Faith must trample under foot all reason, sense, and understanding.
Martin Luther
In the English language there are many ways to express similar thoughts. Most never bother to learn if what they are saying is correct. They say "decimate" which means reduce by ten percent, when they mean "destroy"; probably because they think using a bigger word makes them sound smarter. "Stupid" and "ignorant" are used interchangeably, despite having nearly opposite meanings. I can't tell you how many times I passively forgive someone saying "mute" when they meet "moot". This post is not about that. rather I will be focusing on the lesser known evils: "know", "believe", and "feel".
When someone says they "believe" something; such as, "I believe free healthcare is a right." they are really saying that no matter how sensible your argument against the idea, they will not change their opinion. Belief, by definition, is an idea held despite the lack of evidence. Belief is usually backed up by tradition, and is a type of self-enforced ignorance. People who use this type of phrase are saying that it is pointless to argue with them. Yet this wording seems soft compared to "Knowing" something.
When someone uses the word "feel" they are also saying that they will not listen to evidence. Phrases such as: "I feel that people are better left to their own devices for healthcare." indicate this level of obstinacy. The difference between someone who "believes" something, and someone who "feels" something is the weight of accord. Belief implies a group of people with the same idea; or at least the same foundation that led to the idea. This is a type of self-enforced ignorance as well. This wording too, despite its clearly argumentative connotation, seems softer than to "know".
When someone says they "Know" something it implies they have a measure of understanding of the topic; and more-so, the capacity to change that knowledge. The statement "I know the Bill of Rights does not address healthcare." is a statement of learned perspective. This also has the advantage of being malleable. In light of new evidence knowledge, by definition, changes. Thus the wording which sounds firmest, "I know this", is really the softest. Any ignorance in this case, can be corrected without incident.
So be careful when debating.
I believe this should make you feel inclined to use the word "know" more often.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
This is why we don't rush to judgement.
Isn't it just amazing what a few days of listening can accomplish. Everyone was sooooo convinced that George Zimmerman was evil incarnate, he was convicted before he was charged. There is a fly in the ointment though, so lets compare stories, shall we?
Story 1: (the media) George Zimmerman, a white Hispanic (and therefore doubly evil), captain of the neighborhood watch, (always evil) with a history of calling in complaints against minorities, (which makes him racist, even though he is a minority himself) while completely unprovoked, shot and killed an innocent African-American boy.
Story 2: (media, revised) George Zimmerman, White Hispanic, while claiming to be acting in self defense, shot and killed an innocent young man, who happened to be walking home from picking up snacks.
Story 3: (media, re-revised) George Zimmerman, white Hispanic (see how calling him white lends credence to calling this an unjust shooting, bordering on a hate crime), shot a young African-American man walking back to a relative's house through a "cut through" (read "someone else's un-fenced yard"), after a confrontation, resulting from Zimmerman following the man, which a 911 dispatcher advised against.
Story 4: (George Zimmerman) A young man was spotted trespassing, and looking in windows while behaving strangely. While attempting to follow on foot, the man was lost from sight. The man then jumped, Zimmerman from behind, and attacked him viciously for a short time, until George Zimmerman regretfully shot him, killing him.
Story 5: (the evidence) Trayvon Martin was visiting a relative. He was found, upon autopsy, to have large amounts of THC-COOH, a marijuana metabolite, as well as fresh THC in his system. While this does not tend to make people violent, it may induce paranoia. He was walking in an unfamiliar neighborhood, and seeing a worn path, not knowing that he was trespassing, took said path. Possibly staring into windows for an inordinate amount of time, as he was at least partly buzzed. Enter George Zimmerman. He sees an obviously stoned person, looking in windows, acting confused. He attempts to follow this person, as he feels is his duty as watch captain, (subjective, obviously) and is attacked by the very person he felt was acting suspiciously. Being a Floridian, he was carrying a gun, (a stereotype that normally holds true) While acting in defense of his life, pulls and fires his weapon, killing his attacker. Police and prosecutors eventually decide to not pursue charges, as the evidence and witnesses all agree with Zimmerman's story, as he reported it. This leads us to...
