Just a week ago Republican candidate, Rick Santorum left his campaign and did what any parent would do, be there with his daughter. Santorum's daughter Bella, was hospitalized and I am not sure what the reason was. This is a private matter for the family. The reason I bring this up is when I heard the report, I quickly said a prayer for little, Bella and the Santorum family. This is not a political response, it is the response that all parents have when they hear about a child suffering. We all care about each other, but care even more deeply when a child is involved.
Yesterday I was shocked to hear Santorum's response to a woman at one of his rallies. This lady was sharing the fact that her child is going through treatments for cancer and while the child has receiving chemo, she listened to the mothers of other children and heard about the struggles they were going through to pay for the life giving treatments. Mr. Santorum had a smirk cross his face and then gave a very heartfelt , at least from his standpoint, answer. He stated that it is wrong to have the drug companies have to sell their products at a loss. He went into a discussion about the idea that a company should be able to expect a good profit and return for their money. He pointed out that the companies spend money to develop and make a drug and should see a profit. Seriously, your response to a child dying is to lecture on the need for profits. I understand that the viability of the drug companies are what drives them investing in newer and life saving drugs, but that is also the problem. These companies receive federal funds to make the drugs. They then, after using some of our money to develop the drug, turn around and charge enough money to have huge profits for them. They even sell the same drugs to patients in other countries at a smaller price then we can get here in America.
I am not writing today about the profits of drug companies, I am writing about the callous far right and Rick Santorum. He has run his campaign proclaiming to be the family, Christian values, Republican. Where did Christ talk about, letting people die, so profits for the rich and companies would go up. This must have been another sermon I missed! Where are your Christian values, Mr. Santorum? I would like you to think about one thing. Imagine how you would feel if you had to look at your wife and little Bella and say, "I am sorry but the money is not there to save you." How would you feel? Can you even begin to have that thought in your mind? Could you sit there and know your daughter would die, because it is not fair to the drug companies and their profits? I sincerely hope that you never have to face that for your precious, Bella, but I would also hope that you would work to make sure that no parents had to face their child and deal with them dying because of profits. Everyday in this country, parents and families loose small helpless children because, the health care companies and the drug companies care more about profits then lives. I think it is about time that the hypocritical right wing Christians start to actually live by the standards that Jesus set and start to help the average citizen to deal with these issues. Otherwise Mr. Santorum, I suggest you get a transplant and hopefully get a heart that actually cares.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Bigotry Is Subtle, But Very Much Alive.
Have you noticed the growing number of, what I would call, subtle bigotry, in our country? If you haven't I invite you to look over comments on face book and all other social media sites, that invite comments. It is not just sickening, it is scary. I am not talking about only race comments, I am talking about the prejudiced remarks aimed at religious groups, gays and any other none white, male, Christian group. This is not to say, there is not plenty of blatant bigoted remarks and statements, it is just that the subtle ones, seem to not only say the remarks, but then they become defensive when someone calls them on it.
One of the people I have on face book, not only derided all Muslims, but she then went on to say what have Muslims contributed to anybody, and according to her , nothing. She repeatedly slams all groups that are different then her and makes racial charged statements and does not understand that this is poisonous and dividing.
Newt Gingrich, referring to blacks, not having working role models in their communities and calling our President the, "food stamp President". This is racism. When our political leaders take the road of race, then everyday people feel it is alright to make statements that incorrectly paint a race or religion or nationality in the wrong light.
Before everyone thinks I am overly sensitive, forget it. People that know me are well aware that it takes a high level of tastelessness to offend me, but I do not say or do things that would belittle a group of people. Hey, I am part Irish and love some of the jokes about us loving to drink. Beside I do like to knock a few back on occasions, such as when a new day arrives. My problem is when people are just totally dismissive of an entire group because they are ignorant of the facts.
People of all backgrounds, really want the same things. They want peace and the ability to live their lives without fear and retribution from someone else that disagrees with them. They want their children and families to be educated and have economic opportunities. They want to have their basic needs met and are willing to work for them and to put in additional work to have more. They want, and wait for this word. FAIRNESS. They do not want hand outs they want a fair system and the chance to make their lives better.
