I just read the 9/11 denial by Perino and Hannity and it makes me furious. This is just one raving example of the right wing's constant revision of history. Why aren't more people angered by this garbage? There have been no terrorist attacks during Bush's presidency? Do these two clowns expect people to believe that 9/11/01 doesn't count? Ask the widows and widowers, the brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and friends of those still grieving over the loss of their loved ones.
How can Sean Hannity and his guest(s) get away with saying ridiculous statements such as this? They do it and this is how The Media Can Legally Lie. It infuriates me. It really does. Why isn't there a law to put a stop to this kind of blatant lying?
There are people who watch nothing else but Fox. This is where they get their information and the information that they're fed is purely self serving idiology. It sways votes during elections. It cultivates fear filled victims who often protest and vote against their own best interests as shown by the slew of tea parties promoted by Conservative and Republican leaders and especially Fox.
So the right continually lies about everything from no terrorist attacks on Bush's watch, the stimulus NOT working, the health care bill killing grandma and on and on and on. Their followers believe them. If the silent majority continues to let it happen it could eventually kill this great nation. They must pay attention and muster enough intellectual strength to change the channel.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
9/12/09 A Day to Forget
There’s so much hoopla about the 60,000 people attending the 9/12 march. What about the 333,999,721 people who did not? Since when has rule by the loudest become unwritten law?
As I watched some of these seemingly illiterate sign carriers being interviewed I was appalled at the misinformation they were repeating. Those who carried signs protesting Czars didn’t know what a Czar was. They also didn’t know that the Czar phenomena began with Ronald Regan and that George W. Bush took it to new heights.
Each sign carrier protested something different. The only unity among those 60,000 was that they hated. “Disgruntled white taxpayers joined conspiracy theorists, gun enthusiasts, state-sovereignty activists and outright racists on Pennsylvania Avenue.” (1)
“We saw another protester wearing a t-shirt calling himself a "freedom rider." The real freedom riders were civil rights activists who rode buses into the segregated South in the 1960s.” (2)
Did they care that thousands of their American brethren were losing their health insurance each day? Apparently not. I wondered if they truly even thought that one through. If they didn’t, then it means that they don’t give a damn about other people and whether they live or die.
Think about this:
“If Republicans had gotten everything they wanted for the last seventy-five years or so, the United States of America would have no Social Security, no Medicare, no Aid to Dependent Children, no civil rights, no environmental protections, no privacy rights to make contraception legal. There would be no business taxes, either, which could mean an even more vigorous business sector but also lots of gated communities and private security guards and — who knows? — maybe death squads to put down the inevitable insurrections. And there would certainly be no "death taxes," so we'd be burdened with an ever larger cohort of inbred aristocrats. And our daughters and sisters would be flocking to the nation's emergency rooms, hemorrhaging from illegal abortions. And we might still be at war in Vietnam.” (3)
If these people and their ignorance don’t scare you, then they should.
(1) “AlterNet” “Right Wingers Marching in DC Is Big News -- But the Same Old Faces Are Pulling the Strings” Adele M. Stan Sept. 14, 2009
(2) “Think Progress” “Radical, Racist Signs Featured At 9/12 March” Sept. 12, 2009
(3) “Esquire” “Why the Obama Haters Are Choking on Their Own Sins” John H. Richardson
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Freedom of Speech My Ass
Have you ever listened to and/or watched Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh or Bill O'Reilly? They are excellent examples of freedomless speech, each only interested in their own voices, presenting major obastacles to any other.
I was listening to Sean Hannity on the way home from work one late afternoon when I actually heard him say to a caller who was trying to get a word in edgewise: "It's my way or the highway." After Mr. Hannity finished his latest diatribe he hung up on the caller.
The other night I was watching Bill O'Reilly discuss late term abortions with Joan Walsh from www.salon.com. At one point he shouted at her to: "Stop talking!" Let me just say there was absolutely no "discussing" with Mr. O'Reilly.
And lastly, Rush Limbaugh. He, on many occasions, has called a caller an idiot and worse when they disagree with him. He's also famous for hanging up on such callers when he's done insulting them.
The only people who get any type of courtesy from these right wing fanatics are those who are in agreement with their political views. All others get "the highway."
Sean basks in being told he's a great American, then returning the compliment....said host dripping in narcissism.
Rush basks in being told he's courageous and brilliant when he's not saying he's courageous and brilliant...said host dripping in egocentrism.
