Today our President announced his plan to increase troops in Afghanistan by 30,000 soldiers- totaling over 100,000 troops fighting the extremist Afghanistan’s who hate America. All in the name of safety for American civilians.
As conservative and liberals all weigh in on President Obama’s decision, I can’t help but think about what everyone would say if Obama were to announce the opposite strategy:
“Today, I announce the withdrawal of all troops from Afghanistan within the next six months- we will turn our focus to American’s at home and use our resources to better the lives of the people living and struggling in this great country. We will continue to promote the stability of the Afghan government but the toll this war has taken on our country has been immeasurable and has to come to an end.”
My words are not as eloquent or suave as President Obama’s might have been- maybe cheers would have filled Westpoint, as relieved soldiers hugged their families knowing that they will not be put in harms way against an unclear enemy in a corrupt nation. Maybe they could start to think about their lives finally continuing, not being afraid of even their own comrades turning on them or their fellow soldiers turning on themselves.
This is not what happened- instead the American people get AT LEAST two more years of American flag draped coffins, staggering numbers of soldier suicide, fear, and a room full on droopy eyed young adults having to call their loved ones and say they love them and goodbye for what could be the last time. All for the fear that if this is not done that America is vulnerable to another attack like the one we all experienced on 9/11.
Does this also mean two more years of unfathomably climbing debt? Two more years of increasing job loss? Two more years of American hunger, disease, under education, and strife?
And what if it doesn’t work? What if 2011 comes and goes with American soldiers still fighting and dying? What if this great nation continues to collapse onto its self and dig its self into a hole we can not climb out of? Worst yet- what if we ARE attacked and we only have 20,000 troops here in America to help?
We will have FIVE TIMES more troops on our offensive line than we will on our defensive line- and this makes us some how less vulnerable to attack- less likely to live in fear- more prepared to fight?
With so many questions and less answers- Obama is acting more like a pastor asking us all to drink his special blend of cool aid. (Now that might be extreme but it was the best example I could come up with, bear with me)
FAITH- have FAITH cries Obama- BELIEVE what I say- I KNOW I am making the right decision-
Not that any of us really have a say- not like anything we could do would change his mind and find a way to not be at war any more. Flex our intellectual strength, create a strong display of scientific discovery, show mortality rates increase and literacy becoming wide spread.
So now the American people have to believe in this, very un’CHANGE’d, decision that I could see John McCain or former President Bush making. This is NOT the Change I believe in.
But I’m an American and he is our President. We’re continuing this war in hopes that it will stabilize an unstabilizable nation, bring Afghanistan to a place where we could leave and not feel guilty about being there is the first place. Bring our troops home to a nation not in turmoil- a nation prospering and offering education and job opportunity. By the end of President Obama’s first term, we will look back on this decision (as we do now about the Iraq surge) and know it was for the better and that we are not only safer but better off having sent more troops to Afghanistan.
Somehow, I’m still afraid for the people of America- not from foreign attack but from spontaneously imploding onto ourselves- and Obama being blamed.
He’s a good person, a good president between a rock and a hard place- and that’s where he remains with this decision- stuck…
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday's With Politics- Getting Down To Business
September 13th, 2009
My Six Month Goals:
- Run 5 successful youth group events and make the youth a vital part of the community
(2 down and yes)
- Run for at least an hour twice a week and/or join a gym or yoga studio
(I now run about 3 times a week for an hour and a half)
- Either find a full-time job or embrace my current employment situation
(I’m trying really hard)
- Finish at least 1 more book (3 down- 2 in line)
And last but not least:
- Blog at least once a week…
Can you guess which goal I have yet to be able to keep up with? The last blog I wrote was about Senator Wilson’s outburst at the President, ‘You Lie’, during his address to a join session of Congress on September 14th, 2009. And oh so much has happened…
Why is it so hard to write a blog once a week? I suppose when I started the Blog it was for intellectual vindication for being a college graduate who couldn’t find a job and had to work as a waitress at a small not-very-well-managed restaurant. So when I wrote I posted it everywhere and checked the amount of people who read it almost hourly. Then I got another part-time job and began going on more interviews- somehow blogging didn’t seem as important.
In order to reach my goal I have to forget about that this blog should validate my intelligence. I don’t blog for approval, I blog because I find myself yelling or cheering at the television as news stories break and- well, things happen. So I’m going to write this blog- every Tuesday- and that will be that, if you like it, please read, if not that’s ok too.
That being said- what’s going on in the world? Health care (still), Afghan war (still), money problems, Presidential visits, and people are dying or almost.
What made me yell at the TV this week? This war- sorry, I should say this occupation. This empire has been supporting and ‘re-building’ two middle eastern countries- aka pouring billions and billions of dollars down the drain, oh sorry not just dollars- our dollars, hard working Americans who can’t find decent jobs or health care dollars. To do what? Kill people who don’t like us- detect road bombs so more soldiers aren’t killed- give all our money to a president who is probably just as corrupt as the people we’re shooting at.
What other sign does the President need to do the right thing and pull out of both Iraq and Afghanistan as soon as possible? American soldiers are killing themselves- American soldiers are killing other American soldiers- American soldiers are coming home crying for the war to stop- and our country is suffering.
Do the right thing Mr. President- that is the platform you ran your election on and as far as I see it, the way you’ve run the white house for the last year. Stop the occupation- stop ‘don’t ask don’t tell’- concentrate on paying back our debts- help provide basic health care to your citizens- and take our country in the right direction. Please L
Monday, September 14, 2009
Wilson Apologies for Being Right
In Obama's address to a join session of the most influential people in America, one Rep. Joe Wilson decided to voice his opinion loudly in the midst of the President informing the public that some facts about the health care plan were simply not true.
As soon as his outburst was finished, the room erupted in boos and disapproval. If one wants to agree with the President during a speech, that person stands and applauds the President, if someone wants to disapprove they sit in their chair quietly with their arms crossed. Mind you these are the same people who employed others to disrupt town hall meeting, with loud shouting and rude behavior, lead by their colleagues in hopes that this will be too much and people will just drop the issue all together. Maybe he just took advise from his own party on how to handle his disapproval- whats the point of actual intellectual conversation, it never got anyone anywhere...
So Wilson apologized but he apologized like a 9 year old- "President, I'm sorry for yelling at you during your speech- however, you know you are totally wrong and I am totally right"
Haha! Now people want him to apologize publicly and he says "Nope, one is enough. The punishment fits the crime and I apologized to the person I did wrong against". What is wrong with this statement? He needs to go back in time and apologize to the founding fathers of this country, he did not simply yell out at the Executive of a large organization during a fundraising event- he did not send a strongly worded letter to the most prestigious scientist in the world- he shouted out 'YOU LIE' to the President of the United States of America- his Commander in Chief, the MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN AMERICA. And to him one apology is enough.
