I was writing posts every once in a while under the heading of running off at the keyboard, but from now on when I want to touch on a few items, quickly I will title it running off at the mouth. This title is more fitting and anyone that knows me personally understands and will acknowledge, this is a more appropriate title.
Jim Sensenbrenner, Republican Representative from Wisconsin, made comments about the first lady's posterior. He said this in response to her agenda of healthier lifestyles and eating. Mr. Sensenbrenner apparently has not looked in a mirror anytime in the last decade. He, like myself is old, sagging and overweight. This is typical destructive and unnecessary politics. Yeah, lets attack a very fine lady and a very good role model for all citizens. So to Jim Sensenbrenner I give the moron of the week award.
Yesterday I wrote about the attack on the homeless man in New Jersey. I received a comment from an anonymous person, that actually made my point. He or she wants to shoot the two teens and something about their grandma, that was not finished. I want responses and will not edit or remove them unless they are totally offensive, but I invite this person to write more and this time try and present an intelligent, thoughtful argument about my post. Also I will continue the practice of allowing people to post comments without names, however I would prefer them to identify themselves. It is always easier to hide behind anonymity, then to speak in the open. That is what I do.
John Boehner just talked about the idea of putting this payroll tax problem behind us and get back to the important issue of jobs. Really Mr. Speaker, you have been there for a year and a half and the Republicans have yet to introduce one good jobs bill. That is more political rhetoric.
Now it is Ron Paul. Who will be the next person to lead in the Republican primary? God, how I miss Sarah Palin.
In Florida politics, our felon Governor, Rick Scott is pushing for an increase in lottery ticket sales. His goal. Increase revenue for education that he has been cutting since getting in office. I have an idea. Lets place a fee on sports betting and drug dealers. That should really increase revenue for our children to be educated. I guess you could say, "He is really betting on our future." Scott wins the second moron of the week award.
I will be taking the next couple of days off to enjoy the holidays with my family. To all of my loyal readers I wish you a Very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Happy Holidays.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Teens Beat Homeless Man, What Is Our Society Becoming?
Have your seen the video of two teens beating a homeless man in New Jersey?
It is very disturbing and not something that people want to see, but I believe that we should view people at their worse, so we can address how to make them better. My first response is that I would like an opportunity to place these two jerks in a hopeless situation and beat the hell out of them. Of course what would the end result be? The cycle would be completed and the lesson is whoever has the advantage wins. It would not make them understand the concept of fairness and caring for people that are less fortunate then they are.
So what is the solution? I read some of the comments and they were very reflective of my initial response. One of my ideas would be to start taking young people off the streets and giving them direction. Start with firm discipline and temper it with firm love. Give them goals. One of the ways would be to take these people and place them in service to others. Let them share in the hopeless frame of minds that so many people in our world face day to day. We could use our military and bring back programs, such as Peace Corps, to work here in America and countries around the world. Give them a view of the world from the opposite direction. To serve others instead of destroying.
Americans have always been a compassionate and caring society. When disasters occur around the world we open our hearts and checkbooks to help. We need to get back to the idea that service to others is the greatest reward we can have on earth. We have become greedy, cold, and callous in many ways and only by starting to care more about the people around you, can you return to caring and helping. We have political leaders, corporate leaders, religious leaders, social leaders and the elite wealthy, for the most part that have placed the good of themselves over the good of all people. They have taught us that lining your own pockets is better then serving the needs of others. I want the return of compassion for my fellow man. I am not advocating giving, I am promoting helping. Teaching. Learning. Mostly I am leading the cause of caring. Hate breeds hate. Love breeds love. I select the latter.
It is very disturbing and not something that people want to see, but I believe that we should view people at their worse, so we can address how to make them better. My first response is that I would like an opportunity to place these two jerks in a hopeless situation and beat the hell out of them. Of course what would the end result be? The cycle would be completed and the lesson is whoever has the advantage wins. It would not make them understand the concept of fairness and caring for people that are less fortunate then they are.
So what is the solution? I read some of the comments and they were very reflective of my initial response. One of my ideas would be to start taking young people off the streets and giving them direction. Start with firm discipline and temper it with firm love. Give them goals. One of the ways would be to take these people and place them in service to others. Let them share in the hopeless frame of minds that so many people in our world face day to day. We could use our military and bring back programs, such as Peace Corps, to work here in America and countries around the world. Give them a view of the world from the opposite direction. To serve others instead of destroying.
Americans have always been a compassionate and caring society. When disasters occur around the world we open our hearts and checkbooks to help. We need to get back to the idea that service to others is the greatest reward we can have on earth. We have become greedy, cold, and callous in many ways and only by starting to care more about the people around you, can you return to caring and helping. We have political leaders, corporate leaders, religious leaders, social leaders and the elite wealthy, for the most part that have placed the good of themselves over the good of all people. They have taught us that lining your own pockets is better then serving the needs of others. I want the return of compassion for my fellow man. I am not advocating giving, I am promoting helping. Teaching. Learning. Mostly I am leading the cause of caring. Hate breeds hate. Love breeds love. I select the latter.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Hey Republicans, Kiss This!
Just in, the House rejected a Senate bill that would have extended the payroll tax cut for workers. This cut is only for workers. It does not effect money that the elite wealthy get from investments or hurt them in any way. Thus the fact the Republicans and Tea Party members have been fighting the left. Where in the hell is Grover Nordquist? When the Bush tax cuts were set to expire Grover was on every network and news show to proclaim that an expiring tax cut is the same as a tax increase. Oh, wait the working people do not pay lobbyist fees to good old Grover and his company, so why would they support us? I watched as the Republicans filed in behind "Crybaby" Boehner. They were all smiles and shaking hands. They are very proud that they just told the average American to go screw themselves. I was waiting for one of them to bend over and kiss Boehner's and house majority leader, Eric Cantor's rings. Well, to all of the people in Congress that failed to pass this bill, I have a suggestion for you all to kiss something and it is not our collective rings.
Simplifing Life Has To Become Part Of Our Politics!
If you follow my other blog, Father Thinks He Knows Best, you have already seen my call for the New Year, Simplicity. I am evaluating every aspect of my life and am asking others to follow suit. We have become inundated with clutter. Whether it is in our homes, work, daily commute and within our own hearts, we have allowed complexity to overshadow this pure, simple thing called life. It stresses us. It makes us physically and mentally ill. It draws our attention from the people and events that we should all be focused on. LIFE.
The leap from our own, individual lives is not that far removed from our political lives and yet I do not see anyone, except myself now, make the connection. Politics is about electing people to make laws, enforce laws, interpret laws and governing. Laws have become complicated and the enforcement of them is even more difficult. We need to simplify. Our tax code is an albatross around the necks of citizens and corporations alike and yet we cannot get people in office to eliminate and simplify. One of the first items Congress, the courts and the White House should attack is the tax code. Eliminate the write offs and deductions completely. Leave the rate where it is until we eliminate our national debt and have a balanced budget. Cut waste, not the human safety net from government spending. This would be a starting point and would move us toward simplistic governing. There would be so many other items to correct after that, but we have to start somewhere.
Come on and join me in the year, we start to take back control of our lives. Just like in your personal life, I want ideas to be shared and find ways to implement them. Silence can no longer be the center of our lives. Simplify and become a better person and together we can simplify America on it's way to becoming a better country for all of us.
The leap from our own, individual lives is not that far removed from our political lives and yet I do not see anyone, except myself now, make the connection. Politics is about electing people to make laws, enforce laws, interpret laws and governing. Laws have become complicated and the enforcement of them is even more difficult. We need to simplify. Our tax code is an albatross around the necks of citizens and corporations alike and yet we cannot get people in office to eliminate and simplify. One of the first items Congress, the courts and the White House should attack is the tax code. Eliminate the write offs and deductions completely. Leave the rate where it is until we eliminate our national debt and have a balanced budget. Cut waste, not the human safety net from government spending. This would be a starting point and would move us toward simplistic governing. There would be so many other items to correct after that, but we have to start somewhere.
Come on and join me in the year, we start to take back control of our lives. Just like in your personal life, I want ideas to be shared and find ways to implement them. Silence can no longer be the center of our lives. Simplify and become a better person and together we can simplify America on it's way to becoming a better country for all of us.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Democrats and Republicans are Taking Away Rights!!
Every year, by law, Congress has to pass the spending bill for the defense department, called the National Defense Authorization Act. The bill then goes to the President to be signed and then we continue to fund aggressions and wars around the globe. A name like National Defense sounds like it is for the good of America. The same can be said when they made the change from the, War Department to the Department of Defense. It is about making and fighting wars. Now this year they have added a little extra, like they always do, garbage into the spending bill. They have given the Executive Branch (the President) additional power when dealing with terrorists, including American citizens. Amazing how politicians from both parties can agree, when they are looking at ways to subvert the Constitution and limit rights of people. Simply put, and no surprise here that the politicians are telling us to trust them, the President will be able to retain suspected terrorists, indefinitely, without charges or a trial. This, again, includes American citizens. It also allows for suspected terrorists to be placed in military trials instead of civil courts, where the proof of guilt has a much lower bar. The Republicans and Democrats are telling everyone that there is nothing to worry about that the power involved here would not be abused. Yeah, right. Sorry but I am becoming more cynical with each passing year.
We have certain rights in our Constitution that should not be subject to the political whims of people. When they tell us it is for our own protection and good, we need to be concerned. Abuses will happen and Congress along with President Obama and President Bush, have allowed it to occur. The courts need to quit looking at health care issues and abortions and start concentrating on the actual rights of living and breathing citizens. The politicians have used 9-11 as a tool to strip away our rights. Every American should be outraged and voice this to their political leaders. Do not let them destroy our Constitution. Speak out now, before they take away your voice.
We have certain rights in our Constitution that should not be subject to the political whims of people. When they tell us it is for our own protection and good, we need to be concerned. Abuses will happen and Congress along with President Obama and President Bush, have allowed it to occur. The courts need to quit looking at health care issues and abortions and start concentrating on the actual rights of living and breathing citizens. The politicians have used 9-11 as a tool to strip away our rights. Every American should be outraged and voice this to their political leaders. Do not let them destroy our Constitution. Speak out now, before they take away your voice.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Iraq is Ending. Where Is The Celebration?
I for one think that the withdrawal of our combat troops from Iraq, should be met with a great deal of joy and celebration. If a white Republican President had accomplished the elimination of Bin Laden, several other high ranking terrorists and the end of our men and women in combat they would be preparing Mt. Rushmore for a new face. This President was handed one of the worst economic disasters in American history, two wars and a group of politicians that are willing to destroy America, just to defeat him, in his bid for re-election. He has responded with dignity and policies, that has and will continue to turn the tide of America's fortunes. He has ended combat in a war that has lasted for a decade and yet there are idiots, (short term for Republicans) that are sounding off about the disaster that will befall Iraq, with us leaving. I have believed, since Barrack Obama was elected, that the people that attack him do so for one reason and one reason only. The white power base is concerned that if a black man succeeds in the White House, it will open the way for a, shudder, woman to next hold the office of President. He will have proven, what we all should have known, that a person of color, or a female can run this country as well or better, then white men. Bigotry is a despicable trait, but one that has risen it's ugly head, and we need to cut that head off. I personally do not care if a person is black, white, Hispanic, Mormon, Catholic, Baptist, Muslim, male, female, gay or belonging to any other group you may identify, if they are able to move our country forward. Wealthy, white men have had their share of foul ups in running America and have done some great things along the way. One thing they are not very good at is giving up power. That is at the center of all of this. Today we need to celebrate the cessation of combat situations for our men and women in uniform. We need to thank them for doing their duty and our President for finally getting them out of Iraq. We need to tell the people on the right, such as John McCain, Lindsay Graham, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney and the big liar himself, Dick Chaney to shut up and be grateful that this war is winding down. They all need to join in the effort to bring peace to all corners of the world and support the idea of strength through compassion. Finally we need to come together as one nation, and once and for all eliminate the disease of discrimination from our land. The Constitution sets the framework and guarantees the rights of all, even our black President.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
If Donald Trump Keeps Opening Mouth, Energy Problems Solved
Donald Trump, the P.T. Barnum of our era, holds the secret to renewable energy source. When, "The Donald" opens his big mouth the amount of hot air sent into the environment would be enough to power a city twice the size of New York and still have enough left for Jersey. Oh, wait we already have Governor Christie supplying New Jersey with enough hot air for them. Meanwhile let me get back to Trump. This self promoting, egotistical, fool has stated that Mitt Romney has slid in the polls because he refused to appear at his debate. Newt Gingrich has risen because he will be at Trump's debate. In essence, Donald Trump is the person that all America looks to for advice and direction on how we vote. Please, Donald go away. Our political system is enough of a joke without you. However we could use your BS for fertilizer and of course all of that hot energy.
All Americans Should Be Ashamed
I just saw a statistic that stated that 1 in 45 children in America are homeless! 1.6 million children! That makes me sick and every single American should be ashamed of that fact. We are no better then a third world country. This is what we have become and there are certain people and politicians that is just fine with that. While our leaders sit around thinking of ways to get elected or re-elected, our children suffer. Are you proud of America now? I'm not and after this posting I am going to start by contacting my Congressional representatives and let them know this is unacceptable. If you care about our children you should do the same! Keep calling them and writing them and make it clear that you will not support any politician that is willing to accept this. Maybe we could adopt Newt's stupid idea and put them to work. Where is an old sweat shop factory when you need it. Are there no prisons? Are there no poor houses? Scrooge would be proud. I certainly am not!
Common Sense Should Guide Us! Not Party Politics!
Everyone that reads me knows one thing for certain, I am a proud Progressive. Just because I usually flow in the direction of the Democratic party does not mean I will just be in lockstep with everything on their agenda. The Democrats are not perfect, however the Republicans are pathetic.
