In his book Prologue to a Farce: Communications and Democracy in America, Mark Lloyd, the Obama Administration's Communications Diversity Czar, proposed funding public radio through a tax on commercial radio stations. Invoking the spirit of Saul Alinsky, an icon of the radical left, Lloyd insisted that the history of communications in this country is a history of control by corporate interests. And Lloyd's proposed use of the tax on commercial radio to fund "regional offices" organized to monitor political advertising and commentary, among other things---is sending chills through the conservative blogosphere.
Most people familiar with the internet know that nobody is in control---and frankly, most of us like it that way. The Government is busy enough making a mess of the things it currently has on its hands without looking for new ways to make a hash of things. And given the current angry, skeptical mood of the country these days, it is doubtful that a proposal of this sort could survive the light of day...though, given the current raft of thousand-page bills that nobody in Congress seems to read these days, I suppose that anything is possible.
It is, of course, entirely possible that the entire frenzy is merely a visceral reaction to hyperbole and overstatement by the other side. Now, faced with the responsibility of governing, Mr. Lloyd will find that it was a lot easier to spout off idealistic rhetoric when he didn't have the responsibility of seeing whether his ideas would actually work.
But as I see it, the real concern is whether the Government will be attempting an "end-around" the First Amendment to muzzle voices that it finds objectionable. The means used would be the tax laws wrapped in the language of "diversity"...either of language or skin color, but the objective will be to bring an end to talk radio.
If the Government is merely trying to "expand" access to the means of communication, then the Obama Administration may well propose a modest subsidy to permit new voices to be heard, and give them a chance to win over an audience, but they will do nothing to interfere with the broadcasters,themselves. If they are trying to "muzzle" speech, then their tactic will likely be taxing or otherwise punishing those who are raising dissenting voices: ie, the conservatives, and particularly the conservative radio talk shows.
Part of the problem is that so many people seem to misperceive the role of the Government, though. The Government does not exist to "protect our rights." It exists to protect our society---from crime, from foreign enemies---and to permit people to liberty to set their own destinies. The Founders cautioned that power is always seeking to advance, and that Liberty is usually seeking nothing more than to be left alone.. As a consequence, institutionalized power --- ie, the Government--- needs to be contained, or it will attempt to swallow liberty.
Government itself is neither good nor bad...but is necessary for liberty to thrive. But viewing Government as a "protector of rights" is dangerous: the rights contained in the Bill of Rights were written down to guard against intrustion by the Government. It was felt that only by setting them down clearly on paper---as the fundamental charter of the land---would we be able to keep Power within safe limits. People are fully capable of protecting their own rights...since "rights," if properly understood, impose limits not on private conduct, but on intrusions by the State (aka, "Big Brother," aka "Big Government). This is distinct from a "mandate," by which the Government attempts to control conduct directly through the use of statutes or other forms of regulations. When "mandates" intrude on "rights"---as if, for instance, the Government imposes a "fairness doctrine" to compel people to subsidize what it defines as a fair mix of viewpoints---problems arise. And when the Government tries using its coercive power to restructure society in a way that most people oppose...then we have tea parties, rowdy town hall meetings, and citizen revolts.
Some suggest that the Government's efforts would not be to restrict free speech, but only to "expand the accessibility" to free speech. But if I own a radio station that the Government takes away because it disapproves of the political content of the opinions I'm airing, how is that not "restricting" my First Amendment rights? And how is that different from the "free speech" rights in Venezuala...or Cuba...or the Ayattola's Iran...or even Soviet Russia?
Mark Lloyd is proposing to increase the broadcast subsidies "to levels commensurate with or above" those of commercial broadcasting. If the People of this country are agree, and want to provide subsidies out of their tax dollars (rather than bail out the banks, or the car companies, or fund Heath Care Reform, or do any of a number of things that the Administration is simultaneously insisting are vitally needed), then so be it. But as I understand it, that is not his proposal: he wants to impose a tax equal to 100% of the operating budget of the commercial radio stations, as the means of "leveling the playing field."
It is, of course, possible that his ideas are not actually intended to drive commercial radio out of business, leaving only government-run stations in operation. It is entirely possible that he is so ignorant of the principles of economics that he does not realize the consequences of what, to him, is merely pretty, idealistic rhetoric. But when I see these sorts of ideas emerging from the shadows, at the same time I also see Washington moving to take over the banks, the auto industry, the health care system, and God-knows what else, I think it's time to slow down the politicians before they do some real damage...and to have a real discussion about what we want this country to be: Government of, by, and for the People; or Government, Inc.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cash for Refridgerators?
