I used to counsel incarcerated veterans. Many of them told me that it was easier for them to kick heroin than nicotine.
Nicotine is an addictive drug. That is not my opinion, it is a fact.
Have you ever seen the photos of "meth mouth?" People who smoke meth have terrible dental and medical conditions. Here are some links that show the results of meth:
http://www.mappsd.org/Meth%20Mouth%20Photo%20Gallery.htm
http://www.mappsd.org/Progression.htm
http://www.mappsd.org/Faces%20of%20Meth-%20Static.htm
Similarly, people who smoke tobacco put themselves at risk of many medical conditions, about 13 of which can lead to death.
The government needs to do anything and everything to try to deter drug use, including nicotine, or at least try to control it. By legalizing some of the recreational drugs and have them dispensed through pharmacies, there would be more purity and less adulteration. A safer product if you will.
However, it does boil down to choice. People should have the freedom of choice to use drugs, and they should know the risks. “If you use this, it might cause addiction, and you could die from it.” That would be only a fair warning.
Cocaine in the United States is a very big problem. What costs $2,000 in Peru, costs $40,000 in Mexico, and $100,000 on the streets of cities in the U.S. By making it illegal, the U.S. is tacitly approving mob activity and murder.
By making recreational drugs legal, dispensed by prescription, and available through pharmacies, it would remove most if not all of the criminal activity.
The "War On Drugs" has been ongoing for 40 years, and the U.S. government still is not coming any where close to winning. It is well past the time to reconsider a more positive course of action. You cannot keep doing the same old thing, year after year, and expect different or better results… !!
Consider booze during prohibition, and how present day criminals profit by drugs being illegal. By making booze legal and regulating how it is made and distributed, it essentially removed organized crime from that activity. Similarly, making drugs legal would do the same thing, by removing the “middle men.”
If people want to smoke high octane, rarified and strengulated moldy goat manure, they should have the right to do so. I have the right not to participate.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
PRAYING FOR RAIN ON JULY 4TH
I always know when it is getting close to July 4TH; and that is without looking at a calendar.
I can tell by the noise and the smell. In my neighborhood and surrounding community area, New Year’s Eve and July 4TH sound like a war zone, and there is an almost nauseating stench from the smoke of the fireworks.
I live in the state of Washington, where many fireworks are illegal. Things that explode, or go up into the air and explode, are illegal. Indeed, many cities have banned all fireworks, including the so–called “Safe & Sane” fireworks.
As a former firefighter, I realize there is no such thing as safe & sane fireworks.
For instance, consider how hot a cake pan is at 350 degrees, and that glass melts at about 900 degrees. The average “sparkler” burns at about 1,200 degrees, around the same temperature as a welding torch. A lit sparkler, or the hot wire of a burned sparkler, can be the cause of burns to the young and elderly.
Across the United States, each year all sorts of fireworks are the cause of many people getting injured or burned, not to mention the “accidental fires” that cause damage to grasslands, forests, businesses and homes.
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), “In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage. In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 53% of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42% were to the head.”
This translates to: There is no cure for STUPID.
Please feel free to check out this report: http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=297&cookie%5Ftest=1
So, why is it that last year, on July 5TH, I found seven spent bottle rockets in my yard, including three on the roof of my house?
The only reason is the proximity of the nearest Tribal Lands – about two miles in the distance, where every conceivable firework known to humankind is available for sale.
There are about 32 Tribes in the state of Washington, and many of them sell fireworks. There is a website devoted to Tribal fireworks.
In case you are pining for the sounds I have been hearing every night for the past month, here ya go: http://www.indianfireworks.us/
Of course, some of the Tribes operate casinos. Once a year, they doll out some donations to agencies in the local community. Therefore, no one dares to criticize the Tribes for their fireworks sales. Each year, the Tribes must harvest MILLIONS from fireworks sales. Regardless of the County, one would never see the local police, the County Sheriff, or the State Patrol with roadblocks set up to seize illegal fireworks.
The Tribes operate with impunity, because they are a Nation within a nation. They can just about do whatever they please, and everyone else nearby just has to deal with it.
That is why I hope it rains on July 4TH – not because I am unpatriotic. I am very patriotic, but I am tired of flinching from the quarter and half sticks of dynamite, and all the racket from bottle rockets, the smoke, and the debris left in the streets.
There ought to be a law.
I can tell by the noise and the smell. In my neighborhood and surrounding community area, New Year’s Eve and July 4TH sound like a war zone, and there is an almost nauseating stench from the smoke of the fireworks.
I live in the state of Washington, where many fireworks are illegal. Things that explode, or go up into the air and explode, are illegal. Indeed, many cities have banned all fireworks, including the so–called “Safe & Sane” fireworks.
As a former firefighter, I realize there is no such thing as safe & sane fireworks.
For instance, consider how hot a cake pan is at 350 degrees, and that glass melts at about 900 degrees. The average “sparkler” burns at about 1,200 degrees, around the same temperature as a welding torch. A lit sparkler, or the hot wire of a burned sparkler, can be the cause of burns to the young and elderly.
Across the United States, each year all sorts of fireworks are the cause of many people getting injured or burned, not to mention the “accidental fires” that cause damage to grasslands, forests, businesses and homes.
According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), “In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage. In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 53% of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42% were to the head.”
This translates to: There is no cure for STUPID.
Please feel free to check out this report: http://www.nfpa.org/categoryList.asp?categoryID=297&cookie%5Ftest=1
So, why is it that last year, on July 5TH, I found seven spent bottle rockets in my yard, including three on the roof of my house?
The only reason is the proximity of the nearest Tribal Lands – about two miles in the distance, where every conceivable firework known to humankind is available for sale.
There are about 32 Tribes in the state of Washington, and many of them sell fireworks. There is a website devoted to Tribal fireworks.
In case you are pining for the sounds I have been hearing every night for the past month, here ya go: http://www.indianfireworks.us/
Of course, some of the Tribes operate casinos. Once a year, they doll out some donations to agencies in the local community. Therefore, no one dares to criticize the Tribes for their fireworks sales. Each year, the Tribes must harvest MILLIONS from fireworks sales. Regardless of the County, one would never see the local police, the County Sheriff, or the State Patrol with roadblocks set up to seize illegal fireworks.
The Tribes operate with impunity, because they are a Nation within a nation. They can just about do whatever they please, and everyone else nearby just has to deal with it.
That is why I hope it rains on July 4TH – not because I am unpatriotic. I am very patriotic, but I am tired of flinching from the quarter and half sticks of dynamite, and all the racket from bottle rockets, the smoke, and the debris left in the streets.
There ought to be a law.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
MY FATHER THE BULLY
I think I was about age five when I received the first beating from my father. I no longer remember what offense I might have committed to warrant such a savage attack.
He ripped off his belt; and, proceeded to thrash at me with the edge of his belt. It was an uncontrolled outburst of anger, until he ran out of steam. I had painful black and blue marks on my arms, legs, back and stomach.
I remember that all of his beatings hurt. Not only from the device he used to beat me, but by the mental hurt as well. How could a father do something like that to his son?
Maybe it was work related. If he had a bad day at work, he would look for ways to take it out on somebody else, somebody who was smaller and unable to defend himself against such an attack.