Look at the current leader for the Republican nomination. Newt Gingrich is the consummate Washington insider. So my appeal to voters around the country is this. Use common sense! When a politician tells you he received 1.6 million dollars from a company and a thirty thousand dollar a month retainer fee, to be a historian, what does common sense tell you? Are any fire alarms going off in your head? There should be. My common sense tells me loud and clear that he received tons of money to walk the halls of Congress and use his political influence to have votes go the way of his bosses. When a politician tells you he wants to fire union janitors and replace them with children, your mind should be screaming at you, "This guy is a whack job!" Do you think he will stand up for the average working person. Absolutely not. If this politician stands in front of a group of average Americans and brags about the fact, he received sixty thousand dollars for a speech and the price was going up, do you think he can relate to average people or only to the top 1%? If this politician is credited for the beginning of the politics of hatred that has brought the nations work to a grinding halt, shouldn't your common sense tell you this guy would continue and deepen the divides we currently are facing? Every aspect of Gingrich's persona, should have your common sense working overtime, to keep you from supporting or voting for this lifetime politician.
All I am asking of every individual is to look at the garbage the Republicans and Mr. Gingrich are throwing about and apply, common sense. The old phrase, "If it walks, like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck," fits very well in this case. If it sounds like a corrupt politician and walks like a corrupt politician, it must be a corrupt politician.
Look at the current leader for the Republican nomination. Newt Gingrich is the consummate Washington insider. So my appeal to voters around the country is this. Use common sense! When a politician tells you he received 1.6 million dollars from a company and a thirty thousand dollar a month retainer fee, to be a historian, what does common sense tell you? Are any fire alarms going off in your head? There should be. My common sense tells me loud and clear that he received tons of money to walk the halls of Congress and use his political influence to have votes go the way of his bosses. When a politician tells you he wants to fire union janitors and replace them with children, your mind should be screaming at you, "This guy is a whack job!" Do you think he will stand up for the average working person. Absolutely not. If this politician stands in front of a group of average Americans and brags about the fact, he received sixty thousand dollars for a speech and the price was going up, do you think he can relate to average people or only to the top 1%? If this politician is credited for the beginning of the politics of hatred that has brought the nations work to a grinding halt, shouldn't your common sense tell you this guy would continue and deepen the divides we currently are facing? Every aspect of Gingrich's persona, should have your common sense working overtime, to keep you from supporting or voting for this lifetime politician.
All I am asking of every individual is to look at the garbage the Republicans and Mr. Gingrich are throwing about and apply, common sense. The old phrase, "If it walks, like a duck and quacks like a duck, it must be a duck," fits very well in this case. If it sounds like a corrupt politician and walks like a corrupt politician, it must be a corrupt politician.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Response to my Canadian Friend!
I want to thank you for taking the time and respond to me. When you do this again, in the future, please feel free to leave a name. I share your fear for our nations. Mine for the apathetic way we view fellow Americans, being arrested for peaceful protests and yet the very people that perpetrated the economic collapse are free to steal more money from us. The corporate interests are looked after and protected, while the Constitutional rights of Americans are stripped away. I also recognize that Canada, as our neighbor, ally and economic partner will be affected by the policies here. We are interconnected and need each other to survive. For my part I will continue to speak out against corporate and political corruption. I will continue to attempt to motivate Americans and people around the world to fight and uphold our principles of Democracy. I ask from you and all of my readers, to spread the word and spur others to action. At this time, I am proud to state that I am being read, not only in the United States, but Canada, where you are from, Russia, Germany, France, Estonia, Malaysia, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, and several more countries. We are all reliant on each other and should work together to solve issues, not just within the borders of our own nations, but issues that effect us all. I hope you will correspond frequently. I invite people from all countries to share their thoughts. I have said it before and it bears repeating. I may disagree, but I will never censor, or decline to provide any reader with a platform to express their thoughts. I am happy to debate issues and I am sure my American readers, will welcome you also. John.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Is This Anyway To Run A Country?
I am sufficiently recovered from Thanksgiving to start back with more opinions of the state of American politics. I am without a doubt biased in my opinions, but with the ever mounting stupidity of the Republican Party it is hard to be otherwise.
Think about the fact, the Republicans, the so called party of families and the evangelicals are throwing aside the guy who cheated on one wife, to embrace the guy who cheated on two wives! What is there a two for one special going on that the Democrats are not privy to?
Joe Walsh the Deadbeat Congressman, was given the pro family award from the Family Research Council. Why, was Ebenezer Scrooge too busy dealing with the spirits of Christmas, past, present and future? Walsh, who, owes over $117,000 in back child support would probably kick the crutch from under Tiny Tim's arm and laugh as he fell.
Donald Trump has once again displayed his ignorance and stated, "President Obama will start a war with Iran to get re-elected." Don't have to say much about his state of mind, except his hairspray has definitely leeched into that tiny brain of his. Donald go bankrupt again and let the banks bail you out AGAIN!
Newt Gingrich in defending reports that he received over $1.6 million from Freddie Mac for his lobbying efforts, stated arrogantly, that he did not need lobbying money because he is paid $60,000 to give speeches. He said this will addressing people in North Carolina where the average annual salary is $58,000. That certainly made those people feel better. Plus he stated that he was paid as an historian. They needed the history of how former politicians, rip off the American public, by now using the corrupt system, to win the influence for Freddie Mac.
Enter Michelle Bachman, who once again shows her total lack of any intelligent life. She stated, in response to Great Brittan, closing it's embassy in Iran, by stating, that if she were President, she would close our embassy in Iran. I guess nobody ever told her we closed that somewhere around 40 years ago. A little thing called the Iranian Hostage situation. It was in all of the papers and on the news every night. Maybe see was absent when they taught any history at all, during her school years.
Lastly, yesterday the Republicans in the Senate refused to pass a bill that would extend the payroll tax cuts for Working Americans. It would have been paid for by a very small increase on people making over $1 million. They now want the tax increase on us, but are willing to extend the cut if we fire federal workers to make up the difference. They contend we have to pay for the tax cut. The total cost to the taxpayers is $120 billion. I really do support this tax cut, especially, in light of the fact that the Bush tax cuts were enacted and extended without paying for them seems very hypocritical. The Bush tax cuts have cost us over, now look closely Republicans, $2.8 trillion. That is trillion. They never asked for them to be paid for. They have pledged to Lobbyist Grover Norquist. a man that is not elected to any office, they will never increase taxes. They won't on the rich, but are sure willing to let average workers shoulder more of the burden. I mentioned Scrooge earlier and will also do another comparison, since it is the holiday season. Scrooge, like his Republican counterparts would rather the burden fall on the poor, the unemployed, the sick, the children and the elderly, then to ever touch the people that truly run our country, the wealthy elite. The top 1%. These are the people they are pledged to protect and this is what they are fighting for everyday.
It is hard to believe that we have a population of over 312 million people and this is supposedly the educated. These are our leaders? These are the visionaries that will move us forward? This is the best we have to offer? I believe we are getting, because of poor effort from us, exactly the type of corrupt government we deserve. The House of Representatives, voted to eliminate all public money from our election process. The very thing that corrupts the politicians, private money, would then be free to buy more elections. We need to be going in the opposite direction and taking all private money out of the system and making it all public money. The vote was along party lines with the Republicans voting to make our votes count even less. This is the best we can do? Are we willing to sit back and allow this to move forward? Are we turning the country over to the 1%? Are we going to continue to sit on Face Book and not pay attention? Are we willing to sit at home on election day and allow these same people to continue to pillage America? If we are we are DOOMED! Your choice.
Think about the fact, the Republicans, the so called party of families and the evangelicals are throwing aside the guy who cheated on one wife, to embrace the guy who cheated on two wives! What is there a two for one special going on that the Democrats are not privy to?
Joe Walsh the Deadbeat Congressman, was given the pro family award from the Family Research Council. Why, was Ebenezer Scrooge too busy dealing with the spirits of Christmas, past, present and future? Walsh, who, owes over $117,000 in back child support would probably kick the crutch from under Tiny Tim's arm and laugh as he fell.
Donald Trump has once again displayed his ignorance and stated, "President Obama will start a war with Iran to get re-elected." Don't have to say much about his state of mind, except his hairspray has definitely leeched into that tiny brain of his. Donald go bankrupt again and let the banks bail you out AGAIN!
Newt Gingrich in defending reports that he received over $1.6 million from Freddie Mac for his lobbying efforts, stated arrogantly, that he did not need lobbying money because he is paid $60,000 to give speeches. He said this will addressing people in North Carolina where the average annual salary is $58,000. That certainly made those people feel better. Plus he stated that he was paid as an historian. They needed the history of how former politicians, rip off the American public, by now using the corrupt system, to win the influence for Freddie Mac.
Enter Michelle Bachman, who once again shows her total lack of any intelligent life. She stated, in response to Great Brittan, closing it's embassy in Iran, by stating, that if she were President, she would close our embassy in Iran. I guess nobody ever told her we closed that somewhere around 40 years ago. A little thing called the Iranian Hostage situation. It was in all of the papers and on the news every night. Maybe see was absent when they taught any history at all, during her school years.
Lastly, yesterday the Republicans in the Senate refused to pass a bill that would extend the payroll tax cuts for Working Americans. It would have been paid for by a very small increase on people making over $1 million. They now want the tax increase on us, but are willing to extend the cut if we fire federal workers to make up the difference. They contend we have to pay for the tax cut. The total cost to the taxpayers is $120 billion. I really do support this tax cut, especially, in light of the fact that the Bush tax cuts were enacted and extended without paying for them seems very hypocritical. The Bush tax cuts have cost us over, now look closely Republicans, $2.8 trillion. That is trillion. They never asked for them to be paid for. They have pledged to Lobbyist Grover Norquist. a man that is not elected to any office, they will never increase taxes. They won't on the rich, but are sure willing to let average workers shoulder more of the burden. I mentioned Scrooge earlier and will also do another comparison, since it is the holiday season. Scrooge, like his Republican counterparts would rather the burden fall on the poor, the unemployed, the sick, the children and the elderly, then to ever touch the people that truly run our country, the wealthy elite. The top 1%. These are the people they are pledged to protect and this is what they are fighting for everyday.
It is hard to believe that we have a population of over 312 million people and this is supposedly the educated. These are our leaders? These are the visionaries that will move us forward? This is the best we have to offer? I believe we are getting, because of poor effort from us, exactly the type of corrupt government we deserve. The House of Representatives, voted to eliminate all public money from our election process. The very thing that corrupts the politicians, private money, would then be free to buy more elections. We need to be going in the opposite direction and taking all private money out of the system and making it all public money. The vote was along party lines with the Republicans voting to make our votes count even less. This is the best we can do? Are we willing to sit back and allow this to move forward? Are we turning the country over to the 1%? Are we going to continue to sit on Face Book and not pay attention? Are we willing to sit at home on election day and allow these same people to continue to pillage America? If we are we are DOOMED! Your choice.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving Day Is American!
When holidays approach, anyone who writes, has to do the column and talk about what they are thankful for. I will not disappoint.
First and foremost I am thankful for my fantastic, beautiful wife, Pat. She has come to mean everything in life to me. With her we have two wonderful daughters, Jessica and Nicole. They in turn have blessed us with five grandchildren that mean the world to us. Jayden, Miyah, Miriah, John and Elijah, have brightened our world as each year goes by. Jessica's husband and John's father Wes, rounds our family out nicely, and it all returns to the love and devotion Pat and I have for each other. If I were to stop there with my thanks, I could be happy. But there is more.
I am thankful that my family and I are, for the most part healthy. For without our health the rest of life can be a struggle.
I am thankful for being an American. For all of our struggles and weaknesses, we also have much to be proud of. We have accomplish more as a nation in less time then any our civilization in the history of the world. I am critical of America and it's political system, but that is because I care. It would be totally UN-American to not speak up. We must all stride forward and continue to improve as individuals and a country. This is our greatest strength.
I am thankful for my extended family. My mother, my in-laws, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, that are too numerous to mention here. My even further extended family, in our friends, neighbors and co-workers, all of who make my life better because I know them.
Lastly, did I mention my wife, Pat. I know I did, but to not mention her at least twice would be to ignore her importance to me. For thirty seven years, she has been the constant in my life. The reason I smile each day. The reason I have learned to love so deeply in my life. To her I have to say I have had over thirteen thousand days of happiness and love. It would have been very dark without her by me. So I have to reminder her again, just how much she means to me.
To all of my readers, "Happy Thanksgiving." Take a moment tomorrow and remember the reasons and most importantly the people, you are thankful for.
First and foremost I am thankful for my fantastic, beautiful wife, Pat. She has come to mean everything in life to me. With her we have two wonderful daughters, Jessica and Nicole. They in turn have blessed us with five grandchildren that mean the world to us. Jayden, Miyah, Miriah, John and Elijah, have brightened our world as each year goes by. Jessica's husband and John's father Wes, rounds our family out nicely, and it all returns to the love and devotion Pat and I have for each other. If I were to stop there with my thanks, I could be happy. But there is more.
I am thankful that my family and I are, for the most part healthy. For without our health the rest of life can be a struggle.
I am thankful for being an American. For all of our struggles and weaknesses, we also have much to be proud of. We have accomplish more as a nation in less time then any our civilization in the history of the world. I am critical of America and it's political system, but that is because I care. It would be totally UN-American to not speak up. We must all stride forward and continue to improve as individuals and a country. This is our greatest strength.
I am thankful for my extended family. My mother, my in-laws, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, that are too numerous to mention here. My even further extended family, in our friends, neighbors and co-workers, all of who make my life better because I know them.
Lastly, did I mention my wife, Pat. I know I did, but to not mention her at least twice would be to ignore her importance to me. For thirty seven years, she has been the constant in my life. The reason I smile each day. The reason I have learned to love so deeply in my life. To her I have to say I have had over thirteen thousand days of happiness and love. It would have been very dark without her by me. So I have to reminder her again, just how much she means to me.
To all of my readers, "Happy Thanksgiving." Take a moment tomorrow and remember the reasons and most importantly the people, you are thankful for.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
November 22, 1963. Our President is Killed!
Every year on the 22nd day of November I pause to remember. I think about a time that in some ways feels like yesterday and in some ways like another lifetime ago. The young people today will always remember where they were when the news broke that airplanes had flown into the World Trade Center and Pentagon. People my age and older will always remember that day in November 1963.
