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Monday Morning News and Open Thread

By Jeralyn, Section Blog Related
Posted on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:36:57 AM EST
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The news today so far: Ford makes a billion in profits and Hamid Karzai has been declared the elected President in Afghanistan following his opponent's withdrawal from the race.

The Guantanamo detainees will be receiving the H1N1 swine flu vaccine. Some Republicans, like John Boehner, object.

Texting while driving? If someone is killed, you could do big time...in England. Death by Dangerous Driving carries 4 to 7 years. Bet it catches on here.

I'm off to court, here's an open thread for you, all topics welcome

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    Waiting in line (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by andgarden on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:43:58 AM EST
    for h1n1 flumist. I might actually get it.

    Done (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by andgarden on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:34:45 AM EST
    Easy!

    Parent
    Don't jinx yourself pal.... (none / 0) (#19)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:41:35 AM EST
    I'd hold off on the "easy" till you see if you get the flu or not.

    Parent
    I know I'll offend the jinx gods (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by andgarden on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:45:55 AM EST
    by saying this, but either it works or it doesn't. Statistically, in about a week I should be pretty well protected from swine flu.

    That's good enough for me.

    Parent

    I don't mean to brag, (none / 0) (#34)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:06:30 PM EST
    but I haven't had the flu since probably Clinton's second term, maybe around the time of that unfortunate private matter that got all blown out of proportion by his enemies.  Stressful time for many of us Clintonistas I suppose and it probably did a number on my immune system.

    Never had a flu shot, don't plan on any this year either.  I like my chances with my lifestyle -- vegan for the most part, allowing for some chicken soup in cold weather season, with daily brisk walking while trying to not encounter the occasional creepy coyote.

    Parent

    I also can't remember the last time (5.00 / 1) (#36)
    by andgarden on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:22:30 PM EST
    I got the flu--if ever. And I also never get the flu shot. But this one seems to be more contagious and more dangerous to people my age than the normal seasonal flu.

    Having a good diet and being in good health is wonderful. But I also like the science of modern medicine.

    Parent

    Well, I believe (5.00 / 2) (#54)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:30:34 PM EST
    in modern medicine, too.  Regular visits to the dermatologist for my at-risk skin type.  She's good, thorough and seems to tolerate my chit-chat rants about our currupt political system and the corporate media.  

    Then there are the annual visits to the regular g.p. for the precise head measurements and the traditional bleeding ...

    Parent

    Hm (none / 0) (#21)
    by Steve M on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:47:35 AM EST
    I don't know of any place to get one.  Our friends at United Health were supposed to line one up for our office but the backlog got too long.  The local hospital downtown is all out of vaccine and doesn't expect more.

    I'd kind of like to get a shot out of familial responsibility because I'm easily the most likely candidate to bring a bug home.  But there's a lot of people in NYC and only so much vaccine, I guess.

    Parent

    The people who overcharge me for classes (none / 0) (#22)
    by andgarden on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:52:08 AM EST
    secured a supply. I could probably sneak you in, but I doubt your kid would seem plausible as a student there!

    Parent
    Don't be so sure (none / 0) (#23)
    by Steve M on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:28:04 AM EST
    Did you see this post?  Any day now!

    Parent
    heh, that's great (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by andgarden on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:31:03 AM EST
    I have a similar story from my own pre-school experience. I corrected the teacher's reading of a muffin recipe!

    It's funny how some people just seem to figure out how to read without much instruction. The brain is a complicated organ.

    Parent

    So true (none / 0) (#35)
    by Inspector Gadget on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:18:08 PM EST
    and, this electronic age is even more fascinating in the development of the little folk. My grandson was a master at the iPhone before he turned 1, he can operate the entertainment system like a pro, knows his complete alphabet and the numbers so his keyboarding skills are quite impressive. His fascination with remote controls, cell phones, and laptops started around 9 months.

    Parent
    Bet it catches on here? (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by Moishele on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:10:18 AM EST
    It already has. A California woman was recently sentenced to 6 years in prison after she killed a woman by crashing into a line of stopped vehicles while texting.

    Good. That's what she deserves. (5.00 / 4) (#41)
    by shoephone on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:00:50 PM EST
    I can't count how many times I've nearly lost my life because of a texting or cellphone-yakking driver.

