Month: February 2010

Contributed by: filbert Sunday, February 14 2010 @ 12:01 PM CST

SECTION ONE: The Word:
St. Valentine. Banned in Saudi Arabia.
SECTION TWO: Things That Amuse Me:
Simians and other aminals*:
Woman attacked by shark in Whitsundays [*1] — This one’s for Todd, our personal trainer . . .
Breeding Ancient Cattle Back from Extinction [*2]
Maine officials: That was no drowning snowmobiler on lake, it was probably a snacking otter [*3] — That’s “snow machine” in Alaska. Of course, it is a well-known fact that there are no lakes in Alaska, and if there were, none would be un-frozen enough to drown in.
*Yes, I know it’s “animals,” it’s just that I always found the childhood mispronunciation really, really cute . . .

Travel:
Air New Zealand’s Secret Weapon: War Dances and Happy Customers [*4]

Sports:
Penn beats Cornell 79-64 [*5]
Former Oklahoma State coach Sean Sutton arrested [*6]
KU thinks it’s seen enough adversity [*7]
Jacks ready for NDSU: Men’s rivalry one-sided [*8]
No. 20 Iowa State overwhelms No. 11 Baylor 69-45 [*9]

Science Fiction and Writing:
Question: How Do You Approach Reading a Series? [*10] — I like having at least the first three books in hand before starting . . . just the way I am . . .

Science, technology, and space:
Snow in all 50 states? [*11]

Straight News–Stuff sufficiently serious to deserve a serious treatment:
HAPPILY, THIS IS RARE. Especially as I have a tenure meeting next week. [*12] — “Blithering idiot” severely underestimates the act, and demeans the victims.

Miscellany (amusing things not fitting above, or below):
Are Scientists Always Smart? [*13] — In my experience of 18 years working at a university, some scientists are just brilliant, some are pretty darn smart, and some are basically idiot-savants–deeply knowledgeable in a small area of knowledge but utterly clueless in many–possibly most–other things encountered by humans in life. As usual, the really brilliant ones are rare, and the idiot-savants are the vast majority. For some reason, the idiot-savants usually carry themselves as smarter than the rest of us (insisting on being called “Doctor” and the like, while the brilliant ones are usually fairly humble and generally a lot of fun to be around–at least that was my experience in the ivory tower.
Crooks libraries getting renovation — Just because the headline amuses me (Crooks is a little town outside Sioux Falls, SD . . .)
Jungle Trader [*14] — Where some of the most amusing articles (animals/weirdness) come from . . .
the war against plain [*15] — Japanese rice cookers. Real oatmeal. Real grits.

SECTION THREE: Politics: The neverending battle against blithering idiocy:
People doing potentially good things (including sightings of politicians doing something less than totally idiotic):
Paulson says that Palin was Right on All of the Hot Button Issues [*16]
At last, America has its very own iron lady [*17] — “This isn’t a normal politician. This is Godzilla in heels.”
What You’d Find at a Real Tea Party [*18]
What Glenn Reynolds saw at the Tea Party [*19]

The cure for blithering idiocy: freedom and individual liberty (yeah, I know–ooh, ick, philosophy!):
Why Tenure Harms Education [*20] — Tenure works as long as faculty behave responsibly. Trusting people to behave responsibly while taking away the major negative ramification for bad behavior seldom works well in the long run . . .
How About Some Quality Control [*21]
Remembering Lincoln: What is ‘The New Birth of Freedom’? [*22]

The reality of President Obama as a blithering idiot (and he’s the President, so he gets credit, if that’s the word, for the entire Executive Branch):
B-Cast Interviews Dr John C. Drew On Obama’s Early Marxist Years [*23] — Being a Marxist is pretty much the definition of “blithering idiot” — at least in these here parts . . .
Obama says new budget rules will rein in spending[*24] — Obama also said unemployment would never, ever reach 10% if only the Stimulus passed in Congress, so there you go . . .
Obama’s Blair House Project [*25] — (pdf at link) Yeah, i came up with that my very own self. IT’S A TRAP!
Obama: Blame Banks for Lack of New Jobs [*26] — Is there anybody in America this man hasn’t blamed–except the guy he sees in the mirror every morning?
Democrats offering a product America doesn’t want: collectivism [*27] — IT’S A TRAP!

