American Culture vs. American Counter Culture

The fundamental struggle in this country is between culture and counter culture. The cultural expression of socialism is idealism which is psychologistic, emotional and concerned with power. Culture is realistic, intellectual, and concerned with ethics.

I experience counter cultural attitudes on a regular basis. At restaurants, at hotels, I am confronted by people who treat all relationships as power struggles. Who seek to dominate. The temptation is to engage these individuals on their terms rather than doing what is right.

How Intelligence Works (when it does)

I've learned that intelligence gathering is more than just gathering data. One needs to know what kind of information one is looking for.

I've also learned that analysis requires people that are thoroughly knowledgeable about their area of expertise so that conclusions reached will be timely and accurate.

Also, breakdowns in the accuracy of intelligence information can be attributed to poor leadership. Hiring people who are better administrators than intelligence analysts.

Co2 a Green House Gas?

The theory of global warming is based on a theory called "the greenhouse effect". The "greenhouse" theory says that certain gases get trapped in the troposphere eight to eleven miles high. Further the theory says that these gases help to prevent the escape of heat from the planet.

Now, carbon dioxide is, as a matter of fact, one and a half times heavier than oxygen and travels along the ground. It therefore cannot be found in the troposphere and is therefore not a greenhouse gas.

Sue The Bastards

"Sue the Bastards" is a book that I relied on as a reference and guide through the legal system as I prosecuted five causes of action against Southern California Edison in superior court.

Although I ultimately lost I found the information contained in the book crucial: the use of practice guides, procedure and what to expect generally were very useful.

One thing that I would change if I could would be making sure that I understood what constituted evidence in my case.

One thing that I learned that wasn't covered in the book was how to depose people on the cheap. Most lawyers use a stenographer that costs $500 per hour. Instead I could use a notary public that costs only $20.00 per day.

How and why to Reform the Filibuster

I read an article from the January 2017 issue of Imprimis (a publication of Hillsdale College). The article wad adapted from a speech given by Tom McClintock.

In this article Congressman McClintock makes the case that the Filibuster needs to be reformed. He argues that the changes made to the Filibuster rule in 1970 have hampered the Senate's ability to vote on bills in a timely manner.

His recommended reforms include doing away with the two-track system that was implemented in 1970 and requiring senators to be limited to two two-hour speeches per bill.