As it happened, it hit during the day that Agnes's company had its Christmas party. Our daughter was in day care in Woodbridge, and I was in the middle with the car (we only had one). When the storm arrived, I left work and drove south to Woodbridge to pick up our daughter (rather than pay the exorbitant fees for picking her up late), then back north to pick up Agnes, then back south again through the storm to get home. Actually, Agnes drove the stretch from Crystal City to home - growing up in the foothills of the Alps had provided some good training for dealing with the horrendous conditions we were facing. It was more than a little nerve-wracking, particularly since Agnes - like many Germans - is a graduate of the Heinz Guderian School of Aggressive Driving. The total time required for the trip - Fort Belvoir to Woodbridge to Crystal City and back to Woodbridge - was about five hours, and required an intravenous transfusion of schnapps at the end.

So ...

Been there, done that, don't need the snow. My order is in for two or three gentle, picturesque snow days between now and spring. And my order is in for Spring to start as early as possible. January would be fine.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* The Trump administration hasn't taken over yet, and so a white Christmas won't be mandatory until next year; however, the snow jobs will continue to be intense.

** If you've ever been to Pittsburgh, you know about some of our nearly-vertical hills that cannot be cleared in winter, and are simply closed off until spring.

Who Are You Calling a Fascist?

In today's superheated, thought-inhibited and fact-challenged political arena, we often think of people and ideas in terms of simplistic bumper stickers - "Crooked Hillary" and "Lyin' Ted" and "Little Marco," "Stronger Together" and "Make America Great Again." Bumper stickers are what we employ in lieu of things like reason and thought, particularly when we either refuse to believe unpleasant facts or choose simply to ignore them.

One of the bumper sticker words frequently used to describe Donald Trump and his most fervent supporters is fascist. Trump supporters object to this as an example of the Reductio ad Hitlerum* logical fallacy; however, it can be a perfectly valid comparison when viewed in a historical context.

First, a bit of linguistic history: the words fascism and fascist come from the Latin word fasces, a bundle of rods around an axe that served as a symbol of authority for imperial Roman magistrates. It represented imperial strength (a bundle of rods is stronger than a single one) and their power to impose corporal and capital punishment -

I've been thinking about the idea of Donald Trump as a fascist in the historical context for a while, but this article by Michael Kinsley sums up the argument better than I could. Along with Mr Kinsley's article - which you should read carefully - consider a few of the many definitions of fascism:

From the Business Dictionary: “(A) Political ideology that imposes strict social and economical measures as a method of empowering the government and stripping citizens of rights. This authoritative system of government is usually headed by an absolute dictator who keeps citizens suppressed via acts of violence and strict laws that govern the people. The most noted form of Fascism was implemented under Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler, who both stripped citizens of their rights and maintained strict regimes that resulted in the deaths of thousands of humans. Some of the defining characteristics of fascism are: (1) racism, (2) militarism, (3) dictatorship, and (4) destructive nationalistic policies."

From the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: “(1) A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition. (2) a tendency toward or actual exercise of strong autocratic or dictatorial control.”

From Wikipedia: “Fascists believe that liberal democracy is obsolete, and they regard the complete mobilization of society under a totalitarian one-party state as necessary to prepare a nation for armed conflict and to respond effectively to economic difficulties. Such a state is led by a strong leader—such as a dictator and a martial government composed of the members of the governing fascist party—to forge national unity and maintain a stable and orderly society. Fascism rejects assertions that violence is automatically negative in nature, and views political violence, war, and imperialism as means that can achieve national rejuvenation. Fascists advocate a mixed economy, with the principal goal of achieving autarky through protectionist and interventionist economic policies.”

One of the defining aspects of historical fascism is the merging of government and corporate economic power. Such a merging is obvious in the incoming Trump administration on many levels - for one, Mr. Trump's own enormous business holdings, which are far from transparent and from which he has thus far declined to view as potential conflicts of interest. Consider also the number of corporate titans he has nominated to Cabinet positions, with the argument that they are highly successful world-class businessmen who have run highly successful companies.