For me I was at Emily Brittian Elementary School in Butler, Pennsylvania. I was eleven years old and in fifth grade. Vietnam was just some distant place where we had, "advisers" and did not dominate the nightly news. We had a young President, Jack Kennedy and an equally young first lady and family.
Our President had, in three short years, started the Peace Corps. He challenged us to, "by the end of the decade, land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth." He had stared down, racist Governors of our southern states and paved the way for blacks to attend state universities. He was in the lead to turn back our segregationist nation and start us on the path to true equality. Kennedy stood face to face with Nikita Krushchev as the two nuclear super powers had us on the brink of annihilation. The Soviet Union blinked as our President forced a showdown with a blockade around Cuba. He gave a courageous speech at American University, in June 1963 where he challenged the Soviet leaders to establish Nuclear Test ban Treaties, that even received praise from his Soviet counterparts. His famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner) speech showed the world that America would not abandon it's allies, but join them in search for peace through out the world. All of this in such a short time and now we heard reports that shots were fired on the President's motorcade. Shortly after, we realized the worst. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was dead.
We cried as a nation. Our innocence evaporated on that November day in 1963. What once was Camelot was now gone. As a nation we mourned and moved on, but it was not the same. What could have been, was changed. Forty eight years later we cry once more, a shining light has been extinguished forever. We hardly knew you, but will always think of you.
For me I was at Emily Brittian Elementary School in Butler, Pennsylvania. I was eleven years old and in fifth grade. Vietnam was just some distant place where we had, "advisers" and did not dominate the nightly news. We had a young President, Jack Kennedy and an equally young first lady and family.
Our President had, in three short years, started the Peace Corps. He challenged us to, "by the end of the decade, land a man on the moon and return him safely to earth." He had stared down, racist Governors of our southern states and paved the way for blacks to attend state universities. He was in the lead to turn back our segregationist nation and start us on the path to true equality. Kennedy stood face to face with Nikita Krushchev as the two nuclear super powers had us on the brink of annihilation. The Soviet Union blinked as our President forced a showdown with a blockade around Cuba. He gave a courageous speech at American University, in June 1963 where he challenged the Soviet leaders to establish Nuclear Test ban Treaties, that even received praise from his Soviet counterparts. His famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" (I am a Berliner) speech showed the world that America would not abandon it's allies, but join them in search for peace through out the world. All of this in such a short time and now we heard reports that shots were fired on the President's motorcade. Shortly after, we realized the worst. John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was dead.
We cried as a nation. Our innocence evaporated on that November day in 1963. What once was Camelot was now gone. As a nation we mourned and moved on, but it was not the same. What could have been, was changed. Forty eight years later we cry once more, a shining light has been extinguished forever. We hardly knew you, but will always think of you.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Newt To The OWS, Take A Bath And Then Get A Job!
The arrogance of Newt Gingrich, was very apparent during an interview he had over the weekend. His advice to the Occupy Wall Street Movement was to first take a bath and then get a job. He also pointed out the people were occupying parks and using facilities that were funded by the very people they were protesting. Isn't that grand! Newt feels that these people are protesting against the very people that support them and make their lives so great. I have a newsflash for this idiot. The OWS and millions of ordinary people are protesting people, like you. You sit back with that wry, little smirk of yours and act so superior to the millions of peasants that dare to inhabit the same country you are bend on destroying.
You say we have become a secular country recently, and in reality, a little writing, called the Constitution of the United States, actually made the separation of church and state, a tenet of our country. I for one want it that way. I do not want leaders that will take us down the same route, as some other countries that are driven by religious zealots. Keep religion out of the decision making in America. People that have an issue with that need to find some other place to destroy.
Mr Gingrich is now calling for firing all union janitors and allowing the students to clean their own schools. He wants to eliminate all child labor laws that were set in place to keep companies from exploiting our children and depriving them of their educational responsibilities. Now children, and he advocated children as young as nine, can stay after school, not for learning purposes, but to work. One of his last statements, was one of his dumbest. He said they can start to rise up in society, this way. In other words we can produce more low paid janitors, instead of a society of better educated people ready to compete in the world arena.
Gingrich was paid almost two million dollars, plus a retainer of thirty thousand dollars a month by Freddy Mac. He opened doors on Capital Hill for the semi private mortgage giant to make more money while they ripped the American people off. This is a man that does not deserve any support for the office of President of the United States. This is a person, that has no moral values and exemplifies the root problem in our country. Greed and stupidity.
You say we have become a secular country recently, and in reality, a little writing, called the Constitution of the United States, actually made the separation of church and state, a tenet of our country. I for one want it that way. I do not want leaders that will take us down the same route, as some other countries that are driven by religious zealots. Keep religion out of the decision making in America. People that have an issue with that need to find some other place to destroy.
Mr Gingrich is now calling for firing all union janitors and allowing the students to clean their own schools. He wants to eliminate all child labor laws that were set in place to keep companies from exploiting our children and depriving them of their educational responsibilities. Now children, and he advocated children as young as nine, can stay after school, not for learning purposes, but to work. One of his last statements, was one of his dumbest. He said they can start to rise up in society, this way. In other words we can produce more low paid janitors, instead of a society of better educated people ready to compete in the world arena.
Gingrich was paid almost two million dollars, plus a retainer of thirty thousand dollars a month by Freddy Mac. He opened doors on Capital Hill for the semi private mortgage giant to make more money while they ripped the American people off. This is a man that does not deserve any support for the office of President of the United States. This is a person, that has no moral values and exemplifies the root problem in our country. Greed and stupidity.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Newt Gingrich Have Communistic Ties!
Admit it I got you to look. If you support the President, you decided by that headline, there was some information you could use to influence those right wing people that you argue with. If you are a member of the Republican or Tea Party, you decided this would be an opportunity to talk about the lies from the left. Guess what, you both are right and I did this to make a point.
Last week the Republicans lead by Romney and Rick Perry, had ads running that had the President saying, "Americans were lazy". The problem with the ads, were this. They were edited words from the President and a complete lie. President Obama was speaking to a group of CEOs and stated, "We (meaning the American Government), have been lazy, promoting America for investing by foreign countries and companies." He went on to say that our country is a great place to invest in and about the ability to grow here at home.
Now to my statement about Communistic ties. Look at the Communist Party and see what states they are in. Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas, as well as every other state in the union. I am sure with the number of people belonging to the Communist Party, each one of the candidates for the Republican Presidential Nomination, have Communists, that attend fund raisers, work near Republican headquarters, live near the candidates or even attend rallies. So my statement may have a factual basis, it is false and misleading.
I believe the time has come that we stop electing our leaders based on a thirty second sound bite, and based upon an educated review of their positions. We need to get past the slick advertising campaigns, that are waged by high paid, empty suits and get to the truth. We cannot afford to vote for a collective group of quotes. Write your various leaders and any candidates for office and let them know. We will not be mislead and lied to, for our votes. If they use misleading quotes and ads, vote for the other person, or write in a protest vote. Send the message now, it is a long political season.
Last week the Republicans lead by Romney and Rick Perry, had ads running that had the President saying, "Americans were lazy". The problem with the ads, were this. They were edited words from the President and a complete lie. President Obama was speaking to a group of CEOs and stated, "We (meaning the American Government), have been lazy, promoting America for investing by foreign countries and companies." He went on to say that our country is a great place to invest in and about the ability to grow here at home.
Now to my statement about Communistic ties. Look at the Communist Party and see what states they are in. Massachusetts, Virginia, Texas, as well as every other state in the union. I am sure with the number of people belonging to the Communist Party, each one of the candidates for the Republican Presidential Nomination, have Communists, that attend fund raisers, work near Republican headquarters, live near the candidates or even attend rallies. So my statement may have a factual basis, it is false and misleading.
I believe the time has come that we stop electing our leaders based on a thirty second sound bite, and based upon an educated review of their positions. We need to get past the slick advertising campaigns, that are waged by high paid, empty suits and get to the truth. We cannot afford to vote for a collective group of quotes. Write your various leaders and any candidates for office and let them know. We will not be mislead and lied to, for our votes. If they use misleading quotes and ads, vote for the other person, or write in a protest vote. Send the message now, it is a long political season.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Response to Danny's comments!
First off, it is great to hear from Danny again. He actually is a friend, even though we disagree on many issues. One point I want to make is we can agree on issues and to make my point, I offer the following. Danny started with the comment we agree on nothing, then he went on to make a point that I had stated. If you look closely at my salute to veterans, I stated, " We must push our politicians to get our people out of harms way and find different avenues to protect them in the future, and be sure when we send American troops into battle they are prepared and the reason we go is in the best interest of America." How is this any different from Danny's stance and comments. I did not support the war in Iraq or the continued conflict in Afghanistan. However one thing I am very clear on is the fact that we must support the men and women that do their duty and follow orders to carry out their missions. They are no different then any worker that faces the corporate ideals, as they perform their duties on a day to day basis, except for the fact that they are faced with life and death. It is very hard to know each and every day could be your last. I was listening to General Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient, the other day talking about combat and war. He said, "War is very personal and the reason it is, is you are fighting for that soldier on either side of you." In the real world people cannot make sense of that, because they want to politicize it. In combat they do not care about the reasons or politics, they want to survive and help the person beside them survive. I will continue to thank them and if you desire an apology, that is you choice, however do not be surprised if they do not want or are willingly accept that. They did their duty, plain and simple.
The next thing is when you spoke about not accepting my type of society. We DO have moral obligations for each other. I do not and have never said I support a welfare society. I have said, we need to have government intervention to get the economy moving forward. Private companies are not doing it. They are sitting on cash, if they have it. The large corporations are and the banks are sitting on even more. A survey of small and mid size companies have stated there are two issues they face. Number one, no money being lent by the financial institutions and number two, no demand for their products. Banks are not lending because they get free money from the Federal Reserve. They then invest it and make money. We need to re-enact the Glass-Stegal that was repealed, when Clinton was President. This would force banks to go back to what they used to be. They made money by making sound loans. They attracted funds, to lend, by offering a decent savings rate and CD rates. They had skin in the game and if loans went bad, they took the lose. The second part would be solved by having the government invest in our infrastructure. This would create good paying jobs and then people would have disposable income at the end of the month to purchase other goods, which would create more jobs and then the cycle repeats. The economy moves along. I want the government to regulate business, because, due to greed they are incapable of doing it for themselves. Where am I giving up freedoms? We give up freedoms when we do not vote. We give up freedoms when we are not engaged in our political system. Most importantly we give up freedoms when we allow the corporations and the elite upper class to control so much of the economy. We have to take back economic freedom and anyone, such as you Danny, that can not see this, need to open their eyes.
The next thing is when you spoke about not accepting my type of society. We DO have moral obligations for each other. I do not and have never said I support a welfare society. I have said, we need to have government intervention to get the economy moving forward. Private companies are not doing it. They are sitting on cash, if they have it. The large corporations are and the banks are sitting on even more. A survey of small and mid size companies have stated there are two issues they face. Number one, no money being lent by the financial institutions and number two, no demand for their products. Banks are not lending because they get free money from the Federal Reserve. They then invest it and make money. We need to re-enact the Glass-Stegal that was repealed, when Clinton was President. This would force banks to go back to what they used to be. They made money by making sound loans. They attracted funds, to lend, by offering a decent savings rate and CD rates. They had skin in the game and if loans went bad, they took the lose. The second part would be solved by having the government invest in our infrastructure. This would create good paying jobs and then people would have disposable income at the end of the month to purchase other goods, which would create more jobs and then the cycle repeats. The economy moves along. I want the government to regulate business, because, due to greed they are incapable of doing it for themselves. Where am I giving up freedoms? We give up freedoms when we do not vote. We give up freedoms when we are not engaged in our political system. Most importantly we give up freedoms when we allow the corporations and the elite upper class to control so much of the economy. We have to take back economic freedom and anyone, such as you Danny, that can not see this, need to open their eyes.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Moral Crisis In America Part II
Yesterday I wrote about the moral crisis in America and today I want to continue on that theme. All you had to do was watch the three ring circus, called the Republican debate last night to understand just how far we are from understanding the moral value in domestic and foreign policy.
Mitt Romney's statement, "If Obama is reelected the Iranians will have nuclear weapons and if I am elected they will not," shows his absolute lack of credibility in the foreign affairs arena. His answer is to start another war. Several of the other republican candidates are following the same logic. What ever happened to American being the moral compass for the rest of the world? Where is leadership, that can do more then promote military activity to solve all problems? I am currently reading, Chris Mathews new book, about President John Kennedy, Elusive Hero and it made me think about how Kennedy stood up to the generals, when they wanted to invade Cuba. It may have started an all out nuclear war and we all would be either dead or living with severe consequences because of a rush to war. Why do we now continue to listen to Generals or hawks that want to drive us all toward destruction, instead of toward solutions? War has to become the last resort, after all other solutions have been evaluated. Romney gives a simple sound bite answer, instead of a thoughtful approach. He wants to appear tough and in reality he appears weak. Having strength and using it judiciously is not only intelligent, but the moral approach. To former Governor Romney, stop with the political rhetoric and start with real answers.
Then we had my favorite crazy lady, Michelle Bachman. She wants us to become China. Yes, we should now embrace Communist China in solving our, "Welfare State" issue. She points out that the Chinese save for their own retirement and support themselves. She fails to mention that they have a lower standard of living, overall. She fails to mention that as a Communist society they have supported their population over several decades. She fails to mention they provide free education to the people that, they decide, deserves it. She fails to mention that they manipulate their currency and practice unfair trading around the world. Where are the people that have called President Obama, everything from a Socialist to a Terrorist to a Communist? If a Democrat had mentioned the idea that America should follow China with anything, they would have been crucified. We have a moral obligation to help the less fortunate in America and around the world. We should be protecting human rights here at home and in every corner of the globe. We should be standing with the little people and finding solutions, not looking at ways to start new military campaigns and duplicate the human rights violations or selective services, of a Communist country.
