I believe the protagonist of that film based on the graphic novel, V For Vendetta, said it best: People shouldn't be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.
Extra credit for your caveat! Yes, I am guilty as charged, as the Chief Picker of Nits. It's frustrating to read poll questions that begin with the premise that ALL laws are created the same: "Should such and such be outlawed?" And there's never an option for "It depends on whether that's a STATE law or a Federal law." Personally I don't care that Colorado just enacted a statewide plastic bag ban, or that Tennessee has a lottery and Alabama doesn't - if that's what the Colorado or Tennessee people want, they can have it. I very much have an opinion on the Federal government considering such things.
I once knew a fellow, an American citizen by birth, who believed our governments job was the redistribution of wealth. It's actual function and purpose is to take from one and give to another as it sees fit. This man went to public schools, served in the military (albeit the USAF) and went to college. If we are producing a great many people so fundamentally (and adamantly) confused about how this country functions at its most basic level, we have a tough row to hoe convincing the majority that the Constitution is a government limiting document.
When I worked in defense, I heard and shared this joke (Grumman, then Northrop Grumman was a Navy house and the joke went over well).
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As some of you may know, the different branches of the military use common language that can mean very different things.
For example, if you told the Army to secure a building, they'd occupy it so no one else could enter.
If you told the Navy to secure a building, they'd turn off the lights and lock the doors.
If you told the Marines to secure a building, they'd stage an assault, clear a killing field, put snipers on the roof and machine gun nests on the grounds.
If you told the Air Force to secure a building, they'd take out a three year lease with an option to buy.
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Later, when I was on an Air Force job, on a work trip to Kirtland AFB, my boss noted that the light colonel we had just met seemed a nice and competent fellow, but hardly a "leader of men," Another boss then noted that you couldn't swing a dead cat around Kirtland without hitting a light colonel.
On a subsequent trip, I sat in on a presentation to a bird colonel. Holy toledo, what a difference. Sharp as a razor, and totally in charge. That's when I realized where the line in the USAF hierarchy was.
Brilliant, as always! You are a true polymath! Happy New Year!🎊🎈🎆
I believe the protagonist of that film based on the graphic novel, V For Vendetta, said it best: People shouldn't be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people.
Extra credit for your caveat! Yes, I am guilty as charged, as the Chief Picker of Nits. It's frustrating to read poll questions that begin with the premise that ALL laws are created the same: "Should such and such be outlawed?" And there's never an option for "It depends on whether that's a STATE law or a Federal law." Personally I don't care that Colorado just enacted a statewide plastic bag ban, or that Tennessee has a lottery and Alabama doesn't - if that's what the Colorado or Tennessee people want, they can have it. I very much have an opinion on the Federal government considering such things.
"Get off my lawn!"
Happy New Year, Peter!
Great column! Hopefully, 2024 will bring the day when we see your byline in NR.
I know what you mean!
I once knew a fellow, an American citizen by birth, who believed our governments job was the redistribution of wealth. It's actual function and purpose is to take from one and give to another as it sees fit. This man went to public schools, served in the military (albeit the USAF) and went to college. If we are producing a great many people so fundamentally (and adamantly) confused about how this country functions at its most basic level, we have a tough row to hoe convincing the majority that the Constitution is a government limiting document.
"Albeit the USAF"
:D :D :D
When I worked in defense, I heard and shared this joke (Grumman, then Northrop Grumman was a Navy house and the joke went over well).
-----------------------
As some of you may know, the different branches of the military use common language that can mean very different things.
For example, if you told the Army to secure a building, they'd occupy it so no one else could enter.
If you told the Navy to secure a building, they'd turn off the lights and lock the doors.
If you told the Marines to secure a building, they'd stage an assault, clear a killing field, put snipers on the roof and machine gun nests on the grounds.
If you told the Air Force to secure a building, they'd take out a three year lease with an option to buy.
-----------------------
Later, when I was on an Air Force job, on a work trip to Kirtland AFB, my boss noted that the light colonel we had just met seemed a nice and competent fellow, but hardly a "leader of men," Another boss then noted that you couldn't swing a dead cat around Kirtland without hitting a light colonel.
On a subsequent trip, I sat in on a presentation to a bird colonel. Holy toledo, what a difference. Sharp as a razor, and totally in charge. That's when I realized where the line in the USAF hierarchy was.