Bill basks in his own rhetoric between snorts and deep breaths and feeble attempts at keeping his temper in check...said host dripping in smugness.
I've never heard an actual discussion from these men when the guest/caller had an opposing view. It's always been yelling and talking over them and then dismissing them when they were done with their loud spiels.
There is no such thing as freedom of speech around these guys. There is only their view. There is only their frenetic high pitched ranting. There is only their speech.
I was listening to Sean Hannity on the way home from work one late afternoon when I actually heard him say to a caller who was trying to get a word in edgewise: "It's my way or the highway." After Mr. Hannity finished his latest diatribe he hung up on the caller.
The other night I was watching Bill O'Reilly discuss late term abortions with Joan Walsh from www.salon.com. At one point he shouted at her to: "Stop talking!" Let me just say there was absolutely no "discussing" with Mr. O'Reilly.
And lastly, Rush Limbaugh. He, on many occasions, has called a caller an idiot and worse when they disagree with him. He's also famous for hanging up on such callers when he's done insulting them.
The only people who get any type of courtesy from these right wing fanatics are those who are in agreement with their political views. All others get "the highway."
Sean basks in being told he's a great American, then returning the compliment....said host dripping in narcissism.
Rush basks in being told he's courageous and brilliant when he's not saying he's courageous and brilliant...said host dripping in egocentrism.
Bill basks in his own rhetoric between snorts and deep breaths and feeble attempts at keeping his temper in check...said host dripping in smugness.
I've never heard an actual discussion from these men when the guest/caller had an opposing view. It's always been yelling and talking over them and then dismissing them when they were done with their loud spiels.
There is no such thing as freedom of speech around these guys. There is only their view. There is only their frenetic high pitched ranting. There is only their speech.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Enhanced Bullshit
Off the cuff:
I’m thoroughly disgusted by what’s happening to Americans. Almost half the country apparently thinks that torture is justified under a variety of circumstances. The circumstances that I see are personal fear, fear of dying, fear of their own pain, fear regarding personal welfare and people disguise that with some kind of caring for country.
Read AlterNet’s blog regarding “How Americans Came to Support Torture in Five Steps,” http://tinyurl.com/gagp5u “Stats show a sizable majority of Americans refuse to rule out torture entirely. This is no accident; it's the result of a mass persuasion campaign.”
Repetition, repetition, repetition courtesy of Dick Cheney and his jolly band of followers, Hannity, Beck, Coulter and Limbaugh, among the most notable/notorious.
Why are we not asking them their opinion of “enhanced interrogation” being used on Americans? Why are we not insisting on how we can justify violating the Geneva Convention? Why not ask them if they truly believe that any country has the right then…to torture? What if Hannity took a trip to Iraq and was captured? The United States would stand by and let him be quizzed using methods of "enhanced interrogation?" I guess so, under this new (apparently not so new) policy they would have us embrace.
Not only do they use repetition and mass persuasion but they also are now trying to drag the Democrats into it. They’re pointing all fingers and toes at them. To think that the GOP had the reins for eight years is a hideous thought in retrospect. They’ve not only managed to monitor the entire country with wire taps and powers of domestic invasion but they’ve thrown our principles out the window and succeeded in driving every facet of American existence into chaos and failure. And yet, there are those who still believe in this party and its (intentional?) misguided policies.
So then, America no longer wears the white hat.
America stopped being free the moment the first wire tap was installed, the moment the first blow and/or drop of water washed over a detainees face. Rights were only for those who deserved them, as dictated by the government. There is nothing free about that no matter how much they yell “SAFE, SAFE SAFE…WE’VE KEPT YOU SAFE.” But, in essence, we are not safe if we, the people, allow such a dictatorship to ever again not only disregard laws but totally disregard principles, right from wrong and the freedoms we’ve always enjoyed in this country.
I’m thoroughly disgusted by what’s happening to Americans. Almost half the country apparently thinks that torture is justified under a variety of circumstances. The circumstances that I see are personal fear, fear of dying, fear of their own pain, fear regarding personal welfare and people disguise that with some kind of caring for country.
Read AlterNet’s blog regarding “How Americans Came to Support Torture in Five Steps,” http://tinyurl.com/gagp5u “Stats show a sizable majority of Americans refuse to rule out torture entirely. This is no accident; it's the result of a mass persuasion campaign.”
Repetition, repetition, repetition courtesy of Dick Cheney and his jolly band of followers, Hannity, Beck, Coulter and Limbaugh, among the most notable/notorious.
