So, we now we have the election in the rear view mirror, and lots of talk forthcoming, maybe as much as before people closed the curtain and pulled the levers.
This was a strange election; an failed incumbent by any measure, and a challenger who couldn't excite a crowd of nursing home bound gentlemen with a harlot of hookers. His public persona seemed about as uplifting as a bucket of warm spit.
Yet, while neither candidate was worth a tinker's damn, the incumbent pulled it off 52% to 48%, and the United States is now saddled with a failed administration that has shown that it is much better at running for office than governing or coming up with anything that would keep the United States on a course resembling sanity.
My own fear is that the president and his cabal will continue to bring down the country with more policies that will align America with the average third world shithole.
During his administration, America has lost it's high credit rating, employment has plunged to levels seen in the Great Depression, private industry has been taken over by government, monetary policy has decimated savings and retirement accounts, almost 50 million people are on food stamps and those who don't/won't work are rewarded by being given the fruits of another's labor. On the bright side, though, millions of people have been given cell phones without having to pay for them.
The election was described as a 'tipping point' for America, and in fact, it was just such an election. The fact is that the portion of Americans not paying income taxes is nearly the same as those who are responsible enough to work; it has come to the point where 50% of the populations is supporting themselves AND the remaining persons who don't hit a lick.
This is the tipping point: where half the citizenry is are forced to support the other half through political payoffs.
How long can this continue? Will the day come that the 'earners' realize that they don't have to get out of bed and go to work because a beneficent government will provide for them? Will America turn into a nation of John Gaults? It has been said that socialism is fine until you run out of other people's money, and I fear that we are getting to that point.
Not only is it unfair and wrong to force proud and productive people to provide for the slothful, it is oftentimes overlooked that all have the same voting power. The receivers can vote to have the givers provide more and more without having to do anything more meaningful than vote.
The greater problem here, and I think that the politicians have overlooked it is this: The people who have put them into office in hopes of getting more of the production of others, don't have any more money to pay into the system but that which is given to them by the politicians.
In short, the ones wanting the freebies don't have any skin in the game, so to speak.
This is apparently a great way to get into office, but when the money runs out, for any reason, the minions on the dole are going to be very unhappy with their friends in high places.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
It's Almost Over (or is it?)
Tonight, we should know the name of the next President of the United States; or the name that will continue to be.
I think that this election cycle has been the worst in my lifetime: there has been more vitrol, hate, rumor-mongering, half-truths and outright lies than ever before. From the outset, the so-called 'negative ads' have held sway over the rational discourse that should be the hallmark for the race to the top office in America.
We've seen a press corps more interested in maintaining access to a candidate than to seeking the truth and presenting it to the American people. Those who say that the fourth estate is dead are right.
Does the Watergate mess really represent the last of REAL reporting in America? Sure, there have been opportunities for the media to live up to it's great responsibilities in sounding clarion calls to those who care to hear them; but, now, the media has become an arm of the democrat party such that they don't even bother to hide their disdain for fair, unbiased coverage of anything.
During the last four years, and even beyond that, the media have simply looked the other way when freedom is supressed, laws are broken by politicians, and fallen all over themselves to make excuses for those in 'their' party. Objectivity is neither sought nor to be desired.
For the rest of today, the media will try to push/pull their candidate across the finish line, even if it requires them to sell their collective souls.
I think that this election cycle has been the worst in my lifetime: there has been more vitrol, hate, rumor-mongering, half-truths and outright lies than ever before. From the outset, the so-called 'negative ads' have held sway over the rational discourse that should be the hallmark for the race to the top office in America.
We've seen a press corps more interested in maintaining access to a candidate than to seeking the truth and presenting it to the American people. Those who say that the fourth estate is dead are right.
Does the Watergate mess really represent the last of REAL reporting in America? Sure, there have been opportunities for the media to live up to it's great responsibilities in sounding clarion calls to those who care to hear them; but, now, the media has become an arm of the democrat party such that they don't even bother to hide their disdain for fair, unbiased coverage of anything.
During the last four years, and even beyond that, the media have simply looked the other way when freedom is supressed, laws are broken by politicians, and fallen all over themselves to make excuses for those in 'their' party. Objectivity is neither sought nor to be desired.
For the rest of today, the media will try to push/pull their candidate across the finish line, even if it requires them to sell their collective souls.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
A Politician's Lot
This morning, we walked down the street to a neighbor's house to meet with our state representative, Joel, who was having a coffee klatch of sorts.
