Remember Oliver Cromwell of English history? Pres. Trump reminds me of him!

He had little regard for the British institutions of government of his day.  Some good ideas but that's all.  Wanted to do things his way.  Well, if that's not an apt description of the current occupant of the WH!  We, too, suffer through another Oliver Cromwell type.

The problem with that type of leader is it's through the lasting and established institutions of government that those of us who travel through life with a US passport can have a say in the future of the country and indeed, the world--such institutions these Oliver Cromwells decry! 

How long can I last until I'm swamped?

I've been assured no more violent attacks on my person!

Starting this week, I enter the campaign of fighting to remain in my residence against local administration of this senior residence trying to force me out!

To complain when things go badly for me, I  have been told time and time again, write it down in a blog.  So, I'm writing, but the surge is nearly over my head, in just two days!

I came here to develop the future of the US as the leader taking the planet into new phases of adventure and exploration (and, trade and commerce globally).  And, I'm working away gloriously.
Meantime, my left leg is healing, although I've a bit of a problem with the right ankle due to too much reliance on this good leg.

Well, I'm glad I'm here because I'm receiving excellent medical care, that takes my ills away!  But I don't want to land on the streets again==it will mean==....I don't know what.

Blah, Blah, Blah, if you're listening, I need your help (once again, on the count of when I cry HELP!   

Amazon moving into the nation's capital!

It's true! Amazon is establishing itself here in DC.  Like so many, many other companies, making their roots in today's metropolitan DC, Amazon knows where big city growth and a friendly in-crowd are gathering.  All over DC, new buildings are being erected to house and make comfortable a yearning millennial to be where the action is--a political active foment, whose re-action is heard around the world.  GO-DC!  Echo-echo. 

A Military Defense argument to bolster another Presidential bid, may not be open to Trump again!

Presidents of the US sometimes may resort to the cogency of a military argument to bolster their bid for re-election for another term:  That is to say, if there's some US commitment to a military encounter, a President could refer to his role in continuing supporting a battle engagement as reason for his/her remaining in office for another four years.

True, such an argument is another WHACK-O Theory!

Specifically, President Trump could not use this line of reasoning to bolster his conceivable campaign for four more years, because he has just lost today, this very day when M. Cohen's additional deal with the Russian investigation by the FBI was signed, that he has no personal, vested interest in any possible Ukrainian-Russian conflict and its outcome.  Cohen appears to claim that Trump has shown himself involved in Russian political-financial activities over the years including those of being President of the United States.

Already, President Trump must recognize that he had not gained the majority electorate support for his Presidency nor has the Republican Party clearly demonstrated its commitment to another four years of his regency.  And, what could have been available to him was an appeal to keep him in office for the sake of the interests of the United States in some time of battle and armed conflict, when US troops are involved.

But alas, if there were some war or military conflict that the US might take sides in or act as mediator, the political question would arise, is the military acting at the behest of entrepreneur Trump or as an order from Trump, the President of the country and head of its military? 

Now here this!!! I'm in recovery from the surgery.

I've just ended a four week stay at a rehab facility close to George Washington Med Center on 23rd Street, I think.

Seemed the surgery went very well; and I'm recuperating now at home.

The Bionic Man on the Operating Table!

This time it's the left knee surgery I'm having. Believe me, I'm thankful, after waiting 9 months! 

Brazil brings back happy times and fond memories!

I used to take Bolivia Airlines into Sao Paulo, Brazil.  I had enjoyable trips to its largest city with a very large Jewish population, who befriended me.

It made me feel young and zestful to move around the town and visit with the people.  In my opinion, Brazilians embrace life to an unusual extent their bodies reach--undulating in rhythm and life's beat!

The one drawback to their lifestyle is their over-enthusiasm to the point of sheer exhaustion, a phenomenon in which Brazilians are caught up into an emotional stupor.  It causes them to become victims of their own passionate nature, giving supremacy in a moment of "ecstasy."  --Not really ecstasy but a suspension of rational control.  No wonder the country has its share of murders and mayhem!  My advice, Calm down the emotional twang when you feel it about to take over your senses!   