With all due respect to Mr. Trump**, the federal government is not a business venture. It requires leaders who can skillfully manage huge and complex bureaucracies, but it is not a money-making enterprise driven by a profit motive and a need to financially reward it's shareholders. Government at every level exists to serve the needs of its citizens - all of its citizens, not just big business and the wealthy. The citizens are the ultimate shareholders of the government, and they have a right to expect leaders who place the safety and economic well-being of the average American above the normal, ruthlessly hard-eyed business concerns of profit and loss. This is not to say that government at any level should be run without concern for the bottom line, but it does reflect what ought to be the fundamental principle of good government as understood by traditional conservatives: prudent management of the minimum resources required by the smallest government organization capable of providing the services demanded by the shareholders (in this case, the citizens).

Some will argue that active government support of business promotes economic growth, job creation, and increased tax revenue. I'm not sure that this has been proven out in practice, particularly the part about increased tax revenues. For instance, Mr. Trump has bragged about his success in preventing the Carrier Corporation from moving some jobs (the exact number is unclear) to Mexico ... but part of the agreement featured millions of dollars in tax advantages for the company. If Carrier isn't paying those taxes, who is?***

Beyond the immediate concerns of mixing corporate boardroom issues with governance and diplomacy, consider some of the other aspects of fascism listed in the Business Dictionary definition quoted above:

Racism. I personally believe that this has become a meaningless pejorative used to shut down legitimate discussion serious issues, particularly when used by those on the political left. This does not mean that there are not serious social issues in which race is a factor, but stifling discussion by loudly labeling a person as a racist rather than engaging in rational discussion aimed at changing their views does nothing more than cement already bad attitudes. While I don't believe that Donald Trump himself is a racist or white supremacist, it's clear that his campaign deliberately pushed buttons with racial overtones and interpretations, and his failure immediately and decisively to shut down his most radical and potentially violent supporters is a troubling analogy to the politics of the 1920s and 30s^†.

Militarism. While it's not militaristic per se, consider that Mr. Trump has nominated an almost unprecedented number of former general officers to high positions, including Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor. While they may be capable individuals, their nomination is concerning when viewed against the American tradition of civilian control of the military. By the way, considering that Mr Trump has described American generals as "embarrassing," and said they had been "reduced to rubble," he seems to be okay with appointing them to high government positions. He has also made very bellicose comments about many actual and potential enemies ... except Russia, which he seems to like.

Dictatorship. Remember that Mr Trump is the candidate who listed all the things he thought were wrong with America and then said "I alone can fix it." He claims to know more about ISIS than the military professionals who have been fighting it daily for years. He blithely ignores the conclusions of the Intelligence Community, even to the extent of not receiving daily intelligence update briefings. He has advocated limits on free speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of assembly, and complains bitterly when he receives critical news coverage. From his lofty perch, he fires off crude Twitter attacks against individual Americans. While he never directly incited violence during the presidential campaign, his careless language arguably inspired others to commit acts of violence they believed were now acceptable. All this does not make him a dictator - but it makes him worth watching carefully.

Destructive Nationalistic Policies. While Americans have a right to expect that their president will put American interests first in any international negotiations, it's worth remembering that every other country wants to put its interests first in the same way. Negotiation is not conducted by threats and bluster, but by a search for an outcome that balances the legitimate needs of both parties. When Mr. Trump advocates tearing up or renegotiating existing trade treaties and slapping large tariffs on foreign goods, he tells other countries that he's not interested in negotiation, but in capitulation. When he advocates denying admission to the country to every member of a particular religion, he tells the world that America has turned its back on one of its most cherished freedoms - freedom of worship. Such policies are destructive both to America's prosperity and to its moral standing.

And so, yes, I believe Donald Trump is a classic fascist. I can only hope that better men and women than he wake up and recognize it before it's too late.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Also known as "Godwin's Law" - "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Hitler approaches 1." In other words, if an online discussion (regardless of topic or scope) goes on long enough, sooner or later someone will compare someone or something to Hitler and the Nazis.

** And, sadly, that isn't much.

*** Hint - it's you.

† If you think this is a Reductio ad Hitlerum analogy, so be it.

Musical Sunday

Christmas is just two weeks away, and so I thought it would be seasonally appropriate to share this wonderful version of Angels We Have Heard on High by The Piano Guys ...

Merry Christmas!

Have a good day. More thoughts coming.

Bilbo

Cartoon Saturday

Christmas is just two weeks away - time for all the stores to start putting out their summer wares.