Outrage: Obama Tripled Budget Deficit in 2009– Today He BLAMED IT ALL On Bush (Video) [*28] — The man obviously thinks you are stupid. Are you?
Barack Obama: Americans Are Tired of Politicians Who “Talk the Talk But Won’t Walk the Walk” on Fiscal Responsibility (Video)[*29] — Somebody introduce this man to a mirror? Or . . . maybe . . . HE HAS NO REFLECTION! AIEEEE!!!!

(You know this is humor, right? Humor? Rats! Rats! Rats! Hundreds! Thousands! MILLIONS of them!)A Bad Hairball Day For Sissypuss? [*30]

The reality of Washington Democrats (and Independents, and Socialists) as blithering idiots:
Some House Dems wonder whether Obama wants them to lose [*31] — Since Obama’s default argument is “Those evil Republicans . . . who evilly refuse to come to the table of bi-partisanship to be harangued, lectured, and insulted by ME, the Speaker of All Truth!” yes, in a sense, it would be easier for him if Democrats did not control Congress . . .

The reality of Washington Republicans as blithering idiots:
If you were going to write an invitation designed to make sure Republicans don’t come to President Obama’s 2/25 “bipartisan” health care summit . . . [*32] — IT’S A TRAP!
Obama officially invites GOP, Dems to health-care summit [*33] — IT’S A TRAP!

Other blithering idiots at large making life difficult for regular folks:
“If U.S. and Russian Borders Were Only 100 Miles Apart. . .” [*34] — Heh.
Vigilance: I’m Banning Birfers, Truthers, and Groups Affiliated Therewith [*35] — There are some conspiracy theories which are NOT HELPFUL in the fight for human freedom and liberty . . .
Muslims Say Body Scanners Violate Their Faith [*36] — Won’t it be fun to see how this plays out?

Opposition Research: because blithering idiocy can be dangerous, especially when organized into idiotic groups with idiotic ideologies:
The New Commandments on the Animal Farm Barn Wall [*37]
Palace Guard Comedians: George Lopez Calls Sarah Palin a ‘B*tch’ [*38] — When it comes down to it, all the collectivist left has is name calling, and appeals to emotion. Facts, logic, and human nature are against them. This is why they are even angrier now that they’re in power than they were when they weren’t.
Glenn Reynolds Writes About National Tea Party Convention …Update: Media Matters Attacks [*39] — As Gateway Pundit notes, as predictable as clockwork. Oppose the Enlightened Ones, and feel their wrath. But I’m not sure I’d take on Reynolds in a blog war. He is, after all, the general officer of the Army of Davids . . .
SEIU’s Shameless Abuse of Olympic Games Tragedy [*40] — This is what they do–they politicize EVERYTHING.

The Keith Olbermann Memorial “Special Comment” on blithering idiots in the Media:
Keith Olbermann Once Again Displays His Astonishing Lack of Self-Awareness [*41]
Washington Post Corrects Mistake in Article about Palin’s Wallace Interview [*42]
Note to Rachel Maddow [*43]

SECTION FOUR: Case Studies in Blithering Idiocy
“Global warming” aka “Climate change” — or should that be “Climate Reform?”:
Congenital Climate Abnormalities [*44]
Huge Climate Story…. Honesty. [*45]

Health care “reform” aka health insurance “reform” — or should that be health care “change?” Perhaps “Global healthing?:
What’s worse than health care overhaul? No changes[*46] — Propaganda piece from the Associated Press. Actually, socialism is worse than doing nothing. Much, much worse. Social Security is socialism. We can’t afford that. Medicare is socialism. We can’t afford that, either. Why would any rational human being think we can afford Medicare On Steroids?
Socialism? IT’S A TRAP!!!

About “Reconciliation” [*47]

The Economy (Can the blithering idiots bring down the most productive economy the world has ever seen? Yes, They Can! Will they?):
In Europe, Time for Tea [*48]
The Folly of Financial Reform [*49]
Which Organs Can I Live Without, and How Much Cash Can I Get for Them? [*50] — News You Can Use . . .