Why are we not asking them their opinion of “enhanced interrogation” being used on Americans? Why are we not insisting on how we can justify violating the Geneva Convention? Why not ask them if they truly believe that any country has the right then…to torture? What if Hannity took a trip to Iraq and was captured? The United States would stand by and let him be quizzed using methods of "enhanced interrogation?" I guess so, under this new (apparently not so new) policy they would have us embrace.
Not only do they use repetition and mass persuasion but they also are now trying to drag the Democrats into it. They’re pointing all fingers and toes at them. To think that the GOP had the reins for eight years is a hideous thought in retrospect. They’ve not only managed to monitor the entire country with wire taps and powers of domestic invasion but they’ve thrown our principles out the window and succeeded in driving every facet of American existence into chaos and failure. And yet, there are those who still believe in this party and its (intentional?) misguided policies.
So then, America no longer wears the white hat.
America stopped being free the moment the first wire tap was installed, the moment the first blow and/or drop of water washed over a detainees face. Rights were only for those who deserved them, as dictated by the government. There is nothing free about that no matter how much they yell “SAFE, SAFE SAFE…WE’VE KEPT YOU SAFE.” But, in essence, we are not safe if we, the people, allow such a dictatorship to ever again not only disregard laws but totally disregard principles, right from wrong and the freedoms we’ve always enjoyed in this country.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
What about......
What about Texas?
Will Texas secede? I say, what a great idea! Let them. It means one less state to bail out. I’m sure that will more than make up for the taxes that are lost. It means two less senators whining and more material for Bill Maher. It means no more Texas presidents and a little less political twang. Yes, I say let them.
What about torture?
Shall we prosecute President Bush and Vice President Cheney for torturing prisoners? If we do, will we be exposing possible information that might harm the United States while we’re still at war? Will we be giving too much information to the world at large? If we don’t prosecute, then what do we do? Do we simply ignore the obvious illegal acts performed under the guise of keeping America safe? And if we don’t prosecute the former President and Vice President, and we give the CIA a pass on the past, then how can we keep those soldiers who we now know were following orders from the top, imprisoned? It’s truly a complicated no win situation. Damn the Bush administration for creating such a horrible dilemma.
What about Joe Biden?
The Republicans and late night tv hosts can make all the jokes they want to about Joe Biden. He’s a serious mind when it comes to foreign policy and he has some pretty important tasks ahead of him. He’s overseeing billions in stimulus money, leading a WH task force on the middle class and he delivered the administration’s first major foreign policy speech in Munich. I like and respect the man and I believe he was the perfect pick for Obama’s VP.
What about socialism?
The United States has always had a mixed economy. Most people simply just don’t get it. They may be afraid of socialism but they’re certainly not afraid of social security or medicare or food stamps, welfare, or public housing, public schools and public libraries, fire departments, police departments. The list is endless. The Conservatives and Republicans are using fear of socialism to undermine President Obama and promote distrust and anxiety among voters. It’s simply a constant hammering by radio heads and politicians so that come 2010 they win a few seats in the Senate and then further down the road they have at least a wing and a prayer for the 2012 presidential election. It’s not socialism we need to fear, it’s politicians.
To Be Continued
Will Texas secede? I say, what a great idea! Let them. It means one less state to bail out. I’m sure that will more than make up for the taxes that are lost. It means two less senators whining and more material for Bill Maher. It means no more Texas presidents and a little less political twang. Yes, I say let them.
What about torture?
Shall we prosecute President Bush and Vice President Cheney for torturing prisoners? If we do, will we be exposing possible information that might harm the United States while we’re still at war? Will we be giving too much information to the world at large? If we don’t prosecute, then what do we do? Do we simply ignore the obvious illegal acts performed under the guise of keeping America safe? And if we don’t prosecute the former President and Vice President, and we give the CIA a pass on the past, then how can we keep those soldiers who we now know were following orders from the top, imprisoned? It’s truly a complicated no win situation. Damn the Bush administration for creating such a horrible dilemma.
What about Joe Biden?
The Republicans and late night tv hosts can make all the jokes they want to about Joe Biden. He’s a serious mind when it comes to foreign policy and he has some pretty important tasks ahead of him. He’s overseeing billions in stimulus money, leading a WH task force on the middle class and he delivered the administration’s first major foreign policy speech in Munich. I like and respect the man and I believe he was the perfect pick for Obama’s VP.
