As we try to settle down after the tragic events in Boston, one must ask the bomber(s), what was your point? What were you trying to say?
Did you intend to just scare people, or, did you really intend to kill an 8 year-old boy and two adults? Did you really intend to wound about 150 people with horrific injuries in some cases?
I guess the answer to those questions is yes, you did intend to do all of that. Police forensic investigators learned that your bomb was a “pressure cooker bomb,” designed to maim and kill. It was filled with explosives, nails, tiny ball bearings and bb type of objects that would become flying shrapnel during the explosion.
Whether domestic or foreign, your acts were that of a terrorist. What had you so pissed off at people running and watching a marathon that you decided to act out your hate at that scene - the finish line? One might ask, WHAT THE FONGONUS IS WRONG WITH YOU?
However, all of that aside, there is one very disturbing aspect to your dastardly deed. The bomber is a coward. The bomber is afraid to confront real or perceived enemies on a first person basis, or “mano o mano.” You did not risk confronting police or military, who in most cases are quite capable of defending themselves. Instead, you chose innocent people who could not defend themselves. That action speaks volumes about your cowardice.
You might have had an exhilarating high from your terrible deed, but do not exult for too long. As you slink into the shadows, realize that the F.B.I. and other government agencies will be searching for you, hunting you. More likely than not, there are private citizens doing the same thing. Your days are numbered. Be prepared to die for your perceived cause.
You are a murdering coward, nothing less, nothing more, hiding in fear for your life. Whatever your point might have been; no matter what you wanted to try to say, your message is meaningless, lost to cowardice. You will not sleep well or rest well, worrying about the knock at your door, which is sure to happen, quite possibly sooner than you think.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION has begun...
A few days ago, a friend sent me an email with a photo of a vehicle with a bumper sticker plastered on the back end. The bumper sticker: 2016 Hillary Clinton Michelle Obama. I thought, wow...the 2016 POTUS campaign has already begun.
Then, the more I thought about it, I realized that could be a very powerful presidential ticket, and the Republicans will have to be very careful about selecting their candidates...
Whoever took that photo to send out by email and other sources, knowingly or unknowingly probably unleashed a karmic event.
For the past 45+ years, I have considered myself as a “Goldwater Republican,” meaning that I am moderately conservative and believe in a good budget with appropriate spending. However, I always vote for the person I believe can do the best job. For instance, I did not vote for Senator McCain and what’s her name.
The Republican Party, (The GOP - meaning the Grand Old Party), has to wake up and realize that they must represent and care about all of the people - not just the conservatives and not just the wealthy.
I believe that any adult male, such as Rand Paul, who makes the choice to wear his hair in a rat's nest configuration, cannot be taken seriously about anything. The voters of KY made a very big mistake by electing that embarrassing nit-wit. Although I should mention that a photo in news sources yesterday, (3/19), showed Rand Paul with a neater appearance to his rat’s nest. More likely than not, someone got on his case about the rat's nest look not looking very presidential.
If nearly 50% of the CPAC attendees voted for Paul and Rubio, it means just one thing: the Republican Party is mired in a swamp of deep doo-doo. If the GOP entertains Santorum’s crude and draconian beliefs, whoever the Democrats pick will win the election.
Surely, the GOP must realize the value of teamwork in order to achieve goals. Like it or not, we are all in this mess together. It is not just President Obama’s fault – it is the silliness and incompetence of the U.S. Congress that is responsible for this mess. Lest we forget, it is "We, The People," who elect and reelect the members of both houses of the U.S. Congress.
The late cartoonist, Walt Kelly, depicted it best on Earth Day in 1971, when Pogo Possum said to Porkypine, "We have met the enemy and he is us." Here is a link to more information about that http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_(comic_strip)
Then, the more I thought about it, I realized that could be a very powerful presidential ticket, and the Republicans will have to be very careful about selecting their candidates...
Whoever took that photo to send out by email and other sources, knowingly or unknowingly probably unleashed a karmic event.
For the past 45+ years, I have considered myself as a “Goldwater Republican,” meaning that I am moderately conservative and believe in a good budget with appropriate spending. However, I always vote for the person I believe can do the best job. For instance, I did not vote for Senator McCain and what’s her name.
The Republican Party, (The GOP - meaning the Grand Old Party), has to wake up and realize that they must represent and care about all of the people - not just the conservatives and not just the wealthy.
I believe that any adult male, such as Rand Paul, who makes the choice to wear his hair in a rat's nest configuration, cannot be taken seriously about anything. The voters of KY made a very big mistake by electing that embarrassing nit-wit. Although I should mention that a photo in news sources yesterday, (3/19), showed Rand Paul with a neater appearance to his rat’s nest. More likely than not, someone got on his case about the rat's nest look not looking very presidential.
If nearly 50% of the CPAC attendees voted for Paul and Rubio, it means just one thing: the Republican Party is mired in a swamp of deep doo-doo. If the GOP entertains Santorum’s crude and draconian beliefs, whoever the Democrats pick will win the election.
Surely, the GOP must realize the value of teamwork in order to achieve goals. Like it or not, we are all in this mess together. It is not just President Obama’s fault – it is the silliness and incompetence of the U.S. Congress that is responsible for this mess. Lest we forget, it is "We, The People," who elect and reelect the members of both houses of the U.S. Congress.
The late cartoonist, Walt Kelly, depicted it best on Earth Day in 1971, when Pogo Possum said to Porkypine, "We have met the enemy and he is us." Here is a link to more information about that http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pogo_(comic_strip)
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Who?
Hmmm...
Many people have sent me emails asking me to make a comment about the coming election. Several weeks ago, I decided that I had "had it up to here" with all the political rhetoric, and asked people not to send me any more political emails until after the first of the year. However many people contacted me to ask that I write a blog comment about the coming election. So, here are a few comments...
During any election, the subject matter of gun ownership becomes an interesting subject. The U.S. Constitution addresses this issue. At the time of the "founding fathers," nearly all of them had a gun nearby so they could get to it real quick in case of need.
