Columbia's Selective Enforcement of Fairness and Civility

Columbia University recently established a task force 

on antisemitism. After it interviewed almost 500 students,

its report stated "The testimonies of hundreds of Jewish

and Israeli students have made clear that the University 

community has not treated them with the standards of 

civility, respect, and fairness it promises to all students."

One of the members of the task force said that "There has 

been a view among some that this is not a real problem, 

so we thought it was important to demonstrate what is 

actually happening to students." 

Dozens of Columbia faculty responded with a signed open

letter slamming the report: "We write as Jewish faculty,

... (the report) contributes to a hostile narrative about

Columbia," they claimed. It is "marked by conspicuous

neglectful omissions of context and climate ... conflates

feelings with facts." Esther R. Fuchs, a co-chairman of

the task force, replied saying she was "gobsmacked"

by the rebuking letter. "It's just sad, and it's tragic for 

students on this campus to have a group of faculty 

dismiss their experiences as just feelings."

It's just sad that some university bigwigs are so dismissive

of certain groups of students' complaints due to the former's

political blinders making them blind to the truth. 

MEM

Belated Thoughts on the Republican National Convention

Your ever-pressing on Peasant, sadly, failed to gain entrance

to be able to attend the Republican National Convention this

last summer here in Milwaukee. I had trouble getting credentials

to be able to attend, as I would have had to travel all the way 

out to American Family Field (the home of the Milwaukee

Brewers) to get an outlet there to obtain said credentials,

then make my way back downtown to the site of the 

convention. And with the heavier than usual traffic about

town (because of the convention) it would have taken me 

an ungodly amount of time to return with any hope of seeing

anything of the standout goings on, i.e. votes taken for planks 

in the party platform and such. 

But having spoken with a few of the delegates as they made their

way to and from the convention hall I got a feel for what had

transpired thus far and chit-chatted with the delegates about their 

impressions of Milwaukee; they all rather liked the city and 

the sites, and were enjoying the convention. I'm so sorry for

not posting my own impressions of the convention until now,

three months later, as your inundated Peasant had an influx of

stories to comment on and some non-blog related business to 

take care of. 

But know this everybody: The Republican National Convention

did the one most important thing which it could have done during

its duration: it nominated once (and, please God, once again) 

President Donald J. Trump to be the Republican nominee for 

President of the United States. And yes, Donald Trump has your 

ever-loving Peasant's endorsement once again.

Election Day is November 5. My wonderful readers, you know 

what to do.

MEM

Democracy vs. Dictatorship in Venezuela

On July 28 Venezuela held a presidential election. 

I know, believe me, I know that it is not normally 

earth-shaking news, as Venezuela has been in the 

totalitarian grip of a Marxist dictator, one that had

succeeded one immediately before him upon the 

former's passing, both men "elected" by the people

of the once-prosperous nation in questionably-con-

ducted elections. But please note the following:

Before the latest election took place, the current 

El Jefe, Nicolas Maduro, barred a handful of 

candidates from running. One candidate, however,

wound up on the ballot: Edmundo Gonzalez, a 

former diplomat, emerging to represent the 

opposition. How did he do? Gonzalez won handily.

The most credible international election observers

were in agreement on the result. But Maduro 

refused to vacate the office, and he cracked down 

on dissent and protest with an iron fist. Dictators

will be dictators. Donald Trump, take note; for you

can be a wonderful ally for the people of Venezuela

in their quest to take back their country, voicing your 

support should you be returned to the White House.

We know that Kamala Harris won't do anything nor 

say mum on the matter! 

But the Venezuelans have been incredibly courageous 

in standing up to the left-wing regime running their

country into the ground. Democracies the world over

should help them in their quest for freedom, and the 

United States without question should spearhead the 

effort. The Chavez-Maduro regime is showing cracks

from the strain of beating back the dissidents and 

from taking mounting opprobrium from various nations

for their repressive ways. The freeing of Venezuela 

from the clutches of this rotten regime will be a rebuke

as well as a defeat for socialism, another reason why it

can't come soon enough. 

MEM 

Fifteen Fabulous Years With You All!

On September 23 the calendar marked, in addition to this date,

the fifteenth anniversary of the Peasant wielding his pitchfork.

Your overworked Peasant got so busy that I nearly forgot to 

note this milestone and its date, and I humbly apologize.

It hardly seems like fifteen years have passed since this blog's

debut! so much has transpired on our political landscape at the

time, and so much more has transpired since then, especially 

this year. And we took a gimlet eye view of all the stories as

they appeared, sorting out the good from the bad, the bold from

the bashful, and the valiant from the cowardly. We now should

take a few moments to acknowledge and to celebrate this grand

occasion.

