To the honorable men and women of the united states armed services

In the event of an unconstitutional order, you are to stand down. In the event of an order which goes against conscience, you are to refuse. If there is an interruption in the chain of command you are to know how you report ultimately to civilian leadership and to which elected official in full capacity. This is all standard material you should be aware of already.

The president is forcing a constitutional confrontation, and these are never times of certainty in how they evolve, but the outcome of such a showdown is certain. The president will be impeached for contempt of congress. If the vice-president remains in defiance, he will be impeached for contempt of congress. This is not the best way, but it is necessary to prevent the emergency from evolving to a permanent tyranny.

You have your orders.

So easy even a caveman could understand it

Glenn Greenwald:

First, the President began his Press Conference by admitting that the administration’s explanations as to what happened here have been — to use his own words — “confusing” and “incomplete.” Why, then, would Congress possibly trust Bush officials to provide more explanations in an off-the-record, no-transcript setting where there are no legal consequences from failing to tell the truth?

Related posts:

• A real problem for somebody
• First denial, then anger. Next up?
• Impeachment testimony

On Bullshit

Because evil is stupid.

Ten years and five days ago

The Iraq Quadrennial Remembrance

Four years later.

Social Anxiety- A common thread?

Hypothesis: Anxiety disorders play a key role behind the immense popularity of internet interactions.

Disclaimer: This observation isn’t backed by Harvard studies (as far as I know), I didn’t read up on it or seek supporting statistics; Im working from simple observation.

Basis: First a reference here or there: A favorite blogger will mention a bout of agoraphobia, a reader comments on ‘being shy’. A friend links to a friend who has just endured a terrible panic attack.

Skip to a thread forum where one person admits to crippling anxiety disorder. First one, then three, then nine people come out of the woodwork with words of encouragement and similar confessions.

Overthink: Doesn’t it make sense that the internet would provide the best socializing alternative for those with acute shyness, agoraphobia or crippling anxiety? We all need to socialize. Trends in westernized cultures actually exacerbate feelings of isolation, both through social stigmas toward people with mental health hang-ups, and a general movement toward solitary activities, independent pursuits, and families that are supposed to be ‘self-sufficient’ rather than integral members of cohesive societies that rely upon, and provide for others in their community.

Solutions: Hm. Do you approach the individual or the society? I don’t know how to cure societal ailments, but on the individual anxiety issue, maybe ask whig.

A half dollar, a half dollar, a penny and two bits.

Strange and unexpected combinations

Weaving the strands together