It was well attended for our small precinct, and lots of good ideas and discussions were put forth, all the while listening intently to Joel relate his thoughts on the mess in Olympia, the structure of government, the legislative process, and various and sundry items offered by those in attendance.
Now, you might think that this is a real yawner (what else would a politico do in the face of an election?), but consider that this meeting was only one of several that Joel had to visit today. To add to the strain of meeting constituents, going over the same points again and again all day long, realize that he drove 130 miles from his home just to get to our meeting. All the rest of the gatherings represent additional time and miles to a guy who asks to represent a bunch of people, most of whom couldn't care less about his activities.
Joel is dedicated and devoted to his beliefs. He has strong positions, but, being in the minority party, has to endure continuing disappointment and frustration to try to change things to what he sees as 'right'. It takes a certain kind of individual to do that, and as I told my wife as we walked home, I wouldn't want that job for any amount of money. It's too much stress, worry and work than I want to do; additionally, I don't have the smarts to figure all the permutations to any actions taken that would affect others. That takes a dedicated guy, and I'll vote for Joel. He seems to thrive on the abuse, and he is someone to admire.
It was well attended for our small precinct, and lots of good ideas and discussions were put forth, all the while listening intently to Joel relate his thoughts on the mess in Olympia, the structure of government, the legislative process, and various and sundry items offered by those in attendance.
Now, you might think that this is a real yawner (what else would a politico do in the face of an election?), but consider that this meeting was only one of several that Joel had to visit today. To add to the strain of meeting constituents, going over the same points again and again all day long, realize that he drove 130 miles from his home just to get to our meeting. All the rest of the gatherings represent additional time and miles to a guy who asks to represent a bunch of people, most of whom couldn't care less about his activities.
Joel is dedicated and devoted to his beliefs. He has strong positions, but, being in the minority party, has to endure continuing disappointment and frustration to try to change things to what he sees as 'right'. It takes a certain kind of individual to do that, and as I told my wife as we walked home, I wouldn't want that job for any amount of money. It's too much stress, worry and work than I want to do; additionally, I don't have the smarts to figure all the permutations to any actions taken that would affect others. That takes a dedicated guy, and I'll vote for Joel. He seems to thrive on the abuse, and he is someone to admire.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
What the hell does it take?
Several days ago, I spoke with an old friend, a state legislator, about the decline of quality news in America.
It appears that we're on the same page, though he is several years my senior, and has seen the jaded side of politics, more of which I don't really need to observe. I have a pretty good idea, and that seems to suffice my needs.
He spoke of the local newspaper dropping the OTC market listings from the paper, and how he had been pretty much 'blown off' by the editor at the local rag. After listening to the usual, 'we have to prioritize for our readership, times are tough, budgets are tight' excuses, my friend told the guy, "You know, this is why you and the paper won't be around in a few more years; you'll be lucky to put out three issues a week".
I had to agree with him. It's common knowledge in our town that the newspaper has been dwindling for several years, somewhat as a result of the excuses given above, and the resultant decline in paid readership from 120,000 to about 70,000 over the last few years. The hugely profitable 'class ads' have shrunk to a fraction of former listings, and the prices to place one haven't really adjusted to a declining market. Additionally, their editorial support for increasingly liberal causes pretty much flies in the face of their readership's demographics.
Then we turned our conversation to a pub that we had seen go down the tubes: The Seattle P-I.
For those who don't know the name, or those who don't remember it, the P-I (for Post-Intellegencer) was once the flagship publication in the Pacific Northwest, and respected and quoted nation-wide as a reliable newspaper.
Years ago, it was the rare person who didn't know about the Seattle P-I; back in the '50's I can remember seeing it used as a reference for a number of things.
Much of the Watergate scandal could be found on it's pages, as some members of Nixon's inner circle had ties to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Lots of news to be had, and you 'could find it in the P-I'', as the saying went.
Then, over time, hubris, slanted reporting, and overboard efforts to cut expenses, led to what many saw as inevitable: a merger with cross-town rival, The Seattle Times. Under a joint marketing agreement, they joined forces to keep the brand alive and the globe on the front of the P-I building in place.
Alas, lack of quality, quantity and relevance led to the final closing of the doors.