So whether you are a business person in New York City, or a farmer on a rocky patch of ground in Afghanistan or a teacher in Israel or a miner in South Africa we are all human beings and are looking to just live our lives. Why do we have to try and destroy each other? It just doesn't make sense.
One of the people I have on face book, not only derided all Muslims, but she then went on to say what have Muslims contributed to anybody, and according to her , nothing. She repeatedly slams all groups that are different then her and makes racial charged statements and does not understand that this is poisonous and dividing.
Newt Gingrich, referring to blacks, not having working role models in their communities and calling our President the, "food stamp President". This is racism. When our political leaders take the road of race, then everyday people feel it is alright to make statements that incorrectly paint a race or religion or nationality in the wrong light.
Before everyone thinks I am overly sensitive, forget it. People that know me are well aware that it takes a high level of tastelessness to offend me, but I do not say or do things that would belittle a group of people. Hey, I am part Irish and love some of the jokes about us loving to drink. Beside I do like to knock a few back on occasions, such as when a new day arrives. My problem is when people are just totally dismissive of an entire group because they are ignorant of the facts.
People of all backgrounds, really want the same things. They want peace and the ability to live their lives without fear and retribution from someone else that disagrees with them. They want their children and families to be educated and have economic opportunities. They want to have their basic needs met and are willing to work for them and to put in additional work to have more. They want, and wait for this word. FAIRNESS. They do not want hand outs they want a fair system and the chance to make their lives better.
So whether you are a business person in New York City, or a farmer on a rocky patch of ground in Afghanistan or a teacher in Israel or a miner in South Africa we are all human beings and are looking to just live our lives. Why do we have to try and destroy each other? It just doesn't make sense.
Response to Danny Concerning Ron Paul.
This is a follow up to my favorite Ron Paul supporter and friend Danny. I agree to a certain point that the Federal Reserve System is broken and in need of an overhaul. The government should have the ability to borrow, but I believe this should be done on a very narrow basis. Congress is the spending machine of our country and as such they have to conform to a balanced approach to spending. This is accomplished in numerous ways. They have to recognize that spending or borrowing should be more on an investment basis instead of the free way it is handled today. In investing we should look at areas such as education, infrastructure and new technology. When we do investments we will see returns of increased revenue to pay off any loans. They should be for short term and major projects, but also short term. I agree that the prospect of borrowing for expansionist wars should not be allowed. The borrowing for a war, when America is directly attacked, would be necessary, unless we built a surplus, similar to households having savings accounts to meet unexpected emergencies. One of the items I so strongly disagreed with President Bush on was him giving people a tax cut and the rebates when we had a surplus. Then he started two wars, without the funds to pay for them.
The other area that I disagree with the Federal Reserves policy is the abundance of cheap funds for the banks. When I first started with Barnett Bank almost thirty years ago, the banks generated money to lend, by attracting depositors. They paid a decent rate for savings accounts and CD's to raise funds. They then set a margin for loans. That difference between what they paid and what they lent the money at was their profits. Now they basically get free money from the Feds. They pay nothing on savings accounts and instead of lending the money, they make risky investments to boost their profits. They also garner fee income by squeezing their clients, charging for every service they can get away with. Banks also have the freedom to make risky loans because they are guaranteed by the Federal Government and agencies such as Freddie Mac. Would I be opposed to significant changes to the federal reserve system? Absolutely not. I believe the changes are necessary and long overdue. Could this be accomplished without eliminating the entire system? Yes, but if the changes are not made, over a period of time, we would have to eliminate the entire federal monetary system.
I am not so sure how a direct referendum by the people would work, if this is what you are suggesting. People tend to not support a tax unless they are directly affected. Their are needs for our society that should be met by all, for the good of all. Health care being a good example, of what is needed but yet opposed because people fear the change. I do not believe that all taxes are evil or unnecessary. We need a fair tax system to meet the general public needs and generate the necessary revenue.
Lastly, I have stated to many people over the years, there is more that we could agree upon, then disagree with, if people would place their pre-conceived ideas to the side and have a direct dialog on solutions and direction of our country. We all love America and want it to succeed and grow. Right now we are allowing partisanship politics to divide us. We need to unite and move forward.