What about socialism?
The United States has always had a mixed economy. Most people simply just don’t get it. They may be afraid of socialism but they’re certainly not afraid of social security or medicare or food stamps, welfare, or public housing, public schools and public libraries, fire departments, police departments. The list is endless. The Conservatives and Republicans are using fear of socialism to undermine President Obama and promote distrust and anxiety among voters. It’s simply a constant hammering by radio heads and politicians so that come 2010 they win a few seats in the Senate and then further down the road they have at least a wing and a prayer for the 2012 presidential election. It’s not socialism we need to fear, it’s politicians.
To Be Continued
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Teabags and Strings
There is no doubt now that the April 15th Tea Parties were the brain step child of the Republican Party. To boost the event(s) and pull people into the parks and streets, Fox News talked them up and sent their conservative “news” commentators to them. Sure people are angry, upset and fearful of spending but from all that I’ve heard and read about these Tea Parties, there were many different reasons for people to be there.
Just like the Republican Party, the teabaggers couldn’t even agree on what they were protesting. Some were protesting taxes, some the deficit spending, and others simply Barack Obama and whatever he did. There were those who questioned his birth certificate, those who wanted their country back from the socialist abyss and some who seemed terrified of the threat of fascism, Marxism, communism or terrorism. You name it, that’s what we all need to fear.
Now it seems to me that the Republicans are simply looking for a way back into the political arena. Obviously they jumped the shark at the last election. The lies and dirty campaigning tactics on top of eight years of disaster were too much for Americans. Republican votes consisted of hard line straight ticket voters, right wing religious fanatics, Fox News watchers and racists. A good portion of their votes as usual were based on fear. And now they’ve since lost and because they lost they’re only recourse is more name calling and more fear.
The Republicans have become the party of no, the party of constant criticism and the party of inspiring revolution. President Obama has remarkable support and still an approval rating in the high 60’s. I think the Republicans are the ones drowning in fear themselves. They’re afraid of losing their power, afraid of change and afraid of taking any steps beyond the same old beliefs, rhetoric and platforms they’ve always stood on. They depend on their narrow minded base which is shrinking at an alarming rate.
Democrats have had three short months to try to get us moving in the right direction. I say let them show what they can do. But unfortunately Americans aren’t a patient people. They want improved infrastructure, adequate health care, freedom from foreign oil, the best educated people in the world, yet they complain about taxes? Even worse, they complain about taxes when they’ve been given a tax cut!
President Obama is trying to give us what we asked for, what we voted for. I say let’s give him a chance to do that.
Just like the Republican Party, the teabaggers couldn’t even agree on what they were protesting. Some were protesting taxes, some the deficit spending, and others simply Barack Obama and whatever he did. There were those who questioned his birth certificate, those who wanted their country back from the socialist abyss and some who seemed terrified of the threat of fascism, Marxism, communism or terrorism. You name it, that’s what we all need to fear.
Now it seems to me that the Republicans are simply looking for a way back into the political arena. Obviously they jumped the shark at the last election. The lies and dirty campaigning tactics on top of eight years of disaster were too much for Americans. Republican votes consisted of hard line straight ticket voters, right wing religious fanatics, Fox News watchers and racists. A good portion of their votes as usual were based on fear. And now they’ve since lost and because they lost they’re only recourse is more name calling and more fear.
The Republicans have become the party of no, the party of constant criticism and the party of inspiring revolution. President Obama has remarkable support and still an approval rating in the high 60’s. I think the Republicans are the ones drowning in fear themselves. They’re afraid of losing their power, afraid of change and afraid of taking any steps beyond the same old beliefs, rhetoric and platforms they’ve always stood on. They depend on their narrow minded base which is shrinking at an alarming rate.
Democrats have had three short months to try to get us moving in the right direction. I say let them show what they can do. But unfortunately Americans aren’t a patient people. They want improved infrastructure, adequate health care, freedom from foreign oil, the best educated people in the world, yet they complain about taxes? Even worse, they complain about taxes when they’ve been given a tax cut!
