It's now February 25th, 2009, and Barack Obama has been in office for a little over a month.
Oh, shock and awe - he hasn't yet turned around the entire economic failure that our recently defunct president put us in over an 8 year stint in office... I'm amazed. I truly am! I mean, it's so obvious that *anyone* could turn around the current situation within 30 days or less. It's so easy, right? Oh my God! And Goddess! How dare President Obama NOT fulfill every single promise that he made during his campaign, and his presidential speech, within a month. It's absolutely unthinkable! It's ridiculous...
Unless, of course, you consider the amount of money we currently have on the debit side of the ledger... and you consider that it's not *JUST* Obama making the laws here - he suggests them, he can even push for them, and yes, his signature is on the bottom of them - but they do have to be put through an entire panel of congress - BOTH PARTIES, mind you, and have a majority pass in order for it to reach him again... Oh, and most times, in order to do that, the original idea gets moved around, changed, tweaked and otherwise twisted to fit the majority of those within congress so that the law will pass...
Oh, and let's not forget that Obama never ONCE said that he was a miracle worker. He never ONCE said that he was going to be able to do all of this within a month's time and after that the US would come up smelling of roses and sunshine, and everyone would have tons of money sprouting out their ass. Not once.
Let's also not forget, for all of those who sit there, smug as can be about there not yet being a change, that for all of your fears and all of your pissiness, he's still your president. Why? Because until you move out of the US and give up your citizenship, you're a member of the US - and he's the current leader of it. Like it or lump it. I may have been absolutely disgusted with the last president and his parties policies and choices, and I certainly didn't vote for him - but as ashamed as I was to admit that he was, he was still my president.
The current cabinet positions that are empty may stay that way for a while. Why? Because it's a make-or-break opportunity, and a 50/50 chance at getting it done. As for those within his party whom, I have heard, have not yet paid their taxes from last year - I'm not surprised. Then again, I'm not certain most people in congress have correctly filed in years, regardless of their political position. Is it honestly Obama's fault that they, last year, before Obama was in office, did not pay their taxes? No. Should Obama be held accountable for their actions? No - they should... Will they? I suppose that depends on the IRS. I won't hold my breath, but that's only because I'm a realist who knows that those people probably have access to some good lawyers.
In any case, how about a challange for all of those who are still ticked off that Obama hasn't yet turned the country around and made everything "perfect"... Let's see you do it. Let's see you, in all your smarts and glory, get everything done all nice and legal, following the whole procedure that everyone has to do in order to get stuff done, within 30 days. I'd love to see you try.
How about we have a little bout with realism at this point - Get off your fucking high horse, step off your soap box, and start realizing that it's NOT JUST OBAMA... He was NOT the cause of the financial situation we are now in, and the situation is grave enough that it won't take 30 days to pull us out of it. Hell, it could be that he can't get it done in 4 years, for all that we're in debt and in hock up to our sphincters. But at least he's attempting something that the last party did not - listen to the people and attempt to do something for them, rather than for their own pocketbooks.
If you don't agree with me, that's fine - I don't really fucking care. But at least I'm honestly looking at the situation and giving the guy more than 30 days to turn shit around.
~M
Showing posts with label Political. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Political. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
To everything turn, turn, turn
All this month, I’ve heard that today marked a page in history. Technically speaking, every day marks a page in history – it simply depends on what level you wish to look at.
Even so, today’s inauguration does usher in a new era for the US. Never before in our history has there been a Black president (yes, I call him black – for me, African American means that they were born in Africa, moved to the US, and were naturalized. If you were born in America, you’re an American. It’s as simple as that). It shows both a change in thinking for the mass majority of voters, and possibly the start of a new age, which could promote better race relations within the US.
I have heard President Obama called a “Hollywood president” – all bling and no substance. I hope that this is not true. Whether you voted for him or not, he is now our president and deserves to have the benefit of the doubt for now, just as every new boss deserves a chance to prove themselves as a new leader in an established company.
Do not doubt that he has a difficult time ahead. Much of the country is buckling under huge debts, losing homes, jobs and dignity. 8 years of increasing difficulties will not go away within a few months, or even two years. There must be an understanding that regardless of how you feel or how you stand politically, it would be equally difficult for McCain to step into these shoes at this time, and just as long a time to try and unbury the US from its current economic state.
There are choices that need to be made now by every person. Either to reach out a hand and help out those who are in need, even if it is simply a meal to be given, or to ignore those around and let the issues get worse. Regardless of who is in office, we can look on today as the start of something new, something better – or we can continue to allow our country and those around us to flounder, throw blame around, and be generally unhelpful to our co-workers, neighbors, friends and families.
We should not need a reason to do this, but so much of the time, people need a date, a time, a symbol to look at and see that change is needed. Use today, use this inauguration, as your symbol to do something for others, and thereby help yourself.
Volunteer at a kitchen, bring lunch for the homeless man you pass by each day when you go to work, give time to the local boys and girls club, provide extra blankets to those in need. Do something, get active, and make a difference in your community, no matter how small; search Google for volunteer opportunities in your area, or use the following links:
Boys and Girls Club
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Hands on Portland
Portland Impact
Habitat for Humanity, Portland
Outside in
Even so, today’s inauguration does usher in a new era for the US. Never before in our history has there been a Black president (yes, I call him black – for me, African American means that they were born in Africa, moved to the US, and were naturalized. If you were born in America, you’re an American. It’s as simple as that). It shows both a change in thinking for the mass majority of voters, and possibly the start of a new age, which could promote better race relations within the US.
I have heard President Obama called a “Hollywood president” – all bling and no substance. I hope that this is not true. Whether you voted for him or not, he is now our president and deserves to have the benefit of the doubt for now, just as every new boss deserves a chance to prove themselves as a new leader in an established company.