In short, the P-I went under due to efforts to economize UNWISELY; the cut the size of the paper to almost tabloid, laid off workers who had been there for decades, saved money on ink, paper, shipping, delivery, and lots more until the 'saved' themselves right out of business, though they still have something of an internet presence. At least they got what they went after, a lower cost model.
Looking back, it occurred to me that there might have been an additional factor that I had overlooked at the time: the advent and expansion of the internet.
The ability to get news and opinion from a variety of sources has, I think, led to a more educated populace in spite of the declines of brick and mortar publishers. Same thing can be said for book stores.
Further, in watching the declines in TV numbers, it occurs that maybe some people will never learn; what does it take to make these people understand that Americans want and need unbiased reporting and information that allows them to form intelligent opinions?
News gathering and dissemination has grown to a multi-trillion dollar enterprise, so why, oh why, is there so little interest in keeping things together?
When MSNBC puts forth commentary that is rightfully ridiculed for it's editorial content by persons wholly biased and shamelessly partisan, what the hell do they expect? Three or four hundred thousand people is a lot of people, but not enough to justify keeping the cameras on; reporters who act like giddy schoolgirls when reporting presidential politics and state openly that part of their job is to 'make this president look good' can't be helping the network; yet, it goes on, as the money drain continues. While it's the network's money and they can do what they want with it, I wonder how much is coming from other than advertising revenue.
It can't go on forever, and what the hell does it take?
It appears that we're on the same page, though he is several years my senior, and has seen the jaded side of politics, more of which I don't really need to observe. I have a pretty good idea, and that seems to suffice my needs.
He spoke of the local newspaper dropping the OTC market listings from the paper, and how he had been pretty much 'blown off' by the editor at the local rag. After listening to the usual, 'we have to prioritize for our readership, times are tough, budgets are tight' excuses, my friend told the guy, "You know, this is why you and the paper won't be around in a few more years; you'll be lucky to put out three issues a week".
I had to agree with him. It's common knowledge in our town that the newspaper has been dwindling for several years, somewhat as a result of the excuses given above, and the resultant decline in paid readership from 120,000 to about 70,000 over the last few years. The hugely profitable 'class ads' have shrunk to a fraction of former listings, and the prices to place one haven't really adjusted to a declining market. Additionally, their editorial support for increasingly liberal causes pretty much flies in the face of their readership's demographics.
Then we turned our conversation to a pub that we had seen go down the tubes: The Seattle P-I.
For those who don't know the name, or those who don't remember it, the P-I (for Post-Intellegencer) was once the flagship publication in the Pacific Northwest, and respected and quoted nation-wide as a reliable newspaper.
Years ago, it was the rare person who didn't know about the Seattle P-I; back in the '50's I can remember seeing it used as a reference for a number of things.
Much of the Watergate scandal could be found on it's pages, as some members of Nixon's inner circle had ties to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Lots of news to be had, and you 'could find it in the P-I'', as the saying went.
Then, over time, hubris, slanted reporting, and overboard efforts to cut expenses, led to what many saw as inevitable: a merger with cross-town rival, The Seattle Times. Under a joint marketing agreement, they joined forces to keep the brand alive and the globe on the front of the P-I building in place.
Alas, lack of quality, quantity and relevance led to the final closing of the doors.
In short, the P-I went under due to efforts to economize UNWISELY; the cut the size of the paper to almost tabloid, laid off workers who had been there for decades, saved money on ink, paper, shipping, delivery, and lots more until the 'saved' themselves right out of business, though they still have something of an internet presence. At least they got what they went after, a lower cost model.
Looking back, it occurred to me that there might have been an additional factor that I had overlooked at the time: the advent and expansion of the internet.
The ability to get news and opinion from a variety of sources has, I think, led to a more educated populace in spite of the declines of brick and mortar publishers. Same thing can be said for book stores.
Further, in watching the declines in TV numbers, it occurs that maybe some people will never learn; what does it take to make these people understand that Americans want and need unbiased reporting and information that allows them to form intelligent opinions?
News gathering and dissemination has grown to a multi-trillion dollar enterprise, so why, oh why, is there so little interest in keeping things together?
When MSNBC puts forth commentary that is rightfully ridiculed for it's editorial content by persons wholly biased and shamelessly partisan, what the hell do they expect? Three or four hundred thousand people is a lot of people, but not enough to justify keeping the cameras on; reporters who act like giddy schoolgirls when reporting presidential politics and state openly that part of their job is to 'make this president look good' can't be helping the network; yet, it goes on, as the money drain continues. While it's the network's money and they can do what they want with it, I wonder how much is coming from other than advertising revenue.