Maybe he had trouble dealing with the death of my younger sister. She died when I was three. Back in 1945, there was no grief therapy. People expressed their sorrow at such an event, and life continued.
My younger brother arrived in 1947. I could tell that our father favored my younger brother. However, even though my younger brother was “the favored one,” by the time he was three or four, he too experienced abuse. It started out as spanking, but gradually escalated to beatings. There is a distinct difference between a spanking and a beating.
Even at an early age, maybe when I was eight or ten, I knew that it was wrong for our father to administer a beating to my younger brother. If something like that happened, I would make faces and noises to draw our father’s attention toward me. That would result in him coming after me. I stepped in to take a beating for my brother countless times, and that is something forgotten by my brother. He has no recall of that ever happening.
Over the years, the belt gained a few assistants. Our father developed a range of items to inflict punishment. A rubber hose, an oversized ping–pong paddle (with holes cut into it, to make it work better as a hitting device), a three foot section of washing machine hot water hose (heavier than the cold water hose), a three foot long dried apricot twig (with the nubbers). That apricot twig was something else. It would leave welts that would hurt for days.
I now believe that our mother lived in fear of our father’s anger. She seldom did anything to intervene, probably in fear of what he would do to her. She was not the innocent bystander. If my brother and I misbehaved in any way, she would report our activity to our father. Thanks to her snitching, my brother and I had many more beatings.
However, during one particular beating, our father “lost it” when beating me. I think our mother thought he might kill me. So she grabbed the cast iron skillet and whanged him on the head with it. That frying pan rang like a church bell, and it stopped him. He suddenly stopped beating me, looked at everyone, and went into the living room to sit in a chair. It was as if he had been brought back into the present from another dimension.
My brother, who is five years younger than me, and I learned the hiding spot for our father’s instruments of torture. One by one, his items would disappear. As soon as he would replace a missing item, it would disappear if he used it. Soon, the only item remaining was his belt.
When I was in high school, I was envious of Alan, Jerry, Ralph, Joe, Don and Bruce, because they had fathers who did not beat them. At least they did not show purple welts when they took showers. I had many PE class excuses, mostly for the purpose of not taking a shower, where others would be able to see my black and blue marks. Believe me, it was very embarrassing to have to take a shower with purple bruise marks all over my legs stomach, and back.
My last beating took place when I was 18, a few months before graduation from high school. It was another unprovoked savage attack on my brother and me.
That is when I realized my father was a person, and a mean, cruel, bully. Later that evening, I approached my father and mentioned that I needed to let him know something. I told him that if he ever laid another hand on me or my brother, that I would kill him. “I will wait until you are asleep. Then, I will take a butcher knife and slit your throat.” Somehow, I got the idea that he knew that I was serious. There were no more breathings.
Within a few months, our parents divorced and our father moved out of the house to go live with another woman, who he later married. During the divorce proceedings, the judge asked my brother and me about our father beating us. Under oath, we told the truth.
Due to that testimony, our father believed we told lies about him in court, and made the choice to estrange himself from us. Apparently, he was in denial about his behavior, and actually thought or believed that he had never beaten us. He died at the age of 83, and by his choice without ever knowing his only grandchildren.
All of this was a learning experience for me. I learned how not to treat children.
I made a vow before God. If I ever got married and my wife and I had children, I would never beat them. I maintained that vow. We have a daughter and a son. Both grew up without beatings, and both are very good, responsible people today. (Yes, I did yell at them every now and then, but I never spanked them or beat them.)
Father's Day is always a day of mixed emothions for me. Mostly I am thankful that I was able to break the generational chain of violence from father to son.
Even though my father was a mean and cruel bully, he taught me how to be a better parent, by not emulating his behaviors, and for that I am very thankful.
He ripped off his belt; and, proceeded to thrash at me with the edge of his belt. It was an uncontrolled outburst of anger, until he ran out of steam. I had painful black and blue marks on my arms, legs, back and stomach.
I remember that all of his beatings hurt. Not only from the device he used to beat me, but by the mental hurt as well. How could a father do something like that to his son?
Maybe it was work related. If he had a bad day at work, he would look for ways to take it out on somebody else, somebody who was smaller and unable to defend himself against such an attack.
Maybe he had trouble dealing with the death of my younger sister. She died when I was three. Back in 1945, there was no grief therapy. People expressed their sorrow at such an event, and life continued.
My younger brother arrived in 1947. I could tell that our father favored my younger brother. However, even though my younger brother was “the favored one,” by the time he was three or four, he too experienced abuse. It started out as spanking, but gradually escalated to beatings. There is a distinct difference between a spanking and a beating.
Even at an early age, maybe when I was eight or ten, I knew that it was wrong for our father to administer a beating to my younger brother. If something like that happened, I would make faces and noises to draw our father’s attention toward me. That would result in him coming after me. I stepped in to take a beating for my brother countless times, and that is something forgotten by my brother. He has no recall of that ever happening.
Over the years, the belt gained a few assistants. Our father developed a range of items to inflict punishment. A rubber hose, an oversized ping–pong paddle (with holes cut into it, to make it work better as a hitting device), a three foot section of washing machine hot water hose (heavier than the cold water hose), a three foot long dried apricot twig (with the nubbers). That apricot twig was something else. It would leave welts that would hurt for days.
I now believe that our mother lived in fear of our father’s anger. She seldom did anything to intervene, probably in fear of what he would do to her. She was not the innocent bystander. If my brother and I misbehaved in any way, she would report our activity to our father. Thanks to her snitching, my brother and I had many more beatings.
However, during one particular beating, our father “lost it” when beating me. I think our mother thought he might kill me. So she grabbed the cast iron skillet and whanged him on the head with it. That frying pan rang like a church bell, and it stopped him. He suddenly stopped beating me, looked at everyone, and went into the living room to sit in a chair. It was as if he had been brought back into the present from another dimension.
My brother, who is five years younger than me, and I learned the hiding spot for our father’s instruments of torture. One by one, his items would disappear. As soon as he would replace a missing item, it would disappear if he used it. Soon, the only item remaining was his belt.
When I was in high school, I was envious of Alan, Jerry, Ralph, Joe, Don and Bruce, because they had fathers who did not beat them. At least they did not show purple welts when they took showers. I had many PE class excuses, mostly for the purpose of not taking a shower, where others would be able to see my black and blue marks. Believe me, it was very embarrassing to have to take a shower with purple bruise marks all over my legs stomach, and back.
My last beating took place when I was 18, a few months before graduation from high school. It was another unprovoked savage attack on my brother and me.
That is when I realized my father was a person, and a mean, cruel, bully. Later that evening, I approached my father and mentioned that I needed to let him know something. I told him that if he ever laid another hand on me or my brother, that I would kill him. “I will wait until you are asleep. Then, I will take a butcher knife and slit your throat.” Somehow, I got the idea that he knew that I was serious. There were no more breathings.
Within a few months, our parents divorced and our father moved out of the house to go live with another woman, who he later married. During the divorce proceedings, the judge asked my brother and me about our father beating us. Under oath, we told the truth.
