Show 'em some love...C. Estes Kefauver

This fine gentleman from Tennessee was my profile picture on Facebook for about a week:

Here is the link to his minimalist Wikipedia biography:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estes_Kefauver

So why am I asking for people to show love to a lifelong Democrat and career member of the U.S. Congress? Not my favorite demographic for sure, so here are my reasons:

1. Use of his name and legacy in National Lampoon. Remember, Lance Kroger went to C Estes Kefauver high school. I am sure that NL chose him for his stance on rock and roll and its effect on teenagers. It is a viewpoint that has never gone away. The focus has just changed. Now, people worry about rap music and violent video games. I am sure CEK would have had an apoplexy over some of the media directed to youth today. 

2. He was Adlai Stevenson II's vice presidential pick. Adlai being another favorite of NL, most notable in my memory referring to him as a human chicken. I remember him differently. Here are two links:

short version:

http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675070175_Adlai-Stevenson_Cuban-Missile-Crisis_United-Nations_Valerian-Zorin

long version:

http://www.yourtowntube.com/video/6467/CubaMissileCrisis-Adlai-Stevenson-Princeton-22

These guys were both two old school politicians, and renowned for their liberalism in their day. It was not chic back then. It was not politically correct, a concept that I feel both, as I, would find repugnant and revolting. I doubt I would have agreed with them on many issues, and they would probably not agree with me. But they both, CEK in particular, deserve some love.

NL chose CEK in order to ridicule his stance on television, and his introduction of legislation to ban possession of switchblade knives, my opinion. And, again my opinion, no one deserves having a career reduced to parody by things which become iconic and do not see the larger context of action within the existential framework of life. People either take action, or they do not. Those that take action abandon the safety in which those who do not take action languish. Once action is taken, you become a target for your opponents, those who disagree, and those who have no power, ability, or desire to act. That is when the ridicule starts. That ridicule of two men of principle, of two men with whom I would undoubtedly find myself at odds, is not what we should accept as matter of fact politics, or as acceptable because they are public figures. The ridicule of a political opponent is not an acceptable tactic. Refute the idea with facts, dissemble the position with logic, and provide an alternative. Be people of action, not reaction.

This idea is way out of mainstream in today's political climate. Ridicule and dehumanization are the order of the day. Harry Reid calling the Koch brothers un-American, and Charlie Daniels responding in kind is the latest example from my observation. This really has to stop. This will not be acceptable to many, but to paraphrase, I may be a pet coon, but I ain't the uniformed mainstreams pet coon, and I am prepared to wait till hell freezes over for a standard of civility.

jscarrsez@gmail.com

P.S. Please feel free to pass this on...

Show 'Em Some Love: Basil L. Plumley

I placed this good gentleman's picture as a profile on my Facebook page, and only received one guess as to his identity. This is not Glenn Ford:

This is Basil L. Plumley. He is a real life hero, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 92. Here is a link to his Wikipedia profile: Basil L. Plumley

I found out about Old Iron Jaw from Sam Elliott's portrayal of him in "We Were Soldiers". I found it hard to believe that there was no embellishment of his record for dramatic purposes. Boy Howdy, was I ever wrong. Sadly, there is little written about him, Wikipedia listing eight (8) references, four of them obituaries, one a census record, and one a record of military enlistments.

I think it is sad that there is little written about him. I think he should be a subject of an individual chapter in every U. S. history textbook used in elementary and secondary schools throughout the nation. Let's put him into Common Core, his service to his country and dedication to service is something to be taught and pondered upon.

He, if still alive, I think, would probably object to it. That may be why there is little written about him. Real heroes serve quietly under dire circumstances and desire only to move on with their lives into more peaceful and less dire circumstances. That is what makes them heroes. Not just their service and actions in dire times, but their humility and anonymity afterwards. No limelight, please, just let me get on with my life probably being the outlook and state of mind. Perhaps I am selfish, but fine men like Plumley should have some of the anonymity removed, because their example is too great to be ignored.

jscarrsez@gmail.com

The Overall Direction...

The decision to begin this adventure came about after checking up on some friends via Facebook. Facebook being probably either: a) a terrible waste of what could be productive time, or b) the greatest advancement in social networking in all of human history. I am more inclined to the later, basing that opinion on the number of requests I receive to play Candy Crush, a skill and reputation sure to win friends and influence future employers and clients. (TICH) I simply thought that by starting a blog, I could shortcut the process of reply, comment, and like on all the important things that my circle of friends post on their walls ("Share if you like air", "Like and re-post in 20 seconds and you will receive a wildebeest by mail", etc.)  and which by nature of the friend relationship end up on mine. So, I make a blog, link it on my page and be done with it. Ya wanna know what JScarr thinks, read on...

