“Democracy is based upon the conviction that man has the moral and intellectual capacity, as well as the inalienable right, to govern himself with reason and justice.” – Harry S. Truman
“I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but inform their discretion.” – Thomas Jefferson
“As citizens of this democracy, you are the rulers and the ruled, the lawgivers and the law-abiding, the beginning and the end.” – Adlai Stevenson
“Government is a trust, and the officers of the government are trustees; and both the trust and the trustees are created for the benefit of the people.” – Henry Clay
“If there have been those who doubted whether a confederated representative democracy were a government competent to the wise and orderly management of the common concerns of a mighty nation, those doubts have been dispelled.” – John Quincy Adams
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There is nothing so disturbing as an employee who refuses to follow directions. In the private sector, it can be remedied, but in the public sector, it becomes more complicated by the sheer proliferation of agencies and employees that are not answerable to the people they ostensibly serve, and it becomes maddening when they have the nerve to pretend that they know better than them what pays the freight.
This was brought into focus recently with the FCC’s decision to implement its so-called “Net Neutrality” regulations to fix a problem that doesn’t exist. This was a decision that was slow in coming. The DC circuit had already ruled that the FCC does not have the authority to regulate the internet. Congress, in a rare show of real bipartisanship had also made a point of asking the FCC not to promulgate regulations for the internet and leave it to the lawmakers. And yet despite every indication that it had no authority to do so, the FCC decided to start regulating the internet… to the cheers of those who believe the hype without any consideration of the long-term implications, as a cousin of mine was only too eager to demonstrate on Facebook recently, as he expressed his exuberance at this wonderful development.
The website he hyperlinked was one extolling the virtues, but never actually thinking the process through. When I pointed out that the FCC did so over both the Legislative and Judicial Branches’ objections, his response was a childlike “Yes, but they did it anyway.”
I was stunned.
Did he really mean it? I have never questioned his good intentions, but at the same time, a demonstration of such glee at an obvious and egregious avoidance of the authority of the Constitutionally mandated branches of government demonstrates two stark facts:
1. Our educational system has failed;
2. And as a result, “The means justifies the ends” has become the default in place of “the rule of law, not men.”
This is not an isolated phenomenon. As my friend and co-blogger Nice Deb, points out, it is a trend. Whether it is the EPA deciding sua sponte that it has the authority to regulate CO2 emissions as a pollutant, or the Secretary of Health and Human Services resurrecting the “end of life” counseling that lawmakers removed from the final draft. But the money quote, which stopped me cold, was this:
New legislation is already being drafted by Republicans to stop the EPA from imposing cap and trade on its own.
Let that sink in for a minute.
Our elected officials are in a power struggle with unelected functionaries who are on a power trip. Unelected functionaries who are not accountable to “We the people.”
The people who serve us are fighting for control with the people who serve themselves and claim to do it for our own good.
This power struggle will distract the Congress from its actual business, and even better yet, we get to foot the bill for it. We have a front-row seat for the clash that will determine the fate of freedom. On one side, there is the consent of the governed; on the other, the dictates of the governing. If we lose control of the government, then our fate is to have it control us.
I only hope that God won’t judge us too harshly if the wrong side wins…if not for my sake, then for the sake of my children.
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When you know how to suck a reed, you can do anything. – Michael
Ummmmm, I think you were doing it wrong……
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Who did the header photo and tagline?
on topic: I recently had the poor luck to have to call the dept. of labor re: my hopefully soon to be ending unemployment benefits.
The fucking bitch had the nerve to say to me, after basically ignoring what I was calling for for about 5 minutes and refusing to even listen, “My phone is ringing and i have to take another call.” and hung up.
WTF??!?!?!?!?!?!
Bitch, you fucking work for me, even if I am currently on unemployment! How fucking DARE you??!?!
Infuriating, to say the least.
I have an important announcement to make.
After seeing Cirque Dreams Holidaze, I may be gay. I fucking loved it and it was KICK ASS!!!
*prances around bar, makes cocktail in candy cane tights*
I may be gay.
raise your hands if you did not already recognize this……
*
*
*
*
no one, huh?
Not as capable as an Oboe/English Horn/Bassoon player. But then, someone has to keep your women happy.
Wow.
You just mentioned the three gayest instruments ever invented.
Thank God Michael showed up. I thought this was going to be a sausage fest.
Good post, by the way.
It is a fact of life that we have federal agencies which are unattached to any real accountability, and the are running out of control.
You just mentioned the three gayest instruments ever invented.