Jump forward to today, and there are zillions of guns of all sorts. Even convicted criminals can get their hands on guns - illegally of course, but do they really care? Do any of us need an AK-47? Probably not, yet I know several law abiding citizens who own an AK-47, and other "exotic" weaponry.
I think it might be fun to own one of those AK-47s, but I'm not sure I could afford all the ammo it would use during target practice at the range. Should all of us be licensed, and have a permit to carry a concealed weapon? Many people believe that is a good idea. Supposedly, there is less crime in areas where "open carry" is permitted.
If guns were outlawed, I believe that someone with mayhem in mind could use hedge clippers or a garden hoe. Meaning, a gun is convenient, but there are other methods that can be used to inflict bodily harm or death on another person.
I have been noticing blog comments at the various news sites, and how sooo many people are making comments about the "failures" of President Obama. They even have special names for him. You know what they are, so I will not repeat them in this comment. However, I believe that it is very disrespectful to refer to any President of the United States, (POTUS), by using those terms.
I am a Republican - one who does not follow Party politics. I have always voted for the candidate I believed could do a better job. (For example, I did not vote for Senator McCain and what's her name.)
I believe in honesty and accurate reporting. Surely, all of those people realize that most, if not all, of President Obama's "failures" have a direct connection to the Republican Party. Especially Republicans in the U.S. Congress. eh? Is it really a fact that Republicans have blocked most of the programs promised by and submitted by President Obama?
When is the last time you heard of a U.S. presidential candidate who had "offshore investments" for the explicit purpose of avoiding U.S. income taxes on the earnings generated by those investments?
When is the last time you heard of a U.S. presidential candidate who refuses to disclose 10 years of his income tax returns? What is he hiding? What is in those tax returns that Willard Romney does not want other people to see?
Paul Ryan wants to privatize Medicare... That could be disastrous. Meaning that as you reach the age of 65, there might not be a Medicare program to help oldsters who are not lucky enough to have a health insurance program. A "voucher program" would open the door to many medical services providers to say, "Sorry, but we do not accept those vouchers."
Being on Medicare myself, I have already experienced that comment dozens of times. It already is very difficult to find medical services providers who accept Medicare. (Supposedly, there is a lot of complicated paperwork involved with submitting a Medicare claim for payment.) Well, that sounds like the U.S. government needs to refine the claim/payment process, to make it easier. That way, more medical services providers would participate.
In addition to being a "draft dodger," (a religious deferment), Willard Romney is a "tax dodger." Well, some billionaires could be tax dodgers too, BUT, they mostly invest in tax-exempt U.S. treasury bills and bonds, thereby keeping most of their money in the U.S. My belief is that POTUS candidates should set a good example.
Another thing I believe is this: grey haired, or fat and balding, older men should not be trying to legislate what a woman can or cannot do with her body. The simple fact is, abortion is up to the woman and her God, not you, not me, not the U.S. Congress. (Some believe that if God did not want abortions to happen, they would not be possible.)
The Republican Party "platform" calls for an amendment to make abortion illegal - regardless of the circumstances surrounding the need. That is where the Republican Party and I say goodbye to each other.
By any chance, did you watch the Democratic National Convention on TV?
Former President Bill Clinton quietly and effectively, and without any malice, step by step, completely dismantled the Republican Party platform... (Ran it through a wood chipper, would be more like it.) It was one of the most riveting political speeches I have ever heard by any politician, regardless of Political Party, since 1964.
Clinton's speech did not put Romney & Ryan in a good light; and, his message was the truth. Nothing was made up.
Politics and religion aside, it left me wondering why anyone in their right mind would support Romney & Ryan...
It is true. The right wing conservative Christians hijacked the Republican Party instead of forming their own political party. Due to their very narrow views, and goals to control the lives of others, there is a schism taking place in the GOP. Knowing that, Barry Goldwater, (Mr. Conservative), would sit up in his coffin, change ends, and roll over five times before coming to rest on his right side.
The majority of people in the Republican Party need to wake up, and force the "good Christians" to form their own political party.
Filmmaker Michael Moore has said that everybody had better get used to saying "President Romney," because of the huge sums of money that many rich Republicans will be pouring into the Republican Party campaign funds. After Clinton's speech, I wouldn't bet on that - regardless of how many hundreds of millions the GOP supporters are willing to spend in their efforts to dump Mr. Obama.
Many people still cannot get over the fact that a "Black man," a person of mixed race, actually won election to POTUS. They are beside themselves with anxiety over the next four years, IF, Mr. Obama does win reelection. They are almost desperate, and will do almost anything to attempt the defeat of Mr. Obama.
The Republican Party does not understand a basic bottom line. Most of the voters are not stupid.
For me, the whole megillah comes down to one word: Veterans. I believe that Willard Romney has very narrow views about veterans. I am not the only person who has that concern. “A Romney presidency would be a disaster for veterans, as evidenced by whom he’s chosen to advise him,” says Patrick Bellon, executive director of Veterans for Common Sense, a veterans’ advocacy organization. “I think these choices should give all Americans pause. How can voters support a candidate who is showing so clearly that he learned nothing from Bush’s failures? It would be a mistake to trust people like James Nicholson who failed veterans in such epic fashion.”
President Obama has clearly demonstrated that he supports active military, veterans and their families.
Some of the Republican candidates are expressing some rather bizarre views and beliefs. Here are a few examples:
TODD AKIN, [Legitimate Rape], Congressional Candidate, Missouri.
PAUL BROUN, M.D., [Evolution is a lie], Congressional Candidate, Georgia.
CHARLIE FUQUA, [There should be capital Punishment for bad kids], State Legislature Candidate - Arkansas.
Those guys sound like "Good Christian" values in action; and, that they have some very impaired reasoning. Did you realize the earth was formed about 7,000 years ago?
So all of the campaign rhetoric comes down to one question, and only one question: Who are you going to vote for: the one who got rid of bin Laden or the one who wants to get rid of Big Bird??
The choice is yours to make, but only if you vote.
Many people have sent me emails asking me to make a comment about the coming election. Several weeks ago, I decided that I had "had it up to here" with all the political rhetoric, and asked people not to send me any more political emails until after the first of the year. However many people contacted me to ask that I write a blog comment about the coming election. So, here are a few comments...
