If we are to have betters, is it so wrong for us to demand that they actually be better? Superiors should be distinguished by their superiority – if you presume to take charge shouldn’t you demonstrate tactical, technical, and moral mastery? So what has our ruling class mastered lately? What is the skill set that sets the smart set apart?

https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2017/10/12/behold-our-betters-n2393375

Ummm, who thinks going hiking in Afghanistan sounds like a great idea, let alone when pregnant? Happy they have been rescued, but wow!

http://abcnews.go.com/International/american-hostage-family-freed-years-captivity/story?id=50432969

Amazing how Trump has Democrats rediscovering the glories of the first amendment, huh? To paraphrase Samuel Johnson, depend upon it, sir, when a Democrat knows he is to have a Republican administration for at least the next four years, it concentrates his mind wonderfully on the concept of federalism and limiting the power of government.

https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/278107/

Well, well...look who introduced B.J. Clinton in 2016 after the election

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmajUTLbTMo

Kurt Andersen, for The Atlantic: "How America Went Haywire" (that was the title on the hard copy - it's a cover story, so it's REALLY long):

"Conspiracy Theories.
Fake News.
Magical Thinking."

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/how-america-lost-its-mind/534231/

From the first half (at the midpoint or so):

...Even the social critic Paul Goodman, beloved by young leftists in the ’60s, was flabbergasted by his own students by 1969. “There was no knowledge,” he wrote, “only the sociology of knowledge. They had so well learned that … research is subsidized and conducted for the benefit of the ruling class that they did not believe there was such a thing as simple truth.”

Ever since, the American right has insistently decried the spread of relativism, the idea that nothing is any more correct or true than anything else. Conservatives hated how relativism undercut various venerable and comfortable ruling ideas—certain notions of entitlement (according to race and gender) and aesthetic beauty and metaphysical and moral certainty. Yet once the intellectual mainstream thoroughly accepted that there are many equally valid realities and truths, once the idea of gates and gatekeeping was discredited not just on campuses but throughout the culture, ALL American barbarians could have their claims taken seriously. Conservatives are correct that the anything-goes relativism of college campuses wasn’t sequestered there, but when it flowed out across America it helped enable extreme Christianities and lunacies on the RIGHT — gun-rights hysteria, black-helicopter conspiracism, climate-change denial, and more. The term USEFUL IDIOT was originally deployed to accuse liberals of serving the interests of true believers further on the left. In this instance, however, postmodern intellectuals—post-positivists, poststructuralists, social constructivists, post-empiricists, epistemic relativists, cognitive relativists, descriptive relativists—turned out to be useful idiots most consequentially for the American right. “Reality has a well-known liberal bias,” Stephen Colbert once said, in character, mocking the beliefs-trump-facts impulse of today’s right. Neither side has noticed, but large factions of the elite left and the populist right have been on the same team...

From the last quarter:

...When I was growing up in Nebraska, my Republican parents loathed all Kennedys, distrusted unions, and complained about “confiscatory” federal income-tax rates of 91 percent. But conservatism to them also meant conserving the natural environment and allowing people to make their own choices, including about abortion. They were emphatically reasonable, disinclined to believe in secret Communist/Washington/elite plots to destroy America, rolling their eyes and shaking their heads about far-right acquaintances—such as our neighbors, the parents of the future Mrs. Clarence Thomas, who considered Richard Nixon suspiciously leftish. My parents never belonged to a church. They were godless Midwestern Republicans, born and raised—which wasn’t so odd 40 years ago. Until about 1980, the Christian right was not a phrase in American politics. In 2000, my widowed mom, having voted for 14 Republican presidential nominees in a row, quit a party that had become too Christian for her.

The Christian takeover happened gradually, but then quickly in the end, like a phase change from liquid to gas. In 2008, three-quarters of the major GOP presidential candidates said they believed in evolution, but in 2012 it was down to a third, and then in 2016, just one did. That one, Jeb Bush, was careful to say...

And this, by a psychologist, is from the same Atlantic issue. There could well be a connection between the subjects discussed in this and the previous article, IMO.

"Have Smartphones Destroyed a Generation?

"More comfortable online than out partying, post-Millennials are safer, physically, than adolescents have ever been. But they’re on the brink of a mental-health crisis."

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/

I swear, if I were a fencesitter when it came to having kids, this is one thing that would definitely have pushed me into being childfree. I wouldn't want to have to deal with being accused by pretty much everyone, young and old, of ruining a kid's "social life" by not letting the kid have a portable screen to stare at for hours every day. (How many parents could you hope to find who also deny their kids Smartphones? You'd have to be Amish.)