We have to look not just at the economic price of changes, but the moral price as well. I heard the comment, that when the civil rights movement was starting, one of the arguments against it was the cost in dollars. Fortunately the moral and financial price was paid and we moved forward. As a modern and upwardly moving society we need to start paying the economic and moral price. That is what makes us human.
Mitt Romney's statement, "If Obama is reelected the Iranians will have nuclear weapons and if I am elected they will not," shows his absolute lack of credibility in the foreign affairs arena. His answer is to start another war. Several of the other republican candidates are following the same logic. What ever happened to American being the moral compass for the rest of the world? Where is leadership, that can do more then promote military activity to solve all problems? I am currently reading, Chris Mathews new book, about President John Kennedy, Elusive Hero and it made me think about how Kennedy stood up to the generals, when they wanted to invade Cuba. It may have started an all out nuclear war and we all would be either dead or living with severe consequences because of a rush to war. Why do we now continue to listen to Generals or hawks that want to drive us all toward destruction, instead of toward solutions? War has to become the last resort, after all other solutions have been evaluated. Romney gives a simple sound bite answer, instead of a thoughtful approach. He wants to appear tough and in reality he appears weak. Having strength and using it judiciously is not only intelligent, but the moral approach. To former Governor Romney, stop with the political rhetoric and start with real answers.
Then we had my favorite crazy lady, Michelle Bachman. She wants us to become China. Yes, we should now embrace Communist China in solving our, "Welfare State" issue. She points out that the Chinese save for their own retirement and support themselves. She fails to mention that they have a lower standard of living, overall. She fails to mention that as a Communist society they have supported their population over several decades. She fails to mention they provide free education to the people that, they decide, deserves it. She fails to mention that they manipulate their currency and practice unfair trading around the world. Where are the people that have called President Obama, everything from a Socialist to a Terrorist to a Communist? If a Democrat had mentioned the idea that America should follow China with anything, they would have been crucified. We have a moral obligation to help the less fortunate in America and around the world. We should be protecting human rights here at home and in every corner of the globe. We should be standing with the little people and finding solutions, not looking at ways to start new military campaigns and duplicate the human rights violations or selective services, of a Communist country.
We have to look not just at the economic price of changes, but the moral price as well. I heard the comment, that when the civil rights movement was starting, one of the arguments against it was the cost in dollars. Fortunately the moral and financial price was paid and we moved forward. As a modern and upwardly moving society we need to start paying the economic and moral price. That is what makes us human.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
America Is In A Moral Crisis!
Usually when someone sees the headline, moral crisis, people automatically think the discussion will be about sex and the idea of spouses cheating on each other. We do lack sexual morality, but I want to talk about a different type of morality. The idea that morally we should all be working together to solve problems in America and in the process helping the people that are suffering the most.
Let's start with greed. Almost every, single issue we face has it's root in that small, five letter word. We all suffer from it in various forms and the type I want to focus on is the moral greed. The idea that, "I have mine and the hell with everyone else," has become prevalent in our society. We have phrases like, "If they don't have a job it is their own fault. They need to quit complaining and get off of their butts and go get a job." People then applaud this like, even though we have an extremely high unemployment rate, is plausible.
People are talking about, "We need to get the deficit under control, so our children and grandchildren are not buried under an avalanche of debt." Yeah like the politician care about that. Meanwhile what are they proposing we leave them? How about more pollution that will shorten their lives. A system that cannot create good paying jobs, except for the chosen few. An education that is not preparing them to compete with other countries for the latest technology. A country that no longer gives them the hope of accomplishing the same dreams that the previous generations achieved.
The people that lead us, the corporations and the elite, one percent are pitting the older generations against the younger people and are succeeding. They tell the current seniors and those that are close to retirement, their Social security and Medicare will not be affected, but those coming after us will have to make huge changes. We could easily solve this issue with a progressive Social Security tax and eliminate the cap, currently at $106,000. Have the people that can afford it pay their fair share. They want us busy fighting between generations and then they can move in and take more. Do you honestly believe they will not come after the current recipients once they take it from future generations? They want people that work in private industries fighting against the public sector people. They want us divided. This is a moral crisis.
Morality has so much to do with how we treat each other. Right now we are failing at this. The, powers to be, want it that way. They do not have any morals. They will destroy all of us and our country in the process, to retain their control and power. They do not care about us, so we have to start caring. We need to find ways to help lift every body up and move us forward as a society. That begins with destroying the current, corrupt political system that rewards the people with money. We have to eliminate all private money that is involved with electing our leaders. Corruption is immoral and we all sit back and watch it expand around us. The people with huge piles of cash buy every political office from the President, right down to the local school boards. With that money comes control, over the politicians, and power.
Governments, are and were, created to help and support all citizens, A representative Democracy, like ours, is there to support the views and wishes of the majority. It is designed to protect the weak along with the powerful, not make the powerful stronger while they destroy the weak. We have to continue what has been started by groups, such as Occupy Wall Street, and continue to take the flow of money out of our political system. If we fail to do this, we will have surely doomed our children and grandchildren. Stop listening to the political rhetoric and start supporting the people that matter the most. All of us, the majority. The ninety-nine percenters. This, we are morally bound to do!
Let's start with greed. Almost every, single issue we face has it's root in that small, five letter word. We all suffer from it in various forms and the type I want to focus on is the moral greed. The idea that, "I have mine and the hell with everyone else," has become prevalent in our society. We have phrases like, "If they don't have a job it is their own fault. They need to quit complaining and get off of their butts and go get a job." People then applaud this like, even though we have an extremely high unemployment rate, is plausible.
People are talking about, "We need to get the deficit under control, so our children and grandchildren are not buried under an avalanche of debt." Yeah like the politician care about that. Meanwhile what are they proposing we leave them? How about more pollution that will shorten their lives. A system that cannot create good paying jobs, except for the chosen few. An education that is not preparing them to compete with other countries for the latest technology. A country that no longer gives them the hope of accomplishing the same dreams that the previous generations achieved.
The people that lead us, the corporations and the elite, one percent are pitting the older generations against the younger people and are succeeding. They tell the current seniors and those that are close to retirement, their Social security and Medicare will not be affected, but those coming after us will have to make huge changes. We could easily solve this issue with a progressive Social Security tax and eliminate the cap, currently at $106,000. Have the people that can afford it pay their fair share. They want us busy fighting between generations and then they can move in and take more. Do you honestly believe they will not come after the current recipients once they take it from future generations? They want people that work in private industries fighting against the public sector people. They want us divided. This is a moral crisis.
Morality has so much to do with how we treat each other. Right now we are failing at this. The, powers to be, want it that way. They do not have any morals. They will destroy all of us and our country in the process, to retain their control and power. They do not care about us, so we have to start caring. We need to find ways to help lift every body up and move us forward as a society. That begins with destroying the current, corrupt political system that rewards the people with money. We have to eliminate all private money that is involved with electing our leaders. Corruption is immoral and we all sit back and watch it expand around us. The people with huge piles of cash buy every political office from the President, right down to the local school boards. With that money comes control, over the politicians, and power.
Governments, are and were, created to help and support all citizens, A representative Democracy, like ours, is there to support the views and wishes of the majority. It is designed to protect the weak along with the powerful, not make the powerful stronger while they destroy the weak. We have to continue what has been started by groups, such as Occupy Wall Street, and continue to take the flow of money out of our political system. If we fail to do this, we will have surely doomed our children and grandchildren. Stop listening to the political rhetoric and start supporting the people that matter the most. All of us, the majority. The ninety-nine percenters. This, we are morally bound to do!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Take The Time To Remember Our Veterans and Say, "Thanks!"
This is not a day to talk about our political differences. It is a day to remember the brave men and women that have served our country. It is a time to say thank you to each one of them for their sacrifices and to remember the veterans that are no longer with us, who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Through out the history of America the call has been answered. They were there at Bunker Hill facing the superior forces of the British. They answered the call to save the Union and keep America together during the Civil War. They left their families to travel across the ocean, as the Dough Boys in World War I. They went again to Europe and also to Asia to stop the Nazi and Japanese when they tried to dominate the world in the second great war. Just when they thought they could settle back into a normal life, the call went out to help in Korea. We then got stuck in the quagmire of Vietnam, where our men and women were treated as the enemy, when they returned home. They continued to hold their head high through smaller theatres of operations, Lastly they were once again sent to far away lands, Iraq and Afghanistan, where they remain today, doing their duty.
Each generation has had to take of the mantle of duty and the American fighting men and women have always preformed with the highest level of professionalism and dedication. We must all help them now. First take the time to say. "thank you" to every veteran. Then we must say a prayer for each past member and the current soldiers stationed around the world. Next we must all push our politicians to get our people out of harms way and to find different avenues to protect them in the future and be sure when we send American troops into battle they are prepared and the reason we go is in the best interest of America. Lastly we must again push our leaders to make sure that we honor our commitments to our veterans and when they return home we have jobs and educational opportunities awaiting each and every one of them. We must always remember those that served and NEVER FORGET their sacrifices for each one of us. God bless the wonderful men and women of our armed forces.
Each generation has had to take of the mantle of duty and the American fighting men and women have always preformed with the highest level of professionalism and dedication. We must all help them now. First take the time to say. "thank you" to every veteran. Then we must say a prayer for each past member and the current soldiers stationed around the world. Next we must all push our politicians to get our people out of harms way and to find different avenues to protect them in the future and be sure when we send American troops into battle they are prepared and the reason we go is in the best interest of America. Lastly we must again push our leaders to make sure that we honor our commitments to our veterans and when they return home we have jobs and educational opportunities awaiting each and every one of them. We must always remember those that served and NEVER FORGET their sacrifices for each one of us. God bless the wonderful men and women of our armed forces.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Herman Cain Is A Predator!!!
To all of those Herman Cain supporters I have only one thing to say. "Wake up." You man is a sexual predator, plain and simple. You can try to avoid the truth, but I will sum it up in a very trite saying, "Where there is smoke there is fire." Ironically Cain, himself, used this phrase last week as the story was breaking. One person charging someone with something could or could not be a vendetta. Once we start getting to four and five, coupled with the fact that there was a settlement of some sort, and common sense starts to kick in and we are now looking at a man that is lying to cover his true intentions. What started as an elaborate book tour for Cain is quickly becoming a farewell tour.
Listening to the accounts of the women that Mr. Cain has assaulted, is sickening to say the least. Cain used his position and authority to degrade these ladies and will now try to dismiss them. My hope is that the American public sees this for what it is. Anthony Wiener was driven from office for texting pictures of himself in his under ware. Mr. Cain is taking the trail led by other Republicans, such as David Vitter of Louisiana. Deny, deny and then deny some more. He is trying to push the emphasize on the idea that there are too many serious problems facing America to be spending time on these issues. I agree with Cain that there are problems that we must work to correct, but allowing a predator to continue on the path of, running for President, is something we need to hold him accountable for. Cain needs help and he needs to abandon the ridiculous idea of becoming the President. Try and actually stand up and be a man, Mr. Cain. Admit to your past crimes and let us all move on, to the serious work at hand.
According to Webster Dictionary, a predator is one that preys, destroys or devours. Herman Cain is attempting to do just that to these women and to the American public. He has changed his stories. He went from didn't happen to he remembered something, but wasn't sure what it was. He stated he would take a lie detector test, then said he wouldn't because he did not think it was appropriate. I do not think Herman Cain knows what Herman Cain wants to do or what the truth is.
A friend of mine, supports Cain, and stated that he wanted to get the facts. How many facts does he need. How many people have to come forward before some people start to realize that Cain is a master at lying, deceiving and avoidance. The facts are piling up. There is more circumstantial evidence then in most criminal trails and yet the Herman Cain supporters are still in denial. The truth hurts and sometimes it is best to face it and move on. To Herman Cain and his supporters my advise is to move on.
Listening to the accounts of the women that Mr. Cain has assaulted, is sickening to say the least. Cain used his position and authority to degrade these ladies and will now try to dismiss them. My hope is that the American public sees this for what it is. Anthony Wiener was driven from office for texting pictures of himself in his under ware. Mr. Cain is taking the trail led by other Republicans, such as David Vitter of Louisiana. Deny, deny and then deny some more. He is trying to push the emphasize on the idea that there are too many serious problems facing America to be spending time on these issues. I agree with Cain that there are problems that we must work to correct, but allowing a predator to continue on the path of, running for President, is something we need to hold him accountable for. Cain needs help and he needs to abandon the ridiculous idea of becoming the President. Try and actually stand up and be a man, Mr. Cain. Admit to your past crimes and let us all move on, to the serious work at hand.
According to Webster Dictionary, a predator is one that preys, destroys or devours. Herman Cain is attempting to do just that to these women and to the American public. He has changed his stories. He went from didn't happen to he remembered something, but wasn't sure what it was. He stated he would take a lie detector test, then said he wouldn't because he did not think it was appropriate. I do not think Herman Cain knows what Herman Cain wants to do or what the truth is.
A friend of mine, supports Cain, and stated that he wanted to get the facts. How many facts does he need. How many people have to come forward before some people start to realize that Cain is a master at lying, deceiving and avoidance. The facts are piling up. There is more circumstantial evidence then in most criminal trails and yet the Herman Cain supporters are still in denial. The truth hurts and sometimes it is best to face it and move on. To Herman Cain and his supporters my advise is to move on.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Here We Go Again Trump and Palin, Speak!
The National Restaurant Association, had to actually pay a settlement, because of actions by Herman Cain and the, "Dynamic Duo of Stupidity", Donald Trump and Sarah Palin come storming out with "witch hunt" accusations against the media. Maybe I am missing something here, but if something occurs, how can you blame someone else for the results. Have you ever corrected a child. It goes something like this, "Jayden, your room is a mess and needs to be cleaned up." Jayden responds with, "But Miyah messed it up." Jayden is my seven year old grandson and Miyah is his four year old sister. My response is, "But who's room is it and who is responsible to keep it clean?"
The Cain strategy is to blame the media for reporting on the episode, but no where does he take responsibility for his actions. He does not say anything about his inappropriate behavior. The DD of Stupidity, Palin and Trump, then take it a step further. The media, liberals, Democrats, progressives and anyone that does not believe the way we do, is on a witch hunt. They choose to ignore the fact that someone, Cain, did something wrong, sexual harassment and instead shift blame elsewhere.