During any election, the subject matter of gun ownership becomes an interesting subject. The U.S. Constitution addresses this issue. At the time of the "founding fathers," nearly all of them had a gun nearby so they could get to it real quick in case of need.
Jump forward to today, and there are zillions of guns of all sorts. Even convicted criminals can get their hands on guns - illegally of course, but do they really care? Do any of us need an AK-47? Probably not, yet I know several law abiding citizens who own an AK-47, and other "exotic" weaponry.
I think it might be fun to own one of those AK-47s, but I'm not sure I could afford all the ammo it would use during target practice at the range. Should all of us be licensed, and have a permit to carry a concealed weapon? Many people believe that is a good idea. Supposedly, there is less crime in areas where "open carry" is permitted.
If guns were outlawed, I believe that someone with mayhem in mind could use hedge clippers or a garden hoe. Meaning, a gun is convenient, but there are other methods that can be used to inflict bodily harm or death on another person.
I have been noticing blog comments at the various news sites, and how sooo many people are making comments about the "failures" of President Obama. They even have special names for him. You know what they are, so I will not repeat them in this comment. However, I believe that it is very disrespectful to refer to any President of the United States, (POTUS), by using those terms.
I am a Republican - one who does not follow Party politics. I have always voted for the candidate I believed could do a better job. (For example, I did not vote for Senator McCain and what's her name.)
I believe in honesty and accurate reporting. Surely, all of those people realize that most, if not all, of President Obama's "failures" have a direct connection to the Republican Party. Especially Republicans in the U.S. Congress. eh? Is it really a fact that Republicans have blocked most of the programs promised by and submitted by President Obama?
When is the last time you heard of a U.S. presidential candidate who had "offshore investments" for the explicit purpose of avoiding U.S. income taxes on the earnings generated by those investments?
When is the last time you heard of a U.S. presidential candidate who refuses to disclose 10 years of his income tax returns? What is he hiding? What is in those tax returns that Willard Romney does not want other people to see?
Paul Ryan wants to privatize Medicare... That could be disastrous. Meaning that as you reach the age of 65, there might not be a Medicare program to help oldsters who are not lucky enough to have a health insurance program. A "voucher program" would open the door to many medical services providers to say, "Sorry, but we do not accept those vouchers."
Being on Medicare myself, I have already experienced that comment dozens of times. It already is very difficult to find medical services providers who accept Medicare. (Supposedly, there is a lot of complicated paperwork involved with submitting a Medicare claim for payment.) Well, that sounds like the U.S. government needs to refine the claim/payment process, to make it easier. That way, more medical services providers would participate.
In addition to being a "draft dodger," (a religious deferment), Willard Romney is a "tax dodger." Well, some billionaires could be tax dodgers too, BUT, they mostly invest in tax-exempt U.S. treasury bills and bonds, thereby keeping most of their money in the U.S. My belief is that POTUS candidates should set a good example.
Another thing I believe is this: grey haired, or fat and balding, older men should not be trying to legislate what a woman can or cannot do with her body. The simple fact is, abortion is up to the woman and her God, not you, not me, not the U.S. Congress. (Some believe that if God did not want abortions to happen, they would not be possible.)
The Republican Party "platform" calls for an amendment to make abortion illegal - regardless of the circumstances surrounding the need. That is where the Republican Party and I say goodbye to each other.
By any chance, did you watch the Democratic National Convention on TV?
Former President Bill Clinton quietly and effectively, and without any malice, step by step, completely dismantled the Republican Party platform... (Ran it through a wood chipper, would be more like it.) It was one of the most riveting political speeches I have ever heard by any politician, regardless of Political Party, since 1964.
Clinton's speech did not put Romney & Ryan in a good light; and, his message was the truth. Nothing was made up.
Politics and religion aside, it left me wondering why anyone in their right mind would support Romney & Ryan...
It is true. The right wing conservative Christians hijacked the Republican Party instead of forming their own political party. Due to their very narrow views, and goals to control the lives of others, there is a schism taking place in the GOP. Knowing that, Barry Goldwater, (Mr. Conservative), would sit up in his coffin, change ends, and roll over five times before coming to rest on his right side.
The majority of people in the Republican Party need to wake up, and force the "good Christians" to form their own political party.
Filmmaker Michael Moore has said that everybody had better get used to saying "President Romney," because of the huge sums of money that many rich Republicans will be pouring into the Republican Party campaign funds. After Clinton's speech, I wouldn't bet on that - regardless of how many hundreds of millions the GOP supporters are willing to spend in their efforts to dump Mr. Obama.
Many people still cannot get over the fact that a "Black man," a person of mixed race, actually won election to POTUS. They are beside themselves with anxiety over the next four years, IF, Mr. Obama does win reelection. They are almost desperate, and will do almost anything to attempt the defeat of Mr. Obama.
The Republican Party does not understand a basic bottom line. Most of the voters are not stupid.
For me, the whole megillah comes down to one word: Veterans. I believe that Willard Romney has very narrow views about veterans. I am not the only person who has that concern. “A Romney presidency would be a disaster for veterans, as evidenced by whom he’s chosen to advise him,” says Patrick Bellon, executive director of Veterans for Common Sense, a veterans’ advocacy organization. “I think these choices should give all Americans pause. How can voters support a candidate who is showing so clearly that he learned nothing from Bush’s failures? It would be a mistake to trust people like James Nicholson who failed veterans in such epic fashion.”
President Obama has clearly demonstrated that he supports active military, veterans and their families.
Some of the Republican candidates are expressing some rather bizarre views and beliefs. Here are a few examples:
TODD AKIN, [Legitimate Rape], Congressional Candidate, Missouri.
PAUL BROUN, M.D., [Evolution is a lie], Congressional Candidate, Georgia.
CHARLIE FUQUA, [There should be capital Punishment for bad kids], State Legislature Candidate - Arkansas.
Those guys sound like "Good Christian" values in action; and, that they have some very impaired reasoning. Did you realize the earth was formed about 7,000 years ago?
