Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate......

I'll be waiting to see/hear Bob's response to the rumored government takeover of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac...

2008-09-06T21:37:00.000-05:00

Fannie & Freddie Bailout Bad for Taxpayers -Barr on FXN 7/14

"2.1 Property and Contract

Property rights are entitled to the same protection as all other human rights. The owners of property have the full right to control, use, dispose of, or in any manner enjoy, their property without interference, until and unless the exercise of their control infringes the valid rights of others. We oppose all controls on wages, prices, rents, profits, production, and interest rates. We advocate the repeal of all laws banning or restricting the advertising of prices, products, or services. We oppose all violations of the right to private property, liberty of contract, and freedom of trade. The right to trade includes the right not to trade � for any reasons whatsoever. Where property, including land, has been taken from its rightful owners by the government or private action in violation of individual rights, we favor restitution to the rightful owners."

-excerpt from the National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

Here's another thing....

2008-09-05T22:30:00.002-05:00

This is a two hour radio show (one can normally listen locally via NPR) called Democracy Now. If you don't like that video, there's an interview in the included audio stream via archive.org. Amy Goodman's interview of Bob Barr starts at about 1 hour, 46 minutes, 15 seconds. It didn't take too long to load to that point for me, but I'm using cable, so......

The interview transcript is available from this page on democracynow.org.

I'll bet y'all thought I forgot today's daily dose of liberty......

2008-09-05T22:09:00.002-05:00

Here goes...

I will start with BunZo's. The food was very good. There was a slight miscommunication/bad assumption on the part of the waitress, but we'll definitely be going again. I figure we'll give them a little time to iron out any kinks (a month, tops) and check it out again. I definitely recommend this place......

Anyway, here's what Bob Barr has to say about John McCain's Iraq strategery:

Bob Barr on John McCain's Iraq Strategy

" 2.0 Economic Liberty

A free and competitive market allocates resources in the most efficient manner. Each person has the right to offer goods and services to others on the free market. The only proper role of government in the economic realm is to protect property rights, adjudicate disputes, and provide a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected. All efforts by government to redistribute wealth, or to control or manage trade, are improper in a free society."

-excerpt from the National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

The wife unit (1 each) occasionally meets some folks from in and around Huntsville for lunch.....

2008-09-05T14:38:00.000-05:00

As today was my day off, I had the chance to go as well. What was the venue today?

Soul Burger

I'd heard good things about this burger joint before. I must say that the food was really good. I had a monstrosity of a burger (the Double Big Daddy). I definitely recommend this place. Just a warning....

If you're going for lunch, the place stays busy and is kind of small, so you might wait a bit for a table. That's just a testament to the food. If you tell the folks that you're new, they'll ring a bell for you and yell "We've got a virgin!"

I tried to get by without that happening, but was foiled by one of my wife's usual lunch crew. The woman who I believe owns the place will occasionally come out and take orders from folks waiting in line and always has a "How ya' doin', (sweetheart|cutie petootie|sweetie|honey)?" for visitors.

Tonight, it's BunZo's Seafood for dinner. This place is right near Sakura and Mama Mia's Pizza along County Line Road. Here's what Mike Kaylor (dining/night life writer for the Huntsville Times) had to say about the place......

Yeah, I watched McCain speak this evening....

2008-09-04T23:09:00.000-05:00

He gave a decent speech but I'm still bucking the major parties.....

After the convention coverage, the local news was on. They did a fluff story near the end of the broadcast talking about a church sign from Blacklick, OH. Hmmmmmmmmm.... What do you think?

More story here.....

Lest I forget.....

2008-09-04T20:07:00.000-05:00

I was doing some research last night. I wondered if the old campaign site for Sarah Palin's run for governor was up here in the aether. The web site was http://www.palinforgovernor.com. Oddly enough, if you visit there now, you are redirected to http://www.johnmccain.com. Drat!