Story 6: (the internet) Racist Floridian shoots innocent black boy, for no reason, and gets away with murder. Outrage ensues.
Story 7: (current evidence) Evidence is released to the public in an effort, by the judge, to counteract the barrage of incorrect information portrayed by amateur reporters (read "bloggers") on the internet. The story is exactly the same as story 5, except that as reported by the "professional" media; George Zimmerman is still a "white Hispanic" (which should mean he is from Spain, yet does not), and the un-fenced yard is still a "cut-through", as this presents the story in such a way as to make them look less ridiculous.
The end result? The prosecutor currently working in the Zimmerman case now is advising to not pursue charges, as all of the evidence points to Zimmerman's story being true. Witnesses, police reports, and evidence all apparently agree with this story as well.
Despite his innocence, George Zimmerman will now have to spend the rest of his days hiding, lest some ill informed person, seeking revenge, try to take his life. I say innocence; since there is no law stating that one adult may not approach another adult, for any reason. Had he shot another "white Hispanic" everyone would have assumed the self-defense shooting to be a last resort. His "crime" was being attacked by someone of a different race.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Link Card Accepted at Market Day
For those of you from another state, Illinois uses something called the Link Card in place of food stamps. This saves people who need government assistance from the indignity of not using a credit or debit card, like everyone else.
Since, despite the taxes we pay, we don't have enough money for the schools to use on things they should have, we have Market Day sales. I will not take anything away from Market Day. I have tried many of their items, and found them mostly superior in quality. This post in no way maligns or impugns (those words look weird, don't they), the products or character of the Market Day company.
By now you're wondering if I've lost it. How can these two items be tied together. Link cards and Market Day. One is a pay in to the system, the other a pay out. Well my gentle reader, there is a way these two things are linked. (pardon the pun)
The flyer sent home with my children for, Market Day, states that they will be accepting the Link card as a form of payment. This is yet another example of Illinois circular reasoning. And it's circular math.
We under-fund schools so they need to have fund raisers. We give people Link cards with some of the tax money that could otherwise have gone to schools. (OK, its mostly lost as graft, but bear with me.) They are then allowed to use those Link cards to purchase food from Market Day, with proceeds going to the previously mentioned, under-funded schools. Like all perpetual motion machines this one will not stay running long without an outside force providing additional energy. That would be our tax money; which feeds this great wheel both top and bottom.
I will not speak out against Link cards here. (That is another post. They are readily abused) I will certainly not speak out against Market Day. I will say that it makes no kind of sense to allow Link cards to be used for Market Day purchases, since by their very nature, their products are priced higher than necessary. Else there would be no proceeds to forward to the school system.
While I would love nothing more than to rant against the people abusing their state paid food plan, I cannot. Not out of any sense of sympathy for them, but because they are not operating outside the rules that were set down. It's cheesy, no doubt; but completely legal. And really, why shouldn't we all be abusing the state's coffers. Our "Leaders" do.
Off topic: the President's recent comments about being in favor of Gay Marriage are as insincere as they are brilliant. I say insincere because if he were in favor, he would have spoken out months ago, when fist asked. Instead, he waited until it was politically expedient. Which is why it is brilliant. He won't lose any votes for saying he is in favor of it. However his opponent, in an effort to differentiate himself, immediately went on record against it. This will cost him votes. Brilliant, but insincere.
Since, despite the taxes we pay, we don't have enough money for the schools to use on things they should have, we have Market Day sales. I will not take anything away from Market Day. I have tried many of their items, and found them mostly superior in quality. This post in no way maligns or impugns (those words look weird, don't they), the products or character of the Market Day company.
By now you're wondering if I've lost it. How can these two items be tied together. Link cards and Market Day. One is a pay in to the system, the other a pay out. Well my gentle reader, there is a way these two things are linked. (pardon the pun)
The flyer sent home with my children for, Market Day, states that they will be accepting the Link card as a form of payment. This is yet another example of Illinois circular reasoning. And it's circular math.
