Jimmy Pappas's Blog - Posts Tagged "thoughts"
Abortion, Part 2: Early Marriage
Abortion, Part 2: Early Marriage
In Abortion, Part 1, I mentioned how young women--girls actually--are forced into marriage. Child marriage laws are backdoor anti-abortion measures. Access to abortion for young girls who have been raped is often not available in many states. They are then forced to get married.
Only Delaware and New Jersey have so far outlawed child marriage completely. In the last three or four years, thirteen states have raised the minimum age for minors to marry, a sign that some progress is being made. Often the opposition covers itself in the banner of freedom, usually from libertarian groups. Religious groups can also support child marriage. Chris Christie as the governor of New Jersey once vetoed a bill on "religious grounds." This year my state of New Hampshire finally raised the age to sixteen with judicial approval.
We need to empower our young girls and boys, not make their lives more difficult for them. We also need to support such efforts around the world.
In Abortion, Part 1, I mentioned how young women--girls actually--are forced into marriage. Child marriage laws are backdoor anti-abortion measures. Access to abortion for young girls who have been raped is often not available in many states. They are then forced to get married.
Only Delaware and New Jersey have so far outlawed child marriage completely. In the last three or four years, thirteen states have raised the minimum age for minors to marry, a sign that some progress is being made. Often the opposition covers itself in the banner of freedom, usually from libertarian groups. Religious groups can also support child marriage. Chris Christie as the governor of New Jersey once vetoed a bill on "religious grounds." This year my state of New Hampshire finally raised the age to sixteen with judicial approval.
We need to empower our young girls and boys, not make their lives more difficult for them. We also need to support such efforts around the world.
Abortion, Part 3: The Old Joke
Abortion, Part 3: The Old Joke
There is an old joke about the so-called "pro-life" movement. It goes like this: "The anti-abortion pro-life movement believes that life begins at conception and ends at birth."
The Republican Party is now the so-called "pro-life" party. Where do they stand on social programs that actually help people who are already born? They choose tax cuts for the filthy rich almost every time over any help for the poor. They even tried to cut Head Start Programs. Those programs are geared to helping poor families who often have problems dealing with a disabled child. That one example alone tells you all you need to know.
A Party that was "pro-life" would be supportive of health insurance coverage that would protect children and adults. They would support public education and help with college student debt. The list could go on. Tax cuts should not get in the way of any of that.
There is an old joke about the so-called "pro-life" movement. It goes like this: "The anti-abortion pro-life movement believes that life begins at conception and ends at birth."
The Republican Party is now the so-called "pro-life" party. Where do they stand on social programs that actually help people who are already born? They choose tax cuts for the filthy rich almost every time over any help for the poor. They even tried to cut Head Start Programs. Those programs are geared to helping poor families who often have problems dealing with a disabled child. That one example alone tells you all you need to know.
A Party that was "pro-life" would be supportive of health insurance coverage that would protect children and adults. They would support public education and help with college student debt. The list could go on. Tax cuts should not get in the way of any of that.
Nuclear Weapons and the Ukraine
Nuclear Weapons and the Ukraine
In 1991, the people of the Ukraine voted an overwhelming 90% to secede from the Soviet Union. The new Ukrainian government traded in its huge nuclear arsenal for "security assurances." Three major nuclear powers--the UK, the US, and Russia--agreed to respect Ukraine's existing borders and its sovereignty. The new democracy was also hoping for help from other nations to get started. They hoped for help from all sides.
How did that work out for them? Eventually Russia would invade the Crimaean Penninsula and take it over while they were also encouraging and secretly fighting alongside Russian separatists in East Ukraine. Would that have happened if Ukraine held on to its nuclear weapons?
The greatest international success of the George W. Bush administration was getting Muammar Gaddafi to give up Libya's nuclear weapons. How did that work out for them? Libya is in a state of chaos now. Gaddafi died like a dog in the street.
We want North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. How would a dictator like Kim maintain power if he gives up his weapons? He knows what happened elsewhere.
This is why dictators want nuclear weapons. It gives them a bit more protection from outside interference in their nefarious dealings. We have to find better ways to transition from a nuclear power to a stable government of some other sort.