Due to that testimony, our father believed we told lies about him in court, and made the choice to estrange himself from us. Apparently, he was in denial about his behavior, and actually thought or believed that he had never beaten us. He died at the age of 83, and by his choice without ever knowing his only grandchildren.
All of this was a learning experience for me. I learned how not to treat children.
I made a vow before God. If I ever got married and my wife and I had children, I would never beat them. I maintained that vow. We have a daughter and a son. Both grew up without beatings, and both are very good, responsible people today. (Yes, I did yell at them every now and then, but I never spanked them or beat them.)
Father's Day is always a day of mixed emothions for me. Mostly I am thankful that I was able to break the generational chain of violence from father to son.
Even though my father was a mean and cruel bully, he taught me how to be a better parent, by not emulating his behaviors, and for that I am very thankful.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
JUST AN OLD FRAUD
Well, the rapture happened, and it looks like there is a big bunch of us left behind to await our misfortunes or commiserations.
However, the San Francisco Bay Area did have an AHAAA!, or GOTCHA! moment though, as a 3.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the area, about an hour after Harold Camping's predicted end time.
There were reports of some people giving away all their belongings... To the people who actually believed Harold Camping - What the fongonus is the matter with you?
He's a soon to be 90 year-old man, (July), who more than likely has been suffering with some form of Delusional Disorder since at least 1994!!
Mr. Camping needs to fold up his tent, sit down and shut the fongonus up.
For the rest of his life, he should not mutter any words other than thank you, please, amen, yes, or no, in response to any direct question.
His “ministry” needs to close down and retire, and that includes his involvement in radio broadcasts.
In effect, he has been yelling “FIRE” in a crowded theater. Had he actually done that, he would have been charged with a crime and prosecuted.
However, his end of times prediction about the rapture is just the same, only there is no prosecution. He should be in jail or prison the rest of his life, but that will not happen.
Despite what he thinks, Harold Camping is not a prophet. He is nothing more than an old fraud. He is evil, pure evil.
Even though I am a non-denominational, moderately religious person, more than one Bible thumper has told me that I will be going to hell, in a flaming chariot at that. In response to such thumping, I gently let them know that I would pay good money to be able to have that experience.
Anyone who has waded through the compendiums about the history of Scotland, should realize that King James, the famous Bible editor, had more than just a few kinks in his hose.
I somehow get the feeling that Harold Camping and King James would get along just fine.
However, the San Francisco Bay Area did have an AHAAA!, or GOTCHA! moment though, as a 3.4 magnitude earthquake rattled the area, about an hour after Harold Camping's predicted end time.
There were reports of some people giving away all their belongings... To the people who actually believed Harold Camping - What the fongonus is the matter with you?
He's a soon to be 90 year-old man, (July), who more than likely has been suffering with some form of Delusional Disorder since at least 1994!!
Mr. Camping needs to fold up his tent, sit down and shut the fongonus up.
For the rest of his life, he should not mutter any words other than thank you, please, amen, yes, or no, in response to any direct question.
His “ministry” needs to close down and retire, and that includes his involvement in radio broadcasts.
In effect, he has been yelling “FIRE” in a crowded theater. Had he actually done that, he would have been charged with a crime and prosecuted.
However, his end of times prediction about the rapture is just the same, only there is no prosecution. He should be in jail or prison the rest of his life, but that will not happen.
Despite what he thinks, Harold Camping is not a prophet. He is nothing more than an old fraud. He is evil, pure evil.
Even though I am a non-denominational, moderately religious person, more than one Bible thumper has told me that I will be going to hell, in a flaming chariot at that. In response to such thumping, I gently let them know that I would pay good money to be able to have that experience.
Anyone who has waded through the compendiums about the history of Scotland, should realize that King James, the famous Bible editor, had more than just a few kinks in his hose.
I somehow get the feeling that Harold Camping and King James would get along just fine.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Dr. Stephen Hawking: "There is no heaven."
News item – Stephen Hawking, the celebrated theoretical physicist announced that there is no heaven… That is Professor S W Hawking CH CBE FRS, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0WA. United Kingdom.
Well, I could not resist sending him an email to ask about ghosts. “Professor Hawking, Have you ever seen or heard a ghost? I realize it is impossible for me to convince anyone they exist. However, once someone sees or hears one, that experience changes things. Over the past 35 years, I have seen and heard several ghosts. I am convinced it was not my imagination.”
Within short order, I received an automatic reply: “Thank you for your email to Professor Hawking. As you can imagine, Prof. Hawking receives many such every day. He very much regrets that due to the severe limitations he works under, and the enormous number of requests he receives, he is unable to compose a reply to every message, and we do not have the resources to deal with many of the specific scientific enquiries and theories we receive.Please see the website http://www.hawking.org.uk for more information about Professor Hawking, his life and his work. Yours faithfully Sam Blackburn Technical Assistant toProfessor S W Hawking CH CBE FRS”
Needless to say, the comments by Dr. Hawking have caused a bit of controversy.
Heaven could have a different meaning to different people. On a basic level, some believe the streets are paved with gold. Others refer to heaven as, “the other side.” Near death survivors have described “the tunnel, and the white light.” Researches have concluded that is caused by blood deprivation to the brain.
As of May 17, 2011, the estimated world population is 6,918,900,000, almost 7 Billion people. Of that number, I would guess that 5/8ths of the planet’s population (.625%) believe in some form of afterlife or reintarnation, I mean, reincarnation. That would be about 4,324,312,500 people.
Considering all of the types of civilization on our planet, from very primitive or tribal to very contemporary city living, many people believe in reincarnation. They celebrate their ancestors, and in some cases carry their remains or parts of the remains with them. It is mostly the westernized societies with the variety of religions, which put the kybosh on “life after life.”
When King James edited his version of the Bible, back in 1605, he was very conservative, and concerned about protecting his beliefs and prerogatives. However, there is one area where he might have dozed off a bit. Psalm 121:7, 8. “7. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Reincarnationists believe in going out and coming in. The Bible is saying the Lord will preserve thy soul; and, thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” What exactly does that mean? Is that a veiled reference to reincarnation, and how the Lord will protect one forever? Many people believe that to be true.
The fact that the earliest Bibles mention soul, means the possibility of ghosts.
Many years ago, I owned half interest in and managed a full liquor store and delicatessen. I had hired a sandwhich maker/deli attendant/cashier, and was explaining proper food handling procedure to her, with the help of two other workers.
She asked if we had a restroom. I said, “Yes, it’s upstairs. Go upstairs and down the hall, then turn left, and turn left again, and you will find it on your left. Be careful about showing your toosh, because we have ghosts in this building.” She looked at the three of us, and me like I was nuts. She said, “I do not believe in them. There is no such thing as ghosts.”
As soon as she said that, a ghost ran up the stairs and down the hall. All of us could hear the bump, bump bump, thump, thump thump, as whatever it was ran up the stairs and down the hall. I had goosebumps big enough to cut with a razor blade.
“I said, well, there you go! What was making that running noise?” Jennifer and Michelle laughed a nervous laugh. Both of them said, “You’ll get used to it.”
