Subjective tape measure

Is it only me? I wore a new pair of pants (32 X 30) this week and was enormously annoyed by the cuffs dragging the floor. I mean, I expected them to be a bit long since my true size is 32 X 29. So I went to Kmart to look for a pair to get me through the day.

The 32 X 30 britches were at least 2 inches longer than the ones I was wearing! Had to be a mislabel, so I tried several other pairs. Some of those were even longer and none were shorter.

Isn't that the way of the world? As simple a thing as the inseam of trousers is subject to "modernism" and "changing standards". Morals, in the world's view, are infinitely variable.

I guess I'd say the Bible is an incomparably better choice of guidance than a world that doesn't know 29 inches from 34 inches.

Brent

No! Pas devant le troll!

Am I missing something?

Eric Holder insists on trying terror suspects in criminal courts. Am I correct to assume that these individuals WERE NOT READ THEIR MIRANDA RIGHTS WHEN ARRESTED? Doesn't that omission routinely get cases dismissed?

What's Holder going to do about that?

Just wondering

Did you read the bill?

Is 1000 pages the new minimum size for legislation? I have a challenge for you. Read the entire New Testament this weekend. Then contact me with the following information.

1. What is the scriptural form of Ecclesiastical governance?
2. Is the Lord's supper a sacrament or an ordinance or both?
3. Are we living in the end times?

Prove each point by scripture.

Too tough? Okay then tell me What Would Jesus Do. About anything.

Not so easy, is it?

We always end up here

I've heard that any argument that lasts more than five minutes will end up referencing Jesus, Hitler or Stalin. Occasionally, Mussolini. So here ya go!

signs of the times

Ever noticed all those unneeded signs? Like the old Camaro with a windshield banner saying "CAMARO"? I saw a 4WD truck with a driver sporting a greasy mullet, gunrack in the cab, driver had sub-British dental health. The windshield banner? "REDNECK". Never would have guessed that.

We've heard a lot about the Transformers twins being a racial caricature, especially the infamous gold tooth on one of the robots. Today I walked by an emporium in Little Rock Arkansas called Mr. Kool. A prominent item being promoted was a 14K gold tooth cap. Nolo contendere! No mas! Anything I say can and will be held against me.

Then there was the 4WD pickup tailgating me on the freeway. All I could see was grill and the vanity plate reading "BIG DORK". Musta been named after his father.

As subtle as a punch to the gut

Isn't it curious? Chaos theory says that a butterfly can cause a typhoon six months later on the other side of the world. Educated Senators bemoan the lack of a nuanced foreign policy whenever a Republican occupies the White House. Everyone running for office promises to just be smarter than the other guy.

What really happens? Stuff like the stimulus package of 2009. It has all the delicacy of shooting mice in your house with a 12 gauge shotgun. At least the 12 gauge is effective for killing mice but the stimulus package may or may not work. A couple of things are certain. You will have some holes to patch in floors and walls. You might be short a family member or two. And the stimulus package is going to be a real pain to pay for, whether or not it's effective.

Republicans practice fiscal restraint by using a 20 Gauge to kill mice.

The ugly American

is a common phrase or concept.

I maintain that for sheer unattractiveness no one can exceed the Briton vacationing in Barcelona. On Las Ramblas it is such a sight, the pasty white belly now turned lobster red from the sun. Glowing red face that will surely blister tomorrow. Drunk at 2:30 PM.

My apologies to Britons who control their drinking and who realize that the sun is the enemy of pale faces.

Las Ramblas is a fun street, lots of eating places, street entertainers, tourists to amuse. And the Brits are the most amusing of the lot.

new shoes

I purchased new sneakers yesterday. Chuck Taylor high tops. My son informs me that they're "emo".

So do I look like a teenager when I wear them?

I agree with Obama? Really?

I must extend my approval to President Obama for recognizing that the AIG bonus tax bill is unconstitutional. May we agree many times in future.

Oh, and a tip o' the hat to Representative Vic Snider as well for voting against this ill-conceived piece of legislation.

MY WORD!

On the occasion of the AIG scandal

Galations 3:15  "Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."

Although this quote is from the Bible, it refers to what we know as Common Law. Generally speaking a person's word is binding. Specifically, a contract cannot be broken unilaterally or by a third party. Common law predates our Bible and probably most legal or religious systems.

History and scripture both hold numerous examples of people making bad deals, yet they still fulfilled them. It was a manner of honor and integrity. Esua sold his inheritance for one meal; surely one of the worst deals in all of history. Esau's father Isaac was fooled by Jacob into giving the father's blessing to Jacob rather than Esau. Esau, being a profane person, tried to get his father to renege on his blessing. Isaac explained it can't be done. A promise given cannot be taken back. Esau had to stick to his promises the same as Isaac fulfilled his promises.

The people of Israel made a hasty alliance with the people of Gibeon. Although it was an embarrassing example of work done in ignorance and haste it was still a promise. They had to keep it. Later on, Israel had to defend the Gibeonites as though they were their own people. Lack of proper investigation is not an excuse. A bad deal is still a deal and must be honored.

And poor Jephthah! Just popping off his mouth caused him to lose his daughter. His word was his bond, even in the extreme case of killing his own child. I do not condone his action, but use this as an example of the seriousness of a promise, in this case an oath.

"Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."

Recently, the Congress of the United States passed a law in haste and ignorance. This law specifically and legally authorized the infamous AIG bonuses. The members of our Congress did not know, so they claim, that such a clause was in the law. Yet it was certainly there. Now that certain people acted on the promise in the law, our Congress has voted to take away the money. What's Congress' word worth? Apparently nothing.

"Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto."

Furthermore, the bonuses are alleged to be part of a pre-existing contract. Since when does Congress have a right to change contracts? Is EVERY agreement subject to the whim of Congress? Are we truly entering the age of mob rule? Jesus himself was crucified to please the mob. This happened in the same city that greeted Him as king only days earlier.

I am ashamed of our Congress.

ow ow ow ow ow!

Sunday morning.

Get the paper.

Headline "Obama will cut the deficit in half in two years".

I had to hold my skull together with my hands for ten minutes.

Last week the largest amount of paper (stimulus package) ever to be flushed down the toilet. This week it's pay as you go and responsibility.

Exit strategy?

Bush was ridden out of town on a rail (figuratively) to the cry of "he had no exit strategy".
Pray tell, hows does President Obama propose to pay off the gigantic debt he's proposing?
Does Obama have an exit strategy?

racially guilty

News flash from the inauguration! America still makes black sit in back, won't let brown stick around, and won't let yellow be mellow. And white won't do right.