Oh, the wonder of the intertubes. It's not exactly "recordificated", but there's always the "Internet Archive Wayback Machine". Here, for instance, is a mapping of the various iterations of the http://www.palinforgovernor.com site for the past couple of years.....

Oh yeah, a video.....

2008-09-04T19:42:00.002-05:00

" 1.6 Self-Defense

The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights � life, liberty, and justly acquired property � against aggression. This right inheres in the individual, who may agree to be aided by any other individual or group. We affirm the right to keep and bear arms, and oppose the prosecution of individuals for exercising their rights of self-defense. We oppose all laws at any level of government requiring registration of, or restricting, the ownership, manufacture, or transfer or sale of firearms or ammunition."

-excerpt from the National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

OK, OK, OK......

2008-09-04T19:30:00.002-05:00

I DO NOT SUPPORT Barack Obama... or John McCain.

http://www.bobbarr2008.com

However, there are more silly half truths about Obama floating around the internets than I care to mention...

One of them I noticed recently talks about "Obama's 143 days" and dredges up snippets (out of context, of course) from his books.

Regarding the book quotes, either read the book for yourself, or at least see more of the full quotes at a place like http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/ownwords.asp

As for the 143 days thing, maybe that count is accurate (at least for the time span that was given) or maybe not. Whatever the case may be, from the time he was sworn in (109th Congress), he has sponsored or cosponsored MORE legislation than John McCain during the same period. Don't believe that?

Compare the numbers at http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d109/sponlst.html#sM and http://thomas.loc.gov/bss/d110/sponlst.html#sM

It's rare that an outright lie is invoked in the run-up to the national elections....

2008-09-04T08:39:00.000-05:00

However, the truth is definitely stretched sometimes. That's where factcheck.org comes in....

I had posted a link to the press release archives of the Alaska governor earlier...

2008-09-03T19:07:00.000-05:00

I had only given it a cursory glance, but on further review, I noticed something interesting. I saw Obama somewhere on the page. Looking a little further, I was surprised to see the following headline under August, 2008:

Palin Pleased with Obama's Energy Plan

All in all, the press release doesn't really mean that much and the end of the release mentions her questioning how some of Obama's plan would be funded. I just thought it interesting that there's one positive statement about Obama on the potential Republican VP's press release page while there is ZERO mention of McCain's vision for the future of the country.

Bob Barr discusses Executive Power and its Constitutional limitations....

2008-09-03T17:57:00.001-05:00

For those interested in that kind of thing, here is the page from the House Judiciary Committee regarding the referenced hearing with the prepared statements of those who spoke.

What does the Libertarian platform have to say about crime and justice?

" 1.5 Crime and Justice

Government exists to protect the rights of every individual including life, liberty and property. Criminal laws should be limited to violation of the rights of others through force or fraud, or deliberate actions that place others involuntarily at significant risk of harm. Individuals retain the right to voluntarily assume risk of harm to themselves. We support restitution of the victim to the fullest degree possible at the expense of the criminal or the negligent wrongdoer. We oppose reduction of constitutional safeguards of the rights of the criminally accused. The rights of due process, a speedy trial, legal counsel, trial by jury, and the legal presumption of innocence until proven guilty, must not be denied. We assert the common-law right of juries to judge not only the facts but also the justice of the law."

-from the National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

Speaking of other folks in the lineup for the general election, check out the list of press releases from the Alaska governor's office since Sarah Palin was the occupant. Nothing spectacular really....

She took the office with reform and ethics in mind and it truly looks like she lives by what she says. You might not agree with her politics (I'm definitely not for everything she stands for), but the record is seemingly squeaky clean.....

Check out the newest offering from the mammoth from Mountain View....

2008-09-02T17:06:00.002-05:00

Google Chrome

I've downloaded it and given it a spin. It won't be my default browser yet (that's currently Firefox) because I use funky colors in my setup and Chrome doesn't appear to be able to support that. It's a beta, so I'm certain that it will improve.....