It can't go on forever, and what the hell does it take?
Friday, September 21, 2012
Way too long
Well, it's been ten days; way too long to go without some sort of input at PPP.
In the intervening, there has been so much going on world-wide.
Embassies trashed, ambassador tortured and murdered, riots against my country and an administration hell bent on ignoring the fact that a foreign policy based on apology, appeasement and bowing to tin-pot rulers is utter and complete folly.
When Obama, shortly after the election, decided to go on what has become known as his 'apology tour', far-sighted critics like Pat Buchanan, Charles Karuthammer, Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh expressed the view that such displays of weakness could not be good for the leading country in the world. Obama would weaken our position, they said.
Responses from the left were typical: racist, uninformed, and the always handy 'inflammatory'.
Well, we can see who was right and who war wrong; the wars and rumors of wars seen in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa all owe their genesis to the genius of Barack Obama, who is never wrong, just ask him.
This is just a small sliver of the incompetence that characterizes the Obama administration. From the beginning of the 2008 campaign, doubts about the ability and sincerity of the 'community organizer' to actually do something, anything remotely worthwhile/legal, or in the interest of someone other than himself.
He has been abetted by a compliant, toadying press, altogether too unwilling to ask the tough questions that would be presented to a Republican; even basic reporting of investigation has been shelved in favor of fawning, drooling and admiration.
Hell, one so-called 'journalist' had the 'audacity' to inform the world that '...when Obama speaks, I feel a tingle up my leg...', and 'part of my job is to make this president look good.'
This guy is still on the airwaves, even though no fair-minded individual gives him any credibility at all anymore. He's typical of the press corps that has as it's goal the parroting of White House press releases instead of real investigation, reporting real information and alarm-sounding.
The measure of today's press is: Whoever gets the latest announcement from the White House on the air first is the winner.
The fourth estate has sold it's history and it's soul for a chance to be regarded as a democrat soldier.
In the intervening, there has been so much going on world-wide.
Embassies trashed, ambassador tortured and murdered, riots against my country and an administration hell bent on ignoring the fact that a foreign policy based on apology, appeasement and bowing to tin-pot rulers is utter and complete folly.
When Obama, shortly after the election, decided to go on what has become known as his 'apology tour', far-sighted critics like Pat Buchanan, Charles Karuthammer, Lou Dobbs and Rush Limbaugh expressed the view that such displays of weakness could not be good for the leading country in the world. Obama would weaken our position, they said.
Responses from the left were typical: racist, uninformed, and the always handy 'inflammatory'.
Well, we can see who was right and who war wrong; the wars and rumors of wars seen in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa all owe their genesis to the genius of Barack Obama, who is never wrong, just ask him.
This is just a small sliver of the incompetence that characterizes the Obama administration. From the beginning of the 2008 campaign, doubts about the ability and sincerity of the 'community organizer' to actually do something, anything remotely worthwhile/legal, or in the interest of someone other than himself.
He has been abetted by a compliant, toadying press, altogether too unwilling to ask the tough questions that would be presented to a Republican; even basic reporting of investigation has been shelved in favor of fawning, drooling and admiration.
Hell, one so-called 'journalist' had the 'audacity' to inform the world that '...when Obama speaks, I feel a tingle up my leg...', and 'part of my job is to make this president look good.'
This guy is still on the airwaves, even though no fair-minded individual gives him any credibility at all anymore. He's typical of the press corps that has as it's goal the parroting of White House press releases instead of real investigation, reporting real information and alarm-sounding.
The measure of today's press is: Whoever gets the latest announcement from the White House on the air first is the winner.
The fourth estate has sold it's history and it's soul for a chance to be regarded as a democrat soldier.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Another photographer approaches
My brother is set to arrive today for a short visit from the other side of the state. He, like myself, has taken to photography as a very pleasing hobby; he's set to bring his camera, lenses, tripod, etc. The whole nine yards; he's pretty much equipped for any type of shooting, as am I.
Later today, I'd like to go up north a bit to a particular alternate highway that has lots of dirt roads leading from it, to take advantage of some very photogenic scenery.
I haven't been there for many years, so hopefully the greens, browns, and early fall colors will be waiting for us.