That is not to mention he has made a mockery of our entire legislative system...
Mr. Wilson does not have to apologize for his display of rudeness toward the president- he's going to pay for it! Already his opponent has raised significant amount of money simply based on the fact that the other guy is an idiot. His opponent didn't even have to campaign yet!
I believe in the justice system, I believe in the legislative system, and I'm beginning to believe in the executive system as well. I believe that people will see this as a blaten disrespect for someone who is simply just trying to make peoples live better and choose not to re-elect Wilson to office. I believe that Wilson will get his justice for his ignorance and bigotry.
So he may not really be sorry- he may not apologize- but he will be on his hands and knees when he can no longer enjoy the plush life of a Representative and will be forever known as the guy who shouted at the President 'YOU LIE'.
If only there were more Joe Wilsons in the previous administration- may Bush would have had to actually apologize for something... maybe not :(
P.S. I just heard the President make excuses for this rude behavior on the radio- what a nice guy!
As soon as his outburst was finished, the room erupted in boos and disapproval. If one wants to agree with the President during a speech, that person stands and applauds the President, if someone wants to disapprove they sit in their chair quietly with their arms crossed. Mind you these are the same people who employed others to disrupt town hall meeting, with loud shouting and rude behavior, lead by their colleagues in hopes that this will be too much and people will just drop the issue all together. Maybe he just took advise from his own party on how to handle his disapproval- whats the point of actual intellectual conversation, it never got anyone anywhere...
So Wilson apologized but he apologized like a 9 year old- "President, I'm sorry for yelling at you during your speech- however, you know you are totally wrong and I am totally right"
Haha! Now people want him to apologize publicly and he says "Nope, one is enough. The punishment fits the crime and I apologized to the person I did wrong against". What is wrong with this statement? He needs to go back in time and apologize to the founding fathers of this country, he did not simply yell out at the Executive of a large organization during a fundraising event- he did not send a strongly worded letter to the most prestigious scientist in the world- he shouted out 'YOU LIE' to the President of the United States of America- his Commander in Chief, the MOST IMPORTANT PERSON IN AMERICA. And to him one apology is enough.
That is not to mention he has made a mockery of our entire legislative system...
Mr. Wilson does not have to apologize for his display of rudeness toward the president- he's going to pay for it! Already his opponent has raised significant amount of money simply based on the fact that the other guy is an idiot. His opponent didn't even have to campaign yet!
I believe in the justice system, I believe in the legislative system, and I'm beginning to believe in the executive system as well. I believe that people will see this as a blaten disrespect for someone who is simply just trying to make peoples live better and choose not to re-elect Wilson to office. I believe that Wilson will get his justice for his ignorance and bigotry.
So he may not really be sorry- he may not apologize- but he will be on his hands and knees when he can no longer enjoy the plush life of a Representative and will be forever known as the guy who shouted at the President 'YOU LIE'.
If only there were more Joe Wilsons in the previous administration- may Bush would have had to actually apologize for something... maybe not :(
P.S. I just heard the President make excuses for this rude behavior on the radio- what a nice guy!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Gentlemen: Start Your Engines- Here We Go Again!!
I hope everyone enjoyed that hot summer recess from all the health care hoopla. It was a nice break knowing that no matter how much people hollered, nothing was getting passed, no bills were going to get written and no one was working on the matter- well kinda nice. So now congress is headed back, refreshed and ready to figure out what to do about health care reform and the President is two steps ahead of them.
On Tuesday, the President will address the youth of America- emphasizing the importance of education, studying hard, being a productive member of society, and respecting their teachers/ parents.
What? Why? And why now? Oh that's right- his approval rating is slipping because of all this health care non-sense. Only 55% of Americans 'approve' of how Obama is doing in the office of the Presidency. Something MUST be done- hum, should he feed the homeless? maybe play baseball with some orphans, oh oh I got it- he'll address the kids in his most dynamic and charismatic way- that'll get them coming back. Ohhhhh and we'll do it on the first day back at school- get started running.
With this brilliant plan in place, I think Obama's team tended to forget how controversial his policies are at the moment. Although his message is said to be 'health care' free and not out to push any political agenda- this is ALL the president is concerned about right now. He stays popular, his policies get passed. This is not to say that the very unpopular previous president got stupid legislation passed even with an approval rating of around 35%- Obama can only be effective if he is liked.
One of the arguments I heard on the radio today is that it is up to the teachers to lead meaningful and well organized discussions with their students- to digest what is said so that the students have a well-rounded unbiased opinion of politics- what the administration forgets is on the first day of school the teachers just met their students, they are trying to establish a report, their lesson plan and rules, and the last thing they want to think about is coming up with a new discussion based on a speech they are going to be able to read the day before? Effective, very effective :/ Even if the best and brightest teachers lead very meaningful discussions that speak to their students, at the end of the day they go home to their parents...
This is where the educated meaningful understanding conversation should take place- at home. However, some parents are outraged that the President of the United States of America wants to address their kids- how dare he push his political agenda on our youth, he is just trying to recruit them to convince their parents to give 47+ million people a chance to live a healthy life without crushing medical bills. That socialist prick!!
Well there you go, that's the answer- shield your children from any opinion that is different from your own- other opinions are dangerous and might lead to questions and we just can't have that coming out of our school children.
On the morning of 9/11 I walked to my friends house down the street- at this time I found out that a plane had flown into one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center- not really knowing what that was being 14 years old- we hoped into the car and got to school. Everyone was a bit of a buzz but I made it to my first class at 8am. Our English teacher had made the educated decision that education was more important than watching whatever was going on in the news. We did our lesson plan and about 50 minutes later when we were let out of class, we were the only ones in the quad. Everyone else was in their classrooms glued to the television as they watched the destruction continue. I ran to my next class and got caught up on what was going on- after about an hour I called my dad to come pick me up and take me home, bursting into tears in the car.
I will never forget that day and I will never forget my teachers decision to choose education over the news, especially that event. At the time I'm sure he did not realize the magnitude of the situation and might regret the decision as well but it will always effect me.
Obviously this is a very different situation but my point is that if we shield our youth from politics and the outside world, it is only harming them and if anything disconnecting them from politics. This isn't China. This opportunity- although very political to improve Obama's ratings before congress goes back into session to debate health care- is a great opportunity for the youth of America to finally have a role model who isn't looking to wage an unjust undemocratic greedy war.
So he'll give his speech, some kids will still have ignorant parents, and some teachers will have great discussions with their new students- starting the year off strong. Then congress will be back in session and we'll see how it all goes- health care? no health care? public option? no public option? It'll be interesting and we'll be around to watch what happens :)
On Tuesday, the President will address the youth of America- emphasizing the importance of education, studying hard, being a productive member of society, and respecting their teachers/ parents.