Saudi Arabia: TAKE CHARGE ON BEHALF OF MUSLIM LAW AND ORDER

There's the Saudis in the midst of a rejuvenation of the Middle East trade and commerce.  The country gives the impression of an existence without an important mission to the world.  It stands for the Muslim faith but is lost in economics that neglects its calling!

Yemen and Somalia have been languishing in chaos for many, many years.  It would be like the US to neglect its political responsibilities for a thriving North America--Canada and Mexico.  But no, the US reaffirms its commitment to these neighboring countries through the continuance of NAFTA, for one; and by virtue of its welcoming of immigrants from a Central American poverty and ignorance.  Why do the Saudis act like cold-hearted businessmen rather than religious leaders and statesmen?  Are they so insular that they have no dedication to the religious principles of the Muslim faith in a secular world?  I have thought the Saudis would fight for peace and prosperity even as did Muhammad and cannot believe they are lacking in will to maintain harmony among those in the Muslim tradition.  I just don't comprehend their stance that sanctions, for example,  the US involvement in their religious domain.   

I'm thinking of leaving DC!

They've continued the attacks I was receiving in El Paso!  Now, it'ss down tp everu 2 Weels!

I didn't come toC so that I could be a target, but rather that I could stop being a target, as O'd done tin the past 2 or so years.

It's plain it isn't working out.  I was a target at CCNV now Shalom House.

I'm having a meeting, perhaps as soon as next Monday to see if something can be done about it.  I had been told in El Paso that things have changed in DC.  I was misinformed, unless my becoming a target here is the new nuance.

As to my list of activities, everything is going better and quicker than anybody could have expected--thanks to Indonesia.  More after the trip!

Me, a descendant of Jon Sobieski, Polish Compatriot

My mother ingrained it into my Sister Sheila and me that we are the current live heritage from the great Polish king and general of the Sixteenth Century, Jon Sobieski.  It was Sobieski that stopped the Muslims of Turkey and the Ottoman Empire from establishing a foothold in Europe, thereby preventing that culture from spreading West across Europe.

Well, I thought I'd point the claim out, since I have done my utmost to spread Christianity throughout Africa and into China, where today countless numbers of Chinese are converting to this religion. 

I've moved! Great Place!

Just a word of thanks for Stephan, who made it possible!  I've moved to a permanent address!

Moving in the offing?

I haven't had a DC residential address in many years, but could one be in the offing?

Esther was pursuing that prospect with SOME's Shalom House.  I don't know where it lies, because she went beserk over what she thought were bugs on my person; and I can't figure out where her mind is.  I've been off limits from Miriam's Kitchen ever since.  Oh well, I've got to move on--one way or another!  Every window of opportunity for me means time is of the essence.

   

Personnel Needs of our little clan

When I left El Paso, TX some 9 months ago or so, I didn't ever think I'd be writing an item expressing personnel needs.  Beth is the mainstay of our group; and she's in Vegas organizing and reorganizing as opportunities present themselves--and what were thought opportunities that have fizzled.

But the Maryland landing of a major opportunity is something we want to greatly enlarge.  I figure 90 qualified US citizens, experts at what they do, are needed in the DC area right away.  (This morning I thought asking for 30 was extravagant!)   Then again, I never thought the Central American project would take off the way it has, led by an experienced San Diego force.

But that's only a swerve in our mission to promote peace and harmony among peoples. Just this past few days, we've taken on the additional burden to bring peoples of the world into parody with the common standard--which, though it's never been tried to my knowledge, I think lies within our purview as a clan of forward-moving strategists and doers!  Another 140 figure to toss around!

Yeah, 230 sounds about right as a launching-pad number for added strength to make good use of.

Beth, you want to add to that?       

What it's like to be a pariah!

Well, I've been banned from Miriam's Kitchen by Esther Ford & Co.  I'm trying to get at least some privileges reinstated through the services of Washington Legal Clinic.

The incidents stem over Esther's foibles regarding the living quarters poor people live in.  She can't stand to have people around her that occasionally have bugs on their person!  So, what's she doing working for a soup kitchen that caters to the poor no matter where they live or sleep!

Be that as it may, I'm searching my eateries available to me minus Miriam's Kitchen.  I'm not allowed on the premises of Miriam's since last Friday.

