As some day it may happen that a victim must be found,
I've got a little list — I've got a little list
Of society offenders who might well be underground,
And who never would be missed — who never would be missed!
--- W. S. Gilbert, The Mikado
In Gilbert and Sullivan's Mikado the hapless Koko is appointed Lord High Executioner of Japan, and fantasizes (in song) about using his office to eliminate everyone who has annoyed him throughout his career of spineless mediocrity, even going so far as to make a 'little list' (again, in song). I'm not going to sing about it - that would be too horrifying - but I've got a little list of my own. I lack Koko's executionary authority, but maybe if I draw attention to these people who 'never would be missed', something can be done about them.
With no more fuss, here is the list in an approximate order equivalent to their threat level.
1. End-of-the-Worlders: Anyone who believes that the world is coming to an end in the immediate future and wants to do what they can to make it happen sooner is inherently dangerous and needs to be stopped. If that's your basic, driving motivation, you're a scary fanatic and likely willing to sacrifice your life to achieve your goals. And that applies equally to Salafi Muslims and members of Christian Identity or the Dominionist movement. It's fine to believe in god, but when you decide you're one of his chosen messengers and need to ram that message violently down other peoples throats you've crossed the line.
2. Conspiracy Nuts: Wanting to believe ominous and complex alternative explanations for the actions of public figures and for major historical events is a mental disorder. When your understanding of how the world works involves hidden connections between more than a couple of apparent coincidences and more than three people, it is a delusion, not reality. When given a choice between a rational, obvious explanation for events and one which requires evil masterminds behind the scenes plotting against you, you're either paranoid or living in a comic book. The Jews didn't destroy the World Trade Center, there are no aliens in Area 51 and the Bildebergers don't secretly run the world. If you think otherwise then please stay the hell away from the Internet and go hide in a tinfoil-lined bunker.
3. One-Worlders: Anyone who thinks we need a world government or that the UN could ever be one, is dangerously stupid. Most of the world's nations can barely govern themselves and the UN is so corrupt and politicized it can't even bring itself to agree on resolutions to condemn obvious genocide. Yet there are people who think that the US should give up some of its sovereignty to the UN and that we'd be better off under a government which gives a say in how Americans live to people like Robert Mugabe, Alexander Lukashenka, Kim Jong ll, and Hugo Chavez. Our goal should be eliminating these people, not giving them international authority. If you think that the people who brought us the Israel/Palestine situation, Kosovo, the Congo, the Iraqi Oil for Food program, and Darfur can run things better than even the most incompetent or corrupt American president, then you're dangerously insane.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Clavos
I wrestled with this comment, because I'm already accused, almost on a daily basis, of being a Nalle sycophant.
But I found myself nodding my head in agreement throughout the article.
So, I'll just say: Dead on!
Should generate a very interesting discussion thread, too.
Though the the climate alarmists definitely deserve their own category, it's worth pointing out that they also fall into the "end-of-the worlders", "extinctionists," and "education establishment" categories. The things my 13 year old nephew (who says he wants to be a scientist or mathematician) is being taught regarding the climate are so alarmist (and so without foundation), they make me want to go to his school and wring his teachers' necks.
Got a good chuckle out of the "harvesting cow farts and driving cars made out of papier mache" line; nice writing.
Haven't seen "poltroon" in print in some time. Isn't it sad that it's so accurate, even in today's world?
2 - Matt Jadlocki
I take issue with only 2 groups on your list.
First of all, the "Climate Alarmists". I don't claim to be an expert and I understand the climate in only the grossest of ways. However, from the accumulation of information from experts, it seems there is the possibility of something worry about. From what you wrote, it seems you think since there is no proof of danger and no easy way of understanding something as complex as historical and present-day world climate trends that we should do nothing. At the very least, alternative fuel choices should be investigated to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources the procurement of which DOES cause harm to our environment in a variety of ways (the digging, the shipping, the spills, the burning, etc.) and, possibly, to our national security.
Group 9 - the Education Establishment. I have to wonder how broad your experience is with a variety of schools and school systems. The presence of this group on the list doesn't seem to fit. It doesn't follow the theme that you mentioned: fanaticism. You mention a desire for money and power, but that doesn't seem to equal the specific fanaticisms of the others on the list.
It seems more like a beef with how education works. If that is the case, then we have a situation where we don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater. First of all, not all states have teacher's unions. I taught in a state that did not have one.
The majority of the teachers that I worked with had the students' interests as a top priority. But it is hard for us to truly serve our students when we have unrealistic goals forced upon us. One reason why teacher's unions can do some good is because they help teachers focus on what they were hired to do: teach. In my non-unionized state, if you added up all the extra duties and expectations of student evaluation and support and parental contact, it would take between 2 and 6 hours of extra time each day beyond regular hours. However, I’m wary of any group that you are forced to join, just because.