The other area that I disagree with the Federal Reserves policy is the abundance of cheap funds for the banks. When I first started with Barnett Bank almost thirty years ago, the banks generated money to lend, by attracting depositors. They paid a decent rate for savings accounts and CD's to raise funds. They then set a margin for loans. That difference between what they paid and what they lent the money at was their profits. Now they basically get free money from the Feds. They pay nothing on savings accounts and instead of lending the money, they make risky investments to boost their profits. They also garner fee income by squeezing their clients, charging for every service they can get away with. Banks also have the freedom to make risky loans because they are guaranteed by the Federal Government and agencies such as Freddie Mac. Would I be opposed to significant changes to the federal reserve system? Absolutely not. I believe the changes are necessary and long overdue. Could this be accomplished without eliminating the entire system? Yes, but if the changes are not made, over a period of time, we would have to eliminate the entire federal monetary system.
I am not so sure how a direct referendum by the people would work, if this is what you are suggesting. People tend to not support a tax unless they are directly affected. Their are needs for our society that should be met by all, for the good of all. Health care being a good example, of what is needed but yet opposed because people fear the change. I do not believe that all taxes are evil or unnecessary. We need a fair tax system to meet the general public needs and generate the necessary revenue.
Lastly, I have stated to many people over the years, there is more that we could agree upon, then disagree with, if people would place their pre-conceived ideas to the side and have a direct dialog on solutions and direction of our country. We all love America and want it to succeed and grow. Right now we are allowing partisanship politics to divide us. We need to unite and move forward.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Rick Santorum, You Need Something Called Backbone!
The other day an elderly lady stood up at a Rick Santorum rally and denounced the President of The United States. She stated that she calls him Obama and not President because he is not her president and he is not legal to be President. She also said he was a Muslim. If he is Muslim, which he is not, that is not an issue, because remember that little thing called the Constitution, it talks about separation of church and state. We do not discriminate on the basis of religious beliefs. Do we?
The main issues for me are several things on these statements. First to this woman, like it or not President Obama was elected by the majority of citizens in the United States. He is YOUR and MY president. There is a simple premise in this country and that is majority rules. To you, if you are not willing to accept that, we do things in this way here, feel free to establish residency in some other country that dictates who their leaders are. Please we have plenty of bigots here and loosing a few would not bother the majority of us, that believe in fair elections and upholding those results.
Secondly to Senator Rick Santorum, become an adult. You talk about your Christian values and uphold them, by speaking out on the subject of Christianity. You are obligated to support the President. I endured eight years of President Bush. I did not vote for him either time, but he was my President as well as the President of all Americans. You are running to become the President of every American citizen, not just the ones from your party. Not just the ones that vote for you. Not just for the ones that think exactly like you do. ALL AMERICANS and I for one can never vote for someone that does not support and defend our Constitutionally elected officials. Mr. Santorum, you had a chance to rise above the deep political discourse that separates our great nation and yet you were to much of a coward to address it. You have tried to defend your position and this makes you look weaker still. My advice to you is to take the easy way out and leave the race. We need leaders that will stand for the truth, not weak, spineless suits.
The main issues for me are several things on these statements. First to this woman, like it or not President Obama was elected by the majority of citizens in the United States. He is YOUR and MY president. There is a simple premise in this country and that is majority rules. To you, if you are not willing to accept that, we do things in this way here, feel free to establish residency in some other country that dictates who their leaders are. Please we have plenty of bigots here and loosing a few would not bother the majority of us, that believe in fair elections and upholding those results.
Secondly to Senator Rick Santorum, become an adult. You talk about your Christian values and uphold them, by speaking out on the subject of Christianity. You are obligated to support the President. I endured eight years of President Bush. I did not vote for him either time, but he was my President as well as the President of all Americans. You are running to become the President of every American citizen, not just the ones from your party. Not just the ones that vote for you. Not just for the ones that think exactly like you do. ALL AMERICANS and I for one can never vote for someone that does not support and defend our Constitutionally elected officials. Mr. Santorum, you had a chance to rise above the deep political discourse that separates our great nation and yet you were to much of a coward to address it. You have tried to defend your position and this makes you look weaker still. My advice to you is to take the easy way out and leave the race. We need leaders that will stand for the truth, not weak, spineless suits.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The "G" I Want To Talk About Is Giffords Not Gingrich.