Of the several photos on the walls of my home, most are from photo expeditions like the one envisioned for today; lots of close-ups, mountains, streams, trees, fences. I just like that kind of photography, and hope we have a good time together.
Actually, it wouldn't be difficult to get lots of good shots within walking distance of the house, as we live in a semi-rural area, graced with lots of trees, bushes, small critters, and our share of old buildings. Might just stick to home if the mood strikes.
The weather has just started cooling, and one of the smaller trees on the next property has already started to turn red and gold, preparing for winter. When in full color, no photo can do justice to the beauty that is around here; lots of shades, piles of leaves, pine cones dropping from the wind, and a certain crispness that makes one glad to be here.
Later today, I'd like to go up north a bit to a particular alternate highway that has lots of dirt roads leading from it, to take advantage of some very photogenic scenery.
I haven't been there for many years, so hopefully the greens, browns, and early fall colors will be waiting for us.
Of the several photos on the walls of my home, most are from photo expeditions like the one envisioned for today; lots of close-ups, mountains, streams, trees, fences. I just like that kind of photography, and hope we have a good time together.
Actually, it wouldn't be difficult to get lots of good shots within walking distance of the house, as we live in a semi-rural area, graced with lots of trees, bushes, small critters, and our share of old buildings. Might just stick to home if the mood strikes.
The weather has just started cooling, and one of the smaller trees on the next property has already started to turn red and gold, preparing for winter. When in full color, no photo can do justice to the beauty that is around here; lots of shades, piles of leaves, pine cones dropping from the wind, and a certain crispness that makes one glad to be here.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Hypocracy Meetings are Over!!!
Well, so the political conventions have graveled to a close, and all the politicians have gone home for a few days before coming back out to lie, cheat and steal whatever they can without getting caught, too often.
For the first time, I didn't really watch either one of them; my string of 'can't-miss' years dates back to 1960, when I watched both the major conventions for the first time. Now the string is broken, but it doesn't seem too much of a loss.
Over the years, perhaps, like so many people, I've become somewhat jaded about the process by which politicians aspire to higher office.
Looking back, how many times have we heard that Joe or Bill was going to save us, or better yet save us from ourselves? Waaayyyyy too many times.
Both sides treat us like we're totally unable to care for even our basic needs without a helping hand from someone we don't even know; the bureaus, commissions, departments, districts, authorities, cabinets, offices, etc., almost all un-Constitutional, boggle the mind of even the most dedicated government geek.
Each party rants and raves about the other, but neither side rails against the rape of our Constitution, our laws, our liberty and our dignity.
They know what's best for us; truth be told: neither one of them has even met me. That's the problem with government: one size government programs are assumed to do the same for everyone, ignoring differences that are obvious to all but the candidates and those who serve them.
That's why our Constitution was written; the framers knew a thing or three about tyranny, and wrote it to severely 'bind down the government in chains'.
Since that time, tyrants in all three branches of our 'co-equal' government have worked overtime to overturn that document, while all the time claiming, so help them God, taking an oath to uphold it. They're all liars.
Even the candidates who claim to be in agreement of the Constitution will tell us, with a BIG smile that they will halt the desecration, but only by slowing the rate of the decline, not stopping it.
And, neither party wants anything to do with any candidate who takes his oath of office seriously; Ron Paul comes to mind.
Even though most Americans, if made aware of his beliefs, would tend to agree with him. That awareness will never be presented, as the major parties control ALL major media in the United States, and will never rebel to the point of reporting the truth.
For the first time, I didn't really watch either one of them; my string of 'can't-miss' years dates back to 1960, when I watched both the major conventions for the first time. Now the string is broken, but it doesn't seem too much of a loss.
Over the years, perhaps, like so many people, I've become somewhat jaded about the process by which politicians aspire to higher office.
Looking back, how many times have we heard that Joe or Bill was going to save us, or better yet save us from ourselves? Waaayyyyy too many times.
Both sides treat us like we're totally unable to care for even our basic needs without a helping hand from someone we don't even know; the bureaus, commissions, departments, districts, authorities, cabinets, offices, etc., almost all un-Constitutional, boggle the mind of even the most dedicated government geek.
Each party rants and raves about the other, but neither side rails against the rape of our Constitution, our laws, our liberty and our dignity.
They know what's best for us; truth be told: neither one of them has even met me. That's the problem with government: one size government programs are assumed to do the same for everyone, ignoring differences that are obvious to all but the candidates and those who serve them.