Coming on the heels of the "Cash for Clunkers" program---which saw the Federal Government induce car dealers to give away billions of dollars to induce people to buy this year cars that they were going to buy next year---reports are surfacing that the next installment is already on the drawing boards.
Not content with giving away money to car buyers, Congress appears on the verge of giving away tax dollars to those who may be in the market for new household appliances. And now that the Bailout Bandwagon is fully engaged, there appears to be no end in sight.
Assuming a similar reaction to the "Cash for Refridgerators" program---whereby thousands of consumers rush to take advantage of all this "free money," at least one taxpayer wonders where it will all end. If "Cash for Clunkers" leads inevitably to "Cash for Refridgerators," can "Cash for Trash" be far behind?
Though my wife insists that I'm just looking for an excuse for forgetting to put out the trash cans on Wednesday nights, I'm already starting to stock up. Before long, we should have enough stored up to be able to afford a very nice mansion somewhere on the coast.
The only glitch may be if house prices recover. But from where I'm sitting, the odds of that happening any time soon are pretty remote...and certainly no better than the likelihood that sanity, or fiscal responsibility, will return to Capitol Hill in the near future.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Not content with giving away money to car buyers, Congress appears on the verge of giving away tax dollars to those who may be in the market for new household appliances. And now that the Bailout Bandwagon is fully engaged, there appears to be no end in sight.
Assuming a similar reaction to the "Cash for Refridgerators" program---whereby thousands of consumers rush to take advantage of all this "free money," at least one taxpayer wonders where it will all end. If "Cash for Clunkers" leads inevitably to "Cash for Refridgerators," can "Cash for Trash" be far behind?
Though my wife insists that I'm just looking for an excuse for forgetting to put out the trash cans on Wednesday nights, I'm already starting to stock up. Before long, we should have enough stored up to be able to afford a very nice mansion somewhere on the coast.
The only glitch may be if house prices recover. But from where I'm sitting, the odds of that happening any time soon are pretty remote...and certainly no better than the likelihood that sanity, or fiscal responsibility, will return to Capitol Hill in the near future.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Problems Avoided
Nonie and I have been thinking of moving. Despite a home that's fully paid-for, the thoughts of relocating after retirement were becoming a greater part of our thoughts and conversations since I retired. Usually, those thoughts involve a bit more usable land, and a house with all the living quarters on the main floor. But we'd stumbled across a piece of property a ways outside of town---which had a much bigger house than we thought we'd be buying...and needed a bit of work...but which struck both of us as a place we could really settle into.
Things often have a way of working out for the best. Today, we'd planned on looking at a house, on 4-1/2 tranquil (and foreclosed) acres near Milford. Just before heading out, the realtor called to tell us not to bother: someone else had just made an offer.
Rather than gnashing our teeth over what might have been, I'd rather think of "problems we avoided": house payments on a money pit...and a house that would be keep us toiling from dawn to dusk, far away from friends and family.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Things often have a way of working out for the best. Today, we'd planned on looking at a house, on 4-1/2 tranquil (and foreclosed) acres near Milford. Just before heading out, the realtor called to tell us not to bother: someone else had just made an offer.
Rather than gnashing our teeth over what might have been, I'd rather think of "problems we avoided": house payments on a money pit...and a house that would be keep us toiling from dawn to dusk, far away from friends and family.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
How to Avoid Getting Bored on a Shopping Trip
I wish I could take credit for this, but I must confess it came from a friend of mine---one of my soccer buddies, who received it from one of his own friends (who undoubtedly received it from some other source on the Internet). In the interests of journalistic integrity, I feel constrained to protect my source from possible repercussions (mostly from the half of the human race that may not be amused by some of the assumptions underlying the piece...as well from the roving bands of the Politically Correct Thought Patrol that seem to be roaming the country), though if he chooses to reveal himself, he can rightly claim credit (or take the blame) for bringing the matter to my attention.
My contribution, modest as it is, consists merely of editorial revisions, as well as a few words of introduction:
Early in my retirement, it has become readily apparent that there is an aspect of a man's "golden years" that is never mentioned, nor touched upon by any retirement planning seminar that I have ever attended.