President Obama is trying to give us what we asked for, what we voted for. I say let’s give him a chance to do that.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
To The Right
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from you and understand why you would oppose same sex marriage. As you said "in the eyes of God marriage is based between a man a woman." I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves,both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself,or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev.21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Yours truly,
From The Left
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves,both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself,or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev.21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle-room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Yours truly,
From The Left
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Random Saturday
I recently read a blog on how to blog. I've read so many that I don't recall which one it was but I do remember some of the advice. You're not supposed to use big words and try to sound smart. Apparently we're already smart or we wouldn't be blogging. I'm not sure that I agree fully with that assessment and if I did would that make me pretentious? (Is that word too big? Will I become self conscious now about how many letters per word I'm writing?)
The second piece of advice had something to do with just make it interesting for people to read. Easier said than done if you ask me. Here I am on a "random Saturday" just writing away with no plan or agenda in mind. How interesting is that?
I did notice in my limited entries that I never did state why I'm doing this in the first place. So maybe I'll explain my intentions. That might be slightly difficult since my intentions change with various types of posts.
As you may have noticed I do like to write so this is a nice little outlet for that penchant. "Through My Eyes" really is my intention; to state what I'm thinking about sundry pieces of the pie world. I'm interested and appalled by politics and, of course, I have my own view. I thought, in that respect I would just give my little singular opinion as I see it or in other words how this political climate is seen through the eyes of an ordinary citizen. Warning, I'm a lefty. Not just because, but because the right hearted conservatives are not the people I agree with on most matters; plus they lie a lot...I tend to fact check almost everything. I don't like liars. I don't like greedy, self serving liars in particular. Religious fanatics is anothe topic.
Back to random Saturday then. I was ecstatic this morning at 4 a.m. when I finally found all my tax papers. I panicked yesterday when I couldn't find them and had been searching almost non-stop for two days. This forced me to practically chain smoke my way through the ordeal. I finally found them in a folder where I never put them but did so because I wanted to ensure that I'd know where they were this year. So much for being organized. Being organized has been a life long dream of mine, one that is always just out of reach. I realized as I was searching that if I put all the loose papers and crap in one big pile it would be taller than I am. I'm only 5'3" but that's still a mightly high pile. I'm a professed packrat and a bit of a perfectionist believe it or not. That's a ridiculous combination of characteristics really. It compounds the angst everytime I fail to find what I'm looking for, everytime I pay a bill late because I either forgot it or can't find it, etc. etc. etc. You get the picture.
The bright side of this all about me saga is that in my quest to find my tax papers I cleaned, sorted, shredded, filed every scrap of paper in my office area. (Purveying my sparkling desk and bookcases with much pride, however misplaced.) Good grief, not missplaced but rather accidental. That would be more appropriate.
So for now this is my entry until I get either a penchant or a passion for the next. :)
The second piece of advice had something to do with just make it interesting for people to read. Easier said than done if you ask me. Here I am on a "random Saturday" just writing away with no plan or agenda in mind. How interesting is that?
I did notice in my limited entries that I never did state why I'm doing this in the first place. So maybe I'll explain my intentions. That might be slightly difficult since my intentions change with various types of posts.
As you may have noticed I do like to write so this is a nice little outlet for that penchant. "Through My Eyes" really is my intention; to state what I'm thinking about sundry pieces of the pie world. I'm interested and appalled by politics and, of course, I have my own view. I thought, in that respect I would just give my little singular opinion as I see it or in other words how this political climate is seen through the eyes of an ordinary citizen. Warning, I'm a lefty. Not just because, but because the right hearted conservatives are not the people I agree with on most matters; plus they lie a lot...I tend to fact check almost everything. I don't like liars. I don't like greedy, self serving liars in particular. Religious fanatics is anothe topic.
Back to random Saturday then. I was ecstatic this morning at 4 a.m. when I finally found all my tax papers. I panicked yesterday when I couldn't find them and had been searching almost non-stop for two days. This forced me to practically chain smoke my way through the ordeal. I finally found them in a folder where I never put them but did so because I wanted to ensure that I'd know where they were this year. So much for being organized. Being organized has been a life long dream of mine, one that is always just out of reach. I realized as I was searching that if I put all the loose papers and crap in one big pile it would be taller than I am. I'm only 5'3" but that's still a mightly high pile. I'm a professed packrat and a bit of a perfectionist believe it or not. That's a ridiculous combination of characteristics really. It compounds the angst everytime I fail to find what I'm looking for, everytime I pay a bill late because I either forgot it or can't find it, etc. etc. etc. You get the picture.
The bright side of this all about me saga is that in my quest to find my tax papers I cleaned, sorted, shredded, filed every scrap of paper in my office area. (Purveying my sparkling desk and bookcases with much pride, however misplaced.) Good grief, not missplaced but rather accidental. That would be more appropriate.