Your dedicated Peasant established this blog for the purpose of

commiserating and informing American conservatives about the

dangers inherent in the liberals' legislative schemes and their 

consequences, misbehavior by liberal politicians as well as that

by conservative politicians and castigating both, being harder on 

the latter as they are our people and as such we expect better from

them. Of course, we also point out the stupidities committed by 

both, i.e. conservatives letting themselves be hoodwinked into 

backing legislation which does more for the liberals than the 

people, and some of our people are too dense to see this. 

Additionally, we take a moment to see how the political 

leaders in other countries are doing, and how their countries

are doing as a result, applying these same principles.

Furthermore your faithful Peasant has, while not making this 

a habit, endorsed some candidates for office, especially the 

presidency. The decision to endorse certain candidates is due 

to the sense of urgency dictated by both the times and the 

circumstances with their consequential events. This particular

year with the presidency up for grabs and all that has happened 

during this year is a prime example. The Peasant shall have more

on this very shortly.

Along the way, we have picked up a growing, enthusiastic readership

from other countries. Some of our biggest followings outside of the

United States are Singapore (which has bypassed by the U.S. in 

readership!), Russia, Germany, Canada, Great Britain, France,

China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Portugal, and Spain. 

To be sure, there are conservatives in at least some of these

countries along with other people of different political persuasions

there that enjoy learning about the politics and governance of 

the United States and have taken a liking the Peasant and his Pitchfork.

Even those who don't agree with what I have to say and perhaps never

will enjoy reading this political blog.

We also have observed the passing of some stellar conservatives, 

paying tribute to them as we've (and they've) gone. It's hard to part

with good friends and staunch allies, but all of us must exit this 

earthly stage; the question to be answered is what have we done to 

make our countries and our world a freer, more prosperous, more just,

and freer place? Those who have worked diligently at this work are

noted and praised here, as well they should be.

Finally, your pitchfork-wielding Peasant works to sow the seeds of 

these fruits for the benefit of our great country and our beautiful world 

via this blog. And may we all participate joyfully in both the planting

and the harvest. May there always be this food for both body and soul 

in our storehouses! The Peasant is grateful to and for each and every 

every one of you!

Here's to another fifteen years, with many more to come afterwards!

MEM

My Irish Holiday (in Milwaukee)

Folks, I just had to get a piece pertaining to another subject,

one of great importance; at least, of greater importance than

your favorite Peasant having an Irish frolic, posted. I do 

apologize, and hope you got a lot out of that particular piece.

Here, then, is the postponed piece for your perusal and enjoyment.

The fest seemed to have a bigger crowd than usual, and Irish Fest 

always packs 'em in each year! I have no attendance numbers handy

to do a comparison but I can vouch that the event was well attended 

to be sure. I always meet up with a close friend from my song circle,

and normally we easily pick each other out of the crowd; not this time.

We did meet up but it took several tries, there were so many people

everywhere! We did have fun though, including having a couple of 

good dinners and some ice cream treats together. But here was the 

best (!): we spend Saturday evening with my cousins Finbarr and 

Donal Clancy, having drinks while enjoying Donal and Rory Makem

perform --- they are the new generation of Clancys and Makems,

and they perform together just as their fathers Liam and Tommy had!

They joined us after their show and we had a ball, getting caught up 

on the latest with each of us, talking about the High Kings' (Finbarr's

band) tours, both last year's and this year's, our health, our other 

family members, and the upcoming tribute show at the fest honoring

the recently departed Sinead O'Connor with my cousins among the

musicians and singers at the fest who were invited to participate.

The tribute show took place the next day and it was fantastic!

I'm sure that Sinead was, now that she is in the Great Beyond, 

quite thrilled to be remembered in such a beautiful way, with the

performers playing and singing many of her most memorable songs.

The other musical talent on hand were a fine treat as well, as was the 

weather, even with the rain we had Friday afternoon (wasn't much, 

really). And seeing old friends along with relations, some of whom 

I haven't seen in a year or more, that, as always, is the biggest kick

for me! I attend a few other ethnic festivals here in town each year

as well, and I love 'em all; my favorite one, I have to say, is the

Milwaukee Irish Fest --- my annual Irish holiday. Going to Ireland

without leaving the country! One day though, and that day is being 

planned for, The Peasant shall visit the Emerald Isle itself! More on

this in time to come.

See you, my fantastic readers, next week!

MEM

In Observance of Constitution Day

The Peasant wishes to make amends for a error of omission;

I have not, at least not on this blog, made any mention of let

alone paid attention to the meaning of this day and its significance

to us as Americans: Today, September 17, is Constitution Day.

And this year, this grand document is 237 years old.