Do not doubt that he has a difficult time ahead. Much of the country is buckling under huge debts, losing homes, jobs and dignity. 8 years of increasing difficulties will not go away within a few months, or even two years. There must be an understanding that regardless of how you feel or how you stand politically, it would be equally difficult for McCain to step into these shoes at this time, and just as long a time to try and unbury the US from its current economic state.
There are choices that need to be made now by every person. Either to reach out a hand and help out those who are in need, even if it is simply a meal to be given, or to ignore those around and let the issues get worse. Regardless of who is in office, we can look on today as the start of something new, something better – or we can continue to allow our country and those around us to flounder, throw blame around, and be generally unhelpful to our co-workers, neighbors, friends and families.
We should not need a reason to do this, but so much of the time, people need a date, a time, a symbol to look at and see that change is needed. Use today, use this inauguration, as your symbol to do something for others, and thereby help yourself.
Volunteer at a kitchen, bring lunch for the homeless man you pass by each day when you go to work, give time to the local boys and girls club, provide extra blankets to those in need. Do something, get active, and make a difference in your community, no matter how small; search Google for volunteer opportunities in your area, or use the following links:
Boys and Girls Club
Salvation Army
Goodwill
Hands on Portland
Portland Impact
Habitat for Humanity, Portland
Outside in
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
And we're done...
For another 4 years. Sort of.
At least, for the presidential campaign. Our neck of the woods is still counting votes for the state elections. We probably won't know the final outcome until later on tonight for most of it.
Either way you voted, you have to admit that this has been an interesting campaign, and a monumental one, besides. The only terror that I have at this point was listening to two people in the last two weeks talk about their views on voting in one way or another.
The first one I listened to was a gal who was my friend Ronni's roommate. She apparently likes to read out loud, regardless of the actual content of what's on the paper she's reading... Her non-stop commentary was about as follows...
"Gee... Hmmmm... Oh, hey! There's a woman running. Did you know there's a woman running? I'm voting for her, then!"
"Um... both of these names sound russian. Don't they sound russian to you? But I can't tell about the third one. What? It's possibly Serbian? Or Polish? Oh. Well, I'll vote for one of the russians then, I guess."
"I don't get what this measure is all about. What do they mean? Hmm? Oh, I know the booklet is on the table over there, but I'm just going to vote randomly on these ones. Why don't they make this more clear?"
It really REALLY made me shudder to think that she was actually allowed a vote, considering she wasn't really even interested in what was going on, nor interested in learning...
The other was the gal I ran into last night on the bus on the way home, who apparently runs her life by the old testament scriptures...
"Well, my belief is that you have to learn how to govern your own person first, and Man should not create a system of justice against itself without that learning - it's up to God to do that. That's why I don't vote."
I see. Never mind that without some sort of government system, imperfect or not, made by man or not, you have absolute chaos, and you won't have ANYTHING at ALL. I mean, honestly... Let's see here - we aren't perfect, and our system certainly isn't - but it's the best we can do for now, until we can figure out how to get around that pesky human nature thing. We can choose to do the best we can with what we've got, and work within those confines, understanding that, even as an imperfect system, we are allowing each person the chance to make a difference within the world by creating, adjusting, and generally managing said system.
She didn't like it when I pointed that out to her.
Honestly, let's really think about this here - no, I don't believe that the Electoral College is a good thing. It's old, it's outdated, and with the technology that we have today, it should go the way of the Do-Do and be ousted out. One person, one vote. That's what we advocate, right? That's what people from all walks of life and all countries come here for, right? True democracy... So, let's have some.
Do I think that my vote counted... I can't tell, unfortunately. Because the Electoral College is what matters at this point, it's what made the final decision. It is possible that a president could lose the popular vote, but win the EC vote. That, to me isn't right. But, there it is. The system isn't perfect, but it's there. None-the-less, I vote. Why? Because it's my right to do so, and without voting, I don't have the right to bitch about how the country is run. I do my part, and cast my vote as part of the system to help direct my country. If you don't vote (regardless of which side you vote for), don't bitch. You didn't do your part.
~M
At least, for the presidential campaign. Our neck of the woods is still counting votes for the state elections. We probably won't know the final outcome until later on tonight for most of it.
Either way you voted, you have to admit that this has been an interesting campaign, and a monumental one, besides. The only terror that I have at this point was listening to two people in the last two weeks talk about their views on voting in one way or another.
The first one I listened to was a gal who was my friend Ronni's roommate. She apparently likes to read out loud, regardless of the actual content of what's on the paper she's reading... Her non-stop commentary was about as follows...
"Gee... Hmmmm... Oh, hey! There's a woman running. Did you know there's a woman running? I'm voting for her, then!"
"Um... both of these names sound russian. Don't they sound russian to you? But I can't tell about the third one. What? It's possibly Serbian? Or Polish? Oh. Well, I'll vote for one of the russians then, I guess."
"I don't get what this measure is all about. What do they mean? Hmm? Oh, I know the booklet is on the table over there, but I'm just going to vote randomly on these ones. Why don't they make this more clear?"
It really REALLY made me shudder to think that she was actually allowed a vote, considering she wasn't really even interested in what was going on, nor interested in learning...
The other was the gal I ran into last night on the bus on the way home, who apparently runs her life by the old testament scriptures...
"Well, my belief is that you have to learn how to govern your own person first, and Man should not create a system of justice against itself without that learning - it's up to God to do that. That's why I don't vote."
I see. Never mind that without some sort of government system, imperfect or not, made by man or not, you have absolute chaos, and you won't have ANYTHING at ALL. I mean, honestly... Let's see here - we aren't perfect, and our system certainly isn't - but it's the best we can do for now, until we can figure out how to get around that pesky human nature thing. We can choose to do the best we can with what we've got, and work within those confines, understanding that, even as an imperfect system, we are allowing each person the chance to make a difference within the world by creating, adjusting, and generally managing said system.