What? Why? And why now? Oh that's right- his approval rating is slipping because of all this health care non-sense. Only 55% of Americans 'approve' of how Obama is doing in the office of the Presidency. Something MUST be done- hum, should he feed the homeless? maybe play baseball with some orphans, oh oh I got it- he'll address the kids in his most dynamic and charismatic way- that'll get them coming back. Ohhhhh and we'll do it on the first day back at school- get started running.
With this brilliant plan in place, I think Obama's team tended to forget how controversial his policies are at the moment. Although his message is said to be 'health care' free and not out to push any political agenda- this is ALL the president is concerned about right now. He stays popular, his policies get passed. This is not to say that the very unpopular previous president got stupid legislation passed even with an approval rating of around 35%- Obama can only be effective if he is liked.
One of the arguments I heard on the radio today is that it is up to the teachers to lead meaningful and well organized discussions with their students- to digest what is said so that the students have a well-rounded unbiased opinion of politics- what the administration forgets is on the first day of school the teachers just met their students, they are trying to establish a report, their lesson plan and rules, and the last thing they want to think about is coming up with a new discussion based on a speech they are going to be able to read the day before? Effective, very effective :/ Even if the best and brightest teachers lead very meaningful discussions that speak to their students, at the end of the day they go home to their parents...
This is where the educated meaningful understanding conversation should take place- at home. However, some parents are outraged that the President of the United States of America wants to address their kids- how dare he push his political agenda on our youth, he is just trying to recruit them to convince their parents to give 47+ million people a chance to live a healthy life without crushing medical bills. That socialist prick!!
Well there you go, that's the answer- shield your children from any opinion that is different from your own- other opinions are dangerous and might lead to questions and we just can't have that coming out of our school children.
On the morning of 9/11 I walked to my friends house down the street- at this time I found out that a plane had flown into one of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center- not really knowing what that was being 14 years old- we hoped into the car and got to school. Everyone was a bit of a buzz but I made it to my first class at 8am. Our English teacher had made the educated decision that education was more important than watching whatever was going on in the news. We did our lesson plan and about 50 minutes later when we were let out of class, we were the only ones in the quad. Everyone else was in their classrooms glued to the television as they watched the destruction continue. I ran to my next class and got caught up on what was going on- after about an hour I called my dad to come pick me up and take me home, bursting into tears in the car.
I will never forget that day and I will never forget my teachers decision to choose education over the news, especially that event. At the time I'm sure he did not realize the magnitude of the situation and might regret the decision as well but it will always effect me.
Obviously this is a very different situation but my point is that if we shield our youth from politics and the outside world, it is only harming them and if anything disconnecting them from politics. This isn't China. This opportunity- although very political to improve Obama's ratings before congress goes back into session to debate health care- is a great opportunity for the youth of America to finally have a role model who isn't looking to wage an unjust undemocratic greedy war.
So he'll give his speech, some kids will still have ignorant parents, and some teachers will have great discussions with their new students- starting the year off strong. Then congress will be back in session and we'll see how it all goes- health care? no health care? public option? no public option? It'll be interesting and we'll be around to watch what happens :)
Monday, August 31, 2009
I'm Back... And Not Much Has Changed
For those of you who have been reading my Blogs, you might have noticed the lack of recent commentary from yours truly. Since I am still an unemployed (serving breakfast to picky eaters, again, does not count), most of my time has been spent either trying to find a job or trying to make some extra money. With that in mind, I recently went on a vacation to Yosemite. Last Monday I departed from the well connected world of television news programs, Internet news articles, and cell phone twitter feeds and ventured into the world of really tall trees, big black bears, lots of falling water, and sneaky squires whos only goal is to steal your lunch.
Although I welcomed the disconnect, I took it as a social experiment in living the life of one who could care less about what goes on in the world outside of their own experiences. I somewhat expected to come back to reality having missed a plethora of important news stories, feeling shocked to learn all that had happened while I was hiking half way to half dome. When I returned, the first thing I heard was that another Kennedy had died and that California was once again on fire. After returning home, I jumped right into serving people food for lunch, and dinner the next day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner- breakfast, registering guests for a wedding, and then making sure the wedding went smoothly.
Today was my first real day back into reality- ran all my errands, cleaned my car, and watched Kieth Olberman and Rachel Maddow. What a great day! So what had I missed??? Hum, people are still arguing about health care and all the politicians are still on vacation- some sick guy held girls in captivity- a DJ overdosed- mother nature is still kicking our butts- the Michael Jackson case is still full of questions and inquiry- and I still don't have a job.
So, nothing happened... nothing new, nothing surprising, nothing exciting, nothing shocking, nothing really news worthy. Republicans are still saying stupid things and people are still dying. What does this whole experiment teach me? Stop watching the news- what's the point really? Someone will tell me if something that affects me happens? Right? WRONG!! Why do I love the news? Not for times when nothing is happening- which is often, news can get stale, but for the times you are glued to the TV or talking to all your friends and family because you just can't believe what has happened!!
All in all, I am happy nothing happened, I am glad to come back to the world almost the same as I left it- more relaxed and a little sore but I could have predicted all that has happened and I'm ok with that. Now if something interesting happens, I'll be around to let everyone know how much I agree or disagree with it- that is the fun part.
So stick around for something exciting to happen- it might be tomorrow or next week but believe me, it'll happen!!!
Although I welcomed the disconnect, I took it as a social experiment in living the life of one who could care less about what goes on in the world outside of their own experiences. I somewhat expected to come back to reality having missed a plethora of important news stories, feeling shocked to learn all that had happened while I was hiking half way to half dome. When I returned, the first thing I heard was that another Kennedy had died and that California was once again on fire. After returning home, I jumped right into serving people food for lunch, and dinner the next day- breakfast, lunch, and dinner- breakfast, registering guests for a wedding, and then making sure the wedding went smoothly.
Today was my first real day back into reality- ran all my errands, cleaned my car, and watched Kieth Olberman and Rachel Maddow. What a great day! So what had I missed??? Hum, people are still arguing about health care and all the politicians are still on vacation- some sick guy held girls in captivity- a DJ overdosed- mother nature is still kicking our butts- the Michael Jackson case is still full of questions and inquiry- and I still don't have a job.
So, nothing happened... nothing new, nothing surprising, nothing exciting, nothing shocking, nothing really news worthy. Republicans are still saying stupid things and people are still dying. What does this whole experiment teach me? Stop watching the news- what's the point really? Someone will tell me if something that affects me happens? Right? WRONG!! Why do I love the news? Not for times when nothing is happening- which is often, news can get stale, but for the times you are glued to the TV or talking to all your friends and family because you just can't believe what has happened!!