That's why our Constitution was written; the framers knew a thing or three about tyranny, and wrote it to severely 'bind down the government in chains'.
Since that time, tyrants in all three branches of our 'co-equal' government have worked overtime to overturn that document, while all the time claiming, so help them God, taking an oath to uphold it. They're all liars.
Even the candidates who claim to be in agreement of the Constitution will tell us, with a BIG smile that they will halt the desecration, but only by slowing the rate of the decline, not stopping it.
And, neither party wants anything to do with any candidate who takes his oath of office seriously; Ron Paul comes to mind.
Even though most Americans, if made aware of his beliefs, would tend to agree with him. That awareness will never be presented, as the major parties control ALL major media in the United States, and will never rebel to the point of reporting the truth.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Ryan kinda took me back...
I didn't get a chance to watch the full speech of Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan last night (errands come first), but a portion I DID watch really took me back in time.
Ryan was relating how his job at McDonald's gave him the chance to plan for his future; he recalled flipping burgers and standing in front of the Hobart dish washing machine. He used his time constructively to realize that he was better than that job, and that there were bigger things in life than what he was doing at that moment.
It was at that moment that deja vu struck me right between the eyes!
Yes, Ryan and I had something in common: we both flipped burgers and stood in front of the Hobart dish washing machine!
Our circumstances were identical, (I actually worked in a 24-hour truck stop) but our thought processes, while sharing some commonality, were different. Or, maybe not so much. You decide.
Flipping and standing as we were, Ryan thought "this is just a step in life; I can make things change; there are better things out there". And, that's just what he did. He looked for, and found, something more.
In my own experience, my motivation was the realization that I had found something that I DIDN'T WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! It was truly motivating to me: the shift started at 6AM, I had to clean up any messes left by the teenagers who had worked the night shift, and lifting damned near killed me. The pay was too low, the work too hard, and respect was non-existant. Some of the folks with whom I worked had done the restaurant number all their lives. Two of the cooks, husband and wife, had immigrated (legally) from Europe after WWII and had been doing the same thing ever since. This was in the early 1970's. For them nothing had changed much; looking back, they seemed to enjoy what they were doing, though. Different strokes, I guess.
It also struck me as sad (I could have been wrong), that one of the other shift dish washers was probably in his 70's and had no future other that what we were both seeing.
Nonetheless, that job, while enjoyable to some degree, made me realize that some jobs prepare your life for the future, to set your sights higher, and sometimes you see what it is you DON'T want in life.
That was my experience, and somehow I thank Ryan for bringing back what had become a faded memory.
Ryan was relating how his job at McDonald's gave him the chance to plan for his future; he recalled flipping burgers and standing in front of the Hobart dish washing machine. He used his time constructively to realize that he was better than that job, and that there were bigger things in life than what he was doing at that moment.
It was at that moment that deja vu struck me right between the eyes!
Yes, Ryan and I had something in common: we both flipped burgers and stood in front of the Hobart dish washing machine!
Our circumstances were identical, (I actually worked in a 24-hour truck stop) but our thought processes, while sharing some commonality, were different. Or, maybe not so much. You decide.
Flipping and standing as we were, Ryan thought "this is just a step in life; I can make things change; there are better things out there". And, that's just what he did. He looked for, and found, something more.
In my own experience, my motivation was the realization that I had found something that I DIDN'T WANT TO DO FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE! It was truly motivating to me: the shift started at 6AM, I had to clean up any messes left by the teenagers who had worked the night shift, and lifting damned near killed me. The pay was too low, the work too hard, and respect was non-existant. Some of the folks with whom I worked had done the restaurant number all their lives. Two of the cooks, husband and wife, had immigrated (legally) from Europe after WWII and had been doing the same thing ever since. This was in the early 1970's. For them nothing had changed much; looking back, they seemed to enjoy what they were doing, though. Different strokes, I guess.
It also struck me as sad (I could have been wrong), that one of the other shift dish washers was probably in his 70's and had no future other that what we were both seeing.
Nonetheless, that job, while enjoyable to some degree, made me realize that some jobs prepare your life for the future, to set your sights higher, and sometimes you see what it is you DON'T want in life.
That was my experience, and somehow I thank Ryan for bringing back what had become a faded memory.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Oh, the humanity--A short commentary on politics
So, we've got another convention underway, in spite of protesters, a possible hurricane, allegedly biased media and rule changes designed to make all but the back room boys STFU.