She didn't like it when I pointed that out to her.
Honestly, let's really think about this here - no, I don't believe that the Electoral College is a good thing. It's old, it's outdated, and with the technology that we have today, it should go the way of the Do-Do and be ousted out. One person, one vote. That's what we advocate, right? That's what people from all walks of life and all countries come here for, right? True democracy... So, let's have some.
Do I think that my vote counted... I can't tell, unfortunately. Because the Electoral College is what matters at this point, it's what made the final decision. It is possible that a president could lose the popular vote, but win the EC vote. That, to me isn't right. But, there it is. The system isn't perfect, but it's there. None-the-less, I vote. Why? Because it's my right to do so, and without voting, I don't have the right to bitch about how the country is run. I do my part, and cast my vote as part of the system to help direct my country. If you don't vote (regardless of which side you vote for), don't bitch. You didn't do your part.
~M
Monday, September 15, 2008
My personal opinion on the whole thing...
A long time ago, I learned that discussing politics and religion in the office were definitive no-noes. I started my blog with that same general rule. It's just not something I normally blog about unless I can lock the entry. My personal beliefs are just that - personal. You don't necessarily have to agree with me, and I don't have to agree with you, and that's ok. What's not ok is attacking someone when their beliefs don't lie on the same side of the line as yours.
I don't see a spirited debate, where each side has valid, clear points as attacking. That's debating, and my husband and I do that all the time (we love playing devil's advocate, with the understanding that it really is just playing, and is not anything personal). However, when it starts to go downhill into name-calling, mud-slinging and general nastiness, that's when it is attacking - and that's not right. Each individual has the right to have their own opinion, no matter what it is. It could be that they feel that penguins really *do* enjoy having their feathers dyed purple and spiked... Whatever. I don't care. It's your opinion on a subject, and that's ok. As long as you're ok with me not necessarily agreeing with it (personally, unless one can translate what a penguin is squawking about, it's probably just not a good idea to dye feathers or spike them).
Granted, political and religious opinions drive a LITTLE more emotion than the example above. Why? Because, deep-down, we feel much more passionate about it. Religiously speaking, it's my beliefs that are telling me what is right and wrong, and how best to go about proving that to others. Politically speaking, it's those who would support my beliefs that I will support - because without the political clout, my beliefs might lose their ground and get dug under by those who don't want my beliefs to see the light of day.
Politically- and religiously-speaking, however, things are not black and white (no pun intended regarding the current presidential race). They are, in fact, several (hundred) shades of gray. Humans just aren't simple. Our lives aren't simple, our beliefs aren't simple, and so our politics are not going to be simple - no matter how much we hope and/or pray for it.
So far, I've seen a lot of smear campaigning going on - and oddly enough, it's (mostly) NOT directly from the campaign headquarters of the opposing forces. Instead there's LOTS of nasty statements going back and forth from constituants about how one side should be doing one thing, and the other should be doing this and that, and because they aren't doing it, they're obviously either "Anti-American", or "Anti-Global"...
"Anti-War" means that the person doesn't appreciate what our country has gone through to get to where we are now, and what we're doing to help those nations across the globe... "Pro-War" means we're using our huge political and military might to bully those outside the US into a democratic government, forcing those same countries to put aside thousands of years of their own history to suddenly change gears and follow us, because we're at the forefront of national perfection.
If you're a Republican, you're expected to support the war, be pro-life, possibly even move toward faith healing (if you support Palin), teach and support total abstinance without the benefit of any sex education (because that would be bad), support higher taxes for private citizens but support tax loops for high profile companies and rich folk.
If you're a Democrat, you're expected to be against the war, be pro-choice, possibly move toward herbal healing (even possibly some alternative religions thrown in for good measure), teach all kinds of sex education and support gay rights (because being anything but would be bad), support low (if any) taxes, and boo down large corporations, demanding that they and the rich folk give a large cut of their wealth to the little people because everyone deserves a cut.
Unfortunately, it seems that those of us who realize that the world is not only round, but made of about ten BILLION shades of gray (one for every 20 people or so), are left out in the cold. We aren't exactly Republican, but we aren't exactly Democrat. We don't ride the fence on ANY of our beliefs - it's just that our beliefs tend to go 50% on one side, and 50% on the other (ok, so some people are more on one side than the other, but there you are).
My own personal beliefs? Well, I'll tell you only this once. I am not interested in being personally attacked, and I don't feel the need to support my own beliefs because you think yours are better.
I believe that our troups are in a war that they have no choice but to be in. They have signed up voluntarily, given an oath to follow through with all orders given by their superior officers, and have given up their own freedom because they felt it necessary to do so. I did not support the war when we went over there while Saddam was in power the first time. I did not support the war when we went over again. Both times, however, I understood that our troups had no choice in the matter, and both times I hoped and prayed to any diety that would listen, to bring them home safe to their families.
I believe that, regardless of what (and why) we went over there for in the first place, we don't belong there now. Why? Because their government has asked us to leave. We were requested to be there, now we have been requested to leave. End of story. Very few things can be simplified, but this point can be. We have been requested to leave - their government feels they are now able to take care of things themselves. We should respect their wishes and leave, whether we feel it's the right thing or not.
I believe that we are not the watchdogs of the world, we are not the police force of the world. Honestly, until we get paid back the money that we're owed from France, Germany, Isreal and any other country out there who owes us money from when we lent it to them YEARS ago - with interest - we don't need to be running to save anyone. Our countries deficit is badly in need of that money. We are no longer able to look within our country to make that deficit go away. It must come from outside - and if the United Nations wants us to be the world protectors and/or police force, we should get paid for it - just like every other police force gets paid.
