Cordray's appointment
In the letter "Paying attention" (Jan. 16), the writer accused President Obama of acting like a tyrant because he made a recess appointment, naming Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, while Congress was still in session. I respectfully disagree with the writer's assertion.
The obstructionist Republicans in Congress never allowed an up-or-down vote on Cordray's appointment. And to ensure that Obama didn't make a recess appointment, they held sham "pro forma" sessions over the holidays in which members of the House and Senate gaveled in and within minutes or even seconds gaveled out. On Jan. 6, after the "pro-forma" session was gaveled in, Democratic Rep. James Clyburn attempted to call for the payroll tax cut conference committee to convene. Clyburn was told he was out of order, and the session was gaveled to a close.
So yes, the Republicans are allowed to make a claim that Congress was in session. But if Congress was really in session, how come no business ever took place during these holiday sessions? In actuality, Congress was recessed, and Obama was within his rights to make the appointment. If the Republicans want a legal battle, bring it on.
Recognizing Republican obstructionism, former Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas, a Republican, said, "I haven't agreed with what they have been putting him [Cordray] through. If we really profess that we want the brightest and the best in public service, then he is that."
Consumers should applaud and not condemn Cordray's appointment.
RUDY DIAMOND
Lewisville
Important election
Americans live beyond their means — especially the government. America has become a reflection of a nanny state. I mean, why pay for what the government will provide for free? The politicians know this and provide more pork, more unneeded government jobs and welfare in exchange for votes.
Some Americans see this and decry it (tea party) — but the mainstream media and those on the gravy train provide cover for the Democrats to continue with the same ol' same ol'. Eventually the gravy train will be forced to come to a harsh stop, like Greece. Then the dark days of America will rise. Riots like never before will ensue.
Why? Because those who have depended on the free stuff will still want their free stuff. Politicians will ensue with class warfare. Riots will continue. Government will take more of the producers' money in the name of "fairness," thus killing growth, thus higher unemployment. Even still that will not solve the deficit beast. Riots will continue. The glory of America will fall. I foresee dark days are coming.
This is why this presidential election is so important. We need a "change" so that our children can have "hope."
MICHAEL SULLIVAN
Winston-Salem
Anniversary
On the anniversary today of Roe v. Wade and its dehumanizing, destructive effect on society's valuation of life in the womb, I hope to give voice to those little ones.
The gruesome nature of abortion is well documented, though some feign blindness to these biological and medical realities. Graphic descriptions of the process only inflame and invite virulent retorts. Instead, I'll remind readers that millions of our most vulnerable have been precluded from taking their first breath. Allowed to live, they might have become president or the researcher who discovered the cure for Alzheimers; a teacher who broadened the horizons of the next generation; a celebrated poet, composer or artist; a mother or father who raised honorable, wise and caring children; or a wonderful person anyone would love to have called friend.
Unquestionably, there are heartrending reasons for resorting to abortion, however this choice, which some have been taught to consider a right, is neither the only way nor a good way out of bad circumstances. Women seeking help can find encouragement, prenatal care, parenting classes, clothing and more at crisis pregnancy centers.
For those choosing not to raise the child, there is adoption (the genesis of my three grandchildren who are the joy of my heart. I am forever indebted to the selfless women brave enough to give them the gift of life).
There's a better way than what we've been led to believe. Life is a choice you'll never regret. The same cannot be said for abortion.
RUTH MAGERS
Lewisville
The prayer editorial
The Journal is a disgrace to its over 300,000 readers with the headline on its Jan. 18 lead editorial, "The prayer fight: Supreme Court rightly declines." The editorial writer either has his head in the sand or is foolish: "The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God," I Corinthians 3:19.
The editorial says that "in practice, the prayers were usually to Jesus, giving the strong impression that the county was endorsing Christianity." But you use the word "religion" in many of your articles on this issue. There is a big difference between religion and Christianity.
You also wrote, "Now that this issue is put to rest, maybe the commissioners can concentrate on practical matters — such as creating jobs." What Forsyth County needs more than anything is a city- and county-wide "Day of Prayer," because just as the old prophet Amos wrote: "Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel," Amos 4:12.