This gathering, made all-but-meaningless with the pre-ordination of the back room boy's favorite RINO, Mitt Romney, is predictably a yawner.
By many accounts, some of which accepted by this writer, the decision to put MR into the presidential sweepstakes was a decision made years ago, and no, you weren't consulted.
Now, the party 'leaders' are pushing for rules that will close off all participation by any candidate or faction (read "tea party"), unless the candidate or back room boys give their blessing. Trouble is, the BRB's don't have a spine, quite unlike the tea party members. The upper have selected losers for years: Dole (an old fart who never had a chance), McCain (need we say more about this RINO?). It's almost as if the cynics who have claimed that the D's and R's are in it together, and neither one wants to rock the boat. ("It's Dole's turn", my foot.)
The leadership has been content to put up candidates who say they are running, but when push comes to shove, they'll sett;e to be 'shoved' every time.
The party mucky-mucks have not foresight, insight or guts. Their hallmark campaign is to be reactive and to not make any waves.
Heaven forbid that the press or the democrats be called to account for all the rumors and outright lies that come incessantly from their collective mouth. That's 'mouth', singular.
When was the last time a republican actually uttered an original thought without prompting from an opposing candidate or some reporter that wanted his 15 minutes of fame?
Take the tax return nonsense: there is no rational reason that a candidate should be required to reveal the most private information of his family finances. It's no one's business but his own. Yet when some worn-out reprobate like the embarrassment-general of the democrat party, Harry Reid, comes forth with unfounded accusations about MR's tax returns, Reid's supporters in the media fall all over themselves to see who can spread unfounded rumors fastest. That's the sad state of the fourth estate; instead of sounding alarms about the government so that people can keep an eye or a chain on government, they all climb into bed together and sing some song I can't spell.
Whatever happened to the active role of the press, investigative reporting, or actually sniffing out a story? We know that there is news, for we can read it on the internet or hear it on the over-looked medium of radio. You won't see it on the alphabet news or read about it in the newspapers.
Perhaps it stems from the answer of one journalism student when asked why he chose his major in college: "Because I want to make a difference".
Someone should have told him to become a social worker, instead. We don't need those who work for change entering the journalistic fields, we need reporters who understand just what objectivity is, and how important the role of the media is SUPPOSED to be.
This gathering, made all-but-meaningless with the pre-ordination of the back room boy's favorite RINO, Mitt Romney, is predictably a yawner.
By many accounts, some of which accepted by this writer, the decision to put MR into the presidential sweepstakes was a decision made years ago, and no, you weren't consulted.
Now, the party 'leaders' are pushing for rules that will close off all participation by any candidate or faction (read "tea party"), unless the candidate or back room boys give their blessing. Trouble is, the BRB's don't have a spine, quite unlike the tea party members. The upper have selected losers for years: Dole (an old fart who never had a chance), McCain (need we say more about this RINO?). It's almost as if the cynics who have claimed that the D's and R's are in it together, and neither one wants to rock the boat. ("It's Dole's turn", my foot.)
The leadership has been content to put up candidates who say they are running, but when push comes to shove, they'll sett;e to be 'shoved' every time.
The party mucky-mucks have not foresight, insight or guts. Their hallmark campaign is to be reactive and to not make any waves.
Heaven forbid that the press or the democrats be called to account for all the rumors and outright lies that come incessantly from their collective mouth. That's 'mouth', singular.
When was the last time a republican actually uttered an original thought without prompting from an opposing candidate or some reporter that wanted his 15 minutes of fame?
Take the tax return nonsense: there is no rational reason that a candidate should be required to reveal the most private information of his family finances. It's no one's business but his own. Yet when some worn-out reprobate like the embarrassment-general of the democrat party, Harry Reid, comes forth with unfounded accusations about MR's tax returns, Reid's supporters in the media fall all over themselves to see who can spread unfounded rumors fastest. That's the sad state of the fourth estate; instead of sounding alarms about the government so that people can keep an eye or a chain on government, they all climb into bed together and sing some song I can't spell.
Whatever happened to the active role of the press, investigative reporting, or actually sniffing out a story? We know that there is news, for we can read it on the internet or hear it on the over-looked medium of radio. You won't see it on the alphabet news or read about it in the newspapers.
