Ask Grandstander

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by LongtimeBravesFan

Which constituional amendemnt, if it were repealed, would we miss the least?

Amendment Three:
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

I don't think this has come up since the Civil War and with the atomic bomb, I'm guessing it won't be coming up anytime soon.

[Zen653]

Everyone talks about Benedict Arnold when they think of treason. Why doesn't the name Charles Lee ever come up in that context? Has any other General switched sides, not once (as Arnold did), but two or more times (like Lee)?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by Zen653

Everyone talks about Benedict Arnold when they think of treason. Why doesn't the name Charles Lee ever come up in that context? Has any other General switched sides, not once (as Arnold did), but two or more times (like Lee)?

Lee was long dead before the evidence turned up indicating that he had been cooperating with the Brits during his captivity. He had already been court martialed for ordering the retreat at Monmouth, so whether that had been poor soldiering or treachery, it had cost him his reputation and honor.

And of course the evidence suggested that he was helping the British with their plans, but linking that to his actions at Monmouth is speculation.

Lee remains an enigmatic figure and it is difficult to know what was on his mind at any time. Based on all that I have read about his personality, course, insulting, condescending, eccentric, pushy, arrogant, the fact that he was thought of so highly as a soldier seems to suggest that he had to have some merit in this area...why else would anyone put up with him? Arguing against that is his failure to distinguish himself in any of the Revolutionary campaigns even before Monmouth.

My best guess is that Lee never took any of the sides that he was on seriously and at all times, belonged to the nation of Lee alone. I think he saw himself as someone of such great ability, that anyone wanting his services was going to have to tolerate his strange ways. I think he saw his soldiering as a job, something that can be quit if the work situation wasn't to his liking. Changing sides to Lee was no more a crime than changing jobs would be to us.

[Simp]

Who are these "god" and "jesus" characters and why are they so concerned with the outcomes of sporting events and entertainment awards?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by Simp

Who are these "god" and "jesus" characters and why are they so concerned with the outcomes of sporting events and entertainment awards?

Not sure, I think this Jesus is some guy from Latin America who is a heavy gambler.

[jtur88]

How do you suppose it happened that the people who read Kurt Vonnegut grew to become exactly the people that Vonnegut had caricatured them as, who had amused them before they became the caricature that amused them? Or does that class of people who today take themselves so seriously not include anybody who had ever read Vonnegut?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by jtur88

How do you suppose it happened that the people who read Kurt Vonnegut grew to become exactly the people that Vonnegut had caricatured them as, who had amused them before they became the caricature that amused them? Or does that class of people who today take themselves so seriously not include anybody who had ever read Vonnegut?

The major impact of Vonnegut on the majority of readers has been to cause them to have a tendency to post a personal thesis on some sociological point, but phrase it as a question in such a manner that it appears that the person being asked to respond has already indicated basic agreement with the thesis.

[phenweigh]

Over China’s protests, the Dalai Lama received the Congressional Gold Medal and was praised by President Bush and Congress as a Tibetan hero.

I like the Lama, but is it wise to irk China when their cooperation is so important to making progress with North Korea?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by phenweigh

Over China’s protests, the Dalai Lama received the Congressional Gold Medal and was praised by President Bush and Congress as a Tibetan hero.

I like the Lama, but is it wise to irk China when their cooperation is so important to making progress with North Korea?

I think it is pretty safe to say that the folks running both the US and China, aren't the sort to do anything at all about this type of stuff apart from making the proper amount of disgruntled noise for the domestic front. China will cooperate or fail to cooperate with the US on Korea, entirely on the basis of their national interests and not on the basis of who gave what sort of gold star to which pain in the ass.

And that is a very good thing. The nations plagued with politicians who do listen to claims of historical/cultural outrages, are nations which are perpetually plunged in hostilities of one kind or another. We cannot correct or alter the past. Giving the Dalai Lama a Congressional huzzah doesn't free Tibet or help them out in any manner. It doesn't change any Chinese minds. It's a non event and calls for a non reaction, or token reaction at best. Maybe they can have the American ambassador's limo stolen or something, that ought to even the score and we can all move on.

[jtur88]

How easy would it be to use an insulin syringe to introduce toxic substances through plastic caps into food products that are tamper-proof sealed, such that a great majority of consumers would be unsuspecting that their seal had been compromised?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by jtur88

How easy would it be to use an insulin syringe to introduce toxic substances through plastic caps into food products that are tamper-proof sealed, such that a great majority of consumers would be unsuspecting that their seal had been compromised?

On the advice of my attorneys, Fleecem, Shyster and Sandbag, I decline to provide you with any advice which could be construed as aiding and abetting. Further, I advise you to seek rage counseling.

[jtur88]

Did you recommend rage counselling to the people who designed the tamper-proof packaging as a defense against terrorist acts? Or is that reserved for those who speculate about the efficacy of the design? Did you recommend rage counselling for those who pointed out that some child car-seat manufacturers did not test their products satisfactorily, and allowed defective ones to be sold?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by jtur88

Did you recommend rage counselling to the people who designed the tamper-proof packaging as a defense against terrorist acts? Or is that reserved for those who speculate about the efficacy of the design? Did you recommend rage counselling for those who pointed out that some child car-seat manufacturers did not test their products satisfactorily, and allowed defective ones to be sold?

No, I recommended it for you, it's still there above your post.

[perfectstormhits]

What time does the Red Sox team arrive at Logan International tonight?

[Grandstander]

Originally Posted by perfectstormhits

What time does the Red Sox team arrive at Logan International tonight?

Hey, you don't hatch your fat lady until the singing egg counts the chickens.