Relativity of Collegiality

Relativity of Collegiality

Why doesn’t the Senate reject Kavanaugh on grounds of perjury? That, unlike the rape charges, is easily proven from recent public records. Quick, sure, simple, and wouldn’t that be the collegial, face-saving way out?

No, not from a Washington point of view. For perjury, precisely because it is provable and recent, has serious professional consequences. Loss of SC seat, and also loss of appellate court seat, possibly disbarment, maybe even criminal charges. Whereas rape, credibly alleged but unproven, won’t disbar him.

So from the DC point of view, what we’re seeing is the face-saving, collegial way out! But the people and DC have differing points of view; distinct systems of value; so this is not only a gender conflict; it is also a class conflict.

Curse Politics

Curse Politics

I worry for whoever wins the 2020 presidential campaign, because of the Zero-Year Curse. I hear tell that Tecumseh cursed the presidency; whoever is elected on a zero year shall die in office.

Tecumseh’s curse has been highly effective, and fairly specific. There are exceptions; Zachary Taylor died in office though he was not elected on a zero year. Reagan was elected on a zero year and survived his presidency; the same is true for George W, Bush. But Reagan’s mind did not survive his presidency, so he did not entirely evade the curse; and W wasn’t really elected in 2000, so he got off on a technicality.

I suspect that the D’s will throw the 2020 fight, just to give the curse to Trump. And he is arrogant and stupid enough to walk into the trap.

But maybe I’m wrong. Maybe Tecumseh’s curse is weakening. Or maybe he goes easy on reactionary presidents, because they destroy America.

Ford-Kavanaugh Troika

Ford-Kavanaugh Troika

Moe:

Judge Kavanaugh is qualified.

If Dr. Ford is credible, then Judge Kavanaugh is not qualified.

Dr. Ford is not credible.

Larry:

If Dr. Ford is credible, then Judge Kavanaugh is not qualified.

Dr. Ford is credible.

Judge Kavanaugh is not qualified.

Curly:

Dr. Ford is credible.

Judge Kavanaugh is qualified.

Dr. Ford is credible, yet Judge Kavanaugh is qualified.

So by 2/3 majorities, the Stooges rule each of these:

Dr. Ford is credible.

If Dr. Ford is credible, then Judge Kavanaugh is not qualified.

Judge Kavanaugh is qualified.