So for now this is my entry until I get either a penchant or a passion for the next. :)
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Stones
And all the men form groups of six and curl fingers around sharp angled stones. They throw them with vengeance and anger at the couched figure they call blame, shouting expletives and accusations at the bowed and faltering enemy built by them, for them, just for this very self indulgent sport.
The scent of bloodlines is heavy in the dusty arid air, the men becoming more frenzied as the one they call apparent heir is in despair. They are protecting their own futures after all. The man they are killing is them and they neither know nor want to know the way to save him from themselves.
Fear knows no boundaries and no generosity. It knows no leniency and no love. Fear knows no one but the cowards’ frantic need to wrap the familiar around itself and it permeates the earth much like the lash of the ocean teasing itself with going ashore. The killing becomes raucous, cacophonous, ribald and filled with sweat. The smell of fear is stronger than all the blood spilled in its name.
When the last breath is breathed by the body that is named difference, the men are relieved and sure again. Sure that nothing will change and that the unknown will not threaten their sameness and their firm hold on what is real. And the ground is wet with blood, sweat and the truth of men.
The scent of bloodlines is heavy in the dusty arid air, the men becoming more frenzied as the one they call apparent heir is in despair. They are protecting their own futures after all. The man they are killing is them and they neither know nor want to know the way to save him from themselves.
Fear knows no boundaries and no generosity. It knows no leniency and no love. Fear knows no one but the cowards’ frantic need to wrap the familiar around itself and it permeates the earth much like the lash of the ocean teasing itself with going ashore. The killing becomes raucous, cacophonous, ribald and filled with sweat. The smell of fear is stronger than all the blood spilled in its name.
When the last breath is breathed by the body that is named difference, the men are relieved and sure again. Sure that nothing will change and that the unknown will not threaten their sameness and their firm hold on what is real. And the ground is wet with blood, sweat and the truth of men.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
G20 and Friday Radio
I watched a good portion of the events and speeches of the G20 Summit Conference and I felt so very proud of President Obama, the substance of his remarks, and the way he delivered them. I felt a sincere hope that we would over time renew the respect that we once enjoyed in Europe.
As a counterpoint to that pride and pleasure at watching our new President and his First Lady in an international setting, I was genuinely frustrated and annoyed, though not surprised, at the critique by the right wing conservatives of these more than encouraging events. Media Matters brought attention to just one of their sins of omission: Media Matters
I bring attention to their sins of commission, namely the Limbaugh and Hannity radio shows:
I won’t go into this at length. You can find out the total content elsewhere but on Fridays both Limbaugh and Hannity elect to have “call in” day. Just a brief opinion:
LIMBAUGH this Friday said that Monday through Thursday he talks about the subjects of his choice so that he doesn’t have to put up with stuff that bores him. On Friday I guess he suffers his boredom stoically so that his 20 million listeners (not in this lifetime) can have an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Of course that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t dominate the conversation anyway. The highlights of my 10 minutes or so of listening gleaned that Limbaugh’s criticism of President Obama was that he did everything all wrong and was just being tolerated particularly by France’s President, Nicholas Sarkozy, and German Chancellor , Angela Merkle. He went on to say that Merkel is skeptical of Obama’s whole personality. After finding copious fault with President Obama’s words and demeanor at the G20 Summit he went on to say that he didn’t watch it because it was only a dog and pony show. He accused Obama of giving up America’s sovereignty adding , “He [Obama} handed them quite a lot of America.” Thanks Rush, for critiquing someone else’s critique…AP I think it was, since you couldn’t be bothered to watch actual history. Before the commercial he was making these Daffy Duck sounds..I couldn’t quite figure it out for sure.
HANNITY also on Friday took callers. I could only stand listening to one. Anyway I didn’t linger there for very long. FYI, if you’re not familiar with Hannity’s call in hour, he invariably gets angry at any caller who even slightly disagrees with him and hangs up on them. This particular Friday I just couldn’t take the over talking which he does to anyone who finds fault with or questions the right. Why have callers if you don’t let them speak? Oh right, to further your own agenda. Never mind.