So all of the campaign rhetoric comes down to one question, and only one question: Who are you going to vote for: the one who got rid of bin Laden or the one who wants to get rid of Big Bird??
The choice is yours to make, but only if you vote.
Friday, August 24, 2012
"BAT CRAP CRAZY"
“Bat Crap Crazy.” Now, there’s a term one does not see on TV news every day. A few nights ago, as I watched a news program, that was a topoic of discussion in reference to Mr. Todd “Torpedo” Akin, and his unusual views about reproduction and abortion.
Personally, I agree that Todd “Torpedo” Akin is Bat Crap Crazy, in part for his expressed views about reproduction and abortion, but mainly for his combover – quite possibly one of the world’s worst examples of a combover. I believe that any adult male who uses a combover to hide baldness, is, well, Bat Crap Crazy.
Todd "Torpedo" Akin, in just a few words, essentially torpedoed the Republican Party’s efforts to hide one of the Party’s platform planks – that being the Republican Party’s goal to restrict women’s rights. The Republicans want to make a constitutional amendment to make any type of abortion illegal, regardless of whether or not the pregnancy puts the woman at risk of death or serious health issues, regardless if rape or incest is involved. That is Bat Crap Crazy.
Where is it written that grey haired men should legislate what women can or cannot do with their body? How is it possible that MEN could dictate forced childbirth? Yet, that is likely to happen if Willard "Flip Flop" Romney and Paul "Coat Hanger" Ryan win the election. That would be Bat Crap Crazy.
Shortly after the election of Bill Clinton, rather than form their own political party, religious conservatives hijacked the Republican Party. They have an agenda to place women into a subservient role, with very few rights. Apparently, Willard “Flip Flop” Romney and his running mate, Paul “Coat Hanger” Ryan, agree with that goal of curbing women’s rights. Both of them are Bat Crap Crazy.
Taking away a woman’s right to an abortion, by making abortions illegal, would revive the “back alley, coat hanger clinics,” of many years ago, when many women died or had lingering medical issues as a result of improper medical care. Apparently, Romney and Ryan want to go back to those times, and, that is Bat Crap Crazy.
If it were up to Romney and Ryan, women would be pregnant during summer and barefoot during winter. That philosophy is Bat Crap Crazy.
In the next few days, Republicans will be gathering for their convention in Florida. There are two storms on the way. One is a tropical storm/hurricane named Isaac – a good name from Biblical days. It might be somewhat fitting if Isaac were to unleash high winds and heavy rains on the Republican gathering. The other storm is the Todd “Torpedo” Akin caused controversy that fully involves Willard “Flip Flop” Romney, and Paul “Coat Hanger” Ryan.
I have been a Republican since the first time I could vote – for Barry Goldwater. I am moderately conservative, believing there should be a balanced budget, deficit reduction and jobs creation. However, I believe in equal rights. If you do not like abortions, don't have one. If you do not like homosexuals, do not date people of your same sex. If you do not like tobacco or distilled spirits, do not smoke, chew, or drink.
With the exception of my brother and me, most of my family is Mormon, going back to 1853. My father was excommunicated from the LDS – and that was a great source of pride for him, because he believed the religion is a cult, and the followers are a bunch of morons. I believe there should not be religion in politics, unless the religion forms their own political party.
It is apparent that Willard “Flip Flop” Romney is a tax dodger – all done legally of course, but a tax dodger nonetheless. I do not recall any other presidential candidate aspirant who has had his money in “off shore” investments. Those investments are to avoid paying U.S. income taxes. I believe it sets a bad example. For me, tax dodger is on equal footing with draft doger.
As you know, “good Christians” are adept at telling everyone else how to run their life. One thing I have noticed within my own extended family – all of the Mormon women have been or are subservient. Apparently, that is a tenet of the Mormon faith. That is why such ideas come easily to Willard “Flip Flop” Romney, and, that of course is, Bat Crap Crazy.
So, I will not be voting for the Romney Ryan ticket, because to do so would be, Bat Crap Crazy.
Personally, I agree that Todd “Torpedo” Akin is Bat Crap Crazy, in part for his expressed views about reproduction and abortion, but mainly for his combover – quite possibly one of the world’s worst examples of a combover. I believe that any adult male who uses a combover to hide baldness, is, well, Bat Crap Crazy.
Todd "Torpedo" Akin, in just a few words, essentially torpedoed the Republican Party’s efforts to hide one of the Party’s platform planks – that being the Republican Party’s goal to restrict women’s rights. The Republicans want to make a constitutional amendment to make any type of abortion illegal, regardless of whether or not the pregnancy puts the woman at risk of death or serious health issues, regardless if rape or incest is involved. That is Bat Crap Crazy.
Where is it written that grey haired men should legislate what women can or cannot do with their body? How is it possible that MEN could dictate forced childbirth? Yet, that is likely to happen if Willard "Flip Flop" Romney and Paul "Coat Hanger" Ryan win the election. That would be Bat Crap Crazy.
Shortly after the election of Bill Clinton, rather than form their own political party, religious conservatives hijacked the Republican Party. They have an agenda to place women into a subservient role, with very few rights. Apparently, Willard “Flip Flop” Romney and his running mate, Paul “Coat Hanger” Ryan, agree with that goal of curbing women’s rights. Both of them are Bat Crap Crazy.
Taking away a woman’s right to an abortion, by making abortions illegal, would revive the “back alley, coat hanger clinics,” of many years ago, when many women died or had lingering medical issues as a result of improper medical care. Apparently, Romney and Ryan want to go back to those times, and, that is Bat Crap Crazy.
If it were up to Romney and Ryan, women would be pregnant during summer and barefoot during winter. That philosophy is Bat Crap Crazy.
In the next few days, Republicans will be gathering for their convention in Florida. There are two storms on the way. One is a tropical storm/hurricane named Isaac – a good name from Biblical days. It might be somewhat fitting if Isaac were to unleash high winds and heavy rains on the Republican gathering. The other storm is the Todd “Torpedo” Akin caused controversy that fully involves Willard “Flip Flop” Romney, and Paul “Coat Hanger” Ryan.