She did go upstairs and completed her detail, and thankfully, nothing more happened. Many years later, I still find it interesting that a ghost was standing there, listening to our conversation. With precise timing, the ghost sprang into action – in an attempt to convince a non–believer.
So, I wonder how Dr. Hawking would explain multiple experiences like that, where more than one person sees or hears the same thing?
Well, I could not resist sending him an email to ask about ghosts. “Professor Hawking, Have you ever seen or heard a ghost? I realize it is impossible for me to convince anyone they exist. However, once someone sees or hears one, that experience changes things. Over the past 35 years, I have seen and heard several ghosts. I am convinced it was not my imagination.”
Within short order, I received an automatic reply: “Thank you for your email to Professor Hawking. As you can imagine, Prof. Hawking receives many such every day. He very much regrets that due to the severe limitations he works under, and the enormous number of requests he receives, he is unable to compose a reply to every message, and we do not have the resources to deal with many of the specific scientific enquiries and theories we receive.Please see the website http://www.hawking.org.uk for more information about Professor Hawking, his life and his work. Yours faithfully Sam Blackburn Technical Assistant toProfessor S W Hawking CH CBE FRS”
Needless to say, the comments by Dr. Hawking have caused a bit of controversy.
Heaven could have a different meaning to different people. On a basic level, some believe the streets are paved with gold. Others refer to heaven as, “the other side.” Near death survivors have described “the tunnel, and the white light.” Researches have concluded that is caused by blood deprivation to the brain.
As of May 17, 2011, the estimated world population is 6,918,900,000, almost 7 Billion people. Of that number, I would guess that 5/8ths of the planet’s population (.625%) believe in some form of afterlife or reintarnation, I mean, reincarnation. That would be about 4,324,312,500 people.
Considering all of the types of civilization on our planet, from very primitive or tribal to very contemporary city living, many people believe in reincarnation. They celebrate their ancestors, and in some cases carry their remains or parts of the remains with them. It is mostly the westernized societies with the variety of religions, which put the kybosh on “life after life.”
When King James edited his version of the Bible, back in 1605, he was very conservative, and concerned about protecting his beliefs and prerogatives. However, there is one area where he might have dozed off a bit. Psalm 121:7, 8. “7. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. 8. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Reincarnationists believe in going out and coming in. The Bible is saying the Lord will preserve thy soul; and, thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” What exactly does that mean? Is that a veiled reference to reincarnation, and how the Lord will protect one forever? Many people believe that to be true.
The fact that the earliest Bibles mention soul, means the possibility of ghosts.
Many years ago, I owned half interest in and managed a full liquor store and delicatessen. I had hired a sandwhich maker/deli attendant/cashier, and was explaining proper food handling procedure to her, with the help of two other workers.
She asked if we had a restroom. I said, “Yes, it’s upstairs. Go upstairs and down the hall, then turn left, and turn left again, and you will find it on your left. Be careful about showing your toosh, because we have ghosts in this building.” She looked at the three of us, and me like I was nuts. She said, “I do not believe in them. There is no such thing as ghosts.”
As soon as she said that, a ghost ran up the stairs and down the hall. All of us could hear the bump, bump bump, thump, thump thump, as whatever it was ran up the stairs and down the hall. I had goosebumps big enough to cut with a razor blade.
“I said, well, there you go! What was making that running noise?” Jennifer and Michelle laughed a nervous laugh. Both of them said, “You’ll get used to it.”
She did go upstairs and completed her detail, and thankfully, nothing more happened. Many years later, I still find it interesting that a ghost was standing there, listening to our conversation. With precise timing, the ghost sprang into action – in an attempt to convince a non–believer.
So, I wonder how Dr. Hawking would explain multiple experiences like that, where more than one person sees or hears the same thing?
Saturday, May 14, 2011
REPUBLICANS SHOULD PASS ON 2012
Mike Huckabee, Newton Gingrich, Mitt Romney, etc. for POTUS – are you kidding me? Their chances of getting elected POTUS are the exact same as them becoming the next Pope, or Czar of Russia, or The Grand Vizier of BoogaBoogistan. They must be suffering with Presinoia! (Go to Urban Dictionary and look it up.)
I think the Republican Party should consider passing on the 2012 POTUS election. As a Republican since the first time I could vote, for Barry Goldwater, it pains me to write that.
However, I realize that the Republican Party has transmogrified into an undesirable frothy mixture of Christians and conservatives. I am a Christian, and I am a conservative, but I am not a Christian conservative.
The term conservative used to describe someone who believed in proper budgeting and wise spending. Nowadays, it refers to kooky right–wing religious beliefs. "Conservative Christians," has become the more acceptable term for antiabortion activists.
There are two bottom lines: 1) The Republicans should not be legislating morals or mores; and, 2) if God did not want abortions to happen, they would not be possible. That means paunchy, balding or grey haired older men should not be legislating what women can or cannot do with their bodies.
I can guarantee you one thing, if the roles were reversed, and any of the present Republican leadership or POTUS wannabes had to give birth, especially to an unwanted baby conceived by rape or incest, there would be abortion on demand, 24 hours a day, every day, in every larger U.S. city.
In 2011, the Republican Party had better start concentrating on reducing the budget deficit and the foreign trade imbalance, jobs creation for meaningful jobs for all people who want to work, and some type of health care available to all who need it. There needs to be a "helping hand program." Not to give people a hand out, but a hand up, to a better life outcome.
The Republican Party needs to change to a Party of all the people, not just the rich. Most important, the Republican Party needs to excommunicate the religious right. The religious right needs to form its own political party.
Unless and until those things happen, the Republican Party will continue to wallow in mediocrity.
In some ways, the GOP 2012 situation is like a cattle drive. The only thing absent is mooing and manure. None of the current Republican candidate herd is worthy of my vote.
That is why I believe the Republican Party should do a 'pass' on the 2012 POTUS election. There would be about Two Billion Dollars saved, by Democrats and Republicans – money that could be used for a better purpose.
I think the Republican Party should consider passing on the 2012 POTUS election. As a Republican since the first time I could vote, for Barry Goldwater, it pains me to write that.
However, I realize that the Republican Party has transmogrified into an undesirable frothy mixture of Christians and conservatives. I am a Christian, and I am a conservative, but I am not a Christian conservative.
The term conservative used to describe someone who believed in proper budgeting and wise spending. Nowadays, it refers to kooky right–wing religious beliefs. "Conservative Christians," has become the more acceptable term for antiabortion activists.
There are two bottom lines: 1) The Republicans should not be legislating morals or mores; and, 2) if God did not want abortions to happen, they would not be possible. That means paunchy, balding or grey haired older men should not be legislating what women can or cannot do with their bodies.
I can guarantee you one thing, if the roles were reversed, and any of the present Republican leadership or POTUS wannabes had to give birth, especially to an unwanted baby conceived by rape or incest, there would be abortion on demand, 24 hours a day, every day, in every larger U.S. city.
In 2011, the Republican Party had better start concentrating on reducing the budget deficit and the foreign trade imbalance, jobs creation for meaningful jobs for all people who want to work, and some type of health care available to all who need it. There needs to be a "helping hand program." Not to give people a hand out, but a hand up, to a better life outcome.