Usually I just switch to NPR. I enjoyed listening to the Terry Gross/Leonard Cohen interview. When asked about desire and passion changing in his songwriting over time, Mr. Cohen replied: “Passion fades because one isn’t as welcome in the garden.” What a great almost whimsical, yet somber, quote! Friday’s show: Fresh Air
As a counterpoint to that pride and pleasure at watching our new President and his First Lady in an international setting, I was genuinely frustrated and annoyed, though not surprised, at the critique by the right wing conservatives of these more than encouraging events. Media Matters brought attention to just one of their sins of omission: Media Matters
I bring attention to their sins of commission, namely the Limbaugh and Hannity radio shows:
I won’t go into this at length. You can find out the total content elsewhere but on Fridays both Limbaugh and Hannity elect to have “call in” day. Just a brief opinion:
LIMBAUGH this Friday said that Monday through Thursday he talks about the subjects of his choice so that he doesn’t have to put up with stuff that bores him. On Friday I guess he suffers his boredom stoically so that his 20 million listeners (not in this lifetime) can have an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns. Of course that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t dominate the conversation anyway. The highlights of my 10 minutes or so of listening gleaned that Limbaugh’s criticism of President Obama was that he did everything all wrong and was just being tolerated particularly by France’s President, Nicholas Sarkozy, and German Chancellor , Angela Merkle. He went on to say that Merkel is skeptical of Obama’s whole personality. After finding copious fault with President Obama’s words and demeanor at the G20 Summit he went on to say that he didn’t watch it because it was only a dog and pony show. He accused Obama of giving up America’s sovereignty adding , “He [Obama} handed them quite a lot of America.” Thanks Rush, for critiquing someone else’s critique…AP I think it was, since you couldn’t be bothered to watch actual history. Before the commercial he was making these Daffy Duck sounds..I couldn’t quite figure it out for sure.
HANNITY also on Friday took callers. I could only stand listening to one. Anyway I didn’t linger there for very long. FYI, if you’re not familiar with Hannity’s call in hour, he invariably gets angry at any caller who even slightly disagrees with him and hangs up on them. This particular Friday I just couldn’t take the over talking which he does to anyone who finds fault with or questions the right. Why have callers if you don’t let them speak? Oh right, to further your own agenda. Never mind.
Usually I just switch to NPR. I enjoyed listening to the Terry Gross/Leonard Cohen interview. When asked about desire and passion changing in his songwriting over time, Mr. Cohen replied: “Passion fades because one isn’t as welcome in the garden.” What a great almost whimsical, yet somber, quote! Friday’s show: Fresh Air
Thursday, March 19, 2009
A Republican Poem
please conform
to the reality of straight lines,
forget action words
and bent over spines,
erect lofty letters,
connect all loose dots,
be tidy in thought...
don’t play with the plot,
choose expletives wisely,
erase please, the hint
of you on that page,
tread softly in print,
be precise in each vowel,
let consonants grow,
grammar diagrammed
verbs in a row,
threadbare thesaurus
tired from use,
bent pages worn
repetitious abuse,
let’s not get creative,
there’s no need to stray
from puritan script,
just throw it away,
forget the flowers,
don’t bother with seeds,
let your mind wither,
kill every weed,
proper syntax aside,
have we made it clear?
we have no need
for one single idea.
© 2004 #1-1 taf
to the reality of straight lines,
forget action words
and bent over spines,
erect lofty letters,
connect all loose dots,
be tidy in thought...
don’t play with the plot,
choose expletives wisely,
erase please, the hint
of you on that page,
tread softly in print,
be precise in each vowel,
let consonants grow,
grammar diagrammed
verbs in a row,
threadbare thesaurus
tired from use,
bent pages worn
repetitious abuse,
let’s not get creative,
there’s no need to stray
from puritan script,
just throw it away,
forget the flowers,
don’t bother with seeds,
let your mind wither,
kill every weed,
proper syntax aside,
have we made it clear?
we have no need
for one single idea.
© 2004 #1-1 taf
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Random Saturday
I'd never believe that anyone could write a whole book about oranges. But John McPhee did. Crazy things that you find when you Twitter and follow link after link. The internet is such a wonderful place. How did we ever function without it?
I remember things like typewriters and ditto paper and pencils and erasers. I recently attended a class where I had to hand write everythng and use my eraser more often than not. It was hell.
Not only was it hell from a writing perspective, it was hell being sick in a strange city and being all alone and having to go to a class and take a test when you weren't even sure you could walk from point A to point B without keeling over. I shall remember that otherwise uneventful trip forever. And I'll think twice before I ever go again.