Trouble is, I suspect parents are far too relieved about the undeniable benefits listed in the article - less alcohol use by teens, less sex, less unsupervised time with which to commit crimes - and less driving, which means fewer deadly accidents, with or without alcohol.

Could it be that spending on sanctuary cities and trains to nowhere contributed to causing the Napa and Sonoma wildfires?

Thanks Jerry.

Take note, Puerto Rico, infrastructure development is important before disaster strikes.

There could well be a connection
________________________________________

I meant that things will likely get a lot worse with future generations in terms of rational thinking if parents don't insist on stronger limits on instant gratification in general - and more mentally challenging activities than, say, sports.

Booze and caffeine: is there nothing they can't do?

https://twitter.com/humanprogress/status/918207850832367617

Lenona-

I've just started reading "How Children Succeed" right now which explores what happens in childhood that enables success later in life. It's very interesting and goes beyond the simple calculus we tend to use of IQ as the primary determinant of success. The ability to focus, self regulate and delay gratification are all mentioned as traits which influence positive outcomes. I just haven't seen those traits stressed as much as making sure a child knows abc's and 123's.

N -

Regarding what you said -

From the columnist whom I've quoted here, often (yes, he's overly religious, but in most of his columns, you wouldn't know it):

(2005)

"...It is significant to note that 52 years ago, when I entered first grade in Charleston, S.C., I did not know my ABCs. Neither did most of the other 49 kids in my class, which was taught by one teacher. In that regard, we were a typical group of first-graders in 1952. Yet, at the end of that school year, we (referring now to my generation) were doing better than today’s kids, many of whom come to kindergarten already reading. We weren’t smarter than today’s kids, mind you, but despite our lack of 'book learning,' we came to school better prepared. Quite simply, we were far, far better behaved, and it is good behavior, not a high IQ or pre-school reading skills, that defines the good student.

"So I advised said 4-year-old’s mom to not waste his precious time teaching him to read; rather, to spend her energies more wisely by teaching him good manners, respect for authority and so on. Within days, a number of teachers had chimed in to affirm my advice.

"One wrote: 'This first-grade teacher says a big Amen! to not teaching children to read before they begin first grade. I’d rather have children who know right from left and right from wrong, children who have learned how to pay attention to an adult and are eager to learn (which many kids who’ve been force-taught to read are not). Keep on telling it like it is!'

"Another amplified upon the same theme: 'Children who are exposed to books at an early age and are read to by their parents do very well. Those who have been instructed in reading by their parents often do poorly, especially if the child wasn’t ready to learn.

'In addition to basic manners, I want kids who know how to tie their shoes, buckle and unbuckle their belts, enter a room quietly, who listen when I speak and patiently wait their turn. In the final analysis, those things are more important than already knowing how to read!'”

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/news/20050303/john-rosemond-focus-on-teaching-your-child-manners

There's a lot to be said for basic politeness. It can take you a long way in your working years.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Harvey was so busy he couldn't remember if he had harassed Kate Beckinsdale when she was 17.

"A few years later he asked me if he had tried anything with me in that first meeting. I realized he couldn't remember if he had assaulted me or not," she continued. "I had what I thought were boundaries — I said no to him professionally many times over the years — some of which ended up with him screaming at me calling me a c—t and making threats, some of which made him laughingly tell people, 'Oh, Kate lives to say no to me.' It speaks to the status quo in this business that I was aware that standing up for myself and saying no to things, while it did allow me to feel uncompromised in myself, undoubtedly harmed my career and was never something I felt supported by anyone other than my family."

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kate-beckinsale-harvey-weinstein-he-couldnt-remember-he-had-assaulted-me-not-1048074

Rosie's annoyed. Angry.

Darth, that reminds me that for the last few decades, while no one would likely suggest changing the etiquette books, per se, there are quite a few men and women who honestly think a woman's refusal to hook up - with or without a dinner date first - is just plain rude or, at least, the sign of a control freak.

From Miss Manners: "What`s A Virgin To Do When Her Beau Starts Joking About It?"

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1987-12-02/entertainment/8703300592_1_virgin-jokes-sigh

(Personally, I now find it amazing that, as a teen in the 1980s, I'm sure I never even HEARD anyone I knew use the words "virgin" or "virginity." Apparently, we had the decorum, more or less, to treat both sexual experience AND the lack of experience to be completely private matters, and it would have been very gauche to ask nosy questions of classmates or gossip about them - most of the time, anyway.)

We may disagree on a lot of thing Lenona but I'm with you 100% on teaching kids proper behavior. Sadly many schools today fight against training focus, delayed gratification, and even self regulation.