In the world of politics, there are people that inspire and those who take away hope. Gabrille Giffords has and, will, continue to inspire, while Newt Gingrich will continue his racially charged, insensitive and dividing remarks.
Yesterday, Congress Woman Gabrille Giffords of Arizona, announced that she is stepping down. She spoke courageously and haltingly when she made the address. Ms. Giffords exemplifies all that is right in politics. She has stood as an example of courage and strength over the last year, since a deranged gunman took many lives and changed a great many more. Her grace and determination has lifted and inspired, even the most jaded among us, regarding our politicians. I wish her the best, while she continues down the long, perilous road to greater recovery.
On the other hand we have the poisonous rhetoric of, former speaker, Newt Gingrich. He has attacked the poor, blacks, elderly, disadvantaged, working class and just about any group of Americans that do not fit into his elitist society. Gingrich won the Republican primary in South Carolina this weekend, so now we will be bombarded with his vitriolic statements over the next several days, here in Florida. What joy. Gingrich has reverted to his cry baby fashion, that he made famous during his shut down of the federal government when he was speaker. He attacked President Clinton for his morals and yet he was engaged in his own dalliances. Newt whined about not getting a prime seat on Air Force One and then proceeded to oppose any legislature that was supported by the Democrats. He whines about the media when they point out his weaknesses and yet he would gladly support the media if they went after his opponents. I would like to see more discussion about his ethics violations, instead of his multiple affairs, but Mr. Gingrich if you want to be a grown up, start acting like one. Tell the truth about your lobbying and work for Freddy Mac. Face the facts about your ethics. Stand up, like a man, and accept the responsibility of your actions in your personal life, as well as your professional life. Most of all be an adult and stop crying and lashing out at the media for reporting your bad choices.
When I look at these two stories, it is stunningly clear. Gabrille Giffords is the shinning example of an adult and leader, while Newt Gingrich is an example of the petulant child, that actually needs a spanking. What type of person do you want leading us?
Yesterday, Congress Woman Gabrille Giffords of Arizona, announced that she is stepping down. She spoke courageously and haltingly when she made the address. Ms. Giffords exemplifies all that is right in politics. She has stood as an example of courage and strength over the last year, since a deranged gunman took many lives and changed a great many more. Her grace and determination has lifted and inspired, even the most jaded among us, regarding our politicians. I wish her the best, while she continues down the long, perilous road to greater recovery.
On the other hand we have the poisonous rhetoric of, former speaker, Newt Gingrich. He has attacked the poor, blacks, elderly, disadvantaged, working class and just about any group of Americans that do not fit into his elitist society. Gingrich won the Republican primary in South Carolina this weekend, so now we will be bombarded with his vitriolic statements over the next several days, here in Florida. What joy. Gingrich has reverted to his cry baby fashion, that he made famous during his shut down of the federal government when he was speaker. He attacked President Clinton for his morals and yet he was engaged in his own dalliances. Newt whined about not getting a prime seat on Air Force One and then proceeded to oppose any legislature that was supported by the Democrats. He whines about the media when they point out his weaknesses and yet he would gladly support the media if they went after his opponents. I would like to see more discussion about his ethics violations, instead of his multiple affairs, but Mr. Gingrich if you want to be a grown up, start acting like one. Tell the truth about your lobbying and work for Freddy Mac. Face the facts about your ethics. Stand up, like a man, and accept the responsibility of your actions in your personal life, as well as your professional life. Most of all be an adult and stop crying and lashing out at the media for reporting your bad choices.
When I look at these two stories, it is stunningly clear. Gabrille Giffords is the shinning example of an adult and leader, while Newt Gingrich is an example of the petulant child, that actually needs a spanking. What type of person do you want leading us?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
How The New American Right Campaigns, Lies!
It seems that in today's world of instant news, blogs and Internet social sights if you don't like someone or their view, take the easy way and lie. One of the people I am friends with on face book, has an ongoing hatred of President Obama, liberals, progressives, Democrats and anything to do with the left. I am asked why I continue to see what her and others like her post and the answer is simple. How do you fight against fabrications if you do not know they exist? I have answered her back on face book at various times but now I need to expand the audience to expose how people are duped into moving lies, further along the information highway.