In 1991, the people of the Ukraine voted an overwhelming 90% to secede from the Soviet Union. The new Ukrainian government traded in its huge nuclear arsenal for "security assurances." Three major nuclear powers--the UK, the US, and Russia--agreed to respect Ukraine's existing borders and its sovereignty. The new democracy was also hoping for help from other nations to get started. They hoped for help from all sides.
How did that work out for them? Eventually Russia would invade the Crimaean Penninsula and take it over while they were also encouraging and secretly fighting alongside Russian separatists in East Ukraine. Would that have happened if Ukraine held on to its nuclear weapons?
The greatest international success of the George W. Bush administration was getting Muammar Gaddafi to give up Libya's nuclear weapons. How did that work out for them? Libya is in a state of chaos now. Gaddafi died like a dog in the street.
We want North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. How would a dictator like Kim maintain power if he gives up his weapons? He knows what happened elsewhere.
This is why dictators want nuclear weapons. It gives them a bit more protection from outside interference in their nefarious dealings. We have to find better ways to transition from a nuclear power to a stable government of some other sort.
A Day of Shame for the Republican Party
A Day of Shame for the Republican Party
January 6, 2021, has been a day of shame for the Republican Party.
There is one image of one Republican that sticks in my mind. It does not include the rotten apples at the bottom of the Republican barrel of apples. I am not talking about Ted Cruz, Matt Gaetz, Louie Gohmert, Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy, Devin Nunes, and the like. No, I am talking about Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma. He was at the podium objecting to the certification of Joe Biden as President when the call came to evacuate the hall because a mob had entered. It shows how deep the Republican problems run when a guy like Lankford is speaking out against the vote count.
That image of Lankford will be remembered and shown long after his career is over. What a disgrace. He should have known better. The fact that he was in this pack of cowards shows how deep the Republican shame runs.
It does not matter how many times votes are recounted, the Trump bootlickers will never accept the result.
It is seriously time once again to think about how to handle this President before he does much more damage in the next few weeks.
January 6, 2021, has been a day of shame for the Republican Party.
There is one image of one Republican that sticks in my mind. It does not include the rotten apples at the bottom of the Republican barrel of apples. I am not talking about Ted Cruz, Matt Gaetz, Louie Gohmert, Jim Jordan, Kevin McCarthy, Devin Nunes, and the like. No, I am talking about Senator James Lankford of Oklahoma. He was at the podium objecting to the certification of Joe Biden as President when the call came to evacuate the hall because a mob had entered. It shows how deep the Republican problems run when a guy like Lankford is speaking out against the vote count.
That image of Lankford will be remembered and shown long after his career is over. What a disgrace. He should have known better. The fact that he was in this pack of cowards shows how deep the Republican shame runs.
It does not matter how many times votes are recounted, the Trump bootlickers will never accept the result.
It is seriously time once again to think about how to handle this President before he does much more damage in the next few weeks.
Senator Kelly Loeffler of Georgia
Senator Kelly Loeffler of Georgia
I have been a critic of Senator Kelly Loeffler in her short stay in the United States Senate. She was in over her head, just like Donald Trump was. She was not prepared, had no idea what she was doing, accomplished nothing except damage. Just like her President. Why Georgia governor Brian Kemp appointed her to finish the term of Senator Johnny Isakson, I have no idea.
But she had one great moment last night. Under the influence of Donald Trump, she intended to support the ridiculous challenge to the presidential election results. Instead, she backed down and issued a statement of contrition with Reverend Ralph Warnock, the man who defeated her, seated right behind her. When she finished, he applauded her as did many others. I applaud her now. We need these moments of hope that people can change.
She may have had selfish motives for why she made this decision. She is part owner of a Women's National Basketball Association team. Players want her to get out of the league for her racist statements. So this may have been a ploy to protect her future. However, she will also face social media attacks and death threats from the fringes of the Trump movement. So there was courage there. I salute her for that moment of contrition.
I have been a critic of Senator Kelly Loeffler in her short stay in the United States Senate. She was in over her head, just like Donald Trump was. She was not prepared, had no idea what she was doing, accomplished nothing except damage. Just like her President. Why Georgia governor Brian Kemp appointed her to finish the term of Senator Johnny Isakson, I have no idea.