The Republican Party needs to change to a Party of all the people, not just the rich. Most important, the Republican Party needs to excommunicate the religious right. The religious right needs to form its own political party.
Unless and until those things happen, the Republican Party will continue to wallow in mediocrity.
In some ways, the GOP 2012 situation is like a cattle drive. The only thing absent is mooing and manure. None of the current Republican candidate herd is worthy of my vote.
That is why I believe the Republican Party should do a 'pass' on the 2012 POTUS election. There would be about Two Billion Dollars saved, by Democrats and Republicans – money that could be used for a better purpose.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
TRUMP THE PREZ... ??
Recently, Donald Trump – yeah, that guy, the guy with the weird hairdo – has been nattering on about the lack of a Barack Obama birth certificate.
Appearing on TV last Thursday, on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Mr. Trump said that he wants the issue of President Barack Obama’s birth resolved. That, so Mr. Trump could beat him fair and square.
As nearly everyone on the planet knows by now, Mr. Trump has a good dentist, a terrible barber, and more than a few assets. He probably does not worry about whether or not he will have enough money to pay his rent this month. Now, he is setting a goal for deciding if he will run for the office of POTUS. By June, he will make up his mind.
I can save him a lot of trouble by letting him know that he should fogettaboudit. It would be much more meaningful for him to donate the money he would have spent on a failed POTUS campaign to a charity intended to help others who are less fortunate.
What if, by some miracle, a genuine, 100% guaranteed, actual, authentic, birth certificate appears, showing that Barack Obama was born of alien parentage, in PooPoo, BoogaBoogistan? Then what?
Would the U.S. Congress impeach him and remove him from office? Maybe, but not likely. If Congress did succeed in impeaching President Obama, then what would happen?
Would Joe Biden become POTUS, and select a VPOTUS? Does that really sound like a good choice?
I do not think so. Normally, it would be better to wait until the next election cycle, but remember that conservative Christians hijacked the Republican Party. (The Bible thumpers really need to form their own party. It is interesting to note that these people claim to be followers of Jesus, yet do not adhere to his teachings.)
The result is a littering of marginal, doofus-like Republican POTUS wannabes, none of whom have a chance to win against Obama in 2012, or other Dem candidates in 2016, maybe even 2020. Name any of the present Republican, or “Tea Party” POTUS wannabes, being sure to include Mr. Trump. Realize the fact that his or her chances of getting elected POTUS are the exact same as becoming the next Czar of Russia, the Pope, or the Grand Vizier of BoogaBoogistan.
The Republicans need to shed the mean-spirited, "we do not care about people who are less fortunate," screed offered by right wing conservative Christians. Instead, the GOP should concentrate on finding a candidate who has good budgeting ideas; and, who genuinely cares about other people having a more successful life outcome.
I am a Republican, but I realize that until there is a refocus to more meaningful issues, the Republican Party will continue to flounder and wallow in mediocrity. The Republican Party truly needs to become, “the party of the people.” Unless that transformation happens, they will lose.
In the meantime, “Trumping the Prez,” in 2012 just ain’t gonna happen.
Appearing on TV last Thursday, on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Mr. Trump said that he wants the issue of President Barack Obama’s birth resolved. That, so Mr. Trump could beat him fair and square.
As nearly everyone on the planet knows by now, Mr. Trump has a good dentist, a terrible barber, and more than a few assets. He probably does not worry about whether or not he will have enough money to pay his rent this month. Now, he is setting a goal for deciding if he will run for the office of POTUS. By June, he will make up his mind.
I can save him a lot of trouble by letting him know that he should fogettaboudit. It would be much more meaningful for him to donate the money he would have spent on a failed POTUS campaign to a charity intended to help others who are less fortunate.
What if, by some miracle, a genuine, 100% guaranteed, actual, authentic, birth certificate appears, showing that Barack Obama was born of alien parentage, in PooPoo, BoogaBoogistan? Then what?
Would the U.S. Congress impeach him and remove him from office? Maybe, but not likely. If Congress did succeed in impeaching President Obama, then what would happen?
Would Joe Biden become POTUS, and select a VPOTUS? Does that really sound like a good choice?
I do not think so. Normally, it would be better to wait until the next election cycle, but remember that conservative Christians hijacked the Republican Party. (The Bible thumpers really need to form their own party. It is interesting to note that these people claim to be followers of Jesus, yet do not adhere to his teachings.)
The result is a littering of marginal, doofus-like Republican POTUS wannabes, none of whom have a chance to win against Obama in 2012, or other Dem candidates in 2016, maybe even 2020. Name any of the present Republican, or “Tea Party” POTUS wannabes, being sure to include Mr. Trump. Realize the fact that his or her chances of getting elected POTUS are the exact same as becoming the next Czar of Russia, the Pope, or the Grand Vizier of BoogaBoogistan.
The Republicans need to shed the mean-spirited, "we do not care about people who are less fortunate," screed offered by right wing conservative Christians. Instead, the GOP should concentrate on finding a candidate who has good budgeting ideas; and, who genuinely cares about other people having a more successful life outcome.
I am a Republican, but I realize that until there is a refocus to more meaningful issues, the Republican Party will continue to flounder and wallow in mediocrity. The Republican Party truly needs to become, “the party of the people.” Unless that transformation happens, they will lose.
In the meantime, “Trumping the Prez,” in 2012 just ain’t gonna happen.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
PERFUMED LEMON CHICKEN...
I decided to stop by a Chinese restaurant and have a $6.95 lunch special. After looking at the special lunch menu, I asked if I could get lemon chicken in place of the almond chicken. No problem.
It came with choice of soup, fried rice and chicken chowmein. As an afterthought, I asked for a half order of butterfly-fried prawns. When the tea arrived, I began noticing a strong perfume odor. When the egg drop soup arrived, I realized the odor was very strong. It was strong enough to make my nose run and to cause a headache, and I had not even tasted any food with MSG at that point.
However, when the lemon chicken arrived, I became fully aware that it was my food server who was wafting the cloud of stench. Have you ever had lemon chicken that tasted like bad perfume? It is quite an experience. How would it be possible for Chinese food to taste like bad perfume. I say bad, only because it was sooo strong. She must have poured it on in places. I began to wonder if she was trying to hide a bad body odor problem.
Food servers, male or female, should realize that they need to tone it way down, or better yet, do not wear any scented products when working with the public. If you like to wear perfume to work, you might be wearing too much. If you use scented products on a regular basis, you could become desensitized to the scent. Thus, you might use more so you can smell it.
Other people could be allergic to your scented product. No matter what the workplace setting, strong perfume or cologne is not very appropriate, unless you are pole dancing in a cocktail lounge or biker bar.
Most people wear a fragrance that becomes part of their persona, their being. They need to realize that for many people, the person wearing the fragrance would have a stinky persona or being. If the goal of wearing a scented product is to “be noticed,” it could have an unintended, undesirable or negative result.
I wish that more business owners would expand their views of good customer service, to include some concern for people who are chemically sensitive. Had there been a sign at the door, “WARNING – OUR FOOD SERVERS WEAR PERFUME,” I would not have gone inside the business. That is only fair warning.
In the meantime, lemon chicken and perfume is not a good mix, and you can trust me on that one.