Recently, she posted an article under the heading of, "Bombshell allegation against Obama, murder, addiction and atheism. It was published by Examiner.com and the author was Anthony G. Martin. Mr. Martin states in his bi-line that he was a foot soldier in the election of Ronald Reagan. According to his bio, he was a local community activist only. I will concede that this could be construed as a foot soldier and leave it at that. I went on to read additional information about Martin and his views and research into the above article. It seems Martin also allegedly, writes under the name of Ulsterman and this is the source of his inside information for the trash he writes about our President. That would be the equivalent of me using the name Dublinman and saying my source, Dublinman stated that George Bush had a gay affair, while stealing billions from the Federal Reserve, while killing General George Patton and blowing up a Catholic church. Really, this is the best they can do? Martin has also posted on U-Tube a video of himself stating, how misinformed we are about Joe McCarthy and how misunderstood he was. He seems to push to resurrect the investigation into the , "Marxist, Communist, Socialist, Maoist administration under Barrack Obama." I hope he didn't leave out any "ists" in this list, because I am sure they are also on the inside looking for ways to subvert America.
Pure and simple this guy's views represent the real danger to our country. He is a radical, extremist that will lie to anyone willing to listen to him.
The Webster dictionary definition of a lie is; a statement made by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive. That is what Mr. Martin does, he lies in order to deceive. He preys on the uninformed and depends on them to pass the lies on until people start thinking, it must be true because I have heard this before. A lie is a lie no matter how many times it is repeated. Saying it does NOT make it true and the weak minded people on social networks need to get the facts before they repeat lies. I do not want to hear that you do not have the time to research the facts. I spent less then an hour and was able to ascertain the facts. People repeat lies and re-post lies because they like what they heard or read. What I ask of them to do is think for one minute, how they would feel if someone, made up or repeated lies about them or their friends or family? Just because we disagree politically with someone it does not give us the rights to make up statements and pass it off as the truth.
It is time, and I have written this before, for us to tell the truth in all of our dealings. Our political system is rife with half-truths (I am not sure there is such a thing) and just outright lies. Is this the way to elect our officials or would telling the truth work better? I am asking people to stop re-posting lies. Stop embarrassing yourself. Trust me when I say this, when I see someone that is willing to post this garbage, I certainly question their morals, their integrity and their intelligence.
Recently, she posted an article under the heading of, "Bombshell allegation against Obama, murder, addiction and atheism. It was published by Examiner.com and the author was Anthony G. Martin. Mr. Martin states in his bi-line that he was a foot soldier in the election of Ronald Reagan. According to his bio, he was a local community activist only. I will concede that this could be construed as a foot soldier and leave it at that. I went on to read additional information about Martin and his views and research into the above article. It seems Martin also allegedly, writes under the name of Ulsterman and this is the source of his inside information for the trash he writes about our President. That would be the equivalent of me using the name Dublinman and saying my source, Dublinman stated that George Bush had a gay affair, while stealing billions from the Federal Reserve, while killing General George Patton and blowing up a Catholic church. Really, this is the best they can do? Martin has also posted on U-Tube a video of himself stating, how misinformed we are about Joe McCarthy and how misunderstood he was. He seems to push to resurrect the investigation into the , "Marxist, Communist, Socialist, Maoist administration under Barrack Obama." I hope he didn't leave out any "ists" in this list, because I am sure they are also on the inside looking for ways to subvert America.
Pure and simple this guy's views represent the real danger to our country. He is a radical, extremist that will lie to anyone willing to listen to him.
The Webster dictionary definition of a lie is; a statement made by its maker to be untrue and made in order to deceive. That is what Mr. Martin does, he lies in order to deceive. He preys on the uninformed and depends on them to pass the lies on until people start thinking, it must be true because I have heard this before. A lie is a lie no matter how many times it is repeated. Saying it does NOT make it true and the weak minded people on social networks need to get the facts before they repeat lies. I do not want to hear that you do not have the time to research the facts. I spent less then an hour and was able to ascertain the facts. People repeat lies and re-post lies because they like what they heard or read. What I ask of them to do is think for one minute, how they would feel if someone, made up or repeated lies about them or their friends or family? Just because we disagree politically with someone it does not give us the rights to make up statements and pass it off as the truth.