Foreign affairs and National Security (Will blithering idiots get us all killed, or make us all speak Spanish–or Chinese–or Arabic–or all three?):
Flying laser zaps missile in first for U.S. [*51] — Frickin’ “la-sers!”

Michael Yon sends this dispatch to Instapundit readers [*52] — from on the ground in Afghanistan . . .

The Morning Whip is a (mostly) daily review of what’s out there that caught my attention, sometimes but not always posted before 11 am Central time in the U. S. of A., unless I just don’t feel like it that day, am out doing something more important or more fun, or I’ve been abducted, detained, arrested, or otherwise flummoxed by the agents of blithering idiotry.

I surf the Web, so you don’t have to! (which would be a trademark, but come on, who am I kidding?)

Contributed by: filbert Sunday, February 14 2010 @ 07:05 AM CST

From The Road To Serfdom, by F. A. Hayek, 1944, Fiftieth Anniversary Edition, 1994, The University of Chicago Press.

Most people find it difficult to admit that we do not possess moral standards which would enable us to settle these questions–if not perfectly, at least to greater general satisfaction than is done by the competitive system. Have we not all some idea of what is a “just price” or a “fair wage”? Can we not rely on the strong sense of fairness of the people? And even if we do not now agree fully on what is just or fair in a particular case, would popular ideas not soon consolidate into more definite standards if people were given an opportunity to see their ideals realized?

Excerpted under Fair Use for purposes of non-commercial education, discussion and comment. Any transcription or typographical errors are mine.

Contributed by: filbert Saturday, February 13 2010 @ 07:04 AM CST

From The Road To Serfdom, by F. A. Hayek, 1944, Fiftieth Anniversary Edition, 1994, The University of Chicago Press.

While agreement on complete equality would answer all of the problems of merit the planner must answer, the formula of the approach to greater equality answers practically none. Its content is hardly more definite than the phrases “common good” or “social welfare.” It does not free us from the necessity of deciding in every particular instance between the merits of particular individuals or groups, and it gives us no help in that decision. All it tells us in effect is to take from the rich as much as we can. But, when it comes to the distribution of the spoils, the problem is the same as if the formula of “greater equality” had never been conceived.

Excerpted under Fair Use for purposes of non-commercial education, discussion and comment. Any transcription or typographical errors are mine.

Contributed by: filbert Saturday, February 13 2010 @ 05:03 AM CST

SECTION ONE: The Word:
According to the Beatles, the Word was love. But that’s probably supposed to be tomorrow. Oh, well.

SECTION TWO: Things That Amuse Me:
Simians and other aminals*:
Buddy, Can You Spare a Banana? Study Finds That Bonobos Share Like Humans [*1]
*Yes, I know it’s “animals,” it’s just that I always found the childhood mispronunciation really, really cute . . .

Travel:
Yes, it was a travel day, today. Er–yesterday. (OK, I’ve taken to posting these things the night before and scheduling them for oh-dark-thirty in the morning . . . the secret’s out, now.)

Sports:
Tennessee overcomes seven-point deficit to stop Ole Miss [*2]
UMKC finishes off IPFW 65-56 [*3]
Chapter Headings. Really.[*4]
Rivalry ready [*5]
Luge crash death darkens Games mood [*6]

Science Fiction and Writing:
Re-Write Wednesday: A Long Time Ago… [*7]
Space Opera vs. Science Fiction[*8]

Science, technology, and space:
Human Gait Adapted for Efficient Walking at the Cost of Efficient Running [*9]
Evolution, Anthropogenic Global Warming and Other Non-Falsifiable Theories [*10]

Miscellany (amusing things not fitting above, or below):
Baked Rhubarb Could Help Fight Cancer [*11]
Remembering Mr. Lincoln [*12]
There’s only love at new supermarket [*13] — A Clash song comes to mind . . .

Sandra Bullock Is Frickin’ Awesome [*14] — OK, it’s weird, in a kinda x-rated way, but hey! It’s Sandra Bullock!
Love stinks! Minnesota farmer spreads manure in shape of heart for wife’s Valentine’s Day gift [*15] — Unlike the Bullock story, which is, I guess, romantic–or at least sexy–this one is . . . well . . . um . . . On the other hand: “Why not do something fun with what you got?”