It came with choice of soup, fried rice and chicken chowmein. As an afterthought, I asked for a half order of butterfly-fried prawns. When the tea arrived, I began noticing a strong perfume odor. When the egg drop soup arrived, I realized the odor was very strong. It was strong enough to make my nose run and to cause a headache, and I had not even tasted any food with MSG at that point.
However, when the lemon chicken arrived, I became fully aware that it was my food server who was wafting the cloud of stench. Have you ever had lemon chicken that tasted like bad perfume? It is quite an experience. How would it be possible for Chinese food to taste like bad perfume. I say bad, only because it was sooo strong. She must have poured it on in places. I began to wonder if she was trying to hide a bad body odor problem.
Food servers, male or female, should realize that they need to tone it way down, or better yet, do not wear any scented products when working with the public. If you like to wear perfume to work, you might be wearing too much. If you use scented products on a regular basis, you could become desensitized to the scent. Thus, you might use more so you can smell it.
Other people could be allergic to your scented product. No matter what the workplace setting, strong perfume or cologne is not very appropriate, unless you are pole dancing in a cocktail lounge or biker bar.
Most people wear a fragrance that becomes part of their persona, their being. They need to realize that for many people, the person wearing the fragrance would have a stinky persona or being. If the goal of wearing a scented product is to “be noticed,” it could have an unintended, undesirable or negative result.
I wish that more business owners would expand their views of good customer service, to include some concern for people who are chemically sensitive. Had there been a sign at the door, “WARNING – OUR FOOD SERVERS WEAR PERFUME,” I would not have gone inside the business. That is only fair warning.
In the meantime, lemon chicken and perfume is not a good mix, and you can trust me on that one.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
DOES SIZE MATTER ??
If one asks the question, does size matter?, it might conjure up a lot of different answers.
There is the average fast food restaurant offering larger size fries and soft drink for a small additional amount of money. More to eat for less money. Then, there is the smaller car and a larger person trying to fit in it.
Oh, and then there are the human body parts. Larger this or that, and the perception that larger is better.
However, with earthquakes, larger is not better, but size does matter.
The recent earthquake in Japan, recorded at 8.9 Richter Scale magnitude, caused a lot of damage over a very widespread area. That damage was exacerbated by tidal wave or Tsunami activity.
Most people living along the west coast of the United States have experienced an earthquake. Having lived on the west coast for 64 years, I have experienced dozens of earthquakes. The most powerful was a 6.9 magnitude, and that was during the 1989 “World Serious.”
That quake, known as the Loma Prieta Quake, or the World Series Quake, caused extensive damage within about a 100–mile radius of the epicenter, killed 63 people, injured close to 4,000 people, and left 3,000 to 12,000 homeless, at least temporarily.
Comparing the World Series Quake to the quake in Japan last Friday, the quake in Japan was 1,000 times stronger. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/calculator.php
We have all seen pictures or videos of the horrific damage. Can you imagine what would have happened if the 1989 quake had been 8.9 magnitude?
Thousands, if not millions of TV viewers along the entire west coast of the United States and Canada are sitting in the comfort of their living room or den, watching the events unfold after the Japan earthquake. How many of them are paying attention?
The quake in Japan is a VERY BIG wakeup call for residents living near any of the coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and California. Certain ports along the west coast had Tsunami alerts, and there are reports of eight foot waves causing some damage.
More than likely, there will be a shocking increase in the death toll of the Japan earthquake. The financial damage will be mind boggling as well.
No matter how well prepared one might believe they are prepared, there is always the totally unexpected.
Many relief agencies suggest having at least three days of food and water in your home. I believe that should be a 7 to 10 day supply. That would be food that is edible without cooking, and, some foods that could be cooked by adding boiling water. Canned tuna, chicken, meats, and Ramen-type soups will provide some nutrition.
People forget about other things such as toilet paper, or paper towels, a flashlight, candles, matches, first aid kit, a supply of your medications, and a battery powered radio.
If a really big magnitude earthquake happens, roads might crack and be impassable, bridges might collapse, and you could be stranded. How will you survive for seven to ten days? What if you are ordered to evacuate your home? Where will you go, and how will you get there safely?
The people of Japan have experienced hundreds, if not thousands of earthquakes over the past 50 years. They are probably the most prepared for such events. However, even though they have the experience and were prepared, NO ONE had any realistic idea of what would happen if a Tsunami of major size swept inland.
Now, we all know what happens. It is an unfolding learning experience. Are we paying attention?
There is the average fast food restaurant offering larger size fries and soft drink for a small additional amount of money. More to eat for less money. Then, there is the smaller car and a larger person trying to fit in it.
Oh, and then there are the human body parts. Larger this or that, and the perception that larger is better.
However, with earthquakes, larger is not better, but size does matter.
The recent earthquake in Japan, recorded at 8.9 Richter Scale magnitude, caused a lot of damage over a very widespread area. That damage was exacerbated by tidal wave or Tsunami activity.
Most people living along the west coast of the United States have experienced an earthquake. Having lived on the west coast for 64 years, I have experienced dozens of earthquakes. The most powerful was a 6.9 magnitude, and that was during the 1989 “World Serious.”
That quake, known as the Loma Prieta Quake, or the World Series Quake, caused extensive damage within about a 100–mile radius of the epicenter, killed 63 people, injured close to 4,000 people, and left 3,000 to 12,000 homeless, at least temporarily.
Comparing the World Series Quake to the quake in Japan last Friday, the quake in Japan was 1,000 times stronger. http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/calculator.php
We have all seen pictures or videos of the horrific damage. Can you imagine what would have happened if the 1989 quake had been 8.9 magnitude?
Thousands, if not millions of TV viewers along the entire west coast of the United States and Canada are sitting in the comfort of their living room or den, watching the events unfold after the Japan earthquake. How many of them are paying attention?
The quake in Japan is a VERY BIG wakeup call for residents living near any of the coastal areas of Alaska, British Columbia, Oregon, and California. Certain ports along the west coast had Tsunami alerts, and there are reports of eight foot waves causing some damage.
More than likely, there will be a shocking increase in the death toll of the Japan earthquake. The financial damage will be mind boggling as well.
No matter how well prepared one might believe they are prepared, there is always the totally unexpected.
Many relief agencies suggest having at least three days of food and water in your home. I believe that should be a 7 to 10 day supply. That would be food that is edible without cooking, and, some foods that could be cooked by adding boiling water. Canned tuna, chicken, meats, and Ramen-type soups will provide some nutrition.
People forget about other things such as toilet paper, or paper towels, a flashlight, candles, matches, first aid kit, a supply of your medications, and a battery powered radio.
If a really big magnitude earthquake happens, roads might crack and be impassable, bridges might collapse, and you could be stranded. How will you survive for seven to ten days? What if you are ordered to evacuate your home? Where will you go, and how will you get there safely?
The people of Japan have experienced hundreds, if not thousands of earthquakes over the past 50 years. They are probably the most prepared for such events. However, even though they have the experience and were prepared, NO ONE had any realistic idea of what would happen if a Tsunami of major size swept inland.
Now, we all know what happens. It is an unfolding learning experience. Are we paying attention?