No, I just mentioned the instrument that keeps the rest of the band on pitch, and its two cousins.
Michael, you shouldn’t feel bad that you lacked the tonguing skills to play it. Most people don’t have that talent. Fortunately for the hawt chicks in band, some of us do.
Hate to admit this, but I saw a live Cirque du Soliel show in Ohio, and loved it. So count me as another gay who is now out of the closet.
Oboe/English Horn/Bassoon
You know how you get two oboe players to play in tune with each other?
kill one of them.
So count me as another gay who is now out of the closet.
again, raise your hand if your are surprised by this…….
*
*
*
*
*
*
anyone?
*
*
*
anyone at all?
I’d raise my hand, but I’m busy looking for Cirque de Soleil tickets.
Wait, was that out loud?
*backs away
You know how you get two oboe players to play in tune with each other?
How did you find two in the same band?
anyone at all?
Dang, Wiser, you know I’m not gay. I’ll bet your wife told you all about how I hit on her.
To my surprise, she’s a lesbian.
Oh well, the country needs a good shooting civil war every 150 or so years just to keep us on our toes. This next one’s starting sooner than many think.
Fortunately for the hawt chicks in band, some of us do.
Which is why most of them dated the drummers…..
*backs away
Into Rosetta’s loving embrace.
Hate to admit this, but I saw a live Cirque du Soliel show in Ohio, and loved it. So count me as another gay who is now out of the closet.
Mrs Rosetta got us 4th row center tickets which normally would suck but they were great for this show. I said “WOW!!!” and “ZOMG!!!!” a hundred times each.
I haven’t felt this much like a little fat kid since I was a little fat kid.
It gets 4.987 out of 5.199 bald heads.
To my surprise, she’s a lesbian.
I bet you’ve met a whole lot of “lesbians” in your life.
Which is why most of them dated the drummers…..
We didn’t think it was fair to dilute our attentions. So some of the had to settle.
BiW, and if a girl plays the oboe?
To my surprise, she’s a lesbian.
Well that explains why she’s always hitting on me.
How did you find two in the same band?
distasteful, to say the least.
I bet you’ve met a whole lot of “lesbians” in your life.
Well, I have bumped into my fair share. They are easy to identify, because they all say the same thing.
“No!”
Rosetta, I have a high school pic for the yearbook finally.
I ain’t wearin a tie
Well that explains why she’s always hitting on me.
hey, she married me.
You think she actually has any taste in men?
*tackles Rockette, helps with the “high leg kick”*
Well, I have bumped into my fair share. They are easy to identify, because they all say the same thing.
“No!”
Meanwhile, I am willing to bet you’ve never once met a gay man.
BiW, and if a girl plays the oboe?
Then she can give a blow job that will send you over the moon.
(My tutor was a girl, and while I never sampled the blow jobs, I also know that her boyfriend never complained.)
Rosetta, I have a high school pic for the yearbook finally.
I ain’t wearin a tie
Did you email it to me?
And they didn’t have ties back then. Duh
hey, she married me.
You think she actually has any taste in men?
She’s using you to get to Bob.
She’s using you to get to Bob.
BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!!!
riiiiight…..
Hahahahahahahaha.
But seriously…the header photo and tagline are hilarious.
Meanwhile, I am willing to bet you’ve never once met a gay man.
Actually, I have known numerous openly gay men.
Not one of them hit on me. Not. One.
I am pretty offended by this. What is wrong with my ass?
Huh?
Is there something about my ass that turns gay guys off?
Not as capable as an Oboe/English Horn/Bassoon player. But then, someone has to keep your women happy.
Then she can give a blow job that will send you over the moon.
So, basically, what BiW is saying is, he gives incredible blow jobs……..
No wonder Xbrad has been spending so much time in the Pacific Northwest….
How did you find two in the same band?
distasteful, to say the least.
I understand. Being brought face-to-face with your own inferiority can be intimidating and distasteful. Still, you should have better self-esteem than that. You should subscribe to Dick’s correspondence course: Self-Confidence Solutions™: Feeling Better About Your Inferiority. Only 3 easy payments of $19.99! Operators are standing by!
The cape hids your ass, Michael, you dummy.
yeah, just now.
How’s the pillowcases?
Is there something about my ass that turns gay guys off?
Its the cape. It gives them performance anxiety.
Have any of you seen True Grit or The Fighter yet? If so, impressions, please.
>> Is there something about my ass that turns gay guys off?
I doubt it.