I believe that each family should be responsible for their own reproductive beliefs. That being said - I also believe that each child should get sex education, and be told the truth about how their bodies work. I believe that abstinance should be included and stated to always be the best alternative - but I know, having been a teen at one point in my life, that realistically speaking, sex will happen. Better that it happen safely.
I believe that it doesn't (and should NEVER) matter what sexual orientation someone is. I don't care about which sex you like - only if you can do the job that I request of you, or if you can pay your rent on time if I'm renting to you. Other than that, it doesn't matter to me.
I believe that each person has the right (NOT the privilage) to bear arms. And if they commit a serious crime, they forfeit that right. As part of that right, each person should be given proper and FULL instruction on gun safety and at least 12 weeks of practices, and should qualify for a license every few years, with a practicum exam to show that they still understand and practice good safety.
Same thing goes for driving. It's a right, not a privilage, and people should continually qualify for it - and if they commit a serious crime, they forfeit that right. A car, given the right circumstances, can be just as deadly as a gun - and people should respect that.
As for the have's vs the have not's - yeah, I think there should be a balance between them - there has been a widening gap between them, and we no longer have a "middle class" anymore. We have the working poor, the very poor, the very rich, and the uber-rich. My parents used to be middle class... Now, they'd be considered the working poor. And the separation between the working poor and the very rich is getting larger by the day.
As for how, well, that's another entry for another day. So, there it is. That's where I stand.
~M
I don't see a spirited debate, where each side has valid, clear points as attacking. That's debating, and my husband and I do that all the time (we love playing devil's advocate, with the understanding that it really is just playing, and is not anything personal). However, when it starts to go downhill into name-calling, mud-slinging and general nastiness, that's when it is attacking - and that's not right. Each individual has the right to have their own opinion, no matter what it is. It could be that they feel that penguins really *do* enjoy having their feathers dyed purple and spiked... Whatever. I don't care. It's your opinion on a subject, and that's ok. As long as you're ok with me not necessarily agreeing with it (personally, unless one can translate what a penguin is squawking about, it's probably just not a good idea to dye feathers or spike them).
Granted, political and religious opinions drive a LITTLE more emotion than the example above. Why? Because, deep-down, we feel much more passionate about it. Religiously speaking, it's my beliefs that are telling me what is right and wrong, and how best to go about proving that to others. Politically speaking, it's those who would support my beliefs that I will support - because without the political clout, my beliefs might lose their ground and get dug under by those who don't want my beliefs to see the light of day.
Politically- and religiously-speaking, however, things are not black and white (no pun intended regarding the current presidential race). They are, in fact, several (hundred) shades of gray. Humans just aren't simple. Our lives aren't simple, our beliefs aren't simple, and so our politics are not going to be simple - no matter how much we hope and/or pray for it.
So far, I've seen a lot of smear campaigning going on - and oddly enough, it's (mostly) NOT directly from the campaign headquarters of the opposing forces. Instead there's LOTS of nasty statements going back and forth from constituants about how one side should be doing one thing, and the other should be doing this and that, and because they aren't doing it, they're obviously either "Anti-American", or "Anti-Global"...
"Anti-War" means that the person doesn't appreciate what our country has gone through to get to where we are now, and what we're doing to help those nations across the globe... "Pro-War" means we're using our huge political and military might to bully those outside the US into a democratic government, forcing those same countries to put aside thousands of years of their own history to suddenly change gears and follow us, because we're at the forefront of national perfection.
If you're a Republican, you're expected to support the war, be pro-life, possibly even move toward faith healing (if you support Palin), teach and support total abstinance without the benefit of any sex education (because that would be bad), support higher taxes for private citizens but support tax loops for high profile companies and rich folk.
If you're a Democrat, you're expected to be against the war, be pro-choice, possibly move toward herbal healing (even possibly some alternative religions thrown in for good measure), teach all kinds of sex education and support gay rights (because being anything but would be bad), support low (if any) taxes, and boo down large corporations, demanding that they and the rich folk give a large cut of their wealth to the little people because everyone deserves a cut.
Unfortunately, it seems that those of us who realize that the world is not only round, but made of about ten BILLION shades of gray (one for every 20 people or so), are left out in the cold. We aren't exactly Republican, but we aren't exactly Democrat. We don't ride the fence on ANY of our beliefs - it's just that our beliefs tend to go 50% on one side, and 50% on the other (ok, so some people are more on one side than the other, but there you are).
My own personal beliefs? Well, I'll tell you only this once. I am not interested in being personally attacked, and I don't feel the need to support my own beliefs because you think yours are better.
I believe that our troups are in a war that they have no choice but to be in. They have signed up voluntarily, given an oath to follow through with all orders given by their superior officers, and have given up their own freedom because they felt it necessary to do so. I did not support the war when we went over there while Saddam was in power the first time. I did not support the war when we went over again. Both times, however, I understood that our troups had no choice in the matter, and both times I hoped and prayed to any diety that would listen, to bring them home safe to their families.
I believe that, regardless of what (and why) we went over there for in the first place, we don't belong there now. Why? Because their government has asked us to leave. We were requested to be there, now we have been requested to leave. End of story. Very few things can be simplified, but this point can be. We have been requested to leave - their government feels they are now able to take care of things themselves. We should respect their wishes and leave, whether we feel it's the right thing or not.
I believe that we are not the watchdogs of the world, we are not the police force of the world. Honestly, until we get paid back the money that we're owed from France, Germany, Isreal and any other country out there who owes us money from when we lent it to them YEARS ago - with interest - we don't need to be running to save anyone. Our countries deficit is badly in need of that money. We are no longer able to look within our country to make that deficit go away. It must come from outside - and if the United Nations wants us to be the world protectors and/or police force, we should get paid for it - just like every other police force gets paid.