Yesterday, as a birthday treat I went to Baltimore for the day.  Spent time walking around (even with the condition of my left knee) in its Inner Harbor district off the Convention Center.  Very lovely time indeed.  Happy birthday, birthday old man!   

Exploring my surroundings!

I've just decided to explore the area!

I'll start with Baltimore!  Soon!

HAIL, Oh Far Away! I greet you!

A really great advantage to my being in Washington, DC is so many people from all over the world journey here!  I get to meet them wherever I go around town--even at Miriam's Kitchen!

Since I no longer travel abroad, having the opportunity to talk with persons from just about anywhere on the planet right here in DC is a plus!

Submarines in International Waters

Another WHACK-O Theory!

I have heard that the drug-&-other cartels are making use of submarines in transporting their goods. If these subs enter international waters they may become targets of any military force patrolling the open seas.

It would probably call out a response force of similar submarines built by some government's military to counter them in an attempt to keep international waterways open and clear.
 

Africa's Complaints against Chinese Workmanship!

Recently, it has been brought to my attention that there's an overall impression among African governments that Chinese workmanship is of inferior quality.  While it may be certainly admitted that China is not nearly as expensive in labor and materials as the advanced Western nations in competing for construction projects, the Africans have the right to expect superior quality in the building, road and bridge completed for them.   More than likely, as is the case that produces typically unfit and poor quality edifices, the phase of quality assurance ("QA") is frequently omitted, permitting the quality of  the constructed entity to pass muster without sufficient evaluation and upgrade. 

This complaint frequent among the African populations bespeaks a more widespread dissatisfaction with Chinese construction to the very heart of China itself: the workmanship in construction is so inferior as to cause serious harm even death to the persons who must reside in such edifices, which could not pass even standardized tests for soundness and durability anywhere else!

No, China must rigorously enforce worldwide standards according to international building codes in attesting to the maintainability and durability of  its constructed entities.  It must regain the confidence of  the Chinese people in China and the Africans that their workmanship is durable and safe for decades.           

What I must go through for the sake of whomever!

I admit I enjoy the anonymity because I get my work done!  But  it carries with it a WHACK-O Theory wherein I am the fool! 

On Sunday, I got my six-months evaluation here in DC for major projects I'm involved in.  The evaluations were terrific.  Thanks!

But that leaves me once again with enormous exposure for those who would want someone other/and something else and so they play games with me!  Ugh, at the prospect of having to put up with this! 

Personally, I think much would be alleviated, if I had a residence of my own other than a "work camp!"  But I'm doing as much as I can under these restricted conditions of the situation I've been placed in.

And, losing 30 pounds weight has been an added personal plus!

Precocious Childrens' Trait Predictors

[I've discussed the topic as presented below with my good friend, Chuck.]

I'm taking "precocious children" to include physical and mental gifts bestowed upon children that can be recognized at early ages by trained and accredited professionals.

The Russians for years have developed a battery of  physical tests to discover whether a young girl, say, of about 5, is gifted in physical attributes that could be developed into those of an accomplished ballerina.  Today over the country. classroom teachers in the sciences are ever on the alert for students who obviously excel in both math and science.  Similarly, though the tests aren't quite accepted universally by political science teachers and sociologists, there is a growing acceptance of the idea in education that some children show traits of organizing and managing groups--in school, their fellow classmates--at as early an age as 10 years old (some prognosticators might believe even at much an earlier age).

Then too, some of us who have dealt in international affairs have commented that the really intellectual usually make sweeping, global generalizations somewhere in their thinking out an issue.
These instances are observable to someone in the field and can be noted, e.g., with regard to frequency.

So, there is being amassed a wealth of data about early indications of a youth's abilities to perform tasks associated with an occupation.  And, professionals in those fields and educators alike may note  the extent to which a particular's youth embodies the classic or paradigmatic model--what skills, even what interests, he shares with the practitioners of the art or trade.

Importantly, parents of precocious children can be alerted to the prospect that a child of theirs is in high demand within their social milieu for the skills he possesses.  May not mean much, but I think society through governmental structures should begin to encourage youthful individuals and their families to highlight and promote professional activities by identifying those rich in potential.  Imake it an action item. 