Not one of them hit on me. Not. One.
That’s just plain depressing, isn’t it?
Is there something about my ass that turns gay guys off?
It’s age?
And the cape hides you ass, too.
I am pretty offended by this. What is wrong with my ass?
Huh?
Maybe they don’t like the petting zoo inside of it.
Ties, capes, oboes, and Michael wanting me to check out his ass…
Better call it a night.
Sweet dreams, Hostages!
The cape hids your ass, Michael, you dummy.
Its the cape. It gives them performance anxiety.
I never thought of that, but I think you are right.
Still, I can’t give up the cape. My obligation as a crime fighter is sacrosanct.
Being brought face-to-face with your own inferiority can be intimidating and distasteful.
I’ll be sure to tell you if and when that happens.
Meanwhile, keep tonguing that chicken….
Now what should we talk about? Colon health?
Now what should we talk about? All potential casues of jock itch?
Now what should we talk about? Colon health?
How about donkey rape? Or Daddy’s Fingers? Those two things never get old.
Why cats always land on their feet? (Disclaimer: This may be a lie.)
I’ll be sure to tell you if and when that happens.
Wiser, just face it.
A clarinet is a cheap excuse for a sax. People who play the clarinet (meaning, you and me) are losers.
Is this the end of innocence?
Hey Richardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino, what are you and your hot chick doing for New Year’s Eve?
And on a scale of 1 to 10, how much does wiserdaughter want to kill you right now?
Talking about donkey rape is good because, really, when it all comes down to it, who hasn’t been raped by a donkey?
*sigh*
*rubs picture of donkey, smiles*
Clint, WTF are you wearing right now?
WHERE IS EVERYONE???
A clarinet is a cheap excuse for a sax. People who play the clarinet (meaning, you and me) are losers.
shhhhhhh… we’re better than oboe players……
Hey Richardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalbán y Merino, what are you and your hot chick doing for New Year’s Eve?
Spending some time at some friends…. possibly. Still up in the air.
As for wiserdaughter, I’m not sure how she feels about me right now. I haven’t unlocked her bedroom door since Monday.
Rosetta.
http://tinyurl.com/264oxwb
Daughter Michael wanted to play saxophone. It was the instrument she loved. This was while she was still in elementary school.
The band director tried to push her into the clarinet section. “Start with clarinet” he said, and you can “move up to a sax later.”
Fuck him. I heard the same pitch when I was a kid and wanted to play sax, just because he wants to fill out the clarinet section.
I bought Daughter Michael a sax overnight, and sent her to school with it. She played sax in the school band, and I went to every concert.
shhhhhhh… we’re better than oboe players……
Simpler, maybe.
But not better.
Interesting night of lurking.
BTW – If it wasn’t for the hawt chicks, this would be the 2nd lamest site on the innerwebtubes.
As for wiserdaughter, I’m not sure how she feels about me right now. I haven’t unlocked her bedroom door since Monday.
Hahahahahahahahaha.
That has to be a weird deal, buddy. What she HATES YOU for right now, she’ll THANK YOU for later.
Good thing you’re not a total pussy.
>> And on a scale of 1 to 10, how much does wiserdaughter want to kill you right now?
eleventy
>> What she HATES YOU for right now, she’ll THANK YOU for later.
dont bank on that Rich
That has to be a weird deal, buddy. What she HATES YOU for right now, she’ll THANK YOU for later.
Like when she realizes that when the cameras get turned off from filming the episodes of “Teen Mom”, they don’t take the baby with them?
BTW – If it wasn’t for the hawt chicks, this would be the 2nd lamest site on the innerwebtubes.
*looks at IB, pats its head, closes casket*
If it wasn’t for the hot chicks, this blog would be consist of sicko German porn and I would unload the most heinous vulgar venom on you faggots that you have ever heard. It is only because of the calming effect of the hot chicks that I haven’t unleashed hell on you all.
Count your dicks.
But not better.
Name one famous oboe player.
As for wiserdaughter, I’m not sure how she feels about me right now. I haven’t unlocked her bedroom door since Monday.
If you want a volunteer to send in supplies, I am available.
Count your dicks.
Edward Penishands goes to eleven.
It is only because of the calming effect of the hot chicks that I haven’t unleashed hell on you all.
Lighten up, Frances.*
.
.
.
* Yeah, that was intentional
What she HATES YOU for right now, she’ll THANK YOU for later.
It’s a damn shame I’ll be dead by then…..
Actually, when you think about it, why do hot chicks hang out here?