    Choices do have consequences.

    Parent

    This morning (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:15:44 PM EST
    sitting at the red light, waiting, I saw a woman driving one handed and talking animatedly on her phone.  She had to make a left hand turn, which apparently she's pretty good at doing with one hand.  

    At that moment, I began to figure out exactly what size font I need to use to make a sign that she could have easily read:  
    PLEASE
    HANG UP
    AND DRIVE

    My first impulse was to be less....polite.  I may make the sign if people continue to give me incentive.

    Parent

    I've just learned to accept... (none / 0) (#58)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:46:42 PM EST
    the fact that every time you start up the whip you're risking your life...the law can't protect you, to really protect us the law would have to be so tyrannical that I'd rather live dangerously anyway.

    Keep your head on a swivel and good luck everybody...it really is a jungle out there on the roads.

    Parent

    Some punishment... (none / 0) (#43)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:10:00 PM EST
    for deaths caused by reckless driving seems just...6 years is a long-arse time though...I'd bet we can't punish the woman anymore than she is punishing herself, assuming she has a shred of a conscience.  I don't know what piling a tragedy on top of a tragedy really accomplishes.

    Parent
    six years of not killing (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:18:26 PM EST
    anyone else?

    One teen said they'd buy a car that refused to run if it detected a cell phone in use.  They'd already had two major accidents while texting and even that....

    Sometimes, people need a really, really BIG clue by four.  Habits and addictions are hard to break.

    Parent

    Choices have consequences (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by shoephone on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:18:49 PM EST
    especially stupid, reckless choices that put the lives of others in danger.

    Parent
    Yes they do.... (none / 0) (#51)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:23:41 PM EST
    just saying six years in a cage is a long-arse time, thats all.  And there are consequences to handing down long sentences and being a league-leader in incarcerated persons too.

     1 or 2 years could do the trick just as well, imo.  Even 6 months.  Nothing brings the victims back after all...lets not throw another life away.

    Parent

    6 years (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:31:54 PM EST
    Is a cake-walk compared to the misery she caused for being reckless.

    Sometimes a slap on the wrist is not nearly enough punishment for people.

    Parent

    In no realm... (none / 0) (#65)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:39:54 PM EST
    is 6 years in a cage a cakewalk jb...nothing is underestimated in this country like the seriousness and severity of time in a cage.  It is a crime unto itself to place a human in a cage...never forget that.  Sometimes we have no choice, but make no mistake, it is a crime.

    Maybe you gotta be placed in one to truly understand...I've only done hours and it was literal torture. I have a hard time wishing it on even the most inconsiderate and stupid among us.

    Parent

    Oh, I don't think (none / 0) (#66)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:41:06 PM EST
    it would be a cakewalk for her specifically, but then I guess a more accurate statement is that I don't care how hard it is for someone who kills another person by acting selfishly and recklessly.

    Parent
    Care for the soul... (none / 0) (#68)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:45:40 PM EST
    of the killer texter or don't, makes no difference to me...but we all should care about our system of justice and how people are caged in our names.

    Maybe if we were all forced to jail a convict in our basement...look into their eyes everyday, see their humanity...maybe then we'd start evolving past tired chains and cages.  Absent that its just like our criminal occupations overseas...out of sight, out of mind, no skin off my soul.  

    Parent

    But (none / 0) (#70)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:52:13 PM EST
    What would yor recommend?  No one ever gets locked up?  We just say "Oh, ok.  You killed someone and we know you're really sorry and promise never, ever to do bad things again, so go live your life?"

    Some people make mistakes, yes, but if there are no consequences to mistakes, is anyone really going to change their ways?  And some people do bad things and should be punished.  And some people are just plain bad.

    Parent

    See above... (5.00 / 1) (#72)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:57:14 PM EST
    I said I could live with 6 months, 1 year, 2 years...6 is just too much for death caused by reckless driving.  

    I doubt the woman is unredeemable, or unable to learn the tragic err of her ways with a six month sentence, as opposed to 6 years.  Trust me, the 6 months will feel like 6 years to her...they don't call it hard time for nothin'.  

    The guilt alone is serious punishment...I know if I killed someone because I was an arse-hat I'd never forgive myself.

