I’m a nerd, and as a nerd I like playing around with various computer operating systems. Some are current and widely-used, some are outdated but bring back pleasant memories of younger days, and some are experimental—destined to become a computer science footnote or, possibly, the widely-used systems of the future. Click screenshots to see the full version.
Public or Private: Pick One
I have never liked hybrid organizations that attempt to meld a public institution with a private one. Specific examples differ—George Mason University, the U.S. Postal Service, Amtrak, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA, ‘Metro’), Sallie Mae—yet they share many of the same hallmarks. Most have not maintained fiscal self-sufficiency. Most have usage fees that historically increase higher than the rate of inflation. Most operate with minimal oversight and combine the worst features of government bureaucracy with the worst of profiteering private business.
Fireworks Over DC
A coworker of ours invited us over to his place for a little July 4th get-together, and the view of the fireworks was pretty great. He has a balcony that looks out on the National Mall and, thus, the national fireworks show. This is just a quick shot I took of the fireworks, nestled between the Washington Monument (left) and Old Post Office Pavillion tower (right). The building in the right-foreground is FBI headquarters.
Justice for Cronies?
I didn’t care who President Bill Clinton (D) had sex with (or what the definition of ‘is’ was), but I wanted him removed from office in 1998/1999. Sexual impropriety aside, Clinton swore an oath in a court of law to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth—then lied. Perjury is a felony, and a felonious president should be removed from office. Likewise, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby Jr.—former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney (R)—was convicted of four counts of obstruction of justice, making false statements, and perjury and sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $250,000 fine. Yesterday, President George W. Bush (R) commuted Libby’s prison sentence, proving—like presidents of both parties before him—that there is no justice for felonious cronies.
COFUMC—’07 Annual Conference Report
It was a pleasure to be given the opportunity to represent Community of Faith [United Methodist Church] at the Virginia Annual Conference [of the United Methodist Church] in Roanoke from June 10th through the 14th. This was my fourth time representing you as a lay delegate to the conference, which is the annual gathering (for mission, worship, policy-making, administration, and fellowship) of United Methodists from throughout the Commonwealth.
Scott Bradford is a writer and technologist who has been putting his opinions online since 1995. He believes in three inviolable human rights: life, liberty, and property. He is a Catholic Christian who worships the trinitarian God described in the Nicene Creed. Scott is a husband, nerd, pet lover, and AMC/Jeep enthusiast with a B.S. degree in public administration from George Mason University.