Mavericks: Bob Barr on HDNet 7-29-08

Now for the one thing I disagree with the Libertarian Party on....

" 1.4 Abortion

Recognizing that abortion is a sensitive issue and that people can hold good-faith views on all sides, we believe that government should be kept out of the matter, leaving the question to each person for their conscientious consideration."

-from National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

I disagree because the mainstream LP agrees that the government can make and enforce basic laws such as prohibitions against murder. I don't believe that science will ever definitively answer a central question to this debate ("When does life begin?"). Given the dilemma, I'd much rather fail safe with the stated LP principle of "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness". I'm all for choice.... BEFORE CONCEPTION. In situations where not all parties were willing participants or a mother's life is in question or a few other very limited conditions, I'm absolutely willing to allow exception, but the bulk of procedures are not performed for those reasons.....

OK, I know I'm just contributing to the hype (the linked video has over half a million hits).......

2008-09-01T16:58:00.000-05:00

But, check out the rap video about the Large Hadron Collider. I enjoy material about scientific endeavor and the LHC has some folks scared out of their wits about the end of the world. This is a humorous introduction about the basics of the newest machine from CERN (home of the world's first web site and web server).

And for today's daily dose....

2008-09-01T13:52:00.003-05:00

" 1.3 Personal Relationships

Sexual orientation, preference, gender, or gender identity should have no impact on the rights of individuals by government, such as in current marriage, child custody, adoption, immigration or military service laws. Consenting adults should be free to choose their own sexual practices and personal relationships. Government does not have the authority to define, license or restrict personal relationships."

-from the National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

YUCK (at least as of 08-31-08)!!!!!!!!

2008-08-31T22:03:00.002-05:00

Source: http://www.goes.noaa.gov/GSSLOOPS/ecir.html

Java must be enabled for radar loops to display.

In Netscape:
Select: Edit -> Preferences -> Advanced
Check "Enable Java" and "Enable Javascript"

In Internet Explorer
Select: Tools -> Internet Options -> Security tab
Select the Internet zone and set the Security level for the zone to "Medium"

You may need to restart your browser after making these changes.

Bob Barr: DC Gun Ban Decision is Great for America

2008-08-31T15:39:00.004-05:00

" 1.2 Personal Privacy

We support the protections provided by the Fourth Amendment to be secure in our persons, homes, and property. Only actions that infringe on the rights of others can properly be termed crimes. We favor the repeal of all laws creating "crimes" without victims, such as the use of drugs for medicinal or recreational purposes."

-National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

Other links for information about Bob Barr and/or his candidacy:

http://www.bobbarr2008.com/
http://www.myspace.com/bobbarr2008
http://www.facebook.com/bobbarr
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Barr
http://www.lp.org/barr-root

Regarding the Pixelworks USB Driver....

2008-08-30T21:59:00.001-05:00

This is the one that works for me. I'm pretty certain that it only works on Windows machines. I TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY IF IT DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU OR SOMEHOW BUSTS YOUR STUFF (it shouldn't as it's just a driver installation). There are two files in the linked zip file. They are pwusbio.inf and pwusbio.sys. As far as installation under Windows goes, right click the .inf file and select "Install". Basically all that does is put the pwusbio.sys file with the Windows drivers and tells your computer what to do with it. Here it is:

http://vejadu.sdf-us.org/USB_Driver.zip

Back to the more important things at hand.....

Election 2008 that is.

Today's snippet from the LP platform:

" 1.1 Expression and Communication

We support full freedom of expression and oppose government censorship, regulation or control of communications media and technology. We favor the freedom to engage in or abstain from any religious activities that do not violate the rights of others. We oppose government actions which either aid or attack any religion."

-National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)

The direct link (for those who care to bypass this site).....

