I want to thank people whose comments enriched and enlivened this blog last year. I learned a lot from individuals who offered their thoughts on political events and on my writings.
This era of torture and military tribunals can be plenty grim at times, and the belly laughs I got from from witty comments around the world were most welcome comic relief.
I reckon 2007 will provide another superb target for wit…. I don’t plan to bet the rent money on a revival of political idealism any time soon.
Bovard rules!
He does rule….but not through torture!
Does that mean I am entitled to sovereign immunity???
Jim, thanks for allowing readers to comment. Dunno how much enriching I did, but it’s always rewarding to pop in here.
Shizam, it is the comments by readers and the bantering that accounts for much of the fun here!
Thanks for popping in – you’re the only Four Star Chef that ever commented on my work.
All the best, Jim, and, yes, I think you’ve earned sovereign immunity!
Incidentally, in all of your research have you ever come across a White House Freudian slip where they mistype/mispeak “sovereign” for “executive” when discussing immunity?
Bovard Rules:
#1. Bring beer, it makes things go better.
#2. When in doubt, see Rule #1.
What about Rule #3?
Don’t forget the durn pretzels and/or pizza.
Wes – I don’t recall seeing this type of Freudian slip in White House comments.
On the other hand, I don’t see them mention sovereign immunity much any more. It is something that is so taken for granted – like the sun rising in the East – that few people in Washington remark on it.
If only the masses were reading Attention Deficit Democracy in the saloons, as they used to read Paine’s Common Sense when it first came out, we’d have another revolution on our hands — not as bloody, and perhaps more meaningful.
I’d be happy to take on the salty snacks to accompany the beer, gents. But Jim, not to dismiss your sweet comment, I suspect that somewhere back there you have gotten a comment from a bona fide, liberty-lovin’ chef. But I’m pretty sure he’s never sent you some of the subject lines I’ve used!
Anthony – thanks! Saloons, tents, caves, bathrooms, gallows – I appreciate people reading Attention Deficit Democracy anywhere!
Maybe folks’ll catch on here soon and put the political rascals on the run.
The blog seemed to pick up during the last year, as it became a kind of weather vane. Besides, jimbovard.com is not quite as polarizing as lewrockwell.com, the staff of which have been called “stormtroopers”, not that they don’t write well, which they do.
I believe this could be a banner year for idiocy, what with the Commies (Democrats) taking over from the Fascists, and the retirement of Tony Blair. Even George Bush now has the political equivalent of Alzheimer’s now that the elections are past. Being a politician in a room full of libertarians is like being a fat kid in dodgeball. If they want to mess around, we have more than enough piquant observations and insightful articles to drop on them. The race is on and the hounds are out. Tally-ho!
Sunni- you certainly spiced up this blog!
Have a Blessed and Happy New Year, Mr. Bovard!
Thank you, sir, for providing all of us with such an excellent Blog. You are always very kind to take the time to rely to all of the Blog comments by us readers. 🙂 Thank you.
In my opinion, you are the ace author/reporter on today’s government abuses. Keep up the good work!
Kind Regards,
George
George – thanks very much for the kind words!
I’m concerned that the abuses might stop in 2007, so I may need to find a different line of work. But maybe my apprehensions are unfounded.
Jim, I wouldn’t count on torture, warrantless wiretaps, suspension of habeas corpus, signing statements and all the other government abuses ending in 2007. Bush can’t afford to give up these anti-terror tools that protect us all from evil because a terror attack is imminent in 2007.
You see, I just found out that GOD has told Pat Robertson that there will be a terrorist attack in 2007. Surely GOD wouldn’t be making this up for political reasons.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,240841,00.html
But can we count on Fox News to accurately quote God?
I don’t recall Pat Robertson batting 1.000 when it came to his past proclamations of divine messages.
Jim, Everyone,
Thanks for keeping Der Fuehrer’s feet to the fire on the matter of torture, Jim. Never in my 66 years had I ever expected as an American to be reading commentary on the reality of such a practice here in the United States. I’m mortified. While we talk openly about these things now, unless something is done to up-end the MCA and very soon, count on the early arrival of a time when the enjoyment of such free expression will no longer be possible. The light will go out eventually, having already dimmed in much the same way as it did in National Socialist Germany. Even today, Bush’s commitment to escalation in Iraq and his reliance on a certain strength of will to bring about “victory” there evoke Hitler’s mindset at Stalingrad. Report of an imminent decision to sack General Casey bring to mind the treatment of Heinz Guderian only more so. Let’s hope the New Year brings a Supreme Court decision against the constitutionality of the MCA. Its that or we’ll all be singing Die Fahne Hoch.
John Lowell
John – thanks!
I hope we don’t have to sing German songs. Some of them go well with beer but I think I’ll stick to listening to the Rolling Stones.
Jim, I am surprised that you suggested that Nixon should hang for creating Amtrak. I think boiling (slowly) in oil would have been more appropriate.
Well, Nixon did appoint the first “Energy Czar,” so….