No Child Left Behind has complicated the situation by asking schools to have ALL students pass at the same level, including the mentally and physically handicapped and newly arrived immigrants. Believe me, I did NOT sign on as a teacher in order to keep students "poor, fat, dumb". There are problems that need to be fixed, but I don't believe the majority of school systems work as you described.
As far as parents being "in the dark", that is far from the truth. They know how the system works and they play it very well. "You need to change my Susie's F to a C so she can keep playing varsity basketball." "Susie, didn't earn a C." "We'll see what the Coach, Asst Principal, Principal, Superintendent, NCLB-AYP Coach, etc. has to say about that!!" And when did teachers become so low in parents' minds that they could possibly ever believe that a teacher would maliciously and repeatedly lose assignments, call the student names, attack the student, etc. as has happened to several colleagues? Perhaps, it was when the media began sensationalizing isolated stories of horrible cases where a teacher did such a thing. I do see that you feel for us "browbeaten" and fearful teachers, but it seems you still would like us offed by some magical lightning bolt.
I feel that the Education Establishment doesn't belong on this, dare I say, wishful hit-list. Perhaps, it would fit more appropriately in a little list of "What needs fixed" which might also include the media, the appointment of judges, the national budget, etc., things that have obvious shortcomings but that pose real problems when it comes to finding a solution that truly accounts for everyone's interests while maintaining any semblance of efficiency and effectiveness.
3 - Lee Richards
Marksmanship with bow and arrow can be assessed with certainty;using a shotgun and buckshot may hit the bullseye sometimes, but since it also obliterates the target it's hard to tell.
Some hits, some near-misses, some wild shots.
I did enjoy it, find that it stimulates me to examine my positions on these points, and do agree with many of your opinions and reasons.
Thanks for an interesting commentary.
4 - Lee Richards
Matt, in #2, gives a more accurate read on these education issues. He is speaking from experience and concern and brings up a number of points I, too, have experienced, observed, and tried to correct as a former teacher, coach, administrator, and college instructor.
5 - moonraven
What it boils down to is that anyone who thinks differently from Nalle and his clone, clavos, should be killed.
I find that absolutely preposterous.
6 - Clavos
mr splutters:
"What it boils down to is that anyone who thinks differently from Nalle and his clone, clavos, should be killed.
I find that absolutely preposterous."
Why, mr? That's exactly how your hero, Fidel Castro dealt with his opposition when he took power, and it's only a matter of time before his disciple, Hugo "chango" Chavez, another of your heroes, begins to do the same.
7 - whitestone7
This has been done before many times
Nero made lists
Nixon made lists
8 - Al Barger
Dave- It's well known that you're an evil right-wing nutjob. That's why we love you.
Nonetheless, some bits of your own bigotry detract a point or two from your generally very good points in this article, regarding abortion and religion.
Anyone who thinks that they can decide better for someone else what to do with their body and whatever is inside their body and would like to do it through the passage of laws has put a personal agenda ahead of the basic rights of others.
That's just not right. I'm somewhat reluctantly pro-choice, but there are many reasonable and honorable people who are pro-life. You can reasonably argue about when life begins and so on, but it's not necessarily just an arbitrary personal agenda to think that little babies growing in the womb are legitimate people deserving of protection. There are the very rare anti-abortion terrorists who want to blow up clinics. Then there are millions of decent Christians who would favor more restrictive laws about abortion for good and reasonable reasons.
Likewise, you're less than reasonable with your blast against "anti-secular missionaries." Yes, there are some who go overboard in their religious beliefs, and are overly insistent on trying to impose them on the rest of us. But then, there's a lot of reasonable middle ground that is arguable. It's not entirely unreasonable that Christian parents required to pay taxes and send their children to public schools might want some elements of religion or prayer - as it's not unreasonable that you might object.
When anti-religious zealots lose their little minds over a nativity scene on a courthouse lawn though, I'm more inclined to think that THEY are the fanatics. And you're getting to the point of being a bit of a dick by the time you say I swear I'm going to slap the next person who greets me with "have a blessed day." Who's being the jerk when someone is offended by a small and benevolent greeting like that?
9 - Al Barger
Whitestone reminds me that I failed to reference my own list as I should have. Like Elvis Costello and Richard Nixon, I've got A LITTLE LIST of Enemies of The People who need to be Dealt With.
10 - whitestone7
Ohhh I forgot....
Something I've never ever said before but I somehow have it at the top of my list
Have a blessed day, poltroon
11 - Dave Nalle
Though the the climate alarmists definitely deserve their own category, it's worth pointing out that they also fall into the "end-of-the worlders", "extinctionists," and "education establishment" categories.
There's certainly some overlap. A lot of the teachers, for example, fall into a couple of the other categories. And a good portion of the end-of-the-worlders are also religious proselytizers and conspiracy freaks. It seems like once your skull becomes soft enough to let in one of these tainted ideas it makes it easier for more of them to creep in.
