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This week, a tribute to the late, great Leonard Nimoy (you must read James Lileks’ wonderful tribute, “I Am, and Shall Always Be, Your Fan“), the great Col. Allen West on ISIS, veterans, and the President’s love for this country. Then, our GLoP pal John Podhoretz on Bibi’s speech and the chances of blocking the President’s deal.
Music from this week’s episode:
I Won’t Back Down by Johnny Cash
The opening sequence for the Ricochet Podcast was composed and produced by James Lileks.
LLAP, EJHill.
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I notice Peter is in the red shirt. Didn’t those in red got the quick death during the landing party. Hope not an omen
Something tells me EJ knew just what he was doing.
Haven’t listened yet, but I’m sure Rob will be up for a whole lot of Star Trek talk. Good prep for the next GLOP.
Hey EJ, blue sweater….nice touch.
Spoiler alert —
First, thanks to Col. Allen West for his service.
Col. West said a reason why he doesn’t think marijuana should be legal is because it will reduce the number of qualified young people to be accepted into the military because the military has strict rules against marijuana and won’t tolerate it’s use. This will lead to a low enlistment problem we can’t afford.
Now, I’ve never touched the stuff (aside from second hand exposure at rock concerts) and I think this is a terrible argument. While the military should have some sort of rules in places regarding being under the influence of any controlled substance (alcohol, pot, pills etc) while on duty, what you engaged in prior to applying should have no bearing on acceptance. If you happen to be one of those stereotypical stoners who lack initiative, drive, and alertness you’re gonna fail basic training regardless – if you even get that far!
The tide of legalization in this country is growing. While I’m not too familiar with the questions or tests that occur to determine and prevent marijuana users from getting past a recruitment officer – we are going to have to embrace the fact the young people use it even more than they drink beer or any other drug for that matter. Their use of everything else has been trending downward, all except for marijuana.
So Col. West should be advocating for the repeal of any marijuana restrictions that prevent young people from signing up and then advocating non-use of all substances while serving in the military. This will ensure enlistment numbers have a chance at staying above water.
OK, I’m going to reveal myself as a big-time Trek nerd.
I haven’t seen the episode in many years, but the background makes me think that the picture is from “Who Mourns for Adonais” (the episode in which the Enterprise meets the Greek god Apollo, revealed to have been a member of a powerful race of interstellar travelers).
If I remember correctly, the crewman in the red shirt — sporting Mr. Robinson’s face above — is Scotty. Scotty wears a red shirt, but Scotty never dies. Uhura also wears red. It’s only the red-shirted security officers who almost inevitably die.
Arizona Patriot
OK, I’m going to reveal myself as a big-time Trek nerd.
You are new but I would venture to say that over half of the Ricochetti will understand any Star Trek references (certainly any TOS ones)
I haven’t seen the episode in many years, but the background makes me think that the picture is from “Who Mourns for Adonais”
You are correct.
If I remember correctly, the crewman in the red shirt — sporting Mr. Robinson’s face above — is Scotty. Scotty wears a red shirt, but Scotty never dies. Uhura also wears red. It’s only the red-shirted security officers who almost inevitably die.
If you were part of the regular cast this is correct, however if you are new face or a cameo apperance then Red=Dead
Who Mourns for Robinson?– Great choice, there E.J. I will be thrilled to hear this I’m sure- I mean: Allen West and John Podhoretz, both?! It doesn’t get much better than that in podcast world. Speaking of Col. West, could somebody please convince him to move to a more red than purple state and RUN FOR FEDERAL OFFICE?
Well, Red=Dead almost always. There was the episode with the cloud-creature that sucked the iron out of red blood cells, in which the red-shirted security ensign was the son of Kirk’s former captain (from the Farragut, I believe). That red-shirt didn’t die, and only appeared once.
I AMMM KIIIROKKKKK
And yes that’s “Adonis” – the cheap-Greek set gives it away.
“I have walked away from some shaving experiences looking like I put my face in a sack with a rabid ferret.”
Gentlemen, I enjoyed the show, but that, for me, was the highlight.
In his passing reference to the shooting death of Chris Kyle and the trial of the killer, I notice that Col. West mentioned “Chad Littlefield and Chris Kyle.” That speaks well of Allen West’s soldier’s creed. He did NOT say “Chris Kyle and a companion” as we all heard it expressed countless times on television.
I can’t help but notice that John Kerry bears a strong resemblance to DS:9’s Odo.
What!? No pointy ears?
good week for the GOP in the Senate?
McConnell is letting Harry Reid control all government spending!
John Podhoretz’s statement that Obama “owns” Hillary thanks to e-mail-gate is a bombshell. Question: Does Hillary win her freedom when Obama leaves office and she takes the oath of office, or could Obama and company store away a few items that are “suitable for framing” and continue to exert some level of control on the new President?
I didn’t quite get that far with Col. West’s argument, but I really thought that it didn’t make a lot of sense. Here’s the deal: People who want to use a substance, will use a substance. It makes almost no difference if it’s legal or not. I don’t know any pot smokers who don’t smoke pot because it’s illegal.
I agree that past usage of a substance shouldn’t automatically disqualify anyone from serving. A sober 20 year-old is not a high 16 year-old. I do think for certain roles, and being an officer, might require a higher standard. I also think it’s nuts to assume that everyone in uniform doesn’t consume substances of one kind or another, and that one substance is OK because it’s legal (alcohol) and one is not because it’s been illegal (pot). No one seems to ask potential recruits if they get drunk every weekend, and if they did, would they get an honest answer?
I think I understood where the Colonel was coming from, though. Especially considering the washout rate for applicants, and the reasons for their failure to qualify.
I’m glad that Bibi supported his contention that terrorism is getting more and more complex by showing that screencap of the security video of three obviously naïve American citizens, arriving at the airport in Damascus, en route to joining the Islamic State.
That’s Vol. 6 Number 2.