I have been a Republican since the first time I could vote – for Barry Goldwater. I am moderately conservative, believing there should be a balanced budget, deficit reduction and jobs creation. However, I believe in equal rights. If you do not like abortions, don't have one. If you do not like homosexuals, do not date people of your same sex. If you do not like tobacco or distilled spirits, do not smoke, chew, or drink.
With the exception of my brother and me, most of my family is Mormon, going back to 1853. My father was excommunicated from the LDS – and that was a great source of pride for him, because he believed the religion is a cult, and the followers are a bunch of morons. I believe there should not be religion in politics, unless the religion forms their own political party.
It is apparent that Willard “Flip Flop” Romney is a tax dodger – all done legally of course, but a tax dodger nonetheless. I do not recall any other presidential candidate aspirant who has had his money in “off shore” investments. Those investments are to avoid paying U.S. income taxes. I believe it sets a bad example. For me, tax dodger is on equal footing with draft doger.
As you know, “good Christians” are adept at telling everyone else how to run their life. One thing I have noticed within my own extended family – all of the Mormon women have been or are subservient. Apparently, that is a tenet of the Mormon faith. That is why such ideas come easily to Willard “Flip Flop” Romney, and, that of course is, Bat Crap Crazy.
So, I will not be voting for the Romney Ryan ticket, because to do so would be, Bat Crap Crazy.
Friday, July 13, 2012
LUNCH INTERRUPTUS
While I am out doing errands, sometimes I like to stop for a snack. I usually get something where there is a drive through service. Bag in hand, I drive to a shady, quiet spot, to have some fries, a cheeseburger, and a coke without ice.
Yesterday was no exception. As I was about to take a bite out of my hamburger, there was a very loud noise in the air. It was chanting of some sort, “BWAAA BWAAAA, HUPP, HUPP, CHUMMAA, CHUMULONGA, MEKKANODDDOO,” followed by the bleating of a what sounded like a horn or trumpet. I thought, “What The Fongonus is that?!!”
Then there was more unwelcome noise, “BWAAA BWAAAA, CHUMULONGA, HUPP, HUPP, MEKKANODDDOO, BWAAA BWAAAA, CHUMULONGA, HUPP, HUPP, BOOLAPIPPA,” followed by another sour, off note, bleating of a horn.
As I looked around the large, mostly empty parking lot, I spotted the source of this noisy, rude, distraction. It was a pickup truck, with oversized tires, parked next to the sidewalk and close to a very busy street. The pickup was the type where the door is about four feet off the ground, and where one would almost need a stepladder to get into it.
More noise, “MOOGADINGA, BWAAA, HUPP, HUPP, BWAAAA, CHUMULONGA, HUPP, HUPP, MEKKANODDDOO, BWAAA, BWAAAA, CHUMULONGA, HUPP, HUPP, BOOPADOONGA,” followed by loud moaning, as if someone was in pain.
Then, I saw a man pacing back and forth on the sidewalk. Close to him, there were two portable speaker stands, so he could amplify his ramblings. More bleating noise from a horn.
“MALAKA, MALAKAAA, CRUNOO, HUPP, HUPP, LALALA, LALALAOOPAA, CRUNOODOO, HUPP,” and more bleating from the horn. It finally dawned on me that there were three younger men pacing back and forth on the sidewalk.
The pickup truck had hand made signs. As it was time to leave, I drove closer to the noise. AhhHaa, it was a religious freak show. I wonder if it is politically correct to use the term “freak show.” There were three younger guys, (30’s), who must have had their springs wound real tight about Jesus. The pickup truck was plastered with religious slogans and Bible quotations.
It made me think about the people who knock on my door, or ring my doorbell, even though there is a sign that says “NO SOLICITORS.” When I answer the door, and see them standing there, Bible in hand, I ask them if they saw the NO SOLICITORS sign. “Oh, we are not selling anything,” is the normal reply.
“Well, if you are here to talk about religion, the Bible, Jesus, or politics, and I have never seen you before, you are soliciting.”
Hearing, “CHUMULONGA, HUPP, HUPP, BOOPADOONGA, MALAKA, MALAKAAA, CRUNOO, HUPP, HUPP,” brought me back to the parking lot. Oh, I get it! This must be their version of "speaking in tongues!”
These guys are definitely on a mission to try to convert others to their thinking and way of life. The only difference is, they are not knocking on doors, they are polluting the airwaves with their nonsense. There ought to be a law, maybe.
Then I thought, WWJD… Yessss, what would Jesus do?
Somehow, I get the idea that Jesus would not be wearing a black and silver uniform. Somehow, I get the idea that Jesus would not be driving around in an oversized pickup truck with gigantic tires. Somehow, I get the idea that Jesus would not be using portable loudspeakers to annoy people. I definitely get the idea that Jesus would not be speaking in tongues.
On the other hand, it is 2012, and times have changed. Maybe Jesus would do all of that.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
IRS ABUSE - NOT WHAT YOU MIGHT THINK...
Who’s in charge at the IRS?
That is a reasonable question, and it deserves a reasonable answer.
I ask that question after looking at an email that is circulating. The email shows a newscast focusing on IRS abuse. The abuse that is happening, as I write this, is not what you might think.
The abuse is from people using a certain format to claim deductions. Most notably, the people involved are of Hispanic descent, and for the most part, the "deductions" are living in Mexico.
When I watched the video of the newscast, it made me very, very, angry. I hope it makes you angry too.
Here is the link to the video of the newscast: http://www.wthr.com/video?clipId=7054149&autostart=true
When I forwarded this to a friend, he replied with a common sense approach:
All the IRS has to do is bar the use of an ITIN number. The use of that number in and of itself shows that an individual is working illegally in the U.S.
My friend went on to say that although it sounds sort of funny to say this, it should be illegal to work illegally in the U.S. Presently, that activity is being sanctioned through the IRS, via the ITIN.
If whoever supervises the activities of the IRS revokes the ITIN, an illegal immigrant would not be able to claim those tax deductions.
We need to cut the ITIN outflow of federal dollars to the relatives and friends of people who are working illegally, and then try to recoup those dollars.