What I find most comical about this is these are some of the same people that have perpetuated the idea that our President, was not born in Hawaii and is therefore, not legitimate in his role. Even after certificates of live birth were presented, they continued to throw this same ridiculous birther item at the President. So, once more see if I understand this correctly. A witch hunt is when someone did something wrong and the truth is reported in the media. However it is not a witch hunt, when an accusation is made and PROVEN wrong, then to continue to pursue the issue. I don't know about you but the Dynamic Duo of Stupidity sure looks at life through a whole different set of facts. I haven't even started with their sidekick the equally idiotic, our blacks are better then their blacks, Ann Coulter. That my friends is another story!
The Cain strategy is to blame the media for reporting on the episode, but no where does he take responsibility for his actions. He does not say anything about his inappropriate behavior. The DD of Stupidity, Palin and Trump, then take it a step further. The media, liberals, Democrats, progressives and anyone that does not believe the way we do, is on a witch hunt. They choose to ignore the fact that someone, Cain, did something wrong, sexual harassment and instead shift blame elsewhere.
What I find most comical about this is these are some of the same people that have perpetuated the idea that our President, was not born in Hawaii and is therefore, not legitimate in his role. Even after certificates of live birth were presented, they continued to throw this same ridiculous birther item at the President. So, once more see if I understand this correctly. A witch hunt is when someone did something wrong and the truth is reported in the media. However it is not a witch hunt, when an accusation is made and PROVEN wrong, then to continue to pursue the issue. I don't know about you but the Dynamic Duo of Stupidity sure looks at life through a whole different set of facts. I haven't even started with their sidekick the equally idiotic, our blacks are better then their blacks, Ann Coulter. That my friends is another story!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Response to Anonymous!
I will always say, "thank you" to any reader that takes the time to respond and invite them to have a meaningful discussion on issues. I will also respond to comments and debate rather I agree or disagree with them. In this case first I want to thank the reader for calling me a liberal. If they take time to read more of my, "blather", they will also see the blog, where I spoke about being Liberal and proud of it. You stated that I had no facts or solutions. There were a couple, but this post was more opinion. I invite you to take the time and read some of my other posts and see my solutions. Solutions that are real, such as building our infrastructure and investing in education. Ideas like revamping the tax code and eliminating the loop holes. Ideas, like raising the Social Security age and eliminating waste in Medicare and Medicaid. The solutions are there, but one thing I will say is that, you seem to display the typical far right attitude. There is only one solution and that is cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, while we reduce regulations. My greatest point in this post was we need to educate and invest to move America forward. I was also talking about the fact that the last fifty years, regardless of rather it was a Republican or Democrat in control, we have allowed the idea that we could cut taxes and regulation, to create a robust economy. My suggestion to anonymous is that maybe they should try a liberal way of doing things and actually read more then the captions, before they roll out their usual right wing tactic of the same old, stale talking points. Try it you may find you actually learn something.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Voting Rights Are Being Stolen!
The Republican and the far right wing are attacking the rights of voters under the guise of voter fraud. We do not have a serious problem with fraud and anyone who states otherwise is simply lying. We have less then one one thousandth of a percent of fraud during our elections and yet the Republicans in states all around the country are doing everything they can to suppress voters from getting to the polls. They are reducing the number of days that we can vote early. They are requiring photo IDs. I love the fact that in Texas students can not use current school IDs as proper identification, but are permitted to use their NRA cards for ID. Am I missing something here? This is an attempt to disenfranchise large groups of voters, that would tend to vote Democratic in elections. This is another example of the lies and scheming that politicians will use to rig the elections. We have serious problems and issues facing all of us today and this is what we are paying our elected officials to do. I am outraged by the timidity of the American people. Where is the outpouring of emotions and the fighting spirit to demand that the Republicans stop the suppression of our Constitutional right to vote? Come on America. Stand up and fight back. They are trying to take our rights and country away from us.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Republicans are Playing a Dangerous Game.
When the Democrats, during the debt ceiling debate, offered a ratio of ten dollars in cuts for every dollar in revenue increases, the Republicans should have grabbed that deal and ran with it. Instead they decided to pursue their philosophy of making Barrack Obama, a one term president. They are and still are ignoring the needs of America for the benefit of their own and their party's power. This is why we can label this Congress as the do nothing Congress. They had on their table, spending cuts, that according to them, was the reason they were elected to office. I disagree with cuts at this point in our fragile economy, but the Republicans had what they wanted and they failed to act.
Every day, since Obama was elected the Republicans have placed our country in a very precarious position, by ignoring the devastation that the average American is enduring. For what end? For political power? To get re-elected? They continue to do nothing and the people are paying a huge price. We are not investing in the areas that would create jobs and start to seriously move us forward economically. They are willing to sit back and watch the country fall further behind and with it the American people to fall further into a well of hopelessness and despair.
Every poll that is available, shows the enormous support that the Occupy Wall Street movement has. They show the support for the idea of a fair and balanced tax system. They show a support for a non-rigged election system, where the concerns of all are considered over the concerns of the people throwing huge amounts of money at the politicians. They show a country where there is more pessimism then hope. The Republican answer is basically, who cares what the people want. Don't get me wrong, the Democrats have not been completely in favor of the average person and they have work of their own to do, but the Republicans are so far out of touch and they show no willingness to hear from us.
The American people can no longer afford to wait for answers and solutions to our problems. The time to act is now, before they destroy us. The Republicans are attacking voting rights, abortion issues, our rights to peaceful assembly and speech, collective bargaining and any other right that they can get away with. There is a class war going on and has been in full force for over forty years. The elite have been winning for all of those forty plus years. The final volleys have yet to be fired. The time is here now to join the fight. Support the OWS movement. Support the rights of women to make the correct choice for them. Support voting rights for all citizens. Stand now and let the Republicans know they will not take our freedoms away. We must first speak out with words and then speak out with our vote. We are 300 million strong! We are the ninety nine percent! We have the right and the power. Let us all use it.
Every day, since Obama was elected the Republicans have placed our country in a very precarious position, by ignoring the devastation that the average American is enduring. For what end? For political power? To get re-elected? They continue to do nothing and the people are paying a huge price. We are not investing in the areas that would create jobs and start to seriously move us forward economically. They are willing to sit back and watch the country fall further behind and with it the American people to fall further into a well of hopelessness and despair.
Every poll that is available, shows the enormous support that the Occupy Wall Street movement has. They show the support for the idea of a fair and balanced tax system. They show a support for a non-rigged election system, where the concerns of all are considered over the concerns of the people throwing huge amounts of money at the politicians. They show a country where there is more pessimism then hope. The Republican answer is basically, who cares what the people want. Don't get me wrong, the Democrats have not been completely in favor of the average person and they have work of their own to do, but the Republicans are so far out of touch and they show no willingness to hear from us.
The American people can no longer afford to wait for answers and solutions to our problems. The time to act is now, before they destroy us. The Republicans are attacking voting rights, abortion issues, our rights to peaceful assembly and speech, collective bargaining and any other right that they can get away with. There is a class war going on and has been in full force for over forty years. The elite have been winning for all of those forty plus years. The final volleys have yet to be fired. The time is here now to join the fight. Support the OWS movement. Support the rights of women to make the correct choice for them. Support voting rights for all citizens. Stand now and let the Republicans know they will not take our freedoms away. We must first speak out with words and then speak out with our vote. We are 300 million strong! We are the ninety nine percent! We have the right and the power. Let us all use it.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Police Violence Has to be Halted!
Looking back just a couple of months ago, in Wisconsin and other places around the country, many of the same people, that are involved with the Occupy Wall Street movement were standing up and fighting for the same police officers that are now attacking American citizens. Why are these police officers now involved with bullying and strong armed tactics against citizens that are exercising their Constitutional and God given right to peacefully assemble and speak out against the tyrannical corporate elite that are controlling our country? I am sure they are following orders given to them by their superiors and they are following them blindly. This was not acceptable for our soldiers, to use the excuse, they were following orders and this was when they were faced with combat situations.
The police are being utilized as the enforcers for the corrupt elite and politicians that are not willing to, or are not intelligent enough to realize, that the current system is rigged and they want to continue to pull the strings. The police have to start reacting as people, as American citizens and not paid thugs. We have to demand that the police stop the military attacks on Americans. They have to enforce the law, however, they also have to use compassion and intelligence in their dealings with the majority of protesters. When they encounter the extremes, they should, as quietly as possible, move in make the arrest and then move back out. They have to consider the safety of the public they are surrounding and violating civil rights.
I am not some wide eyed radical. I for the most part support the police, that are sometimes placed in very difficult situations and then criticized for their every move. Far too long minorities have endured the brutality of police departments and now we are starting to see the trend increase against more and more citizens. The time for the police to stand with the protesters instead of against them is now. What do we have to do to demonstrate in our own country. In Libya when they started attacking the people, America and NATO allies came together to protect the innocent. Are we now to the point where we invite NATO planes to protect U.S. citizens? I, for one, hope not.
The police are being utilized as the enforcers for the corrupt elite and politicians that are not willing to, or are not intelligent enough to realize, that the current system is rigged and they want to continue to pull the strings. The police have to start reacting as people, as American citizens and not paid thugs. We have to demand that the police stop the military attacks on Americans. They have to enforce the law, however, they also have to use compassion and intelligence in their dealings with the majority of protesters. When they encounter the extremes, they should, as quietly as possible, move in make the arrest and then move back out. They have to consider the safety of the public they are surrounding and violating civil rights.
I am not some wide eyed radical. I for the most part support the police, that are sometimes placed in very difficult situations and then criticized for their every move. Far too long minorities have endured the brutality of police departments and now we are starting to see the trend increase against more and more citizens. The time for the police to stand with the protesters instead of against them is now. What do we have to do to demonstrate in our own country. In Libya when they started attacking the people, America and NATO allies came together to protect the innocent. Are we now to the point where we invite NATO planes to protect U.S. citizens? I, for one, hope not.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
What The Occupy Wall Street People Are Trying To Do!
I have to laugh when I hear media and politicians trying to explain what the OWS folks are doing. They want to have everything wrapped into a nice, neat, little package and delivered to them, so they can start telling everyone what is wrong with OWS demands. They will tell us that we are naive and that what we want could not possibly work. They will invent new lies and slogans to show all of the ordinary people how wrong we are. That is, in my opinion, one of the best reasons that the movement should not be so specific. The people involved and who support the OWS movement, should keep the ideals and direction, right where it is at the moment. For one it scares the hell out of the elite. They are not sure how to counter us and it keeps them guessing. Two, we should not limit ourselves in any way. The only way for the American people to gain back control over our country and ourselves is to go after it all. Why should we limit this movement to some small part. We should and deserve to have everything that we, the majority, demands. Is this not what we were taught in school? We were lead to believe, that we lived in the greatest country on earth and could achieve any goal we desired, if we worked hard. Are we to believe this was all a lie? Maybe the elite meant it to be, but I bought it and now I want the rewards for all Americans.
OWS is growing and if we are not able to be there in person, we should support them in every other way we can. We should talk to others and keep them involved and up to date with the latest information. We have for to many years, turned our attention away from our politicians and allowed them to drive us to this point. We have to take control back and use the power of the vote to force the direction toward the benefit of the average American. The elite and power brokers depend on us not paying attention and we assist them each time we turn away from the issues. We have to take responsibility for our actions and make the leaders, start doing what is in the best interest of America's citizens. The OWS movement is trying to make us all aware of the destruction of our country by the elite and corporations. The top one percent want it all for them. Don't let the bastards win! We are over 300 million strong. They have no chance!
OWS is growing and if we are not able to be there in person, we should support them in every other way we can. We should talk to others and keep them involved and up to date with the latest information. We have for to many years, turned our attention away from our politicians and allowed them to drive us to this point. We have to take control back and use the power of the vote to force the direction toward the benefit of the average American. The elite and power brokers depend on us not paying attention and we assist them each time we turn away from the issues. We have to take responsibility for our actions and make the leaders, start doing what is in the best interest of America's citizens. The OWS movement is trying to make us all aware of the destruction of our country by the elite and corporations. The top one percent want it all for them. Don't let the bastards win! We are over 300 million strong. They have no chance!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Ignorance Is Bliss!!!
Ignorance in America and around the world certainly is at the center of where we find ourselves today. The Occupy Wall Street movement is gaining momentum and recognition, but many of the people that could benefit the most from OWS's direction, either do not care enough or enjoy their total lack of knowledge or awareness. Many times I have asked, when are we going to wake up and start to demand fairness in education? When will we ask the wealthiest to guarantee economic equality? When will we confront the unevenness in access to health care? When will the people that are elected, to work for the average person, be held accountable for the disproportionate resources that are available for the elite and corporations and are denied to the poorest of America's citizens?
When I have questioned people about the OWS, the usual response is that they have heard something about it. They shrug and then want to move away from the subject. The other response I seem to hear frequently is that the people that support this movement and the people participating in it, are envious. Envious, please! They are missing the point, that the wealthiest people, or at least the largest percentage of the wealthiest people, have exploited the free market concept to amass huge fortunes and are unwilling to pay a share for the betterment and advancement of the rest of society. I, for one am not envious! I want fairness and a sense from those at the top, they have a responsibility to give back some of the fortune, to support our infrastructure and maintain a high degree of life in the United States.
This morning, I listened to Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, on Morning Joe. He related a meeting he had with a CEO of a large, American based company. This CEO, who was not identified, stated that he did not care about the local economy, since they were international. They did not have to worry about the people either in their neighborhoods or the country, because they could not control how much money his corporation made and the bonuses or salaries paid to him and his team. They are in over 130 different countries and would do what ever they wanted. This is the direction that corporate America is going.
The American citizens and the citizens of the world, need to listen. They need to quit dismissing the problems as something they cannot control. They need to awaken to a new world order, that places the needs of the average citizen above the greed of a few. We all need to be aware and do our own work to learn what is happening around us. We need to shed the yoke of ignorance and all of us become leaders.