    Parent

    She'll get out in a couple of years (5.00 / 2) (#88)
    by Cream City on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 06:55:25 AM EST
    on probation, so going on and on about six years is just -- well, you're on one of your rolls, kdog, and won't be stopped by sense.

    But in a couple of years or six years, the man she killed will still be dead, and those he loved still will be grieving.

    And you'll still be going on and on. . . .

    Parent

    Eternity in a grave is a pretty long time, too. (5.00 / 4) (#74)
    by Anne on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 03:32:56 PM EST
    And I'd be willing to bet that the California woman had a lot of close calls before she finally killed someone.

    Maryland now has a ban on texting while driving; it's a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $500.

    We don't have a ban on talking on the phone while driving, or reading text messages while driving.

    We all know that getting behind the wheel is a risk, and I try to drive with an eye toward minimizing the risk to myself, and to other drivers.  I drive as defensively as I can, steering clear of those on the phone and - still - texting - or wathcing the DVD player, or looking at the GPS, or reading the newspaper, or putting on their makeup.

    Frankly, I'm tired of people who think they can use their cars as exensions of their homes, offices and bathrooms, depending on the rest of us to look out for them.

    Maybe 6 years is a long time to spend behind bars, but how much is enough to pay for ending one life in complete carelessness and disregard for others, but not enough to ruin the life of the person who committed the act?  

    I'm sure she regrets what she did, but saying you're sorry is the easy part, and it just isn't enough.

    Parent

    There is no way to make her pay... (none / 0) (#76)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 03:53:45 PM EST
    enough absent execution...I don't think that is what you want, an eye for an eye.

    It's not just her paying either...her loved ones suffer for 6 years too.

    At the end of the day, the roads will be littered with bad drivers no matter how punitive we make the laws...I just don't see the point of having bad drivers and bad law, when we can just have bad drivers.

    Parent

    No, no (5.00 / 2) (#78)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 04:19:20 PM EST
    You don't get to bring this woman's loved ones into the argument.  The system is hurting them - she is solely responsible for hurting them - and the family of the person she killed.  She alone bears that burden, not some "out of control" prosecutor or judge.

    Parent
    Rather (5.00 / 1) (#79)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 04:20:01 PM EST
    It isn't the system that's hurting her family - SHE is responsibl for their pain.

    Parent
    Seems to me that people (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by BackFromOhio on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 07:34:45 PM EST
    who text while driving are not much different than people who get behind the wheel when drunk.

    Parent
    True... (none / 0) (#91)
    by kdog on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 08:24:43 AM EST
    and it seems to me people who advocate for longer and longer prison sentences ain't much different than holier than thou sadists.

    Parent
    Really?... (none / 0) (#81)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 04:50:56 PM EST
    She sentenced herself to six years?

    Or is responsibility only for individuals, and not our societal systems?

    You bet your arse we the people are responsible for the long sentence jb, and she for the accident caused by her gross negligence.  iow, the poor victims are on her, the societal response to her act on us.

    Parent

    Our responsibility as a society (5.00 / 1) (#93)
    by jbindc on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 08:41:39 AM EST
    Is to ensure the safety of all of us, to the best of our abilities.  It is also the responsibility of society to pass laws so that 300,000,000 people can live together in a civil manner.  Part of that is ensuring that those who commit crimes, such as killing someone else, whether through malice or neglect, are punished and victims can get what justice they can, although no justice can fully compensate a victim of a crime and return them to whole.  In this case, a man lost his life, and a family lost a loved one - all because some woman was stupid.  It would be irresponsible of our society to not punish this woman (and maybe set an example for others)to the fullest extent possible, based on the circumstances.

    Parent
    Just as irresponsible... (none / 0) (#96)
    by kdog on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 08:52:19 AM EST
    to overpunish...overpunishment has consequences too.

    Parent
    Overpunishment (none / 0) (#97)
    by jbindc on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 08:59:39 AM EST
    Might be 25-life.  This is 6 years, and as pointed out, she'll probably be out in 2.

    2 years is nowhere near "overpunishment" for killing someone.

    Parent

    2 years... (none / 0) (#99)
    by kdog on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 09:09:27 AM EST
    makes a lot more sense than 6...I do hope she gets out in 2 or less and redeems herself as best she can with her remaining years.  We shall see..

