These are classic discussions published back in October 2007
Calvanization
To prove to posterity that I first coined the term, I am posting this at 11:25 (MST).
“Calvanize” means to post something so amazing that all the Internets are unanimous in their reaction.
Used in a sentence: Fifteen years after Rodney King’s invitation, Bobby Calvan proved that, indeed, we can all get along, as he calvanized the Internet with his post about throwing a hissy fit at a Baghdad security check point.
UPDATE: Aw, man. Bobby scrubbed the good stuff. I’ll find an archived version and link to it. I can only imagine how the wake up call from the boss must have gone. From the look of the explanation for the scrubbing, I’d guess his boss must have given him 30 seconds to take it down. As I’m sure that too will be scrubbed, here are Bobby’s muddled words: “Yes, I’m obviously new to blogging. Somtimes I share too much. The blogosphere has reacted and pointed out my folly. Yes, I can... (read more)
Fungible Cat
My daughter brought home a book called Old Cat, New Cat.
It reads, “Today, we kissed Old Cat good-bye. The vet said it was time.”
It continues, “Today, New Cat cried for her food. She ate it fast, like a hog. Dad said New Cat was now the Old Cat.”
Well, why not? Out with the old; in with the new.
I can hardly wait for the sequel: Old Dad, New Dad.
“Today, we kissed Old Dad good-bye. Sick of his callus attitude, Mommy he said it was time. Today New Dad cried for his food. He ate it fast, like a hog. Mom said New Dad was now the Old Dad.”
Voucher Facts
Tomorrow I will debate Utah PTA President Carmen Snow on vouchers. (Dixie State College, Gardner Center, 10/23, at 5:30 p.m.). I admire Carmen and am pleased to share the podium with her.
The PTA sent flyers home with just about every student. It was a very neutral invitation to come hear some discussion. Props to the Washington County PTA!
After the debate, I will post a video and, hopefully, a transcript. I am assuming the debate will have good substance and will be a good resource for voters still deciding.
I believe that the pro-voucher side is behind right now. But I get the very clear sense that we’re making up ground as people dig into the details. This one will come down to the wire.
Correction: The rebuttal in the voter information pamphlet asks, “Why is there such a fuss over 0.0025% of the education budget?” The “%” sign should not have been included; in other words, the cost of vouchers – before... (read more)
The Gang That Can’t Shoot Straight
As I mentioned below, 3 of the candidates for St. George City Council have banded together to promise everything to everyone who’s ever wanted anything – no matter what it might be. One of their main points is illegal immigration. A worthwhile point. But, to show that they REALLY mean it, they crow that they signed some guy’s pledge on illegal immigration. (To BYU law school grads from the mid-90s, any guesses on who it is?)
Now, a pledge on illegal immigration could be a good thing – as long as it’s not head-spinning stupid. As Rep. Clark and I pointed out in an op-ed, one initial problem with that pledge is that it was signed in response to a promise of money. I’m not sure that’s legal. Another problem is that the pledge itself is ridiculous. By signing it, the Black Helicopter 3 have pledged that, if elected, they will resign on day 1 . . . if, of course,... (read more)
Immigration and City Council
A few months ago, on Neil Cavuto’s show, I predicted that states would be forced to fill the void created by Congressional inaction (abdication and abject failure) on illegal immigration. While I understand that immigration is a specifically-enumerated federal power, I also understand that representative forms of government, at times, do manage to be somewhat representative. And people are clamoring for action – as well they should in a post-9/11 world.
To highlight the fervor, all 6 candidates for St. George City Council have taken prominent and strong positions on illegal immigration. “What does that have to do with municipal governance?” you ask. Simple. Without question, the citizens are demanding it. Don’t bother to tell them what the feds should be doing. They want to know what each and every elected official is doing.
That’s all fine and well. The key, though, is in what will be done and how it will be done. Not all actions are equal, and not all... (read more)
Nobel Laureate Mario Capecchi
That looks very good in print. Way to go, Dr. Capecchi!
Vouchers Q & A
My local PTA sent a piece home with the kiddies today on vouchers. Overall I liked it. It made a clear nod toward neutrality — which is nice in light of the increasingly silly rhetoric that is flying around on the issue. Thank you, local PTA.
For one point of reference, the flyer referred people with questions about the bill to this site. So, go ahead, fire away. (I have a dozen trials scheduled in October, but I’ll do my best to keep up). To help myself out a bit, I’ll refer you to some robust online debates we had during the session — here, here, here, and here.
The PTA flyer also referred people HERE for the bill’s text (which also should include Rep. Last’s clean-up bill), HERE for pro-voucher arguments, HERE for anti-voucher arguments, and HERE for voter registration info.
As the flyer concludes, “Do your part, be informed and get out and vote!” And, for the record, I don’t know... (read more)
Join the Voucher Discussion!