HumBug Blogger Elite

I started to write about my observations of the local "HumBug Blogger Elite" and their nice little cadre or club of butt-smeller's and pot-licker's. (Matthew 7:6) Joe Blow and his Reports had been around for awhile now and enough time had passed to allow the local bloggers ample opportunity to show their true colors.

I posted links to as many local blogs that I found current, relevant and of interest, which is an ever-changing landscape. I checked to see who and how many of these and other local bloggers returned the favor; linking the Joe Blow Reports on their blogs. I also made periodic observations on subjects of interest; doing a kind of "PR" job. The HumBuggers are real good when it comes to touting fellow club members, as well as discriminating and blackballing. In all, I got a pretty good cross section of who's who, and what's what. I even found a couple of troglodytes and a few of their troll family members. Mostly, though, I found decent, respectable, conscientious, and thoughtful bloggers and commentators. ADENNDUM::Friday, Dec. 12, 2008: Here's a real good example-blog with an appropriate article, "Scratch Your Creative Itch: Start Blogging" Always some great pictures too!

Then I got my Tuesday Times-Standard and found James Faulk's article: "The nature of this endeavor." I noticed lately that I make it a point to look for him. Anyway, after reading what he said I decided to let him speak for me on this subject. He does a real good job. Here's what he said in its entirety.

The nature of this endeavor
James Faulk/The Times-Standard
Posted: 12/09/2008 01:31:33 AM PST

Sometimes offering opinion in this community is like shouting down a well -- you do it for the pleasure of hearing your own voice, but in the end it does little to penetrate the dark.

Certainly, you'll get reaction.

Online, it'll come from trolls who have nothing better to do than insult your mother, your physical appearance, and your dog simply because that's what they learned in prison.

Occasionally, there are thoughtful, intelligent responses posted in the online comment forums, but then those people are pounced upon by the late-night Web addicts who prefer negativity to reasoned, but respectful, debate.

In print, you get better reasoned comments, from faithful readers who actually take the time to compose letters to the editor with well-chosen arguments and a strong point.

They may take issue with your opinion, but since their name is attached to their letter, they generally stop short of vulgarity. Accountability goes a long way toward making sure people play nice.

But after seven years at this job, in various newsroom roles, I can say with certainty that the tenor of civic discussion is on the decline.

People are much more prone to abuse these days, and it's not just limited to writers of columns and editorials.

Reporters work for days on a story, asking every question in the book and banging the disparate details into a relatable story. It's not a cakewalk, folks, and it can be torturous work. In the end, like in every other profession in the world, reporters do their best given the constraints of the day, and the end results vary accordingly.

And here's the comedy. Reactions from the public include plaudit calls from happy readers, congratulatory e-mails for a job well done, respectful requests for additional information, angry diatribes about the supposedly long-abused ethics of modern journalism, and disgusted catcalls about this or that reporter's relatives and the genetics of mediocrity.

In the end, as every journalist learns, leather skin is the reporter's first prerequisite.

While the tone of criticism has changed over the years, due in part to the armor afforded by online anonymity, the vast majority of readers know that day in and day out we in the news business do the best we can with the tools at our disposal.

Some days we make mistakes, other days we succeed beyond our wildest expectations.

That's just the nature of this -- and almost every other -- human endeavor. And as I say in response to every breed of reader reaction: Thanks for reading. Let's do it again tomorrow.

It bears repeating and Joe Blow and his Reports join Mr. Faulk in, "That's just the nature of this -- and almost every other -- human endeavor. And as I say in response to every breed of reader reaction: Thanks for reading. Let's do it again tomorrow." Amen!

--Joe

The Price of Justice: Hurt Feelings!

Working in my yard, hear the tell-tale sound of a car coming around the corner a block away not even slowing down for the stop sign. As I stand up to look at the accelerating car bearing down on me approaching a very blind intersection and I know they, usually a young woman, but not always, have no intention of slowing down, let alone stop. Once in awhile when they notice me looking at them as they pass by, they give me the finger! I had a guy in a fancy Cadillac do it out the sunroof the other day. Hey, all I'm doing is looking at them. Then around the corner they go. I often wonder what they think I might do if they ever got into a wreck or hit someones kid coming or going to school. I have thought about buying a rope . . .