    Have you ever visited somebody in prison jb, or been inside a prison?

    Parent

    You could make that claim about all crime, (5.00 / 2) (#84)
    by Anne on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 07:34:34 PM EST
    couldn't you?  That regardless of whether the crime is major or minor, once the deed is done, there is no punishment that makes it right, so what's the point?

    It's like saying that there's no point in putting Bernie Madoff in prison - he's said he's sorry, putting him in prison won't bring back the millions he took from people, so what's the point?

    How about the man who had all the dead bodies in his house?  If he apologizes, do we call it even and move on?  I mean, what's the point of locking him up if it won't change what he did?

    I think we have to make a decision about whether we want to live in a civil society, or go back to the days of the wild frontier, where it was every person for him- or herself, and exacting vengeance was up to the individual who was wronged.

    Do most people do what's right because they adhere to beliefs or a code of conduct that would exist even if there were no system of justice?  I think so.  But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't have one, does it?  Who protects the defenseless?  Who looks out for those who cannot look out for themselves?

    I guess I have little respect for people who do what they want to get what they want, regardless of who they hurt or the pain they cause, and then think all they should need to do is apologize and all should be forgiven.

    I'm sure the woman in California will be haunted by what her carelessness caused; she should be.  But paying an emotional price does not negate the need to pay a judicial price.  Is 6 years too much?  I guess it depends on whether you are the California woman or the family members of the man she killed with her car.

    Parent

    Look at the number of souls... (none / 0) (#90)
    by kdog on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 08:21:11 AM EST
    we place in chains and cages Anne...you call that civil society?  Surely you jest.

    I like to think we could find a happier medium between every man for himself and this sh*t we call "civilized", which is really anything but.

    Parent

    Tend to agree. (none / 0) (#56)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:35:25 PM EST
    Our system is still very political and works to err on the safe side of overpunishment and incarceration.  

    Sometimes however the better course is to not imprison, especially for periods of years, especially when it's a question of negligence for a first-time offense that nearly everyone could imagine happening to himself but for la grâce de Dieu.  

    Parent

    Bill Clinton.... (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by desertswine on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:17:36 PM EST
    gets a hero's welcome in Kosovo.

    & a huge (none / 0) (#86)
    by BackFromOhio on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 07:36:48 PM EST
    statue

    Parent
    The print is now much (none / 0) (#2)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:48:04 AM EST
    smaller than it was on the site... Is this the site or do I have a browser problem?

    The ones that show you up (none / 0) (#4)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:51:45 AM EST


    Parent
    It is probably (none / 0) (#6)
    by CST on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:57:01 AM EST
    a zoom issue.  If you have the scrolling device in the middle of your two mouse buttons, it can happen if you scroll while holding down the CTRL key.  That can be fixed by holding down CTRL and scrolling the opposite way.  It's happened to me a few times accidentaly.  If that's not it, I'm not sure.

    Parent
    Thanks (none / 0) (#7)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 09:00:16 AM EST
    It was a browser problem.

    Parent
    Sorry Jeralyn (none / 0) (#5)
    by jimakaPPJ on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 08:53:19 AM EST
    I asked a honest question but I shouldn't have let DA's nasty snark bother me.

    Now now fellas... (none / 0) (#12)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 09:20:48 AM EST
    can we get a cease-fire going till at least lunchtime?    

    Parent
    Does the weather manipulation... (none / 0) (#8)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 09:00:24 AM EST
    by the Chinese govt. make anyone else nervous?

    Link

    Some things just shouldn't be messed with, imo....drought ot no drought.

    Never have... (none / 0) (#27)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:49:07 AM EST
    will have to check it out.

    A simple con is relatively harmless...f*cking with the clouds, I don't know...certainly rather they didn't.

    Parent

    The ski areas... (none / 0) (#30)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:58:55 AM EST
    ...out here do cloud seeding occasionally--especially during the worst of our drought the last few years.

    Plus, they've brought in Native Americans to do rain-dances.  Anything to get a little snow on the hills.  

    Parent

    Interesting... (none / 0) (#32)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:01:11 PM EST
    didn't know we did this too...any potential ill effects of seeding that you know of?

    Rain dancing I can wholeheartedly support...that can cause no harm beyond maybe a twisted ankle.