REID W. JOYCE JR.
Winston-Salem
CORRESPONDENT OF THE WEEK
Couch potatoes and bicyclists
Hands clenched at 10 and 2, or the rest of me sprawled across my couch, embracing my inner potato, I wonder: Why should I pay for bicycle lanes?
Some of the saddest stories I read in the Journal are about those killed while cycling. With few bike lanes or sidewalks, and drivers who feel that cyclists are a nuisance, death by cycling is unfortunately common in our community.
In a bicycle-friendly community, cycling is one of the healthiest low-impact pleasures a couch potato could ever discover. Lose weight, gain verve, get outside, do a tiny bit to save the planet. It appeals to me. I attended a college where commuting by bike was normal. There were bicycle traffic circles, bicycle overpasses, bicycle freeways. Cycling raised our spirits, our energy, even our intelligence.
Cycling benefits everyone. A couch potato turned cyclist is healthier, works harder, pays more taxes and consumes less health care. According to a story in the Portland Tribune ("Will a bike ride a day keep the doctor away?" March 3, 2011), Portland, Ore., is the most-bicycle friendly city in America, though only 6 percent of Portland commuters ride bikes. Even so, the benefits are large. Because of Portland's public investment in cycling, Portlanders are losing 17 million pounds and $155 million a year in health-care costs — savings that benefit others through lower insurance premiums.
Next time you pass cyclists, thank them for saving you money. Better yet, get on a bike and save me some.
STEVE SCROGGIN
Sum It Up
Are questions about a candidate's sexual morality fair game in presidential races?
Respond to letters@wsjournal.com and put "Sum It Up" in the subject header. Only signed entries, please, no anonymous ones. Briefer responses receive preference in print.
LTE #! Thanks Rudy, your letters are always insightful.
ReplyDeleteLTE #2..the Harold Camping political strategy.
LTE#3...lte #2 decries the nanny state and you want to force pregnancies. Get the disconnect?
LTE #4...a big difference between religion and christianity? Are those your words of wisdom for this world, Reid?
Greg Jackson who played for the Knicks and Bob Kaufmann who played for the Supersonics were also graduates of GC.
ReplyDeleteYes, Kauffman was a 2-time All-American.
DeleteJackson played on the championship team in 1973. The fourth member of that team to receive NBA attention was Teddy East from W-S, but he only got a cup of coffee.
The coach was Jack Jensen, who won 4 national championships at Guilford...three in golf in addition to the basketball title.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteLTE #2. I may know this letter writer. I believe he is writing under his middle name and using Winston Salem as an address when he actually lives in western Forsyth county.
ReplyDeleteIf my supposition is correct, his family used to send out a Christmas letter every year predicting the end of world is near and you had better be prepared to meet your maker. Harold Camping indeed.
The height of these letters proceeded Y2K, and he was very prepared for 2000. He had a well with a rope and bucket at the end of the rope as well as stock piles of food. Unfortunately, I only get Christmas cards now. It's kind of sad as the letters were quite entertaining.
Wow...that's pretty dishonest. The paranoia of the rightie tin foil hat crowd is something to behold.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBucky, again if my supposition is correct, you and Mr. Sullivan would seem to be like minded.
DeleteIn the days before Fox News, he would scream and yell at the network news anchors. He probably watches Fox now. His family was very fond of the Prophecy Network. A lot of the fodder for the Christmas letter probably came from that network as there were admonishments to watch it in preparation for Y2K.
And yet, Rome still lives.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Deletegood.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIf you no longer subscribe to the Journal hard copy or online, which you have been saying for a long time, then you could not know except through hearsay what the journal is coming up with recently.
Delete"that's why I dropped my membership to the Y" remember that fiasco don't you?
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI feel free to pick and choose when I post and reply. Im just a testy old fool.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood AM, folks!
ReplyDeleteBob, check your email.
Done :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHmm, that was too easy.
ReplyDeleteThe author was removed by a comment.
ReplyDelete@Bob: Thanks to you and Stab for your efforts.
ReplyDeletemy pleasure, LaSombra
DeleteI hate it when it comes to this regarding free speech . . .