All in all, I am happy nothing happened, I am glad to come back to the world almost the same as I left it- more relaxed and a little sore but I could have predicted all that has happened and I'm ok with that. Now if something interesting happens, I'll be around to let everyone know how much I agree or disagree with it- that is the fun part.
So stick around for something exciting to happen- it might be tomorrow or next week but believe me, it'll happen!!!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Media Feud for the Better
First off, I don't think I've ever been so pleased to be corrected on my options. There are no editors or assistant writers who check my work before it is posted, so these statements are purely my opinion from what I've read or watched on the news. Thank you again to all those who take the time to read my blog and for all those who choose to comment on the content. If you have an option or fact check on ANYTHING I write, please comment and add your voice to my blog.
Now on to the news- for those who do not regularly follow the news here is what is going on: Big flood in China, Military solider charged with conspiring with the Mexican drug cartel, people are beating each other up over a difference of opinion on health care for the poor, Iran is holding American hikers hostage, Costa Rica's President has swine flu, and people are dying.
What do I want to highlight today? The freedom of the press. Outlined in first amendment of what freedoms we as Americans are able to enjoy, decided upon by 18th century white men as rights that all humans should have. Smart men- so what does this mean for the media in 2009?
It means FREEDOM OF THE PRESS! Isn't America great! Currently the anchor of 'Countdown' Kieth Olbermann and the anchor of 'The O'Reilly Factor' Bill O'Reilly are in a feud- the voice of the conservative and the voice of the liberal population are head to head in differences of option. Shocked I'm sure.
Our government has a system of checks and balances to ensure that no one part of the government has more power than another. Now we all know how well this has worked in recent past (thank you illegitimate war and executive powers), but that aside, the media needs to work in the same way. The American people need to hear the leftist opinion and the right-wing view or they are left with one opinion.
Kieth Olbermann has a segment called 'The Worst People In The World', almost on a regular basis he highlights something Bill O'Reilly has done or said which can be interpreted as ignorant, racist, or hateful. In addition, Olbermann replays previous sound clips of Mr. O'Reilly's statements that directly contradict statements O'Reilly has more recently made.
Mr. O'Reilly's response to this criticism? Attack the man upstairs. He has commented on MSNBC's parent company General Electric (weird hu? G.E. owns MSNBC- who knew?) saying they are only seeking profits from the current government by agreeing with their policies.
In an effort not to sound like a left-wing version of Ann Coulter, I will not express my personal opinion of Mr. O'Rielly or my opposite opinion of Mr. Olbermann. I will however stress the importance of keeping both sides of the media in check. There needs to be a news organization who calls the right-wing talking heads out and those talking heads don't take criticism very well- even if its true. And in turn they should be able to have to same freedom of speech no matter what the leftist news show have to say.
While the heads of both news programs attempt to negotiate a 'cease-fire', neither side will succeed to quit criticizing the other side. GOOD!! I never want to watch Keith Olbermann where he is forced to keep his correction of Bill O'Reilly's news reporting because G.E. told him to play nice. On the flip side, I wouldn't want Bill O'Reilly to stop sounding like an idiot every time he opens his mouth. Bring it on, we're in America, both sides have to deal with being criticized and this is for the better of ALL news programs.
So that's my blog, I'm trying to hard not to discuss the insanity surrounding health care reform at the moment: guns, fights, arrests, shouting, and anger. This was NOT what Obama had in mind, this was not what anyone had in mind. What is wrong with Americans and what in the world is going to be done to stop the spread of ignorance? Nothing- we're only human and that is the reality of life- most people (including myself) yield to a certain amount of ignorance. It is just unfortunate that it is costing a real solution to a broken system.
To watch Bill O'Reilly lose it on TV watch this clip, oh my imagination only wonders to all the rants that were never filmed and put online:
Friday, August 7, 2009
Bill Clinton Awakes From Nap and Saves Journalists?
I assume every one's eyebrows lifted a little in confusion when the news reported that the former president Bill Clinton would go to North Korea to help negotiate two captured journalists release from prison. And then he did...
Wait, I though Hillary Clinton was the Secretary of State?? Sending a women to do a man's work just wouldn't cut it? Why exactly was Bill Clinton sent to negotiate their release? What exactly was negotiated? 'If you don't release those girls, I will play the saxophone until you ears explode' or maybe 'If you don't release those girls, I'll seduce every female on your staff until you do.'
As far as I know the US didn't give up anything for these girls- Bill Clinton went over there, asked for them to be free, took a picture, hopped on a plane, and that was it? Does this smell fishy to anyone else?
Now I'm not saying that there was anything sneaky going on but what has President Clinton done since he's been out of office except take a lot of naps? Wasn't he impeached for lying under oath? This was said to be a 'humanitarian' effort... again, when was the last time President Clinton went on a humanitarian mission??
Did they figure Kim Jong-il hates African people and women so Mr. Clinton was their last option? Did Kim Jong-il particularly like Bill Clinton and ask for him by name? 'Ya, I'll let these girls out if you let your husband come down and have a beer with me, he's a real nice guy- I've missed him for the last 8 years!'
Very few people are questioning why Bill Clinton in particular and why was it so easy? The girls were captured at the end of March, they were put on TRIAL and sentenced in North Korean Courts. They were held in a North Korean prison for 5 months... President Obama publicly told Kim Jong-il to let them go- so did Hilary. What is this women actually doing besides pretending to be on the Ellen Degeneres show getting down with her bad self?
Really, Bill Clinton was all it took and they were free? Oh silly us, we should have sent him months ago before the trial and the sentencing and the jailing and all that fun stuff. From the looks of the event, North Korea was trying to make a statement- now they look like another intern getting on their knees for the former president.
I'd like some more answers- why him, why now, why so easy, and where the heck did former President Bush go? In his classic sneaky fashion with a snicker- he slid out the back door, locked himself in his room, and cried 'its not my fault- blame the black guy- leave me alone!'
That's a topic for another time. To conclude- why isn't former President Clinton our Secretary of State- he sure seems to be doing a lot more for the 'State' than his wife is- which is really sad because I was really rooting for her to be everything she said she was. Now she's just the crazy lady dancing with the people in Africa while her cheating lying husband is actually doing good. *sigh* we'll have a REAL women President one day...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Helium Articles
I will also be writing on the webiste Helium.com.
"Has Obama Kept His Campaign Promises?"
"Is Sarah Palin a Nationalist or Corporate Globalist?"
More to come!
I Smell A Rat
What happened to all the logical people in America? Republicans have waged a vicious war against everything honest and free about this country. They are using the media to manipulate people into thinking the government is taking over their lives.
Have these people stopped to think that the government is trying to help people? I know it's a shock, 'what has the government ever done for me in the past?' Town hall meetings are being ransacked by groups of people either paid or falsely lured to object to any form of "socialized" health care.