I believe that each family should be responsible for their own reproductive beliefs. That being said - I also believe that each child should get sex education, and be told the truth about how their bodies work. I believe that abstinance should be included and stated to always be the best alternative - but I know, having been a teen at one point in my life, that realistically speaking, sex will happen. Better that it happen safely.
I believe that it doesn't (and should NEVER) matter what sexual orientation someone is. I don't care about which sex you like - only if you can do the job that I request of you, or if you can pay your rent on time if I'm renting to you. Other than that, it doesn't matter to me.
I believe that each person has the right (NOT the privilage) to bear arms. And if they commit a serious crime, they forfeit that right. As part of that right, each person should be given proper and FULL instruction on gun safety and at least 12 weeks of practices, and should qualify for a license every few years, with a practicum exam to show that they still understand and practice good safety.
Same thing goes for driving. It's a right, not a privilage, and people should continually qualify for it - and if they commit a serious crime, they forfeit that right. A car, given the right circumstances, can be just as deadly as a gun - and people should respect that.
As for the have's vs the have not's - yeah, I think there should be a balance between them - there has been a widening gap between them, and we no longer have a "middle class" anymore. We have the working poor, the very poor, the very rich, and the uber-rich. My parents used to be middle class... Now, they'd be considered the working poor. And the separation between the working poor and the very rich is getting larger by the day.
As for how, well, that's another entry for another day. So, there it is. That's where I stand.
~M
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
TGIO (thank gods its over)
I mean, in fact, the remembrances of 9-11. Now, before you get all up in arms about how horrible I am to not want to remember all of those who died that day, let me ask you: How many of you make a pilgrimage each year to the Vietnam War memorial - or even to your local war memorial? How many of you know the significance of April 19, 1995? It's not that I don't want to remember those who died on 9-11 - it's that it has become so large, and so immense in our minds, that we've forgotten others who have died as well.
Not only that, but there's a link in our minds now that "all terrorist acts must be from Muslim separatists and the like". Yet, neither Timothy McVeigh nor Terry Nichols were Muslim - in fact, the bombing was in retribution to the FBI attack on the Branch Davidian compound the year prior. While recognized as a cult, the Branch Davidians certainly could not be connected or construed to be Muslim in any way.
Since the beginning of 1974, our country has been directly targeted by49 separate incidents - possibly more. Yet we are only aware of one... Perhaps it's because the scale of carnage is so high - yet I think there's another part to it as well... We have become the channel-flipping nation, the drama-llama nation - if it doesn't make headlines for more than two weeks, we forget about it. If we haven't heard about it for over a year, we forget about it. It simply ceases to be important to us.
It doesn't change the fact, however, that others outside the 9-11 attacks died in terrorist attacks, whether they were planned by Muslim extremists or not. It doesn't change the fact that hundreds, perhaps even thousands of lives were irreparably changed PRIOR to 9-11-01. Nor does it change the fact that no one will remember them, outside of their direct families.
Instead of remembering just one terrorist event on US soil, involving US citizens, how about remembering them ALL. Instead of focusing on one single incident, look back and see how many others lost their lives for just being, literally, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Try being something other than what the media expects you to be - a TV channel-flipper with a 15-second memory capacity.
No - I don't want to remember those who died on 9-11... or at least, I don't want to JUST remember those men and women. I want to remember them all. As they deserve to be remembered. As mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons and daughters. As friends and family, and as members of my country. I want to give them the respect that they ALL deserve.
~M
Not only that, but there's a link in our minds now that "all terrorist acts must be from Muslim separatists and the like". Yet, neither Timothy McVeigh nor Terry Nichols were Muslim - in fact, the bombing was in retribution to the FBI attack on the Branch Davidian compound the year prior. While recognized as a cult, the Branch Davidians certainly could not be connected or construed to be Muslim in any way.
Since the beginning of 1974, our country has been directly targeted by49 separate incidents - possibly more. Yet we are only aware of one... Perhaps it's because the scale of carnage is so high - yet I think there's another part to it as well... We have become the channel-flipping nation, the drama-llama nation - if it doesn't make headlines for more than two weeks, we forget about it. If we haven't heard about it for over a year, we forget about it. It simply ceases to be important to us.
It doesn't change the fact, however, that others outside the 9-11 attacks died in terrorist attacks, whether they were planned by Muslim extremists or not. It doesn't change the fact that hundreds, perhaps even thousands of lives were irreparably changed PRIOR to 9-11-01. Nor does it change the fact that no one will remember them, outside of their direct families.
Instead of remembering just one terrorist event on US soil, involving US citizens, how about remembering them ALL. Instead of focusing on one single incident, look back and see how many others lost their lives for just being, literally, in the wrong place at the wrong time. Try being something other than what the media expects you to be - a TV channel-flipper with a 15-second memory capacity.
No - I don't want to remember those who died on 9-11... or at least, I don't want to JUST remember those men and women. I want to remember them all. As they deserve to be remembered. As mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons and daughters. As friends and family, and as members of my country. I want to give them the respect that they ALL deserve.
~M
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Hey protesters! Try protesting the actual ISSUE!
Recently, Fred and I were informed that a good friend of ours was injured and slowly recovering. Since this friend has been unable to event this year, and *loves* to watch Fire and Steel perform, Fred decided to dedicate one of his moves directly to him. He video-taped the whole performance, and in the midst of it, addressed our friend directly and did the one move that our friend constantly requests: the "Dragon Cascade" - pretty much, it's a fire-breathing move where a continuous stream is let forth while moving the head in a rainbow-type arch, causing it to look rather like a dragon has just flown in and said hello.
It was a nifty idea, and when he got home, Fred put it up on YouTube, LiveLeak, and Break.com, as well as sent a copy to our friend's wife, and over to our friend. And then... the comments came through - two of them QUITE negative.
