Summary Execution Justified

I generally don't believe in the death penalty for anything. I don't believe the State has that right and even if it does somehow, it is applied disproportionately, it is not a deterrent, mistakes are made and there is no appeal from death and it is cruel and unusual (how could death by painful injection, structured electrocution or asphyxiation by gaseous means not be?). Bush, the lesser, learned the political value of killing large numbers of brown skinned people while setting records for executions in Texas and he has carried that policy forward into his quagmire in Iraq today.

However, after spending 7 hours on a major interstate yesterday, I believe that summary execution should be available for those people that drive in the passing lanes at the same speed as the cars in the other lane. Yes, I'm talking about you Mr. SUV, minivan, etc. driver, motoring in the left lane passing someone going 70 at the dizzying pace of 72 miles per hour. That only takes about 10 miles and although you have no idea because your rear view mirrors are used only for applying makeup or checking out your dazzling smile, there are cars queued up behind you that have somewhere to go other than the Western Sizzlin' buffet line.

I don't care if you want to drive 40, just move over to the right when someone comes up behind you. Texas drivers don't seem to be able to master that concept. California drivers are better at it. You would think that might be reversed because of the number of guns in Texas but I suppose the people blocking traffic also are packing so they have some sense of entitlement.

I also don't care if you are traveling at or above the speed limit or at 100 miles per hour, if someone moves up behind you to a distance that would allow them to pass, move over. If they don't take the opportunity, then go for it.

Yes, I am the asshole that is riding your bumper going north on I-35. I hope that someday you will look back and actually obey the numerous signs that say that the left lane is for passing only.

Until then, beware.

A Gala Event

This past weekend the spousal unit and I had the distinct privilege of attending the wedding of her oldest male offspring

This occurred in beautiful Los Angeles (Tarzana, to be more precise) at a lovely country club overlooking the Valley.

The bride and the groom are both beautiful people, in appearance as well as character, and we couldn't be more proud.

We ate much good food and drank much good drink and partied well into the night. At least well into the night as it relates to old people.

The weather cooperated although it was hot when I arrived but cooled off in time for the event. Unfortunately (for the people involved), the smoke of the fires at Malibu wafted through the Valley. Our best wishes go out to all the people who lost lives, pets or property in these tragic series of events.

We were able to visit with family and old friends and make new friends. The bride's family predominately comes from the northeast and there was some concern (mainly on their part) about how the northern and southern components of this wedding gathering would interact. I don't know what their opinions are, but I have enjoyed getting to know them and now consider them good friends. They are good people and I welcome them as part of our extended family.

Some Rules for Living When Your Options Are Limited

Sometimes the best you can do is:

1. fluff the rat and call it a poodle;


2. move the turd to the other pocket; [1 and 2 courtesy of The Dilbert Blog]


3. when you have to eat shit, take big bites [commonly used maxim in the legal community].