Delete. . . this will be all I will say on this subject.
? I didn't remove bucky's comments, he did
DeleteEven better. I knew he had it in him.
DeleteI can delete entire days, but I can only delete my own individual posts. I think Bucky became a bit testy when I removed one of my comments to which he had replied.
ReplyDeleteI think I have deleted 1 post since I started the site. I believe in free speech, but I have a line drawn, the crossing of which results in removal. The buck stops here, you might say.
ReplyDeleteWhatever has happened here, I don't trust "him" to stay away for too long, past experience and all.
ReplyDeleteStab, I'm with you on free speech, but the line was crossed a l-o-n-g time ago. When one learns, very quickly it seems, that there are no consequences to their actions that line becomes non-existent.
. . . and that non-existent line may be one of the reasons some of your followers are not active participants.
DeleteWith freedom comes personal responsibility. It's one of the things righties SAY they support, after all.
DeleteHello Arthur. Personal responsibility: I agree, assuming that means not leaving everything from PDA's to poop on public propety after an OWS sleepover.
DeleteNo argument. With the OWS events I've observed, I've seen some PDA, but no public pooping. We really are a more decent and intelligent crowd than you think. And we have just as much right to protest as the Tea Party folk.
DeletePDA isn't something that's left behind though. Otherwise, no argument from my end either. My mom taught me to always leave someone's property cleaner than when I got there. I thought everyone's mom did that.
DeleteGreat point, Arthur. Why do people work themselves into a tizzie over something that other groups do or have done. The Tea Partiers, BTW, just happened to have been of a conservative, and opposing, ideology.
Arthur, no argument re right to protest, and no argument that some groups are more civic-minded re leaving things as they found them.
DeleteI note that Tea Partiers were tidier, however. And I was not a Tea Party supporter. I'm too centrist for them, and I don't buy their budgetary obduracy.
I agree Arthur, but the other side doesn't see themselves as being the irresponsible ones.
ReplyDeleteYeah...self-awareness really isn't their thing.
DeleteYesterday, SC Republican voters gave us a clear view of where their moral compass is pointing by giving a 38+% plurality of their votes to Newton Leroy Gingrich.
DeleteIn doing so, they admitted that they are willing to ignore a number of proven facts about the Newt:
1. In the 1990s, while serving as Speaker of the House of the United States, he was charged with 84 ethics violations. 83 of those were eventually dropped. That does not mean that he was not guilty on those charges. That was simply a political ploy to save face for the Republican party.
He was found guilty on the 84th charge by a 395-28 vote in the House and assessed $300,000 to cover a small part of the cost of the proceedings against him. It was the first time in American history that a House Speaker had been found guilty of ethics violations. When you consider some of those who have served in that capacity, that is truly extraordinary.
Even then, he shamelessly refused to resign as Speaker. After much maneuvering, he agreed to resign his post as Speaker and also announced his resignation from the House. His explanation for that decision reveals a great deal about his own moral compass, not to mention his own mental illness, which is strikingly similar to that of our own beloved Zero:
"I'm willing to lead but I'm not willing to preside over people who are cannibals. My only fear would be that if I tried to stay, it would just overshadow whoever my successor is," he said.
In other words, his mistakes were somebody else's fault AND he was really more important than anyone who might be chosen to succeed him as Speaker. Classic pathetic narcissistic disorder.
2. His disgusting treatment of his numerous wives. "I want an open marriage," he told wife #2.
3. The fact, reported by wife #2 and others, that Newton will "...say anything to get what he wants." So he is a habitual liar.
Despite all that, deluded SC Republicans are so desperate to take back the Presidency by any means fair or foul that they are willing to support such a scumbag.
Shame on them. But there is no surprise here, because the once honorable Republican Party has been taken over by ideological idiots. The best thing that could happen would be a total defeat of the loonies and the complete destruction of the party in November. Then, perhaps, we would see the creation of a new party of sane people who would be able to mount a challenge to the Democrats, who are far from being flawless themselves.
LTE #1: As always, Rudy gets it done. For those who like to cry "original intent", this is a perfect lesson.