I was also perhaps vaingloriously hoping to make astute and insightful commentaries on issues and events, as if any one cares what my opinion may be. I settled first on titling the blog, "The Problem Is...", and  then selecting a topic to illustrate. It seemed the perfect endeavor to engage in writing to an audience, some thing I have missed doing, except in academic settings, for a number of years. After several drafts of various topics, I realized that the scope was too narrow.

So, be it known to all present, that there is a change in editorial policy as of this date. The posts on JScarrSez shall be in following these categories:

"The Problem Is..." - events and instances that, to this writer, are not sound in logic or reasoning, containing some fallacy,  faulty perception, spin, or statement of facts which are not sound. Expect rants against bias in these posts.

"The Question  Is..." - analysis of why things are what they are. These may be risible and philosophical in tone and mood. Readers can expect these posts to raise some eyebrows, because I will ask some hard questions. Essay answers only, please.

"This Just Ain't Right..." - my musings on events, politics, etc. that do not make sense to even me. There will be some very strange facts cited in these posts, but you cannot make up stuff such as what will appear under this heading.

"Show 'Em Some Love!..." - Expect to find commentary on things that reinforce belief in the essential goodness of humankind, the benevolence of God, and the great courage and persistence of the human spirit.

I write on this blog as part of my morning, and limit it to about thirty minutes a day. There will always be several topics in the pipeline, and one will be posted every Wednesday morning, for those of you waiting anxiously. I will always be somewhat tongue in cheek about things. I will always attempt a seriousness of discourse. I will always be honest in that it is my thought, opinion, and personal perspective.

So, all hail to Dave Barry and Charles Krauthammer, Hope you enjoy...

jscarrsez@gmail.com

JScarr Sez

This is an inauspicious date never to be remembered in the annals of history. The unimportant event I am announcing will probably have no influence over the course of time, politics, religion, philosophy, economics, or medicine.

If any thing is ever remembered about this, it will be that a simple man from Kentucky has made an exercise of his First Amendment Rights. English majors, editors, etc. please realize I capitalize those words for emphasis, as in this case, they are proper nouns.
The Text:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Over the course of this indefinite length blog, I will express my views regarding issues in the context of my rights granted above. You mar read, agree or disagree, but if I have it sett up right, you will not be able to comment. You should be able to send an email through the blog, and I will respond as time allows. Some may say that this is not in the spirit of the amendment, but I think it does. I also feel that it forces those who wish to comment to exercise their fight or right from their own blog. In simpler terms, this is my soapbox on my front lawn, you need your own on your lawn.

I will not give any biographical information about myself, that will become evident by reading the posts. I will rarely mention people or persons by name, as the focus will be larger than any individual. I will refrain from vulgarity, profanity, or coarse language, because I want this to be appropriate for any one to read, though the arguments may be above the level of some. I do not expect most first graders to understand these posts, but I want no one to have any objection to the reading of them.

So, if you want or need the insight and comments on life, the universe and everything, from a simple fellow from Kentucky, I hope you will enjoy reading the posts. Email comments to jscarrsez@gmail.com, I will attempt to reply or include anonymously in future posts if I find it furthers reasoned and rational discussion of the topic.

The Problem is...

The Problem is...

Facebook postings on your wall.

Someone posted something hateful about Bob Jindal (sic), attributing a statement to him, which I was sure he did not say. So, I investigate, and sure enough, he never said any such thing. The statement was made bay the author of an article with an unfavorable opinion of him. It followed the full text of his remarks. The next paragraph began with, "To translate...", which I thought unusual as Bob's statements were in English and clearly understandable. So I posted a link, and my objections to such odious behavior, in a calm, disciplined, and academic manner.

The reply from the liberal friend was, "OK, I read the entire statement. He's still an asshat!"

I found myself unable to reply to such a cogent argument, and realizing I was not intellectually capable of following that logic, I unfriended the person to spare them the embarrassment of any association with someone as dim as me.

The next day, I posted a comment to someones political post. He responded by blocking my comment, sending the angry message; "NOT ON MY POST".

Well, having a friend on Facebook means your posts end up on my wall. I think that makes them fair game for comment from me. If you disagree, then that's fine, but if you think I should not comment, then you really do not value free speech. If you do not value free speech, I do not want you as a Facebook friend, or a real world friend either.

So I suspect my friend list will be getting a lot sparse