Examples, please?

It's not as though teachers WANT students to have their phones with them...

Rose McGowan’s Twitter account suspended: ‘There are powerful forces at work’

The Further Adventures of Buttman.

Earlier today, Twitter closed Rose McGowan’s (actor, director, producer) account. Rosie's annoyed. Angry. ~ Crid at October 12, 2017 3:50 PM

"She’s a sane, accomplished veteran of the movie industry, why silence her?"

When the article in your defense has to include a disclaimer that you're sane, you might want to check with a psychiatrist for a second opinion.

Good one, Conan! In the meantime . . .

Deadline, Variety, Hollywood Reporter Circle Wagons to Protect ‘Buttman’ Ben Affleck

And the hits just keep coming regarding perverted Hollywood big shots.

An interesting question:

Many People Would Save Their Dog Over a Stranger. How Do You Fix That?

"Roy Price, the executive in charge of Amazon’s growing investment in movies and television shows, was suspended by the company on Thursday after a Hollywood producer publicly accused him of making unwanted sexual advances toward her."

Isa Dick Hackett

Speaking of corrupt American institutions:

Three pastors rounded up for boinkin' their underage churchgoers.

Holy Toledo.

From mpetrie98's article, a cynical view of Hollywood morality:

So why would the same Hollywood new outlets that are breathlessly covering every detail of the Harvey Weinstein sex scandal, circle the wagons to protect Affleck?

The answer is quite simple: Harvey Weinstein’s time has passed. The 65 year-old is reportedly in serious financial trouble, has not had a hit in nearly five years, and has not won anyone an Oscar in that same amount of time.

Harvey Weinstein is no longer useful to anyone, so scores are being settled. If he was still useful, his predations would be allowed to continue unchallenged.

Moreover, outlets like Deadline, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter will not make any advertising money from Weinstein. Oscar season is Black Friday to these outlets. Weinstein no longer fills these coffers.

The same is not true for Affleck.

Not only is two-time Oscar-winner Affleck one of the hottest directors around, he is Hollywood’s freakin’ BATMAN — he is the tentpole holding up a tentpole, the Warner Brothers’ Justice League franchise, and what is probably a $250 million to $300 million investment that will hit thousands of screens in less than five weeks.

Does anyone believe Warners is not leaning hard on these entertainment news outlets to cover up these allegations, is not using all that Justice League advertising money as both carrot and stick?

And let us never forget that Affleck is a leftwinger, a lifelong Democrat. And when you think “correctly” there is nothing you cannot do, nothing our media will not cover up. Just ask Ted Kennedy and Bill Clinton.

Speaking of corrupt American institutions:

Three pastors rounded up for boinkin' their underage churchgoers.

Gog_Magog_Carpet_Reclaimers at October 12, 2017 10:29 PM

Not sure if the Kingdom Encounter Family Worship Center or the Abundant Life Ministries qualify as "American institutions."

Didn't an earlier commenter on this blog predict a wave of non-Catholic pedophile scandals?

When you refer to yourself on your Facebook page as "a father, husband, and prophet," [emphasis mine] you may have an ego issue. You may have lost sight of what a ministry is supposed to be. Prophet?

"Examples, please?" ~Lenona

Phones aren't the only way Lenona. Showing movies for entire days of class? The administrations as a whole has issues with enforcing behavioral standards. If you don't enforce any behavioral standards then the most disruptive ones win. Even the teaching style leads to poor outcomes. Most classes are taught as blocks. Once you teach a subject you are done with that subject and never touch it again. This encourages cramming so you can get past the next test and then you can forget everything since you will never need it again. This clearly discourages long term thinking and planning and hence any training in delayed gratification. The ever shrinking playground and athletics time is a male centered issue that impacts attention and focus. I could go on.

Most of these issues stem from the department of education. When Carter set that up and used federal funding to take control of local schools he left the US education system vulnerable to trends and fads.

Coney, see this piece--

https://newrepublic.com/article/142999/silence-lambs-protestants-concealing-catholic-size-sexual-abuse-scandal

@Conan: "Prophet?"

Naming yourself as a 'prophet' should send even a barely-rational person running in the opposite direction.

I was trying to say that the plethora of churches of all sizes, taken as a whole, is an American institution in itself. I failed. I was under-caffeinated. The sun was in my eyes. Not my fault!

Personal anecdote: I have a cousin who ran a church out of his garage. He retired with a pile of dough and has answered the question 'What Would Jesus Drive?' by purchasing a Corvette.

Coney, see this piece-- ~ Crid at October 13, 2017 8:13 AM

This is the article I was thinking of. You may be the "earlier commenter" I referenced.

