Yesterday's BJW

A couple of thoughts I'd like to share about yesterdays BJW post.

First, I'm going to guess that I know the race of the majority of my readers.  They are white.

Second, I'm going to guess your reaction to that post.  You probably chuckled and felt that it was a just outcome given the attitudes and circumstances.

Third, had the story been a real life event and had you been there in person, you would have been one of the ones clapping.  Even if you were stuck in a crowed cabin, you wouldn't have been bothered by the fact that the other guy got a free upgrade.

Why is it that white Americans are automatically considered racists?

BJW - Racism First Class

On a BA flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African Lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating.

"What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant.

"Can't you see?" she said, " You've sat me next to a kafir. I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!"

Please calm down, Madam." the stewardess replied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do - I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in Club or First Class."

The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers).

A few minutes later the stewardess returns with the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self-satisfied grin:

"Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, Economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and Club is also full. However, we do have one seat in First Class."

Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess continues...

"It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone should be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person."

Having said that, the stewardess turned to the black man sitting next to the lady and said:

"So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..."

At which point, apparently, the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the black man was escorted up to the front of the plane.

BJW - The Long Face of Change

One hundred years ago everyone owned a horse and only the rich had cars.

Today, everyone has a car and only the rich have horses.

Oh, how the stables have turned.

To The Men

To all you men who made babies and stayed around, went to work, made a living, stuck up for, went to school programs on bowling night, helped with spelling homework, pretended ballet was interesting, taught the boy to tie his tie, shake hands and throw a punch, to those of us who make the SEALS look like a bunch of pussies when checking under the bed for monsters....

You never need wonder if you are MEN.  That test was passed when she said, "we're pregnant" and you choked back the fear of the unknown and smiled and said "that's great dear".

To those of you who....

Who said, "HELL NO! You aren't leaving this house dressed like that",

Who lace up your work boots, no matter how bad your back hurts,

Who set behind a desk you hate, working at meaningless jobs for ungrateful gargoyles,

Who stayed married when you'd have been happier leaving,

Who sat through Phantom Menace TWICE!,

Who gave a spanking and ran out of the room so the kid didn't see you cry,

You stayed at your post,

You fought the fight,

You pretended a lime green paisley tie was what you always wanted,

You answered the call,

You passed the test,

You picked up the check for your own Fathers Day Dinner,

You are more than a mere mortal,

You are DAD!

I lift my glass to you sir.  Well Done!

BJW - Silly Mom

Two of our grandchildren (Kevin, age 8 and Jeremy age 13) were doing some school homework in the same room at home when Kevin goofed on something or other.

Kevin: "Oh, silly me! I forgot!"

Jeremy: "Well, Kevin, if forgetting stuff is silly, then Mom's hilarious."

Statesman or Hawkeye?

Reality TV star and President of the United States made a special guest appearance on M.A.S.H. this week.  That or he just pulled off the most significant diplomatic feat of the century.  It's hard to tell these days which.  Only time will tell.

One thing for sure, the media will never give Trump any meaningful credit for it.  If Obama (or any other democrat) had done what Trump accomplished, they would have run out of words expounding on the greatness of this accomplishment.

Make no mistake, it was a great accomplishment.  Trump has avoided war with Russia.  Trump has deescalated tensions in Korea.  He is systematically reducing the need for the American war machine world wide.

One wonders how long this happy course of events will be tolerated.

BJW - Burial Rites

An old man and woman were married for many years, even though they hated each other. Whenever there was a confrontation, yelling could be heard deep into the night. The old man would shout, "When I die, I will dig my way up and out of the grave and come back and haunt you for the rest of your life!"

Neighbors feared him. They believed he practiced magic, because of the many strange occurrences that took place in their neighborhood. The old man liked the fact that he was feared.

To everyone's relief, he died of a heart attack when he was 98. His wife had a closed casket at the wake. After the burial, she went straight to the local bar and began to party, as if there was no tomorrow.

Her neighbors, concerned for her safety, asked, "Aren't you afraid that he may indeed be able to dig his way out of the grave and haunt you for the rest of your life?"

The wife put down her drink and said, "Let him dig. I had him buried upside down, and you know men won't ask for directions."

Ethical Question

In the banking world a SAR is a Suspicious Activity Report.  These are filled out to help the government identify illegal activity.  Generally its for things like terrorism or drug trafficking, but any illegal activity can be included.

There are guidelines which spell out when a SAR must be filed.  They are not clear concerning this situation.

A long time borrower, with perfect in-house credit, has a loan that is up for renewal.  According to your institutions guidelines he has to show a repayment source, normally that means a tax return.  In the course of the conversation you are told that he didn't file his taxes.

You can not give him the loan.  That's not a question.  Do you file an SAR?

Does it matter to you that the IRS, not the DEA or FBI or your local cops are the largest user of the SAR data base?