SECTION THREE: Politics: The neverending battle against blithering idiocy:
People doing potentially good things (including sightings of politicians doing something less than totally idiotic):
Scenes from a counter-revolution: The growing power of the tea-party movement will make it hard for Republican politicians to compromise with the president [*16]
The Tea Party Difference [*17]
The Tea Parties Are United in Favor of Limited, Responsible Government [*18]
Tea dudes [*19]
Exclusive Poll Shows More Voters Leaning Right [*20]
Sarah Palin’s back on political frontburner [*21]
Wall Writing on the Hand [*22]
You Knew It Had to Happen: ‘Retracto’ Robot Theatre [*23] — It’s a Red Eye/Big Government mash-up thing. You might not understand.
#92 among ALL books at Amazon — Hayek’s Road to Serfdom [*24]
Tea Parties and the American Political Tradition: So far the movement looks a lot like the opposition to Roosevelt’s court-packing scheme. [*25] — Oops . . . subscription-only article. Sorry . . .
Ensuring Liberty PAC: Creating a Tea Party Caucus [*26]
Why dissing Palin won’t work for Dems [*27] — See, this is why it’s now OK to dis Obama. His political blood is in the water, bigtime now. Palin took the best shot the Left could deal out to her, and not only survived, but (literally) prospered, AND each swipe they take at her actually makes her more popular and powerful. Some of the smarter ones are starting to figure that out.
What I Saw at the Tea Party Convention: The attendees want politicians who will deliver on Obama’s promise of clean and open government. [*28] — “Press attention focused on Sarah Palin’s speech, which was well-received by the crowd. But the attendees I met weren’t looking to her for direction. They were hoping she would move in theirs. Right now, the tea party isn’t looking for leaders so much as leaders are looking to align themselves with the tea party.”

The cure for blithering idiocy: freedom and individual liberty (yeah, I know–ooh, ick, philosophy!):
The Fable of Market Meritocracy: Markets don’t reward smart people. They reward value. [*29]

The reality of President Obama as a blithering idiot (and he’s the President, so he gets credit, if that’s the word, for the entire Executive Branch):
“Four Years Is Enough, Huh?” [*30]
Obama and the Government Employees [*31]
The Truth Is a Precious Commodity [*32]
Another “Unprecedented” New Low for The Lightbringer [*33]
Figures. Obama “Misrepresents” Republican 2009 Filibuster Record [*34]
The Official Unraveling of the Obama Presidency [*35]
Man Up, Obama, or Make Way for President Palin [*36]
Why Obama’s Going to Have to Raise Taxes on the Middle Class [*37] — Podcast (unfortunately . . . I like reading, personally . . .)
Bam’s Tax Betrayal [*38] — “Remember ‘Joe the Plumber?'”
Obama Readies to Break Contract with Taxpayers*? [*39]
Obama’s Very Weak Hand: When All Else Fails, Try Bipartisanship [*40]
Senator Rockefeller on Obama: “He’s Beginning to Be Non-Believable” [*41]
White House to post health bill before Feb 25 meeting [*42] — Sadly, almost nothing that comes out of Obama’s mouth, or out of the White House, can be believed any more . . .

The reality of Washington Democrats (and Independents, and Socialists) as blithering idiots:
Senator Evan Bayh needs to come clean about his residence status in Indiana [*43] — With a well-deserved whack at conservatives/Republicans, too: “The Republican Party — and this is direct advice you should feel free to use on a daily basis — should stick to advocating fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in our lives and economy, and fostering entrepreneurialism and energy independence. That’s it, folks.”
Screw Bi-Partisanship: King Harry Reid Edition [*44]
Fumble! Reid pulls jobs bill White House had already endorsed [*45]
Census decision could shift more power to cities [*46]
The Pelosi definition of “bipartisanship” [*47] — The really sad thing is how many people still fall for this faux “bipartisanship” from Democrats . . .
Cut ‘Em Off [*48]

The reality of Washington Republicans as blithering idiots:
White House sends out invites for health summit[*49] — It’s. A. Trap.

Other blithering idiots at large making life difficult for regular folks:
8 Percent of Americans Want to See Congress Reelected. 90 Percent of Congressmen Will Be Reelected. [*50] — Plenty of blithery goodness (or, more accurately, badness) here . . .