    Parent

    Nothing... (none / 0) (#33)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:03:56 PM EST
    ...that they've made public.  Aside from trying to fool Mother Nature that is--which is never a good thing...

    Parent
    My sentiments exactly... (none / 0) (#39)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:35:18 PM EST
    I just hope the sump pump manufacturers don't figure out how to do it...they'd make it rain everyday if they could:)

    Parent
    The joy of the sump pump (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by CoralGables on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:49:58 PM EST
    Back when I actually carried homeowners insurance, I read my policy carefully after several years and realized I had been paying a premium for my sump pump. I had to call to find out exactly what a sump pump was and where I kept a sump pump.

    In South Florida we have no basements, a perfectly level landscape, and a constant water level that is about toe deep so we have no sump pumps. They wouldn't refund my previously paid premiums but I did manage to convince them to drop it off my future policy. They then tried to raise my flood insurance. It's tough to beat 'em.

    Parent

    That it is... (none / 0) (#82)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 05:02:09 PM EST
    easier to dodge 'em...or kid yourself into thinkin' your dodgin' 'em...really everybody pays.

    Here in the Northeast when the heavy rains come our sump pump stock is cleared out right quick, and distributors make a killin' jackin' up the price.  Whaddya gonna do, order one on ebay when your basement is underwater?

    Point being, thieves abound:)

    Parent

    Catching up on last wk's Colbert (Hindenburg ref) (none / 0) (#11)
    by Ellie on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 09:10:49 AM EST
    ... reminded me of this Clinton-era Rush Limbaugh joke:

    #1 - What's the difference between Rush Limbaugh and The Hindenburg?

    #2 - I dunno (what is the diff ...?

    #1 - One's a flaming N@zi gasbag and the other is a dirigible.

    Good news! (none / 0) (#14)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 09:24:21 AM EST
    I was listening to my #2 radio station and the DJ was talking about "the final shift", reminiscing and played a couple of bittersweet good bye songs.

    Oh NOES!  Is my #2 station leaving the airwaves?  

    Naw, just the DJ.  She was saying her farewells and thank yous.

    (CD101 is an actual, honest to goodness local radio station.  I'd be really put out if it went away.)

    Sometimes (none / 0) (#15)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 09:53:04 AM EST
    despite what kdog says, someone really does need to call the police...

    Bodies found in rapist's home...

    How awful.... (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 10:29:48 AM EST
    some sick sick puppies out there boy...good lord.

    Let thy own conscience be your guide...I don't think I woulda called the cops, though if the stench was that bad I likely would have confronted the guy, and maybe got myself killed, who knows.

    Parent

    I think the saddest part of your belief (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by Anne on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:48:30 AM EST
    that you would not have called the cops is that the people who actually lived next to/near this guy are all wondering if any of the dead would still be alive if they had just picked up the phone.  

    And I'm not sure what, exactly, you would expect to accomplish by confronting him on your own, since I'm pretty sure you're not big on citizens' arrests, either.

    I get the whole freedom thing, and I appreciate that "the system" isn't perfect, that those in positions of power can impose unwarranted harm, that we have a lot of laws that seem unnecessary and unreasonably punitive.  There's a point, though, at which the live-and-let-live, none-of-my-business attitude ignores the reality that one's refusal to ever seek the assistance of those charged with providing it can have a terrible consequence for someone else who thought he or she had the right not to be killed.

    Parent

    By confront the guy... (5.00 / 1) (#29)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:56:36 AM EST
    I mean knock on his door, like a good neighbor, and say "dude, whats up with the stench?".  If he slams the door in my face and the stink is that bad, maybe I make an exception and drop the dime...don't know until it happens.

    I hear ya Anne, most every rule is made to be broken, my no dime-droppin' rule is no exception.  My fear though would be that the guy has nothing more than a dead squirrel in his chimney, and I bring John Law crashing into his life...it just ain't cool.  Talk to the fellow human being first at least.

    Now if I was one of the neighbors I'd be second-guessing myself right along with them and feeling guilt...all actions, and even non-actions, have consequences.  Like I always say...you do what your conscience deems right and come what may.

    Parent

    What about the 2 missing neighbors? (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:31:25 PM EST
    It might turn out all the neighbors never got the opportunity to second guess.

    I find it interesting cops did a spot check on Sept 22 . . .