What these people do not understand is that most of them HAVE health insurance and a lot of them have Medicare health insurance which is run by the government. "Socialized" health care is when the government provides health care for everyone and there is no private health insurance companies. This is NOT what Obama has in mind.
The plan is a Medicare for the poor in addition to the elderly and children. Why are Republicans SO opposed to any government run health insurance? It forces insurance companies to lower their rates to compete- this in turn lowers their profit margin- and in turn lowers the amount of money the insurance companies can donate to any given politicians campaign.
For decades the government has targeted health care as a problem and somehow nothing has been done about it. Why did Republicans do whatever it was possible to delay a health care vote until after a recess? So they can perpetuate their agenda to the ignorant people in America.
Well now I sound just as angry and belligerent as these people at the town hall meetings. It is just really hard for me to understand. These people TRULY think they are doing what is best for this country by protesting reform. George Tiller's shooter TRULY thought he was doing what was best for women by shooting and killing a partial birth abortion doctor.
The previous Presidential administration was very good at being manipulative and sneaky to achieve their own personal agenda. It isn't until now that these events are coming to light for what they TRULY were- events leading to collapse of our economy. Now the policians who supported these crooked agendas are struggling with how to deal with honest truthful reform to BETTER America and its people.
After all the money in the economy was sucked out by greedy financial institutions and then lost in the twists and turns of manipulated mortgage packages- it is a surprise to the Republicans how the Stimulus Package, pumping that money back into the economy, could have possible worked. Financial institution KNEW what they were doing and KNEW they were manipulating people into mortgages they couldn't afford and then taking all their money.
When will the time come where politicians are honest and REALLY want what is best for the people they serve, not their own pockets. Like I've said before- there was a crash in the financial industry exposing corruption and forcing reform- this is what is happening to the government- corruption is being exposed and Republicans are the ones running with their tails between their legs.
In the next 3 years or 7 years depending on how effective the Republicans are, I would like to see for once the Republican side be progressive and not just reactive. Make a difference not just a delay. Give Republicans a good name- not just a war, a recession, and a lot of sick people with a lot of bills.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Obama Wins a Battle at the Expense of Losing the War
Now that the stimulus money has started really filtering into America's economy, everyone is in agreeance that the economy has halted its decline, jobs are being kept because of money from the stimulus package, people are buying new cars because of the cash for clunkers, and Republicans are forced to admit they were wrong, well not all of them, and take credit for the improvements done to their state.
Maybe after they all go back to their home states and see how much good the stimulus money is doing, they might be a little more lenient on giving their citizens health care as well.
The down side to the 'end of the recession', we are still at war. Although Obama has only been in office for 6 months he has been doing so much, people tend to forget, I think Obama tends to forget, that we are still at war. One of the first things Obama did, as we all asked and expected him to do, was end the war in Iraq. This all happened a lot faster than anyone had anticipated and now the troops are dying in Afghanistan.
When the US first went to war after 9/11, the Military went into Afghanistan and if was apparent that because of the terrain and hidden militia it was very difficult to get anything accomplished. So the Military moved into Iraq, took over their dictatorship government and implemented a democratic government- well not until they vote for their own president, that's when it will get interesting.
So now the military is back in Afghanistan and people are diying. In January, the amount of suicides in the military had reached a record high, 24 in one month, increasing Americans desire not to be in Iraq anymore- not to be at war anymore- but Obama couldn't do that without months of opposition. Since October, 749 soldiers have died in Afganistan and all together 5,065 young American men and women have died for us to be at war.
The economy has stopped declining and it seems as if we're all going to be ok. Obama now needs to get back to the original problem of the US still being at war. After the economic crisis, America needs to get back to caring about America and not killing more American soldiers.
Health care will get passed, homosexual's will get the right to marry, abortion will stay legal- lets not forget about the soldiers we've been raising money for, sending packages to, putting up yellow ribbons for, cheering for in the airports, and being reminded that they are dying for America.
1st Lt. Roslyn L. Schulte
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Age: 25 years old
Died: May 20, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Air Force, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces Command, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii
Incident: Died near Kabul, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered from a makeshift bomb.
Chief Warrant Officer Brent S. Cole
Hometown: Reedsville, West Virginia, U.S.
Age: 38 years old
Died: May 22, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Army, 1st Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.
Incident: Died when his helicopter went down.
Senior Airman Ashton L. M. Goodman
Hometown: Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Age: 21 years old
Died: May 26, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Air Force, 43rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C.
Incident: Killed by a makeshift bomb.
Lt. Col. Mark E. Stratton II
Hometown: Houston, Texas, U.S.
Age: 39 years old
Died: May 26, 2009 in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Air Force, Joint Staff, Pentagon, Air Force
Incident: Killed by a makeshift bomb.
To see all the faces of the fallen soldiers, please click on the link below.
Faces of the Fallen:
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
We're All A Little Bit Racist
The United States of America has an African-American president. What does this mean for the African-American community? The spot-light. CNN has been running a special program on being Black in America and the issue of racial discrimination has become just as important a topic as Health Care, Immigration, Terror, and the Economy.
As the first African-American president, Obama has tried his best to be well-spoken, articulate, presentable, mature, and has proven to display impeccable ethics. This is how an African-American man has become president. A few weeks ago, the president spoke at a NAACP (still self-titled 'colored people') event. When I started watching his speech, I swore I could see the Reverend Wright speaking in front of me. At this point he was an African-American person speaking to African-Americans and if that were the way he had spoken throughout his campaign- he would have never been elected.
This brings me to the latest in the Gates controversy. Now the media has brought in the 911 caller- WHY??- she is upset because in the police report it states that she saw 2 black men with backpacks and now she rebukes this statement in fear of being called racist. And why hasn't SHE been invited to have beers with the president- SHE's just as deserving in this case. Frankly I don't think anyone really cares about the caller, what does she have to do with the professors arrest, oh that's right- nothing...
I'm not even sure why these two men are going to the White House- is Obama the almighty equalizer? And why do they have to drink alcohol to solve their problems? Is it because that is just how white cops in Massachusetts solve their problems- over a beer? And what would one want to say to the officer who arrested them in front of their house for yelling racial comments at them? 'Um, I know you were just trying to do your job, but you suck!'
This is the meeting to end all racial discrimination in the United States of America... :/
Racism is probably not going anywhere, at least not the harmless kind of racism. As one of my favorite Broadway Musicals, Avenue Q, puts it 'everyone's a little bit racist'. Why? Because sometimes people perpetuate their stereotypes. Racism will disappear when everyone is the exact same- and who would want that??
Here is the link to the Avenue Q song- its hilarious and kind true when you think about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwNSNLPIfw&feature=related
As the first African-American president, Obama has tried his best to be well-spoken, articulate, presentable, mature, and has proven to display impeccable ethics. This is how an African-American man has become president. A few weeks ago, the president spoke at a NAACP (still self-titled 'colored people') event. When I started watching his speech, I swore I could see the Reverend Wright speaking in front of me. At this point he was an African-American person speaking to African-Americans and if that were the way he had spoken throughout his campaign- he would have never been elected.