Malcolm X once proclaimed, " If you're not careful, the newspaper will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."
Remember who controls the press and media. We must stop the ignorance.
When I have questioned people about the OWS, the usual response is that they have heard something about it. They shrug and then want to move away from the subject. The other response I seem to hear frequently is that the people that support this movement and the people participating in it, are envious. Envious, please! They are missing the point, that the wealthiest people, or at least the largest percentage of the wealthiest people, have exploited the free market concept to amass huge fortunes and are unwilling to pay a share for the betterment and advancement of the rest of society. I, for one am not envious! I want fairness and a sense from those at the top, they have a responsibility to give back some of the fortune, to support our infrastructure and maintain a high degree of life in the United States.
This morning, I listened to Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, on Morning Joe. He related a meeting he had with a CEO of a large, American based company. This CEO, who was not identified, stated that he did not care about the local economy, since they were international. They did not have to worry about the people either in their neighborhoods or the country, because they could not control how much money his corporation made and the bonuses or salaries paid to him and his team. They are in over 130 different countries and would do what ever they wanted. This is the direction that corporate America is going.
The American citizens and the citizens of the world, need to listen. They need to quit dismissing the problems as something they cannot control. They need to awaken to a new world order, that places the needs of the average citizen above the greed of a few. We all need to be aware and do our own work to learn what is happening around us. We need to shed the yoke of ignorance and all of us become leaders.
Malcolm X once proclaimed, " If you're not careful, the newspaper will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing."
Remember who controls the press and media. We must stop the ignorance.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Occupy Wall Street, The Tea Party And Others!
It is Saturday and so it is time for my running off at the keyboard post. Did you notice the Tea Party is showing up again and this time they want to confront the Occupy Wall Street group. Are they coming out for fear that people will identify more with the OWS people, which they will, or just because they are jealous they are no longer getting the media attention? The OWS group is not allowing the politicians and corporate money, jade this movement. The Tea Party made a big mistake when they let crooks, like Dick Armey, Carl Rove and the Koch Brothers corrupt their initial platform. I hope the OWS movement continues to befuddle the elite and politicians. Remember the old phrase, "Keep them guessing, it only worries the hell out of them." At this time the movement is picking up steam around the world. This is starting to pass the movement phase and starting to become a real force for change.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was officially dedicated today. People should remember that Dr. King was not just a civil rights leader, but a leader in the fight against inequities and poverty. He would have been front and center in the fight today to bring Wall Street and the elite back in line with the rest of the nation.
I wish someone could answer this for me. Why are the conservatives, religious right and elite always talking about their Christianity? Jesus was a rebel in his day. He spend most of his time with sinners, the poor and the weakest among us at that time. He fought against the establishment and taught the principle of helping and caring for our fellow men and women. I hate to tell the Anglos that have pictures of Christ, like I grew up with, he was not blonde haired and blue eyed. He was definitely brown skinned and dark eyes. He was the exact opposite of how everyone wants to portray him and yet they invoke his name at every turn. Maybe they are Christians in name only.
Finally, for today. Have you seen the commercial, that is telling us about how easy it is to get postage and mail everything by Internet? The guy at the beginning said, "Is there anything worse then standing in line at the post office?" Yes, I could think of a lot of things worse. A partial list for me would be, death, cancer, lack of education, lack of jobs, lack of access to quality health care, natural disasters, fires, your favorite team losing, traffic accidents, traffic jams, being hungry, being thirsty, having to use the bathroom and there is none close by and probably the worst, having to listen to another Republican debate. This list was not meant to be all inclusive. I believe this commercial shows how companies and the government feel, that our problems are so small that the worst thing we could think of is standing in a line at the post office. How more out of touch can they get?
The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was officially dedicated today. People should remember that Dr. King was not just a civil rights leader, but a leader in the fight against inequities and poverty. He would have been front and center in the fight today to bring Wall Street and the elite back in line with the rest of the nation.
I wish someone could answer this for me. Why are the conservatives, religious right and elite always talking about their Christianity? Jesus was a rebel in his day. He spend most of his time with sinners, the poor and the weakest among us at that time. He fought against the establishment and taught the principle of helping and caring for our fellow men and women. I hate to tell the Anglos that have pictures of Christ, like I grew up with, he was not blonde haired and blue eyed. He was definitely brown skinned and dark eyes. He was the exact opposite of how everyone wants to portray him and yet they invoke his name at every turn. Maybe they are Christians in name only.
Finally, for today. Have you seen the commercial, that is telling us about how easy it is to get postage and mail everything by Internet? The guy at the beginning said, "Is there anything worse then standing in line at the post office?" Yes, I could think of a lot of things worse. A partial list for me would be, death, cancer, lack of education, lack of jobs, lack of access to quality health care, natural disasters, fires, your favorite team losing, traffic accidents, traffic jams, being hungry, being thirsty, having to use the bathroom and there is none close by and probably the worst, having to listen to another Republican debate. This list was not meant to be all inclusive. I believe this commercial shows how companies and the government feel, that our problems are so small that the worst thing we could think of is standing in a line at the post office. How more out of touch can they get?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
How to Create Jobs, by the Republican Party!
Do you remember back to the elections last year? Do your remember the promise by every Republican and Tea Party member? If they are elected, they are heading to Washington, cut taxes and get America back to work. They promised jobs. My question is where are the jobs? What is the Republican controlled House of Representatives, doing to create jobs. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. What are they so busy doing and, are we getting our moneys worth, with the salaries we are paying?
Here is what the, do nothing Congress is doing. They have brought up bills and passed them, to stop any federal funds being used for abortions. The Hyde amendment, has for a long time, been the law of the land and prohibits any federal money being spent on abortions. So what are our illustrious Congressmen doing? They are creating a problem and then voting to fix it. That's right, there is no federal money spent on abortions, so the Republicans, then try and tell the American people, that we have a loophole in the law and they need to close it. the problem is there is no opening, so in essence, they create a need for legislature, then they can vote for it, and then they can tell their constituents, they have fixed the problem. This reminds me of the arsonist fireman, that started a fire so he could put it out.
We need good paying jobs and we need them now. Congress has done nothing to resolve the biggest issue, facing America. This is what we sent them there for and they cannot even begin to address the issue. Mitch McConnell, the Republican senate leader, stated his most important job was to make President Obama a one term President. That is what Congress is wasting their time and our money on. Politics. After the Senate failed to pass the American Jobs Bill, the number two Republican in the House, Eric Cantor, stated that now we could see the President's bill for what it was, a campaign issue and nothing more. When pressed for what the Republicans had to offer, Mr. Cantor, gave the forty year old, Republican response. We need to cut regulations, cut corporate tax rates and create a favorable environment for jobs to grow. In other words, "trickle down economics." This has not worked for the last forty years and yet they are still hard at work selling the same stale, failed policies. Since the Republicans and Tea Party Members of Congress won't create jobs for Americans, I say we should help create some ourselves. Let's fire them and create jobs for liberal Democrats.
Here is what the, do nothing Congress is doing. They have brought up bills and passed them, to stop any federal funds being used for abortions. The Hyde amendment, has for a long time, been the law of the land and prohibits any federal money being spent on abortions. So what are our illustrious Congressmen doing? They are creating a problem and then voting to fix it. That's right, there is no federal money spent on abortions, so the Republicans, then try and tell the American people, that we have a loophole in the law and they need to close it. the problem is there is no opening, so in essence, they create a need for legislature, then they can vote for it, and then they can tell their constituents, they have fixed the problem. This reminds me of the arsonist fireman, that started a fire so he could put it out.
We need good paying jobs and we need them now. Congress has done nothing to resolve the biggest issue, facing America. This is what we sent them there for and they cannot even begin to address the issue. Mitch McConnell, the Republican senate leader, stated his most important job was to make President Obama a one term President. That is what Congress is wasting their time and our money on. Politics. After the Senate failed to pass the American Jobs Bill, the number two Republican in the House, Eric Cantor, stated that now we could see the President's bill for what it was, a campaign issue and nothing more. When pressed for what the Republicans had to offer, Mr. Cantor, gave the forty year old, Republican response. We need to cut regulations, cut corporate tax rates and create a favorable environment for jobs to grow. In other words, "trickle down economics." This has not worked for the last forty years and yet they are still hard at work selling the same stale, failed policies. Since the Republicans and Tea Party Members of Congress won't create jobs for Americans, I say we should help create some ourselves. Let's fire them and create jobs for liberal Democrats.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Moron of The Week Award!
I am going to start my own award, each Wednesday, and it is certainly NOT something that people should strive to obtain. I thought long and hard about the name and decided to use the, "kiss" method. Keep it simple stupid, so I would not have to award it to myself somewhere down the road.
So, without further delay, my first, "Moron of the week," goes to a person that can probably win this award multiple times and possibly every week, Glen Beck. Mr. there has never been a conspiracy theory that I can not accept. Mr. there will never be a moment in history, that I cannot make complete nonsense out of. Mr. there is a boogieman hiding behind every door. Yes, folks Mr. Glen Beck. When he is not selling snake oil or worthless gold, he is out there telling everybody that the Occupy Wall St. people are going to be, "Knocking down the doors of the wealthy, dragging them out into the streets and beating them to death." Really? Do you remember the guns rights idiots, that were standing around on streets, carrying weapons. Where has the theory that they were going to kill someone?
The people on the right, are worried that this movement is not only, NOT going away, it is growing. They are scared that the American people have had their eyes opened, to the fact they have been waging class warfare against us, for over 40 years. Glen Beck is the mouthpiece for all the elite that received their money the old fashioned way, "They stole it!" So Glen, for your role in trying to stop citizens from exercising their Constitutional rights, you are the first recipient, of the prestigious, Americas Voice, Moron of the Week Award. You definitely earned it.
So, without further delay, my first, "Moron of the week," goes to a person that can probably win this award multiple times and possibly every week, Glen Beck. Mr. there has never been a conspiracy theory that I can not accept. Mr. there will never be a moment in history, that I cannot make complete nonsense out of. Mr. there is a boogieman hiding behind every door. Yes, folks Mr. Glen Beck. When he is not selling snake oil or worthless gold, he is out there telling everybody that the Occupy Wall St. people are going to be, "Knocking down the doors of the wealthy, dragging them out into the streets and beating them to death." Really? Do you remember the guns rights idiots, that were standing around on streets, carrying weapons. Where has the theory that they were going to kill someone?
The people on the right, are worried that this movement is not only, NOT going away, it is growing. They are scared that the American people have had their eyes opened, to the fact they have been waging class warfare against us, for over 40 years. Glen Beck is the mouthpiece for all the elite that received their money the old fashioned way, "They stole it!" So Glen, for your role in trying to stop citizens from exercising their Constitutional rights, you are the first recipient, of the prestigious, Americas Voice, Moron of the Week Award. You definitely earned it.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Why We Have to Make Sure We Don't Follow Herman Cain's Example!
Herman Cain was out promoting his book when he ran into a buzz saw, by the name of Lawrence O'Donnell. For those that may not be familiar with Mr. O'Donnell, he has a show on MSNBC titled, "The Last Word." I watch this most nights along with the rest of the MSNBC lineup. Now Mr. O'Donnell went after Mr. Cain, because he stated in his book that he was going to school, during the civil rights movement and chose to stay out of trouble, instead of getting involved. As Mr. Cain tried to explain his position it became clear, he did not have the intestinal fortitude to stand with others to demand changes in our society. He also stated that because his number did not come up in the draft, he was not able to join the war in Vietnam. In other words, Herman Cain chose then and would likely chose now to stay, "out of trouble" and not support his country.
Many people chose to avoid Vietnam and many more chose to enlist or did not fight the draft and served. More importantly, many people chose to stand on the lines during the fight for equality for all citizens. The problem then as now, more people should choose to fight, for our country and the fairness it represents, instead of staying out of trouble and sitting on the sidelines. The young people that are deciding, today, to occupy Wall Street are an example of standing up. Mr. Cain does not support these people either and feels they should quit complaining and get a job. Where are they supposed to get a job? They are standing up for the principles that America was founded on. The right for freedom. The right for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
People on the right are trying to make them out to be a return of the Hippies from the 70's and make them sound like they are the lunatic fringe. They do not want them to get any attention, with the hope they will simply disappear and take their ideas of fairness with them. Mr. Cain and former speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich even came out with the statement that they were UN-American. UN-American? How more American can you be, then to demonstrate and denounce the unfair political system that we have. Our country was founded on dissent. the most sacred part of our Constitution is freedom of speech. When we exercise this freedom we are more American then the individual that shouts UN-American, because they disagree. So to Cain and Gingrich I say, you are the people that trample on the Constitution, each time you try and quell someones freedom of speech. I guess my question to them is why are the 99% people UN-American and the Tea Party is not. When they were demonstrating the Republicans were tripping over each other to be identified with them. If you truly love America and our freedoms, you will support these people that are starting a new movement. To all of them I say keep up the good work. Don't let the politicians and corporate interests pervert your movement. Keep it pure and simple. We want fairness and if the powers that be cannot comprehend that concept, then we have to replace them with people that will. I will keep writing and talking about all of you. This is how I will support you. To everyone else, use the mediums that are available and keep the message moving. This time is ours and together we will take back our country. Do not take Mr. Herman Cain lead though, and stay out of trouble. If we stand up, save our country, exercise our Constitutional rights and this brings trouble, so be it. After all, isn't America worth the trouble?
