There's an old joke that's always been a favorite in our family: a priest, a minister, and a rabbi are all asked, "when does life begin?" The priest immediately says, "At the moment of conception." The minister answers, "When the fetus is viable outside the womb." And the rabbi thinks for a moment before he says, "When the kids are safely married and the dog dies."
The Senior Son is now a married man. Without a doubt, I am the big winner in the daughters-in-law jackpot. Two exceptionally fine women have opted to love my guys enough to marry 'em, and let me tell you, I could not be happier. Looks to me (and the rest of the world) that both my guys had the good sense to marry their best friends. This is a sensible thing to do. I did it, and more than once remembering that once upon a time, we were besties, pulled Ziggy and me back from the brink. I think that because this was such a horrendous year for our family, it was especially important to gather for a simcha, a happy occasion.
Of course, with the election a scant week away, there was political conversation, but it wasn't quite what I expected. People are concerned about what happens after Hillary Clinton wins. The acquittal of the Bundy Brigade in Oregon last week sets a dangerous precedent. The acquittal seemed to be based on the idea that the government did not prove its case.
Defense lawyer Matthew Schindler, who served as a hybrid counsel with defendant Medenbach, said the use of firearms allowed the occupiers to garner the attention of the world for their cause. “For these defendants and these people, having a firearm has nothing to do with a threat or anything else,” he said. “It’s as much a statement of their rural culture as a cowboy hat or a pair of jeans. I think the jury believed at the end of the day that that’s why the guns were there.” The Washington Post - October 27th, 2016
So let me get this straight: they didn't have guns because they were going to actually use them on Federal officials; they had guns because they are a fashion statement. Why not just walk around nude? That would've "garnered" the attention of the media.
Meanwhile, just down the block a'ways, over at Standing Rock in North Dakota, peaceful protesters are facing police guns, sound cannon, and arrest. Unlike an armed take-over of federal lands, the Standing Rock Sioux are out there trying to protect their homeland, sacred space...and water. It's not just about the pipeline. Unlike the Bundys, they happen to have rights to the land they are trying to protect. 
But let's not talk about that. Instead, let's all agree to recognize that Standing Rock Sioux have indigenous rights to the land. Indigenous groups from all over the globe are arriving to support their fight to save the land. These people aren't wearing costumes for Halloween; they are wearing their own native dress and joining their voices to those of Standing Rock tribe.
But we're not talking about that either. We are focused on bashing to a woman who has devoted her adult life to public service. FBI director Comey, in what appears to be a total violation of the Hatch Act. Was it an attempt to be transparent, or an attempt to intentionally obfuscate an already dicey situation?
With his limited vocabulary consisting of tremendous words like "tremendous," "greatest," and "sue," Mr. Trump has managed to divert attention away from his own mounting troubles, not the least of which is a law suit directed at him for the rape of a minor. Originally filed in California, it has been moved to New York. A status conference is scheduled for December 16, 2016.
At this writing, not one of my Republican family or friends is voting for Donald Trump. Most are voting for Hillary, some are writing in Mickey Mouse. Be that as it may, it does NOT mean Ms. Clinton will find a coalition in Congress. They are already pledging to just vote down any nomination for SCOTUS. Great. They just announced they are not going to do their jobs. And we are paying them exorbitant salaries because........
So back to the Bundy Brigade for a moment. Since armed insurrection is not a prosecutable offence in Oregon, do we have to worry about the message that sent? In rendering that decision, did that jury just change the course of American history? Honestly? I'm not at all certain.
I think I'll go vote tomorrow after work. I am ready for this to be over.
The Wifely Person's Tip o'the Week
If invited to a family wedding, go.
Supporting the joy is always a good thing.
Congratulations! (In my head it sounds like Masel Tov-is that spelled right?)
ReplyDeleteOn your second point, I have been amazed to hear it said that the community supported the Bundy crew and so, they were acquitted. How can we be a nation of laws, when the law is THIS malleable? How can the weapons of the Bundys, locked and loaded, not impose a threat while children with toy guns are being murdered immediately!? How can "media" and the Justice Department continue to ignor the Wyoming protests while "the whole world is watching?"
I always have enjoyed going to the polls on Election Day, but I voted today. I couldn't wait any longer. I couldn't stand it any longer. I voted for Democrat senators and representatives. I voted for Democrat clerks and judges and state's attorney. I am saddened that America has only one political party to choose from, the Democrats, because the Republicans have decided that their role is to serve other entities than We, the People and fledgling 3rd parties have candidates so bizarre as to be indescribably unacceptable. Sad times, indeed!
Thank you so much! You are very close on the spelling...it transliterates with a Z instead of a S, but beyond the M and the Z, the letters are at will!
DeleteI am horrified at the acquittal for the same reasons you are. The disparity between the actions in Oregon v.the demonstrations in North Dakota simply defy imagination. The message is clear...and it is dangerous. Very dangerous.
Not looking forward to next Monday night at all. As for Tuesday...by then it will be too late.
While I agree with the outrage and disbelief over the Bundy verdicts, we must accept that case as over and try to change something in the world so that in the next case the verdict is better. During my foray as a prosecutor, I had to learn to accept that while "law" is black and white, "the law" is a part of We the People. The Bundys were guilty under law, but found not guilty because We the People decided we could accept their actions. Those who recognize this miscarriage of justice need to try to identify why the verdict occurred and try to affect the Nation (through advocacy, education, etc) to prevent such a thing in the past.
ReplyDeleteWe can only hope we are not having a similar discussion regarding the Presidential election results next week. Sometimes it seems the simplest way to correct the political storm that we live in would be to require truth - if We the People recognized who the candidates are, what the Parties actually stand for and accomplish, and how the economy, the culture, and the World actually work, perhaps the elected majorities would be realigned. And once we make that happen, we can all ride our unicorns off into the sunset on a beautiful rainbow.
Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon
ReplyDeleteGoing to the candidates debate
Laugh about it shout about when you got to choose
Every way you look at it you lose