Why were there *any* negative comments at all? Well, because apparently the peace-loving, crystal-gripping hippies of the U.S. can't seem to differentiate between the WAR, and those serving there.
You see - our friend, known here as Aiden, is currently serving his 2nd tour of duty in the Middle East. His vehicle was hit a month or so ago while en route to another location. He was one of the few lucky ones. Three of his crew didn't make it at all. Three more had amputation-level injuries. Aiden is currently laid up in a hospital, recovering and feeling better than he could have been. And he's doubly-lucky - he lived to be able to see his two small children and his wife again. Something that others weren't able to do.
See - I don't agree with the war. I don't agree with the reasons for it, I don't agree with the reasons why we're staying there. But that has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with my feelings for those serving over there. The men and women who have joined the Armed Forces did so for their own reasons - and I have no say over that at all. It's their issue, their thing, and I respect them for choosing it. Why? Because unlike those of us living in civilian comfort, able to protest whatever the fardling hell we want, they have signed away their rights to do so. It's very true - part of the soldier's oath is that they are now property of the US Military and government, and will be sent off and expected to do what they are told to do, where they are told to do it. They do not have the same rights that we do. They cannot - it is a different world within the military, and one that most civilians simply do not, or cannot, understand.
One of the comments went off on Fred for being a war-supporter because he was doing this for a friend who was deeply missed in this part of the world by both friends and family. The commentor went on to say that his tax dollars were being spent on a war he didn't agree with while millions of illegal aliens were allowed into the country, using up all of "HIS" health care. Yeah - and that had absolutely WHAT to do with this video HOW? Further, are you suggesting that if we HADN'T had the war, we wouldn't HAVE millions of illegal aliens in the U.S.?
*THINK* just a minute about your arguments, you crystal-gripping, wire-rimmed-wearing, tree-hugging, lettuce-eating nincompoop! One has absolutely NOTHING to do with the other. And how DARE you, or anyone else, suggest that the men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other high-risk military area in the world today are all gung-ho for the war and our president. Let me tell you something - they have brains, eyes and ears, all of them. While they may not have a choice about serving where they're sent, they have their own opinions on what's going on - you can be sure of that.
Don't like the war? GREAT! Bully for you! But don't drag extraeneous baggage that has nothing to do with the war into your argument. Furthermore, if you don't want your taxes to pay for it - MOVE! I hear Canada is GREAT this time of century. Stay there, and don't come back. You won't be welcome. You should be greatful that you HAVE the opportunity to say what you want, when you want it. Oh, and just as a point of information - the reason you HAVE that right? Yeah, it's because of the men and women who have signed away THEIR rights to help protect ours - including yours, you jackass.
~M
It was a nifty idea, and when he got home, Fred put it up on YouTube, LiveLeak, and Break.com, as well as sent a copy to our friend's wife, and over to our friend. And then... the comments came through - two of them QUITE negative.
Why were there *any* negative comments at all? Well, because apparently the peace-loving, crystal-gripping hippies of the U.S. can't seem to differentiate between the WAR, and those serving there.
You see - our friend, known here as Aiden, is currently serving his 2nd tour of duty in the Middle East. His vehicle was hit a month or so ago while en route to another location. He was one of the few lucky ones. Three of his crew didn't make it at all. Three more had amputation-level injuries. Aiden is currently laid up in a hospital, recovering and feeling better than he could have been. And he's doubly-lucky - he lived to be able to see his two small children and his wife again. Something that others weren't able to do.
See - I don't agree with the war. I don't agree with the reasons for it, I don't agree with the reasons why we're staying there. But that has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with my feelings for those serving over there. The men and women who have joined the Armed Forces did so for their own reasons - and I have no say over that at all. It's their issue, their thing, and I respect them for choosing it. Why? Because unlike those of us living in civilian comfort, able to protest whatever the fardling hell we want, they have signed away their rights to do so. It's very true - part of the soldier's oath is that they are now property of the US Military and government, and will be sent off and expected to do what they are told to do, where they are told to do it. They do not have the same rights that we do. They cannot - it is a different world within the military, and one that most civilians simply do not, or cannot, understand.
One of the comments went off on Fred for being a war-supporter because he was doing this for a friend who was deeply missed in this part of the world by both friends and family. The commentor went on to say that his tax dollars were being spent on a war he didn't agree with while millions of illegal aliens were allowed into the country, using up all of "HIS" health care. Yeah - and that had absolutely WHAT to do with this video HOW? Further, are you suggesting that if we HADN'T had the war, we wouldn't HAVE millions of illegal aliens in the U.S.?
*THINK* just a minute about your arguments, you crystal-gripping, wire-rimmed-wearing, tree-hugging, lettuce-eating nincompoop! One has absolutely NOTHING to do with the other. And how DARE you, or anyone else, suggest that the men and women serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, or any other high-risk military area in the world today are all gung-ho for the war and our president. Let me tell you something - they have brains, eyes and ears, all of them. While they may not have a choice about serving where they're sent, they have their own opinions on what's going on - you can be sure of that.
Don't like the war? GREAT! Bully for you! But don't drag extraeneous baggage that has nothing to do with the war into your argument. Furthermore, if you don't want your taxes to pay for it - MOVE! I hear Canada is GREAT this time of century. Stay there, and don't come back. You won't be welcome. You should be greatful that you HAVE the opportunity to say what you want, when you want it. Oh, and just as a point of information - the reason you HAVE that right? Yeah, it's because of the men and women who have signed away THEIR rights to help protect ours - including yours, you jackass.
~M
Friday, July 20, 2007
The frost is forming in hell... I can see that now.
All kidding aside, I really *dislike* Rush Limbaugh. I find him bigoted, self-serving and altogether too "republican" for my tastes. He is anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-semetic, anti-[insert whatever he can get away with here], and maintains a HUGE following because he is a charismatic speaker, not because he has (normally) anything good to say about anyone or anything.