This brings me to the latest in the Gates controversy. Now the media has brought in the 911 caller- WHY??- she is upset because in the police report it states that she saw 2 black men with backpacks and now she rebukes this statement in fear of being called racist. And why hasn't SHE been invited to have beers with the president- SHE's just as deserving in this case. Frankly I don't think anyone really cares about the caller, what does she have to do with the professors arrest, oh that's right- nothing...
I'm not even sure why these two men are going to the White House- is Obama the almighty equalizer? And why do they have to drink alcohol to solve their problems? Is it because that is just how white cops in Massachusetts solve their problems- over a beer? And what would one want to say to the officer who arrested them in front of their house for yelling racial comments at them? 'Um, I know you were just trying to do your job, but you suck!'
This is the meeting to end all racial discrimination in the United States of America... :/
Racism is probably not going anywhere, at least not the harmless kind of racism. As one of my favorite Broadway Musicals, Avenue Q, puts it 'everyone's a little bit racist'. Why? Because sometimes people perpetuate their stereotypes. Racism will disappear when everyone is the exact same- and who would want that??
Here is the link to the Avenue Q song- its hilarious and kind true when you think about it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbwNSNLPIfw&feature=related
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
My Brain After College
The other day a co-worker of mine came into the restaurant complaining about the amount of college level homework she has to do. In the best valley girl voice you can think of: 'Oh my gosh, I am swamped. I have a research paper to do, three more assignments due tomorrow, and a midterm next week'. All I could think was 'ahhh the good ol' days'.
While in college I had the same attitude of feeling burdened by excessive school work. Now that I serve food to annoying complaining customers (well they're not all that bad), I feel as if my brain is deteriorating. I would give anything to do a research paper, learn about a new culture, or discuss the ethical ramifications of peoples actions. You know that saying 'you never know what you've got till it's gone'- that couldn't be more true for me now.
5 years of critical thinking, studying for tests, and learning new information- now I'm left with a piece of paper in a pretty frame, $12,000 in debt, and I smell like food...
That's where you all come in- thank you- even if this is your first time reading this blog or you've been keeping tabs since I've started, I have you to thank for keeping my mind going- giving me something to think about, something to learn more about, something to comment about- keeping my brain sharp for the wonderful day when someone wants to pay me to use it- not just ask if you would like fries or coleslaw.
'Why not go back to school and get your Masters Michelle?' Nice thought hu? I would love to but without a full time job the prospect of adding thousands of dollars to my already consuming debt, doesn't seem like the best plan. Even if I did get my Masters, then I'd be too qualified for the positions I want.
As for politics, nothing special going on- Palin is leaving (Finally and hopefully for good!), Swine flu spreads quickly but still hasn't killed as many people as the seasonal flu does, Republicans don't want socialized health care, political leaders are corrupt, Michael Jackson took a lot of drugs, and people died.
Personally, I'm just waiting for Kieth Olberman to come back- somehow Howard Dean just doesn't do it for me.
While in college I had the same attitude of feeling burdened by excessive school work. Now that I serve food to annoying complaining customers (well they're not all that bad), I feel as if my brain is deteriorating. I would give anything to do a research paper, learn about a new culture, or discuss the ethical ramifications of peoples actions. You know that saying 'you never know what you've got till it's gone'- that couldn't be more true for me now.
5 years of critical thinking, studying for tests, and learning new information- now I'm left with a piece of paper in a pretty frame, $12,000 in debt, and I smell like food...
That's where you all come in- thank you- even if this is your first time reading this blog or you've been keeping tabs since I've started, I have you to thank for keeping my mind going- giving me something to think about, something to learn more about, something to comment about- keeping my brain sharp for the wonderful day when someone wants to pay me to use it- not just ask if you would like fries or coleslaw.
'Why not go back to school and get your Masters Michelle?' Nice thought hu? I would love to but without a full time job the prospect of adding thousands of dollars to my already consuming debt, doesn't seem like the best plan. Even if I did get my Masters, then I'd be too qualified for the positions I want.
As for politics, nothing special going on- Palin is leaving (Finally and hopefully for good!), Swine flu spreads quickly but still hasn't killed as many people as the seasonal flu does, Republicans don't want socialized health care, political leaders are corrupt, Michael Jackson took a lot of drugs, and people died.
Personally, I'm just waiting for Kieth Olberman to come back- somehow Howard Dean just doesn't do it for me.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Health Care and Salt... Kinda
Thought #1:
The topic people are talking less and less about: 'Health Care'. The Democrats came up with a plan and as Obama states, this plan will be funded 2/3rds by reorganizing bad spending and 1/3 by equalizing the taxes on the rich with the taxes on the middle class. Here is 'their' plan:
Seems confusing hu? Well not really if you follow the lines and understand what it all means, it makes perfect sense and includes an option for those who will still not be able to afford the plan, improved education for medical staff, and takes into consideration that a large percentage of the applicants do not speak English.
However, in perfect Republican fashion- this is just too confusing and they have a better idea. They didn't just want to pass something so important on a whim and they felt rushed- which is funny because they passed the 'Patriot Act' in the blink of an eye because we were at 'war' and disregarding all of Americans rights is not as important as health care... right : / Anyway since it's 'them' against 'us'- the Republicans came up with a better plan, here is 'their' health care plan:
(sorry, can't make it smaller, suggestions??)
Haha- do you get the joke??? I don't either. So I'm going to get health care from ? who gets paid by ? and helps all those ???'s. ?
This seems like a ploy to me, as history shows us Congressman do not like to work, they do their job sure but get about 100 days off a year- if not more! Most people get oh something like 2 weeks and a few scattered holidays here and there. The congress is about to go into recess- 'oh finally a break from all these health care ?'s' - but people are still struggling with cancer and can't put food on the table because of thousands of dollars in health care bills... oh to be a congressman!
