Monday, August 29, 2016

Quick Hits: Volume CXXXIV

- There was a lot of flap over the weekend regarding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick not partaking in the tradition of NFL teams standing for the National Anthem. Kap's reason for this protest is he doesn't feel it's right to stand for the symbol of a country which he feels is oppressing minorities (Kaepernick himself is bi-racial and was raised by white adoptive parents).

The irony is probably lost on Kaepernick in that he is thumbing his nose at the symbol of the very country which allows him to openly criticize said country and its government officials. But with that said, I'm not all that worked up over this "protest" he is staging. In fact, in some small way, I actually admire Kap given what product endorsements he may have will likely dry up in light of this. As such, he is putting his money where his mouth is.

The only real issue I have with this whole saga is while Kaepernick seems all indignant about First Amendment rights (i.e. freedom to criticize the government without fear of retribution from said body), he doesn't appear to grasp the concept of the Fifth Amendment, specifically the "Due Process Clause."

There's a lot of things that need to change. One specifically? Police brutality. There's people being murdered unjustly and not being held accountable.

Emphasis was mine.

Unjustly? Sorry Kap, but justice is meted out only after someone has been through a trial. Yep, Due Process is still a thing. You might wanna browse your pocket Constitution while sitting on the bench.


- I heard the MTV Video Music Awards took place Sunday evening (does MTV even air music videos anymore?).

Not since Crowded House won for Best New Artist in 1987 have I indulged in an entire broadcast of the VMAs, which means that streak has now reached 29 consecutive years. Believe me, my resolve is strong.


- In light of the disgusting details over former New York congressman Anthony Weiner's latest "sexting" scandal, this seemed to be the next logical step.

Huma Abedin, the wife of the former representative Anthony D. Weiner, announced on Monday that the couple were separating in the wake of a report that Mr. Weiner had been involved in another sexting scandal.

Mr. Weiner, who resigned in 2011 after it was revealed he had been sending lewd messages and photos to random women online, apparently deleted his Twitter account on Monday after The New York Post reported that he had exchanged sexual messages with an unidentified woman last year.

The initial scandal destroyed his political career and strained his marriage to Ms. Abedin, a top aide to Hillary Clinton.

On Monday, Ms. Abedin said in a statement: “After long and painful consideration and work on my marriage, I have made the decision to separate from my husband. Anthony and I remain devoted to doing what is best for our son, who is the light of our life. During this difficult time, I ask for respect for our privacy.”

It's obviously long past time that Weiner seek professional help. After multiple high profile incidents which caused him to resign his House seat in 2011 and then, in 2013, force a humiliated Abedin to defend his behavior in an effort to save his bid for NYC Mayor, Weiner still couldn't cease this abhorrent behavior. But then to send explicit pictures to an unknown woman while his 4-year old son slept next to him?!?! Unconscionable!

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