We don’t talk a lot about ironing and cleaning the house.
Huh.
If you want a volunteer to send in supplies, I am available.
Perv.
Is it Frances, or Francis?
Whatever it is I’m right.
Rosetta, tell your Missus to check your gmail.
Name one famous oboe player.
They don’t become famous for playing…the oboe.
Rosie – They like it ’cause we drool on ’em, but are far enough away to be safe. . . and some of us are teh funneh.
. . . and some of us are teh funneh.
so Brad and Batman are the pity cases?
If you want a volunteer to send in supplies, I am available.
I mentioned your slight attraction to wiserdaughter.
She said “ugh, you mean the guy with the really pathetic ass?”
just so you know….
Actually, when you think about it, why do hot chicks hang out here?
The recipes.
It’s a damn shame I’ll be dead by then….
Wiserbride and I have an agreement to keep you alive no matter what, wiservegetable.
Name one famous oboe player.
Are you kidding? George Washington, Adolph Hitler, and Martin Luther King all played the oboe. You can look this up on Wikipedia.
They don’t become famous for playing…the oboe.
Ron Jeremy played the oboe?
Actually, when you think about it, why do hot chicks hang out here?
For the same reason you and I were able to find women who would marry us.
Low self esteem.
Later, gaywads.
Rosetta, tell your Missus to check your gmail.
A dude in Michigan just went to jail for that.
http://tinyurl.com/yzazudd
Are you kidding? George Washington, Adolph Hitler, and Martin Luther King all played the oboe. You can look this up on Wikipedia.
Hey, lookit that! so did Ted Bundy, Charles Manson and Michael Moore!
later, sk8rbois.
Count your dicks.
Edward Penishands goes to eleven.
Hahahahahahahaha.
Q: When are Edward Penishands jokes not funny?
A: Never.
Edward Penishands XI: Playing Oboe with Wood
Wiserbride and I have an agreement to keep you alive no matter what, wiservegetable.
They just passed those death panels, so I guess you’re screwed.
Although you could just smother Richard with a pillow or something.
Although you could just smother Richard with a pillow or something.
THOSE AREN’T PILLOWS!!!
>> Wiserbride and I have an agreement to keep you alive no matter what, wiservegetable.
I protest this outrageous decision.
Hey let’s hold hands the next time we solve a mystery.
Q: When are Edward Penishands jokes not funny?
A: Never.
Damn, it’s a shame I’ve never met you in person. Specifically, I would have liked to been at your wedding.
On a related topic, have you ever delivered a speech at a funeral?
Worst Eulogy Ever:
Lo tho we walk in the shadow of Edward Penishands
Please never let him touch my face
Give us this day some fresh breads from Panera
Seriously Edward, don’t touch my face.
Evenin’
Body’s still on Eastern time, but I just got back to the hotel and this stupid clock says it’s on 10:15.
Time zones are a member of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor!
Oops .. on=only
*looks at IB, pats its head, closes casket*
The record for H2:
The record for IB:
The record for IB:
With geoff’s chart:
30 day average: 1,031
Without geoff’s chart:
30 day average: 4
Yeah, but isn’t a “unique view” somebody who clicks less than once every half hour or something like that.
That “lead” in uniques just reflects people falling asleep while reading IB.
Worst Eulogy Ever:
Lo tho we walk in the shadow of Edward Penishands
Please never let him touch my face
Give us this day some fresh breads from Panera
Seriously Edward, don’t touch my face.
I’ve never eaten at Panera. Sounds like I dodged a bullet.
What the fuck are you up to this fine evening, Rosetta?
Hahahahahahahahaha. Michael, giving you shit is the best.
Did you ever get a click from the Vatican?
What the fuck are you up to this fine evening, Rosetta?
My good friend, I went to an excellent dinner tonight and then an excellent show. And it’s still the holiday season so I am a happy bitch.
What were you doing in Texas?
May the road rise up to meet you,
and knock your teefes clean out.
Did you ever get a click from the Vatican?
He hasn’t been burnt at the stake yet, so I’m guessing no.
Yeah, but isn’t a “unique view” somebody who clicks less than once every half hour or something like that. That “lead” …
Yes. IB gets a lot of traffic from all over the world, mostly hits coming in from Google Images because we have an assortment of pics in our archives that have worked their way up on the Google hierarchy.
H2, on the other hand, gets an enormous amount of traffic from about 15 IP addresses.
On the way to Californy, where I am currently.