This day is the anniversary of the ratification of the Constitution

of the United States, the foundation of our rule of law. May it be

around and in full force for us all to observe its birthday, if you will,

and its continuation in guaranteeing the rights which we enjoy as

Americans, for it is under attack by people who think they know 

better what is best for the governance of our country and the

way we should live our lives and conduct ourselves. 

But for now, let us give our respect and homage to one of the most 

remarkable documents ever devised and drafted by man. 

And on Election Day, November 5, let us also defend it by voting

for constitutionally-minded and disciplined candidates for public

office, from local offices to the presidency. We still have this one 

simple but exquisitely powerful weapon at our disposal to stand

up to the con artists, the glad-handers, the elitists, the totalitarians,

and all the other grubby, grabbing, grafting scumbags who want to 

take that and all else we have as citizens of this magnificent country

founded as an example of freedom and liberty for all the world to 

see away from us, leaving a country which we would not recognize

and would not want to live in.

We have much to be grateful for. Let us show our gratitude at this 

crucial time to friend and foe, from without and from within.

MEM

The Democrats Lose a "Biggie"

Yesterday I heard something which would have been shocking

had it happened a few years earlier, but when you consider the 

tenor of the times it simply makes one mutter to oneself 

"That figures". 

While listening to Jay Weber, one of the wonderful conservative 

voices on Milwaukee radio, I heard him announce the news that 

legal scholar and civil rights specialist from Harvard University,

Professor Alan Dershowitz has publicly broken with the Democrat 

Party after many years as a stalwart member. A political liberal,

Dershowitz never let his politics influence his understanding of

and application of the rule of law. He also never looked down his

nose at people with whom he disagreed, i.e. conservatives. The

professor also was a friend and guest of William F. Buckley Jr.

on the latter's TV show "Firing Line"; your admiring Peasant had

seen them together on Buckley's show several times and they've 

always been cordial to each other. Professor Dershowitz is one 

of the few legal scholars of his views that I have any respect for,

and I have plenty for this gentleman, who deserves better than he 

has gotten from his political brethren; they had slammed him as a

Benedict Arnold for standing up for former President Trump

when the Dems had brought him up on 34 charges, all groundless

and politically motivated, to keep him from becoming president

again and to imprison him. Never mind what and who We the People 

may want!

Professor Dershowitz had left the Democrats and become an 

independent, although he still maintains his liberalism. He gave

as his reason his increasing disgust and appalment with his now-

former party becoming increasingly "anti-Zionist", as he stated 

it. The final straw came when the Dems gave legitimacy to 

anti-Israel speakers and anti-Israel protesters outside of their 

national convention in Chicago in July, according to Dershowitz.

"It was the most anti-Jewish, anti-Israel, anti-Zionist convention

I've experienced ... I was disgusted at the Democratic National

Convention. Absolutely disgusted." 

It also didn't help things between Professor Dershowitz and 

the Dems when Democrat Vice President Kamala Harris did not 

attend when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed

a joint session of Congress. The event was also given a miss by 

Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)

and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). Sanders is apparently

more devout about his socialist politics than he is with his Jewish

faith and heritage. And then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Netanyahu's

speech before Congress "inappropriate" (?!). These lefties and many

more blame Israel for what they believe led to the invasion of their

country by Hamas and their Iranian allies, and castigate Israel for

doing anything to defend itself. Today is 9-11; do they also blame

the Jews in their homeland as well as here in the United States

for the attacks we sustained on this day twenty-three years ago?

The final insult in Alan Dershowitz' book was that "they had more 

anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist people who were speaking ... and by giving 

them platforms, what it says is that when AOC does call Israel a 

genocidal country and rails against it, she now has the imprimatur

of the Democratic Party," according to Professor Dershowitz.

All of this has led Professor Dershowitz to conclude that all this, along

with the pro-Palestinian protesters yelling for Israel's destruction, 

"is not my party". According to Jay Weber, many more American Jews

are coming to the same conclusion, and they're going to say it with 

votes on November 5.

And The Peasant says "Bravo!". The Democrat Party has become even 

more racist than it was in the 19th century when they kept black people

under the thumb of the law by Supreme Court rulings giving the OK to

racial segregation, i.e. Plessy vs. Ferguson, as well as various federal,

state and local laws calling for same. It's simply that the new target of

their racial opprobrium happens to be the Jews, both those in Israel  

and here in the United States. The Democrats need to do one of 

two things: either sweep clean their ranks of extremists that 

promulgate their poisonous politics, or to be so kind and truthful as to

cease to call themselves the Democratic Party, for they no longer 

support nor promote democracy; they should thus rename their party, 

giving it a name which is consistent with its present values and

objectives. Dems: May your helpful Peasant suggest 

"the Totalitarian Party"?

MEM