    Parent

    And didn't go in. (none / 0) (#40)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:48:39 PM EST
    It wasn't until a woman claimed that she had been attacked by the man that they had actual cause to enter.

    They did things by the book, which should earn them praise from the civil libertarians.  Not sure that will happen.

    Parent

    Sh*t I'll say it... (5.00 / 1) (#42)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:04:39 PM EST
    good for the police for following the rules we hold so dear.

    Forgive me if it sounds cruel...but there are more important things than catching a sicko serial murderer and rapist...like an iron clad 4th amendment.

    Parent

    Thank goodness most people don't share (5.00 / 2) (#45)
    by shoephone on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:16:48 PM EST
    that view.

    The idea that we must choose between catching serial rapists/murders OR protecting the 4th amendment is, in a word, nonsense.

    Parent

    Sh*t I thought that sentiment (none / 0) (#49)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:20:41 PM EST
    was an American ideal...better to protect individual rights and let guilty men go free than convict innocent men or deprive innocent men of their inalienable rights.

    I do feel very outta touch with this joint, wouldn't surpirise me that this is a minority opinion now.

    Parent

    But they didn't smell anything, (none / 0) (#55)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:31:17 PM EST
    I'm guessing? I just found it curious as the bodies were at different points of decay and the guy apparently smelled of death. Of course, I don't know how long decay takes/smells . . . .

    Parent
    Smell isn't enough. (none / 0) (#59)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:51:59 PM EST
    Now if the neighbors had complained and asked someone to investigate (public health, police, whatever) then that would be different.

    But, AFAIK, people endured the stench (which must have been awful) and didn't call for anyone to investigate.

    Parent

    On the spot check? (none / 0) (#62)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:17:37 PM EST
    Aren't decaying bodies fairly distinctive?

    I really wish people would realize that overwhelming stench needs to be checked out. If it's not people, it's likely animals in need. Sometimes it's not even criminal, just an overwhelmed person that didn't know there was help available.

    Parent

    We had that discussion (none / 0) (#63)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:22:51 PM EST
    in September....

    about when you call in the authorities and whether it is the right thing to do and so on.

    Of course, that was an elderly couple and their unfamiliar caretaker and not a known rapist (police knew, did anyone else?).

    Sometimes people just do not want to "get involved".  That's their right, but choices have consequences.

    Parent

    That was tried. (none / 0) (#52)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:25:43 PM EST
    The clerk at a store said he stunk so bad it made their eyes water.  Someone else asked what caused the stench.  He didn't answer.

    Parent
    Random thoughts from (none / 0) (#28)
    by brodie on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:56:04 AM EST
    the weekend:

    1. Obama gets credit for showing up to see home the fallen soldiers, but he just looked ridiculous trying to play soldier as he stood rigidly at attention and gave that crisp 45º military salute as he carried a much too grim look on his face.  Overdid the whole thing, imo, and continued the stupid recent tradition started by Reagan (?) of presidents saluting in the presence of military.  Ike and JFK didn't salute as president.  Is this something non-vet presidents feel compelled to do to compensate for their lack of service?

    2.  Denver Broncos:  Just put those wacky throwback uniforms back on -- they seemed to bring good luck.  Besides, I was growing to appreciate the pre-psychedlic era goofiness of those barbershop striped socks, the ones which can be worn straight up or twirled.

    3.  USC Football:  Remind me not to spend so much time commenting on such a mediocre team -- particularly their so-called defense.  What a rout by the Ducks.  h/t to poster Turkana who called this one much more boldly and accurately than I did ...

    4.  WS on Fox:  Four hours of numerous cameras covering a bunch of guys standing around waiting for something to happen, the batter to step in, the pitcher to pitch.  Static coverage is fitting, I suppose, for a static game.  


    I love the socks... (none / 0) (#31)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 12:00:11 PM EST
    ...but then they are as old as I am, so what's not to like.

    Parent
    Gore Vidal calls Polansi's victim a hooker: (none / 0) (#47)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:18:28 PM EST
    The 83-year-old Vidal recently told The Atlantic magazine he has no sympathy for Samantha Geimer, Polanski's victim.