The consequences of people's calloused disregard for the law in something as simple as stopping at a stop sign, "no damned stop sign's going to tell me what to do" is ever-worsening anarchy. Innocent people die and all anyone worries about are how bad the murdering criminal feels.

So far we haven't heard how bad this guy, Alan Bear, feels, a man that went out of his way to cause the death of Greg Jennings. Why has it taken the DA nearly four months to enforce some justice? Is it because this guys name is "Bear" and he's from Hoopa? You can read the latest installment, "Ghost Bike" in the North Coast Journal's December 4, 2008, issue. The Green Wheels Blog posted, "His name was Greg Jennings" and their latest update: "Motorist Charged with Felony Manslaughter in Death of Cyclist"

The NC Journal and Green Wheels also posted a Special Meeting: December 8, 2008, where the The Humboldt Bay Bicycle Commuters Association sponsored a special forum titled: A Community Forum to Promote Safety for Cyclists: Seeking Solutions for Helping Motorists & Cyclists Share Roads & Highways. Joe sympathizes with their good intentions. However, all to words blogs, news paper articles, forum and meetings can produce, despite some probably very good practical suggestions, will never correct the problem until the state of anarchy is dealt with. Motor vehicles are a deadly weapon, essentially no different than a loaded gun. Neither is inherently dangerous when used properly. Yet, when the user shows a calloused disregard for what is "proper," both can kill and do so on a regular basis.

Proper us of these deadly weapons, to a large degree, are defined by law. A partial definition of anarchy is: "a state of lawlessness and disorder (usually resulting from a failure of government)." A classic example of a "failure of government" is in the Cheri Lyn Moore murder. Here the branches of "failed government," the County and City Supervisors and Council, the Courts and their Judges, District Attorney and police all have a vested interest in protecting themselves. More importantly, all those people that want to and do run stop signs with impunity, all they can think and talk about are the poor, hurt feelings of the criminals. The following is a classic example posted December 6, 2008, on the Humbold Hearld. "Cheri Moore case dismissed":

Anony.Miss Says:
December 6, 2008 at 10:52 am

She has a callous nature because she acknowledges that cops have feelings? The cops I know definitely have feelings, fear for their lives, and worries about the results of their behavior. (Emphasis by Joe) I think they walk a tightrope every day trying to balance being tough enough to the ones that need it and having empathy for those who need a more gentle treatment. Not yet knowing which type they are dealing with when asked to make a split second judgment is every day work for them.

Heraldo Says:
December 6, 2008 at 11:03 am

They cannot credibly claim they didn’t know who Cheri Moore was, what her mental state was, or that she was terrified of cops.

Sure cops have feelings, maybe even Terry Liles has a heart in there somewhere. But Delaney’s comments appear dismissive of the families of those killed — in this case unnecessarily — by police.

The most dangerous condition any community can imagine is a police force working 24/7 on the edge of paranoia because of "fear for their lives." Why then would or could any of us expect these people we pay to protect our rights put their lives at unnecessary risk just for a stupid stop sign?

When all the people can think about and enforce are their touchy-feely emotional points of view to the complete disregard for law and justice, the community has hung these people out without a parachute. Bottom line? They're on their own and we're on our own, judged and convicted well AFTER the FACT by whatever people FEEL inclined to do. Good intentions trumps the law everytime.
[Image Source] Times-Standard about Terry Liles: DA's decision leaves questions in its wake.

--Joe

More Light - Less Pearls

Wise words come in many sizes, shapes and forms. Here are some more "Simple Truths." Enjoy!

1. If you defy an enemy by doubting his courage, you double it.
2. The body is the shrine of divinity.
3. Know the world in yourself, never look for yourself in the world.
4. Understanding develops by degrees.
5. There grows no wheat where there is no grain.
6. The seed includes all the possibilities of the tree.
7. All is within yourself, know your most inward self and seek its equal in nature.
8. The way of knowledge is narrow.
9. A pupil shows by his own effort how much he deserves to learn.
10. Each truth you learn will be for you, as new as if it had never been written.
11. Never believe a word without putting its truth to the test.
12. Images are nearer reality than cold definitions.
13. Lead your neighbor to truth for they may one day lead you.
14. It is no use whatsoever preaching wisdom to men: You must inject it into their blood.
15. One foot isn't enough to walk with.
16. Knowledge is consciousness of reality, and reality the laws that govern nature.
17. For every joy there is a price to be paid.
18. The gift of knowledge is so great that no effort whatsoever could hope to deserve it.
    