Perhaps it stems from the answer of one journalism student when asked why he chose his major in college: "Because I want to make a difference".
Someone should have told him to become a social worker, instead. We don't need those who work for change entering the journalistic fields, we need reporters who understand just what objectivity is, and how important the role of the media is SUPPOSED to be.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Went to the movies...
The Roo, The Stump and I went yesterday to see the movie that opened at #1 when it was released, "2016: Obama's America".
It was more than a little disturbing; it chronicled the journey, if you will, of young Barack Obama from his birth to the present day while providing background as to what makes him "the one".
Using words from Obama's own reading of his book, and interviews with many of his relatives, friends and analysts, several things become apparent, among them just why he wants to be president so badly.
As most young kids do, he idolized his father, who abandoned him at an early age; (he was a bigamist with Obama's mother) and seemed to have no interest beyond himself. It wasn't until teen Barack's older sister explained the real facts behind his father that his world seemed to come tumbling down around his ears.
It seems that his disappointment with the treatment by his father, whom he saw only once, about age 10, propelled the young man into the sphere where he resides today: a world where he can make up for the short-comings of his father, and show that world that he is able to succeed regardless of the jumbled past from which he comes.
Trying to emulate the anti-colonial beliefs of his father, he surrounds himself with others of like mind: Rev. Jeramiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and many other lesser known socialists in order to further his education and to help formulate strategy to define what he truly believes.
The actions of a President Obama parrot the lines laid down by anti-colonialist scholars from around the world: slower-developing nations must be made better, or the United States must be pulled down to that level in order that the US as we know it, will disappear, replaced by just another country among a world of nations. Obama foresees a world with no super powers.
His strategy is to accomplish this by three main means: High taxes from Americans to distribute to those countries and factions he deems to be worthy, destruction of America's military superiority (5,000 nuclear weapons cut back to 300, even in light of middle eastern production increases of the same weaponry) and solidifying the Muslim community around the world, actually grouping them throughout the middle east and Africa, using NASA as a prime missionary.
These bold moves have already been made. The extent of their reach and sucess is really up to the American electorate in 2012; accept the conclusions of "2016" or choose another path.
The movie ends with the well-distributed poster: "Love him or hate him. You Don't know him." changed to read "Now you know him." The impact of that statement is quite clear.
Revelations found in "2016" paint a very clear picture of a man who has made it his life's work to keep any real knowledge of his background from all but the closest to him.
It was more than a little disturbing; it chronicled the journey, if you will, of young Barack Obama from his birth to the present day while providing background as to what makes him "the one".
Using words from Obama's own reading of his book, and interviews with many of his relatives, friends and analysts, several things become apparent, among them just why he wants to be president so badly.
As most young kids do, he idolized his father, who abandoned him at an early age; (he was a bigamist with Obama's mother) and seemed to have no interest beyond himself. It wasn't until teen Barack's older sister explained the real facts behind his father that his world seemed to come tumbling down around his ears.
It seems that his disappointment with the treatment by his father, whom he saw only once, about age 10, propelled the young man into the sphere where he resides today: a world where he can make up for the short-comings of his father, and show that world that he is able to succeed regardless of the jumbled past from which he comes.
Trying to emulate the anti-colonial beliefs of his father, he surrounds himself with others of like mind: Rev. Jeramiah Wright, Bill Ayers, and many other lesser known socialists in order to further his education and to help formulate strategy to define what he truly believes.
The actions of a President Obama parrot the lines laid down by anti-colonialist scholars from around the world: slower-developing nations must be made better, or the United States must be pulled down to that level in order that the US as we know it, will disappear, replaced by just another country among a world of nations. Obama foresees a world with no super powers.
His strategy is to accomplish this by three main means: High taxes from Americans to distribute to those countries and factions he deems to be worthy, destruction of America's military superiority (5,000 nuclear weapons cut back to 300, even in light of middle eastern production increases of the same weaponry) and solidifying the Muslim community around the world, actually grouping them throughout the middle east and Africa, using NASA as a prime missionary.
These bold moves have already been made. The extent of their reach and sucess is really up to the American electorate in 2012; accept the conclusions of "2016" or choose another path.
The movie ends with the well-distributed poster: "Love him or hate him. You Don't know him." changed to read "Now you know him." The impact of that statement is quite clear.
Revelations found in "2016" paint a very clear picture of a man who has made it his life's work to keep any real knowledge of his background from all but the closest to him.
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