    "Look, am I going to sit and weep every time a young hooker feels as though she's being taken advantage of?" said Vidal, a screenwriter and novelist, who ran in the same circles as Polanski in the 1970s. He said the media pushed a false image of Geimer.

    And the Swiss seem to be determined not to let Polanski buy his way out of jail:

    An attorney for Roman Polanski has offered Swiss justice officials a "very, very significant" amount of cash as a higher deposit in a proposed bail deal for the director, but the government has rejected the offer, news reports said.

    It marks the third time the Swiss have rejected Polanski's attempts at bail.
    Sad to say it, but Gore Vidal ... (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by FreakyBeaky on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 11:49:03 PM EST
    ... is a very old man.  I'm going to have to write off his comment to very vile sexism of a bygone era.  Or at least a partly bygone era.  I don't think "she was a slut / she asked for it"  is as accepted as it used to be.

    Parent
    I liked Vidal (none / 0) (#50)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:22:29 PM EST
    until I read that.

    Is Vidal a known misogynist or does he just play one to defend some old pal?

    Parent

    Me too... (none / 0) (#53)
    by kdog on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:26:48 PM EST
    I like Vidal...that sounds out of character for him.

    Maybe he knows something we don't?  Absent that, him and Whoopie need to check themselves.

    Parent

    I dunno. (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by Fabian on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 01:36:15 PM EST
    I don't think calling her a thirteen year old hooker who got taken advantage of changes anything that happened WRT statutory rape.  

    Painting with that brush makes everyone look bad - including Vidal and Polanski.

    Parent

    Dunno, he just sounds creepy to me... (none / 0) (#60)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:07:52 PM EST


    Parent
    Latest polls (none / 0) (#67)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:42:05 PM EST
    Show Christie up by an average of 1.2
    H1N1 vaccine (none / 0) (#71)
    by jbindc on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 02:55:10 PM EST
    The Guantanamo detainees will be receiving the H1N1 swine flu vaccine. Some Republicans, like John Boehner, object.

    So, you're saying there is absolutel no valid objection out there just because John Boehner said it?  Like the fact that the President declared a national emergency because of a shortage of vaccines available here for children, old people, and pregnant women? I realize the Pentagon's supply is separate from the rest of us peons, but at least politically, don't you think this looks bad?

    My 10 y/o neighbor just got diagnosed with H1N1. (none / 0) (#73)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 03:20:22 PM EST
    Apparently, according to her doc, it's not flu season so anyone who has the flu now has H1N1.

    Parent
    With all due respect to that doctor, (none / 0) (#75)
    by Anne on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 03:34:49 PM EST
    I don't believe that's correct.

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    It may well not be correct. (none / 0) (#80)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 04:21:40 PM EST
    I should have written "according to my wife, my neighbor said her daughter's doctor said..."

    The kid probably has a stubbed toe for all I know...

    Parent

    The personnel at GITMO (none / 0) (#92)
    by jbindc on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 08:35:30 AM EST
    are being vaccinated.  But you could make the argument about it spreading through all prisons and hospitals, and schools, and work places, and churches, etc.

    Still think this is a political bumble.

    Parent

    Still trying to figure out (none / 0) (#101)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 12:09:22 PM EST
    what this has got to do with my neighbor's kid...

    Parent
    Nevermind... (none / 0) (#102)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 12:10:34 PM EST


    Parent
    Hence my following comment: Nevermind... (none / 0) (#105)
    by sarcastic unnamed one on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 12:50:23 PM EST
    Thanks for quoting to excess again, luckily reading the whole thing is also optional...

    Parent
    You seem (none / 0) (#77)
    by Steve M on Mon Nov 02, 2009 at 04:17:16 PM EST
    to have done an impressive job of inventing Jeralyn's argument for her and then responding to it, a favor she surely appreciates on such a busy day.  From where I sit, you have to do an awful lot of reading between the lines to find "absolutely no valid objection" in Jeralyn's post.

    Parent
    Really? (none / 0) (#98)
    by jbindc on Tue Nov 03, 2009 at 09:03:21 AM EST
    You cannot see that the argument being made?   "Republicans object", which as you know from reading this and other "liberal" sites, is code for "it always must be a bad idea without even considering it."

    Too bad.  I stand by my contention that politically, it's stupid.

    Parent

    Monday Morning News and Open Thread | 92 comments (92 topical)

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