  


 

Project phasing out

You know when a project is just about over.  But there's that question, do you stay around for the review and evaluation phase or simply  move on to something else?

My approach through the years is to consider the nature of the new projects.  Do at least some of these mean to you simultaneously, new opportunities for growth and development and realizing the organizational goals of the enterprise for which you work?  That is to say, is there additional chance for a win-win project to be in your grasp if you press on rather than
explaining and possibly, defending your past decisions in projects already over?

Personal, physical attacks spanning the last three years!

Ever since my post-operative 7 months in Sacramento, California some three or so years ago, I've experienced several personal attacks.  In Sacramento, I was dragged across a parking lot for about 15 feet; and there, too, I experienced being hit on the head in my rented room causing a black eye that I had for several days.

After that, when I returned to El Paso, I was attacked several times.  One time an intruder came in even though the door had been locked.  I was in bed; he took my watch off my arm and money from my wallet.  The other times I was attacked when I answered a front door knock.  I opened the door, and someone hit me hard on the head with an object, causing me to lose consciousness.  Upon awaking, I usually had a black eye and a scar that sometimes became permanent.

No one claimed responsibility to any of these hostile acts against my person.  But the El Paso police thought I might from now on be targeted from someone or some group. At 80 years of age, rather than going to San Antonio to live--as was suggested for a place to move to--I decided to go back to Washington, DC, which I liked in the past times when I visited generally for over a week to several months,, and felt I could survive in--at least for some time more!   

Every Project Should Have a Profit Center!

The history of the country bespeaks a philosophical commitment to making money in the projects it undertakes.

The country was founded by businessmen who felt cheated by a government who refused to pay them what their time and services earned in the conduct of  their business transactions.  It is in the entrepreneurial spirit of fair wages for honest expenditures that we continue to uphold the principles upon which this country was founded.  The public's willingness to pay on a continual basis indicates they see worthy value in what their government is doing.

I have endeavored to retain the country's philosophical posture by looking upon what the government does for them as an imposition (on them and other beneficiaries) to negotiate a reasonable trade-off as just recompense.

"The Certainty of Perceptual Knowledge Claims" Revisited

My doctoral thesis for the PhD in Philosophy at New York University, 1969 was just this--as I remember those years ago. 

What drew me back in memory was the astounding realization that after my thesis was accepted, the philosophical problem that it was attempting to handle just about disappeared from discussion!

In it I attempted to argue against A.J. Ayer's formulation of the problem--that perceptual evidence was needed--not simply could be produced as any perceptual knowledge claim could warrant--on behalf of something about reality.  The point I was trying to make is that in ordinary parlance and typical perception, no substantiation from sensational evidence is appropriate, simply because the claim, e.g., "I see the book," is certain, as certain as any perceiver could believe.  Such knowledge claims are self-evidently true; and no further justification is in order, though reference to sensational evidence is always possible, as is necessary when one judges that railroad tracks converge in the distance based on his perceptual gaze.

So much for that.  I thought it was something to point out that a grad student in philosophy could make a case that perceptual evidence is not needed when a distinguished professor like Ayer seemed to think otherwise!

XXVIII. US Supreme Court may be engaging in Whacko-ism!

At the Cato Institute's meeting on March 1, 2018 in Washington, DC, the topic "Qualified Immunity: The Supreme Court's Unlawful Assault on Civil Right" was discussed by legal analysts Adelman, Baude, Glasberg and Pincus.  The moderator, himself a Cato Institute member, mentioned 2 major problems the high court in the United States seems to be currently bogged down over: 1) the extensive use of plea bargaining in the criminal court system that circumvents the jury system of meeting out justice; and 2) the complete lack of accountability in law enforcement, whose constituents are held to a much low state of accountability for their actions, (my added editorial note: many recorded on visual tape for the public-at-large to review).  The notion of qualified immunity, for one, has appeared in juridical decisions.  Using it, the Supreme Court has essentially lowered the standard of immunity for the police (though it does not so far apply to those outside the field of law enforcement."