I'm talking, of course, about accompanying the wife on a shopping excursion.
Like most men, I find shopping quite boring (aside from the occasional trip to the computer or sporting goods store; trips to the home improvement store are uaually quite tolerable as well, as long as we steer clear of the wallpaper section), and prefer to measure by trips by the minute: quick in, quick out---and if the trip is properly planned, it's usually over in five minutes or less...depending on the line at the check-out.
Unfortunately, my wife, like many women, seems to regard shopping as a recreational event, and prefers to browse endlessly, often with little regard to the time cost of comparing the price at Kroger, for example, with the cost of the same item at WalMart. Saving twenty cents on a can of spaghetti sauce may leave some with a sense of triumph; but factoring in the cost of gas to drive from one place to the other---as well as the man-hours consumed in hunting down both items (quite aside from the driving time from one store to the other...and the mental energy spent in noticing and agonizing over the cost differential)---makes the whole enterprise problemmatic at best. And, considering the opportunity costs (time spent shopping isn't available for other pursuits...such as watching the ball game or napping), the advantages of this form of entertainment seems dubious at best.
Still, there is value in keeping peace in the house. And to this end, there are a number of things we can to to pass the time, and amuse ourselves while the love of our life is busy indulging herself:
How to Avoid Getting Bored on a Shopping Trip:
A Man's Guide to Comparison Shopping
1. Take two dozen boxes of condoms and place them in other people's shopping cars when they aren't looking. (For an added bonus, try to base your selection on either the mischief factor, or the unexpected compliment factor: placing the box in the cart of an 87-year old woman will have a different effect than placing it in the shopping cart of a pompous-looking socialite with a docile husband and moody teenager in tow. The choice between the two will depend on how evil your sense of humor is).
2. Set the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. Leave a trail of tomato juice on the floor, ending at the women's restroom.
4. Go to the service desk and try to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.
5. Move the "CAUTION---WET FLOOR" sign to a carpeted area.
6. Set up tents in the camping department of a department store. Tell the passing children of various inattentive shoppers that they can use them if they bring in pillows and blankets from the bedding department. (Score one point for each child who obliges).
7. When a clerk askes if she can help, begin crying and scream: "Why can't you people just leave me alone?" before running off to another part of the store.
8. Go to the hunting department and start looking at various kinds of ammunition. When the clerk offers to help you find something, ask where the antidepressants are.
9. Dart around the store while loudly humming the theme from "Mission Impossible."
10. Hide in a clothing rack; whenever another shopper begins to browse, holler, in a high-pitched voice: "Pick me!! Pick me!!"
11. When an announcement comes over the loudspeaker, assume the fetal position while screaming: "Oh no! The voices! It's those voice again!!!"
12. Go into the fitting room. After three minutes, begin to holler: "Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!"
CAUTION: Listing implies no recommendation or endorsement of any activity listed. Activies listed can pose significant dangers to one's heath, happiness, marital status, continued employment, or criminal record. Participant assumes all risks, dangers, and liabilities from engaging in any activity. Not all options are available in all locations.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
My contribution, modest as it is, consists merely of editorial revisions, as well as a few words of introduction:
Early in my retirement, it has become readily apparent that there is an aspect of a man's "golden years" that is never mentioned, nor touched upon by any retirement planning seminar that I have ever attended.
I'm talking, of course, about accompanying the wife on a shopping excursion.
Like most men, I find shopping quite boring (aside from the occasional trip to the computer or sporting goods store; trips to the home improvement store are uaually quite tolerable as well, as long as we steer clear of the wallpaper section), and prefer to measure by trips by the minute: quick in, quick out---and if the trip is properly planned, it's usually over in five minutes or less...depending on the line at the check-out.
Unfortunately, my wife, like many women, seems to regard shopping as a recreational event, and prefers to browse endlessly, often with little regard to the time cost of comparing the price at Kroger, for example, with the cost of the same item at WalMart. Saving twenty cents on a can of spaghetti sauce may leave some with a sense of triumph; but factoring in the cost of gas to drive from one place to the other---as well as the man-hours consumed in hunting down both items (quite aside from the driving time from one store to the other...and the mental energy spent in noticing and agonizing over the cost differential)---makes the whole enterprise problemmatic at best. And, considering the opportunity costs (time spent shopping isn't available for other pursuits...such as watching the ball game or napping), the advantages of this form of entertainment seems dubious at best.