ReplyDeleteThe "original intent" was to have Congress in session as little as possible, because the Founding Fathers realized that it was inevitable that demagogues (the "Tea Party"?) would try to seize all the power.
The GOP's "pro forma" bullshit is exactly what they feared.
LTE #2: "This is why this presidential election is so important. We need a 'change' so that our children can have 'hope.'"
I guess this means that Newt Gingrich will be the savior of our nation. Hallelujah!!!
Pardon me while I roll on the floor laughing my ass off.
LTE #3: "Allowed to live, they might have become president or the researcher who discovered the cure for Alzheimers; a teacher who broadened the horizons of the next generation; a celebrated poet, composer or artist; a mother or father who raised honorable, wise and caring children; or a wonderful person anyone would love to have called friend."
Aside from the thought that I cannot imagine who would want to become president, they might just as well have become corrupt politicians, hardcore criminals, union leaders or, most likely, wards of the state.
LTE #4: "What Forsyth County needs more than anything is a city- and county-wide 'Day of Prayer,' because just as the old prophet Amos wrote: 'Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel,' Amos 4:12."
I'll let Israel deal with meeting god. What we need more than anything else is a countywide...make that nationwide..."Day of Rational Thinking". Make that "Decade of Rational Thinking". Make that "Century of Rational Thinking".
As the really, really old prophet OT wrote: "Keep your bloody superstition out of my government functions."
OT 1:13
Good evening, folks!
ReplyDeleteOT, your remarks re R voters choosing a scumbag like Newt remind me of Dem voters choosing a scumbag like Willard. The electorate of either party should be ashamed. I voted for GWB, forgivable the first time, given my desire to cleanse the White House after the Clintons. My voting for him a second time is less forgivable, even though it was motivated by my anti-union sentiments.
Anti-union or no, if Newt wins the nomination, I will vote for neither him nor President Obama. Neither deserves election. I will vote for a 3rd-party candidate or write in Roscoe or OT Rush or someone.
You know Stab, Romney's first name actually is Willard.
DeleteStab, the difference is that those who voted for Clinton first time out did not know about his peccadilloes. We know all about Newton.
DeleteAs for your voting a second time for W., you see where single issue voting gets you.
In 1972, faced with two hopeless candidates, I wrote in Pogo. I don't think they counted my vote. At least, in light of what happened next, I could say "I didn't vote for the SOB."
Omigod, Arthur is right. Of course, "Willard" is the title of one of the weirdest movies ever made, which came out in the early 1970s.
DeleteAnd you know what it is about. A rat.
Arthur, interesting: I didn't know re Mitt's first name. My reference to fmr Prez Clinton as Willard is based on the pet name that he and Gennifer Flowers had for that part of Clinton's anatomy that he so willingly sought to share.
DeleteA question I have about candidate Romney is why would he want to be called Mitt. I recall a local fellow of extremely low mental accuity who was called Mitt. To quote Gus McCrae in "Lonesome Dove": "The name don't inspire confidence."
OK, folks, it appears that Bucky has picked up his chips and moved on to a new game, at least for the day. I have read your comments re free speech v. line crossing, and I sit convicted to some extent of indulgent neglect. There is a difference between free speech, on which Congress make no law infringing on the rights thereof, and the commentary in this blog. OWS protestors have a right to voice their opinions in front of City Hall. They do not have the right to do that in the Grand Theater when I shelled out > $40 for tix and refreshments to take Susan to see the latest "Sherlock" movie (an example: OWS was not visibly in attendance).
ReplyDeleteThus:
1. We return to issue discussion, a la the entries above, where OT et al have addressed the LTE's. We have ongoing political campaigns, international tensions, economic dangers, AGW, our pet bete noires, and so on, to discuss, along with history, science, the local scene, and personal exchanges ("Facebooking").
2. We ditch the intra-blog name-calling. I am glad Bucky pulled his posts. I was angered by his calling Bob a fool, would have deleted his post when I found time to substitute a computer for my iPhone. Now, calling public figures names is fine. Calling blocs of voters fools because of their choices, fine. We will address each other civilly, preferably courteously, but sharp discussions remain one of the goals of this site, as are well-placed shots, like the occasional reference to AE's definition of insanity, for example. If you can craft a deft insult, fine, but calling someone a fool ain't deft. Calling my comments re unions or Clinton "obsessive," also fine. It's just the school yard grafitti that I want to stop.