I was trying to say that the plethora of churches of all sizes, taken as a whole, is an American institution in itself. I failed. I was under-caffeinated. The sun was in my eyes. Not my fault! ~ Gog_Magog_Carpet_Reclaimers at October 13, 2017 9:43 AM

No worries.

I grew up Catholic, so to me, a church has a centralized dogma and theology. I always marvel at these garage/storefront churches that have their own dogma, one that usually seems to have been arrived at randomly by the pastor.

I was at a community street clean up effort recently and had an interesting discussion with the pastor of one such church. He told me about his seminary training, how he came to his current posting, and how these churches get pastors and how they get started.

A lot of a pastor's success at one of these churches depends upon the congregation accepting them. So, it's less about adhering to a consistent and centuries-old theology than it is about being popular. Maybe that's why they all seem like salesmen.

Most classes are taught as blocks. Once you teach a subject you are done with that subject and never touch it again.
_____________________________________

Such as what? If you can pass arithmetic, you have to learn algebra, then geometry, etc. Same goes for English and science classes, I would think. Unless the schools can't afford them. As a well-known educator said, even the brightest student can't be expected to learn subject X if the school can't afford a teacher of X.

I will say, however, that the use of movies in classes seems to have increased alarmingly since I was a teen. Not good.

Also, it seems as of lately that the safer choice for educators is to be neglectful than actually do their jobs.

God forbids a teachers dares to enforce the rules on a student, specially if that's a teenage girl or any Ben & Jerry flavor of the LGBT rainbow, because all it takes is a selfie of said teen tagged along with a quote, and then you'll see this explode on clickbait sites like Buzzfeed, Repackaged Gawker, and George Takei's Facebook account.

Bonus points if the student uploads said picture with his/her/its mom.

Unless, of course, you're a straight teenage boy, then it's perfectly fine to be used as a door mat for everyone to step on.

Sixclaws, from what I've heard, ALL parents - including those of white boys - are likely to lash back whenever a teacher disciplines their kid, because "MY kid would never do what you're accusing my kid of" or "even if true, it doesn't merit a penalty of any kind."

In other words, when teachers are constantly under the threat of lawsuits, as opposed to the days when kids would complain to their parents about teachers and the parents' first question of the kids would be "what did YOU do that started this," schools don't have much choice.

There was a thread not more than a year or so ago where Amy complained about teachers who don't discipline students and I pointed out that when a teacher does it in a way that the parent doesn't approve of, the teacher could easily be fired. Can't find it right now.

Lenona, look at how Saxon math teaches vs. current math text books in public schools. In math you never truly leave those earlier topics. They show up again and again. Or at least they should. In virtually all (and I think 99% is not an exaggeration) each subject is taught as a block and then never touched again. And it isn't even one subject sized block like geometry. There are sub-blocks. You have two or three big tests a course and once you pass the subject matter on that test you never go back and retest it again. It may as well have never happened. This is great for training short term memorization but long term memorization, long term planning, and actual utility are thrown out the window.

I agree that these issues aren't teacher's fault. Teachers don't pick out the text books. They don't have any real control over who is and is not in their class. Even a lot of the lesson plans are prepackaged. When the topic of merit pay comes up our local teachers complain loudly that is isn't their fault when kids do poorly. And the sad fact is I agree with them. And the teachers don't realize just how poorly that reflects on them. Every time I've run the numbers and looked at the statistics on education teachers don't matter. Good teachers or poor teacher they have near zero effect on education outcomes. At that point why pay teachers more than minimum wage? After all they don't help and they don't harm. As long as you can do the very minimum that is also the maximum. Paying for more is just wasting money. As I said, the it's not our fault line shows very poorly for teachers.

Now that the sad part is done here is the good part. I have faith that teachers could matter. And the first step in that is breaking the federal control over education. Under the current administration teachers just don't have the authority to have any effect. We need to give them the tools they need to cause positive outcomes. Local schools need to be able to pick their own text books. They need to be able to teach in a way their local community needs. I.e. local control not Washington control. I'll even go further and say teachers should have the right to fire their students. Parents don't want to discipline their kids and complain when the teacher does it for them? Ok, find a different teacher. Of course that has the flip side, can't find enough students to pay your salary then the teacher is fired too.

The current schools as daycare/jails model isn't working. But I can't see the current system changing. It is too entrenched. So I am highly in favor of disbanding the department of education and of charter schools. There may be better solutions but those are the only possible solutions I see for improvement.

Lenona, this cartoon is timeless

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdOy_2pCUAAOjbA.png