HOWEVER - that being said, the following was a recent diatribe by him that I have to say I agree with wholeheartedly. I have always said that if those within our government hierarchy were forced to live on the lowest-paid wages and benefits that are available in the US, there would be drastic change in health coverage, retirement bennies, social security reform, welfare services, and compensation...
Here's his tack on things:
By Rush Limbaugh:
I think the vast differences in compensation between victims of the September 11 casualty and those who die serving our country in Uniform are profound. No one is really talking about it either, because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11. Well, I can't let the numbers pass by because it says something really disturbing about the entitlement mentality of this country. If you lost a family member in the September 11 attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million.
If you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable.
Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get $833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt.
Keep in mind that some of the people who are getting an average of $1.185 million up to $4.7 million are complaining that it's not enough. Their deaths were tragic, but for most, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Soldiers put themselves in harms way FOR ALL OF US, and they and their families know the dangers.
We also learned over the weekend that some of the victims from the Oklahoma City bombing have started an organization asking for the same deal that the September 11 families are getting. In addition to that, some of the families of those bombed in the embassies are now asking for compensation as well.
You see where this is going, don't you? Folks, this is part and parcel of over 50 years of entitlement politics in this country. It's just really sad. Every time a pay raise comes up for the military, they usually receive next to nothing of a raise. Now the green machine is in combat in the Middle East while their families have to survive on food stamps and live in low-rent housing. Make sense?
However, our own US Congress voted themselves a raise. Many of you don't know that they only have to be in Congress one time to receive a pension that is more than $15,000 per month. And most are now equal to being millionaires plus. They do not receive Social Security on retirement because they didn't have to pay into the system. If some of the military people stay in for 20 years and get out as an E-7, they may receive a pension of $1,000 per month, and the very people who placed
them in harm's way receives a pension of $15,000 per month.
I would like to see our elected officials pick up a weapon and join ranks before they start cutting out benefits and lowering pay for our sons and daughters who are now fighting.
" When do we finally do something about this?" If this doesn't seem fair to you, it is time to forward this to as many people as you can.
HOWEVER - that being said, the following was a recent diatribe by him that I have to say I agree with wholeheartedly. I have always said that if those within our government hierarchy were forced to live on the lowest-paid wages and benefits that are available in the US, there would be drastic change in health coverage, retirement bennies, social security reform, welfare services, and compensation...
Here's his tack on things:
By Rush Limbaugh:
I think the vast differences in compensation between victims of the September 11 casualty and those who die serving our country in Uniform are profound. No one is really talking about it either, because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11. Well, I can't let the numbers pass by because it says something really disturbing about the entitlement mentality of this country. If you lost a family member in the September 11 attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million.
If you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable.
Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get $833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt.
Keep in mind that some of the people who are getting an average of $1.185 million up to $4.7 million are complaining that it's not enough. Their deaths were tragic, but for most, they were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Soldiers put themselves in harms way FOR ALL OF US, and they and their families know the dangers.
We also learned over the weekend that some of the victims from the Oklahoma City bombing have started an organization asking for the same deal that the September 11 families are getting. In addition to that, some of the families of those bombed in the embassies are now asking for compensation as well.
You see where this is going, don't you? Folks, this is part and parcel of over 50 years of entitlement politics in this country. It's just really sad. Every time a pay raise comes up for the military, they usually receive next to nothing of a raise. Now the green machine is in combat in the Middle East while their families have to survive on food stamps and live in low-rent housing. Make sense?
However, our own US Congress voted themselves a raise. Many of you don't know that they only have to be in Congress one time to receive a pension that is more than $15,000 per month. And most are now equal to being millionaires plus. They do not receive Social Security on retirement because they didn't have to pay into the system. If some of the military people stay in for 20 years and get out as an E-7, they may receive a pension of $1,000 per month, and the very people who placed
them in harm's way receives a pension of $15,000 per month.
I would like to see our elected officials pick up a weapon and join ranks before they start cutting out benefits and lowering pay for our sons and daughters who are now fighting.
" When do we finally do something about this?" If this doesn't seem fair to you, it is time to forward this to as many people as you can.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I didn't know that...
Apparently, I'm a right-winged, Evangelical Christian. Did you know that? I had no idea - apparently it snuck up on me when I wasn't looking. I hate it when that happens. Always makes me feel kind of wonky when my religious faith is suddenly changed with no warning. *chortle*
Seriously, folks... According to the Pedophile who spawned Absolute Zero's boycott of Amazon.com, those of us who feel that pedophelia is wrong rank right up there with Jimmy Swaggert and the OCA.
We slander, create libelous statements, and put together witch-hunts against these people, and oppress them every chance we get - and why? Because we believe that the law was written by, and voted into being by, a few hundred-thousand people who felt that children cannot always make the right decisions about sex and relationships, and therefore should not engage in relationships with those who may possibly use a child's mis-understanding of "sex vs relationships" against them - and inso doing, cause major psychological damage... Not to mention the physical harm that can occur.
Per Wikipedia.org, Slander and Libel have to do with "the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may harm the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government or nation... If the offending material is published in some fleeting form, as by spoken words or sounds, sign language, gestures and the like, then this is slander. If it is published in more durable form, for example in written words, film, compact disc and the like, then it is considered libel."
Interestingly, "§230(c) states that “that no provider or user of an interactive computer shall be treated as a publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider,” thereby providing forums immunity for statements provided by third parties."
Additionally, "Truth is an absolute defense in the United States as well as Canada. In some other countries it is also necessary to show a benefit to the public good in having the information brought to light... Opinion is a defense recognized in nearly every jurisdiction. If the allegedly defamatory assertion is an expression of opinion rather than a statement of fact, defamation claims usually cannot be brought because opinions are inherently not falsifiable. However, some jurisdictions decline to recognize any legal distinction between fact and opinion. The United States Supreme Court, in particular, has ruled that the First Amendment does not require recognition of an opinion privilege."
