Coup in Niger, Term Limits for Congress

The recent coup in Niger seems to be the eliminating of an elected leader that was trying a Chavez-style power grab by changing their constitution. For some reason, the US and world community has been much more supportive of the self-determination of the people of Niger. The contrast of the US response to the Honduras crisis has been noted by La Gringa and Aaron. I like to think the administration learned something from Honduras, and will not be so quick to judge the removal of a tyrant. Meanwhile, Chavez has been busying himself with plotting the murder of President Uribe in Colombia.

However, it is clear that the United States lacks a significant protection from tyranny in the form of congressional term limits. A constitutional amendment limiting representatives to 5 terms (10 years) and senators to 3 terms (18 years) would certainly go a long way to better representation. However, with it would also come the need to restrict the currently overpriced retirement funding for congressmen.

Re-divide the States

After 200+ years of the United States, many things have changed. It makes little sense to have the "13 Original Colonies" still have the same geographic boundaries (excepting Virginia). It really is time to remix the state boundaries so that the states have roughly equal size and representation. It should be remixed every 200 years as conditions change. We should not be tied to an inefficient system from the past. The principle is representation and balance of power - not geographic boundaries.

Roundup of Honduras: Crisis averted, More problems ahead

I was very happy to see that Honduras maintained it's constitution and order throughout the Mel crisis. However, Lobo does not seem to be standing up for liberty the same way Michaletti did, which is very unfortunate. I worry about where Honduras is headed.

I would like to see Michaletti recognized for saving the constitution of Honduras. A resolution in the US congress or state congresses would be an excellent method. Perhaps various 4th of July celebrations where awards are given out for promoting freedom would be appropriate. The power and vision of his leadership is more apparent with Lobo in charge.

The Aeneid - by Virgil

I recently finished the epic story of Rome - Virgil's Aeneid. It tells the story of "Aeneas the True" as he flees from the fall of Troy, and starts the foundations of the Roman empire. To a certain extent it is propaganda, as the Greeks and Carthage are portrayed as enemies. It also is a reflection of the morality of the time. As Aeneas visits the underworld, traitors and tyrants are those singled out for punishments. The preaching of the greatness of Rome and of Caesar really does become tiresome.

But, also it is a outlining of an ideal of being true - both true as in honesty and true as in consistent, able, fixed, and immovable. Despite the antagonism of various deities and the vagaries of life, Aeneas stays true and fulfills his destiny. In some ways it shares the same hero outlook as Roark in the Fountainhead - a singular personage on a singular mission. However, it comes with a much stronger sense of morality and fate than is found in works by Rand, and much more akin to what is found in other classical literature such as the Bible. However, the telling of the epic journey can be seen to influence many other works, such as the Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's travels. Overall, it is an excellent piece of literature, a good glimpse into the psyche of Rome, and a valued foundational work, though not one I would read again.

The fight for freedom in Iran

I still have a green ribbon tied to the antenna of my car in support of freedom for the people of Iran. They are still at it, and deserve far more support from the US government then they are getting.

Here is some coverage:

Al Jazeera
Washington Post
CNN

Monitor the Honduran Elections

Do you think the elections in Honduras are fair or crooked? Monitor them yourself today, and post what you observe. Here is a link to cameras monitoring various election points:

http://www.hondurasvota2009.com/

Strangely enough, the main stream media has not posted links to the sites so that people can monitor the elections for themselves. Of course, given the Chavista media bent, they do not want people to observe.

But, we will observe. We will report.

Viva Honduras!

Book Review: 1776

I just finished 1776 by David McCullough. It is very fascinating to read about this pivital year in United States History. The bravery, pluck, and perseverance of Washington and the Continental Army is truly inspiring. Their initial success at Boston was washed out by a disasterous New York campaign in which they exposed themselves to the British fleet, and were lucky to escape.

The losses led to a large number of desertions, and the near distruction of the army. However, after retreating across New Jersey, they end the year in splendid fashion with a gruelling but successful crossing of the Delaware in a blizzard, then winning the battle of Trenton. Their only losses of life were two people who froze to death on the march. Truly amazing.

It is commonly taught that the German soldiers stationed in Trenton were drunk, and thus the Continental Army had an easy time. However, McCullough points out that this was probably not the case, as the soldiers were quite disciplined, and he quotes historical records saying that they were not drunk. This makes their overwhelming victory even more impressive.

I recommend the book. For me, it is a well-told account of an amazing and world-changing twelve months.