Opposition Research: because blithering idiocy can be dangerous, especially when organized into idiotic groups with idiotic ideologies:
Following the Crowd [*51]
“If you disagree with me, you hate yourself!”[*52]
Alan Wolfe: Tom Sowell is a Grumpy Pants [*53]
Hey Libertarians! Liberals Are Just Not That Into You![*54]

The Keith Olbermann Memorial “Special Comment” on blithering idiots in the Media:
Maybe Olbermann Is About To Be Cancelled [*55]
A Disgusting Media Lie– TPM Publishes Bogus Story Citing Texas Racist As Tea Party Leader [*56]
Dear Lord, Coccoon Us From Evil: New York Times Finds Obama’s Approval At Lowest Ever, 46%, But Headlines Poll, Bizarrely, “Poll Finds Edge for Obama Over G.O.P. Among the Public” [*57]
Keith Olbermann is a funny, funny man: We watch, because we’re paid to [*58]
FNC’s Red Eye Interviews Robot Andrew Sullivan [*59]
The case against Marc Thiessen [*60]

SECTION FOUR: Case Studies in Blithering Idiocy
“Global warming” aka “Climate change” — or should that be “Climate Reform?”:
Scientist quits: ‘I don’t want to remain a member of an organization that …screws up science that badly.’ [*61]
Resolving the Global Warming Fraud [*62]
CRU’s Jones: Climate data ‘not well organised’ and MWP debate ‘not settled’ [*63]

Health care “reform” aka health insurance “reform” — or should that be health care “change?” Perhaps “Global healthing?:
Why Obama Can’t Drop Health Care Reform [*64]
The Insatiable Need [*65]
The (Re)Public(an) Option [*66]
Harkin: We’re Going Ahead With Reconciliation [*67]

The Economy (Can the blithering idiots bring down the most productive economy the world has ever seen? Yes, They Can! Will they?):
Columnist and Author Amity Shlaes Warns of Skyrocketing Inflation in St. Louis Speech (Video) [*68]
Suze Orman: It’s Better Not To Get Tax Refund–Financial Expert Says Refund Means You’re Lending Uncle Sam Money [*69]
Dear Mr. President: Why We Are Not Hiring [*70]
Where is the optimism? [*71] — “Consumer sentiment confounded economists’ expectations and fell in February, according to a University of Michigan report released today.” — Economists . . . well, non-Austrian-school ones, anyway, seem to be confounded, surprised, and otherwise wide-eyed quite a bit lately . . .
Repeat After Me: Tax Credit for Employers is a Dumb Idea When These Guys Have No Customers [*72]
The Closing Bell, 2/12: Dow down on news of China’s tightening [*73]

Foreign affairs and National Security (Will blithering idiots get us all killed, or make us all speak Spanish–or Chinese–or Arabic–or all three?):
Cut the Gordion Knot, Already [*74]
VOA, BBC, Deutsche Welle Condemn Iran for Blocking Broadcasts[*75]
Peace Through Light [*76]
Big, Big Offensive Begins in Afghanistan– Largest Since Start of War [*77]

The Morning Whip is a (mostly) daily review of what’s out there that caught my attention, sometimes but not always posted before 11 am Central time in the U. S. of A., unless I just don’t feel like it that day, am out doing something more important or more fun, or I’ve been abducted, detained, arrested, or otherwise flummoxed by the agents of blithering idiotry.

I surf the Web, so you don’t have to! (which would be a trademark, but come on, who am I kidding?)

Contributed by: filbert Friday, February 12 2010 @ 10:54 AM CST

It’s been a while since the last update–since October 28th, to be exact. Since then, Snookums and I have been on a long cruise, we’ve gotten through the holidays, and survived Super Bowl Sunday. The tale:

October 28: 228 pounds.

This past Wednesday, February 10th, at the official clinic visit: 224.2 pounds.

That’s good.

Dr. Tague (yes, we actually met the doctor again this time) adjusted my supplements a bit, but overall was pretty happy. We talked about an ultimate weight-loss goal. I had been thinking about an even 200, but he said that with my particular body type, that would be really hard to do, and suggested 210 or 212, somewhere in there. I’m ok with that, too. So that’s the goal! We’ll call it 210.