This would look like a "Three Stooges" episode, if it were not so serious.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
MAY DAY RIOTS, 2012
Hmmm… With all the civil unrest on “May Day” – May 1, 2012, it’s a wonder that no innocent people were killed. Many people were seriously injured though, by rioters throwing rocks, bricks and pipes.
It seems to me that if you are really, really, really, pissed about some real or imagined thing “society” has done to you, there might be better ways to deal with it other than trashing banks, smashing retail store windows and vandalizing vehicles parked at the curb.
Meanwhile, while all of this is happening, most police departments stand by, probably under orders not to do anything, unless they are getting attacked by the mob. In most cases, the so–called protestors outnumbered the police. However, the police did have batons, pepper spray, and they did have weapons.
In the Seattle papers, and on various web news sources, there were photos of some of the rioters in San Francisco, and in downtown Seattle. Some of the photos showed four or five of the hooligans dressed in black, wearing masks, as they smashed windows.
It is very important to note that the rioters in San Francisco wore similar clothing as that worn by the hooligans in Seattle.
That is a hint of an organized event. They were “wearing their colors.” This was “organized crime” in the true sense of the term.
One of the photo captions: "Protesters break windows on downtown businesses..." That prompted me to ask, shouldn’t that be “Black-clad looters and hooligans break windows on downtown businesses”...?
Isn’t there a “looting law” in the states of Washington, or California? One that allows police or the National Guard to shoot looters?
As a former retail store owner, I know that glass is VERY EXPENSIVE for commercial spaces. It irritates me that the looters and hooligans think that it is OK to smash windows on businesses and vehicles parked at the curb. It really irritates me to see that the S.F.P.D. and S.P.D. were virtually helpless and powerless to take any meaningful action.
I do not mind people protesting something – peacefully – but not when it results in looting and hooliganism, resulting in smashed windows and valdalized vehicles...
More likely than not, if this had happened in a major city in China, all of the window smashers would be dead, shot by the police.
I can’t help but think that a .357 hollowpoint slug to the torso would have reduced the enthusiasm, just a tad, of each of the window smashing hooligans in San Francisco or Seattle.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
BAD CHOICES = Death For Trayvon Martin
Racial issues aside - there are some glaring items about this matter. Mainly, that Mr. Zimmerman made some BIG mistakes, some very BAD CHOICES.
The first BAD CHOICE was to carry a weapon for his "duty" as part of neighborhood watch. (He was not in downtown Baghdad.)
The second BAD CHOICE was to disobey the instructions of the 911 dispatcher.
The third BAD CHOICE was to follow or pursue Mr. Martin.
The fourth BAD CHOICE was to shoot Mr. Martin. All of this points toward premeditated murder.
The doctrine of self-defense falls apart if Party A pursues Party B. It is overt aggression if the "intended victim" pursues the "intended assailant," instead of running like hell in the opposite direction. Also, the SYG law in Florida is meaningless in this matter, again because of Mr. Zimmerman’s pursuit of the victim.
Various news accounts mentioned "Mr. Zimmerman trying to get hired as a police officer, for several years."
One must ask, how far did he get in the selection process? Almost all police departments require a psychological profile of applicants suitable for interview. If Mr. Zimmerman did not pass that profile encounter, he would not be acceptable as a police officer. That means he could still get a job as a mall security guard, unless such a firm has a similar psychological screening process.
It looks like Mr. Zimmerman, apparently a cop wannabe, made a series of very bad choices. In effect, many people believe he is a moron. At the very least, he is "reasoning impaired." The truly scary part is this: more likely than not, he has a driver’s license and is registered to vote.
Now, he should pay for his mistakes. No matter how Mr. Zimmerman’s defense attorney will try to paint the picture – if you dress a donkey in frilly clothes and a hat, it still is a donkey – more likely than not, Mr. Zimmerman’s cowardice will be apparent to any jury.
As Forrest Gump said in 1994, “Stupid is as stupid does.” That defines Mr. Zimmerman to a T.
If Mr. Zimmerman had obeyed the 911 dispatcher and stayed in his vehicle, we would not be reading and hearing about this matter, and the young Mr. Martin would still be alive…
The first BAD CHOICE was to carry a weapon for his "duty" as part of neighborhood watch. (He was not in downtown Baghdad.)
The second BAD CHOICE was to disobey the instructions of the 911 dispatcher.
The third BAD CHOICE was to follow or pursue Mr. Martin.
The fourth BAD CHOICE was to shoot Mr. Martin. All of this points toward premeditated murder.
The doctrine of self-defense falls apart if Party A pursues Party B. It is overt aggression if the "intended victim" pursues the "intended assailant," instead of running like hell in the opposite direction. Also, the SYG law in Florida is meaningless in this matter, again because of Mr. Zimmerman’s pursuit of the victim.
Various news accounts mentioned "Mr. Zimmerman trying to get hired as a police officer, for several years."
One must ask, how far did he get in the selection process? Almost all police departments require a psychological profile of applicants suitable for interview. If Mr. Zimmerman did not pass that profile encounter, he would not be acceptable as a police officer. That means he could still get a job as a mall security guard, unless such a firm has a similar psychological screening process.
It looks like Mr. Zimmerman, apparently a cop wannabe, made a series of very bad choices. In effect, many people believe he is a moron. At the very least, he is "reasoning impaired." The truly scary part is this: more likely than not, he has a driver’s license and is registered to vote.
Now, he should pay for his mistakes. No matter how Mr. Zimmerman’s defense attorney will try to paint the picture – if you dress a donkey in frilly clothes and a hat, it still is a donkey – more likely than not, Mr. Zimmerman’s cowardice will be apparent to any jury.
As Forrest Gump said in 1994, “Stupid is as stupid does.” That defines Mr. Zimmerman to a T.
If Mr. Zimmerman had obeyed the 911 dispatcher and stayed in his vehicle, we would not be reading and hearing about this matter, and the young Mr. Martin would still be alive…
Thursday, March 8, 2012
STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, a short story.