Many people chose to avoid Vietnam and many more chose to enlist or did not fight the draft and served. More importantly, many people chose to stand on the lines during the fight for equality for all citizens. The problem then as now, more people should choose to fight, for our country and the fairness it represents, instead of staying out of trouble and sitting on the sidelines. The young people that are deciding, today, to occupy Wall Street are an example of standing up. Mr. Cain does not support these people either and feels they should quit complaining and get a job. Where are they supposed to get a job? They are standing up for the principles that America was founded on. The right for freedom. The right for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
People on the right are trying to make them out to be a return of the Hippies from the 70's and make them sound like they are the lunatic fringe. They do not want them to get any attention, with the hope they will simply disappear and take their ideas of fairness with them. Mr. Cain and former speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich even came out with the statement that they were UN-American. UN-American? How more American can you be, then to demonstrate and denounce the unfair political system that we have. Our country was founded on dissent. the most sacred part of our Constitution is freedom of speech. When we exercise this freedom we are more American then the individual that shouts UN-American, because they disagree. So to Cain and Gingrich I say, you are the people that trample on the Constitution, each time you try and quell someones freedom of speech. I guess my question to them is why are the 99% people UN-American and the Tea Party is not. When they were demonstrating the Republicans were tripping over each other to be identified with them. If you truly love America and our freedoms, you will support these people that are starting a new movement. To all of them I say keep up the good work. Don't let the politicians and corporate interests pervert your movement. Keep it pure and simple. We want fairness and if the powers that be cannot comprehend that concept, then we have to replace them with people that will. I will keep writing and talking about all of you. This is how I will support you. To everyone else, use the mediums that are available and keep the message moving. This time is ours and together we will take back our country. Do not take Mr. Herman Cain lead though, and stay out of trouble. If we stand up, save our country, exercise our Constitutional rights and this brings trouble, so be it. After all, isn't America worth the trouble?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Vision!!
That is a simple one word title for this blog and yet the word means so much to people. I know most of my rants are against Conservatives, Republicans and Tea Party members, but the Democrats deserve some of my anger also. The word vision to me, is a way to lead and direct a country so the can have great accomplishments. America, our country, is floundering right now because their is no vision. Over the last forty years, anytime a leader started to look forward in their thinking they were wrestled right back into their malaise. The corporations and elite liked the status quo and were willing to go to great lengths to maintain it.
When I first started in banking, we had to have in place a short, mid-range and long term plan for growth and how we would accomplish each goal. It was called a business plan. In today's business culture there is no call for such plans. They are looking only at the next quarter, because their bonuses depend on only that. The country is being run in the same way. We are very short termed in our vision and thus our goals. Politicians are always looking at the next election cycle. They do not have a true, long term budget. They are not looking how we will compete against other nations in the economy of the world. We are and have been stuck in neutral, while the rest of the world, geared up and passed us by. We have to realize that we need to invest in education so we will have the best educated work force in the world and can compete. We need to invest in the latest technologies so we are moving several steps ahead of our competition. We have to invest in green technologies so we can escape the bonds that we are held in, by fossil fuels. We have to invest in modern, more efficient methods of moving around the country, such a high speed rail. We need to invest in jobs for the citizens of America so we can regain the lead we used to hold over the rest of the world.
I am not the type of person who walks around quoting scripture, but today on Joel Osteen's thought for the day, was the following from Proverbs 29:18, " Where there is no vision, people perish." and from me "Conversely, where there is vision, people thrive."
When I first started in banking, we had to have in place a short, mid-range and long term plan for growth and how we would accomplish each goal. It was called a business plan. In today's business culture there is no call for such plans. They are looking only at the next quarter, because their bonuses depend on only that. The country is being run in the same way. We are very short termed in our vision and thus our goals. Politicians are always looking at the next election cycle. They do not have a true, long term budget. They are not looking how we will compete against other nations in the economy of the world. We are and have been stuck in neutral, while the rest of the world, geared up and passed us by. We have to realize that we need to invest in education so we will have the best educated work force in the world and can compete. We need to invest in the latest technologies so we are moving several steps ahead of our competition. We have to invest in green technologies so we can escape the bonds that we are held in, by fossil fuels. We have to invest in modern, more efficient methods of moving around the country, such a high speed rail. We need to invest in jobs for the citizens of America so we can regain the lead we used to hold over the rest of the world.
I am not the type of person who walks around quoting scripture, but today on Joel Osteen's thought for the day, was the following from Proverbs 29:18, " Where there is no vision, people perish." and from me "Conversely, where there is vision, people thrive."
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Let's Keep Talking Liberal!
In reality, I despise labels that have been in vogue lately. Liberal, Progressive, Conservative, Socialist, Independent and any other labels that people try and place on each other. I think of Independent, for example, and wonder if I am brainwashed because I don't have an "Independent" affiliation. Now, anybody that knows me, realizes that I am quite free with my thought processes and will look at different points of view, and then I set about to explain to them the correct point of view. That is what I am going to do today. Yesterday I stated, and by the way this phrase is a quote from Eric Cantor in his high school yearbook, I want what I want and I want it now.
From my point of view, this is what I want and I believe most Americans want the same things. Universal health care, we need to take the insurance companies profits out of the equation. Investments in our education system, we are mortgaging our future, when we cut back on teaching our citizens. Political Campaign finance reform, allow only public money and limit how much they can spend on their campaigns, this will help to eliminate the corruption in our system. Flat income tax rates for all Americans and corporations, with no deductions or subsidies. CEO's of publicly traded corporations must have limits on the amount they can make per year. The stockholders, have to be able to vote directly on upper managements compensation. Workers get to share in the profits. If profits increase by 10% employees paychecks increase by 10% or more based on their performance. We will start now and move forward at an extremely fast pace to rebuild our infrastructure. This will add good paying jobs and put people back to work. We will move forward and connect our nation with the latest and best high speed rail system, and built connection hubs for people to move all around the country quickly and more efficiently. We will shift the trillions of dollars that the financial system stole from the American people and rebuild their 401k's and pay their mortgages down so nobody is underwater in their homes. We will renegotiate all trade agreements and if, there are any, that does not support the American workers and farmers, we will change them. We will not allow countries like China and Brazil to manipulate tariffs or currency.
This is the tip of the iceberg as to the demands that have to be brought forward to change our great nation back to a country that is really for the people. No longer can we support the unfair suppression by the top 1%. I agree with the 99% that is currently stationed on Wall Street. This can not be a nation, of the 1%, for the 1% and by the 1%. These are my ideas. You are welcome to comment and express you ideas also. Just remember what I said about the correct point of view.
From my point of view, this is what I want and I believe most Americans want the same things. Universal health care, we need to take the insurance companies profits out of the equation. Investments in our education system, we are mortgaging our future, when we cut back on teaching our citizens. Political Campaign finance reform, allow only public money and limit how much they can spend on their campaigns, this will help to eliminate the corruption in our system. Flat income tax rates for all Americans and corporations, with no deductions or subsidies. CEO's of publicly traded corporations must have limits on the amount they can make per year. The stockholders, have to be able to vote directly on upper managements compensation. Workers get to share in the profits. If profits increase by 10% employees paychecks increase by 10% or more based on their performance. We will start now and move forward at an extremely fast pace to rebuild our infrastructure. This will add good paying jobs and put people back to work. We will move forward and connect our nation with the latest and best high speed rail system, and built connection hubs for people to move all around the country quickly and more efficiently. We will shift the trillions of dollars that the financial system stole from the American people and rebuild their 401k's and pay their mortgages down so nobody is underwater in their homes. We will renegotiate all trade agreements and if, there are any, that does not support the American workers and farmers, we will change them. We will not allow countries like China and Brazil to manipulate tariffs or currency.
This is the tip of the iceberg as to the demands that have to be brought forward to change our great nation back to a country that is really for the people. No longer can we support the unfair suppression by the top 1%. I agree with the 99% that is currently stationed on Wall Street. This can not be a nation, of the 1%, for the 1% and by the 1%. These are my ideas. You are welcome to comment and express you ideas also. Just remember what I said about the correct point of view.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The Choice Is Crystal Clear. Liberals Need To Be Elected!
I have said it many times before. I am a LIBERAL and proud of it. Like the President, and believe me this is the only comparison I can make with our President, I have tried to be more Centrist, only to be knocked away as being too liberal. Guess what. The time has come to fight back and say alright then, I now want, what I want and I want it now. No more room for compromise. The choice is clear. Our only hope to survive as a nation is to support and elect liberals. These are the closest we can get to leaders that care about the middle class Americans.
Karl Rove. Yes that Karl Rove, the one that employed the dirty tricks on John Kerry and smeared his service to our country. The one that ran George Bush's re-election campaign. The one that Bush labeled with the nickname, "turd blossom". Why am I invoking Rove? He is behind the 250 million dollar fund raised to defeat President Obama. He has gathered that money, not by soliciting average citizens for a few hundred dollars at a time, but by hiring three billionaires, including the Koch Brothers. What are the wealthy so afraid of? They are starting to worry that the average American is fed up with the nonsense in politics and hope to get control of both houses in Congress and the White House. They will not only strip what little scraps of money they have left for us peasants, but they will push the social agenda extremely hard and start to take away our rights. If you are concerned about American liberties, you need to pick up your sword, literally, and join the battle. They will not stop until they have it all.
To those that want to blame Obama for all of our woes, you need to take a new look around you. I keep saying the choice is clear. The President sent a jobs bill to Congress and the Republicans have said the bill is, "dead on arrival." Within this bill is a program to start infrastructure building and repairs. Good paying jobs. Within this bill are proposals to send Federal money to states to save jobs for teachers, policemen, nurses, and firemen. Good paying jobs. Within this bill is a way to pay for it, so those that are concerned about the deficit, can get on board. The payment would come from people making the most money. To ensure that corporations and individuals that have enjoyed increases and pay a smaller percentage of taxes, then the average American does, can pay their fair share and move us forward. The Republicans have sent out a few bills that decrease regulations, so their wealthy buddies can continue to reap the rewards.
The Republican answer is to continue to lie to all of us about how we cannot afford to tax the job creators. My God are these corporations that sacrosanct to Conservatives that they give them the same aura as our religious leaders. God created the heavens and the earth, but Bank of America created the jobs! I don't know but I think the next time I go to the bank I should genuflect as I approach the teller line and light a candle in hopes that they will forgive me for my low balance and not make me pay a service charge to use my debit card. The choices are clear. Since they want to use religion to relay their agenda I will use it to make my point. You can either approach the Pearly Gates and realize that by working together we can all reach the promised land or you can support the Conservative Republican in which case we may all be spending an eternity in heat and sulphur. I know the choice for me is very clear.
Karl Rove. Yes that Karl Rove, the one that employed the dirty tricks on John Kerry and smeared his service to our country. The one that ran George Bush's re-election campaign. The one that Bush labeled with the nickname, "turd blossom". Why am I invoking Rove? He is behind the 250 million dollar fund raised to defeat President Obama. He has gathered that money, not by soliciting average citizens for a few hundred dollars at a time, but by hiring three billionaires, including the Koch Brothers. What are the wealthy so afraid of? They are starting to worry that the average American is fed up with the nonsense in politics and hope to get control of both houses in Congress and the White House. They will not only strip what little scraps of money they have left for us peasants, but they will push the social agenda extremely hard and start to take away our rights. If you are concerned about American liberties, you need to pick up your sword, literally, and join the battle. They will not stop until they have it all.
To those that want to blame Obama for all of our woes, you need to take a new look around you. I keep saying the choice is clear. The President sent a jobs bill to Congress and the Republicans have said the bill is, "dead on arrival." Within this bill is a program to start infrastructure building and repairs. Good paying jobs. Within this bill are proposals to send Federal money to states to save jobs for teachers, policemen, nurses, and firemen. Good paying jobs. Within this bill is a way to pay for it, so those that are concerned about the deficit, can get on board. The payment would come from people making the most money. To ensure that corporations and individuals that have enjoyed increases and pay a smaller percentage of taxes, then the average American does, can pay their fair share and move us forward. The Republicans have sent out a few bills that decrease regulations, so their wealthy buddies can continue to reap the rewards.
The Republican answer is to continue to lie to all of us about how we cannot afford to tax the job creators. My God are these corporations that sacrosanct to Conservatives that they give them the same aura as our religious leaders. God created the heavens and the earth, but Bank of America created the jobs! I don't know but I think the next time I go to the bank I should genuflect as I approach the teller line and light a candle in hopes that they will forgive me for my low balance and not make me pay a service charge to use my debit card. The choices are clear. Since they want to use religion to relay their agenda I will use it to make my point. You can either approach the Pearly Gates and realize that by working together we can all reach the promised land or you can support the Conservative Republican in which case we may all be spending an eternity in heat and sulphur. I know the choice for me is very clear.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Here We Go Again With The Hitler Comparison
What is it with the right in this country? Hank Williams Jr. is he latest jackass to compare our President with Adolf Hitler. Maybe the problem is that the Conservatives or Tea Party People have never read history, because I would hate to find out, they say these moronic phrases because they are racists. In case they missed history class, when they discussed World War II and the event that lead up to it, here is a quick primer.
Adolf Hitler was responsible for the deaths of over 51 million people. Read that number again, 51 million people died because of Hitler. There was that small thing called World War II. Remember the Holocaust, where millions of people were put to death, because of their heritage. There was the siege of Leningrad in Russia. Then there was the, "Blitzkrieg" as Hitler poured his Nazi troops into neighboring European countries.
We have forgotten the horror of what Hitler did and I have asked in the past that all references of Hitler to anyone, let alone, President Obama be disallowed. There is no comparisons of anyone to Hitler and to do so, mitigates the death and destruction that Hitler caused. Every time his name is mentioned it diminishes the memory of all the brave men and women that fought to stop Hitler and his Nazi thugs.
Hank Williams is lucky that our President is not Hitler, because is he were, not only would Mr. Williams loose his job, but he would surely loose his life. So the next time you are tempted to associate Hitler with any one, remember the reason that his name recalls such strong emotions. He was a demented, egomaniac who's sole purpose in life was world domination. He killed directly and indirectly over 51 million people and because of that there is no comparisons. Remember when you mother said, "If you don't have something nice to say about someone, just don't say anything at all." The people on the right and specifically Mr. Hank Williams Jr. just need to shut up.
Adolf Hitler was responsible for the deaths of over 51 million people. Read that number again, 51 million people died because of Hitler. There was that small thing called World War II. Remember the Holocaust, where millions of people were put to death, because of their heritage. There was the siege of Leningrad in Russia. Then there was the, "Blitzkrieg" as Hitler poured his Nazi troops into neighboring European countries.