19. Everyone finds himself in the world where he belongs.
20. An environment must be suited to the age and men to their environment.
21. Physical consciousness is indispensable for the achievement of knowledge.
22. The only thing that is humiliating is helplessness.

Bloggers and commentators alike might broaden their horizons by a review from time to time.

Bright Light of Truth, Sacred and Holy - a Pearl

--Joe

Be Thankful - It's Good For What Ails You

"EVERYTHING IS ABOUT SOMETHING DIFFERENT"

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NIV)

--Joe

Good Advice for the Young at Heart

"Teach them to say 'NO'. Not a miserly 'No,' but the life-affirming 'NO' of those who hate bullies and petty rules." Never grovel because people are famous or powerful. Read tyrants as though you were a detective and learn to say 'No'. It's not global warming that will destroy us, it's gullibility."
Words of wisdom from Tarzie Vittachi.

--Joe

Bright Light of Truth, Sacred and Holy - a Pearl

[What makes a man or a woman a sacred or holy pearl? You might find the answer contained within some of Joe's Rules. The Rules speak for themselves.]

'The Lord our God is one Lord; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, thy whole soul, thy whole mind, and thy whole strength.' (Mark 12:29, 30 WNT)
The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:29, 30 WNT)

`The first of all the commands [is], Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one; and thou shalt love the Lord thy God out of all thy heart, and out of thy soul, and out of all thine understanding, and out of all thy strength -- this [is] the first command;
the second [is] like [it], this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself; -- greater than these there is no other command.' (Mark 12-29-31 YLT)

"A new commandment I give you, to love one another; that as I have loved you, you also may love one another. It is by this that every one will know that you are my disciples--if you love one another." (John 13:34, 35 WNT)

“Now this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. For he that practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved. But he that does what is true comes to the light, in order that his works may be made manifest as having been worked in harmony with God.” (John 3:19-21 NWT)

1. “Do not deceive yourselves; no one makes a fool of God. You will reap exactly what you plant.” ( Galatians 6:7 GNT)
2. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (NIV)
3. (“Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh (idolatry, homosexuals, murderers, liars, hatreds, etc.) will reap corruption from the flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit. (Legitimate individuality, a living soul)

"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces." (Matthew 7:6 NIV)
(“Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither throw your pearls before swine, that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open.” -NWT)

“Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged; and with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you.” (Matthew 7:1, 2 NWT)
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV)

“No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house.” (Matthew 5:15 CSB)

“So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father who [is] in the heavens.” (Matthew 5:16 YLT)

Four Agreements:

1. Be Impeccable With Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

2. Don't Take Anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won't be the victim of needless suffering.

3. Don't Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

4. Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
(by don Miguel Ruiz)

Some Proverbs:

1. The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. (Proverbs 10:8 NLT)
2. To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool. (Proverbs 10:18 NLT)
3. The godly give good advice, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense. (Proverbs 10:21 NLT)
4. The godly speak words that are helpful, but the wicked speak only what is corrupt. (Proverbs 10:32 NLT)
5. Without wise leadership, a nation falls; with many counselors, there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14 NLT)
6. The LORD hates people with twisted hearts, but he delights in those who have integrity. (Proverbs 11:20 NLT)
7. A woman who is beautiful but lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig's snout. (Proverbs 11:22 NLT)
8. If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you! (Provers 11:27 NLT)
9. The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. (Proverbs 12:6 NLT)
10. Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others. (Proverbs 12:15 NLT)
11. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. (Proverbs 12:16 NLT)
12. The LORD hates those who don't keep their word, but he delights in those who do. Proverbs 12:22 NLT)
13. Wise people don't make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their folly. (Proverbs 12:23 NLT)
14. Arrogance leads to nothing but strife, but wisdom is gained by those who take advice. (Proverbs 13:10 CSB)
15. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy. (Proverbs 13:12 NLT)
16. Wise people think before they act; fools don't and even brag about it! (Proverbs 13:16 NLT)
17. If you refuse to discipline your children, it proves you don't love them; if you love your children, you will be prompt to discipline them. (Proverbs 13:24 NLT)
18. Do not answer anyone stupid according to his foolishness,m that you yourself also may not become equal to him. (Proverbs 26:4 NWT)
19. Have you seen a man wise in his own eyes: There is more hope for the stupid one than for him. (Proverbs 26:12 NWT) or,
20. Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected. (Proverbs 29:25. NWT

