Upon learning that Austrians have authoritarians

“Populist” is a disparaging term used by authoritarian status-seekers to dismiss the right of the people to govern on the basis democratic and egalitarian principles.

Authoritarianism is the redoubt of individuals whose meagre practical talents are insufficient to support them (e.g. Adolph Hitler was a mediocre artist) and, in consequence, they have a need to persuade or coerce someone to do their bidding and sustain them. What to do with immodest ne’er do wells is a persistent problem. Perhaps it even gets worse in relatively successful communities because there is a material surplus for them to access without being noticed.

Blueberries

Picked about four quarts today and ate one berry. In a couple of days, there will be the same amount ripe.
The grape vines have flowers.
The coral beans are doing well under the shrubs. I do not know where to transplant them.
Picked some Rosell leaves for our eggs tonight.
Puddy’s chest congestion is a worry.

HIGHWAY ROBBERY?

HIGHWAY ROBBERY?

GADOT has posted a public notice that it intends to acquire a half acre (0.483) of land along the east side of Highway 17 for roadway widening and drainage easements. The two parcels directly affected (03-00580, 03-00579) contain 3.5 acres of mostly vacant land. Which is why the official appraisal of value is just $75,600 for the land. Continue reading →

Meditation on coercion.

The culture of obedience needs exemplars to demonstrate what happens to those who do not follow orders.

The culture of obedience is insidious. It says, in effect, “if you follow orders, all will be forgiven and there will be no adverse consequences for mistakes.” In law enforcement it even has a name. It is called “qualified immunity.” In the Catholic Church, the routine is called a sacrament, Penance. There it says, “if you confess, all will be forgiven.” What is left unsaid is that, after the forgiveness, guilt remains and that guilt forges a bond that is difficult to escape. Continue reading →

The German Village matter

I would note that permits are issued for inherently beneficial activities, for the convenience of public servants who might have to provide assistance and on occasion when there is a question whether the judgment of beneficial was accurate.

As Justice Kennedy often explained, the “issuance of a permit is not a matter of grace.” However, permits are also not designed to facilitate injury. In this instance, the SSLT seems to have sought a permit to garner a privilege that discombobulates the neighbors.

One point that was not clarified is that routing commercial traffic through a tiny residential enclave is totally uncalled for. But then, our Director of Community Development often does things backwards.