Dave
12 - Dave Nalle
First of all, the "Climate Alarmists". I don't claim to be an expert and I understand the climate in only the grossest of ways. However, from the accumulation of information from experts, it seems there is the possibility of something worry about.
There's a huge difference betweenm rational concern and irrational alarmism. Everyone should think about the climate and the ecosystem and what they can do to minimize their impact. What is not good is when it's used as a scare tactic to try to implement national or international policy. I hope my section on the subject made that clear.
At the very least, alternative fuel choices should be investigated to reduce our reliance on non-renewable energy sources the procurement of which DOES cause harm to our environment in a variety of ways (the digging, the shipping, the spills, the burning, etc.) and, possibly, to our national security.
I'm with you 100% here. Check my article list for my writings on alternate fuel issues.
Group 9 - the Education Establishment. I have to wonder how broad your experience is with a variety of schools and school systems.
I've been a PTA president and on the campus advisory committee for an elementary school, taught high-school students, and taught college. I've had my kids in private, public and parochial schools. So I do have some breadth of experience ans some idea what I'm talking about.
The presence of this group on the list doesn't seem to fit. It doesn't follow the theme that you mentioned: fanaticism. You mention a desire for money and power, but that doesn't seem to equal the specific fanaticisms of the others on the list.
Lust for money and power could certainly be classed as fanatical, I think. And teachers unions and educational bureaucrats certainly act in a way which is contrary to the best interests of society as a whole.
It seems more like a beef with how education works.
Or doesn't work.
If that is the case, then we have a situation where we don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater.
I think throwing the current system out and starting over is not always a bad thing.
First of all, not all states have teacher's unions. I taught in a state that did not have one.
How is that possible? Wouldn't it require the state government to ban unions, and wouldn't that be unconstitutional?
Dave
13 - whitestone7
Oh by the way Dave do you have Senator McCarthy's address handy there somewhere?
14 - Dave Nalle
This has been done before many times
Nero made lists
Nixon made lists
Yes, but this is MY list.
Dave
15 - whitestone7
Actually I find your your contributions quite refreshing and comical
Thanks for brightening up my day
16 - Matt Jadlocki
(Sorry, I didn't know how to do the quotes in italics.)
"There's a huge difference betweenm rational concern and irrational alarmism."
Point taken. I think we are in agreement.
"I've been a PTA president and on the campus advisory committee for an elementary school, taught high-school students, and taught college. I've had my kids in private, public and parochial schools. So I do have some breadth of experience ans some idea what I'm talking about."
Thanks for clearing that up. I'm not familiar with you or your writing. You have much more experience than I do. Honestly, I felt that what you were talking about came more from singular personal experiences rather than a broad appraisal of a widely varied system. It seems that you have good ground for speaking.
"Lust for money and power could certainly be classed as fanatical, I think."
Given, but why not make a list including the greedy and the ambitious rather than classing an entire "establishment" which most definitely includes a lot of people who are little concerned with money or advancement. (Many teachers are perfectly comfortable teaching and would never consider a position in administration.) I guess I'm just in disagreement with being lumped with administrators and edu-bureaucrats and test companies, etc.
"And teachers unions and educational bureaucrats certainly act in a way which is contrary to the best interests of society as a whole."
Do they? Is this a widely rampant phenomenon? As Georgia does not have teacher unions (only teacher organizations), I'm not familiar with what they might be doing. Does the good they do get outweighed by the bad? Is the bad bad for everyone or could there be two or more sides to it?
As for the people in government making decisions on education, I'd really like them to get some more real experience in schools. The laws and rules and regulations just don't seem to make sense. This one size fits all approach really doesn't work. While I believe there needs to be balance and accountability, I think there, currently, is too much of a shift from local to federal control.
**It seems more like a beef with how education works.**
"Or doesn't work."
Is it really that bad? Are the kids turning out stupider than in the past? I'm not so sure. I think grades are inflated because of pressures to achieve AYP and meet the incredibly asinine goals of NCLB. So, students are getting As and Bs when in the past they might have gotten lower grades perhaps, making it seem like they should be smart but really aren't. These kids are getting into colleges pretty easily with their very inflated grades. (In Georgia (and a few other states) this grade inflation is compounded as there is a college scholarship from lottery funds that every HS grad is entitled to if they have a B average or better.) Well, wouldn't you believe it! All the GPAs for college entrants in Georgia have gone up tremendously! So of course, a good portion of these students who probably shouldn't be making it into these major state and private schools are losing their scholarships after one or two semesters or failing out. Their professors are professing a lower quality student and parents are complaining that high schools aren't preparing their students for college. Meanwhile, we have more and more parents having conferences with us teachers begging for that extra 4 points so they can be in line for the scholarship (Don't forget that the admin is pressuring us, too).