3. Speaking of grafitti, this site discriminates against no one, except folks who seek to dehumanize. Therefore, referennces to banging gay bucks, bad-ends, or veiled racial references are off-limits. If you don't like someone, be honest like Stonewall on the Journal site and just say so and be done with it.
4. Let's get some more folks in here, left, right, center, gay, straight, multicultural, union/non-union, atheist/believer, et al.
Let's talk. Thanks, Mike
Agreed, 100%.
DeleteDitto.
Delete@Stab: the words "free speech" have in a way become buzz words. Re my 1046am post: to me "free speech" includes mutual respect for opinions, whether verbal expressions or on the www. Regardless of what Bucky believes, I truly respect his opinions. I'm really put off by his delivery mostly because of his own disregard for others' opinions and in his disrespect at addressing others (ie, name calling). In those instances, I doubt very much that the Supreme Court would consider moderating.
DeleteYes, LaSombra, "free speech" have become become buzz words, stinging common sense. "Free speech" also isn't free, having been purchased in blood here, and still being bloodily bought elsewhere right now.
DeletePretty good ball game ongoing now, in OT.
ReplyDeleteIn me? Wow, had no idea. Who's playing?
DeleteOT, if you had chest palpitations, the NY Giants won in OT with a field goal, defeating the 49-ers.
DeleteOh, that explains why I started hyperventilating. For much of my life I was the biggest sports fan in town. But once TV took over the scheduling and the rules, I began to lose interest.
DeleteFor instance, once upon a time, football games could end in ties. But TV didn't like that. I hate OT, because it is an artificial way of ending a game.
The NFL does it better than the NCAA, but neither satisfies me. I have never had problems with extra innings in baseball, because that is simply a natural extension of the game, with no special rules. But most of the other solutions, especially the shootouts in hockey and soccer, leave me cold.
Still and all, I'm glad the Giants won, because I have empathy for Eli Manning, who every day struggles to escape his big brother's shadow.
My all-time favorite sports event is the 26 inning game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Braves in 1920 which ended in a tie because they ran out of daylight. A perfect ending to a great game.
Mrs. Stab and I discuss politics from time to time. She is center-left and I am center-right, mostly. Interestingly, she is inclined to ignore Newt's vast shortcomings (she voted for Obama), where I am not.
ReplyDeleteI am also advised that teachers are mad at Gov Bev. I'm not sure that the anger isn't misplaced, but they are mad. Teachers are also not displeased by the R's ending auto dues checkoff to the NCAE. I suspect they have a misperception of the NCAE's abilities here, but I don't mind the misperception. The NCAE is associated with the NCSEA, which is tied to the SEIU.
I am often bemused by what people perceive as their best interests. If the teachers are miffed at Governor Perdue, do they think that McCrory will do better by them? If so, they are dreaming.
DeleteI am often miffed at many people, but that does not mean that I am going to support their opponents.
Exemplum:
Penn State President Rodney Erickson said, "We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno, a great man who made us a greater university."
Really? Did Joe make Penn State a greater university? In what way?
No football coach can make any university a "greater" university, because the university's purpose has nothing to do with sports, or, at least, it is not supposed to.
And I would think that the recent revelation of Jopa's moral failure at a crucial moment would have just the opposite affect, bringing shame, rather than glory, upon Penn State.
Of course, the president has no choice in this case but to praise his fallen coach. We live in a strange world.
To all, esp. Stab: I have failed to say that it has been a pleasure to have Stab back, if only for a day.
ReplyDeleteI'm signing off for the night. May, or may not, be back again tomorrow to do it all again. Hopefully, there will be something meaningful and exciting to discuss.
Amen!
DeleteThank you. I am signing off as well. I have enjoyed a bit more time this weekend, along with the convenience of 3 different devices, to rejoin the site. I start a long and busy work week, but will try to attend the site more, with Bob's continued maintenance and updating. Many thanks to him. And to all for your participation and friendship.
ReplyDeleteNighty night.