But she had one great moment last night. Under the influence of Donald Trump, she intended to support the ridiculous challenge to the presidential election results. Instead, she backed down and issued a statement of contrition with Reverend Ralph Warnock, the man who defeated her, seated right behind her. When she finished, he applauded her as did many others. I applaud her now. We need these moments of hope that people can change.
She may have had selfish motives for why she made this decision. She is part owner of a Women's National Basketball Association team. Players want her to get out of the league for her racist statements. So this may have been a ploy to protect her future. However, she will also face social media attacks and death threats from the fringes of the Trump movement. So there was courage there. I salute her for that moment of contrition.
George Floyd Trial: The Snitch
George Floyd Trial: The Snitch
Listening to some of the George Floyd trial today, I managed to catch testimony from the 911 dispatcher. She had been watching a city security camera from her post and became concerned at the length of time three cops were sitting on Mr. Floyd's back and neck. She even thought the video froze because of the lack of movement. She decided to call a police sergeant to tell him that she was troubled by watch she saw. In her call she says, "You can call me a snitch if you want. . . . " A snitch? A squealer? A rat? She is so afraid of reporting her concerns that she has to apologize first? This is one of the problems with law enforcement around the world. It is very difficult for police officers to report their fellow officers. No one should be afraid to voice their concerns. Most other professions don't have such reticence.
For an excellent 1973 classic film about the topic watch the great Al Pacino playing the title character in Serpico. The director was the great Sidney Lumet from the book by Peter Maas. That is one of my all time favorite movies. You watch Pacino slowly deteriorating as he becomes a "snitch" to report on corruption in the New York City police force.
Listening to some of the George Floyd trial today, I managed to catch testimony from the 911 dispatcher. She had been watching a city security camera from her post and became concerned at the length of time three cops were sitting on Mr. Floyd's back and neck. She even thought the video froze because of the lack of movement. She decided to call a police sergeant to tell him that she was troubled by watch she saw. In her call she says, "You can call me a snitch if you want. . . . " A snitch? A squealer? A rat? She is so afraid of reporting her concerns that she has to apologize first? This is one of the problems with law enforcement around the world. It is very difficult for police officers to report their fellow officers. No one should be afraid to voice their concerns. Most other professions don't have such reticence.
For an excellent 1973 classic film about the topic watch the great Al Pacino playing the title character in Serpico. The director was the great Sidney Lumet from the book by Peter Maas. That is one of my all time favorite movies. You watch Pacino slowly deteriorating as he becomes a "snitch" to report on corruption in the New York City police force.
Kudos to Coach Steve Kerr for Speaking out on Gun Control
KUDOS TO COACH STEVE KERR FOR SPEAKING OUT ON GUN CONTROL
This evening before his NBA playoff game, Steve Kerr, the coach of the San Francisco Warriors, delivered an impassioned plea for background checks on gun purchases. Kudos to him for taking a stand. He put the blame squarely where it belonged: on the Republican party and its refusal to vote on reasonable gun control legislations. No other country in the world has it as bad as we do.
There is nothing "conservative" about this madness. It is past time for people to get fed up with this and speak out. Ultimately, this is about money and power over common sense, so please don't give me any of that Bill of Rights nonsense. The second amendment talks about "well-regulated militias." The one phrase the disgusting National Rifle Association and its lackeys leave out when they talk about that amendment. The gun companies are rolling in the dough. All of these groups have blood on their hands.
Below is a link to Coach Kerr's comments. And you can be sure there will be so-called "conservatives" who will tell him to shut up and coach. They can go to hell.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wa...
This evening before his NBA playoff game, Steve Kerr, the coach of the San Francisco Warriors, delivered an impassioned plea for background checks on gun purchases. Kudos to him for taking a stand. He put the blame squarely where it belonged: on the Republican party and its refusal to vote on reasonable gun control legislations. No other country in the world has it as bad as we do.
There is nothing "conservative" about this madness. It is past time for people to get fed up with this and speak out. Ultimately, this is about money and power over common sense, so please don't give me any of that Bill of Rights nonsense. The second amendment talks about "well-regulated militias." The one phrase the disgusting National Rifle Association and its lackeys leave out when they talk about that amendment. The gun companies are rolling in the dough. All of these groups have blood on their hands.
Below is a link to Coach Kerr's comments. And you can be sure there will be so-called "conservatives" who will tell him to shut up and coach. They can go to hell.
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/wa...