That’s 14.2 pounds to go. Two weeks? Three weeks? Four weeks? I don’t know. But it’s nice to be so close!

Contributed by: filbert Friday, February 12 2010 @ 07:04 AM CST

From The Road To Serfdom, by F. A. Hayek, 1944, Fiftieth Anniversary Edition, 1994, The University of Chicago Press.

What socialism promised was not an absolutely equal, but a more just and more equal, distribution. Not equality in the absolute sense but “greater equality” is the goal which is seriously aimed at.

Excerpted under Fair Use for purposes of non-commercial education, discussion and comment. Any transcription or typographical errors are mine.

Contributed by: filbert Friday, February 12 2010 @ 05:27 AM CST

SECTION ONE: The Word:
Western Illinois 64, Oral Roberts 62. “That’s why they play the games.”
SECTION TWO: Things That Amuse Me:
Simians and other aminals*:
Toads Anticipate the Timing and Impact of Their Landings [*1]
Bird-from-Dinosaur Theory of Evolution Challenged: Was It the Other Way Around? [*2]
*Yes, I know it’s “animals,” it’s just that I always found the childhood mispronunciation really, really cute . . .

Travel:
DOT Attaches Foolish Conditions to US Airways and Delta Slot Swap in New York and Washington [*3]

Sports:
Jackrabbits’ vision for future could be ‘state changing’ [*4]
Jackrabbits and Bison clash at Frost [*5]
Mayor Wants No City Money For Sports Complex [*6]
East Texas coach, player out on bond [*7]
Jacks battle Bison in Pink Zone® game [*8]
Li’l Jack [*9]

Science Fiction and Writing:
Nothing spacey today.

Science, technology, and space:
The Government Can Monitor Your Location All Day Every Day Without Implicating Your Fourth Amendment Rights [*10] — I can see how this could be a problem . . . can you?
Bill Clinton has two stents placed in heart: aide [*11] — As I realize I don’t have a straight “news” section . . .

Miscellany (amusing things not fitting above, or below):
South Dakota man accused of attacking snow plow driver who knocked over mailbox at his home [*12]
Tennessee grandfather charged with holding boy on his lap while driving drunk [*13] — One or the other, but not both, Grandpa!

SECTION THREE: Politics: The neverending battle against blithering idiocy:
People doing potentially good things (including sightings of politicians doing something less than totally idiotic):
Sarah Palin displays her pitch-perfect populism [*14]
Palin Exposes the Tea Partiers’ True Colors: Why trading liberty for security is not consistent with a limited government philosophy. [*15] — Cautionary note . . .
Beck: Maybe both parties aren’t the same [*16]
Palin Visits Walter Reed: Our Wounded Warriors Unite Us [*17]
Palin Watch: David Broder Says It’s Time to Take Her Seriously, But Half of All Republicans Don’t Think She’s Ready [*18] — Of course, well over 50% of Democrats thought Obama was ready, so there . . .
Chris Wallace: Palin Serious Political Player [*19]
There’s Something About Sarah [*20]
Tea, anyone?–The independent-bent thirst for limited government is more than just some marginalized shouting [*21]
Robert Reich: “I’m also joining any Tea Party of mad-as-hellers fed up with how Big Insurance, Big Pharma, Wall Street, and much of the rest of corporate America have taken over our democracy.” [*22]
Rep. Paul Ryan, Really Randian [*23]
The Four Horsemen of the Ablogalypse: 2010 Version [*24]

The cure for blithering idiocy: freedom and individual liberty (yeah, I know–ooh, ick, philosophy!):
Hurtling Down the Road to Serfdom: Do we want a culture of takers or makers? [*25]
Americans’ First Loyalty Must Be to the Constitution [*26]
Interview With Bruce Caldwell, Editor of Collected Works of Hayek [*27]

The reality of President Obama as a blithering idiot (and he’s the President, so he gets credit, if that’s the word, for the entire Executive Branch):
Stunner. Obama Now Says He’s “Agnostic” On Raising Taxes On Those Making Less Than $250,000 [*28]
Why Real Men Get Their Hands Dirty [*29]
Obama doubles down; hits twenty… twice [*30]
Quinnipiac: Obama down to 45% [*31]
Robert Gibbs Tells White House Press Corps That Obama Saved Iraq (Video) [*32]
Vice Idiot Joe Biden: Iraq “Could Be One of the Great Achievements of This Administration” [*33] — You have to wonder what color the sky is in their world . . .