Astronaut and retired Senator John Glenn, one of the last of the true American heroes, died at the age of 95; the South Korean Parliament has voted to impeach president Park Geun-hye on corruption charges; president-elect Trump has announced he will remain as an "executive producer" on his "Celebrity Apprentice" television show, an act defended by his spokesman with the argument that "presidents have a right to do things in their spare time;" Mr Trump has dismissed the conclusions of all 17 agencies of the US Intelligence Community, denying their joint conclusion that Russia had attempted to interfere in the presidential election; and the Oakland, California, warehouse in which 36 people died in a fire last week had not been inspected by the local Planning and Building Department in more than 30 years.

Last week, we featured cartoons about dogs, and so this week it's time to give equal humor to our feline friends ...

I can see it ...

Schrödinger visits the vet ...

Sometimes, though they would deny it, cats need help ...

I can definitely see this happening ...

Lucy has this one down pat ...

Yep ... 

I think both Clara and Lucy would agree to this one ...

I loved this one ... especially the part about wondering about where "Mouses" is when you need him ...

The bible didn't mention that Mrs Noah was a crazy cat lady, but you never know ...

Safe in low doses ...

And that's it for Cartoon Saturday ... I hope you enjoyed it, and helped you take your mind off the craziness for a while.

It's going to be a bitterly cold weekend here in NoVa. The Christmas cards have been mailed, the Christmas letters written and sent, and the decorations and lights put up. The shopping is mostly done, too. This is all good, because Agnes and I will be spending a good chunk of today cheering on our granddaughter Leya as she participates in the regional climbing championships at the Vertical Rock climbing gym in Manassas. Long-distance cheers accepted.

Have a good day. See you tomorrow for a Christmas-themed Musical Sunday. More thoughts then.

Bilbo

P.S. - Don't forget to cast your votes for Ass Clown of the Year!

B.

Great Moments in Editing and Signage

Yes, we all still need things to laugh at besides the antics of the incoming administration. Here's the latest batch of Great Moments in Editing and Signage ...

I know that people are very sensitive nowadays, but when even the appliances get upset, I think things have gone too far ...

Nothing like a name that's appropriate to your job, is there? ...

No wonder they're on sale ...

A big hit with whom, exactly? ...

What do you suppose he used? ...

I'd like a quart of cake, please ...

This must be where Hannibal Lecter shops ...

My nephew Ed sent this one to me ... I wonder if Alex Jones is aware of it ...

Just water for me, thanks ...

There are no words ...

And so goes another week of Great Moments in Editing and Signage. I hope you enjoyed it.

Agnes and I will be spending much of the day cheering on our granddaughter Leya as she competes in the regional climbing championships. At least they're indoors, because it's pretty cold outside.

Don't forget to start casting your votes for Ass Clown of the Year - voting closes at 11:59 PM on New Year's Eve, and the winner will be announced on January 1st. Let your voice be heard - vote early and vote often!

Have a good day. See you tomorrow for Cartoon Saturday. More thoughts then.

Bilbo

Watch This Space

I have to take Agnes to the sewing machine doctor today, and so don't have time to write a full post for the day. Come back tomorrow for Great Moments in Editing and Signage, and while you're waiting, cast your votes for Ass Clown of the Year.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

Voting is Open for the Ass Clown of the Year!

In a PS to the December Right-Cheek Ass Clown post last Friday, I reminded you that it's time to start thinking about the selection of our Ass Clown of the Year for 2016. Today is the official start of the selection campaign.

By December 30th (the last biweekly award for the year) I will have named 26 individual awardees in 2016, all of whom are eligible for the annual award. Of course, if there's someone I missed, you are free to vote for the candidate of your choice. Here are the basic ground rules for the Ass Clown of the Year voting:

- Chicago Rules apply: you may vote as many times as you want, for as many candidates as you want. You may cast votes on behalf of yourself, your family members, your friends, your pets, your friends' pets, or anyone else, living or dead. In the interest of fairness, I ask that you not cast more than ten votes at any one time for any one candidate ... just vote more often.

- You may vote for any of the 26 biweekly award winners (the first 24 are listed below), or for anyone else you wish.

- You need not be legally authorized to vote in an official American election.