“Strangers in the night,” exchanging glances, wondering in the night, what were the chances, of not one, but three, nuclear explosions, at the same time, in Iran?
Hmmm… Statistically, that might be about 1,999,999,999,999,999,999,999.9875 to 1.
Malarkey News reported this strange occurrence during the night. The Iranian nuclear research facilities at Natanz, Qom and Isfahan, all suffered mysterious “nuclear events.”
“Knowledgeable people within the nuclear research field speculate that there is a very remote possibility there could have been identical accidental explosions during research.
That would have required researchers to be working on the exact same thing at the exact same time, and experience the exact same accidental occurrence. However, more likely than not, the explosions originated from a yet to be determined source outside of Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel and the United States remain mum, while casting glances at France, Britain, South Africa and North Korea. The official White House spokesperson, Byron Sphinx–Waddington, said. “The United States knows nothing about this other than what the news services are reporting.”
For months, the IAEC had been warning that Iran was getting very close to developing nuclear bombs. Indeed, since March of 2011, the Iranians had been working overtime to produce nuclear weapons.
It is important to note that during that time, in June of 2011, the first news of the HHRL bomb surfaced. Igor Schwartz, the noted physicist, successfully developed the HHRL. The Heated Harmonic Resonance Laser bomb has the ability to liquefy granite, steel or cement, as it delivers its bomb. In other words, so–called “hardened sites” are no longer considered safe.
By using SMDs, Stealth Mode Drones, it was now possible to make it appear as though there had been a “nuclear accident” or any type of explosion at any site on the globe.
For many years, the leadership of Iran had professed a goal of wiping Israel off the map. Now, it looks like that might not ever be possible. The Iranian nuclear development program is in shambles.
This is Dakota Clark, reporting from aboard CVN 72, the USS Abraham Lincoln, somewhere in the Arabian Gulf.”
Hmmm… Statistically, that might be about 1,999,999,999,999,999,999,999.9875 to 1.
Malarkey News reported this strange occurrence during the night. The Iranian nuclear research facilities at Natanz, Qom and Isfahan, all suffered mysterious “nuclear events.”
“Knowledgeable people within the nuclear research field speculate that there is a very remote possibility there could have been identical accidental explosions during research.
That would have required researchers to be working on the exact same thing at the exact same time, and experience the exact same accidental occurrence. However, more likely than not, the explosions originated from a yet to be determined source outside of Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel and the United States remain mum, while casting glances at France, Britain, South Africa and North Korea. The official White House spokesperson, Byron Sphinx–Waddington, said. “The United States knows nothing about this other than what the news services are reporting.”
For months, the IAEC had been warning that Iran was getting very close to developing nuclear bombs. Indeed, since March of 2011, the Iranians had been working overtime to produce nuclear weapons.
It is important to note that during that time, in June of 2011, the first news of the HHRL bomb surfaced. Igor Schwartz, the noted physicist, successfully developed the HHRL. The Heated Harmonic Resonance Laser bomb has the ability to liquefy granite, steel or cement, as it delivers its bomb. In other words, so–called “hardened sites” are no longer considered safe.
By using SMDs, Stealth Mode Drones, it was now possible to make it appear as though there had been a “nuclear accident” or any type of explosion at any site on the globe.
For many years, the leadership of Iran had professed a goal of wiping Israel off the map. Now, it looks like that might not ever be possible. The Iranian nuclear development program is in shambles.
This is Dakota Clark, reporting from aboard CVN 72, the USS Abraham Lincoln, somewhere in the Arabian Gulf.”
Monday, March 5, 2012
FLUSH RUSH... ??
News Item: Reports say the 40TH advertiser drops Rush Limbaugh.
I stopped listening to Rush Limbaugh many, many years ago.
When I first listened, I thought he had some interesting things to say. However, after listening for several weeks, I began to realize that he was full of hate or venom for women, and poor people. It was as if he truly did not care about anyone who is less fortunate than he is, as he counts his millions.
So, I stopped listening to his program when I realized that he was trying to be an entertainer, while harvesting as much cash as possible.
Remarkably, he has the #1 radio talk show in the United States, and sponsors and listeners have made Mr. Limbaugh very wealthy. What surprises me is that so many people still listen to him. He is not funny, and he is not entertaining. All he does, very well I might add, is stir up controversy.
As a Republican, some of his remarks offended me. It was as if Mr. Limbaugh was spewing official Republican Party philosophy, when that was not the case. I am somewhat conservative with financial matters, and I am a Christian; but, I am not a Republican conservative Christian. However, when the Republican Party does not officially refute his comments, that means complicit agreement.
When the “slut bomb” and “prostitute bomb” exploded on the Rush Limbaugh radio program a few days ago, and most of the news agencies began covering the matter, I could hardly believe that he would actually say such a thing. What was he thinking? Actually, he was not thinking.
More likely than not, he was speaking off the cuff. Speaking off the cuff, or randomly nattering on about something, is what gets most people into trouble.
Mr. Limbaugh is entitled to his opinions, but he does not speak for me. He needs to be more careful with his choice of words. The Republican Party should be all over Mr. Limbaugh, like flies on fresh manure – to let him know that he does not speak for the GOP.
Since the “slut bomb exploded” there has been a little more full disclosure happening.
For instance, it is very disturbing to read about the connectivity between Mr. Rush Limbaugh and Republican presidential wannabe, Mr. Willard Romney. Apparently, according to various news sources, Mr. Romney has at least some ownership in the media company that supports the Rush Limbaugh radio program. That indeed sets a different stage for, “Excellence In Broadcasting.”
To my mind, broadcasting excellence means that it is not ok to demean other people.
(Every time that I hear the name "Willard Romney," I am reminded of, Willard and His Bowling Trophies: A Perverse Mystery, a novel written in 1975 by the late Richard Brautigan. It is an interesting read, with connectivity to the present situation. Willard Mitt Romney grew up in a privileged, somewhat elite and wealthy family. Today, due to inheritance and his own efforts, he is a multi-millionaire. He has been running for POTUS for at least the last 10 years. Willard does not have anything in common with the average person; and, he has the charisma of a rutabaga = not a viable POTUS candidate. Yet, he will spend millions more in another failed attempt at POTUS.)
