July 4, 2018

On this 4th of July, let us remember William Harvey Carney.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Harvey_Carney

William Harvey Carney (February 29, 1840 – December 9, 1908) was an African American soldier during the American Civil War. Born as a slave, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1900 for his gallantry in saving the regimental colors (American Flag) during the Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. Because his actions preceded those of other medal honorees, he is considered to be the first African American to be granted the Medal of Honor.

William H. Carney was born as a slave in Norfolk, Virginia, on February 29, 1840. How he made his way to freedom is not certain. According to most accounts, he escaped through the Underground Railroad, and joined his father in Massachusetts. Other members of their family were freed by purchase or by the death of their master.

Carney joined the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry in March 1863 as a Sergeant. He took part in the July 18, 1863, assault on Fort Wagner in Charleston, South Carolina. His actions there ultimately earned him the Medal of Honor. When the color guard was killed, Carney retrieved the American flag and marched forward with it, despite multiple serious wounds. When the Union troops were forced to retreat under fire, he struggled back across the battlefield, eventually returning to his own lines and turning over the colors to another survivor of the 54th, saying, "Boys, I only did my duty; the old flag never touched the ground!" He received an honorable discharge due to disability from his wounds in June 1864.

His citation reads:

When the color sergeant was shot down, this soldier grasped the flag, led the way to the parapet, and planted the colors thereon. When the troops fell back he brought off the flag, under a fierce fire in which he was twice severely wounded.

July 4, 2018

Was wondering, do I need to get up early for the start of the Civil War tomorrow,

or can I sleep in?

July 4, 2018

New dog cross-breeds (theoretically) seeking recognition by AKC: (humor)

Collie + Lhasa Apso
Collapso - a dog that folds up for easy transportation

Pointer + Setter
Poinsetter, the traditional Christmas pet.

Pekingese + Phasa Apso
Peekasso, an abstract dog.

Irish Water Spaniel + English Springer Spaniel
Irish Springer, a dog as clean and fresh as the mountain air.

Terrier + Bulldog
Terribull, not a good dog.

Bloodhound + Labrador
Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly.

Malamute + Pointer
Moot Point, owned by ..., oh well, it doesn't really matter anyway.

Collie + Malamute
Commute, a dog that travels to work.

Deerhound + Terrier
Derriere, a dog that's true to the end.

Bull Terrier + Shitzu
You can figure this one out on your own.

Any others?

July 3, 2018

Boy Scout incident

https://www.rawstory.com/2018/07/alabama-boy-scouts-hurled-racial-slurs-threw-rocks-ethiopian-troop-member/

Re: https://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=2100049

I sent the following email to the BSA Headquarters:

A Georgia Boy Scout experienced racial bullying while on a camping trip. The boy, who is the son of an Ethiopian immigrant was called the N-word, and had rocks thrown at him by Boy Scout members of another troop.

The 14-year-old boy, who is a member of Scouts Troop 10 from Johns Creek, Georgia was on a week long camping trip in Alabama. Members of Boy Scouts Troop 76 from Vestavia Hills, Ala., were camping next to them and began using racial slurs to bully the young boy.

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This incident MUST be investigated and if this story is accurate, then I would expect the boys involved and their Scoutmaster should be removed from the BSA organization. This type of behavior is so far from the ideals that Scouting teaches that is simply cannot be allowed or in any way condoned. Otherwise you might as well change the name of your organization to the "Trump Youth".

Please respond and let me know the results of your investigation.

--

Today I received the following reply:

Thanks for reaching out.

This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect Scouting’s values. Scouting members are always encouraged to treat all people with kindness and respect. Upon learning of this incident, we separated the individuals and took the appropriate action in response.

Ethnic, religious and gender diversity are very important to Scouting. We welcome youth that accept Scouting’s values, including being friendly, courteous and kind, regardless of race, ethnic background, gender or orientation.

We apologize to this Scout, and any Scout who faces bullying or harassment of any kind. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all youth members and volunteers.

On background, Scouts, parents, and adult volunteers are required to complete training that teaches how to recognize, respond to and report situations that may be unsafe. Furthermore, Scouting encourages both youth and volunteer leaders to advocate for those that may face bullying or harassment, and offers resources, including a dedicated 24/7 Scouts First Helpline to report any inappropriate behavior.

Also on background, out of respect for the privacy of our members, I hope you understand we cannot comment on any disciplinary action taken by the council on our Scouts.

Member Care Contact Center

It isn't all I hoped it would be, but at least they acknowledged the incint and indicated they took action.

July 3, 2018

Top U.S. business group assails Trump's handling of trade dispute

https://reut.rs/2KHbLLd

From Reuters:

Top U.S. business group assails Trump's handling of trade dispute

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Monday denounced President Donald Trump’s handling of global trade disputes, issuing a report that argued tariffs imposed by Washington and retaliation by its partners would boomerang badly on the American economy.

The Chamber, the nation’s largest business lobbying group and a traditional ally of Trump’s Republican Party, said the White House is risking a global trade war with its push to protect U.S. industry and workers with tariffs.

The group’s analysis of the harm each U.S. state could suffer from retaliation by U.S. trading partners painted a gloomy picture that could bring pressure on the White House from Republicans ahead of congressional elections in November.

For example, nearly $4 billion worth of exports from Texas could be targeted by retaliatory tariffs, the Chamber said, including $321 million in meat the state sends to Mexico each year and $494 million in grain sorghum it exports to China.

More at link.