The signing of the United States Declaration of Independence took place in Philadelphia on this day in 1776. Painting by John Trumball. 1818.
Every person who speaks or writes for the public will make an occasional faux pas, and sooner or later will write or say something inappropriate.
American radio host and author, Dennis Prager, was born on this day in 1948.
Or, in other words, if I die unexpectedly, clear my cache.
Truth is there are probably a lot of arguments out there from the early days of the Interwebz that I wish just didn’t exist. But, they’re out there somewhere.
It’s sort of like we had to learn how to argue online.
No, don’t laugh. Some of us actually learned that lesson and try to work at it.
For everyone else, there’s the Facebook “hide this person” option.
Social media is quick to pounce on public figures when they misspeak. That’s when, not if.
As a veteran of the campaign trail, I can tell you it happens more often than you might think.
Face it, do actually believe Dan Quayle has ordered a potato anything in the last thirty years?
But let’s not forget that Al Gore once told a Washington Post editor that their picture of the earth was upside down.
Or President Obama’s “corpse-man” or 57 states.
And we know George W. Bush was routinely ridiculed.
I’m inclined to give them all a break. Whether it’s on the campaign trail or from the pressure of office, it’s easy to say things from the podium, without your notes, or in a quick response. And sometimes, a lot of times, things just come out the wrong way.
It’s the same for writers.
I try to be careful in my research and not post incorrect information. I’m not always successful.
I’ve learned. I no longer share news of a celebrity death without verification, and that’s regardless of who shared it first.
Of course, I’m also quite adept at typos. Thankfully, my wife generally reads this blog over her morning coffee, then I’ll get an email.
She herself is a writer, editor, and teacher of English.
Everybody needs an editor.
If you speak often enough, if you write often enough, eventually you’re going to trip over your words, or say something stupid.
I’m all for showing speakers, even politicians, as well as writers, some grace in that regard.
I can only hope the same will be extended to me.
If not, I can always use another character in my novel.
Briefly.
More than a third of US adults prescribed opioids in 2015
Yahoo! News
Researchers found that more than one third of U.S. adults were prescribed the medications in 2015 and many also misused the drugs.
Tangier’s pro-Trump mayor will debate sea-level rise with Al Gore on CNN
The Virginian-Pilot
An enthusiastic Trump supporter who is mayor of a Virginia island that’s sinking into the Chesapeake Bay will debate former Vice President Al Gore on climate change.
Why Repealing the 17th Amendment is a Great Idea
Andrew Hull at Bearing Drift
Yesterday, on the heels of Obamacare being cemented for what seems like the hundredth time, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee tweeted his support for repealing the 17th amendment.
Verse of the Day. James 1:22
When Progressives Embrace Hate
The New York Times
A lot, as it turns out. The leaders of the Women’s March, arguably the most prominent feminists in the country, have some chilling ideas and associations. Far from erecting the big tent so many had hoped for, the movement they lead has embraced decidedly illiberal causes and cultivated a radical tenor that seems determined to alienate all but the most woke.
The Republican Obamacare Betrayal
Rush Limbaugh
“Among Republicans, 75% said that they would like their party’s leaders to repeal and replace Obamacare at some point, though most listed other issues that would give a higher priority right now. When asked what they think Congress should do next, most Americans picked tax reform and then foreign relations and then infrastructure. Only 29% said they wanted the Republicans in Congress to continue working on a new health care bill.” Republicans. That’s what the poll says. I don’t believe it. But I could be wrong. And if it is true that only 29% want a new bill, it’s because their frustrated and don’t think the Republican Party can get it done anyway.
AND FINALLY…
American actress and singer, Victoria Jackson, was born on this day in 1959. This video is posted without commentary or endorsement…and because I couldn’t stop watching.