We under-fund schools so they need to have fund raisers. We give people Link cards with some of the tax money that could otherwise have gone to schools. (OK, its mostly lost as graft, but bear with me.) They are then allowed to use those Link cards to purchase food from Market Day, with proceeds going to the previously mentioned, under-funded schools. Like all perpetual motion machines this one will not stay running long without an outside force providing additional energy. That would be our tax money; which feeds this great wheel both top and bottom.
I will not speak out against Link cards here. (That is another post. They are readily abused) I will certainly not speak out against Market Day. I will say that it makes no kind of sense to allow Link cards to be used for Market Day purchases, since by their very nature, their products are priced higher than necessary. Else there would be no proceeds to forward to the school system.
While I would love nothing more than to rant against the people abusing their state paid food plan, I cannot. Not out of any sense of sympathy for them, but because they are not operating outside the rules that were set down. It's cheesy, no doubt; but completely legal. And really, why shouldn't we all be abusing the state's coffers. Our "Leaders" do.
Off topic: the President's recent comments about being in favor of Gay Marriage are as insincere as they are brilliant. I say insincere because if he were in favor, he would have spoken out months ago, when fist asked. Instead, he waited until it was politically expedient. Which is why it is brilliant. He won't lose any votes for saying he is in favor of it. However his opponent, in an effort to differentiate himself, immediately went on record against it. This will cost him votes. Brilliant, but insincere.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Advance vs. Progress
Let's take a moment and think deeply about what constitutes progress, and what is merely an advancement. In order to get a feel for this, I will list some examples of each, and discuss why they are categorized where they are.
The App Phone (Android, iphone etc.) This is an example of progress, as it completely altered the way we interact with technology. The Cell phone of old is merely a telephone, the App phone is a portable computer, and all that entails, that also makes calls.
An example of Advance, without progress is the battery powered towel dispensers that seem to be popping up all over. Rolled paper is cheaper than a "c" or "z" fold (pull one and the next comes out) self dispenser. BUT batteries are costly, become depleted, leaving users with no way to access towels, are environmentally less sound than the NOTHING that would be used to power the other dispenser, and there is one more insidious point. When you see the Battery powered dispensers, there is usually a soap dispenser that takes batteries, with the same issues, and a toilet paper dispenser that holds four rolls. Nothing says "this restroom never gets cleaned" like an industrial paper dispenser.
Some things are less clear cut. Hybrid cars are certainly advanced, but progress? No. All told they are not economically viable, (you won't make back the cost difference) they really don't get better mileage than diesels, (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_37/b4099060491065.htm) and the batteries are an environmental nightmare. Especially when you consider that the people buying them are usually trying to pollute less.
A clean, efficient energy source to produce cheap electricity, with all electric cars powered by graphene (nano-tube) Ultracapacitors (http://green.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/supercapacitor-breakthrough-beats-batteries-with-graphene/), would be progress. But it would greatly alter the status quo, and will never be allowed to happen.
CFL, and LED bulbs are an advance, but not progress. (Shameless self link, http://truthdeep.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-would-you-ever-buy-cfls.html)
The App Phone (Android, iphone etc.) This is an example of progress, as it completely altered the way we interact with technology. The Cell phone of old is merely a telephone, the App phone is a portable computer, and all that entails, that also makes calls.
An example of Advance, without progress is the battery powered towel dispensers that seem to be popping up all over. Rolled paper is cheaper than a "c" or "z" fold (pull one and the next comes out) self dispenser. BUT batteries are costly, become depleted, leaving users with no way to access towels, are environmentally less sound than the NOTHING that would be used to power the other dispenser, and there is one more insidious point. When you see the Battery powered dispensers, there is usually a soap dispenser that takes batteries, with the same issues, and a toilet paper dispenser that holds four rolls. Nothing says "this restroom never gets cleaned" like an industrial paper dispenser.