I went to an excellent dinner tonight with some old friends. We’re hiking tomorrow morning and then partying ’til the wee hours tomorrow night.
Sean, what is going to kill you first, mudslides or fire? Or disgruntled hooker?
forget it Jake. It’s Chinatown.
Damn iT!!! I missed that there was a new post. I just figured I killed the hostages entirely.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Who did the header photo and tagline?
oh and me
H2, on the other hand, gets an enormous amount of traffic from about 15 IP FREELY addresses.
There you go.
*buys http://www.goatse/IB.org*
May the road rise up to meet you,
and knock your teefes clean out.
That actually happened to me while my friends and I were riding bikes back in the 80s.
Luck of the Irish apparently doesn’t apply when you mix it with other Western/Central European blood. Which makes sense, I guess, since nobody ever talks about the Luck of the Scots or the Luck of the Krauts.
Did you ever get a click from the Vatican?
Yes. Just one.
I also recently got an Instalanche after I moved Geoff to AOSHQ, so fuck you. I don’t need no frickin; unemployment charts.
H2, on the other hand, gets an enormous amount of traffic from about 15 IP addresses.
Yeah, but they’re all admins, so their hits don’t count
*buys http://www.goatse/IB.org*
FAIL!
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Who did the header photo and tagline?
oh and me
You’re hot and funny. Wanna make out?
You’re hot and funny. Wanna make out?
Will you rub my feet first?
I also got a click from Timor-Leste.
Look at your Flag Counter.
You got one?
Huh?
You’re hot and funny. Wanna make out?
Will you rub my feet first?
When did you get a pedicure?
Instalanche. Meh.
I’d rather get a laugh.
OMG!!
You guys remember this sound? It used to be my favorite.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qWg6cgFnIU
dial up baby
Sean, what is going to kill you first, mudslides or fire? Or disgruntled hooker?
Getting stabbed by a hooker during a fireslide. This will happen at Disney’s California Adventure.
So It Has Been Written. So Shall It Be Done.
remember when someone would pick up the phone and knock you offline?
When did you get a pedicure?
Got a gift certificate for Christmas. I’m feeling kinda sexy right about now.
Heh. Remember *70 to turn off call waiting?
Getting stabbed by a hooker during a fireslide. This will happen at Disney’s California Adventure.
So It Has Been Written. So Shall It Be Done.
Hahahahahahhahahahaha.
Pieces of your charred troll collection be with you.
Instalanche. Meh.
I’d rather get a laugh.
Gruphhhh. Hurpgh. Mergh. Harghpff.
Sorry. I tried.
Heh. Remember *70 to turn off call waiting?
I’m so glad we got to forget all that.
Andy, are you there with your hot chick or Han Solo?
Pieces of your charred troll collection be with you.
And also with you.
(When did any of us ever get a troll?)
Andy, are you there with your hot chick or Han Solo?
He’ll be escorting Palmela Handerson this evening.
http://bit.ly/hFD2rT
Nobody was available to watch the little munchkins.
I’m 9.WTF Indians so I need to go to bed.
May all you sons of bitches and hot chick have an excellent night.
And remember…never, never, never, never, never give a shit. At least about dumb shit.
Finst.
He’ll be escorting Palmela Handerson this evening.
Hahahahahahahhahhaahah.
Give whoever wrote that an extra $5.
Yeah, I’m out too.
Later, taters.
Give whoever wrote that an extra $5.
*kicks dirt
Why do I always have to give my brother the money?
I died.
farewell
*kicks dirt
Why do I always have to give my brother the money?
Fuck that. You have a posse now.
(Granted, they’ll mostly just puke on his shoes instead of beating him up, but you work with what you’ve got.)
(Granted, they’ll mostly just puke on his shoes instead of beating him up, but you work with what you’ve got.)
OMG!! That’s perfect, course he’ll make sure he buys everyone a round, because that’s how he is.
but then we’ll kick his ass!
I died.
farewell
*donates Dave to science*
fuck science
I died.
farewell
what? are you the thread?
fuck science
Dave is a Baptist. He means that.
Does that mean Dave won’t dance or drink or swear either?
Does that mean Dave won’t dance or drink or swear either?
I have danced and drunk with Dave. (He is a pretty good dancer, if you let him lead.)
I have never heard him swear.
Outstanding.
http://townhall.com/columnists/AnnCoulter/2010/12/29/liberals_give_til_it_hurts_you
(for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. – Matt. 6:21)
Now WAKE UP!
Who locked car in in the closet? She’s usually up and about by now.
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