2008-08-29T22:17:00.000-05:00

to Bob Barr's YouTube channel is http://www.youtube.com/BobBarr2008. I'm definitely a subscriber.

Mine?

http://www.youtube.com/artisvejadude

Obviously, I'm not voting for the Republicrat or the Democan in this election. However, I find it ironic that McCain chides Obama for his lack of experience while selecting a veep (heartbeat away, remember?) with precious little experience herself. I AM NOT knocking on Palin. She'd probably do a fine job. Heck, several good Presidents have had little or no executive experience. It's just ironic and seems to remove some of the potency of the "experience" question (IMHO)....

And now, for something completely unrelated...

Bob Barr talks pocketbooks....

2008-08-29T18:14:00.002-05:00

"1.0 Personal Liberty

Individuals should be free to make choices for themselves and to accept responsibility for the consequences of the choices they make. No individual, group, or government may initiate force against any other individual, group, or government. Our support of an individual's right to make choices in life does not mean that we necessarily approve or disapprove of those choices."

-National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado http://www.lp.org/platform

I didn't know that Google was venturing into "profiles" until this morning....

2008-08-29T10:56:00.004-05:00

Here's mine....

Hanna?

2008-08-29T10:09:00.002-05:00

Oh, by the way...

2008-08-28T22:20:00.001-05:00

Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

So, what does Ron Paul have to say about Bob Barr?

2008-08-28T22:08:00.003-05:00

Libertarian statement of principles from the platform:

"Statement of Principles

We, the members of the Libertarian Party, challenge the cult of the omnipotent state and defend the rights of the individual.

We hold that all individuals have the right to exercise sole dominion over their own lives, and have the right to live in whatever manner they choose, so long as they do not forcibly interfere with the equal right of others to live in whatever manner they choose.

Governments throughout history have regularly operated on the opposite principle, that the State has the right to dispose of the lives of individuals and the fruits of their labor. Even within the United States, all political parties other than our own grant to government the right to regulate the lives of individuals and seize the fruits of their labor without their consent.

We, on the contrary, deny the right of any government to do these things, and hold that where governments exist, they must not violate the rights of any individual: namely, (1) the right to life -- accordingly we support the prohibition of the initiation of physical force against others; (2) the right to liberty of speech and action -- accordingly we oppose all attempts by government to abridge the freedom of speech and press, as well as government censorship in any form; and (3) the right to property -- accordingly we oppose all government interference with private property, such as confiscation, nationalization, and eminent domain, and support the prohibition of robbery, trespass, fraud, and misrepresentation.

Since governments, when instituted, must not violate individual rights, we oppose all interference by government in the areas of voluntary and contractual relations among individuals. People should not be forced to sacrifice their lives and property for the benefit of others. They should be left free by government to deal with one another as free traders; and the resultant economic system, the only one compatible with the protection of individual rights, is the free market."
-From the National Platform of the Libertarian Party Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado
http://www.lp.org/platform

Does that weenie Gustav have you on edge?

2008-08-27T20:39:00.001-05:00

Bob Barr on The Colbert Report last night...

2008-08-27T19:26:00.003-05:00

In continuing with the Libertarian theme, I will include snippets of the Libertarian Party platform (adopted in May 2008 at the national convention) with other Bob Barr vids....

"Preamble

As Libertarians, we seek a world of liberty; a world in which all individuals are sovereign over their own lives and no one is forced to sacrifice his or her values for the benefit of others.

We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized.

Consequently, we defend each person's right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings. The world we seek to build is one where individuals are free to follow their own dreams in their own ways, without interference from government or any authoritarian power.

In the following pages we have set forth our basic principles and enumerated various policy stands derived from those principles.

These specific policies are not our goal, however. Our goal is nothing more nor less than a world set free in our lifetime, and it is to this end that we take these stands."

-excerpt from the National Platform of the Libertarian Party
Adopted in Convention, May 2008, Denver, Colorado (http://www.lp.org/platform)