The reality of Washington Democrats (and Independents, and Socialists) as blithering idiots:
Pelosi Aide Prepares to Turn Congress Over to GOP [*34]
CNN Poll: 67% Unhappy With How Federal Government Works [*35]
Rising Red Tape Erodes Economic Freedom in United States [*36] — No, it’s not just the Democrats, but it’s mainly the Democrats . . .
Reid rejects bipartisan jobs bill endorsed by White House [*37]

The reality of Washington Republicans as blithering idiots:
Heartache: Tea Party candidate in Texas a 9/11 truther; Update: Medina responds [*38] — Well, not exactly “Washington Republican” but “Texas Tea-Partier” should be close enough for most people . . .

Other blithering idiots at large making life difficult for regular folks:
Protectionist Nonsense [*39]
Congratulations to the ‘Tea Bashers’ [*40]
Nice strategy for mean libertarians? [*41] — I hadn’t really thought of a “libertarians as blithering idiots” category, but I might have to consider it . . .
“Of course, Nader is simply wrong about what the Supreme Court did” [*42]
Lefties Struggle To Crack Racist Right Wing Code (I Am Here To Help) [*43]

Opposition Research: because blithering idiocy can be dangerous, especially when organized into idiotic groups with idiotic ideologies:
Deception as a Principle of Governance [*44]
Is Bipartisanship a Desirable Goal? [*45] — Not if it’s two wolves and a sheep voting on what to have for dinner . . .
The “Jobs” Bill Sham [*46]
A Less Perfect Union [*47]

The Keith Olbermann Memorial “Special Comment” on blithering idiots in the Media:
Did Palin’s position “deteriorate significantly” in WaPo/ABC poll? [*48]
‘Chief Investigative Reporter’ for Tina Brown’s Daily Beast Resigns After Plagiarism Scandal [*49]
CNN Analyst Wants Obama to “Go Gangsta” [*50] — This would be an epically stupid thing to do. I’m not sure even Obama and his advisors are that . . . er . . . well, actually, they are that stupid, I’m afraid . . .

SECTION FOUR: Case Studies in Blithering Idiocy
“Global warming” aka “Climate change” — or should that be “Climate Reform?”:
Is it time to overhaul the IPCC? – Climate scientists debate whether the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change should be tweaked, overhauled, or scrapped. [*51]
Climate and Rent-Seeking [*52]
“Frozen Wasteland” [*53]
A Blizzard of Global-Warming Hype [*54]
Editor of Nature forced to resign from climate review panel [*55]
The IPCC Is Underwater [*56]
New Paper in Science: Sea level 81,000 years ago was 1 meter higher while CO2 was lower [*57]
Rally for Academic Integrity [*58]

Health care “reform” aka health insurance “reform” — or should that be health care “change?” Perhaps “Global healthing?:
Nothing today.

The Economy (Can the blithering idiots bring down the most productive economy the world has ever seen? Yes, They Can! Will they?):
Did they expect to be bailed out [*59]
Missouri State Workers Angry Over Savings Plan Cuts [*60]
N.J. Gov. Christie Freezes Spending: With State’s Budget In ‘Shambles,’ New Governor Slices Into School Surpluses, NJ Transit Subsidies; Dems Furious [*61] — There’s going to be a lot of angry/furious Democrats, government employees, and welfare recipients before this is all over, I’m afraid . . .

Foreign affairs and National Security (Will blithering idiots get us all killed, or make us all speak Spanish–or Chinese–or Arabic–or all three?):
Dissing America [*62]
The 20% Solution[*63]
Ahmadinejad: Iran is a “Nuclear State” [*64]

The Morning Whip is a (mostly) daily review of what’s out there that caught my attention, sometimes but not always posted before 11 am Central time in the U. S. of A., unless I just don’t feel like it that day, am out doing something more important or more fun, or I’ve been abducted, detained, arrested, or otherwise flummoxed by the agents of blithering idiotry.

I surf the Web, so you don’t have to! (which would be a trademark, but come on, who am I kidding?)