Monday, March 7, 2011
THE NEED FOR A RIGHT TO PRIVACY
There was a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, to favor the right of free speech, over one’s right to privacy. It turns out that there is no specific right to privacy within the U.S. Constitution.
Maybe it is time to fine tune the constitution.
Of course that would be done in one of two ways: Chuck the whole thing by editing it to modern times, or, by making a new amendment. Either way, though, there would be a real mess of opinions and suggestions to sort.
While for the most part, the founding fathers had some good ideas for their times, 235+ years ago, they could not envision the future of 2011 and beyond.
I feel safe in saying that none of the founders could imagine a Boeing 767, or an electric stove, or a car, etc. Even Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who at the time, many people considered to be polymaths, would not have imagined a computer.
For had they done so, they more than likely would have been labeled as under the spell of a witch or warlock. There would not have been any women on the jury, but there would have been a speedy trial, and a conviction, and probably a death penalty by hanging.
If I understand it correctly, U.S. Supreme Court justices do not make laws, they do their best to interpret the laws. Therein lies the trouble: Judges in 2011, trying to figure out what people meant or wanted back in the 1770s, when they wrote the U.S. Constitution.
The founding fathers were not concerned with the issue of one’s privacy, because there was no need for it. That was a time when everyone minded their own business, and did not meddle in the doings of other people.
I would bet the farm that the founding fathers would be horrified by the sight of the demonstrations by the Westboro Baptist Church members, protesting at military funerals.
Therefore, the only way that “we the people,” can right a wrong, is to change things by enacting a law.
Yes, there ought to be a law, which establishes the “right of privacy.“ This should be a law that cannot be trumped by “free speech.” People should have a right of privacy, to bury their dead in peace – without any of the demonstrations by whacko religious nut job zealots.
The U.S. Congress needs to develop a spine, and pass a joint bill. One that specifically establishes a “right to privacy;” and, that prohibits the demonstrations by any group within 1,000 feet of a funeral for any deceased military members, veterans, or public servants such a police or fire services.
This should be done with all due haste, so President Obama would have the opportunity to sign the bill into law, as soon as practicable.
This “right to privacy” should become the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Maybe it is time to fine tune the constitution.
Of course that would be done in one of two ways: Chuck the whole thing by editing it to modern times, or, by making a new amendment. Either way, though, there would be a real mess of opinions and suggestions to sort.
While for the most part, the founding fathers had some good ideas for their times, 235+ years ago, they could not envision the future of 2011 and beyond.
I feel safe in saying that none of the founders could imagine a Boeing 767, or an electric stove, or a car, etc. Even Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, who at the time, many people considered to be polymaths, would not have imagined a computer.
For had they done so, they more than likely would have been labeled as under the spell of a witch or warlock. There would not have been any women on the jury, but there would have been a speedy trial, and a conviction, and probably a death penalty by hanging.
If I understand it correctly, U.S. Supreme Court justices do not make laws, they do their best to interpret the laws. Therein lies the trouble: Judges in 2011, trying to figure out what people meant or wanted back in the 1770s, when they wrote the U.S. Constitution.
The founding fathers were not concerned with the issue of one’s privacy, because there was no need for it. That was a time when everyone minded their own business, and did not meddle in the doings of other people.
I would bet the farm that the founding fathers would be horrified by the sight of the demonstrations by the Westboro Baptist Church members, protesting at military funerals.
Therefore, the only way that “we the people,” can right a wrong, is to change things by enacting a law.
Yes, there ought to be a law, which establishes the “right of privacy.“ This should be a law that cannot be trumped by “free speech.” People should have a right of privacy, to bury their dead in peace – without any of the demonstrations by whacko religious nut job zealots.
The U.S. Congress needs to develop a spine, and pass a joint bill. One that specifically establishes a “right to privacy;” and, that prohibits the demonstrations by any group within 1,000 feet of a funeral for any deceased military members, veterans, or public servants such a police or fire services.
This should be done with all due haste, so President Obama would have the opportunity to sign the bill into law, as soon as practicable.
This “right to privacy” should become the next amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
SUPREME COURT FOR SOME, NOT ALL
I am very sorry to see that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to allow the "right of free speech" to trample on the “right of privacy.”
Of course, I am referring to the decision by the SCOTUS to allow members of the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at military, and police funerals.
In essence, the SCOTUS is saying that persons wanting to protest can climb the privacy fence and disturb the grief and mourning of others. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
I can’t help but wonder about these Supreme Court members and how they feel about their own privacy.
How would they like it if there were a crowd of demonstrators every time they left their home to go to work, or to the store?
How would they like it if members of a radical church decided to protest outside the church attended by the Judges?
More than likely, none of the Supreme Court Judges would want that. They would not like it if they were badgered by protestors, because the Judges are NIMBYs. Moreover, they would probably have law enforcement herding the protestors and demonstrators away from the area, under the threat of arrest.
The members of both houses of the U.S. Congress should pass legislation to guarantee one’s right to privacy, including not having protestors and demonstrators within 500 feet of any funeral, no matter the affiliation of the decedent.
Any church group that claims to be Christian – as in followers of the teachings of Jesus – is not Christian if they protest and demonstrate at funerals.
I find it difficult to believe that Jesus would sponsor or condone such behavior.
It is important to realize that the U.S. Constitution does not specifically mention a right to privacy.
However, over the years, many Supreme Court decisions established the right to privacy as a basic human right. Furthermore, it is protected by the 9th Amendment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
There ought to be a law… !! You bet there should be a law; and Congress should pass that law immediately if not sooner.
Free speech should not trump privacy.
Freedom of religion, should also mean freedom FROM religion, especially if it is the unChristian hate spewed by Westboro Baptist Church.
Of course, I am referring to the decision by the SCOTUS to allow members of the Westboro Baptist Church to protest at military, and police funerals.
In essence, the SCOTUS is saying that persons wanting to protest can climb the privacy fence and disturb the grief and mourning of others. THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.
I can’t help but wonder about these Supreme Court members and how they feel about their own privacy.
How would they like it if there were a crowd of demonstrators every time they left their home to go to work, or to the store?
How would they like it if members of a radical church decided to protest outside the church attended by the Judges?
More than likely, none of the Supreme Court Judges would want that. They would not like it if they were badgered by protestors, because the Judges are NIMBYs. Moreover, they would probably have law enforcement herding the protestors and demonstrators away from the area, under the threat of arrest.
The members of both houses of the U.S. Congress should pass legislation to guarantee one’s right to privacy, including not having protestors and demonstrators within 500 feet of any funeral, no matter the affiliation of the decedent.
Any church group that claims to be Christian – as in followers of the teachings of Jesus – is not Christian if they protest and demonstrate at funerals.
I find it difficult to believe that Jesus would sponsor or condone such behavior.
It is important to realize that the U.S. Constitution does not specifically mention a right to privacy.
However, over the years, many Supreme Court decisions established the right to privacy as a basic human right. Furthermore, it is protected by the 9th Amendment. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
There ought to be a law… !! You bet there should be a law; and Congress should pass that law immediately if not sooner.
Free speech should not trump privacy.
