A drone too far

MQ-9 Reaper in flight

 

The case that drones are no more or no less moral than a SEAL team with orders to blow someone’s head off is, I think, an easy one to make. Bombs or bullets, manned or unmanned, the intent and motivation are the same. But a leaked DoJ document now posted online written with drones in mind could conceivably be used for any kind of force against anyone for any reason, or no reason at all. That’s not a drone issue, that’s a constitutional issue where the implications are chilling: [Read more…]

Good day, and some input needed

It was a busy day, too busy to post, but no one I know died, no one I know tried to kill themselves, I didn’t suffer any major health set backs. My finances are in decent order. Plus I was able to walk a brisk mile and a half in cardiac rehab, then do some stair stepping; which almost gave me enough of my usual runner’s/workout fix that I felt halfway normal for the first time in weeks.

I may be on some radio and, possibly, some TV shows this month. Starting this Thursday as a matter of fact, I’ll be on Kagro in the Morning. Which has grown quite a bit since the last time I was on. February is healthy heart month so I’ll be discussing that with another guest, Dr. Greg Dworkin. I’d like to do a short bit on anti-science ledge, so please, post or email any suggestions.

Can atheism make us better people in life?

Ever since the heart attack I’ve been asked, from time to time, if it changed my religious views, a couple of people have even hit me with Pascal’s Wager. It’s mostly from friends and family, and they mean well. But of course that hasn’t changed and it’s doubtful it ever will. I’ve been trying to come up with a polite and honest response. So far that’s been a waste of time. But I have an explanation that you, dear skeptical readers, may find familiar and compelling. [Read more…]

I’m not there yet ..

Guys and gals, I’m not there yet. But there is a possibility that at some point during this month I might need to beg for money. A few months before my heart attack I just happened by the good grace of the FSM to load up on short and long-term disability. I even bought extra STD and LTD, plus premium support in case it turns into LTD, which all makes me feel pretty damn smart right now. There was the usual paperwork delays with the STD, but this week I got the final approval. Of course there’s a waiting period for that STD and, naturally, they mail the checks instead of e-deposit. All my bills for February are paid, I do not lack for food or power or cable or Internet. I’m good on meds for at least a week.

But looking ahead to the next two weeks, co-pays for multiple doc visits several times a week, cardio rehab three times a week, and endless Rx co-pays are eating me alive. I’m not in dire straits yet and I think it’s going to be OK if those checks show up. But I just wanted to warn everyone upfront, I’ll know how bad it is by the middle of next week and there’s a chance it could be bad. If that happens, and you’d rather visit other sites come that time where you’re not pestered like this, I wouldn’t blame you one bit. I have some good news below the fold though … Regs Only! [Read more…]

A very sordid tale

[Names and minor details changed slightly for privacy reasons. This is a sad story, don’t read it if you are down]

Yesterday me and another friend stumbled onto the semi-conscious body of a dear friend of ours, S/he was face down, face white as a ghost, lips so blue they were almost black. I thought for sure my friend was already dead. But when we carefully turned the body over a slight exhale came out. I had 9-11 on the phone, I’m certified for CPR. So were trained and went through the classic routine, putting my head on the chest and looked, listened, felt. When I heard/detected a barely audible thready pulse and shallow breathing I almost cried out in relief.

[Read more…]