Some simple truths plagiarized by Joe:

1. Every man is rich in his excuses to safeguard his prejudices, his instincts and his opinions.
2. Social good is what brings peace to family and society.
3. A man's heart hold his own truth.
4. Each truth you learn will be for you, as new as if it had never been written.
5. Envious greed must govern to posses and ambition must posses to govern.
6. Seek the source of truth not the image of it.
7. What you are doing does not matter so much as what you are learning from doing it.
8. Every man must be in the rhythm of his time, such is wisdom.
9. The honest stage a society can reach is when its leaders are chosen by their ability instead of their wealth (or color of their skin).
10. In every vital activity it is the path that matters.
11. A man's heart hold his own truth.
12. Leave him in error who loves his error.
13. True sages are those who give what they have, without meanness and without secrets!
14. A man must learn the fact that everything he does will have its consequences.
15. Sound skepticism is the necessary condition for the discovery of truth.
16. The best and shortest road towards knowledge of truth is nature.
17. Popular beliefs must be examined in order to discover the original thought.
18. A seed can't reach its potential without receiving corresponding energies from the sky
19. There are two kinds of error: blind credulity and piecemeal criticism.
20. What reveals itself to me ceases to be mysterious for me alone, if I unveil it to anyone else, they hear mere words.
21. Growth doesn't depend on the will of the intellect, but on the intensity of the inner urge.
22. Never believe a word without putting its truth to the test.
23. To gain knowledge you must first gain peace.
24. Listen to your convictions, even if they seem absurd to your reason.
25. Judge by cause, not effect.
26 Peace is the fruit of activity, not of sleep.
27. People bring about their own undoing through their tongues.
28 Love is one thing, knowledge is another.
29. To know means to record in one's memory, but to understand means to make part of oneself.
30. Exuberance brings action, but the inner light grows in silence and concentration.

If you made it this far, good for you. Joe lives by these rules and applies, as he see's fit, the simple truths contained that make a bright pearl. How many of you can say the same?

--Joe

The Antichrist Declares War On Majority Rights

On a sunny Sunday morning as I sat down to savor my morning brew, I was confronted with this Times-Standard headline: "A CHANGING LANDSCAPE" followed by, "Half of eucalyptus trees along Highway 101 corridor to be cut" and "The new civil rights movement." A changing landscape alright; a destructive change.

Here's your declaration of war right, from the mouths of civil terrorist:

Local businesses and individuals that contributed to the “Yes on 8” campaign were also targeted at Saturday's protest, with some speakers calling for boycotts.

”Support the businesses that supported us,” Susan McGee urged the crowd, drawing loud cheers of support.

Linda Atkins, who won a city council seat representing Eureka's 2nd Ward on Election Day, also urged those in the crowd to use their power as consumers to effect change.

”We have a big economic impact on this state -- let's use it,” she said.

Atkins told the crowd that the proudest moment of her life came when she recently married her wife at the Humboldt County Courthouse.

Included in this is the posting on the Humboldt Herald, for one, the names and addresses of those and I quote: "SUPPORTERS OF PROP H8te (ARCATA & EUREKA):"

The will of the people means nothing to the thug bully. All he or she cares about is getting his or her way. There's usually only one way to deal with bullies and these people, and I use the word "people" loosely, would be wise to remember that when they go military on their relatively peaceful neighbors.

It's one thing to take Democracy into other parts of the world and force them to convert, destroying their culture and religious beliefs held for thousands of years, depriving them or causing the to forfeit their legitimate right to exist. It is an all together different situation when you try to force a depraved sub-culture on your own people, destroying or at least trying to destroy the very basis for their and your existence.

These "people" are not interested in civil rights, or any other right you can think of. They want legitimacy and equality to all other members of society. Unfortunately, they are fighting a losing battle no matter how many people think or believe "these people" are endowed with unalienable Rights. That God or Universe our founding fathers believed granted all "people," excluding women, blacks and homosexuals of course, has spoken. A plague is upon them and they are a cancer in our society. When you vote such "people" into office you bring the very essence of corruption into halls of government. The lines are being drawn and drawn deeply.

So goes the eucalyptus trees, so goes the people; mostly young people, I'd say.

--Joe