Climaquiddick

My morning coffee almost shot out of my nose the first time I saw this term for the brewing climate change story.

The biggest part of the story is that this calls into question the model that the IPCC has been using. The hockey stick has already come and gone, and now we have scientists actively modifying data to fit their desired outcomes. After years of being told that there is scientific consensus on anthropogenic warming, and having skeptics all but branded as heretics, everything should be back on the table.

It will not be, of course. The truth is that all factions have some viable points, but science has been politicized. We should be pursuing our own oil supplies, increasing nuclear capacity, actively pursuing and encouraging investment in alternatives, all while trying to be more responsible stewards of the planet.

He Really is the One!

That might be unfair. My beef today is less with the President, and more with Senator Reid. Here's the quote.

Today we vote whether to even discuss one of the greatest issues of our generation- indeed, one of the greatest issues this body has ever faced: whether this nation will finally guarantee its people the right to live free from the fear of illness of death, which can be prevented by decent health care for all.

So, are we to believe that this legislation is so awesome, so full of wholesome non-partisan goodness, that illness and death itself shall be vanquished? The senator from Nevada has just hinted at immortality and everlasting health by legislative fiat. Bravo!

Ladies and gentlemen, I am duly impressed by this promised achievement. I am certainly looking forward to centuries of Social Security checks.

Free Flow of Info

Kudos to the administration for advocating the free flow of information and a free press in China. If only the administration didn't take the stance that only party-approved networks were legitimate outlets at home.

Sigh.

Recipe for a loss

When a team has 4 more rushing attempts than penalties, it's going to be a rough day. When the team's inexplicably unbalanced play calling leads to 2.4 times as many penalty yards than rushing yards, we have a whiskey tango foxtrot day.

55 passes. 13 rushes. For fuck's sake, even Michael Vick, who is good for nothing but running tried to throw the ball. I fail to see how if the offense fails to pick up one yard running, it is a sign that rushing does not work. On the other hand, if 40% of our passes are not completed, well, we just have to keep trying.

It boggles the mind. This team is missing its first two starting middle linebackers, nickel back, dime back, and starting strong side linebacker. No current linebacker is playing in his intended starting spot. With this kind of depletion, one would think, ball control, spell the defense, lets give them a break and keep them off the field.

I love the Eagles, and will never root for another team. I just wish they were a little easier to love.

Unintended Consequences

Facing us is a massive health care overhaul that will homogenize many systems, reduce choices, increase taxes,. and drive up prices. The last two points are the most defensible. The government is going to end up spending more money, which means they will have to raise more money.

As for prices going up? When, in all of human history has dramatically increased demand driven down price?

But, on to the unintended consequence. Many progressives are balking at the abortion language currently in the bill. Their concern is that the current verbiage reduces a woman's freedom and choices. Some representatives may even vote against the bill in its current form on this principle.

Soooo, people who would normally advocate a single payer system, which by definition would restrict freedoms and choices have suddenly found that choices are a good thing. I doubt their ability to extend this perception to the larger debate, but hell, I'll take it.