Freedom of religion, should also mean freedom FROM religion, especially if it is the unChristian hate spewed by Westboro Baptist Church.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
SNOWBALL'S CHANCE IN HELL
I am a Republican - since the first time I could vote for Barry Goldwater.
That was back when being a "conservative" meant that one favored prudent spending, and staying to a budget that meant sense; and, being a “Christian” meant that one followed, or at least tried to follow, the teachings of Christ.
However, I do not agree with the ideas and concepts of the present day “GOP leaders.” They do not speak for me.
Over the years, I have seen the GOP stray from fiscal soundness to a religious right, Bible thumper platform; one that almost borders on hate or uncaring for others who are less fortunate or different.
It is an almost exclusionary concept. If one does not have lots and lots of money, or one does not distance oneself from others who are different or less fortunate, then one cannot be a "real Republican." That, from the political party that supposedly cares about other people.
Also, I have always voted for the candidate I believed could do the best job, and often that was not a Republican.
Conservatives and Libertarians need to wake up and smell the coffee. They have no meaningful candidates.
So far, for the 2012 election, there are no GOP or Independent candidates with any genuine plan to help put our country back on track. That will ensure another win for President Obama.
Furthermore, the prospects of Newton Gingrich, Willard Mitt Romney, Ronald Paul, Randal Paul, along with all the other politicos mentioned as possible POTUS candidates, must be suffering with some form of mental illness.
They actually believe they have a chance of election to POTUS; when their chances of election to POTUS are the exact same as a snowball’s chances in hell.
That was back when being a "conservative" meant that one favored prudent spending, and staying to a budget that meant sense; and, being a “Christian” meant that one followed, or at least tried to follow, the teachings of Christ.
However, I do not agree with the ideas and concepts of the present day “GOP leaders.” They do not speak for me.
Over the years, I have seen the GOP stray from fiscal soundness to a religious right, Bible thumper platform; one that almost borders on hate or uncaring for others who are less fortunate or different.
It is an almost exclusionary concept. If one does not have lots and lots of money, or one does not distance oneself from others who are different or less fortunate, then one cannot be a "real Republican." That, from the political party that supposedly cares about other people.
Also, I have always voted for the candidate I believed could do the best job, and often that was not a Republican.
Conservatives and Libertarians need to wake up and smell the coffee. They have no meaningful candidates.
So far, for the 2012 election, there are no GOP or Independent candidates with any genuine plan to help put our country back on track. That will ensure another win for President Obama.
Furthermore, the prospects of Newton Gingrich, Willard Mitt Romney, Ronald Paul, Randal Paul, along with all the other politicos mentioned as possible POTUS candidates, must be suffering with some form of mental illness.
They actually believe they have a chance of election to POTUS; when their chances of election to POTUS are the exact same as a snowball’s chances in hell.
Monday, January 10, 2011
THE N WORD
I was watching a comedy routine on TV last night. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_C.K. He mentioned the "N WORD" and in particular how the news media, and the politically correct, use the "N WORD" term.
Louis went on to say that the truth is, every time someone uses the "N WORD" expression, everyone’s brain automatically translates it to "Nigger." In 2011, with rare exceptions, Nigger is a politically and socially impolite term.
Within the past two weeks, there has been much controversy over the term, especially with regard to the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
In fact, there has been a great hue and cry from the masses, over the controversy caused by the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Indeed, upon learning of this, more than likely the late Mark Twain might have sat up in his coffin, changed ends, and then rolled over several times before coming to rest in an upright position, with a fresh cigar in hand.
I had the racial facts of life told to me one day while I was in the Air Force in 1962. There had been a lot of racial tension in our barracks, so a mixed group of several of us airmen were in the TV room talking about how to get along better.
A Black airman asked me if I knew the difference between a Nigger, and a Negro. I confessed that I did not. Then he asked me if I knew the difference between a White man and White Trash. I allowed as how I did. Then he told me that a Nigger meant the same as White Trash. That was his way of defining the situation, that our barracks had a mix of people, including Niggers and White Trash, living amongst the more civilized rest of us.
For the last 48 years, I have heard many Black men use the "N WORD" when addressing themselves in conversation with one another. As in, "Hey Nigga, whutup?"
Apparently, it is perfectly OK for Black men to use the “N WORD” in polite conversation. However, there are very strict boundaries, where a White person would be committing a social error by using the same term.
Also, during the past 48 years, I have seen how the word Negro has fallen out of favor, to be replaced by Black, or African American to define race...
Alan Gribben had the audacity to do the rewrite of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Regardless of reason, I think it was a BIG mistake to rewrite The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in order to replace a word that was widely used, by both White and Black people at the time – 1885.
We all know and realize that over time the meaning of a word can change. I believe it is better to leave things in their proper historical context.
Instead of getting their undergarments all twisted and knotted, folks need to remember that “Huck Finn” is a satirical novel – one with great social value in 1885 and today.
People should consider visiting WikipediA’s information, to learn more about the book. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn
This rewriting matter sounds like political correctness, out of control.
There is a basic bottom line: If Black people are offended by the term Nigger, they too should stop using the term.
Louis went on to say that the truth is, every time someone uses the "N WORD" expression, everyone’s brain automatically translates it to "Nigger." In 2011, with rare exceptions, Nigger is a politically and socially impolite term.
Within the past two weeks, there has been much controversy over the term, especially with regard to the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
In fact, there has been a great hue and cry from the masses, over the controversy caused by the rewriting of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Indeed, upon learning of this, more than likely the late Mark Twain might have sat up in his coffin, changed ends, and then rolled over several times before coming to rest in an upright position, with a fresh cigar in hand.
I had the racial facts of life told to me one day while I was in the Air Force in 1962. There had been a lot of racial tension in our barracks, so a mixed group of several of us airmen were in the TV room talking about how to get along better.
A Black airman asked me if I knew the difference between a Nigger, and a Negro. I confessed that I did not. Then he asked me if I knew the difference between a White man and White Trash. I allowed as how I did. Then he told me that a Nigger meant the same as White Trash. That was his way of defining the situation, that our barracks had a mix of people, including Niggers and White Trash, living amongst the more civilized rest of us.
For the last 48 years, I have heard many Black men use the "N WORD" when addressing themselves in conversation with one another. As in, "Hey Nigga, whutup?"
Apparently, it is perfectly OK for Black men to use the “N WORD” in polite conversation. However, there are very strict boundaries, where a White person would be committing a social error by using the same term.
Also, during the past 48 years, I have seen how the word Negro has fallen out of favor, to be replaced by Black, or African American to define race...
Alan Gribben had the audacity to do the rewrite of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Regardless of reason, I think it was a BIG mistake to rewrite The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in order to replace a word that was widely used, by both White and Black people at the time – 1885.
We all know and realize that over time the meaning of a word can change. I believe it is better to leave things in their proper historical context.
Instead of getting their undergarments all twisted and knotted, folks need to remember that “Huck Finn” is a satirical novel – one with great social value in 1885 and today.
People should consider visiting WikipediA’s information, to learn more about the book. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn
This rewriting matter sounds like political correctness, out of control.
There is a basic bottom line: If Black people are offended by the term Nigger, they too should stop using the term.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