We have forgotten the horror of what Hitler did and I have asked in the past that all references of Hitler to anyone, let alone, President Obama be disallowed. There is no comparisons of anyone to Hitler and to do so, mitigates the death and destruction that Hitler caused. Every time his name is mentioned it diminishes the memory of all the brave men and women that fought to stop Hitler and his Nazi thugs.
Hank Williams is lucky that our President is not Hitler, because is he were, not only would Mr. Williams loose his job, but he would surely loose his life. So the next time you are tempted to associate Hitler with any one, remember the reason that his name recalls such strong emotions. He was a demented, egomaniac who's sole purpose in life was world domination. He killed directly and indirectly over 51 million people and because of that there is no comparisons. Remember when you mother said, "If you don't have something nice to say about someone, just don't say anything at all." The people on the right and specifically Mr. Hank Williams Jr. just need to shut up.
Christie Will, Thankfully, Pass on Running!
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has announced that he will not throw his hat into the political abyss, also known as the Republican Primary. With Mitt Romney. Rick Perry, Herman Cain and an assortment of nut jobs, the field was already packed with enough distasteful personalities for the country to listen to. Mr. Christie, who has been known to shoot his mouth off without thinking, has spared us all the continuation of more political drama by making his announcement this afternoon. I will give him credit. He stated that he was not ready at this time. He also did not continue the absurdity that has surrounded the likes of Sarah Palin. Unlike Governor Christie, the one half term, former Governor of Alaska, continues to make noise that she is going to run for president. Understand this, Ms. Palin, if you have the will to seek the most powerful postion, after Donald Trump's ego, in the country, then say you are running. Use Mr. Christie as an example and just make a decision. Now that the Republican Party has risen off of its knees, while begging Christie to run, they can get back to the circus that was already in place. Where else but America can you find a field that includes, a George Bush clone. A former bussinessman who took companies apart, fired employees and sold it off to make a profit. A CEO of a pizza chain. A 21st century woman that states, women should be submissive to their husbands. A Texas Congressman that feels we should not assinate American citizens that are traitors, trying to kill Americans. A couple of guys that nobody knows. Finally a women that quits in the middle of her term, writes books, does commentary on FOX news and drives around the country in a bus, with the Constitution on the side. This is the Republican Party's answer. No Thanks I think I would rather go to the circus and hire a clown.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Where are the Civil Rights for Protesters?
The occupy Wall Street movement is starting to spread across the country and the arrests in New York are increasing. Over 700 protesters were arrested on Saturday in an attempt to suppress the rights of ordinary citizens. Also of note to me is that Chase Bank just contributed 4.6 million dollars to the New York City police department. Call me jaded, but does this smell of corruption? Once again the Wall Street Barons continue to walk away with trillions of our hard earned dollars and our, so called, leaders do nothing. Bank of America, the bank with the largest deposit base in the country, announced it will run around the new regulations and start charging five dollars a month to account holders for using a debit card. They have absolutely no shame at all. Having worked for them for 25 years, I am almost embarrassed to say so, I know their quest for money is insatiable. I also know the corporate speak of Bof A and all the other corrupt financial institutions is to blame the federal government regulations, instead of their greed for the increases. Again the cry goes out to explain, how can corporations that have swindled trillions of dollars, received trillions of dollars in bailout money and yet not one single CEO or other corrupt leader of these corporations has seen the inside of a prison cell and when we protest, their actions and the inaction of our leaders, they haul us to jail. I say us when referring to the protesters because they represent each on the millions of us that have seen our investments shrink, our home values plummet, our jobs dry up, more of us pushed below the poverty level, the middle class attacked and our standard of living being driven down. Stand up and fight back. Demand that justice be served. When I see the statue of Lady Justice and the blindfold over her eyes it has a new meaning now. The meaning has become the idea that justice is blind for the wealthy and corrupt, while justice for all of us is denied. When will freedom and the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness return to America?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
To my friend Jon R, Editor of SOG Oracle.
Thanks as aways for your comments. You always cut through the BS and get to the heart of the matter. The other part is that you and I see the world so much better then a lot of the other people around. To my other readers, do yourself a favor and read Jon's SOG Oracle. You can find a link at the end of my blog. You will not be disappointed. As stated above Jon gets right to the point and minces no words. He sometimes gives us a look at one of my favorite subjects, food. I always enjoy his sense of humor and I also identify with him. His wife, the Belle of Ballaste Point, like my own Pat, seems to have to suffer with his mulling over items as he reads the paper, watches the news or just stares off into the never world as he contemplates the idiots of the Republicans Party and Tea Baggers. His favorite term for the Florida governor is either Prick in Chief or Rick with a "P" Scott. If you want a laugh to go along with good commentary join me in following Jon. Once again to Jon thanks for following me and for your timely comments. John.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Response to Joe!
Thanks for reading and responding Joe. When I spoke of homophobic people I was talking about a large, vocal group that gets most of the media attention and then try to make permanent changes to our Constitution. I disagree with them, in that marriage, either a traditional one between a man and a woman or a same sex marriage is a legal point. I tend not to look at the religious aspect because, as you pointed out, the separation of church and state. What I feel is important is that a citizen's right is upheld at all times.
My problem with the drug testing revolves around the central issue of probable cause. I do not believe that the way to strengthen our rights is to shrink someone else's. In Florida the state is paying out more money for the tests, then they are saving from removing someone from the welfare rolls. I feel we need to educate and provide rehab for these people to permanently remove them. The addition of good paying jobs, would also go a long way in eliminating additional costs to hard working taxpayers.
Lastly the abortion issue is extremely complex. Once again I am concerned that a small group of zealots are trying to change our Constitution for their views. I agree with you, that science, the doctor and the women involved should be the people that decide about abortion. I wish we would do a better job at educating our young people about pregnancies and advise them on all forms of contraception, including abstaining. I hope that I have answered some of the questions or points that you rose. My philosophy is not to always change minds, but have a civil and educational discussion about issues. Again to Joe, "Thank You" for your input and I hope to hear from you again soon.
My problem with the drug testing revolves around the central issue of probable cause. I do not believe that the way to strengthen our rights is to shrink someone else's. In Florida the state is paying out more money for the tests, then they are saving from removing someone from the welfare rolls. I feel we need to educate and provide rehab for these people to permanently remove them. The addition of good paying jobs, would also go a long way in eliminating additional costs to hard working taxpayers.
Lastly the abortion issue is extremely complex. Once again I am concerned that a small group of zealots are trying to change our Constitution for their views. I agree with you, that science, the doctor and the women involved should be the people that decide about abortion. I wish we would do a better job at educating our young people about pregnancies and advise them on all forms of contraception, including abstaining. I hope that I have answered some of the questions or points that you rose. My philosophy is not to always change minds, but have a civil and educational discussion about issues. Again to Joe, "Thank You" for your input and I hope to hear from you again soon.
Occupy WallStreet, Is This The Beginning?
I completely admire the people that have taken over WallStreet in New York City and hope this spreads to other areas of the country. We should all be ready to support and back our fellow Americans in any way. They are taking the fight to the very people that have destroyed our economy and way of life. The financial barons that reside in their money lairs along Wall Street are going to face a reckoning soon. Remember in Egypt there was a small outcry, that continued to grow. Soon other countries throughout the Middle East were coming to grips with the hard lesson that when you take away people's hope, they will rise up, to take it back. Michael Moore raised the question, why are the people that are responsible for trillions of dollars being lost or stolen, not in jail, and yet the demonstrators who are fed up with this, are arrested for talking about it? What a country!
Think about the sadness in a country, when one small group of greedy, lawless people can take retirement funds and destroy them. They strip hard working people of the value in their homes, that was being relied upon for retirement. They take lives and hope and throw them from the skyscrapers in New York and sit back with the self-satisfaction, they will get away with it all. To this point they have. That may change and if the American people have a voice they should raise it loud and clear, "The Wall Street Barons must go!" What a country!
If it was not so sad it would be funny, but I read that Reebok has to pay $25 million dollars for falsely advertising their shoes, would shape your legs and firm up your butt. They have to pay for not fixing asses and the asses that destroyed our great nation's economy, do not have to pay anything. What a country!
Think about the sadness in a country, when one small group of greedy, lawless people can take retirement funds and destroy them. They strip hard working people of the value in their homes, that was being relied upon for retirement. They take lives and hope and throw them from the skyscrapers in New York and sit back with the self-satisfaction, they will get away with it all. To this point they have. That may change and if the American people have a voice they should raise it loud and clear, "The Wall Street Barons must go!" What a country!
If it was not so sad it would be funny, but I read that Reebok has to pay $25 million dollars for falsely advertising their shoes, would shape your legs and firm up your butt. They have to pay for not fixing asses and the asses that destroyed our great nation's economy, do not have to pay anything. What a country!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Why Do We Have To Protect The Constitution?
The people that say they want the Constitution protected are the ones that are attacking it so hard. I stated the other day, the Constitution is not needed to protect the majority it is needed to protect the minority. People are homophobes, with their wanting to Constitutionally ban same sex marriage. What are the so afraid of. I have been married to a wonderful woman, Pat, for 35 years and if some people, who are of the same sex, want to get married and have legal rights, great. Why would I care? Does that diminish my marriage? Not in the least. We do not need a constitutional amendment to ban this, we just need people to understand that our Constitution, guarantees them the same rights as everyone else.
We want to drug test a group of people because they need government support, either in food stamps or money. Why, because they do not meet our expectations and have enough money to support themselves? Let's throw away the idea innocent until proven guilty. Drug test them all and the few that fail the test, throw them off welfare. Again what about the Constitution protecting these people.
The last group that has drawn my attention is, Personhood, USA. This group of self righteous fools is pushing the idea that a fetus is a person at the time of fertilization. No concept that the child could not survive outside of the mothers womb, just they are a person at fertilization. Think about this carefully. They have or are attempting to get this on the ballot in all fifty states. Mississippi voters are going to have this on the primary ballot next year. One of the side thoughts is this could also make birth control pills illegal. Pills sometimes prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the womb. So not only are they stopping a women's rights to choice, they are also stopping a women's rights to use the pill. One of my first thoughts are what are we going to do with all of the unwanted children. I understand that in a perfect world we would not have to use abortion for birth control. One way to reduce abortions is, not, by eliminating the pill.
What do these issues have in common? They are all assaults on the rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. They are all rights, that people who say they support the Constitution, want government to be smaller and have less influence in our daily lives, support taking away. In their minds the Constitution is only good if it fits their opinion. When it doesn't then we should change it. The Constitution is only as great as the people defending it. We all need to start being great and stop the narrow minded attacks on our country and our rights.
We want to drug test a group of people because they need government support, either in food stamps or money. Why, because they do not meet our expectations and have enough money to support themselves? Let's throw away the idea innocent until proven guilty. Drug test them all and the few that fail the test, throw them off welfare. Again what about the Constitution protecting these people.
The last group that has drawn my attention is, Personhood, USA. This group of self righteous fools is pushing the idea that a fetus is a person at the time of fertilization. No concept that the child could not survive outside of the mothers womb, just they are a person at fertilization. Think about this carefully. They have or are attempting to get this on the ballot in all fifty states. Mississippi voters are going to have this on the primary ballot next year. One of the side thoughts is this could also make birth control pills illegal. Pills sometimes prevent the fertilized egg from implanting in the womb. So not only are they stopping a women's rights to choice, they are also stopping a women's rights to use the pill. One of my first thoughts are what are we going to do with all of the unwanted children. I understand that in a perfect world we would not have to use abortion for birth control. One way to reduce abortions is, not, by eliminating the pill.
What do these issues have in common? They are all assaults on the rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. They are all rights, that people who say they support the Constitution, want government to be smaller and have less influence in our daily lives, support taking away. In their minds the Constitution is only good if it fits their opinion. When it doesn't then we should change it. The Constitution is only as great as the people defending it. We all need to start being great and stop the narrow minded attacks on our country and our rights.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
The Last Bigot Out Turn Off The Lights!
Are the bigots in this country for real? My only thought is that if freedom, for everyone is not to your liking, "Get the hell out!" That goes for all of the bigots, who believe that Islam is a religion of hate. The intolerant people that believe our President was only elected because he was black, or resent the fact that a black man was ever elected in the first place. The uncaring people that are under the false assumption that all unemployed persons or poor people are drug addicts or alcoholics. The uneducated, that feel letting someone die outside a hospital because they cannot pay for treatment. The thugs that harbor the belief that we should applaud when a governor sticks out his chest and proudly announces, "How I sleep like a baby", when talking about putting someone to death. Lastly, one of the most embarrassing moments in American history, when cowards, at a Republican debate, sit in anonymity, and boo one of our own soldiers for being gay.
The last one I would like to take an extra moment to address. The idea that a soldier who is sitting in harms way or any part of our military is booed because of their sexuality is moronic. I wish they could identify the people that reacted this way. I wonder if they would feel proud if we all knew who they were. Better yet why don't all the people that booed and anyone who supports them, grab a rifle and uniform and stand guard in some faraway post. Our vialant soldiers, straight or gay, are willing to provide you the freedom to boo them, while you sit in your homes fully protected. During and after Vietnam, many of our military people were harassed by the public, when all they did was serve. This is no different. DADT is gone and I am glad that we stopped taking someones rights away. What makes America great is not how we protect the majority of our people, but how we protect the minorities. So to all of the bigots, and you know who you are, "America, love it or leave it" and when it comes to bigots I wish you all would leave it.
The last one I would like to take an extra moment to address. The idea that a soldier who is sitting in harms way or any part of our military is booed because of their sexuality is moronic. I wish they could identify the people that reacted this way. I wonder if they would feel proud if we all knew who they were. Better yet why don't all the people that booed and anyone who supports them, grab a rifle and uniform and stand guard in some faraway post. Our vialant soldiers, straight or gay, are willing to provide you the freedom to boo them, while you sit in your homes fully protected. During and after Vietnam, many of our military people were harassed by the public, when all they did was serve. This is no different. DADT is gone and I am glad that we stopped taking someones rights away. What makes America great is not how we protect the majority of our people, but how we protect the minorities. So to all of the bigots, and you know who you are, "America, love it or leave it" and when it comes to bigots I wish you all would leave it.
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