It's all very interesting, and legal-based, and if you're interested in looking at whether or not what's printed on my site is libel or slander, please feel free. However - I don't believe that I am guilty of either based on the law.
You see, I'm repeating a lot of what this guy has already admitted to. The fact that he's admitted to being a pedophile. The fact that he's admitted to looking for relationships with boys between the ages of 14 and 18. The fact that he's not pleased with Canada raising it's legal age of consent to 16, and wants to continue relationships with boys below that age after that law goes into effect. The fact that the book that he has published was turned down by no less than 5 other publishers because of its content and that at least 3 of them turned it down stating that it was ILLEGAL TO PRINT because of the content. These are things that he has already admitted to and stated himself It's the fact that I don't agree with it, and don't like it, and want to do something about his behavior that makes me "bad".
Of course, this could just be my own point of view. Certainly, there are those who consider me a horrible person because I'm an ecclectic Wiccan/Pagan (whatever you want to label it) who has worked in the porn industry - and still DOES work in the porn industry on occasion - and who actually *gasps* openly admits to being bi and liking men as well as women. There are those who think I should burn in hell for having gay and lesbian friends, and for supporting the same-sex marriage ideas... There are those who consider me awful because I got a divorce, have admitted to having been raped and molested when I was younger and talk about it, and who is currently allowing my step-son to learn about all different religions rather than a single one.
This, of course, is your opinion. But this is me. It's who I am - and my choices, beliefs, and actions are mine to own up to. I try my best not to hurt those who do not have a voice, but instead give a voice to them so that they can be heard. Even if you *could* convince me, somehow (most likely with a LOT of drugs and brainwashing) that pedophelia was ok and that there are those who would treat children well, there are still more people out there who would NOT - and that's what the laws are there for.
Laws are there to protect the majority of those in its confines - and while it is not perfect, it is there, nonetheless. We can either abide by them, understanding that those laws were made for a purpose, or live in anarchy and struggle to survive each day without representation or rights.
~M
Seriously, folks... According to the Pedophile who spawned Absolute Zero's boycott of Amazon.com, those of us who feel that pedophelia is wrong rank right up there with Jimmy Swaggert and the OCA.
We slander, create libelous statements, and put together witch-hunts against these people, and oppress them every chance we get - and why? Because we believe that the law was written by, and voted into being by, a few hundred-thousand people who felt that children cannot always make the right decisions about sex and relationships, and therefore should not engage in relationships with those who may possibly use a child's mis-understanding of "sex vs relationships" against them - and inso doing, cause major psychological damage... Not to mention the physical harm that can occur.
Per Wikipedia.org, Slander and Libel have to do with "the communication of a statement that makes a false claim, expressly stated or implied to be factual, that may harm the reputation of an individual, business, product, group, government or nation... If the offending material is published in some fleeting form, as by spoken words or sounds, sign language, gestures and the like, then this is slander. If it is published in more durable form, for example in written words, film, compact disc and the like, then it is considered libel."
Interestingly, "§230(c) states that “that no provider or user of an interactive computer shall be treated as a publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider,” thereby providing forums immunity for statements provided by third parties."
Additionally, "Truth is an absolute defense in the United States as well as Canada. In some other countries it is also necessary to show a benefit to the public good in having the information brought to light... Opinion is a defense recognized in nearly every jurisdiction. If the allegedly defamatory assertion is an expression of opinion rather than a statement of fact, defamation claims usually cannot be brought because opinions are inherently not falsifiable. However, some jurisdictions decline to recognize any legal distinction between fact and opinion. The United States Supreme Court, in particular, has ruled that the First Amendment does not require recognition of an opinion privilege."
It's all very interesting, and legal-based, and if you're interested in looking at whether or not what's printed on my site is libel or slander, please feel free. However - I don't believe that I am guilty of either based on the law.
You see, I'm repeating a lot of what this guy has already admitted to. The fact that he's admitted to being a pedophile. The fact that he's admitted to looking for relationships with boys between the ages of 14 and 18. The fact that he's not pleased with Canada raising it's legal age of consent to 16, and wants to continue relationships with boys below that age after that law goes into effect. The fact that the book that he has published was turned down by no less than 5 other publishers because of its content and that at least 3 of them turned it down stating that it was ILLEGAL TO PRINT because of the content. These are things that he has already admitted to and stated himself It's the fact that I don't agree with it, and don't like it, and want to do something about his behavior that makes me "bad".
Of course, this could just be my own point of view. Certainly, there are those who consider me a horrible person because I'm an ecclectic Wiccan/Pagan (whatever you want to label it) who has worked in the porn industry - and still DOES work in the porn industry on occasion - and who actually *gasps* openly admits to being bi and liking men as well as women. There are those who think I should burn in hell for having gay and lesbian friends, and for supporting the same-sex marriage ideas... There are those who consider me awful because I got a divorce, have admitted to having been raped and molested when I was younger and talk about it, and who is currently allowing my step-son to learn about all different religions rather than a single one.
This, of course, is your opinion. But this is me. It's who I am - and my choices, beliefs, and actions are mine to own up to. I try my best not to hurt those who do not have a voice, but instead give a voice to them so that they can be heard. Even if you *could* convince me, somehow (most likely with a LOT of drugs and brainwashing) that pedophelia was ok and that there are those who would treat children well, there are still more people out there who would NOT - and that's what the laws are there for.
Laws are there to protect the majority of those in its confines - and while it is not perfect, it is there, nonetheless. We can either abide by them, understanding that those laws were made for a purpose, or live in anarchy and struggle to survive each day without representation or rights.
~M
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