- Photo ID is not required. I should note that my friend Tom, in a comment on my Facebook page, asked, "If you don't require government issued photo IDs, how will we know that the Russians did not manipulate the results to undermine the integrity of the award?" My response was this: Those wild conspiracy theorists who are convinced that elections are rigged will assume that any IDs I require will be falsified, anyhow. And in any case, integrity no longer matters in a political world in which "facts" require no proof other than conformity to one's preconceived notions. I worry more about my fellow citizens than I do about the Russians. So, sorry, Tom - ID not required.

- Votes will be accepted from now until 11:59 PM on December 31st. You may vote by leaving a comment on any blog post between now and then; by sending me an e-mail; by sending me a PM on Facebook if we are connected there; or in person if we should happen to meet.

I will announce the winner in my blog on Sunday, January 1st.

Here are the first 24 Ass Clown awardees for 2016, and the dates of their awards, in case you want to go back and review the citations:

January 15th (Right Cheek) - Ammon Bundy
January 29th (Left Cheek) - Maine Governor Paul LePage
February 13th (Right Cheek) - (joint award) Rick Snyder, Karen Weaver, and Darnell Earley
February 27th (Left Cheek) - Martin Peter Trennenborg
March 11th (Right Cheek) - New Jersey Governor Chris Christie
March 25th (Left Cheek) - (tie) Senator Ted Cruz (R, TX) and Donald Trump
April 8th (Right Cheek) - Jamie Gilt
April 22nd (Left Cheek) - The Chinese Ministry for State Security
May 6th (Right Cheek) - The American Electorate
May 20th (Left Cheek) - Caleb Bailey
June 3 (Right Cheek) - The Worst Father of 2016
June 17th (Left Cheek) - Senator David Purdue (R, GA)
July 1st (Right Cheek) - Rep Trey Gowdy and the House Select Committee on Benghazi
July 15th (Left Cheek) - Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
July 29th (On Crack) - (tie) Rep Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Donald Trump
August 12th (Right Cheek) - Donald Trump
August 26th (Left Cheek) - Ryan Lochte
September 9th (Right Cheek) - Anjem Choudary
September 23rd (Left Cheek) - Wells Fargo CEO John G. Stumpf
October 7th (Right Cheek) - Rudy Giuliani
October 21st (Left Cheek) - Dr Howard Schneider
November 4th (Right Cheek) - (joint award) FBI Director James Comey and the Republican Party
November 18th (Left Cheek) - The Media, Both "Mainstream" and "Alternate"
December 2nd (Right Cheek) - Paul Horner

Vote early, vote often. Let your voice be heard!

Bilbo

Who Gets the Bill?

According to news reports (real, rather than faked), New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has sent a letter to the Obama Administration requesting $35 million to cover the cost of providing police protection to Trump Tower in midtown Manhattan between now and the January inauguration.

I don't know for sure, but it seems likely to me that hizzoner has sent the letter to the present administration because of Mr Trump's history of making good on his debts.

That is all.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

Looking at the Potential Upside

I've decided to look at the potential upside of the Trump presidency ...

As the new week begins, have a good day. Buy and wrap your gifts, mail your cards, trim your tree, and consume mass quantities of Chex Mix and hot spiced wine. 

More thoughts coming.

Bilbo

Poetry Sunday

Summer is definitely over, and we're moving through the cold and rainy days of fall toward the cold and (hopefully not-too) snowy days of winter. On these days, when darkness later and later grudgingly gives way to the day and eagerly arrives earlier and earlier in the evening, we often sit down and remember the warm and comforting days of summer, as W.S. Merwin does in this short poem ...

Remembering Summer 

by W. S. Merwin 

Being too warm the old lady said to me
is better than being too cold I think now
in between is the best because you never
give it a thought but it goes by too fast
I remember the winter how cold it got
I could never get warm wherever I was
but I don’t remember the summer heat like that
only the long days the breathing of the trees
the evenings with the hens still talking in the lane
and the light getting longer in the valley
the sound of a bell from down there somewhere
I can sit here now still listening to it


I remember how, many years ago, we would stand in the back yard of the old homestead back in Pittsburgh, warm and happy, and listen to the local church bells chiming out the Angelus, while Dad would tell us that "God made the summertime just for me."

Have a good day. Winter is coming*, but summer will be back. I'll be ready.

More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo

* Eddard Stark was right.