Some things are less clear cut. Hybrid cars are certainly advanced, but progress? No. All told they are not economically viable, (you won't make back the cost difference) they really don't get better mileage than diesels, (http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/08_37/b4099060491065.htm) and the batteries are an environmental nightmare. Especially when you consider that the people buying them are usually trying to pollute less.
A clean, efficient energy source to produce cheap electricity, with all electric cars powered by graphene (nano-tube) Ultracapacitors (http://green.autoblog.com/2010/12/01/supercapacitor-breakthrough-beats-batteries-with-graphene/), would be progress. But it would greatly alter the status quo, and will never be allowed to happen.
CFL, and LED bulbs are an advance, but not progress. (Shameless self link, http://truthdeep.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-would-you-ever-buy-cfls.html)
Monday, May 7, 2012
A real Chicago Edition car
While walking back from lunch with my accomplice Mark <redacted>, we witnessed a VW that proudly declared itself "Chicago Edition". We then proceeded to discuss what a "Real" Chicago Edition car would be like.
First, it would need high ground clearance. Those pot holes aren't getting any smaller. Nor are they being repaired. Second, it would need to be very thin. This is not because Chicagoans are, as a rule, thin. They aren't. Rather it is because the parking spaces are so narrow that the people striping them must have assumed that cars were being made without side mirrors, and that we would all be entering through sun roofs. For the same reason, a Chicago Edition car would, in lieu of paint, be covered in Line-X or Herculiner.
Due to Chicago always having the highest gas prices in the known universe, (OK In America), the car would come equipped with at least two gas tanks. This is so you could fill up in Indiana or Wisconsin, and still have a lot left over. A Chicago Edition car would also include a decent stereo. One that you would not need to replace, but wasn't too nice either. No one wants to steal a stock stereo.
The interior would only be available in Neoprene, and have a drain in each seat, as well as the floor. Ever try to eat a beef sandwich in the car? You need a way to hose it out when you're done. It would have wrap around bumpers and a brush guard, as well. So when some jerk rams into you in a parking lot, and fails to leave a note, it is less likely to do any damage.
Options for the Chicago Edition would include a "Red Light Camera GPS", which would warn you as you approached a monitored intersection. The upgraded one would have a plate that covers your license plate, and a very bright flash, front and rear, that would blind the cameras.
Another option, of course is the bullet proof glass and body panels, just in case. The used ticket book for the dash, and Fraternal Order of Police plaque on the rear is available for a small donation. This does not mean you can just speed around and park wherever you want. (Wink, Wink)
First, it would need high ground clearance. Those pot holes aren't getting any smaller. Nor are they being repaired. Second, it would need to be very thin. This is not because Chicagoans are, as a rule, thin. They aren't. Rather it is because the parking spaces are so narrow that the people striping them must have assumed that cars were being made without side mirrors, and that we would all be entering through sun roofs. For the same reason, a Chicago Edition car would, in lieu of paint, be covered in Line-X or Herculiner.
Due to Chicago always having the highest gas prices in the known universe, (OK In America), the car would come equipped with at least two gas tanks. This is so you could fill up in Indiana or Wisconsin, and still have a lot left over. A Chicago Edition car would also include a decent stereo. One that you would not need to replace, but wasn't too nice either. No one wants to steal a stock stereo.
The interior would only be available in Neoprene, and have a drain in each seat, as well as the floor. Ever try to eat a beef sandwich in the car? You need a way to hose it out when you're done. It would have wrap around bumpers and a brush guard, as well. So when some jerk rams into you in a parking lot, and fails to leave a note, it is less likely to do any damage.
Options for the Chicago Edition would include a "Red Light Camera GPS", which would warn you as you approached a monitored intersection. The upgraded one would have a plate that covers your license plate, and a very bright flash, front and rear, that would blind the cameras.
Another option, of course is the bullet proof glass and body panels, just in case. The used ticket book for the dash, and Fraternal Order of Police plaque on the rear is available for a small donation. This does not mean you can just speed around and park wherever you want. (Wink, Wink)
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