The 14th Amendment, Section 93 guarantees the constitutional right to a victim to sue those liable under tort law for harm against him.  But the district Judge Adelman, surveying some appropriate cases against officers in his sample--found relatively few police were forced to pay claims against them.  Seemingly if true of the vast number of such claims made, minority populations across the country have little or no legal remedy for acts the public may deem as instances of police brutality in a significant number of community neighborhoods, e.g., those labelled as black ghettos.

The moderator concluded with the message "We of the Cato Institute will take up this cudgel.  Starting next week, we are to meet with Congressmen to rectify this diversion" (my added editorial note: into what can only be thought of as myth-devising by the Supreme Court of the land, there being no body of its opinions recognizing this concept prior to the 1980s.)

           

XXVII:"Where's our competitive edge if another country can produce it cheaper than the US?"

I attended 2 symposiums at The Brookings Institute on the US's new tax laws this past week.  It demonstrated the US' relatively new commitment to competitive taxes on imports and exports other countries use. But as our guru in the ad hoc think tank of Miriam's Kitchen asked--his name is 'Chuck'--"Why would the US produce a good (or, item) that is already produced in some other country at a much cheaper cost than it would be if from the US?"  Certainly, whatever the import duty is on such an item would not make a significant dent in the cost-of-good abroad as compared to its being produced here.

But if taxes upon items produced elsewhere won't penalize those companies who buy from abroad rather than make the item here, where is there a competitive advantage to the homebound manufacturers and producers to offset the greater cost of those goods made here than somewhere else?  There can only be one source, which as yet is not implemented fully in the US: robotics.  Picture a field of a cash crop, e.g., tomatoes, picked by machine, packed by machine and delivered with the aid of computers.  "AI assembly personnel" working 24 hours a day to get tomatoes to market!  That use of computer power to match the 'slave-labor' of children working in factories and in the fields some countries deploy might just be the competitive edge for which US agriculture and industry is searching.

The point is, Trump's proposal to bring back industries and agriculture gone overseas must cite a competitive advantage producing it here has over producing abroad.  The tremendous fluctuations in the Stock Market reflects the uncertainty of results were to penalize goods made abroad.  Without citing a competitive advantage to producing cheap goods here to rival the same goods cheaper-made or produced in other lands, attempts to promote American items VS. the foreign-produced is absurd:  ANOTHER WHACK-O THEORY IN THE MAKING!

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

--Will handle any news about tries toward regional independence as occurs.

--It looks for the next year and a half, I'll be setting up a schedule of talks and lectures to attend in the DC area.  Also, including movies and conversational occasions at the West End Library in the schedule.  Of course, such events are weather dependent in my case.  Also, I'll  keep up with medical appointments, things at the CCNV  dorm, etc.

--I'll be looking to continue searching the Atlantic Monthly and will add items from Time for comment and inclusion in the Ruminations blog.

Let's not forget the UK!

I had not taken Great Britain's break away from the EU that seriously, because it never was a "full-fledged" member of the consortium, e.g., keeping to its own currency and instituting a policy of austere economics as a way out of its own recession.

But I was wrong!  Great Britain is paving the way to an even more prosperous era for itself, by Exiting the EU.  The trouble with such super-government agencies like the EU is that they promote unity and uniformity simply without addressing economic and social problems.  What stand, for instance, has it taken to end  the social and economic griefs the European countries that have reached out to the Syrian refugees have encountered?  Ir'a been the several European countries--France, above the rest)--that have addressed the social issues caused by the immigration of the Near-Eastern refugees. And, the economic woes of Greece must be addressed by the international banking community, to be sure.  Illustrating the need of a Central Bank of the EU, id nor a political structure.

Accordingly, in my Regional Independence blog, I will carry items of the progress toward unbounded independence that this country is making/

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

--I set up a new blog Regional Independence  that so far will be devoted to just this topic.  Already, I entered 4 items to comprise an Introduction to the topic as I see it.  I'm in a new surrounding, being back in DC and using computers of various kinds, so it has its challenges to get the thing going right.

--I have experienced a problem with my left knee that has slowed me down, but I am able to work.  I'll be seeing doctors at GWU-Med Center in the coming weeks regarding it.

--Other projects proceeding smoothly, especially that I'm now back in DC!  I'm putting in for more staff, particularly, for Vegas, which grows beyond anybody's wildest expectations!