A day after the Limbaugh “slut bomb,” and "prostitute bomb," Piers Morgan had an interview with Kirk Cameron, the former child star of “Growing Pains.” It was both stunning and flabbergasting to learn of his extremely conservative Christian views.
Kirk Cameron actually said that if his daughter were raped, rather than suggest an abortion, he would urge her to have the unwanted baby, because all life is precious. More likely than not, he would support legislation to repeal abortions. Indeed, Mr. Cameron might actually become a growing pain.
What Mr. Limbaugh, Mr. Cameron, and other Republicans do not realize is this: Grey-haired older men should not be legislating what women can or cannot do with their bodies.
If Mr. Limbaugh or Kirk Cameron had to give birth to an unwanted baby, I am fairly sure there would be abortion on demand 24/7 every day, in every major U.S. city. Mr. Limbaugh and Mr. Cameron need to know that it is fairly easy for someone to "talk the talk," and another matter entirely to "walk the walk."
Abortion and contraception is a matter between the woman and her God - no one else, especially the Republicans and conservative Christian Bible thumpers.
Those favoring no abortions should pay into a fund to help support unwanted babies. Unwanted, unloved little ones often grow up to be miscreants, criminals, and very familiar with the criminal justice system. We all end up paying for that.
I wonder exactly how many of Limbaugh’s sponsors made contact with him and gave him an ultimatum, apologize or lose our support…
With $$MILLIONS at stake, Mr. Limbaugh probably saw the light at the end of the tunnel fairly quickly, and forced him to issue an "apology" for his bad choice of words. That result was a very disingenuous apology. That is making even more people wonder WHAT THE FONGONUS is the matter with him, and if they should Flush Rush.
I stopped listening to Rush Limbaugh many, many years ago.
When I first listened, I thought he had some interesting things to say. However, after listening for several weeks, I began to realize that he was full of hate or venom for women, and poor people. It was as if he truly did not care about anyone who is less fortunate than he is, as he counts his millions.
So, I stopped listening to his program when I realized that he was trying to be an entertainer, while harvesting as much cash as possible.
Remarkably, he has the #1 radio talk show in the United States, and sponsors and listeners have made Mr. Limbaugh very wealthy. What surprises me is that so many people still listen to him. He is not funny, and he is not entertaining. All he does, very well I might add, is stir up controversy.
As a Republican, some of his remarks offended me. It was as if Mr. Limbaugh was spewing official Republican Party philosophy, when that was not the case. I am somewhat conservative with financial matters, and I am a Christian; but, I am not a Republican conservative Christian. However, when the Republican Party does not officially refute his comments, that means complicit agreement.
When the “slut bomb” and “prostitute bomb” exploded on the Rush Limbaugh radio program a few days ago, and most of the news agencies began covering the matter, I could hardly believe that he would actually say such a thing. What was he thinking? Actually, he was not thinking.
More likely than not, he was speaking off the cuff. Speaking off the cuff, or randomly nattering on about something, is what gets most people into trouble.
Mr. Limbaugh is entitled to his opinions, but he does not speak for me. He needs to be more careful with his choice of words. The Republican Party should be all over Mr. Limbaugh, like flies on fresh manure – to let him know that he does not speak for the GOP.
Since the “slut bomb exploded” there has been a little more full disclosure happening.
For instance, it is very disturbing to read about the connectivity between Mr. Rush Limbaugh and Republican presidential wannabe, Mr. Willard Romney. Apparently, according to various news sources, Mr. Romney has at least some ownership in the media company that supports the Rush Limbaugh radio program. That indeed sets a different stage for, “Excellence In Broadcasting.”
To my mind, broadcasting excellence means that it is not ok to demean other people.
(Every time that I hear the name "Willard Romney," I am reminded of, Willard and His Bowling Trophies: A Perverse Mystery, a novel written in 1975 by the late Richard Brautigan. It is an interesting read, with connectivity to the present situation. Willard Mitt Romney grew up in a privileged, somewhat elite and wealthy family. Today, due to inheritance and his own efforts, he is a multi-millionaire. He has been running for POTUS for at least the last 10 years. Willard does not have anything in common with the average person; and, he has the charisma of a rutabaga = not a viable POTUS candidate. Yet, he will spend millions more in another failed attempt at POTUS.)
A day after the Limbaugh “slut bomb,” and "prostitute bomb," Piers Morgan had an interview with Kirk Cameron, the former child star of “Growing Pains.” It was both stunning and flabbergasting to learn of his extremely conservative Christian views.
Kirk Cameron actually said that if his daughter were raped, rather than suggest an abortion, he would urge her to have the unwanted baby, because all life is precious. More likely than not, he would support legislation to repeal abortions. Indeed, Mr. Cameron might actually become a growing pain.
What Mr. Limbaugh, Mr. Cameron, and other Republicans do not realize is this: Grey-haired older men should not be legislating what women can or cannot do with their bodies.
If Mr. Limbaugh or Kirk Cameron had to give birth to an unwanted baby, I am fairly sure there would be abortion on demand 24/7 every day, in every major U.S. city. Mr. Limbaugh and Mr. Cameron need to know that it is fairly easy for someone to "talk the talk," and another matter entirely to "walk the walk."
Abortion and contraception is a matter between the woman and her God - no one else, especially the Republicans and conservative Christian Bible thumpers.
Those favoring no abortions should pay into a fund to help support unwanted babies. Unwanted, unloved little ones often grow up to be miscreants, criminals, and very familiar with the criminal justice system. We all end up paying for that.
I wonder exactly how many of Limbaugh’s sponsors made contact with him and gave him an ultimatum, apologize or lose our support…
With $$MILLIONS at stake, Mr. Limbaugh probably saw the light at the end of the tunnel fairly quickly, and forced him to issue an "apology" for his bad choice of words. That result was a very disingenuous apology. That is making even more people wonder WHAT THE FONGONUS is the matter with him, and if they should Flush Rush.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
MAKE RECREATIONAL DRUGS LEGAL - TO GET RID OF CRIME.
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.
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.
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.
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