Bunker Mulligan "Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry." ~Mark Twain

January 23, 2004

American Standard

Filed under: Society-Culture — Bunker @ 4:56 pm

This is what our country is. We are the most philanthropic people on this earth. I’ve heard several times how people in other countries donote more money per capita than we do, but those numbers don’t include the time given or in-kind donations that we always provide. And we have always done this regardless of where help is needed.

Ever notice how often something like this involves the military? I got spit on in the San Francisco airport many years ago while in uniform. I was called “baby killer,” and all the other names that are common. These Marines are the current incarnation of the same spirit which has beat in military men’s (and women’s) hearts for the limits of my memory. And having read of the same thing in 1944 Europe, I would guess it has always been the case.

Military folks see far more poverty and degradation during their careers than any civilian can even comprehend. The two-minute “Save the Children” ads don’t scratch the surface. And we empathize, and do what we can to help. Usually, it’s hands-on, and face to face. Think of that next time you’re asked to help.

Negotiating Tools?

Filed under: International — Bunker @ 4:02 pm

Someone at work passed this along to me. I have no idea where it came from, originally.

American Ingenuity

Filed under: Society-Culture — Bunker @ 5:56 am

I love this country and the people who make it up. So, a city imposes a ban on smoking in bars. The law allows for smoking at charity events. Bar owners, entrepreneurs all, decide to form a non-profit organization and charge patrons $1 for the privilege of smoking in the bar. The dollar goes to charity.

God Bless America!

January 22, 2004

Define “African American”

Filed under: Society-Culture — Bunker @ 8:34 am

At Omaha Westside High School, students promoted Trevor Richards for “Distinguished African American Student Award” with posters on their lockers. Trevor is from Johannesburg, and has lived in the US for six years. They were disciplined for this action because it made someone feel uncomfortable. You see, Trevor is white.

Eugene Volokh has all the details and a legal analysis.

January 21, 2004

Den Beste “Must-Read”

Filed under: General Rants — Bunker @ 7:33 pm

Over on USS Clueless, Steven releases “the fire in his heart”, or belly, or whatever. You’ll get a few chuckles, along with an education.

Aussie Reports

Filed under: Politics — Bunker @ 11:50 am

When it comes to understanding American culture, it would be hard to do better than find a good Australian writer.

Australians share a kinship with Americans. Both share a common history of colonialization by the British. Both were populated with adventurers, religious sects, and prisoners. Both had indigent populations which were first hunted down, then partially absorbed. Both are geographic and geologic potpourri.

So it comes as no surprise that an Australian understands something the political pundits don’t. You have to read it for yourself.

Islam

Filed under: Society-Culture — Bunker @ 11:43 am

Daniel Pipes has a Bibliography on Islam and the Middle East on his site. For those of you with no solid knowledge of the subject, this is a very good place to start.

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