Yes, one person’s extremist might be another person’s crusader. However, I think extremism is a vice to be avoided because human beings are fallible. Here are the words of the late Charles Krauthammer, Pulitzer-Prize winning political columnist. (Someone like him would probably never be awarded that prize today because he was not an extreme liberal.)
“I became very acutely aware of the dangers, the hypocrisies, and sort of the extremism of the political extremes. And it cleansed me very early in my political evolution of any romanticism. I detested the extreme Left and extreme Right, and found myself somewhere in the middle.”
Long ago I adopted the axiom, “No matter where one thinks they stand on the political spectrum, much of the truth is usually somewhere else.” I think the more extreme position a person takes, the more likely they are wrong, very wrong. I will also repeat the somewhat humorous line, idolizing a politician is like believing the stripper really likes you.
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Here are two more links to Why Evolution Is True, once again published without any comment from me.
Pamela Paul defends J.K. Rowling
Richard Dawkins sticks up for the “bad” old biology words
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As every regular reader knows, I am neither a fan of pickup trucks nor EVs. However, I find it interesting that Ram, Chrysler Corporation’s truck division, will offer an internal combustion engine as a “range-extender” for its new Ram 1500 EV. That news, like General Motors’ upcoming $800 million investment in a new generation of gasoline-powered small-block V-8 engines, has not been widely disseminated by the company.
On one hand, American automobile companies are realizing that more than half of new vehicles sold in 2035 will still not be powered solely by electric motors. On the other hand, the narrow-minded tyranny of the eco-mentalists (to use Jeremy Clarkson’s term) makes these companies afraid to report their actions. Extremism is almost always wrong.
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Wouldn’t you know it? One of these will be offered, with an automatic transmission and just 6,200 miles, at the upcoming Mecum auction in Glendale, Arizona.
This is a 2008 Saturn Sky Red Line. Yes, I have written about this car in many posts. Yes, at one point I wrote I was more likely to buy a Solstice GXP because of my history with Pontiac. Still, I have always thought the Sky looked better than its Kappa platform cousin.
IF we do, indeed, consummate the purchase of the Goose Bumps house, then I won’t really be in a position to purchase a car in the next 10-14 months. HOWEVER, if I see the bidding is slow and the car could be won at a good price, then it might be difficult not to raise my hand. I do have a decent amount in my savings account that exists solely for automobile-related purchases. So many CARS, just one life.
#ExtremismIsAlmostAlwaysWrong
#SaturnSkyRedLine
#somanyCARSjustonelife
#disaffectedmusings
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Disaffected Musings 
My favorite quote about extremism is this:
“I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!” – Barry Goldwater, 1964 Republican Convention acceptance speech.
Goldwater was roundly criticized for the first part and the second part is never quoted. I shall not bore you with my opinion about the 1964 election. Suffice it to say that my late father-in-law was a close personal friend of Senator Goldwater having served with him in the Arizona Air National Guard. The stories from the Air Guard service were always amusing when lubricated with enough Scotch. It was Goldwater, Rep. John Rhodes and Sen. Hugh Scott who convinced Richard Nixon to resign. Our nation sorely is in need of public servants like the three of them and others of their ilk on both sides.
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I understand Goldwater’s comments, but they can be construed to suit any purpose. One person’s liberty can be another’s oppression. Think of cancel culture, for example.
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Moderates have no place in modern politics, and this is very disappointing.
“idolizing a politician is like believing the stripper really likes you.” -That quote is absolutely perfect !!!
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Thanks for the comment, sir.
My first year in college I had a Political Science professor who liked to say, “The only extreme in American politics is the extreme middle.” Wonder what he thinks now? Of course, I’m so old he may no longer be alive.
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Wait, the stripper DOESN’T really like me? But she sat on my lap and told me she DID. Dagnabit, now I’m devastated. 🙂
What would you consider a “deal” on the Sky? I’m thinking with the low miles, anything around $20-25K would be a deal.
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Many thanks, DDM. Believe it or not, I have never been to a strip club. Guess I never will, either.
As for the Sky Red Line, their prices have been appreciating, especially relative to the Solstice. Still, I would not pay a price beginning with a “2” for one of them. I really want a bargain or I’ll pass. Actually, if I’m going to spend substantially more than $16,000-$18,000 then I might as well splurge for an F-Type convertible. If I get a 2014-15 model with the V-6 and not the 8, I can probably buy one for about twice that range and get an Ultimate Garage car.
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