"I think throwing the current system out and starting over is not always a bad thing."
Great let's get rid of the system. But I think it might help to keep at least some of the teachers and administrators, and yeah, even some of the people at the county office, too. You know, those bus drivers are usually pretty good and the lunch ladies are nice. And the counselors are overworked, but I think if we make things better for them, say, 100 students to worry about as opposed to 500, they could really do some good. Getting rid of the SYSTEM is different from the PEOPLE in the system getting lightning zapped.
"How is that possible? Wouldn't it require the state government to ban unions, and wouldn't that be unconstitutional?"
I misspoke. NEA does exist in Georgia as does PAGE. Both are educational organizations. I'm not sure if they call themselves unions here. But Georgia along with 22 other states are Right-to-Work states where forced unionism does not exist.
I must say that I still disagree with Education Establishment being on the list. I think I would take less offense if you had just put "Teachers" or "Administrators" or "Test Companies" (who lobby the government with gazillions of dollars and one-sided information and then peddle their wares to the school systems because when you measure a baby more it really does make it grow faster). I think it's the fact that the list is made up of individuals or groups of individuals with mostly fanatical ideas with the exception of the Education Establishment which includes a variety of groups with vastly different opinions among and between those groups.
Matt
17 - Clavos
"NEA does exist in Georgia as does PAGE."
NEA isn't a union in name, but it is in practice. So is AFT.
18 - Lee Richards
#17
"NEA isn't a union in name, but it is in practice. So is AFT."
Incorrect. AFT is a union. NEA is a teacher organization, much the same as the AMA is not a doctor's union, but rather a professional organization. It does lobby for education(but so does the PTA.)
Members of the NEA cannot bargain collectively for salaries, benefits or working conditions. In some states at least, I believe it is illegal for teachers to strike--they can be fired or arrested for striking. Membership in the NEA is voluntary. Compare the Teamsters, auto workers union, etc. to the NEA and see the differences.
19 - Clavos
But their collective clout influences a lot of education issues; as does that of the AMA in medicine. The AMA, by the way, acts VERY much like a union in the way it protects and defends its members against litigation, even when those members are arguably inferior physicians.
The ABA is another "non-union union."
They all walk and quack (pun intended) like ducks.
20 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Golly,
In addition to being a Brooklyn Jewish settler who should be shot (I forget which asshole from which "educational" institution in New York blew that out of what passed for his mouth), I seem to fit in on a couple of categories of yourn here.
That's okay, Dave. I too, have a "little list."
Yihyéh l'khá yom m'vorákh - or
have a blessed day,
Reuven
21 - El Bicho
"believe that they are right even if the whole world and every bit of empirical evidence and common sense is against them."
Sounds like you left off #10: Political Bloggers.
22 - bliffle
Summary execution for bicyclists who don't have bicycle bells! Especially since they see fit to invade hiking paths (always going downhill, I notice, not like Real Men who ride UP the hill as well!).
Two of those silent menaces went zip zip under my elbows today as I stood on the levee looking thru binoculars at the Willets and Avocets on the tide flats. If I'd made a move there would have been a big crash and someone would have been hurt: maybe even me!
You'd think they would at least make a vocal "ding ding" sound as they approach, since everyone recognizes the merry sound of a bicycle bell. But nooooo. Utter silence.
I have 3 bicycles and each one has a bell. And I use it too, whether to warn pedestrians and other bikees as I approach, or to sing out merrily on those occasions when I pass another bikee on the road. As I did last month when I sneaked up on a young French cyclist in the Loire Valley, as I waited my opportunity at a slight ascent into a town, my meat, and sprinted by him just in time to raise my arms overhead at the summit! Ha ha ha ha ha!!! Take that, kid!
Anyway, if a cyclist wants to be silent enough to sneak up on birds, bobcats, coyotes and cougars in the wilds you gotta remove the return springs from the freewheel so it doesn't click while stealthily
creeping along.
23 - Michael J. West
When Moonraven says of something that
I find that absolutely preposterous
there must be something to it. :-)
24 - Michael J. West
It's not entirely unreasonable that Christian parents required to pay taxes and send their children to public schools might want some elements of religion or prayer
Two points, Mr. Barger:
-Nobody is required to pay taxes and send children to public schools; that point is particularly thin in this No Child Left Behind America.
-How are we herein defining "unreasonable?" I understand your point, but in the case of prayer and religion, incorporating them into the public school curriculum is by definition imposing those ideas onto all others, regardless of whether they want them or not. I find little about that to be "reasonable."
25 - Joe
moonraven: What it boils down to is that anyone who thinks differently from Nalle and his clone, clavos, should be killed.
I find that absolutely preposterous.
I just re-read the article and found nothing about killed all who think differently; perhaps you should read again.