Mine, Mine, Mine

A note and observations to start today:

First, in response to a question submitted via e-mail, it is my understanding our little town some time ago submitted special legislation over a decade ago relative to the tenure for our harbormaster.  No life time appointment here, unless my memory is off (and the online acts and resolves, see chapter 69, Acts of 2000).

Next, resist the temptation to always explain yourself.  Point/counterpoint can make for an entertaining format in a discussion specifically set up for that.  Explanations more often than not only highlight the foible in your argument.  

The Standard Times has an article today on the campaign reports forms for the B of H election.  I had noted a while ago I would be doing a further update on the same.  Not sure there is much worth noting from the blogging perspective that hasn't been said way back when.

The most interesting tidbit in the article is the fact that, assuming the figure report is corrected, over $23,000 was spent in the two elections by the various factions. Seriously.  Lots of the amount seems to be tied into legal fees, but still ...

As to the end of that article, one very crucial point: what worked for Mr. DeTerra was the formation of a "friends" group, and a "friends" group backing the turbines. I said it before and will say it again, the two candidates were a side show to the main event in the September election.  

What else for today ...

Well it is pretty chilly this morning for one thing. Suppose to heat up a bit.  Hopefully.  When it gets chilly it makes pounding the keys out on the deck a bit difficult.  

Anyway it is the legal holiday for observing Columbus Day today.  While the Christmas displays and advertising have been creeping into stores, it is the unwritten official start of the full onslaught of the commercial stuff.  

Joy, oh joy.

I need to sit down and recount my countdown calendar.  Something like 585 days to go.Unfortunately for some I don't intend to ride off into the sunset.  Just will be time to give the horse I have been riding a well deserved rest and change mounts. Maybe even just jump on the back of a wagon.

Now that would be joy, oh joy.

"You cannot negotiate with people who say what's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable."

The above quote is from JFK.  It has been bandied about on various internet sites as some kind of rally cry relative to the present standoff.  For the larger context of the quote, well read more of the "speech":

"But I must emphasize again that the choice is not merely between resistance and retreat, between atomic holocaust and surrender. Our peace-time military posture is traditionally defensive; but our diplomatic posture need not be. Our response to the Berlin crisis will not be merely military or negative. It will be more than merely standing firm. For we do not intend to leave it to others to choose and monopolize the forum and the framework of discussion. We do not intend to abandon our duty to mankind to seek a peaceful solution.

As signers of the UN Charter, we shall always be prepared to discuss international problems with any and all nations that are willing to talk-and listen-with reason. If they have proposals-not demands-we shall hear them. If they seek genuine understanding-not concessions of our rights-we shall meet with them. We have previously indicated our readiness to remove any actual irritants in West Berlin, but the freedom of that city is not negotiable. We cannot negotiate with those who say "What's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable." But we are willing to consider any arrangement or treaty in Germany consistent with the maintenance of peace and freedom, and with the legitimate security interests of all nations."

While the statement may be appropriate given the internal cold war of our politics at this point, does anyone see the double edge sword of the intent behind the use of the isolated sentence being used?  

Just a thought ...

And that is enough thought for the day.  

Open line is still in play.

Be safe.