On a more positive note- Denny's is being sued!! As a former employee of the fine restaurant establishment- YEAH!! Why you ask? Well it's a shock but a man from New Jersey claims that one meal at Denny's has 4 times the amount of salt a person needs in one day. Put in another way- after eating one meal at Denny's one should not eat any more salt for at least 4 days. He thinks this is unfair and that consumers should know this before consuming a meal, lets take a look:
One LumberJack Slam includes-
Two buttermilk pancakes (smothered in butter and syrup of course)
A slice of grilled honey ham (fried in butter)
Two bacon strips and two sausage links (all fried in oil)
Two eggs* (any way you want :)
Plus hash browns or grits
Choice of bread (smothered in more butter)
Not only do people order this meal, they EAT this meal. Here is the evidence for the law suit- the nutritional facts:
| Nutrition Facts |
Serving Size 22 oz (616.0 g) |
Amount Per Serving |
Calories 1170 Calories from Fat 513 |
% Daily Value* |
Total Fat 57.0g 88% |
Saturated Fat 16.0g 80% |
Cholesterol 590mg 197% |
Sodium 4200mg 175% |
Total Carbohydrates 109.0g 36% |
Dietary Fiber 5.0g 20% |
Protein 52.0g |
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet |
Haha, 197% of your daily value of heart clogging grease- 175% of your daily sodium. No wonder Americans need socialized health care or maybe Denny's needs to CALM DOWN!! Hey but look 20% of your daily fiber- more than a serving of cerial or oatmeal- just so you can poop out all that 16 grams of saturated fat (FYI: 1 gram is like 1 paperclip). Gross...
Here are the links to my info (all the rest provided by the Google)
Thought #2:
I have a gold chain but i'm not sure if it is real gold. So I go to the most used search engine in the world 'Google' and went to search 'how do you know if its real gold'- as we all know Google tries to guess what you want to search- after typing the first five words this is what Google predicted for my search- based on the most searched question- here are the results:
"How do you know if..."
-a guy likes you
-your pregnant
-a girl likes you
-you are pregnant
-you are in love
-a boy likes you
-you love someone
-you have herpes
-you have a yeast infection
-you have diabetes
So these are the most popular searches for 'How do you know if?' What does this tell us about Americans- everyone wants to fall in love, birth control doesn't always work, nobody wants STDs, and we all eat too much.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Power of the Internet
So I just got done reading the Police Report against Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Remeber the black professor who got arrested outside his own house and the officer refuses to appologize.
Anyway- I read the report- me- a 22 year old jobless nobody read the police report from a contriversal case.
And about 2 weeks ago, I read Michael Jackson's Will- his will, on the internet...
Is it just me or should I not have acsess to these documents, but I do- and that is the power of the internet.
I just hope they start realising Bush administration documents- those would be fun to read!!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Drink age to 18 with a 'Drinking Lisence'??
With all this talk about Health Care, one thing most people agree on is that prevention and education are the best tools for ensuring a more healthy population. Put down the Cheedos and hop on a bike- and all that jazz.
In the same light I recently read an article in TIME magazine (when I still had the money to have a subscription) about Presidents of the most prestigious Universities calling for reform to the drinking age. They are at the forefront of a growing problem with under aged drinking at college. The solution they say- lowering the drinking age to 18 AND requiring all 'drinkers' to take courses in drinking and receive a 'drinking license'.
Interesting idea, but will this really calm the over active hormones and freedoms that run rampant from freshman to about junior year of college? Not likely. The health center hands out free condoms and every child that goes to public school receives sex education- do college students still get pregnant and STDs ??
Maybe prevention and education are the best answers- maybe people are going to do whatever it is they want to do no matter what (for the most part ;)
Republicans...
Listening to Obama's press conference about health care and he mentioned how Republican opposition has been all politics...
My view of Republicans- a few fat picky eaters going out to dinner:
"What... what is that- did you say 'Stimulus Package' oh I don't know about that. Is that, is that pork in there?? This will never fly. Hum.... ok I'll try some, smack smack smack, eh- not bad"
"Did you say SO-TA? I don't even think I say spell that, no thank you, not for me. Bill? Did you just say you liked it? Ok pass it this way!!"
"What's that other dish we got here? 'Health Care Reform'? But its got all that green stuff all over it, I don't want to pay for that... what's that?? Its paid for?? Ok Glen fill my plate up, ummmmmmmm!!"
Haha, I think Republicans argue for the sake of arguing, cuz maybe- just maybe- one time they'll actually be right... and a democratic senator will cheat on his wife- then they'll be even :)
Land of the Free and Heavily Taxed
Back in 2004 I took the initiative and signed up for my own health care insurance. It was a 'Tonic' plan by Blue Cross geared to hip cool funcky young adults and cost me about $70 a month. About a year ago I received an addendum to my insurance, it now did not cover ANY emergency care: ambulance, emergency room, emergency care, ect. In addition, although the rate had slowly gone up over the years, my rate was to be raised to $125 a month, that's $1500 a year. Now as a healthy young adult with no record of hospital stays, no allergies, no regularly taken prescriptions, no chronic diseases, and no need for optical care, what am I paying $125 for if it doesn't even include emergency medical coverage? The twice a year doctors visit, which cost me $20 anyhow, for a simple prescription and a pat of the back?!?!
This is just one of the many problems with health care in the US. During my summer travels I went to Norway where they have universal health care coverage, i.e. even if you are homeless you can go to the doctor- for free. In order for this to happen, the citizens are taxed about 30% of their income- the flip side- the average income is about $60,000 and the girl who served me a hot dog got paid $20 an hour. The down side- a beer cost around $12, not so good for tourist. Socialism works for Norway, their life expectancy is 4 years longer than the US and is increasing. Why not try some of the European tactics the US has tried to stay away from for so long??
So what is Obama to do? We've elected him to solve EVERY problem in the US, even the ones that haven't occurred yet. Just today he had a news conference with the Prime Minister of the newly stable independent democratic Iraq (Bush's fault or Obama's fault?) AND a news conference about his plans for health care. With a rate of about 3.8 million obese people, 45 million uninsured, 14.7 million people unemployed, and 37 million Americans living below the poverty line- What are Americans really expecting Obama to do? The Republicans are screaming let the weak die and the Democrats are convincing everyone that the government knows how to spend their money better than they do (may I refer to my previous blog about how well the defence Department spends Americans money).
In less than a year Obama can't fix all our problems- what can President Barack Obama do? Laugh, joke, keep his pose, and move forward. The stimulus slowed the recession and kept a lot of jobs from being lost- maybe the health care plan will work, maybe it wont, but as long as he smiles and makes a witty comment people seem content to give 30% of their hard earned money to the over bearing government- in the land of the free- for people who get diabetes because they eat 3 Carls Jr. meals everyday and somehow can't afford to pay for medication...
I suppose this is one time I should be happy to be unemployed :)
**All info was found online through the wonderful, ominous, all knowing Google
Monday, July 20, 2009
Housing complex owners vote to ban smoking -- inside homes!
I can't exactly pin point when people actualy came to the realization that smoke was gross but its spreading. Smoking bans began in the early 1990s with California leading the way and New York soon to follow. 19 years later, there are still 15 states in which one can smoke in a restaurant, a bar, their home, their yard, at a school, or at an open shopping mall, I'm sure there are even places you can smoke inside a shopping mall.