I remember things like typewriters and ditto paper and pencils and erasers. I recently attended a class where I had to hand write everythng and use my eraser more often than not. It was hell.
Not only was it hell from a writing perspective, it was hell being sick in a strange city and being all alone and having to go to a class and take a test when you weren't even sure you could walk from point A to point B without keeling over. I shall remember that otherwise uneventful trip forever. And I'll think twice before I ever go again.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Media
The media shapes public opinion and every move, every nuance, ever hand gesture is interpreted for us by the press, by the nightly news, by the biased cable network shows and by the satirical programs shown late at night when the children are asleep.
You can pretty much predict how a person will vote in an election by the news shows he/she watches. Unlike many though, I watch them all, or at least many and assorted. You’ve heard, no doubt, of the “Keep your friends close, your enemies closer” premise. That’s why I give Rush Limbaugh some begrudged attention during lunch. More times than not I must change the station before I lose my temper or more frankly, barf. This guy has to be the rudest, loudest, most disgusting voice on the radio. I’m truly amazed that anyone would openly admit to believing his pompous rhetoric, often lies, exaggerations, opinions as truth, let alone repeating it. I can pretty much tell who listens to this drivel. When discussing politics they use his words, not their own, hence, I suppose the term “dittoheads.”
The power of the media is truly remarkable. They hold the voters, or at least the majority of us, in the range of their microphones. I wonder how many bother to fact check what they’re hearing.
Why are Republicans so afraid of Limbaugh? Votes and/or support from their base I presume, yes, but is there some other underlying reason? That being said, I can’t help but wonder why anyone would cast a vote for a politician who doesn’t have the fortitude to stand by their beliefs.
To be continued…………….
You can pretty much predict how a person will vote in an election by the news shows he/she watches. Unlike many though, I watch them all, or at least many and assorted. You’ve heard, no doubt, of the “Keep your friends close, your enemies closer” premise. That’s why I give Rush Limbaugh some begrudged attention during lunch. More times than not I must change the station before I lose my temper or more frankly, barf. This guy has to be the rudest, loudest, most disgusting voice on the radio. I’m truly amazed that anyone would openly admit to believing his pompous rhetoric, often lies, exaggerations, opinions as truth, let alone repeating it. I can pretty much tell who listens to this drivel. When discussing politics they use his words, not their own, hence, I suppose the term “dittoheads.”
The power of the media is truly remarkable. They hold the voters, or at least the majority of us, in the range of their microphones. I wonder how many bother to fact check what they’re hearing.
Why are Republicans so afraid of Limbaugh? Votes and/or support from their base I presume, yes, but is there some other underlying reason? That being said, I can’t help but wonder why anyone would cast a vote for a politician who doesn’t have the fortitude to stand by their beliefs.
To be continued…………….
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Next Generation
Huffington Post has an interesting article about Jonathan Krohn, conservative wunderkind. He’s the 13 year old author of Define Conservatism “and political prodigy voted "Atlanta's Most Talented Child" in 2006…” With his high pitched pre-pubescent voice, constant waving hands and unmitigated enthusiasm he’s more fun to watch and listen to than the repetitive aging politicians and mean spirited radio talking heads.
Where did this kid get his conservative ideology? Ahh…talk radio. My interest goes down just a notch. Would this man child be espousing democratic principles if he had listened to a more progressive radio show rather than Bill Bennett?
He did hone in on principles vs policy something his seniors hadn’t figured out so far. According to Jonathan the Republican party has lost sight of its principles, which he called the “shell” to conservatism’s “filling”. That was a quite a perfect metaphor I thought.
As for his choices for president? Krohn would love to see Newt Gingrich although he thinks “..it's impossible to see him up there. I don't see him doing it.” He’d "love Sarah Palin"...SCREEEECHHH!!!
My interest suddenly skidded to the left.
Where did this kid get his conservative ideology? Ahh…talk radio. My interest goes down just a notch. Would this man child be espousing democratic principles if he had listened to a more progressive radio show rather than Bill Bennett?
He did hone in on principles vs policy something his seniors hadn’t figured out so far. According to Jonathan the Republican party has lost sight of its principles, which he called the “shell” to conservatism’s “filling”. That was a quite a perfect metaphor I thought.
As for his choices for president? Krohn would love to see Newt Gingrich although he thinks “..it's impossible to see him up there. I don't see him doing it.” He’d "love Sarah Palin"...SCREEEECHHH!!!
My interest suddenly skidded to the left.
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