Still, there is value in keeping peace in the house. And to this end, there are a number of things we can to to pass the time, and amuse ourselves while the love of our life is busy indulging herself:
A Man's Guide to Comparison Shopping
1. Take two dozen boxes of condoms and place them in other people's shopping cars when they aren't looking. (For an added bonus, try to base your selection on either the mischief factor, or the unexpected compliment factor: placing the box in the cart of an 87-year old woman will have a different effect than placing it in the shopping cart of a pompous-looking socialite with a docile husband and moody teenager in tow. The choice between the two will depend on how evil your sense of humor is).
2. Set the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
3. Leave a trail of tomato juice on the floor, ending at the women's restroom.
4. Go to the service desk and try to put a bag of M&Ms on layaway.
5. Move the "CAUTION---WET FLOOR" sign to a carpeted area.
6. Set up tents in the camping department of a department store. Tell the passing children of various inattentive shoppers that they can use them if they bring in pillows and blankets from the bedding department. (Score one point for each child who obliges).
7. When a clerk askes if she can help, begin crying and scream: "Why can't you people just leave me alone?" before running off to another part of the store.
8. Go to the hunting department and start looking at various kinds of ammunition. When the clerk offers to help you find something, ask where the antidepressants are.
9. Dart around the store while loudly humming the theme from "Mission Impossible."
10. Hide in a clothing rack; whenever another shopper begins to browse, holler, in a high-pitched voice: "Pick me!! Pick me!!"
11. When an announcement comes over the loudspeaker, assume the fetal position while screaming: "Oh no! The voices! It's those voice again!!!"
12. Go into the fitting room. After three minutes, begin to holler: "Hey! There's no toilet paper in here!"
CAUTION: Listing implies no recommendation or endorsement of any activity listed. Activies listed can pose significant dangers to one's heath, happiness, marital status, continued employment, or criminal record. Participant assumes all risks, dangers, and liabilities from engaging in any activity. Not all options are available in all locations.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Gitmo North
I went on the "Ebling and You" radio show again, to discuss the visit of Federal officials to Michigan's Standish Prison, north of Bay City.
It's always nice to get on the air; I even got to plug my upcoming book, Clouds of Darkness...though I'll be grateful when the book is actually out in print.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, writes on a wide range of topics. His books are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
It's always nice to get on the air; I even got to plug my upcoming book, Clouds of Darkness...though I'll be grateful when the book is actually out in print.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, writes on a wide range of topics. His books are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Seeing a Story in Print
This month, the Michigan Bar journal published my short story, "Crucible of Justice." It was one of the winners in their 2009 Biennenial Short Story Contest. (Another one of my stories, "Crapshoot," was a winner in their first competition, back in 2007).
It's sometimes hard to describe the feeling you get when you see your work in print. Part pride, part astonishment...a writer is often so busy thinking and polishing and agonizing over minute details that it's sometimes hard simply to sit back and wonder about the human mind, and its capacity to create beauty out of nothing.
Of course, we can also create a lot of ugliness...and a lot of writing is pretty damn ugly.
Just the same, it's nice to get a pat on the back, now and then. And the warm blow inside from seeing one of your "babies" doing well is one of life's pleasures.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
It's sometimes hard to describe the feeling you get when you see your work in print. Part pride, part astonishment...a writer is often so busy thinking and polishing and agonizing over minute details that it's sometimes hard simply to sit back and wonder about the human mind, and its capacity to create beauty out of nothing.
Of course, we can also create a lot of ugliness...and a lot of writing is pretty damn ugly.
Just the same, it's nice to get a pat on the back, now and then. And the warm blow inside from seeing one of your "babies" doing well is one of life's pleasures.
JEFFREY CAMINSKY, a veteran public prosecutor in Detroit, Michigan, specializes in the appellate practice of criminal law and writes on a wide range of topics. His books include the science fiction adventure novel The Star Dancers, the exciting second volume in the Guardians of Peace-tm series, The Sonnets of William Shakespeare, and the acclaimed Referee’s Survival Guide, a book on soccer officiating. All are published by New Alexandria Press, and are available on Amazon, as well as directly from the publisher.
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