This is weird for me as I grew up in California and my memories begin right about the early 90s. I do remember visiting my grandparents in New York and being ostracized from the rest of the restaurant and hidden behind wooden bars- I suppose to keep the smoke in. More recently there have been bans of smoking in apartment complexes, as the smoke goes through the air system and into non-smokers apartments. Not that there would be any more toxins in the air than if that person were to walk outside in LA and breath, its still a good excuse.
When you really come to think about it, smoking is gross. It makes you smell gross, it makes you look gross, it makes you feel gross- you get my point. What is even grosser than smoking is smoking indoors, both my parents smoke indoors and everything is always all yellow, sticky, and smelly. My sister rented an apartment where the previous owner had smoked inside, even though they 'painted' over it, every time she took a shower the ceiling would drip tar. Disgusting, right?
To keep with the spirit of indoor smoking being gross, think about the people you know who smoke indoors- they're kinda gross too. So if you are living in a housing development and someone moves it and smokes inside, not only does your house smell if you share a wall, trying to sell the property would be hard, and you have to live next to someone who is gross. I think every complex should have the same ban and I am surprised that not all states at least don't allow it in restaurants. I would say that air planes are the only place nation wide where you can't smoke, no matter what, which is awesome! Just imagine sitting on a 5 hour plan ride next go a guy who light up every 1/2 an hour- ew!
So the point to my story is that a housing complex in Eau Claire, Wisconsin has decided to ban smoking inside of people's home. The controversy? Even though no one who lives in the complex smokes, they don't think what one does in the privacy of their own home is their own business. Impeding on people's rights? Not really, if you don't like it, don't move there. Personally I think they should ban smoking everywhere public- you can smoke on a slab behind the Wal Mart, that's it...
Here is the link to the article, where you can also read about 'Moments in Life' in Eau Claire, WI and get $100 tickets to
Bud Light's Country Jam Festival... YEHAW!!
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news.asp?id=BKKD5TMRL20
This is weird for me as I grew up in California and my memories begin right about the early 90s. I do remember visiting my grandparents in New York and being ostracized from the rest of the restaurant and hidden behind wooden bars- I suppose to keep the smoke in. More recently there have been bans of smoking in apartment complexes, as the smoke goes through the air system and into non-smokers apartments. Not that there would be any more toxins in the air than if that person were to walk outside in LA and breath, its still a good excuse.
When you really come to think about it, smoking is gross. It makes you smell gross, it makes you look gross, it makes you feel gross- you get my point. What is even grosser than smoking is smoking indoors, both my parents smoke indoors and everything is always all yellow, sticky, and smelly. My sister rented an apartment where the previous owner had smoked inside, even though they 'painted' over it, every time she took a shower the ceiling would drip tar. Disgusting, right?
To keep with the spirit of indoor smoking being gross, think about the people you know who smoke indoors- they're kinda gross too. So if you are living in a housing development and someone moves it and smokes inside, not only does your house smell if you share a wall, trying to sell the property would be hard, and you have to live next to someone who is gross. I think every complex should have the same ban and I am surprised that not all states at least don't allow it in restaurants. I would say that air planes are the only place nation wide where you can't smoke, no matter what, which is awesome! Just imagine sitting on a 5 hour plan ride next go a guy who light up every 1/2 an hour- ew!
So the point to my story is that a housing complex in Eau Claire, Wisconsin has decided to ban smoking inside of people's home. The controversy? Even though no one who lives in the complex smokes, they don't think what one does in the privacy of their own home is their own business. Impeding on people's rights? Not really, if you don't like it, don't move there. Personally I think they should ban smoking everywhere public- you can smoke on a slab behind the Wal Mart, that's it...
Here is the link to the article, where you can also read about 'Moments in Life' in Eau Claire, WI and get $100 tickets to
Bud Light's Country Jam Festival... YEHAW!!
http://www.leadertelegram.com/story-news.asp?id=BKKD5TMRL20
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Who are these people defending?
CNN- Politics: Defence Department Paid Millions in Wages to Invalid Accounts
Between the failed attempt to get vengeance for 9/11 and an unjustified war on a foreign county, I'm not surprised to read that the "Defense" Department has been paying millions of dollars to invalid account through their 'Defense Civilian Pay System' raising questions about the oversight of the Defense Departments $148 billion employee salary budget. Let me break the numbers down for you: $15.4 million deposited into invalid accounts, 98 social security numbers that were never issued by the Social Security office (including ones with all zeros), $905,000 paid to deceased employees, $2.3 million dollars paid to 1,921 account to employees who were listed as being younger than 14 years old, and $11.9 million deposited into 16 account for 186 different employees.
Now the word defense refers to 'protection from harm', although this government department did not 'harm' anyone, what is going on here? I can understand that it is difficult to manage a payroll of $148 billion dollars but there is no excuse for invalid social secuirty numbers or payment to deceased individuals. How impersonal is the Defence Department to not even know when one of their employees have passed away. In addition, these are civillian employees, what do all these people do for the defence departments? What are they paying $14 BILLION dollars for?? How are their 1,921 employees under 14?? What are they doing, keeping an eye on the other kids in high school to make sure they dont blow something up? With all of these payroll errors, how does the defence department know that Employee # 11432 isn't working for Russia, or worse a terrorist organization? The article highlights that the lost amount of $15.4 million is only a small amount when compaired to the total of $14 billion, tell that to the people who are paying 30% of their income to the government, maybe they have a different opinion on what a small amount is.
It's nice to see Washington clean up- we have a new ethical, moral, upstanding president, more and more senators are being exposed for infidelity, the former administration is being looked at more scrupulously, and crooked financial institutions have realized that scaming people with no money just to make a HUGE profit is probably not the best idea. Now its time to look at more and more factions of our American government and close the gaps where American's money is leaking through. Maybe if they fix the payroll at the Defense Department I can keep an extra $5 on the taxes that come out of my paycheck... get some ice cream with my friend SS# 000-00-0000
To read the CNN article please click below:
Hummmm, that's funny, I can't seem to find the article anywhere on Fox news, that's so weird...
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Why start a blog??
So it all started out as a regular Saturday morning shift at the Green House Cafe when I got into a conversation with my last table of the day. I explained that I graduated from the local State University in May and that I have been trying to find a job, a real job not serving tables, ever since with no luck. They began to rack their experienced brains to come up with a solution for me... call the places, go in with your resume, include a picture, and persistence pays off. All wonderful ideas but I've heard them all and with 400+ applicants per jobs, filtering systems, messages on answering machine, "please do not contact us", and competing against masters degrees, these suggestions fell through the cracks. Luckily for me, these men had another idea... 'why don't you start a blog?' Then I thought, 'hum, why don't I start a blog?', this is one thing I can add to my resume that gives the employer a little more information about who I am, what I think, how I operate, and what is important to me. So here it is, my blog, I never thought I would have one but now I'm excited to put my thoughts on, well computer screen, and see where it takes me.
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