It is time, and I have written this before, for us to tell the truth in all of our dealings. Our political system is rife with half-truths (I am not sure there is such a thing) and just outright lies. Is this the way to elect our officials or would telling the truth work better? I am asking people to stop re-posting lies. Stop embarrassing yourself. Trust me when I say this, when I see someone that is willing to post this garbage, I certainly question their morals, their integrity and their intelligence.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Running Off At The Political Mouth!
Here we go, my famous running off at the mouth post.
I have yet to hear the term, "working poor", used by the pool of Republican candidates. Are they trying to pretend they don't exist. They do!
Newt Gingrich is running his mouth and coming very close to sounding like a racist. Wait one minute, I do believe he is. Either that or very stupid. I'll take both.
I'll bet Mitt Romney $10,000, that he has never worried if he had enough money to cover this months rent or mortgage payment. Take that silver spoon out of your mouth Mitt and answer questions, with truth.
Rick Santorum wants to eliminate contraception. He said, we need to procreate more. Let me think about this. Our planet's resources are being stretched to it's limits. The food and water supplies are shrinking. In America we have more people then ever in poverty. Santorum's solution is to add more people into the mix. Am I missing something here?
Republicans at the debate last night cheered Newt, quite vigorously when he stated Barrack Obama is the food stamp President. He is right. More people then ever have to resort to food stamps to feed their children. The part Newt and the Republicans don't talk, and want to talk about is, the Republican party was in charge of the White House when the economy tanked and made people have to depend on food stamps.
Ron Paul, who I thought had a handle on some foreign affairs, was critical of Bin Laden being killed. A bullet through the brain was the least we could do for Bin Laden and Paul is way off base on this one. When he goes down these mysterious paths, he completely turns people, except for his passionate followers, off.
Rick Perry is now the Republican authority on members of the military urinating on bodies. It may happen Rick, but the stupidity of recording it and sharing it, is more then most Americans want to know.
Just my humble opinion, no I am not humble about my opinion, but I think it is time that our leaders, and that includes the people left in the Republican race, start to focus on solutions instead of focusing on blame. We know the blame belongs to the leaders for the last forty years. There, done now get on with solving problems.
Congress is back in session today. The way this Congress has put out legislation, I didn't even realize they were gone.
Lastly, I would like to wish our first lady, Michelle Obama, a happy birthday. Thank you for doing the job of first lady with a great deal of grace and honor.
I have yet to hear the term, "working poor", used by the pool of Republican candidates. Are they trying to pretend they don't exist. They do!
Newt Gingrich is running his mouth and coming very close to sounding like a racist. Wait one minute, I do believe he is. Either that or very stupid. I'll take both.
I'll bet Mitt Romney $10,000, that he has never worried if he had enough money to cover this months rent or mortgage payment. Take that silver spoon out of your mouth Mitt and answer questions, with truth.
Rick Santorum wants to eliminate contraception. He said, we need to procreate more. Let me think about this. Our planet's resources are being stretched to it's limits. The food and water supplies are shrinking. In America we have more people then ever in poverty. Santorum's solution is to add more people into the mix. Am I missing something here?
Republicans at the debate last night cheered Newt, quite vigorously when he stated Barrack Obama is the food stamp President. He is right. More people then ever have to resort to food stamps to feed their children. The part Newt and the Republicans don't talk, and want to talk about is, the Republican party was in charge of the White House when the economy tanked and made people have to depend on food stamps.
Ron Paul, who I thought had a handle on some foreign affairs, was critical of Bin Laden being killed. A bullet through the brain was the least we could do for Bin Laden and Paul is way off base on this one. When he goes down these mysterious paths, he completely turns people, except for his passionate followers, off.
Rick Perry is now the Republican authority on members of the military urinating on bodies. It may happen Rick, but the stupidity of recording it and sharing it, is more then most Americans want to know.
Just my humble opinion, no I am not humble about my opinion, but I think it is time that our leaders, and that includes the people left in the Republican race, start to focus on solutions instead of focusing on blame. We know the blame belongs to the leaders for the last forty years. There, done now get on with solving problems.
Congress is back in session today. The way this Congress has put out legislation, I didn't even realize they were gone.
Lastly, I would like to wish our first lady, Michelle Obama, a happy birthday. Thank you for doing the job of first lady with a great deal of grace and honor.
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